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Murray Stenton

Ethan is a big brother like no other!
 Life with a special need child has its fair share of challenges. These challenges are not only for the parents, but extend to those other wonderful little children, the siblings. This book helps shine some light on the difficulties and the job siblings special needs children experience every day. It is a light-hearted take of one little boy's thoughts of his big brother Ethan, who was born with Cerebral Palsy.

 "As a mother of, and advocate for, special needs children, I highly recommend this book as a learning tool for others. I gave my child a voice, as this author is doing for his, and I applaud him for it." -- Chynna Laird, author of I'm Not Weird, I Have Sensory Processing Disorder and Not Just Spirited

 "Engaging and lighthearted, My Brother is Special captures what children with cerebral palsy and their families may experience. The characters are loveable and entertaining. Chidren will enjoy this book and relate to their experiences."
 -- Jill Osborne, EDS, LPC, CPC, RPTS, author of Sam Feels Better Now

 From the Growing With Love Series

Loving Healing Press

Growing With Love

My Brother is Special: A Cerebral Palsy Story

Jewel Kats

The King and Queen of Puppy Kingdom are joyfully awaiting the arrival of their Prince. But the couple and their kingdom are thrown into upheaval when it is learned that Prince Puppy will arrive early, before his important crown is completed. How can they call him Prince without a crown? Discover how the King solves this problem in Prince Preemie: A Tale of a Tiny Puppy Who Arrives Early. Children will be swept away into this dreamy, fairy tale land of adorable dogs created from wool.

 "As the mother of two children born preterm, I can relate to the sorrow and joy that Prince Preemie's parents faced at his early arrival. Through magical writing and illustrations Jewel Kats and Claudia Marie Lenart once again help children of all abilities and their families understand the special gifts that are inside each one of us."
 "Prince Preemie is a sweet book that offers a good way to start conversations with a preemie child about their early birth. The story hints at the stress and fear that comes with having a child prematurely, but leaves the reader feeling hopeful."
 "The arrival of a premature baby can be confusing for a young child. In this delightful dog kingdom, Jewel Kats has created a teaching tool that normalizes the situation. Claudia Marie Lenart's illustrations look cuddly, every child will love them and be drawn into the story of Prince Preemie even without the words."
 --Bob Rich, PhD, psychologist, author of Anger and Anxiety: Be In Charge of Your Emotions and Control Phobias

 "Prince Preemie is a feel good book -- the story is one of inspiration, determination and acceptance. It reminds us that there is always hope and that with optimism, dedication and love you can create the good and happiness into every situation you face."
 --Robin Marvel, author of Framing a Family: Building a Foundation to Raise Confident Children

 Juvenile Fiction : Social Issues - Special Needs

Prince Preemie: A Tale of a Tiny Puppy who Arrives Early

Jenny, a young girl undergoing treatment for cancer, discovers that her best friend, Dolly, also has cancer. Dolly is the family's dog, who has always been at Jenny's side through trying times, and Jenny vows to support Dolly as well. This bittersweet tale is a story of mutual devotion and loyalty. While the prognosis is not good for dogs with cancer, Dolly's love provides enduring hope and support for Jenny on her healing journey.

 "Wow! I love this honest, refreshing book about childhood cancer and the tender, loving bond of a courageous child with her dog that enables them to endure the intolerable chemotherapy treatments and gives them all the more reason to do so. Highly recommended!"
 --David A. Crenshaw, Ph.D., ABPP, Author, & Clinical Director, Children's Home of Poughkeepsie

 "In this book, Jenny and her dog, Dolly, both get the dreaded cancer diagnosis. In this sweet, moving journey, Jenny and Dolly show us how they fight through chemotherapy treatment together. I love how genuine, heartfelt, and sincere this story is. It will truly benefit families who struggle with cancer."
 --Jill Osborne, EdS, LPC, RPT-S, CPCS

 "Jewel Kats and Claudia Marie Lenart accomplished the unimaginable by telling an important and moving story in just a few mesmerizing pages. Jewel introduces the reader to 'Cancer' and the treatment that saves Jenny's life while she comforts the dog she loves. Claudia's pictures are magnificent in their texture, color, detail, and postural simplicity of the characters. I had to read it twice--I could not see through my tears the first time."
 --Laurie Zelinger, Ph.D., ABPP, RPT-S, Board Certified Psychologist and author of the Please Explain series

 "Jewel Kats tackles cancer in a heartwarming story of friendship and loss. Cancer has no boundaries, as Kats points out, when a young girl and her dog both fight this deadly illness. This book is beneficial for children who are embarking upon a cancer journey, either their own or alongside a family member."
 --V.S. Grenier, Award-winning Author & Mom's Choice Honoree

 "The C word--not all kids know what it means, but they see the reaction in all who hear the word. In this beautifully illustrated book, author Jewel Kats strives to talk about both symptoms and feelings attached to experiencing cancer. Some of us experience cancer inside ourselves and some of us experience it by watching the impact on those we care about."
 --Theresa Fraser, CYW, M.A., CPT-S, Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist, Registered Psychotherapist

Jenny & Her Dog Both Fight Cancer: A Tale of Chemotherapy and Caring

Shaila Abdullah

An 8-year old girl decides to make a list of all the things she likes and dislikes about dealing with her autistic brother, and in doing so realizes that she has created A Manual for Marco.

 "Through her genuine and caring accounts about growing up with an older, autistic brother, this 8-year-old also shows her love for her sibling who is special but sometimes does things that are not-so-special. I highly recommend this book written with sensitivity and beautifully illustrated."
 --Lorna d'Entremont, M.Ed., Special Needs Book Review

 "Shaila Abdullah proves to be a great ambassador for autism, using explanations and warm, welcoming illustrations in A Manual for Marco that give a complex condition a simpler explanation."
 --C. Hope Clark, Author of The Carolina Slade Mysteries and The Edisto Island Mysteries

 "A Manual for Marco is a welcome addition to children's literature that will help in introducing the condition of autism to young people and providing information that will enable them to understand a little more about it so that it will not seem so scary."
 --Wayne Walker, Home School Book Reviews

 SHAILA ABDULLAH is an award-winning author and designer based in Austin, Texas. She has written four other books: Saffron Dreams, Beyond the Cayenne Wall, My Friend Suhana, and Rani in Search of a Rainbow. Along with illustrations by the author, A Manual for Marco also includes artwork by IMAN TEJPAR, a 12-year-old artist from Canada.

 From the Growing With Love Series
 Loving Healing Press
 Juvenile Fiction: Social Issues / Special Needs

A Manual for Marco: Living, Learning, and Laughing With an Autistic Sibling

Laurie Zelinger

Jordan Zelinger

What's happening to me?
 This book translates anxiety from the jargon of psychology into concrete experiences that children can relate to. Children and their parents will understand the biological and emotional components of anxiety responsible for the upsetting symptoms they experience. Please Explain Anxiety to Me, 2nd Edition gives accurate physiological information in child friendly language. A colorful dinosaur story explains the link between brain and body functioning, followed by practical therapeutic techniques that children can use to help themselves. Children will:
 learn that they can handle most issues if they are explained at their developmental level understand the brain/body connection underlying anxiety identify with the examples given find comfort and reassurance in knowing that others have the same experience be provided with strategies and ideas to help them change their anxiety responses be able to enjoy childhood and to give up unnecessary worrying

 Therapists and Educators Praise "Please Explain Anxiety To Me, Second Edition"
 "On any given day, around thirty percent of my patients have anxiety related symptoms. The simplicity and completeness of the explanations and treatment of anxiety given in this book is remarkable. Defining the cause, treating the core symptoms, and most importantly bringing it to a child's level accompanied by wonderful illustrations, is an incredible feat. I will definitely use this book in my practice."
 Zev Ash, M.D. F.A.A.P., Pediatrician

 "Anxiety is, of course, a complicated neuro-physiological process but it has been reduced to understandable terms in this brilliantly illustrated book for children. I would go even further and say that there are adults who could benefit from the straightforward approach."
 Rick Ritter, MSW, author of "Coping with Physical Loss and Disability"

 "This excellent book is perfect for parents to read and discuss with their children. It's also perfect for school professionals to use in the school setting."
 Herb R. Brown, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools Oceanside Public Schools, New York

 "...A charming--and calming--explanation of anxiety that will help both children and their parents turn their internal worry switches to the OFF position."
 Ellen Singer, New York Times-acclaimed bestselling author

 SEL036000, Self-Help : Anxieties & Phobias
 PSY006000 Psychology : Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent
 JNF053050 Juvenile Nonfiction : Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings

Please Explain Anxiety to Me!: Simple Biology and Solutions for Children and Parents

Aanyah Abdullah

A simple tale of love and friendship to warm your heart
 Award-winning author and designer Shaila Abdullah teams up with her 10-year-old daughter Aanyah to bring you this heartwarming tale of a little girl who forms a close bond with a child with cerebral palsy. The girl finds that through her art, she can reach her special friend Suhana.

 "My Friend Suhana is a delightful read for a children's book. Very well illustrated with respect, friendship, and advocacy all in mind at the same time."
 --Dawn Cruzan, President, Camp Craig Allen for all abilities

 "This is the story of a seven-year-old's first attempt at unconditional love. Tough but tender, inspirational yet utterly real, this is a small gem of a tale. Highly recommended for anyone in the position of mentoring a beloved child through the hard places of life."
 --Paula Huston, author of A Season of Mystery and A Land Without Sin

 "My Friend Suhana is a charming and perceptive book that will draw its readers into empathy while allowing them to enjoy this heartwarming story of two uncommon friends."
 --Chitra Divakaruni, author of Grandma and the Great Gourd

My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Cerebral Palsy

Reena wants to be a star...
 ...A Bollywood star. Unfortunately, her family won't stand for it. It doesn't help that Reena is only eight-years-old. However, a beacon of hope arrives in the form of Uncle Jessi. He's just emigrated from India to America, and is a welcome addition to her family household. Uncle Jessi and Reena share a special bond. Not only are they old pen pals, but he recognizes her desperation to become a Bollywood actress.

 One day, Uncle Jessi plans a secret surprise. He invites her to take part in a pretend acting game. Reena jumps at the chance. At first, she enjoys swinging her hips to Bollywood beats. She smiles brightly at his camera. However, halfway through her performance matters take an unexpected turn. The end results surprise both Reena and Uncle Jessi.
 Important lessons come through an action-driven story and beautiful illustrations:
 Children will learn that sexual abuse is NEVER their fault. Parents and children will be given a launching pad to discuss the warning signs of "grooming." Children will come away knowing they have the power to say: "NO." Children will discover that sexual abuse can occur in any cultural group. Children can be assured that they will be believed when reporting inappropriate behavior. Therapists and parents can exhibit that sexual abuse isn't an off-limits topic. Child abuse survivors will come away knowing they are not alone.

 Therapists' Acclaim for Reena's Bollywood Dream
 "Reena's Bollywood Dream is exceptionally well-written. It works as an educational piece to foster awareness to children and their families regarding the realities of sexual abuse within the South Asian community. This informative book can help alter a child's life for the better."
 --Sadia Khaliq, B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W., Community Treatment Coordinator, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

 "With a captivating story and beautiful illustration, and with a message that is cross-cultural and educational, Reena's Bollywood Dream can help children understand the sad reality that there are those who can hurt them but there is also means of staying safe--with others' help. I recommend this book highly to all families; it can be instrumental to starting a conversation about a difficult topic."
 --Pamela Pine, PhD, MPH, Founder and CEO, Stop the Silence

 Juvenile Fiction : Social Issues - Sexual Abuse
 Family & Relationships : Abuse - Child Abuse
 Social Science : Ethnic Studies - Asian American Studies

Reena's Bollywood Dream: A Story About Sexual Abuse

Jill Osborne

Sam saw something awful and scary! Ms. Carol, a special therapist, will show Sam how to feel better. Children can help Sam feel better too by using drawings, play, and storytelling activities. They will be able to identify and manage their own feelings and difficulties in their lives following a traumatic event.

 Therapists' Acclaim for Sam Feels Better Now

 "This beautiful little picture book is the ideal guide for a series of therapy sessions that will focus the child's attention on positives and help to deal with the traumatic memories"
 "Sam Feels Better Now" provides the child and therapist a safe metaphor for exploring trauma issues. The story teaches children that coming to therapy can be a good thing." 
 --JoAnna White, Ed.D., Professor and Chair Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State Univ.

 Book #2 in the Growing with Love Series

 "Redefining what's possible for healing mind and spirit since 2003."

Growing With Love - The book series

Growing With Love - The book series

Growing With Love books in order

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