THE BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS

Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

by Sandra Yeyati

Helping children learn to read and love books is one of the greatest parental endeavors. Many kids learn their first words after hearing the adults in their lives sing a lullaby or tell them a nursery rhyme. “Building a child’s vocabulary is the key to reading, and rhymes, singing, word games, synonyms, homonyms and rap are great places to start,” says Claudette McLinn, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature and former librarian, teacher, school administrator and children’s bookstore owner.

A child’s first reading experience will likely involve a picture book. “What’s powerful about picture books is that the illustrations and text intertwine,” McLinn explains. “You can read them aloud together. As the child looks at the artwork, the adult can ask, ‘What is that?’ And the child can use their imagination while you teach them to observe, articulate and start the reading process.”

To encourage childhood reading, it’s helpful to have a variety of books around the house and to set aside reading time every day. “It costs nothing to check out a pile of 25 books at the library, take them home and try them,” says Maeve Knoth, a librarian at Phillips Brooks School, in Menlo Park, California. When buying books, she suggests consulting librarians and booksellers for recommendations, as well as relying on book awards such as the Newbery or Caldecott medals, and on book lists compiled every year by reputable organizations and committees, notably the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

Choosing books for kids should always start by discovering what their passions or interests are and then finding a good book on that subject, says McLinn, adding that encouraging children to browse the

shelves and choose their own books is an empowering exercise that builds selfesteem and a love of reading. Whether it’s dinosaurs, cars or the stars and planets, there’s a kid’s book about it. “Although fiction is important early on because it increases imagination, nonfiction books help kids learn new information and understand the role of the table of contents, the glossary and index, and informative diagrams,” she says, adding that she prefers award-winning nonfiction books because they’ve been vetted for accuracy.

“Kids often gravitate toward books that are a little bit less challenging,” Knoth says. “While I have no objection to those popular books, which are lots of fun, they’re not going to give kids a new way to think about themselves or the world. I want my children to have consequential reading experiences with books that offer new points of view where kids can live in someone else’s heart and mind for a little while. I want them to know what it might be like to live in a different time period or to grow up in China.”

According to Knoth, a great children’s book will include an engaging character that has an experience, prompting them to change and grow. “I want it to be well structured and beautifully written, with setting, point of view and all those elements that fit together to create a theme and give you a literary experience,” she explains. She looks for nuanced books that invite kids to use their imagination and find their own way. “The reader might be young, but they’re not dumb. They just haven’t had lots of experiences yet. If a book concludes with one narrow solution to a child’s problem, then I would say it’s not that useful or successful,” says Knoth, a frequent contributor to The Horn Book, a resource for children’s book reviews and articles.

McLinn believes that kids should be exposed to a diversity of authors and illustrators that explore the lives of all cultures. “We live in silos with the people in our group, and we don’t know anything about other groups,” she explains. “When you read about other cultures, you learn that we are more alike than we are different. We may eat different foods, wear different clothing and have different customs, but you find out that it’s not scary. Kids love to read about heroes that they can identify with and become their friends. Children are into social justice and fairness. As a child, I loved biographies. I wanted to read about great people and what made them great so that maybe I could be great like them.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com. Share your ideas in our Natural Awakenings Reader Survey. SPEAK UP

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Children’s Book Awards

Newbery Medal:

Tinyurl.com/Newbery-Medal-Award

Caldecott Medal:

Tinyurl.com/Caldecott-Medal-Award

American Indian Youth Literature Awards:

Tinyurl.com/American-Indian-Award

Pura Belpré Award,

celebrating Latino culture: Tinyurl.com/Pura-Belpre-Book-Award

Coretta Scott King Awards,

showcasing African American values: Tinyurl.com/Coretta-Scott-King-Awards

Asian/Pacific American Award

for Literature: Tinyurl.com/ Asian-Pacific-American-Award Sydney Taylor Book Award, portraying the Jewish experience: Tinyurl.com/Sydney-Taylor-Award

Children’s Book Lists

Rainbow Book List, presenting LGBTQIA+ viewpoints: glbtrt.ala.org/rainbowbooks

Best Books by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature:

csmcl.org/best-books-2020

Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Booklists, various topics: Tinyurl.com/ccbcBookList

Association for Library Service to

Children Book Lists, various genres and topics: Tinyurl.com/alscBookList

Notable Children’s Books by the Association for Library Service to

Children, identifying the best of the best in children’s books: Tinyurl.com/alscNotableBooks

Local ongoing calendar items for the community are to be submitted online at NaBroward.com/events/new.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Enrolling now for Night Class —

9am-4pm. starts January 3, 2022. Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months. Become a Licensed Acupuncturist. Financial Aid available & approved for Veteran training. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 E Broward Blvd, Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Admissions@ atom.edu or 954-763-9840, 213. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19

If you have any kind of stomach or

gastro problems — 9am-3pm. Free consultation/treatment (herbs not included) at Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine’s (ATOM) Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program’s clinic. Treatments observed by the class. ATOM, 100 East Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Appointments: 954-763-9840, 201.

upcoming events

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

sunday

Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary —

9am–5pm. Classes for Interfaith Ministry Ordination. A Healing Space, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Rev. Dr. Grace Telesco 917.579.3750.

Catholic Mass (non-Roman Catholic) —

10:30am, (+ Sat 5pm) The Parish of Sts. Francis & Clare, staffed by Franciscan friars. 2300 NW 9th Ave (Powerline Rd), Wilton Manors, 33311, 954.731.8173.

IANDS South Florida - International Association for Near Death Studies

— 1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm Meeting - Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. Notice, during Winter 2021/2022 season locations will vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.

Sacred Celebration of Spirit —6:30-7:30pm. Weekly Sunday night. Sacred Celebrations of Spirit. Free love donations. Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution, 840 East Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 102, Oakland Park. 917-579.3750. DarshanCenterWiltonManors.org.

MONDAY, JANUARY 3

Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medi-

cine—Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months & learn how to become a Licensed Acupuncturist. Enrolling Now for Winter class starting January 3, 2022. Financial Aid available & approved for Veteran training. Contact Admissions@ATOM.edu or 954-763-9840 ext. 213 for information. SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

NewLife Expo — Two days of Natural Healthy, Enlightenment & Fun. Saturday, and Sunday, January 23. For more information on exhibiting, lecturing, volunteering, advertising, and pre-registration discounts, email Mark@NewLifemag.com, visit NewLifeExpo.com, or call 516-8970900. Event location: Boca/Deerfield Doubletree Hilton Resort, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach. See ad page 7.

CALENDAR

Even more local events are posted online. Visit and bookmark: NaBroward.com/Calendar NaturalAwakenings@gmail.com Email for information on how to submit your event for free or feature your event for $25.

monday

Chiropractic — Every 1st Monday, 5–6pm. Free, attendees will receive a discount off their first visit. New Life Upper Cervical Chiropractic, 820 S. State Road 7, Plantation, 33317. Phone: 954.389.8297.

Men and Women’s Support Group*:

Conscious Awareness — 8–10pm. $25 per session. Designed for men & women to learn from each other regarding relationships, self-worth & the rewrite of negative patterns. Contact: Karen Kaye, LMHC, 954.384.1217 (landline). *Group is selected from existing patients to assure compatibility.

saturday

Reiki Healing Circle — 9–10am, Free. Usui Reiki Circle. All are welcome. Love & Light Spiritual Emporium, 1419 E Commercial Blvd. Ste B, Oakland Park, FL, 33334, 954-261-3878.

Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and

Shoreline Cleanup — 9–11am, help remove trash and make new friends (third Saturday each month). Kayaks and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own is encouraged. Location varies. Info, Robert Figueroa, 917-652-1050.

Daily — 9:30 pm Join Sheri Kaplan for a Nightly Virtual Sound Healing Meditation on Zoom Live Stream. bit.ly/ livestreamsoundbath. Call 646.876.9923 EST- bit.ly/localzoom -Meeting ID: 846 189 611-Virtual Tip Jar.

Healthy Saturdays: Health for Your

Body, Mind and Spirit — series in Herb Skolnick Center, Pompano Beach Starting Dec. 4th, 2–3pm, $10; Q and A’s available. To Register or for more info, call Ilka at 754-222-6971.

Rock Kirtan: Sacred Devotional Sing-

ing — bi-weekly 7–8:30pm, $10. Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Call Rev. G. 917-579-3750.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how to be included in the Natural Awakenings Directory, kindly email your request to NaturalAwakeningsFla@gmail.com or order online: NaBroward.com/pages/directory.

BEAUTY & HEALTH

ONENESS PERFUME

OnenessPerfume.com Oneness ~ Let the beauty of this essence and its message inspire peaceful co-existence; may it encircle all nations and all peoples with the loving gift of gratitude to encourage cocreation and renewal of our sacred planetary home – knowing in spirit – We Are All One. See ad page 2.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN

NEW LIFE UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTIC

820 S State Rd. 7, Plantation FL 33317 954-389-8297 TopDocFL.com Upper Cervical Chiropractic, light force extremity adjusting, whole-food nutrition, Applied Kinesiology, The Emotion Code, Energy medicine, Mysofascial release.

COLON THERAPY

A COLON CARE CENTER

Michele Miglino, LMT/CCT 837 SE 9th St. Deerfield Beach FL 33441 954-421-0703 954-695-6595, cell AColonCareCenter.com Colon hydrotherapy is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellness, and to keep your body functioning at peak efficiency. MM18325, MA0007506. COUNSELING/THERAPY

KAREN KAYE, HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST, LMHC

1500 Weston Rd. Weston FL 33326 954-384-1217 KarenKayeTherapist.com Therapists.PsychologyToday.com/rms/ name/Karen_L_Kaye_MS,LMHC_Weston_ Florida_35986 Take the journey inward. I counsel individuals, couples and families. Holistic approach with 40 years experience. Virtual appointments available.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

PERFECTING TOUCH

Kathy Bates Wilton Executive Suites 2312 Wilton Drive Fort Lauderdale FL 33305 954-647-9010 PerfectingTouch1@ymail.com Cranial sacral therapy - CST- a light touch approach releasing tension and restrictions, reducing pain and dysfunction. Therapeutic massage also available. Feel good within yourself. MA70919.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

TOTAL BALANCE 4 U

TJ Robinson 954-234-3299, Fort Lauderdale TotalBalance4U.com Feel good again! Restore your vitality and vibrant health! Release stress and “stuck” areas in your body that cause chronic pain. Your safety is priority – COVID compliant. MA24266, MM30072 DAY RETREATS

THERMAE STILLNESS RETREAT

604 S. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-604-7930 ThermaeRetreat@gmail.com ThermaeRetreat.com FB: @ThermaeRetreat IG: Thermae.FtLauderdale

Thermae reTreaT An organic serene daily retreat to prevent or heal. Infrared saunas, massage, skincare, body scrubs and masques, holistic healing, energy therapy. Yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy.

DENTAL HEALTH

ADVANCED DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER

Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD 104 SE 1st St. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-525-5662 ADWCenter.com Dr. Lipovetskiy specializes in natural, biological, and cosmetic dentistry offering latest in technology in our relaxing environment. We provide mercury safe dentistry, metalfree braces, and biocompatible metal-free zirconia implants. He specializes in TMJ and sleep apnea.

BRENT J. BRACCO, DDS – COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY

2467 E Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 954-771-5300 DrBrentBracco.com Do you wait till it hurts to see the dentist? Enhance your smile at our new tranquil, state-of-theart office. We have been providing wholistic family dental care since 1985. Most insurance accepted. Mon – Thurs, 7:30am – 5pm.

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INTEGRATED DENTAL CENTER

Aurel Chebanu, DMD, PhD 333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207 Plantation FL 33317 954-792-6266 Chebanudmd@comcast.net Dr. Chebanu recognizes the importance of natural therapies and health solutions. His office specializes in Biocompatible and Holistic Dentistry, Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Ceramic Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, and TMJ Disorders. See ad page 23.

THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE

Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 954-938-4599 GoNaturalDentistry.com All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, biocompatible dentistry. • Sedation dentistry • Removing of toxic metals • Replacing them with bio-compatible materials • Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions • Zirconia/ceramic implants • Natural bone augmentation / Plasma Rich Growth Factor • Oral DNA Testing • Add gums to receding gums. See ad page 9.

DR. YANI HOLISTIC AND HEALING DENTISTRY

Dr. Yani, DMD 212 SE 12th St (Davie Blvd) Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 954-525-6010 info@Yanidmd.com Yanidmd.com

We follow strict amalgam removal protocols incorporating nutritional supplements for safe mercury detoxification ~ IAOMT member. To promote better healing, our hygiene care incorporates ozone and essential oils for gum treatments. Only mercury-free biocompatible crowns and dental materials used. Free holistic toothpaste recipe. See ad page 13. DIVINE ENERGY HEALER

ADVANCED RAPID HEALING

Nina Presman 33 Southeast 4th Street, Suite 102 Boca Raton, Florida, 33432 561-654-0177 AgelessServices@gmail.com AdvancedRapidHealing.com My gift is to be guided by Divine Love to permanently eliminate any emotional, physical and mental pain or issues replacing them with health, prosperity, happiness, joy, love, and Enlightenment to reach your highest potential.

EDUCATION

ATLANTIC INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE (ATOM)

100 E Broward Blvd., Ste. 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-763-9840 ATOM.edu

ATOM offers a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Oriental Medicine. ATOM has an Intern Clinic that is open to the public. See ad back page.

HOLISTIC MEDICAL CENTER

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CENTER OF FORT LAUDERDALE

Dr. Gary Snyder 2640 E Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33306 954-486-4000 DrGarySnyder.com A holistic medical center for wellness and healing, where caring professionals approach the whole person instead of just treating symptoms, with natural, scientific products and services. See ad page 6.

Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right. ~Theodore Roosevelt

INTEGRATIVE HYPNOSIS

CATHERINE A. EDELSON MA, CH

954-745-0735 TheBest@FunctionalHypnosis.com Access the best toolkit nature gave you with Hypnosis! Your first Hypnozoom session is 50% off. Hypnotists believe everything is hypnosis. We offer powerful, ecological and practical solutions to each client. Benefits are obvious as you allow it to happen!

INTUITIVE READER

PSYCHIC STEPHANIE MILLER

700 E Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton FL 33432 561-757-5899 PsychicMedium.net@yahoo.com PsychicMedium.net Specializes in Love & relationships. Offers palm & tarot card readings, Energy healing, & chakra balancing. Call now to book your in-person or phone reading.

MUSCLE THERAPY

HUNTER METHOD

Stephanie Hunter, Owner & Developer 185 E. Indiantown Rd., Ste. 118 Jupiter, FL 33477 561-747-8700 DoYouHunter.com Many people with pain feel frustrated and hopeless, masking symptoms, instead of getting the real relief they deserve. We offer a proven approach that changes muscle memory. Significant, lasting relief from issues like Vertigo, Sciatica, Frozen Shoulder and more. • Self-Treatment Courses • DIY Therapy for Dogs. MA15772, MM24536 SALON

HAIR HOLISTIC ECO-FRIENDLY STUDIO

Ibana Villasenor 141 NW 20th St., Ste. B7 Boca Raton FL 33431 561-372-5354 HairHolistic@gmail.com HairHolistic.com Hair services & products with a truly holistic approach like scalp-hair detox, and jet rejuvenation. Hair coloring with Henna or eco-friendly dyes, and formaldehyde-free keratine.

Begin to weave and God will give you the thread. ~German Proverb

Coming in January

Health & Wellness Issue

Classifieds are to be ordered online: NaBroward.com/pages/classified. Due date is the 10th of the month.

BOOKS

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