Little Pickle Press

The Value of Work

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

What comes to mind when you hear someone described as having a good ‘work ethic’? If you are like most of us, you probably picture someone who spends the majority of their life dedicated to work, striving to achieve excellence, and often at the price of sacrificing the fun in life. And while it is true that ‘work ethic’ is an adjective often attributed to those who work hard, that is not necessarily the true meaning of the word. In fact, if you look the definition of work ethic up in the dictionary, you find the following:

So what does it truly mean to have work ethic? Does it mean working hard, or simply believing in the value of work? Are they one in the same?

Personally, when I think of worth ethic, I think of a saying that my mother grew up hearing from her father. “Don’t be a nurse, be a doctor,” he used to say, “Don’t be a secretary, be a lawyer.” And a lawyer she became. What my grandfather meant by these words was not to condemn nursing or secretarial work as professions. These roles are significant, and imperative, in fact, in running a business. Rather, what he meant was, don’t limit yourself. Why not push yourself to go all the way? And so from a very young age, my mother believed that if she worked hard enough, she could accomplish anything. Through her years of studying, she learned that her efforts shaped her to be stronger and more confident than she could have ever imagined. Thus, her experience was not only appreciated by the results of her work (a law degree and a successful law practice), but rather the impact hard work itself had on her character.

In my opinion, it is the way one values the experience of work, rather than the quantity of the work itself, that determines whether they have 'work ethic'. They are not one in the same. In fact, when we are so consumed in the act of working, sometimes we forget to appreciate its value. Understanding the importance of why we wake up and go to work in the morning is sometimes lost in the monotony of the routine. We start to believe that we go to work because we have to, and by doing this, we limit ourselves. The only reward we receive from our work then is financial gain and the ability to survive. If, however, we understand that work can help us grow and make a difference, we not only survive, but we also feel accomplished. And this is where I believe that the confusion comes in: those who feel accomplished by what they do, are more likely to excel in the workplace.

So this month, as we explore the concept of work ethic, I challenge you to foster it your own life, by considering the true value you place on work. What do you gain from going to work in the morning? What is your attitude? What do you truly believe are the benefits of hard work? We would love to hear your thoughts!

Young Writer of the Month: Hugo Palmeira

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Hugo Palmeira

In everyone’s life there comes a time where considerable change can do a great deal of good. For me, that time came in 8th grade. Mom was attending Smith College and working full-time, leaving little or no time for my extra-curricular activities. Having been accepted with a full-scholarship to a highly-regarded arts & music boarding school, I decided to accept.

Unlike a lot of prep schools nearby, The Putney School was wildly different; not only did they provide us with amazing, multi-faceted educators, but also allowed us a 500-acre space to explore. But what really set this school apart were the values they instilled in us. As a student there, we had responsibilities beyond general academics. Every semester we were required to have a job; this was something that we did every day or every other day depending on the job.

For example, my first semester, I did something quite simple: dorm cleaning. I was part of a group of students who went to each dorm every day and cleaned up, including bathrooms, common rooms, and pretty much everything except people's individual rooms. My second semester I chose a different job: forestry. This included basic trail maintenance, chopping down trees for firewood with chain-saws (yes, they actually let me use them to my surprise), as well as chopping wood with an ax the old-fashioned way.

Throughout my two years there I did things of this nature, with my favorite (and most challenging) being "AM Barn." This job consisted of milking our cows (we had well over 20 cows), feeding them, and of course, cleaning up after them. So before the sun rose, five times a week we would have to be at the barn, which meant getting up at 5 a.m. and trekking a mile through whipping winds and a foot of snow to get to the barn on time. My job consisted entirely of loading cow poop into a wheel-barrow and taking it outside into the "poop-pit" which is exactly what the name suggests. We did this until our job was done – sometimes due to being short-staffed, we would even be late to class and miss breakfast – a tardy, which of course was excusable.

While I may be getting excited thinking back on those days, there is a point to this. This school showed me a different side of the world than I had ever seen-- a side that even my mother was unable to show me. After leaving that school, I had within me a strong sense of environment, workmanship, and a great idea of what it truly meant to be a part of a functional community. We are all part of whole and to function efficiently and properly, we all needed to work together.

I left Putney after my sophomore year, but even two years’ time was enough to leave an impression on me. Since then, I have been able to balance work (part-time as well as full-time when necessary) and school quite comfortably. True, I did not always apply what I learned as I should have, but during moments of reflection I could see that if I had applied sufficiently the values learned during my time at Putney, I would have saved myself a good chunk of wasted time. Since my departure, I went on to Redwood High where I completed my senior year in great academic standing (including two Advanced Placement courses), and am now in my 3rd semester at college, having been employed throughout all this time.

Thank you, Putney, for giving me knowledge enough to move past the discomforts life sends my way and allowing me to do what needs to be done and embrace work–whether academic or physical.

Thank you, Hugo, for sharing your story with us!

How to Become a Published Writer

2012-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Dani Greer, Special Projects Coordinator

Many decades ago, when I was a fledgling writer trying to get my children’s books published, I connected with a local author who gave me a vital piece of advice. “Get a copy of the Writer's Market,” she said, “and make it your bible.” I did, and continued to purchase the annual update for many years thereafter. It taught me everything I needed to know to submit manuscripts in the proper way, and helped me keep up with industry changes from year-to-year.

Today, writers often ask me for advice on how to break into publishing. I tell them to obtain a copy of the Writer's Market if they haven't already, and I also tell them that Google is their friend. There is nothing you can’t learn about becoming a successful and published writer if you search the Internet. Example: type “how to publish a children’s book” into your search window, then link to page after page of hits. You’ll get a pretty good education very quickly.

As important as the learning opportunities available online, are the connections the Internet affords. If you need to research publishers, or find an agent, even discover who is taking submissions and for what, the specifics are all right at your fingertips.

First, check for targeted websites and blogs that give you the information or leads you need. But don’t stop there. Once you have determined you would like an agent from, say, Andrea Brown Literary Agency, find out if they are on Facebook and Twitter and connect with them there. You can actually get to know these individual agents online – that was impossible thirty years ago. Technology has given you tools that can be used to great advantage. Use them!

Don’t forget all the astounding opportunities for self-publishing. At least explore the possibilities. It no longer holds the stigma it used to – if you think it does, you are seriously behind the times. Technology has leveled that playing field, too.

With the introduction of tablets, e-readers, and other smart gadgets, e-books are proliferating, and soon all books will be published in digital format first. (My prediction which I share with a few other forward-thinking souls.) Once enough e-books of a title are sold, the book will earn a print run. I am firmly behind this model, because it allows the content to enter the marketplace in an environmentally-friendly manner, but delays the resource embedment of a print book until it proves itself worthy of bookshelf collection status.

So let’s say you want to pitch a book to an agent who is looking for something new and exciting. Think through your pitch and present not only your very best story, but how you plan to market it. At Little Pickle Press, we love authors who have already created their online presence with a blog, a Facebook page, and who have skill at using Twitter to promote. Any other online savvy is duly noted, too. We suspect more agents and editors will soon start noticing these factors in queries, and it could well be that the author who demonstrates his social marketing savvy, is the one who sells a manuscript to a publisher.

These are all things to consider when engineering your book publishing success story. Being a published author in today’s world means doing all the things any entrepreneur would do to succeed in business. Present yourself in an original and creative way, even as you follow submissions guidelines to the letter. It shows you are a professional and take your writing career seriously.

Any questions? Please leave them in the comments and we will be happy to reply during the course of the day. Want to find out more about Little Pickle Press? We suggest you explore the blog and sign up for our monthly online newsletter at the link top right.

B Corporations We Love: Dragonfly Designs

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

As some of you may know, Little Pickle Press is very happy to be part of a community of B Corporations. A B Corporation is a new type of corporation, which uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corps are unlike traditional businesses because they: meet comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards; meet higher legal accountability standards; and build business constituency for public policies that support sustainable business practices. We believe that companies who take the initiative to become a B Corp deserve recognition. That is why we have decided that from now on, the first Monday of every month will be dedicated to a B Corp that we love.

Today, we recognize a very special jewelry company called Dragonfly Designs. Dragonfly Designs was founded by Stacee Gillelen, who grew up with a deep appreciation for artistic expression, which inspired her to start the company. But she did not stop there. Feeling a personal responsibility as a global citizen to give back to the community, Stacee decided to turn Dragonfly Designs into a program that would partner with organizations working to improve the human condition, promote equality, and protect the environment.

"I have always been motivated to give my best to my work and the people I serve," Gillelen says, "I feel so very fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to do what I love every day and I have a desire to share my skills and passion with others"

This passion has not gone unnoticed. What first drove Little Pickle Press to Dragonfly Designs was their inspiring vision for their programs, which is to “provide a sense of accomplishment, consciousness, and individuality that empowers children to effect positive change within themselves and their communities through art-based education.” This aspiration is only a fraction of what makes Dragonfly Designs so special, however.

Dragonfly Designs offers an array of beautiful jewelry, which is available on their website. And best of all, a portion of all proceeds are donated to providing classes in art, entrepreneurial skills and yoga through non-profit partnerships with organizations that serve the needs of underprivileged women and children in communities both locally and abroad.

Many of Dragonfly Designs’ classes are also designed to foster work ethic in children. Their “Jewelry Making for Budding Entrepreneurs” course, for instance, gives children an opportunity to learn a variety of entrepreneurial skills while making jewelry and having fun. These skills include:

Business Acumen
Philanthropy + Charitably Giving 
Wholesale vs Retail
Pricing, Mark up + Profit 
Merchandising, Marketing + Display 
Self Esteem, Self Confidence + Creativity
Business Plans, Capital + Budgeting 
Manufacturing, Design + Jewelry Making Techniques

"Through our fun, high quality, hand on, jewelry making classes, children learn the benefits of sticking with a task until it’s completed and the satisfaction that comes from being able to wear, sell or give your creation as a gift and hearing all the positive feedback from friends, teachers and family," Gillelen says.

With such great programs, messages, and designs, Dragonfly Designs has quickly become a B Corporation we love. If you are looking for a great piece of jewelry, a good cause to support, or fun classes or camps for your children, we recommend taking a look at Dragonfly Designs.

Thank you, Dragonfly Designs, for all that you do!

Book Review: The Little Red Hen

2012-02-03T06:00:00.003-08:00

Reviewed by Cameron Crane

Written & Illustrated by Paul Galdone

Reading level: Ages 4 and up

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: HMH Books (March 21, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0547370180

ISBN-13: 978-0547370187

Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches

Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

As we began the search for a book that would highlight the theme of fostering work ethic in children, one of the things we came to realize is that from time to time it is necessary to revisit the classics. Today we review a timeless story about the benefits of hard work, The Little Red Hen, by Paul Galdone.

The Story: The little red hen lives in a house. With a dog, and a cat, and mouse —who, unfortunately, are all lazy. In fact, all they want to do is nap. Every day the little red hen asks for help, and every day she discovers that the dog, cat, and mouse are less than willing to put in their fair share of the housework. If the little red hen wants something done, she must do it herself. The little red hen does not complain, however, knowing that her hard work will pay off in the end.

The Rhythm: Galdone’s short, descriptive sentences help the story to flow effortlessly. His use of repetition helps to establish the personality and predictability of the characters, and leaves the reader excited to guess the next response.

The Artwork: Galdone’s illustrations couple the book wonderfully. What is left unsaid in the text is substantiated in the artwork, adding life to both the characters and scenery. Galdone’s swift attention to detail is both intriguing and impressive.

The Layout: The layout of the book is classic and traditional, with just enough variety to keep the reader interested. The size and shape of the book make it easy to read to oneself, or to share with others.

The Message: The message in this book is one about the rewards of hard work. Although it may seem unfair that the little red hen has to do all of the chores herself, at the end of the day it is she who reaps the benefits. The dog, cat, and mouse begin to realize that they would be happier if they had participated in the effort. The Little Red Hen is also a story about taking responsibility for your own personal contribution in a team.

My Only Issue: My only issue with this story is that in comparison to the illustrations of the other characters, images of the little red hen seem to be lacking variety.

Conclusion: This is a timeless classic to read to your little ones, and to begin the conversation about work ethic. It would also be a great story to read as a family, to introduce the importance of individual participation in household chores. Buy The Little Red Hen from Amazon, your local bookstore, or rent it from your local library to share with the little pickles in your life.

Promoting Responsibility and Building a Strong Work Ethic

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Denise LaBuda

We all want our children to have good work ethics as they go through life. A child with a good work ethic will have a greater chance at a successful life. Since most of our kid’s behaviors are learned at home we have the opportunity to teach our kids that nothing in life is free and that we all work for the things we want.

To teach a work ethic, you need first to believe that doing the work to maintain your home and yourself is a necessary way to spend part of every day. Once you’ve got your attitude in the right place, you can decide what chores, jobs, and responsibilities your kids can do to maintain your home so that everyone (including you) can have time for other activities and some relaxation.

Here are six things to consider when putting your “work” plan in place:

1. Expectations: Research on child development shows that different children are capable of doing different chores at varying ages and it is unrealistic to try to get them to do things that are beyond their capabilities. Learning about ages and stages is helpful in setting realistic expectations according to your children’s maturity levels.

2. Why: Explain in age-appropriate language why everybody needs to help around the house. Everyone is an essential member of your family and is capable of and expected to contribute to the running of the household.

3. Demonstrate: Kids are not born knowing the skills needed to do most household chores. Before you ask your youngsters to make their beds, you might have to show them exactly what that means. You need to demonstrate the skill – perhaps many, many times before they will learn how to do it by themselves.

Telling them exactly what you want them to do is important also. Instead of using the generic term “clean up your room,” say, “please pick up your teddy bear and put it in the box by the table.” Keep the instructions simple and don’t expect anything even remotely close to perfection the first few times around. Remember, they are beginners – they’ll only master these tasks over time.

4. Praise: Always praise your children for their efforts, especially when they are just learning a new skill. Break down a larger task into smaller ones that work toward full accomplishment of the job; then you can congratulate small efforts toward that goal along the way. Even if the end result is less than what you would have hoped, you can affirm them for trying and for their efforts.

5. Consequences: These need to be made clear. For example, if Mom has to do someone else’s job, she can’t possibly have the time to taxi that person where he or she wants to go. No need to be angry about it. It’s just a fact. When everyone helps, there’s time to do things that people in the household want to do.

6. Model: Remember that you are your children’s most important role model. How well do you handle your responsibilities and what is your attitude about doing your work around the house? Monitor what messages you send and what you are modeling for your children.

Taking little steps along the way will help your kids to internalize the more general and abstract concepts of responsibility. It takes skill, perseverance, and a great deal of patience to lovingly insist that your kids follow through with their commitments. In the long run, this determination will pay off. They will become people who have a strong work ethic and who understand that they have an important role to play in their homes and in their communities.

Denise LaBuda is the founder of the Economic Independence Group, and is dedicated to supporting families, businesses, teachers and non-profit organizations in their efforts to provide children and young adults with a strong financial foundation.

The Work Ethic of a Mompreneur: Sobia Shaikh

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

If you were to look for someone who exemplifies work ethic, you would be hard-pressed the find someone more qualified than Sobia Shaikh, the founder of ISLY Handbags, and a dedicated mother of two.

Originally from Pakistan, where she got her degree in graphic design and spent several years in advertising, Sobia made the move to the San Francisco Bay Area fifteen years ago. After starting a family, and giving birth to her son Isaad, she began Rhung, a Pakistani clothing line, whose name means “color”. She continued to work until 2003, when her daughter Lyali was born. Although Sobia decided to take some time to focus on her family, she did not stop her involvement in the community. Sobia began developing her idea for ISLY Handbags in 2008.

“I wanted to do something with major significance that combined my love for fashion and my love for Pakistan,” Sobia says.

Sobia’s vision became a reality in November of 2011, when she launched ISLY, named after her two children. Today, she has a beautiful line of handbags, all made from unique fabrics that are custom made in Pakistan. The same fabrics she fell in love with as a child. ISLY was an immediate success. Just a few weeks after her launch, Sobia began to recognize her designs at the events she attended. Just last week, she was featured in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Still, Sobia believes her biggest success is yet to come. In March she will be traveling to New York City to introduce her second collection of handbags. She hopes to be introducing samples from the new collection in May or June of this year.

Despite her immediate success, Sobia will be the first to admit that balancing work and home is not always easy. After spending the morning with her children, and dropping them off at school, Sobia begins working on the company that she refers to as her “third child”. Although she tries to take that time to solely focus on work, it is sometimes difficult not to get distracted by her other duties. Emails from soccer coaches, school photographers and other obligations sometimes interfere. And by the time Sobia picks her children up at 3:30 p.m., being a mother once again becomes her first priority. After the kids are all tucked in, Sobia often finds herself on the phone with partners in Pakistan, where there is a twelve hour time difference.

Still, Sobia believes that being as determined and invested in her company as she is, is beneficial to her children, who recognize their mother’s work ethic.

“I love seeing how my son views me,” she says, “He knows me as a mom, and I know that that will always be first, but I also see respect in his eyes when he sees me working.”

Sobia believes that having a hard-working, empowered role model will continue to positively impact her children for years to come, and encourage them to incorporate hard work into their own lives. Sobia has already begun to foster work ethic in her children. They make their beds every morning, and participate in household chores. They do well in school. Special accomplishments, and hard work at home and in the classroom are always recognized.

Although balancing work and home has been challenging, Sobia is managing her role as a mompreneur the best way she can. Here are four tips she would give aspiring mompreneurs out there:

Figure out your options, and pick something that you really, really love. At moments when I am exhausted, I keep going because ISLY is so close to my heart.
Go to your girlfriends for support and encouragement. 90% of my girlfriends are Moms, and 50% of them work. Nothing compares to their support.
Be patient. I think things fall in place if you go about them the right way.
Validate yourself. As moms, we feel like we can do everything. We multitask, and we sometimes are too hard on our self. I think we need to recognize ourselves more often.

Sobia's designs are available at a variety of merchants in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, and New York City. It is one of her goals to bring ISLY Handbags to as many cities and countries as possible. For a list of boutiques currently carrying her designs, please click here.

The Brain, According to Kids

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

This month we have been exploring the brain and all of its potential. We were very fortunate to work and speak with many experts in in the field. We were also very excited to release our new lesson plans for Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch it, Shape It, with interactive activities that will help children learn about their brain and how it functions. Today, three very wise children tell us about what they already know about it.

What does your brain do?

Tyler (9 years old): Your brain makes you think, and learn. Pretty much everything you know comes from your brain. It’s what makes it so you can think and talk and move and everything like that.

Ethan (8 years old): Your brain is what makes you smart.

Alexa (8 years old): It helps you remember things and makes you think.

What else do you know about the brain?

Tyler: It’s in your head. It’s soft and looks kind of like a football. But it’s not like a football really. It’s different because it’s more soft and more round.

Ethan: Ummm, it makes you smart. And it’s big or smaller for different people. It can do a lot of things.

Alexa: It’s in your head and it’s really important, because without it I don’t know what you would do. Probably you would just be confused.

How does your brain work?

Tyler: It’s like we are a robot. It controls everything you do.

Ethan: I don’t know, it just does!

Alexa: Well, when you learn things your brain learns them too.

In one of our books, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain, we talk about how you can stretch your brain, or make it stronger, by practicing things that are hard for us. What is something that is hard for you, and how do you practice it?

Tyler: Soccer. Well it’s not hard for me. But I have basketball practice sometimes and it’s good because I can practice with my team.

Ethan: I have lots of practices. In school we have recorders so we are learning to play. And our teacher gives us homework to practice.

Alexa: I practice the piano
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please take advantage of the last two days of our January special. Buy a copy of Your Fantastic Elastic Brain and receive a free TerraSkin poster and FREE SHIPPING on your entire order. Just use LPPBrain2012 at checkout here.

The Effects of Yoga on the Brain

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

“Yoga is the method by which the restless mind is calmed and the energy directed into constructive channels. As a mighty river which when properly harnessed by dams and canals, creates a vast reservoir of water, prevents famine and provides abundant power for industry; so also the mind, when controlled, provides a reservoir of peace and generates abundant energy for human uplift.” ~ B.K.S. Iyengar

This month as we take a look at the brain, it is also important to look at the little things we can do to increase our mental health. As you may or may not know, many members of the Little Pickle Press team are avid yoga-goers, it seemed appropriate to discuss the benefits that can be obtained from this activity.

In his book Light on Yoga, B.K.S Iyengar defines yoga as “a timeless pragmatic science evolved over thousands of years dealing with the physical, moral, mental and spiritual well-being of man as a whole.” The definition of yoga as a “science” is only fitting, considering research regarding the impact of yoga on the brain.

Anybody who practices any type of yoga knows that it takes an immense of amount of discipline and concentration. Yoga-goers also know that the completion of a yoga class is almost always accompanied by a feeling of rejuvenation and refreshment. It is no surprise, then, that medical research is beginning to show that practicing yoga and meditation can have real, scientific, positive short and long-term effects on your brain.

Many people believe that the positive feeling you receive after a yoga class can be attributed to an increase in dopamine levels. While this is true, recent studies, like that conducted by J. Eric Jensen Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, have begun to uncover the connection between yoga and the brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in your brain. In the Dr. Jensen’s study, research showed a 27% increase in GABA levels in a group of subjects after only one hour of yoga.

These studies also have significant implications when it comes to the treatment of depression, anxiety and stress. According to one study “yoga can improve your cognitive functions and memory by reducing the stress levels in your body. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol into the blood stream, which uses up a lot of glucose in the body. This leads to a fuel deficit for your brain. Practicing yoga can help retrain your brain and body connection to release old automatic thought patterns and negative habits.” This means that after practicing yoga, your mind is more balanced and clear.

If you are looking for a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind, we recommend signing up for a yoga class.

Sources:

http://www.lexiyoga.com/yoga-for-the-brain

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070521145516.htm

Image Credit:

monadarling.com

What Does It Mean To Be Global? App Review

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Diane Darrow

Last October, we introduced an app for What Does It Mean To Be Global? and Diane Darrow was kind enough to review it. We have recently upgraded to the version 3 app with many new features and here is an equally new review to go with the upgrade!

What Does It Mean to Be Global? is a bilingual book app that thinks like a classroom teacher.

In a stroke of genius, Little Pickle Press has collaborated with classroom teachers to provide lesson plans connected to their books directly within the app. Whether you are a veteran teacher or a rookie, you will appreciate the clearly articulated objectives, steps, and activities within these lessons. Innovative features such as pre-designed teaching units within the app help take the guesswork out of how to implement apps creatively in the classroom.

Primary grade teachers can incorporate this app as part of a shared reading lesson. The voice-enabled and highlighted text immediately draws the attention of emergent readers and models critical concepts of print every young child needs to master in order to learn to read. An inquisitive touch of a finger on an object within the illustration reveals animated labels in either English or Spanish. After reading the story, young writers can then create labels for the same objects in the app’s journal. Older children can choose to respond to the text by sharing an experience of their own in the journal.

I am deeply impressed with how Little Pickle Press is working to connect writers, publishers, educators, and app developers to co-create a book app specifically designed to enhance classroom instruction.

To buy the app click here. Please leave us a comment after you have tried it out and tell us what you think. It has been nominated for Best of Show at MacWorld!

~~~~~~~~

Diane Darrow is a Library Media Specialist at Reed Union School District in California and an Apple Distinguished Educator. Her school is recognized as one of 56 Apple Distinguished Schools in the nation.

Introducing our Fantastic Elastic Brain Lesson Plans

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

In the last few months, Little Pickle Press has been working closely with educators and domain experts to develop engaging lesson plans for our collection of award-winning titles. Today, we are excited to announce the release of our Your Fantastic Elastic Brain Lesson Plans, available now as a complimentary download.

All of our lesson plans have been developed to compliment and highlight the core concepts of their corresponding titles, in alignment with the Common Core State Standards Initiative for Speaking and Listening for all grade levels. It has been an exciting process for us, and has included the hard work of many, including Meredith Moran, a Ph.D. candidate in the Stanford University School of Education. In its development, it has passed through the hands of almost every member of our team.

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It, written by neuroplasticity expert Dr. JoAnn Deak, is one of our most popular titles. It has gained attention and praise by parents and teachers alike. The development of a lesson plan, which pulls on the key concepts of this award-winning book, seemed only natural in accomplishing our overall mission as a children’s publisher: to help parents and educators cultivate conscious, responsible little people.

The Your Fantastic Elastic Brain Lesson Plan is comprised of a series of activities, guiding questions, resources and character building connections, all designed to reach a specific set of key objectives. These objectives are as follows:

Students will develop a basic understanding of the neuroanatomy of the brain and an awareness of the brain’s primary functions. 
Students will develop an understanding of the concept of neuroplasticity and will identify areas of personal strength, and connect these skills to corresponding regions of the brain.
Students will develop an understanding of how mistakes function as a learning tool that helps the brain grow.
Students will learn that individual effort and practice can contribute to positive personal development in numerous realms, including social/emotional, cognitive, and physical/ kinesthetic growth.
Students will be able to identify specific actions and practices they can undertake to facilitate their brain growth.

To download our complimentary Your Fantastic Elastic Brain Lesson Plan, please click here . For a description of and access to our collection of educator resources to date, including our Being Global and Being Safe Lesson Plans, please click here. As always, we welcome your feedback on these resources!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meredith Moran is a Ph.D. candidate in the Stanford University School of Education, where she studies early literacy acquisition and curriculum development. Her dissertation research will explore how emergent readers build oral vocabulary and conceptual knowledge through discussions of text read aloud. Prior to her graduate work, Meredith was an elementary school teacher for nine years, eight of which were spent teaching kindergarten. Upon completion of graduate school, she hopes to translate her passion for early literacy into a dream career combining instruction and research with young readers. Meredith resides in San Anselmo, California, with her golden retriever, Beckham.

Goals for the 13th Annual SCBWI International Winter Conference

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

January has been an exciting and busy month for Little Pickle Press, and for the past few weeks, our focus has been on the upcoming conferences that we are thrilled to be attending. Rana DiOrio, Founder of Little Pickle Press, is currently in New York City diving into the digital side of the publishing industry at Digital Book World Conference 2012. Come this Thursday, I will happily be on a plane and on my way to the 13th Annual SCBWI International Winter Conference.

The SCBWI Winter Conference is an event that we look forward to every year. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to attend.

Here is what we hope to accomplish at the conference this year:

To learn as much as we can about the industry we love. Luckily, this year’s event lineup offers us an impeccable opportunity to do just that. The event is jam-packed with exciting presentations and diverse workshop offerings, from Chris Crutcher’s keynote on “Turning Real Life into Fiction”, to expert opinions on the future of children’s books, and much more. You can view a full schedule of the weekend here.

To connect with talented members of the SCBWI community. There is nothing more exciting for us than connecting with illustrators, authors, and industry professionals with an eagerness to learn, connect, and share in the love for the children’s book publishing industry. This year, we are especially excited to connect with Sandra Salsbury, the talented illustrator of What Does It Mean To Be Safe?, the newest addition to our award-winning series. If you are attending the conference this year, please reach out to us! We look forward to networking and making new contacts.

To reconnect with Team Blog. Last year, Rana DiOrio was blown away by the amazing team of SCBWI bloggers, whose diligent coverage of the event offers those who are unable to attend the ability to stay plugged into the action from home. If you are interested in following the event, please connect with the talented SCBWI Team Blog, led by Lee Wind (@leewind)–– Alice Pope (@alicepope on Twitter), Martha Brockenbrough (@mbrockenbrough), Jolie Stekly (@cuppajolie), Jaime Temalrik (@jaimetem), and Suzanne Young (@suzanne_young).

To share our experiences. As always, we will be personally highlighting the conference and sharing our experiences with you via our social media accounts. To stay connected with Little Pickle Press as we dive into the conference, please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@LPP_Media @cameron_crane @ranadiorio @blogbooktours). We will be using the Twitter hashtag #NY12SCBWI.

Featured Customer of the Month: Give Wink

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

Give Wink

2570 NE Miami Gardens Drive

North Miami Beach, FL 33180

As an organization rooted in philanthropy, Little Pickle Press loves connecting with companies who support a good cause. It is even more exciting when like-minded companies make the decision to carry our books. Today, we feature Give Wink as our customer of the month.

Originally an online boutique, Give Wink was founded by mompreneur Francine Delarosa in November of 2009. Give Wink provides an abundance of educational toys, unique children’s furniture and accessories, baby gear and gifts hand selected by Francine for busy mothers like herself. Following in the footsteps of the three previous generations of her family to provide optical care in Barranquilla, Columbia, Delarosa founded Give A Wink, a charity which helps to provide full eye exams and eyeglasses donations to children in need. Please welcome Francine to the blog.

What makes Give Wink special?

Based in Miami, Florida, Give Wink is so much more than your run of the mill children’s shop. Specializing in educational toys and children’s furnishings, Give Wink offers a full line of custom bedding, endless options of personalized gifts, and design oriented kids furniture, all brought to you by a staff of space planning specialists to ensure each customer finds the right pieces for their space and lifestyle.

Give Wink donates an eye exam and pair of glasses to a child for every $100 spent. How did this come to be? Why this particular cause?

I always knew I wanted Give Wink to be more than just a retail store. I feel very fortunate for all that I have, and that I am able to surround myself and my family with beautiful things. Eyes are the windows to the world, and are very necessary if we are to appreciate all the beautiful things that surround us. In addition, proper eyesight is necessary for progress in school.

What is the most challenging part about owning and running Give Wink?

Balancing and managing my time. With 3 small children (3 boys ages 8, 6 and 4) getting everything done in my personal and professional lives is not easy. I always have a guilty conscience. When I work late and am not with my boys I feel guilty about not being with them, and when I take time off I feel I am not being a responsible business owner. I am at a loss no matter what but at the end of the day I know that I'm doing my best and that's all that I can do.

What is your favorite part about owning and running Give Wink?

Making people happy. It’s a fact that babies and kids bring out the best in us (well, most of the time). I enjoy providing my clients with the most unique and practical products (those that I would use myself).

What has your experience selling Little Pickle Press books been like? Why did you decide to carry our books? Which book is your favorite?

When it comes to books, I like books that promote conversation within the family and leave an impact on the reader. Each book by Little Pickle Press is so important in its own way. The collection should be part of every family's library. What Does It Mean To Be Green? and What Does It Mean To Be Global? touch upon two aspects that affect us on a daily basis. Also, they are concepts that need to be discussed as a family, and these books set the scene for conversation. What Does It Mean To Be Present? is my personal favorite and my mantra. I think every parent living in this fast paced world needs to read it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us about Give Wink?

We do not look to compete with the Barnes and Nobles of the world, at least not for now, but customers have come to know and trust our selection of products and Little Pickle Press is a favorite amongst most.

Thank you, Francine and Give Wink!

Getting Ready for Kids Food Festival!

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

Kids Food Festival

January 21-22, 2012

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
CitiPond℠ at Bryant Park
New York City, NY

In the next few weeks, Little Pickle Press will be spending some quality time in New York City, as we gear up for winter conferences like Digital Book World 2012 and the SCBWI 13th Annual Winter Conference. This weekend, Chief Executive Pickle Rana DiOrio is very excited to be heading to the Kids Food Festival.

Kids Food Festival gets cooking this weekend, January 21st and 22nd, from 10am to 6pm at CitiPond℠ at Bryant Park. Kids Food Festival was co-founded by Cricket Azima and Abbie Gellman of The Creative Kitchen, and Nira Paliwoda of Two Shes Productions. You can watch a wonderful video of the ladies of Kids Food Festival ringing the NYSE Opening bell by clicking here.

The mission of Kids Food Festival is five-fold:

To aid in the transformation to balanced eating habits through education and promotion of sensible food choices.
To help reduce childhood obesity by nipping it in the bud.
To generate increased demand for wholesome and balanced options of food-related products through education, sampling, and exposure.
To facilitate collaborations between families, communities, businesses, schools and public and non-profit organizations.
To donate a percentage of proceeds to a charity which battles childhood obesity.

A percentage of proceeds from the event will benefit Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit that is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives.

As if the cause wasn’t reason enough to catch the interest and attention of Little Pickle Press, the event activities lined up look fun, and delicious! This weekend’s festivities include a Balanced Plate Scavenger Hunt, hands-on cooking demos, live entertainment, samplings, tastings, ice skating, and more!

We are grateful to Thomas Farley, a.k.a Mister Manners, who we featured on our blog last month, and who introduced us to Cricket Azima. Thomas will be at the festival hosting “Table Time with Mister Manners” Saturday at noon. For a comprehensive schedule of the event performances, please click here.

If you are in the area this weekend, and are interested in supporting a great cause, please join us! You can also stay updated by connecting with Little Pickle Press and Kids Food Festival on Twitter.

General admission to the Festival is FREE, but tickets (available online now) are required for all events in the James Beard Foundation Future Foodies Pavilion and on the KFF Performance Stage. To register for tickets or for more information and a menu of the weekend festivities, please go to www.KidsFoodFestival.com.

Mindset: Fixed or Growth?

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

This post by Little Pickle Press founder, Rana DiOrio, originally published here on 5/17/10 and we share it again to coincide with our theme this month about Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Grow It.

One of the best books I have read is Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. It is a game-changing book for parents, teachers, coaches, and managers of any kind.

What is a mindset? Dr. Dweck explains that entering a mindset is akin to entering a new world. In one world, success is about proving you’re smart, IQ matters and is immutable, failure is a setback and means you are not recognizing your potential, effort is a bad thing because it means that you’re not naturally talented. This is the world of someone who has a fixed mindset. In the other world, it’s all about developing yourself, challenging yourself to learn new things, IQ doesn’t really matter and can be improved, failure is a valuable way to learn, and effort is what makes you talented. This is the world of someone who has a growth mindset. Radically different approaches, wouldn’t you say?

The pitfalls of praise and positive labels. In one of the more powerful chapters of the book, Dr. Dweck explores how praise can reinforce the fixed mindset. She and her team conducted studies involving hundreds of students, mostly early adolescents. They first gave each student a set of 10 relatively difficult problems from a nonverbal IQ test. The students largely did well on these, and when they finished, Dr. Dweck’s team praised them. They praised some of the students for their ability (i.e., “Wow, you got [say] eight right. That’s a really good score. You must be smart at this.”). They praised other students for their effort (i.e., “Wow, you got [say] eight right. That’s a really good score. You must have worked really hard.”). The latter group of students was not made to feel as though they possessed special gifts; rather, they were praised for doing what is necessary to succeed. Both groups were identical at the outset, but right after the praise, they began to differ. “As we feared, the ability praise pushed students right into the fixed mindset, and they showed all the signs of it too: When we gave them a choice, they rejected a challenging new task that they could learn from. They didn’t want to do anything that could expose their flaws and call into question their talent.”

Dr. Dweck underscored another finding in her team’s study, “that was striking and depressing at the same time.” They told each student that they were going to go to other schools and that they imagined that the students in those schools would like to know about the problems. Then, they gave the students a page to write their thoughts and left a space for them to disclose the scores they had received on the problems. Stunningly, 40 percent of the ability-praised students lied about (that is, improved) their scores! Dr. Dweck observed, “In the fixed mindset, imperfections are shameful – especially if you’re talented – so they lied them away. What’s so alarming is that we took ordinary children and made them into liars, simply by telling them they were smart.”

Reorienting your messages. Consider adopting strategies that reinforce a growth mindset in your children and yourself. Dr. Dweck suggests that at the dinner table, ask each child (and one another):

What did you learn today?

What mistake did you make that taught you something?

What did you try hard at today?

Try going around the table with each question, and "discuss your own and one another’s effort, strategies, setback, and learning." Underscore the value of constructive criticism and of having people in our lives who challenge us to grow. Furthermore, encourage your children to talk about things they have always wanted to do but were afraid to, and help them to make a plan to do it. You’ll discover that the growth mindset world is more exciting and fulfilling!

Readers, please leave us a comment about the type of mindset most common in your lives!

10 Interactive E-books We Love for Children

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

Over the last few months, Little Pickle Press has been diving deep into the captivating world of digital media. We have spent a lot of time developing interactive apps and e-books for our award-winning titles, and are very excited about what we have produced so far!

Sofia’s Dream, by Land Wilson and illustrated by Sue Cornelison, is currently editorially featured by Apple. We were recently in the studio with Tom Corwin, who did the voice over for Snutt the Ift: A Small but Significant Chapter in the Life of the Universe. As we continue learning all that it takes to develop exciting new content, we are gaining a deep appreciation for apps and e-books that stand out.

Today, we introduce our list of 10 Interactive E-books We Absolutely Love for Children:

Snutt the Ift: A Small but Significant Chapter in the Life of the Universe by Helen Ward
Developer: Franklin Jr. Apps
Ages: 4+

Sofia’s Dream by Land Wilson, Illustrated by Sue Cornelison
Developer: Franklin Jr. Apps
Ages: 4+

The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
Developer: HarperCollins Publishers
Ages: 7+

The Earth Book by Todd Parr
Developer: Scrollmotion, Inc.
Ages: 3+

The Freight Train by Donald Crews
Developer: HarperCollins Publishers
Ages: 2+

Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
Developer: Loud Crow Interactive Inc.
Ages: 2+

Elmer and the Lost Teddy by David McKee
Developer: Oceanhouse Media, Inc.
Ages: 4+

Don’t Let the Pigeon Run this App by Mo Williams (and You)
Developer: Disney Publishing Worldwide Applications
Ages: 5+

Roxie’s Doors by Roxie Munro
Developer: OCG Studios
Ages: 5+

Yo, Millard Fillmore! (and all those other presidents you don’t know) by Will Cleveland & Mark Alvarez
Developer: Armory New Media
Ages: 9+

If you are interested in learning more about Little Pickle Press’ new digital assets, please connect with us this month at Digital Book World Conference 2012 in New York City, or Macworld|iWorld 2012 in San Francisco, where our partner Franklin Jr. Apps will be featuring our Be Global app and more!

Image credit: southernauthors.blogspot.com

Movies of Your Mind

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

By Arlene R. Taylor, Ph.D.

I opened the letter to find three hand-written pages of words so tiny I had to get out my magnifying glass. In part, the writer said, “After being out of work for some time, I enrolled in career-training classes. Our next assignment is to visualize a new product label and transfer it to paper. I’m afraid this retraining won’t work for me. I’m way too old to figure out this ‘new age’ gobbledygook psychobabble.”

I must confess that, by the time I had deciphered my way to the end of page three, I was laughing aloud. How unfortunate that people so often speak from misinformation rather than fact.

So I began to craft my response:

First of all, visualization is “old age.” This natural brain phenomenon has likely been around since humans took up residence on this planet. The only “new age” aspect of visualization is the fact that brain-imaging studies have now associated the ability to visualize—a form of creativity—with the right frontal lobe. All normally-functioning brains are believed to possess the ability to visualize: to create internal mental pictures.

In terms of brain function, the verb to image simply means to call up a mental picture. Therefore, mental imaging (visualizing) describes the process of creating a picture in your mind’s eye of something that is not currently and concretely present in your field of vision. It may be a representation of something you have actually seen—e.g., an elephant, or something that you have never seen—e.g., an elephant with flashing psychedelic purple spots.

Many people take the ability to visualize for granted and aren’t even consciously aware that it’s happening. For example:

The telephone rings. One of your best friends is calling. A mental image of the person may spring to life on the movie screen of your mind.
You are on a school field trip. One of the teenagers says, “I want an ice cream cone.” You can be sure that he/she sees an internal mental picture of an ice cream cone. If you ask, “Would you like plain or sugar cone?" the teenager will likely visualize what each cone looks like before stating a choice.
While setting the table for company, you picture the face of each person and decide where each will sit.
You take a vacation to a destination that you have spent time thinking about. (People usually end up in places they have spent time thinking about.)

Many people have honed this mental skill to improve their personal health and wellbeing. Some are even teaching others how to use it. To some degree, the body does act out what the mind sees internally:

Cancer patients are learning to visualize their white blood cells as fighters that attack and destroy tumors. They are picturing wellness.
Children with severe asthma are being taught to visualize their bronchial tubes expanding and allowing air to flow freely into their lungs. In many cases, this effectively aborts their asthmatic breathing attacks.
Musicians, athletes, and sports figures have learned to rehearse mentally when actual rehearsal is impossible. They picture what they want to have happen.
Meditators ponder a mental picture, focusing their thoughts in contemplation. This gives brain and body a map to follow. Eventually they become the mental picture they have been beholding.

Myths about visualizing sometimes keep people from effectively using their active-mental-picturing ability. Here are examples:

Mental imaging means coming up with something completely new, and that's dangerous. Actually, there may be nothing new under the sun. Most ideas simply come from rearranging what you already know. Or they involve an extension of something that already exists.
Mental imaging is auto-hypnosis. Hypnosis is usually defined as a state very similar to sleep, but a sleep state that is induced by a hypnotizer whose suggestions are accepted by the subject. Mental imaging is not auto-hypnosis; it is best accomplished while the brain is awake and alert.
Mental imaging is synonymous with uniqueness so can be done only by experts. The word unique means one of a kind, very rare, or very unusual. Every normal human brain contains visualizing abilities, plus a left-brain hemisphere so that the mental images may be rationally and logically analyzed and critiqued.
You can't teach an old dog new tricks. Wrong. It may take slightly longer for the old dog to master the trick, but learn it can. Be careful not to confuse aging with stagnation. Professor Harvey Lehman did a study of 1000 creative achievements. He found that the median age of the creators was 74 at the time of their achievement. Alexander Graham Bell perfected the telephone when he was 58; he figured out how to stabilize the balance of the airplane when he was in his seventies. Grandma Moses began to paint in her late seventies. And so on.

Prior to the advent of television, especially in radio’s heyday, people saw pictures in their mind’s eye when they read or listened to stories. Interestingly enough, studies have shown that viewing large amounts of television may decrease skills of active mental picturing. Watching television largely involves passive mental picturing as the brain processes what other brains have created. For this reason, many creative individuals limit their television-viewing.

The brain resembles a muscle in that exercise stimulates its growth. You can learn to hone the skill of visualizing and stimulate your own brain function in the process. Every thought you think creates movies in your mind. In effect, you are your own director, photographer, editor, and viewer. How are you using this natural brain phenomenon? Do you allow it to run away with itself and picture fear or failure? Do you take charge and create mental pictures of success—by design? It’s your choice.

Image Credit: fireflyfoundation.wordpress.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Dr. Arlene Taylor

Arlene R. Taylor PhD, is one of the world's leading speakers on brain function, and is sometimes referred to as the brain guru. Dr. Taylor is founder and president of Realizations Inc., a non-profit corporation that engages in brain-function research and provides related educational resources.

Sports and Brain Damage

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Simon Diamond Cramer, our Young Writer of the Month and a student of creative writing, psychology, and French at Brandeis University. He interns at Little Pickle Press and David R. Godine, Publisher.

From Wikipedia

Every psychology student knows the story of Phineas Gage. A railroad foreman in the 1840s, Gage was a determined worker, a good leader, and a steadfast friend. That all changed when he was tamping down an explosive charge. The iron rod struck a rock and released a spark. The spark fell into the charge and the charge exploded, launching the rod upward through the front of his skull. It didn’t kill him – in fact, Gage walked away from the incident, and after a month, his doctor reported that he had recovered. However, his recovery wasn’t as complete as it had seemed. Though he survived, the event destroyed most of the left frontal lobe of his brain, and it changed him. Before the accident, Gage had been boisterous, cheerful, and steady to the core. Afterward, he became moody, unfocused, and temperamental, and his friends said that he was no longer the man they knew.

Though few incidences of brain damage are as dramatic as Gage's, examples abound. Repeated head trauma has been linked with increased risk of Parkinson’s syndrome, and damage to specific areas can cause all kinds of unique functional problems. Even though the idea that brain damage is irreversible is a myth stemming from outdated neurological research (our brains are in fact able to recover from remarkably severe damage, and to minimize damage they can’t repair), it is true that recovery is frequently slow and difficult.

Photo Credit: Kelley Mari

Rarely are the effects of everyday brain injuries as clear as in the world of professional sports. Soccer players begin to struggle with tasks an ordinary person would find simple because they have hit the ball so many times with their heads. Boxers have it even worse: though still agile mentally, Muhammad Ali has significant difficulty coordinating both movements and speech. Sports such as football which allow athletes to use helmets are somewhat better in this respect, but it’s still a notable problem.

Photo credit: Keith Miner

The topic of brain injury becomes particularly difficult when it comes to children, and not just because it’s hard to talk about them getting hurt. Children’s brains change and grow rapidly, making new connections, pruning old ones, and adjusting structures to compensate for damage at a remarkable rate. As a result, they recover faster and more completely from brain damage than adults do. In several cases, children with severe damage to one hemisphere of the brain have had that hemisphere removed. Given time, the remaining hemispheres were able to adjust their functionality to pick up the slack, allowing the children to function at or near normal levels. However, the childhood state of adjustment and integration is delicate, and if a vital neural pathway is damaged, it may result in a chain reaction of other problems. Even though children often recover from brain damage better than adults, damage they can’t recover from often has much more far-reaching effect. (That’s a word of advice: a helmet or a seat belt may mean the difference between a painful crash and a lifetime of impairment!)

Our brains are incredible mechanisms, able to completely change the ways they process information at a moment’s notice, adjust not just their activities but their very capabilities based upon the outside environment, and, given time, recover from incredible amounts of damage. Considering how complex they are, though, I think that the single most remarkable thing about them is that they work in the first place. Each human brain has roughly 100 billion neurons, each of which has an average of 7,000 synaptic connections, junctions which link it to other neurons. Every time one of those neurons sends or receives a signal, that’s a chance for something to go wrong. The true wonder is that, in most cases, nothing does.

Please do take advantage of our January promotion! Receive FREE SHIPPING on your entire order and a FREE TerraSkin Poster when you buy our award-winning title, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain. Just enter LPPBrain2012 at checkout.

A Call For Manuscript Submissions - Specifically Chapter Books

2012-01-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

By Rana DiOrio, Founder of Little Pickle Press

Google Images

“What are you looking for now?” I get asked this question often. My response historically has been, “I’ll know it when I read it.” That is hardly a satisfactory response, however. So, as the curator of the award-winning Little Pickle Press collection (you can familiarize yourself with our books by clicking here), and at the urging of many, I am going to share with you our immediate needs.

We need to grow with our readers. We enjoyed the privilege of appealing to young children, pre-readers and early readers, upon the publication of our first title at the end of 2009. Some of those early readers are now strong readers who require chapter books in order to further develop their abilities. We want to grow with those readers and meet their needs. Accordingly, we are seeking chapter books for 9 to 12-year-olds.

The common denominators. I’ve stated this before, but I believe it’s worth repeating. All of the manuscripts that we select involve conveying meaningful messages to children. They catalyze conversations between parents and children, teachers and students, about the topics that matter most to the generation of children we are shaping today. The manuscripts are well-written, thought-provoking, progressive, fresh, distinctive, and lend themselves well to not only illustration but also to extrapolation into other mediums, such as interactive e-books and applications.

The heart of the matter. What subject matters are most interesting to us at this point for treatment in a chapter book? They include (in no particular order and not exclusively):

Altruism (and other anti-narcissism, anti-entitlement themes)

Dare To Be Different

Choices: It’s Not All Black And White; Most of Life is Gray

Anti-Princess Themes

Creativity (the importance of it, fostering it, etc.)

Leadership and/or Entrepreneurship

Divergent (vs. Convergent) Thinking

Systems Thinking

Self-Sufficiency/Taking Care of Yourself and Your Community/Planting the Seeds of Being a Locavore

What we don’t want are books with hidden messages to grownups. We want books that convey a true message to children.

The conditions precedent. I am loath to admit this, but I must be honest. Manuscripts that are not submitted as Word documents (in .doc format vs. .docx), double-spaced in Times New Roman font are distracting in a way you would not want them to be. So, to position yourself for the possibility of success, please submit your manuscripts in the following manner:

As a Word document (in .doc format)

Double-spaced

With Times New Roman font,12-pt

With your suggested title and name at the top as well as a word count

With a word count in the range of 20,000 to 25,000 words (although we break the rules of convention often and remain open-minded)

Accompanied by a brief cover note/email that tells me why you think your manuscript is a good fit for Little Pickle Press and whether or not you’d like my candid feedback on it

Accompanied also by a signed and dated copy of our Manuscript Submission Policy & Agreement, which you may download from our website

· Send your manuscript, cover letter/email, and executed Manuscript Submission Policy & Agreement to submissions@littlepicklepress(dot)com - in so doing, you eliminate all distractions and allow our First Reader, me, and our team to focus on your all-important written words.

Our selection process. Once we receive your complete submission, our First Reader reads it within several weeks and sends me her preliminary thoughts. If she has a favorable opinion of the manuscript, then I read it. If the manuscript resonates with me, then I send it to one of our Editors and our Creative Director. If they like it too, then we schedule a call or meeting to discuss its merits. If at any point during our process, a team member thinks that the work does not fit for us, then we let the author know. If you indicate that you would like specific feedback, we do our best to include it in our note back to you.

Thanks for your interest. I sincerely thank you for your interest in Little Pickle Press and for reading this post. If you elect to send us a submission, thank you also for considering us as your publisher. I know from experience all that you have gone through to get to this point, and I respect and honor you for it.

Dr. JoAnn Deak at 92|Y Wonderplay Early Childhood Conference

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

by Cameron Crane

This past November, Little Pickle Press was very excited to hear that one of our award-winning authors, and international neuroplasticity expert, JoAnn Deak, Ph.D., was going to be the keynote speaker at the 92|Y Wonderplay Early Childhood Learning Conference.

This year was the fifth year that the 92|Y Wonderplay Early Childhood Learning Conference took place, bringing together early childhood professionals and international leaders in education and child & family development. The goal of the conference was to teach about the development about a child’s brain in the first five years of life, and why this specific stage plays such crucial role in lifetime development.

It is no wonder that Dr. Deak was selected to speak on the topic. Dr. Deak has spent significant time traveling and working with adults and parents to help understand what they can do to optimize their role as “neurosculptors”. Few can take as complex a subject as neurology, and break it down in terms that we can understand and apply to our everyday lives. This skill is what makes Dr. Deak and her book, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain, so exceptional.

If you couldn’t attend November’s Wonderplay conference, but have an interest in learning what you can to do become a better neurosculptor, you can watch Dr. Deak’s presentation here.

If you would like to have Dr. JoAnn Deak give a presentation at your school or organization, please contact The DEAK Group.

Book Review —Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Luan Stauss, Owner of Laurel Book Store, Oakland, CA

Author: JoAnn Deak Ph.D.

Illustrator: Sarah Ackerley

Reading Level: Grade 1-3, Age 5 and up (easily of interest for older kids)

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Little Pickle Press

I love to suggest non-fiction books to kids and luckily there seems to be an increase in the number of really good books that feed the hunger for knowledge. In Your Fantastic Elastic Brain, Dr. JoAnn Deak has done an amazing thing in teaching the beginnings of neuroscience to young kids. Just when they get into the swing of learning all sorts of things every day, here comes a book that not only teaches them about their brain, but also tells them how it does what it does in helping them learn. In breaking it down into easy-to-understand pieces, Dr. Deak explains what each of the parts of the brain are and what they do, and then goes on to explain how you can “stretch” your brain to make sure you can keep learning more new things. Of course this has implications all your life so this little book could help lay the groundwork for a generation of kids to keep their brains active and sharp into old age.

For example, she makes it clear that kids are in charge of their brains and that what they do can affect their learning. So much information is simply fed to them, that it can be easy to not be as active a participant as they could be. I believe that this concept makes it a really great book for parents and teachers as well. It’s also a great foundation and support for talking about how different people learn things at different rates and sometimes in different ways. My favorite new word is “neurosculptor” and Dr. Deak presents it as a powerful term that enables kids to feel in control of their brains.

The illustrations by Sarah Ackerley are clean and clear and completely kid-appropriate. With a tiny owl and mouse giving bits of commentary, the kids portrayed are active, inquisitive characters who are easy to identify with. Ackerley makes the learning fun for the intended age group and interesting for older kids.

I appreciate the book itself as well. It’s made from a new material called TerraSkin paper which is made from stone. It’s environmentally-friendly, printed with soy inks, uses green packaging, and is printed in Canada. Many of those things will stretch one’s brain by learning about them, so it’s all very supportive of the message!

I appreciate that Little Pickle Press is coming out with really lovely, informative, and ecological books and look forward to seeing what they do each season.

~~~~~~~

Editor's Note: To buy a copy of Your Fantastic Elastic Brain, please click here. The book will soon go into reprint, and will not be printed on TerraSkin, but rather on a recycled paper, so you will be purchasing a collector copy of this first-run edition if you buy now. The corresponding poster pictured below will continue to be available on TerraSkin, and makes a lovely addition to a gift purchase. Perfect for teachers, too! This January, enter LPPBrain2012 at checkout, and receive the poster for FREE, along with FREE SHIPPING on your entire order when you purchase of Your Fantastic Elastic Brain!

18"x27" TerraSkin Poster $7.95

The New GPS for Parents: The Brain

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Brain Research Leads to Some Suggested Routing Changes in the Complex Course of Parenting

By JoAnn Deak, Ph.D.

It has become a common statement emanating from the mouths of new parents: I wish my child had come with an owner’s manual! For years we have relied  on the wisdom of past generations, our own upbringing, and a host of books, articles, and now social media. Research has also played an important role. In a Harvard study 15 years ago, children whose parents allowed them more freedom of movement and exploration during the toddler years showed a significant difference in intellectual development.

Later, brain imaging came into the picture, mostly from MRIs: a method of imaging brains while they are alive and working. In the last year, an even newer method of brain imaging infants has become available: MEG imaging. In a TED.com video by Patricia Kuhl, you will see that, at least up until the age of one, babies’ brains are enhanced in the language areas only if the spoken words are heard from someone in person. In other words, there was no growth in the language areas of babies’ brains while watching videos or listening to audio-tapes of people, not even of the baby’s own mother! This one area of brain research has staggering ramifications for parents. The baby brain is like a computer, prolifically cataloging language sounds in the first year of life, so we need to be talking to babies with rich grammar and syntax and great enunciation and pronunciation. And, all of that talking to babies needs to be in person. This has huge implications for the quality of childcare.

One of the most important contributions of this new and ongoing brain research is that it confirms and emphasizes the plasticity of the child brain in the first decade of life. I have dubbed this period "the magic decade." During this time, certain parts of the brain are at their peak capacity for growth. These are called “widows of neurological opportunity or sensitivity”.

If the brain is used during one of these periods, not only is that part stretched and made bigger, but it seems to enhance its plasticity for a lifetime.

A clear example is the motor part of the brain. If a child does a lot of floor play,  plays with three dimensional objects, etc. in the early years, this sets up the musculature of the hands to be able to do things like handwriting later in life. Why this example? We are seeing so many young children sitting in front of TVs, playing videos only with their thumbs, in car seats... leaving not enough time to spend on motoric development. The incidence of written expression problems in schools is concurrently spiking.

One area of heightened concern is the lack of time children spend in the first five-to-ten years of life in auditory experiences. All language-based learning starts with the ears: hearing, attention, concentration, understanding, talking. During the first five years of life, a great deal of time needs to be spent in this auditory realm. Research shows that by age five, children are spending 50% of their waking hours with visual input. That is leaving a very small amount of time for auditory input, processing, attention, etc. A clear recommendation to parents is to limit the amount of time with Game Boys, computers, and TV. When children watch TV, brain imaging shows little or no activity and growth in the language and thinking areas of the brain in that crucial first decade.

In a nutshell, the brain research is very positive about the plasticity of the brain  in the magic decade. That plasticity is dependent on use. Environments rich in human interaction, language, thinking, and doing are all being supported by the research. It is not a surprise that some of the wisdom of generations is also being supported by this research. Spend time doing things with your children, talk and play games with them, get them to think and try things on their own. And, just a little taste of the newest research: making mistakes enhances brain growth. So, don’t show your children how to do everything exactly right. Let them struggle, make a bit of a mess, and try again!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

JoAnn Deak, Ph.D., has spent more than thirty years as  an educator and psychologist, helping children develop into confident and competent adults. The latter half of that period has also focused on working with adults, parents, and teachers in their roles as guides or ‘neurosculptors’ of children. On her website is a quote that best describes her perspective of her work: “Every interaction a child has, during the course of a day, influences the adult that child will become.”

You can purchase our award-winning title Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It by Dr. JoAnn Deak by clicking here.

Interested in having neuroplasticity expert and LPP author Dr. JoAnn Deak come to your child’s school for a teacher workshop or parent workshop? Please contact the DEAK Group.

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain

2012-01-04T07:32:00.000-08:00

During the month of January, we are celebrating and exploring the human brain and featuring our award-winning title Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch it, Shape it, by Dr. JoAnn Deak.

Check out this fantastic book trailer!

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is available for purchase here.

Back by Popular Demand: 10 More Apps We Love for Children

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

A few weeks ago, we posted 10 Apps We Absolutely Love for Children, in anticipation of what was sure to be a record-breaking holiday season of tablet sales. Sure enough, the results are in, and the season lived up to expectations. Chances are, you have some sort of tablet device accessible in your household.

Looking for fun and educational apps that your children will love can be especially challenging in such a saturated marketplace. That is why today, back by popular demand, are 10 More Apps We Love for Children:

The Tooth Thats On The Loose!
Developer: Franklin Jr. Apps
Ages: 4 +

The Monster at the End of this Book
Developer: Callaway Digital Arts
Ages: 3 +

Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails
Developer: Callaway Digital Arts
Ages: 3 +

Itsy Bitsy Spider
Developer: Duck Duck Moose
Ages: 3 +

Eddy’s Number Party
Developer: Scientific Learning Corporation
Ages: 4 +

Spot the Dot
Developer: Ruckus Media Group
Ages: 4 +

Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo
Developer: Atari, Interactive
Ages: 5 +

FETCH! LUNCH RUSH!
Developer: PBS Kids
Ages: 6 +

Elmer’s Special Day
Developer: Oceanhouse Media
Ages: 4+

Shapes & Puzzles by Pirate Trio
Developer: Next is Great Sp z o.o.
Ages: 3 +

Little Pickle Press is very excited to be in the process of developing interactive apps based on our award-winning titles. Stay updated on our progress by connecting with us, and Franklin Jr. Apps, on Facebook and Twitter. You can also download and preview our What Does It Mean To Be Global? App here .

Image Credit: http://kiran.dhoux.com/

The Importance of Manners, According to Kids

2011-12-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

This December we have explored the importance of manners and how they have evolved over time. We have also discussed ways to instill manners in your little ones early. Today, four children tell us what being well-mannered is really all about.

What are manners?

Jake (8 years old): “Manners are for being polite.”

Isabella (6 years old): “Manners help people be nicer.”

Erica (7 years old): “They are saying please and thank you.”

Jacquelyn (6 years old): “Like rules kind of.”

Why are manners important?

Jake: “They are important because they are what you are supposed to do. Like people just know that you are supposed to do them. “

Isabella: “So people don’t think you are mean and stuff.”

Erica: “Because you are always supposed to say please when you want something. And then they say ‘you’re welcome’.”

Jacquelyn (6 years old): “It’s better to use manners.”

Who taught you about manners?

Jake: “My mom and dad, mostly.”

Isabella: “My mom. She teaches us manners and like when we are at the dinner table and stuff.”

Erica: “My mom teaches me sometimes. And in school sometimes we talk about them.”

Jacquelyn: “I just kind of know them.”

What do you think is the most important manner to follow?

Jake: “Probably not to interrupt.”

Isabella: “Saying please and thank you.”

Erica: “I think maybe ‘please’. Or maybe ‘thank you.’”

Jacquelyn: Waiting your turn for things.

What is the hardest one for you to remember?

Jake: “Well, sometimes I forget not to interrupt. Or not to point.”

Isabella: “To remember not to talk when I am eating.”

Erica: “I don’t think there is.”

And that is the one you are going to work on in the New Year, right?

Jake: (Shrug)

Isabella: “Yes.”

Erica: “Uh-huh.”

Thank You So Much!

2011-12-28T04:02:00.000-08:00

By Dani Greer

Well, another holiday has passed. Was Santa good to you this year? Better write him a thank you note right now! If you’re like me, it’s best to do this while the gift and the joy are fresh and you can share your delight with proper enthusiasm.

I admit I’m a bit sentimental about receiving thank you notes. I often spend a lot of time on gifts I give, and I somehow feel more appreciated if the recipient sends me a little pat on the back. It makes me more inclined to give a gift again. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, though I love a good handmade card. I particularly like the precious one-of-a-kind and scrawled notes from young children. I wasn’t all that good at writing thank yous as a child, so I appreciate the excruciating effort it can take from a little person.

Thank you notes don't just have to be for gifts. Any note of appreciation for an action or event can make a person feel very special. Some people have such a gift for it, the thank you becomes a treasure, and something to put on display like a special piece of art. I don't think I'm the only person who views a thank you as a gift in itself.

Chris Hill, Little Pickle Press illustrator of What Does It Mean To Be Global?, has cleverly designed some cards for youngsters that I’m tempted to buy for myself. Isn’t this a great idea? Just fill in the blanks. It’s a perfect idea for those who are always at a dead loss about what to write. A very creative idea so be sure to head over to the Mackie Mack website and explore all the card and product offerings.

Mackie Mack by Chris Hill notecards

How are you all doing with those thank you notes, readers? You’ve finished thanking everyone for your holiday gifts, right? No? What’s holding you back? Do you write thank you notes to your friends and family? Why or why not? What about digital cards? Are those easier? Please, leave us a comment!

Wake Up to a Good Book

2011-12-26T05:06:00.000-08:00

By Dani Greer

The New York Times Bestseller

“Incredibly appealing.” ~ National Public Radio

“Delightfully obscene.” ~ Newsweek

“A parenting zeitgeist…” ~ Washington Post

After reading such glowing comments, I thought perhaps we should review the book here on the Little Pickle Press blog. So we ordered it, received it, read it, and promptly hated it. My husband labeled it puerile. I was at a loss for words. First of all, it isn't a children's book at all. Worse, it's a questionable piece of adult "humor" disguised as a children's book. What a dreadful use of $14.95.

Yet, according to the book's website, 76,829 Facebook fans have liked the fan page. Really? Clearly, I was missing something, so I asked award-winning author, Jane Yolen, if she would comment. She was kind enough to return this reply:

This book is not particularly new except for the F**k part. Lullabies with the same barely suppressed parental anger have been around for centuries: An African lullaby suggests that if a child doesn't go to sleep it will end up in a ditch, a French lullaby that if the child doesn't quiet down Napoleon will get him, and many others. I wrote about this in a lullaby collection back fifteen or twenty years ago, and more recently published a lullaby threat in the anthology, Welcome to Bordertown.

As a poet and rhymer, I am extremely critical of the bad scansion and less than original rhymes in the book. As an editor I think the illustrations are crude. Actually, it's a one-joke book stretched to its limit. But this could just be hidden jealousy speaking! All writers could use that kind of money! So - good on the author for having a bestseller. I just wish it had been a real children's poet like J. Patrick Lewis, Mary Ann Hoberman, Marilyn Singer, or Alice Shertle who had done the book.

I so agree.

Readers, I recommend you skip GTFTS (or take a quick peek at the library) and then buy a good book from any of the authors mentioned especially Jane Yolen. Click here to see a list of her recent publications including these three favorites of mine:

My Father Knows the Names of Things

The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye

My Uncle Emily

You'll enjoy these books and so will your children. And you won't have to wonder how to unload the other book. Well, perhaps you have it in your collection and feel differently. In any case, if you are familiar with Go the F**k to Sleep, please leave us a comment. What do you think of the book? We're open to a little debate!

Christmas Memories: Catching Santa Claus

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

Every year on Christmas Eve my sister and I would attempt to catch Santa Claus, and every year we were bitterly disappointed. We would set sleeping bags up in the living room, watching Christmas movies and desperately trying to fight sleep. And every year, without fail, we would wake up in the morning in our own beds, confused, and run to the living room to find it overflowing with presents. Lying next to the half eaten cookies we had set up for Santa the night before, there was always a letter from the man himself, delicately burnt around the edges, wishing us a Merry Christmas and “better luck next year”.

However, one Christmas when I was five and a half years old, that all changed. You see, that Christmas Eve, my sister, father and I came up with an impeccable plan to outsmart Santa Claus. The first thing we had to do was figure out where Santa came into the house each year, considering of course, that we didn’t have a fireplace so he couldn’t take his usual route. After careful exploration of the house and all of his options, we determined that he most probably came from the side door of the balcony. So naturally, that is where my father helped us set up his video camera, just out of view. That night, my sister and I crawled into our own beds, giggling with anticipation.

The next morning we could hardly contain ourselves. We ran into my parents’ room at the crack of dawn, begging my dad to run the video. Together, we gathered around the TV.

“Now,” my dad said as he plugged in the final cord, “I don’t want you girls to be disappointed if we didn’t get him. He’s pretty smart and there’s always next year.” With that he pressed play. For five minutes we sat staring at the screen in utter suspense. Minute by minute passed, and nothing. We were about to give up when all of a sudden, my sister yelled “Listen!”

Sure enough, the silence had been broken by the faint sound of bells, followed by a red leg, climbing over the balcony. Then there he was, standing on the porch, just the way we had always imagined him- the Santa Claus. When he opened the sliding door with a “Ho, ho, ho!”, my sister and I ran around the house screaming in overwhelming excitement. We had done it! We continued to watch as he set up the presents, enjoyed his milk and cookies, and took the time to write us a letter, which of course read “better luck next year.” It was the best Christmas morning of my life.

The following years, our new Christmas morning tradition was to watch the video and relive the victory. For years it was our proof that Santa Claus existed, and we would confidently correct our friends when they tried to tell us that he didn’t. It wasn’t until I was nine years old that I realized that the gleam in Santa Claus’ eye looked awfully familiar. I looked in acknowledgement at my dad that morning, and rather than feeling disappointed, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation that he had given my sister and me the opportunity to accomplish the impossible.

What is your favorite Christmas or holiday memory? We would love to hear it! Happy holidays from all of us at Little Pickle Press!

Happy Holidays from Little Pickle Press!

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Stereotyping, Community, and the Holiday Spirit

2011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Simon Diamond Cramer

Photo Credit http://www.menorah.com

I’ve heard it said that all stereotypes contain a grain of truth. Of course, I don’t believe it. Most stereotypes come about when one person sees another acting a certain way and ascribes it to their race, gender, belief system, or whatever else might be the topic of the day. In fact, I’d guess that the entire idea that stereotypes all have a grain of truth is, like the stereotypes themselves, based on exaggeration of the importance of a single example. So when you hear about a Jewish kid who asked his mom why he didn’t celebrate Christmas like everybody else at school, you might be inclined to think that it’s just another stereotype. Then again, some stereotypes do contain a grain of truth. I know, because I was that kid.

My elementary school was so diverse it might as well have been straight out of The Magic School Bus. Well, without the bus. There were boys and girls of all sorts of backgrounds, and I was The Jewish Kid, the one who ate delicious latkes and didn’t celebrate Christmas. It started out alright, but by middle school some of my classmates had heard about Jewish stereotypes. Even worse, they were middle-schoolers, and acted like it. You can probably imagine how well that went. I learned then, though I never really thought about it, that stereotypes can keep people from forming an understanding community. Though my middle school was a wonderful place in a lot of ways, because of the way some of my classmates excluded me for being Jewish, I never felt completely at home there.

Not only do stereotypes prevent communities from forming by excluding members they call “different”, they also prevent people in existing communities from developing real understanding of one another. The tendency to stereotype leads people to assume things, consciously or otherwise, about the people they know. As a result, they never find out the truth, and therefore never really cultivate a deep understanding with those people. It also works in reverse: people assume that others don’t care enough to try and understand them, so they never reach out and ask.

Sure, I celebrate Hanukkah and delicious potato pancakes, but I’m also partial to ham. I don’t have control over a significant portion of the global economy, as nice as that would be, and I certainly don’t control the media. To tell the truth, I really don’t care if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or anything else, or nothing at all. Though these and other holidays all have different sources, stories, and meanings, they all share one central theme: community. The holiday season is, more than anything else, about building community, be it between members of a religious group, friends at a school, or any other situation. Stereotyping gets in the way of that, both by preventing people from accepting each other into the group, and by leading them to assume things about others in the group that prevent them from truly getting to know those people. So as a gift to your friends and family, this year, reconsider. Consider inviting over somebody new to your family dinner. Consider asking a family member’s opinion on something you haven’t ever talked to them about. Consider how the holidays can help form communities; don’t stereotype, and don’t assume.

10 Apps We Absolutely Love for Children

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

This holiday season, Little Pickle Press has been exploring the world of apps for children. Why? To begin with, we have been working very hard with Franklin Jr. Apps to develop our own educational and entertaining apps based on our award-winning titles. You can download and preview our What Does It Mean To Be Global? app here.

On a larger scope, we are extremely interested in the growing role that this specific type of digital media is having on children, and industries catering to children. This holiday season, expected sales for tablet devices are higher than ever before. If you are one of many parents with this item on your gift list this year, or if you are simply looking for a way to keep children interested during holiday travel, here is our list of 10 Apps We Absolutely Love for Children:

Tozzle: Toddler’s Favorite Puzzle
Developer: nodeflexion.com
Ages: 4+

Bugs and Buttons
Developer: Little Bit Studio LLC
Ages: 5+

Stack the Countries
Developer: Dan Russell-Pinson
Ages: 8+

Peek-A-Zoo
Developer: Duck Duck Moose LLC
Ages: 2+

My First Classical Music App
Developer: Naxos Global Distribution Ltd.
Ages: 5+

Nighty Night
Developer: Shape Minds and Moving Images GmbH 2011
Ages: 2+

Fish School HD
Developer: Duck Duck Moose LLC
Ages: 3+

How Rocket Learned to Read
Developer: Random House, Inc.
Ages: 4+

Why Do Puppies Do That?

Developer: Franklin Jr. Apps

Ages: 4+

Super Why!

Developer: PBS Kids
Ages: 3+

Have you downloaded any of these apps for your children? What did you think? Any other apps that they love that aren't on the list? Please share with us!

Image Credit: http://www.blogcatalog.com/post/ce704d051ed4da7bf4039c14bd132a4e

A Christmas Recipe to Make with Your Children

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Rana DiOrio, Founder, Little Pickle Press

http://bit.ly/PhotoBySmittenKitchen

Last year, I shared with you two Christmas recipes from my childhood, Cranberry Nut Bread and Snowball Cookies (aka Butterballs). You can click to see them here.

This year I want to share with you another recipe I used to make with my mom and that I make with my pickles now. It is simple to prepare and appeals to all ages, so it is ideal for holiday entertaining.

Hello Dollies (even the name has cross-generational appeal!)

2 sticks of butter (melted)

2 cups of graham cracker crumbs*

2 cups chocolate chips (12 ounce package; your choice of which type)

2 2/3 cups of flake coconut

1 ½ cups chopped nuts (we use pecans)

2 cans (14 ounce size) sweetened condensed milk (now available in low fat)

*When I was a child, pulverizing the graham crackers into crumbs in a ziplock bag was my job. Today, you can buy them as crumbs. Progress!

Mix melted butter and cracker crumbs and line the bottom of a greased 9” x 13” pan. Mix chips, coconut, and chopped nuts. Layer on top of the crumbs. Pour condensed milk over the mixture. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 30 minutes. Allow your Hello Dollies to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Consider making Hello Dollies with your little pickles, and by all means tell us how it went!

From all of us at Little Pickle Press to all of you and yours, we hope that your holidays are especially wonderful and meaningful.

Free Priority Shipping!

2011-12-17T14:57:00.000-08:00

It's not too late to give award-winning books to the children on your list. From now through Monday afternoon, Little Pickle Press is offering FREE PRIORITY SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more made on the Little Pickle Press website: http://www.littlepicklepress.com/ - Just enter FREESHIP at checkout!

Featured Customer of the Month: Fabulous Framers

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

Fabulous Framers
430 Ignacio Blvd.
Novato, CA 94949

During the holiday season Little Pickle Press always feels a special gratitude for our customers. We have the opportunity to reflect on a wonderful year, and thank the people who have made our business so enjoyable. Today, we recognize Fabulous Framers as our Featured Customer of the Month. Fabulous Framers is special for many reasons, but their dedication to high quality work, passion for art and creativity, and excellent customer service truly make them stand out. Today, we happily welcome Linda McDonald of Fabulous Framers to the blog.

Tell us about you...how long have you been in business, how did you get started, why Ignacio?

In the spring of 2005, Andrea Brush and I were researching the possibility of a frame shop that we had heard was for sale in Novato. Andrea and I had been working together at another framing location for about two years. At that time Andrea had been framing for about nine years and I had been framing for 25 years, making us both master framers, and ready to break out on our own. When our search for the "available frame shop" turned up nothing, we went to the Pacheco Plaza shopping center to shoe shop at Joseph's Shoes, and to say hello to Natalie at Natalie and Daria's Flowers (I had known Natalie since we were both young girls). I mentioned to Natalie that we had not found the frame shop for sale that we had been looking for, and she said that the fellow across the parking lot had been trying to sell his place for years (and had taken it off the market and was going to close). We went we went to check it out and I bought the store, we re-named it Fabulous Framers and remodeled the store into what you see now.

What makes Fabulous Framers special/unique?

"When You Love What You Do It Shows" is our tag line, and tells it like it is. We both enjoy "framing outside the box" so to speak- doing that special something that highlights the art and allows the creativity to flow.

What is your favorite part of owning and running Fabulous Framers?

Working in a frame shop is like having the art gallery come to you, a day filled with art can only be a good day. My favorite part is helping clients to realize their own creativity and together creating a piece they will cherish for years to come.

What is the most challenging part?

The most challenging part is the same as for any business, just finding time for all of the "business ie: bookwork" when what you really want to do is be creative all day.

What are the comments/questions that you get regarding Little Pickle Press books?

We have only had great comments about Little Pickle Press books. People (adults and children) are delighted with the stories, and the illustrations. The subject matter is really timely and sought after by young and old alike. We have had teachers, mothers, kids and grandparents in here very excited about the books, and so happy to be able to purchase them.

Little Pickle Press would like to thank Fabulous Framers for their support. If you are in the area, we highly recommend that you bring your artwork to Fabulous Framers and let Linda and Andrea work their magic!

Interview with Mister Manners aka Thomas P. Farley

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

By Rana DiOrio, Founder of Little Pickle Press

Last week I had the great pleasure of interviewing Mister Manners (a.k.a. Thomas P. Farley). How did I come to interview the Mister Manners? Well, I asked if he would be amenable, politely. And he accepted my invitation, thoughtfully, promptly, and ever-so-graciously. Here’s how our conversation unfolded.

Ms. DiOrio: How did you get into the manners business?

Mister Manners: Manners have always been important to me. My parents and teachers were adamant about writing thank you notes, refraining from saying “shut up”, etc.

I accepted a job at Town & Country writing the Social Graces column, which addressed issues of contemporary etiquette. Essentially it was about how we deal with one another on an everyday basis. My writings evolved into a Modern Manners anthology. I think I enjoyed early success in this arena because I was a young man who brought a fresh perspective to the subject matter (historically dominated by older women authoritarians).

Ms. DiOrio: Which manners do you miss the most in our modern society?

Mister Manners: Modern is the key term in this question. People have become overly-reliant upon emails and texting. Our telephones at home and our cell phones ring very rarely. The idea of putting a pen to paper is anathema. These skills are not being used. Children and young people especially need to communicate verbally and in writing.

I save thank you notes when I receive them. People don’t print out emails and put them on the refrigerator. People do, however, put handwritten thank you notes there. So, to answer your question succinctly, I’d say that in our modern society I most miss communicating well through the spoken and written word.

Ms. DiOrio: Which three manners do you think are most important to teach children as soon as they can understand?

Mister Manners:

1. Please;

2. Thank you; and

3. Sorry.

If children can understand the importance of these three phrases, they have mastered 99% of all manners they will ever need to know.

Close behind is, “you’re welcome”.

Ms. DiOrio: How much do you think the media influences manners today?

Mister Manners: As a member of the media myself, I think they take a lot of blame undeservedly so. The greater source of blame is technology itself, which is encroaching upon our time. Devices are wonderful and serve a purpose, but they take time away from social graces.

Furthermore, the media is delivering what the public is eager to consume. Kim Kardashian, for example, is not a positive role model for young girls. Parents need to take responsibility for what content their children are consuming and not try to lay the blame on the media.

Ms. DiOrio: Why is it so much easier to fall into bad manners than good manners?

Mister Manners: It’s the path of least resistance. I don’t think most people are sitting down thinking, “What can I do to be rude today”? By the same token, being polite takes thought and time. What if a working mom skips writing thank you notes for her one-year-old’s birthday party? Is that OK? No. We are hyper-scheduled, so we cut corners when it comes to social graces.

Ms. DiOrio: Can a person be too polite? What if my good manners make people around me uncomfortable?

Mister Manners: Manners exist to grease the wheels of social interaction. They enable us to co-exist without confusion, so we can focus on more important things.

Putting on false airs of fussy manners completely undermines the reason for manners, which is to make people feel comfortable. It’s off-putting. My advice is to be mindful of the people you are with and modulate your manners to best suit the audience.

Ms. DiOrio: How do I model good behavior to children?

Mister Manners: Good manners start in the home. Both parents need to be on board. The kids follow what they witness.

“Do what I say, not what I do” doesn’t cut it. Keep your language clean.

Family dinners are very important to cultivate manners in children. Stop making excuses and make them happen. Have dinner together as a family at least twice a week. Quality interaction is essential to shaping children.

Stress the importance of using Please, Thank you, and Sorry; and do so yourself.

Above all else, treat your children with respect. They will treat others the way you treat them.

Ms. DiOrio: How do I protect them from the bad manners of other people?

Mister Manners: There is no way to isolate a child from bad manners. There will inevitably be scenarios where kids are exposed to bad manners. So, give them a strong foundation at home. As you witness bad behavior, use it as a springboard for discussion about the differences in homes.

You may consider accompanying your child on a play date to see whether the host family has the same manners as you do at home.

Certain adults want to be called by their first names vs. Mr./Dr./Mrs./Ms. So-and-so. This can be very confusing for a child. There is something important lost when the formality goes away. Discuss this with your children.

Ms. DiOrio: What is the manners question people ask you most often?

Mister Manners: Who goes through the revolving door first, the man or the woman? The answer is that the man goes first to push the door. It’s a paradox. The woman, being the fairer sex, needs the man to push the door for her. That said, I typically give the door a push and then usher the woman into the revolving door ahead of me.

Ms. DiOrio: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

Mister Manners: I have two more things to offer:

1. Manners are the foundation for making children successful and well-liked, the sort of person their peers will admire. Having good manners does not mean you have to be a doormat though. Think about the reactions a cancelled flight yields. On the one hand you have an irate passenger who is raising his voice to the gate agent. On the other, you have a level-headed passenger who knows his rights and who is politely working with the gate agent to see that they are honored. It’s the level-headed passenger who is going to get re-booked on the next flight. Similarly, the child who is throwing a temper tantrum is not going to get the result she wants. The child who is polite is in a far better position to get what she wants.

2. Parents, please put away your devices. Don’t ignore your children because you are engrossed in your devices. I assure you, this behavior will come back to haunt you.

Ms. DiOrio: Thank you for joining us, Mister Manners. Readers, we hope you leave us a comment or question.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thomas P. Farley is a manners expert who has been interviewed on matters of etiquette by the Today show, the CBS Early Show, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Christian Science Monitor, People Style Watch, USA Today, CNN, ABC and Nick at Nite's TV Land, as well as on radio stations across the country. A graduate of Fordham University, Farley is presently at work on his second book, which will address the tricky matter of tech etiquette—from BlackBerry use to Facebook quandaries. You can read more about him here. Find his other books here. Be sure to connect with him on Twitter and Facebook, and watch this interesting video interview about the well-mannered way to post photos of your friends on Facebook!

Cell Phone Etiquette and More

2011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Dani Greer

A few years ago, I discovered knitting and quickly became… well, addicted. I took my knitting everywhere. One day, we were invited for dinner at a friend’s house, and we were also treated to a piano concert by the host. As he seated himself at the baby grand and prepared himself to begin, I pulled out my knitting. I knew I’d really be able to hear that music, at a deep and interior level, with the relaxing, almost hypnotic motions of my knitting needles. My host, however, took one look at me and asked me to put that away and pay attention to him. I was a bit taken aback, but today I am grateful, because I learned a lesson about being present and 100% available when I was in the company of another human, especially one who had spent time and energy to entertain me.

Whether knitting or cell phone use, good manners are important when in the company of others. There is a rule at my house that visitors must turn off their cell phones while they are with me, and I don’t interrupt our visit to answer my phone either… whether cell or land-line. It’s nothing more (or less) than honoring present company as the most important aspect of this particular experience.

Alas, we have all fallen into the bad habit of using our gadgets during any and every waking hour. Many of us simply don’t have the common sense or manners to know when our behavior is inappropriate. Well, I shall make it easy for you. Here are a few examples of when your cell phone is not required or welcome:

At a play or concert

In a classroom

At the library

At a wedding

In a restaurant with company

At your own dinner table

In a church

At the movie theater

At my house

While driving

I mention the last because the practice of driving and texting really has become a serious issue and goes beyond basic good manners. Forgive me for sounding harsh, but it ventures into the realms of sheer stupidity and criminal behavior. Just in the last week, I’ve read two U.S. newspaper articles about this. If you text and drive, stop this behavior immediately. I say this particularly to young people who have their entire lives ahead of them and who think they are invincible, as we all do when we are young. You are not. Not only can you die of this practice, you can kill others who don’t deserve it, and leave a trail of agony for those you leave behind. Don’t text and drive. Period.

I’m not the only person with this warning; nonetheless, texting while driving increased by 50% in 2010. Read more here.

A federal study says one in 20 drivers observed at any given moment is holding a mobile phone to his or her ear, and that almost one in 100 can be observed sending a text message or otherwise manipulating a digital device. The rest of this article is here.

I don’t know what the answer to this issue is. Certainly jabbering on about good manners won’t solve the matter. I don’t even think passing laws will entirely end the behavior. Perhaps the answer is for automobile manufacturers to build cell phone jammers into cars that only allow the use of an emergency number.

What do you think? Are cell phones a problem in modern society? Where do you draw the line when it comes to cell phones and good manners? Where and when is it okay to use a cell phone in public? Do you use your smartphone while driving? Please leave us your comments and we will add the best to our list!

Consider giving our award-winning title, What Does It Mean To Be Present? to a relentless texter in your life this holiday. If just might be the best gift they get!

Young Writer of the Month

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Elora Tribble

Last year I had the opportunity to visit relatives in Germany. There were so many wonderful things to see and experience, but all this time later, one memory stands out more than others. That was the manners of the German people, especially the super-handsome men! I think I know why they all seemed so attractive. Here are some characteristics I noticed during the journey and which I would like to see more of here in the United States:

10. Everyone almost always made eye contact.

9. Everyone smiled… all the time.

8. There was not much swearing, even from young teenagers.

7. Men held doors open, not just for women, but for everyone including other men.

6. The all-male flight attendants were so incredibly accommodating.

5. Everyone was extremely helpful even if there was a language barrier – they weren’t a bit embarrassed to try to speak English or understand my limited German.

4. Nobody really looked sloppy and some men were really put together! They were very stylish and grooming seemed to be a matter of pride with them.

3. Mealtimes were especially enjoyable even in public places because of the communal tables which offered good opportunity for meeting new friends in a safe setting.

2. When you are a guest in a German home, you are served as though you are royalty.

1. I don’t remember one rude person in those two weeks, and I came back to America determined to act in such a well-mannered and positive way myself, because I would like to see that spread throughout my country, too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elora Tribble is a nanny, ballet dancer, violinist, and Volkswagen enthusiast who loves to restore collector cars with her Dad. Her next adventure is a move to Hawai’i to attend Brigham Young University where she plans to major in elementary education.

Snutt the Ift Blog Book Tour and New Poster

2011-12-08T07:22:00.000-08:00

Breaking news - the Snutt the Ift poster printed on TerraSkin (a tree-free paper) is now available!

The blog book tour for Snutt the Ift visits the Circle of Friends where chief executive pickle, Rana DiOrio, explains how she acquired the foreign rights to Snutt the Ift by UK author and artist, Helen Ward. Please click here to read more!

Tomorrow is the last stop of the tour at Marian Allen's author blog. All the hosts offer fun and fascinating insights into the book, and you can read them all by clicking on our blog book tours link above.

Don't forget the Grand Prize Drawing going on right now! Just sign up for our newsletter in the link top right above, and you could win all nine award-winning titles from Little Pickle Press, a great gift for anyone who loves children's books. All our books are printing in North America with soy inks and are real treasures.

When It Comes To Manners, The Golden Rule Governs

2011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Rana DiOrio, Founder of Little Pickle Press

Parents, grandparents, and teachers impose a lot of rules on children. I empathize with their confusion at times. In our home, we have one rule that governs just about everything. It’s The Golden Rule—treat others the way you would like to be treated. It’s simple, yet broadly applicable and powerful.

Communication manners. Do you expect others to listen to you, and refrain from interrupting you, when you speak to them? Well, by all means do the same. Do you want others to make eye contact with you while you are speaking to them? Then, extend to others that same courtesy. Do you appreciate it when someone says “please”, “thank you”, and “you’re welcome”? Well, then be polite yourself. When my children have their lapses, I ask them how they would feel if I completely disregarded something they asked me to do, such as making them my (famous) popcorn? Or how would they feel if I was focused on something else, such as figuring out my new iPhone®, as they were attempting to tell me something they felt was important? By answering these questions, they are reminded of The Golden Rule, and they adjust their behavior accordingly.

Table manners. Do you feel more relaxed and comfortable at mealtime when the people with whom you are dining are chewing with their mouths closed, using their utensils properly, and wiping their mouths frequently with a napkin? Do you appreciate it when everyone at the table waits for the last person to be served before they start eating? And when everyone at the table waits until the last person is finished before asking to be excused? If so, do so yourself.

Chivalry. Are you grateful when someone holds a door open for you? Or gives you a compliment? Then, seek opportunities to do this for someone else.

A terrific resource. There are many books and songs on this topic, too many to list. I will, however, reference a great children’s picture book we read in our home—The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper and Gabi Swiatkowska. It underscores that The Golden Rule is a cross-cultural phenomenon and is espoused by many varied religions throughout the world.

What do you think? The great thing about The Golden Rule is that children “get it” and they enjoy following it and being positively reinforced to do so. Give it a try with the children in your life, and please let us know what you think.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Download our New Holiday Gift Tags!

Little Pickle Press is now offering complimentary gift tags for the holiday season! These endearingly illustrated tags will be the perfect finishing touch on all of your gifts this year. Click here to download and print now.

Snutt the Ift Goes on Tour!

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we kicked off our blog book tour at Stephen Tremp's Breakthrough Blog with a great overview of our newest book, Snutt the Ift, by UK artist Helen Ward. The book is our first foreign rights acquisition and was originally published by Templar Publishing as Wonderful Life. You can read the reviews, watch trailers, and get loads of great information by following the tour here:

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to be eligible to win all nine of our gorgeous award-winning picture books! Sign up top right here, or visit the website for shopping cart information about all our products. http://www.littlepicklepress.com Some lucky person will have a nice gift this holiday!

The Roots of Good Manners

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

By Dani Greer

Ladies and gentlemen,

When I use the word “manners”, what does that mean to you? Does it mean saying please and thank you? Yes! Does it mean using the correct fork at dinner? Yes! Does it mean ignoring someone else’s bad behavior so you don’t add more negativity to a bad situation? Yes!

It means all of these things and more, and though manners have changed at various stages in our history, the purpose is rooted in the same foundation as our legal system:

We all agree to behave in certain ways so we can get along and keep from hating and ultimately killing each other.

This helps ensure the survival of the human species. The age-old expression “I beg your pardon” literally meant begging for forgiveness before someone ran a blade through you! Forgiveness, we must also keep in mind, is rooted in kindness, which is itself an aspect of that wholly human emotion – love. Do you follow my logic so far?

This idea might make you wonder if the astoundingly poor behavior in our society is nothing more than a symptom of our discontented and unloving inner states. In America, our contentious political arena is an example of just how low and disrespectful we’ve become as a society. To think that an elected official would call our president a liar in public! Or that obscene language falls from the lips of adored athletes and actors without the slightest blush. We’ve fallen to abysmal standards indeed.

Contemplate the competition parents have in the etiquette arena these days. They are themselves constantly bombarded by negative and base examples of improper behavior. Do you think I’m being unduly harsh? Does the music you listen to model the behavior you would like to see from your children? What you think is mere background noise, is programming their little brains, as though they had computers between their ears. It is also influencing your brain, whether you realize it or not. Network television is a powerful teacher. How do the actors in a sitcom treat each other? Most likely, they aren’t using exemplary manners to generate audience laughter. Indeed, quite the opposite.

One of the best ways to teach children is by example. We all know that. The media is a perpetual example of good and bad behavior, and studies attest to its power and influence on the human brain and subsequent behaviors. Adult family members are also strong influencers, parents and caretakers being at the top of the list, followed closely by teachers, mentors, and public idols. What kind of a model are you? Ask yourself these questions:

Do you demonstrate respect for your own parents?

What do they hear you say about your boss when you come home from work?

What kind of language do you use at home on the phone with friends while your children are in another room playing?

Believe me when I tell you your children are paying very close attention.

Here's another consideration: the ways you treat your children as individuals who deserve respect as much as any adult you know. This might be one of the most powerful ways you model kindness and good manners – the ways you honor them during ordinary days, and not just special occasions.

Good manners are more important than ever, skills worth developing into a powerful tool. Polite behaviors can help you further your goals in life. They are as important as education, money, connections, and good looks. Behaving with grace and compassion also helps us respect ourselves. Ultimately it makes the world a better place for everyone.

Now that I perhaps have you thinking about manners, please allow me to pose some questions.

Which manners do you miss the most in our modern society?

Which three do you think are most important to teach children as soon as they can understand?

How much do you think the media influences manners today?

Did my excruciating politeness in this blog post make you feel uncomfortable?

Please share with us in the comments, and then join us again in a few weeks when we ask a popular manners expert what he thinks of these questions… and more! Until then, thank you for joining us and we hope you’re enjoying our theme this month as we explore the importance of manners in our day-to-day lives.

Book Review: Lulu and the Brontosaurus

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

Written by Judith Viorst
Illustrated by Lane Smith

Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (September 14, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416999612
ISBN-13: 978-1416999614
Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces

This December, Little Pickle Press is focusing on manners. As we go to holiday events, visit family, and create our holiday wish lists, knowing how to be polite is of the highest importance. Today, we take a look at Lulu and the Brontosaurus, a humorous and engaging story about exactly what can go wrong when we don't know our manners.

The Story: Lulu is a girl, in fact, she is the birthday girl. But more than that, Lulu is a pain. She screams and kicks and fights to get her way, and the worst part about it is that she usually does. But this year, when Lulu asks her parents for a pet Brontosaurus, things don’t go so well, and she is forced to take matters into her own hands. She sets out on an adventure to find her Brontosaurus, meeting all sorts of creatures along the way, and being-well- a pain. But when Lulu finally meets Mr. B the Brontosaurus, she is forced to face something she never imagined- the idea that she might not be able to scream and kick and fight her way through life. She may have to say “please”, she may have to compromise, and she may not always get what she wants.

The Rhythm: Judith Viorst’s writing is very amusing. Although this book is intended for children, she has a style and humor that adults (and especially writers) will love. Her sentences are short, rhythmic and casual. The reader is engaged throughout the entirety of Lulu’s journey.

The Artwork: Lane Smith’s charcoal illustrations mirror Viorst’s writing very well. They are fun, engaging and lively. Lulu’s personality is perfectly captured on each page.

The Layout: Lulu and the Brontosaurus is written as a chapter book, but reads similarly to a picture book. Almost every page is accompanied by an illustration, and bulk blocks of text are refreshingly broken up by dialogue and Lulu’s catchy theme song, “I’m gonna, I’m gonna, I’m gonna, gonna get/ A bronto-bronto-bronto Brontosaurus for a pet.”

The Message: The message in Lulu and the Brontosaurus is one about growing up and accepting responsibility for our actions, and the way we treat other people. It teaches us about being polite, and how to interact with our peers. It also teaches us a lesson that most of us have had to learn the hard way (as Lulu Does)- that we can’t always get what we want, but sometimes, it’s for the better.

Conclusion: Lulu and the Brontosaurus will make a great story to read as a family, and is sure to teach your little ones a lesson about manners in a way that they will enjoy. This book would also make a great gift for the “Lulus” in your life (because, lets be honest, we all know one). Buy Lulu and the Brontosaurus from Amazon, your local bookstore, or borrow it from your local library to share with the little pickles in your life.

Being Thankful, According to Kids

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

This November has been a month of gratitude at Little Pickle Press. We have explored what it means to be grateful, how to recognize things we are grateful for in our every day lives, and what expressing this gratitude looks like. We talked about Thanksgiving memories and the true meaning of the holiday. Today, we get to hear four young perspectives on what being thankful really means to children.

How did you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?

Nick (6 years old): “We went over to my cousin Jason’s house. I go over there all the time, but this time there was everybody over there.”

Sam (6 years old): “We had lots of food. That’s what you do on Thanksgivings. Turkey and mashed potatoes and a glass of milk…”

Adam (8 years old): “Well my brother and I played a lot outside, but it was pretty busy. And then we had dinner with my mom and my dad and my little sister.”

Ashley (9 years old): “A lot of food, my mom cooked with my Aunt Lisa. And a lot of talking.”

Do you know what it means to be thankful?

Nick & Sam: “It means saying thank you.”

Adam: “It means to be glad that you have things. Like, not a toy. Or it could be a toy, but more like your brother or sister.”

Ashley: “It means saying thank you, but not the way you usually do. It means kind of like saying thank you to everything.”

Why is it important to be thankful?

Nick: “It’s important because when someone does something nice, you say thank you.”

Sam: “That’s why we have Thanksgiving.”

Adam: “Well...that’s a good question. I have to think about that. I know why, but I can’t think of how to say it.”

Ashley: “Because it shows that you care.”

What were you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Nick: “My stuff and my house and my cousins and my family.”

Sam: “Umm…for everything…”

Adam: “Oh, a lot. For my family and my little brother and sister.”

Ashley: “I have five things. We made turkeys, and on each wing we wrote something we were thankful for. And there were five so I had five. I don’t remember them now though.”

Image Credit: benandme.net

Holiday Giving at Little Pickle Press

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

We recently wrote about One World Futbol, another B Corporation, and its amazing program to create and distribute soccer balls to worldwide children in need, children who still play like this:

Before: With rag ball

The goal is for children to have these beautiful and durable soccer balls that work on any terrain and never deflate.

After: With One World Futbol

Little Pickle Press has chosen One World Futbol as their philanthropic effort for this holiday season and purchased a number of the futballs to donate. Here’s the important part: for every ball purchased, One World Futbol donates a ball. Yesterday's blog post talked about shifting from a sense of entitlement to one of gratitude and offered ways families might achieve a more altruistic focus. This is one way - buy fewer toys for your children and shift the focus to children who will be overwhelmingly grateful for a real soccer ball to kick around.

Today, we have a special visitor from One World Futbol, Eric Frothingham, one of five members of the core team.

LPP: Eric, welcome to the Little Pickle Press blog. What is your role at One World FutBol today?

Eric: I'm a managing member of the One World Futbol team with primary responsibility for business development, sponsorships/strategic partnerships, and finance. I used to run a recreation/culture program for Save the Children in a (Cambodian) refugee camp in Thailand. While there, I had the experience of having soccer balls deflate, games end, and kids who needed something positive going from a state of energized engagement to disappointment - when the ball got kicked too hard and hit/got punctured by the barbed wire that surrounded the camp.

LPP: The concept of a virtually indestructible soccer ball that can be used by children anywhere in the world is so brilliant. But it doesn't look like a soccer ball. Why this design and color?

Eric: We describe the ball as a 'multi-sport' ball that never goes flat - great for soccer and many other games too. We started with the star design to emphasize the ball's uniqueness - and are in the process of making a ball with a more traditional 'soccer' ball design (and will soon be making a smaller ball too). We chose a blue akin to "United Nations blue" for our first color - and have made prototypes in several other colors including red and yellow/green.

LPP: Can donors designate where the soccer balls with go - is there a list of recipients in the U.S. that American donors can give their matching soccer balls to? Perhaps special schools or safe houses for women and children?

Eric: We have identified some recipient groups (US and international) on the purchase page of our website. If no particular recipient group is selected by the purchaser, One World Futbol chooses. We often do special 'code' programs with different organizations and welcome inquiries and suggestions about supporting particular groups, whether domestic or international. http://www.oneworldfutbol.com/shop/

LPP: What is your biggest and best dream for One World Futbol in 2012?

Eric: I'd love to see the One World Futbol chosen as the preferred recreational sports ball for schools, agencies such as UNICEF, sport for development groups, and similar programs in the US and around the world... and build a big, diverse team helping to get futbols to the places where they can make a great difference in the lives of kids, program leaders, and communities.

LPP: And this is the perfect time to tell readers about one of the team efforts that Eric just mentioned. Here are the details:

40% off — until Nov. 30

You can “Buy One, Give One” of the amazing One World Futbol or “Just Give One” for only $25 and take 40% of that off, so it’s only $15 – if you place your order before midnight Wednesday, Nov. 30.

This offer comes to you courtesy of our friends at the socially responsible shopping site Ethical Ocean. Through their good graces, YOU get 40% off, and the One World Futbol Project gets full price, because Ethical Ocean will make up the difference so we can carry on our mission of bringing the joy of play to children around the world. Here’s how this works:

Go to http://www.ethicalocean.com/seller_shop/2032.

Decide whether you want to “Buy One, Give One,” “Just Give One,” or maybe add one of our classy sackpacks to carry each ball you purchase.

When you get to the checkout page, be sure to enter the coupon code GIFT-WORLD-40.

You’re not limited to just one ball. In fact, you may purchase up to $250 worth of merchandise and still take off 40%. The discount is capped at $100. This coupon code can be used only once per household and expires at midnight Eastern Standard Time on Nov 30.

LPP: Eric, thank you for visiting us! And for our readers, you can buy and donate at the One World Futbol website all the time – why not make it a monthly donation? Giving the gift of play to a child somewhere in the world is just that simple. It’s a great way for families to promote the Season of Giving all year long, and it’s a particularly fine idea for soccer players, moms, and fans of the game. Please share the idea with them. And please tell us if you know of an organization which might be able to use some of the soccer balls Little Pickle Press is donating. We welcome your comments!

Fostering Gratitude Vs. Entitlement

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Dani Greer

Fostering an attitude of gratitude vs. a sense of entitlement in our children.

That’s the theme for today’s post and I’ve been stewing about it for weeks, because it’s a complicated issue, and Black Friday weekend is probably not the best time to really delve into the matter. Or maybe it’s exactly the right time, given the incredibly bizarre and narcissistic behavior of shoppers reported in the news. What will people NOT do to get that Xbox – it defies logic, doesn’t it?

In her book on modern family life, The Shelter of Each Other, author Mary Pipher worries that our consumer-saturated culture may be breeding feelings of "narcissism, entitlement and dissatisfaction" in today's kids.

The issue of entitlement isn’t just a current one though – we can trace its roots in the United States to the Industrial Revolution and the availability of cheap goods, as well as to post-WWI Madison Avenue marketing schemes. It’s not easy to avoid an entitlement belief system when you grow up with daily messages like this:

You deserve a break today

Because I’m worth it

You’ve come a long way, baby

Ask for more

We have for decades been brainwashed to believe we have all kinds of "rights" to all kinds of things.

In the final analysis though, rights and entitlements are only man-made concepts, and any person who has ever suffered a natural catastrophe can attest to the shift in attitude such an event will cause. Most people who survive a hurricane, earthquake, devastating fire, or any act of nature are most grateful for a very few things that include:

Their own lives

The lives of friends and family

The well-being of their pets

Family photographs and small memorabilia

A way to meet their basic daily needs: food, shelter, and safety

That’s it. For this they are truly and deeply grateful.

How to create a gratitude shift in ourselves so that we can demonstrate it to children, that’s the compelling question, because walking the talk is the only way children will learn this huge lesson. How can we use the holiday to begin a shift away from the belief that our wants are important and that we deserve what we want?

Perhaps we could first reject the brainwashing – the advertising that creates and fuels our desires.

Then we could eschew cheap goods as a gift-giving option and as a measure of our love for one another.

If disaster and lack creates gratitude, perhaps intentional “doing without” before a period of gifting would create a foundation for true gratitude. The idea of “fasting” isn’t new. It’s a time-honored pre-holiday tradition in many religions, but it can be practiced in a secular environment just as well. Do without for a while so you enjoy the bounty, even a smaller one, on a deeper level.

Here’s how this gratitude shift might play out in your family as a conscious and planned effort.

Intentionally give up something at regular intervals before a big holiday celebration. It could be food, some form of entertainment, even some taken-for-granted comfort like hot water. Brainstorm this idea with your children.

Reduce your purchased gifts to none (or perhaps just one small item like a book) and replace those you would ordinarily give with a service of some sort, whether doing a chore for someone else or making a special gift with your own hands. Again, get everyone involved in the idea.

As a family, give some of your bounty to a cause in need of your support, whether you give canned goods to a community food pantry, a caroling visit to a housebound senior citizen, or a cash donation to a child in a poor country. Give what you would have spent on yourself – whether time, effort, or money – to someone else. But make it active, not just writing a check. It will make you more grateful for what you receive this holiday season.

In short, teach your children by demonstrating that we can feel gifted and blessed by giving more and receiving less. As bestselling author, Stephen Covey, says, “love is an action verb” and gratitude being an aspect of love works in just the same way. You must practice gratitude often and for the smallest things, for it is the feeling of gratitude that is transformative – that is the true gift. There is no better time than this season to begin teaching your children… and perhaps yourself, too.

How would this idea be enacted in your family? Could you do it? Would the whole family support it? What would be toughest about giving up a consumptive holiday? What would be the greatest benefit to you? Please leave us comments!

Support Small Business Saturday

2011-11-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

Please visit our website and stock up on picture books and holiday gifts for all the special people in your life. Click here and don't forget to use the coupon code for 25% off!

Imagine Thanksgiving Every Day

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Ilene Val-Essen

Thanksgiving may be over, but we can begin the act of giving thanks every day any time. And what better day to initiate this ritual than today! The essence of this beloved holiday is gratitude: being grateful for what we have. Acknowledging it in our minds, feeling it in our hearts, and saying it out loud. Why limit living in gratitude to just one day!

Those days when we slow ourselves down and feel the miracle of parenting, aren’t they the best? We’re patient and calm and giggle along with our little laughter machines. And when our kids really “get”—inside their sensitive bodies—the love that we feel so strongly, they respond. They become more cooperative and responsible. And feel proud! At the core, kids want to be all they can be.

In my book, Bring Out the Best in Your Child and Your Self, I help parents discover opportunities to recognize and express gratitude every day. Below are three “simple” tips that can make family life so much easier and more rewarding.

Catch your children doing something right.

During the next week, observe your child and identify as many specific, positive behaviors as possible. (20 is a good number.) Every time you find one, let your child know that you appreciate that behavior. Express your feelings sincerely. For example, “I appreciate that you brushed your teeth without being told.” “I loved seeing you and your brother having so much fun together in the bathtub.”

Sounds simple—and it is. But the results are dramatic. Kids want attention. Don’t we all? When we give them attention for that which is working, it will continue. Actually, the positive behavior accelerates. The children will find more constructive ways to get your attention. A little secret: that ritual creates some of the magic I have in my relationship with my husband.

Water the flowers, not the weeds.

I mentioned this in my earlier blog post, but I think it’s worth repeating. It’s simple and makes sense: whatever we focus on grows. By noticing when our children say “thank you,” for example, and ask for what they want in an easy-to-listen-to voice, we encourage their best behavior to bloom all year round.

Create an appreciation meal.

Once a week, ask family members to share aloud something they appreciate about each sibling and parent. In the photography book, Sisters, those siblings who were close throughout their lives often gave credit to their parents for emphasizing how fortunate the sisters were to have each other. A ritual to affirm our appreciation may last for a lifetime, and may be repeated throughout the generations.

When we hold the attitude of gratitude throughout the year, we bring out the best in our children—and discover the best within ourselves.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ilene Val-Essen, Ph.D. is the author of Bring Out the Best in Your Child and Your Self and creator of the Quality Parenting programs. She is a featured speaker at national and international conferences and recently has been quoted in Parents magazine. Please visit her at Quality Parenting.

Thanksgiving Memories

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

by Cameron Crane

The hour-long drive to Palo Alto was always easier on the way there than the way back. That's the first thing I remember about the numerous road trips I took with my father and brother to my Grandmother's for Thanksgiving. The way there was filled with an eager anticipation to pull up to the house that was so familiar to me, with faded bricks, a big oak in front, and Christmas lights permanently strung from the railing of the balcony. My grandfather had built the house for my grandmother, and together they had raised my father and his siblings there. I knew that as soon as the car was parked my brother and I would go running to the door, part of a life-long competition we had to be the first one to ring the doorbell, and signal to the entire family that we had arrived.

I still remember walking into the house and being greeted by cousins, aunts, uncles- even great aunts- who had traveled from all over to spend Thanksgiving with my Grandmother and each other. After hugging and getting reacquainted, the cousins and I would sprawl out in the living room and play cards, dominoes and any other game we could get our hands on, while the adults cooked dinner and shared memories over a glass of wine. Once the cousins and I decided that the adults were sufficiently consumed in conversation, we would sneak upstairs to our parents' old bedrooms (which, it seemed, my grandmother had not touched since they left), and look through old photographs and journals which gave us what seemed like forbidden evidence that our parents had once been just like us.

Eventually our stomachs would beckon us downstairs again and we would gather around the dinner table. Place cards were set at the table with each of our names elegantly scribbled to avoid any bickering about which of us were old enough to sit at the adult table. After a moment of silence and a toast to family, we would dig in. My plate was always overwhelming loaded with mashed potatoes, and just enough turkey and vegetables to keep the adults satisfied and still save room for seconds of Aunt Sue's pumpkin pie. One by one we would lean back in our chairs, both satisfied and exhausted by our over-consumption. And finally, when we were all too tired to laugh or talk or eat any more, we would say our goodbyes and part ways. Even though I was always exhausted, I never looked forward to the long drive home.

These days, I miss even that. When my grandmother passed two years ago and the family gathered to go through the house, memories of the times we had spent there seemed to be evident in every single object we touched. I think all of us left with the knowledge that Thanksgiving would never be the same without her and the house that had truly been the home base for our family. What we didn't anticipate, however, is that we would grow and connect and continue to love and appreciate each other in different ways.

Today, as I reflect on these memories, I am full of gratitude for the opportunity I had to connect with my family the way we did each year. I know that many people do not have that opportunity. I am thankful that technology has given us the opportunity to stay connected. And I am thankful to know that what made those Thanksgivings so special was not the house, or the race to the doorbell, or Aunt Sue's pumpkin pie- but a love for one another that can never, and will never, be broken.

A Thanksgiving Recipe From My Childhood

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Rana DiOrio, Founder, Little Pickle Press

http://squidoo.com/banana-bread

Last year, I shared with you the DiOrio Family recipe for turkey stuffing, as well as some stories about my family of origin’s Thanksgiving traditions and fun '80s pictures of them.

This year I want to share with you a recipe that I used to make with my mom and that I make with my pickles now. It’s a non-controversial crowd pleaser. If nuts are OK in your family, consider adding 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Serve it just as is or, if you gravitate towards the sublime, then sliced and toasted with butter.

Banana Bread: The perfect use for over-ripe bananas!

1 ¾ cup all purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. baking soda

1/3 cup butter

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs, well-beaten

3 mashed ripe bananas

Cream butter with sugar. Add eggs and beat. Add bananas and blend. Combine dry ingredients and blend into wet ingredients. Turn into greased and floured loaf pan 9” x 5” x 3”. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 40 minutes. Test with a toothpick. If dry after inserted, it is done.

Here is a picture of Alex and Ryan gleefully baking a Banana Bread last holiday season:

What are some recipe traditions you and your children make together at the holidays? Please share with us in the comments!

Featured Customer of the Month: The Twig Book Shop

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

“'Tis education forms the common mind; just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined” -Alexander Pope

November has been a month of gratitude for Little Pickle Press. One of the things we are most thankful for as a company is the continued support of our customers. That is why we have made it a tradition to recognize one customer each month to show our deep and sincere appreciation. Today, we are happy to feature The Twig Book Shop.

The Twig Book Shop is a beloved destination in San Antonio, Texas. Known for visits from poets and authors all over the country, and for making its wonderful collection of books available for book clubs, schools, conferences and the everyday book-lover, The Twig has become a cherished part of the community. Please welcome Claudia Maceo, manager of The Twig Book Shop.

Good morning, Claudia! How long have you worked at the bookshop?

I began working at The Twig’s sister store Viva, a religious book store, in September of 2008, which led me to The Twig in April of 2009. It is astonishing to me that it has only been two and a half intense years.

And how long has the bookshop been open?

The Twig has been around, as best as any one of us can recall, since 1969. Over the decades it has been in several locations and had various “branches,” no pun intended. We have been in our current location at the historic Pearl brewery on the Museum Reach of the San Antonio Riverwalk for two years this month.

What makes the store special?

The Twig has become a destination for children’s books and Texana – any book Texas related: geography, biographies of Texans, history, etc. We also cherish our local authors and poets. Certain poets have referred to The Twig as the premier poetry venue in San Antonio. I like the sound of that.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Juggling all the responsibilities of a general manager in a rapidly changing world of book retail is a huge challenge. It is easier to juggle when all things are status quo, but when you have to think in new and different ways, those swords you were juggling just caught fire. There is less room for error. Bookselling demands creative and technologically enhanced problem solving.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I still love to find the right book to get into peoples’ hands, just like when I taught school and watched students not only learn to read but love to read. The surprise love I have found in this job is in bringing people together. I love to begin an otherwise common conversation and listen to it blossom into all kinds of possibilities of partnerships and creative ideas that ultimately bring people together.

What do you do to keep up with the industry?

I attend trade shows and learning opportunities provided by the American Booksellers Association where so many generous, talented booksellers network and share ideas. I read industry newsletters and magazines as much as I can. Talking to our publisher reps is also a source of invaluable information.

Our November Blog discussion is “Attitude of Gratitude”. Would you share your thoughts on this topic and how it relates to your work at The Twig?

I could write an entire book about all the ways I am grateful professionally and personally to be in this place at this time. But I won’t.

Suffice to say, I retired from teaching never dreaming that I would end up being a bookseller. Much less a manager of The Twig Book Shop, where I had been a patron for so many years. The sequence of events that led me here leaves me awestruck even to this day. I responded to an email call for a part time employee at the Viva Bookstore, also owned by John and Frannie Douglas. Before I knew it, I had moved from part time to full time, then part time at Viva and The Twig, then full time at The Twig, and then into the manager position under the mentorship of long time manager Susanna Nawrocki, who continues to work here part time.

The Douglas’s highest priority is that The Twig be a place that brings people together. I like to say that we are bound by our stories in hardcover, softcover, electronically, and in the flesh. I work with talented, caring people in the store, here at Pearl where The Twig is located, and in the larger San Antonio community. When we were considering moving the store here two years ago, someone shared that they believed we could become the living room of San Antonio. That seems like an admirable goal to work toward – a vision I can share. You can see that I lead a pretty charmed life for which I am grateful.

Wonderplay Early Childhood Learning Conference

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Simon Diamond Cramer

Little Pickle Press would like to announce that JoAnn Deak, Ph.D. will be present as keynote speaker at this year’s fifth annual 92^nd St. Y Wonderplay Early Childhood Learning Conference in New York on Friday, November 18.

The Wonderplay Conference where Dr. Deak will speak is an annual event in New York City which brings together early learning professionals, prominent leaders in education, child, and family development, and researchers from both the national and the international community. Wonderplay isn’t just for professionals—its conferences, panels, and events provide unique opportunities for children and parents to learn together about subjects that directly impact them. Its approach to learning inspires curiosity and a love of learning, and its environment fosters connections that encourage children and families to blossom and grow. You can find more information about it here.

Dr. Deak is a renowned educator and psychologist focusing on the development of children. She has spent over thirty years working on child development, and has more recently focused on the importance of adults in contributing to successful child development. On her website, she offers a quotation that best describes her philosophy toward her work: “Every interaction a child has, during the course of a day, influences the adult that child will become.”

And of course, she has also written the children’s book Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain (Little Pickle Press, 2011), which aims to introduce children to basic concepts in psychology and neuroscience. You can buy a copy of the book by clicking here. The poster to go with the book (which would make a perfect holiday gift for your favorite teacher!) is available by clicking here.

A Visit from Seng Vy in Cambodia

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

For several years, Rana DiOrio and her little pickles have sponsored a child through Cambodian Children's Fund. For six years, Cambodian Children's Fund has provided life-changing education, nourishment, and healing to vulnerable children from some of Cambodia's most destitute communities. We love getting mail from little Seng Vy and share a bit of her life story here today via her emails to our chief executive pickle:

Hello from your little girl! How are you doing there? I am fine and hope to hear from you that you are well too. I am now on vacation as the exams were finished so I stay at CCF whole day. It rained yesterday evening so it was cool last night. I slept comfortably last night!!!! And you, did you sleep well last night? How is the weather there? Is there any rain in your country? Do you like rain? For me I don’t like it because it can cause many diseases.

During rainy season many kids get sick because of the rain but it is lucky that all my friends in CCF and I are fine.

Yesterday I had a vaccination with CCF’s doctor. I was afraid of injection but to be healthy, I have to be brave.

Now I send you a funny picture of me and my friends, in this picture I and my friends were doing exercise. We played a game at that time, Tom Peang (Shoot Bamboo) and Russey (Bamboo).

When my friend calls Tom Peang everybody needed to sit down and when my friend calls Russey everybody needs to stand up, but in this picture you will see two of my friends loses in this game because they stands up while everybody sitting down, so the punishment for the lose person is singing a song. Have you ever played this game?

Here is my cake for you.

I miss you and really want to see you in CCF and I hope you are fine. I am so happy to tell you that today I study about Khmer letter and blending the Khmer words. Now I am in grade 2 and I took an exam on 11 June for the first semester. There are many subjects in my exam like Khmer, math, and English. My favorite subjects are English and math.


Here is my Khmer handwriting of today lesson.


Here is my English handwriting.

Thank you for your sweet mail, Seng Vy! Readers, for more information about the Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) and how to sponsor a child, please click here. You may also make a one-time donation by clicking here. Please share with us if you have similar stories about sponsoring an at-risk child through a similar program.

Week #2 of the Blog Book Tour

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we visited the Internet Review of Books for a great write-up by our pal, Bob Sanchez.

Today we're at author, Marian Allen's, popular blog.

Tomorrow we visit author and grandma, Maryann Miller, at It's Not All Gravy.

Be sure to visit them all and leave a comment and +1 for them. We appreciate our blog book tour hosts and the time and energy they spend getting the word out about What Does It Mean To Be Safe. Don't forget to use coupon code BBTSAFE at checkout for free shipping and to get a free TerraSkin post along with your book order. Click here to order the book.

Thank you for supporting Little Pickle Press!

Thanks! Experiencing Gratitude

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

gratitude (ˈɡrætɪˌtjuːd)—n a feeling of thankfulness or appreciation, as for gifts or favours [C16: from Medieval Latin grātitūdō, from Latin grātus grateful]

It’s been written about through the ages, whether in religious tomes, literature, or science texts, and it remains a topic of fascination in the modern day with the recent rise of research and writing in positive psychology. It’s important to society and to individual well-being, there is no question about that.

Considered one of the higher human attitudes by David R. Hawkins, M.D.,Ph.D., author of PowerVs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior, he calibrates gratitude at a score of around 500 right in the ballpark with love, and roughly half the score he assigns to the most enlightened among humans who vibrate at a score of 1,000.

On a more down-to-earth level, Dr. Robert Emmons, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Positive Psychology, completed the first major scientific study of the subject of gratitude to show how the systematic cultivation of gratitude can measurably change people's lives. In his book, Thanks!, he explains how an experience of gratitude in our daily lives can result in better sleep and more energy, among other tangible benefits.

I thought about these points related to gratitude today – from the esoteric to the decidedly practical. But it was a moment far simpler that created the deep-felt experience of gratitude for me.

I sat at my dining room table, typing away on my computer, intermittently researching the topic I was writing about. It was quiet. Sundays in rural America are one of the last bastions of relative silence, in part because most of the residents are in church giving thanks. The cottonwood out my large picture-window rustled in a gentle breeze on this overcast winter day. It was chilly, but I was warmly wrapped in a hand-knit wool shawl as I sipped hot Tulsi tea from my favorite cup. My husband was in his studio working on a stained glass commission. We had just finished a lovely shared breakfast. The cats were all accounted for. After a week of flu, I felt well and without the headache that had relentlessly plagued me for too many days. I savored the peace and contentment… and gratitude for life just the way it was in this briefly-held moment of satisfaction. Nothing had to change to make it better. I owed it to no particular person or thing. It just was — complete in itself and within this simple space in time. I said a brief, silent word of thanks to whoever, whatever might hear it.

And that was it. For all the theory and analyses in different venues throughout the ages, that’s all gratitude was for me at least on this day – a moment of passing thanks that heightened the very best of my life.

What about you? How have you experienced gratitude at different times? How does it affect your daily life? Share with us an experience you’ve had recently when you felt a small or great level of gratitude.

Young Writers of the Month

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today, two children of guest blogger, Khadijah at Yemeni Journey, share their thoughts about what they are grateful for. You can read Khadijah's recent post about homeschooling here.

Collage

I'm thankful for

rewards from Allaah

slippery sunsets

sighing wind

lovely green

spreading branches

over my head

as I swing swing swing

I love the land

I'm thankful for

my big cool house

pretty wind-kissed

full of family

laughter

lots of love

and the things inside it

food, my dolls,

the things we use every day

-Maryam Age 6

Leaving Yemen, going away. The words pain me and I try not to think about it too much. I grew up here, and I feel it to be my home more than anywhere else. There is so much to love here. The neighbors, who all say, “Our house is your house,” from their hearts- who would give you their last bite of food rather than say no. My friends, who used to force me to let them do my share of cleaning at the school so I wouldn't cough from the dust, and who wouldn't open so much as a bag of chips without offering some to others. People walking by in the street who pray if you so much as stumble. “Bismillah, Bismillah,” they say. Strangers, who I know I could ask for help if I needed it.

Other things, too. Stained glass windows glowing in the night. Tall, beautiful mud houses, looking as if they sprang by themselves from the ground. Samosas and falafels frying at the street side stalls in Ramadhaan, filling the air with tantalizing smells. The darkness of the night when I wake in the early morning and listen to the adhaan calling the people to prayer. “Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar” streams in on the morning breeze, warming my heart yet somehow sounding melancholy too.

My family- my older brother, always my playmate when we were children- kind and gentle. My sister-in-law, who was my best friend long before she married my brother. My adorable little nephew, only two-years-old, and my new niece whom I haven't even seen yet. How can I leave all of this behind, never knowing whether I'll see it again? I imagine all the beauty falling away under me into a brown nothingness as the airplane gains altitude.

Will Yemen once again become an impersonal thing, a name on a map, instead of the place I call home? I think of a little girl, maybe seven-years-old, who knocked on our door one afternoon and asked for food or money. I ran into the kitchen and got some rice and vegetables. When I handed her the bag, she asked for a little oil to cook it. I came back to the door with the oil and I saw her sitting on the steps eating the raw vegetables from the bag I'd given her. She took the oil and thanked me, praying for me. I could see gratefulness shining from her eyes, even though what we gave her was almost nothing.

As I shut the door tears came to my eyes when I thought of how hungry she must have been, yet how grateful she was for so little. I realized that I too must be grateful. Grateful for everything and especially the amazing gifts Allaah gave me growing up here. I realized that the open hearts, kindness, generosity, patience, and love will stay with me in my memory forever. Fragrant spice stores, the bright colored Bedouin style dresses, the taste of hot, sweet tea at dawn. The beautiful pictures of an old, lovely city, its stained glass adding a new constellation to the starry night sky. I'm so thankful for the new dimensions this place has added to my world, changing and coloring my perspective forever.

-Sukhailah Age 17

Our Blog Book Tour Continues

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today we visit our homeschooling friend, Pamela Price, at her Red, White & Grew blog.

Then tomorrow, we stop by Khadijah's Yemeni Journey blog.

Please be sure to click over to both sites and read their views and comments about What Does It Mean To Be Safe? Remember that we have free shipping on your orders with coupon code BBTSAFE and you get a free TerraSkin (tree-free paper) poster to go with the book. The free shipping is for your entire order, not just our featured blog book tour title, so stock up on your holiday gifts now! Your can order the book and other products by clicking here.

Starting a Family Gratitude Journal

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Cameron Crane

Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse. – Henry Van Dyke

This month, as we dive deeper into the theme of “An Attitude of Gratitude”, it is important to think about how we can begin to consciously recognize and appreciate the things that bring joy, kindness, and peace into our everyday lives. One of the ways that we can do this is by starting a family gratitude journal.

What is a family gratitude journal?

A family gratitude journal is simply a daily journal that you use as a family to capture the unique things you are thankful for each day. Every day, each member of the family should write down five things they are grateful for. There is nothing too small or too large to record in the journal. One day you may find yourself grateful for your health, the next day you may be thankful for the view from your bedroom window, and so on. There are only two basic rules to a family gratitude journal: (1) everything in the journal must be positive, and (2) you can only list something you are grateful for once.

How do you start a gratitude journal for your family?

All you need to start a family gratitude journal is a pen and notebook. This can be anything from a spiral notebook, to a special journal that you carefully select as a family, or even a scrapbook that you create together. The most important thing about this part of the process is to select something that you and the entire family are excited about and will enjoy writing in. The next step is to select a special place in your home to keep the journal. The family gratitude journal should be kept in a place that is accessible, like in the kitchen, next to the dinner table, or on a coffee table in the living room. Family members should feel free to record their entries whenever they feel inspired to do so. Once a week, gather the entire family and read the journal aloud.

What it the purpose of a gratitude journal?

The purpose of the gratitude journal is to move your family from the beginning stages of gratitude all the way toward the outward expression of thanksgiving. Consciously taking the time to recognize the pleasant things in your life will help to bring out the positive aspects of each day, which in turn will help you continue to attract positive energy into your life.

A gratitude journal is also important because it will challenge you and your family to think of the positive sides to negative situations. It is inevitable that on more difficult days you will feel that you have less to be thankful for than on days when everything seems to be going right. Writing about your gratitude for the lessons you learn from difficult experiences you have individually or as a family can help you get through them. Later, when you are reading through the gratitude journal, your entries can serve as a wonderful source of personal reflection.

Share with us!

This November, try starting a gratitude journal with your family. It is a great way to build a spirit of true thanksgiving before the holidays. Why not start today? What are you grateful for today? Little Pickle Press would love to stay updated on your family’s progress with this fun and inspiring project!

Blog Book Tour Is Happening Now!

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we began Rana DiOrio's blog book tour for What Does It Mean To Be Safe? at Helen Ginger's wonderful blog. Helen is a writer, editor, writing coach, and long-time publisher of Doing It Write!, an e-letter for writers.

Today, we visit Magic Dog Press where author, artist, and book designer, Sherry Wachter, interviews Sandra Salsbury who illustrated What Does It Mean To Be Safe? Be sure to click over and ask some questions!

Tomorrow we drop by Pat Bean's blog. Pat is a fascinating woman. A retired journalist, she travels the country with her spaniel, Maggie, in an exquisitely compact home on wheels. Her travels form the basis of her memoir which she is completing now. You'll be treated to marvelous photographs, too.

Be sure to tag along with us!

To buy the book, click here. Remember that you get free shipping and a free TerraSkin poster when you use coupon code BBTSAFE at check-out.

Being Grateful for Choice

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

By Simon Diamond Cramer

I am a liberal. It’s not surprising, really. I’m from Seattle, a very liberal place, and both of my parents brought me up with liberal ideals. Both of them held their opinions very strongly, but my mother reminded me to never let disagreement bleed into hatred. By contrast, my father demonized conservatives, and encouraged me to do the same. Though I share my parents’ political ideals, and I’m grateful that they spent so much time making sure I understand how our political system works, I don’t always agree with my dad’s message.

Let me tell you a story. In sixth grade, I had one of the most wonderful teachers a kid could ever hope for. Ms. Ellison was a bit like Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus, except with considerably more sanity and marginally fewer field trips. At one point she taught a unit about the American political system, holding in-class debates focused on respectful disagreement, encouraging students to formulate their own viewpoints, and emphasizing that choice is the fundamental underpinning of democracy. Above all, she taught us to be grateful for the fact that we have choice. Ms. Ellison’s lessons showed me the value in respecting those you disagree with even during an argument, and inspired me to question my dad’s politics for the first time.

All sorts of changes have happened in America during the past ten years. One, though, worries me more than all the others: the rise of controversy. Frankly, I wasn’t very politically active during the ‘90s. Being born in ’91 can have that effect. Even so, it seems to me that over the past ten years, our political scene has become incredibly polarized.

I always loved the combination of the real and the absurd in the political cartoons my father used to show me, but recently I find absurdity and reality rubbing elbows all too often. Our current political narrative seems dominated by extreme statements, shouted slogans, and endlessly-repeated sound-bites on both sides of the spectrum that only ten years ago would only have passed as a caricature on a newspaper’s opinion page. Each side views the other as, at best, stupid and misguided and too often as just evil. Most of my centrist friends are so disgusted by both sides’ disregard for their concerns that they’ve become silent on political matters or stopped paying attention to politics altogether. In a few appalling cases, one side has even tried to restrict the other’s voting rights.

Like Ms. Ellison said, our political system defines itself by idealizing choice. Choice comes in two forms: the ability to choose our leaders and our laws, and the ability to act as we choose, and our nation cannot exist in its present form without both of them. I can’t understate my gratitude for the system that gives me the choices I have, but when I see the intense polarization of our political scene today, my gratitude mingles with worry for my country’s eventual fate if this trend toward extremism continues.

There’s nothing wrong with a little passion in politics. Behind every political event large or small, behind Martin Luther King’s protests, behind the Tea Party or the Occupy Wall Street movements, there rests a group of people with a driving passion for accomplishing their goal. In a political system without passion, nothing would get done. Both sides constantly pursue agendas they believe will help the country; the problem is when the passion grows hostile, and it becomes less about advancing the cause and more about hurting opponents. At that point, both sides feel increasingly tempted to restrict the rights of the other, and in their zeal, lose sight of the core ideals of the country they seek to protect.

While teaching your children your political ideals, it’s important to remember that the American political system wouldn’t be a true democracy without preserving choice for those who disagree with us. I think my mom got it right, teaching me how to disagree with others without hating them or attacking them personally, because to preserve choice for all, we have to respect our opponents, and teach our children by example to do the same. When we teach our children gratitude, we need to highlight the wonder of the fact that whoever we are, our political opponents are still free to choose.

Book Review: Giving Thanks

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Review by Cameron Crane

by Jonathan London
Illustrations by Gregory Manchess

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Candlewick (August 9, 2005)

ISBN-10: 0763627534

Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.6 x 0.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

With the leaves changing and Thanksgiving rapidly approaching, it is important to stay mindful of the things in our everyday lives that we are grateful for and appreciate. For many of us, reflecting on what we are grateful for means being thankful for our friends, our family, or that new car we were finally able to buy. But sometimes we can forgot to stop and thank something that plays a major role in our lives everyday- nature. We selected the book Giving Thanks, by Jonathan London, for our November book review because it reminds us of the importance of doing just that.

The Story: "Thank you, Mother Earth./ Thank you, Father Sky./ Thank you for this day". These are the first words you will read when you open Giving Thanks. By page one, London already has you thinking. Giving Thanks is the story of a young boy who is learning from his father how to show gratitude to nature. The story follows the boy as he hikes through nature with his dad, exploring the world around him and learning to appreciate it. Nothing they come across in their journey is too small for a "thank you", whether it's the frog down by the creek or the chanterelles growing in the forest.

The Rhythm: Giving Thanks flows beautifully, and makes you feel as though you are peacefully walking along with the boy and his father. The text is relatively simple, but it reads like a poem and gently delivers an important message in a way that children will relate to. One of the best things about this book is that the voice of the boy is profound, yet believable.

The Artwork: There is no doubt that the delicate paintings by Gregory Manchess make the story complete. His brushstrokes seem to flow with the text, and bring the characters to life. The rich illustrations allow the reader to linger on each page and fully absorb the message.

The Message: The message of Giving Thanks is that everything in nature is a gift that should be recognized and cherished. Each day we have the opportunity to give back to nature by taking the time to be thankful. As the boy recognizes, this can be uncomfortable or embarrassing at first, but as his dad reminds him, it becomes a habit and makes you feel good.

Conclusion: Giving Thanks is a wonderful book to read as a family this month as a bedtime story, before a hike, or on Thanksgiving. The book is wonderful read aloud, and children of all ages will enjoy the illustrations and the message that the boy in the story delivers. Buy Giving Thanks from Amazon, your local bookstore, or borrow it from your library to share with the little pickles in your life.

What's the Point of Success Without Happiness?

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

By Shawn Achor

We send our kids to camps for tennis, soccer, gymnastics, painting, and music, but we don't send kids to gratitude camps; yet without gratitude, they could miss out on fully achieving their potential at those camps and schools.

Happiness is a work ethic, and gratitude is an exercise. We don't send kids to gratitude camps because we deep down wonder if it is genetic. You either got a grateful kid or you didn't. But this scientifically is false. You learn gratitude like you learn how to write in cursive. We originally thought that genes set your happiness, but we have since learned that we can change your optimism level at any point in your life no matter your genes or how long you have practiced pessimism. While this is true for octagenarians, it is also true for three-year-olds. My sister Amy (the unicorn in my TEDx talk) had her 3-year-old point out things on the table before a meal to say thanks. Now, as only 3-year-olds can do, that practice is being forced upon everyone! You cannot eat until she has been grateful for every piece of food on the table.

We want the best for our kids, but living in the Harvard dorms for eight years with the students as an Officer of Harvard, I saw the happiness that was promised these kids when they achieved great success--getting accepted to a good school--did not materialize unless their parents had been teaching gratitude as assiduously as they were teaching math and reading. What is the point of being a tiger parent, if your children never enjoy the success they accrue?

Gratitude is not just an attitude, it is a discipline. I'm all for parents helping their children achieve and pursue high goals, but the very first goal should be creating a grateful state of mind where those successes will have meaning.

~~~~~

Shawn Achor is author of The Happiness Advantage and founder of Good Think, Inc. He has spoken in 45 countries to a wide variety of audiences: bankers on Wall Street, students in Dubai, CEOs in Zimbabwe. Shawn's research on happiness and human potential has received attention from the Harvard Business Review, New York Times, Forbes, CNN, and NPR. You can also find Shawn on Facebook and Twitter.