Exploring Top Books of Shelfari

At once a beautifully poetic memoir and an exploration of the various ways we live in the world, A Language Older Than Words explains violence as a pathology that touches every aspect of our lives and indeed affects all aspects of life on Earth. This chronicle of a young man’s drive to transcend domestic abuse offers a challenging look at our worldwide sense of community and how we can make things better.

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf

Lavishly illustrated version of the classic story, with black and white drawings by Robert Lawson.

Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason

Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason

by Alfie Kohn

Most parenting guides begin with the question "How can we get kids to do what they're told?" and then proceed to offer various techniques for controlling them. In this truly groundbreaking book, nationally respected educator Alfie Kohn begins instead by asking, "What do kids need -- and how can we meet those needs?" What follows from that question are ideas for working with children rather than doing things to ... (more)

The Continuum Concept: In Search of Happiness Lost (Classics in Human Development)

The Continuum Concept: In Search of Happiness Lost (Classics in Human Development)

by Jean Liedloff

"The Continuum Concept" introduces the idea that in order to achieve optimal physical, mental and emotional development, human beings - especially babies - require the kind of instinctive nurturing as practiced by our ancient relatives. It is a true 'back to basics' approach to parenting. Author Jean Liedloff spent two and-a-half years in the jungle deep in the heart of South America living with indigenous tribes... (more)

Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves: Transforming Parent-child Relationships from Reaction And Struggle to Freedom, Power And Joy

Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves: Transforming Parent-child Relationships from Reaction And Struggle to Freedom, Power And Joy

by Naomi Aldort

Every parent would happily give up ever scolding, punishing or threatening if she only knew how to ensure that her toddler/child/teen would thrive and act responsibly without such painful measures. Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves is the answer to this universal wish. It is not about gentle ways to control a child, but about a way of being and of understanding a child so she/he can be the best of herself,... (more)

A Very Special House

by Ruth Krauss

Continuing a two-year program to bring back twenty-two Maurice Sendak treasures long out of print, our second season of publication highlights one of the most successful author-illustrator pairings of all time. A pioneer of great children's literature, Ruth Krausspublished more than thirty books for children during a career that spanned forty years. Krauss and Sendak collaborated on eight books, and we are... (more)

The Flower Man

by Mark Ludy

This beautiful, wordless story told visually from beginning to end features a small, meek man who transforms a small town through simple moral principles. The characters' stories are woven together to create a tale that spans borders and nationalities and will refresh the human spirit with principles of compassion, honesty, integrity, and generosity. Children will also delight in searching for Squeakers the mouse,... (more)

Don't Be So Defensive : Taking the War Out of Our Words With Powerful Non-Defensive Communication

Don't Be So Defensive : Taking the War Out of Our Words With Powerful Non-Defensive Communication

by Sharon Ellison

For centuries, verbal communication has been based on a "war model," with the same rules we use in physical combat--gain power over others and defend ourselves at all costs. We create needless conflict, and are drawn into power struggles even when we try to avoid them. Don't Be So Defensive! describes the defensive model that unwittingly squelches effective communication. Then it "takes the war out of our ... (more)

Amigos en cuerpo y alma

by Vera de Backker

The Spanish translation of the delightful story Friends Through Thick and Thin. Beautifully illustrated in full color.

Inside Out

by Wendy Stofan Halley

Karly loves playing with her special friend, Natasha. Pretending to jump on clouds and walk on the moon, they bounce on the bed like kangaroos. But Karly is the only one who can see Natasha. But after Natasha returns to her home in the stars, Karly gradually forgets about her spirit and her special friend. How will she ever remember? The luminous illustrations by Roberta Colier-Morales add a touch of magic... (more)

Welcome to Zanzibar Road

by Niki Daly

On a hot day in Africa, the neighborhood of Zanzibar Road is bustling! There’s always someone ready to share a funny story, lend a helping hand, or celebrate a big day. As soon as Mama Jumbo walks down this special street, she knows she’s found the perfect place to settle down. And with her kind heart and big imagination, she’s sure to fit right in with her neighbors. There’s Baba Jive, who likes to play his sax;... (more)

Besame MuchoCarlos Gonzalez

Besame Mucho

by Carlos Gonzalez

The Searcher and Old Tree

by David McPhail

After a long night of foraging, a tired raccoon returns home to sleep in Old Tree's branches. Oblivious to the rain and wind of a raging storm, the raccoon is protected and sheltered by the tree. David McPhail crafts a simple, yet powerful, allegory about the safety of home and the strength of unconditional love.

Hush Little Baby

by Sylvia Long

In this variation on an old lullaby, a baby rabbit is promised an assortment of presents from its adoring parent.

The Father Who Had 10 Children

by Be?ne?dicte Guettier

Every day the father who had 10 children made them breakfast, helped them get dressed, drove them to school, cooked them dinner, gave them a bath, and put them to bed. Until finally he needed a rest! So he left his brood with Grandma and set off on a 10 day, or maybe 10 month, vacation. But after just 1 peaceful day, it seemed like something was missing . . . something times 10. This bright, charming tale... (more)

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A Language Older Than Words

by Derrick Jensen