Rooger and Loki Learn Manners: Sit, Boy, Sit. A Children’s Story About Dogs, Kindness and Family (The Curly Crow Pawprints Collection Book 1)
Written by Nicholas Aragon
Illustrated by Remesh Ram
When Dad decides to take his twins, Quinn and Finn to the park, they are delighted to find two playful Boston Terriers wrestling in the park. After striking up a coversation, the twins learn tat the twin pups named Rooger and Loki are homeless. The children decide they will need to learn manners and discipline before anyone will adopt them so the twins begin that task. At first, the job seems hopeless. Readers will laugh at the mayhem. Will the twins succeed with their good intentions?
The cute picture book teaches kindness and patience. Appropriate for animal lovers ages four and older.
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Adventures of a Pangopup (Endangered and Misunderstood Animals (Book 2)
Written by Terri Tatchell
Illustrated by Ivan Sulima
A charming picture book written in rhyme that teaches readers to heed their mother’s advice, while also educating them about endangered animals.
The book is part of a series about endangered animals. In this one readers learn about the pangalong and the dik-dik deer. When Pangopup decides to sneak away from his mom, he meets the deer who persuades him to go on an adventure. Will the two new friends survive?
The soft colors and exquisite rhymes teach without being preachy. Preschoolers and primary grade readers will delight in reading the book over and over. Lots of bonuses include drawing activities and information about these two unique animals.
Highly recommended for both home and school libraries.
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It’s a difficult choice, but here’s what you need to consider in a nutshell.
Benefits of Homeschooling that outweigh Public Schools
Homeschooling Strengthens Values & Beliefs
Homeschooling allows families to intentionally instill values that are important to them and the freedom to share and practice their faith without restrictions.
Public schools promote a fixed set of values, often without room for critical thought or diverse perspectives.
Self-Disciplineis required in homeschooling.
In homeschool, discipline comes from within, not from peer pressure or performance competition.
Learning to do the work even when it’s hard or boring = real growth.
Contrast this with the high-achieving public-school students often running on OCD-like habits.
Early Intervention
Problems—academic, behavioral, learning disabilities—are often caught early in homeschool.
Public school systems often miss these issues until it’s too late or harder to reverse unhealthy habits.
Social Struggles and safety
Homeschooling minimizes exposure to toxic social games: popularity, fashion, peer pressure.
Public school culture tends to push conformity over individuality.
There has been a rise in school shootings and safety concerns over the years.
Bullying
It exists in public school, period—even the good ones.
Homeschool environments naturally reduce bullying due to smaller, safer social dynamics where adults are present.
Independent Thought
Public school tends to promote conformity through standard curriculum and groupthink dynamics.
Access to Certified Teachers & Specialists Public schools employ trained educators, special education professionals, counselors, and support staff who are equipped to handle a wide range of academic and emotional needs.
Built-in Socialization Students interact daily with a variety of peers, helping them develop essential social skills, emotional intelligence, and teamwork—sometimes these skills are hard to replicate in smaller settings.
Diversity of Perspectives & Experiences Public school classrooms often reflect broader society, exposing students to different cultures, beliefs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and worldviews.
Extracurricular Opportunities Sports teams, music programs, theater, clubs, and leadership organizations are often more accessible and varied and are often offered free of cost to students.
Support for Working Families Public schools provide consistent, structured schedules and resources like transportation and school meals, offering vital support for dual-income or single-parent households.
Challenges and Trade-offs
While both homeschooling and public schooling offer unique benefits, they also come with their share of challenges and trade-offs. Homeschooling requires a significant time and energy investment from parents, who are also juggling teaching with their other responsibilities. And while most homeschoolers are tired of hearing about “socialization” it can also be a concern if families aren’t intentional about creating community connections.
On the other hand, public school students may face larger class sizes, less individualized attention, and exposure to bullying or peer pressure. While public schools offer a more structured environment and access to trained educators, they also come with curriculum constraints and limited flexibility.
What It Really Comes Down To
It’s a big decision to decide on your child’s educational path. But you are the best person to make that choice. Consider what is truly important to you and what is best for your child and your family then move forward in that direction. Homeschooling has changed a lot over the years. You don’t have to do it alone. There is a plethora of online classes, support groups, co-ops, and people that are around you if you just look.
Sam is an adorable mule who lives up to the reputation of being stubborn. Every time he faces a new situation, his answer is no. Sam will not try new foods and refuses to meet new people. Will anyone be able to persuade him to change?
The illustrations are simple but endearing. This series will develop a toddler’s curiosity and help prevent the “no” syndrome. Appropriate for children up to eight years old.
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Bacon Loves Everyone!: A book about the true meaning of belonging and unconditional love. (It’s Bacon’s World! 1)
Written and Illustrated by Tina Neely
This is a cute interactive picture book with an important message.
Bacon is a pot-belied pig trying to find a forever home. No one seems to choose him. Maybe that’s because he sings too loud. When a couple finally picks him, Bacon meets other animals on the farm. Bacon learns all are unique, but each is loved.
There are clever cartoon illustrations and fun to read aloud rhymes. Especially fun for preschoolers.
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S Is For Swords: And So Are All The Other Letters (The Amazing World of Swords)
Written by Luke Ralliston
What a unique and fascinating book!
The author has managed to find a sword that begins with every letter of the alphabet. In addition, Rawlings lists the advantages and disadvantages of each with wry, sarcaster humor. The illustrations are amazing!
Readers learn letters of the alphabet along with the history and culture of each sword. A must for sword fans of any age. This book can be appreciated by a reader of any age who has an interest in swords.
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Every child is different—and so is the way they respond to discipline. How you parent impacts how your child learns boundaries, responsibility, and emotional control. Here’s a simple guide to how parenting styles shape discipline and how you can adjust to better support your child.
4 Parenting Styles and Their Discipline Approaches
Authoritative (Balanced and supportive) o Sets clear rules and explains them. o Focuses on guiding, not punishing. o Try this: Help your child make a plan after a mistake instead of just punishing them.
Authoritarian (Strict and controlling) o Enforces rules without discussion. o Often uses punishment. o Watch for: Anxiety or rebellion in sensitive kids.
Permissive (Lenient and avoidant) o Rarely sets rules or follows through. o May avoid conflict. o Risk: Kids lack structure and may push limits.
Uninvolved (Detached or inconsistent) o Few rules or expectations. o Minimal supervision or guidance. o Consequence: Kids may feel insecure or unsupported
How to Adjust Based on Your Child’s Needs
• For Anxious Kids: Use calm tones, predictable routines, and gentle corrections. • For Strong-Willed Kids: Offer choices within limits and enforce consistent boundaries. • For Independent Teens: Let them help set rules and learn through natural consequences.
5 Smart Discipline Tips for Any Style
✅ Watch how your child reacts—adjust when needed. ✅ Stay connected and respectful. ✅ Set clear limits, but allow flexibility. ✅ Model calm, respectful behavior. ✅ Evolve your approach as your child grows.
Final Thought
Discipline isn’t just about control—it’s about teaching. The best approach grows with your child, helping them become confident and capable.
Publisher’s Book Summary: Many of us did everything we could to prepare for becoming moms, but there just wasn’t any way to know what might lie ahead. Most of us have, at one point or another, looked around and wondered if we are alone in our parenting challenges. Hope for Moms offers a heartfelt guide for mothers navigating both the joys and heartbreak of being a mom, sharing Anna McArthur’s personal journey through parenting difficulties such as learning disabilities, LGBTQ+ identities, and adoption. Structured around a triage plan that helped the author prioritize her family’s needs, it includes practical insights, quotes, and reflection questions to support moms in their journey of resilience and soul care. With gentleness and humor, McArthur provides reassurance to mothers, reminding them they have the strength to not only survive motherhood, but thrive.
McArthur provides reassurance to mothers, reminding them they have the strength to not only survive motherhood, but thrive. If you’re a mom who feels overwhelmed by the curveballs life has thrown your way, you aren’t alone—yes, it’s tough out there, but so are you!
Anna McArthur is a mom to four kids, including two recent college graduates and twin girls who are high schoolers. She is a blogger, newspaper guest columnist, and contributor to parenting magazines and websites, including Her View from Home and the Motherly Collective. Anna’s essays have recently been published by Grown and Flown and Business Insider.
A graduate of Clemson University and Columbia Theological Seminary, Anna lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, Bryan, and their teenaged girls, who are much cooler than her. Anna loves to read, garden, hike, and eat dips for dinner.
Hope for Moms: It’s Tough Out There, but So Are You Written by: Anna McArthur
A book written from the heart by a mom who has faced social-emotional challenges, physical disabilities, and financial distress while raising her family. Any parent will attest to the fact that parenting is one job that comes without a playbook or set of rules. McArthur shares her difficult journey in the hope that her experiences and difficult lessons will benefit other families.
She reminds moms that it is okay to accept help from others, to stop expecting perfect kids, and to be realistic in your hopes and dreams. Instead, understand that moms cannot protect themselves or their children from heartaches or disappointments. The author reminds the reader that raising a family is hard for all of us.
All parents make mistakes; it is more important to keep trying. Stop comparing your parenting style to others. Find the things that make your family unique. Do not compare your family to others. As children grow older and become more independent, moms must learn to listen more than talk. The best solution is to keep an open mind and keep learning.
I highly recommend this book for new parents as well as those facing challenges.
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Pip the Bird: For Early Speech & Language Development
Written by Rachel Florence Meyer
Illustrated by Kathy Lee
A wonderful picture book collaboration by a mom and a speech therapist. The protagonist is a little bird named Pip, who assists his fellow animal friends to avoid danger when a gardener comes in the yard with a lawnmower,
The rhymes are crisp and sharp with lots of action words in bold print. Children are encouraged to read aloud. I appreciate the interactive guide for parents and teachers up front before the story begins. Illustrations contain wonderful details and facial expressions.
Highly recommended for parents and teachers of toddlers and preschoolers.
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Guinness the Good Girl Goes to School(G3 BOOK SERIES)
Written by Matthew Gillmann
Illustrated by Penny Weber
When Dottie brings her rambunctios dalmation, Guinness to school, all chaos breaks loose. It seems that Guinness cannot contain her friendliness, curiosity, or eagerness to participate.
Readers learn and follow her adventures in the multicultural classroom and community. Nice illustrations and story. One suggestion, the print size might be a bit larger for younger readers.
Reccommended for ages three through eight.
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