"Max and the Dumb Flower Picture"

This delightful book was created from a manuscript and drawings by Martha Alexander, with the help of James Rumford. It should be required reading for every early childhood teacher. Children will enjoy it too. The story is about a boy who wants to make his own picture, rather that using the coloring sheet given by his teacher. The book clearly sends the message that when each of us uses our own ideas and creativity, the results are amazing. It is also a good reminder that there is often more than one right way to do things and to appreciate the talents of others.

Even though the little boy in the story does run away from the classroom, which is not a positive model, it can also be used as a teaching tool for children to use words to say what they want.

By encouraging even young children to make their own pictures, they can learn to appreciate their own work, as well as the work of others.

"Maybe a Bear Ate It!"

My two year old grandson loves this book and so do I. This short simple book by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley is a story about losing a favorite book, imagining the worst, coming to your senses, looking for it, and eventually finding it. This series of events happens to me about once a day and I've learned to handle it, but when a child loses a prized possession, it may seem the world is ending. Read the story with 2-5 year olds, laugh together and teach a simple lesson about looking before you panic!