This book is a guide to finding your niche in creating books for children. It will take you from start to finish with examples of how to start a story board to how to coordinate with editors and illustrators for your final product, a children's book for all to enjoy

"An entire industry preys on parental anxiety . . . Paul tries to lead us out of the catastrophization of childhood."--"The New York Times Book Review"

Parenting coaches, ergonomic strollers, music classes, sleep consultants, luxury diaper creams, a never-ending rotation of DVDs that will make a baby smarter, socially adept, and bilingual before age three. Time-strapped, anxious parents hoping to provide the best for their baby are the perfect mark for the "parenting" industry.

In "Parenting, Inc.," Pamela Paul investigates the whirligig of marketing hype, peer pressure, and easy consumerism that spins parents into purchasing overpriced products and raising overprotected, overstimulated, and over-provided-for children. Paul shows how the parenting industry has persuaded parents that they cannot trust their children's health, happiness, and success to themselves. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the baby business so that any parent can decode the claims--and discover shockingly unuseful products and surprisingly effective services.

Paul's book leads the way for every parent who wants to escape the spiral of fear, guilt, competition, and consumption that characterizes modern American parenthood.

PRAISE FOR THE BRAND WHO CRIED "WOLF" "Powerful brands command. Read this insightful book and allowScott to share how to make your brand stand out and deliver youbuckets of money!" Mark Victor Hansen, bestselling author of the ChickenSoup for the Soul(r) series "Deming's approach to branding is not about gimmicks. It's aboutrelationships-the real formula for building and sustaining yourbrand and your business." Rieva Lesonsky, Editorial Director, Entrepreneurmagazine "It doesn't matter what you sell. We're all selling service.Deming's book shows businesses of all sizes how to createincredible brand power through innovative service levels. TheBrand Who Cried Wolf will not end up on your book shelf; itwill stay in your briefcase or on your desk as a daily referenceguide. If you want to grow your business, get this book!" John Valletta, President, Super 8 Motels "Deming's revelations on creating an emotionally engagingexperience between you and your customer are without equal!" Joel Bauer, bestselling coauthor of How to PersuadePeople Who Don't Want to Be Persuaded "The Brand Who Cried Wolf explains how every customerinteraction, large or small, impacts your brand's image andreputation. This is an easy-to-read book veryone inyour organization needs to own." Patrick Sweeney, coauthor of the New York Timesbestseller Succeed on Your Own Terms; cohost of thenationally syndicated radio show Winning in Business "Deming delivers an essential message to businesses and deliversin a way you won't forget. You know the fairy tales, just adapt itto your unique brand: you!" Wayne Kandas, CFP and host of nationally syndicatedBloomberg Radio "Stories sell, and that's what helps sell the ideas in thisbrilliant book. If you're in business-any business-you need thisbook. Get it now!" Robert G. Allen, bestselling coauthor of Cracking theMillionaire Code; CEO of The Enlightened MillionaireInstitute Chapter 8: Just Call Me Slick! People Really Hate to be "Sold" What We ve Accomplished So Far By now you know that branding is not exclusively about businessidentity in the form of a logo or advertising. You mightrecognize the Nike brand from its iconic swoosh logo. Youmight immediately think of McDonald s when you think of fastfood because McDonald s commercials are ubiquitous, but bythis point, you know that icons and awareness do not constitute abrand. You also know that big businesses are not the only brands. Your business does not have to be the size of GM, Microsoft, AOLTime Warner or Wal-Mart. Your business could be run out ofyour home with you as the sole employee. You could conductbusiness from a small office with a single assistant, or in a storewith several employees. The size, scope, and location of yourbusiness does not change the fact that it s a brand, norshould any of these factors truly impact your brand if you refocusing on one-on-one relationships. Businesses are not the only brands, either. Everyindividual is a brand, as are organizations from non-profits topolitical parties to social clubs. For example, the GatesFoundation, the Red Cross, UNICEF, Make-A-Wish Foundation, BoyScouts, Girl Scouts, Kiwanis Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Republican Party,and Democratic Party all are brands. The concept ofbranding I ve been articulating is personal, which meanseveryone needs to develop one. Each category from individuals to organizations tobusinesses large and small brings with it its own branddevelopment challenges. At the same time, however, thesechallenges are minimized when you understand your brandidentity. Throughout this book, I have written about creatingunique and memorable experiences for your customers. Chapter2 defined a brand in terms of establishing relationships with yourcustomers. Chapter 3 distinguished between types ofexperiences you can generate for your customers, and differentiateda brand experience from ones that are merely transactional orsimply meet customer expectations. Chapter 4 highlighted theimportance of changing your perspective to adopt yourcustomer s point of view, rather than emphasize your productor service. Chapter 5 analyzed the results of changing yourperspective. Chapter 6 admonished you to avoid overstatingyour own worth. Finally, Chapter 7 focused on the rippleeffects of your actions. Thus, most of the facets of brandingI ve been articulating since the beginning of this book haveemphasized how you affect the customer s perceptions. In other words, I ve been talking about the customer sconnection to your brand. Now I m going to talk abouthow you perceive your own brand, and about yourconnection to your own brand. Creating An Authentic Brand Identity: Sincerity Can tBe Faked! First, you must take stock of your brand identity. In theIntroduction to this book I stated that everyone is abrand. Everyone has a brand identity, but not everyoneunderstands their own brand correctly, or even knows what itis. You cannot develop an authentic, sincere brand withoutthis understanding. And you cannot create brand evangelists people who trust you and praise your brand every chancethey get without an authentic, sincere brand. Youearn someone s trust through your actions, soyou d better know how to act! Understanding your brand identity, and developing the trust thatturns your customers into evangelists, involves knowing what yourown beliefs and values are. The fact is, when you walk inyour customer s shoes, when you change your perspective todeliver the impossible, you re reflecting a core element ofyour identity, your values, and your beliefs. When you aresincere about trying to understand your customers needs,desires, and what they d truly love from you, a genuineconnection is made that is the foundation of trust between you andyour customers. Compassion and sincerity can t be faked. Branding isnot a matter of putting on a persona that others will like. It s not playing a role, putting on a mask, or pretending all that is superficial, a veneer that covers up the real you. Moreover, a veneer can be quicklyspotted. I don t think there s anyone thathasn t had the experience of being sold. It s uncomfortable precisely because it s notauthentic. The experience simply feels hollow. Thinkabout the slick car salesman who s going to do what ittakes to get you into this car! Maybe he s heavyon the hale fellow well met, demeanor, or drenchesyou with flattery. When the time comes to make an offer onthe car, he engages in an overly dramatic show of anxiety. I m gonna see my manager right now and see if I cantalk him into this one. Between you and me, he s havinga bad day, but I m really gonna work on him. Eventually, the long, drawn out ceremonial dance ends with yousigning the lease or sale papers, but you walk away knowing thewhole experience could have been different, and you dread theprospect of going through it again. Why do you dread it? What has soured you on going throughthe process again? In a word: insincerity. Insincerityis the wolf trotting around in sheep s clothing pretending tobe something he s not. When you experience a wolf insheep s clothing, you re soured on futureinteractions. It is this sort of insincerity that destroys abrand or prevents an authentic one from being established. The car salesman example is cliche, just like the salesgirl at the clothing store who tells you every single piece ofclothing you try on looks so good! Thoughthey re cliche for a reason, we tend to forget just whatthat reason is. We instantly recognize the cliche, butnot what made it true in the first place.

Defeating Burglar Alarms explains burglar alarms in simple terms, and how thieves bypass them. First published as a military report, Defeating Burglar Alarms provides the best available explanation of the technological principles and weaknesses of all alarms in popular use. Every commonly used burglar alarm is analyzed for its detection method, and ways the alarm can be bypassed.

Contents include:

Reviews of all commonly used alarms
How they detect intruders
Causes of false alarms
Conditions that lower the accuracy of detection
Typical bypassing methods of thieves

Learn how burglar alarms work, and how burglars bypass them.

"How Anyone Can Establish, Manage, Repair and Erase Bad Credit Without Losing $1,000's to Credit Repair Company " Do you want to know how to establish credit, maintain, manage, and fix it when it's broken? May be what you want is a better living that is free of harassing phone calls from creditors. Or do you want to know how to get out of bad credit debt, avoid overspending, clean up your credit report and establish good credit? If your answer is yes - then this will be the best message you ever read this year.

Wal-Mart is the world's largest company and it sets the standard - both social and commercial - for a huge swath of the global economy. In this probing investigation, historian Nelson Lichtenstein shows how the company's success has spread evangelical Protestantism into the workplace, made South China an American workshop, and pushed American politics to the right. At the same time, he anticipates a day of reckoning, when challenges to the Wal-Mart way, at home and abroad, are likely to change the far-flung empire. Insightful, original, and steeped in the culture of retail life, "The Retail Revolution" gives a fresh and necessary understanding of the phenomenon that has reshaped international commerce.

Although we all want to help the environment, our knowledge of what are 'green' choices is often so limited that we can do more harm than good. But now a new phenomenon, 'radical transparency', the availability of complete information about all aspects of a product's history, is about to transform the power of consumers and the fate of business. Ecological Intelligence shows you: - Why a t-shirt that claims it is '100% organic cotton' may be in fact no such thing - Why it's good to buy tulips from Kenya and wine from France - That even the type of shampoo you use could affect the future of the planet Knowledge is power. By discovering how to tune your eco intelligence, Daniel Goleman shows, you can make better decisions, and a better world.

Have you ever watched an inappropriately rated movie with children and later regretted it? As hosts of the weekly radio review show and authors of "Frame by Frame: 2006-A Family-Friendly Guide to the Movies ," Dr. Rus and Sandra Jeffrey cut through the Hollywood hype to offer concise, easy-to-read movie reviews designed with families in mind.

In addition to movie reviews, you'll also find a more complete analysis of what they cover on the radio each week. Some movies they "tank," an expression they use when they trash a movie-but that doesn't mean they can't find any redeeming factors. As a result, the couple discusses all aspects of each movie, focusing on the positive and negative elements. Most importantly, the Jeffreys encourage families to watch movies together, and they provide discussion starters so the entire family can talk about what they have just watched.

Whether renting movies online or at the local video store, "Frame by Frame" helps families select movies with the certainty they won't be blindsided by inappropriate content. With its simple rating system, straightforward reviews, and a quick-flip reference guide, "Frame by Frame" provides the resources you need right at your fingertips.

Read and listen to reviews online at www.DrRus.com.

Due to the wave of refinancing in recent years, and the fall in home values, in 2009 about 12 million homeowners and investors will be "underwater"--owing more than their property is worth. This book explains all the options for these homeowners who are trapped with houses they want to get free from, people whose property value has dropped so low that they can't sell the property, people whose mortgage payment has adjusted and now they can't afford the property. In addition to offering advice on subject to's, rentals, leases, loan modifications and more...the book will teach America how to short sale their own home.

We've all heard it. Good credit, bad credit, no credit... no problem. Divorce, bankruptcy, repossession. Re-establish your credit... we finance anyone. What does it all mean? How does it work? What kind of car can I buy? How much down payment do I need? Will I get ripped off? This book will answer these questions, and more, in an easy to understand, simple format.

The Frugal Factor - Better Living Through Rebates Discounts and Deals. It's not how much money you make; it's how much you keep! Written by a teacher, reading The Frugal Factor teaches how to have fun and involve your whole family, while saving money and getting the best deal. This is not just a storybook, The Frugal Factor provides all the information and resources you need to start keeping more of your money and improving your lifestyle. The Frugal Factors is packed with detailed information on how to save money while still buying the things you need and want. Through these pages are real life success stores. The author and his family completed all of these deals. These include FREE cell phones, FREE DVR's, making money buying FREE after rebate items and many more. In these pages you will learn how to read UPC codes, techniques for the best online deals, how to replace your cell phone at little or no cost, how to double dip on rebates, maximize online and grocery store coupons, and the secrets to winning Ebay auctions. The chapter on credit cards will show you how to make hundreds using credit card promotions, and by planning you next vacation the Frugal Factor way you will be able to spend less and do more. This book is for people who want to save money and improve their lifestyle. After reading The Frugal Factor you will be ready to "Do the Deal."

This book gives you the opportunity to build a museum quality art collection worth far more than its current price. The internet now makes archaic jade available to you. You buy jade directly from owners and dealers worldwide. Now you can find eBay prices at or below what art dealers once paid. But before you buy, you must know what the experts know. This is the first and only book that teaches you how to spot counterfeit jade pieces, how to judge the age of a jade carving, and which inscriptions belong to each era.
It gives you the information that you must have before buying archaic jade. It does this with over 300 color photographs, many labeled to make a point clear. The book uses a single subject and compares and contrasts its portrayal through the dynasties of China. The author uses four criteria throughout the book: crystal re-growth, color, aging and patina, and artistic style.

Best-sellers for over thirty years, Lemon-Aid guides are unlike any other auto books on the market. Their main objective is to inform and protect consumers in an industry known for its dishonesty, where exaggerated claims remain unchanged. This brand new edition - the first in the series that covers used cars, trucks, and SUVs - is packed with insider tips to help you select a used vehicle that is as safe and as cheap as you want. It covers everything from the latest GM cutbacks, "secret warranties," to average seller markups. Plus, there are tons of useful tips on when you should buy, sell, or hold, and which models make the best $1,000-$3,000 "beaters." Filled with summaries of memos and service bulletins, this book is an easy-read guaranteed to teach you a thing or two (or three, or four ...) and more about used vehicles in Canada. Phil Edmontson is a former Member of Parliament, a Consumers Union board member, and the founder of the Automobile Protection Association. He has successfully battled automakers on the streets, on the Internet, and before the Supreme Court. During the past 35 years Phil has researched and written over 125 Lemon-Aid guides and other books on consumer rights.

"Some day, consumer information sources like those envisaged by Snider and Ziporyn will materialize. The more this book is read, the sooner it will happen." -F.M. Scherer, Professor of Business and Government, Harvard University For hundreds of years the marketplace has been growing more complex and more confusing for consumers to navigate. Published in 1992, long before the Internet became a household world. "Future Shop" argued that new information technologies, combined with innovative public policies, could help consumers overcome that confusion. A prescient manifesto of the coming revolution in e-commerce, "Future Shop"'s vision of consumer empowerment still resonates today.

THE GREEN FOOD BIBLE aims to offer consumers a guiding hand through the complicated maze that is eating today. Fully illustrated throughtout, it's packed with fascinating information, including . * The truth behind the food industry's advertising, jargon and hype - and how supermarkets are addressing ethical, green issues in response to public demand...* A seasonal food chart to help you to eat the right foods at the right time of year, plus a range of delicious, easy-to-follow recipes...* An A-Z guide to over 100 key healthy foods - and advice on what to look out for, and what to avoid, when shopping for them...* Tips on how to create your own green kitchen - from the right tools to use, to saving on fuel and how to store and look after your food in order to avoid wastage...* A hands-on guide to growing your own organic fruits and vegetables - and you won't need an allotment! Practical, comprehensive, and based on the very latest research, The Green Food Bible will enable consumers everywhere to make confident, informed choices about buying and eating the right food for their health and the future.

You've earned it provides information on benefits and discounts to people in the 50+ age group. It provides the reader with information about the discounted products and services offered by almost 400 businesses throughout South Africa. Over 50s will see how it is possible to reap the rewards of their many years of hard work - without having to pay a fortune for them! The title is divided according to the product or service with a further break-down into the regions of South Africa.

Every day we make decisions about our health - some big and some small. What we eat, how we live and even where we live can affect our health. But how can we be sure that the advice we are given about these important matters is right for us? Many treatments and tests - both mainstream and alternative - are not supported by good evidence and some widely used treatments are actually harmful. Whether you are considering having surgery or taking vitamin supplements, you need to know the effectiveness of the options and their side-effects. Smart Health Choices provides you with the tools for assessing health advice, whether it comes from a specialist, general practitioner, naturopath, the media, the Internet, or a friend. It shows you how to take an active role in your health care, and to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones based on personal preferences and the best available evidence.

"AMERICA'S BEST! 100-An opinionated guide to America's most charismatic goods and services." "I turned the last page.of "America's Best! 100" with nothing but admiration for Mr. Luongo's industry and taste."-Berton Rouech, "The New Yorker," October, 1980 ."[C. Paul Luongo] roves entertainingly, and often eruditely, through such recondite subjects as octopus-ink paintings, spumoni fudge and specialty cement."-"Time," August, 1980

Freeman has developed a comprehensive handbook with thoroughly annotated lists of the 2004's best children's books, lesson plans, teachers guides, stories, songs, and Internet resources. It includes an index.

With more than 740,000 visitors a month, Chowhound.com has become a favorite source of information for those who want to take their dining experiences off the beaten path. So why should San Francisco eaters limit their choices to the same old locales found in most restaurant guides? As fun to read as it is comprehensive, The Chowhound's Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area is all about finding the perfect bite for every occasion, focusing on the undiscovered gems that will generate tomorrow's buzz. From the best Chinatown noodle shops and secret tamale ladies to sumptuous sushi meccas and sensational stock-up stops for a romantic Sonoma picnic, this is the richest treasure trove of San Francisco restaurants, cafes, take-out counters, delis, farmer's markets, and food carts ever compiled.

On the web: http: //www.chowhound.com

Finding a Preschool for Your Child in San Francisco & Marin profiles preschools in terms of school philosophy, goals, and curriculum, admission procedures, staff qualifications, fees, hours, extended care and vacation schedules, number of students and more. Many schools offer scholarships, free, or low cost programs. More than 120 San Francisco preschools and 85 Marin County preschools are profiled, including private independent schools, public preschools (including Head Start and programs sponsored by school districts), and preschools affiliated with colleges and universities. The authors advise parents on what to look for in a preschool and how to understand their child's needs through discussions of early childhood development and various approaches to curriculum and activities. A discussion of kindergarten readiness and what to look for in a kindergarten helps parents prepare for the next step.

Anthrax scares. Airplane crashes. The AIDS epidemic. Presidential election polls and voting results. Global warming. All these news stories require scientific savvy, first to report, and then-for the average person-to understand. It Ain't Necessarily So cuts through the confusion and inaccuracies surrounding media reporting of scientific studies, surveys, and statistics. Whether the problem is bad science, media politics, or a simple lack of information or knowledge, this book gives news consumers the tools to penetrate the hype and dig out the facts.

In-depth fraud coverage of computer crimes such as pyramid schemes make this crime library of internet fraud the cybercrime location for the schemes and scams that con artists perpetrate. White collar crimes such as prime bank fraud, pyramid scams, internet fraud, phone scams, chain letters, modeling agency and Nigerian scams, computer fraud as well as telemarketing fraud are fully explained. This detailed but easy to read report on organized crime topics include credit card fraud, check kiting, tax fraud, money laundering, mail fraud, counterfeit money orders, check fraud and other who's who true crimes of persuasion.