Meet Jabber, a Steller’s jay born in the spring in a nest of pine twigs and mud. When summer comes, she grows feathers and learns to fly, just in time for the cold season ahead. With beautiful illustrations by Diane Iverson, Jabber the Steller’s Jay takes the reader through the first year of Jabber’s life as she learns to survive along with the other animals who live in the ponderosa pine forest of the US Southwest with her. Includes a pictorial glossary of many of the forest animals that Jabber meets, including a red-tailed hawk, a tassel-eared squirrel, a porcupine, and a mountain lion.

The transition from nursing to weaning is a rite of passage. It can either be a time full of stress, regret and confusion, or a joyous celebration of growth. This book is for mothers and nursing children, to help them both communicate their deep love and respect for one another. The author believes that it is never too early for mums and dads to talk to their baby with tenderness and dignity, and to explain that nursing together is a cherished and special time. Yet, when mother no longer chooses this mutual task, or for health or other reasons cannot continue, then it is better for parent and child to begin the weaning. There is no other book like this, although many adult books are devoted to the process of weaning. Ready to Wean is a childrens picture book, designed to empower mothers in the weaning process. The friendly text reassures and prepares the child, in a confident way, for this new stage of growth, and bolsters mother's confidence that she will continue to grow with her child, beyond this particular form. Already, national and state WIC (Women, Infants and Children) agencies are asking about the appearance of this book, calling it a crucial addition to the literature. Without making any general statement about how long nursing should continue, the book cleverly and gently allows each mum to insert her own deadline date, and encourages her to start planning for this date with her child. The author knows that parents and children will be sharing this bonding experience differently, and so she suggests many lovely, nurturing alternatives that babies and young children can relate to as the date approaches.

All the young children in this brightly colored-picture book are helping adults to prepare healthy and delicious foods - all in accordance with the Healthy Diet Guidelines of the USDA Simple text, including some rhymes, make the book easy to read, and will appeal to both kids and parents. We Like to Help Cook is distinguished by illustrations showing a multi-cultural mix of kids, as well as a few that include handicapped children in the activities and choices. Children help themselves or assist the adults by performing many age-related tasks, like pouring, shaking, washing, mashing and mixing - actions that most young children love to do. This book reinforces the message that children and adults can work together to prepare and eat healthy foods, such as: fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, low-fat milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and healthy fats and oils. Since young children learn by watching and doing, even toddlers can often help out in the kitchen with simple tasks . . . sometimes much more than we expect.