New Releases by Debbie Wagenbach

iParenting Media Award u200bMom''s Choice Award for Children''s Picture Books (Gold) What can you do when the grouchies take hold? How can you keep a bad mood at bay? With funny rhymes and a silly chant, The Grouchies shows kids simple and fun ways to turn around grouchy moods. But most of all, kids will understand how their mood and negativity can affect their family and friends, and really get in the way of having a good day. An extensive Note to Parents further explains the child''s experience and provides parents with easy-to-apply tips and tools for helping their kids when a grumpy day comes along. From the Note to Parents: Everyone feels grouchy sometimes. Young children, as well as adults, are capable of an array of moods that can influence the ways in which situations are interpreted and the actions of other people are perceived. So a grouchy mood can negatively affect how you think or feel about anyone or anything. Grouchiness can be contagious, since people tend to mirror or “catch” the moods of those around them. Thus, a child’s mood can be influenced by the negative disposition of a caregiver. Similarly, a negative mood in a young child can be so powerful that everyone in the house may feel it.

The Snappers are the toughest turtles in the pond! He felt BIG when they scattered the minnows. He felt BRAVE when they played soccer with the snails. He felt BOLD when they plucked tail feathers from the ducks. Lately, though, Sergio noticed how others quivered when the Snappers swam by. This bothered him, but when he mentioned it to one of the other Snappers, Big Clay nipped at him. When the Snappers start picking on a little minnow named Gil, Sergio gets some “squishy” feelings and has to decide what to do. It''s hard to stand up to your friends! Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Julia Martin Burch, PhD, on bullying, friendship, fitting in, and ways to discuss these issues with your child.

“Who is the Good Shepherd?” A young child may be curious and ask “Who is the Good Shepherd” or “What does he do for us?” With its easy-to-understand words, I Am Your Friend explains to a child how the Good Shepherd will always be your friend now and even when you’re 102. “I was your friend before you were you. I’ll still be your friend at one hundred and two.” The words in this story bring to light how the Good Shepherd (Jesus) is always with us. Though pictures and story is created for children with rhyming words I Am Your Friend is an inspiring book for people of all ages.

A grouchy boy learns how to chase away his grumpy moods. Includes a note to parents.