It makes sense: Kids, balls, bouncing, laughter, and fun all go together. And in Having a Ball: Stability Ball Games, author John Byl shows you how to get kids bouncing, laughing, moving, and having great fun--all as they improve their fitness skills. Having a Ball features -73 stability ball games, with variations, that teach balance and coordination; -a great variety of challenges, races, relays, and team games for all participants; -a game finder that helps you quickly find the right activity for your group; and -games that work for youth in fitness centers, schools, park departments--wherever it is you work with kids. The book is organized into seven chapters based on the nature of the activities and the number of players involved. There are games for partners working together to complete a challenge; for individuals, pairs, or groups to complete tasks as quickly as possible; and relays involving teams of three or four players each. There are also chase games, games for larger groups, and activities that pit two teams against each other. Each game lists an objective and notes the equipment, number of players, and setup required. Instructions take you sequentially through explaining the game to your players. The games come with variations, and you and your players are encouraged to add to those variations to make the games work best for your particular situation. Whether you're using these games in a fitness center, recreation program, or school, they'll be a hit with kids because the games are a blast--and using nontraditional equipment helps to level the playing field so everyone gets to participate equally.

Knowing how much Mom liked Michael Stern, I knew his book would be honestand it is. I HAD A BALL is full of stories no one but Michael would know. His friendship with Mom is evident on every page. A good read. Thank you Michael. DESI ARNAZ JR . Michaels memories are my memories, only clearer. What a talent for details! It was very moving for me to relive so much of our lives through Michaels eyes. Very entertaining. Charming. And, more importantly, true. As Mom wrote on one of her photos to him, Happy Thoughts. LUCIE ARNAZ In 1971, ten-year-old Michael Stern thought he had died and gone to heaven as he watched a filming of Heres Lucy. He was enthralled with a redhead gifted with beauty, stage presence, and the ability to make others laugh. Over the next few years, he would attend several more filmings, meet Lucy, and eventually become (in Lucys own words) her number-one fan. In his memoir, Michael Stern offers a refreshing glimpse into the life of a natural comedienne and actress as he provides a fascinating narrative on what it was like to become first a fan and then a friend with one of the biggest television personalities of all time. Known to fans simply as Lucy, she entertained millions of people across the world with shows like I Love Lucy, The Lucy Show, and Heres Lucy. But to Michael, who was eventually allowed access into her private world, she was a fascinating woman with whom he would share many unforgettable adventures. I Had a Ball is a unique tribute to Lucys legacy, her spirit, her talent, and her enthusiasm for lifesure to entertain Lucy fans, television aficionados, and comedy lovers around the world.

Winner of the 2012 Randolph Caldecott Medal This New York Times Bestseller and New York Times Best Illustrated Book relates a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.

The Stupid family celebrates the children's awful report cards by inviting their relatives to a costume party. "Everybody's pet crazies make a return appearance in Allard's story and Marshall's color cartoons, the sequel to their hit The Stupids Step Out." -- Publishers Weekly

Winner at the 2013 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards. A magic ball has mysteriously appeared and will help to weave the most beautiful friendship between the animals of the forest. One morning, a hedgehog wakes up to find a mysterious ball of wool caught in his prickles. Why would he want a ball of wool?, he wonders in dismay. His friend the spider, who was an expert knitter, encouraged him to start knitting, teaching him all the keys and secrets to making a perfect sweater. Fascinated, all of the forest animals come to his house and the hedgehog happily knits something for each of his visitors. CLICKETY-CLICK, CLICKETY-CLICK... A stitch here, a stitch there... When the hedgehog stops knitting, he realizes something amazing—the ball of wool is magic! A charming tale of friendship, generosity and kindness that will bring out the best in young readers by encouraging them to help others.

'Witty, silly, and interactive ... A rollicking read for children and adults alike' - Kirkus Reviews For the Grown-Ups: OK. Two things you need to know. Firstly, your favourite thing in the whole world is the letter B. And secondly, you're about to sneeze and all the Bs are going to be blown out of the book. So until you can get your favourite letter back, you're about to sound really, really silly ... And the kids will love it! PRAISE FOR THE BOOKS THAT DRIVE KIDS CRAZY SERIES 'The kids are having a ball (whoops, having fun) and a discussion is born' -- 4 stars, Good Reading 'Funny, clever, deliciously dry ... this book encourages kids to think outside the square, and hopefully, somewhere deep in that unlimited subconscious, understand that what we see is all about perception. What a powerful thought' -- Kids' Book Review