The Road to Writing takes early years practitioners on a journey; the journey young children make when they learn their first words and make their first marks. Sue Cowley offers activities and practical advice to inspire practitioners to try a wide range of creative approaches to improve mark making in the early years. There are ideas for building finger strength and eye-to-hand coordination, activities to help children to understand the concept of symbols and signs, and strategies for building confidence in writing and reading. You can find your way through the book by following the signposts and you'll find plenty of interesting diversions along the way to develop children's key skills and motivation. This accessible book includes bulleted lists, photographs of children writing and examples of early marks to illustrate how children's communication skills develop. Sue also gives tips on getting boys engaged in writing, and there is a companion website with downloadable resources and useful links. This book is an invaluable source of inspiration for all early years practitioners and parents of children aged 3-7.

"He is forever and ever here in spirit" An adventure. A magic necklace. Brotherhood. Six-year-old Forrest feels lost now that his big brother Kitchi is no longer here. He misses him every day and clings onto a necklace that reminds him of Kitchi. One day, the necklace comes to life. Forrest is taken on a magical adventure, where he meets a colourful cast of characters, including a beautiful, yet mysterious fox, who soon becomes his best friend. www.kitchithespiritfox.com

An engaging picture book for children that celebrates what it means to be American--regardless of politics What does it mean to be American? Does it mean you like apple pie or fireworks? Not exactly. While politics seem to divide our country into the two opposing teams of red and blue, one truth remains: we are all Americans. But what does that mean? This continuation of the popular What Does It Mean to Be...? series provides a nonpartisan point of view perfect for any and all Americans who are proud of who they are--and where they come from, regardless of their political views. Other Titles in the What Does It Mean to Be...? Series: What Does It Mean to Be Present? What Does It Mean to Be Global? What Does It Mean to Be Kind?

From the sign of the fish to the Stations of the Cross, from palms to ashes, this book will enable readers to appreciate the symbols of faith all around us.

Book of SaintsWho are the saints, why are the lives of saints important for children, and what can children learn from lives and actions? In Loyola Kids Book of Saints, the first in the Loyola Kids series, best-selling author Amy Welborn answers these questions with exciting and inspiring stories, real-life applications, and important information about these heroes of the church. This inspiring collection of saints’ stories explains how saints become saints, why we honor them, and how they help us even today. Featuring more than sixty saints from throughout history and from all over the world, Loyola Kids Book of Saints introduces children to these wonderful role models and heroes of the church. Ages 8-12.

“What does ‘allegiance’ mean?” the New Teacher asked, hand over her heart. In this classic and chilling tale about an elementary school classroom in post-war occupied America, James Clavell brings to light the vulnerability of children and the power educators have to shape and change young minds. Originally written in the Cold War era, Clavell’s extraordinary and enduringly relevant allegory on the impressionability of the human mind is still read in schools around the globe today, and is a call to every person to keep questioning and keep learning.