Little Skunky loves his Uncle Funky, but it unsettles him when his uncle drinks. One day, after Uncle Funky trips over Little Skunky and yells at him, Mommy Skunky holds Little Skunky on her lap and explains his uncle’s strange and unpredictable behavior. Sometimes Uncle Funky is clumsy, loud, and silly. Sometimes he says means things. Sometimes he’s sad. Uncle Funky’s a Drunk, Skunk is a warm and loving way to introduce young children to the issue of problem drinking by adults. It is an amusing and empowering tool for parents, educators, and counsellors, facilitating open communication about a sensitive issue that most children will encounter as they experience the sometimes confusing and conflicted world of adults.

Children absorb information and language like little sponges, sometimes faster than they can handle and with no real understanding of what the words mean. But that doesn’t stop them from parroting our words back at us. So, what do we do when our cute little angels hear, or use, words that are inappropriate? Ideally, we talk to them about it, but it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where The Weather’s Shitty, Kitty ― the first in a series of “conversation starter” books ― comes in. When Little Kitty hears her father say a “bad word” after hitting his paw with a hammer, she is uncomfortable and doesn’t know what to think about it. Can a word actually be “good” or “bad”? Or is it just a word? Luckily, she feels safe talking to her parents about tricky subjects. Dr. Does warmly explores these interesting concepts though the eyes of an adorable family of kitties.

A Play on Words is a lively, knee-slapping romp through the inherent vagaries of the English language. Readers can let the book drop open at any page and find an invitation to appreciate the absurdities with which real life is packed and to enjoy a giggle from John Does’ clever take on them. Dr. John F. Does is also the author of a series of conversation-starter books for children on a range of sensitive social topics. The Weather’s Shitty, Kitty is an adorable exploration of words. Words are not good or bad. They are just words. But how we use our words can make people feel uncomfortable. Uncle Funky’s a Drunk, Skunk is a warm and loving way to help young children understand the issue of problem drinking by adults. Those Hens are Cliquey, Chickie is a fun, action-packed look at youth cliques and bullying. That Salmon’s not so Dumb, Chum warmly explores dyslexia from the perspectives of children, parents and teachers.

A Play on Words is a lively, knee-slapping romp through the inherent vagaries of the English language. Readers can let the book drop open at any page and find an invitation to appreciate the absurdities with which real life is packed and to enjoy a giggle from John Does’ clever take on them. Dr. John F. Does is also the author of a series of conversation-starter books for children on a range of sensitive social topics. The Weather’s Shitty, Kitty is an adorable exploration of words. Words are not good or bad. They are just words. But how we use our words can make people feel uncomfortable. Uncle Funky’s a Drunk, Skunk is a warm and loving way to help young children understand the issue of problem drinking by adults. Those Hens are Cliquey, Chickie is a fun, action-packed look at youth cliques and bullying. That Salmon’s not so Dumb, Chum warmly explores dyslexia from the perspectives of children, parents and teachers.

Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships.

Collecting the socially aware syndicated comic strip.