How are you feeling?

As we read the news of our slumping economy, jobs being eliminated in too many places, everything getting more and more expensive, and people becoming more and more frugal (which I personally think is kind of a good thing), it's clear times are tough these days. We're all feeling it.

As many of us are challenged with today's stresses on ourselves, our families, and our friends, "How are you feeling?" has become a more familiar question we ask, and get asked, probably on a daily basis. It's an important question to ask, but an even more important question to answer. Especially with our young children who need to understand that it's good to talk about how we're feeling. The more the better. And not just about the good feelings, but the bad ones, and everything in between.

It's fair to say children usually know a lot more about what's going on in our lives than we give them credit for (I'm always amazed at how perceptive my young daughter is). However, children can (and often do) tend to keep things bottled up when they don't have the words to describe how they're feeling.

Our book Feelings to Share from A to Z (paperback, $7.99 at www.marengreen.com) can help. However you can get this book into their little hands (perhaps after you've casually, but strategically, left it on the counter, nightstand or coffee table?) they'll be better off.

Wait till they ask who the book is for (you'll say: "Anyone...check it out and let me know what you think."). Before you know it, you'll be chatting together about the feelings described inside, relating to (and giggling over) the pictures, and talking about when either of you felt the feelings described. But most importantly, they'll be learning the words to describe and communicate to you (and others) how they're feeling. Bonus: they'll feel good knowing you're listening, too!

As focused as we all are on our hectic lives of work, errands, appointments, soccer or dance classes, and just generally trying to make ends meet, make time for this book. Trust me, children will relate to it and it will help them through the tough times now—and in the future. We owe them that. Afterall, their presence in our lives helps us through tough times...more than they'll ever know.

If you have a toddler, start with our sturdy board book version Feelings to Share ($5.59 at www.marengreen.com).

Now available in Spanish...

We're very pleased to announce that our popular award-winning 'You Are Important' Board Book Series is now available in Spanish. Affirming words and vibrant, multicultural illustrations help very young children know they are Importante, Hermoso, Amigable, Valiente, and Creativo. Each book reinforces that every child is precious and valuable.

Inauguration Day: A Good New Beginning.

From the publisher:

Today is the inauguration of President Barack Obama. A turning point for many people and many things, and a bright spot on what is seemingly a dull horizon of 2009 to come. On behalf of Maren Green Publishing, I hope the inauguration is a sign of hope for everyone. And especially for children, their families, and our communities. When people are inspired, great things do happen. We need great things to happen.

I find Barack Obama inspiring. I hope children will be inspired by him, too.

I hope children will be inspired to be tolerant and accepting.

Support children in their efforts to be tolerant and accepting of others (and themselves!) with our award-winning and best-selling book Colorful World. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates differences and invites all children to be proud to be themselves. The song by six-time Grammy winner CeCe Winans (CD included) that inspired the book is a musical experience that will enrich the experience of any listener and help build bridges among cultures. Every child in every school, home, and library should have the opportunity to read this book.

I hope children will be inspired to be kind.

Our newest book, Kindness to Share from A to Z uses simple words and engaging illustrations to invite children to show kindness in their daily lives. Each letter, each idea is a step toward becoming more caring and compassionate...and making the world a better place to be. Helping children understand how they can share their kindness with others is one of the best investments we can make for the future of our world.

I hope children will be inspired to be healthy and helpful.

When you read our new books You Are Healthy and You Are Helpful with a child you will be letting them know you support their efforts to be healthy and helpful in ways that will last them a lifetime. And perhaps inspire yourself as well! Research has shown children are happier and more confident when they practice good health and understand they are competent and capable. Parents, educators, and librarians: affirm the positive efforts of children with these books every day.

And lastly, I hope children are inspired to have more fun and spend more quality time with family.

These are stressful times. Invite a child you know to a rollicking good laugh with our new book The Dirtiest Hair in the World. Any child (adult, too!) will enjoy this vividly illustrated rhyming tale about a little girl named Claire who makes a snap decision to not wash her hair. What ensues will have everyone laughing wildly. When Claire eventually decides she'll wash her hair (after she can't get out of her room because her hair is so big and tangled and dirty—with things living in it!), that's when the fun really begins. You won't believe what crawls, walks, falls, and flies out of Claire's hair! In the end, even though Claire decides she likes to wash her hair, does she learn her lesson? Trust me, you'll want to find out. The large panoramic detailed illustrations make this perfect for story time.

Till next post, be well.

Todd