A word to parents...

As parents we're parenting differently, and better, than our parents...right? Maybe not.

Here's an insightful article about what teachers really want from us. Timely for this back-to-school time of year. Let's all support our teachers...they're vital to our future!

Farmers Markets

What better way to engage your child and encourage them (and ourselves) to be healthy than by buying, preparing, and eating healthy foods from your local Farmer's Market? My family happens to live near five (5) Farmer's Markets that are each within a 30 minute drive...enough choices to keep my family interested for the entire growing season, and beyond!

I'll admit, at first my tween daughter wasn't too interested. But with a little coaxing—and letting her know we needed her help—she agreed to go. As soon as we let her help us shop (and pay the vendors herself) she loved it. Before we knew it she was identifying fruits and veggies that "looked good", saying "let's get some of these," suggesting a yummy dish for dinner that night, coming up with desserts we could bake with the fruit we found, or wanting to buy herbs to season our food with—it was great! There's just something so much fun about shopping together as a family, within our community, for a necessity: food. We have to talk things over, compromise, help carry what we buy—really work together (which isn't always easy)—but we always look forward to coming home and planning a meal to cook that night, and for the next few days, too.

A plus at our larger Farmer's Market in St. Paul, Minnesota is that there's almost always entertainment happening somewhere between the isles of the outdoor Pavillion...a folk band with someone playing a saw (yes...a saw that you cut wood with!), a violinist, a guitar player, or maybe a banjo player singing some tunes—even a tap dancer once! It's always different and it's always entertaining. When I turned around last summer and saw my daughter had volunteered to square dance and was laughing with a bunch of strangers in the middle of the market, I knew I'd found a regular destination for our family to visit and have fun at, all the while supporting our efforts to be healthy. Bonus: we get to support our local farmers.

If you haven't involved your child with a visit to your local Farmer's Market already, give it a try. Want to find the nearest Farmer's Market to you? The AMS (Agricultural Marketing Service) on the USDA web site works to maintain a current listing of markets throughout the United States. Find yours here and plan a visit. You won't regret it.

You Are Important....even more!

Our award-winning You Are Important board book series is now even larger! These five titles have been successfully building healthy confidence in young children...

And now we've added two more board books to the series. Now available:
You Are Helpful:

Children want to be helpful and are eager to become more independent. We see this whenever they insist "I can do it myself!" or "Let me!" This warm, inviting book introduces young children to age-appropriate ways they can help out: putting their toys away, getting dressed by themselves, waiting their turn, sitting still at the doctor's office, and more. Written in simple words, vividly illustrated with realistic scenes that relate to children's everyday lives, You Are Helpful lets children know they are competent and capable.

You Are Healthy

Experts have identified key behaviors important to children's health. These include active play, eating right, washing hands, drinking water, getting enough sleep, and spending time with loved ones. This warm, inviting book introduces little ones to things they can do to stay healthy and happy. Written in simple words and vividly illustrated, You Are Healthy is an ideal introduction to a lifetime of good health.

Add these to your collection easily online at marengreen.com, where you save 20% today and everyday!

Are Western Diets Making The World Sick?

A valid question...and a thought-provoking one, too.

Kevin Patterson's essay published in Canada's Maisonneuve journal describes his experiences working as an internist-intensivist at the Canadian Combat Surgical Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Mr Patterson's essay is a fascinating read on many levels, but the stand-out part to me is this one thing he noticed: Afghan soldiers, police and civilians he treated in Kandahar had radically different bodies in that there was the absence of any fat underneath their skin.

Compare that to what he finds in Canadians or Americans or Europeans: most of their organs are encased in fat.

According to Patterson, "this why 40 percent of North American adults have metabolic syndrome. The syndrome is caused by being fat, even at levels North Americans would not recognize as abnormal. Obesity prompts the receptors that insulin acts upon to become numb to its effects. As we grow fatter, and insulin resistance proceeds, higher and higher levels of insulin are necessary to get the sugar out of the blood. Eventually, overt diabetes may supervene, as it has for 8 percent of North American adults, a tenfold increase since the turn of the last century."

I don't know about you, but that's scary bit of information...especially because we know so much more today about health and wellness. We've got to change. And we can. We can change our diets and behaviors, but it's clear many of us struggle with the motivation to do so. Which is why I'd like to propose some motivation for every time we want to consume unhealthy foods or resort to behaviors that support being a couch potato: think of a child in your life.

We owe it to children today to exhibit a healthy lifestyle so they'll model it and grow up healthy and happy. Especially in our technology-advanced world that so easily supports a sedentary, unhealthy, fast-food lifestyle.

Change today. Start with our title You Are Healthy. Read it together. Make a change for yourself—and for the children in your life. They deserve it.

OMG! FYI…I’m LOL these are now officially recognized by the Oxford English Dictionary. OK.

You’ve probably heard the news about this recently. In case you haven’t, let me be the first to tell you these expressions (FYI, OMG, LOL) are no longer simply letters understood by kids. They’ve reached the point of being understood by a wide enough audience (me included, I’m happy to say) to be included in the dictionary. A true sign of our times.

I’m really okay with it, although I can easily recall my daughter using these acronyms a few years ago and feeling clueless...I had no idea what she was talking about. But that was okay too since I could appreciate the humor in it. Dad was clueless. Daughter thought it was funny. The world was right (for her anyway).

We’ve always had an appreciation for humor in our household, and (most of the time) I think it's been good for us. Most of us are better people when we don't take ourselves too seriously. Most reasons to laugh are good reasons—and it brings some joy, perspective, and general lightheartedness into what otherwise can be "our stressful lives"—not to mention our sad and depressing state of affairs in the world around us (especially lately).

This was exactly why it was so easy to make the decision to publish
The Dirtiest Hair in the World.

I remember the day the manuscript (with illustrations) showed up at our offices like it was yesterday…we laughed out loud (oops, I mean LOL)...and hard...I mean with side-ache and all. We knew this book would be a source of shared laughter between kids…parents and kids…teachers and kids…librarians and kids…pretty much anyone. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. In addition to this representative review,

“As original as it is entertaining…beautifully told and illustrated…highly recommended for family, school, and community library children’s picturebook collections.”—Midwest Book Review Children’s Bookwatch

it also has a Mom’s Choice Award honoring its excellence, too.

We’re glad so many of you like it too, since our sales in the U.S. keep climbing (thank you!). And our Claire (as we so lovingly refer to this book since Claire is the main character who is adorable...and creative, strong, funny, stubborn, smart...and the list goes on!) has been published internationally! Here’s the first look at the Korean version which has already sold over 3,000 copies (we’re helping the rest of the world LOL now, too!).

Thanks for reading – and thanks for buying our books. We appreciate your support—and that you’re supporting the young children in your lives.

WIN A COPY! Leave a comment by April 15th telling us your favorite way to LOL with the kids in your life and we’ll enter you into our random drawing to win a FREE copy of The Dirtiest Hair in the World.

Children with Greatest Self-Control Have Greater Success in Life!

According to this study cited in a recent NPR article, “Children who had the greatest self-control in primary school and preschool ages were most likely to have fewer health problems when they reached their 30s,” says Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychology at Duke University and King's College London.

Moffitt’s study found that self-control predicted adult success, even after accounting for the participants’ differences in social status and IQ. “Identical twins are not identical on self-control,” Moffitt said. “That tells us that it is something they have learned, not something they have inherited. And she says self-control can be best learned in preschool.

Examples of self-control in the article include: expecting a 4-year-old to hang up her coat without being asked, putting their lunch away when they arrive at school, hanging up their clothes, and washing their hands before they play.

You can help develop your little one’s self control at school or home with Maren Green’s newest title You Are Helpful—from our award-winning ‘You Are Important’ series. You Are Helpful develops a child’s self-control by positively reinforcing the many ways they can help out: when they dress themselves, when they put toys away, when they do chores at home, when they put trash in the right place, when they listen and follow instructions, and more.

Get your copy here. Available in board book or paperback format.

Am I A Quirky Parent?

I didn’t think so…but if pursuing a healthy lifestyle for my family is worthy of being called “quirky”, I guess I am.

I got to thinking about this after reading Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s recent online interview with writer, cancer survivor, and mother of two young children, Amanda Enayati who has written about pursuing a healthy life for her family by cutting excessive sugars, bad fats, dyes, preservatives and pesticides from their diet and reducing her household’s “toxic burden.” Ms. Enayati thinks other might consider her quirky, eccentric, and even annoying. But she's okay with that, too.

Like Ms. Enayati, I’m willing to be considered “different” in the name of pursuing a healthy lifestyle for my family—especially when it comes to my young daughter. It’s so important today to use what we know. And we know so much more today.

In my parent’s generation, they didn’t have access to the information we do today. We know more, and have access to more, and that enables us to make positive changes in our lives—and change is good! I appreciate that I live in this “information” era and can make informed decisions when it comes to pursuing a healthy lifestyle and being a good parent.

But there’s another aspect of having access to all this information: sometimes it’s just too much information. Which is why I try hard to rely on my common sense. While learning the pros and cons, the tried and true, the false and fake, the insightful and the idiotic, the sheer volume of all that information serves as an important reminder that I need use my common sense. That’s a good thing for all of us to remember since we’re the ones who decide what works best for our families and children—quirky or not.

Common sense is also an important component of Maren Green Publishing and the award-winning books we publish. Why? Because it works. And because it’s good for young children. Our common sense approach supports and expands children’s understanding of their life experiences in positive, affirming, fun, and educational ways. With our books you can be help make sure the children you know grow up happy, confident, and healthy—physically and emotionally.

Do you think it’s okay to be a quirky parent, too? Do you think common sense is an important factor in today’s “information” era?

Let us know what you think and win a FREE book to share with a young child in your life. Simply leave a comment with your email address and we’ll enter you in a drawing for a FREE Maren Green book of your choice. Winner will be randomly drawn from entries and notified March 15, 2011.

Thanks for reading!

One in five children suffer from poor nutrition!?

Sadly, it's true.

According to a new report by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia 15.5 million children are living in poverty in the United States. That's one in five children according to the Census Bureau. Researchers looked at data surrounding four topics: health, food security, housing stability and maltreatment. They examined each in relation to past and present recessions. During childhood, the body is growing quickly and researchers say even a brief period of poor nutrition could lead to lifelong issues.

That's a startling report, and one all adults should be concerned about. Especially when we stop to think how little it costs today to keep a child healthy. And the small amount of time and effort it takes to help a child learn basic skills to keep themselves healthy. Maren Green's newest book You Are Healthy was published to specifically address this issue.

Experts have identified key behaviors important to children's health. These include active play, eating right, washing hands, drinking water, getting enough sleep, and spending time with loved ones. You Are Healthy introduces young children to things they can do to stay healthy and happy.

Written in simple words, vividly illustrated with realistic scenes that relate to children's everyday lives, You Are Healthy is an ideal introduction to a lifetime of good health. And one that every child deserves.

Order a copy today to help improve the health of a child you know. Or perhaps a child you don't know. Might we suggest donating a copy to your church, local library, school, or day care center? Your actions will directly contribute to a healthier future for children.

And together we'll remain hopeful for a day when a future report cites statistics of no children living in poverty in the United States...one day.

Summer activities, positive messages, and books!

Lazy days of summer are upon us...and our kids as well. If we can all just slow down enough to notice.

I'm always amazed how much faster summers go by as we get older. But I look back fondly at my summers as a kid with all that extra time on my hands. Extra time to actually DO things—whether outside or inside—with friends, or on my own. Time to pursue hobbies and read books that weren't assigned by a teacher. And time most definitely not spent sitting in front of a computer.

Today, things are vastly different for kids. With all the "screen time" (TV, video gaming, computer, i-pod, cell phone, etc.) that kids log on a daily basis and all the "virtual" relationships they have with friends via cyberspace (vs. real "face" time), we shouldn't be surprised when kids seem disengaged when we're around them and try to talk about anything.

But we can't let that sway us from enforcing down time for our kids so they can interact socially—in person (away from all the electronic gizmo's fighting for their attention)—and perform important tactile pursuits such as music, dance, sports, crafts, playing in the yard or at the park, and that ever-important mental exercise: reading.

Having books around for that down time can help ensure kids are absorbing all the information we know their young minds are SO capable of learning. And that we know is so important to their early childhood development.

Here at Maren Green, our books affirm important social, emotional, and life skills to give kids the positive self-talk they need to grow up healthy, happy, polite, and kind with positive self-esteem and healthy confidence. It's why they WORK for young children, why they've won awards, and why we think it's worth sharing.

We hope you think so too. Stop by for a visit and see for yourself.

Happy Father's Day—or "Congrats-On-All-We've-Learned" Day.

As a dad for the last 12+ years, I have to admit I've long viewed my Father's Day as a sort of "service-time recognition" (close-to-but-not-the-same) equivalent to the Mother's Day counterpart. I daresay many of us dad's acknowledge (with appreciation and...relief?) the more significant role our spouse's play in the parenting arena, and humbly accept the nod for the supporting roles we play in raising our kids. That's not to diminish the primary role many fathers perform—and the incredible job they do—and recognition they deserve. It's simply a reality that, more often than not, dad's play the second fiddle, supporting role...sous chef, assistant teacher, vice president...you get the idea.

I look at my Father's Day as a day of reflection and thoughtfulness about what I need to be consistently doing on the other 364 days of the year so I'm always a good father to my kid. I think that is truly the hardest part—especially with the "ebbs and flows" of our roles as our kids progress from infant to toddler, preschooler to kindergartner, tween to teen, young adult to...(gulp) adult. What dad hasn't experienced on any given day how we're either an out-of-touch, embarrassing, dorky Dad (picture child with eyes rolling up into their eyelids)—or the smartest, coolest, bravest hero Dad our kid has ever known (and the hugs that come with it)?

Which is why, for me again this year, I'll love getting another "nod" for being a dad—but in my mind it will be for all I've learned this past year that's made me a good dad. A better dad. It's a reminder to myself of how dedicated I am to being the best I can be in my—albeit supporting—role as father to my daughter. It's a tremendous learning curve—and in all respects—the hardest (and most rewarding) job I've ever had in my life.

To all the other dads out there, I hope you think about, and act on daily, how important your role is to your kids. Tell your kids in some way, every day—how important they are so they know how much you love them—no matter what—just for them being themselves.

Eventually, they'll forget about us being that out-of-touch, embarrassing, dorky Dad we can sometimes be. I hope.

Have a wonderful "Congrats-On-All-We've-Learned" Day.

Mothers' talk is key to kids' social skills.

Here at Maren Green, we love to keep our readers up to date on helpful information that relates to the children in our lives. This latest information reported on CNN here, isn't surprising, but is an important reminder:

In a UK study funded by the Economics and Social Research Council, research has shown that the way mothers talk to their children at a young age influences their social skills later in childhood. Specifically, those who often talked to their children about people's feelings, beliefs, wants and intentions developed better social understanding than children whose mothers did not.

The article goes on to quote Dawn Huebner, a psychologist in Exeter, New Hampshire, who sees children ages 6 to 12:

"It's essential for both mothers and fathers to give children a vocabulary of feelings...children don't always realize what their emotions are and need to have words to describe them in order to become more empathetic."

Further support as to why our children's books on feelings are best-selling resources to help parents have conversations with their children. For birth to preschool, this sturdy little board book is a perfect introduction to the basic feelings of happy, yucky, shy, excited, mad, scared, kind, and more.

For ages 4 and up, the paperback version covers a full alphabet of age appropriate feelings such as brave, dramatic, generous, jealous, lonely, nervous, optimistic, proud, responsible, understood, valued, and more. Fun to read and beautifully illustrated, your kids will be able to name, claim, and share their emotions in no time.

Thanks for all you're doing to raise such capable, kind, and resilient children. We know it's not easy, which is why we're here to support you.

May 11-15 is National Etiquette Week

National Etiquette Week was established by Children’s Etiquette Consultant Sandra Morisset in 1997 as a self-assessment on the current status of civility in the United States. It's a wonderful opportunity for all of us to stop, reflect, and ask: How civil am I?

To my spouse or significant other?
To my children?
To my parents?
To my friends?
To my teacher?
To my colleagues?
To the stranger in the check out line?
To other drivers on the road?

The dictionary defines civility as follows:

Ci•vil•i•ty noun (pl.-ties)
formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech: I hope we can treat each other with civility and respect.
ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French civilite, from Latin civilitas, from civilis 'relating to citizens.' In early use the term denoted the state of being a citizen and hence good citizenship or orderly behavior. The sense [politeness] arose in the mid 16th cent.

Parents, educators, and caregivers, here's an easy activity that's perfect for this important week: Invite the kids in your life to get together—perhaps at this week's "family meeting", or as part of "morning meeting" in your classroom, or at group activity time during the day—and ask everyone (including yourself!) to answer the following three questions:

1. What does civility mean to you? (you can provide the definition—but have children, depending on age, answer in words or pictures what it means to them, or have a simple conversation together)
2. What are 2 examples of how you ARE civil every day? (have kids answer in words or pictures, or have a discussion together)
3. What are 2 more ways you CAN BE civil every day? (have kids answer in words or pictures, or have a discussion)

Give a good amount of time for kids to express themselves, then invite everyone to share their answers and have an open discussion of good ways everyone can be more civil with each other.

At Maren Green, we hear over and over again how helpful it is to have books around to support the the life lessons and positive messages we're trying to give children, and that's why you'll find the books shown in this blog entry of particular value. They're good to read one-on-one, good to read at storytime, and good for kids to read on their own. You'll find them conveniently available here.

From all of us at Maren Green, have a great National Etiquette Week!

Positive Impact of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

CASEL is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the science and evidence-based practice of social and emotional learning (SEL). Their research findings from three large-scale reviews of the impact of SEL programs on elementary and middle-school students shows that SEL programs:

* raise achievement test scores up to 17 percentile points.
* increase social-emotional skills in test situations.
* improve social behavior (e.g., getting along and cooperating with others)
* decrease behavioral problems (e.g., aggression and disruptiveness).
* lead to more positive feelings about self, others and school.
* reduce levels of emotional distress (e.g., anxiety and depression).

Here at Maren Green, we also understand the importance of social and emotional learning for young children—and the harsh reality that most schools simply can't afford SEL programs for children. Compounded with how we're all becoming increasingly isolated as a result of the online social media craze (facebook, myspace, youtube, blogs, twitter, etc.), the opportunities to develop social-emotional skills in our children have become less and less. It's easy to forget how integral social and emotional learning is for our children's future success and happiness.

As parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, and caregivers and educators, it's important we rely on each other to help children develop their social and emotional skills—and that's where Maren Green Publishing can help. We publish affordable resources that make a positive impact on the social and emotional development of children.

For example, you can help children (ages 3 & up) learn the value of kindness, learn good manners (and why they matter), and understand and express their emotions with our set of 3 books: Kindness to Share from A to Z, Manners Are Important for You and Me, and Feelings to Share from A to Z. When read together, you'll be amazed at the great discussions you'll have with kids—and how quicky they put their new skills to good use.

We even have board book versions of some so you can start when they're younger. Check out: Feelings to Share and Manners Are Important for toddlers.

For less than the price of a new video game (our set of 3 books is only $23.97 online here), you'll be giving children social-emotional skills that will last them a lifetime.

That's a positive impact you can feel very good about.

Springtime and New Moms

Spring is a time for all things new. The earth comes back to life after a long cold winter, flowers begin to bloom, trees are leafing out, and many moms (and families) are looking ahead in anticipation of a new little bundle of joy.

At Maren Green we're inspired by this time of year and all the newness it brings. It's a time of optimism, appreciation, renewal—and a reminder of things that matter most.

It's also when our award-winning children's board book You Are Important serves as a good reminder of why we do what we do: because children are important. They are the future, it's an important future, and we want them to know just how important they are.

You can let them know, too. For the expecting mom in your life, we'd like to suggest our award-winning 'You Are Important' Board Book Series (set/5) as the perfect baby shower (or Mother's Day) gift that keeps on giving (and an affordably priced one at only $27.95 online).

Affirming words and illustrations help very young children know they are Beautiful, Brave, Creative, Friendly, and Important. Mom's (and us dad's, too) will enjoy reading these to their baby before they're even born. And you'll know you're contributing to a child's future sense of healthy confidence—and reinforcing that every child is precious and valuable.

We don't think spring gets any better than that.

Uh-oh. Watch out! You're about to sneeze!

Swine flu is spreading. As reported by CNN, 40 new cases here in the U.S. today. While we certainly don't want to add to our children's daily stress, it's difficult to keep wide-spread media stories like this from their attention. Everyone's talking about it. You may think it's not on their radar, but don't be fooled. Just because kids don't say anything doesn't mean they're not thinking about these big news stories—and even worrying about them. Worrying about the implications it might have on them, their loved ones, their school, and more.

As with any important issue, information and education are critical. The prospects of swine flu are frightening for all of us, but we can dispel the mystery and fear by arming ourselves and our children with important information and skills to deal with it.

What can we do? Make this a teachable moment and remind kids about some hygiene basics: covering our noses and mouths when we cough or sneeze, and washing our hands with soap and water. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) these are the top 2 things of What You Can Do To Stay Healthy. And they're covered specifically in our books below.

Please take a few minutes today to remind the kids in your life about these important (and timely) basics. And don't forget to practice them yourself:

From Manners Are Important for You and Me (click on image to enlarge):


From You Are Healthy (click on image to enlarge):

"Obesity is the No. 1 health crisis in the United States...

...and the nation could be at risk without immediate action," former President Clinton said at CNN's first Fit Nation Summit earlier this year. "We need to do something about it for our children, and for our country, because something like this could easily collapse our nation if we don't act now," Clinton said.

If that isn't a wake-up call, I don't know what is. Bottom line: one-third of U.S. children are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity carries increased risk of myriad health problems, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

As adults, most of us can relate to the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle—from eating right, to exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, taking quiet time for ourselves, even finding time for simple fun. It's hard work. But anything is better than nothing, and as adults, we simply must do more. We have to understand that foregoing a healthy lifestyle no longer affects just us. When we're unhealthy, our children are unhealthy. Our behaviors become their behaviors—and those behaviors become established at a very early age.

One of President Harry S. Truman's favorite sayings was "The buck stops here." He even had a sign with this message made for his desk. As adults, as parents, as grandparents, as aunts and uncles, as educators, as caregivers, as counselors, we can all benefit from adopting this message as our personal mantra—especially when we think of the children in our lives and their future health and happiness.

You Are Healthy was published to support your efforts with the children in your life. As we work to set a better example, this book will affirm key behaviors important to children's health. Whether a child reads the book themself, or you read it with them, the goal is the same: children hear messages that become the positive self-talk they'll rely on to live a healthy lifestyle as they grow and develop. Experts agree:

"I highly recommend Maren Green Publishing’s You Are Healthy and the three companion books for encouraging healthy behavioral choices for children.”
—Neal R. Holtan, M.D., M.P.H., Preventive Medicine Specialist

“You Are Healthy is a terrific tool to introduce young children to important things we do to stay healthy. I love that it covers aspects from washing hands to laughing, playing, and having quiet time. These are good reminders for young and old alike.”
— Dr. Carol Carlson, M.D.

If there's good news when it comes to any crisis, it's that we can all do something to help fix it. Maybe someday soon we'll be reading

"Obesity is no longer the No. 1 health crisis in the United States..."

How will your community share kindness?

We were excited to see how our book Kindness to Share from A to Z is inspiring the entire community in Mishicot, Virginia to come together during this National Volunteer Week (April 19-25).

As reported in the Virginia Parlato/Mishicot News, one of their week-long events to bring attention to volunteering will include:

A book entitled Kindness to Share from A to Z will be read, there will be singing, and children can create a special Mother's Day gift.

We applaud the efforts of Mishicot Area Growth and Improvement Committee! Perhaps you can inspire a child—and your community—with this book, too? In simple words and warm illustrations of children in real-life situations, Kindness to Share from A to Z includes 26 ways to make the world a better place, no matter what age you are.


Examples from the book:

“Let’s hear it for vegetables, let’s hear it for fruits.”

...cheered First Lady Michelle Obama to about two dozen fifth graders at the recent groundbreaking of the new organic White House kitchen garden—the first full-fledged vegetable plot on White House grounds since Eleanor Roosevelt planted a victory garden during World War II.

The gardening effort reflects the First Lady’s persistent call for healthful eating. She often speaks about the importance of nutritious eating, the problem of childhood obesity, and of the challenges involved in getting her two daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, to eat more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.

Although we're slightly resentful that we're not gardening yet here in Minnesota (where our winters tend to be regularly too long), we couldn't agree more with the First Lady's sentiments. We published our newest book You Are Healthy to encourage young children to practice healthy behaviors by letting them read similar (and very important) messages like: "You are healthy when you eat veggies and fruits every day."



Just think what can happen if more of us followed Mrs. Obama's healthy example and renewed our efforts to help young children develop a solid foundation of healthy habits. Children will establish their own healthy habits for eating right, exercising through active play, drinking enough water, getting enough rest, laughing and giggling, and much more, to stay healthy for a lifetime.

The First Lady's gardening effort serves as a great reminder that we need to act now—and especially when children are young. Did you know "approximately 25 million children are obese or overweight, making today’s kids possibly the first generation to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents." says a report by the nonprofit organization Trust for America’s Health? This news is simply frightening—and should make us all stop and ask ourselves: "What can I be doing differently for the children in my life?"

We have a simple and effective idea: read You Are Healthy to make a positive difference in the health of a child in your care. It's simply written, has engaging and vibrant illustrations of multi-ethnic kids so all young children can relate to the messages and—more importantly—follow the examples shown. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, early childhood educator, librarian, or counselor, each page is an excellent conversation starter for discussions of other healthy behaviors, too.

So instead of buying that carton of ice cream, another box of cookies, or giving in to buying another candy bar at the checkout counter, buy a copy of You Are Healthy. It's only $7.19 when you order it from our website. We guarantee it'll last a lot longer and your child will appreciate it even more—especially when they're older and living a healthy lifestyle.

April is National Poetry Month

“Poetry is music written for the human voice.”—Dr. Maya Angelou, celebrated poet.

Inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is held every April, when publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets around the country band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture.

Here at Maren Green Publishing we love to support efforts to widen the attention of individuals—especially children—to the art of poetry. That's why our books are here to help you introduce a child to the pleasures of reading poetry—and help spark their creativity to even write their own poetry.

Start with our award-winning My Favorite Sounds from A to Z. The colorful pictures and rhyming poems invite children to listen more closely to the sounds in their everyday lives, imagine sounds they haven't yet heard, experiment with creating new sounds, and even sharpen their listening skills.


Then follow up with My Favorite Places from A to Z. These vivid poems and illustrations describe an alphabet of special places. Children are invited to remember places they've been, imagine places they'd like to go, and realize their world expands with each new place they experience.



And here are 30 more ways you can celebrate National Poetry Month.

Exclusive Maren Green pricing makes our books very affordable so you can easily share the "music" of poetry with the children in your life all this month. Both books are even more affordable when you buy them together here.

April is National Humor Month

And it has been for the last 33 years!

National Humor Month was founded in 1976 by best-selling humorist Larry Wilde, Director of The Carmel Institute of Humor. Mr. Wilde is the author of over 53 books on the subject of humor. You can find them here.

Designed to heighten public awareness on how the joy and therapeutic value of laughter can improve health, boost morale, increase communication skills and enrich the quality of one's life, National Humor Month is something worth celebrating with our kids—especially in these economic times when everything (and everyone) appears so serious. Kids need to laugh. As parents, educators, and caregivers, we need to facilitate that.

Our newest book The Dirtiest Hair in the World is here to help—and will definitely get kids on their way to some side-splitting laughter.

Here's the story: Claire has long, beautiful hair. She also has a mind of her own. And one day she decides she will not wash her hair. At first, her hair is not so bad. But as the weeks go by, tangles grow to brambles. Her parents despair! Luckily, even a very stubborn girl can change her mind. When Claire announces, “All right, I'll wash my hair!” that's when the fun begins. You won't believe what crawls, walks, falls, and flies out of Claire's hair.



Get your copy of this hilariously funny, vividly illustrated, rhyming tale here at a great price — and enjoy lots of laughter for the rest of this month, and many months to come!