Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo

A book every family should read. From the first sentence and the first paragraph, every reader is captured until the very end. (At least I was, and I am sure Xander and Niko were too!)

Chilren and all readers can learn how desperately lonely many people feel, and how each of us can help to brighten each others' days.

It's the simple things that can bring us happiness, our relationships and how we care for each other can really make all the difference for a happy life or a miserable life.

DiCamillo uses simple, descriptive words to create a world worth visiting; where, because of Winn-Dixie, hearts are opened, lives are touched and families are strengthened.

I Love You the Purplest, by Barbara M. Joose

If you ever worry about sibling rivalry, for yourself or among your children, this book is for you.

A wise mother of two competitive young boys kindly answers the luring question, "Who did the best?" She gently applies love to each son reassuring him of his individuality.

The watercolor pictures beautifully display the tender relationship of this mother and her boys working and playing together in nature.

A happy book reminding the reader of days past, where life was much simpler, and family relationships maintained the importance that has been forgotton.

Lester Fizz: Bubblegum Artist

What an enjoyable children's book, definately a classic! Clever, witty, repetative, laughable & of course educational.

Here's what you can teach from this book:

--Introduce artists like Degas, Matisse, Picasso, Davinci, Frida, Dorthea Lange, Georgia Okeefe, Saurat... and many more

--Experience "illiteration" first hand

--Discuss personal talents & working hard to accomplish something

--Teach what to look for in art and how to get those creative juices flowing: What do you see; what don't you see; what to you want to see?