Through this we learn about children like Bobby and Melly
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I have read many Holocaust books over the years; however, I have never read one where the readers could follow the journey of a whole family. Bottner gives a detailed chronological account of the war and how the family survived. Through her accounts we do not just learn about the events took place but specific chapters are dedicated to specific people. Through this we learn about children like Bobby and Melly. This is by far my favourite feature of the book. Overall, this is a heart-breaking yet inspiring story that will leave you thinking about it even after you have finished reading.
I have been given this book in exchange for my honest review.
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This is a very well written story of the struggles of fitting in to a new family after being separated at a young age. Because immigration reform is a hot topic and there may be students in a teacher's classroom going through this, it's good to have a story like this for them to read and possibly take comfort in. It could also be a good tool for a social studies class.
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This book is an excellent way to teach children why mommy works outside the home, and more importantly about the many roles women play today. Essentially using the same metaphor as one "wearing a lot of different hats," the book looks at the different shoes mommies wear for different tasks.

It is a sweet story of love between a mommy and her daughter, humorous and fun to read. I got it for my 6-month old and I, and we will enjoy reading it for many years to come.
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Bless you, Maggie. Those children could not have found a better foster parent. You are a shining star for these kids. Well educated, doing just what you like most. I am inspired!
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I think it's important to have a resource like this for children involved in fostering and adoption, as well as children who know other families who have gone through this process.  The explanation and definition of forever family is exceptional and wonderful to have as a tool.  Was surprised when the adopted twins escaped from the house and got lost as well as them hitting the judge with the hammer.  All in all, the writing and illustrations are appropriate for the age group.
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This is a story about 2 brothers who love and enjoy visiting their grandparents.  Scott and Peter feel very fortunate to have their very special Babci (Grandmother) and Dziadzi (Grandfather) who are a little different from their friends grandparents because they have a strange way of speaking and also because they tell stories about their old life in Poland where they used to live.  The boys often ask to hear their favorite story of Babci's Angel.  Later, when a horrible accident takes place, the lessons of faith are remembered.
Children and adults all face tragedy and sorrow at some point, and at those times we're left completely to our faith to help us get through. This little book teaches a lesson in love and trust.
I liked this story and feel it would add great value to a child's library.  I know, had it been around when I was young, my sweet little Polish Mother would have read it to her children.
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My children are much younger, but they are learning a song of the history timeline. They can reference this book's pictures to see what they are singing about and make mental connections.
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The book, Where is the Sears Tower?, is written for parents, teachers, and counselors, to read to children again and again using it as a tool to teach children about life. Whether the reader has never been to Chicago, is visiting the city, or lives or works in Chicago, Peter's trip to Chicago teaches many lessons about life in a format that makes those lessons easier to understand and  remember.
Mitchell emphasizes listening to one's inner self which is an essential lesson for a child to learn in a world which is consistently trying to convince everyone to be something else. Other more subtle lessons include: the strength Peter's mother shows in letting Peter go out into the world to learn from his own experience and Peter's respect for his mother which he demonstrates by defending his mother when she is criticized.
The personalities of each animal offer opportunities for parents, teachers, and counselors to help children become more aware of the different personalities of their friends and family and realize that each personality requires special attention and care. Helping children define how people act differently is an important lesson for their social development. Adults could discuss with children who they know with personalities similar to the animals Peter meets. Is there an animal that has a personality similar to the child's? Why did the author choose each particular personality for each individual animal? Some of the clues are in the Appendix.
With diligence and perseverance, Peter finds the Sears Tower and his grandfather. Often in life it is not enough to pursue a goal, we need to persevere. In doing so, Peter finds self-confidence and self-respect. At the end of the story, adults could discuss with children how they feel about setting goals, asking questions, following directions, and being alone. What would the children do if they were lost? Encourage the children to share times in their life when they followed a message from their inner self? The adult could strengthen the lesson by sharing his or her own story.
Whether a parent, teacher, or counselor, each adult could refer to the lessons of this story long after the book has been put down. What do you think Peter would do in this case? What animal reminds you of that person? If there is not an animal in Peter's story with a personality like the person they are dealing with in their life, could they think of another animal that might have a similar personality?
The extraordinary Appendix is a bonus which offers readers still more to learn about the animals and landmarks of Chicago - definitely a must read.
The outstanding quality of France Mitchell's paintings demonstrates her unique talent to paint realism with a whimsical flair. The illustrations are far beyond what is common in children's books. Every child will want to pick their favorite painting and order a print on canvas to hang in their home to reinforce the valuable lessons of this charming and inspirational story. If the reader is a tourist, he or she might choose a print of his or her favorite landmark in Chicago as a quality souvenir.
Whether the readers are tourists, residents, or workers, these beautiful prints of Chicago will remind people of their own Chicago memories. They speak to the inner child in each adult and would look beautiful in an office building or home. My favorite is the egret with the beautiful Chicago skyline in the background. How could anyone look at that painting and not want to return to Chicago? Millions of people have fallen in love with Chicago because it is a beautiful and exciting city. France's paintings resonate with her love of Chicago.
The book, Where is the Sears Tower?, is definitely one of the best children's books published this year!

Pamela Ash
Master's in Psychology/Counseling
Capella University
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The kids are funny and I think we can all see a little of our own children in this book.
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Coming from a mother of two boys with Down syndrome, I was justtouched at the story.  Gregory has a captivating way of literallyentering the mind of Cindy and the way she processes her day to dayactivities.  This wonderful lesson in empathy helps us realize thatso-called "special-needs" people are a lot more like therest of us than they are different.
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And, through this book we learn about the support of friends and the creativity of those who care about us.  The Little Miss (and Mr.) books are as wonderful as I remember them from my childhood.  I love being able to share these books with my daughter.  These books are just right for bedtime stories.  When you need to speed read - they accommodate that, and when you have the time to really get into character, the story lines and characters support you dramatic expression.  Too much fun.  The story line on this book is cute and just downright fun, like almost all these books.  Enjoyable, worthwhile and definitely a fantastic addition to our family story collection.
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Encourages curiosity, a smart trait to develop in children.
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This is the second book in this series the life of the children after they are grown the epilogue is educational
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It is a wonderful little story that we were able to share the meaning and feelings of with our granddaughter.
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This book teaches children to be responsible for others, especially smaller ones than themselves. In a way, it could be a little pet care tutorial.
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If you are looking for a way to let little ones know about all types of families - and the many sizes and shapes they come in - this is the book. It's a great read at home or in the classroom just to explain that some children may have two daddies or two mommies.
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I love it when books that are designed for children are able to provide great lessons for the adults that might be reading it along with them. That is exactly what we get in Alinka Rutkowska's book MAYA AND FILIPPO MAKE FRIENDS IN AUCKLAND.

It allows us to see how best friends/brother and sister Maya and Filippo are able to make the best of a situation, simply by changing the way they chose to react to it. We have all been in a situation where things didn't go our way. What we choose to do at that moment can have lasting effects. For Maya and Filippo they were able to realize that attitudes can not only be contagious, but harmful.  When we choose to look at the bright side of things we can definitely enjoy life a lot more.

This is a great book that not just entertains but provides great lessons for all ages.