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Archive for the ‘Book Review’ Category

Monthly Children’s Book Review: The Halloween Book of Facts & Fun

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

519 Child & Family Services September Book Review

The Halloween Book of Facts & Fun

Written By Wendie Old and Illustrated by Paige Billin-Frye

ISBN 13: 978-0-8075-3133-4

With the arrival of Fall, many North American neighbourhoods and children’s programs prepare to celebrate Halloween.  The Halloween Book of Facts & Fun provides a practical and thoughtful introduction to Halloween’s histories and current practices - all with children in mind.  Whether you have celebrated Halloween yourself, or are a newcomer to this Fall tradition, check out what this book has to offer you and children in your life.

In many queer communities the Halloween “holiday” has been an opportunity for release, expression and play.  How do we begin to explain to our children what Halloween is all about? What are the some of the hidden histories behind this celebration of fear, imagination, dress-up, and ancestors?  While this book doesn’t discuss queerness specifically, it is a great tool to teach our children to question how things came to be, to introduce - in a simple way - examples of oppression and colonization, and reflect on what this celebration may mean to you and your family.

I especially like how it sensitively explains: Celtic historical beliefs and practices, how Christianity tried to replace Samhain, how women were oppressed as “witches”, why we “bob for apples”, and how Mexican and other Latin American countries have developed related traditions.

Inside you’ll find such topics and illustrations about:  The Origins of Halloween, Why Do We Wear Costumes and Trick or Treat?; The Tale of the Jack-o’-Lantern; Witches; The Truth about Frankenstein and Dracula; El Dia de los Muertos; Have a Halloween Party!; Halloween Safety Tips; and more.

Whether you’re looking to have fun with your kids, or to begin their education about our hidden histories, I highly recommend this book for parents, caregivers, daycare/family resource workers and elementary school teachers.

~ Chris Veldhoven, Queer Parenting Programs Coordinator

Tags: family resource centre, Halloween, LGBT, Paige Billin-Frye, Queer Parenting, Wendie Old
Posted in Book Review, Children, Queer Parenting | No Comments »

Monthly Parent’s Book Review: The Transgender Child

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

THE TRANSGENDER CHILD:

A Handbook for Families and Professionals

Written By Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper ISBN 978-1-57344-318-0

“MOM, I’VE ALREADY TOLD YOU, I’m a girl, so stop saying HE!”

More families are seeking support for their transgender children who may have said something like the above line from the opening of this book.  Many feel isolated as they face their child’s gender identity variance, and are often looking for support to address their fears and to protect and celebrate their child.  Stephanie Brill, author of “The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception Pregnancy and Birth,” and Rachel Pepper have created this thorough and much needed resource to help us affirm our gender-nonconforming children.  Inside you’ll find an informed and practical guide to such topics as: Is My Child Transgender?; Family Acceptance: From Crisis To Empowerment; Developmental Stages and the Transgender Child; Start Where You Are: Moving from Damaging to Effective Parenting Practices; Transition Decisions: When Should I Let My Child Live as Their Preferred Gender?; Disclosure: Whom to Tell, How, Why and When; The Educational System and Your Family; Medical Issues for Transgender Children; Legal Issues to Consider; Who Will Be Role Models for Our Children?; and Sample Doctor’s Letters.  The Transgender Child will help readers understand and celebrate our gender variations, raise healthy children, and create social spaces where our children can thrive.  A must read for any parent, caregiver, family member, and family service provider in any field.

~ Chris Veldhoven, Queer Parenting Programs Coordinator

Tags: Families, Queer Parenting, Rachel Pepper, Stephanie Brill, Trans, Transgender
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Monthly Children’s Book Review: ABC - A Family Alphabet Book

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

A B C

A Family Alphabet Book

Written by Bobbie Combs | Illustrated by Desiree Keane & Brian Rappa
ISBN 0-9674468-103

This is a charming beginner’s alphabet book concise enough to hold a little one’s attention from beginning to end. Featuring queer parents in lots of everyday parenting scenarios and mindful of racial diversity (among other kinds of diversity), kids in LGBTQ families can surely find someone they will relate to within its pages. There is a potentially problematic dress-up costume on the B page, but this is otherwise a really lovely read both aesthetically and in words.

Excerpt:  C is for cookies. Both of my dads know how to make great chocolate chip cookies.

ABC: A Family Alphabet book is available to read in The 519’s Family Resource Centre.
For more information about our Child and Family Programs, click here.

Tags: Bobbie Combs, Book Review, Brian Rappa, Desiree Keane, family resource centre, Queer Parenting
Posted in Book Review, Children, Queer Parenting | No Comments »