"Can it be shown that learning our first language, like any other skill, is a personal work of art emerging from the interaction of body and brain, in making one 'common sense' of the world? Through exploring the basic structure and dynamics of language can we rediscover it as the resolution of a creative synthesis?" In searching for the child's learning secret, or conversely the adult's burden of "innocence lost," the author explores examples of both everyday skills and scientific knowledge to discover his "quartet of consciousness." He shows how this quarrelsome four-the artist and idealist of the arts and the theorist and empiricist of the sciences-emerge naturally through how feel, think, experiment and act, and remerge creatively in language. It challenges academics to recognize the limitations of "nature versus nurture" debates in learning psychology and even biology. Through clear and simple images, van Koeverden presents a unique and dynamic understanding of learning-bringing a delightful new voice into the discussion.

Naturalist Craig Childs's "utterly memorable and fantastic" study of the desert's dangerous beauty is based on years of adventures in the deserts of the American West (Washington Post). Like the highest mountain peaks, deserts are environments that can be inhospitable even to the most seasoned explorers. Craig Childs, who has spent years in the deserts of the American West as an adventurer, a river guide, and a field instructor in natural history, has developed a keen appreciation for these forbidding landscapes: their beauty, their wonder, and especially their paradoxes. His extraordinary treks through arid lands in search of water are an astonishing revelation of the natural world at its most extreme. "Utterly memorable and fantastic...Certainly no reader will ever see the desert in the same way again." —Suzannah Lessard, Washington Post

Renowned picture book creator Jeanette Winter tells the story of a young girl in Afghanistan who attends a secret school for girls. Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared. In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness? Based on a true story from Afghanistan, this inspiring book will touch readers deeply as it affirms both the life-changing power of education and the healing power of love.

This beautifully illustrated children's book sensitively broaches the subject of keeping children safe from inappropriate touch. It is an invaluable tool for caregivers and educators to broach the subject of safe and unsafe touch in an age-appropriate way. The discussion questions support both reader and child when discussing the story. Ages 3-12

Clara is usually happy and friendly. But when she lost her temper one too many times, she lost her friends with it. Can Brodhi the bird teach her the secret to staying calm, even when things don't go her way?

Following three teenagers who chose to spend one school year living in Finland, South Korea, and Poland, a literary journalist recounts how attitudes, parenting, and rigorous teaching have revolutionized these countries' education results.

Does your child speak a different language? Sometimes they wager for your attention, and other times they ignore you completely. Sometimes they are filled with gratitude and affection, and other times they seem totally indifferent. Attitude. Behavior. Development. Everything depends on the love relationship between you and your child. When children feel loved, they do their best. But how can you make sure your child feels loved? Since 1992, Dr. Gary Chapman's best-selling book The 5Love Languages has helped millions of couples develop stronger, more fulfilling relationships by teaching them to speak each others' love language. Each child, too, expresses and receives love through one of five different communication styles. And your love language may be totally different from that of your child. While you are doing all you can to show your child love, he may be hearing it as something completely opposite. Discover your child's primary language and learn what you can do to effectively convey unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will resonate in your child's emotions and behavior.

A coding adventure about a brilliant inventor and her runaway robot, Rox's Secret Code aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders in STEM! Rox is happy to spend the whole day on her laptop inventing awesome robots, but her dad wants her to clean up! When the Chorebot she designs gets a mind of its own and tries to organize the whole city, Rox and her neighbor Amar race to recode Chorebot in time to save the day.

Color through Rija's adventure through the evergreen Madagascar forest and learn about the importance of self-confidence! Rija, an Aye-Aye lemur, used to be very shy. Every time she wanted to do something new, she'd give up before even trying. She just didn't believe in herself enough, and that made her very sad. Until one day, she discovered the power of 4 secret words that helped her find confidence and try new things without fear or doubt! Rija will be happy to share her secret words with you, if you take her home!