THE SMILE THAT WENT AROUND THE WORLD
Written by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Jana Christy

Justin was holding a plate of cookies in his lap as his mom drove. They were on their way to a party, but Justin noticed some people on a corner with a sign that said they were hungry. Justin wished he could help them. So Justin and his mom gave the people all of the cookies.

This made Justin feel so good that he smiled and waved at everyone he saw. He smiled at a man who was on his way to the airport. When the man got on his airplane, he smiled at an old lady. When she got off the airplane, she smiled at a young couple. That smile just kept going from person to person.

The smile that started with Justin went all the way around the world, until it came back to him one day when he needed cheering up.

This is a story of how much good a smile can do, told in a simple way that children will enjoy. The appealing illustrations bring movement and color to the story, and bring the characters to life. This gentle book will make children and adults smile, while they are reminded how they can help others with a small act of kindness, or even just a smile.

Highly recommended for ages three to adult.

Published by DeVorss Publications, this book is available at your local bookstore.

BEAN APPETIT

HIP AND HEALTHY WAYS TO HAVE FUN WITH FOOD
Written by Shannon Payette Seip and Kelly Parthen, with Carisa Dixon, illustrated by Russell Dietrich

How do you get your kids to eat healthy foods and love it? Make good nutrition child's play! Packed with delicious and unusual recipes that even young children can make themselves with a little help, this book is a funny approach to cooking and learning to have fun with your food.

The food is presented in fresh ways that will appeal to even the pickiest eaters. Children will enjoy learning about different ingredients in creative ways, and completing the cooking challenges along the way. The food-themed games and crafts make healthy eating habits easy and fun. There are even conversation starters to keep the fun going at the table.

Who could resist trying the dragonfly sandwich, or making a masterpiece like the Starry Night Bites? The writers' healthy organic Bean Sprouts Café in Wisconsin inspired the recipes, which include a color photograph, an ingredient list, step-by-step directions, and cooking tips. There are chapters with food for different times of the day and the year, foods from around the world, and foods to pack and go. Whether following instructions to create a cooking-themed party, an edible game night, or a tiny tea party, young and old will agree that this book is a real treat. Highly recommended for ages three and up.

Published by Andrews McMeel Publications, this book is available at your local bookstore.

ME AND GREEN

Written by Therèse Tappouni with Mary Tappouni and Catherine Burkee
Green is a color, like summer leaves and growing grass. Green is also a way of behaving and interacting with the earth so that we take good care of the home we share with animals, plants, and other people.

Green means a healthy planet, with clean air and water and land. Green is beautiful and important, like a butterfly pollinating plants. Green is a way to live in harmony with nature. And green is fun too!

This book is full of information on why green matters, how everything in nature is connected, how science is helping people to become more green, and what each person can do to help by being green. Even younger children will discover that their choices make a difference. They can plant a garden. They can recycle. They can work with their families, friends, and teachers to take good care of the earth.

The illustrations are wonderfully vibrant, with beautiful photographs of animals and plants alternating with charming and colorful paintings that are perfect visual aids to the text.

The book has a lot of information that can be covered in small pieces for young readers, or begin a deeper study for older children. There are suggested activities for teachers, parents, and kids in the back of the book, and a list of websites with more information.

Recommended for ages Pre-K thru 3rd grade.

Published by Peppertree Press, this book is available at your local bookstore.

THE LITTLE SOUL AND THE SUN

By Neal Donald Walsch
Directed by Seungpyo Hong

When Max is bullied by Karl at school, he wonders why bad things happen to good people. His mother tells him a story about a little soul who asked God the same question. Max sees himself as a Little Soul too, and begins a fantastic journey.

With a loving heart and lots of curiosity, he begins to learn the true lessons of life, including how to overcome difficulties and how important obstacles are to our growth.

Through the parable his mother tells him, Max has his own conversation with God, and learns about love and forgiveness. The next day at school, Max encounters Karl again. Max is in a tough situation, and he has an opportunity to put what he has learned into practice.

This charming animated film brings the children's book by Neal Donald Walsch to life. The animation is appealing and colorful, the action will hold even young children's attention, and the themes will spark many family conversations. The DVD includes a three-minute introduction by Walsch, the thirty-minute animated film, and a thirty-minute reflection by Walsch for adults.

Children will love visiting Max and the unique world of Little Soul, Happy Soul, and Friendly Soul. While exploring new ideas, thoughts and feelings, children and their parents can have their own conversations with God.

Highly recommended for all ages.

Published by WakingUp Media, this DVD is available at your local bookstore.