If you have a Wordless or Wordful Wednesday that you'd like to link up, please do:
And don't forget to stop back tomorrow for
Book Review and Giveaway - The Adolescent Owner's Manual
If you have tweens or teens , you need this book The Adolescent Owner's Manual
by David Laing Dawson. 
From the Publisher:
A refreshing look at the puzzling world faced by today's teens and their parents who are trying to guide them. Incorporating advances in neuroscience, psychiatrist David Dawson clearly describes how teen brains work and offers practical advice to baffled parents in a fun and relaxing style. At the same time, he helps parents have confidence in their innate good instincts and solid understanding of their own children. Also included are significant behavioral warning signs that may indicate the early stages of serious mental illnesses. Dawson has the rare ability to make complex and potentially dull reading entertaining and instructive. In addition to being a psychiatrist, he is also a successful mystery writer and film director. Those skills enhance this book and provide some down to earth help to parents.
My Review:
I've learned two things since my daughter Robyn turned twelve - she's not a child anymore and she's become a really tall toddler again. Right now my daughter is a mess of raging hormones, emotions and stress and so am I... for different reasons, so when I was asked to review The Adolescent Owner's Manual
, I knew I was going to do it, if only to gain some more insight into what to expect in the next stage...David Laing Dawson delivered what I needed to read in spades. It reaffirmed many of the parenting techniques and strategies that Wayne and I have been using up to now, and gave me some concrete examples of how to tweak them to make Robyn's teen years more enjoyable for all of us.
I also love the way this manual is outlined.. it starts with 'Getting to know your Adolescent', works through 'Performance and Limitations of your Adolescent', includes an 'Owner's Maintenance Schedule' and my personal favorite section - 'Troubleshooting' with a subsection - Owner/Operator error. The book also offers Work Arounds, a section about serious issues like depression, ADD/ADHD and others, and finally a FAQ section that deals with specific issues like cars, sex, shoplifting, drugs and more.
This book is frank, open and honest about what to expect - it was like reading what to expect when you're expecting a teenager... I am definitely keeping this book on my shelf for future reference and I'll be re-reading it before Liam and Erik hit adolescence too!
Buy your copy: The Adolescent Owner's Manual
is available on Amazon.com for $11.48Win your copy:
This contest is open to residents of Canada and the US,
and will close on December 14th at 11:59 PM.
The winner will be chosen by random.org and will be announced here and emailed.
Each entry must be a SEPARATE COMMENT to be counted.
Mandatory Entry:
Leave me a comment about what you think is the hardest part about being an adolescent or 'owning' an adolescent.
Bonus Entries (Leave a separate comment for each entry)
Follow Acting Balanced/Chascouponmom on Twitter (leave twitter name)
Follow Acting Balanced on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to Acting Balanced by email (must be complete)
Are you in??? 3 giveaways ending and 6 bonus entries...
There are three great giveaways ending in less than four hours:
and 6 bonus entries available for tomorrow's fabulous giveaways that are part of the Holiday Gift Giveaway Blog Hop
and 6 bonus entries available for tomorrow's fabulous giveaways that are part of the Holiday Gift Giveaway Blog Hop
Off on a hunt... an Overstock Hunt
For the next several weeks, I am participating in an Overstock Scaveneger Hunt... each week I'm going to be checking out a set of clues to find another cool product from Overstock.com!
This week's trail took me through Home and Garden, into the Kitchen and Dining area, to check out appliances, specifically... food processors and wow... with over 50 to choose from, Overstock.com has a Food Processor for everyone.
I personally have a food processor on my holiday wish list.. because I think it will come in incredibly handy when I start making Erik's baby food.
I've just started my comparison shopping and would love your feedback about brands that you have, features you think I need to spend my money on or ones that just aren't worth the extra dough... I'm partial to this one:
but I'm not sure if that's because of the great features, or just because it's a cool blue color..
I really do want your opinion, so if you have time to leave me a comment, I'd appreciate it!
disclaimer: I am writing this and subsequent Overstock Scavenger Hunt posts in the hopes of winning prizes from Overstock.com
This week's trail took me through Home and Garden, into the Kitchen and Dining area, to check out appliances, specifically... food processors and wow... with over 50 to choose from, Overstock.com has a Food Processor for everyone.
I personally have a food processor on my holiday wish list.. because I think it will come in incredibly handy when I start making Erik's baby food.
I've just started my comparison shopping and would love your feedback about brands that you have, features you think I need to spend my money on or ones that just aren't worth the extra dough... I'm partial to this one:
KitchenAid RKFP750BW Blue Willow 12-cup Ultra Wide Mouth Food Processor (Refurbished
but I'm not sure if that's because of the great features, or just because it's a cool blue color..
I really do want your opinion, so if you have time to leave me a comment, I'd appreciate it!
disclaimer: I am writing this and subsequent Overstock Scavenger Hunt posts in the hopes of winning prizes from Overstock.com
Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop Sponsor Preview Bonus Entry 3!
I was so pleased to be approached by Beecology to do a review and host a giveaway for them... they have sponsored a $20 Gift Certificate for one lucky Holiday Gift Giveaway winner! At the end of the review there is an opportunity to get TWO BONUS entries into the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop!!
Let me let Amy, the owner tell you about Beecology:
My review:
I received three products from Beecology, two soaps and their Original Honey Hand and Body Cream.
Finally, I had the opportunity to try the Original Honey Hand and Body Cream - this is a lovely, thick body cream that is very lightly scented, with what else... honey! It absorbs quickly and stays well, and I've found it particularly good lately because with the new baby, I am constantly washing my hands... This is another good unisex product - none of the boys in my life objected to the scent. Because it is thicker than other creams and lotions, I find that I needed to use less and I was able to control the portion better.. I was always trying to rub lotion off on one of my kids before, because I had too much on my hands... not with this product...
Let me let Amy, the owner tell you about Beecology:
My name is Amy; I met my husband David while attending The Ohio State University. We have been married for over 20 years. We have three teenage children, Molly, 18, Rachel, 17 and Nathan 14.
My family has always been then natural, "outdoorsy" type and has fun doing the unusual in Cleveland. We have taped our Maple trees, planted apple and peach trees at our house, build a tree house in our woods and most recently, we decided to have beehives for fresh honey. Currently we have 16 hives. We could not decide what to do with our excess bees wax. Making candles was too mundane for us. We decided to try lip balm. After many attempts, we came up with a product we thought was great. We tested it on our family and friends; they agreed.
That is where our company, Beecology started. Beecology is marketed through the Internet, regional farmer’s markets and boutique retail outlets in Colorado, Ohio, Michigan and New York. Beecology offers products that we handcraft from natural, renewable ingredients for the body—inside and out. Product assortment currently includes, essential oil nourishing soaps, preservative free body wash, sulfate-free hair care products, antioxidants creams, raw natural honey and Buzz Balm, lip balm.
When creating the business model for Beecology, there were two priorities. One was to create high quality, ecologically friendly products using completely natural and renewable ingredients. The other was to ensure charitable giving. We donate 10% of our net profits to our consumer’s charity of choice. Each supported product contains a charity code. After the purchase, consumers can visit Beecology’s charity web site, wwww.sweetyear.org to enter the code and designate to which charity their percentage should be donated.
It has been a great experience for my kid's to see how a business is established--from the ground floor up. They gave their opinions, learned to make our products, take care of our bees and even helped us at the different Farmer Market's.
My review:
I received three products from Beecology, two soaps and their Original Honey Hand and Body Cream.
Totally Hip Hemp Soap
Yeah, hemp. We know what you’re thinking. But what’s funny is that with this soap, you’re not too far off. Because this soap has a wonderful fresh and uplifting herbal smell, which will make you very, very happy. But the expeller-pressed, unrefined hempseed oil has other important benefits. It will help leave your skin smooth and moist. It is also known to help with acne, as well as dry or irritated skin. It even promotes good skin balance and has incredible antioxidant properties. But you might buy it for the smell alone. Go ahead, inhale.
5 oz. Net Wt.
Price: $5.99
The Totally Hip Hemp Soap lived up to hits name - It smells good and clean and is great for the guys in my life because it doesn't smell fruity or flowery. This is a fabulous unisex soap that lathers well and really does leave our skin moist!
Mosaico
Like many dads, mine is pretty sure he knows it all. He told me that if I made a multi-colored soap they’d fly off the shelf. Well, let’s just say there are still a few available. Like, if you need a whole case of it that can be arranged. But at his age, I’d rather make him right than see him lose face. So you’d be doing both of us a favor if you bought some for your funky teenage daughter, or maybe an artsy friend. Besides, I’m sure they’ll love the fragrance of ginger and orange essential oils in this hemp oil-based creation.
5 oz. Net Wt.
Price: $5.99
This is my new favorite soap!!! I absolutely love the orange ginger scent, the funky color and the wonderful way that it leaves my skin soft, clean and moisturized. The scent lingers in a good way and whether it is multi-color or not, this soap gets my two thumbs up!
Original Honey Hand & Body Cream$12.99
It took 111 formulations before we landed on the perfect hand and body cream (personally I liked #83, but I was outvoted). One ingredient in all versions was Cupuacu (koo-poo-ah-sue), from a tree in the Amazon Basin. It has tons of antioxidants and wonderful rejuvenating effects on skin. Eventually the conglomerate behemoths will catch on to Cupuacu, but for now it illustrates our commitment to finding and using ingredients that work, no matter how hard they are to pronounce. It also has marvelous Shea butter, along with olive oil and honey to ensure that this cream smoothes, softens, alleviates redness and moisturizes like no other. To lock in that moisture, we added propolis extract—earning bees yet another ingredient credit.
BONUS ENTRIES:
+ 1 for visiting Beecology.com and letting me know what product(s) you'd try with your $20 gift certificate.
+ 1 for signing up for the Beecology mailing list (leave email address)
Leave a comment below letting me know that you have completed one or both bonus entries!
Stumble Tumble Tuesday week 3!
Welcome to Stumble Tumble Tuesday hosted by Simply Stacie,Still Blonde After All These Years, Shopper Gal, Acting Balanced, Luxury Reading and Kelly’s Lucky You! The goal of this hop is to use Stumble Upon to help you promote your blog posts and get more traffic.
If you are new to Stumble Upon, please check out this tutorial on how it works.
To take part is simple.
- Add a link to a blog post that you would like people to stumble to the linky below. It *must* be a link to an actual post and NOT your main site. Please do not list giveaways.
- Stumble the 5 posts above your link. This way everyone’s posts will be stumbled. If you like you can stumble them all. The great thing about Stumble Upon is that it is fast and easy to do with the Stumble Upon toolbar. PLEASE DO NOT ADD YOUR LINK IF YOU AREN’T GOING TO STUMBLE ANY POSTS. This hop will only work if we all do our share.
Important Note: If you are the first person to Stumble a post, please take a minute and fill out the Stumble Upon review page. This is a one shot deal so if you don’t fill it out, that particular post will never get the same opportunity again.
Feel free to post about Stumble Tumble Tuesday on your blog and help us spread the word.
Have fun with it and let’s discover and stumble some posts!
Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop Sponsor Preview Bonus Entry 2!
I was so glad when I got introduced to this next company, by networking with them I've been able to find a whole host of fabulous 'out of the way finds' online!
There are three possible bonus entries from this sponsor:
You can leave the info for all three entries in one comment, just tell me which ones you've done and what names you've used... and they will count towards your entries on the Holiday Gift Giveaway form when it goes live on Wednesday!
The Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop goes live at Midnight EST on December 1st and runs until 11:59 PM EST on December 5th with over 200 blogs participating and offering cash, gift cards and more!!
Make sure you maximize your chances to win here on Acting Balanced by following on Google Friends, liking Acting Balanced on Facebook, Following Chascouponmom on Twitter and subscribing to the blog by email!
Jasmere seeks out lesser-known specialty retailers that deserve national attention. Our team of New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC- based shopaholics personally tests every product we feature, using jasmere's negotiating power to offer you an exclusive discount. But don't let the low prices fool you. Every merchant we feature on jasmere meets our highest standards of quality. You may not have heard of these websites, but you can be sure their products and services are the best around. We guarantee it.Jasmere is offering one lucky blog hopper a $25 credit to their site - this credit can grow exponentially in real value because all of their offers are at least 50% off retail!!!
There are three possible bonus entries from this sponsor:
+1 Like Jasmere on Facebook
+ 1 Follow Jasmere on Twitter
+ 1 Register for a Jasmere Account
Make sure you maximize your chances to win here on Acting Balanced by following on Google Friends, liking Acting Balanced on Facebook, Following Chascouponmom on Twitter and subscribing to the blog by email!
Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop Sponsor Preview Bonus Entry!
CSN Stores is a fabulous online store for EVERYTHING!!!
And even more exciting, they are one of my Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop Sponsors!
CSN Stores will be offering a Gift Certificate for $40 off anything in their over 200 stores...
You could buy one of these cool children's backpacks:
or something for yourself...anything from cookware to lighting, new bedding to exercise equipment
For a bonus entry into the Holiday Gift Giveaway, click here to visit CSN Stores and then leave a comment below with a link to what you might spend your gift certificate on..You can also get the jump on the competition by making sure you are already a Twitter follower, Facebook fan,
email subscriber and Google Friend of Acting Balanced!
Monday Minute ... more about me :)
(1) What's your favorite fast food establishment?
(2) What's your favorite sport to watch on TV?
We don't have TV, so I don't watch sports on TV... I like taking the kids to the local College volleyball games and the local A Ball baseball games...
(3) Do you like mushrooms and onions? Yep!
(4) If you had to get a tattoo tomorrow, what would you get done?
no idea... possibly something with my kids ... but that's why I'll probably never get a tattoo - I'm way too indecisive, and I'd want too many different things...
(5) What are your thoughts on the female proposing marriage to the male
Why not? If you're ready for the fish or cut bait speech, put your money where your mouth is and buy him a ring..
What are your answers to the questions above - join in, or just randomly answer one of the questions in the comment section!
Meet Me on Monday
I'm hanging out at:
1. What is your favorite way to eat chicken?
Ooh... stuffed with feta cheese or something else yummy
2. Have you decorated for Christmas yet?
No - will probably start getting things out this week
3. What is your favorite article of clothing?
My wedding dress... but if you count things that I wear often, I have a really comfy raspberry colored cardigan that I really like.
4. Do you pay your bills online or write checks the old way?
Online for regular bills, but I will often write and mail a check for a one off bill.
5. Do you make Christmas cookies?
Yep, and I'm trying to put together a holiday cookie exchange for a couple of weeks from now.
1. What is your favorite way to eat chicken?
Ooh... stuffed with feta cheese or something else yummy
2. Have you decorated for Christmas yet?
No - will probably start getting things out this week
3. What is your favorite article of clothing?
My wedding dress... but if you count things that I wear often, I have a really comfy raspberry colored cardigan that I really like.
4. Do you pay your bills online or write checks the old way?
Online for regular bills, but I will often write and mail a check for a one off bill.
5. Do you make Christmas cookies?
Yep, and I'm trying to put together a holiday cookie exchange for a couple of weeks from now.
MMMmonday - Simple Treats Cookbook Review, a Recipe and Linky!
As many of you know, Liam is on a gluten-free diet for his autism, and we've seen good results and a correlation between removing the gluten and a decrease in his stimming behaviours, so we continue with the discipline... the hardest thing to keep a child away from is sweets, so when I found out about a cookbook called Simple Treats: A Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Guide to Scrumptious Baked Goods
by Ellen Abraham, I was truly excited!
As I waited for the book to arrive, I wondered how the author would balance the flours and replace the gluten to get the 'scrumptious' baked goods. I found out quickly when I scanned the book - in this case wheat-free doesn't mean gluten free... Ms. Abraham has found out that the secret to baking without wheat is to find another grain with gluten in it... in this case, barley.
Barley is a wonderful old grain, which is invaluable to people who are allergic to wheat, but not gluten-free...
Still, the idea of baking wheat and dairy-free gave me hope to tweak the recipes to make them gluten free... so I set out to experiment...
So far, I've had good experience with building on a few of her recipes and Liam has been a super willing guinea pig ;) The book is divided into sections - Muffins and Breads, Cookies, Cakes and Cremes, Frostings and Glazes. If you are looking for fabulous vegan alternatives to baking, you will definitely be happy with this book - as will anyone who has a straight 'wheat' allergy. The recipes are also simple to tweak if you are looking to bump the recipe into the gluten free zone - with the addition of either a mixed purpose gf flour or a blend of rice flour and tapioca with xantham gum.
One of the best recipes that I've found is the Baked Apple-Cranberry Crisp because it combines all of the yummy-ness of Fall with the fruit that I battle to keep in his diet, so the recipe from the book is in black with my changes in blue:
Baked Apple-Cranberry Crisp
1/4 cup barley flour (I used the King Arthur Gluten Free multi purpose flour)
1/2 cup maple sugar, Sucanant or date sugar (I used light brown sugar)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup walnuts
3/4 cup rolled oats
3 tablespoons canola, safflower or sunflower oil
Filling;
4 cups sliced, peeled apples (about 5 apples)
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup maple sugar, Sucanat or date sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Dash each of grated nutmeg, ground allspice and salt
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons arrowroot
Now for the linky - please share your favorite recipes here: This is a monthly linky so please keep adding yummy new treats and feel free to click on the ones that interest you most!
by Ellen Abraham, I was truly excited!As I waited for the book to arrive, I wondered how the author would balance the flours and replace the gluten to get the 'scrumptious' baked goods. I found out quickly when I scanned the book - in this case wheat-free doesn't mean gluten free... Ms. Abraham has found out that the secret to baking without wheat is to find another grain with gluten in it... in this case, barley. Barley is a wonderful old grain, which is invaluable to people who are allergic to wheat, but not gluten-free...
Still, the idea of baking wheat and dairy-free gave me hope to tweak the recipes to make them gluten free... so I set out to experiment...
So far, I've had good experience with building on a few of her recipes and Liam has been a super willing guinea pig ;) The book is divided into sections - Muffins and Breads, Cookies, Cakes and Cremes, Frostings and Glazes. If you are looking for fabulous vegan alternatives to baking, you will definitely be happy with this book - as will anyone who has a straight 'wheat' allergy. The recipes are also simple to tweak if you are looking to bump the recipe into the gluten free zone - with the addition of either a mixed purpose gf flour or a blend of rice flour and tapioca with xantham gum.
One of the best recipes that I've found is the Baked Apple-Cranberry Crisp because it combines all of the yummy-ness of Fall with the fruit that I battle to keep in his diet, so the recipe from the book is in black with my changes in blue:
Baked Apple-Cranberry Crisp
This simple dessert is warming and delicious- and an amazing way to use up fruit that might be a little past its prime. Everyone always thinks you've worked so hard on this dessert when you present them with this scrumptious bubbling confection.Topping:
1/4 cup barley flour (I used the King Arthur Gluten Free multi purpose flour)
1/2 cup maple sugar, Sucanant or date sugar (I used light brown sugar)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup walnuts
3/4 cup rolled oats
3 tablespoons canola, safflower or sunflower oil
Filling;
4 cups sliced, peeled apples (about 5 apples)
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup maple sugar, Sucanat or date sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Dash each of grated nutmeg, ground allspice and salt
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons arrowroot
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Oil a t2 quart baking dish or casserole and set aside.
- To make the topping, sift the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt into a small bowl; add walnuts and oats. Mix with a knife or a fork to combine the ingredients well. Drizzle in the oil while stirring with a knife; stir until all of the oil is mixed in and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- To make the filling, combine the apples, cranberries, juice, sugar, spices and arrowroot and toss until everything is well coated. Spread the apple mixture in the prepared dish and cover with the topping.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350F. Bake 25 minutes more, until the topping is browned, the filling is bubbly and the apples are soft.
I would totally
recommend picking up Simple Treats: A Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free Guide to Scrumptious Baked
Goods
if you are looking to bake yummy vegan
desserts!
if you are looking to bake yummy vegan
desserts!Now for the linky - please share your favorite recipes here: This is a monthly linky so please keep adding yummy new treats and feel free to click on the ones that interest you most!
Product Review and Cyber Monday Deal - WarmlyYours!
It's funny how cold my feet sometimes get when I'm sitting at my desk typing away... that's probably why I spend most of my time wrapped up in blankets on the couch with my laptop on my lap ... but not any more! I received a wonderful WarmlyYoursunder the desk heater to test!
I have to say that WarmlyYours is staying in my online rolodex for when I'm ready to redo the floors in my house, because I know that the next floor I put in WILL have radiant heat and that's exactly what they do... from my little under the desk heater to heated tile floors and more, Warmly Yours offers a whole range of alternative heating options for your home and even outside! I live in the south, so a heated driveway would probably be overkill, but I would have probably killed for it if I still lived in rural Pennsylvania or especially when we lived in Northern Ontario...
I have to say that WarmlyYours is staying in my online rolodex for when I'm ready to redo the floors in my house, because I know that the next floor I put in WILL have radiant heat and that's exactly what they do... from my little under the desk heater to heated tile floors and more, Warmly Yours offers a whole range of alternative heating options for your home and even outside! I live in the south, so a heated driveway would probably be overkill, but I would have probably killed for it if I still lived in rural Pennsylvania or especially when we lived in Northern Ontario...
The Small under the desk heater that I received fit perfectly under my desk and provides just the right amount of warmth to keep me interested in staying at my desk! The warmth radiates throughout my body when I sit there, and it warms the area under my desk quickly!
From the company:
The WarmlyYours Under Desk Heater is a very stylish solution to an age old problem – It’s just too cold at your desk. This plug-in floor mat is designed to fit conveniently under any desk, providing extra warmth and comfort, when and where you need it.
A WarmlyYours Under Desk Heater provides the same level of comfort and warmth as a standard space heater at a fraction of the energy use. A typical convection space heater can consume up to 1500 watts per hour, while an Under Desk Heater uses less than 120 watts. This energy efficient design, utilizing radiant heating technology, keeps you warm and comfortable while lowering your energy costs.
I really love how energy efficient it is - and it stays cool enough that I don't have to worry about using it near the kids - especially since Liam often likes to climb around under my desk ... if you're someone who tends to get 'cold feet' at work, or often needs to keep a sweater and extra socks at the office - you want to put this on the top of your Christmas List!
Right now, WarmlyYours has a Cyber Monday deal
and they've slashed the regular price of the under the desk heater from
$89 to just $49 and they're including SHIPPING (in the lower 48 US States) -
but this only lasts for 24 hours on Monday, November 29th,
So if you know someone who needs this heater, November 29th is the time to buy!!!
Book Review - Adopted Ed
I am pleased to have been chosen by the One2One Network to review Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern. Adoption is a cause near and dear to my heart, having adopted Robyn when she was 3 and a half years old. November is Adoption Month and gives us another excuse to celebrate having Robyn in our lives.
From the Publisher:
Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book at no cost by the author and One2One Network for the purposes of completing this review.
From the Publisher:
ADOPTED ED
is a simple, easy-to-read and understand children’s book with important underlying messages of personal empowerment and social pressures and acceptance.
is a simple, easy-to-read and understand children’s book with important underlying messages of personal empowerment and social pressures and acceptance.
It focuses on the life of Eddie, an adopted little boy, who is just like every other boy and girl. At school, when he is teased by bullies about being adopted, his mom offers words of wisdom, which ultimately gives him self-confidence to deal with the situation.
This book teaches us that being different is okay and in fact, should be celebrated (“I’m adopted, I’m special,” he proclaimed aloud. Then he said it again and grew very proud.”). This message could not be more applicable for children growing up in today’s environment where bullying – simply because of one’s hair color, race or size - has become a national epidemic. Adults, just like Eddie’s mom, also need to embrace their responsibility of educating children to help them understand the concepts of tolerance, patience and kindness. Instilling these principles begin at home, which will nurture a child’s self-confidence over time.
Thus, this book is for everybody - not just those who are adopted - as everybody is different in his or her own way.
My Review:
I love the illustrations by Erin Fusco - they really helped draw my son into the book. At four years old he's just coming to understand that Robyn doesn't call Wayne and I "dad" and "mom", and he does, so this was the perfect time to start reading about adoption with him. Robyn, at twelve, really enjoyed the empowerment angle of the book, the message to to not be defeated by bullies because you are different and special. I think this helps make the book more universal, while still celebrating adoption. Robyn's favorite page was the list of famous and notable people who were adopted - especially Edgar Allen Poe and Crazy Horse, although others might find it interesting that Marilyn Monroe and Jesse Jackson were also adopted.
This book is well written and appropriate to read aloud to younger children, while still providing excellent messages for older children and even teenagers. If you are looking for a book with excellent anti-bullying and great celebration of differences messages, I highly recommend adding Adopted Ed to your home library!
to your home library!
ADOPTED ED is the first of a series of children’s book. The second one, Tall Molll, is written in same the style and spirit as ADOPTED ED. In TALL MOLL, we meet Molly, who is just like all the other boys and girls until she encounters a growth spurt and is and foot and half taller than all the other kids – – – including the boys. How does she feel about it? How does it affect her and how does she find her moment of empowerment? Meet and discover Molly’s journey in TALL MOLL in early 2011.
About the Author, Darren Maddern (from the Publisher):
Darren is just one of the many millions of adopted people throughout the world today.
Born in England, Darren was adopted when he was only 10 days old by Don and Dolly Maddern, an American military couple who were stationed at an American Air Force base just outside of Oxford.
After spending three years in England, the Madderns were transferred to Tehran, Iran where they settled for the next five years and where Darren attended first and second grades. When Darren completed second grade, the Madderns were transferred again, this time to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, Darren was naturalized as an American citizen. Three years later, the Madderns moved one last time to Colorado, where Darren spent the rest of his formative years.
The Madderns made the decision to tell Darren he was adopted at an early age.
Like many adoptees, Darren became curious about his birth parents. Sympathetic to the feelings of his adoptive parents, when Darren turned 18, he secretly hired a private investigator to learn the address of his biological grandparents, who were still living in the Oxford area of England. He contacted them through a letter and enclosed a separate letter with the request that it be passed along to his biological mother. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call, and knew immediately who it was from the accent on the other end. This was the first contact with his birth mother.
During the emotional phone call, a plan for a reunion was discussed. However, after giving it serious thought Darren just felt he wasn't emotionally ready. It would be another four years before Darren would make his fateful trip overseas.
A 22 year old more emotionally mature Darren flew back to England to meet both his biological mother and grandparents. The reunion was everything he could have wished for.
At 26, Darren found his biological father and went back again to England to meet him. During this visit he discovered he has two half-brothers.
To this day, Darren still enjoys a close relationship with his British family. He also had an extremely close relationship with his adoptive parents, who always encouraged his journey through life.
Throughout his life Maddern has been asked about being adopted. Through candidly sharing his story, he’s helped many adoptees, parents of adopted children and parents considering adoption.
ADOPTED ED is dedicated to both his adopted and biological parents with a special dedication to his mom, Dolly Maddern who passed away in 2000 and his pops, Don Maddern who joined her in 2009. It's also dedicated to every adopted man, woman and child to remind them that they too are indeed – SPECIAL.
Born in England, Darren was adopted when he was only 10 days old by Don and Dolly Maddern, an American military couple who were stationed at an American Air Force base just outside of Oxford.
After spending three years in England, the Madderns were transferred to Tehran, Iran where they settled for the next five years and where Darren attended first and second grades. When Darren completed second grade, the Madderns were transferred again, this time to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, Darren was naturalized as an American citizen. Three years later, the Madderns moved one last time to Colorado, where Darren spent the rest of his formative years.
The Madderns made the decision to tell Darren he was adopted at an early age.
Like many adoptees, Darren became curious about his birth parents. Sympathetic to the feelings of his adoptive parents, when Darren turned 18, he secretly hired a private investigator to learn the address of his biological grandparents, who were still living in the Oxford area of England. He contacted them through a letter and enclosed a separate letter with the request that it be passed along to his biological mother. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call, and knew immediately who it was from the accent on the other end. This was the first contact with his birth mother.
During the emotional phone call, a plan for a reunion was discussed. However, after giving it serious thought Darren just felt he wasn't emotionally ready. It would be another four years before Darren would make his fateful trip overseas.
A 22 year old more emotionally mature Darren flew back to England to meet both his biological mother and grandparents. The reunion was everything he could have wished for.
At 26, Darren found his biological father and went back again to England to meet him. During this visit he discovered he has two half-brothers.
To this day, Darren still enjoys a close relationship with his British family. He also had an extremely close relationship with his adoptive parents, who always encouraged his journey through life.
Throughout his life Maddern has been asked about being adopted. Through candidly sharing his story, he’s helped many adoptees, parents of adopted children and parents considering adoption.
ADOPTED ED is dedicated to both his adopted and biological parents with a special dedication to his mom, Dolly Maddern who passed away in 2000 and his pops, Don Maddern who joined her in 2009. It's also dedicated to every adopted man, woman and child to remind them that they too are indeed – SPECIAL.
You can learn more about Adopted Ed and Darren on his website, like him on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter.
Congratulations to the latest WINNER!
The winner of the November Kidtoons Care Bears Prize pack is, #154 of 178 as chosen by random.org:
Jennifer C.· 3 days ago
http://twitter.com/DNatrlBeauty/status/7523456786... ...heavensent1@
Please CLICK HERE and enter your information within the next 48 hours to claim this fabulous prize. You will also receive this information in an email from me.
I want to thank KIDTOONS for allowing me to host this fabulous giveaway and let you know that the December Movie and giveaway have been announced... it's CURIOUS GEORGE!
Check out the December giveaway and movie details here!
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