Child-Safety Books

It is a disturbing sign of our times that this book exists, aimed at the 9-12 year old reader. In carefully simple language, it explains the perils of viruses and spam. Computers are now so commonly used by kids in that age range that they are likely to encounter these things.

The intent is to educate them, and diminish the dangers. Given that viruses can propagate through email attachments and by various peer to peer networks. So it is not just email that can act as a vector of malware.

If you are trying to teach children about the danger of certain situations without having them afraid to leave their room, then this is the book. We made this into a question and answer "game" with rewards for well thought out responses. Even after a period of time, our children respond with thought to how they would handle any of the given scenerios.

I saw him in person when my son was 5 and he blamed my son's issues on our fmaily dynamics. Turns out Dr. Diller was wrong and my son has ADHD, a language delay, and now learning disabilities. I wouldn't give him another dime. The book is not as helpful as finding a good psychiatrist. And Dr. Diller is a "developmental pediatrician" - I thought all pediatricians know about development? He is an over-priced regular pediatrician.

This book is well-planned and discusses drugging your child for various reasons, including the gamut from sluggishness to hyperactivity. I was convinced that the author actually intended to present a multi-modal plan for dealing with "the symptoms that are often known as ADD." That is, until I read that his idea of exercise is a little wrestling with Dad (no kidding) and that he is aware of no evidence that diet affects brain chemistry. Most of the symptoms of ADD read identically to those listed for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Low blood sugar involves some lethargy, but is also characterized by angst, irritability as well as hyperactivity. Hypoglycemia is also a condition that is , ahem, not known to exist, but every physician knows how to administer the wrong test for it. Athletes call the exercise-induced hypoglycemic period "recovery." Alcoholics pour a drink. Smokers light up. Others just crash or drink coffee. Wow. And to think that Speed (oh, Ritalin) can help with that.

Homework burden cutting into your videogame time?
Can't sit in your chair during school?
Talk back to your parents?
Rough play with your pre-school friends?
Zone out and play with a toy too long ?
Stick out from the herd ?

After all of the well-written prose, this book is just an attempt to legitimize the increased prevalence of Ritalin. Modern psychiatry is about writing life-long prescriptions, and now they have a way to start as early as age five. Now, if only there were prescription for those pre-school years ...

There is no test for ADD. Competitiveness, underfunding for education, and the use of day care centers for young children may cause the increase in supposed instances of ADD and the prescribing of Ritalin to alleviate the symptoms. The issue of the validity of the diagnosis and the supposed cure is of some concern since the medicine also helps people focus who aren't ADD. That ADD is a neurological disorder is a reductionist view.

Unchecked ADD behavior is alienating to the student because so many negative responses from others are provoked. Such experiences may cause the person to drop out of school. Studies following individuals from childhood to adulthood show that medication alone doesn't alter outcomes. The multimodal approach is recommended by psychiatrists. It may be useful for the physician to work with the unhappy or angry child alone.

Ninety percent of the Ritalin worldwide is consumed in the United States. There is an American rejection of underperformance. Additional factors contributing to the rise in ADD diagnoses and use of Ritalin are the exigencies of the managed care system and an emerging culture of disability. The identification of the ADD disorder is socially defined notwithstanding the possible biological attributes.

The book cites the case histories of the author with a number of his patients serving to flesh out and delineate the concerns he raises that some of the trends highlighted may have negative consequences to the development of healthy personalities.

I started this book with some trepidation, expecting the author to be dead-set against Ritalin. This was not the case at all. He points out many positives about it, and frequently prescribes it to his own patients. He does examine (and question) the huge increase in the diagnosis of ADHD and the use of Ritalin, but in an insightful way. As the aunt of an ADHD child and a mother who is considering evaluation for her own daughter, I found the book very helpful. As we go through the process, I am already successfully using some of the behavioral techniques he discusses in the book.

I did feel that the book could have been quite a bit shorter, as the author seemed to repeat himself quite a bit.

This books raises a lot of the questions I had but that I never see addressed elsewhere. It duscusses the fact that Ritalin does not cure ADD. It talks about the dramatic rise in ADD diagnoses and Ritalin prescriptions and discusses possible reasons. It also looks at some of the history and viewpoint of CHADD, the major support group for ADD. And it discusses how family environment and parenting techniques can play into a child's behavior. I think it also makes clear that Ritalin boosts everyone's performance, not just ADD kids or adults, and that the research stating that ADD results from faulty brain chemistry is less than proven.

At the same time, the book is also reassutring about the relative safety of Ritalin. And, every case study of his patients he cites seems to include at least a trial of Ritalin, so he is not at all flatly against the drug. He is in favor of looking at the bigger picture of the patient's life, not just writing out a prescription.

I think this book is definitely worth a read for anyone with a child who "has" ADD. And if you are someone who wonders why nobody seems to think it is any big deal to put your 6 year-old child on this highly-regulated stimulant drug, then you might feel the same relief I did in reading a book that at leasts asks questions, even if it doesn't have all the answers. Highly recommended.

I have this book from my children and now as a gramma I read it to my little boys , who love it so much that I decided to buy the 2 families each their own copy. It tells great lessons with such vivid pretty illustrations. WE LOVE THIS BOOK

My parents bought me this book when I was a kid, and I read it so many times I almost had it completely memorized. It taught me to be careful about strangers -- it actually scared me a bit, because I was afraid that if I talked to a stranger, he might kill me and chop me up in little pieces. But, it is a good lesson for kids to learn (especially nowadays), the pictures are fun, and the story is fun to read (and be read to).

Edit:
Thanks for the alert from other posters, I purchased from one of Amazon's resellers and got the old edition with the charming illustrations that I loved. My son is still too young to understand the lessons of this book (and now I'm having some reservations about that, he's such an outgoing, charming child and I don't want that to change ... maybe I'll temper that lesson with "don't talk to strangers if mommy or daddy isn't with you") and we enjoy sitting and looking at all the funny creatures in the pictures. If you can find an old edition, buy it instead.

I have used this book for many presentations to children about "Stranger Danger" and it has been very affective in getting the point across. Children love to interact with the book and they always love to say the line "Never talk to stranger" out loud with me.

While I appreciate the re-emergence of the text of a childhood favorite, I can't help but miss the original--it had more scenes.But complaints aside, this is still a very important book that goes over the basics of stranger communication via hilarious, adorable rhymes.

I agree with some of the points that previous reviewers have made about the world that we live in today and that not everyone can be trusted ... HOWEVER ... there is something to be said for misleading statements. Pages such as "everybody knows the Easter Bunny" can open the lines of communication between parent and child at an early and CRITICAL stage in a toddler/preschool childs life.

TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT SAFETY -- don't wait or wish that a book will do it for you!!! If you expect a book to teach your child right from wrong or about not talking to strangers, you are sadly mistaken.

Reading to your children is a fundamental and entertaining way to continue to build the bonds of trust between you and your child. You SHOULD read this book to your kids and then explain to them that not all can be trusted but that it is worth the time to know and understand the difference and proper manners.

The excellent illustrations and clever rhymes will build a continuity for your child. I remember reading this book when I was in kindergarten and now years later, I still believe that it is a good read. Times haven't changed much when it comes to who you can and can't trust.

Be smart, take the time to talk to your kids about who can and can't be trusted, but don't blame the message and disregard it completely. That is one thing that won't change ... "NEVER TALK TO STRANGERS".

ONE OF THE BEST APPROACHES I HAVE READ FOR THE LEVEL OF AWARENESS YOU NEED TO REACH KIDS WITH IN DEMONSTRATING STRANGER DANGER.

I don't know...I have an almost-4 year old. Maybe I am struggling with the transition from children's books where kids wander off and handle themselves alone (Goldilocks), or they save the day (Lazytown), or they identify nice men by the colors they wear (Dr. Seuss's Mr. Brown and Mr. Black). My child didn't understand -- even after two readings of this book -- that Mr. Green was not a nice man and was trying to deceive the child in the book. The analogy to beautiful but harmful sea creatures was a good one. I have tried to reinforce that message. The situation on the street corner wasn't scary enough to make any impact. After reading the book twice, my child still saw no problem with accepting the candy from Mr. Green. Instead of this book, we are watching (repeatedly) our newly purchased Safe Side DVD. Because of that fabulous DVD, I think the concepts are finally sinking in.

Probably a little too "nice" for todays generation, my 6yr old probably needs more scare tactics, she didn't understand how people can hurt you and that is hard to explain as a parent. Having said that this is still a well written book that uses examples that my daughter could relate to.

We also bought the "Stranger Safety" DVD. I would read a book as well as show the movie to reinforce the need for stranger safety.

My main problem with this book is that it is based on the incorrect assumption that strangers are primarily responsible for sexual abuse and abduction of children. Most offenders are people a child knows, most often family members. When an individual is looking for children to abuse, they often become friends with the family and child before beginning to abuse. Including information about strangers is useful, but focusing on that possibility leaves a child vulnerable to sexual preditors that s/he knows.

I just received this and I'm confused by the positive reviews. I think the book was a good idea, but the authors needed a merciless editor. The book is WAY too long: 20 pages with 80 words on some pages, practically a term paper, a painful one. The book is recommended for ages 4-8, but the drawings and language are more suited for 3-5 year olds; in fact I found the language down right condescending (babyish). There's a weird lack of cohesion about the whole book, like the authors hadn't quite figured out what they wanted to say or who they wanted to say it to. This book isn't appropriate for anyone.

Parry Aftab is the foremost online safety expert...and a previous commentor was right, some of her tips can be found on tv, because she's the one who teaches the tv stations how to understand online safety! She now heads the largest online safety and edcuational program in cyberspace, Cyberangels.org, which just received the foremost national honor for volunteer organizations from the White House. She takes a difficult subject and makes it understandable. And...the book sales benefit children in wheel-chairs. I gave the book to my sister, to help her guide my nieces online. She loved it too! I bought six books to give as gifts for Christmas.

I belive you can find a good collection of information regarding kids safty on the Internet. As this technology is emerging one needs good solid information but yet well written and simple to understand. This book will give new parents on the internet the opportunity to fully understand the dangers as well as the goodness that the Internet can bring to their children and help guide them trough this new way of life.

A clumsily written effort that the parent will find misleading and the experienced child protection activist will find infuriating. Not recommended.

A rather amateurish collection of tips that one might just as easily find in a newspaper article on internet safety. This is a very important subject matter, and hopefully in the future there will be books that are much more comprehensive on the topic, as well as more up to date.

This book really does little to help parents protect their kids. Personally, I prefer a book by Keith A Schroeder called 'Life and Death on the Internet'. Mr Schroeder provides solutions that work and less time on complaining about the problem. We all know the problem is there, now let's do something about it.

This 24 page book has a lot of information that Parents should sit down with there children ages 5-15 and read together and talk with their children about how they feel and if they have every been approched by a gang(s) member, and if so what how to handle the situation.

I am a gang and youth violence expert working with the San Diego County Office of Education, Safe Schools Unit. I have alerted many of our schools about the series of books by Stanley "Tookie" Williams. I do not recommend the purchase of this book. The content of the books are not appropriate for young people. The images of gangs are not accurate (Too much negative sterotyping). The book is written in a simplistic style that will quickly bore young students. Youth need to critically examine information not be talked down to. You may email me for alternate suggestions for gang prevention books for youth.

Tookie's book is a must read. It describes the reality of gang life, and exposes the injustice and racism in the criminal injustice system. Tookie takes a stand against violence and shows his commitment to stopping gangs, yet he remains on death row. He has recently been granted a day of execution on Dec. 13, 2005- which is absurd considering that this book demonstrates his commitment to fighting violence. Buy this book and get the word out about the need to put an end to gang violence and save Stan "Tookie" Williams! Also check out: www.savetookie.org

I find it interesting that the author would make such a wonderful effort to help children, after having murdered parents. I wonder if he sent autographed free copies to the children of the people he murdered.

I also find it interesting, that in over 20 years on death row, he was only able to write a handful of "children's books".

That these books would find their way into our public school systems, where this man takes on the role of Martyr and Folk Hero, speaks volumes about our schools.

The book is as shallow as the man who wrote it.

I work at a private school, teaching a first grade class. Mycolleagues and I found Tookie's books on gang violence fascinating andinformative. The glossary was particularly helpful, defining streetterminology such as 'hood and street soldier. My only lament was thatTookie himself could not be there in person to offer further adviceand words of wisdom.

Ya ok book but really didn't need it just took baby to the pool and she did great ............

first heard about it actually on YOUTUBE.
Different parents posted their videos of their baby infants swimming, or turning themselves over floating.It was so touching and amazing to see. So many of the parents said they learned from Douglas Domans book. Having a pool and canals all over the area where I live, it is sooo important for kids to learn swimming as early as possible.
Book is nice with tips on fun bonding exercises to do with baby starting after birth.

This is an excellent, precise book about introducing your baby and young child to the joys and wonderful benefits of mobility in the water.

There are other books out there but this is by far the best I've read on the subject. I really enjoyed the MANY clear and descriptive pictures showing you the exact form of what is being described.

It is more thorough than any other book I've read. They take you step by step, year by year, all the way from the time your child is one day old up until their sixth birthday. They teach you how to help you baby swim under water, dive, blow bubbles, climb out of the pool, float on their back, and more, while thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. By the time they are six they will be able to swim in numerous yards using a perfect crawl stroke. It is anything BUT stressful but rather fun and productive.

Just hearing of even one child who has drowned or nearly drowned (and is now brain damaged for the rest of his life) is reason enough for every parent to be serious about teaching their young child to swim. The gift is yours to give. This book will show you how to do so in a fun, easy, beneficial, and productive way.

I would enthusiastically recommend it to any parent who has a child under six and would like to give them the beautiful, priceless gift of water safety, enjoyment, increased brain growth and function, and superb physical fitness.

The program is tedious and impractical. Tells you that you are better off with a Japanese tub to practice in, and requires lot of practice from you and baby on daily basis. There are other fun and simple programs out there that would teach your baby to swim, float, turn and breathe out of water and this is definitely not the one with a simple solution.

this book is only good if you started teaching your baby to swim when he was a newborn and it doesn't give many different choices. had some helpful tips, but overall I think I'll buy another one. my recommendation...skip it

Excellent content and subject matter--just not quite written for the 10 - 12 year old male as this book is suggested for. I would recommend this book but for 12 - 14 years of age; just too much for the 10, 11 and young 12 crowd.

This book was a hit with our 10-year-old grandson. When it first arrived, his mother showed it to him and went over some parts of it, then left it to him to read at length. He doesn't pore over it, but we've noticed what he'll do is read a little at a time. If he has questions, he brings them to his mother or to us. It has been a great conversation starter and avoided many an awkward situation, laying the foundation for some good discussions and teaching opportunities.

I read the reviews on this book before purchasing and no one mentioned how this book not only talks about BOYS but GIRLS parts and what they go through too! Why on earth would my 11 year old son need to know where the clitoris is?? I was pleased with the book until I got to that part! a full drawing of all the parts of a girls vagina.. they may as well talked about oral sex while they were at it! I also didn't like all the sex talk.. I wanted a book to explain to a boy about hair, their penis getting hard, growing bigger etc. and yes, talking about sperm and sex are fine, but talking about "coming?" inside a girl!? I don't know.. maybe I'm old fashioned but I'm saving this book until he's about 14-15....

My son just turned 10 and I want him to be prepared (he sees his 11 year old sister "changing" and he's interested in when his own puberty will start) and has been watching for his own new hair growth. We needed a book that addressed his interest and possible concerns about what puberty was and what to expect for himself.

This book fit the bill exactly! It has very accessible text, nice color illustrations that don't overdo the "cute" factor that some illustrations attempt. Topics covered were what I wanted him to know about and I approved of the straight forward but not over-the-top approach to how much information was presented for this age group.

This isn't a text that tries to impose the author's own morals or ethics, but merely impart important information to children on the cusp of puberty (or already there) and let them know that the changes (emotional and physical) and feelings are normal and who to talk to about when they're not sure.

I also very much appreciated that the last section of the book addresses what's going on with girls at the same (or not) time.

Just the right amount of text and length for the age and topic when you're moving from a basic book on the "birds and the bees" to more specific information aimed at the child himself and his body and feelings. I also appreciated that the author addresses the changing hygiene needs of the child.

My husband decided to read it aloud to our son the first time through, so he could ask questions and they could talk about my husband's own experiences in puberty. Now he can have it to read at his own pace and what topic is interesting to him at the moment.

We purchased the same book, but for girls for our daughter, to use in addition to the excellent one by American Girl that the previous review mentions. My daughter loves that book and I've looked for a long time for one like it for boys. This is it! I don't think you can go wrong if you're looking for an open, accessible and just the right length book to get the discussion rolling at your house.

This was one of two books I purchased for my ten year old son. He thought it was more graphic than he wanted. He read it second and so the topics were not being seen for the first time. That said, he has re-read both books many times over the last month or so. I think the combination of books is good and covers all the neccessities in growing up. Yes I did read the book before I gave it to him and approved of the content. The other book was What's going on down there?

Mom in St. Louis

I found this book both insulting and a waste of time. I read it ony because of the hype on the media behind the whole Tookie circus.

I was forced to read this idiot's garbage years ago and yeah I was a kid then, too. It was just as ridiculous then as it now that people are under the assumption that kids will go out and commit atrocities because we didn't read these kinds of books. You know what, I don't go around shooting people for $100 in their register because I already knew that was wrong. I don't need someone telling me that a life in gangs is difficult and wrong path to take- because I already had my self-esteem and knowledge of what is right and wrong. I learned that from my brothers. Parents and family members- Stop wasting your cash on garbage like this and start talking to each other. It makes more of a differnce than reading it in some lame book written by a criminal.

I'm 8 years old, my name is Mariana and I live in Chicago. I hate street gangs. I have an uncle who joined a gang when he was young, and he always tells us stories sbout it and how its the biggest mistake for a young person to join a gang. He remembers when he was 19 and watched a friend beat up a old man. He thought it was funny at the time, but later felt real bad about it, and now gives money to the homeless shelter. I will never join a gang. To the San Diego youth officer that says that Mr. Williams books are boring to kids? You say you have better books for us to read, and that we should not be talked down to, but sorry, yes we do need strait talk not sweet talk. And the books are boring for you probly because your not a kid. Do you play with GI Joe, and do you know how it feels to be a leader when you are 19 years old? I do, and im not even 9 yet. Why? because someone who DOES know told me. The books will help. I would like to meet the author one day, and bring him to my friends houses so he can tell them in person. That would make a kid feel important. I don't care that he was a gang member. You can't change the past, but you can change the future.

Why is it that people are so judgemental of the black man who makes mistakes...Even sometimes when there is no solid proof of his guilt. These books by Mr. Williams are positive for kids in inner city communities because they expose the truth about the struggles inner city youth are facing on a day to day basis. I bet both of the reviewers that posted 1 for ratings are white racist... I say that becuase Minority's have been murdered at the hands of white folks for many years.... very few ever got the death penalty. Where was the justice for slayed minorities. And why didn't people protest the various businesses that the Klan formed after they committed so many harsh crimes against blacks. I hope Tookie Williams books not only gain a kind of unexplainable revenue that shocks the world, but I hope that troubled youth read his book, identify with it, prove you hater wrong and go on to do great things in life one day twenty plus years down the line, giving a book they read by Tookie Williams credit for saving their lives...

Once that occurs, he'll get his peace prize, and so will all the supporters that believed he was a life worth saving.

Maybe not for educators, most likely not for students, but for up and coming Lil Gs this book tells it like it is ... straight forward with excellent phonetic spellings in the back. This book steers you away from the bad and toward the good. Stay Clean and Say NO to glue. Dig the art, too, man. Pick this book up, G. Eighth Street Cadillac High Rollers in the House.