Books published by publisher Woodbine House

In eye-opening narrative based on their parent support group process, nine mothers explore the intense, sometimes painful, emotional terrain of raising a child with special needs. The children who have helped shape the women's lives have a variety of special needs, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD, and multiple disabilities. The successes, setback, struggles, and joys shared here cover important aspects of daily life: relationships with professional providers, family life, work, school issues, and feelings about the 'self' and closest friends and family members.

Even the closest brothers and sisters don't always get along or understand each other. Add a disability like Down syndrome to the mix, and that sibling relationship gets even more complicated, especially for teenagers. This is the first book written exclusively for teens with a brother or sister with Down syndrome. In an easy-to-read, question & answer format, it tackles a broad range of their most common issues and concerns. Nearly 100 questions - all posed by teen siblings - are grouped into the following categories: facts and statistics about Down syndrome; how people with Down syndrome learn; handling parent and family conflicts; dealing with your sibling's frustrating behaviours; managing uncomfortable situations; sorting out your feelings; becoming an advocate; what the future holds for you and your sibling; and, finding local and national resources. Thoughtful, knowledgeable answers are provided by Brian Skotko, the brother of a young woman with Down syndrome, and Sue Levine, a social worker focused on sibling issues for the past 30 years. This book gives teens the green light to explore their own feelings and questions about their sibling with Down syndrome and how their relationship may change in the future.

The newly revised and updated edition of this perennial favorite children's book about a turtle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). A new cover, some new illustrations and an updated storyline help to assure the book's continued popularity Shelley's no slow turtle; no matter how hard he tries he can't sit still. He tries to be good, but gets into trouble for being disruptive at school or breaking things at home. Shelley begins to stay in his shell most of the time, feeling bad about himself. His mother takes him to the doctor to find out if something's wrong. In the new edition, the doctor watches Shelley do puzzles and play with blocks and he asks Shelley's mom lots of questions about her son's behavior at home and school, even how well he sleeps and eats. This information helps the doctor diagnose Shelley's ADHD. Shelley begins to take medicine and talks to a therapist about what makes him feel sad or angry. He feels calmer and happier, finds more friends, and at last knows that everyone doesn't think he's a bad little turtle. The second edition continues to be a reassuring story for young kids who've been diagnosed with AD/HD and a useful book to share at school.

Where is up, where is down? Are you in your house or out? Is your friend standing in front of the tree or behind it? These are just a few phrases that MY UP & DOWN & ALL AROUND BOOK inspires. Playful, color photographs by Marjorie Pitzer in the style of her popular I CAN, CAN YOU? board book help introduce many of the most frequently used prepositions--words that tell something about location or time. Children with Down syndrome who typically experience speech and language delays can take longer to master the use of prepositions than their peers. Kids up to age six will love this little book, and so will their parents who know that it offers fun and practice! Page spreads feature opposites--Before and After; Above and Below, for example--and corresponding pictures of toddlers and preschoolers with Down syndrome illustrate the concept behind the words. At the end of the book, a section written by Libby Kumin, speech-language pathologist and author, provides parents, teachers, and therapists with tips on how to expand their child's language skills, using the words in sentences, and tailoring the book to a particular child's needs. Take this sturdy board book to school, to the park, or in the car. Families and classmates will have hours of fun reading the book aloud and thinking up phrases that use these key words... Did you ride your bike before lunch or after? Is my hat on or off? Are you sitting next to your buddy or in between two friends? Also by Marjorie Pitzer: I Like Berries, Do You?

Blue Skies for Lupe will warm readers' hearts with its simple, but gripping story based on the real-life adventures of a Mexican immigrant born with physical disabilities. Linda Kurtz Kingsley's charming tale is supported by her beautiful watercolors, sensitively rendered to capture the landscapes and people in Lupe's life. Lupe's mother, Mami, leaves for America to get the best care for her daughter. They cross the desert at night and arrive in California where their new life begins. Mami works as a farm laborer, and while in the fields she sings Cielito Lindo to little Lupe. It means beautiful little sky, just like the blue skies of California and Mexico. The years pass, and Lupe is ready for school. She cannot walk, so she uses a wheelchair, and has an aide, who helps her understand her lessons in English. Lupe has moments of self-doubt, but is reassured by Mami with her quiet refrain, You'll do fine. A shared giggle in the classroom after an incident when Lupe accidentally runs over her teacher's toe--caramba!--leads to friendship. Encouraged by Mami, friends, and teachers, supported by accommodations, and respected for her Hispanic heritage, Lupe blossoms. She's on her way, confident that she can do anything she wants, and knows she'll do fine! This inspirational story is full of hope, offers life lessons about working hard to achieve your dreams, and shows the value of a supportive community. The book includes an update on the adult Lupe's accomplishments and future plans, as well as a short glossary of Spanish-language vocabulary words featured in the story.

THE BOYS’ GUIDE TO GROWING UP gives boys with intellectual disabilities the facts they need to navigate puberty. Written at a third-grade reading level for boys aged 9-16 with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, fragile X, or other special needs, this book is the companion to THE GIRLS’ GUIDE TO GROWING UP (2011), also by Terri Cowenhoven. The author, a certified sexuality educator, draws on more than 20 years experience conducting workshops on puberty and sexuality issues with boys, girls, families, and professionals. The book's succint text, realistic illustrations, and learning activities enable boys to read the book themselves or follow along with the aid of an adult. Its reassuring, matter-of-fact tone shows boys what changes—inside and out—to expect during puberty, and how to manage them:-Growth spurts and bigger muscles-Voice cracking and deepening-Blemishes and oily skin-Body and facial hair-Moodiness-Crushes, flirting, and sexual feelings-Erections, wet dreams, and masturbationTHE BOYS’ GUIDE TO GROWING UP gives practical advice on commonplace concerns such as shaving, what to do about zits, and how to smell nice. More complex and essential topics are covered too, such as how to know when flirting is reciprocated (or not!), how to hide or discourage an erection in public, what information is okay to share with others versus what should remain private, and how to stay safe. It’s a must-have book for boys on the brink of puberty, teens who are in the midst of it, and the adults who care for them. Also check out Terri Couwenhoven's book for teaching children with Down syndrome about puberty and sexuality, TEACHING CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME ABOUT THEIR BODIES, BOUNDARIES, AND SEXUALITY.