Books published by publisher BalboaPress

This award winning book, which is written for children between the ages of five and twelve years, provides a resource that parents and caregivers can use to support and guide their children through the difficult process of suicide bereavement. Explaining suicide is not a task that parents are usually prepared for. Parents and caregivers often feel lost and overwhelmed at the prospect of having to discuss suicide with their children. Written from the perspective of a child, this illustrated story provides a fictional character for children to relate to. The story guides children through the difficult emotions they may feel, but often find difficult to express. It ends by reassuring children that they can survive the pain of their loss, even though it currently feels unbearable. Parents and caregivers should read this book with their children. This book provides a means to explain suicide and suicide bereavement in a way that children can understand, while also giving children permission to talk openly about their loss. The goal is to increase the sense of connection between parents and caregivers and their children and to help children feel understood and supported. In the supplementary parent's guide, the author answers some of the common questions that arise for parents and caregivers, and covers specific examples of how they can respond to their children when discussing the suicide.

Legend holds that in centuries past, a great king was laid to rest, leaving a promise to wake again when the world would need him most. Could eleven-year-old Peter Blue be that sleeping king? "He sleeps more than we do!" complain the old people at the Gum Tree Rest Home in the Australian bush, where Peter has lived since his parents were killed by wildfire. When a pesky wizard-type pulls Peter out of a nap, telling him to wake up and save the world, Peter isn't interested. It's only when a strange clue in his birthday treasure hunt leads him to Dad's Global Advanced Intelligence Agency (GAIA) jacket that Peter starts to change his mind. In the pocket, he finds a card for Spiral Hall--Secret School for the Ecodemically Gifted. The Anthrog forces are rising on earth. They feed on the stench of human greed, and right now it's a free lunch. The Anthrogs also want to get to GAIA using Peter's high-tech jacket as the key. Can Peter get to GAIA before the Anthrogs get to him? Peter Blue's legend-inspired story combines the magic of a child confronting a promise from another lifetime with the realism of climate change, which Peter and the initiates at Spiral Hall are destined to take on.

Laurie Figaniak opens the curtain on the internal lives of her charming boys"-her Blue Merle Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Elwood and Harvey. Like any true brothers they playfully torment each other- even in their dreams! in this whimsical tale of adventure and companionship that will delight those being read to and those reading it" -Valerie Winn, R.N. The delightful antics and adventures of canine twin brothers, Elwood and Harvey, will charm and interest children everywhere. Each adventure with the "boys" promises fun and excitement, along with laughs and learning for your little ones. The narrative is a pleasure to read aloud and you'll find yourself repeating words and phrases just for the fun of it!

Molly McGregor wishes she could get her art on the cover of the newspaper, Daisy Humphrey desperately wants a puppy, and Eva Perez longs to be in charge of the schools holiday fair. When the three girls stumble across a magic cookbook at the towns new bookshop, they start to believe that it just might help their dreams come true. Little do they know that The Magic Cookbook and the mysterious bookstore cat will put each of them to the test and make them work for what they think they want.Join the fun as Molly, Daisy, and Eva bake enchanted cupcakes over the course of one year, and discover their own hidden magic along the way.

“Children can be made more grateful when the adults in their lives teach them how. Today I am Grateful is the perfect springboard for parents and educators to start helping kids see all of the goodness in their life.” —Jeffrey J. Froh, associate professor of psychology at Hofstra University and coauthor of Making Grateful Kids: The Science of Building Character Today I Am Grateful was created to inspire children of all ages to experience the incredible power of gratitude. By taking the time to think about all the wonderful things that happen each day, children gain an appreciation for what matters most to them in their own lives. Following the lead of Milo, young readers can take part in this mindful practice using the activities provided at the end of the story. A special section for parents provides insight into the many benefits cultivating an attitude of gratitude will play in their child’s life. www.GratitudetoBliss.com

When youre almost a teenager, theres a lot of new and amazing stuff happening to you. Your parents want you to take more responsibility, but then they act like they dont trust you. Your friends want you to try new things that might get you in trouble. Your feelings about yourself, the people you know, and your world are changing, sometimes daily. It seems like everything is changing! Thirteen kids ages eight to twelve worked with the author to make this journal. Now you can use Inside Out to think about and decide about all sorts of things. How can you get your parents to see that youre growing up? What if your friends try drugs? How can you look your best? What makes you feel good? Any time you want, you can find a page in this journal that talks about whats bothering you. Youll discover some good ideas and space to write or draw as you think things out. Inside Outs a place where you can explore ideas about growing up. Its a special place to find yourself.

"For anyone who's ever heard "until you've walked a mile in my shoes . . . " this little gem of a book is literally an inspiring celebration of the life paths we walk through the metaphor of shoes. The simplicity of this message will resonate with children and adults alike, and its wonderful illustrations and clever insights is art imitating life at its finest. After you read this, walking will never be same. Mindful food for thought and great fun for all ages. I recommend it highly" -Ernest D. Chu, author of the bestseller, Soul Currency: Investing Your Inner Wealth in Fulfillment and Abundance "With delicate, beautifully crafted illustrations, Whose Shoes? gently delivers a message that every child needs to hear: that the very best thing you can be is truly who you are. A must-read for children growing up in today's world" -Carla Golembe artist and illustrator of Annabelle's Big Move, A Story of Hula, Dog Magic, and Washington DC ABC's. "A great message for kids about the joys of growing up, trying new things, hearing mixed messages, and being true to themselves" -John Bigelow, CEO of HumanWorks.

Follow the adventures of the Ted E. Bear family as they explore what makes each of the "cubbies" feel loved. Although the five cubbies live in the same house, with the same mommy, they each feel loved by her in very different ways. Laugh and learn with the cute Lily Bear, who adores everything pink, the bossy, girly-girl Bet E. Bear, Freddy who wears colorful clothing that makes you look twice, Ted E. Bear, the fun-loving athlete, and Zeddy-Spaghetti who has a favorite dinner he could eat very night! This fun-filled, engaging story helps parents learn what makes THEIR child feel loved and happy. See the cubbies discover how everyone can get into a good mood just by focusing on happy memories and thoughts! This delightful story inspires compassion, empathy, and self-esteem, while teaching communication, good listening skills, and the power of sharing love. How would your child's world be different if everyone was Feeling Loved? Barbara Webber has created a masterpiece for children and parents. Feeling Loved belongs in every elementary school around the world as it teaches the most important lesson of life . . . love! - Dr. Darren R. Weissman - Hayhouse Radio Talk Show Host, Best Selling Author and Developer of The LifeLine Technique Aside from teaching children about the importance of family, positive thinking and honest communication, this incredibly clever book also teaches them that it is ok to be different . . . I think the first step in making your children feel loved would be to buy them this book and read it for them. - Top Books Worth Reading

Dina Prima wants to be a ballerina in the worst way. The only problem is her feet. They need "special shoes" first. "Especially ugly shoes" says Dina. Everyone teases her. But with a glimmer of hope and ballet lessons in the old neighborhood mansion, Dina realizes that her dream may come true. Join Dina as she prances and whirls, curtsies and bows the best she knows how, and discovers what a glimmer of hope can do for a girl who just wants to dance and twirl! "Dina Prima the Ballerina is the charming story of a spirited young girl whose determination and hope help her triumph over difficulties. Readers are sure to be inspired and entertained by how Dina makes her dream come true" Katherine R. Johnson-author, songwriter