Books in A First Look at ... series

A visit to the dentist can be a scary experience for younger children. This good-humored story emphasizes the dentist's role as a friend and advisor who ensures that boys and girls have healthy teeth and attractive smiles. This is a new title in the appealing "A First Look At. . ." series. These books encourage preschool and early-grades children, to explore their feelings and talk to parents or other trusted elders about things that bother them. Some problems, like visits to the dentist, are passing and minor and can be solved with relative ease. Others, like dealing with allergies, can range from passing annoyances to something more serious. In all cases, children are encouraged to follow parental and medical advice so that they can engage in normal children's activities. The books feature child-friendly color illustrations on every page. An advice to parents section follows each story.

Psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas puts her gentle, yet straightforward approach to work in this new addition to Barron's highly acclaimed A First Look At...Series. Everyone feels shy at times, even grown-ups and other children who seem very brave. But excessive shyness may leave children feeling lonely and left out. This book will help children take the first steps toward feeling more confident. The story line is simple and easily accessible to younger children, who will learn that exploring the personal feelings around social issues is a first step in dealing with them. Full-color illustrations on every page.

Children are shown that although being honest can be hard sometimes, it is worth it. Everyone likes people who speak the truth and keep their word. Kids learn that when we all practice being honest, the world becomes a fairer and happier place to live in. Titles in the popular "A First Look At" series for pre-school and early-grades kids explore emotional issues, encouraging children to discuss things that bother them with trusted adults. The series also helps them begin to develop basic social skills. Written by a psychotherapist and child counselor, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. They are written in easy-to-comprehend language, and have child-friendly illustrations on every page.

In First Look and Find: Handy Manny, Handy Manny has lots of work today and is getting ready to visit his many customers who need help fixing things. Based on the popular Disney TV character, this Look and Find book for toddlers presents fascinating, action-packed scenes that will keep young children busy. Each two-page spread includes a scenario and provides an illustrated list of items for your child to find. Scenarios include: Manny s workroom, where children can help Manny find the tools he ll need throughout the day Mr. Lopart s candy shop, where Manny needs to fix a broken table and readers can spot the candy jars that spilled Kelly s hardware store, where Manny goes to buy painting supplies and his helpers can find the items he needs A construction site, where Manny will pitch in and children can pitch in by locating his safety gear Mrs. Portillo s Café, where Manny has lunch with his grandpa Abuelito and young readers can find the food on the menu Marty s Magic Shop, where kids can search for the sale items that Manny needs to fix Cassie s Pet Shop, where Manny is putting up new shelves and young readers can search for and find the different animalsThis book includes Spanish phrases on each page and will keep toddlers interest while they: Search, point, and match Make comparisons Discover concepts such as size, shape, and color Follow simple directions Read a book aloneAdditional learning ideas are included for parents to use in working with their children on: Counting in Spanish and English Identifying shapes and colors Recognizing rhymes Learning the alphabet and letter soundsFeatures of First Look and Find: Handy Manny include: No reading required A soft padded cover A parental guide for interactive learning ideas Sturdy board pages that wipe clean and resist rips and tear to extend the life of the bookFirst Look and Find: Handy Manny conforms to the Specifications for Toy Safety of ASTM F963-07.

This new title in Barron's A First Look At series encourages kids of preschool through early school age to understand and overcome problems that might trouble them in social and family relationships. Written by an experienced psychotherapist and counselor on a level that is always understandable to younger children, this book seeks to promote positive interactions among children, parents, and teachers. Thoughtful text is supplemented with child-friendly color illustrations on every page. A two-page How to Use This Book section for parents and teachers appears at the back of each book. A Parent in the Armed Forces speaks to kids about times when a parent in the military is called to active duty to a faraway place. Children are assured that it's normal for them to feel distress and anxiety because of separation from a parent. This title helps children understand that separation is only temporary, and that their Dad or Mom is being called to perform an important service for which the child should be especially proud.