Are you having trouble finding joy in your life? There is a difference between feeling happiness and feeling really, truly joyful. That is an important point that the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu want to make clear to those seeking joy. While we can experience happiness while eating a delicious bit of food or watching a TV show we enjoy, it is not the same as true lasting joy in your life.
Over the course of a week in the Dalai Lama’s home in Dharamsala, India, these two spiritual men engaged in deep conversations. These include discussions on the nature of joy, the obstacles to joy, and the positive qualities needed for joy. Their hope was to help people find joy in their lives, even as the world seems to be less joyful. This book is the result of those conversations between these two great spiritual leaders.
On a recent visit to the library, my daughter and I discovered the book River Rose and the Magical Lullaby written by Kelly Clarkson (the singer), and she has since fallen in love with it! My daughter loves this story and the adorable illustrations (I just want to hug little Joplin!). I like the lullaby and the message River Rose learns about needing to sleep and home being the best place. I also appreciate that the lullaby helps lull her to sleep!
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It’s a great opportunity to remind the people in your life that you love them. (Yes, we should tell them everyday, but it never hurts to have a reminder!) One of my daughter’s favorite books to read is I Love You Because You’re You by Liza Baker. While reading it again, I was inspired to find other great children’s books about love to tell her how much I love her.
The long winter months can really start to get you down and make you miss the bright and sunshiny days of spring and summer. The story of Frederick by Leo Lionni combats these winter blues with bright colors and warm memories. It also shows kids how important art and poetry are to our lives, and how everyone can make a difference with their own individual talents.
No matter your political affiliation, this election was an important one. Girls growing up today will have a different perspective on what they are capable of. They may not understand the debates and the negativity from both candidates, but they can see that there was a woman who could have been the next president.
Standard Disclosure
The relationship between a kid and a dog is a special one, illustrated throughout pop culture in books, TV shows, movies, songs and commercials. I know from watching my daughter with our own lovable dog that she adores him and considers him her best friend and closest confidant. When the Monthly Crafting Book Club, hosted by 
Are you a fan of tongue twisting trickery and Seuss related silliness? Fox in Socks is a fun read aloud for kids and adults alike. The tongue twisting trickster is a classic character for a reason! Can you beat the Fox at his own game?
Going to the doctor can be a scary thing for kids. New sights, smells and people can be overwhelming, plus doctor’s offices can mean sickness, injury or shots. If your child is afraid of going to the doctor, there are many ways to ease their fears and show them that doctors don’t have to be scary. There are lots of ways you can talk to your kids about first aid, doctors and emergency situations while teaching them other skills and having some fun! Many popular book series have taken readers into doctor’s offices while showing kids that doctors and nurses are to be trusted and not feared.
