Here are my picks of books. Some you'll want to keep for yourself and others would be appropriate for gift giving. My opinion is that reading and perusing books is an opportunity to spark new ideas. Books are worthy companions for quiet time.

Alphabet Puppets by Jill M. Coudron
A 122 page paperback geared for use by parents or teachers with children ages 4 to 8. Teaching the alphabet letters is presented by easy to make puppets who give practical examples through prose and song, and by making or cooking things beginning with an alphabet letter.

35 Learning Tools for Practicing Reading and Writing Strategies
For a student striving to master reading there is probably something in this text that will help, as it covers building vocabulary, story elements, comprehension and related strategies.

Baby Steps by Susan Fox
Exercises and advice on how to help infants develop motor skills, eye-hand coordination and improve muscle tone. In my opinion, if working one-to-one, it is useful for older special needs children on their longer learning curve.

Best Things Parents Do, The by Susan Isaacs Kohl
I like the format of each chapter, which begins with a story that demonstrates the lessons or points to be made. And at the end of each chapter a little to-do project gives the reader something to think about - making this an interactive and teaching text, in my point of view.

Family Books for First Aid Help
Here are some books for the whole family I recommend; includes people and pets.

Parents Magazine
Published 12 times a year, at least 200 pages an issue, and covers topics for all stages of parenting: becoming pregnant, toddlers, school age, preteens and teens.

Women From Another Planet? by Jean Kearns Miller, Editor
Subtitled 'Our Lives in the Universe of Autism' this 263 page book is a collection of more than 50 separate experiences from women on the autism spectrum, told in narrative and poetry.

Article by Susan Kramer