Title: Show Me How!: Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking

Author: Vivian Kirkfield

Publisher/Year: MoneyPenny Press, Ltd./2010

Back Cover Blurb: Do you want to provide fun-filled, educational activities for your young child? Do you wonder which story to choose to read to your child from the overwhelming number found at libraries and bookstores? Would you like to help your child develop a strong positive self-image? Here is your complete guide to planning those activities, choosing those stories and building that high self-esteem so crucial to your child’s success in life!

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I’ve been wanting to read this book for quite some time now. And though it’s not the usual type of book I review here on the Frog (I usually review children’s picture books), it ties in nicely with my picture book theme because it’s all about picture books, along with crafting and cooking activities, that can be used by parents, grandparents, teachers, day care providers, and etc. to help build a child’s self-esteem. 

This is the book that has everyone saying, “I wish it was around when my kids were small.” Author Vivian Kirkfield tapped into her extensive experience teaching, caring for, and raising young children to create this fantastic resource that utilizes one hundred picture book titles, many of them classics, and matches them with simple eco-friendly crafts and kid-friendly (healthful and delicious) recipes. Spread through six chapters, these books, craft activities, and cooking projects help build a child’s self-esteem and strengthen the bond between the child and the adult by focusing on the fundamental components of child development and, most importantly, Positive Parental Participation. I’m truly impressed with this book!

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• A simple schedule for a balanced and harmonious day
• 100 picture books every young child should hear/read
• 100 child-friendly, healthful recipes and 100 age-appropriate, eco-friendly craft projects
• True-life scenarios and crucial tips to help every parent identify and deal with six of the fundamental components of child development that contribute to building self-esteem
• The key ingredient: Positive Parental Participation!

I don’t have any children of my own, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who teaches or cares for young children in any way, be it parent, grandparent, teacher, day care provider, or baby sitter. It’s also a great resource for children’s librarians who often present themed story times with books, crafts, and snacks. I wish this book was around when I was a child!