3 in 1 GROWING KIT
Vegetable Kit -or- Flower Kit

Made by: Miracle-Gro KIDS

Available at: Toys-R-Us, Walmart, Scotts.com

Average Cost: $10-12

This was a GREAT Product. We purchased two flower kits for our boys as an Ostara gift... i'm not a big on all that chocolate and candy they try to convince you need in a basket... I prefer a gardening themed basket. ...Anyways, it is rated for children 5 years and older... and truthfully that's about right. My 5 year old "assisted" me in the sowing but the best part for him was finding the little sprouts in his cups only 2-3 days after planting. Now my almost 9 year old... i set him in the kitchen (within range if he needed help) - the instructions were easy enough for him to follow and within 15 minutes (includes opening all the bags and the seed packets inside) and without any help - he had completed his gardening set and was very proud of himself. The kit comes with everything you need to start. The three flower plants are: Zinna, Sunflower and Marigold. Plus, it comes with a cute, little matching watering can too. This helps to teach them to be responsible.. and water their little sprouts... BUT not too much!

NOTES:
* Once the plants are big enough to transplant you are going to need to get some potting soil to fill the pots.
* Just a tip - to make like a "greenhouse" for your little seedlings, place a sandwich baggie over the tops of the pots and leave the bags and the pots undisturbed until the sprouts are about 1/2" tall... then remove the baggie and watch them grow.
* This kit is also available with vegetables

MORE INFORMATION:
visit: Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Website
"In addition to being non-toxic, the Miracle-Gro® Gro-Mix™ helps care for your plants with color-changing planting mix that indicates when it is time to water."

IMMI'S GIFT

written & Illustrated by: Karin Littlewood

Published by: Peachtree
Found at my Local Library
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Here is another librabry book - one i grabbed with 'thanking the moon' (see below). It features Immi, a Innuit girl, who goes fishing one day and instead of pulling out a fish - she pulls out a little wooden bird in the moset brilliant colors. One by one new 'gifts' come to from out of the freezing waters. And the artic animals come to see her beautiful treasures she has collected - until the snow begins to melt and she moves on... but just as she is about to leave - she gives something back, she puts her ivory necklace - in the shape of a polar bear into the water. Miles and miles and miles away a little boy walking on the shore of a beach littered with shells, he sees something shiny - its the polar bear necklace - he hangs it around his neck where he once wore a small wooden bird!

This book is a sweet little story of how everything comes back around. I suggest it as a book to use to show how lying or being loving comes back to us - just as we sent it out!

THANKING THE MOON
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

written by: Grace Lin

Published by: Alfred A Knopf
Found at my Local Library
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Here is another of my Library Books -- i've spent a lot of time reading while waititng for school to return to session -- not that my boys won't be missed... but i look forward to the changing of the seasons and schedules.

This particular book is perfect with Mabon just around the corner, as it focuses on a family that celebrates the mid-autumn moon with moon cakes, lanterns and a special moon honoring table. This is the perfect book to add to your autumn rituals with children. With my suggestion that you 'google' or pull out a recipe for mooncakes and make some construction paper lanterns while celebrating beneath the harvest moon.

HOW THE STARS FELL INTO THE SKY
a Navajo Legend

written by: Jerrie Oughton
Illustrated by: Lisa Degimini

Published by: Houghton Mifflin Company
Found at my Local Library
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Once again this is a book i found at my local library. I love to read and learn about other cultures... to see their similarities and differences and disscuss them with my boys. This one is a Navajo Legend about how the stars came to be in the sky. On the first day, man needed to know the laws, that they needed to be written so that all could see them. they think of ways in which to do just that - but the ideas don't work out until first man turns to first woman and says to 'why not write the laws in the sky' and she could use her jewels to do such a task. So very carefully she begins to use the jewels to write the laws into the night sky, one by one she tacks them into place. But she was not alone, a curious coyote watches her, and wonders what she is doing. The woman explains and the coyote offers to help... but after a while the coyote feels that the progress was going too slow - and he would rather see the job finished. Impatient as he was - he threw all her jewels, at once, into the sky, littering the sky with chaos and confusion. On the second day the first people woke - never to know why they lived in confusion - because their was no undoing what the coyote had done. This story teaches a couple of things; patience, the importance of rules, and to beware an impatient coyote!

THE GREATEST POWER

written by: DEMI

Published by: Margaret K McElderry Books
Found at my Local Library
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Because of the economy - as many other will agree - there comes a time when we must cut costs and save our money. That being said - my budget to build my personal library has been frozen until further notice - on the postive side though - i have been able to expand and look for books outside of my zone. I actually began my search in my local library (which being out in the middle of nowhere - isn't much of a library - though it is the biggest one i have been to!) I signed my boys up for library cards (i hadn't been there in about 5 years as i thought they were a bit biased in their selection of books and had none on the new age / pagan topics i was looking for - that's why my husband agreed to a budget to build my own library- anyways...) I just happen to be looking around for books for my five year old when i realized that there were good books right under my nose (at least for children). So for the next few books (or more) i will be seraching my local library for some good finds - and i encourage you to do the same (if you haven't started already). They may not say pagan /new age or witchcraft on them... but the lessons they teach are just as valuable.

The Greatest Power, is of an Ancient Chinese tale. The Emperor was looking for a wise Prime Minister. He made a proclomation to all the children of the kingdom, to find the wisest in the land. There would be a parade and each child would have to present what they thought to be the greatest power in the world.... This is a wonderful story to teach that the greatest power does not come from the mightiest weapons, the greatest beauty, greatest technology, or the most money.... the greatest power is life itself!

Sabbots & Seasons Series for Little Pagans: IMBOLC & OSTARA

Elsie & Pooka Written by: Lora Craig-Gaddis

Published by: 7th House / www.7th-House.com
Available at: Pooka Pages - www.pookapages.com

You are going to LOVE Elsie and Pooka. Elsie is a young country witch whose familiar is a lovable black cat named Pooka. Pooka is like a child, in that he is very much learning, and Elsie is there teaching him as they go.

These are books 3 & 4 of the series. And it doesn't disappoint. With wonderfully delightful, and entertaining Children's stories, all revolving around the Sabbots/Seasons. Included in it are some fabulous recipes and decorating ideas for kids, and other activites. These are the perfect books to pick up and read to/with your children on the Sabbot, or any other time as well.

To learn more about Elsie and Pooka and/or to order your copy today, go to pookapages.com.

CIRCLE ROUND

Written by: Starhawk, Diane Baker,
and Anne Hill

Published by: Bantam Trade Paperbook
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

This is a wonderful go-to Pagan Mother's Handbook. It covers the moon cycles and sun cycles, with activities, stories and recipes, plus so much more. So what makes this book different than the many others out their that cover the sabbots with stories, activities and recipes? Well I'm glad you asked. Because this book is set up like a Handbook. A handbook for Family Traditions. In a way this book invites you into their circle, sharing with you their tips and ideas, in a way that isn't just giving you information, but they present to you like a grandmother hands down traditions to her children and grandchildren.

Personally I use this book as a starting point to layout my celebrations. Than I mix and mingle it with other traditions, resources, books, recipes, and activities, that I have already begun to set into place for my family tradition.

RABBIT'S SONG

Written by: S. J. Tucker and Trudy Herring
Illustrated by: W. Lyon Martin

Published by: Magical Child Books
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

This is a delightful children's book. It's about a trickster who is on a journey to find a teacher of man. He searches amongst all the animals, though the tigers and bears are great teachers - he does not choose them thinking they may be a bit frightning....but finally he does find four animals who think they are the least likely to be teachers... they each have their own gift to offer... Raven helps to bring love and light, the Crow shall teach of pride and humility, while the Coyote shall teach of things that should be right.... but the trickster finds that the rabbit is his favorite - for his simple humbleness..

This is a GREAT bedtime storybook!! This is how stories (I do imagine) use to be told!

GROWING UP PAGAN:
A Workbook for Wiccan Families

Written by: Raine Hill
Drawings by: Gillian M. Pearce

Published by: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

WOW!! What a WONDERFUL Workbook! I love everything about this book. It is just what my husband and I had been looking for!!! Now, I don't usually buy a book unless I can preview it or unless I am familiar with the author...but this was not the case, and I took a chance - just to see what was in it - and I was not disappointed!

Our oldest son is seven now, and we have a strong christian influence on one side of the family... so we had been looking for an equivalent (technically, but not exactly) to the Christians 1st communion 'program'. Something that would help structure and guide our son - now that he was coming to an age that he could learn, understand and most of all - ask questions about different faiths and beliefs. We wanted a book or workbook that would guide him on his journey to making his own decisions in life, to think and to believe for himself. But what we needed was a resource to help show him the Earth-based side...Anyways, my point again is....this is the book we'd been looking for!!

If you have a child between 6 and 9 (or so) years of age - this is a great 'coming of age' workbook. They will already know or have heard about most of what is in the book, but this is the age when they can put it all together. There are different sections / topics, with stories too. And at the end of each section there is some fun games / puzzles as a review of the section. Though, my favorite part of this workbook comes at the end... There is a 'mild' test ... and a certificate of achievement for them. (I know that's what my son looks forward too!)

As a Solitary Witch and Mother ... I must say this is just perfect... and yes there is room to 'move around' with it, Raine notes at the beginning of the workbook that we do all have different traditions, some of us are in covens and some of us aren't.... so this is basic and informative, age appropriate and friendly! What more could you ask for? It's OUTSTANDING!

Sabbots & Seasons Series for Little Pagans: YULE

Elsie & Pooka Written by: Lora Craig-Gaddis

Published by: 7th House / www.7th-House.com
Available at: Pooka Pages - www.pookapages.com

You are going to LOVE Elsie and Pooka. Elsie is a young country witch whose familiar is a lovable black cat named Pooka. Pooka is like a child, in that he is very much learning, and Elsie is there teaching him as they go.

This is book 2 of the series. And it doesn't disappoint. With wonderfully delightful, and entertaining Children's stories, all revolving around the Yule season. Included in it are some fabulous recipes and decorating ideas for kids. The perfect book to pick up and read to/with your children on Solstice Eve, or any other time as well.

To learn more about Elsie and Pooka and/or to order your copy today, go to pookapages.com.

Sabbots & Seasons Series for Little Pagans: SAMHAIN

Elsie & Pooka Written by: Lora Craig-Gaddis

Published by: 7th House / www.7th-House.com
Available at: Pooka Pages - www.pookapages.com

You are going to LOVE Elsie and Pooka. Elsie is a young country witch whose familiar is a lovable black cat named Pooka. Pooka is like a child, in that he is very much learning, and Elsie is there teaching him as they go.

This Samhain edition, is one of eight (each to be released just before the sabbots). In this particular book you will find delightful stories, coloring pages, activities, crafts, recipes and more.

This is a great book for young pagans. The stories will help build their foundation of understanding in paganism and magick. Parents are going to love this book too, it is destined to be a favorite on your bookshelf for many years to come.

To learn more about Elsie and Pooka and/or to order your copy today, go to pookapages.com.

A WITCH'S PRIMER:
Grade One

Written by: Lorin Manderly

Published by: AuthorHouse / www.AuthorHouse.com
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

This is the perfect beginning book for all Explorers (ages 7 thru about 10). It has simply structured chapters; with easy to read and understand information, end of chapter synopsis and a few review questions as well.

I recommend this book for any child that is at an age where watching to learn, its always understanding what's happening. The age when they are ready to learn more.

I have done a lot of searching for books and workbooks like, this for my children...and so far this is the first one i've come across that really focuses on this age group...and their ability... without all the Wee Pagan Coloring pages.

All I See is Part of Me

Written by: Chara M. Curtis
Illustrated by: Cynthia Aldrich

Published by: Illumination Arts
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Do you know of any children (or adults) who are having a hard time understanding the concept of "universal oneness" then I recommend this book. Clearly and simply written with big and beautiful illustrations. I really don't know what to say, other then, you should really check it out!

KINDNESS

a treasury of buddhist wisdom
for children & parents

* Skipping Stones Honor Award *

Collected & Adapted by: Sarah Conover
Illustrated by: Valerie Wahl

Published by: Eastern Washington University Press
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

This is a remarkable book! One can never have too many books brimming with wisdom. This simple book with short adaptations of stories about Buddah are a wonderful edition to any library of any faith/belief/spirituality. Because one only needs to look as far a public school to know that words of wisdom, or the practice of wisdom, is a much needed commodity today - although an almost forgotten. This book is great for bedtime or anytime. Each story is accompanied by the moral of the story, as some stories may seem a little in dept. Oh, and here is a tip to work with the book, use it as a teaching guide.. read and question each story, talk through them with your children - and then have them write the moral and what it means to them in a journal or a book of shadows... they could even make up their own sceneries / stories to help remember the morals.

Wild Child

Written by: Lynn Plourde
Illustrated by: Greg Couch

Published by: Aladdin Paperbooks
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

This is a sweet and short little book, a bedtime book. It's about a 'wild child' who represents a child of fall, who isn't ready for bed yet... the story takes you through her antics about going to bed... and when she does finally close her eyes to go to bed .... you'll find another of mother nature's children is wide awake and ready to go.

Peaceful Piggy Meditation

Written by: Kerry Lee MacLean

Published by: Albert Whitman & Company
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

I have an 8 year old and a 5 year old - need i say more. I have been trying to discipline myself in the way of meditation for years now...but i have a hard time with my two sweet and noisy distractions... i never thought to make it a family thing... (sometimes the simple answers can elude us).... honestly this is a book for both children and parents. Whether you stay at home or work - meditation helps to ground your day. And there are days when you have an 8 year old (you know what i am talking about) or a pre-teen/teenager that you wish they could calm themselves when they get into a fit of sorts. Children learn by example, so why not make mediation a family thing - a way to learn to control emotions that flare up from time to time... when nothing makes sense and you just need to take a time out. This is a short story book with tips on meditation and techniques. I suggest every parent and child read it and practice it ritually

Pagan Degrees for Children

Written by: Shanddaramon

Published by: Astor Press / astorpress.com
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

My search is over! I Love this book! I had been looking for a "guide book" to start the process of teaching...or rather....helping my little ones to learn and understand the world around them... not just nature but being pagan too. I have been trying to create/design such a "program" that i have called 'Little Book of Everything - LBOE' (see my index for pages). Only this book, Pagan Degrees for Children, is helpful to advance what i have been trying to accomplish... adding a whole new level with "achivement awards" and certificates... its an award system to learning.... I highly recommend this book for those with a family traditional "coven" with little ones or even teens (there's a section for them too)... to help them explore the world around them, inside and out, above and below, and they can earn awards for their work, it really is cool!! (ask my 8 yr old) I wanted to put my boys into boy scouts.... but found it was to Chrisitan (no offense, just my prefrence, i just want them to learn by thinking for them self - not being told what to believe).... than i looked into the Spiral Scouts (www.spiralscouts.org) but it was too much nature (not that that's bad...) but their was no belief system.... so when it came down to it... i blended what i know of those two systems... and a little of our 4H program, to begin making a Pagan system... taking the "time it takes to design/create" factor, making it easier on parents because I have already created the pages to use, just print and learn.... but i lacked the frame work... this book, Pagan Degrees for Children, is the frame work, so in the coming months you will notice that my LBOE/Ivy Hearth pages will be taking on some new pages that you can use with this book, Pagan Degrees for children and I hope you will, i encourage you to go to www.amazon.com to see a preview... and i think you will agree, its a must have handbook.

Everyday Witch A - Z

Written by: Deborah Blake

Published by: Llewellyn Publications
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Normally I do Children's Books for review... but this time, I thought i would change it up. I have shelves of books...mostly books i have read and use as refrence books - when needed... they are literally tabbed to death!! But, as it happened... and in life it does... it didn't just rain... it poured!!! And i realized that i had this wonderful "pick-me-up" book nestled amongst all the others. So i pulled it out and began to read through it all over again... starting with my tabbed pages first.... and laugh... how i laughed... seriously... life gets to stiff and we forget the humor... this book (and others like it) should be required for any witch (or pagan, druid ect.) because a little humor and lightened mood can do wonders.... some of the jokes in this book will have you "howling" at your next full moon esbat! Ever wonder how many Gardnerians... or fam trad... or solitary witches... or wiccans... or pagans it takes to change a lightbulb??? (if you didn't, you want to now!) And there is even a (tastful) joke about a priest, a rabbi and a pagan priestess.... you'll want to read it over and over and over again just because one of them sinks!!! But seriously.... there is more to this book than just humor... it is filled with tid-bits from A to Z or Attitude to Zenith!! I only wish my purse was bigger... cause i would carry it everywhere!!! And don't forget to read the Dear Onyx letters .... for personal insight about your magickal cat(s)!

ANGRY OCTOPUS
a relaxation story

written by: Lori Lite
Illustrated by: Max Stasuyk

Published by: Lori Lite
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

As my boys get older and are becoming more aware of the cruelty and frustration that is around them... understand that as children life can always be a frustration of not understanding why you can 't do something or have something... but at the youngest of ages their is no reasoning... don't waste your breath.. (believe me i know). but as my son turned nine the other day, i realized this book would be perfect to start helping him deal with the world around him. By teaching him that though he can't control what others do and the things that just happen... he can control himself and his temper... which by the way i'll be honest he inherited from me... so don't think for a moment this book isn't for us parents... because it is that too!

I THINK, I AM!
teaching kids the power of affirmations

written by: Louise L. Hay and Kristina Tracy
Illustrated by: Manuela Schwarz

Published by: Hay House
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

This is a great kids book about taking the negative thoughts we have... changing them to positive affirmations... to see positive things happen. In a world full of bullies and commercials... yes commercials - with there stick like models and steroid muscled men... children, teens and even adults are always at risk of seeing or hearing something and then questioning themselves.. convincing themselves... that they aren't good enough, pretty enough, smart enough, creative enough.. well you get the point. This book shows the more common negative thoughts that children have and then shows them to make it a positive affirmation. It's definitely a book to have on hand to read with your child.

Everyone's MANDALA Coloring Book

Written by: Monique Mandali

Published by: Mandali Publishing
Available at: www.mandali.com
and at the St. Lawrence University
Bookstore in Canton, NY.

So here's the deal, if you have been reading my reviews you know that i do most of my reviews from books at Amazon.com - i have two reasons... One - I almost never purchase a book by its cover, so if i can't check out what's between the pages, I won't buy it. And 2 - because in St. Lawrence County NY... (yes that's where i am) ...it is very difficult to find books on the topic i am looking for (i have all but stopped going to our library... it was just more practical to start building my own personal library).... Anyways, the truth is, i ran out of kids books to review... and hadn't gotten around to picking out some new kids books to order (if you have any suggestions - please e-mail me) ... and i wanted to stay on deadline this month and get the review up at the beginning of the month not the end! So, what was a witch like me to do?? Think outside my box!!! I went to my kids school this morning to look through their Scholastic Bookfair... to see what i might find... and i found lots of great animal books by Disney... as part of their nature series.... (however i am on a budget)... so then decided to go to our local university bookstore... to see what they had first before i bought anything (the SLU bookstore is my favorite in all of northern new york) and though they didn't have anything i was looking for in the children's section - i did happen to browse through the new age section ... nothing there for kids ... but on the other side of the bookcase was religons... and there tucked amongest the Buddist teachings and such was a couple of these Mandala coloring books.... I choose this one becasue it has perferated edges.... so you can tear the pages out to color and hang up.... this book is perfect for a spring rainy day - when the kids get a little restless for summer... just let them pick out a Mandala that "calls" to them, rip it out of the book, and set them up in a calming / quiet area with crayons, colored pencils, or whatever... and enjoy the tranquility... matter of fact, i highly suggest you pick one out too and all of you embrace the tranquility you feel - its as if the stresses just melt away (for a little while anyways)! ... Matter of fact, it is suppose to rain here all week - i do hope i don't run out ... than again maybe by that point they will start creating there own.

Witchcraft on a Shoestring

Written by:Deborah Blake

Published by: Llewellyn Publications
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Normally i try to keep to children's books but due to the state of the economy... i thought this book was just the book for review. As it is stated on the front cover, "Practicing the craft without Breaking your budget" - and who wouldn't want that. Sometimes we get so wrapped up into dramatic rituals, that we forget to KISS our rituals instead... (KISS stands for Keep it Simple Stupid) ... The book starts with, "The only tools you need are free" and ends with the chapter "50 ways to practice witchcraft for little or no money!" ...I don't think this book needs any more expalnation than that! Remember, just because you don't put a lot of money into something doesn't make it any better than the one you put a lot of yourself into!

ON MY WAY to a Happy Life

Written by: Deepak Chopra with Kristina Tracy
Illustrated by: Rosemary Woods

Published by: Hay House Inc.Publishing
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Deepak Chopra has written many a book - but this is first book that takes his Eastern Philosophies to a child's level. He has teamed up with Kristina Tracy to write an incredibly sweet, wonderful and meaningful book on his 7 spiritual teachings. It is a wonderful book to share with your children. It should be read at bedtime, and at times like; when your child must make a decision... and how Karma plays a part in it... what you do, will come back to you... and many other important lessons. I know that you will enjoy this book even if you are not familiar with Deepak Chopra, because no matter your faith, these truths, these lessons, transcend all spiritual beliefs.

Make it Work! NATIVE AMERICANS

Written by: Andrew Haslam

Published by: Two-Can Publishing
Available at: Amazon - www.amazon.com

Here is an interesting change of pace, it's a 'hands-on approach' book. I happen to be at the Akwesasne Reservation in Hogansburg, NY (Near Massena) at a little gift shop (one of my favorite places) called the Bear's Den. I always flip through their children's and adult book selections cause you never know what you will find. It just happens this wonderful book is available through Amazon.com if you are not in the Northern New York area. Inside you will find projects for making teepees of the Plains people to making clothing worn by Mohawks, There is a lot of information in this book and covers the tribes of North America. There are Native American children's games, rattle and drum making, even pottery and weaving loom instructions. My eclectic roots might pull from Europe and areas, but I do live in the United States and the Native American people - their way of life - are a big part of surviving and living in this area. So as a mother and teacher to my two children, i can't ignore the life and spirits that make up this land, this is a book deserving a place on your shelves and near to your craft boxes, there are months of weekend learning projects inside. (*I can not verify the authenticity of the material contained in the book, however it can't be to far from the known truth - after all i did purchase on an Native American Reservation.) p.s. other versions are also available: Ancient Egypt, Arctic People, Stone Age People - But i have not seen/flipped through or purchased any of these other titles, as of yet.

Sabbots & Seasons Series for Little Pagans: MABON & LUGNASADH

Elsie & Pooka Written by: Lora Craig-Gaddis

Published by: 7th House / www.7th-House.com
Available at: Pooka Pages - www.pookapages.com

FINALLY!! The last two books of the collection are available. If you haven't checked this series out yet, you really should. You are going to LOVE Elsie and Pooka. Elsie is a young country witch whose familiar is a lovable black cat named Pooka. Pooka is like a child, in that he is very much learning, and Elsie is there teaching him as they go.

These are books 7 & 8 of the series. And they don't disappoint. With wonderfully delightful, and entertaining Children's stories, all revolving around the Sabbots/Seasons. Included in it are some fabulous recipes and decorating ideas for kids, and other activites. These are the perfect books to pick up and read to/with your children on the Sabbot, or any other time as well.

To learn more about Elsie and Pooka and/or to order your copy today, go to pookapages.com.