What is more important in life than the understanding of relationships? A child's relationship to his family (nuclear and extended). A child's relationship to his friends. And, perhaps, most importantly, a child's relationship to himself. Although this book is subtitled 26 Experts Explore Young Children's Self-esteem, it offers more than that. It helps parents, teachers and other caregivers with the essential tools for understanding the continuous changes that young children must deal with - practically on a daily basis.

As the review in the June 2000 issue of Work & Family Life states: "How do children gain confidence through play? What are the keys to understanding and responding to each child's individual temperament? How do you help young children recognize, express and deal with their feelings constructively? These are some of the important questions we need to answer in order to encourage young children's positive views of themselves. In this unique new book, My Self, My Family, My Friends, there are short articles by 26 early childhood experts, all of which help you guide your child to a strong, enduring sense of self-esteem and competence."

In this 300-plus-page book with 38 chapters, experts give advice on self-esteem, temperament, developmental milestones, family rituals and traditions, understanding feelings, building sibling friendships and how children can learn to care, among other topics. In addition, there are 64 annotated resources for adults, and 400 for children.

The book gives real answers to real questions, such as:

• How can improving a preschooler's self-esteem also improve his behavior?
  (See Chapter 3 - The Best Gift You Can Give Your Child)
• Why is it important to understand a child's individual temperament?
  (See Chapter 8 - Understanding Differences in Temperament)
• How can you help youngsters deal with their feelings in a constructive manner?
  (See Chapter 17 - Understanding Feelings)
• What can you do to help children make friends easily?
  (See Chapter 32 - Getting Along with Other Children)
• How can you encourage young children's good manners in a humorous, entertaining way?
  (See Chapter 38 - Snakes Never Slurp Their Soup: a Time for Table Manners)

The philosophy behind the book is best summed up in a review by Beverly Christianson, children's librarian, Cutchogue-New Suffolk, NY, Free Library:

"Whether you are looking for a concise explanation of a child development concept or reassurance that being a good parent is an achievable goal, My Self, My Family, My Friends, edited by Betty Farber, M.Ed., is a book you won't want to overlook. As a children's librarian, I am frequently asked by a parent or caregiver to find just the right resource to answer the pressing concerns and questions involving the nurture and care of a child. My Self, My Family, My Friends will be among the first references I recommend. Rarely is a single book so comprehensive, practical, and understandable. The potential audience for this sensible guide includes new parents (both moms and dads), single parents, inquiring parents, struggling parents, grandparents - i.e. just about everyone! From suggested activities such as fingerplays, recipes, and games, to the separate annotated resource lists for adults and children at the end of each section, every reader should come away with valuable information and ideas to intimately involve them in the process of raising healthy, confident children."

The book is available through online bookstores such as Amazon.com, Borders.com, barnesandnoble.com, or can be ordered at local bookstores. Bookstores, schools and libraries can order through distributors such as Baker & Taylor or Ingram - or directly from Preschool Publications. Additional information (table of contents, sample chapter excerpt, typical resources, list of contributors, and other reviews), is available through Preschool Publications.

For more information, contact:

Betty Farber
Preschool Publications
800-726-1708
preschoolpub@hamptons.co
http://www.preschoolpublications.com