Adults have used books to explain touchy subjects to kids for a long time.  Everything from the death of a pet to welcoming a new sibling has been written about.  These children's books not only touch on subjects every child can relate to, but sometimes they talk about topics specifically geared towards different religions, races, political beliefs, and economic backgrounds.  The new book called It's Just A Plant touches on one of those controversial topics.

The book centers around a little girl named Jackie who wanders into her parents room while they're smoking marijuana.  The next day, Jackie's parents take her to visit a doctor, a farmer, and a police officer to teach her exactly what the plant is and what it can do.  Some people worry that this book will make children turn to drugs or at least, make them grow up thinking doing drugs is okay.  Others say this book will have the opposite effect because if the parents in the book think it's cool, it won't be "cool" to kids. 

What do you think?

Thanksgiving is almost here and with that comes telling children the story behind the holiday.  Whether you want to discuss it without a script or you'd rather read a book on the subject is up to you.  After all, you know the child's attention span better than we do.  If you do decide to read a children's book about the subject, there are several that have been deemed both age apprpriate and accurate.  Here are some of those:

• Preschoolers
  • The Pilgrims' First Thanksgiving - Your preschoolers will love learning about the history of Thanksgiving and the journey of the pilgrims to America in this book.
  • The Story of the Pilgrims - This book tells the story of the pilgrims' dangerous voyage to America, first harsh winter and amazing first Thanksgiving feast.
  • Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks - With a message about being grateful, this book for preschoolers takes the emphasis off the pilgrims and the Thanksgiving feast, and puts it on giving thanks.
  • What Is Thanksgiving? - This Thanksgiving board book is written in rhyme. It's the perfect choice for teaching your little ones about giving thanks for our blessings.
• Elementary Schoolers
  • ...If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 - This fact-filled book for elementary schoolers answers an assortment of questions about the pilgrims' journey, the Thanksgiving feast and their first year in America.
  • Celebrate the First Thanksgiving with Elaine Landau - This book features a fun premise of traveling back in a time machine with author Elaine Landau and her dog Max to learn about the pilgrims, Indians and the first Thanksgiving.
  • Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving - Aimed at children 5 years old and up, this Thanksgiving book tells the story of Squanto and how it came about that he learned English and was living in the exact place where the pilgrims landed.
  • The First Thanksgiving Feast - Young people love this beautifully illustrated book that recaptures the images and stories of the pilgrims, the Wampanoags Indians and the first Thanksgiving.
• Tweens and Teens
  • 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving - With spectacular photographs taken during reenactments at Plymoth Plantation, this engaging book tells the Thanksgiving story from the view of both the English colonists and the Wampanoag people.
  • Thanksgiving: The True Story - Geared toward children ages 10 and up, this book delves into the history of Thanksgiving and discusses many of the Thanksgiving traditions that we celebrate today.
  • The Thanksgiving Book: A Companion to the Holiday - This book covers the history, lore, traditions, foods and symbols of Thanksgiving. It also includes Thanksgiving poems, prayers, songs, hymns and recipes.
  • Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember - This 80-page book aims to enrich your family's awareness about the history of Thanksgiving, God's role in that history and the importance of gratitude. This Thanksgiving book is also accompanied by a music CD.

Would you read any of these?

J.D. Bauer has written both adult and children's books about protecting the environment.  J.D. Bauer's real name, however, is Charles Kimbo, a man convicted of murdering four people in British Colombia.  The book in question is called The Trinity of Superkidds: Quest for Water which revolves around teen aged heros gifted with a variety of exotic superpowers which they use to inspire, raise awareness and vanquish water waste and pollution in a fun, fast-paced adventure.

Kimbo has delved heavily into the backstory of this J.D. Bauer, starting with the name.  J.D. Bauer is female and Kimbo created her name from "Jeunesse Delegue", French for "Youth Delegate" or "Youth Rep.  On "her" facebook page, J.D. Bauer said that "she" likes makeup and shopping and prefers to write "in semi-darkness, alone in the nude."

Kimbo realized he liked writing after taking a children's book course while serving his 25 years+ sentence in prison. 

Do you think the book should be judged by the literary work itself or do you think the fact that the author is a convicted serial killer will steer people away?