All great advice, which I wish I'd known back in October when dh went on horribly strong antibiotics. Actually, I did know it, but we were neglectful since we were on vacation. We always seem to get sick on vacation ... regardless of everything we take and do. Here's the research I came up with. Very much the same as the replies already given. Take an extra dose of probiotics a few days before taking antibiotics. An extra dose could be an additional 10 billion CFU of probiotics supplement or a serving of yogurt or kefir. Do not take probiotics and antibiotics at the same time. Taking both at the same time simply defeats the purpose as the friendly bacteria will be totally destroyed by the drug. During the period of antibiotics intake, take two or more doses of probiotics in the day time. Take probiotics either halfway between antibiotic doses in the amount listed on the bottle, or at least 3 hours apart from the antibiotic. Obtain a variety of bacteria by taking yogurt and kefir or supplements with six different bacteria strains. Keep on taking an extra dose of probiotics a day for one week after the completion of antibiotics medication to replenish the good bacteria. Support the growth of your good bacteria by eating a diet high in fiber.

KNOWLEDGE AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE This is what Peela wrote. I love her fabulous advice: Try to look at perimenopause as a wake up call to really take care of yourself. Exercise more – many suggest walking for an hour a day and some yoga Really take care of yourself with healthy eating and sufficient rest. Perimenopause and menopause bring out the imbalances that are already there and exacerbate them. You have to get really comfortable in your own body, be willing to experiment with yourself, and also, become your own authority. Sure, listen to other authorities, read books and websites, but take complete responsibility for your health and wellbeing and take a proactive position. Don’t expect a doctor or medication to rescue you. As far as supplements go, different things work for different people. Many find that chaste tree gives great relief, while others get relief from B6 or Evening Primrose Oil. Sufficient sunshine, healthy exercise and a healthy diet no longer become optional things that you joke about not getting because you just don’t have time. They become mandatory in your 40s – otherwise, you really feel it, or you develop serious health crises. Also, any emotional issues you have never really dealt with come up. Good to grieve, cry, journal, process however works for you (therapy if that helps). Most of us treat our bodies really badly and expect them to just handle it, and you just can’t do that anymore once you start the hormonal rollercoaster. OTHER TIPS Soak your feet in cold water to prevent hot flashes during night

PROGESTERONE CREAM Balancing out estrogen with progesterone is important at this time. Progesterone is the brake pedal for estrogen. Not all progesterone creams are alike. Make sure to get one that is natural, organic, bio-identical and not synthetic. Emerita is a very good one which I use. Karuna may also be good, although I’m not completely sure – worth looking into. Both are available from amazon. Ann Louise Gittleman also has one called ProgestaKey. Please keep in mind natural does not imply organic. Many of these creams have not only the main ingredients based on phytoestrogens, but also have the toxic xenohormones, parabens and mineral oil too. They are far from organic. So be aware and ask questions about your creams! Apply ¼ to ½ teaspoon of the progesterone cream directly to your breasts morning and evening. More progesterone is absorbed into breast tissues when it’s applied to them directly, and that’s ultimately where you want most of the progesterone to go. Do not apply it to other areas, even if the instructions tell you to do so. Progesterone receptors are only found in the breasts (and ovaries), so apply directly to the breasts to decrease vascularity. Repeated thermograms prove this is the only correct application method to reduce vascularity and risk. Or to explain this easier, if you cut your thumb and you apply Neosporin to your elbow how effective is that? Apply the cream directly to area that it is needed. It can reduce some signs of menopause when applied indirectly, but when you move it to the breasts you will see a greater decrease in menopause issues and more importantly you are reducing the vascularity in the breasts. As someone here wrote, "For those who turn up their nose at progesterone creams, do know that that Prempro is very different from progesterone. The former is a synthetic, the latter natural. The effects on the body therefore are much different. Also, many women who took Prempro also took Premarin, which aggravated everything. Beware of synthetic progesterone (progestin), which won’t work the way natural or bio-identical progesterone does. Your body has difficulty breaking down the synthetic form, used in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, so this altered form creates a potential for toxic effects. In fact, after progestin was added to HRT, women’s cancer risk increased!"

HOT FLASHES According to Chinese medicine, hot flashes are the result of sluggish liver. During menopause, the liver has to go through significant adjustments due to hormonal changes. When the liver is sluggish, the "Chi" (energy flow) in the liver encounters too much resistance due to the adjustments and therefore produce "heat". If the liver is healthy, both the blood flow and "energy flow" are smooth and no "heat" will result. Spicy foods, especially ginger and cinnamon, are very "yang" foods. They congest the liver and produce "heat" that could aggravate hot flashes. Women who suffer from hot flashes may have to avoid these foods. INCREASE ZINC TO INCREASE PROGESTERONE PRODUCTION and curb the copper from water pipes, tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, and soy. Excessive copper equates to estrogen dominance while low progesterone usually correlates with not enough zinc. Copper and zinc need to be in a ratio where zinc is 8 parts to copper's 1. Bring on those zinc supplements (Zinc Plus sold through Uni Key is said to be very good) as well as organic beef, eggs, and natural pumpkin seeds. VITAMIN D3 plays a key role in the synthesis and metabolism of estrogen and progesterone. If you're under 50, take at least 2,000 IU per day. If you're 50 or over, take at least 5,000 IU per day of vitamin D3. Always take your vitamin D with a fat-containing meal to ensure absorption. Your need for vitamin D3 is affected by age, skin color, and the severity of any deficiency MAGNESIUM helps the body break down excess estrogen and ease stress. Load up on almonds, spinach, black beans, and dark chocolate. If you have symptoms of magnesium deficiency (and most of us do) – if you’re feeling edgy, for example; have muscle cramps, suffer insomnia, crave chocolate, or notice increased urination, adjust your calcium-magnesium ratio, so that you’re taking at least as much magnesium or—ideally—twice as much magnesium as calcium. 400-1200 mg daily of Magnesium is helpful but use according to bowel tolerance. Your body knows how much magnesium you can tolerate from bowel tolerance – take as much magnesium as your bowels can tolerate If you can, add 100 mg of magnesium to your nutritional supplements, and increase it by 100 mg every few days until your stools are soft, but not uncomfortably loose. Take in divided doses and with meals to ensure optimal absorption – preferably more at night Calcium, magnesium, and many other minerals are best absorbed when they are bound to an acidic carrier such as citrate, aspartate, picolinate, or amino acid chelate. Minerals need an acidic base to break down and get used. The most absorbable forms are magnesium citrate, glycinate taurate, or aspartate, although magnesium bound to Kreb cycle chelates (malate, succinate, fumarate) are also good. Avoid magnesium carbonate, oxide, sulfate, and gluconate. They are poorly absorbed (and the cheapest and most common forms found in supplements). Side effects from too much magnesium include diarrhea, which can be avoided if you switch to magnesium glycinate. Most minerals are best taken as a team with other minerals in a multi-mineral formula. People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium only under a doctor's supervision. REGULAR EXERCISE can improve your mood, lower stress levels, and help you sleep. Increasing your level of activity can reduce hot flashes. Many yoga poses and the regular practice of yoga help relieve menopausal symptoms Practice deep breathing. Inhale deeply through nose, allowing your belly to rise. Exhale slowly and forcefully through the mouth, letting your belly fall. Repeat for 5 minutes 3 times daily, or whenever a hot flash strikes. Once the hot flash passes, ensure the body relaxes fully by inhaling one last time, holding for 3 seconds, and releasing forcefully.

OVERALL RELIEF Daily Balance Harmony Enzymatic Therapy AM/PM Menopause Formula Gaia Herbs Phyto-Estrogen NOW Foods Menopause Support Solgar Herbal Female Complex VAGINAL DRYNESS Culturelle Probiotic New Chapter SC Omega 7 Home Health Vitamin E Oil STRESS AND ANXIETY Garden of Life Oceans 3 Healthy Hormones – also good for overall relief Source Naturals L-Theanine DEPRESSION Rainbow Light Complete Menopausal Support Barleans Omega Swirl Fish Oil Nordic Naturals Omega 3D HEAVY BLEEDING The goal is to reduce estrogen levels and increase progesterone levels. Essential fatty acids, beta-carotene, and lutein help promote healthy ovulation and progesterone production in the body. Bioflavonoids (buckwheat, citrus fruit peels and pulp) when combined with vitamin C, moderate estrogen levels and strengthen blood vessels to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding 1500-3000 mg bioflavonoids and 1000-3000 mg Vitamin C daily HERBS – These herbs, alone or in combination – can alleviate or at least mitigate – your menopausal challenges. WILD HOPS reduces hot flashes and night sweats, anxiety, and helps muscles relax. Wild hops can help you sleep 30-120 mg at bedtime Has to be dried to have any medicinal effect Often used in combination w/valerian and lemon balm. ASHWAGANDA. Called “mood food”, this herb calms nerves and lifts spirits SEA BUCKTHORN is also called Omega-7. It combats vaginal dryness and regenerates thinning mucus membranes GINKGO increases circulation and eases depression and brain fog LICORICE ROOT is mildly estrogenic, stimulates the adrenals, and may ease depression. Don’t use if you have high blood pressure. Black Licorice Tea has adrenal-rejuvenating properties – Traditional Medicinals Organic Licorice Root Tea – only have 2 well-brewed cups every other day since licorice can cause a fatigue-inducing potassium imbalance. After 6 weeks, take a 5-day break before repeating the regimen. 1-3 cycles of this helps most women. Do not consume if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure. RASPBERRY LEAF eases cramping and tones the uterus MOTHERWORT is a lovely herb to calm anxiety. It also helps promote restful sleep. WILD YAM ROOT - Add ¼ cup wild yam root (purchase it cut and sifted) to one pint of cool water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Remove from heat and steep an additional 15 minutes. Strain, cool, and pour into an ice cube tray. Freeze. Then place one ice cube in a mug, pour a cup of boiling water over it, and drink the diluted mixture while it’s still warm. Take 1 cube 3 times a day as needed. Wild yam root, well known as a hormone regulator is most often used to treat symptoms of menopause. The root is nutritious and anti-inflammatory. Don’t use this remedy if you’re pregnant or taking birth control pills. SAFFRON promotes calmness and reduces irritability and hot flashes 1 pinch stirred into hot, cooked food daily

Becky, I'm just going to post all my tips on peri and menopause. There's stuff there that should address most of your concerns. As far as the few pimples you mentioned, diet is key. Are you drinking too much milk? Cow's milk and refined sugar are the top 2 breakout culprits. You are officially in menopause only after you haven't had a period for a full year. Perimenopause can begin 10 years before menopause, as your hormones begin to fluctuate. Lots of the symptoms overlap. Some women find the symptoms worse in peri than they do after the "pause." • Unusually heavy, irregular, or long-lasting periods • Bleeding mid-cycle, when periods had been regular • Getting your period again after not having had it for 6 months or more • Difficulty concentrating and/or mood swings • Unexplained insomnia, sweating, and/or joint or muscle aches at night • Frequent urination • Vaginal pain or dryness that does not improve with home treatment Do a salivary hormone test at least once a year to see what needs to be supported and watch the numbers. Stress will impact the progesterone which may account for the fact that progesterone, unless you are already taking a topical cream, is so universally deficient. Of course, if you want to know more, the book Before the Change (even if you’re still menstruating) will be eye-opening. Just to be on the safe side, at least take an estradiol/progesterone salivary hormone test so your ratio can be assessed. 300:1 is considered desirable, in favor of progesterone. Most individuals are very progesterone deficient and are overweight, have a sluggish metabolism, are depressed, and have problems sleeping. The difference when a physiological dose of progesterone is given, according to your age and stage, can be life-changing. HEALTHY EATING Limit spicy foods, especially in the evenings Limit refined sugars and processed foods in favor of whole grains Increase your intake of fresh fruits and veggies, as well as good-quality fasts (such as olive oils) Eat cold-water fish for fatty acids Limit alcohol and caffeine Crunch cruciferous veggies – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower – they have compounds that help the liver flush out artificial estrogens that collect in the body from external sources like pesticides. Aim for 2 servings per day. Leafy greens (including arugula and other salad greens, collards, spinach, and Swiss chard) are high in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, so important to bone health, as well as the phytochemicals, lutein and zeaxanthin, that protect both cardiovascular and eye health. If you’re perimenopausal or menopausal, eating your greens—rich in folic acid—can even fight hot flashes and the blues. SUPPLEMENTS Look into a liver-cleansing supplement, such as milk thistle or dandelion tea, to help rid your liver of stress-causing toxins. Chaste Berry (Vitex) or Chaste Tree Berry • Does not contain any hormones, but rather, works on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, stimulating balanced production of estrogen and progesterone – balances and promotes progesterone • Indicated for a number of menopausal and perimenopausal concerns - It is often used to treat excessive bleeding, fluid retention and breast tenderness. • May inhibit the secretion of prolactin , which stimulates the growth of mammary glands. Excess prolactin may be a risk factor for breast cancer. Chasteberry's influence on prolactin and two other female hormones, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, may also help reduce the menopause-like symptoms of hormonal drugs like tamoxifen • Is a herb that is high in phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are forms of estrogen that are much weaker than the body’s estrogens, but that are capable of blocking the stronger, more damaging estrogens (they can fit into the same receptors in breast cells that estrogens can, thus preventing the estrogen’s ability to dock there). Phytoestrogens also expand the length of the menstrual cycle, possibly lowering the lifetime exposure to estrogen. • Chaste tree berry (vitex) may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. It's very gentle and somewhat slow to show its full effects, so give it a couple of months before deciding if it's helping. Normalizes hormone secretion and helps balance estrogen and progesterone 40 mg daily Pregnant and nursing women shouldn't use Chasteberry. There are few drug interactions, but dopamine receptor antagonists can diminish its effectiveness. Rashes are a rare side effect. Because Chasteberry has an effect upon progesterone synthesis, it may not be appropriate for women who have strongly progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer. Some swear by supplements containing Black Cohosh, Red Clover, Evening Primrose Oil, Licorice, etc. yet others suggest avoiding them since they may increase estrogen levels and will possibly raise the risk of breast cancer. The following are some of the herbs with estrogenic activities and should be avoided as much as possible, if that’s what you’re concerned about: • Anise • Hops • Fennel • Black Cohosh • Red Clover • Don Quai • Licorice • Ginseng • Royal Jelly • Peony • Nettle • Sage • Fenugreek • Evening Primrose Oil • Chamomile So, it’s a personal decision … personally, I would only use these as a last resort, when or if all else failed. Nonetheless, I’m going to list the benefits, etc. here … the decision is yours. Nothing has been found to be nearly as effective for menopause symptoms as Black Cohosh. Many Black Cohosh supplements are less potent than they appear. You need to get 540 mg daily. Studies have shown that in sufficient doses, this herb can help alleviate menopausal symptoms in as little as 4 weeks. Puritan’s Pride Black Cohosh 540 mg Black cohosh can reduce hot flashes by 85%. Black cohosh treats hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, vaginal dryness, and anxiety Not all of these supplements contain the estrogenic ingredients above. Read the labels and do your own research. Some may be perfectly fine.

I hear you. Any kind of cake including Nutella anything sounds soooo good right now.

I know ... and I just started Room last night. The print is very small ... I fell asleep after a few pages ;). Thanks, Lisa. These are great. :D

LoriD is the absolute best. :grouphug: :D

Kareni, I seem to have very similar taste to you. I'm therefore planning to get the only one that you recommend and that I don't yet have - Homeschooling High School. :)

I've generally been happy with Nature's Way. Did you read any of the reviews on amazon and/or vitacost.com I love vitacost for their reviews and prices. Brands I like/trust: Carlson’s Nature’s Way New Chapter Organics NOW Enzymatic Therapy Solgar Source Naturals Twin Labs Anything with a short ingredient list - no soybean oil, no sugar, starches, colorings, etc. – the less things in it, the better There are specific things you can do and take for the symptoms you mentioned. If you'd like me to post them, let me know. :)

There are also natural remedies for treating depression and/or anxiety. Let me know if you'd like me to share. If it were me, I would do my utmost to avoid meds. I see meds as a last resort. I'd much prefer to eat healthy (or at least try to ;)) and just live a healthy lifestyle. I know it sounds simple and possibly a bit idealistic, but side effects would worry me. Again, not ruling them out completely, but I definitely see them as a truly last resort.

No time to read all the replies or to post separately, but hopefully some of the tips I posted here might help. :grouphug:

:iagree: I'm salivating at all these recipes, particularly the Red Velvet one w/Peppermint Frosting ... :D

OTHER TIPS Sleep on right side. Sleeping on right side prompts relaxation and decreases blood pressure – which can help calm you during hormone-related symptoms such as hot flashes. Soak your feet in cold water to prevent hot flashes during night

OVERALL RELIEF Daily Balance Harmony Enzymatic Therapy AM/PM Menopause Formula Gaia Herbs Phyto-Estrogen NOW Foods Menopause Support Solgar Herbal Female Complex SAGE has been used since ancient times to stop hot flashes and helps reduce all kinds of excessive perspiration. Sage tea and sage tincture helps hot flashes and night sweats. 1-3 cups of sage tea can reduce your hot flashes OR take the herb as a supplement Sage tea is the safest and least expensive solution. Allow the tea to cool down for best results. Drink 1-3 cups a day in between meals. You can increase this amount, if you like, to 4-5 cups a day. You may need much less. In fact, just 1 serving of sage tea can cool down some women within two hours and last for a day or more. Tinctures or capsules containing sage are good options if you don’t want to drink the tea. WILD HOPS reduces hot flashes and night sweats, anxiety, and helps muscles relax. Wild hops can help you sleep 30-120 mg at bedtime Has to be dried to have any medicinal effect Often used in combination w/valerian and lemon balm. SAFFRON promotes calmness and reduces irritability and hot flashes 1 pinch stirred into hot, cooked food daily Some have said that the combination of Chinese Bitters (taken before breakfast) and Fem-Mate (taken at bedtime) is very helpful for alleviating hot flashes. In one case, a 60 year old woman was on HRT for 10 years and was told to stop her HRT immediately because of her vaginal bleeding. When she stopped, her hot flashes became unbearable, and she tried all manner of remedies to no avail. When she took Chinese Bitters and Fem-Mate, her hot flashes became manageable in only 4 days, although it took 3-4 months before her hot flashes disappeared. This remedy works because Chinese Bitters decongests and cleanses the liver while Fem-Mate stimulates natural progesterone and estrogen production by stimulating the adrenals. For some women, whose hot flashes are relatively mild, Chinese Bitters alone is enough to eliminate their hot flashes. In some cases, the complete program of liver and gallbladder cleansing may be necessary because HRT is known to cause gallstones. Daily morning exercises such as stretching and deep breathing can also help by "activating" the liver in the morning.

Hot Flashes are periods of sudden intense heat, while flushes include the obvious flushing or redness. While they usually come and go for a year or two, some still have hot flashes for 10-15 years after menopause. Hot flashes and flushes can last for a few seconds or up to five minutes. WHAT HELPS HEALTHY EATING Heat-producing foods can trigger hot flashes – limit fatty foods, sugars, caffeine, and very hot spicy foods Cooling foods and plant estrogens help reduce hot flashes – fruits, vegetables, yogurt, goat cheese – these all cool the body More salads Fewer cooked foods Drink plenty of water throughout the day When dietary changes are not enough, it’s time to look into supplements. SUPPLEMENTS Hesperidin is found in the skin of lemons and oranges. It works like a miracle for many women, eliminating hot flashes and night sweats. Take 500 mg morning and night. You most likely will need that much to reduce hot flashes. Although hesperidin is a bioflavonoid, you can’t get enough of it in bioflavonoid supplements. Look for a hot flash formula with high amounts of hesperidin. PHYTOESTROGENS are plant-based estrogens that curb hot flashes, weight gain, and other complaints. Look for a multiple-herb formula with • Chaste-tree berry (normalizes hormone secretion and helps balance estrogen and progesterone) – 40 mg daily – quite frankly, this is the only one I think I will try from this list of phytoestrogens. The rest are of concern to me, since there is a likelihood that they may raise breast estrogen levels. • Black cohosh • Red clover • American ginseng • Milk thistle Nothing has been found to be nearly as effective for menopause symptoms as Black Cohosh. Many Black Cohosh supplements are less potent than they appear. You need to get 540 mg daily. Studies have shown that in sufficient doses, this herb can help alleviate menopausal symptoms in as little as 4 weeks. Puritan’s Pride Black Cohosh 540 mg One study found that women who took Black Cohosh were 47 percent less likely to have breast cancer. Black cohosh can reduce hot flashes by 85%. 40 mg daily of Remifemin Black cohosh treats hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, vaginal dryness, and anxiety

I started and read slightly more than 10% of (my rule) Moonflower Vine. Just couldn't get into it. I wouldn't mind trying it again some other time. Today, I hope to start Room. My problem lately is that as soon as I start reading, I fall asleep after a page or two. In school, while the kids are doing independent work, I'm slowly reading How to Really Love Your Teenager. Lots of helpful stuff, but I realize that I need to avoid most parenting books. They make me feel inferior and nervous ... I don't consider myself a very good parent. I always feel that I could do better. :confused:

Thank you for your very kind words. :grouphug: Good to hear that your ds doesn't drink cow's milk. I wouldn't remember how she tied them. I can ask her later. I meant to ask her last night, but we had company and I forgot. What I do know is that she would put orthopedic/corrective shoes on me and tie them up tightly with some sort of rope/strong elastic bands all over, in such a way, that it was virtually impossible for them to slide off my feet ... I have no idea how she did it. It was to help correct my flat feet. It worked. My mother did it for vanity. She wanted me to grow up and have the option of wearing high heels. This was done under my pediatrician's advice. So happy to see that others have posted and given such great advice. Here are some links that I hope are helpful also. http://www.podiatrynetwork.com/r_pediatric_flatfoot.cfm http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/special/bone/106.html http://www.healthboards.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-28412.html http://www.circleofmoms.com/autismaspergerspdd-awareness/Toe-Walking-372854 http://www.autism-pdd.net/testdump/test29833.htm

Had a wonderful doula for our first. Ended up not really needing her for labor & delivery, since I had a very, very long labor and ended up with a c-section (which I wish they'd done sooner). She was extremely helpful to me post-partum. We didn't have one for uour 2nd, since he was born here. I had plenty of support from my parents. Plus, doulas don't exist in this part of the world. I LOVE a good doula. My only gripe, however, is that a doula chooses to have very limited hours, or has other priorities, she needs to be up-front about that from the get-go.

:iagree: Amos and Boris Wagon Wheels The Boy Who Held Back the Sea Tye May and the Magic Brush Miss Rumphius Roxaboxen The Story of Ferdinand Alexander Books Dandelion Martha Miss Twiggly's Tree Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters Lassie Come Home Angelo Berlioz the Bear The Worry Stone Sylvester and the Magic Pebble The First Dog Mandarin Ducks Uncle Jed’s Barbershop Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt Brave Irene Stone Soup A New Coat for Anna Cranberry Thanksgiving The King’s Equal Chanticleer Doctor De Soto Fritz and the Beautiful Horses Two Bobbies Gilgamesh Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie Tut’s Mummy Usborne Greek Myths James Heriot’s Treasury for Children Anything by Bill Peet The Journey That Saved Curious George - fabulous study of WW2! All Curious George Books Katy No Pocket

There's one by Roald Dahl which we LOVE - can't remember the name. Also, The Dragons are Singing Tonight. We like humor in our poetry. We've always loved "A Child's Garden of Verses".

* Charlotte’s Web * Anything by Thornton Burgess - these books are SUPERB. They teach so much about life. They're animal-based stories and are very deep. My dc love these, as do I. C.S. Lewis once said that the proof of a good book is that it would appeal equally to a 10-year-old as to a 50-year-old. * The Doll People, The Meanest Doll in the World, * The Racketty-Packetty House by Frances Hodgson Burnett * Humphrey the Hamster series * Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant * Tale of Despereaux * Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane * Elmer the Dragon series * A Llama in the Family * Narnia series * Indian in the Cupboard * Harry, the Poisonous Centipede * Roald Dahl books * Beverly Cleary * Freddy Books - we have the Freddy Anniversary Collection and the dc loved that. * Owls in the Family * Detectives in Togas (as well as its sequel)

Lori, I absolutely love your lists and helpful posts. Thank you :grouphug:. This is a wonderful thread and I'm taking notes. :)

Thanks for these great recommendations. I'd heard of Tar Beach, but had forgotten about it. Magic Fishbone looks delightful. We LOVE Dickens! :D I do have a list of our favorite picture books and chapter books. PICTURE BOOKS: Amos and Boris Beautiful Stories from Shakespeare Wagon Wheels The Boy Who Held Back the Sea Tye May and the Magic Brush Miss Rumphius Roxaboxen The Story of Ferdinand Alexander Books Dandelion Martha Miss Twiggly Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters Lassie Angelo Berlioz the Bear The Worry Stone Sylvester and the Magic Pebble The First Dog Mandarin Ducks Uncle Jed’s Barbershop Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt Brave Irene Stone Soup A New Coat for Anna Cranberry Thanksgiving The King’s Equal Chanticleer Doctor De Soto Fritz and the Beautiful Horses Two Bobbies Gilgamesh Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie Tut’s Mummy James Heriot’s Treasury for Children Anything by Bill Peet Drinking Gourd – An I Can Read Book Curious George: Journey WW2 Book - can't remember the name - excellent CHAPTER BOOKS: * Charlotte’s Web * Anything by Thornton Burgess - these books are SUPERB. They teach so much about life. They're animal-based stories and are very deep. My dc have loved these * The Doll People, The Meanest Doll in the World, great series * The Racketty-Packetty House by Frances Hodgson Burnett * Humphrey the Hamster series * Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant * Tale of Despereaux * Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane * Elmer the Dragon series * A Llama in the Family * Narnia series * Indian in the Cupboard * Harry, the Poisonous Centipede * Roald Dahl books * Beverly Cleary * Freddy Books - we have the Freddy Anniversary Collection and the dc loved that. * Owls in the Family * Detectives in Togas (as well as its sequel)