the global game changersThe Global Game Changers (Pixel Entertainment, 2012) tells the story of superheroes Global Girl, Little Big-Heart, and their trusty dog Pixel. They search the world looking for real-life kids who are doing good things. With the motto “Ignite Good!” GGC encourages kids ages 4-10 to join the Alliance by visiting theglobalgamechangers.com where they can create their own avatar, collect a badge, share their Ignite Good! stories, vote on charities to receive a portion of proceeds, and more. By teaching and engaging children in philanthropy, the authors hope GGC will inspire a new generation of givers who will use their passions to make a difference and learn from one another, without expecting anything in return. 

heroes for my daughterHeroes for My Daughter (Hachette Audio, 2013)  is an inspiring collection of stories about real heroes from whom our daughters can learn to lead an impactful life. In this recently-released audiobook version, New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer reads his stories of 55 remarkable people—artists and inventors, scientists and explorers—who each dedicated their life to making our world a better place. From Eleanor Roosevelt to Amelia Earhart, Theodore Roosevelt to Lucille Ball, the lives of these men and women offer lessons to guide our daughters on their journey to adulthood—lessons to inspire them as they take their place as citizens in our society and in the world. The stories are perfect for mothers and daughters to listen to and treasure together.

my superhero bookMy Superhero (Fremantle Press, 2013) is a charming book that celebrates super skills that differ from those commonly depicted in comic books and cartoons. Written in a first-person narrative, a young child introduces different animals from around the world, each with super attributes—amazing strength, incredible speed, sensational costumes—and compares them with the kind of super skills found much closer to home.

As one stanza reads, “He sings my favorite songs to me—and hits the high notes perfectly—He likes to dance, he often cooks—but best of all—he reads me books!” At the end of the book, the child finally reveals the true identity of his superhero—his dad, rejecting the idea that superheroes must have x-ray vision, or other such superhuman powers. His dad’s more down-to-earth and less celebrated skills and qualities are far more important.

My Superhero reminds us that simply by doing normal, everyday things we can have a tremendously positive impact on our children’s lives.

 

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