Children | Government Book Talk

Resources for Healthy Eating, Even During the Holidays

November 16, 2018

The holidays are right around the corner, and so are all the delicious … but not exactly nutritious … treats that come with them. A study from Cornell University showed that holiday weight gain is real and can take more than five months to lose! While it would be downright cruel for us to tell you to cut out all the eggnog, pumpkin pie, sugar cookies and candy canes the holidays have to offer (come on, we aren’t the Grinch!), GPO has some publications that can help you and your family stay healthy during the holidays and beyond.

Whether you’re spending money on the latest must-have gift or on tickets to see the Nutcracker or on a new pair of ice skates for the rink, the holidays are almost as tough on our wallets as they are on our waistlines. Healthy Eating Made Easy from the Department of Defense and Department of the Army offers tips and recipes to help you eat healthily and save money while doing it. The healthiest and most economical choices can also be the most fun and rewarding! With the help of this book, buy wholesome ingredients and cook your own meals at home.

Is it just us, or do you feel like you’re always in a rush during the holidays? There’s always another present to wrap or festivity to get ready for … and to our dismay, always another car honking in the mall parking lot. Meal prep is a must at this busy time of year. Instead of reaching for that all-too-accessible peppermint bark, go for a healthy meal made from your Deliciously Healthy Family Meals cookbook. This cookbook from the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Heart and Lung Institute is designed to help busy parents who want to make healthy meal preparation a family affair. The cookbook showcases new dishes that were created especially for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) by a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef/instructor and father of two. And it’s kid-approved! All the recipes were taste-tested with parents and school-aged children, and feature easy-to-follow instructions in numbered steps and detailed health information, such as calories, fat, cholesterol, total fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and more.

Give the kid in your life an early holiday gift they’ll love. “Through the Eyes of the Eagle” is the first book in the Eagle Book Series. It introduces the character of Mr. Eagle. Mr. Eagle befriends Rain That Dances, the child character in the book, to educate him about diabetes and how the lifestyles and health of the people have changed. Mr. Eagle has come to remind the children of the healthy ways of their ancestors so that they can be strong and healthy again. The book is written by Georgia Perez of the Native American Diabetes Project at the University of New Mexico. Ms. Perez found that when children heard the story of the eagle, they listened intently. Afterward, they were eager to take the diabetes-prevention information back to their parents and grandparents to share what they had learned. Vividly brought to life by the colorful illustrations of American Indian artists Patrick Rolo (Bad River Band, Ojibwe) and Lisa A. Fifield (Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin), these award-winning stories are available at the GPO Bookstore. Look for all four books in the series: “Through the Eyes of the Eagle,” “Knees Lifted High,” “Plate Full of Color,” and “Tricky Treats.”

Keep your little ones occupied during holiday travel. The Discover MyPlate Series, published by the United States Department of Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Service, is available for free download at the GPO Bookstore. Kids will learn about the five food groups, healthy eating, and reading! These colorful books introduce kindergarten-aged children to foods from all five food groups while building literacy skills through the use of sight words, optional audio narration and text highlighting, interactive games and activities, and more!

Decorating cookies and enjoying hot chocolate by the fire are part of what make the holidays merry and bright. No need to deprive yourself of your festive favorites. Just have lots of healthy options available too. Happy and healthy holidays to you. Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Children, Consumers, Family, health | Tagged: healthy cookbook, healthy eating tips, Healthy holiday eating, holiday food, holiday treats, holiday weight gain | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Resources for Safe Schools Week

October 25, 2018

Students might stress about a big math exam, or wonder if they will bump into their “crush” in the hall, or worry about hitting the right note in Chorus class. That we can handle. But what’s the one thing kids should never have to worry about at school? Their safety. Some kids walk to school. Others take the bus or another form of public transportation. Teenagers who are old enough to drive may carpool. But however they get there, students deserve not just to feel safe, but to actually be safe, when they walk into their school each and every day. As adults, it’s our responsibility to make sure of it. October 21–28 is Safe Schools Week this year. According to the National Schools Safety Center, “School safety includes keeping campuses free of crime and violence, improving discipline, and increasing student attendance. Schools that are safe and free of violence, weapons, and drugs are necessary to ensure the well-being of all children and the quality of their education.”

Keeping Youth Drug Free, a publication of the Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, features what to know and what to do to help parents understand and proactively serve the best interests of their children. According to the publication, studies have found associations between early initiation of alcohol or illicit drug use and an increased likelihood of developing substance use disorders. The Office of the Surgeon General’s call to action to prevent and reduce underage drinking warns that the majority of adolescents who start drinking do so when they are in the 7^th or 8^th grade and are about 13–14 years old. This book also emphasizes the fact that parents have a significant influence on young people’s decision about alcohol. That’s why it’s crucial that parents and caregivers talk to their children about drugs and alcohol before it’s too late. Caregivers will learn how to establish and maintain good communication and even learn some of the science behind their child’s judgment. According to the book, the last region of the brain to develop is the pre-frontal cortex. That’s the cortex that governs judgment. Without the ability to predict outcomes and plan accordingly, teens can make choices such as using drugs and alcohol that could hurt them in the long run. Finally, this book takes readers through understanding the different types of drugs and alcohol and their various effects.

To ensure the safety of our nation’s students, it’s crucial that educators and administrators alike understand indicators of school crime and safety. Indicators of School Crime and Safety is a report that draws information from a variety of data sources, including national surveys of students, teachers, and principals. Sources include results from a study of violent deaths in schools. The report is produced jointly by National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Institute of Education Sciences (IES), in the U.S. Department of Education, and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Many public and private school buildings are old, in poor condition, and may contain environmental conditions that pose increased risks to the health of children and staff. Everyday things like chemicals used in science class, art supplies, and even drinking fountains can all pose threats to children’s safety. Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments from the Environmental Protection Agency is a publication meant to address some of the most common areas of environmental health concerns found in schools, including chemical management, carbon monoxide, drinking water, lead, mold and much more. Steps to reduce hazards related to these areas are included in the booklet. A quick and easy assessment is included at the end of the booklet for schools to reduce and prevent exposures to common environmental health hazards. The EPA has also brought us a Sensible Guide for Healthier School Renovations which addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of school renovation that can help the school save money and support student performance.

Our little ones are the future! When they’re safe at school, performance improves, and the future is brighter for everyone. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, school administrator, or a mentor for a child you know, you can help make positive changes for children. And there’s no better time to start than Safe Schools Week.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Children, Department of Education, Libraries | Tagged: Indicators of school crime and safety, Safe Schools Week, school environment, school renovations, school safety | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Interactive Books for Understanding Your Child’s Milestones

September 11, 2018

Whether they’re throwing temper tantrums, needing kisses for boo-boos, making messes, or drawing on things they shouldn’t be, toddlers are tough work. As a parent, you have enough to worry about. Keeping track of your child’s developmental milestones shouldn’t be one of them. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. First steps, first words, and using the potty for the first time are all developmental milestones. Other developmental milestones may not be as easy to see, but they are just as important for your child’s development. GPO, HHS and the CDC have worked together to bring you publications that make it simple, easy, and even fun (for you and your little one) to recognize your child’s milestones.

Where is Bear?: A Terrific Tale For 2-Year Olds is a fun, interactive book that encourages two-year-olds in their development and helps parents monitor their children’s attainment of important skills. Meet Tiger, Bear, and their forest friends, Bird, Frog, Fox, and Turtle! In this terrifically unique and interactive tale, your two-year-old child will help Tiger find Bear. Each step in your child’s quest to find Bear highlights important milestones in your child’s growth and development. Look for the leaf at the bottom of the page for these Milestone Moments such as following simple instructions, naming items in a picture book, and much more. Review the two-year-old milestone checklist, which includes social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and physical milestones. The end of the book also offers helpful parenting tips to learn more about your child’s development.

For a three-year-old, check out Amazing Me: It’s Busy Being 3 from the GPO Bookstore. In this story, a kangaroo named Joey shows all of the amazing things he can do now that he is three years old. Joey is working on dressing himself and taking turns and loves playing make-believe. With this book, your child will find koala bears throughout the story as Joey continues to learn and grow. See if your three-year-old is able to do some of the same things as Joey.

Finally, in the booklet Milestone Moments, you can follow your child’s development by watching how they play, learn, speak and act. Check off the milestones your child has reached at each age. You can even take this booklet to your child’s doctor at every visit to talk about the milestones your child has reached and what to expect next.

Watching your child grow is so much fun. It seems like they learn something new every day. Purchase these publications to help you keep track of it all … and to help you remember the special moments. It’s true what those other parents say – they grow up so fast!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

2 Comments | Children, Consumers, Family, Parenting | Tagged: Child development, developmental milestones, parenting, toddler | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

GPO Summer Travel Series: Seeing Stars

July 24, 2018

A kid in foggy goggles yells BELLY FLOPPP!, the sound of the lifeguard whistle blows, the smell of Chlorine fills the hot air, and suddenly, nostalgia has made her way to us. What are some of your best summer memories? Maybe it’s chasing after the ice cream truck, cannonballing into the lake, catching fireflies in jars, or selling lemonade to the cars that pass by. All make for a pretty epic summer break. But what about stargazing at a National Park? If you have children in your life, it’s essential you add stargazing to their list of favorite summer pastimes! And hey – you’re never too old to create a new memory yourself.

Midwest National Parks of the United States offer a sanctuary of natural darkness, making them perfect stargazing sites. Head over to one before the summer is over – many parks actually have night sky programs. Pick the park of your choice and ask the folks at the visitor center about the program. Thank your lucky stars (and your national park ranger) for the opportunity because that giddy summer’s here feeling you had as a kid is about to return.

Before setting off for your stargazing adventure, order Junior Ranger Night Explorer, an activity booklet from the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior. To start off, the booklet will guide you through smart stargazing, including what items to bring with you so you can see all the planets and star clusters up close and personal. With Junior Ranger Night Explorer, your little rising stars will learn how to find the North Star, track phases of the moon, learn about galaxies, and use all their senses to explore the night environment at a national park.

What’s perhaps even cooler is that right inside the booklet are some stargazing tools! Cut out the planisphere (also known as a star wheel) and holder provided in the booklet. Then turn the wheel until the date appears above the time that you are out at night. The constellations visible at that time will appear in the window. Next, hold the planisphere above your head and look up at it to see where each constellation is located in the sky.

If you notice that some stars appear to be different colors than others, it’s because they are! The colors of stars indicate what temperature they are. For example, blue stars are hot, while red stars aren’t so hot. The sun is yellow, which means it’s a medium temperature. By studying the color of a star, astronomers can learn about its birth, life and death. That’s right! Just like us, stars are born, alive for some time (about ten billion years that is), and eventually die.

Creative Junior Night Explorers can even make up their own constellation story. The Big Dipper was known to Native Americans and Greeks as a big bear, but farmers in England knew it as a plow. Their differing ways of life actually influenced what they believed the shape to be – pretty incredible, right? Now grab your handy dandy Junior Ranger Night Explorer activity booklet and draw your own constellation!

You can now add stargazing to your list of favorite summer activities. Stay tuned to Government Book Talk to see what’s written in the stars for next time, our devoted travelers!

GPO Summer Travel Series: Cave Dwellers, Fossil Finders and Dinosaurs Galore

July 20, 2018

Is it just us, or is the thought of dinosaurs roaming … and ruling … the Earth pretty mind-blowing? If you’re as captivated by the early days of Earth as we are, you’re going to love this next destination in our GPO Summer Travel Series. But first, all the prehistoric talk has got us feeling prehistoric ourselves. Let’s stop for some coffee. You’re going to want to be awake for this expedition … we’re on our way to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in Nebraska!

Before we get there, order your Official National Park Handbook Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Nebraska. It provides a glimpse of what life was like in North America 20 million years ago, long before the arrival of man, when now-extinct creatures roamed the land that we know as Nebraska. The handbook, brought to you by the National Park Service and Department of the Interior, explains why this land became part of the National Park System, what fossils are found there, and where this monument is located. It includes tips to visitors, a reading list, and information on other sites in the National Park System. The most numerous fossils found at Agate were the remains of the pony-sized rhinoceros Menoceras. The site is also known for fossils of the gazelle-like camel Stenomylus and the early horse Miohippus. The handbook provides sketches of and information on these early animals. In addition to fossils, the park has an extensive collection of Plains Indian art and artifacts, including a shirt from the famous Sioux chief, Red Cloud, who lived on the land in the 1800s.

Have we got you eager to find more fossils? Lucky for you, there are more than 230 other national parks that preserve fossils today! Junior Paleontologist Activity Book includes a map of those parks that preserve fossils across the United States. So take a look! Fossil finding adventures may be closer than you realize. This booklet also helps children ages 5 and up dig for clues as Paleontologists do. They’ll learn about ancient life, complete fun activities, and explore just some of the national parks that offer a look into the past. Play a game to learn about how fossils form and discover different fossil types such as vertebrate and invertebrate fossils. Plus, interested to know when the first fish or flower appeared on Earth? Read fascinating descriptions of the eras of geological time, all the way from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic Era.

Did you know caves are ideal places to preserve fossil remains for thousands or even millions of years? Grab your headlamps and helmets and get ready to be amazed by stalactites, stalagmites and cave-dwelling creatures. With the Junior Cave Scientist Activity Book, you and your family will explore a fascinating and fragile underground world, learn about the values of caves and karst landscapes, and complete fun educational activities. Etiquette isn’t just for the dinner table. Before your big cave expedition, read through this book so you (and your junior cave scientists) know how to practice proper cave etiquette. Yes, it’s a real thing! As the booklet points out, it’s important to never disturb the fossils you find while on a caving adventure. The book also provides useful tips on being cave safe. The National Park Service recommends going into a cave with not one, not two, but three reliable sources of light. It really is as dark as it seems in a cave!

Thanks for coming along the road to fossilization. Rest up and we’ll see you back here again for more summer travels.

GPO Summer Travel Series: Beach Health and Safety

July 17, 2018

If you’ve been following our summer travel series thus far, you know we’ve been busy sightseeing, hiking, and exploring National Parks all across the country. Phew, we are exhausted. You’ve earned a break! It’s island time. That is, time to bury our toes in the sand, embrace the ocean breeze, kick back and relax before heading off to our next destination. Make sure you’ve got your flip flops, plenty of sunscreen, a good book and your boogie board. It’s back to the beach for us, our trusty travelers! But first, let’s make sure we’re equipped for a safe and healthy trip.

While the boogie board isn’t a requirement for good times by the Oceanside, that sunscreen sure is! Did you know there’s actually a right way to apply sunblock? And even with sunscreen on, those tricky UV rays can still get through to your skin! According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer, and the number of skin cancer cases has been on the rise. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Protect the little beach bums in your life and teach them healthy habits while they’re still young! It’s true. Applying sunscreen can be a messy drag. But GPO and the American Cancer Society are here to tell you this: it really doesn’t have to be all that miserable. Prepared with the support of the American Cancer Society, Mission: Sunwise Activity Book from the GPO Bookstore provides puzzles and pages to color about how to be safe in the sun and how to use sunscreen. It will be so worth it when you avoid that terrible sunburn … owiee … and can keep building as many sandcastles, hunting as many ghost crabs, collecting as many seashells and bobbing over as many waves as you want!

And while it’s important to keep ourselves safe and healthy at the beach, it’s also equally as important to make sure the ocean itself stays safe. According to thankyouocean.org, marine debris is defined as “any man-made, solid material that enters waterways directly through littering or indirectly through rivers, streams and storm drains.” Included in debris are plastic food wrappers, plastic bottle caps, grocery bags, plastic straws, plastic bottles, soda cans, balloons, glass bottles, cigarette butts, and fishing nets. All of these items, and many more, can potentially harm marine life. How? Animals often become entangled in the debris, causing them to have trouble eating, breathing and swimming. Many birds and fish also may mistake the debris for food. For example, plastic bags floating in the water strongly resemble jellyfish. This poses a major problem for the sea turtle, who often mistakes plastic bags for one of his favorite meals! What’s just as gross? This debris can even transfer up the food chain to humans, as we often enjoy fish and other seafood from the ocean. Help children learn about this very serious issue and become passionate about saving our marine life. Understanding Marine Debris is an activity booklet from the Department of Commerce and the National Marine Fisheries Service. A booklet for all ages, it contains an assortment of puzzles, brain-teasers and coloring activities to help children understand the problem of marine debris while having fun at the same time.

With its salty air, crashing waves, ocean spray and wild sunsets, the beach has the potential to create the absolute best memories. But it’s important to protect ourselves and our beaches and oceans while we can. Make your beach vacation a positive experience for the entire family with these publications from the GPO Bookstore. Rest up for now … under the protection of an umbrella, of course. There’s more summertime to come and more adventures to be had.

School Librarian Day

April 4, 2018

April 4th is National School Librarian Day. It’s a day all Americans, especially those with children, should actively honor all school librarians. School librarians spend their days keeping the library organized, aiding children find the resources they want and need to keep learning. Dedicated to their profession and to creating an environment where all visitors can learn in every day of the year. All of this hard work too often goes un-noticed, even unappreciated.

Young minds needs to be nurtured. Gently challenging those minds with good quality, by offering up interesting and new reading material and reference materials is what school librarians do best.

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) has a deep connection to the libraries across America. The best example: The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), established by Congress in 1813 to ensure Americans have access to the Government’s information. Many of these Federal depository libraries have been working with GPO for more than 120 years to keep Americans informed on the news of their government. GPO’s Government Bookstore offers many publications that can benefit young minds.

Here are just a few:

Join the Lorax To Help Save Energy, Water, and Protect the Planet Activity Book

The Environmental Protection Agency says “Join the Lorax and ENERGY STAR by doing your part. Save energy at home and at school – to keep pollution out of the air and keep the earth cool! The Lorax can teach us a thing or two, about saving water – that’s a good thing for the earth too.” A graphic and simple-to-understand activity book to engage school children in learning and caring about the environment and how to improve America’s quality of life. (The Lorax is a Dr. Suess property. TM 2015)

Where Is Bear?: A Terrific Tale For 2-Year Olds

Where is Bear? is a fun, interactive way to encourage 2-year-olds in their development and to help parents monitor their children’s attainment of important skills. It’s a win-win for early development! Meet Tiger, Bear, and their forest friends, Bird, Frog, Fox, and Turtle! In this terrifically unique and interactive tale, your 2-year-old child will help Tiger find Bear. Each step in your child’s quest to find Bear highlights important milestones in your child’s growth and development. Look for the leaf at the bottom of the page for these Milestone Moments.

Amazing Me: It’s Busy Being 3

In this story, an amazing kangaroo named Joey shows all of the amazing things he can do now that he is 3 years old. These amazing things are called developmental milestones. First steps, first words, and using the potty for the first time are all developmental milestones. Other developmental milestones, like the ones in this book, may not be as easy to see, but they are just as important for your child’s development.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

1 Comment | Children, Family, Libraries, Parenting, Teachers and teaching | Tagged: education, federal librarians, librarians, libraries, National School Librarian Day, School Librarian Day, school librarians | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Government Book Talk

Resources for Healthy Eating, Even During the Holidays

Resources for Safe Schools Week

Interactive Books for Understanding Your Child’s Milestones

GPO Summer Travel Series: Seeing Stars

GPO Summer Travel Series: Cave Dwellers, Fossil Finders and Dinosaurs Galore

GPO Summer Travel Series: Beach Health and Safety

School Librarian Day

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