Books
My reading odyssey through Africa
I am still not feeling 100%. You know it's bad when I lie around for hours reading - which I did yesterday. Of course, I'd love to do that more often, but normally I'm way too busy to read - even when sick - until bedtime. And then I'm usually...June 9, 2008 - 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Giving away 12 books
Got the 12 recipes - which y'all can read in the comments, except for one super-duper family secret one that was emailed to me - so this give-away is over. Thanks! Ladies - please email me and tell me which book you want - I may need to make adjustments...June 2, 2008 - 5:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBack
Teaching children compassion
Occasionally, I rerun important posts, especially when something a reader writes reminds me of a previous post - like this one. Also, a year has gone by since I published this and our economy is starting to take a downturn. We need to prepare our children for a future in...May 17, 2008 - 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Evaluating children's books about Jesus
There are a lot of books about Jesus out there. But just because they're about Jesus doesn't mean they're about Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior, the Son of God. Sometimes, they are about Jesus as a great teacher or The Light of the World. I recently received a question from...April 2, 2008 - 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Book sale - last day!
Today is the last day of my book sale: Buy three, get one free! Click the banner above before midnight to take advantage of this offer....March 31, 2008 - 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Book Sale - buy three, get one free
*sigh* These books aren't doing anyone any good sitting on my shelf - or tucked away in boxes in closets. I really want you all to have them. The problem is - and I never knew this before being published - authors have to buy their own books. I...March 19, 2008 - 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Raising future mommies and daddies
I love these books, which were not available for a while, but you can now find at Amazon (click on images): "When I grow up I want to be a mommy -- a very good mommy! There will be a lot of things for me to learn, but the Bible...March 9, 2008 - 5:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Win Randy Alcorn's "Heaven for Kids"
I've met Randy Alcorn - a man who once upon a time lost everything for his pro-life work and lived to tell about it :) He is a kind, compassionate, gracious and authentic man. In addition to establishing Eternal Perspective Ministries, Randy has also also is an excellent writer with...March 6, 2008 - 6:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Propaganda in children's literature
Perhaps the greatest lesson for parents from conflicts about books like And Tango Makes Three is the need to develop a deeper understanding of children's literature. C. S. Lewis wrote, "It certainly is my opinion that a book worth reading only in childhood is not worth reading even then." So...February 26, 2008 - 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Classics for Kids - The Whole Story Series
Although I can't see who is placing orders through my Amazon link, I do get a list of the things people order - Which I love because sometimes I discover things that are really worthwhile - in fact, I have to use a lot of self-discipline to keep from spending...February 26, 2008 - 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Changing bad habits in kids - part one
I love the idea of teaching your children to treat books with respect. My only problem is that I have not done that as of yet and my 5, 3, and almost 2 year old children tend to toss, step and rip books. How do I reteach them? Is it...February 1, 2008 - 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Free books!! Paperback Swap
This is amazing!! At least for a household of book lovers like ours. Last year, Angie told me about PaperbackSwap - club where you list your books (hardbacks too) and agree to send them free as people order them (it usually costs 2.13 to send a paperback via media...January 8, 2008 - 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Blog Birthday Book Giveaway - enter by January 14
Announcing: Barbara's Blog Birthday Book Giveaway!!! January 15 will be my third birthday as a Bloggin' Momma. I set out to blog because even though I was published in print, I wanted a more immediate connection with my readers. Today I couldn't ask for anything more in terms of...January 7, 2008 - 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (148) | TrackBack
Infidel - a Muslim woman shares her journey
I've been in Africa lately, immersed in Islamic culture. Such is the power of books today - to take us to places in the past we might have known only through newspaper stories of big picture politics or an outsider's agenda. Infidel is a brave book by a woman who's...December 29, 2007 - 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Study guides for my books
I'm the leader of a small group / Mom's Bible study at our church, and we've chosen "The Mommy Manual" to use in the coming months to focus on our "momability". However, I'm not really sure how to go about it. Any hints or helpful tips -- or have you...November 15, 2007 - 12:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Tribute to a son with cerebral palsy
Our family (Tripp, Ben, Zach, Sophia, Maddy and I) have been working our way through Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game series. While I'm really not a big fan of fantasy - other than the Rings Trilogy and C. S. Lewis's Space Trilogy - I do love intelligent philosophy-driven science fiction....October 9, 2007 - 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Chicken Soup for the Soul - Stay at Home Mom story call out
Sharing this from my Inbox - hope it inspires a few of you SAHM moms to submit something: Chicken Soup for the Stay At Home Mom's Soul Share Your Favorite Story What a busy life a Stay At Home Mom leads! She has so many different jobs that it is...October 8, 2007 - 3:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
I Went to the Party in Kalamazoo
An endearing romp in the tradition of Dr. Seuss - lots of alliteration, rhythm and rhyme tying together the things children love most. The kind of book parents love to read- which is great because your kids will want to hear it again and again! This book was self-published...September 21, 2007 - 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Power to the People #1 on Amazon - Unabashedly pro-life!
Way to go, Laura! I got my copy yesterday and I can assure you that Laura Ingraham's new book is not just any political rant. This is a woman who feels the way we feel about the state of the culture today. Laura is convinced that the family is the...September 14, 2007 - 2:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Where the Wild Things Are - an enthusiastic review for a misunderstood classic
A few years ago, in his Breakpoint column Chuck Colson blasted Maurice Sendak's 1964 classic Where the Wild Things Are as emblematic of the "unfettered rebellion" which eventually gave rise to the counterculture. Pretty heavy, huh? (Sometimes it's just a little too easy to see why people have a...September 14, 2007 - 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Laura Ingraham and Power to the People
I've been waiting for this book for a while and it's out today. You can get an autographed copy here. Here's the description: If you're like most Americans, you've had enough. You're fed up with sell-out politicians who won't defend our borders; a Hollywood that peddles profanity, pornography, and Al...September 11, 2007 - 9:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Homeschooling Today reviews of Mommy, Teach Me!
I was so surprised and extremely grateful for these reviews of my books. I couldn't have written a clearer summary myself - and so for those of you who may wonder exactly what's in the two most recent, I am printing them here: Mommy, Teach Me! Preparing Your Preschool Child...August 31, 2007 - 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
More about my books - and last day of sale
I price my books under list price - at 9.99 each - and charge only 3.00 shipping no matter how many books you buy - from this site or Mommy, Teach Me or BarbaraCurtis.com. But for the month of August I've been offering a special Back-to-School promotion - just click...August 31, 2007 - 7:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Mommy, Teach Me! - one reader's thoughts and a few of my own
I just received your books (Mommy Teach Me and Mommy Teach Me to Read). I started with Mommy Teach Me and I am so excited to get started on some of the exercises. You’ve really given me the confidence boost to take the initiative to teach my daughter so many...August 14, 2007 - 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Book Sale -Buy 3, get 1 free!
*sigh* These books aren't doing anyone any good sitting on my shelf - or tucked away in boxes in closets. I really want you all to have them. The problem is - and I never knew this before being published - authors have to buy their own books. I...August 2, 2007 - 8:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Mommy, Teach Me! - Using Montessori methods to preschool at home
Officially announcing the launch of my new website: Mommy, Teach Me! Jam-packed with resources to help moms make the most of the preschool years! For those of you who sent me pictures to use in the book, I have placed them all in a Mommy, Teach Me! photo album. If...July 10, 2007 - 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
The Cheerios Play Book - perfect for toddlers!
This is such a cute book - and a fabulous way to encourage even the youngest child to develop pincer grasp and hand control - which both lead to better writing skills later on. The pages have recessed circles where the child can oh-so-carefully place Cheerios one by one....June 23, 2007 - 8:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Writing resources
Dear Barbara, Do you have any gift suggestions for an aspiring author? Also, please add me to your mailing list. :) Thanks, Jen I am so sorry this has languished at the bottom of my Inbox for a couple weeks, Jen - I kept thinking I'd answer it here so...June 16, 2007 - 8:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Reaching the Left from the Right - Evangelical Outpost review
Joe Carter reviewed Reaching the Left from the Right: Talking about Social Issues with People Who Don't Think Like You (for more info check out Barbara's Books in right sidebar) at his Evangelical Outpost. Read Joe's review here. The Verdict: Whether discussing homosexuality, abortion, or feminism, Curtis provides a model...June 1, 2007 - 2:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Two fun kids' books - and the joys of amazon shopping
I love this book - which teaches kids about waiting in a very simple, joyful style. Now out of print, but you can find used copies at Amazon for as little as 1.00. Also out of print, with used hardback copies available for as little as one cent (yes,...May 21, 2007 - 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The Feminine Mistake: Nobody's buying
Cleaning out my inbox this morning. So sorry to anyone waiting for a response from me, but the past few weeks have been hectic. But there is some good stuff here. My good friend Mel (see Mel and Me) of Actual Unretouched Photo and the Amazing Shrinking Mom sent me...May 10, 2007 - 7:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Mailing my books in Waterford today
Hi Barbara: I love thinking of you going out to your garage to a pile of books and mailing them to me. It's so personal! Could you please insribe them to me and "all the other friends she may lend this to? :) Thanks! Melissa's note inspired me. You like...May 9, 2007 - 4:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Postage rates increasing 5/14
Just received this from the folks at PaperbackSwap: USPS will raise the postal rates on May 14, 2007, so if you have books you have been hoarding, post them and send them out now! The new Media Mail rate for a package under 1 lb (typical paperback) will be $2.13....May 7, 2007 - 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
The Dangerous Book for Boys
Here we've just been talking about how we moms need to make an effort to nurture our boys' spirit of adventure and along comes a perfect book: The Dangerous Book for Boys! My friend Carol at Parenting Decisions wrote me about this today and I ordered my copy immediately....May 7, 2007 - 8:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Just say no to preschool! Mommy, Teach Me! is here!
Hooray! My new books are here! In my very own garage! Waiting to be sent to mommies everywhere! You can read more about them - including the recommendations from Dr. and Martha Sears at Mommy, Teach Me! If you would like to order them direct from me, I will...May 4, 2007 - 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBack
Classic books and movies for boys
My reply to a reader who asked about books for boys really just scratched the surface. For one thing, I noticed that some readers who suggested books for boys (and I got a few in private emails too) missed the point I was trying to make about books that...May 3, 2007 - 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBack
Books for boys
The emphasis here is on books of adventure, courage, and heroism that will encourage boys to grow up to strong men, books that kindle the masculine spirit - and that may not be part of what first come to mothers' minds. Hey hon - See comments on Raising Boys....April 29, 2007 - 3:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (24) | TrackBack
The Feminine Mistake: yet another anti-SAHM woman seeking five minutes of fame
I guess every couple years we need to have one of these women making money from putting down the choices other women make (bet she's pro-choice, too!): The Feminine Mistake: Are We Giving Up Too Much? I'm in the Oakland Airport waiting to board my flight and checking email. Ironically,...April 3, 2007 - 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) | TrackBack
Books by Barbara Curtis
Kilikina at Live Each Moment asked me to explain the difference between my books - and there are probably others out there who don't want to buy EVERY book I've written but just the one that fits your needs). A few months ago I wrote The scoop on my books,...March 23, 2007 - 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Paperback Swap - Free books!
This is amazing!! At least for a household of booklovers like mine. Angie told me about PaperbackSwap - club where you list your books (hardbacks too) and agree to send them free as people order them (it usually costs 1.59 to send a paperback via media mail - a...March 16, 2007 - 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Free copy of Small Beginnings
[This book has already been claimed - in less time than it took me to write the entry! Good work, Connie! ] Small Beginnings was my very fist book - published in 1997 and along with Ready, Set, Read! taken out of print in 1999 when the publisher decided to...March 14, 2007 - 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Book Meme
I haven't done a meme for a long time, but saw this floating around and since I love books, I thought I'd give it a whirl: You're supposed to bold the books you've read, italicize the ones you want to read and strike out those you'll never read. 1.The Da...March 13, 2007 - 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Gifts - copy of Down syndrome book needed
[Note: the book Kathy's looking for is Gifts: How Children with Down Syndrome Have Enriched Our Lives. It came out briefly but the copies were flawed and it will be reissued in July. There are some first copies floating around, though and Kathy is trying to find one. Sorry for...March 11, 2007 - 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Photos you sent for my book
Remember I had a Saved Mail malfunction and need to match up pictures my editor selected for the upcoming books with the people who sent them - so I can send you permission slips and get get your addresses for the free copies of the book. Here are the pictures...March 1, 2007 - 6:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Review of The Mommy Manual
Mary has a review of The Mommy Manual at Owlhaven. Thanks, Mary! And, btw, we have more than being megamoms in common - I'm guilty of dog ears in books, too!...February 28, 2007 - 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Beginning work on a new book
I woke up this morning at 5:00 am, when I had to turn on the light and start scribbling notes for my next book, which has been hanging out in the back of my mind for four months or so. First, let me explain something - writers get hooked into...February 28, 2007 - 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Mommy Survival Guide - review
Ainslee's Mommy has written a review of The Mommy Survival Guide and I am so grateful as it affirmed that I had done what I set out to do! The book manages to explore topics not often found in Christian parenting books: post partum depression; not controlling, but guiding your...February 26, 2007 - 1:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Help!!
Okay, we're putting the finishing touches on Mommy, Teach Me! and I need to get in touch with those of you who sent me pictures for possible inclusion in this book. However, I can't find my list of who sent me the pictures. Here are the pictures we will be...February 9, 2007 - 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
News on my books
My next books are up at Amazon - they'll be available in June: Mommy, Teach MeI Preparing Your Preschool Child for a Lifetime of Learning Mommy, Teach Me to Read A Complete and Easy-to-use Home Reading Program The first is the book I showed you last night that I'm checking...February 6, 2007 - 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
If you've read my books. . .
If any of my books have been a source of encouragement for you, I hope you will consider writing a short review - even just a sentence or two - and posting in the following places: •Online bookstores: Amazon Barnes and Noble Christian Books •Christian book review site: Faithful...January 27, 2007 - 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Book Sale! Final Day!
I posted this January 11 - a two week sale of all my books plus A Full Quiver by Rick and Jan Hess. For those who've postponed - today's the final day. Stock up for shower gifts too! Once again, I'm running a little short - Christmas happens! - and...January 25, 2007 - 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Homeschool biography fair - ideas needed
From a reader: Help!!! Our homeschool group is planning a biography fair. I need ideas of what I should do? Creative ideas. Display ideas. Individual ideas..Help......January 17, 2007 - 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
The Mommy Survival Guide
For those of you who are curious about The Mommy Survival Guide - which is my latest book and one that's included in my Book Sale, here is the copy from the back cover: Sleep deprived? Overworked? Underappreciated? Overwhelmed? These survival tips will give you a new lease on...January 16, 2007 - 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Book Sale!
Once again, I'm running a little short - Christmas happens! - and so I'm offering my books for sale - plus Rick and Jan Hess's A Full Quiver - at a better price than Amazon. If you've been wanting to buy a book or two and putting it off,...January 11, 2007 - 3:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Teaching virtues, good manners, and character
From Julie, who blogs at Raising Three Knights and a Princess: Hey Barbara, I'm searching for something to help me teach virtues, good manners, fruit of the Spirit etc to my kids (ages 8,7,5,2). I want something that gives me something to talk about each week PLUS practical application. Do...January 2, 2007 - 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Review of The Mommy Manual
I just found this review of The Mommy Manual at Christian Book Distributors. Since some of you've been asking about the contents, I thought I'd just run it verbatim: “Mommy, quit hiding in the laundry room. Ben is ‘watering’ the carpet, Johnny has a bean up his nose, and Sally...December 7, 2006 - 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The scoop on my books
Laurie and Celebrian asked me to explain the difference between my books. Thanks for asking about this. Let me try to explain: The Mommy Manual is specifically aimed at helping moms establish a pattern of mothering that will allow the potential for joy to be released in themselves, their children...December 7, 2006 - 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
My new book is here!
I am so excited! My new book is in stock at Amazon! Though I haven't seen an actual copy yet myself, you can actually have one in your hands in just a few days if you order now. What is The Mommy Survival Guide about? Here is the description at...December 5, 2006 - 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Usborne Books
Here's the newest link to recommended products: Click on the link to see the whole selection of Usborne books. And remember - books are a great gift to suggest when grandparents want to overindulge the little darlin's....November 8, 2006 - 6:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Need picture of a reading nook
Still pulling pictures together for Mommy Teach Me and Mommy, Teach Me to Read. If you have any you'd like me to consider, please email them to me by Monday. I still could use pictures of kids doing any learning-to-read activities. A picture of a preschooler making three-letter phonetic words...November 5, 2006 - 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Last call for pictures
I'm sorting through the wonderful pictures you all have sent me for possible inclusion in Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read. They are due in to my editor Monday. This is your last chance to send me pictures of your preschooler fulfilling any of the educational principles...October 31, 2006 - 3:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Books - knowing when to stop
My writer friend Mary at Relevant Girl has weighed in on the drudgery of reading lifeless Christian books. When a commenter asked whether she was going to finish it, I could almost hear the sigh in her voice: Usually I put these down, but I might finish this one....October 23, 2006 - 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Mommy Teach Me - make the most of the preschool years!
Here are the covers! Remember, this is a different publisher with different designers - I have no idea whether these were done in-house or freelance. I hope someday I will be able to meet the designer to tell him or her how much I like the covers. I think...September 29, 2006 - 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack