Books to Inspire: October 2024
Sophie Scott Goes South
Written and illustrated by Alison Lester
Join Sophie Scott and her dad as they embark on an adventure of a lifetime to Antarctica. Sophie’s dad is the captain of Aurora Australis, an icebreaker ship bound for Mawson Station in the South Pole. They begin their journey from their home of Australia, during which Sophie keeps a detailed journal to share with her mom and brother upon their return. Along the way she learns from the ship’s crew, scientists, an artist, and of course, her dad. Each night Sophie settles into her cozy bunk and feels safe knowing that her dad is just on the other side.
This captivating book is inspired by award-winning Australian author and artist Alison Lester’s real-life experience traveling to Antarctica. She shares her awe and wonder at Antarctica's unique geography and wildlife through Sophie’s eyes. This heartwarming and educational father-daughter adventure tale ends with a glossary and explanations of natural phenomena like the Southern Lights.
Published by Clarion Books in November 2013. Suitable for ages 6–9. A hardcover copy along with other works by Alison Lester can be found in the Children’s Corner of the library.
Hunt, Gather, Parent
Written by Michaeleen Doucleff
What’s the secret to raising helpful, confident, emotionally intelligent, and self-sufficient children? This question is undoubtedly on the minds of dads and moms all over the world. Journalist and health researcher Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff traveled to three different continents with her toddler to seek answers. After spending time in indigenous villages in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Arctic Circle, and Tanzania, Doucleff discovered commonalities among these seemingly disparate cultures. All three have retained aspects of their ancestor’s parenting practices.
In “Hunt, Gather, Parent”, Doucleff shares her own frustrations as a mother and concludes that many modern-day challenges are the result of deviating too far from instinct, a lack of collectivism, and mismanaged expectations of children. She shares techniques learned from the Maya, Inuit, and Hadzave families and introduces the TEAM parenting approach. TEAM is an acronym for Togetherness, Encouragement, Autonomy, and Minimal interference. This is a book that will challenge current practices and help parents discover and appreciate different ways to raise the next generation.
Published by Simon & Schuster in March 2021. A hardcover copy can be found in the nonfiction section of the library.
Prepared by Angela Chen, a Neilson Hays Library Board Member and the Children’s Program Chair. The Neilson Hays Library is Thailand’s premier English-language library. The Children's Program offers Saturday Story Time, a cozy Children's Corner, and special holiday events. Adult Programs include concerts, art exhibitions, book clubs, and book sales. Located in a UNESCO-awarded historic building with a garden and cafe on site: 195 Surawong Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.