Tag: For Parents and Teachers
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Dr. Toughlove’s Book Club Podcast interview with NYTimes Best Selling Author/Illustrator David Shannon
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing author/illustrator David Shannon. I had hoped to interview him for quite some time and after I met him at a book event, I knew he would be a wonderful guest. I was not disappointed. David is insightful, humble and downright funny. He is similar to little David in
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The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons, written by Natascha Biebow, illustrated by Steven Salerno
Happy 2026! Dr. Toughlove recommends that you start the new year by reading a review of a colorful book – The Crayon Man: The True Story of Crayola Crayons. Enjoy! Happy New Year! Dr. Toughlove is turning back the hands of time to reminisce about her very vivid recollection of owning her first box of
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Interview with psychologist and author, Dr. Samantha Sweeney
You won’t want to miss my interview with psychologist and author, Dr. Samantha Sweeney. Dr. Sweeney (who happens to be my daughter), has recently published her second book entitled Culturally Competent Kids: Raising Children to Thrive In a Diverse World. Dr. Sweeney talks about her journey as an author and her passion about diversity and
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Want to conduct an author study with your students?
I have had the privilege of having some of the schools where I have introduced my books conduct an author study about Jamal and Me, Playground Heroes and Talking Buddies. Click here to get some great tips about how to conduct an author study in your classroom!
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Jamal and Me – Now on Barbershop Books!
Exciting news! My first book, Jamal and Me is now included in the E-Library on the Barbershop Books website. Barbershop Books is an organization that provides children’s books to barbershops across the country to promote literacy and a love for reading. While adults/children are getting haircuts, why not read a book? Jamal and Me is
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Back to School Reading List
Heading back to school and are looking for some books with a back to school theme? Click here to see Dr. Toughlove’s Back to School Reading List!
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Talking Buddies Coloring Worksheets
Below are some Talking Buddies coloring worksheets you can download and enjoy!
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Culturally Competent Kids
Samantha C. Sweeney, Ph.D., founded an organization entitled Culturally Competent Kids, that provides a wide array of services to help children and adults deal with our diverse world. You can also purchase Dr. Sweeney’s book, Culturally Competent Kids: Raising Children to Thrive in a Diverse World on Amazon.com.
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Discussion Tips for Parents and Teachers
The discussion questions below are written to help parents and teachers discuss Jamal and Me, Playground Heroes and Talking Buddies in further detail. I would invite whoever uses them to engage in discussions about these books within the context of recent current events. Racial justice is an ongoing journey in our country, and all three
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Working with Worry: A Workbook for Parents on How to Support Anxious Children
Samantha C. Sweeney, Ph.D and Melissa L. Kilbride, LICSW, have written a book entitled Working with Worry: A Workbook for Parents on How to Support Anxious Children. This parent-friendly, informative guide serves to provide parents with tools they can use to support their children as they try to manage their anxiety in today’s stressful world. I