Under the Chinaberry Tree: Books and Inspirations for Mindful Parenting [Paperback]

Ann Ruethling (Author), Patti Pitcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 11, 2003

Celebrating Chinaberry's twentieth anniversary, the women behind America's beloved children's book catalog share their wisdom about the joys of children's literature and parenting.

The Chinaberry catalog was created when Ann Ruethling became troubled by the violence in many old-fashioned nursery stories and the poor grammar or mediocre plots in newer children's books. Handpicking a hundred high-quality titles a year, she has become an indispensable friend to thousands of parents, and Chinaberry has become a gold standard for its industry.

Under the Chinaberry Tree celebrates the world of children's books. In warm "one-mother-to-another" prose, Ruethling and her business partner, Patti Pitcher, reflect on the family-first concepts that resonate so strongly with Chinaberry fans and all parents. Exploring the books that have made a difference in their children's lives, the tender experience of reading with children and the moments that make parenting a unique journey, this guide is sure to enrich every family's bookshelf.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Many across America now think of Ruethling as the fairy godmother of children's books."
-Chicago Tribune

From the Inside Flap

Celebrating Chinaberry's twentieth anniversary, the women behind America's beloved children's book catalog share their wisdom about the joys of children's literature and parenting.

The Chinaberry catalog was created when Ann Ruethling became troubled by the violence in many old-fashioned nursery stories and the poor grammar or mediocre plots in newer children's books. Handpicking a hundred high-quality titles a year, she has become an indispensable friend to thousands of parents, and Chinaberry has become a gold standard for its industry.

Under the Chinaberry Tree celebrates the world of children's books. In warm "one-mother-to-another" prose, Ruethling and her business partner, Patti Pitcher, reflect on the family-first concepts that resonate so strongly with Chinaberry fans and all parents. Exploring the books that have made a difference in their children's lives, the tender experience of reading with children and the moments that make parenting a unique journey, this guide is sure to enrich every family's bookshelf.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Broadway; 1 edition (February 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0767912020
• ISBN-13: 978-0767912020
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,016,620 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!, April 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Under the Chinaberry Tree: Books and Inspirations for Mindful Parenting (Paperback)

I think this book should be required reading for all parents. My daughter's preschool teacher loaned me her copy, and I had to buy one for myself. What a different world this would be if every parent read it. It is full of practical wisdom and ideas for raising children to be kind and loving individuals. I loved the personal way in which it was written. It came across as very warm and personal rather than preachy or like a textbook. This book really is a Must Read if you have young children.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Limited to picture books, February 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Under the Chinaberry Tree: Books and Inspirations for Mindful Parenting (Paperback)

Potential buyers should note that this guide largely sticks to picture books and doesn't talk about novels, despite the general title. The print is difficult to read--it is in green ink, for some reason, with whole sections where the typeface is small and faint.

While I would recommend the Chinaberry catalog, this book just isn't as good. The organization is confusing and the book recommendations alternate with general advice on parenting. Since books are the authors' strength, it would have made more sense to stick to that topic.

So not the best guide out there, and with fewer suggestions than most, but it does describe about 200 picture books.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful and inspiring book, March 23, 2003

By 

"starstruk" (Holliston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under the Chinaberry Tree: Books and Inspirations for Mindful Parenting (Paperback)

This is a delightful read. The inspirations are, for me, even more uplifting than the book reviews, which are thought-provoking and informative. I am hoping that this is the first in a series, with emphasis on different age groups and styles. As a longtime Chinaberry Catalog devotee, I know firsthand that this book merely scratches the surface. Thank you, Patti and Ann!