Infants Books

As a Pedobaptist, I must say that I am impressed with Dr. Jewett's work on this subject. Though his Baptist bias shines through the work at various places, and there are some of the typical Baptist errors in argumentation throughout (ie attempting to find evidence for infant baptism instead of looking at it correctly from the direction of Infant inclusion in the Covenant), the work as a whole attempts to analyze the subject of Infant Baptism in a holistic manner. I must say that if your view of Pedobaptism cannot pass the muster of Jewett's work in a consistent biblical manner, it is not worth holding onto.

Fantastic book- all arguments for and against infant baptism are thoroughly evaluated, and Jewett's stellar writing style makes it a pleasure to read.

Dr. Jewett's book is something that anyone interested in infant baptism should read. This book examines the historical evolution of infant baptism, the scriptural arguments, and the theological arguments. It is highly informative and reads like a thesis. If you are at all interested in infant baptism, READ THIS BOOK.

The problem with this work is that Dr. Jewett makes conclusions where the evidence is not necessary conclusory. For instance, he analyzes history and concludes that infant baptism was not a practice of the apostles, yet such a concusion is just one INFERENCE that could be made after taking in all the evidence. However, it should be noted that such conclusions are probably the best that anyone could do in reaching a definitive answer to an age-old issue.

The reason for Dr. Jewett's approach is clearly that he has made his decision from the beginning. This book reads like he has already made his decision, and whatever it takes, he is GOING to push the round peg into a square hole.

However, I would highly recommend this book for two reasons. First, the sheer amount of research and information provided by the author is worth taking a look at. Second, his arguments will better help anyone to refine their thoughts, from either an experienced theologian or a novice.

My lone criticism of this book, other than I believe it reaches an incorrect conclusion, is that he should have tried to be more objective, and avoided any language that would indicate his view was already biased from the start.

I have examined the Scriptures and read books on both sides of this complex issue trying to find the truth (see my listmania list to follow my journey), but this book is by far the most thorough, biblical, and thoughtful book I have read on the subject of baptism. Jewett comes at the discussion from a distinctly Reformed view due to his adherence to covenant theology (a view I share) so this book may not be useful for those of Anglican, Lutheran, or Catholic persuasions.

Starting with church history , Professor Jewett examines infant baptism back to the time of the Apostles examining sources and the defense of some of the best defenders of infant baptism like Joachim Jeremias. Then he moves on to theological questions concerning the covenant of grace, the definition of baptism in Reformed creeds, and the actual practice of baptism in Reformed tradition in their light. What he finds is: weak evidence for the Apostolic foundation of infant baptism and foundational inconsistencies between the definition of baptism given by the Reformers and their disciples and their practice of infant baptism.

Even if you disagree with Professor Jewett's conclusions this is a must read for baptists and paedobaptists who want to make sure they are true to the bible and the biblical principles of the Reformation.

This book is incredibly thorough, well researched, and well presented. Jewett analyzes the practice of infant baptism from a theological and historical standpoint. I found his detailed historical analysis to be particularly beneficial, as the historical record is often muddled and partial. The book is well worth purchasing if for no other reason than its look at the history of infant baptism.
The theological analysis was quite thorough as well, however it is important that one pays close attention to the subtitle of the book "An Appraisal of the Argument That As Infants Were Once Circumcised, So They Shoud Now Be Baptized." The theological analysis deals strictly with the covenantal view of infant baptism - the author does not address the view that infant baptism actually creates faith such as the Lutherans believe. I don't find this omission to be a fault of the book; I find it necessary to keep the argument focused. A detailed examination of all the issues concering infant baptism would surely take up volumes. Suffice it to say that Jewett has successfully analyzed this particular category of infant baptism theology.

The book is easy to read. The information is presented in an user friendly way at the end of every chapter are valuable resources. I would strongly recommend the text to anyone working with or caring for infants and toddlers.

The book and companion book were in great shape. Book was brand new and cheaper than it was in stores for being used (at the date of purchase). Shipment was quick and no problems.

Rarely...very rarely does a book approach this kind of perfection...every once in a while.

I had the pleasure of attending a lecture by Gonzalez-Mena, so I realize the depth of her wisdom on babies and toddlers. This book incapsulates all of her ideas with vivid color and comprehensive, but brief, chapters. She even includes tons of citations and research to solidify her points.

It's the natural companion for the WestED Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers (PITC). The champion guidebook bar-none for infant/toddler caregivers.

I think anyone can learn a great deal from this book. I had to buy it for my college class child development and I learned alot from it.

Janet Gonzalez-Mena and Dianne Widmeyer Eyer have developed a precise method of working with groups of infants and toddlers based on the relationship principle. Their philosophy is one of respect for the child. I have recommended this book to many new educarers and they all have thanked me, saying it was the best guide they had come across. It is a "must read" for all who work with infants and toddlers in group care as well as for the parents of those children.

Definitely a book that every parent must have! There are remedies in this book that no one ever told me about & I never read in other books, yet they work! I'd be lost without this book!!!

This book was a great resource.

A wonderful, practical collection of very useful tips that I wish I could have referred to when my wife and I were raising children.

Being an avid Parents magazine subscriber, I turn through their pages every month searching for advice from parents across the country. It's almost like sitting in a room, sharing your best ideas with hundreds of other parents. Although Parents magazine features this every month, it's amazing that they've created an entire BOOK about this useful information. At least one in five of these tips could work for you. Creativity from around the nation combines into these pages to provide you with unforgettable hints and tips to make parenting a LITTLE easier and more fun for the kids. I've learned a lot in the past two years from just other parents' advice and strategies. It also helps you stimulate alternative ways of disciplining your children. I recommend this book to all parents willing to learn a little more about themselves and their children. Instead of arguing and cleaning up, you'll spend more quality time with the little people you love.

Everyone knows that the best parenting advice comes from other parents. That's what makes this book so helpful: The editors of Parents magazine have pulled together tips and ideas from parents into a easy to use guide that is designed to allow you to quickly find suggestions for dealing with whatever parenting problem you are struggling with right now. A lot of the ideas are basic common sense, but it's very handy to have all the ideas in one place, which is why the book is worth purchasing.

I don't read much for fun, but this book is totally entertaining. I found it difficult to stop reading and thoroughly enjoyed the final plot twist.

I really enjoyed this book. I am not an avid reader for entertainment, but I couldn't put this book down. As the story progressed, I tried to figure out where it was going, but I would have never guessed the bizarre twist at the end. It was very entertaining, and I will definitely read the other books to come in the series.

A Jealous God is a fast read with a good plot and well-developed characters. The ending has an unexpected twist . . . but in looking back, all the facts were present to figure out the ending. I enjoyed reading this book, but especially participating in its writing.
More importantly this books asks and perhaps answers the question: are we free moral agents or are we somewhat prisoners of our own DNA?

The book was a quick read and I could not put it down. What a great story and mystery. Of course, being a native Houstonian and going to Tulane, I loved all the locations. I can't wait for the next one!

This is a well written novel that has an ingenious twist. The author has a good grasp of medical issues. It's fun reading.

I just can't recommend this book highly enough for both parents and professionals working in the field of foster care and adoption. Michael Trout's intelligent, thoughtful and sensitive responses to this foster/adoptive mother's experiences are such an inspiration to read. I have repeatedly had both parents and professionals tell me that they could not put this book down! It is destined to become a classic among those who are making the courageous commitment to parent a deeply wounded child.

I have this book on tape. This family reminds me so much of our own. We are out the other end of the tunnel now as well with a very positive outcome.

Our son is 14 years old and came home at 4 from Romania. Diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder when he was 6, effective therapy started at 7, I sure wish I had had Lori's story then to read as we struggled to help our son.

A must read for all parents of children diagnosed with this serious childhood mental illness.

Nancy G.

With over 17 years of experience working with severely traumatized children in a residential treatment setting, this is one of the most helpful and enlightening books I have come across. It challenged me to look at the children and adolescents I work with in a different light and gave me new and innovative ideas to be able to work much more effectively with our children. The suggestions that Michael gave Lorie were strategies that I have used repeatedly and found effective.

I work with families who are struggling to find hope and healing for their children who have attachment issues. The Jonathon Letters provides a rich and meaningful story of the hopes, fears, struggles and triumphs of one family in their journey. I have already begun strongly recommending this book to the families with whom I work and have added it to my list of required reading for both the staff members and parents with whom I work. This book provides a wonderfully honest and realistic insight into the hopes and fears so many families face.

As someone who has read a lot about RAD (reactive attachment disorder), I found inspiration and hope in this account of one family's struggles and their connection to the therapist who encouraged them through the darkest days, helped them see hope in the midst of absolute chaos and put them in touch with the loving spirit hidden deep within one very scared, angry little boy.

I loved this book but I want to be clear about its limitations as well as its strengths. Each chapter is very straightforward and written for "regular" people, not professionals or therapists (one chapter is titled "How We Got into This Situation"). It is an honest account from both the perspective of the parents and the therapist. One chapter is devoted only to the therapist's viewpoint. It is not full of tips, ideas or all-purpose guidelines for dealing with RAD but is the very individualized experience of one family.

For those who find reading somewhat of a chore, they may find this book MUCH easier and more accessable than others, since it is written in a series of short letters. It does not necessarily have to be read straight through, although I tend to think it is most beneficial if read from start to finish because that shows most clearly the transition from meeting Jonathon to dealing with him, being baffled by him, etc.

A key chapter is the one in which the family decides to adopt Jonathon, noting that "there is a side of him that has a lot of love and sweetness and that side of him needs a chance to survive." It was far from an easy decision to make as Jonathon was a typical RAD child, with no definite signs of EVER being able to engage fully with this family- or any other. He had a history of past abuse and rejection and serious problems trusting anyone (understandably). My heart went out to him even as I wondered if he'd be able to find the resiliance to bond with his new family.

Those in the midst of their own struggles with an RAD child may find some solace and hope here. I want to reiterate that it is NOT a guidebook or "how to" manual for dealing with RAD. Rather, it is one family's story but within that story are the seeds of inspiration, allowing readers to feel that they are not alone in their own struggles. Along the way, there are some suggestions that might be useful to other parents, especially when it comes to handing out consequences but these are interspersed with anecdotes and daily accounts. The tips are NOT the heart of this book.

It was extremely fascinating to see how the therapeutic process helped smooth the transition from foster parenting to full adoption of Jonathon. Without the skilled intervention of this particular therapist, I'm not sure if the adoption would have worked.

The plus side of this book is that it has a very warm story with colorful pictures about how happy everyone in a family is for a new baby to arrive. The only down side for me is that this is not a board book (the pages are made of paper) and I have to be careful that my toddler doesn't rip them out as I read it. Other than that we really like the book.

Anticipating the arrival of a baby is perhaps one of life's most treasured experiences -- for the young and old alike. Rebecca Bond captures the essence of the experience with captivating illustrations and a precious story of the whole extended family pitching in to make the baby's arrival a special one. I have taken to buying this book for the preschoolers in my life who are expecting a little brother or sister. This is the book my daughter, age 5, asks me to read to her more than any other. She and I are also enchanted with Ms. Bond's other two children's books. She is a relatively new author (with this being her first book), but I have a feeling (and I sure hope) we will be seeing much more of her writing in the years to come.

For any family who's ever experienced the joyful expectation of a newborn baby.... with all the hope and promise for the child's life.... there are 2 titles by Rebecca Bond that are SURE to please! The warm illustrations.... rooms full of books (and no TVs!).... and the tender multi-generational love for new life --- it doesn't get any better than this! JUST LIKE A BABY and BRAVO MAURICE by Rebecca Bond are the perfect "snuggle up and read-to-me" books. A word of advice: Your budding artists will want to duplicate the bright colors, textures and patterns.... Bond's art is contagious, so have the crayons, paper & paints ready!

I'm buying a second copy as a gift. Lively illustrations, fun story. This will be read to our grand daughter over and over.

I was delighted with the red-faced, charming characters in Rebecca Bond's first book. Her illustrations are bright and cheery. The story is sweet, a bedtime delight. I enjoyed this as much as my children. A must read for all little ones, and a perfect baby gift.

Full disclosure - I'm a guy. :-) I first ran across Mamatoto years ago before the birth of my child. I paged through the book and was enchanted by the pregnancy and childbirth legends and folklore from around the world. It is both amusing and lovely at the same time. The mommy-to-be was thrilled. I highly recommend it for all new parents. (Yes, even the daddies-to-be will like it.)

This is a must-have book if you're curious about how women in non Western countries experience pregnancy and childbirth. The book is charmingly illustrated and full of fascinating, reassuring, and inspiring anecdotes and facts about pregnancy and childbirth in other cultures and times. Essential reading for anyone questioning the overly clinical, flat-on-your-back, hooked-up-to-monitors North American method of childbirth as the only way to have baby.

Beautifully adorned with mothers and babes, this collection allows the Western mother and mother-to-be to step out of our comfort zone and let mothers' of the world teach us. Packed full of information in an easy-to-read style. Mamatoto offers what no other prenatal/pregnancy book can... spirit and guidance in what often feels like uncharted territory. Enjoy this book completely until it is in tatters- like mine.

While most pre-pregnancy books focus on the medical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, this wonderful little book looks at the cultural and spiritual aspects of becoming a mother. Full of poems, stories, true anecdotes, humor, and beautiful photos and artwork from around the world, this book gives the reader a more accurate view of pregnancy than any medical text could. This book makes a wonderful gift not only for expectant mothers, but for those who already have children (or grandchildren).

This was a beautiful book full of traditions surrounding birth from around the world. Beautiful photography, poems and art. Definitely a great gift for anyone interested in childbirth.

I loved the toddler years...my child became her own person. Yet with that development came a lot of "no" and "mine"
behaviors. Beth's book helped soothe my nerves and reassure me during this challenging phase of motherhood. She reminded me of the importance of this stage of development, not only for my child, but for me as a mother.
Honestly, there are a lot of parallels between the toddler and teen years.
Beth's book helped me with both.

As the mother of five children, I have found that you need to be a different parent to each child due to the individual qualities they each possess. There is no 'one size fits all'. That is why I have appreciated this book so much. Each time I read through a meditation, it encourages me to apply my inner wisdom to suit the challenges arising from that paticular child's situation. In essence, it is a new book each time I pick it up. We all need a calming voice of reason when we are challenged by toddler behavior on a daily basis. This book provides that voice.

This book allows you to take the time to stop for a short moment and reflect on the importance of parenting. One short paragraph a day will renew your love of parenting and your spirit. The book is filled with so many valuable insights and quotes to help you meet the everyday challenges of parenthood. I read this book when my oldest son was a toddler and I have been reading it again now that he is a teenager!! This book helps on all levels of parenting and I would love to see a sequel!!

Motherhood is so busy, sometimes I could only read one wonderful page a day. That was comfort enough.

This book is a real winner. As a mother of nineteen month old twins, I do not have a lot of time on my hands, however, I am always in need of a little inspiration. The author combines pithy quotations with great, short, reflective writing. It is easy to pick up and set down at a moment's notice, since each thought is roughly one pargraph in length. I have passed it along to several of my friends and am hoping for a sequel!

I am so glad that Blythe Lipman did another great tip book for parents!! I love how she uses lists. There are lists for every situation. My favorite is her list of things to do when baby is screaming. It arms parents with a blueprint of what to try and keep trying until baby stops!!!! I wish I would have had this book when my girls were in their first year!!!

After reading this book, and using many of the tips myself, I have made it a tradition to give this helpful book, to every new Mom and Dad I know. It is easy to read, funny, and broken down by necessities, so you can get help quick when the baby doesn't sleep, quit crying etc. BRAVO!! Blythe Lipman is a savior!

A perfect gift for my 20-something daughter, who is not yet a mom herself, but has just begun babysitting for a newborn,to help put herself through graduate school. Blythe's "More Help" (and her first edition too) contain easy to find, easy to read, valuable tips and advice for those difficult moments with a new baby. Blythe...by the time my daughter has her own baby, she'll be an expert, thanks to you!

Blythe's great advice for new moms and the fun illustrations in More Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions! make this book a wonderful resource to have on hand - plus the book makes a great gift!

More...Help! is a great resource for all parents, especially first-time parents. With more chapters than Ms. Lipman's first book, there are even more helpful tips to manage a fussy baby and keep them happy, and you too! You'll be a better parent for following the simple advice offered by Ms. Lipman.

I was lucky to get this book as a gift from a good friend. After reading SO many books on parenting, it was such a relief to read this one. Along with a lot of really great practical advice, A Mother's Circle basically made me feel like it was ok to trust my instincts and not to worry constantly about trying to be a perfect mom.

I cannot stress enough how fabulous this book is. I have read many of the other books out there for new mothers and wound up feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I read this book the afternoon it arrived - it was so affirming and informative! It made me wish that I lived in New York City and could go to Soho Parenting's new mommy groups. Having the book was certainly the next best thing. I have lost count of how many copies I have purchased for friends - and they all LOVE it! A must read for all expecting and new mothers AND fathers!

This book--and the Soho Parenting Group it led me to--saved my life as an overwhelmed new mother. Intead of preaching to you, as so many other parenting books do, it explores the wide range of emotions new parents feel about their baby, their identities, and their relationship as they take on the life-changing process of parenting. Speigel and Kunhardt also give very helpful, very specific guidelines for caring for your baby, helping him or her sleep through the night, feeding, and other essential topics. All in a caring and supportive way. I give this book as a gift to all new parents now.

My physician recommended this book after the birth of my son...his wife is actually one of the contributing authors. He gave it rave reviews...(as any good husband would do for his wife, I thought.) Luckily for me, I actually followed his recommendation,searched down a copy and read it.

This book is the first one I've read as a new mother that made me feel like I wasn't completely alone in some of my experiences as a new mom. If that had been the only thing I had gotten out of it, I would have been thrilled. However, this book offers so much more.

You can read it and put it down...there are no scientific terms and techniques (had enough of those?). It gave me the confidence to be the mother that I always knew I could be...and to be able to forgive myself for not having ALL the answers (hint: you can never have all the answers).

I felt good every time I put it down...even if I could only read for a couple of minutes. Do yourself a favor - buy a copy. Actually, buy TWO. One for yourself...and one for someone else that's had a new baby. She will be a friend indeed.

This is the only book I've read that helps with the changes in relationships that follow the birth of child...deals non-judgementally with those of us who choose to bottle feed or return to work...to explain why our partners' response is not what we bargained for and MOST IMPORTANTLY how to help our kids sleep through the night and nap properly - so that they are HAPPY when awake.