The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

I just barely got this from the library so I don't have much to say about it yet, but I thought I'd go ahead and put up a post so that you can all have a place to discuss it.  Only about 3 more hours until Spring Break and I'm OVER THE MOON! Also I'm hoping that without the interruption of trips to and from school and messing with homework, that I'll be able to get so much done, including reading this book.  I hope the rest of you find time too.

Here are a couple links.  They both make grandiose claims about being the best websites about Winnie the Pooh, who knew?

Tao of Pooh on Just Pooh.com
Pooh the Bear.net
And here, the Goodreads blurb and other's reviews.

Here is the website for Benjamin Hoff, author.

I'll post a thought question below to get a discussion going (I hope).  Don't be afraid to respond!  Who cares what random internet viewers think of what we write (it is still a public blog)?  Those that know you, love you and would LOVE to hear from you!

New Links! & Choosing the Right Media

In the Literary Links box to the right I've added in a few more links. 
American Library Association's Notable books of 2012.

This was from Julie:
Here's a website link to a great list of must-read books for kids. It allows you to sort by age and other categories. Thought you would enjoy it. Pass along to others you might think are interested.
http://www.scholastic.com/100books/

And from Chelsea's comment I added her suggestion WhatShouldIReadNext.

Also for any who haven't had a chance to see it or who haven't noticed it, I added a page about what is invovled in hosting book group. See the tab above "Happy Hosting!"
 
I finally managed to get those links posted because I am using them as I try to pull together a Spring Break Book List for the Activity Day Girls (the 8-11 year-old girls at our church).  I'm staying home from church with a sick kid and it seemed like a good time to work on it.

Another resource is the book reviews they have in the Friend Magazine.  I finally figured out they Have Book Reivews in each May and November issue. 

For those with older kids there is an article in the New Era Magazine for teens: Out of the Best Books, Movies or Music.

From the April 2012 issue of the Friend Magazine.  Here is some good information about choosing good literature and media.  It's aimed at kids 12 and under but it's good advice for ALL ages. 

Choose the Right Media

 Every day you have choices.

What Should I Read?  What Should I Watch?  What Should I Listen To?  What Should I Play?

 So how do you decide?

• • 
  Pay attention to your feelings.
• • 
  Listen to the Holy Ghost.
• • 
  Put this checklist by your TV, computer, or MP3 player. If you have any checks on the Stop! list, it’s time to turn it off, put it down, and walk away.

Go!

• • 
  It is uplifting and helps me feel good inside.
• • 
  It helps me feel safe.
• • 
  It’s interesting; it’s teaching me good things.
• • 
  It helps me want to obey Heavenly Father’s commandments.
• • 
  It gives me good ideas and inspires me to do good things.
• • 
  I wouldn’t mind if my parents or siblings were reading, watching, or listening to it.
• • 
  I know it’s appropriate.
• • 
  I feel it’s pleasing to Heavenly Father.

Stop!

• • 
  It has swearing or crude words.
• • 
  It shows or talks about violence.
• • 
  It shows or talks about breaking Heavenly Father’s commandments.
• • 
  It makes me feel dull, tired, or like I’m wasting my time.
• • 
  It makes me think it would be OK to do wrong things.
• • 
  It makes me feel uncomfortable, nervous, scared, or mad.
• • 
  I’m not sure if it’s something I should read, watch, or listen to.
• • 
  I wouldn’t want my parents or siblings to know I’m reading, watching, or listening to it.

A Special Scripture

“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God” (Moroni 7:16).

Oh No!

Sometimes you can make a bad media choice, either by accident or because you were unwise. When this happens, don’t panic. Here are some things you can do:

1. 1. 
   Say a prayer asking Heavenly Father to forgive you if you did it on purpose, and help you feel better.
2. 2. 
   Tell a parent about what happened and ask for help.
3. 3. 
   You can also:
   • Listen to, play, or sing a favorite Primary song.
   • Read a story from the Friend or from the scriptures.
   • Change the scene—go play outside or do something helpful for a friend or family member.

Turning It Off

One day, I was playing a good, fun game on the Internet. Then I noticed that the website I was on was advertising games with blood and gore. I had an uncomfortable feeling, so I exited the website. Later I found the same game on a different website that did not advertise bad games. I felt way better after I turned off the website advertising bad games. I am glad I have the gift of the Holy Ghost so I can be protected and comforted. I am glad the Holy Ghost helps me make good choices.

Renton O., age 10, Utah

Standing Up for Values

While I was at my friend’s birthday party, we were voting on movies to watch. There were two out of the five that I knew I shouldn’t watch. I told my friend that I didn’t want to watch those two movies. She wasn’t very happy about that, but she did respect my values. We ended up watching a movie that I felt was appropriate. I am glad I have the gospel standard to follow: “I will only read and watch things that are pleasing to Heavenly Father.”

Kaitlyn M., age 11, Washington

Some Great Choices

• • 
  Listen to or watch scripture stories at scripturestories.lds.org.
• • 
  Watch videos and listen to music at lds.org/friend and lds.org/youth.
• • 
  Download music from lds.org/youth.
• • 
  And, of course, read the Friend!

What Our Group Should Read Next . . .

Our next planning meeting is in June, but so you don't forget ideas you have in the meantime and so we have them in a findable, accessible place.  Let's start that list here!

All you have to do is leave a comment with the book title and author.  If you're feeling ambitious you can throw in a link and/or why you think it would be good.

• Post one book per comment so others can comment on it to support or question it without confusion. 
• When commenting on a suggestion be sure to reply to the comment itself and not the post in general.