Must Read Books for Mom and Dad from local Seattle-area Authors

What About Me? 12 Ways to Get Your Parents’ Attention (Without Hitting Your Sister) written by Eileen Kennedy-Moored, Ph.D. and illustrated by Mits Katayama

Yes, this is a book for kids to read, complete with rhyming verse and lovely, colorful illustrations by Seattle-based Katayama. But we included it in the adults’ roundup because it’s such a great tool for adults to use to conquer sibling rivalry. The story is about a mischievous boy who deals with feelings of jealousy, being left out, and sharing, and learns creative, positive ideas on how to get along better with his family. For parents, it’s a reminder of why older sibs sometimes act out when they need attention.

How To Have Your Second Child First: 100 Things That Are Good To Know…The First Time Around by Kerry Colburn and Rob Sorensen

You’ve gotta love the title of this book, and the content is just as great. Seattleites Colburn and Sorensen (who have two young daughters) are funny, pragmatic and full of wisdom for parents who want to have the confidence you get after having one child, but have it the first time around. The authors use tons of real-life second-time parents to tell their stories and lessons learned and the advice is presented in 100 entries that guide you through everything from birth plans to breastfeeding to binkies.