The Birth Order Book - Revised and Updated: Why You Are the Way You Are

by Joan Drescher

School newspaper reporter Millicent Brown takes a survey of kids' opinions about birth order, and she discovers how it feels to be the oldest, the youngest, or to be in the middle.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

"My life’s work as an artist has been to bring beauty into dark places, and to explore how art helps heal mind, body and spirit. I experience daily how color and images arouse the senses, opening us to a place deeper than words.

Seeing the need to humanize healthcare environments led me to take a leap into creating large murals for children’s hospitals. As Artist in Residence at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children for 13 years, I experienced daily how color and images can help patients to communicate. I noticed that children often had no way to express their feelings, so I created The Moon Balloon, A Journey of Hope and Discovery for Children and Families, an interactive book that uses art to open the door to conversation.

Currently, I am moving back into fine arts, exploring my long-time love of printmaking and collage. Fascinated with the process of tearing patterned and hand-colored paper, I let collage speak to me. I am drawn to using texture combined with inspired color to create monotype prints. My interaction with the materials, and the senses they awaken, are like a conversation that leads to creating the final image.

For me, creating art invokes magic, both in the creator and in those who receive it. The synergy between artist and viewer can make the invisible visible.

My art can be seen in galleries, local art centers and at my studio.

To inquire about commissions or
to purchase original art or archival prints, email Joan Drescher at
moonballoon@gmail.com"

~From www.joandrescher.com

Reviews

[Tammy Manns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: Early Primary/Primary (K-3)

The Birth Order Blues is the story of my life! I was the youngest child of 3, for 10 years then I became the middle child because my parents had 2 more children! Being the youngest and the only girl was fun at times because I usually got what I wanted but it was also sad because my brothers were bigger and were able to do things I couldn't do. When my two younger sisters came along, I felt proud to be the Big Sister! The book is very clear on all the "good and bad" emotions that come along with your birth order. Remember that no matter where you fit in your family, everyone is still special!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting but extremely repetitive.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book helpful. Not all the scenarios fit my family, but some of the important key points I took away: 1. Kids often feel that their parents love them less than their siblings and we need to work hard to make them feel differently, or they will take every-day events and "prove" their theories true. 2. It is OK to talk to your child about how they have different roles in your family and how you understand how that can make them feel frustrated and upset... but that it is totally normal. Telling kids it's OK for them to be pissed off allows them to erase the guilt and get over the feelings quickly. 3. Do not label your children "the picky eater," "the smart one," etc. as children will be resentful and/or feel like they cannot live up to their parents' expectations. Overall, Good info. I skipped about 50 pages as I don't have twins, an only child, etc.