David Heller Livres

"When Cats Nap They Dream About Taking Over the World" is a memorable and laugh-out-loud collection of children's experiences with their feline pets. Children between the ages of four and thirteen freely and colorfully expound on such topics as why cats are lovable, what cats think of their owners and veterinarians, what cats make of domestic family life, and what a typical cat's personality is really like. But the children also proceed further into their imaginations and speculate about good books for cats, the proper school curriculum for all cats, what their four-legged friends dream about when they nap, and a cat's relationship to spirituality and religion. Ultimately, the children tell us with considerable passion and good humor how having a cat has influenced and shaped their upbringing. Here are just a few of the hundred of choice offerings: "All cats believe that people are the finicky ones." (Ryan, aged ten) "If cats had their country, then everything would be purr-fect!" (Colette, aged eleven) "Cats don't really wear clothes. . . . They prefer to be naked." (Carey, aged eight) "What do cats believe should be done to dogs? Deportation to North Korea!" (Jared, aged thirteen) "Every cat needs private time so they can contemplate their life." (Stephanie, aged twelve)

My Dog Is the Best Person I Know is an outrageously funny and heartwarming look into children's relationships with their four-legged canine family members. In the way that only brighteyed, perceptive youngsters can do, children from four to thirteen describe in hilarious fashion what a dog's personality is like and how the four-legged set fits into the fabric of family life, while occasionally tearing apart the fabric of the family sofa! In this wonderful collection, the children address such appealing topics as the history of how dogs got to be domesticated, what makes dogs so lovable, a candid comparison of dogs versus cats, what benefits dogs and people derive from living together, what dogs would say about the people in their lives, the personal comments veterinarians offer to dogs when patient and doctor are alone, how to show love to your dog, and why indeed a dog can aptly be called "man's best friend" Here are a few choice "Dogs used to travel in packs, until one day they saw a person's home and thought it was a bed-and-breakfast for dogs" (Dan, age 11) "Nowadays, all dogs want better food-like filet mignon" (Jared, age 13) "Who else but a dog would be sloppy enough to want to be close to a man" (Emily, age 11) "Dogs are man's best friend because dogs are color-blind and so they love all the people exactly the same" (Alyssa, age 11)

A Grownup's Guide to Living a Young-at-Heart Life is a whimsical and yet inspirational little book that aims to remind people of all ages of what it means to live in a free-spirited young-at-heart manner. The instruction in this lovely book is provided by children, ages four to thirteen, who sound off on how to have a youthful disposition and enjoy life all the more. Among the subjects the children address are the following: why children are the best experts on the subjects, how adults go astray and lose their way, vivid examples of young-at-heart behavior, and graphic examples of loathsome behaviors that are decidedly not young at heart. The youngsters even reveal a "Top Ten List of Young-at-Heart Behaviors," offer adults remedial steps on improving themselves and loosening up, how the genders differ on this issue, and then wax philosophical on why and how so many adults forget the lessons of childhood. The results in this collection are funny and heartwarming and will move the reader to reflect on how they themselves might benefit from adopting some of the children's attitudes. We can all learn a bit from children, and this charming book provides a classic example as the youngsters share their wisdom on what it means to be young at heart--whether one is five or one hundred and five!

Seasons of My Life is a retrospective compilation of reflections as the psychologist and author approaches sixty. Dr. Heller invites us along on his own journey through the life cycle, as he offers thoughtful views on the various phases and on life in general. Here are a few representative selections: ?Rummaging through the attic of my memories, this family value stands out. Love is more important than money and far more enduring.' ?College was probably the first time anyone referred to me as an adult. Though deep down in the heart of my soul, I knew I wasn't.' ?My life continues to remind me of how little I know, yet my saving grace is how hard I try to know.' ?Mark my words. There is no happy ending without being at peace with yourself.'

Presents "childrens's views of romance, dating and kissing"--back cover