Why People Love Books By Tara!

One of Taras Readers
Spencer, age 2, enjoying Jack-O-Lantern and Car Wash

"My nephew Steven enjoys the Car Wash book. He’s trying to do the sounds in the book. He loves the color pictures."
Angela, Aunt to Steven (age 9, diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and autism), Arizona

"I love it! (the Snowman book). It will go to my grand-daughter, Jillian, out in Virginia. Her mom and Dad will love it !!!"
Kat; Loveland, OH.
Click HERE to read Kat's blog post inspired by the Snowman book

"Green" was a huge hit! (Especially with my wife). The package came and I was sitting at the kitchen table looking at it, and my wife walked in and literally took it out of my hands! She is a landscape painter and color is her life....she thought you did an amazing job! She really thinks your book is wonderful! (Very high praise from someone who is so very serious about color!) Her website is www.dianegoldart.com if you'd like to see some of her work.... Just wanted to let you know what a big hit it is and how much we are enjoying it!
Thanks, Diane and Jeff
Jeff Gold Music

"HOLES is wonderful and thought provoking. Anushka, my five year old, had fun developing on the idea and telling me how holes are useful and where she found them in her room and so on. This is awesome work that you do. Will surely make a mention on my blog about your efforts. It is truly inspiring - the work that you do."
Artnavy, mom to Anushka (age 5) and Aditi (age 1), Bengaluru. Read her Blog post about HOLES in the Parent Reviews!

"Thank-you for the Water book. It is wonderful, and I love it."
Stacey; Mesa, AZ

"The girls really love your books."
Amy, mom to Lily (age 5) and Aubrey (age 3), OH

"Tara, I really found your book [tiny HOLES] to be very interesting and appropriate for the 3 and 4 year olds here at our center. The teachers really liked the simplicity of the book along with the wonderful pictures. What a way to spike the children’s imaginations as to what the holes are and where they belong."
Orena Winn, Site Manager of Northern Ky. Community Action Commission Head Start; KY

"I'd like to order 2 books for Christmas gifts for my kids this year: Snowman and Autumn Leaves.  I think these will be a great addition to our home-schooling curriculum. They love the books we got earlier this year. I'm so sick of Jack-O-Lantern...but they ask for it daily. The book is great...I'm just sick of reading it every day.  We have like 200 kids books in our house...and Jack-O-Lantern trumps them all."
Mariah, home-schooling mom to Charis (age 4), Rowan (age 3), and Aletheia (age 1); Norwood, Ohio

"Bayley loves the Birds book, and I let school borrow it and they did a fathers day gift around it - decorated bird houses. I think your books are just a work of art."
Terri Hogan, mother to Bayley, age 12, diagnosed with autism, Chairman of the Consumer Advisory Committee at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital , serves on the Regional Autism Advisory Council in Cincinnati, OHIO

"I want to thank you for the WATER book. My nephews love water! They are autistic twin boys, Shawn and Carson. They enjoy it greatly! We appreciate your work!"
Fawn, Aunt to twin 5 year olds Shawn and Carson; Sardinia, OH

"Your books are so developmentally appropriate and appeal to the children interests as well. I think the children are drawn to the photos, and I can see them thinking while they are looking at the photos"
Betty, preschool teacher for 4-5 year olds, OH

"We received our books and Jonathon fell in love with the book BIRDS he looks at it all the time."
Tammy; 7 yr. old son diagnosed with multiple learning challenges including Tourettes syndrome, ADHD, OCD, ODD, & autism; KY

“Birds is even more beautiful than I thought it would be.  I can hardly wait to tell my son and grandson about it.  Tara, you are certainly a great photographer. Congratulations on another great book!”  Anne Dorsey, University of Cincinnati Early Childhood Education Professor, President of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators, Recipient of the Greater Cincinnati’s 4C Recognition Award for Lifetime Achievement as a “Champion for Children”; Ohio

“You have a fan club here….One kiddo (age 12) has never been interested in books before, you caught his attention with the right subjects!  Good job!  He loves three of them – his favorites are Birds, Water, and Autumn Leaves.  Although Car Wash he liked a lot too.”  Marie, foster mother to 7 children on the autism spectrum; Oregon

“These books are ones you would want in your collection because they invite you to talk and share. I have three children under 7 and they all have loved using these books and keep coming back and looking at them again. Each book changes the way they see things and prompts discussion. My boys were pointing out holes for days afterwards.”
Melitsa Avila, teacher turned mother of three boys, founder of  Raising Playful Tots and Play-Activites.com ; Colorado

“Your book Water is simple, yet elegant and most of all thought provoking.  I also love the words.  It is the kind of book one could look at over and over again.  Now I know why your books are considered by many to be their favorite books. I have already looked it over several times it is rather addicting in a really good way.”
Amalia Starr, Family Consultant, Motivational Speaker, and Author of  Raising Brandon;  California

"I got a call from a Mom that I gave the Water book to. She said that her son said “water” and pointed to the book!!!! She was so so happy!!!!!! She was just so happy - 1st time he’s said “ water” !!!! His name is Harvey, he is 4 yrs old and has autism. He was "Non verbal"  LOL not any more –Water!”
Tatiana Mendoza; CEO and Founder of the The Mendoza Science and Arts Autism Foundation, Inc.  which gave away Books By Tara for their 2009 Winter Wonderland Christmas Festival, California

WATER!!
4-year old Harvey has autism and was non-verbal. He now says “water”!

"I got two of your books from Lisanne and my daughter with autism loves them! She does not stop reading them especially the one about water!"
Hillary, mother of a 22 month-old girl; Massachusetts

"My fifteen year old severely autistic great-nephew loves your books and it is so rewarding to buy him something for Christmas that I know he likes."
Patty, Great Aunt, IN

"My girls enjoy comparing notes. Lovely books – they extend learning into real life."
Maya, mom to Savi and Meesha, www.thinkmaya.com, WA
Savi and Meesha
Savi (age 3) and Meesha (age 2) enjoying WATER and HOLES

"Cody LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the books you sent. He goes through over and over again. It’s so exciting that he’s interested in something more than TV!"
Brenda, friend to 15yr. old Cody diagnosed with severe autism, OH

"My students love the Holes book and so do my kids."
Sherri, Kindergarten teacher, Cincinnati, OH

"Your Jack-O-Lantern book is very cool. It's perfect for toddlers; brightly colored and it moves along, he doesn't get bored."
Will, Grandpa, Texas

"Tara, you have quite a talent. The subject matter and the photography are wonderful. As a teacher of older students I love that the people in your books are mostly teenagers."
Jenny Durham, Intervention Specialist, Mason Middle School, OH

"I just wanted to let you know that I received the books today. I LOVE them! The pictures are beautiful - so colorful and crisp. I also appreciate the paper quality; these books will hold up well. I know your books can spark many meaningful conversations!"
Tara Rison, Early Childhood and Elementary Ed. Professional, Development psychologist, and Creator of the Itty-Bitty Bookworm Curriculum, Pennsylvania

"I just received my shipment of Books by Tara and I was thrilled! The books are, first and foremost, SO HAPPY! This is evident by their simple but engaging subject matter, vibrant colors, bold lettering and cheerful imagery. Children love the excitement and anticipation of what photo is going to appear next -- therefore, engagement is high and learning results! The use of common everyday items and experiences make these books highly relevant to young children. I love how even the littlest child can fingerpoint to an object in one of Tara's books and say "snow" or "leaf" or "car" while older children can begin studying photography and creating their own simple books, too. But what I really love about Books by Tara is the loving spirit that Tara has shown on every page for every child. These books warm the heart and touch the curiosity of every reader."
Kendra Kett, M.Ed, Executive Director, Bright Horizons Family Solutions; IL

"Tara, Your books are beautiful, the quality of the pages & the colors are fantastic!!! Each book has pictures individuals with autism can relate to. Our dayhab is for adults & the books were very interactive with them. We do have children when our clients are out of school for the summer. If adults such as me still has some "kid" in them they would enjoy them too. I certainly do!!!! Thanks for creating books such as these. They are so attractive & our clients love them!!!!! The array of activities you created of outdoors & daily life which our clients recognize are awesome."
Gretchen Wilson, Founder, The Sean Ashley House, www.seanashleyhouse.org ,TX

"We received the books late last week and they are so nice. I took them over to our day hab and our staff really thought they were neat. They immediately starting using them with the individuals in the program and all seemed to really enjoy. The photos are wonderful."
Kelly Benson, CEO, The Sean Ashley House, TX

"I love your books, and I have been wanting to get more. Right now I have Water and Holes. Your books are great, and the children love them! The pictures are amazing, and give kids a true essence of the concept they are learning about."
Constance, Redwood Developmental Interventionist/Preschool Teacher, KY

"Your books are creative, innovative, and an outstanding resource for parents, teachers, home visitors, grandparents, and anyone who enjoys a great book."
Stephanie Patriarco, Director of Ashtabula County Head Start, Ohio

"I looked at the 'Holes' books and loved them. Our program serves pregnant women and children birth to three. These books would be great for language development and extension for older children. "
Odessa, Early Head Start manager for Adams and Brown counties, Ohio

"The children love them - especially my child with high functioning autism. He sat for hours looking at the books and reading the first page!"
Stefanie, Mom of 3, www.momsmostwanted.blogspot.com, Nevada

"Holes is a picture book of holes, many different holes. Holes is a great learning tool for the little ones. The educational part of this book is promoting conversation about the pictures. My little one (2 1/2 years old) is just starting to get that the pictures are of holes. I have had this book for about a week and I am already seeing improvement from the little one. Holes is a very simple book, but it has great value in learning. I think that it is a book worth having."
Pensive Blog online review

"I think your books are great. There are so many uses for them, for typically developing and autistic children alike. I love the paper! In both Holes books, the photos are great and often surprising. I love how accessible the books are and how you could pick them up at any point or stop at any point."
Jonathan Levy, Author of What You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Child with Autism. Jonathan has worked one on one with over 800 children with autism and special needs. He also helps parents learn to connect more deeply with their child. Learn more about his services at www.tenthingsautism.com, New York

"We received the books, and they are excellent! They are so engaging and will work well even with our younger children."
Kathy, Director of Early Childhood Programs
Council of Rural Services Programs for Innovative Learning, Piqua, Ohio

"We are most pleased to offer your beautiful books for children with Autism on sale in our Op Shop. I know the kids will love them."
Catherine Ullett
Development Associate, The Option Institute, Autism Treatment Center of America, Son-Rise Program, Massachusetts

"Your wordless books are a great way to encourage conversation, and to interest children in writing their own stories with pictures."
Paula, Site supervisor and teacher, South Lebanon Head Start Program, Ohio

"The kids love the books. Eddie already has them memorized and he is asking us questions about them. I want to order more."
Rachel, Son-Rise and home school Mom of 2, California

"Your books are just gorgeous, and exactly suited for preschoolers. There is so much to talk about and observe in each beautiful photograph! You have a real gift for seeing through a child’s eyes. Thank you for sharing your gifts, and for helping make a difference in children’s lives."
Lisa, Director, WCCS Early Learning Centers
Warren County Community Services, Inc., Ohio

"Wow, how cool, kids with Autism would love these books!... I LOVE the books!.. I really dig what you're doing."
Jenn, Son-Rise Mom
Q102 Morning Show deejay
(WKRQ FM Cincinnati), Ohio

"Hope and Finn loved the books and for the 5 days that I was there they asked to 'read' the Holes and the Car Wash books several times a day. Finn says that he is still scared of the car wash. His mother is hopeful that the book will help."
Ginny, Grandma to 3 year old twins, artist, and art teacher; Ohio

"I loved Tara’s books, they are very interesting and compelling and would be fun for any child and any playroom."
Kate; Son-Rise Program Child-Facilitator, Teacher and Teacher Trainer, The Autism Treatment Center of America, Massachusetts

Holes & Tiny Holes:
"Clear, color full-page photographs of everyday objects shown in an interesting way to appeal to all young and inquiring minds. The pictures show the things that all children love (Holes and Tiny Holes) but they are portrayed through a different set of eyes, enticing the young learner and stimulating thought and discussion. The poetry is bright and lively and perfectly compliments the wonderful photography and presentation of these valuable books."
Julie, mother of 2, Ohio

Tiny Holes:
"WOW, that was really fun to look at – very unique!"
Dianne, grandmother, Ohio

Holes, Tiny Holes, Car Wash:
"I think these books are wonderful for children! The pictures are nice, bright, and big. The pictures will definitely get children's attention. The books definitely give a great illustration as to what the words mean and great sound effects, too."
Dawn, Community Liaison, Ohio

Holes, Tiny Holes, Car Wash:
"Adrian LOVES the books that you made - Thank you again!"
Heather, full-time Son-Rise Mom, New Jersey

Holes, Tiny Holes, Car Wash:
"Thank you for sharing the books your friend Tara made. She could mass-publish them and sell them all over the country!! They are awesome."
Judy, Language Therapist, Ohio

Autumn Leaves, Car Wash:
"I just received your newest books. They, like the others, are Fantastic. I love them both. The car wash one is so fun to make the sounds to and the leaves one is so beautiful."
Pat, grandmother, South Carolina