“Tom has a rare and valuable gift. It is an ability to perceive life through the innocent lens of his charges . . . Informed by sensitive observation and immersion in their culture, Tom is uniquely in tune with the authentic hearts, minds and motivations of the children with whom he interacts . . . In this delightful, insightful collection of essays, Tom shares his experience and unique observations as a teacher and grand master of shenanigans . . .”
  
       ~ Janet Lansbury, author of Elevating Child Care and No Bad Kids

BUY BOOK

“This inspiring book is essential reading for every family choosing a preschool, every teacher working with young children, and every citizen who wonders how we can raise children who will make the world a better place. Teacher Tom’s warmth and respect for children clearly creates magic in the classroom; that same magic leaps off the page to transform the reader’s view of children, of education, and of life.”
       ~ Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids

“What do kids really need to grow up curious, confident and kind? You’re holding the answer.”    
       ~ Lenore Skenazy, founder, author, Free-Range Kids

“Ready for a book that makes you want to underline and highlight? One that makes you draw arrows and write “THIS!!!!!” in the margin?  Then you are in for a treat. Salt and peppered with just enough name drops and references to keep the early childhood nerds engaged and overflowing with anecdotes that will appeal to everyone, Teacher Tom’s First Book will reinforce the importance of creating community within early childhood environments.  If you’ve picked up the book and turned it over to read the back, chances are high that you already are one of the “tiny bubbles” Teacher Tom talks about—but read it anyway—it will deepen your commitment to continue treating children as fully formed humans, not as incomplete adults.”
       ~ Lisa Murphy, M.Ed., Early Childhood Specialist, Ooey Gooey, Inc.

“Tom Hobson, our caped hero of all things righteous in the early childhood world, inspires us to be heroic in our own work with young children, and reminds us that it is the children who are the heroes of the story as they embark on adventures of discovery, wonder, democracy, and play.”  
       ~ Rusty Keeler, play designer and author, Natural Playscapes and Seasons of Play

“Great (educational) practice are the bricks, Teacher Tom and people like him are the cement to build a real future for our children.”    
       ~ Tom Shea, “The Imaginator,” International Play Iceland, Fafunia and Child First, UK

“Tom Hobson has worked tirelessly to do what’s right for children and, with his blog, to encourage others to do the same. Now, with the publication of this book, his work will have even greater reach, and that can only bode well for children everywhere! Thanks, Tom, for all that you’ve done and continue to do to ensure that children experience a childhood as joyful as it was meant to be.”   
       ~ Rae Pica, author of What If Everybody Understood Child Development?

“Few people are better qualified to support people working in the field of early childhood than Tom Hobson. He is funny, tender and completely engaging.  Everyone will want a copy to affirm what you believe, transform ideas for your daily work, and defend what is needed for children and families. It is a book you will want to keep close to your soul.”   
       ~ Daniel Hodgins, author of Boys: Changing the Classroom, Not the Child, and Get Over It! Relearning Guidance Practices

“Teacher Tom’s First Book is so full of insight, wisdom, and heart that I can’t wait for Teacher Tom’s Second Book. Stop reading the back-cover blurbs and dig into the book right now so you can hop on the interwebs and talk about it with the other early learning nerds.”  
       ~ Jeff A. Johnson, speaker, podcaster, toymaker, and author of Finding Your Smile Again, Let Them Play, and Everyday Early Learning

“Teacher Tom was one of the first people we called to be interviewed for Kids in the House. The stories he tells on his blog and now in this book are about tiny moments that shine a big light on the challenges and joys of being important adults in the lives of young children.”    
       ~ Leana Greene, CEO of Kids in the House, and mom

“Tom’s book is soul food for educators. It helps keep our focus on children—their needs, rights and ensuring their voices can be heard loud and clear—be that from the top of a slide or whispering in a homemade den.”   
       ~ Juliet Robertson, author of Dirty Teaching, Scotland

“Tom’s first book is chewy: awesome, brain-stretching, flavorsome . . . This is a book you will go back to forever to challenge your ‘taste buds’ and reflect on your pedagogical preferences.”
       ~ Tash Treveton, co-founder/managing director of Inspired EC, Australia

“Through Teacher Tom’s lessons from preschool we all learn to work thoughtfully alongside children. This collection of his writings both validates and in some cases challenges my thinking pushing me to reflect and redefine my daily work with children. A must read for educators and parents alike.”  
       ~ Kisha Reid, founder of Discovery Early Learning Center