cover image The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children: From Allergies and Animal Bites to Toothache and TV Addiction: Hundreds of Doctor-Proven Techniques an

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children: From Allergies and Animal Bites to Toothache and TV Addiction: Hundreds of Doctor-Proven Techniques an

Denise Foley, Prevention Magazine. Rodale Press, $27.95 (450pp) ISBN 978-0-87596-183-5

From an entry on ``crankiness'' to another addressing ringworm, this accessible, conversational anthology of children's ills and counsel on how to cope with them offers straightforward guidance on a host of likely evils. To combat sibling rivalry, for instance, ``Don't ask who started it,'' the Rodale team instructs; instead of assigning blame, acknowledge anger, and try to work from and with it. About splinters: ``Ignore the tiny tough ones,'' too difficult to remove, and apt to inch out on their own. And in the event of video game ``addiction,'' parents are urged to ``set limits'' on the playing hours permitted, but also to play along, avoiding alienation of the generations. As is typical of Rodale titles, this one is well organized for browsing, as well as for more formal reference: big subheads and eye-catching sidebars direct the glance. Though not a cure-all, the book realistically troubleshoots. (Feb.)