Parents happily (kids not so much) begin back-to-school shopping in August

The BetterBook is a great resource to help with back-to-school shopping.

The BetterBook is a one-stop shopping resource for all your back-to-school needs. — Photo courtesy istockphoto.com

As the dog days of August wind down, parents start thinking about their kids going back-to-school. With ever-growing children, classroom lists and the many activities involved in the new school year, your local BetterBook directory is the only shopping resource you will need.  Almost five billion references are made to the print directories each year, with 63% making a contact, visit or purchase after a search.

Odds are good your children are a different clothing size than they were last school year, so look under the Department Stores heading in the BetterBook for all your shopping needs. Plus, kids seem to outgrow their shoes faster than you think is possible, so to buy a larger pair visit the Shoes category for the closest store.

While you're in the retail mode, if your child is going to be playing sports you will need to visit a local Sporting Goods store to purchase the proper gear for the team.  Or if your child is going to be in the band or orchestra, peruse the BetterBook Musical Instruments category to find the best deal for the budding musician.

Many students have reading assignments to be accomplished before the school year begins, so check out the Bookstore heading in the BetterBook to find the closest local bookstore and maybe your child will surprise you and find another book to enjoy.

Plus, these days computers are a necessity in education.  To find a computer that fits your needs, search under the Computer Dealers category or if your current computer needs fixing, look under the Computer Repairs heading to get it fixed before the school year begins.  And to make sure your children can read those books and computer screens properly, visit the Optometrist category to schedule an eye exam.

Once the school year is happily underway, parents might have a little free time. Maybe they will want to look under Educational Services to further their own schooling or search under Fitness Centers to help them keep up with the kids. Or maybe if they are looking to donate that extra time, they can peruse the Charitable Organizations or Clubs and Organizations category to help others.

"Our local BetterBook is a one-stop shopping resource for all your back-to-school needs," said Keith Powell, publisher of BetterBook.  "And for those hectic days and to make some school nights easier, remember the Restaurant or Pizza section to find some good and easy carry-out dinners."

The BetterBook, in print or online (www.betterbook.ca) is your guide to a successful new school year.