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Equipping Children for Success

Shawana Davenport Author Interview

The Good Fortune follows a brother and sister visiting their Aunt, who teaches them a new game that takes them on new and exciting adventures. What was the inspiration for your story?

Like most children growing up, I loved going on adventures and enjoying new experiences that gave lasting memories and lessons that could be shared. Through literature, I am able to do so with children and adults alike.

What was your inspiration for the characters? Did they come from any of your memories as a child? 

My inspiration for the characters comes from various inspirational people who were in my life while growing up, and were definitely apart of happy memories as a child.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

It was important for me to include educational aspects such as character-building and motivation. It’s so important to help children not only feel confident and emotionally cared for but also equip them with the tools to be successfully independent.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Yes, our next book will be out in the spring. The fans can expect more exciting, unusual adventures and some new, fun-loving characters to add to our new series. Our upcoming projects also include animation and live performances based on the book.

Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website

Frannie and Willie love adventures and visiting their aunt who helps them to see how grand experiencing life as a family can be.They will soon discover some unusual places and rewards inviting you into a world of endless possibilities.

Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book

Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book, an engaging coloring and activity book written by Rachel Vogel and illustrated by Anthony Richichi, is an ideal addition to any child’s summer vacation toolkit. This delightful book invites young readers to bring the story of six raccoons on their first river rapids adventure to life with their own creative touches on the black-and-white pages.

As an educator, I am particularly impressed by the inclusion of blank speech bubbles that encourage children to craft their own dialogue, enhancing the raccoons’ lively tale. This feature not only stimulates imagination but also fosters budding writing skills, allowing children to create unique conversations and exchanges between characters throughout the book. Vogel’s open-ended activity is a brilliant tool for inspiring young writers to develop original adventure stories.

Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book goes beyond storytelling by incorporating a variety of activities that promote learning. The book concludes with adventure badges, a hidden picture puzzle, a maze, blank pages for story writing, a word search, and two informative pages about the Hudson River and raccoons. These additional features make it an excellent resource for both rainy-day indoor activities and long car rides.

Young readers who enjoy a blend of fiction and nonfiction will find Vogel’s work captivating, relishing the opportunity to participate in the story construction themselves. I highly recommend Raccoons Go Rafting: Coloring and Activity Book to families seeking an educational book that ignites the imagination and creativity of their young readers.

Pages: 42 | ISBN : 978-1955568289

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Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure

Children, brimming with energy, often resist bedtime. However, if we can show them that bedtime can be as fun as reading a good book, their attitude may improve. Addressing this common issue, Kristen Puma presents Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure. Abby and Liam are siblings and best friends who love to play and imagine all sorts of exciting scenarios. After a long day, their parents signal that it’s time for bed. The siblings, still full of energy, try to resist. That’s when their dad steps in, transforming the bedtime routine into an adventurous challenge that even includes a volcano. Their mom also joins the fun, taking on the role of a daring dragon.

The energy of the whole family is delightful. Many children’s books focus solely on the perspective of the kids, but this story feels special because both dad and mom are involved and part of the game. This promotes the idea of family unity and encourages children to communicate with their parents and be honest about their feelings. Kristen Puma’s use of short, melodic phrases makes the reading experience enjoyable and keeps the interest alive. Additionally, the illustrations are adorable and endearing, featuring soft and cheerful tones, beautifully designed. The story is dynamic from start to finish, as the siblings move from one imaginative challenge to another.

Abby and Liam and the Bedtime Adventure is perfect in every detail; it’s well-structured and presented. It’s designed to be enjoyed by both parents and children, with all characters actively participating. The main idea, although simple, is presented in a fun and enthusiastic way. It’s undoubtedly an excellent choice for parents to spend a beautiful moment with their children before bedtime and instill a love for reading.

Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CYCNJLGQ

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The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Golfing Around

The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Golfing Around by Sally Beale beautifully demonstrates that being alone doesn’t mean being bored, especially if you have a great imagination like Molly. When her friends aren’t available to play, Molly feels sad. To cheer her up, her mother suggests playing with her toys. Initially unconvinced, Molly returns to her room, where Ollie the owl swings his wings, bringing the animal-shaped toys to life. Together, they venture out and, with the help of their imagination and creativity, create a delightful mini-golf course.

The joy and enthusiasm of the characters are infectious, and their cheerful designs spread good cheer. The story is lovely and motivating for children, encouraging them to use their creativity to make the most of their day. Each toy contributes differently to the creation of the mini-golf course, showcasing the benefits of teamwork. Molly’s relationship with her mother is affectionate and supportive. Sally Beale narrates the story in a fun and engaging way, with well-structured and easy-to-follow ideas. The dynamic movement in the story helps maintain interest throughout.

The illustrations are beautiful and simple, complementing the narrative well. Children will have fun and learn valuable lessons, such as valuing and taking care of their toys and encouraging themselves to try new things. Sally Beale demonstrates great narrative ability with this simple and creative story. The Adventures of Molly & Ollie: Golfing Around shows us that with a touch of magic and a good attitude, we can turn any day into a wonderful adventure.

Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1637556470

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The Good Fortune

In Shawana Davenport’s enchanting tale, The Good Fortune, siblings Frannie and Willie eagerly anticipate their summer visits to their Aunt Bea. These visits are always a highlight because Aunt Bea is not only an exceptional cook but also engages them in delightful games. This time, their adventure takes an extraordinary turn.

As Frannie and Willie head over to Aunt Bea’s for supper, they encounter Miss Minnie, Aunt Bea’s good friend. The evening begins with a delectable meal, followed by Aunt Bea introducing a captivating game that promises excitement. The game involves rolling colored stones with numbers, aiming to land on “good fortune.” When Frannie rolls a seven, the room transforms, leading them to a magical journey through seven different places. Frannie chooses to explore a botanical garden, while Willie’s turn takes them on a thrilling hot air balloon ride. Their adventures are so enjoyable that they don’t want the game to end. Through these experiences, Frannie and Willie learn valuable lessons about confidence and adventure.

One of the story’s strengths lies in Aunt Bea’s ability to teach the children important lessons through the game. The children’s adventurous spirit encourages readers to be confident and embrace new experiences. Davenport skillfully depicts Frannie and Willie in a way that young readers can easily relate to, promoting a sense of adventure and self-assurance. A confident child, as the story suggests, can achieve anything. Moreover, the book beautifully emphasizes that despite the allure of exploring new places, home remains a safe and comforting haven. This message reassures children that their home environment is a sanctuary, providing stability no matter what challenges they face. Instilling this idea in young readers is a commendable aspect of Davenport’s storytelling.

The illustrations by 1000 Storybooks, a renowned children’s book service provider, add a vibrant and engaging layer to the narrative. The crisp and colorful images bring the story to life, making readers feel as if they are part of Frannie and Willie’s adventures. An interesting tidbit about the author is her background in the healthcare industry before pursuing her passion for writing.

The Good Fortune, by Shawana Davenport, is a delightful read, perfectly suited for children from baby to ten years old. Its engaging story, combined with valuable lessons and beautiful illustrations, make it a wonderful addition to any child’s library.

Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0BHF6V2PC

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Play With Me

In Play With Me by Kat Chen, readers are invited to join young Ellison and her companion Rabbit on an enchanting picnic adventure. The narrative encourages participation, as Ellison and Rabbit, along with their audience, engage in activities like cloud-gazing and sharing favorite books. This interactive approach not only entertains but also fosters a sense of inclusivity.

Chen’s writing style is notably inclusive, seamlessly integrating prompts that welcome every child into the story. This fresh, innovative technique ensures that all readers, regardless of their background, can see themselves in the adventures of Ellison and Rabbit. Such an approach in a children’s book is both refreshing and commendable. The story goes beyond entertainment, subtly imparting valuable lessons about inclusion and teamwork. These themes are woven into the narrative in an engaging and instructive way, making the book an excellent tool for instilling these values in young readers. Lorraine Nam’s illustrations complement the text beautifully with their simplicity and charm. The art style is straightforward yet captivating, focusing young readers’ attention on the narrative and its underlying messages. The illustrations enhance the story, making the book even more appealing to its intended audience.

Play With Me seems particularly well-suited for children aged 1-3 years, striking a balance between fun storytelling and educational content. It encourages children to think and participate actively, even when the book is being read to them. This aspect is likely to appeal to parents and guardians, who will appreciate the book’s capacity to engage young minds in a meaningful way. Play With Me is a delightful read for young children, meriting repeated enjoyment.

Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0C9ZJS2P5

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