Blog Archives
A Different Lens
A Different Lens by Sheila Eve Arad, beautifully illustrated by Zoe Bendoff, follows the journey of a young skunk named Simon as he navigates the daily challenges of school and life. The story begins with Simon’s struggle to keep up with the morning routine and manage his schoolwork, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation. However, with the support of his mother, teacher, and classmates, Simon learns to utilize tools and strategies that help him succeed, ultimately transforming his experience and outlook.
The writing is engaging and empathetic. The author does a remarkable job of portraying Simon’s internal world and the external pressures he faces. For instance, the vivid description of Simon’s chaotic morning routine instantly pulls readers into his daily struggle. The narrative captures Simon’s small victories and significant challenges, making his journey relatable and heartwarming.
One of the aspects I liked most about this picture book is its portrayal of supportive relationships. Simon’s transformation is beautifully depicted through the encouragement and understanding he receives from those around him. His mother’s proactive approach—suggesting a checklist and timer to help with his morning routine—illustrates the power of practical support. Similarly, Ms. Harris’s offer of a quieter space for Simon to work shows how minor adjustments can make a significant difference for children with different needs.
The illustrations by Zoe Bendoff complement the narrative perfectly, ensuring that emotions are plainly seen in the characters. The scenes where Simon feels isolated and misunderstood are poignantly illustrated, making his feelings palpable. On the other hand, the joyous moments, like playing outside with his classmates, are filled with vibrant colors and energy, reflecting Simon’s happiness and sense of belonging. The art brings Simon’s journey to life, making the book an immersive experience for readers.
A Different Lens is a heartfelt and insightful children’s book that I think is ideal for children, parents, and educators alike. It offers a compassionate look at the struggles and triumphs of children with invisible disabilities, promoting empathy and understanding. Sheila Eve Arad’s storytelling and Zoe Bendoff’s illustrations create a powerful narrative that encourages support and inclusion.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D2N1DRPR
The Sand Sculpture Competition
The Sand Sculpture Competition is a delightful tale about friendship, teamwork, and creativity under the sea. Our main characters, Charlie and Chuck, two adventurous crabs, embark on a journey to create the best sand sculpture ever. Their project takes a magical turn when they meet Sandy, a mermaid who lends them a precious pearl necklace for their sculpture. Together, they overcome challenges, including a stolen idea and fierce competition, to create a magnificent lighthouse sand sculpture that dazzles everyone.
The writing is vibrant and engaging. The author does a fantastic job of creating an underwater world that feels fantastical and real. The descriptions of the underwater scenes, especially the kelp forest and the lighthouse, are so vivid that you can almost feel the cool ocean breeze and see the shimmering light reflecting off the shells. The characters are well-developed, with Charlie’s determination and Chuck’s strength and humor shining through, making them relatable and endearing.
The idea I enjoyed most in this children’s book is the importance of teamwork and friendship. Charlie and Chuck’s dynamic evolves from mere acquaintances to a powerhouse team. Their combined efforts, with Chuck’s physical strength and Charlie’s meticulous planning, underscore the message that different skills can complement each other beautifully. This theme is especially poignant when they face Claudia’s antagonism and still choose to focus on their own goals rather than getting bogged down by negativity.
The story also creatively integrates the concept of imaginative problem-solving. From the detailed planning of their sand sculpture to the ingenious use of Sandy’s pearls and other oceanic resources, the book encourages young readers to think outside the box. The scene where Charlie and Chuck plan the construction of their lighthouse, ensuring it stands out with unique elements like oyster shells for light and sea glass windows, is a testament to this. It’s a delightful mix of creativity and practical application that can inspire readers to tackle their own projects with similar enthusiasm.
The Sand Sculpture Competition is a heartwarming and fun read that I’d highly recommend to young readers and anyone who enjoys a good adventure. It’s perfect for children who love stories about the ocean, teamwork, and creative competitions. Author Joan Enockson has crafted an entertaining tale that imparts valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and the joy of creation.
Pages: 59 | ASIN : B0D3G2S6XZ
The Mighty Mountain
The Mighty Mountain, by Kiwitta Paschal, is an enchanting allegorical tale that captivates readers with its simple yet thoughtful storytelling. The story centers around a tall and mighty mountain that stands proudly above a deep valley, protecting and nurturing the life that flourishes at its base. However, when an earthquake strikes, the mountain is reduced to a pile of rocks, ultimately transforming into five smooth stones. The narrative beautifully weaves together themes of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose in unexpected places, culminating in a biblical reference that ties the story to the tale of David and Goliath.
I was particularly impressed by Paschal’s ability to convey deep and meaningful messages through such an accessible and engaging narrative. The writing is clear and concise, making it suitable for young readers, yet it does not shy away from exploring complex themes. For instance, the description of the mountain’s initial pride and subsequent downfall is poignant and thought-provoking.
Another aspect that stood out to me was the personification of natural elements, which added a lyrical quality to the story. The mountain’s interactions with the sun, wind, and rain create a vivid picture of its environment and emphasize the interdependence between the mountain and the valley. Paschal’s depiction of the mountain stretching its peak to protect the grass and flowers below during harsh sunlight or expanding wide to slow the strong winds is charming and insightful. These moments highlight the mountain’s guardian role and deep connection to the life it shelters.
The transformation of the mountain into five smooth stones and their subsequent use by David to defeat Goliath is a powerful metaphor for resilience and purpose. This part of the story was particularly moving, as it underscores the idea that even in our most broken states, we can find new ways to be useful and impactful.
The Mighty Mountain is a beautifully crafted children’s book that offers valuable life lessons through its engaging narrative and rich imagery. Kiwitta Paschal has created a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages, inviting them to reflect on their own journeys of resilience and transformation. I highly recommend this picture book to parents looking for a meaningful story to share with their children, educators seeking to impart lessons on resilience and transformation, and anyone who appreciates a well-told allegory that encourages reflection and growth.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1736286935
Penelope the Pesky Pelican
In Penelope the Pesky Pelican, authors Scotty and Kris Bolleter introduce us to the friendliest pelican you’ll ever meet. Despite her warm greetings and loving hugs, Penelope often faces rudeness and unkindness from those around her. Undeterred, she persistently spreads cheer, though she is sometimes seen as a nuisance and sent away. It is only through the encouragement of her best friend that Penelope’s spirits are lifted, reminding her of the value of her positive attitude and persistence.
This charming story is beautifully illustrated by Evelina Losich, whose colorful and expressive artwork perfectly complements the narrative. The book skillfully blends alliteration and repetition, making it not only engaging but also an excellent choice for bedtime reading and elementary classrooms. Young readers will undoubtedly root for Penelope, learning important lessons about maintaining a positive attitude and understanding the true essence of friendship. Penelope the Pesky Pelican is a delightful and educational read, sure to become a favorite.
I highly recommend Penelope the Pesky Pelican to any parent seeking a story that imparts valuable life lessons while introducing young readers to the joy of repetitive text and the rhythm of language. This lovingly crafted tale will surely be a hit for children and parents alike.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D3472L69
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
SELF-Love and Compassion
Petunia the Perfectionist follows a young girl who is determined to achieve perfection in everything, usually forgetting to relax and just have fun. What was the inspiration for your story?
My oldest daughter, now 11, and I have something in common: we are both perfectionists. We strive to be “perfect” in all we do, even at the cost of relaxing and enjoying life more. This has been something I’ve been working on since I was in my 20s, but seeing it in my daughter really hit home: I knew I needed to work harder at letting go of the need to be perfect, so I could model the importance of making mistakes — and learning from our mistakes — for my child. Truly, the book was deeply inspired by her first grade teacher, Ms. Bruce. On their first day of school, Ms. Bruce told the kids that she loves when students make mistakes, because every time you make a mistake, your brain grows. This helped us change the negative narrative around mistake-making, and taught us that making mistakes means we’re trying and learning new things!
Children today are often overwhelmed with social media and seeing “perfection” online, leading to an unrealistic view of themselves. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
While Petunia doesn’t have social media in Petunia the Perfectionst, I agree that this is a huge problem in today’s culture (not just for children, but for adults too!). As I was developing Petunia’s character, I really wanted to portray her as the ultimate perfectionist — the child who is so afraid to make a mistake, that she’ll forgo having fun with her friends and family to read, color inside the lines, practice her guitar for hours, etc. She desperately wants to be perfect. This extreme personality trait was important to me so that when she actually does make a mistake — and realizes that something GOOD comes from it — it makes a bigger impact on readers.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One major idea I wanted to convey in Petunia the Perfectionist is the importance of having a growth mindset and understanding that mistakes don’t mean we’re failures, but rather that they give us an opportunity to continue to learn and grow. I also wanted to convey the importance of self-compassion. In this book, Petunia lets her friends off the hook for making mistakes, but she won’t do the same for herself. Why? Why does she extend more grace and compassion to others, but holds herself to a higher standard? I want readers to understand the importance of SELF-love and compassion, and know that it’s OK to offer those things to ourselves, too.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
To be determined — but when I’m able to share it with you, I will!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Petunia does not like to make mistakes. In fact, she’ll do just about anything to avoid making one. So instead of enjoying her jam sessions on her guitar, Petunia practices ‘til her fingers ache. And rather than creating art with her crayons, she spends her time color-coding them instead.
Petunia’s so busy trying to be perfect, there’s no time left in her life for being creative or having any fun!
Though Petunia’s mom often reminds her that mistakes are important because they help us learn and grow, Petunia’s not convinced. That is until she makes a mistake that inspires everyone…even herself.
Will Petunia finally understand that it’s okay to make mistakes, and begin to accept herself for who she is – imperfections and all?
This book is PERFECT for perfectionists (children and grown-ups!) and belongs in classrooms, libraries, and every child’s bookshelf.
Why readers will love Petunia the Perfectionist…
Promotes Growth Mindset. Teaches children to view mistake-making as an opportunity for growth and life-long learning.
Encourages Flexible Thinking. Helps children move from rigid, fixed beliefs about making mistakes to more flexible and positive ones; for instance, “People won’t accept/like/love me if I make a mistake,” to “Everyone makes mistakes, and I don’t think less of others when they do.”
Boosts Self-Compassion. Illustrates the importance of offering ourselves the same respect, grace, and kindness we’d extend to others if they made a mistake or faced a challenge.
Builds Resilience. Emphasizes the idea that we learn from our mistakes, which, in turn, helps build confidence and resilience, and gives us the courage to try again or even create something new from our error.
Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! (Happy Tails)
Stimulating children’s imagination can significantly enhance their social and emotional skills, and this is beautifully exemplified in Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! by Michele L. Sayre. The story follows non-identical twins Sorcha and Dmitry, who each wish for a different pet. Their father responds by sharing a childhood tale of his imaginary friend, Yakov the bunny. Initially, the children underestimate the importance of the story, but the next day, they are visited by Yakov himself, who encourages them to enjoy a fun-filled day at the neighborhood block party, trying new and exciting things.
I found this book delightful for its easy-to-follow narration and humorous tone. The story is dynamic, with the children engaging in numerous activities in a single day, such as participating in a three-legged race and playing in a bounce house. This lively narrative will inspire young readers to invent their own games and activities. Additionally, the interactions between the characters are heartwarming; the children share a wonderful relationship with their father, marked by honesty and open expression, which serves as an ideal example of family bonding.
Yakov, the hyperactive bunny, adds a layer of excitement and chaos, making for some humorous and loving moments with the kids. The story itself is very creative, teaching children to be themselves while understanding the limits during play. Siblings Sorcha and Dmitry serve as excellent role models, demonstrating positive behavior and strong family bonds. In addition, the interactions between the father and children are relatable, making this book enjoyable for both kids and adults to read together.
Oh, No, Bunny – You’re Still Not Funny! is a captivating and fun story that encourages imagination, creativity, and strong family relationships, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 89 | ASIN : B0D2VQ4HGY
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River is a heartwarming tale of a beagle named Webster who, after getting lost, finds his forever home and becomes a cherished therapy dog. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Rappahannock River, Webster’s adventures with various river critters are beautifully depicted, teaching young readers about resilience, friendship, and the wonders of nature.
Author Frank Payne’s writing is engaging and educational. The narrative flows smoothly, making it easy for young readers to follow Webster’s journey. Payne has a knack for blending adventure with learning, as seen in the fascinating “Did You Know?” sections scattered throughout the book. These tidbits about ospreys, blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish are not just informative, they are a fun way for children to learn about the world around them, enhancing the storytelling by providing context to Webster’s experiences.
One of my favorite parts of this children’s book is when Webster ventures down the pier in spring to check on the ospreys. This section beautifully captures the cycle of life and the rhythm of nature, reinforcing the book’s theme of continuity and homecoming. The playful tone and the light-hearted humor, like when Webster gets pinched by a crab, add a delightful touch to the story.
The illustrations by Romney Vasquez are a perfect complement to Payne’s story. They are vibrant and full of life, bringing Webster and his adventures to life in a way that is sure to captivate young readers. The depiction of the river and its inhabitants is particularly well done, with each page offering something new to discover. The illustrations support the story and provide additional layers of meaning and engagement, making the reading experience more enjoyable.
Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River is a charming and educational picture book I highly recommend. It’s perfect for children who love animals and nature and for parents looking for a story that combines adventure with learning. The book’s heartwarming message about finding one’s place in the world and the joy of new discoveries makes it a delightful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0D4VZBS67
LITERARY TITAN 