Blog Archives
Nurse Florence®, What are some Summer Safety Tips?
When a teacher is absent, school days are always a little more interesting. When Ms. Smith is out for the day, her substitute, Ms. Bryan, helps out guest speaker, Nurse Florence, with her presentation on summer safety. Like any other class of elementary students, Ms. Smith’s kiddos have lots of questions–all good ones at that. They are treated to a Powerpoint presentation that covers everything from water safety to stranger danger. With Nurse Florence help and detailed explanations, Ms. Smith’s students end their day more than well-prepared to head into summer and return safely to school in the fall.
Nurse Florence, What Are Some Summer Safety Tips?, written by Michael Dow and illustrated by JoAnn Smith, is a wonderful guide for children on how to meet the various challenges they may face on summer vacation. Written in a narrative form that serves as an easy-to-read guidebook, Dow’s book covers a wide variety of topics most children will encounter while school is out. In addition, Dow has included many tips that are relevant in day-to-day life.
Dow’s book is a fantastic tool for preparing students for summer break. I teach elementary school, and I can see myself including this book in a lesson at the end of the school year as my students prepare for their summer vacation. I was especially encouraged to see that Dow included advice on using and reapplying sunscreen, wearing hats, and wearing sunglasses with UV protection. As a skin cancer patient and a mother, I found this to be one of the most impactful aspects of Dow’s work.
Teachers and parents looking for a great way to educate children about summer safety will not be disappointed with their purchase. Dow provides a comprehensive list of tips that will make summer safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Pages: 98 | ISBN: 1387845586
Amusing ABCs
Amusing ABCs is a delightful ABC picture book meticulously crafted to aid children in their journey of learning and recognizing the fundamental letters of the alphabet. Authored by Craig Undlin, this captivating book seamlessly combines education with entertainment through its ingenious use of humorous illustrations and an engaging narrative.
Undlin’s thoughtful creation serves as a valuable resource for early literacy development, establishing a solid foundation for reading comprehension. Each page of this book acquaints young readers with a distinct letter of the alphabet, while introducing them to an assortment of fascinating animals and objects that resonate with the corresponding letter’s sound. The author effortlessly merges learning objectives with an atmosphere of enjoyment. The vibrant and lively illustrations adorning each page capture the attention of young readers, effectively captivating their imagination and sustaining their interest throughout the entire journey. The deliberate allocation of two dedicated pages to each letter allows ample space for exploration and learning, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of each letter’s distinct characteristics. One particularly commendable aspect is the author’s choice to introduce animals and objects that commence with the sound of the respective letter. For instance, the letter “A” unveils an amusing apple that just wanted to jump on his bed, while “B” introduces a fierce and strong bear that loves to sing. This ingenious approach not only facilitates letter recognition but also expands children’s vocabulary and nurtures their imaginative faculties.
Undlin masterfully weaves a simple narrative into each letter, skillfully transforming the act of reading into an enjoyable experience. By incorporating this early introduction to the concept of reading, the author adeptly imparts the understanding that letters form words and that words carry meaning—a pivotal lesson in a child’s literacy journey.
Amusing ABCs stands as a charming and informative ABC picture book that strikes a perfect balance between learning and fun. With its witty illustrations, introduction to a diverse range of animals and objects, and emphasis on early reading concepts, this book emerges as an indispensable tool in a child’s pursuit of literacy. It is certain to captivate young readers and ignite their curiosity about the alphabet, ultimately setting them on a rewarding path towards successful reading and language skills.
Pages: 58 | ASIN: B0C43MYBM9
Laban Learns Mindful Breathing
Laban is one stressed-out cat. Everything about the world makes him nervous. There is not a corner he can turn, or a room he can explore that doesn’t reveal a monster, a horror, or some terrifying threat. To say Laban is anxious is an understatement. Being a cat, he lets his curiosity get the best of him, and he ventures out anyway. When Laban realizes he is being followed by a menacing beast, he has nowhere to turn. Cornered, he decides to take some deep breaths. It is only then that Laban realizes that he had the power to calm himself down all along.
Laban Learns Mindful Breathing, written by Sara Taher and illustrated by Vanessa Moreno, is an adorable children’s book that teaches young readers the most effective way to calm their nerves and ward off building anxiety. As Laban the cat moves through normal day-to-day activities, he battles many situations that bring about undue stress. Taher uses her main character to teach young readers that stress is normal but is also manageable. The breathing techniques Laban uses are simple and easy for younger children to remember and use themselves.
As a teacher, I found this quick read to be a true asset for an elementary classroom. The precious illustrations and the ever-changing expressions on Laban’s little face will appeal to both adults and children. I can see this book as a game-changer for the first day of school, especially in Pre-K through 2nd-grade classrooms.
Parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and school librarians will find Taher’s work a wonderful addition to their book collections. The earlier we can help children cope with anxiety, the better off they will be as they move through school. Taher has handed us all a fantastic tool for doing just that.
Pages: 33 | ASIN: B0C7RQFWSG
Sharing Your Culture With Others
Zoey Wonders Why follows a young girl’s journey to understanding and celebrating her diverse cultural heritage, bringing to life the complexities of self-identity and the power of familial bonds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My eldest son would go to the library and just didn’t feel that the characters in the books at his time were relatable to him. He too was feeling shy of the cultures in his because they were different from the norm in class and the town. I wanted to write a book for all kids to appreciate and feel its ok to be different and to enjoy sharing your culture with others.
The artwork in the book is fantastic. What was the collaboration process like with illustrator Tasya Nabiella?
Tasya is a global illustrator hailing from Indonesia. Her artwork is very culturally diverse and we built a friendship over social media through Instagram. A vision board of the character’s physical features and emotions had to be developed through Google Meetings and guidance on every illustration to ensure a book that children would love to read relating to the illustrations. She is a great team member and works with any other authors that might need her assistance even if she is 12 hours away.
How did you approach the topic of cultural diversity and heritage in a way that resonates with young readers?
I made it in a first person way for the main character Zoey involving the reader in the storyline. Young readers want a storyline and characters that makes them feel that they are part of the story. Many kids are currently going through the dilemma of sharing and learning more about their culture and I hope this story helps them open up to being more inquisitive to learn. Many of the generations like mine, were made fun of for displaying our culture, be it through the food we would bring to school or the intricate henna designs we wore for holidays. I wrote Zoey as a character for kids to be able to learn more about their diverse culture in some way and to learn more about their peers. Without proper knowledge the concept of respect would be lost. Sadly, we see this loss of cultural identity among adults.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am in the phase of gathering my launch team for my teacher supplemental resource guide. It provides teachers, homeschool parents, and students to get additional enrichment after reading Zoey Wonders Why. It entails reading comprehension, art, history, music, and sight words for students to learn more about culture diversity and heritage. I Have also in parallel started the second book in the series but Zoey is older and discusses the topic of spending time with grandparents and the loss of a job by a parent. It entails the loss in terms of a child’s perspective versus the norm of an adult.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram
Zoey is a curious five-year-old kindergartener who is full of spunk and character. She speaks her mind but sometimes a little too much. Now she needs to decide whether to hide her true self to fit in, or to shine bright like the stars. Can she conquer her fears and love herself for all that she is?
Join her adventures into a diverse world of many beautiful traditions and customs. Learn together with Zoey about being the best that we can be in all walks of life.
This book makes the perfect gift for school-aged children who are in elementary school grades K-2. It teaches children lessons in respect, cultural diversity, kindness, and regulating emotions.
Zoey Wonders Why is a recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award. The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for parents and educators and is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Zoey Wonders Why has also been selected as finalist for Readers Choice Awards.
Get Zoey Wonders Why today!
Zoey Wonders Why
Navigating the labyrinth of self-identity and lineage can often be a challenging quest. However, Zoey Wonders Why, penned by the talented Nadia Khan, beautifully illuminates the importance of embracing one’s cultural roots as an intrinsic aspect of personal identity. Our young protagonist, Zoey, finds herself grappling with a complex school assignment – showcasing her familial origins, an undertaking complicated by her cosmopolitan lineage.
The narrative weaves Zoey’s intricate journey into a poignant tapestry that invites the readers to share in her conundrum, making the experience profoundly relatable. Khan’s eloquent prose feels akin to an intimate conversation with a young child, ensnaring the readers in an engaging discourse that effortlessly bridges the generational chasm. The narrative, studded with an endearing blend of simplicity and whimsical dialogue, promises to make a delightful read for young minds.
Zoey Wonders Why serves as a vibrant canvas, portraying a richly layered storyline that resonates with the themes of cultural diversity and familial bonds. The magnetic pull of the narrative is further amplified by the vivid illustrations, brimming with lush hues. The heartwarming illustrations, teeming with familial warmth and camaraderie, strike a tender chord, adding a captivating visual dimension to the book.
The profound narrative of Zoey Wonders Why empowers readers to celebrate their unique cultural heritage and appreciate the rich tapestry of diversity. It underscores the idea that the quest for self-identity may seem arduous, yet the courage to delve into one’s family history can be a rewarding voyage of self-discovery. This riveting book, replete with bright illustrations and Zoey’s charming humor, serves as an ideal bedtime story, subtly imparting life lessons amidst the joyous laughter of storytelling.
Zoey Wonders Why is more than just a book—it’s an enchanting voyage through the complexities of self-identity, heritage, and the celebration of diversity, making it a stellar addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 54 | ASIN: B09X5ZRMGN
Armitage and the Thunder Bean
A story of kindness and heroism, Armitage and the Thunder Bean by Nan Morgan-Dew explores the life of a boy named Armitage, who is different from the others in his town. His mother, the queen, has created him simply to do tasks around their home and assist in her evil plans. Armitage deeply disagrees with his mother’s actions, and as she conjures up her latest evil plan, he finds that it’s up to him to be the hero and do what he can to save his town.
This book has a beautiful aesthetic to it, bringing a darker yet creative feel to a children’s story. The color palette of the illustrations is unique and brings the characters to life with browns, purples, and greys. The storyline is also engaging, as it’s a heroic tale with lessons of kindness and acceptance of those around you. It’s a fun read for children and something even adults may enjoy! The main character, Armitage, is a truly adorable hero who the audience finds themselves constantly rooting for. Watching his development throughout the books was nice, and he felt like a genuine and well-written character.
Armitage and the Thunder Bean is a must-have for children’s books. It’s unique and creative, a fun way to mix up bedtime stories as this isn’t your everyday story. The characters are unlikely anything I’ve seen, and the storyline is very engaging and exciting. This is by far my favorite children’s story I’ve read this month, and I highly recommend it to young readers.
Pages: 40 | ASIN: B0C4HSHNL3
They Just Wanted To Be Happy
Ellie Cat Wants To Know How To Wake Up Happy Everyday follows a curious cat who wants to figure out how to bind happiness each day. What was the inspiration for your story?
I had heard my daughters talking that they just wanted to be happy… not sure how to be happy. I wondered why that was a question, and so I penned out my thoughts of my simple response that was going through my head, which seemed obvious to me, but apparently not to my beautiful girls. Then I went on a step further to camouflage my little thoughts by weaving it into a children’s story so it would appear innocent and cute thus perhaps more readily acceptable than just plain advice.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
A simple stance, to be remembered and thus applied often.
Assurance in self talk and confidence.
Ability to know all is achievable, and that it starts with you.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Firstly, writing in an unambiguous manner to ensure the child immediately absorbed the story.
Secondly, endeavouring to create a warm relationship with the child whilst encouraging them to embody the premise of the book, that they “can do it”.
Thirdly, installing pauses, allowing their thoughts to arise.
The fourth goal was that I decided not to use my name and rested with the pen name Sam Rice. Sam was neither typically male or female therefore could not indirectly influence the reader/child, and Rice reflected a neutral nutritional aspect. The pen name Sam Rice felt quietly balanced leading to the merit of the book focused on the story itself.
What is the next children’s book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have 3 drafts already scribed to create the Ellie Cat series. Each book shall focus simply on the strength and joy of children’s characters.
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
A cute, curious, cat who through many tries, finds her “I can do it” attitude. This delightful and simple story will have you both constantly reading on how she becomes aware of her inner guidance, for ages 2 – 8 years.
This soothing and relatable story will have you also chatting about what you would do and the wonder of achieving your own self confidence.
A motivational “just try” and meaningful story to play with imagination, resulting in being happy with your own talents.
Neo & Nubia: The Greatest Walk
Steeped in the power of preserving our heritage and valuing our ancestry, “Neo and Nubia: The Greatest Walk” is a captivating exploration of human history that is perfect for a young audience. The narrative follows the journey of three children tasked with a school project on Human Origins, leading them to their wise grandfather. They are then swept away on a magical journey to the distant past in Africa, armed with a magical book that traces their extraordinary adventure.
This brilliant picture book portrays human history through a lens of magic and mirth, skillfully blending education with entertainment. The plot is effortlessly engaging for younger readers, and the complex theme of human origins is presented in an accessible and enjoyable manner. As you turn the pages, the vibrant and enchanting artistry leaps out, inviting you to join the adventure. Each character is vividly portrayed with a range of expressions, while the backgrounds and the detailed scenery provide a feast for the eyes. Crafted in a potent poetic style, the narrative flows with a musical rhythm, elevating the overall reading experience.
“Neo & Nubia: The Greatest Walk” is an excellent way to ease children into reading longer books because this story features intricate storylines and shows the beauty of poetry. What sets this book apart is its unique blend of education and engagement, presenting knowledge in an enjoyable and absorbing manner. This beautifully composed children’s book is a top-notch choice for young readers, offering both entertainment and insights into our shared human history.
Pages: 56 | ASIN: B0C1CPXBLP
LITERARY TITAN 
