Blog Archives
Lilbeebye Stings Bully
Lilbeebye is a young girl with a secret. She appears normal on the outside, but in reality, she has secret powers. She can change into a superhero bee that stings honey love into the hearts of those who are bullies. Lilbeebye believes that everyone can be good and kind they just sometimes need some encouragement. When her friend Sally becomes the victim of a bully Lilbeebye rushes into action to sting the bullies and restore peace to the school playground. Later that day her older sister gets into a fight with her friends and Lilbeebye must spring into action again and sting them all to restore the love and goodness inside them.
Lilbeebye Stings Bully by author Theresa Shields is written on a level for older elementary-level students. The first half of the book is a fun story about Lilbeebye’s superpowers and how she helps people learn to be kind and good. There are colorful and engaging illustrations that introduce the topic of bullying to children. This half of this imaginative story would be great for early elementary students to help open discussions of bullying as well.
The second half of this book is much more serious and better suited for older children, eight to twelve-year-olds. The second half of the informative book is not illustrated and brings up topics such as cyberbullying, emotional abuse, and even suicide. There is good information on social media bullying, posting pictures and texts that are embarrassing or hurtful. Shields explains how these things are not harmless teasing and how hurtful they can be to people.
While this complex children’s book uses the church as a way to present ideas of community and sharing of information it is not overly religious and could be used by secular groups to start conversations on bullying.
Lilbeebye Stings Bully is a thought-provoking children’s book. Educators and parents will find this to be a useful book for opening up discussions on bullying to children in elementary school and provide a chance to discuss deeper topics of bullying with older elementary students especially those getting ready to enter middle school.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B085PW2YX5
Secrets, Gifts, Family
Willie the crow wants to eat the pack’s dog chow. The problem is he promised to not eat it from the kennel, and the other bowls are in the house with the Food Giver. To get to the bowels he must enter through the dog door, and this turns out to be harder than expected. Willie nearly drowns and gets stuck in a plant. After being rescued by Patch twice he makes it inside. There he taps on the refrigerator door and the Food Givers arrives and give him a small packet of walnuts and he flies out the window before the pack gets in and sees him. Willie keeps his special treats a secret from the pack
Doc, Willie, and the Pack: Secrets, Gifts, Family written by Linda Harkey returns readers to the Lazy Dog Hacienda. Willie the crow is part of the family that lives here. Willie however has a secret, he gets special treats from the Food Giver and is afraid to tell the pack about them. Instead, he brings the empty wrappers to Zeke as gifts making up stories about where he found them. Eventually, the truth comes out thanks to a newspaper article that was done on Willie that the pack saw.
This entertaining picture book talks about family, keeping secrets, and friendships. Young elementary-age children will love the colorful illustrations of Mike Minick and the expression all the dogs have. This light-hearted story has a great message about friendship and family that they will be able to relate to. The adventures of Willie trying to get into the house will have children and adults laughing and asking, can crows get glasses, because clearly, poor Willie needs them.
Doc, Willie, and the Pack: Secrets, Gifts, Family: (A Hickory Doc’s Tale) is an engaging read for classrooms, libraries, and parents to read to children. It will make a great early reader for children learning to read with the vibrant artwork to help tell the story.
Pages: 52 | ASIN: B07XLHR2SZ
This Ancient Parable Has A Modern-Day Twist
Barclay & Berk Builders retells the parable of the wise and foolish builders with charming illustrations and easy to understand language. What inspired you to retell this specific parable from the Bible?
As a children’s school librarian I am always on the lookout for good, read-aloud stories.
This ancient parable has a modern-day twist. The story is about working together, caring for one another, helping each other and primarily life’s choices. I wrote this story to appeal to a wider non-Christian audience but the sounds of a busy worksite will especially appeal to boys.
I enjoyed the art in the book. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator James Hensman?
James is a professional artist who has his own colorful style and humor. This is his first illustrated picture book, and his seagull character, Gulliver S Gull, is now showing up in his most recent paintings. View and purchase his art at www.jameshensman.net.
What do you hope young children take away from your story?
Stories are always multileveled, so whatever a child takes away from the reading experience is good. I hope children will enjoy the characters, and the art while perhaps discovering what a parable is. If a child remembers to help others–that’s a bonus! and on a deeper level to comprehend that this story that Jesus told is about our everyday choices and building a firm life-foundation by following God.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next two projects are a historical Canadian novel for grade five, and a gift/picture book for children and adults, on the Promises of God. Possibly both published in 2022.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Tales of the Monkey King
Monkey is capable of some marvelous things. He wishes to be a master in virtually every area, Small but mighty. His thirst for knowledge is unmatched, and his abilities outshine everyone around him. When he transforms into the famed Monkey King, it is just the beginning of his fantastic journey. Monkey is, however, quite a character. He never fails to be the center of any and every bit of chaos. Monkey is filled with intensity and determination from his temper to his strength. There is no one else like him.
Tales of the Monkey King, by Teresa Chin Jones, is a retelling of classic Chinese tales of the famous Monkey King. Jones delivers a fabulous series of chapters tracing the making of the Monkey King through his outrageous adventures to the fascinating end of his journey. Along the way, readers will meet captivating characters and find themselves in awe of the fantastic and, sometimes, harrowing situations in which Monkey and his cohort find themselves.
I was taken with the colorful characters and the vibrant language throughout the book. Though there are beautiful illustrations placed sporadically throughout the chapters, readers will have no trouble visualizing the characters and exquisite settings. Jones does a fantastic job of building Monkey and his comrades into strong mental images for her readers. In addition, the more challenging text structure and choice of verbiage will push young readers. I can see Tales of the Monkey King as a beautiful read-aloud addition to any classroom.
As a teacher, I appreciate the added summaries at the beginning of each chapter. Teachers and students alike will find these little bonuses helpful when picking up reading where they left off. As I usually spend a little time reviewing previous chapters before reading, I can see these summaries making that much more manageable and bringing my students and me quickly up to date. In addition, young readers will find the summaries an easy way to review on their own.
I truly enjoyed reading Monkey King’s escapades and seeing Jones’s work as a real asset to upper elementary and middle school classrooms. Folklore is an essential part of literature education, and I highly recommend Tales of the Monkey King to any fan of classic folk tales and legends. Monkey is sure to bring a smile to readers’ faces.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B091721V92
The Change Agents
Legal reporter Eliza is stunned when she finds a bug and two spiders talking to her and asking for her help with a cause. The puzzled and yet intrigued Eliza at the Mausoleum door follows the creatures through the crypt to NoHoSap, a safe place for living animals, away from humans and their exploration. As the surprises and shocks unfold for Eliza in NoHoSap, she learns of her role in a great cause – climate change. Will the Change Agents of NoHoSap be able to influence the world with the help of their human friends? Or penetrate the skeptical human conscience indifferent to the world’s real issues prowling the Earth?
In this unique urban fantasy novel, author Sarah E. Lewis honors her canine Bebop and inspires people to save the Earth from climate change. Bebop plays a significant role in the story as he is not only Eliza’s faithful companion but also a guide for NoHoSap, a change agent dedicated to making the Earth a flourishing home for all creatures. This intriguing story also satirizes the whole human race using several discourses and interactions among animal species. The story features a scene where animals protect and help rescue humans in a flood. It comes off as a silent mockery upon humans encroaching on animals’ natural habitat.
The Change Agents presents a critical topic wrapped in fantasy fiction, in which animals have taken over the role of humans. Readers will appreciate the comical representation of technology-driven animals in the story, such as BG (Billy Goat) rapping and mixing crazy tracks amid the dancing animals. Having the animal participate in such a serious social issue as climate change adds fun and makes the book ideal for older elementary children. The chapters were reasonable lengths and easy to break out for discussion topics.
The author wisely enlists the state of every habitat due to weather fluctuations by including the species that live there in The Alliance members of NoHoSap, who help explain to readers the ravaging change in the ecosystem. With subtle satire, the book invites readers to become Change Agents by adopting lifestyles that improve nature.
The Change Agents is a valuable book for parents and educators to teach children a valuable lesson on climate change while entertaining them with amusing creatures.
Pages: 380 | ASIN : B09LJX3MT7
Pippin Moves to the City
Pippin, the poodle, is about to go on a new adventure. His family is moving to the city. Pippen is apprehensive about this move and does not want to leave everything he knows and his friends. The first night in his new home, a possum pops out of the ceiling and introduces themself as Blossom. Already Pippen has a new friend. The next day he goes to the beach near his new home and meets all kinds of animals. Finally, things are starting to look up for Pippen. Pippen learns that change can be challenging, but you know new things and have great adventures when you take a chance and make new friends.
Pippin Moves to the City by Julia Seaborn and illustrated by Richard Hoit is the second book in the series, A Poodle Called Pippin. This cute and fun picture book will delight young readers with colorful and playful images and an entertaining storyline. Written for preschool and early elementary level children, the topic of moving is presented quickly and gently that preschoolers can understand and grasp it.
Readers will see how making new friends, even when complex and uncomfortable, is a worthwhile adventure to take. Seaborn also lets kids know it is okay to miss your old friends while making new friends. With Richard Hoits rich and vibrant illustration, seals, foxes, possums, and butterflies are introduced to the story to help Pippen make friends and learn the value of caring for your neighbors.
In addition to being a creative and entertaining story, this children’s book provides multiple resources for teachers. This book could be used for a fun unit study covering various subjects and tying them together. A list of fun questions can be used for reading comprehension review, a maze for children to follow, and a list of facts on Possums that could be turned into a science lesson.
Pippin Moves to the City is a playful and charismatic picture book that is perfect for teachers, preschools, libraries, and parents.
Pages: | ASIN : B09LH7VNN3
Their Legendary Courage
The Quest for the Lost Map follows a group of teenagers that discover a map to the lost treasure of the Knights Templar. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I’ve always admired the Templars due to their noble code of conduct, their legendary courage and discipline. As I referred in my book, in combat they were always the first to strike and the last to retreat. They could not beg for mercy or pay ransom for their own lives if captured. They would fight to the death and could retreat only if outnumbered by their enemies three to one. The Order’s honor demanded the sacrifice of one’s own life. In addition to being fearless, they were also deeply respected by their enemies. For all of this, they’ve always invoked in me a certain fascination. During the time when I was writing the 9th volume in another young adult series (The Adventurers), this trilogy’s special plot came to me naturally, inspiring me to create these characters and involving the Knight Templars. I’m always very excited with the creation of new characters and mysterious situations.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I very much relate to all of the characters in this book, even the thug Simon, who I had so much fun creating. I particularly liked Sara, not only for her personality, with which I relate greatly, but also for her difficult life. It’s very special to be able to dive into those times, dream about them, transport myself to them, live those moments, thrill myself with the characters, and discover facts or details so interesting that I cannot resist transmiting them to my readers, providing them with this same pleasure.
What research did you do for this novel to get the history of the Knights Templar right?
I always do a lot of research for all of my books and I have published 36 so far. I read everything there is about the chosen time so that I can be aware of all the occurrences, the traditional customs, how they dressed, how they spoke, what they ate and what they drank, in a way that I feel transported to that time as if I was living there, living with the characters which existed and the ones I’ve created. And that’s how I can transmit this feeling to my readers. In this case, the exhaustive research landed on the Templar’s Order. I’ve always been astounded by the infamous and unjust conspiracy against them. So, I wished to transmit this knowledge to my young readers, so they could get to know them like I do. I deem it very important to learn something as you read. If you can associate learning to the pleasure of reading, then that is just excellent.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently writing my next historical novel, in my native language which is Portuguese. The next volume in this trilogy, “The Forgotten Treasure”, is set to be released in the second semester of 2022. Furthermore, in the beginning of 2022, the first volume of the Warrior’s of Light, “Sofia Gama and the Templar’s Prophecy”, and the historical novel, “The Last Conspirator”, are set to be published by Underline Publishing as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Joy, Love of Life and Enthusiasm
In My Home We Believe raises awareness and promotes respect, compassion, and empathy in a world of differing beliefs. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I have worked with children and families for a couple of decades in various capacities, more recently as a child therapist. In early summer 2020, I was in a therapy session with a 6-year-old girl who was sharing her experience of participating in her first march for human rights. She invited me to join her in shouting the statements she had learned. Mid-statement she stopped and said, “No Odessa!!! You have to say them from your soul!!!” Unbeknownst to her, I was having a hard time saying them not because I didn’t believe in the statements; but I was overwhelmed by her pure joy, love of life and enthusiasm to help others. It was also at that moment I realized the children of today’s generation have such unique challenges; but with their resilience and desire to help, they are going to make this world a better place. As a lover of children’s books, it inspired me to write “In My Home We Believe.”
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Andrea Moore?
Thank you! Andrea Moore is a friend and former colleague where we worked together as child therapists. I approached her with rough sketches done by another friend, Natalie Nash. After discussing the vision and mission for the book, Andrea agreed to illustrate it. I am so grateful for her artistic skill and talent that brought the message of the book to life! The illustrations are colorful and represent a diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, abilities and cultures.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes represented in this book focus on relevant topics that children are hearing about everyday; including Black Lives Matter, Women’s Rights are Human Rights, No Human is Illegal, Science is Real, Water is Life, Love is Love and Kindness is Everything. This book is a resource to help explain the meaning behind each statement in a way that children can understand and feel empowered. Andrea and I dedicated this book to children around the world and are donating 10% of the proceeds from every book sold to various charities that support equality, climate change, education and to end poverty and hunger.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Currently, we are working on translating In My Home We Believe into Spanish!!! We are hoping it will be ready for release next month, February 2022.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads | Instagram
What does Black Lives Matter mean?
Why are women treated differently?
Why do so many kids and their families have to leave their homes?
How does science help?
Why is water so important?
What is love?
How can I be kind to others?
This book raises awareness and promotes respect, compassion, and empathy in a world of differing beliefs. With heartfelt illustrations and a beautiful message, this book invites children to feel empowered in making the world a better place through greater knowledge, acceptance and kindness.
Part of the proceeds from this book will be donated to various charities that support equality, climate change, education and to end poverty and hunger.
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