Blog Archives

Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift

Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift is the delightful fourth installment in the Hunnie Bunny series, a charming tale that captures the warmth of friendship and the spirit of giving. In this book, we join Hunnie Bunny, Mr. Squirrel, and Mr. Frog as they prepare for the approaching winter season.

The story is set in a beautifully depicted woodland, where the three friends ready themselves for the cold months ahead. The narrative is engaging, drawing readers into the heartwarming activities and the camaraderie shared among the characters. Central to the plot is the mystery of Hunnie Bunny’s special gift. The story gently unfolds, revealing how each friend contributes to the preparations and the significance of Hunnie Bunny’s unique present. The anticipation builds as readers are invited to discover not only what the gift is but also who receives it and why it holds such special meaning. The book excels in conveying themes of cooperation, kindness, and the joy of giving. Young readers will find themselves enchanted by the colorful illustrations and the relatable characters, while also learning valuable lessons about the importance of community and generosity.

Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift is a heartwarming addition to the series, perfect for children and parents to read together. It’s a story that celebrates the simple yet profound pleasures of friendship and the thoughtful acts that make the winter season special.

Page: 32 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D3B6D5TR

Buy Now From Amazon

Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo

Family moments have the power to create enduring memories for children, a theme beautifully explored in Dr. Shon Shree Lewis’s delightful book, Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo. The story begins with Coco, an inquisitive young girl, watching TV with her faithful dog, Chico. Captivated by a cartoon featuring tigers, Coco’s curiosity is piqued, prompting her to ask her mother about these magnificent creatures. Her mother explains that tigers live in various places, including the zoo, which sparks the idea for a family outing. With a visit to Grandma Sarah already in the plans, Coco’s dad agrees to a family trip to the zoo on the Fourth of July, setting the stage for a day filled with fun, learning, and celebration.

Dr. Shon Shree Lewis’s narrative shines through her use of concise sentences and clear concepts, making her storytelling accessible and engaging for young readers. She effectively weaves in themes of courtesy, good manners, and proper behavior, presenting her characters as excellent role models. The story depicts a family working together harmoniously to create a memorable day, a portrayal that reinforces positive family dynamics. The adventure at the zoo is both educational and enjoyable, as Coco learns fascinating facts about animals such as tigers, lions, and giraffes. The vibrant illustrations complement the narrative, capturing the joy and wonder of the zoo visit. The family’s Fourth of July celebration culminates in a splendid display of fireworks, adding a festive touch to their special day.

Coco’s Fourth of July at the Zoo is a charming read that fosters a love for learning and family bonds. Dr. Shon Shree Lewis crafts an engaging tale that celebrates children’s curiosity and the joy of discovering new things. This book is a delightful way to spend time with children, inspiring them to ask questions and embrace the excitement of new adventures.

Pages: 39 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C4T66BVD

Buy Now From Amazon

Snoodles in Space, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back

Steven Joseph’s latest addition to the Snoodles in Space series, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back, continues the engaging sci-fi adventure of Ricky and Briana. Having previously saved Earth, they are celebrated heroes, honored with the key to the city. However, their new-found fame attracts the ire of Grumpy Grimy Groodleman, a disgruntled inventor. Groodleman’s creation, the Groodle, a pungent and polluting vehicle, has not only tarnished his reputation but also led to his children’s disgrace over a candy scandal. Determined to undermine Ricky and Briana and reclaim his status, Groodleman allies with Evil Kidoodle from Planet Zoodle, setting the stage for a fresh cosmic threat.

Joseph’s storytelling opens with a cinematic recap, a technique that smoothly immerses readers into the current plot while recalling past events. This approach provides a seamless context, making it accessible even for those new to the series. His creative narrative style stands out, offering a world brimming with whimsical names and inventive elements. The plot, filled with unexpected twists and engaging complexities, is bolstered by a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct and well-defined traits that add depth to the narrative. This dynamic ensemble ensures that the story maintains its momentum, keeping readers intrigued throughout.

The comic format of the book is visually compelling, featuring a retro aesthetic that brings a unique charm. The character designs are vibrant and varied, adding depth and interest to the story. The environments are colorful and dynamic, enhancing the visual appeal. The playful language and inventive wordplay contribute to the book’s distinctive and engaging style.

The rich vocabulary and intricate wordplay add to its charm. Fans of imaginative and humor-filled science fiction will find Snoodles in Space a delightful read, rich with humor and a captivating adventure that sparks the imagination of children.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D3WVVH5K

Buy Now From Amazon

Empathy and Support

Author Interview
Sheila Eve Arad Author Interview

A Different Lens follows a young skunk who struggles with his morning routine and schoolwork leading to feelings of frustration and isolation. What was the inspiration for your story?

As an educator and a mother, I have the privilege of connecting with many children. A few years ago, an extraordinary boy with ADHD was going through a particularly challenging period. One day he told me, “Don’t you understand? It doesn’t feel good at all to have a hard time!” It was at this moment my understanding of what Dr. Ross Greene has said, “Kids do well when they can,” moved from my head to my heart. I witnessed how empathy and support changed this child’s life. I also became keenly aware that so many people with invisible disabilities are negatively impacted because their challenges are misunderstood. I wrote this book so that readers of all ages could have the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of someone with an invisible disability. Given this experience, I hope they will see this population through “a different lens,” and be inspired to show patience, empathy, and support.

The art in this book brings the emotions of Simon to life so even younger children can understand what he is experiencing. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Zoe Bendoff?

Partnering with Zoe was a fantastic experience! It was a close collaboration. We live in the same town, so we met throughout the process. I shared hopes for each page, requesting simple images that focused on the emotions of the characters. Zoe blended in her ideas and added her signature style creating beautiful illustrations that truly capture the feelings of each character. She also embedded many personally meaningful “hidden nuggets.” For example, the handwriting in Simon’s journal and the word “Different” in the title are my son’s handwriting. She is extremely talented and was truly a joy to partner with.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

As Dr. Stuart Shanker said, “When you see a child differently, you’ll see a different child.” What may appear to be off-task, attention-seeking, or defiant behavior is often the symptom of an invisible disability and outside the child’s control. Everyone wants to do well. When we assume positive intent and aim to support all children in a way that is individualized to their needs, they can be the best version of themselves. When this happens, those children and everyone around them benefit.

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?

Book number two is in process and will be published in the spring of 2025. It is about a day in the life of one of Simon’s classmates- Robyn. Check back in the spring to find out more!

Author Links: GoodReads | Adori Publishing | Amazon

Every student, teacher, and parent needs to read this book about empathy and diverse learners.
“A Different Lens” is:
A must-have for every elementary school’s Diverse Book Club list
A book for educators and administrators of 1st-5th grade classrooms supporting social-emotional learning
A resource for parents to teach children about empathy, neurodiversity, and invisible disabilities, such as ADHD.
A tool for enhancing adults’ understanding of the diverse abilities of children within their families, schools, and community
Simon struggles to complete simple tasks at home and school, leading everyone in his world to feel upset and annoyed. Inevitably, Simon’s frustration reaches a boiling point and he makes a huge mistake in front of everyone! How will Simon ever recover? Why can’t he just do better? In the end, readers will realize that Simon, like everyone, is doing the best he can, and with a little support, the world can become a better place for all.

AI and Human Emotional Connections

Amber Ivey Author Interview

AI… Meets… AI introduces children to the world of technology through the story of a young girl who helps a lost little robot find his way back to his lab. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration for the story came from my nieces and nephew and the world they are growing up in. Baltimore, where our story is set, is home to amazing universities but also faces some of the highest disparities. I wanted to create a story that shows kids that they can be part of these prestigious institutions and create the next great thing in technology. The idea of a young girl helping a lost robot was a way to illustrate how technology and human connection can come together in meaningful ways.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

It was important for me to share the ideas of AI and human emotional connections and how they can learn from each other. AI needs humans to guide it, and it’s crucial to highlight qualities like kindness and taking care of the planet. These themes are woven into the story to show that while technology can do amazing things, it’s the human touch that truly makes a difference.

Do you have a favorite scene in young Addy’s story? One that was especially enjoyable to imagine and write?

My favorite scene is when Addy and Jaz visit the museum. I enjoyed incorporating art and creativity into the book subtly. This scene emphasizes that no matter how advanced AI becomes, human creativity and culture are irreplaceable. It also highlights the importance of learning from the past to prepare for the future, making it a pivotal moment in the story.

Can you give readers a glimpse inside the next book in the Artificial Intelligence for Kids Adventure Series?

Of course! Our next book is called Let Kids be Kids, Not Robots. This story continues with Addy and her brother Nolan taking Jaz the AI to school. It explores what happens when AI is introduced to a school environment and the lessons that come from it. We also have a great song that we plan to release with the book. The book comes out on September 6th, and people can sign up for the waiting list on our website: aidigitales.com.

Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | Podcast | Website | Amazon

Imagine a story where “Wall-E” is a robot on an adventure to understand humans, and a friendly kid helps teach it about feelings and the human world. This is what the Amazon bestselling early reader children’s book for kids aged 5-9 (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 year olds) is all about, carefully created by Amber Ivey, who loves data and AI.

In a busy city, an AI robot named Jaz gets lost because of a GPS problem. That’s when Jaz meets an energetic, curious girl named Addy Iris. Addy quickly decides to help Jaz understand the world outside the lab, and she’s excited to help her new AI friend find its way back home.

While they travel back to the lab, Addy and Jaz learn a lot from each other. Jaz starts to understand human feelings better, while Addy learns more about the power of technology. This book is a great way for kids to learn about both the growing field of artificial intelligence and important human values like kindness, friendship, understanding others’ feelings, and responsibility. These important parts of being human are things that Jaz learns from interacting with people.

The author, Amber Ivey, has written an exciting and touching book that introduces kids to AI and the power of human feelings. It shows that technology and people need to work together in a good way. It helps kids see that they can be not just users of technology, but creators and developers too.

Big companies like xAI, OpenAI, Google Bard, and Microsoft are making more and more AI products. These technologies are becoming a bigger part of our daily lives. This book makes learning about AI fun and interesting for kids. Plus, it highlights the important job people have in teaching and shaping AI for current and future generations.

Routine Dental Visits

Latia Smith RDH Author Interview

Peter’s Trip to the Dentist follows a six-year-old boy who visits the dentist for the first time and learns all about dental hygiene in a fun and engaging environment. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration for Peter’s Trip to the Dentist was having had the opportunity to work in a pediatric dental setting, which provides a kid-friendly environment suited to meet the dental needs of children. The children were always so happy to come in for the routine check-up and cleaning with the two real-life dental characters featured in my book. The dentist and staff are trained to work with children, fostering a foundation for dental health with early detection, oral care lessons, and nutritional counseling. I wanted to share a positive experience with young readers, alleviate any anxiety, and help prepare children for their dental visits.

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

The important educational aspects of this book include a step-by-step guide dictating to children what they should expect for their routine dental visits. It was also important to encourage healthy eating and drinking habits, as well as caring for one’s teeth with brushing and flossing.

What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?

My goal was to make this children’s dental book a fun read and to reach many young readers in an exciting way by introducing the world of dentistry to them.

I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?

Readers can continue to read more fun books about pediatric dentistry, such as Charlotte Gets Braces, and Mimi Gets a Tooth Filling, both of which share a unique story and step-by-step guide for both procedures, with colorful illustrations and characters that bring the story to life through each of their journeys.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon

Join six-year-old Peter as he journeys across town with his family to visit the dentist.

An elaborate office, embellished in a Zoo-like theme, gives a warm, welcoming feeling to all of its pediatric patients. The office’s dental hygienist, Ms. Stacy, guides Peter step-by-step throughout the entire procedure of his dental cleaning as she introduces all the fancy tools and equipment that she uses during the treatment. Yummy flavors are always an incentive for getting your teeth polished, as the choices are endless. Removing sugar bugs off of the teeth produces a sparking smile, while radiographs help to ensure there is no tooth decay, which may be underlying. Peter learns about taking X-ray pictures and gets a lesson on home care instructions to maintain a healthy dentition. Goody bags and treasure prizes are such a treat, making Peter’s trip to the dentist complete.

A pleasant time with the hygienist and dentist makes Peter look forward to his next dental visit!

Here Come the Mice: The Jet Stream Team

In Here Come the Mice by Reginald P. Howard, Coach Howell of the Muskogee Tech Mice has a thrilling surprise for his basketball team after a demanding season. They have been invited by Coach Milton Conner of the US Olympic Men’s Basketball team to attend the Olympic Games in Paris! The excitement is palpable as both teams prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. However, when an unforeseen disaster strikes, the US Men’s Basketball Team finds themselves in an unexpected predicament. The Muskogee Tech Mice must step up to save the day, leading to a fast-paced and exhilarating adventure.

Howard’s narrative is a delightful blend of humor and excitement, with each page brimming with unexpected twists and turns. The lighthearted tone is complemented by engaging illustrations that enhance the story’s cheerful atmosphere. Despite facing numerous challenges, the characters’ humorous escapades ensure a constant stream of laughter, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish.

The adventure wraps up on a satisfying note, leaving readers eager for more tales from this captivating universe. Here Come the Mice is successfully draws readers into a whimsical and fun-filled adventure. Ideal for an afternoon read, this story of overcoming obstacles and embracing fun is perfect for readers aged 10 and up who enjoy high-stakes adventures, sports, and a hearty laugh.

Here Come the Mice, by Reginald P. Howard, is a charming and engaging tale that combines the excitement of sports with the thrill of an unexpected adventure. The book’s humor, fast-paced narrative, and delightful illustrations make it a standout choice for young readers. Perfect for those who love a mix of high-stakes excitement and lighthearted fun, this book is sure to captivate and entertain. Whether you’re a fan of basketball, adventure stories, or just looking for a good laugh, this book is a delightful read that promises to leave you smiling.

Pages: 162 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D344NZTG

Buy Now From Amazon

A Passion for Books

Nicole Atkinson Author Interview

In Brotherly Bond, five-year-old twins learn valuable lessons in empathy and resolving differences when a trip to the bookstore results in conflict. Where did the idea for this story come from?

The idea for Brotherly Bond stemmed from a combination of my own children, when they were younger, who are also twins. From observing my niece and nephews and my many years of Early Childhood experience.

Did you include anything from your own childhood in your characters’ experiences?

Yes, I did include things from my childhood, as my parents would regularly purchase books for my sister, my brother, and myself. So, I grew up having a passion for books and a love for the bookstores.

The artwork in your book is wonderful. What was it like to collaborate with illustrator Sangi Parvin?

It was really great collaborating with Illustrator Sangi Parvin. She knew exactly what I was looking for just by reading my manuscript. I absolutely love the illustrations!

Can young readers look forward to more stories featuring brothers Alex and Tristan?

Yes, readers can definitely look forward to more stories featuring Alex and Tristan, as in a series. An idea is developing as I write this.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook