Blog Archives
I Breathe For Me
I Breathe for Me, by Reesa Shayne, emerges as a thoughtful and educational picture book, particularly beneficial for young readers. This book delves into the importance of breathing as a fundamental tool for managing emotions. Shayne introduces simple yet effective breathing techniques, making it accessible for children to discover their inner strength in moments of distress, anxiety, or when seeking tranquility.
The book presents these concepts in a manner that resonates well with toddlers, who often grapple with understanding and regulating their emotions. Shayne’s approach, utilizing breathing as a practical method for emotional control, offers a valuable strategy for both parents and children. A notable element of the book is the introduction of ‘Gabby’s Corner,’ a designated space for the character to unwind and engage in positive affirmations. This inclusion not only adds a unique touch to the story but also serves as a practical example for young readers to create their own safe space for relaxation and self-affirmation. The book culminates with a helpful section titled ‘A Daily Breathing Exercise in 5 Easy Steps.’ This addition is particularly helpful as it provides a structured activity that parents and children can practice together, further reinforcing the book’s teachings.
I Breathe for Me stands out as an engaging and educational children’s book, especially suitable for parents and their young children. It offers practical, easy-to-follow techniques for emotional regulation, making it a beneficial addition to any young reader’s library.
Pages: 42 | ASIN : B0CCGSQQCH
The Magic String
In the quaint embrace of a charming town resides a remarkable entity known as the Magic String. Possessing the extraordinary ability to metamorphose into anything it envisions, the String embarks on a quest to unearth its rightful place in the world. Yet, amidst its myriad transformations, it grapples with the elusive pursuit of true contentment. Victor Junior’s enchanting narrative, The Magic String, unfolds as an uplifting children’s fable, delving into the profound journey of self-discovery.
Within the pages of this tale, String’s boundless potential becomes both a gift and a quandary. In a world of infinite choices, the challenge lies not in capability but in discerning one’s authentic identity. This internal conflict resonates deeply with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own paths of self-realization. The book’s illustrations, vibrant and evocative, evoke a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of carefree childhood reveries. Infused with elements of Japanese kawaii art, each page bursts with color and vitality, enhancing the whimsical charm of the narrative. String’s dilemma mirrors the universal experience of grappling with personal identity amidst external expectations.
Whether it’s navigating the transition to adulthood or confronting societal pressures, the story strikes a chord with readers of all ages. Junior’s narrative unfolds with simplicity yet profundity, culminating in a resolution that resonates with its audience. The Magic String is a timeless parable brimming with lessons for readers young and old. Whether enjoyed together or independently, its message of embracing one’s inner magic and authenticity reverberates universally. As String embarks on its quest, readers are reminded of the enduring power of self-acceptance and the journey to finding one’s true place in the world.
The Magic String is a heartwarming tale that transcends age barriers, offering solace and inspiration to all who embark on the quest for self-discovery. With its endearing narrative and captivating illustrations, it promises to become a cherished addition to bookshelves worldwide, illuminating hearts and minds with its radiant message of hope and authenticity.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 978-1777445126
Hailey, Let’s Meet Some Fabulous Safari Animals!: Personalized Children’s Books with Their Name in the Story
Hailey, Let’s Meet Some Fabulous Safari Animals!, by Chilkibo Publishing, offers a delightful journey into the world of safari animals, crafted to engage and educate young readers. The book thoughtfully intersperses engaging fun facts about a variety of animals, ranging from the towering giraffe to the majestic elephant, and the striped zebra, among others.
A standout feature of this book is its personalization aspect; incorporating the child’s name into the narrative creates a more immersive and engaging experience. This personalized approach, combined with vibrant illustrations, enriches the storytelling, making it not just an educational read but also an interactive adventure. Chilkibo Publishing has successfully balanced informative content with an engaging narrative style, ensuring that young readers not only learn about safari animals but also feel a part of the story. The illustrations are a harmonious addition, complementing the text and enhancing the overall charm of the book. This book is an excellent choice for children who are curious about animals and the natural world, offering both a fun and informative experience.
Hailey, Let’s Meet Some Fabulous Safari Animals! stands out as an enriching and enjoyable reading experience for children. The book not only educates but also stirs the imagination, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the animal kingdom. It’s an ideal pick for parents and educators seeking to foster a love of learning and nature in children.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B086PRL13Q
Hello, Are You New?
Hello, Are You New?, by Carmen Cassar, offers a delightful exploration into the familiar anxieties and excitement surrounding a child’s first day at school, all through the eyes of a relatable possum character. This engaging narrative guides young readers through the possum’s morning preparations for school, effectively mirroring the flurry of thoughts and questions children often have about this significant milestone.
Cassar skillfully addresses common curiosities and concerns—ranging from the nature of the teacher to the classroom environment and peer interactions. This approach not only resonates with young minds but also provides a gentle reassurance about the new experiences awaiting them. The illustrations in the book are particularly noteworthy, featuring a charming, cartoon-like quality that enriches the story. They invite readers into a visually stimulating world, offering plenty of elements to observe and discuss.
A key aspect of Hello, Are You New? is its message about the value of education and the beginning of life’s adventures in school. This theme is woven seamlessly into the story, leaving young readers with an understanding of the myriad opportunities for learning and growth that school offers. Cassar’s book stands out as an insightful and heartwarming tool for parents and educators to help children navigate the transition into school life.
ASIN : B0CSND5M8T
The Plastic Tree and His Friends
Nick Rozak’s children’s book, The Plastic Tree and His Friends, invites young readers into a unique urban tale that intertwines the themes of diversity, the significance of pollinators, and self-acceptance. Set against the backdrop of a city playground, the story unfolds from the perspective of a plastic tree, an unconventional protagonist that engages readers with its journey of self-discovery and understanding of the natural world. As the seasons shift, the plastic tree becomes acutely aware of its differences from the surrounding living trees. This narrative arc elegantly mirrors the feelings of alienation and self-doubt that many individuals experience when confronted with their uniqueness. It is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, relayed in a manner that is accessible and relatable to a young audience.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when a group of friends, serving as symbols of diversity and acceptance, choose to inhabit the plastic tree. This decision sets off a series of events that enlighten both the tree and the city’s inhabitants about the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem. This dual message — recognizing the importance of pollinators and embracing our differences — is woven seamlessly into the story, imparting valuable lessons without overshadowing the narrative’s whimsical charm. Complementing Rozak’s storytelling are the gentle and whimsical illustrations by Victoria Skakandi. Her artwork adds depth and visual appeal to the narrative, enhancing the story’s accessibility to a young audience.
The Plastic Tree and His Friends is a heartwarming and educational children’s book that promotes the values of diversity, inclusion, and environmental awareness. Nick Rozak’s picture book resonates with readers of all ages and reminds us of the intricate and beautiful tapestry of life where each element, no matter how small or different, has a role to play.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CT95MV3W
Grow in Self-Esteem and Kindness
Bee-Coming Strong follows a free-spirited bee with a corkscrew antenna and glasses, which make her feel self-conscious in her hive who learns valuable lessons in self-confidence. What was the inspiration for your story?
The idea of the story originally came to me while I was living on Palomar Mountain. I noticed that children were often scared of bees that would come to drink at the little water fountain in the back of the restaurant where I worked. They would scream and run away. My experience was so different. When I would meditate outside, these little creatures would regularly walk around on the palms of my hands, exploring in a sweet and ticklish way. I thought I might one day write a Dr. Seuss-type book to help children become more curious about bees.
After I had to retire early due to a rare autoimmune disease and once Covid had started, I remembered the idea of the book and reached out to a few friends of mine who were therapists and caregivers. I asked them what children were dealing with these days and the answers I received were all very similar — and heartbreaking. They spoke of severe anxiety, bullying, poor self-esteem issues, and fear of change. I then knew I couldn’t write a cute little book but had to find a way of addressing these issues or give up the project entirely.
Nature was a haven for me during a troubled childhood which gave me a life-long appreciation of its wonder and healing power. My love for nature and my nearly 40 years of studying with a yoga master form the basis of Bee-Coming Strong. By combining my experience and knowledge of the two, my deepest desire is that it enables many children to gain confidence, kindness, and connection to one another and the natural world.
The art in this book is fantastic and really brings the character of Jazianzza to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Akiko Martinache?
Working with Akiko was truly wonderful. She is a good friend of my Indian astronomer friend, Garima Singh. One day Garima was walking with Akiko in Nice, France, when they saw some bees flying around a bouquet at an outdoor restaurant. Garima remembered that I had started writing the book and was trying to find an illustrator, and that was the beginning!
Akiko and I worked back and forth on every illustration until we were both satisfied with the outcome. Her patience and skill made it a joy to work with her. Akiko’s website is: https://akikomartinache.com/.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wrote the book on several levels; I wanted to afford children some simple yoga breathing techniques to become calm, and thus grow in self-esteem and kindness. I also wanted to provide enough facts about bees to inspire children to want to know more about not only bees but other aspects of nature.
In addition, at times little Jazianzza notices things like the difference in the way her wings work compared to the flapping of her new friend Lydah Butter Fly. I am hoping that this will inspire children to become more inquisitive about life around them. Paying attention to the details of nature can be enchanting. Hopefully, it will reduce their inclination to bury themselves in their devices. As a child growing up, I didn’t have that kind of distraction. Research is showing how destructive it can be to the welfare of our children, as well as ourselves.
I also alluded to the challenge presented by climate change and habitat loss for our pollinators. I’m hoping that children becoming more interested in bees and other wildlife at a young age will help them grow into young adults who will want to protect nature and be better stewards of it than the previous generations. I feel this is crucial to the survival of our planet.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your young readers expect in the next story?
Yes, it does seem that another book is emerging, this time focused on a Monarch caterpillar who has a lot of fears of change and has very poor self-esteem. Jazianzza gets a chance to teach him all the lessons she has learned from the queen bee, MamaQueenzieBee. When-oh-when will it come out? Hopefully next year! Readers can find more information about my books and sign up for my monthly newsletter at https://anandamayibaker.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
She’s got a corkscrew antenna and must wear big glasses. Will she always feel awkward in her hive? Will the wisdom of MamaQueenzieBee and her friend Tree be able to help her know that she is important just as she is, or will she forever have a sense that she is out of place?
A honey bee learns to navigate bullies, build self-confidence, and foster inner peace in this illustrated children’s book.
Jazianzza Azzaza Buzzabee is a young honey bee who cares for all creatures, including her new butterfly friend, Lydah, who recently had a scare after being chased by a hornet. Jazianzza is concerned, as is the rest of her hive, with the dwindling number of flowers to drink from and must cope with the bullying ways of her sister Sisizza and her gang. But luckily, MamaQueenzieBee (aka MamaQB) is there to help Jazianzza learn new ways to handle stress from without and within. MamaQB suggests that, just as bees shake off water from their wings, so should Jazianzza “shake off any sadness you feel. Shake off anything that isn’t you. Just because they’re not always happy doesn’t mean you should be the same way. Be Jazianzza in your own beautiful way.” The young bee later learns breathing techniques via a pollen ball placed on her stomach in order to emphasize the slow in-and-out breaths used to calm down. Everything Jazianzza discovers comes into play when she unexpectedly faces a hornets’ nest and must save her hive. Baker’s tale provides a compelling introduction to relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation—with readers being encouraged to try Jazianzza’s methods themselves—as well as different ways to approach bullying and learning to believe in yourself. The hero’s childlike wonder is adorable (and pairs well with the cartoonlike color illustrations by Martinache) and will spark a giggle or two, as when she’s remembering Lydah’s transformation into a butterfly: “She said that first she was an egg, and then a cat or a pillow or something like that, and she walked on the ground with a whole lot of legs!” This entertaining story delivers an engaging platform for adults to discuss meaningful issues with young audiences.
Cameron and the Shadow-wraiths: A Battle of Anxiety Vs. Trust
In Cameron and the Shadow-wraiths: A Battle of Anxiety Vs. Trust, author Mark Cheverton presents the second installment in the Order of the Stones series, inviting readers back into the world of Cameron Poole, a seventh-grader at Camp Pontchartrain. Last summer’s experiences at camp left Cameron as an unexpected hero, but now he finds himself wrestling with an all-too-familiar adversary: anxiety. Despite the high regard of his peers, Cameron’s internal struggle clouds his self-perception, focusing his attention more on perceived failures than on his capabilities.
Even as a newcomer to the series, I found the book accessible and engaging, with sufficient background information provided to understand the characters and their journey. Cheverton skillfully portrays anxiety through Cameron, a character who resonates with those who experience similar challenges. The depiction of anxiety is nuanced, capturing its diverse manifestations and incorporating realistic coping strategies into the narrative without coming across as didactic.
The supporting characters enrich the story significantly. Figures like wise Mrs. Chakote, tech-savvy Bobby, and dependable Leonard add depth and diversity to the cast, paralleling the variety of magic in the story. Action sequences stand out with their vivid, almost cinematic quality, while the plot progresses at a steady pace, making for a captivating adventure that goes beyond mere fantasy. The integration of Chakra crystals, a fascinating element of the magic system, presents an opportunity for further exploration into practices like cleansing or recharging, enhancing the depth of the author’s richly imagined world.
Cameron and the Shadow-wraiths is a compelling tale that intertwines the themes of overcoming anxiety and epic fantasy. Cheverton’s storytelling is effective in conveying the emotional journey of the protagonist, demonstrating that anxiety, while challenging, can be confronted and overcome. This book, appropriate for readers aged 10 and up, merges fantasy elements with real-world issues, creating an engaging narrative that encourages awareness and understanding of anxiety.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0CBG5PHFT
Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend
Ann Göth’s children’s book, Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend, is a delightful tale centered around Tom Turkey, a curious young bird who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As Tom hatches and sets out to explore his surroundings, he encounters a variety of animals, including ducks, emus, and a lapwing. However, Tom soon realizes that none of these creatures resemble him, leading to feelings of isolation and a quest to find others like himself.
Göth skillfully weaves a narrative that is both captivating and educational, holding the attention of young readers from the very beginning. The book is adorned with vivid, colorful illustrations that not only enrich the storytelling experience but also visually engage its audience.
An underlying message about the importance of self-acceptance and the beauty of diversity runs through the narrative, providing a gentle yet impactful lesson for children. In addition to the engaging storyline, Göth intersperses the narrative with interesting facts about turkeys, subtly incorporating educational elements that enhance young readers’ understanding and appreciation of these birds. The introduction of Tina, another turkey who instantly bonds with Tom, is a highlight of the story. Their immediate acceptance of each other adds a heartwarming dimension to the tale, underscoring themes of friendship and belonging.
Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend is not just a story about a turkey’s search for companionship, but a tender exploration of identity and diversity, presented in a manner that is both enjoyable and enlightening for young readers.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CNG5QLCS
LITERARY TITAN 