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Capturing a Snapshot in Time
Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains invites young readers on an enchanting journey through the folklore and traditions of the Appalachian region, sharing a blend of cultural insights, local superstitions, weather-predicting methods, and even paranormal legends. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My last living grandparent passed away last year and I realized as my own children are getting older that all of the knowledge, stories, and culture that I grew up with would be gone as well if I didn’t take a moment to write it all down. I wanted to create a memoir to honor their memories and also highlight the culture I loved as much as my own grandparents. They were very good to me and I miss them terribly. This non fiction memoir captures the essence of what I learned from them growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains and hopefully captures a snapshot in time for future generations.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted readers to understand how the culture of Appalachia was formed and all the people groups who contributed. It is very diverse and unique culture within the United States with its own folklore, superstitions, and knowledge. I wanted readers to get a sense of the people with a positive portrayal of the culture.
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
When I was researching about the folklore stories I heard, I was surprised how many real investigations and even times when national geographic got involved look into these stories. Many of them were reported in the newspaper and gained attention across the nation, even ending up portrayed in movies.
What next book are you working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on a picture book about a little swamp creature who wants to learn how to be a monster. Its a very cute tale and will be a fiction story with hand lettering for the script. It is a bit more labor intensive than some of my past books, but I am enjoying the process. I hope to have the pages illustrated and ready to print by the end of the year. I am aiming for Halloween time in my head so it will correlate with the holiday season!
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Perfect for teachers and students exploring cultural studies, this memoir offers an authentic and positive perspective on Appalachian traditions, blending history, nature, and folklore into a resource that will enrich any classroom or home library.
Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Stacie Green’s Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains invites young readers on an enchanting journey through the folklore and traditions of the Appalachian region. As the pages unfold, readers encounter a captivating blend of cultural insights, local superstitions, weather-predicting methods, and even paranormal legends tied to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Green introduces the spirit of Appalachian life, offering an engaging and educational experience for all ages.
One of the book’s most striking elements is its portrayal of Appalachian community values. The deep-rooted sense of family and connection resonates throughout, emphasizing that shared traditions extend beyond blood ties. The people of this region possess an enduring pride in their heritage, attentively observing their surroundings to interpret seasonal changes through nature’s cues, whether by shifts in the weather or patterns in animal behavior. Their appreciation for a simpler, hardworking lifestyle shines through in Green’s storytelling, painting a vivid picture of a community bound by resilience and tradition.
A particularly delightful aspect of this book is its focus on Appalachian cuisine. Green explores the region’s celebrated foods, highlighting annual festivals dedicated to their local specialties. Readers will learn about the beloved flavors of maple syrup, apple butter, molasses, and two distinctive regional ingredients: ramps and pawpaw. For those unfamiliar, ramps are a wild, onion-like plant with a pungent, garlicky taste, while pawpaw, a native North American fruit, offers a surprising tropical flavor. These culinary traditions add depth to the book’s cultural exploration, offering readers a flavorful glimpse into Appalachian life.
Complementing the narrative are Green’s own illustrations, which grace every page with vibrant energy. Using a mix of colored pencils, markers, and digital tools, she brings the folklore and landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains to life. The combination of traditional and digital artistry creates a visually engaging experience, ensuring that readers remain immersed in the book’s rich storytelling.
Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains stands out as a charming and informative children’s book that transcends age, offering both children and adults an opportunity to learn something new about this fascinating region. With its engaging storytelling, cultural depth, and captivating illustrations, this picture book is a must-read for anyone curious about Appalachian folklore.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0DSV6555J
Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection
Alan J. Hesse’s Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection is a brilliantly crafted educational book that introduces children to the fascinating world of historical science in an accessible and enjoyable manner. The book immerses readers into the life and times of Charles Darwin, alongside other pivotal figures, through concise and informative biographies. It then embarks on an exploratory journey across the Galapagos Islands, presented through an engaging comic format that vividly brings to life Darwin’s meticulous study of flora, fauna, and geological formations, with a particular focus on birds and tortoises.
The narrative is enriched by delightful illustrations that infuse humor into scientific exploration, captivating the imagination of young readers. Darwin is portrayed not merely as an observer but as an inquisitive and experimental mind, constantly questioning and analyzing his surroundings to forge groundbreaking conclusions. This depiction serves as an inspiring example of creativity and scientific inquiry in action.
Hesse’s storytelling prowess is evident as he weaves a clear and coherent narrative that not only fosters a love for nature but also introduces a diverse array of settings and characters. He skillfully balances the practical explorations on the Galapagos Islands with Darwin’s theoretical developments, which were revolutionary at the time. Hesse enhances the learning experience by thoughtfully accompanying challenging geography and biology terms with clear visuals, making the content both accessible and enriching for young readers. Darwin’s monumental contributions to our understanding of the natural world are presented in a manner that is likely to spark a curiosity for science, biology, and ecology in children.
Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection stands out as a comprehensive and engaging work that will not only appeal to its intended young audience but also to adults. It is a testament to Hesse’s ability to present complex scientific concepts in a way that is both informative and thoroughly enjoyable.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B085WC72HQ
The Presidents’ Tailor
The President’s Tailor, written by Kathleen Smith and illustrated by Nimali Udugama, is a vivid, cheerful biography of a brilliant Frenchman, Georges de Paris. Beautifully illustrated on each page, the book tells the true story of the rags-to-riches life of this man, who, despite the challenging beginning of his life, managed to become the trusted tailor of nine different presidents. Carrying a hopeful, bright feeling on every page, this story inspires everyone, reminding them that nothing is impossible.
Filled with funny anecdotes and awe-inspiring artwork, the author tells the story of this protagonist in a simple, poetic narration. Born in France, Georges de Paris moved to the United States and struggled to survive, even being homeless for a period of time. But he mastered his craft and became a famous tailor who personally dressed nine American presidents– from Lyndon B Johnson to Barack Obama. Through the years, he came to be known as “the President’s Tailor,” who passed away in 2015. As the story progresses, the author gives a brief sketch of each president and what Georges de Paris thought of them. The writing, paired with lively illustrations, makes the nine presidents and their tailor come alive, with their own quirks, right in front of your eyes. His humorous interactions with the presidents will give you more insight into the kind of people they were. While he was merely five feet tall, Georges de Paris was quite a character with skillful hands and witty comments.
The President’s Tailor is easy to understand and well-illustrated; the target audience of this story can be anyone from curious children to adults wanting to know more about the inspirational story of Georges de Paris. I highly recommend this short, fun read to everyone– it might be a cute bedtime story or an inspirational one that motivates you to chase your dreams.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0CJHRPWJ1
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Fostering A Sense Of Pride In America
Colonial American History for Kids teaches children about American history and highlights important events related to the founding of the United States. Why was this an important book for you to write?
In today’s fast-paced world, it seems that the rich tapestry of the USA’s history is often overlooked or relegated to a mere few weeks in the confines of a classroom. However, the story of how this great nation was founded is nothing short of enthralling and surpasses the majority of the content we consume on television nowadays. By instilling a deep understanding of this history in our children from an early age, we can cultivate an enduring appreciation for the audacity and courage required to establish a new nation, as well as foster a profound sense of pride in what makes our country truly exceptional.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
The timeline for completing the book spanned a few months, primarily due to the creative process of crafting engaging rhymes. My intention was to strike a balance between education and entertainment by ensuring that each topic covered in the book was accompanied by 1 or 2 captivating facts followed by a well-crafted rhyme. My personal experience as a child taught me that it was easier to remember key information about a topic when presented in a concise and engaging manner, rather than overwhelming amounts of facts. With this approach, my goal was to make the learning experience enjoyable and accessible, transforming the book into a delightful bedtime story that parents could read aloud, while the child effortlessly absorbed fascinating facts on a subconscious level.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about teaching children history?
There’s a common misconception that teaching children about history is boring. However, it’s fascinating to note that many of the stories portrayed in movies and other forms of entertainment are actually inspired by real historical events. History is brimming with excitement and adventure, waiting to be explored. In my children’s book, I aimed to capture the essence of this thrilling past by presenting historical facts in a fun and engaging way.
Do you have future books planned to teach children other areas of history? If so, what topics will they cover, and when will they be available?
Presently, I don’t have immediate plans for another history book. However, in the future, I may consider writing a book focusing on notable figures from the Civil War, highlighting their individual stories rather than delving into the events of the war itself. Alternatively, I might explore another topic that particularly fascinates me figures from colonial history. Their stories and contributions hold a special place in my heart.
In the meantime, I have several other children’s books already published, each with its own unique charm. Additionally, I recently released my first book, “Vanishing Sweetness,” which ventures beyond the realm of children’s literature. To discover all of my published works, including the children’s books and “Vanishing Sweetness,” interested readers can visit my author’s website or find them on platforms like Amazon.
Author Website
Learn About:13 Original States
Declaration Of Independence
The Constitution
How The USA Flag Was Made
What the Stars And Stripes Represents On The Flag
Flag Day
George Washington
Betsy Ross
Benjamin Franklin
John Handcock
John Adams
Liberty Bell
The 4th of July Independence Day
Colonial American History For Kids
The United States has a rich history with many aspects young learners begin absorbing from an early age. From the Declaration of Independence to the crack in the Liberty Bell, students are inundated with facts that explain our independence and how we arrived where we are today. For younger readers, the facts are filled with terms that are not always easy to read. Thanks to James Breznicky, we have a book that lays it all out for students in a format they will appreciate. Students in grades 2-5 will benefit from Breznicky’s breakdown of colonial history.
Colonial American History for Kids, by James Breznicky, is a summary of colonial history written especially for younger readers. With a wonderful mixture of illustrations, graphic sources, and photos of actual portraits, Breznicky’s book presents colonial history in a way young readers can understand. He uses rhyme to create a fantastic narrative that brings history to life. I teach elementary students, and any time rhyme is incorporated, there is a much greater chance that students will retain information. Breznicky has successfully tapped into this technique and created a great tool for teachers.
I have always found it more challenging to teach history to young students due to the vocabulary. Non-fiction books are typically more difficult to read, and Breznicky meets this obstacle head-on. He uses a nice mix of academic vocabulary, historical terms, and more commonly-used terms that students will recognize and understand. As a teacher, I appreciate this tactic very much.
Breznicky has managed to take colonial history to a new level for younger readers. Teachers and parents will find Breznicky’s approach to be both appealing and helpful in teaching students basic historical facts.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0B1CRDGMX
LITERARY TITAN 