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Equipping Children for Success
The Good Fortune follows a brother and sister visiting their Aunt, who teaches them a new game that takes them on new and exciting adventures. What was the inspiration for your story?
Like most children growing up, I loved going on adventures and enjoying new experiences that gave lasting memories and lessons that could be shared. Through literature, I am able to do so with children and adults alike.
What was your inspiration for the characters? Did they come from any of your memories as a child?
My inspiration for the characters comes from various inspirational people who were in my life while growing up, and were definitely apart of happy memories as a child.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It was important for me to include educational aspects such as character-building and motivation. It’s so important to help children not only feel confident and emotionally cared for but also equip them with the tools to be successfully independent.
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?
Yes, our next book will be out in the spring. The fans can expect more exciting, unusual adventures and some new, fun-loving characters to add to our new series. Our upcoming projects also include animation and live performances based on the book.
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The Good Fortune
In Shawana Davenport’s enchanting tale, The Good Fortune, siblings Frannie and Willie eagerly anticipate their summer visits to their Aunt Bea. These visits are always a highlight because Aunt Bea is not only an exceptional cook but also engages them in delightful games. This time, their adventure takes an extraordinary turn.
As Frannie and Willie head over to Aunt Bea’s for supper, they encounter Miss Minnie, Aunt Bea’s good friend. The evening begins with a delectable meal, followed by Aunt Bea introducing a captivating game that promises excitement. The game involves rolling colored stones with numbers, aiming to land on “good fortune.” When Frannie rolls a seven, the room transforms, leading them to a magical journey through seven different places. Frannie chooses to explore a botanical garden, while Willie’s turn takes them on a thrilling hot air balloon ride. Their adventures are so enjoyable that they don’t want the game to end. Through these experiences, Frannie and Willie learn valuable lessons about confidence and adventure.
One of the story’s strengths lies in Aunt Bea’s ability to teach the children important lessons through the game. The children’s adventurous spirit encourages readers to be confident and embrace new experiences. Davenport skillfully depicts Frannie and Willie in a way that young readers can easily relate to, promoting a sense of adventure and self-assurance. A confident child, as the story suggests, can achieve anything. Moreover, the book beautifully emphasizes that despite the allure of exploring new places, home remains a safe and comforting haven. This message reassures children that their home environment is a sanctuary, providing stability no matter what challenges they face. Instilling this idea in young readers is a commendable aspect of Davenport’s storytelling.
The illustrations by 1000 Storybooks, a renowned children’s book service provider, add a vibrant and engaging layer to the narrative. The crisp and colorful images bring the story to life, making readers feel as if they are part of Frannie and Willie’s adventures. An interesting tidbit about the author is her background in the healthcare industry before pursuing her passion for writing.
The Good Fortune, by Shawana Davenport, is a delightful read, perfectly suited for children from baby to ten years old. Its engaging story, combined with valuable lessons and beautiful illustrations, make it a wonderful addition to any child’s library.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0BHF6V2PC
The Rascal Cat Brothers
The Rascal Cat Brothers by Lisa Jacovsky expertly delves into the theme of adjusting to the arrival of a new sibling, a common challenge for children. The narrative unfolds through the endearing perspective of Midnight, a solitary black cat closely bonded with his owner, affectionately called Mommy. Midnight initially grapples with discomfort when Mommy introduces Snowball, an exuberant kitten, into their home. However, as their relationship develops, Midnight discovers the joys of companionship.
This book skillfully addresses significant topics such as adapting to new family members and responsible pet care, making it an excellent choice for young children and feline enthusiasts. It also serves as a valuable tool for parents and caregivers to facilitate discussions about family dynamics with children. The story underscores the importance of sharing space and attention at home when a new member joins the family. Through Midnight’s engaging adventures, young readers learn that having a new sibling can be an enjoyable experience. Midnight’s exploration of new toys and shared moments emphasizes the positive aspects of togetherness. Lisa Jacovsky thoughtfully emphasizes that both cats can receive love and attention simultaneously, conveying a heartwarming and reassuring message.
Jacovsky’s narrative employs simple vocabulary tailored for young readers, complementing Midnight’s engaging perspective. This approach enriches the storytelling and effectively conveys a beautiful message of unity and harmony. The book not only offers an exciting and enjoyable reading experience for children but also serves as a valuable resource for parents and caregivers to broach topics related to family, friendship, and adaptability. The charming narrative, complemented by endearing illustrations, renders this book a delightful addition to any child’s book collection.
The Rascal Cat Brothers is a heartwarming and relatable story that celebrates the beauty of embracing change and the joy of welcoming new friends into our lives. Midnight and Snowball’s journey underscores the transformative power of friendship and the enduring bonds that define us as a family. This book has a wonderful message for children and families seeking an engaging, heartwarming, and meaningful story.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0BXLV8QMX
Baby Worries
When a baby is born, everyone who visits has thoughts on who the baby looks like and what they will grow up to look like. This humorous picture book is written from the perspective of a new baby as the extended family all come to visit him. With each new visitor, the baby gets a sometimes frightful thought of what he may look like as he gets bigger.
Baby Worries, written by Frances Mackay and illustrated by Dotti Colvin, is a delightful children’s book that imagines what a baby would think when friends and family visit and comment on their looks. With bright colorful images, readers will be entertained as they follow the story along. I loved that the multigenerational family is also inclusive of different cultures.
In addition to providing a funny story to young children, this picture book is a great opener for families and teachers to talk to kids about how to express their feelings, especially the feeling of worry. Learning to talk about their feelings in a way that is not scary is an amazing tool that will help children as they grow.
Baby Worries is a delightful and educational children’s book that any family or classroom would find a wonderful addition to their library. This is definitely a book I can see being read over and over again for entertainment, and don’t forget to look for the ginger cat!
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0BTCFZ94F
The Adventures Of Pick Pock Tick Tock: The Attack Of The Monkeys
Three teenagers struggle to fit in at the local middle school. Rad, a boy with a warrior’s heart and an artist’s eye, fights to understand why mundane school subjects like math are important. Mia, an athletic girl, strives to get to the top no matter what, especially if that means proving she’s the best in a fight. Eric, a quiet boy with Tourette Syndrome, struggles to communicate and find understanding. When the school suddenly catches fire, all three children find themselves in the same proverbial boat. With their teachers at their wit’s end and their parents called to speak with the principal, Rad, Mia, and Eric soon begin a journey to the small town of Pic Pock for enrollment in a behavioral course to improve their performance at school. But the course is beyond anything they could have imagined, and a wild adventure soon begins in the mysterious woods surrounding the quiet town.
The Adventures of Pick Pock Tick Tock: Attack of the Monkeys by Michael Clarke is an outside-the-box middle-grade adventure. The struggles of Eric, Mia, and Rad are understandable and easy to identify with. Rad is often bored with school and dreams of becoming a great warrior one day. Mia wants to push herself and win but has difficulty relying on others and resents being told what to do. Eric is the character that touched my heart the most. Shy and often misunderstood, Eric fights to find his inner courage and focus. Together, all three must learn to help each other if they hope to pass the tests ahead.
This book is fast-paced and has a good page length for the age group. However, I felt there were a few problems, mostly in how Eric was portrayed. Although I liked that a character with Tourette Syndrome was included in the story, I thought the character could have been represented with more sensitivity. Although the book’s tone is light and not meant to be taken too seriously, the depiction of Tourette Syndrome in the book could be seen as offensive in a few instances. I also disliked that the teachers in the story had so little patience and respect for a child with special needs.
The story is highly engaging and ends with the promise of many more adventures. Though we have only scratched the surface of the magical mysteries of the town of Pick Pock, the continuing tale of Eric, Mia, and Rad has lots of potential. This journey of three young teens trying to find their place in the world has only just begun. Great for ages 10 and up who like a story where anything is possible, this fast-moving tale is perfect for reading on a relaxing Saturday afternoon.
Pages: 101 | ASIN : B0BM9RC95C
LITERARY TITAN 