Blog Archives
Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion
In Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion, Rita Reed crafts a heartwarming tale of friendship, acceptance, and joy. The story begins as Dogfish discovers a birthday invitation from his friend Wally the Whale Shark. The celebration is set in Coral Park, Los Cabos, Mexico, a short swim away for Dogfish and his diverse group of ocean friends. Each of Dogfish’s friends brings their unique traits and challenges to the group. Elly uses earmuffs to manage her sensitivity to sound, Angelfish relies on hearing aids, and Wally uses a wheelchair. Despite their differences, these friends form an unbreakable bond, accepting each other for who they are. Their story is a celebration of inclusion, reminding readers that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves friendship and love.
The book’s central theme of inclusion sets it apart. While other children’s books may touch on medical conditions or disabilities, this one shines by focusing on how these differences make each character unique and valuable. The friends’ shared joy and mutual respect underscore a vital lesson: our differences should be embraced, not barriers to connection. Craig Cartwright’s vibrant illustrations bring the story to life, captivating readers of all ages. Each page bursts with color and detail, immersing readers in the underwater world. Cartwright’s artistry spans children’s books, editorial illustrations, character design, and storyboarding, and his expertise enhances every aspect of this book. Rita Reed’s background in art, design, and architecture enriches her storytelling. The Dogfish Tales series reflects her commitment to spreading messages of love, positivity, and inclusion. With this book, she achieves that beautifully, delivering a story that resonates deeply with readers.
Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion is a must-have for school and public libraries. Its message of celebrating uniqueness and fostering inclusivity makes it an invaluable resource for teaching children important values. This book encourages young readers to embrace their own differences and include others with kindness and respect. Highly recommended!
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DJ9N61B3
AI and Human Emotional Connections
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.
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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.
AI… Meets… AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into our daily lives, understanding its potential can be incredibly beneficial. Amber Ivey’s AI… Meets… AI serves as an inspiring introduction for children to the world of technology. The story follows Addy Iris, a young girl from Baltimore with the fitting initials “AI.” On her way home, Addy encounters Jaz, a lost little robot whose malfunctioning GPS prevents him from finding his way back to his lab. Demonstrating her resourcefulness and kindness, Addy decides to help Jaz. Their journey begins at her home, where a party is underway, and continues through a series of adventures, including a visit to an engaging museum. Throughout their escapades, Addy and Jaz develop a deepening friendship and gain valuable insights into human interactions.
Amber Ivey’s approach to discussing technology is both accessible and heartwarming. While she makes AI relatable to young readers, her emphasis is on core human values like friendship, empathy, and mutual support. The story exemplifies how easy and enjoyable making friends can be, with all characters portrayed as kind and willing to help, which fosters a sense of empathy among readers. The narrative is engaging and dynamic, as the protagonists explore various settings and learn valuable lessons. The visual appeal of the book, with its simple yet well-defined illustrations, enhances the reader’s experience. Each page is filled with joy and enthusiasm, and a unique touch is the use of binary numbers for page numbering, adding a playful nod to the tech theme.
AI… Meets… AI is an entertaining and delightful adventure through the city, offering an engaging way to introduce children to technology. The book effectively teaches resilience and the importance of overcoming challenges, making it a valuable addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0C87K7HXT
A Diver Like Me
Dive into the exciting world of Sanaa Chege’s newest release, A Diver Like Me, a fantastic children’s book about Sanaa, a young Black girl with a passion for diving. We follow along as Sanaa learns the ropes, competes in thrilling diving competitions, and faces the unique challenges of being one of the few Black divers in the sport. With tons of practice, dedication, and a great deal of support from her awesome family, Sanaa hopes to inspire other children of color to take the plunge and join the diving community.
The way Sanaa tells her story is engaging and full of heart. Readers can feel her excitement and determination, especially when she describes her first dive and the joy of winning her first competition. In Chapter 3, for example, she shares how thrilled she was to hear her scores and how proud she felt snagging first place. Her enthusiasm is infectious and make readers want to cheer her on every step of the way.
One of the most enjoyable parts of Chege’s story is how she details the importance of representation and inclusion in sports. Sanaa’s thoughts on why there aren’t many Black divers and her dreams of seeing more diversity in the sport are both eye-opening and inspiring. In Chapter 5, she addresses the special connection she feels when she sees other Black families at diving meets, illustrating the importance of visibility and community.
The illustrations by Nils Britwum are just as delightful as the story itself. They capture all the energy and excitement of Sanaa’s adventures, from her focused moments before a dive to the sheer joy of her victories. These vibrant pictures are sure to catch the eyes of younger readers.
A Diver Like Me is a must-read for young readers, especially those who love sports and stories about chasing dreams. It’s perfect for any child who has big goals and wants to see them come true, no matter what. I highly recommend this picture book to young athletes, teachers, and parents who are looking for a story that celebrates diversity and perseverance. Sanaa’s journey is an awesome reminder of what you can achieve with hard work and support, making A Diver Like Me a fantastic addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CMCQ5DY8
Finding Messi: The Miracle Cat From Kyiv
Finding Messi: The Miracle Cat From Kyiv, by Trevor Ostfeld and Iryna Chernyak, is a touching and poignant tale that centers around the bond between an eleven-year-old girl, Iryna, and her cat, Messi, set against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As Iryna and her mother are forced to flee their home in Kyiv, they face the heart-wrenching decision to leave Messi behind. The story unfolds with Iryna’s relentless efforts to reunite with her beloved pet, showcasing themes of resilience, hope, and the power of community in times of crisis.
The writing is straightforward yet evocative, capturing the emotional turmoil of displacement through a child’s perspective. The authors effectively convey Iryna’s fear, confusion, and determination, making it easy for readers to empathize with her journey. The narrative is interspersed with tender moments, such as Iryna hiding soccer balls for Messi to find while she’s away, which highlights the deep bond between the girl and her pet. This personal touch adds a layer of warmth and humanity to the story, making the impact of the war on families all the more tangible.
One of the standout aspects of the book is its ability to address complex and heavy topics like war and displacement in a manner that is accessible to young readers. The illustrations by Katherine Blackmore complement the text beautifully, providing visual context that enhances the storytelling. For example, the scenes depicting Messi’s adventures and the family’s journey are both heartwarming and heartbreaking, helping to bridge the gap between the narrative and the young audience’s understanding.
The book succeeds in educating readers about the realities of war without overwhelming them with its harshness. While the simplicity of the writing is a strength, I feel it also occasionally glosses over the more profound emotional and psychological impacts of the events. I believe the book could have delved deeper into the internal struggles of the characters, particularly Iryna, to provide a more rounded exploration of their experiences.
Finding Messi is a heartfelt and inspiring story that sheds light on the human side of geopolitical conflicts. It is particularly suitable for young readers, offering them a gentle introduction to the themes of war, family, and perseverance. The book would be an excellent read for children who enjoy stories about pets and adventures, as well as for those who might benefit from understanding the experiences of children in war-torn regions. It is a commendable addition to children’s literature by Ostfeld and Chernyak and stands as a vital and touching narrative that will resonate with readers of all ages.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0CVLYX164
#GrowYourCircle
In Professor Stork’s #GrowYourCircle, readers are introduced to Mila, a young girl navigating the challenges of inclusivity and friendship in her classroom. When a new student from Jamaica arrives, Mila experiences the common hesitancy of reaching out, exacerbated by her forgetting the new girl’s name. This children’s graphic novel skillfully explores the theme of opening oneself up to new experiences and the richness it brings to life.
Mila, following her mother’s advice to “grow your circle,” finds the courage to approach the new girl, Lettie, leading to a blossoming friendship. This narrative serves as a charming introduction to the benefits of embracing cultural diversity and forming connections with people from different backgrounds. The inclusion of a character from another country adds a valuable dimension to the story, showcasing the exciting possibilities of intercultural friendships.
Professor Stork employs an enriching vocabulary throughout the novel, with a helpful glossary included for younger readers. The book also features interactive elements such as coloring pages, activities to encourage readers to expand their social circles, a mini-research project about Mila’s real-life heroes, and a recipe for Jamaican coco bread, making it an engaging read. The artwork has a unique style that stands apart from conventional graphic novel aesthetics, offering readers a refreshing and engaging visual experience and inviting them to explore and connect more intimately with the story’s visual narrative.
#GrowYourCircle is more than just a story about making a new friend; it’s a journey toward understanding the value of inclusivity and the joy of discovering new cultures and perspectives. The novel is a commendable effort to educate young readers about the importance of being open and friendly, highlighting that the rewards of such an approach are indeed profound.
Pages: 87 | ASIN : B09ZJ4DC3G
LITERARY TITAN 