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Spunky Spirit
Kali the Elephant Learns from Socrates the Philosopher follows a young elephant being teased at school who wishes she could change how she looks, until she meets a philosopher who helps her change her perspective. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration was hearing about my granddaughter and other kids getting teased, and being unhappy about the usual responses recommended in children’s books, as well as in real life. I wanted to show kids that they could stand up for themselves and use humor to get the teasers to back off. They didn’t need to take revenge or wait for adults to do something about it. And then I remembered how Socrates used humor to respond to his teasers and win a beauty contest! So that gave me a chance to introduce Socrates to my readers, and imagine how Kali would respond to her teasers.
What makes Kali relatable for children facing teasing or insecurity?
Children will be attracted to her spunky spirit and be inspired by the fact that she manages to solve her problem with good humor, win her classmates’ admiration, and thus solidify her friendship with them.
How did working with illustrator Ady Branzei shape the final book, and how important are illustrations in conveying emotional nuance in a story like this?
Ady Branzei’s illustrations do a marvelous job of conveying Kali’s varying states of mind: her eagerness to go to school, her feelings of hurt when her friends tease her, her decision to take matters into her own hands and “shrink” her features, and failing that, her decision to follow Socrates’ lead and prove to her friends how lucky she is to have the features she does.
Do you plan to explore more philosophy-inspired children’s stories?
Yes, I have already started exploring an idea based on Plato’s Allegory of the Cave.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Kali the Elephant | Website | Amazon
Kali the Elephant is hurt when her elementary-school friends make fun of her big ears, long trunk, and too-big-for-an-elephant eyes. She tries everything to shrink her features, but sadly, nothing works. She then turns to her comic books and discovers that the ancient philosopher Socrates was also teased for his appearance. How did he respond to his friends? With a twinkle in his eye, Socrates used humor to turn the teasing around. Inspired by his wisdom, Kali finds the perfect words to reply to her friends, a reply that leaves everyone laughing and wishing they looked like her!
This beautifully illustrated picture book seamlessly weaves a classic philosophical story into a modern, relatable tale for children ages 3-8. It gently tackles themes of:
* Dealing with teasing and bullying
* Building self-esteem and resilience
* Using humor and emotional intelligence to solve problems
* Celebrating what makes you unique.
“Kali the Elephant Learns from Socrates the Philosopher” is more than just a story, it’s a conversation starter for parents and teachers about friendship, kindness, and critical thinking. It has received multiple 5-star editorial and customer reviews and is perfect for fans of books by Janna Levin and Kobi Yamada. Grab your copy today and join Kali on her journey of self-discovery!
Dolly’s Kindness Journey
Dolly’s Kindness Journey, by Melissa Eastin, presents an enchanting narrative centered around Dolly the Doodle, a cheerful pup with a penchant for spreading kindness. The story unfolds as Dolly embarks on an adventure sparked by the discovery of a radiant, mysterious box basking in the sun. Inside, she finds a vibrant trail map with a cryptic message, setting the stage for her quest to uncover its meaning.
Throughout her journey, Dolly encounters various friends in need of assistance, challenging her with moral decisions with each encounter. This aspect of the story is particularly engaging, as it invites young readers to contemplate whether Dolly should extend her help or continue on her path. Such interactive elements foster a sense of social learning and emphasize the value of kindness, a theme that resonates throughout Eastin’s narrative.
A delightful addition to the tale is Dolly’s song, “Kindness is a gift for all to share. Your simple acts of kindness show others you do care.” This catchy tune not only enhances the story’s charm but also serves as a memorable mantra for children to internalize and recall during their own acts of kindness. Eastin’s storytelling is complemented by Lana Lee’s illustrations, which are both charming and fitting. Lee’s artwork vividly brings the story to life, capturing the essence of each scene and character. The illustrations are expansive, covering each page in full, making the book visually appealing to its young audience. The book’s underlying message—that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact—is a valuable lesson for its intended age group of 3-8 years. It’s a story that imparts important values, making it a meaningful read for children in this age range.
Dolly’s Kindness Journey, written by Melissa Eastin and illustrated by Lana Lee, is a heartwarming tale that beautifully blends a narrative of adventure with lessons in kindness and generosity. Its appeal is broad, making it an excellent choice for young readers and a delightful read for adults who appreciate stories that nurture positive values in children.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0CPWLTLPV
Dolly’s Doodle Dreams: An Interactive Tale of Perseverance and Mindset
Dolly’s Doodle Dreams: An Interactive Tale of Perseverance and Mindset by Melissa Eastin stands as a distinguished addition to children’s literature, offering both a compelling narrative and an interactive experience that engages young readers on multiple levels. The book introduces its audience to Dolly, an exuberant doodle dog with a zest for adventure and an upcoming challenge: learning to walk on a leash. Through Dolly’s journey, Eastin deftly weaves themes of patience, practice, and perseverance, illustrating the empowering message that children can achieve anything with the right mindset.
Eastin’s narrative is not only a story to be read but an experience to be lived. Readers are not mere spectators to Dolly’s adventure; they are active participants, invited to help Dolly make choices along the way. This interactive element is ingeniously integrated, turning the act of reading into a dynamic exercise in decision-making and problem-solving. It’s a brilliant strategy to reinforce the book’s themes, as young readers practice the very perseverance and mindset Dolly embodies. The illustrations in the book are as lively and engaging as the story itself. They capture Dolly’s playful spirit with vivid colors and dynamic expressions, making each page feel like a scene from a delightful cartoon. This visual appeal is not just an adornment but a crucial part of the storytelling, enhancing the reader’s connection to Dolly and her world. Eastin’s use of encouraging language throughout the book is commendable. It serves a dual purpose: providing Dolly with the motivation to continue her quest and introducing young readers to a plethora of empowering vocabulary. This linguistic choice enriches the readers’ experience, expanding their language skills while instilling valuable life lessons about perseverance and resilience.
Dolly’s Doodle Dreams by Melissa Eastin is a multi-dimensional tool for growth and engagement. With its interactive narrative, vibrant illustrations, and motivational language, it is an exemplary resource for parents and educators looking to inspire a love of reading and a growth mindset in young individuals. Eastin has not only created a delightful story but also a platform for learning and empowerment that resonates with its audience long after the last page is turned.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0CJX8K1T8
The Little Healer
The Little Healer, crafted by Garz Chan with illustrations by Nisa Tokmak, offers a delightful fusion of magic, familial bonds, and the art of healing. Garz Chan, known as “The Karma Lady,” brings her extensive background as an author, teacher, and practitioner in Chinese energy healing to this narrative. The comic book beautifully explores ancient Chinese healing traditions through the story of a young girl and her grandfather, offering a glimpse into practices that have been cherished and handed down through generations.
Each page of this children’s book alternates between engaging text and expressive illustrations, creating a vivid and immersive experience. With its straightforward language and rich use of alliteration and imagery, the narrative appeals to a broad audience, from children to adults. The story centers around Kira, who, on her eleventh birthday, finds herself bedridden with illness. However, her day is transformed by a mystical dream where her late grandfather appears as an angelic guide. He leads her on an enchanting journey, revealing to her the ancient secrets of healing, such as harnessing spiritual energy, practicing mindfulness, and using positive affirmations. Additionally, the narrative highlights the significance of water in Asian cultures for cleansing and rejuvenation.
At its heart, The Little Healer is more than a children’s book; it is a testament to the enduring power of familial connections and traditions. It elegantly introduces readers to the rich tapestry of Asian healing practices. This book is a beautiful addition to any reader’s collection, offering a captivating story for children and an insightful, enjoyable read for adults.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B0C9G7RP6G
A Star-Dusted Feat
Cuentan Mis Estrellas takes young readers on a journey into the cosmos to learn about how constellations influence our personalities and destinies. Why is this an important topic to teach to children?
Astrology has been a favorite topic of mine since I was very young—I love my horoscope sign! (Aquarius). The fact that thousands of years ago, humanity had the wisdom and patience to observe the heavens, map out the constellations, and pinpoint their influence over the earth and its inhabitants, is a star-dusted feat that has shaped minds since the beginning of time. Cuentan mis Estrellas introduces young readers to that vast, ancient world, in a relatable, whimsical way.
How did you approach writing about zodiac signs, ruling planets, elemental affiliations, and how they relate to birthdates in a manner that would appeal to and be understood by children?
There is plenty of information out there on astrology, the zodiac, horoscopes, etc., but my most trusted source is The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers. It contains “personology profiles for each day of the year”. Cuentan mis Estrellas identifies each sign (dates, elements, constellations, etc.) and highlights a couple of the main traits with a fanciful verse and lively illustration.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
As ever, my goal in writing is to amuse and provide an escape. Cuentan mis Estrellas was a challenge because each sign included only a short verse. I’m not a poet, so as a writer of prose, condensing large amounts of information into mere sentences with a degree of musicality, was difficult, but after various re-writes, I think each page is bound to put a starry smile on the young reader’s face.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what topics will the next book cover?
Alas, Cuentan mis Estrellas, is not a series. I do have an unrelated project coming out in December 2023. It is the translation into Spanish of Cradle Gift, book 2 in my Faerie Legacy Series. The new book is entitled: Un Don de Cuna.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Tu corazón recién nacido esconde muchas verdades cósmicas y si estás pendiente del cielo nocturno, el brillo de una estrella fugaz o la cola de un cometa, te mostrarán el rasgo estelar que te hace ser tú.
Estaba escrito en las estrellas, hace mucho tiempo, que serías independiente, cariñosa, imaginativo, decidida, generoso, inquisitiva, valiente, optimista y mucho más.
¡Créelo! que las estrellas no mienten.
