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
Willow the Skunk Gets Schooled: On Why It Is Good to Be Different
Willow the Skunk Gets Schooled: On Why It Is Good to Be Different, by Joshua Evan Roig, is a charming children’s book that effectively explores the anxieties and challenges associated with new experiences and being unique. The story centers around Willow, a young skunk apprehensive about his first day at a new school. His concerns about being accepted and fears of inadvertently using his natural defense mechanism are vividly brought to life, resonating with the universal worries of standing out or making a misstep in unfamiliar settings.
The narrative is enhanced by vivid illustrations that draw readers into Willow’s world, offering an engaging visual experience. This aspect of the book is particularly effective in showcasing the diverse array of animals present in the story, making it not only a joy to read but also a delight for the eyes. A significant strength of the book lies in its relatable characters. Willow’s conversation with his mother about his nervousness mirrors a common experience for many children, providing a sense of connection and understanding. Additionally, the character of Luna, a friendly squirrel, adds a layer of warmth to the tale. Her carefree demeanor and willingness to befriend Willow play a crucial role in transforming Willow’s day, offering a message of hope and the importance of kindness.
This book is a gentle reminder to young readers that it’s okay to be different and that the first day of school, despite initial fears, can be a starting point for new friendships and positive experiences. The story of Willow serves not only as a comforting read but also as an encouraging lesson in embracing one’s uniqueness and the value of inclusivity.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0CFCVYNGM
Don’t Comb From That Angle!
Don’t Comb From The Angle! is an enchanting short story aimed at children, skillfully crafted to instill an appreciation for natural hair. The narrative centers around Violet and Journi, two young girls, as they engage in the ritual of wash day – a weekly routine of washing and styling their hair. The story is set against the backdrop of the unique hair care needs of Black children, spotlighting the distinct texture and the extra care their hair demands.
One of the most notable aspects of the book is how the girls’ mother transforms wash day from a mundane task into an enjoyable experience. She not only styles their hair with charming accessories like beads but also imparts valuable lessons on hair care, weaving in the use of delightfully scented creams. This approach not only makes the process fun but also serves as an educational journey for the children.
Authored by Dr. Ashley Simone Little, the book strikes a balance between being delightful and informative. The narrative is marked by a cheerful and rhyming writing style, making it particularly appealing to young readers. The way Violet and Journi’s parents address their daughters’ concerns is handled with sensitivity, adding a layer of depth to the story.
While I enjoyed the book, I think that the book might benefit from the inclusion of illustrations to complement the text, as visuals could enrich the reader’s experience. Despite this, Don’t Comb From That Angle! is still an excellent read for young children. It not only celebrates diversity but also encourages acceptance and understanding of differences in appearance.
Don’t Comb From That Angle! is especially recommended for its engaging way of teaching young readers to embrace and care for their unique hair and love themselves no matter what.
Saving Endangered Insects
Livy Little Honey Bee is the story of a honeybee who is not afraid to be herself despite the challenges she faces from the others in her hive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my granddaughters, Olivia (nicknamed Livy), who was four, expressed some fear one day when we were out in the garden picking flowers, that a honeybee would sting her. When I explained that bees won’t sting people unless they feel threatened and that they have a job to do gathering nectar and pollen, she was fascinated. As Livy has an independent streak in her, and definitely sings to her own tune, whether it’s what she wears or what books she likes to have read to her, I combined her personality with the science of honeybees.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I only write books for young readers that focus on animals or insects that are threatened or on the verge of extinction so one idea I wanted to share in Livy Little Honey Bee was that bees are very important to our environment as pollinators(The Queen Bee says “We need the flowers and the flowers need us”.) And, while I don’t say it directly, bees are at risk due to insecticides. Hopefully if children become more interested in the life and work of honey bees, they will become advocates for their protection. I also wanted to encourage young readers to believe in themselves even if it means possibly not blending in with the crowd. Livy loves to live in the moment, yet also promises the queen she will be a responsible citizen and, to me, that is an important message to reinforce to all young children.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with Mira Hirabayashi?
I am lucky to find extremely talented young artists from RISD. Mira was eager to illustrate the book once she read the text, and we worked together via zoom for about a year to get each illustration just right. We’d meet every two weeks or so and she’d show me her progress. Then when we were done, we turned it over to the designer who got it ready to go to the publisher’s printer. I can’t think of any issues we had except in the beginning getting Livy’s face just right and figuring out how to create the hive….which is, in my opinion, the best illustration in the book.
Are you currently working on any other children’s books? When can fans expect to see your next book released?
I have two more books written and currently being illustrated: One is Sophie, the Monarch Butterfly, Mission to Mexico. It is about a little butterfly, Sophie, who ends up leading a migration of hundreds of monarchs south to Mexico for the winter. Sophie is the name of another of my granddaughters. And of course, Monarch Butterflies are endangered. Linda Chambers, a friend, is illustrating that one. The other book is Connor, the Red Panda. This book is being illustrated by another RISD student, Joyce Guo. It’s about two Red Pandas and a Pangolin who must leave their habitat due to many dangers from man and climate warming and cross the mountains to safety at an animal sanctuary. Red Pandas and Pangolins are also extremely endangered. And as always, all royalties from these books are donated to the appropriate organizations dedicated to saving the animals or insects.
Author Links: Website | Instagram
For children of all ages, Livy Little Honey Bee intends to explore the courage and self-confidence it takes to stand up for who you are as well as the nature of honey bees and the critical contribution they make to our environment through pollination of earth’s flowering plants.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book is donated to the Pollinator Partnership, the Natural Resources Defense Council and other organizations dedicated to preserving the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education and research.
Livy Little Honey Bee
Celia Straus’s Livy Little Honey Bee is an enchanting children’s book that delivers a vibrant celebration of individuality and self-expression through its colorful illustrations. This narrative, woven with delightful rhymes, follows the journey of Livy, a spirited bee whose zest for life is as infectious as her love for the beauty of nature. Her days are spent in pursuit of nectar, but unlike her peers, Livy infuses her tasks with joy and playfulness, turning work into an exhilarating adventure.
As the plot unfolds, readers will discover the tension between conformity and creativity. Livy’s non-traditional approach to her responsibilities is met with skepticism by her peers, leading to an engaging storyline that gently guides young readers to understand the delicate balance between personal freedom and communal obligations.
The book’s illustrations are a feast for the eyes, with warm hues that leap off the page, drawing children into Livy’s world. Each image is crafted to complement the story’s upbeat tone, making the experience of reading not only educational but also visually stimulating.
Livy Little Honey Bee offers an array of thoughtful themes, from celebrating the courage it takes to be authentic to embracing one’s passion in all aspects of life. It’s a narrative that encourages young minds to think independently, fostering analytical skills that will serve them in all areas of life.
While I found the storyline thoroughly engaging, there’s an element of complexity as Livy learns to balance her innovative spirit with her responsibilities. I believe younger readers might need additional guidance to grasp this nuance. However, children who revel in imaginative tales and those who are beginning to explore their own place in the world will find much to love in Livy’s journey.
Livy Little Honey Bee is a charming and insightful read that encourages children to find and revel in their unique voice. It underscores the vital message that confidence in one’s self and one’s feelings is a gift to be nurtured and cherished.
All author proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to organizations dedicated to preserving the health of pollinators critical to food and ecosystems.
Pages: 25 | ISBN : 978-1923020016
LITERARY TITAN 