Blog Archives
Daddy’s Favorite Sundae
Daddy’s Favorite Sundae, a charming children’s book by Dawn Grantham, follows the journey of a little girl named Sundae who learns to ride a bike without training wheels with the help of her supportive dad. Set against a colorful urban backdrop, Sundae faces challenges and teasing from peers but ultimately overcomes her fears, gaining confidence and new friendships along the way. This heartwarming tale is beautifully illustrated by Demont Pinder, bringing the story’s emotions and lessons to life.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its relatable and encouraging narrative. Grantham captures the feelings of frustration and determination that children often experience when learning new skills. Sundae’s journey is filled with ups and downs, perfectly exemplified in the scene where she falls into the trash but gets back up to try again. This moment is particularly poignant, as it teaches children that failure is part of the learning process and resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
The dialogue and interactions in the book are realistic. When Sundae’s friends, Junior and Journey, initially tease her for using training wheels, it reflects a common childhood scenario. However, the story’s resolution, where these same friends cheer her on once she succeeds, underscores the themes of personal growth and peer support. This shift is both heartwarming and instructive, demonstrating the impact of perseverance and the value of supportive friendships.
The vibrant and expressive artwork captures the attention of young readers but also enhances their emotional connection to the characters. For instance, the depiction of Sundae’s proud moment riding without training wheels visually reinforces the triumph of the narrative. Every other page is filled with colorful imagery that makes the story accessible and delightful.
Daddy’s Favorite Sundae is an excellent picture book for children who are navigating the challenges of learning new skills and seeking encouragement. Its positive messages about resilience, the importance of family support, and the value of friendship make it a perfect choice for parents and educators alike.
Pages: 58 | ASIN : B0CV51TX9K
Watch Me Bloom When I Have Big Feelings
Watch Me Bloom When I Have Big Feelings, by Grace Ledden, is a thoughtful and engaging picture book that introduces young readers to Noah, a boy on the autism spectrum. The narrative centers around Noah’s journey in managing his intense emotions, particularly a bout of overwhelming anger. The story takes an imaginative turn when Noah encounters Bud, a gnome who magically appears to guide him. Bud, as Noah’s ‘bloom buddy,’ symbolizes support and understanding, offering a unique perspective on handling challenging feelings.
The illustrations by CyAn Platas play a significant role in the book’s appeal. Platas excels in creating visually accessible and engaging images that complement the narrative, ensuring that the essence of the story is conveyed even to those who might struggle with the text. The book’s design is further enhanced by full-panel digital artwork and the inclusion of a QR code leading to coloring pages. This innovative feature engages young readers and helps reinforce the story’s themes. Grace Ledden demonstrates her adeptness in understanding her young audience. Acknowledging that the concept of an imaginary friend like Bud might not resonate with every child, Ledden offers alternative strategies for managing emotions. These are presented in the form of a ‘bloom’ tree at the book’s end, suggesting practical steps such as seeking help or spending time outdoors. This book stands out as a valuable resource not just for children on the autism spectrum but for any young reader grappling with intense emotions. It also serves as a supportive tool for parents, offering them insights and methods to assist their children.
Watch Me Bloom When I Have Big Feelings is a commendable effort by Ledden. It blends imaginative storytelling with practical, emotional guidance, making it a noteworthy addition to children’s literature.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0CQM96Y91
Empathy, Kindness, and Acceptance
Wishes Are Free: Rose O’Reilly and Grandpa follows a ten-year-old girl whose best friend moves 2000 miles away, and she worries she will never have another friend like her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Wishes Are Free came through the back door. It began as short stories I wrote for fun and read to my neighbor who is developmentally disabled. She loved them and I thought, I might have something here. I strung those stories together and added more, and the result is Wishes Are Free.
I knew I wanted to write a story about friendship. Losing your lifelong best friend would set the quest for a new best friend in motion. I thought it would be cool for Rose to discover, on the way to finding a new best friend, that marginalized kids make excellent friends too.
Rose learns that there are different kinds of friends in each person’s life, grandparents, classmates, and even animals. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Empathy, Kindness, and Acceptance. Wishes Are Free is part biographical. As children often are, I was misunderstood at times, as Rose is when she wants to help a classmate who suffers abuse at home. I drew on those memories, those feelings of frustration when my motives were misunderstood.
I hope that young readers will recognize themselves in Rose’s acts of kindness, in her acceptance of kids who are different, and feel validated.
Rose is autonomous, too. Grandpa shares his wisdom but always leaves it up to her what to do with his advice. I want kids to identify with Rose’s struggles and present a model who seeks help but believes in herself, as well.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Rose’s friendship with Grandpa demonstrates how talking out your problems is a positive, results-oriented path to finding solutions. Asking for help is good practice for adulthood, and I hope readers will discover how you can grow close to family members when you ask for help. And encourage them to ask for help.
Wishes Are Free spotlights kindness without preaching. Rose’s big heart leads the way, and ultimately kindness pays off. Maybe not in the way you expected but it always pays off.
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?
The next book, Be Careful What You Wish, follows Rose into summer vacation and her quest for the third wish (a dog of her own), the only wish that didn’t come true in Wishes Are Free. It introduces Rose’s nemesis, Bea Buffett, the neighborhood fussbudget. The target date is Christmas 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
“Friends are everywhere if you have a big heart and know where to look.”
It’s 1959 in California, and ten-year-old Rose O’Reilly has sworn an oath to stay friends always with her best friend from birth. Then, boom, Linney moves 2,000 miles away.
She worries that she will never find another friend like Linney and turns to Grandpa, who just lost his wife and best friend, Mawnie. They hold weekly chat cafes in the kitchen, and Rose discovers your grandpa can be your friend. Or a boy with cerebral palsy, and a lost dog, or a classmate who comes to school with unexplained bruises. Still, there’s that achy hole in her heart Linney left behind.
She wishes on Venus, the Evening Star, for a new best friend to take Linney’s place, for Grandpa to come to live with them, and for a dog. She may as well wish for a dog, too. Wishes Are Free.
Wishes Are Free
Diana Mercedes Howell’s novel Wishes Are Free: Rose O’Reilly and Grandpa is a delightful blend of magical elements and realistic storytelling. Howell’s narrative style is engaging, painting a vivid picture where the fantastical becomes tangible. Her attention to detail brings characters to life, particularly in the portrayal of the relationship between Rose and her grandfather, which serves as the emotional core of the story.
The book’s narrative is fluid and connects well with readers, gracefully weaving through a series of whimsical events. Howell strikes a fine balance between sentimentality and humor, adding layers to the story that make it both relatable and captivating. This book exemplifies Howell’s adeptness in creating an enchanting story, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for future works from this gifted author. Howell’s writing is straightforward yet rich, making the book accessible to a broad audience. The focus on the bond between a young girl and her grandfather is a refreshing element in contemporary fiction. This relationship is central to the narrative, guiding the plot through its various twists and keeping the reader engaged. The themes of friendship, love, and coming of age are woven throughout the story, making it particularly appealing to young readers.
Wishes Are Free: Rose O’Reilly and Grandpa is an excellent choice for parents looking for suitable reading material for children. The book’s structure, with its short chapters, is ideal for bedtime stories or as an engaging read for young independent readers. The optimistic tone, endearing characters, and light-hearted humor make it a great pick for family reading sessions. Furthermore, this heartwarming tale is an excellent choice for gifting, suitable for occasions like baby showers. It’s a wonderful read that is sure to bring joy and warmth to its readers.
Pages: 236 | ASIN : B0BFCCJH7H
LITERARY TITAN 