Blog Archives
Valentino’s Purpose
Valentino’s Purpose, by Wanda Reyes, is a heartwarming children’s book that champions the themes of acceptance and individuality. Illustrated by Lilly Walther, the book features vibrant and expressive artwork that brings the story to life, with the characters almost leaping off the page. The narrative follows Valentino, a spirited Goldendoodle preparing to become a service dog who learns the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness in the face of adversity.
The story resonates deeply, conveying that being true to oneself is invaluable. This message is particularly poignant given the diverse cast of characters, both canine and human, which underscores the book’s celebration of diversity. The inclusion of a service dog as a protagonist adds a layer of significance, reflecting the essential roles these dogs play in support of military personnel and veterans—a personal connection I greatly appreciate.
The book maintains a seamless narrative flow throughout, with a creative shift from first to third-person narration towards the end that adds a unique touch, although it may briefly surprise readers. Valentino’s Purpose is a compelling tale of diversity, acceptance, and love. It is a delightful addition to any home library, appealing to readers of all ages. This touching story about a courageous dog and his friends is likely to resonate with and inspire anyone who picks it up.
Valentino’s Purpose is more than just a children’s story; it’s a vibrant invitation to celebrate uniqueness and acceptance. With its engaging narrative and striking illustrations, this book not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about individuality and empathy. It’s a delightful read that will enchant and educate, making it a perfect addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0CWJTY4H9
Acceptance Starts With Asking Questions
In Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium, a young girl with autism overcomes her anxieties with the help of her friends when she visits the aquarium and makes a new friend. Why was this an important story for you to share?
It was important because it’s rare to see anything let alone a book from a child with Autism’s point of view. Also, it was because Emma does not use her mouth to talk; she uses her cards and writing. This is something not seen at all in the literary book world. I thought that should be changed. I wanted to children to see themselves in Emma and families to see their loved ones. There is something so magical in seeing yourself in a book, and I wanted to bring that to children and families.
Is there anything from your own life in the characters in Happy Thoughts?
Yes, I am very passionate about animals and animal conservation. What better way to encourage children to want to learn about animals than to write about a visit to the aquarium? In the book, some of my favorite marine animals are shown, too. There really are no books that show Beluga whales, and that was important to me. They are beautiful, smart, and silly creatures that I thought should be showcased.
What is one thing you hope young readers can take away from Emma’s experience?
There are many different ways to talk. Also, talking differently makes us beautiful. Embrace your friends and family members who may talk differently or have anything that makes them different. Or go up to the little different one and become friends with them. Ask your teachers how and about what Autism is. Acceptance starts with asking questions to learn.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
The next book that will come out is called Mischievous Cat Brothers, and it is book two in the Cat Brothers series. It should come out this summer and will be illustrated by the amazing individuals of Brainstorm Productions. The younger brother will narrate it, Snowball, making it a bit more silly.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
Grab your copy of Award Winning author, Lisa Jacovsky’s Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium today!
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium, by Lisa Jacovsky, presents an insightful glimpse into the life of Emma, a young girl with autism who has her own unique way of communication. Unlike her peers, Emma relies on index cards to express herself when she feels comfortable, a distinctive trait that sets her apart in social interactions. This narrative becomes especially poignant when Emma encounters new individuals, such as a boy named Alex at the aquarium, highlighting both the challenges and the triumphs of her communication method.
Jacovsky’s narrative is commendable for its sensitive and innovative portrayal of autism. By choosing index cards as Emma’s medium of expression, the author provides a tangible and relatable tool for young readers to understand and empathize with different communication styles. This technique effectively fosters awareness and acceptance among children, demonstrating that differing abilities should be embraced and respected. The aquarium setting is a masterstroke, offering a serene and engaging backdrop for this enlightening tale. It not only serves as a non-threatening environment for character interactions but also enriches the story with vibrant illustrations of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and beluga whales. John Thorn’s illustrations are noteworthy for their charm and their role in bringing the story to life.
Jacovsky‘s book stands out for its educational value, seamlessly weaving a lesson on acceptance and uniqueness into an enjoyable story. Emma’s journey, marked by her distinctive way of interacting with the world, is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the importance of understanding those who may seem different.
Happy Thoughts: Going to the Aquarium is a meaningful exploration of individuality and communication. Jacovsky’s thoughtful approach makes this book a valuable read for children, illuminating the richness that different perspectives bring to our world.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CVHTT9W5
Good Looking
Lucy May Lennox’s Good Looking presents a captivating narrative that blends the elements of a coming-of-age romance with a unique twist. Set against the backdrop of a Midwestern university in the 1990s, the story follows identical twins, Nick and Nate, along with Nick’s love interest Abby, as they navigate the complexities of youth and relationships. What sets this tale apart is the compelling dynamic between the characters, particularly as the twins, both blind, navigate their lives alongside Abby, who is a devotee—a person sexually attracted to disability.
From the intimate confines of late-night study sessions to the adventurous chaos of road trips, Lennox paints a vivid picture of their world, filled with quirky living arrangements and tangled love affairs. Through her skillful prose, Lennox creates a narrative that resonates with readers, rich in relatable experiences while maintaining a perfect balance between emotional depth and suspenseful twists.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its diverse cast of characters and engaging subplots, allowing Lennox to explore themes of identity and belonging with nuance and depth. Each character’s journey towards self-discovery and acceptance is intricately woven, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. While the romantic tension between Nick and Abby propels much of the story forward, it is the nuanced relationship between the twin brothers that truly shines. Lennox delicately navigates their evolving dynamic, marked by unspoken conversations and profound connections, celebrating their individual journeys towards embracing their identities and redefining their relationship with each other and those around them.
Good Looking offers a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of disability, challenging stereotypes and offering a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. Lennox’s masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impact, inviting readers to ponder the intricacies of the human experience long after the final page is turned.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0C99PRDBF
The Plastic Tree and His Friends
Nick Rozak’s children’s book, The Plastic Tree and His Friends, invites young readers into a unique urban tale that intertwines the themes of diversity, the significance of pollinators, and self-acceptance. Set against the backdrop of a city playground, the story unfolds from the perspective of a plastic tree, an unconventional protagonist that engages readers with its journey of self-discovery and understanding of the natural world. As the seasons shift, the plastic tree becomes acutely aware of its differences from the surrounding living trees. This narrative arc elegantly mirrors the feelings of alienation and self-doubt that many individuals experience when confronted with their uniqueness. It is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, relayed in a manner that is accessible and relatable to a young audience.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when a group of friends, serving as symbols of diversity and acceptance, choose to inhabit the plastic tree. This decision sets off a series of events that enlighten both the tree and the city’s inhabitants about the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem. This dual message — recognizing the importance of pollinators and embracing our differences — is woven seamlessly into the story, imparting valuable lessons without overshadowing the narrative’s whimsical charm. Complementing Rozak’s storytelling are the gentle and whimsical illustrations by Victoria Skakandi. Her artwork adds depth and visual appeal to the narrative, enhancing the story’s accessibility to a young audience.
The Plastic Tree and His Friends is a heartwarming and educational children’s book that promotes the values of diversity, inclusion, and environmental awareness. Nick Rozak’s picture book resonates with readers of all ages and reminds us of the intricate and beautiful tapestry of life where each element, no matter how small or different, has a role to play.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CT95MV3W
Meet People Where They Are
The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce explores the impact of those with developmental disabilities and differently-abled people in the workforce and why inclusion and diversity are essential. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It is my hope that this book inspires and educates the general public about the amazing opportunities to connect with their neighbors who live with different abilities.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to share all of the information, the good, bad, shocking, beautiful, and inspiring.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
From my first experience with discrimination of people with different abilities, I felt the desire to work to change negative feelings into acceptance.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Everyone has abilities; we need to take the time to meet people where they are, not where we want them to be. The most important thing is readers know people who have different abilities are important to the workforce.
Author Link: Website
The book is written in a memoir style, full of stories and lessons learned. Be prepared to be inspired as you learn about the good, the bad and the ugly. Toth shares it all with refreshing honesty, while making a compelling case for embracing diversity and inclusivity for this often underemployed population.
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.
Timmy the Martian
W.B. Thompson’s Timmy the Martian is a charming tale that invites young readers into the world of Timmy, a green Martian distinguishable by three moles on his face. Seeking companionship, Timmy embarks on an adventure to Earth, where he hopes to forge new friendships. However, his arrival on Earth doesn’t go as smoothly as anticipated, with his unique appearance initially causing fear among the children he encounters. This emotional journey takes a positive turn with the introduction of Henry, a boy whose three facial moles mirror Timmy’s, leading to an instant and meaningful connection despite their interplanetary differences.
Thompson skillfully weaves a narrative that addresses the theme of diversity and acceptance. The shared trait between Timmy and Henry serves as a clever device to explore and celebrate differences, imparting an important message about inclusivity to young readers. The story unfolds in a way that’s both engaging and empathetic, making it relatable for children who may feel different for various reasons. The book’s visual aspect is as impactful as its narrative. The illustrations in Timmy the Martian are noteworthy for their vibrancy and detail. Full-page spreads bring the story to life with vivid colors and imaginative depictions of both Earth and space. These illustrations are not just complementary to the story but are integral in drawing children into Timmy’s world, enhancing their reading experience.
W.B. Thompson’s Timmy the Martian is more than just a story; it’s a resource that can help children understand and embrace diversity. Its captivating illustrations and meaningful narrative make it a valuable addition to any young reader’s library. I find Timmy the Martian to be a delightful and educational read and one that I confidently recommend to both parents and teachers alike.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CQQ1MW6L
LITERARY TITAN 