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Yes I Can!
Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary is one book that will make you grateful for life and embrace all the world offers. The author shares his personal journey with what society calls developmental disabilities. As you read about Paul Wichansky’s story, you realize that, as human beings, we have a flawed perspective on what we consider normal. Raising a child, or being a child that is born with physical limitations, is not easy. With Paul Wichansky, however, the reader is enlightened on the multiple aspects of disabilities. The author himself is not a fan of the word disability. Paul Wichansky uses different phrases and embraces positivity when writing about his conditions. Paul Wichansky had hearing loss and cerebral palsy when he was young. Naturally, this would take a toll on the average kid but not Paul.
In his book, the author writes in-depth about what living with these conditions was like. Paul clinches on positivity. The author did not write this book to seek pity, nor did he feel sorry for himself. Dr. Wichansky starts the book by giving a little background about himself, writing about his family as he progresses to his later years. I like how the author took a free-style approach when writing. For example, Paul Wichansky could be narrating about his childhood, then in the middle of the paragraph, throws in some scientific information about specific conditions. By writing in this manner, the reader is educated on subjects rarely spoken about while enjoying the beautiful life story of the author.
Many things stand out from the author’s life and his writing. I like that the phrases used, the tales told, and the experience shared all have some positivity in them. Paul is here to help you deal with your sorrowful moments and convert them into happy moments. His life is testimony enough that no matter how difficult things may appear and how many obstacles you may have to overcome, you can still live an accomplished life. One of my favorite quotes from the book is ‘…that optimism can become your access to success’. This phrase makes a good inspirational quote that will keep many readers going.
While reading this book, the reader cannot help but ask themselves specific questions. Why are some things considered normal while others are not? Why are some conditions shunned? Why does society treat people that are differently abled peculiarly? Paul Wichansky answers these and more questions throughout the book. There are many lessons from the author, but the main lesson I got is that having a positive mindset will take you places.
Paul Wichansky has, through the chapters, discussed many crucial topics that will help everyone succeed in life. You learn about having a support group, having the proper perspective, building friendships, and keys to success, among many other topics. The best part of Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary is the photo section, where the author takes us down memory lane with his beautiful photos of family and friends.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0BJW1YKLH
Thought is Not the Boss of Me!
Our minds are very powerful things. It allows us to do many things, such as dancing, sports, and learning new skills. They can, even without us knowing, control our entire bodies to stay alive. Our minds can also get lost in thought, and thought can sometimes cause mischief.
In, Thought is Not the Boss of Me! by Sheila Booth-Alberstadt and Sarah Lamb, we are introduced to Lincoln. A young child who tends to get into some trouble without realizing he is being coerced into doing so by none other than ‘Thought.’ ‘Thought’ bosses Lincoln around and makes him do not nice things, and ends up being punished.
This relatable story is beaming with delight, from the vibrantly adorable illustrations by Elizabeth George to the comical and inviting writing. This picture book was such a clever way of showing young kids how thoughts and the mind work and how to overcome the negative thoughts that come along with them. I love how Lincoln is presented as innocent during the entire ordeal but makes a conscious decision to stop listening to ‘Thought.’ Once Lincoln realizes ‘Thought’ only gets him into trouble, he starts thinking as well as acting on his own account. What an extremely difficult thing it is to do, to master one’s thoughts, as a growing child.
Thought is Not the Boss of Me! is an extraordinary children’s book about recognizing and dealing with big emotions. This well-written story helps children realize that big feelings are normal and that they can learn how to manage them. I Would absolutely recommend it to any family or young reader, as the message is valuable to people of all ages. It would make a great addition to a school library or classroom.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09LFLLS9N
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to Be Patient
There is something exciting happening in the town where Bentley the Hippo lives. His monkey friend Jaxon knocked on his door and was so excited he could hardly talk. Together they race down the path, following the arrows to where the rest of their friends stand in line waiting. The line is really long, and they can not see the end. All they can hear over the loudspeakers is an announcement saying, “Ride the Big Blue Rocket!”
Jaxon is too excited to wait and tries to cut in line. After being sent back, he bounces all over the place, ruining the rest of his friends’ ice cream they were trying to eat. Realizing Jaxon needs help to settle down and wait patiently, all his friends look for shapes in the clouds. Soon they are at the front of the line and are about to see what the excitement is all about!
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient by children’s author, Argyro Graphy, is a well-written picture book that teaches children important lessons. Being kind and patient is something that children are told to do all the time, but they can be complex concepts for young kids to understand. Bently and his friends model good manners and show kindness to Jaxon even when he cannot remain calm and patient. They do not yell at him or get mad; instead, they accept this is who he is and find ways to distract him to make the waiting bearable for him.
Illustrator Michael Reyes has created memorable and entertaining artwork for this picture book. Jaxon’s energy is visible, and the excitement he shows is contagious. Also, the concern Bentley has as he tries to help his friend settle down can be felt through the pages. The bright colors and welcoming characters will make children want to settle down and listen to the important message of the story.
The characters in this children’s story are relatable and fun to read about. This picture book would make an excellent addition to preschool and kindergarten libraries as teachers and caregivers work to instill good manners in children in an age-appropriate way.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B0B8ZQRBY6
LITERARY TITAN 