Blog Archives
An A-Z Guide On What To Do
From High School to Uni: The Essential Student’s Guide to Moving into University is a step-by-step guide to help parents and students navigate the transition from high school to university. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When my first child was graduating from high school and preparing to set off to university, she was excited, nervous, and curious about what university life would be like. We began searching for guidance on how to prepare, both logistically and mentally, for this new adult stage of life, and it made me realize that no practical topics are taught at school, such as how to create and manage a budget, how to plan personal nutrition, how to shop for food and cook, how to sew on a button, iron a shirt, and do laundry—all the things one needs to know when becoming an adult and beginning independence away from home. It made me want to help others, and I wanted to write a book that would offer practical advice, useful tips, and personal insights to help parents and teens prepare for this new adventure and make the most of it.
There are many parenting and student forums on the Internet with tons of personal advice from well-meaning people, but there is no one-stop shop giving an A-Z guide on what to do, when, how, and why. I noted every step of my children’s installations in and out of universities in England, France, and Switzerland, made checklists and templates, and built this into a step-by-step guide to help students and parents navigate their own journey.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The ideas I wanted to capture were practical tips that a parent may not think about or have time to teach their teen before they leave home, such as:
- How to manage your finances, pay bills, select utility providers;
- How to pack and set up your dorm or apartment
- How to deal with room-mates and landlords, negotiate a lease/rental agreement, and associated responsibilities;
- How to manage your mental health, studies and social life
- How to shop with a student budget, efficiently store food within student quarters, meal prep, and maintain a balanced diet.
- And laundry—not just HOW to do it, but when (there is a secret to this!).
What is one piece of advice you would want to give parents entering this stage of life before sending their child off into the world?
While From High School to Uni speaks to students, I actually wrote it with parents in mind. Let’s face it, your teen has just gone through an intense period of cramming for exams and is just looking forward to enjoying a summer of freedom before taking up serious studies again and potentially moving to another country or part of the country. They are not thinking about how they will survive and thrive in a new environment. But parents are more inclined to think ahead, so this book is for parents to read too. Forewarned is forearmed, I always say. If you know what to expect, you are better prepared, less stressed, can plan efficiently in advance, spread the cost of buying items for college across several months to help you budget effectively, and ease into the transition serenely.
One piece of advice I would want to give parents entering this stage of life is to trust their children and support them in their choices. Going to university is a big step for both the child and the parent, and it can be hard to let go and let them grow. But it’s also an exciting time for them to discover themselves, learn new things, and pursue their dreams. As a parent, you can help them by being supportive, encouraging, respectful, and understanding. You can also stay in touch with them regularly, but not too much. Give them space and freedom to explore their new environment, but also let them know that you’re always there for them if they need you (and not just when they need a budget top-up!).
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
To be honest, I didn’t expect to write this with a successful publication in mind, so my goals were just to write in a clear, concise, pragmatic, and engaging way that would be appealing to both teenagers and parents. I felt like my anecdotes would be relatable, illustrate my points, and enable readers to connect well. I also have a passion for helping people, and if I have done the work so you don’t have to, why not benefit from my experience?
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram
From High School to Uni is an A-Z guide to help students (and helpful parents) navigate the confusing path to a new life on campus – where to start, how to plan and get organized, what to pack, what NOT to pack, and other advice such as opening a bank account, renting accommodation, shopping and food prep – every aspect of student life is covered in this easy to read guide book.
From High School To Uni
Navigating the transition from high school to university can present a multitude of challenges, from securing one’s first job to managing personal finances and transportation independently. Fortunately, P. J. Dobree-Carey’s From High School to Uni: The Essential Student’s Guide to Moving into University provides a wealth of insightful advice for students and parents alike as they embark on this pivotal life stage. This comprehensive guide is invaluable, covering topics from budget-friendly healthy eating to studying abroad, making it an ideal handbook for starting college and commencing young adulthood.
This guidebook is structured into easy-to-digest chapters that start from the fundamentals of organization, culminating in a “practice week” designed to simulate life independently. Authored by a mother with vast experience, the book offers accessible counsel on an array of subjects, including finances, securing one’s first accommodation, and the basics of safety and friendship. While the chapter on developing new relationships and dealing with romantic partners may prove slightly blush-worthy for some, the majority of the content is family-friendly and full of sound advice suitable for high schoolers and beyond.
While it has been crafted with a UK and European audience in mind, the guide can be beneficial for readers in the United States as well. As a reader, I was intrigued by the cultural nuances and divergences between countries, offering a unique glimpse into the process of transitioning to university life in Europe. Dobree-Carey further enhances the guide’s usability by including numerous practical checklists, aiding in maintaining order as one navigates the onset of independent adulthood.
This guide stands out for its user-friendly nature, commendable financial advice, and for providing a gentle initiation into a potentially overwhelming life phase. From High School to Uni: The Essential Student’s Guide to Moving into University is an excellent resource for mature readers on the cusp of a new life chapter. It offers a sophisticated introduction to the intricate process of transitioning to adult student life.
Pages: 139 | ASIN : B0B8HZKK76
The Raindrop
Author J.B. Auchter takes young readers on a fun and inspirational adventure following the journey of a raindrop as it begins its life in a cloud. Its only wish is to make others happy, but it doesn’t know how it will do that as a tiny raindrop. The raindrop breaks away from the cloud and sails down to earth. On its way, it encounters a variety of things, creatures, and people. How will it find a way to bring joy to others?
The Raindrop is indeed a standout within the realm of children’s literature. Its key message encourages readers to appreciate that size does not limit the potential for significant impact. The beautiful rhyming scheme, prevalent throughout the narrative, is designed to effortlessly captivate and hold young children’s attention, utilizing language that is simple yet engaging.
Complementing the narrative are the captivating illustrations that echo the enchanting tone of the book. The raindrop is depicted with endearing emotion and eyes that sparkle with vitality, adding depth and personality to our small protagonist. Young readers are sure to relish following along as the raindrop interacts with a variety of objects and people.
The Raindrop delivers a heartwarming message that can resonate with young children who may sometimes feel too small to make a difference. The story beautifully demonstrates that with the right amount of aspiration and initiative, anyone can spread joy and realize their dreams. This charming book is an exemplary testament to the fact that greatness can indeed originate from the smallest of things.
Pages: 26 | ASIN : B0BDBZWBT6
These Are Wild Thing’s Tales To Tell
Wild Thing and The Bagel shares your family’s story about adopting two dogs and the challenges that people may face when rescuing an animal. What inspired you to share your story?
Wild Thing was 13 when I started the book a couple of years ago. His favorite human has always been Brady. When Brady went off to college, Wild Thing went through a horrible depression, missing his best friend so much. We had talked about getting another canine companion, but always wondered how Wild Thing would handle sharing his humans. We made the leap that first summer of Covid, when everything was just re-opening. The Bagel immediately made her way into our hearts and became friends immediately with Wild Thing. Wild Thing had always provided us with entertainment and tales to tell ever since the day we brought him home 14 years ago. When The Bagel joined the family, the stories more than doubled. I knew then I needed to put their stories in writing—and every single story in the book has happened. As Wild Thing is getting older, I knew putting this book together would be my little ‘love note’ to him.
One thing I loved about this children’s book is that it is told from the perspective of Wild Thing. Why did you choose to tell the story from his perspective rather than your own voice?
These are Wild Thing’s tales to tell…and for anyone who has had pets, you know you can just tell when they are ’telling’ you about their day or about the other family pets’ antics. Getting these stories out to everyone needed to be told from Wild Thing’s point of view to give it authenticity.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I hope children, and adults, see the love and bond between humans and pets, and that rescue pets are simply awesome. And, who knows, it might give someone the little push they need to make that leap to rescue a pet. My purpose was to write the book so that kids of all ages could enjoy the stories.
Are you working on more stories about Wild Thing and The Bagel?
Wild Thing and The Bagel give me new stories everyday—so, there is plenty of material. My hope is to be able to put some of them into another book…or to possibly do a theme book (such as a holiday book or a book about different adventures).
Author Links: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
T-Bot and the Wonder of the Forest
Get ready for a whimsical whirlwind of wonderment as T-Bot and the Wonder of the Forest sweeps you and your little ones off your feet! This enchanting children’s picture book stars T-Bot, an oh-so-adorable tiny robot on a spectacular quest to uncover the forest’s hidden treasure. As T-Bot explores the forest, the tiny bot meets delightful forest critters and uncovers a variety of wonderous things.
The night might be a teensy bit spooky, but never fear! A luminous firefly buddy lights the way, guiding T-Bot to the grand reveal: a magical meadow where all the individual wonders of the forest gather in harmony!
This must-read bedtime story for kids aged 2 to 6 boasts vivid 3D illustrations that will have you believing you’re watching a Pixar movie. From glowing fireflies leading the way to twinkling mushrooms, every page bursts with delightful details that will have kids and grown-ups absolutely captivated.
T-Bot’s marvelous adventure will inspire your child’s imagination as they explore the beauty of nature and learn valuable lessons about bravery and the wonders of our world. This book is not only perfect for ages 3 and up, but it also makes a splendid gift!
Readers will fall in love with T-Bot’s cuteness. I can’t wait to see more from the author. Fingers crossed for some video content too! In the meantime, snuggle up with your little ones and make T-Bot and the Wonder of the Forest a cherished part of your nightly bedtime routine. Trust us, it’s an absolute must-read!
Pages: 48 | ASIN: B0BSGD1ZQW
The Adventure We Felt As Children
Traveling Tootsie follows a cute teddy bear to Washington, DC where readers learn about different landmarks in a fun traveling adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Traveling Tootsie is based on a childhood memory, and we thought it would make a great children’s book. When we were kids, we had a “Traveling Tootsie” that we used to hide in our dad’s suitcase when he traveled for work. We were fortunate to travel throughout our childhood, so when our dad would leave for a business trip, we always wished we could go somewhere fun too! Hiding Tootsie in his shoe was a fun game we played to not be so sad about staying home. When our dad came back from his trip, he would share all about where he had been and tell us all about his adventures.
Our dad also loved photography so after the trip, we would set up the slide projector to look at the pictures that went along with his stories. It was like “Movie Night” at our house!
We wanted to capture the adventure we felt as children. We want this book to inspire a love of learning and experiencing different places through stories and pictures and we hope children and families will want to travel and explore different places.
We chose Washington, DC for the setting because we currently live outside the city in the Virginia suburbs. Our dream is to write more Traveling Tootsie books, so what better place to start than the Nation’s Capital!
What was the collaboration process like between the two of you as coauthors?
The collaboration process went well. We are twin sisters who grew up with many of the same memories, so we had fun remembering different parts of the narrative and putting it together to make the whole story come to life. We tend to finish each other’s sentences at times, so writing together was relatively easy! When one of us was trying to get a thought out, the other one could jump in and help.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
We definitely had the most fun once we started working with our talented illustrator, Chiara Civati. Seeing our vision brought to life with her talent was amazing. We had specific ideas about how we wanted the pictures to look so we enjoyed getting those just right. We could have added so many more, but we had to narrow down our choices. One of our favorite pictures is the beautiful cherry blossoms surrounding the Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial in the background.
How do you see your book fitting into parents ‘ or teachers’ lesson plans?
We can see Traveling Tootsie as part of many lessons! We have had one author visit at a local elementary school with the kindergarten classes. They had been working on creating their own stories by drawing pictures first and then putting words down on paper.
It could easily coincide with a history lesson of Washington DC with younger children. It mentions and describes many monuments and special landmarks in the Nation’s Capital.
It has also been used as part of an art lesson. The students drew their very own shoes with Tootsie in it along with pictures of where Tootsie went on an adventure.
We have also thought it would be a good book for a counselor to use for a guidance lesson to suggest a child have their own Tootsie to deal with a parent that travels a lot or is deployed or a split family where they are away from their family for extended periods of time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Have you ever wished you could go away on your parent’s business trip or hide in their suitcase to explore a new city all on your own?
Well, Katie and Steven sure have! They wonder why they always have to stay home when Mommy or Daddy travel for work. Once their favorite yellow teddy, Tootsie, comes up with the idea to stow himself away for Daddy’s trip to Washington, DC, Katie and Steven realize that they’ll be able to travel along, too―but just not in the way they first imagine!
Traveling Tootsie is an adorable children’s book which perfectly captures the authors’ passion for―and love of―travel. Come along on an exciting adventure with Katie and Steven’s beloved teddy bear in the Nation’s Capital! After you’ve traveled with Tootsie, we hope you’ll begin to explore the enchanting world around YOU!
The Best Interests Of The Children
Room in the Nest follows a swan husband and wife who open up their nest and hearts to all the bird children in need for as long as necessary. What was the inspiration for your story?
I adopted my son a few years ago, and we stay in touch with his lovely foster carers. We’ve seen several children come into their care, some of whom have been reunited with their birth families, some of whom have been moved into kinship placements. My son understands that we adopted him, so he started to ask questions about why his foster siblings and other children looked after by his foster carers ended up in different sorts of families.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The moral is that children need to be kept safe, and the most important theme throughout the story is that all of the adults pictured have the best interests of the children at heart. The social worker character, Caring Goose, seeks advice from the Wise Owl, who makes suggestions to ensure that lots of options are considered before a child is removed from their family. The Wise Owl also ensures that the children are placed with family members when possible, or that a suitable adoptive family is found, but there are recurrent reminders throughout the book that the foster carers are there to help any children who need to be loved and looked after throughout these periods of uncertainty.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to help normalise all of these different family structures and help children to understand the basics of foster care, in an accessible way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next story is created to help children to understand that making a few bad choices doesn’t make them a bad person, to try to help children who find themselves labelled as the “bad kid” at school, to see that they are not intrinsically “bad” and they can make kind choices. I am working on the illustrations now, and plan to publish it this Winter.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Mr and Mrs Swan build a big nest, so that they have plenty of room to help anyone who needs them. Teach children about different kinds of foster care, with this touching tale of fostering placements leading to kinship care, reunification, adoption and long term foster care. This inclusive story can be used as a therapeutic tool to help care-experienced children to process their experiences, or as an effective teaching aid to normalise and explain foster care and other family structures to all children.
