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Ouch You Hit Me: a no hitting book for school-age children
Ouch, You Hit Me: A No Hitting Book for School-Age Children, by Precious Batten, offers a profound and practical lesson on conflict resolution, tailored specifically for young minds. This narrative introduces readers to Naomi, a character who experiences the challenges and complexities of interpersonal relationships firsthand when an incident occurs with her friend, Lori, in the school sand bin.
Batten’s tale is not just a story; it’s a valuable lesson in communication and self-control. As Naomi encounters the dilemma of her friend’s impulsive behavior, the narrative unfolds to reveal the importance of using words over physical reactions. This moment of conflict serves as a crucial teaching point: Naomi stands up for herself verbally, demonstrating to readers the power of articulate self-expression and the significance of advocating for one’s own well-being in a respectful manner.
What makes Batten’s approach particularly effective is the inclusion of an adult’s guidance, illustrating the valuable role that mentors and caregivers play in shaping a child’s understanding of right and wrong. This interaction not only resolves the immediate conflict but also imparts a lasting lesson on the importance of patience and understanding in friendships. The book’s illustrations are as compelling as its narrative, with vivid, eye-catching images that beautifully capture the emotions and actions of each moment. These illustrations serve as a visual reinforcement of the story’s messages, making the book accessible and engaging for children at various stages of literacy. Ouch, You Hit Me is not only an excellent tool for reading practice but also a quick and effective method for imparting important social skills.
Precious Batten’s Ouch, You Hit Me is an essential read for school-age children, offering a compelling narrative, valuable lessons in communication and empathy, and striking illustrations that bring the story to life. It is a testament to the impact that thoughtful, well-crafted children’s literature can have on developing minds, teaching them not just to read, but to understand and navigate the complexities of human relationships.
Pages: 26 | ASIN: B0CHWMCRX6
The Adventures of Danny the Discus Volume 1
In The Adventures of Danny the Discus, author Kirt Seuchan introduces readers to a vibrant world beneath the waters, beginning in a quaint pet store in distant Thailand. Here, we meet Danny, a spirited discus fish, whose journey from birth alongside numerous siblings unfolds with wonder and anticipation. The story follows Danny, his close companion Sarah, and a small group of their kind as they embark on an arduous relocation to Trinidad, setting the stage for a story rich in cultural and geographical diversity.
Seuchan’s narrative is infused with an appreciation for the cultures of Thailand and Trinidad, engaging the reader with delightful insights into regional delicacies like “doubles,” akin to a flatbread taco. The exploration of discus fish and their environment adds an educational layer to the story, enhancing its appeal. The character of Mr. Chan, the benevolent pet store owner, is crafted with warmth and affability, contributing to this picture book’s overall charm. The illustrations by Jonny Hossain bring this undersea tale to life with vivid colors and a touch of enchantment, complementing the narrative’s whimsical tone. What truly resonates is the book’s central theme of acceptance and love, an enduring message that provides a solid foundation for Danny’s adventures.
The Adventures of Danny the Discus is a delightful addition to children’s literature, offering a multifaceted story that promises to expand in subsequent volumes. It stands out for its cultural depth, educational value, and the universal themes of acceptance and resilience. A recommended children’s book for those who cherish stories of new experiences, diverse aquatic life, and the enduring power of friendship and tolerance.
Pages: 35 | ASIN: B0BRBHYY85
May I Sit At Your Table?
May I Sit at Your Table? by Grace A Wolf is a compelling narrative that centers around Abby, a second-grade girl navigating the challenges of connecting with her peers due to her deafness. This book thoughtfully portrays Abby’s journey as she endeavors to communicate in a world where her voice is not heard in the conventional sense. Wolf’s portrayal of Abby’s experiences is a poignant symbol of the broader experiences of the deaf community, offering readers insight into the loneliness and isolation that can accompany communication barriers.
Grace A Wolf’s children’s book is a testament to her skillful storytelling, balancing clarity with depth to make the story accessible and engaging for various age groups. The book’s tone strikes a harmonious balance, avoiding overly complex or simplistic language. Through Abby’s eyes, readers are introduced to the laughter and joy of an elementary school while also being made acutely aware of the exclusion she feels.
A pivotal moment in the story is when Ms. Bakers, Abby’s teacher, educates the class about American Sign Language (ASL). This act of inclusion is a powerful narrative turning point, advocating for empathy and understanding toward different modes of communication. Wolf uses this development to emphasize the importance of embracing uniqueness and fostering an environment of acceptance and accommodation.
May I Sit at Your Table? provides young readers with a broader lesson on empathy, inclusion, and the human spirit. It serves as a reminder that understanding and accommodating each other’s unique ways of communication enriches everyone’s experience. Wolf’s picture book is an enlightening read that encourages readers to consider the diverse ways in which we connect and understand one another.
Pages: 36 | ASIN: B0CGP5FZFS
Grumpy Grump
Grumpy Grump, by Ruthie Godfrey, is a captivating children’s book that tells the story of Gloria, a young girl who symbolically dons a “grumpy” blanket to express her discontent. Noticing her sour mood, her mother gently guides her on a neighborhood walk, exposing her to the joy and wonder of the outside world. This simple yet profound journey helps Gloria shed her irritable demeanor, illustrating the transformative power of a positive environment.
Ruthie Godfrey’s work stands out for its engaging narrative and moving underlying message. The book offers young readers a delightful blend of engaging dialogue, a compelling and accessible plot, and a deeper lesson about emotional management. Gloria’s character is a relatable figure for children, depicting the universal struggle with negative emotions and presenting a healthy strategy for overcoming them. The narrative conveys that indulging in crankiness is not only unproductive but also detracts from the beauty and excitement of the world. The high-quality, cleverly designed illustrations in the book are a visual treat, capturing children’s attention from the outset and maintaining their engagement throughout the story. These illustrations complement the text beautifully, enhancing the book’s educational value. The dialogue is crafted with young readers in mind, featuring clear, understandable language and a brisk pace that holds their interest without overwhelming them. This approach is particularly effective for an audience with a shorter attention span, making the book a perfect choice for elementary school reading or a soothing bedtime story.
Grumpy Grump is a valuable tool for teaching positivity and resilience. Its appeal lies not only in its narrative and artistic merits but also in its ability to impart an important life lesson to its young readers.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0C5CHB8N6
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
Monsters Have Feelings
Monsters Need Breaks Too! follows well-known monsters who, after a hard day of work, doing whatever it is monsters do, need some downtime to process their own feelings and just relax. What was the inspiration for your story?
After the Pandemic, it felt like the world just hit the ground running as everyone around me, myself included, was getting back into activities and making themselves busy again. I saw my kids struggle to get back into the routine of schedules and places to be. We were talking about how to create balance in our lives again after such an upheaval, and taking more frequent breaks was one of our ideas. I often use drawing as a way to take a break and reset. During one of my fun drawing breaks, I began drawing cute monsters and started with the Lochness monster. I thought it would be funny to imagine the Lochness monster taking a bath in a tub. Soon after I imagined the Kraken with an ice cream and drew him under the sea with sunken ships. I would post my images on Instagram with funny captions because they made me laugh, and I thought others would find it funny as well. This book started with a few funny illustrations, but as I looked at the images, I started to imagine the pictures as snapshots of the story. What had happened before this scene, and why would the Lochness monster be taking a bubble bath? Why would Kraken be eating an ice cream? Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by monsters, mythical creatures, and cryptids, and love to think about them being a lot like us. It was funny to imagine what kinds of things would be frustrating to monsters, and then my book grew from there.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted the idea that monsters were a lot like us to really come through in the story so that anyone could identify with the emotions in the book. I think using monsters gives the story a universal reach because there are no limitations on who could see themselves represented in the story. I liked the idea that monsters have feelings and that sometimes their feelings get hurt, or they get frustrated like we do. Secondly, I really wanted the readers to think about ways they can take breaks in their own lives when they get overwhelmed or are feeling uncomfortable emotions. I wanted to help the reader brainstorm in a humorous way, things they could do to reset.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
This is my first book, and some of my goals were simple at first; to simply accomplish the task of writing, illustrating, and publishing a book. Beyond that monumental goal I set for myself, I wanted the illustrations to tell most of the story, and I wanted my story to be clear and well-written. This was a huge learning experience for me. I’ve been illustrating for years and have written many stories in my life, but I’ve never shared them with the public until now. This was a major milestone for me as I’ve wanted to publish a children’s book since I was in college. It was one of those dreams in the back of my mind that would come and go. I took some courses during the pandemic and afterwards that introduced me to the tools needed to accomplish this goal, and I was finally able to bring it to life!
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?
I am currently working on another book in this series that is called (for now) Monster Problems from A-Z: Addiction to Zoning Out. We loved reading books to our children, and I really appreciated writers who wrote funny books that we could laugh with and also books that were geared toward the parents, too. Books that are fun for kids and parents to read together promote more interaction and conversation and is a BIG goal in writing the Monsters series.
Author Links: GoodReads | Reedsy | Facebook | Website | Amazon
As we journey through the pages of this book, we’ll meet a captivating array of monsters, each indulging in their preferred break time activities. The vibrant illustrations, lovingly crafted by the talented artist and author Stacie Green, bring these creatures to life in the most enchanting and adorable way imaginable. With a touch of humor and a sprinkle of fun, the artwork adds an extra layer of joy to the story, captivating young readers and igniting their imagination.
Monsters Need Breaks Too! is an invitation for children to embrace the importance of self-care and discover their own unique methods of finding joy and tranquility. Through the magical adventures of these marvelous monsters, children learn that moving their bodies, indulging in breaks, and expressing themselves through art are all essential ingredients for a happy and balanced life. We all experience moments of grouchiness and feeling down, but by practicing self-care and taking breaks to improve our moods, we can find our inner joy once again.
So, let us join these lovable monsters on their journey as they impart their wisdom and teach us valuable lessons about the power of self-care and finding happiness. Within these pages, we’ll discover that everyone, even monsters, needs a break now and then, and that taking care of ourselves is truly a magical endeavor.
LITERARY TITAN 