Blog Archives
Oink and Gobble and the Missing Cupcakes
Oink and Gobble have very little in common, but that doesn’t stop them from being the best of friends. No matter what others on the farm may say about either of them, they manage to ignore it and live happy-go-lucky lives. When Oink’s cupcakes go missing, the two best friends set out on a mission to find the culprit. With Gobble’s love for logic and Oink’s overactive imagination, the pair is bound to solve the mystery–with some light-hearted moments along the way.
Oink and Gobble and the Missing Cupcakes, written by Norman Whaler and illustrated by Mohammad Shayan, is a children’s book filled with humorous moments between farm animals and best friends on their way to solving a mystery. Bright and colorful illustrations clearly convey the story line and further add to the plot. Included is a page with the names of each farm animal complete with labels.
I enjoyed this book, but I felt like the story line belongs in a book for children ages 2 to about 6 while the verbiage and some of the exchanges between characters I think might be above the heads of most children in that age group. I enjoyed the asides and the humor injected into the dialogue but found it more appropriate for older readers. I would recommend the plot of the story for young children, but the narrative is much more fitting for young adult readers.
Well-written and superbly illustrated this book will bring a smile to readers’ faces. I think this book is best read with parents or teachers as it presents many learning opportunities. Oink and Gobble and the Missing Cupcakes is a fun and funny picture book.
Pages: 30 | ASIN: B07YN4W37Q
What I Tell Myself About Self-Protection
![What I Tell Myself About Self-Protection by [Michael Brown, Ilham Fatkurahman, Michele Mathews]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jVElRdtIL._SX260_.jpg)
What I Tell Myself About Self-Protection is an educational resource for children, adults and educators. It teaches the reader through simple rhymes that danger lurks in the world and one must be prepared for it. It shows how different people, young and old, can get into scary situations that may be harmful to them. It then empowers them with the knowledge that they can protect themselves by fighting back, but also that it is okay to run away or call the police. It gives readers the tools necessary to take their safety into their own hands.
This is the most pragmatic picture book that I’ve read this year. It teaches children and adults valuable skills that might literally save their lives. It presents readers with various situations where the characters are in danger, and then shows them different ways they could protect themselves. Either by being aware of their surroundings, or dialing 911, running away, or by simply saying No and Stop. The art that accompanied each scene was clean, bright, and emotive. It reminded me of the D.A.R.E comic books that used to be distributed through schools. This is a great book for parents or educators to begin a conversation with kids about self-defense and when it’s acceptable to defend yourself. I appreciated how varied the talking points were. At end of the book readers are given a list where they can write down the contact information for different self-protection resources, which is a good resource to keep handy, or at the very least it’s a great opportunity to begin a discussion about each resource. Simply knowing that those people and services exist should help children understand that there are people in the world that will help them when needed. The book also provides a summary of a self-protection law case that helps give the books topic a real world reference, but may be more suitable for older readers. What I Tell Myself About Self-Protection provides practical advice that is easy to understand and simple to implement.
Pages: 30 | ASIN: B08BCNV9RB
Jack
Jack is stuck at home with the measles, but he is still up for adventure. When his mother insists that he rest and takes away his television and game privileges, he is stuck with books–his least favorite things. Imagination, however, is stronger than even Jack realizes, and soon he finds himself lost in one world after another as he gazes out his window. Will Jack put two and two together and figure out what his teachers knew all along?
Jack, written by Norman Whaler and illustrated by Nina Mkhoiani, stresses the importance of books and the impact they have on our lives without ever stating it outright. Whaler uses Jack to demonstrate the effect stories have on children and how, when instruction is administered effectively, they never truly realize how much they are learning. The way in which Whaler uses the changing clouds to spark Jack’s imagination is quite ingenious. The illustrations by Mkhoiani are vibrant and eye-catching and convey the story line well.
I recommend this short children’s picture book to any teacher in grades K-3 who wants to impress upon students the fantastic wealth of information that can be found in books. This quick read would make a wonderful read-aloud to kick off the new school year.
Pages: 24 | ASIN: B07B2DNQPX
The Child Who Listened to Alice Cooper
Metal Like Me follows Vinny as he faces bullying while trying to make friends. What was the inspiration for the setup to this heartening children’s story?
Metal Like Me stems from my experience as a teacher and wanting to create a more realistic or, at the very least, a more relatable story for students.
Vinny comes from a family of metalheads. This was artfully relayed through the images in the book. Why did you choose this background for Vinny?
I chose metalheads in part because I am one. I was the child who listened to Alice Cooper going to bed and my dad is my concert buddy. We have seen the original Kiss, Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper, Amon Amarth and many others together so it was something easily relatable for me.
I also knew that metal music was the perfect genre for my characters. Metal has a variety of different sub-genres that make it as diverse as the people who listen to it.
The art in this book is lovely. What was the art collaboration like with Danielle Green?
Honestly, my fear with it all was that I was not specific enough as far as what I wanted to see. If I recall correctly, I was only specific as to the characters. Danielle took everything to a new level and without her the work would not have been the same.
Her experiences in the school system put touches into the illustrations that others would not have been able. The sign tapped to the teacher’s desk regarding names and the extended schedule on the board were things a non-teacher would not have understood or included.
As she progressed with the illustrations and sent me pictures of them, I was thrilled. Her work was incredible.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book is a young adult fantasy novel titled Dark Days. It will be out late August or early September of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
A New Alphabet for Humanity
![A New Alphabet for Humanity : A Children's Book of Alphabet Words to Inspire Compassion, Kindness and Positivity by [Leesa McGregor , Daniela Sosa ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HdpC-+NIL.jpg)
A New Alphabet for Humanity is an inspiring children’s picture book that introduces kids to new ideas and concepts by using encouraging and uplifting words. The book goes through each letter in the alphabet, gives the letter along with an accompanying explanation, a beautiful image to reinforce the message, and a short description of the words meaning. All of these words come together to encourage children to think globally, socially, and positively.
Leesa McGregor introduces young readers to new words, some may be beyond their reading level, but not beyond their comprehension. This wonderful children’s book will inspire kids to think about new ideas, and give them a vocabulary for ideas they may already have and just don’t know how to express. The short but impactful descriptions of the word’s meaning are helpful, not just for children, but also for the adults that may be reading this book with their children. The illustrations by Daniela Sosa are bright, colorful, and focused on action which helps to keep kids engaged. The cute smiling faces of diverse children scattered throughout this book were to numerous to count. I think this is a better way to teach children about the alphabet. Instead of Apple, Cat, and Dog. Leesa McGregor uses empowering words like Abundance, Bravery, and Compassion. These are words that children have to think about more deeply, and because of that, the words and letters will stick much easier.
I have never read a book that embraced humanity with such positivity before. It’s refreshing seeing it accomplished so magnificently for young readers. This is a book for children, parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a new, empowering, alphabet.
Pages: 34 | ASIN: B089ZGG6NM
I’ve Got You (Captain Fantastic Book 1)
![I've Got You (Captain Fantastic Book 1) by [Tommy Balaam]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iJ1DRGBaL.jpg)
I’ve Got You is a fun space adventure for young readers. Captain Fantastic and his best friend Winston sail through the galaxy when they encounter a scary looking galaxy. When Winston gets frightened Captain Fantastic’s mission is to reassure his best friend and let him know that he’ll never be alone. Together, they can face anything.
Tommy Balaam has created a charming children’s story that is filled with colorful images that give life to this simple but effective story. I don’t often come across children’s picture books that fall within the science fiction genre. This is a welcome surprise as the story embraces it with a unique charisma that is reminiscent of early science fiction TV shows like Flash Gordon.
The story begins with the duo departing on an adventure. Before long we’re given a peek into their various exciting adventures on diverse planets and against many cute monsters. All relayed through rhyme. I loved the story but what I enjoyed most about this book, much like a comic book, was the fantastic art and imagery throughout the story. A fantastic start to what promises to be an amazing intergalactic children’s series.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B08BKSBHSN
Frankie the Ferret
![Frankie the Ferret by [Kimberley Paterson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51x-5s1+XRL.jpg)
Frankie the Ferret is a wonderful children’s picture book that will help young readers learn what it is like to have a ferret as a pet. Readers get to see all of the different types of activities that ferrets enjoy. The story is told through beautiful narrative illustrations and simple rhymes that really bring this story, and Frankie, to life.
I have never had a ferret for a pet, so I found this book immensely helpful in understanding what to expect if I were to have a pet ferret. This could also be helpful for children who are also thinking of having a ferret as a pet. It’s a simple introduction to the life of a ferret and the different types of mischief he can get into. This is a creative story for new readers that will help build vocabulary skills as much of the text is depicted throughout he story and the rhymes are simple and effective.
This is a fun and educational story that parents will love reading with their children. With plenty of charming images of Frankie in various states of play, readers will sure enjoy reading this book more than once, or just flipping through the pages to giggle at Frankie.
Pages: 13 | ASIN: B08CY2HF59
Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K
![Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K.: TMS’ Guide to Managing Accepting Strengthening Keystones by [Regina Christian-Massey, Teacher Mod Squad, Sandra T. Alexander]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ETDBHaa+L.jpg)
Co-teaching is when two teachers collaborate in order to better serve the student needs in a classroom. As is to be expected, both teachers will have different styles. They will have different opinions and visions for their teaching outcomes. It is therefore expected that both teachers will disagree with each other from time to time. Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K. is a guide to ensure that it remains a collaborative effort despite a difference of opinion and vision. This book helps people in a co-teaching situation to properly utilize and use everyone’s talents, expertise, and styles in a way that best benefits the class.
Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K. is very useful for teachers who are already certified and those yet to receive their final push into the field. Teachers for when they find themselves sharing a space with another teacher. Prospective educators for when the time comes for them to practice in co-teaching situations. This book shows you the correct way to respect and value another person’s opinion and style without discrediting or being cavalier about it. It teaches the value of a partner in a co-teaching situation. You learn about your role and the role of your partner. Knowing your role in a partnership means that you can better meet the expectations of your partner and have them meet yours. It makes it easier to carry your part of the load.
This book is very clear. It has proper examples of situations that you might be handling wrong. It is also very practical. The author’s experience and ability are seen clearly through the way the message and subject matter are conveyed. These are two very important qualities in a guide book especially one that covers such an expertise-based profession.
Co-Teaching: The Professional Behind the M.A.S.K. is very relevant for co-teaching professionals, but some of the tips can be applied to other types of partnerships. Respect for each other and appreciation of the differences between each are the building blocks of a good successful partnership. The author understands this and it is clearly seen in this book. Many stars for the sheer simplicity of this book. The author does not make it too complicated. The seriousness and importance of the subject matter are well conveyed by the tone and voice of the book.
Pages: 94 | ASIN: B07ZQYJW33
LITERARY TITAN 