Blog Archives
Marky the Magnificent Fairy
In Marky the Magnificent Fairy by Cynthia Kern Obrien, readers are presented with an array of characters with numerous differences and physical capabilities that are then quickly explained and understood. As society is becoming more aware and educated on the diversity of people in many aspects, it is important to be able to introduce this subject to growing minds, and this vibrant children’s book does just that.
Throughout this charming picture book, readers are taken on a journey exploring the differences between people and get to understand self-love, confidence, acceptance, compassion, and positivity, among other things. All these things are core values that all people should learn about, but author Cynthia Kern OBrien makes it very easy for young readers to understand. All of these characteristics come into play as children grow into adulthood. This book also includes discussion questions that get kids to self-reflect and understand themselves and others better. Teachers will greatly appreciate The Resource Guide, as I thought it was helpful in furthering the discussion on how to handle situations with disabled people.
The beautiful illustrations were incredibly adorable and fit the atmosphere of the book perfectly. They were charming and captured the essence of each unique character. The writing is easy to follow and sends a clear and compassionate message. I would highly recommend Marky the Magnificent Fairy to all children, parents, and teachers. This would be a great book to have in an elementary school classroom to inspire discussion on diversity and self-respect.
Pages: 36 | ISBN: 1589850157
Sled With Me: I Love You to the North Pole and Beyond
Sled With Me is an enchanting children’s book that takes readers on an imaginative journey to the North Pole. Readers will see a cozy village, visit the workshop where elves are busy making toys, and see Santa and his reindeer all in one fun-filled night.
In this charming kid’s book author Sharon Purtill tells a magical holiday adventure all through rhyme. Each rhyme is short, cute, and perfect for the season. The language is perfect for parents to read to their young children, or for early readers to read on their own.
Every page of this picture book is illustrated from edge to edge with vibrant and sharp illustrations that bring each scene to life. There is so much detail on every page that children will surely spend several minutes on each page picking out all the different things, especially when they get to the North Pole and see the cute polar bears on skates.
This is a wonderfully detailed children’s book that brings together all of your favorite holiday characters. This book is so much more than a Christmas story. It shows children how to use their imagination to take them wherever they want to go. Sled With Me is a delightful children’s book that will inspire your child’s next dream adventure.
Pages: 37 | ASIN: B0BMVYS1LF
Maggie McNair Has Spiders in Her Hair
Maggie McNair Has Spiders in Her Hair follows young Maggie, who absolutely refuses to have her hair brushed. When her mother tells her that spiders will make a home for themselves in her hair if she doesn’t comb her hair, the issue is resolved! This is such a delightful, sweet, and charming story. From the rhythmic writing to the whimsical illustrations by illustrator Norris Hall, readers can’t help but enjoy this imaginative story.
One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome as a parent of a child with long hair is to be able to brush their hair. At times it can feel like a losing battle. Maggie McNair Has Spiders in Her Hair, written by Sheila Booth-Alberstadt, is a must read and a fantastic tool that will help parents teach their children to build good and lasting habits.
I would recommend Maggie McNair Has Spiders in Her Hair to any parent, teacher or child because it creatively conveys the important message of keeping your hair tidy. The lesson is delivered in a fun and silly way that will capture a child’s attention and help them come to terms with it. This educational children’s book lets kids see why brushing their hair is essential to hygiene; all while entertaining them with an amusing story.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B09B4DJ1Z5
A Splash of Colour
Great educational tools are immensely fundamental to child development, but I have found they are scarce in young readers’ libraries. A Splash of Colour, written and illustrated by Susannah Nilsen, has given us a supreme perfect example of an educational book aid.
The beginning starts us off with common sight words that help us while we read, and the writing is simple enough to follow, so young readers can pick up these sight words quickly. Although this story does not follow a specific storyline or have an overall theme, it does, in fact, allow for an entertaining way to learn. The rhythmic verses leaped from the page with a steady pulse that kept the reader hanging from every word.
I recommend this book to any family or young reader who is learning to read or needs help gaining more powerful reading skills. This book will allow for quick and entertaining learning. The illustrations and the sight words were effortlessly cohesive and echo a seamless connection to the sight words allowing for an even better teaching aid.
I believe that the gift of reading is magical and can help us do amazing things. The author explains at the end of the book, “Her classroom experience affords a deep understanding of the value of picture books in the classroom, both as a vehicle to teach across the curriculum and to explore all manner of concepts.” this is something I clearly saw through her writing and the illustrations themselves.
A Splash of Colour is a whimsical picture book that will engage preschool and toddler-age children with its vivid images and entertaining text. Parents and teachers will find this to be a valuable children’s book to have for teaching about colours and introducing sight words. This is a wonderful addition to a home or classroom library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0BJ6JZJB9
Billy’s Wide Crack
What happens when you wake up and look in the mirror while getting ready for school only to realize something is really not right. Unfortunately, that is what happened to Billy. He discovers something alarming that morning, and his solution is to hide in his bed and pretend it doesn’t exist. Then, one by one, his family members come in and observe what he has seen, and all of them are unsure of what to make of the situation.
Billy’s Wide Crack, written by JD Von Lafsalot and illustrator by Pietro Peres, is a humorous picture book with children and adults laughing with each page. The entertaining images and expressions on the characters’ faces will have children guessing right from the start as to what crack Billy has found. I loved that on each page, there was a little bee that seemed to add to the drama of the situation, like sitting on the dad’s tie.
At the end of the book are some quick questions teachers can use to review the story with their class. This helps children recall and identify the context of stories. Some questions require them to have keen observation skills and will allow them to go back and pick out details they may have missed at first.
Billy’s Wide Crack: A Fun Rhyming Story of Assumptions and False Thinking is a light-hearted picture book that will have readers of all ages laughing. With children’s active imaginations, the story will surely bring about many fun, exciting class discussions and laughs.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0BFDTGNH7
Inspired By My Love For Candy
La Aventura de Algodòn de Azùcar (The Adventure of Cotton Candy) follows a character as she searches for her missing friend. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
I was inspired by my love for candy as well as learning Spanish.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
It was important to include repetitive phrases as I find that is the most efficient way to learn a language.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
My favorite scene was when Cotton Candy finds Peppermint.
Do you have any plans to continue writing children’s books?
Not at this time.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Adopt A Special Needs Dog
A Home for Sally follows a little puppy who is left in a shelter and struggling to get adopted because she is missing a paw and cannot run. What was the inspiration for your story?
Inspiration for A Home for Sally came from a place of concern. I would often view stories about pet adoption, however most of them would not feature a special needs puppy. This caused me to consider and then write about a canine with a disability bringing attention to this animal. Which was considered as not adoptable.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The morals I am sharing in A Home for Sally is to never give up and encourage people to adopt a special needs dog.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some concepts which were important for me was to have empathy for others, although we may look different we are all lovable, learning to accept the differences in each other. and the friendship we can have with a pet.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book release is part of a series, and the primary character is Ella the Elephant. The first book in this series is entitled, Ella Learns to Dance is scheduled for release in December 2022.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
What Makes Them Unique And Special
Otto: The Not-So-Little Giant follows a young boy who lives in a village of giants, but he is much smaller than the rest of the giants and wishes he could be bigger. What was the inspiration for your story?
After years of working with and performing for young children, I began to see how they start to identify themselves by their “differences” and how that often makes them feel like they do not fit in with their peers or the world in general. It can be anything from being “too short” or “too tall” or “too skinny” or “too heavy” or having to wear eyeglasses or discovering their sexual orientation….mostly things they have no control over. This leaves them feeling “small” and with a sense of not belonging. I was inspired to remind little ones that those things that create these insecurities are actually what makes them unique and special and can be viewed as strengths. And I wanted to tell it in a way that was fun and exciting and in a positive way.
Otto starts off being picked on and has low self-esteem but grows to appreciate his differences. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
When faced with his insecurities, Otto is fortunate enough to have loving and supportive parents and a best friend Lizzie who does not see his “difference” and celebrates each day with him. He is taught to never give up. That anything he wants to achieve is his for the taking. When he is faced with a real-life emergency and discovers that what makes him “different” is actually what will allow him to save his friend, he begins to realize his own self-worth and his value in his village. He is also celebrated for what he is able to do.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That each child is unique and special and they should be celebrated for who they are. Childhood for everyone comes with tests on our self-worth and questioning where we fit in. I hope that this story will remind little ones who are questioning themselves, that being true to yourself, finding the good around you, and celebrating our differences will always make them a “giant”!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a follow up that will take Otto and Lizzie on a new adventure with some lessons to learn along the way with hopes that it will be ready for publication in 2023.
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website
Until one day, when his best friend Lizzie has gone missing after school and the whole village was out searching for her, they turned to Little Otto to save Lizzie, and he learned that what made him feel “different” all this time was exactly what would save the day and his best friend! And that loving and being true to who you are will always make you a feel like a giant to yourself and to others.
