Blog Archives
The Value of True Friendship and Forgiveness
Gloppy follows a fifth-grade girl who becomes rivals with a new girl at school; friends and school staff work to help the girls overcome their differences. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for Gloppy came from watching interactions between elementary-age students. Mistake-making, teasing, and pranking are common experiences for kids.
I wanted to write a book with believable characters whom readers can identify with. As kids follow the main character’s journey, I hope that they will enjoy the story and develop some helpful strategies for dealing with their own problems.
Dee thinks she has everything figured out when she starts school, only to discover she does not. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Dee is highly intelligent and competitive, but that doesn’t make her immune to social challenges. She makes a big mistake and learns that there are unpleasant consequences for her behavior. As she navigates through the subsequent difficulties, she learns about the value of true friendship and forgiveness. These are some of the ideals I hoped to convey.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are several themes showcased in Gloppy:
- How to build and keep friendships.
- The importance of making amends to those one has hurt.
- The power of forgiveness.
- Learning to accept guidance from parents and teachers.
- Dispelling the notion that intelligent kids have no problems.
- To balance life with a generous dose of humor.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The sequel to Gloppy, called Addition Problems, is already available! Dee’s family is having an addition built, and crazy things start happening! Plus, there is a mystery unfolding; can the reader figure it out? Dee has some interesting and funny experiences in this wild, upside-down summer!
Also, I am now working on Book 3 in the series!
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Meanwhile, the fifth-graders are competing in girls vs. boys kickball and softball games. Each team is determined to outscore the other. Things become pretty wild both on and off the field! At home, Dee mixes it up with her little brother, Joey. Will there be any peace?
Gloppy is a heartwarming tale of friendships and forgiveness that will stick with a reader long after the last page has been turned.
Bertie the Bouncy Beachball
Bertie lives at the most wonderful place possible–the beach. He is a beachball housed on a shelf in a shed full of toys and should have fun-filled days in the sun with one beach-going child after another. Bertie, however, is not so lucky. Day after day, he watches the other toys in the shed leave their spots on the shelves to enjoy the beach and bring smiles to children. All he wants is a chance to do the same. When Rosie and Esther enter the shed with their grandfather one day, Bertie’s luck begins to take a turn.
Bertie the Bouncy Beachball, written by Mandy Woolf and illustrated by Elmira Georgieva, is the sweet story of a beachball who desires nothing more than to feel wanted and useful. His sadness is palpable, and the touching illustrations clearly convey his emotions to young readers throughout the book. Children will be drawn immediately to Bertie and his plight.
Parents and teachers will be reminded of Corduroy as they introduce readers to Bertie and his struggle to be important to someone. Woolf includes lessons on patience and perseverance–both excellent lessons for young readers. The most important lesson conveyed by the author and one parents and teachers will more than appreciate is that we should give others a chance to shine.
As a teacher, I can see Bertie the Bouncy Beachball as an excellent resource for elementary teachers and guidance counselors. There are some truly wonderful opportunities within Woolf’s book to address feelings and how to cope with them. I highly recommend this delightful read!
Pages: 32 | ISBN: 1922670715
Pippin Goes Snowboarding
Mummy has planned a day of new experiences for Pippin, and he cannot wait to see what the day brings! First on their list is snow. Pippin has never seen snow, and he is mesmerized. His curiosity gets the best of him when he sees his very first snowman, but a long-necked bird sets him straight following a few curious licks. After Emy the emu educates Pippin about snow, he meets Luna, the dog who introduces him to the idea of snowboard racing. Pippin’s fun day in the snow is about to get even more interesting!
Pippin Goes Snowboarding is the fourth book in Julia Seaborn’s A Poodle Called Pippin series and is illustrated by Richard Hoit. Hoit’s precious illustration truly captures the excitement and novelty of main character Pippin’s experiences. Seaborn’s storyline offers young readers everything from suspenseful moments to encouragement to share with others. In addition, Pippin’s adventure helps young readers better understand how to make new friends and deal with the fear of trying something new.
I am giving Pippin Goes Snowboarding, written by Julia Seaborn and illustrated by Richard Hoit, 5 out of 5 stars. The author has included a wonderful list of comprehension questions that can be used to facilitate classroom discussions. I can see this book, and the entire Pippin series, as a teaching tool in grades K-3. I highly recommend Seaborn and Hoit’s work for any parent or teacher looking to incorporate a new author into their regular rotation of read-alouds.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0BFVVX3VD
Hoppin’ Hankaroo: Zoo Adventure
There is no place better to have an adventure than the zoo, and Hoppin’ Hankaroo is about to find out exactly how interesting it can be. When Kathy and Hoppin’ Hankaroo head off to the zoo, they meet up with animals both big and small. From a monkey to an elephant, Kathy and Hankaroo see everything the zoo has to offer before they head back to their bus. What they don’t know is that their next adventure is already getting started thanks to someone special who is following them home.
Hoppin’ Hankaroo, written by Janet Earnest Jenkins and illustrated by Terri L. Earnest, is a children’s book featuring Hankaroo, the dog, and his owner Kathy (with a K). Jenkins and Earnest have created a fun rhyming story geared toward younger readers featuring eye-catching illustrations of everyone’s favorite zoo animals. This easy-to-read book is perfect for both emerging readers and beginning readers in grades Pre-K to 2nd grade.
I highly recommend Jenkins and Earnest’s work to parents and teachers who are interested in incorporating rhyme into their read-aloud sessions. The author/illustrator team leaves readers in anticipation of a fun sequel–the perfect way to end a children’s story!
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B0BHFFKXH5
Encouraged Kids to Dream
Dream Big… even when you’re small, follows a Sea Star who wants to travel and see different parts of the world; what he learns is traveling is fun but home is best. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was inspired to write a children’s story that encouraged kids to dream using their imagination and creativity. I hoped that the colorful illustrations would not only entertain but also, foster their ability to dream with a plan. I chose a sea star as the main character because like children, they are: beautiful, resilient and curious!
What came first when creating this picture book, the illustration or the story?
The script of the story came first but, was quickly followed by the Sea Star character along with his many quirky friends.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Children benefit from positive encouragement to use their creativity and think innovatively. Our ability to learn bravery, resiliency and self confidence develop from trying new activities and embracing new experiences. Children flourish and mature when they learn to appreciate the wonderful blessings that already exist in their life – such as family, friends and “home” .
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
A new book staring Sea Star and his friends is well underway! In this new book – Book One of a new Sea Star Series – our little star realizes he is “different” from his sea creature friends because he is not a fish. The story highlights how our differences make us each unique, special, and likable. The cheerful illustrations with rhyming and repeating verse demonstrate how positive words and actions build self confidence and a positive inner voice.
The publishing date for the new book is anticipated in early 2023.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
” Dream Big…even when your small ” is a whimsical picture book that children and adults can enjoy reading together. The colorful artworks gives the readers lots to talk about and point out, making the reading experience active for even toddlers. This is a perfect picture book for the pre school and kindergarten classrooms.
Imperfections Are What Make You Unique
Hooray for Heidi! follows a young turtle who makes a new friend on her way to see the animal games; once there, she learns the value of teamwork and that everyone has different strengths. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am very aware that we live in an age where children are becoming increasingly self-conscious in terms of their appearance, physique and abilities. I was therefore inspired to write an entertaining story that ultimately teaches children that it is okay to be good at some things and not so good at others. Nobody can be good at everything, and in fact your imperfections are what make you unique.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Due to adverse experiences in my childhood, I had a habit (and still do) of being self-critical, for example, comparing my abilities to other children, what I was good at and not so good at etc. I wanted to refer to this with characters in the book as it’s important for everyone, especially children, to realise their strengths and weaknesses, how to learn from them, how to accept yourself and others and to be kind and show compassion to people no matter how similar or different they are.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted to make sure that this book had more excitement in it with it being the final book in the Sumatran Trilogy, and I hope I have achieved that. It was important to me to have the book flow well and for the theme to remain as close to the first two books, The Problem with Poppy and What’s Troubling Tawny?, as possible. I also wanted to make it funny and a little more light-hearted than the first two books but still with meaningful messages that would help children handle their emotions and feelings.
What is the next book or series you will be writing, and when can your readers look for it to be out?
Hooray for Heidi! is the final book in the Sumatran Trilogy, but I do have plans for more books in the future. I am co-writing one with another author at the moment, but I can’t reveal any details yet. Watch this space!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Will José be able to cheer Heidi up, and can the two animals find a way to join in the fun?
Colin the Crab’s Friends
What is the purpose of life if there is no one to enjoy it with? In Colin the Crab’s Friends by Tuula Pere Colin knows that working hard and savoring the beautiful moments in life is a well-balanced diet. Colin is a hardworking builder that keeps himself fully busy.
He helps Ms. Catfish with a loose roof beam on her home but then spends time listening to her stories and enriching their friendship. The Next family needs help washing their windows which Colin is more than willing to help, knowing Mrs. Newt has so many children to look after and would much prefer her spending time looking after them than worrying about her silly windows that need cleaning. Sally the Starfish is incredibly sad about how glum her fence is looking, and Colin knows his friend well enough to do just the right thing to cheer her up. He embellishes her fence with decorative ornaments, which instantly brightens her mood but reminds her to be thankful that she has a strong-standing home keeping her perspective of what is important in check as a good friend should do. After working hard all week, Colin decides to throw his friends a party in the blue pavilion he built for just such occasions. He knows life is about working hard and taking the time to enjoy life’s splendors with friends.
I loved how simple the story is, but it permeated with such significance. I feel everyone is told to always work hard to get the things they want in life. But this story does an exquisite job of clarifying exactly how to do so and then, in the same breath showing you how to have meaningful relationships and enjoy life. This is exactly the kind of story young readers should have at their disposal to become what I think are well-rounded individuals.
The illustrations by Roksolana Panchyshyn give life to the characters and convey the sweetness and charm the story possesses. I enjoyed how the author has given Colin the crab such humanity-like quality to him. He empathizes and sympathizes with his friends and their situations. He knows just what everyone needs to feel loved and appreciated, and this is also a shining mark shown countless times throughout the story by the author’s remarkable writing skills.
Colin the Crab’s Friends is a heartwarming picture book that children and adults will be able to find meaning within its pages. This children’s book is perfect for classrooms and libraries to help young children understand what friendship is and how to be a good friend to those around them.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 9523573225
Colin the Crab Feels Tired
It is difficult to say no to friends when they ask for your help. In Colin the Crab Feels Tired by Tuula Pere we get to see the struggle Colin feels when he is asked by numerous friends’ for his help with many different tasks. He simply cannot say no to his friends and does his best to prioritize his jobs but is too tired from working hard all day to move another muscle.
The fish family’s home was destroyed by waves, and has asked Colin for his help in building them a new home. This being an emergency, he gets to work on it straight away. He then receives a call from Eddie the eel to get his help in making him a new and bigger garage for his new moto copter, which Colin knows is nothing urgent and can wait but begins to feel the slightest pressure building within him. Still working hard at the construction site for the fish family, Sally, the starfish, calls him, needing his help in putting up her new mirror on the wall of her home. Colin cannot decline her request but decides to put her next on his fast-growing list of friends to help. At the end of the day, Colin feels exhausted and needs a good night’s rest that seems to last long into the morning. In the morning, his friends are all looking for him needing his help, and realize they he is overworked and must be desperately tired if he is still asleep. They decide to take on his task of building the fish family’s new home so he can rest up.
I love that this story shows young children not only the significance of helping others but also the weight it can bear on us if we take on too much. We must look after ourselves in order to help others in the end, and that also having good friends who are more than willing to bare the weight is what true friendships are made of.
Colin the Crab Feels Tired is a well-written picture book that teaches children the value of self-care and looking out for your friends. Teachers and parents will love the important message this book shares, while children will be drawn to the beautiful illustrations and entertaining characters.
Pages: 32 | ISBN: 9523573160
