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Recommend this book:
It's Not That 'Big a Deal'
A Simple & Funny Reminder About What Matters Most
Ron Keres
2022 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Susan van der Walt for Readers' Favorite
We live in a time where often both parents have to juggle a career and raise their kids, leading to much stress. Due to this, they often tend to overreact to children's minor mishaps. In It's Not That 'Big A Deal,' Ron Keres reminds parents that minor accidents like spilling milk, taking too long to get ready in the morning, tracking dirt into the car, etc., are not such a big deal. Instead, he highlights that despite these incidents and parents' reactions to them, they still love their children and can't imagine life without them. But it will also help children realize that the small things they get right will make life easier for their parents.
I love the colorful illustrations, which show the typical effects and reactions to everyday mishaps parents and little ones know so well. I like that Ron Keres gives space for kids to write about one of their own mishaps and draw a picture about it. It's Not That 'Big A Deal' aims to help parents see the humor in these situations and realize that often these incidents make the fondest memories. And it will inspire little ones to try to avoid these things, making life easier for their parents. It teaches children values like tidiness, promptness, consideration for others, etc. Young children will love this delightful story because they are so familiar with so many incidents. It gives them and their parents a chance to see the funny side and even leads to discussions about how many of them can be prevented.
We live in a time where often both parents have to juggle a career and raise their kids, leading to much stress. Due to this, they often tend to overreact to children's minor mishaps. In It's Not That 'Big A Deal,' Ron Keres reminds parents that minor accidents like spilling milk, taking too long to get ready in the morning, tracking dirt into the car, etc., are not such a big deal. Instead, he highlights that despite these incidents and parents' reactions to them, they still love their children and can't imagine life without them. But it will also help children realize that the small things they get right will make life easier for their parents.
I love the colorful illustrations, which show the typical effects and reactions to everyday mishaps parents and little ones know so well. I like that Ron Keres gives space for kids to write about one of their own mishaps and draw a picture about it. It's Not That 'Big A Deal' aims to help parents see the humor in these situations and realize that often these incidents make the fondest memories. And it will inspire little ones to try to avoid these things, making life easier for their parents. It teaches children values like tidiness, promptness, consideration for others, etc. Young children will love this delightful story because they are so familiar with so many incidents. It gives them and their parents a chance to see the funny side and even leads to discussions about how many of them can be prevented.
Recommend this book:
My Dad and the Dragon
Montserrat Coughlin Kim
2022 Honorable Mention
44 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
My Dad and the Dragon, written by Montserrat Coughlin Kim and illustrated by Rebekah S Cheresnick, is a children's picture book revolving around a boy called Cameron and his family in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis. The dragon is the cancer and the family refers to it as what the father is fighting, and what they all must live with. Readers are shown all of the ways the cancer dragon can impact daily life, including loss of appetite and taste, loss of hair, and even the dad's occasional loss of temper. Cameron says he is afraid and his mother assures him that she is too. Each page of the book is fully illustrated in vibrant jewel tones and original artwork.
My wife lost her mother to cancer at a very young age and was fortunate that the family was completely transparent about what was happening. My Dad and the Dragon has this transparency as well and Montserrat Coughlin Kim gives children something they can understand and attach the cancer to without sugar-coating it and giving promises about everything being okay. Because sadly, often it is not okay. I got choked up when one of the children expressed denial and their mother assured them that the doctors did a lot of tests, and it was definitely the cancer dragon. It is compassionate and honest, and it is really beautiful. The illustrations by Rebekah S Cheresnick breathe life into the family, their home, and the cancer dragon. I loved the emotion conveyed and the depiction of both good days and not so good days. Cancer is a difficult subject and is especially hard for children to process. This story and the resources provided are a wonderful way to take some of the edge off. Very highly recommended.
My Dad and the Dragon, written by Montserrat Coughlin Kim and illustrated by Rebekah S Cheresnick, is a children's picture book revolving around a boy called Cameron and his family in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis. The dragon is the cancer and the family refers to it as what the father is fighting, and what they all must live with. Readers are shown all of the ways the cancer dragon can impact daily life, including loss of appetite and taste, loss of hair, and even the dad's occasional loss of temper. Cameron says he is afraid and his mother assures him that she is too. Each page of the book is fully illustrated in vibrant jewel tones and original artwork.
My wife lost her mother to cancer at a very young age and was fortunate that the family was completely transparent about what was happening. My Dad and the Dragon has this transparency as well and Montserrat Coughlin Kim gives children something they can understand and attach the cancer to without sugar-coating it and giving promises about everything being okay. Because sadly, often it is not okay. I got choked up when one of the children expressed denial and their mother assured them that the doctors did a lot of tests, and it was definitely the cancer dragon. It is compassionate and honest, and it is really beautiful. The illustrations by Rebekah S Cheresnick breathe life into the family, their home, and the cancer dragon. I loved the emotion conveyed and the depiction of both good days and not so good days. Cancer is a difficult subject and is especially hard for children to process. This story and the resources provided are a wonderful way to take some of the edge off. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Summertime with Snowman Paul
Yossi Lapid
2022 Honorable Mention
46 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
It is not easy being a snowman in summer. Summer is a season enjoyed by all children, but for Snowman Paul, it is the most difficult time of the year. If our hero is comfortable in spring, autumn, and winter, summer is a problem for him. When Snowman Paul goes swimming in the pool, people think he is crazy; he cannot stand sunbathing on the beach, and even at the zoo, a monkey laughs at him. What can he do? Luckily his friend Dan has the perfect solution for him. What is it? Find it out by reading Yossi Lapid's Summertime with Snowman Paul.
Summertime with Snowman Paul is a colorful and hilarious book that will make any child who reads it smile. Snowman Paul is a character with whom it is easy to sympathize. He is nice and funny, so you really want to discover how his adventure will turn out. I loved how Lapid told his story because he proved that there is a solution to even a seemingly insurmountable difficulty like making a snowman comfortable in the summer. There is also a powerful message in this book, and I believe it is worth highlighting it for its educational value. Snowman Paul's adventure can help children who struggle to fit in understand that sometimes a little ingenuity is enough to resolve their problems. I highly recommend you read Summertime with Snowman Paul and hope you enjoy both the great story written by Yossi Lapid and the beautiful images by Joanna Pasek.
It is not easy being a snowman in summer. Summer is a season enjoyed by all children, but for Snowman Paul, it is the most difficult time of the year. If our hero is comfortable in spring, autumn, and winter, summer is a problem for him. When Snowman Paul goes swimming in the pool, people think he is crazy; he cannot stand sunbathing on the beach, and even at the zoo, a monkey laughs at him. What can he do? Luckily his friend Dan has the perfect solution for him. What is it? Find it out by reading Yossi Lapid's Summertime with Snowman Paul.
Summertime with Snowman Paul is a colorful and hilarious book that will make any child who reads it smile. Snowman Paul is a character with whom it is easy to sympathize. He is nice and funny, so you really want to discover how his adventure will turn out. I loved how Lapid told his story because he proved that there is a solution to even a seemingly insurmountable difficulty like making a snowman comfortable in the summer. There is also a powerful message in this book, and I believe it is worth highlighting it for its educational value. Snowman Paul's adventure can help children who struggle to fit in understand that sometimes a little ingenuity is enough to resolve their problems. I highly recommend you read Summertime with Snowman Paul and hope you enjoy both the great story written by Yossi Lapid and the beautiful images by Joanna Pasek.
Recommend this book:
Mansas Little Reminders
A.D. Williams, Kendal Fordham, et al.
2022 Honorable Mention
70 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Mansa’s Little Reminders by A. D. Williams and Kendal Fordham and illustrated by Taylor Bou is the story of Mark, a child with a big imagination who daydreamed a lot. While some people found this fascinating, others were irritated by his penchant for zoning out. Mark had always imagined owning all the luxuries his schoolmates enjoyed. He wanted to take care of himself and his mother. Unfortunately, Mark came from a poor home. He had no father and often got teased at school. One day, all he wanted was a sausage and bacon with his eggs, but his mom couldn’t afford both choices. A heart-to-heart discussion with his mom and a chance meeting with Mansa, the squirrel, was all it took to cause a shift that would change his life forever.
Mansa’s Little Reminders by A. D. Williams & Kendal Fordham is a fantastic book. It focuses on financial literacy for children, parents, and adults. I had a jotter full of valuable information by the time I finished reading it. The core message of Mansa’s Little Reminders is finding a passion and then developing a unique selling proposition. Other vital lessons included nailing the perfect target audience, creating scales of preference, pricing, and saving. The best part of Williams and Fordham’s work is their amusing and practical writing method. The uncomplicated writing style will draw in children while the colorful illustrations by Taylor Bou will hold their attention. I must also commend the authors for creating a book for financial emancipation that includes all ethnic groups, often ignored in this type of discussion. This book is a mini business guide for kids, and even adults could use a few lessons.
Mansa’s Little Reminders by A. D. Williams and Kendal Fordham and illustrated by Taylor Bou is the story of Mark, a child with a big imagination who daydreamed a lot. While some people found this fascinating, others were irritated by his penchant for zoning out. Mark had always imagined owning all the luxuries his schoolmates enjoyed. He wanted to take care of himself and his mother. Unfortunately, Mark came from a poor home. He had no father and often got teased at school. One day, all he wanted was a sausage and bacon with his eggs, but his mom couldn’t afford both choices. A heart-to-heart discussion with his mom and a chance meeting with Mansa, the squirrel, was all it took to cause a shift that would change his life forever.
Mansa’s Little Reminders by A. D. Williams & Kendal Fordham is a fantastic book. It focuses on financial literacy for children, parents, and adults. I had a jotter full of valuable information by the time I finished reading it. The core message of Mansa’s Little Reminders is finding a passion and then developing a unique selling proposition. Other vital lessons included nailing the perfect target audience, creating scales of preference, pricing, and saving. The best part of Williams and Fordham’s work is their amusing and practical writing method. The uncomplicated writing style will draw in children while the colorful illustrations by Taylor Bou will hold their attention. I must also commend the authors for creating a book for financial emancipation that includes all ethnic groups, often ignored in this type of discussion. This book is a mini business guide for kids, and even adults could use a few lessons.
Recommend this book:
Sticky Icky Vicky
Courage over Fear
Alysia and Michael Ssentamu
2022 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Are you afraid of something? So much so that you refuse to do something that might be fun to avoid facing that fear? That’s Vicky’s problem. She had a terrible scare when she was younger; she was almost swallowed by a huge wave while playing in the water. That fear of water stayed with her, so much so that she avoids any contact with water. She will only shower once a week and even that is very brief; she refuses to have a bath. The problem is, as you can imagine, Vicky loves to play outside and get muddy. Without bathing at the end of the day, without even washing it off, she is always sticky and icky. Hence her nickname, Sticky Icky Vicky. When her friend invites her to a birthday party at a water park, Vicky is determined to confront her fear once and for all. After all, splashing around in the water with her friends sounds like a lot of fun.
Alysia and Michael Ssentamu’s picture book story, Sticky Icky Vicky: Courage over Fear, is a charming story that addresses the concept of fear. Told in rhyming verse, the plot follows Vicky through her daily routine of playing outside, refusing to bathe, how her friends call her Sticky Icky Vicky, and then the birthday invitation. Attracted by the idea of having fun in the water, even though she’s terrified of water, gives Vicky a challenge to confront her fear head-on. Although there’s a negative voice, Negative Ned, urging her to listen to her fears, there’s also a new voice, Positive Ted, who’s encouraging her to try. All she needs is a little courage and a plan. The lyrical nature of the rhyming story and the beautiful, bold, colorful illustrations make this book a gem that will help young readers face their own fears like Vicky did. With positive thinking, anything can be accomplished. That’s what Vicky learned. Beautifully told and presented.
Are you afraid of something? So much so that you refuse to do something that might be fun to avoid facing that fear? That’s Vicky’s problem. She had a terrible scare when she was younger; she was almost swallowed by a huge wave while playing in the water. That fear of water stayed with her, so much so that she avoids any contact with water. She will only shower once a week and even that is very brief; she refuses to have a bath. The problem is, as you can imagine, Vicky loves to play outside and get muddy. Without bathing at the end of the day, without even washing it off, she is always sticky and icky. Hence her nickname, Sticky Icky Vicky. When her friend invites her to a birthday party at a water park, Vicky is determined to confront her fear once and for all. After all, splashing around in the water with her friends sounds like a lot of fun.
Alysia and Michael Ssentamu’s picture book story, Sticky Icky Vicky: Courage over Fear, is a charming story that addresses the concept of fear. Told in rhyming verse, the plot follows Vicky through her daily routine of playing outside, refusing to bathe, how her friends call her Sticky Icky Vicky, and then the birthday invitation. Attracted by the idea of having fun in the water, even though she’s terrified of water, gives Vicky a challenge to confront her fear head-on. Although there’s a negative voice, Negative Ned, urging her to listen to her fears, there’s also a new voice, Positive Ted, who’s encouraging her to try. All she needs is a little courage and a plan. The lyrical nature of the rhyming story and the beautiful, bold, colorful illustrations make this book a gem that will help young readers face their own fears like Vicky did. With positive thinking, anything can be accomplished. That’s what Vicky learned. Beautifully told and presented.
Recommend this book:
Stressy Jessy
A Book About Organizing the Mind
Carmel Shami
2022 Silver Medal
54 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
Stress kills! Too many parents fail to realize how stressful life has become for their children. There was a time when stress was foreign to children; now, stress is their chief problem. Carmel Shami realizes how much stress affects children and addresses this issue in her book, Stressy Jessy. This book teaches a fantastic coping skill to deal with stress, no matter your age. Stress starts to melt away when children learn to organize their lives and thought processes. Learning how to organize one’s brain and life is a skill that will serve your child well throughout their life. Messy thinking tends to lead to messy lives. Messy lives tend to increase one’s stress. Use this book to teach your child how to break the cycle of stress.
In Stressy Jessy, Carmel Shami shows she is an expert in teaching children how to handle stress. I really love the thought of just throwing some useless and harmful ideas away. We become overwhelmed when we try to hold onto too much negativity. Jessy realized he had a limited amount of space to deal with issues. Trying to stuff too much into their mind will cause people to become overstressed. Carmel has given parents a fantastic book to help their children cope with stress. The parents might even learn about how to handle their own stress. I was a counselor for 40 years and highly recommend this book for parents to share with their children. Rani Bar-Segev did an outstanding job illustrating this book. Her illustrations depicted the writing very well.
Stress kills! Too many parents fail to realize how stressful life has become for their children. There was a time when stress was foreign to children; now, stress is their chief problem. Carmel Shami realizes how much stress affects children and addresses this issue in her book, Stressy Jessy. This book teaches a fantastic coping skill to deal with stress, no matter your age. Stress starts to melt away when children learn to organize their lives and thought processes. Learning how to organize one’s brain and life is a skill that will serve your child well throughout their life. Messy thinking tends to lead to messy lives. Messy lives tend to increase one’s stress. Use this book to teach your child how to break the cycle of stress.
In Stressy Jessy, Carmel Shami shows she is an expert in teaching children how to handle stress. I really love the thought of just throwing some useless and harmful ideas away. We become overwhelmed when we try to hold onto too much negativity. Jessy realized he had a limited amount of space to deal with issues. Trying to stuff too much into their mind will cause people to become overstressed. Carmel has given parents a fantastic book to help their children cope with stress. The parents might even learn about how to handle their own stress. I was a counselor for 40 years and highly recommend this book for parents to share with their children. Rani Bar-Segev did an outstanding job illustrating this book. Her illustrations depicted the writing very well.
Recommend this book:
Katy Has Two Grampas
Julie Schanke Lyford and Robert A. Schanke
2022 Gold Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Daniel D Staats for Readers' Favorite
Katy has a problem. She is different than most of the other children in her class. Julie Schanke Lyford and Robert A. Schanke explain how Katy is differently-abled in Katy Has Two Grandpas. Katy has a lisp. Kids and adults can be cruel to children who speak differently. Because of this, Katy has faced ridicule from other children because of her difficulty in pronouncing certain words. Even her teacher did not understand. Julie and Robert tenderly tell Katy’s story and her dilemma. Katy’s class will have Grandparents Day, and Katy wants her two grandpas to come. If her grandpas come, she will have to introduce them. If she presents them, the other kids will laugh at how she speaks. Read this story to learn how the challenge is resolved. You will also learn how Katy and her two grandpas are accepted by the children in the class.
In Katy Has Two Grandpas, Julie Schanke Lyford and Robert A. Schanke present the story of Katy. With great compassion for Julie’s daughter and Robert’s granddaughter, they tell her story of fear and being the butt of ridicule. Those of us who have problems speaking plainly totally understand this story. Because of my speech impediment, I remember having fun made of me by both children and adults. However, Katy is courageous and overcomes her fear of speaking to her classmates. Parents can read this book to their children and help them understand that different is not bad nor something to poke fun at. Differently-abled children (I refuse to call them disabled) need love and acceptance like any other child. I almost shouted out in joy at Katy’s victory over her fear. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
Katy has a problem. She is different than most of the other children in her class. Julie Schanke Lyford and Robert A. Schanke explain how Katy is differently-abled in Katy Has Two Grandpas. Katy has a lisp. Kids and adults can be cruel to children who speak differently. Because of this, Katy has faced ridicule from other children because of her difficulty in pronouncing certain words. Even her teacher did not understand. Julie and Robert tenderly tell Katy’s story and her dilemma. Katy’s class will have Grandparents Day, and Katy wants her two grandpas to come. If her grandpas come, she will have to introduce them. If she presents them, the other kids will laugh at how she speaks. Read this story to learn how the challenge is resolved. You will also learn how Katy and her two grandpas are accepted by the children in the class.
In Katy Has Two Grandpas, Julie Schanke Lyford and Robert A. Schanke present the story of Katy. With great compassion for Julie’s daughter and Robert’s granddaughter, they tell her story of fear and being the butt of ridicule. Those of us who have problems speaking plainly totally understand this story. Because of my speech impediment, I remember having fun made of me by both children and adults. However, Katy is courageous and overcomes her fear of speaking to her classmates. Parents can read this book to their children and help them understand that different is not bad nor something to poke fun at. Differently-abled children (I refuse to call them disabled) need love and acceptance like any other child. I almost shouted out in joy at Katy’s victory over her fear. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Who Can I Be?
Ivory M Leonard
2021 Finalist
26 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite
Our children need the ability to dream big. We need to encourage them so that they can be anything and live whatever life they choose. While all types of professions are at their disposal to explore from being an astronaut, teacher, explorer, and archeologist to a musician, no one can beat them at being themselves. In the children's picture book, Who Can I Be? by Ivory M Leonard with illustrations by Saeed Briscoe, children will go on a journey with seven-year-old Ahkleem as he begins to explore his dreams. In this book, your child will see that life is about possibilities, awareness, and self-acceptance. One day Ahkleem's mom told him, "You’re already the sun, the moon, even the trees. Just never allow anyone to tell you who to be.” This statement set him on the path of not only realizing that he can be anything but that the ultimate gift is being himself.
I'm a fan of reading children's books because they stimulate self-esteem, confidence, and the cognitive skills that children need for healthy development. As your child reads Who Can I Be? they'll be challenged to open their minds and heart to new ideas and prospects that would seem otherwise unavailable to them. In this book, children will realize that just like their ancestors they are inventors, explorers and can embark on any chosen path. I loved that in this book the education and learning continue with the Treasure Hunt, which invigorates your child's attention to detail and an introduction to new concepts and ideas. This book is strongly recommended.
Our children need the ability to dream big. We need to encourage them so that they can be anything and live whatever life they choose. While all types of professions are at their disposal to explore from being an astronaut, teacher, explorer, and archeologist to a musician, no one can beat them at being themselves. In the children's picture book, Who Can I Be? by Ivory M Leonard with illustrations by Saeed Briscoe, children will go on a journey with seven-year-old Ahkleem as he begins to explore his dreams. In this book, your child will see that life is about possibilities, awareness, and self-acceptance. One day Ahkleem's mom told him, "You’re already the sun, the moon, even the trees. Just never allow anyone to tell you who to be.” This statement set him on the path of not only realizing that he can be anything but that the ultimate gift is being himself.
I'm a fan of reading children's books because they stimulate self-esteem, confidence, and the cognitive skills that children need for healthy development. As your child reads Who Can I Be? they'll be challenged to open their minds and heart to new ideas and prospects that would seem otherwise unavailable to them. In this book, children will realize that just like their ancestors they are inventors, explorers and can embark on any chosen path. I loved that in this book the education and learning continue with the Treasure Hunt, which invigorates your child's attention to detail and an introduction to new concepts and ideas. This book is strongly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Cookie Doughga
A Book about Yoga, Mindfulness, and Cookies!
Margot Harris
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
Yoga and cookies, what a clever combination! Margot Harris has written a fun story called Cookie Doughga: A Book about Yoga, Mindfulness, and Cookies! Maria and her Mama are busy making cookie dough when they decide to make the cookies in the shape of yoga poses. While the cookies are baking, they decide to practice some of those same poses. They practice some grounding poses, some active poses, and some stretching poses, and then they end with a relaxing child's pose. The cookies are ready, but Maria suddenly worries they might not turn out just right. Her Mama suggests she connect with her body and check in. Maria does and realizes she is in control of her feelings.
Cookie Doughga is an inventive way to introduce yoga and mindfulness. Margot Harris describes each pose in rhyming verse and challenges kids with a little extra at the end. The illustrations by Stefanie Geyer are marvelous. Maria and her Mom are shown doing poses in settings that match the pose, i.e. the cobra pose in the desert. I loved how the page numbers are also in yoga poses! Harris has gone beyond just sharing simple yoga poses to include the benefits of being connected to your body. Maria can use what she's learned to let go of her worries and celebrate her uniqueness. Cookie Doughga: A Book about Yoga, Mindfulness, and Cookies! will be welcomed by parents and teachers who want to share the benefits of yoga and mindfulness with young people in their life. Kids will be excited to make their own cookie doughga.
Yoga and cookies, what a clever combination! Margot Harris has written a fun story called Cookie Doughga: A Book about Yoga, Mindfulness, and Cookies! Maria and her Mama are busy making cookie dough when they decide to make the cookies in the shape of yoga poses. While the cookies are baking, they decide to practice some of those same poses. They practice some grounding poses, some active poses, and some stretching poses, and then they end with a relaxing child's pose. The cookies are ready, but Maria suddenly worries they might not turn out just right. Her Mama suggests she connect with her body and check in. Maria does and realizes she is in control of her feelings.
Cookie Doughga is an inventive way to introduce yoga and mindfulness. Margot Harris describes each pose in rhyming verse and challenges kids with a little extra at the end. The illustrations by Stefanie Geyer are marvelous. Maria and her Mom are shown doing poses in settings that match the pose, i.e. the cobra pose in the desert. I loved how the page numbers are also in yoga poses! Harris has gone beyond just sharing simple yoga poses to include the benefits of being connected to your body. Maria can use what she's learned to let go of her worries and celebrate her uniqueness. Cookie Doughga: A Book about Yoga, Mindfulness, and Cookies! will be welcomed by parents and teachers who want to share the benefits of yoga and mindfulness with young people in their life. Kids will be excited to make their own cookie doughga.
Recommend this book:
The Day the Screens Stood Still
A Funny Picture Book Encouraging Less Screen Time
R.L. Ullman
2021 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite
The Day the Screens Stood Still written by R.L. Ullman and illustrated fabulously by Buhmi Loupito is a book all middle grade kids should read—and parents too. With all the blessings home computing has brought us, some bad things have come along. Like taking us away from the world and the people around us. This splendid picture book brings the point home. Sammy, a bright little boy, is fixated on the screen of his laptop, streaming cat videos (he has a dog named Howie but prefers looking at cats), playing games, and taking selfies—he’s really a cute kid and the selfies are great. Then, strangely, the screen goes off, not only for him but for his parents. But only for them, not their neighbors.
Then they freak out (like we all do when it happens to us). R.L. Ullman suggests the sadness of our screen dependence by showing the advantages of off-screen time in bringing us together with our natural surroundings, with our families and friends, and with people in need. It’s a well-taught lesson. Bhumi Loupito’s drawings are superbly eye-catching, especially Sammy’s many selfies. My favorite is Howie the dog’s hideout at the end. There are words that will stretch kids’ vocabulary too: permanent, freak-out, twitched, whiz, notice, epic, realized, and unexpected. But the best part is the message that the unexpected turns in life can bring new things into our awareness and that much enjoyment in life happens in places other than the internet. The Day the Screens Stood Still by R. L. Ullman and Buhmi Loupito teaches lessons not only kids but many adults should learn.
The Day the Screens Stood Still written by R.L. Ullman and illustrated fabulously by Buhmi Loupito is a book all middle grade kids should read—and parents too. With all the blessings home computing has brought us, some bad things have come along. Like taking us away from the world and the people around us. This splendid picture book brings the point home. Sammy, a bright little boy, is fixated on the screen of his laptop, streaming cat videos (he has a dog named Howie but prefers looking at cats), playing games, and taking selfies—he’s really a cute kid and the selfies are great. Then, strangely, the screen goes off, not only for him but for his parents. But only for them, not their neighbors.
Then they freak out (like we all do when it happens to us). R.L. Ullman suggests the sadness of our screen dependence by showing the advantages of off-screen time in bringing us together with our natural surroundings, with our families and friends, and with people in need. It’s a well-taught lesson. Bhumi Loupito’s drawings are superbly eye-catching, especially Sammy’s many selfies. My favorite is Howie the dog’s hideout at the end. There are words that will stretch kids’ vocabulary too: permanent, freak-out, twitched, whiz, notice, epic, realized, and unexpected. But the best part is the message that the unexpected turns in life can bring new things into our awareness and that much enjoyment in life happens in places other than the internet. The Day the Screens Stood Still by R. L. Ullman and Buhmi Loupito teaches lessons not only kids but many adults should learn.
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