Posts Tagged ‘children’s book’

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 Soso and The Kako Leaf by Bella Disu
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 6-12),  78 pages
Genre:  Children’s Book
Publisher:  The Good Work Company
Release date:   June 19, 2022
Content Rating:  G. Children’s Book.

Book Description:

Follow the life of young Soso as she encounters mysteries and unearths traditions that have existed long before she was born.Be part of her adventures as she gains confidence, self-esteem, and an understanding of her deep cultural heritage.

Buy the Book
Amazon
add to goodreads

This book is available for special purchases in bulk by organizations and institutions, not for resale, at special discounts. Please email all inquiries to The Good Work Company.
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MY REVIEW

When I received this book I was surprised and excited at how large it was. This definitely added to the allure of the beautifully illustrated pages. It reminded of when, as a young girl, I’d go to my shelves to find something to read and inevitably I’d pull out one of the larger books. I loved the feel of it and still do.

The story is about a 9-year-old girl called Soso. It’s her birthday and she’s excited to begin celebrating, though she’s selfconcious about revealing a birthmark on her leg. She’ll learn the importance of that mark soon enough. Before the party begins she has to wait for her brother’s football practice to end. Restless, she wanders off and stumbles into a hidden kingdom. One where her birthmark identifies her as the princess and savior the people have been waiting for.

There’s much more than just a fantasy tale here. There’s  the message of being different and that’s okay, and a sense of self. Soso grew through her challenge as we’d love to see our children grow and thrive. A pure delight to read. And I know just the young lady I’ll be gifting my copy to.

5 STARS

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Enjoy The Guest Post From Author Bella Disu:
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Promoting Literacy: Empowering Children through Reading. This article can focus on the importance of literacy and the role of books like ‘Soso and the Kako Leaf’ in fostering a love for reading and enhancing children’s language and cognitive skills.

In this guest post, Bella Disu advises parents and guardians on fostering a love for reading in children. She shares strategies, recommends activities, and highlights the positive impact of reading on children’s development, using her book as an example.

‘Soso and the Kako Leaf’ encourages children to express themselves through writing, art, and imaginative play. Discuss how the story addresses emotions, empathy, and self-awareness, providing opportunities for children to learn about and manage their feelings in a relatable and age-appropriate way.

Promoting Literacy: Empowering Children through Reading 

I’m a firm believer in the transformative power of books and their profound impact on young minds. I enjoy sharing the importance of literacy and the role that books like mine (‘Soso and the Kako Leaf’) play in sparking a love for reading and honing children’s language and cognitive skills. Join me as we explore strategies to promote reading and its positive effects on children’s development.

One of the first steps in nurturing a passion for reading is creating a reading-friendly home environment. Surround children with fiction and non-fiction books that cater to their interests and age group. Make sure books are easily accessible and displayed attractively, and set aside dedicated reading time during which the entire family can read silently or share stories. By making reading a regular and enjoyable part of daily life, we can instil excitement and curiosity in children, encouraging them to explore the vast worlds that books offer.

To further enhance children’s engagement with literature, incorporate interactive activities and book discussions. For example, encourage children to participate in book clubs or reading groups where they can share their thoughts and opinions about the stories they’ve read. You can also organise creative activities related to their favourite books, from art projects to writing exercises or even acting out scenes from their favourite stories. These activities make reading a fun and immersive experience and allow children to develop critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving skills.

Next, leverage books’ power to teach children about emotions, empathy, and self-awareness in a safe and relatable way. In ‘Soso and the Kako Leaf,’ I addressed these crucial aspects of a child’s development. The story allows children to connect with Soso, the main character, as she experiences a range of emotions and learns to navigate them. Through Soso’s journey, young readers learn about empathy, understanding others’ perspectives, and managing feelings. By exploring emotional themes such as self-confidence, my book and others like it provide children with valuable tools for self-expression and social interaction in a gentle and age-appropriate manner.

Finally, remember that reading is a catalyst for language development and cognitive growth. When children immerse themselves in books, they are exposed to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques. For example, they can learn new words on every page of my book. This is not limited to older children. Reading aloud to young children helps develop their language skills, expand their vocabulary, and improve their comprehension abilities. As they grow older, encourage independent reading, allowing them to explore different genres and authors. Overall, the cognitive benefits of reading extend beyond language acquisition. Reading enhances concentration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Join me in using these tips to ignite a lifelong love affair with books in the hearts of our children.

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Meet the Author:

​Bella Disu is a mother of two wonderful children. She is an enthusiastic lover of art as well as an avid reader. From a young age, she has been enamoured with rich cultural folktales. Now, she channels her love for art and her passion for reading into writing stories. Her stories use new forms to pass on the tales she heard growing up to the next generation.

Bella is also a renowned business leader who is committed to corporate governance and business innovation. In December 2019, she became the youngest ever recipient of the French National Honor – Chevalier dans L’ordre des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of her efforts at promoting French culture in Nigeria.

She is married and lives in Lagos, Nigeria, with her family.

connect with the author: website twitter instagram
 
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 Secrets of the Wild by Olivia Kent
Category:  Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:  March 2021
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.

Book Description:

There is nothing more exciting than what happens deep in the woods. Aside from human eyes, the hustle and bustle of the wild will shock, awe, and captivate you deep into their world of the unknown. But be careful, because the creatures of the Earth are onto us, and they know much more about us than we know about them…

Buy the Book:
Mascot

Amazon ~ B&N 
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MY REVIEW

If you’ve ever wondered what animals do when nobody is looking, you’ll get a bird’s eye view in this delightful adventure.  Each page is filled with creatures doing all kinds of fun things and I took time to spot them all. My favorite was the weasel rodeo.

I read this twice. Once quietly and once out loud. It might require help for beginners and younger readers but I’m sure they will love the illustrations and the fun adventures.

4 STARS

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Meet Author Olivia Kent:

Olivia Kent’s vibrant personality shines through in her very first children’s book, Secrets of the Wild. Her creativity and true love for her characters developed into a funny and heartwarming story, reflecting her inner love for animals. Her passion for Earth’s creatures is being taken one step further as she continues her studies.
 
 
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SECRETS OF THE WILD Book Tour Giveaway

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BIZARD THE BEAR WIZARD by Chrissie Krebs Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

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Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

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BIZARD THE BEAR WIZARD

Author: Chrissie Krebs

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Pub. Date: June 20, 2023

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 160

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/BIZARD

 

An ordinary bear gains extraordinary
magical powers in this hilarious early graphic novel reader.

Bear was just an average bear, until the day a tornado lodged an out-of-control
wizard’s wand in his head. Now he looks a bit like a cross between a bear and a
unicorn. He is none too pleased, but it seems he might be stuck with the wand
for the foreseeable future.

Even worse, he now has the ability to grant wishes—something he wants no part
of. He’d much rather spend his days dozing away. His friends give him a new
name—Bizard the Bear Wizard—and he reluctantly accepts his new magical powers
and starts granting wishes to everyone in the forest.

But when the evil wolf and his bad guys threaten them all, Bizard knows it’s
time to embrace his magical destiny. Only he and his newly wanded head can save
the day now. Along the way, Bizard’s friends, Fox, Owl, and Squirrel, all bring
their own brand of kooky support to his antics as he uses . . . and accidently
misuses, his powers.

From the talented author-illustrator Chrissie Krebs comes the first of two
hilarious younger graphic novels about Bizard and his friends.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

 

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MY REVIEW

Bizard The Bear was minding his own business when a gust of wind lodges a wand on his head. It’s a magic wand that grants wishes. The neighborhood creatures line up for wishes and soon the magic  isn’t so fun and it becomes tedious. This is when Bizard makes the most terrible mistake and is tricked into granting a wish that has dire consequences for everyone in the forest.

I very much enjoyed this story, along with the cute illustrations. I especially liked how the animals were a community and, when push came to shove, they banded together. It’s sure to delight children and elicit many a giggle.

5 STARS

 

About Chrissie Krebs:

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Chrissie Krebs has illustrated several picture books, including Pig
in a Wig
A Dinosaur Ate Dad’s Hair, and There’s
Something Weird in Santa’s Beard
. She also illustrated Rodney Loses
It 
by Gerard Bauer, which was named a CBCA Children’s Book of the Year
for Early Childhood. She lives in Australia. Visit her at
chrissiekrebs.net. 

Website | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/12/2023

The Chirpy Bookaholic

Excerpt/IG Post

6/12/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

6/13/2023

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

6/13/2023

YA
Books Central

Excerpt/IG Post

6/14/2023

onemused

IG Post

6/14/2023

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

6/15/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

6/15/2023

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

6/16/2023

@froggyreadteach

IG Review

6/16/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

6/19/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

6/19/2023

@get.outside.and.read

IG Review

6/20/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

6/20/2023

FUONLYKNEW

Review

6/21/2023

Two Points of Interest

Review

6/21/2023

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

6/22/2023

Nerdophiles

Review

6/22/2023

Jeff_of_allmedia

IG Review

6/23/2023

@evergirl200

IG Review

6/23/2023

Little
Red Reads

Review/IG Post

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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I am so excited that WILLIE THE WORRYING DOG by David
Yuen & Micah Zhang is available now and that I get to share the news!

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If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book,
be sure to check out all the details below.

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This blitz also includes a giveaway for a finished
copy of the book courtesy of David, Micah &
Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a
chance to win, check out the giveaway info below.

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Title: WILLIE THE WORRYING DOG

Author: David Yuen & Micah Zhang (Illustrator)

 

 

Pub. Date: June 10, 2023

Publisher: Upward Bound Press

Formats: Hardcover

Pages: 36

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, B&N, BAM, Bookshop.org, Blackwells

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Willie can’t help but worry. Worrying is the worst thing ever. And now his owner wants to
take him to a new park where everything’s different. Oh no, Willie feels
doomed! What if things go wrong? What if something bad happens? Will Willie
make it? Or will worry get the best of him?

 

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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About David Yuen:

 

Born and raised in NJ as a
second generation Chinese American, David Yuen received a B.A. from Rutgers
University and has been writing poetry along with other writing styles for over
twenty years. His works have appeared in other publications including Poetry
East and Romantics Quarterly.

Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

 

 

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About Micah Zhang:

Micah Zhang, a North American based visual
artist with Chinese and Japanese roots. His visual language encompasses the
wonders of nature, the allure of science fiction, the essence of urban
lifestyle, and the enigmatic mysteries of our world. With a decade of
experience, he breathes life into stories through his illustrations and various
artistic mediums. With a keen sense for details and a knack for capturing imagination,
Micah Zhang expertly brings fantasy characters to life in a visually pleasing
style.

Goodreads | Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

 

Book Details:

 Best Buddies: What’s in a Name?

by Mother Melania Salem

Category:  Children’s Fictions (ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Holy Assumption Monastery
Release date:   December, 2022
Content Rating:  G – This is a children’s picture book. It does deal with homelessness, but in a way that is appropriate for young children. There is nothing graphic and no bad language. 

Book Description:

What happens when a homeless dog befriends a homeless teen? Join them and find out!

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Author Guest Post
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It Comes Down to Community

We are friends with the people at the Redwood Gospel Mission in Santa Rosa, CA (about 30 miles from us).  The front page of their May 2023 newsletter features a man named Steven – formerly homeless and an addict – who became a Christian, got clean, and has put his life back together.  The caption on his picture says “Even if you don’t believe in God, this is a place where you can come and feel accepted, get warm, get food and get loved.”

That quote got me thinking about our many encounters with the homeless.  On the surface, the problem is usually mental illness and/or drug addiction.  But when you dig deeper, the thing that  kicked them out onto the streets isn’t either of those.  Rather, it is a failure of community.  Most of our homeless friends are far away from their families and often they are no longer welcome.  Some don’t have any family left.

Yes, we can give them financial and physical help, but we aren’t addressing the chief problem – we all need to belong with and to somebody.  The people who are most successful in helping the homeless are those who are best at bringing them into their communities.  There are various ways to do this – homeless shelters, tiny home communities, welcoming the homeless to your church, etc.  I’m no expert and I don’t know the statistics on what works best, but I do know this—if any of these are going to have lasting effect in homeless people’s lives, they have to fulfill Steven’s words above.

Most of us aren’t directly associated with homeless shelters, able to build tiny house communities, or even able to make the decisions about how our church interacts with the homeless.  But we all have at least a little say in our churches and we all live somewhere near a homeless shelter (hopefully an effective one!).  Most importantly, though, we can be a homeless person’s first point of contact for healthy community.  And we can all do SOMETHING to help them feel accepted, get warm, and get loved.  So, what are we waiting for?

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Meet the Author:

Mother Melania is the Abbess of Holy Assumption Monastery in Calistoga, CA. She grew up in a house that always had tons of children around, her poor parents had to read to her till they were hoarse, and from the moment she learned to read, she always had her nose in a book. So, it was only natural for her to grow up to write children’s books.

She has written three series of specifically Orthodox children’s books – all in verse – which celebrate the high points of God’s work of salvation in the Person of Christ. Her remaining series teach children the virtues in a fun, non-preachy way.

Fearless and Friends chronicles the lives of Fearless the Fireduck (think ‘fireman,’ except that he’s a DUCK) and Charity the Church Mouse and their friends, who get in and out of trouble based on the wisdom (or lack thereof) of their actions.

The Adventures of Kenny and Scooter is a minimal-word series featuring six-year-old Kenny and his irrepressible Boston Terrier Scooter, who take turns getting into trouble and rescuing each other from their foolish antics.

​teachesWith all her books, Mother Melania is trying to celebrate virtue and God’s saving work in our lives.

connect with the author: website 

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The author is offering PDF copies of the book FREE on BookFunnel during the tour. Go HERE to get your copy.

 

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BEST BUDDIES: WHAT’S IN A NAME? Book Tour Giveaway

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

 

 Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-8),  32 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Compassion Project Press
Release date:   May 2023
Format available for review:  print-hardback (USA), PDF
Tour dates: May 15 to Jun 2, 2023
Content Rating:  G for all kids.

Book Description:

Sophie gets bored quickly and won’t even eat her food without looking at her tablet. She’s thrilled to hear of her family’s upcoming trip to a magical place called India, a land she’s only heard of in stories. Once there, she quickly realizes that the underprivileged children living in the mud colony possess a joy and contentment she can’t explain. Sophie sets out on a journey of discovery, but what she finds may change her world forever. This tale about the true meaning of happiness and the power of gratitude is based on true events.

Buy the Book
Amazon 
B&N
(coming soon)
add to goodreads
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MY REVIEW

When an author can deliver an important message in a children’s book and still make it an exciting adventure, they’ve done their job well.

We are introduced to Sophie, a young girl who’s loved and has all the things a girl could want. Growing up this way, she doesn’t understand that this is a privilege, not a given for many others. Her eyes are opened when her parents take her on a trip to India. The village is impoverished and many kids have no parents and must scrounge out a living any way they can. They don’t dwell on the harsh life they’re living. They find beauty and magic in their surroundings. Sophie learns much from these kids and takes some of that joy and magic back home.

Each page is beautifully illustrated, with so much detail. I took my time perusing, not wanting to miss anything.

I thought a lot about this story after I finished it. Many of us take our lives for granted, not seeing the bigger picture. My eyes are now more open.

5 STARS

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Meet the Author:

Susan, a legal advocate for children’s rights, has long harbored a dream of crafting a tale that would empower young readers to understand and champion the rights of their peers. Drawing upon her own experiences as a young person comprehending privilege, she was inspired to write a book that would not only entertain but also inspire her readers to consider pressing social issues and to actively strive to make the world a better place for all children.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ instagram
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CHILDREN WHO DANCE IN THE RAIN Book Tour Giveaway

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

 
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​Book Title Doctoroo and the Case of the Picnic Pirates
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by ​Rachel B. Wellner
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Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 43 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
PublisherWellner Media
Release Date: January 9, 2023
Content Rating:  G – No profanity, sex or violence
 

Book Description:

Doctoroo (also known as Dr. Marsha Roo) and her team Kirby Koala, Louie Llama and Terence Toad may live in Australia, but they travel the world solving medical mysteries. In Doctoroo & the Case of the Picnic Pirates, they fly to the United States to find out why bear cubs in the Tumbling Potomac Pirates won’t practice their somersaults, cartwheels, or handsprings. Will Doctoroo discover what is wrong? Will she have the answer in time for the cubs to perform on the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day?
 
Buy the Book
Amazon
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MY REVIEW

Oh no. Dr. Marsha Roo gets an urgent call from Mayor Bernie Bear. The Potomac Pirates Fourth Of July picnic might have to be cancelled. The cubs who are supposed to perform are very sick. Can Doctoroo come and investigate? Assembling her team, off they go to try and save the day.

So, what was Doctoroo’s diagnosis about the bear cubs woes? I had a sneaking suspicion, and I was right! Tickled my funny bone as I’d been there, done that. I’m sure many will agree when they enjoy this fun adventure.

Learning about proper nutrition was entertaining and the colorful illustrations had so much to see. I kept peering at the pages, taking everything in. There were so many delightful characters and it looked like they might start moving and speaking at any moment.

I sure hope this is a series as I’m eager for more adventures.

5 STARS

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Author Guest Post
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Teaching Your Children to Make Healthy Food Choices

By Dr. Rachel Wellner

It is important to teach your children how to make healthy food choices. Developing this lifelong habit will help them stay physically and mentally healthy. Eating a balanced diet can help prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Parents should strive to maintain an open dialogue about what foods are beneficial, as well as what types of food should be eaten in moderation or even avoided. They can also set a positive example by modeling responsible dietary habits themselves, preparing meals with nutritious ingredients, and avoiding processed snacks or unhealthy treats. Additionally, parents should get their children involved in grocery shopping so they learn how to read food labels. By teaching children the importance of making healthy food choices early on, parents can ensure that their kids have the information they need to lead happy and healthy lives.

A balanced diet should include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and can be found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Proteins are necessary for growth and repair of tissues and muscles; they can be found in lean meats, poultry, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Fats are also needed by the body for energy and to help absorb certain vitamins; they can be found in dairy products such as milk or yogurt and plant-based sources such as oils or nuts. In addition to including all these food groups in your diet, it is important to add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber and phytochemicals that help protect against disease.

By using these tips, parents can provide their children with the knowledge and foundation needed to make healthy food choices in the long term.

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Meet the Author:

Dr. Rachel Wellner is a board-certified general surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a Society of Surgical Oncology-trained breast oncology surgeon.

Connect with the Author: Website Facebook Instagram ~ Goodreads
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Doctoroo & the Case of the Picnic Pirates Book Tour Giveaway

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Moody Moody Cars organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Eileen Kennedy-Moore will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Moody Moody Cars

by Eileen Kennedy-Moore

Genre: Children’s Book

Synopsis

Freewheeling! Full of feelings! Traveling near and far. HONK if you see me. I’m a moody moody car!

Hop in and ride along as our auto-friends personify the twists and turns of feelings. This rhyming picture book shares various expressive classic cars and invites readers to figure out the emotions, from excited to angry and more, behind the facial expressions. This is a playful, approachable way to teach kids about feelings and emotions and to develop an essential skill as kids travel along in their social world.

An answer key in the back to help readers identify all of these moody, moody cars; included are a 1956 Jaguar XK-0, a 1948 Delahaye, a 1959 Buick Electra, a 1965 A.C. Cobra, a 1938 Delage Coupe, a 1956 Buick Centurion, a 1955 Indianapolis, a 1938 Bugatti 57SC, a 1939 Buick Model 40, and a 1929 DuPont LeMans.

Why Kids Need Moody Moody Cars

Young children deal with many of the same emotions that adults do. Children get angry, sad, frustrated, nervous, happy, or embarrassed, but they often don’t have the words to talk about how they’re feeling. Instead, they sometimes act out these emotions in very physical and inappropriate ways.

Parents and teachers can use Moody Moody Cars to help their children understand and express their emotions in healthy ways.

Being able to read emotions in ourselves and others is like having a GPS for life.

Research tells us that children who are better at understanding facial expressions of emotions are also:

Better liked by their peers
Less likely to act out aggressively, and they
Do better in school.

One study found that children’s ability to interpret facial emotions at five years of age predicts how well they do socially and academically–even four years later (Izard et al. 2001).

Research also shows that talking about feelings, practicing labeling them, and discussing their causes can help children increase their understanding of emotions in themselves and others (Yuill & Little, 2018).

In this quirky, joyful picture book, classic automobiles come alive to express a range of feelings, from excited to angry. Young readers, their parents, and teachers can simply admire some really cool cars, or they can also dive deeper into the engine of emotional understanding that helps drive us all toward personal well-being, healthy relationships, and educational progress.

 

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About Author Eileen Kennedy-Moore

Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, is an author and clinical psychologist, based in Princeton, NJ. Her most recent books for children are Moody Moody Cars and Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends (co-authored with Christine McLaughlin). She has also written or co-authored four books for parents: Kid Confidence, Smart Parenting for Smart Kids, The Unwritten Rules of Friendship, and What’s My Child Thinking? She is the professor for an audio-video series from The Great Courses, called Raising Emotionally and Socially Healthy Kids.

A trusted expert on parenting and child development, Dr. Kennedy-Moore serves on the advisory board for Parents magazine, and her blog, Growing Friendships on Psychology Today, has over 4 million views.

Dr. Kennedy-Moore has been a featured guest on Live with Kelly and Ryan, The Today Show, Good Day Philadelphia, and dozens of major radio shows and podcasts. She has been interviewed and quoted in numerous newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Parents, Real Simple, Working Mother, and Woman’s Day.

She and her husband have four children.

Website
Dr. Friendtastic
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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The Adventures of Winston the Pig: Meet Winston

Written by Sarah Ambrosia Mulleneaux

Illustrated by Nadiya Lobanova

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

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Winston the pig is not like the other animals where he lives. He has big red glasses and loves eating more than almost anything. He also has a habit of getting into trouble. Join Winston on the first of many adventures as he tries to find his place in the world and learns some valuable lessons along the way.

Amazon * B&N

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How did you decide to become an author?

I always loved to read even as a kid. I would make up stories for my siblings and sometimes would even do plays. I just have always thought it would be neat to write a children’s book. Felt that I needed to.

 

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I sort of have an obsession with the movie Dirty Dancing. I have different anniversary dvd versions and have gone to see the movie in the theater when they bring it back. I have even been to the resort where most of the movie was filmed. When a song plays from the movie I could tell you what scene that is. I love Patrick Swayze!

 

What’s something really interesting that has happened to you?

I recently was part of a reality tv show. I went for filming in January. I then got invited back for another season and I go for filming for that in June of this year. It is a reality entrepreneurship docu series. I run a pooper scooper business with my twin boys called The Poop Fairy.

 

How do you find time to write as a parent?

Luckily my boys are now 22 so that makes it easier to write. Its difficult to find time writing when I work full time as a nurse still and run a business with my sons. I have a rotating day off during the week from nursing and that is when I can sit down surrounded by my dogs and write. I am also a fast typer so makes it easier to write. I am better at expressing myself on paper.

 

What did you enjoy most about writng this book?

The thing I enjoyed most about writing this book is that it is based on my real life potbelly pig named Winston. Kids get to learn some facts about pigs that they may have not known before. I was a lot like Winston when I was younger. I was really shy and had a hard time making friends. I can relate to Winston because of that and I think kids will also. What helped me make friends was finding something I was good at. First it was tetherball and then it was basketball. I feel that being good at something it was easier to make friends. Winston is really good with his nose. Probably his greatest asset and it helped him to fit in.

 

Tell a little about Winston. What makes him tick, his love of food and how he uses that to cope with his feelings.

I got Winston from a mutual facebook friend when he was just a couple months old. I always wanted a pig. There is no such thing as a mini pig. If you see one they have probably been starved. For this reason the pig sanctuaries are full because people think they stay little. Pigs are also very smart and very stubborn. They are very routine animals. Winston has his own toddler bed at the foot of my bed that he sleeps in with a bunch of blankets that he likes to root in first. On the mornings that I work and he hears me brushing my teeth he will usually go outside through the dog door and go potty. Then he knows its going to be breakfast time. He usually throws a fit by making noises while I am preparing the food because Im not preparing it fast enough. When I leave for work he stays in his kennel that he gets in once I get some cheerios in my hand. Winston loves music. He will wag his tail when music comes on that he likes. He loves belly rubs and his back being scratched with a back scratcher. He likes to eat anything that I am eating. This is how I know he does not like bell peppers and black olives and more recently limes. He will try anything though.

 

Have you written anything else that is not published?

I used to write poems so those would be really the only other things i have written that haven’t been published.

 

What kind of research do you do before writing?

For this book I had researched facts about pigs. I did this research when I first got Winston. Googled everything.

 

What inspired you to write this book/series?

What inspired me to write this series was that Winston was always getting in trouble for something. Mostly it was tearing his beds up. I could not find a bed that he would not tear up with his nose. He has also put holes in my walls with that nose of his. He was not happy that I was gone at work and that the dogs took over his kennel. I now lock him in his kennel and he has behaved since for the most part. Someone had told me i should start a blog so at first I did. I then met Nadyia the illustrator and we agreed to do a children’s book together. Winston was the perfect character. I plan on writing many more adventures with Winston and introducing my other pets into the books. The next book I was going to introduce my Frenchie Owen and maybe my other three dogs. Owen used to bring me large rocks from out in the dog run. He thought they would make good chew toys. In the next book Owen’s dad is a rock collector and Owen wants to take one of his dad’s best rocks for show and tell but he tells him no. In the book Winston helps Owen and they both learn a lesson along the way.

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Sarah lives in Arizona with her husband, kids, and menagerie of pets including Winston the pig. She is a surgical nurse who loves writing and has enjoyed working on this book with her friend and colleague, Nadiya. She and her two sons also run a pooper scooper business called The Poop Fairy.

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Nadiya Lobanova is a medical and scientific illustrator with a surgical nursing background. Due to her wide interest in other fields, she is also keen on creating illustrations for children’s books and thus teamed up with Sarah to visualize a wonderful story in hopes of bringing a bit more kindness to this world through a growing generation.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Love is In the Air (Adventures in Harmony series) by Karen M. Bobos
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  44 pages
Genre:  Valentine’s Day Fairy Tale
Publisher:  Bobos Babes, Ltd.
Release date:   Jan 2023
Content Rating:  G for children ages 3 to 10

Book Description:

It’s Valentine’s Day, and the magical sisters and their favorite babysitter accidentally put a love spell on the kingdom. They must stop the enchantment before it’s too late!

It’s Valentine’s Day in the enchanted land of Harmony and the kingdom and all its magical creatures are abuzz celebrating. When the King and Queen leave their three daughters-Angel Scarlet, Princess Daphne, and Fairy Cora-with Ali the Alligator, so they can spend a romantic dinner together, the sisters are excited for a fun night with their favorite babysitter.

​Ali and the girls decide to make a love perfume in the castle’s garden. But when Angel Scarlett wants to use her wand to help stir the ingredients, an enchantment of love mistakenly wafts over the kingdom and all its inhabitants. Can the girls stop the enchantment before it’s too late? Or maybe it is just what the creatures needed, after all.

Buy the Book:
Amazon 

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MY REVIEW

The little girl inside me had so much fun with this story. A magical kingdom. Adorable characters, animal and human. And a fun project that lands them all in a big pickle. What’s not to love. And I don’t want to forget the wonderful, colorful illustrations. I peered at them again and again. Finding something new and fun each time. The band made up of llamas cracked me up.  There are also these fun bubbles inserted on some of the pages that explain the meaning of some words. I bet some people will be surprised to learn about peanuts. It was all good fun and I’d love to read more in this series.

5 STARS

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GUEST POST
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An Angel, A Princess, and a Fairy

I am often asked why the main characters, who were inspired by my real daughters, are not all princesses. Afterall, they are the daughters of the King and Queen. Why the Angel, Princess, and Fairy titles?

I created my books to entertain my daughters. At the time, I didn’t even know if I was going to publish them. My husband nicknamed our little girls his angel (Scarlett), princess (Daphne), and fairy (Cora) since birth. He wanted them to have different, regal, and magical nicknames. We always worked hard to highlight each of our daughter’s individuality and beautiful gifts. We purposely chose names that didn’t sound alike, end alike, or start with the same letter.

If I gave all three of them princess titles, they wouldn’t have understood why. In my chapter books, which will be releasing in 2024 (fingers crossed), I explain how they receive their magical powers and why they have different titles.

As for their individual powers, well, that was purposeful as well. Each character has a magical power to help a fellow creature in need. Angel Scarlett has heavenly skin that can bring beauty to something dark and grim. Princess Daphne has the ability to immediately bring happiness and comfort to a creature feeling sad. Cora has speed and enchanted hearing.

When Scarlett was born, we called her our angel. She was born with a rare skin disease called Ichthyosis. The doctors didn’t think she would live a long, normal life. We had prayer groups all over the world praying for her. Within in one week, we were told that by the grace of God, we could bring her home from the hospital. She is our angel on earth. I wanted her skin to be magical instead of something that prevents her from living a normal life. Thus, I gave her skin powers in my books.

Daphne is hilarious. She says things that are absolutely hilarious and that only an adult would understand. This is where her character is often seen making her sisters laugh and hence them saying “oh Daph!” She is also very in tune with her feelings and others feelings. She is a big hugger. It seemed very fitting to have her have the power to immediately make someone feel comfort.

That leaves Cora … our little wild child. She is always running around and has so much energy. She also doesn’t listen to me very well. So, I gave her the power of speed and enchanted hearing … I’m hoping the law of attraction will take place and make her listen better. A mother can dream.

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Meet the Author:

Karen M. Bobos is the multi-award-winning author of the Adventures in Harmony series, which was created in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. While living in a city of unrest, her family left Chicago to stay with her mother in Northwest Indiana for several months. She and her husband were determined to keep life filled with wonder and magic for their three daughters, Scarlett (6), Daphne (5), and Cora (3). The Adventures in Harmony series was created to entertain her daughters during their stay at Gigi’s home and is filled with characters from the sisters’ world. Everyone deserves to escape to a land filled with love and adventure where creatures co-exist and happiness awaits.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Enter the Giveaway:

Love is In the Air (Adventures in Harmony series) by Karen Bobos Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.