tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65500544046031061832024-03-27T16:54:01.435-07:00Kid-BooksA place for parents and teachers to find great books for kids. From educational books to fun and exciting adventure books. Children books that range from 0 to middle grade including some young adult.Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comBlogger348125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-78566767468018422662024-03-23T08:05:00.000-07:002024-03-23T08:05:34.750-07:00Come SURF with Us (Adventures of The Four Little Coconuts)<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1916606075/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lptXj6GNrixBc-g_J3IyuJBNYRsY_1SrdRfGiAwc9LSMhtsYjdckKAVxGZzcPlSH_D0z9tnzxYONdkdUbPPMmgoCslV7fEIjDyqDa8s2KGoRqQIunzs25fL3WSSzVkSPDKI-9gevvVMu3vXZ9JEqApyDdrDw4h_nAv-xbXRbpf8xH5oTb68Jp34WNJE/s320/416IEPeDbNL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"></span></p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1916606075/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/1916606075/</a></b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;">Come SURF with Us: An Epic Hawaiian Surf Adventure for Kids!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dive into the world of Hawaiian surfing fun with "Come SURF with Us," the first book in the Adventures of The Four Little Coconuts series. Join Kirra, Cru, Jackson, and Sophia on a fun day of sun, sand, and surf as they ride the waves of excitement and friendship!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic !important; font-weight: 700 !important;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">Key Features:</u></span></p><ul class="a-unordered-list a-vertical" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Exciting Children's Book:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Perfect for young readers seeking adventure and imagination.</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Read Aloud:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Ideal for parents to engage with young kids, fostering quality time.</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Vibrant Real-Life Pictures:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Immerse your child in the beauty of Hawaii with stunning, colorful illustrations and genuine surfing snapshots.</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Rhyming Sentence Structure:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Enhance your child's language skills through a playful and rhythmic narrative.</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Adventure and Imagination:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Ignite your child's creativity as they face challenges and experience feel-good moments.</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Values of Responsibility, Gratitude, and Perseverance:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Instill important life lessons in a fun and relatable way.</span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Perfect Gift for Kids:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />"Come SURF with Us" makes an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, or baby showers. Its unique blend of joyous illustrations and cousins' bonding creates a picture-perfect book for kids.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Easy Reading for First-Time Readers:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />With a simple and engaging storyline accompanied by vibrant pictures, this book is perfect for first-time readers, creating a memorable shared reading experience.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Epic Surfing and Beach Adventure:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Transport everyone on an unforgettable surfing and beach adventure in Hawaii. The real-life engagement and timeless photos, along with the feel-good moments make it a potential children's book bestseller.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Anticipate More Adventures:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Get ready for more excitement! Kids will be eagerly anticipating the next adventure in The Four Little Coconuts series.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Bring the Magic of Hawaii Home:</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Order "Come SURF with Us" now and let the waves of joy, laughter, and imagination sweep through your child's world!</span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-77449905069434339972024-03-23T07:50:00.000-07:002024-03-23T07:50:24.744-07:00Beautiful Black Girl<p><a href="https://a.co/d/bgmRifc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dd0XrnimmhFNCLiYb5WKgD9i4XbzAVMeooF70GPP76am9RMB7WwfWv7LHN_ngtqUcAKrvDaxYPnPn3g9uDErLyQWUqzTlB9iWwseB8QCYrU4_WkOKW_w9dQYMXOboEmObXFKpYzbMHBXzvb8_nXOdWXr7MgAjzLcSS19sQ-4e8psxhherMAAIWOk9HQ/s320/41+6d-uJfqL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><a href="https://a.co/d/bgmRifc" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/bgmRifc</a></p><p><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px;">Beautiful Black Girl is a children’s book that promotes self-love and pride. Beautiful Black Girl will provide a platform for sharing/highlighting Black stories to positively represent the Black community. Beautiful Black Girl will inspire, uplift, and promote confidence</span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-54815868079501072712024-02-10T07:38:00.000-08:002024-02-10T07:38:02.976-08:00Editorial Review For Madame Penelope's School of Cursive Dance: A Lowercase Choreography (Book 1) by Stephanie D. Moss<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTT83VT5/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="342" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSDuX53TnjekCjlQ4fw4nLqtMc8Ka_EBsiq64hcH8uZlnS4Aph66J9GtYXcS75qyKRIdzrHg_oU2M0Us9yr_gImR7iVSTCN-nl7p5KpctH5BKATMUpHBU-lr-A6QGIUnk2cH8WRJ833ly6SmqSnyvXUQV1N-Zq4J4Qd25Wu3kt2w_yFG6lJWvHuEQu9Q/s320/41oYAst5BYL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTT83VT5/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTT83VT5/</a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Editorial Review For <i>Madame Penelope's School of Cursive Dance: A Lowercase Choreography (Book 1)</i> by Stephanie D. Moss<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">If you're on the hunt for a book that's as charming as it is educational, then <i>Madame Penelope's School of Cursive Dance: A Lowercase Choreography (Book 1)</i> by Stephanie D. Moss is your next must-read. This book is nothing short of magical, inviting readers into a whimsical world where pencils come to life and dance their way through the alphabet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The story follows the elegant Madame Penelope, a pen with wisdom and grace, as she teaches her pencil students how to master the art of cursive writing through dance. It's a concept that's as unique as it is engaging. Imagine seeing the letters 'a' through 'z' twirling and leaping off the page, each move a step in their dance routine. It's this imaginative approach that makes learning feel more like an adventure than a chore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">But it's not just the creativity that sets this book apart. It's the way Moss weaves together the lessons with a narrative that's both entertaining and instructional. Kids (and let's be honest, adults too) will be captivated by the story, all while absorbing the fundamentals of lowercase cursive writing. The patience, practice, and a bit of magic theme really drive home the idea that learning a new skill can be fun and rewarding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Mrs. Penelope's School of Cursive Dance</span></i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"> strikes a perfect balance between teaching and storytelling, making it a standout choice for young readers. It's the kind of book that parents and teachers will love for its educational value, and kids will adore for its enchanting story. So, if you're looking to introduce the little ones in your life to the beauty of cursive writing, or just want a delightful story to share, this book has got you covered. Trust me, you'll be wanting to join in on the dance by the end of it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-32826775647244394872024-02-05T07:20:00.000-08:002024-02-05T07:20:10.830-08:00Dr. King Goes to India! A Cool Kids' Guide<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT5HH2C1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="279" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmmWWC_Msb5fHJ3HDcQnJGRqUo-1ZT6xbQp9y7yoSFvZ-bsIAGPvae1SUW8Iw4-TcxquWakWpZMm02pI58nDj4FN_Ym_9QtBpJe1ec2jXZsZNZ_pdpUEuC9ZqlKY0iBmBLlRtPy5kIgMkVV1zduCC35MVS0lhyphenhyphenxhsfo-MyNCGU3x3D9n4dVuvE91c6RQ/s320/51RopFVDtAL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="201" /></a></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"></span></p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT5HH2C1">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT5HH2C1</a></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In this vibrant and lyrical text, the little-known story of Dr. King's exhilarating and life-changing journey to India is finally told! Inspired by Gandhi's nonviolent philosophy, Martin and his wife, Coretta, jet set across the globe to the wondrous land of India. Traveling by planes, trains and boats, their colorful month-long adventure would change them forever! This compassionate and deeply touching story is a testament to the power of Gandhi's and King's nonviolent philosophy to connect people across continents for a common goal: justice.</span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-35126037314580669072024-01-26T07:43:00.000-08:002024-01-26T07:43:16.261-08:00Editorial Review: Anna Meets Chinese New Year, part of the Anna Meets China series by Sabrina Mailhot<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0CSRQWRDL/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6i1UUxWRGwhkzzxkDtNAthKe9F0MoghoVtgrjE8uirkoCz7GstzSadDzPapZyhlJr3tOZB85ok4PKUJzbHmXZI8s2cBknZVa7v80MxnSoNtsZ8GpUuNWBaSSGtJMZ6uA8eGVZ4LN_a9fkZnS5F_97kZd1kYPDG-cfCV9SAt0g6jOMbCXkfopQR1WGflI/s320/51VyhqVHJ+L._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="246" /></a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0CSRQWRDL/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1705720358&sr=8-1" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0CSRQWRDL/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Editorial Review: Anna Meets Chinese New Year</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">, part of the <i>Anna Meets China</i> series by Sabrina Mailhot<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Anna Meets Chinese New Year</span></i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">, part of the <i>Anna Meets China</i> series by Sabrina Mailhot, is a charming and insightful read that's perfect for youngsters aged three to six, as well as anyone interested in dipping their toes into a new language and culture. The story follows Anna and her sister Yuna, two lively mixed-heritage sisters, as they embark on a heartwarming journey to celebrate Chinese New Year in China for the first time. With their Canadian mother and Chinese father, the girls dive into an adventure filled with cultural discoveries and delightful surprises.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Mailhot's narrative is as educational as it is entertaining, brilliantly capturing the essence of cultural reconciliation and exploration. Through Anna and Yuna's eyes, readers learn about the New Year's monster ‘Nian’, the importance of family traditions, and the excitement of experiencing new customs. It's not just a story about a festival; it’s a journey into understanding and appreciating another culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">What makes this book stand out is its basis on the author's personal experiences with her own children adapting to a new culture. This authenticity adds depth to the story, making it relatable for children and adults alike. The incorporation of language learning elements is a bonus, subtly encouraging young readers to embrace linguistic diversity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">In summary, <i>Anna Meets Chinese New Year</i> is a delightful addition to any young reader’s library, offering a blend of fun, education, and cultural enlightenment. It's a must-read for those looking to introduce their kids to the beauty of diverse cultures and languages in an engaging and accessible way.</span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-22824808838688407152024-01-24T10:37:00.000-08:002024-01-24T10:37:04.551-08:00Editorial Review: The Tale of Noodle the Uncurly Poodle by Katherine Lerner<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1672448832/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGhfH_hKi2TjzxIDUS6p21j3I42ChVyAlmMo56XJduDzKo_ZFMxBPWqJwQDa1eUWOgRz6VdkQujgxjcq-oJqlVvRJtgwkIPFu8ypA5X3qKCZLdbIUINFUwjMmtp4uSTPbEjEAShrLR3rcfiZIVRUUKdwflHfFuYzCv46YC11K9Izc7VQQcDSme-IS4JM/s320/517SRb8RkXL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1672448832/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/1672448832/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Editorial Review: The Tale of Noodle the Uncurly Poodle by Katherine Lerner</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The Tale of Noodle the Uncurly Poodle</span></i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"> by Katherine Lerner is a delightful and heartwarming story that's perfect for young readers, and honestly, it's got a little something for adults too! Imagine a little Poodle, Noodle, who’s just not like the others – he doesn’t have any curls! And boy, does he feel left out among all those curly-haired Poodles. We see Noodle confronting that very difficult and very human emotion, envy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Now, this isn’t just a story about wanting to fit in. Spoiler alert: it doesn't go as planned! There's magic, a cast of fun characters, and a twist at the end that I totally didn’t see coming.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">What I love about this book is how it's not just a fun read. It packs in a powerful message about self-acceptance and the grass not always being greener on the other side. It's a story that'll make you chuckle, maybe cringe a bit at the disasters Noodle faces, but ultimately leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Katherine Lerner has a way of keeping things light and entertaining, while sneaking in those life lessons. Whether you're a kid who's figuring out the world or an adult who needs a little reminder of what’s important, <i>The Tale of Noodle the Uncurly Poodle</i> is a sweet pick. Highly recommend it for a cozy read that’ll leave you smiling and maybe, just maybe, a bit wiser.</span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-61487821261393439952024-01-17T05:30:00.000-08:002024-01-17T05:30:00.730-08:00Quantum Kids Guardians of AI: Story Quest and Activity Book<p> <a href="https://a.co/d/3jOFxwF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="298" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmLQAeSNjeq59LDrmv8YjmkMfehwmeGczY2c6wANgdXermYnj9ZIxbrwHQfubJDI5_7FHyvDQgafqRisvN2zBf9-W5Do3MWjURGvO-oPzWUhR-6CkZ7RcJdZDMHzVvqt_pOBfZwVEHmTmFkxXoE2kgSJR9EpHMCiwFJllmmxt-Hl0hm7UGR2gvZuxBbk/s320/71NvmzcQGqL._SY385_.jpg" width="248" /></a></p><p><a href="https://a.co/d/3jOFxwF" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/3jOFxwF</a></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Embark on a thrilling journey with 'Quantum Kids Guardians of AI' a unique middle-grade adventure that combines storytelling with a deep dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This book isn't just a story; it's an interactive educational experience for young readers aged 8-15, packed with resources, activities, 100+ prompts to help with homework, hobbies and more!</span></p><div aria-expanded="false" class="a-expander-content a-expander-partial-collapse-content" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 20px; position: relative;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Meet Vivian "Viva" Everly a twelve year old with ADHD and her diverse group of friends - Aakash, Gabriella, Hiro, and Zara - as they navigate the vibrant corridors of Harmony Hill International School. When these young geniuses unlock a secret level in their favorite game, RoboRumble, their ordinary lives turn extraordinary. Guided by Miss Fields, Spencer the Spy, and Dr. Mooseroo, and accompanied by Beni, their bionic hound, the team embarks on a mission to become future guardians of AI.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Through seven enthralling missions, readers explore AI fundamentals such as neural networks, large language models, data ethics, and prompt engineering, all woven into stories about school life, social media, and robotics. The book makes complex AI concepts accessible and enjoyable, encouraging young minds to think about technology's role in addressing global challenges like bullying and climate change.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">'Quantum Kids' is more than a story; it's a toolkit for the next generation of tech enthusiasts and problem solvers. As our heroes learn to leverage AI, they inspire readers to dream big and envision a future where technology and humanity coexist in harmony. This book is perfect for young readers eager to learn about AI, as well as parents and teachers looking for an engaging educational resource.</span></p><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></div></div>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-84536974631476915682024-01-07T08:47:00.000-08:002024-01-07T08:47:44.755-08:00Editorial Review: Franz the Cat and the Oopsie Poopsie Day by Franz Fernandez<p> <a href="https://amzn.to/41IPrWA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="679" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhre0wHFmsKPeCmlKibYj_0Ec2HJxhBdrakJb8dpCaI0CafHPPC6YPMi91WYGJ1v08H2DscLo7l7Lpry1mpUPmgjEYadOzCvou-3PJX6FkejvtaIr9-DZIFLDBaFV1wge1PnKjxYuCkpaINvfAeu-KdqzuSTKxejGZzsZg8REArFxfLIqcvFdThZsWsCc8/s320/61KqmRAy-CL._SX679_.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/41IPrWA" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/41IPrWA</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Editorial Review: Franz the Cat and the Oopsie Poopsie Day by Franz Fernandez<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br />In <i>Franz the Cat and the Oopsie Poopsie Day</i>, Franz Fernandez crafts a heartwarming and educational narrative perfect for young readers. This charming tale, centered around Franz, a playful cat, tackles the delicate subject of childhood embarrassment in a manner that is both relatable and nurturing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Franz's accidental mishap in front of his school bully serves as a springboard for discussing important life lessons. Fernandez skillfully navigates the story to focus on empathy, kindness, and the power of friendship in overcoming awkward situations. The author's message is clear and profound: not the mistakes that define us, but how we handle them and the support we receive from those around us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The book's strengths lie not just in its narrative but also in its vibrant illustrations that complement the story beautifully. These images bring Franz's world to life, making the story more engaging for young readers. The playful art style underscores the book's theme of embracing life's little accidents with a positive attitude.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">What sets this book apart is Fernandez's unique perspective as a cat-turned children's book author. His whimsical storytelling and simple yet captivating language resonate deeply with children, making complex concepts understandable. His background as a curious kitten who often found himself in amusing situations lends authenticity to the story, making it all the more relatable for young readers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Franz the Cat and the Oopsie Poopsie Day</span></i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"> is more than just a storybook; it's a tool for parents and educators to help children understand and grow from their experiences. It teaches kids that accidents happen, underscores the importance of empathy, and highlights the significance of supporting friends through good and bad times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Franz Fernandez's <i>Franz the Cat and the Oopsie Poopsie Day</i> is a delightful and insightful read. Its blend of charming storytelling, meaningful lessons, and engaging illustrations make it a must-have in children's books. Suitable for kids and parents, this book is a treasure trove of lessons on friendship, kindness, and dealing with life's little accidents with grace and humor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-48312339446717925662024-01-04T06:13:00.000-08:002024-01-04T06:13:09.374-08:00Editorial Review: My Heart is Smart: Adventures of The Heart and Intuition by Grace Trout<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Smart-Adventures-Interactive-Sing-along/dp/B0CLVNKT66" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYBxPvvCFT8h4pVr6r4dRoVD08fo7dv4YvTnoGTqHOgrez4d-dOMH7mjmr3tEkqWcI-mXVhhhbdCp4h4mvqrNkxERsTOlbLKp_mLahaGW4L5yOILDJXQTghWqeia0sxq2Z4TG947XM4800Q05duTBw0IWfOdJQzClNaBisnygywJ03PI6S9SorsZZQrg/s320/61xdscHzuLL._SY466_.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Smart-Adventures-Interactive-Sing-along/dp/B0CLVNKT66" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Smart-Adventures-Interactive-Sing-along/dp/B0CLVNKT66</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Editorial Review: My Heart is Smart: Adventures of The Heart and Intuition by Grace Trout<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>My Heart is Smart: Adventures of The Heart and Intuition</i> is a vibrant and engaging children's book that delves into the pivotal role of intuition and heart-led decisions in a child's life. Authored by Grace Trout, known affectionately as Fairy Grace, this book is a vivid exploration of how our hearts communicate with us and the significance of trusting our intuition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Grace Trout, with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from San Jose State University, brings a unique blend of creativity and musicality to her storytelling. Her background in music, especially with a vocal emphasis, enriches the narrative with interactive rhymes and possibly a rhythm that encourages children to participate actively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The book's central theme revolves around the concept of listening to and understanding one's heart and intuition. This is a crucial lesson for young readers, as it encourages them to connect deeply with themselves and others. Trout’s approach is not just theoretical but interactive, making the learning process both fun and memorable. The inclusion of elements like sing-alongs and scavenger hunts inside the book adds layers of engagement, ensuring that the readers are not just passive recipients of the story but active participants in their journey of self-discovery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What stands out in <i>My Heart is Smart</i> is its emphasis on social and emotional learning. This aspect is particularly important in today’s world where emotional intelligence is as crucial as academic knowledge. By incorporating interactive elements and rhymes, Trout makes these concepts accessible and understandable to children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Additionally, Trout's commitment to fostering creativity and self-belief in children is evident in her work. Her belief that children possess innate creativity is a refreshing perspective that is likely reflected in her narrative style and content.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For those interested in more than just the book, Grace Trout offers a range of interactive experiences like children's music performances, book readings, and songwriting lessons. Her social media handle, @singwithgracestudios, and her website (<a href="http://www.singwithgracestudios.com/" target="_new">www.singwithgracestudios.com</a>) serve as platforms for engaging with her work and learning more about her creative endeavors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>My Heart is Smart</i> is more than just a children’s book; it’s a tool for nurturing intuition, emotional intelligence, and creativity in young minds. Grace Trout’s musical background and her passion for empowering children shine through in this colorful and interactive narrative, making it a valuable addition to any young reader's library.</p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-48276797026536415852023-12-26T06:11:00.000-08:002023-12-26T06:11:45.435-08:00Editorial Review: "Dominicans Don't Play Soccer!" by Alberto D. Luna<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://a.co/d/7RoFezw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="373" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfxBr1VDIffLbif6PhIkBR2Vvj92zN-p-z-h4VeCzIM-oaR-HTb5cdS1jJ8_-FTB82AtLqof8tkKoJwK_JSGsqfAvb9kQXUDMS6s79F1vOhCbM5704BBszXdEJ5miTBmHpMk7nV1MQv5RCdbVFYPA0Y-iMwc4RoP69mmYEkRKLeg0LrQKcGF-_sia814/s320/71OQWpwbmaL._SY466_.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://a.co/d/7RoFezw" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/7RoFezw</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144427505" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144427505</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.agapea.com/libros/Dominicans-Dona-t-Play-Soccer--9798869024824-i.htm" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://www.agapea.com/libros/Dominicans-Dona-t-Play-Soccer--9798869024824-i.htm</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Editorial Review: "Dominicans Don't Play Soccer!" by Alberto D. Luna</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In "Dominicans Don't Play Soccer!", author Alberto D. Luna delivers a heartfelt and vibrant story that transcends the conventional boundaries of children’s literature. This bilingual English-Spanish picture book introduces readers to Pharrell, a 7-year-old biracial boy with a Dominican father and a White mother. Pharrell's passion for soccer, rather than baseball – the dominant sport in his father's homeland, the Dominican Republic – forms the crux of this enlightening narrative.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Luna's storytelling is both simple and profound, capturing the essence of a young boy's journey towards embracing his unique identity. The story navigates the complexities of cultural expectations with grace and sensitivity, making it an excellent tool for parents and educators to introduce themes of diversity, inclusivity, and self-acceptance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The book's bilingual nature not only broadens its accessibility but also enriches the cultural tapestry of the narrative. It encourages young readers, especially those in the 5 to 10-year-old range, to appreciate linguistic diversity and fosters a sense of pride in bilingualism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Illustrations in "Dominicans Don't Play Soccer!" are as lively and colorful as the story itself. They vividly depict the bond between Pharrell and his father, adding depth to the tale. The visual storytelling complements Luna's writing, making the book a captivating read for children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to kick away stereotypes gently. It encourages young readers to follow their hearts and be true to themselves, irrespective of societal norms. The portrayal of Pharrell's journey in discovering the power of family and cultural pride is both inspiring and educational.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">"Dominicans Don't Play Soccer!" is more than just a children's book; it is a celebration of individuality, cultural heritage, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Alberto D. Luna has crafted a story that resonates with young minds, teaching them valuable life lessons while entertaining them with a story of courage, love, and soccer. This book is a must-read for young readers and a valuable addition to any multicultural children's book collection.</p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-34085084467497532312023-12-23T10:27:00.000-08:002023-12-23T10:27:16.500-08:00Chip the Beaver Heads to Texas! <p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQ6Y6WK7/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vVpH-kZQlQMGNXQcJjKY2OmcinlBjDqZ_5WyfulTqXm2XM6hTUQBWLYcsZqA39QV_n8Coksi3e6G3539uY3XDA4fjNg_zi3G6cSggpozi51ijfLs237DExbttkcQYfzSdD4jjqhUorzFaajc31wVCVO8AaGCzngp4WUPe5sp5Nwue2aphPhWShNROac/s320/416sY5VrDvL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="256" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQ6Y6WK7/">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQ6Y6WK7/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144487565?ean=9798218340971" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144487565?ean=9798218340971</a></p><p> <span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700 !important;">"Chip the Beaver Heads to Texas"</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> is an enchanting children's book that takes young readers on a delightful journey through the diverse landscapes and rich history of the Lone Star State.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Join Chip, a spirited young pup with a love for adventure, as he explores iconic landmarks like the Alamo in San Antonio, the majestic state capitol in Austin, and the fascinating NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. The vivid illustrations and engaging narrative capture the essence of each location, from the wild Stockyards in Fort Worth to the breathtaking beauty of Big Bend National Park, ending with the thrilling State Fair in Dallas.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">As Chip and his family travel across Texas, children will learn about the brave heroes who fought for Texas independence, the wonders of space exploration, and the joy of sharing laughter and delicious food with family and friends. The book is not just a tale of adventure but also a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Texas unique.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">With its charming characters, educational value, and captivating storytelling, "Chip the Beaver Heads to Texas" is sure to become a cherished addition to any child's bookshelf. It's a perfect read for kids aged 4 to 10, but the heartwarming message and beautiful illustrations will resonate with readers of all ages. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure with Chip!</span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-51582443763191826542023-12-20T06:11:00.000-08:002023-12-20T06:11:26.650-08:00Editorial Review: "I Macau: Volume I - Farm Animals" by Michele Massotti<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNKDQ1TF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvpVgbQShJK_Q928Z1T3xEsGnpDRRoNH1PM1buTWHzJBXVOPjRn_4dI2vIpKvaLHmGvQG2gv7xS72bBPSBB6Oz27y_M-Oj4xkAb_x0mKhg74OPQNwExIS1L2IMrMYdlA1iAY418GApFTA8gvisHEVyHQ-JvESIbKf5jmpv0-k0v4j9DcwdAXkooQ7q50/s320/51nGQY-RgFL._SY385_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><div><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNKDQ1TF/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNKDQ1TF/</a></b></span></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; line-height: 17.12px;">Editorial Review: "I Macau: Volume I - Farm Animals" by Michele Massotti</span></b><span style="font-family: Palatino; line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">"I Macau: Volume I - Farm Animals" by Michele Massotti is a delightful and inventive children's book that stands out in its genre. Massotti, a Roman with a cosmopolitan background, brings a unique flavor to children's literature, blending his experiences from London, New York, and Florida into a captivating narrative style.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">The book introduces Macau, a little cow with a linguistic twist that becomes the core of her interactions. Massotti cleverly uses Macau's introduction, "Hello, I Macau," often misheard as "Hello, I am a cow," to create <span style="background-color: white;">a humorous and engaging story that captures the essence of language play. This approach not only entertains but also introduces young readers to the nuances of language and communication.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">The cow, Macau, gets her name from a unique feature: two of her patches look like the city of Macau. This clever naming by the farmer adds a fun twist to the story, connecting Macau's appearance to a real place and making the character even more special for young readers.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="background-color: white;">The narrative style of the book, intentionally written in r</span>hyme, is a significant strength. It enhances the memorability of the story, promotes phonological awareness, and offers an engaging rhythmic flow. This style captivates young readers, aids vocabulary development, and provides a comforting, predictable structure. The rhyming scheme is not just a stylistic choice but a strategic tool in fostering early literacy skills.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Massotti's background in visual arts significantly enriches the book. His illustrations are not mere accompaniments to the text but integral to the storytelling, helping young readers visualize the narrative and connect with the characters. The book encourages children to familiarize themselves with various farm animals and their sounds, enhancing their attention and categorization skills. This interactive element is particularly effective in engaging young readers and encouraging participation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">The book also serves as an excellent tool for bedtime storytelling. The narrative's conclusion, with Macau nestled in and eagerly awaiting her next adventure, provides a comforting closure to the day's reading. It's an invitation to dream and anticipate more adventures with Macau.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Massotti's personal journey as a father and storyteller adds a layer of authenticity to the book. His experience in crafting stories for his twin boys and then expanding his audience to other children around the world is a testament to his dedication to making learning fun and accessible. This personal touch resonates throughout the book, making it not just a story but a shared experience between the author and his readers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">"I Macau: Volume I - Farm Animals" is a charming, educational, and visually stunning book that stands as a testament to Michele Massotti's creativity and passion for storytelling. It is an excellent addition to any young reader's library, offering both entertainment and educational value.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-26809523988940100032023-12-19T05:44:00.000-08:002023-12-19T05:44:43.647-08:00Editorial Review: "Your Parent's Buttons: An Interactive and Funny Button Book for Both Kids and Parents to Enjoy!" by C. Kidd<p> <a href="https://a.co/d/2sBLkX1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqTO5mQH3sXrP0N5X8Sf94taTvfdkq99IMDtZsLAmDi98VbFwV68E45ezWavQTEV41_pTpIk17AOMWyz_ZnvwwDZwOz2LaJgULCqWug5RAMNLDxSCP1Mn1SkiFZXMji16MS2KMgYAeATYRC1pjUOsjokS_-CN-vxNeEyBGz2F77eEP3ga0jR6lXu-0YU/s320/61sZtO8CG3L._SY425_.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://a.co/d/2sBLkX1" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/2sBLkX1</a></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Editorial Review: "Your Parent's Buttons: An Interactive and Funny Button Book for Both Kids and Parents to Enjoy!" by C. Kidd</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">“Your Parent's Buttons" by C. Kidd emerges as a refreshing and innovative addition to the world of children's literature. With a unique blend of humor and interactivity, this book is designed not just for children but also to offer a playful experience for parents. The narrative weaves a delightful tale that resonates with the author’s intention of engaging both his own children, aged one and six, and parents everywhere.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">The book stands out for its interactive nature, ingeniously inviting children to practice patience and follow directions, while simultaneously providing a platform for parents to playfully 'push the buttons' of their little ones. This dual-layered approach to storytelling and interaction makes it an exceptional choice for family reading time, offering laughs and learning in equal measure.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">Moreover, the book's commitment to social good is commendable, with a portion of its monthly proceeds going to a renowned children's charity. This philanthropic aspect adds an extra layer of value to each purchase, making it not just an entertaining read but also a contribution to a noble cause.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">The design of the book, with its large font, ensures that it is accessible to a wide range of young readers, including those who might find smaller text challenging. This thoughtful consideration underlines the author's commitment to inclusivity in children's literature.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 17.12px;">In summary, "Your Parent's Buttons" is a must-have addition to any family's bookshelf. It promises not only a fun and engaging reading experience but also a chance to bond, laugh, and learn together. C. Kidd’s innovative approach to children’s books is a welcome breath of fresh air in the genre, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and education for both kids and parents alike.</span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div><o:p><br /></o:p></div>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-14119531427729752262023-12-15T08:16:00.000-08:002023-12-15T08:16:47.115-08:00The Perfect Fit<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPDD7DY3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOX06O898-cJA1ZWHIO8xUcQSGiooRE_uy-N5JBEKDvw4e_m93F_I4OpydPowrXzmQbXGk5zEyJGTaH_AJv2xcSbPi0Iz08-T8h2N5Vyx2h4NyVhKMIGtqFYYzlqC079CH4sHrPHw0KNMwS5qibnIwU_L4bqOh48aUmcOr39-Md589vG6muKTMTdnbA0/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p></p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPDD7DY3">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPDD7DY3</a></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Embark on an enchanting adventure with Roo in "The Perfect Fit", a charming children's book that tells readers: "there is a place out there for everyone". This beautifully illustrated tale is a touching inspection of finding one's place in the world. A perfect tool for parents to discuss themes of exploration, belonging, and self-discovery with their children.</span></p><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Meet Roo, a charming and curious character whose quest to find her place in the world is both inspiring and touching As Roo navigates through vibrant landscapes, she discovers the true essence of belonging and the joy that comes with it. Join Roo on her remarkable journey and discover the perfect fit for yourself. Order your copy today to be part of the fun!<a name='more'></a></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Vivid and Captivating Illustrations** - Each turn of the page in "The Perfect Fit" reveals stunning, colorful artwork that breathes life into Roo's world. These illustrations are not just visually appealing, but also effectively convey Roo's emotions and the story's deeper messages. It's engaging use of font delights reader's attention from the first page!</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**A Tool for Emotional Growth** - This book is an excellent resource for parents an educators to introduce important themes and helps build emotional intelligence in children, guiding them to understand and appreciate the beauty in self-discovery.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Ideal for Various Settings** - Whether it's a cozy bedtime story at home or an engaging reading session in a classroom, "The Perfect Fit" is perfectly suited for both. The simple yet profound narrative captivates young minds, fostering imagination and empathy.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**Educational and Enjoyable** - More than just a story, this book is an interactive learning experience It encourages children to celebrate their individuality and invites them to think of their own scenarios for Roo to attempt, making it a valuable addition to any educational curriculum.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">**A Journey of Self-Discovery** - "The Perfect Fit" is more than a book; it's a journey towards understanding and comfort. It's a must-have for any child's bookshelf!</span>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-88853544019910950492023-12-13T07:22:00.000-08:002023-12-13T07:22:44.098-08:00The Water Cycle (Author Interview)<p> <a href="https://a.co/d/3GSrU8J" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9zJRUkGWTTeR4yDQY1Vd9QLiSMrjBGT2vRw93eC0g0iUwAp3wTREJskDuDfpTcJbTQx04F8Lfz1y_9OHBtWjN_KU3Axn6JeC4SPZDMsUbBvs2RgVdBQuJljgDberYaHj3EbLmxFFO27SQ82r0VNsLbWkqxXUpJwNDxCSiuc7-uqC7Zz72s3Wg_J1jnE/s320/51M6WvN3OFL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><a href="https://a.co/d/3GSrU8J" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/3GSrU8J</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">What inspired you to write “The Water Cycle” and why did you choose to target the age group 5-9?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">I found I was often explaining the concepts of the water cycle to my daughter, but I wanted to create a way to explain how the different parts work together and some of the more abstract concepts kids can’t really see, like evaporation.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">During the pandemic while I was helping my daughter with some online school assignments I got the idea and started planning it out with a sharpie and paper right there.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">My educational and professional background is in water resources management, so it was just natural that these topics came up with my kids a lot on walks on days after it rained. They often asked questions about where water went after it drained into the catch basins.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">The target age worked out to 5-9 as this was around the time these topics are covered in school and when the book would be of the most interest to kids. I thought the first half of the book covering the 3 main concepts would be appropriate for the youngest readers, and the second half covering more advanced concepts would be great for older kids.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">What role do you think engaging narratives and vivid analogies play in helping children understanding complex scientific concepts like the water cycle?</span></b></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">I think they are incredibly important in helping captivate their attention and helping them to retain information. I looked at many of the books written for kids on this topic and decided to take a different approach by trying to blur the line between your typical STEM book and picture book by creating bright, playful and textured illustrations. I also used an anthropomorphized water drop to carry the narrative as I noticed the way kids respond to characters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">Could you elaborate on the interactive experiments included in the book and how they enhanced the learning experience for children</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">The interactive elements in the book were meant to help kids understand the more invisible concepts they can’t see such as evaporation and condensation. I wanted to make these concepts more real and less abstract in the hopes they would retain this information better.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">In what ways do you think “The Water Cycle” can contribute to fostering a love for science and environmental awareness among children?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">I think kids enjoy being able to name and identify things they see in the real world, and I believe this book will help with this. One of the parts I thought they’d really enjoy was seeing how the underground storm sewers connect with what they see above ground.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">What was the most challenging aspect of writing a science book for children, and how did you overcome it?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Writing the text came very naturally as I had been explaining it to my kids over the years. The most challenging aspect was illustrating the book. I took over two years between writing the book and finishing the illustrations as the project sat on the back burner for many months. Finally this year, after a break between projects I decided to try and complete a little bit each day. I read somewhere that we overestimate what we can get done in a day, and underestimate what we can get done with consistent effort overtime. So I put in the consistent effort and found within a few months I had a real book shaping up. So I finally set a deadline to release it, and worked towards getting the layouts and fonts designed so I could finish it off.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">How do you envision parents and teachers using “The Water Cycle” as a tool for both education and inspiration?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">I hope that teachers and homeschoolers will be able to use it during the units that cover the water cycle in school and maybe try the experiments in the book. I’ve also created some worksheets and colouring pages for educators to supplement their lessons.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN">Do you have plans for more books in this genre, and if so, can you give us a sneak peek</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">I would love to complete more books in the genre! Possibly on photosynthesis or a book about the different structures we see everyday, that kids might not realize are used for water resources management.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> </span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-82004707921802513442023-12-09T06:04:00.000-08:002023-12-11T06:11:35.402-08:00In The Face Of Adversity<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://a.co/d/5zIZEnF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2952" data-original-width="2376" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIo9YCMVCwMHhXF3wkDOTXsaXA_tFHeCijkS0fIPc_Jz7q3zfzN7cGKfVjqBuwiOy3RoEB9T6oISzXFEKP-6M3YiHoOrEH3uSnE9GU6yin45MZcAnlbqrvKRKHQ41KKR4JQC-vwSD2rrgQz-cLMF-EKBPcOMWH0yyB91qXvAu3REMH5-qF0pHKISKQwk/s320/front.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><p></p><p><span class="a-text-bold" face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://a.co/d/5zIZEnF" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #62646a; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/5zIZEnF</a></span></p><p><span class="a-text-bold" face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;">"In the Face of Adversity" </span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px;">is a compelling tale of determination, unity, and the pursuit of dreams. Ayomikun, a bright and passionate high school student, aspires to be a scientist despite facing relentless bullying from her classmate, Lucas. Her supportive friends, Eniola and Marvelous, encourage her to report the bullying to the school principal, Mr. Toluwalase, setting in motion a journey of resilience and transformation.</span></p><p><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />As Ayomikun takes a courageous stand against bullying, it sparks a powerful change within her class and the entire community. With the guidance of her dedicated science teacher, Miss Vee, Ayomikun not only conquers the obstacles she faces at school but also achieves success in the science field.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold" face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;">"In the Face of Adversity"</span><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-size: 14px;"> is a heartwarming story that underscores the importance of family, friendship, and unity. It emphasizes the need to stand up against discrimination and stereotypes while pursuing one's dreams, ultimately celebrating the triumph of the human spirit. This inspiring narrative will resonate with readers of all backgrounds and ages, reminding them that, in the face of adversity, one can rise above and create a better future.</span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-83650524547183644292023-12-05T06:37:00.000-08:002023-12-05T06:37:33.520-08:00The Empathetic Elephant : A heartwarming early reader rhyming book for kids (Author Interview)<p> <a href="https://a.co/d/0qi3Tqe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9VRRNAQyuyo-2yWxRJJINTWxvIsWruX-rnmmQ4Z9xx0173j0oc0Cgo-CPyXkfBwNZHkEC566wWRmbL15Pubo6mXzb7MReNpyS3PVZmy-REx_WRqoF8Y43etDhWiHcyJ1pMs4bypnyAiNl0s3UyGuAcjz7vPLew2C8ZFEkogkrmXByebQt1xuOiRNTKQ/s320/81syBakHiJL._SY466_.jpg" width="317" /></a></p><p><a href="https://a.co/d/0qi3Tqe" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/0qi3Tqe</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What inspired you to write "The Empathetic Elephant" and choose an elephant as your main character?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">In January 2020 I attended a conference where Jen Hatmaker -was a keynote told a story about Community…and how female elephants in the wild circle around a mother elephant who is giving birth or injured and they protect her or trumpet and kick dirt to protect the new baby’s skin. It is a beautiful story that really struck a chord with me. Then Covid hit, we were all isolated, my kids were all home. I realized how important it was being together as a family, but how vulnerable and isolated everyone was. The female elephant became a big reminder for me of how I wanted to live my life - with a community of women that I could count on for support, but mostly as a reminder of the kind of woman I wanted to be - one who realized when someone was in need ready to encourage, support or cheer them on.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Can you share how your personal experiences have influenced the themes of empathy and understanding in your book?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’ve always been a pretty empathetic person. I used to think others viewed that as a weakness because people presume you are vulnerable or lack objectivity - until I became a mother. As an adult, I realized that my empathetic nature had been instilled in me by my parents and my grandparents. And did not make me weak, but compassionate and resilient. My grandfather taught me that gratitude and knowledge are our most valuable resources. My grandmother taught me to always look out for others. My mom taught me that compassion can comfort the deepest wounds. My dad taught me that sometimes faith is all we have. It was important that I passed these things on to my kids. I wanted my children to know success isn’t measured by what you have, but by the lives you touch.</p><a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How did you approach the challenge of making complex themes like empathy and diversity accessible and engaging for young readers?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Empathy was a pretty natural progression for me because connection and compassion are very important issues for me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I didn’t really set out to make the book about diversity, but it naturally unfolded as the story came together. Empathy is having the ability to have compassion for and understand the needs of others. For Lucy to show true empathy I knew those characters had to be truly different. It is easy to show empathy toward people who look, think and act the same, but the division in our world is proof that we need to have empathy for all people regardless of ability, religion, race, socio-economic or political affiliation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In "The Empathetic Elephant," Lucy interacts with various animals in the jungle. How did you decide which animals to include and what lessons each would teach?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">My other books have animals that represent those stories well. Our ties to nature and what we can learn from it are very powerful lessons when you really think about it. Those ideas stick with me when I am writing a story. Whether it be the power of the acorn and the oak and how there is a generational legacy shown there or the fact that all trees are connected by their root systems and will communicate and help each other by sending nutrients when in need (which is referred to as the “woodwibe” web. They are beautiful representations of family, community and connection.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In Grandpa & Lewy, Lewy is a squirrel that represents Lewy Body dementia which is a pretty heavy topic for kids. I wanted to work the Lewy the squirrel’s personality into the traits of Lewy Body. It seemed like a fun way to not make the topic so frightening and provide some comic relief to the story.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">F.R.O.G is an acronym for Fully Rely on God so that didn’t require much thought. However, as I began to develop that story I learned that frogs are an indicator species for our planet much like I believe that faith is an indicator of our own well being. Frogs also symbolize new beginnings, transition, taking a leap of faith so it was very relevant to the story and to my own life at the time. I was deciding if I was going to go all in on my author journey. It wasn’t something I set out to do - it was honestly something I felt called to do. Writing this book helped me come to terms with that<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As I developed the characters I got this book I realized they could easily represent different personality traits and social disorders so I decided to write them with those things in mind. I realized quickly that this story could be developed into a series that touches on each animal. I want a child to be able to identify with whatever that social issue is without it being a “label”. For example, the monkey has ADHD so the next book will focus on those traits, but indicate that it is ADHD.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The book is not just a story, but a tool for intergenerational bonding. How do you envision families using this book to foster deeper connections?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Intergenerational connection is so important. I hope that it will raise awareness of the importance of understanding, patience, and compassion. It think it encourages open communication and active listening, which are key to bridging the gap between different generations. The story also highlights the value of family. Lucy’s family is there for her. Not just her family - extended family. They don’t try to “fix the problem or solve the issue” they listen, encourage and support her. They give Lucy the confidence and space to solve her own problem, but they let her know how proud they are when she does.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope this story will help open a dialogue for family member's to share experiences and perspectives, fostering mutual respect and appreciation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Could you talk about the role of illustrations in your book and how they complement the narrative?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I have been incredibly lucky to find and connect with 3 amazing illustrators and they’ve each played a huge role in the development of my stories. The availability of the illustrators is really what determined what book would be created. I found them each online and just knew that their particular style would be perfect for my story ideas. It been so insightful to see how different each one works and what their creative vision brings to the table.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The illustrator for my first book, “Grandpa & Lewy” (Tracey Arvidson) had to deal with me not having any idea what was involved in publishing a book. I had zero knowledge and very little budget. She was so patient and kind. It was at the height of covid so we were both dealing with a house full of older kids and trying to navigate everything that came with that. We went with very simple watercolor illustrations and found creative ways to keep budget down and make the illustrations complement the story. I have some future books that I hope to be able to use her for. Her style reminds me of Norman Rockwell paintings and it lends itself well to the nostalgic realism of some of my stories.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">My second and third books were really dictated by the availability of the illustrators. I found both Jess Bircham and Lauren Sparks at the same time. They were very different styles and fit well with a few stories I had in the vault. Both illustrators were working on a 6-12 month waitlist. I put my name on the list and Jessica was ready for me about three months ahead of the 6 month mark. Her style was very soft and sweet reminded me a lot of Precious Moments figurines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I had an idea for the F.R.O.G. Book and knew that story would lend itself well to her style. So I wrote F.R.O.G. Pretty quickly and Jess got it done at lightning speed in March. In June of the same year I heard back from Lauren. I knew her book would be my elephant story. I was also a story that I had in the vault and was motivated to finish after I saw her work. It was fun and bold and jungle animals are her specialty. The coolest thing is that she lives in South Africa and was doing my illustrations while on safari. She would send me videos of a rhino walking past her tent. Talk about field research. It was so surreal having my illustration come from such an amazing experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’m always keeping my eye out for new illustrators because finding the right illustrator for a story idea really inspires me - but it would be hard to beat the relationship and connection I have with each of these women. I feel privileged to have worked with them and would work with them again on any project at anytime.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I can honestly say that I don’t sit down to write a book. The stories find me. Some come from life experiences and others are inspired by these amazingly talented artists. I’ve surrendered to not trying to figure it all out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>"The Empathetic Elephant" is your third children’s book. How does this book differ from your previous works like "Grandpa & Lewy" and "F.R.O.G. - Fully Rely On God"?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">It is the most broad. My first two books were very niche’. I would consider Grandpa & Lewy more of a resource. I wrote that story for my kids because my dad was diagnosed with LBD in 2003 and there weren’t any resources available for families - especially for young kids. F.R.O.G. is also very niche’ bc of the religious theme.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I do feel like both books have a broad message of acceptance, compassion and connection - whether it be connection to faith, self or others. It has been a challenge because the stories are both pretty specific.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am so excited for The Empathetic Elephant because it keeps with my theme of acceptance, compassion and connection, but will reach a broader audience.<o:p></o:p></p><br clear="all" style="break-before: page;" /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What message do you hope children and their parents take away from "The Empathetic Elephant"?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Our connection is our strength” though we are not all the same, we are all connected. It is ok if we don’t think, look or act the same, but kindness foster unity. We not only need to embrace our own differences, but we need to approach others’ differences from a place of compassion and acceptance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How do you think your book contributes to conversations about emotional intelligence and understanding in children's development?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’m my opinion there is a huge need for these conversations. I think the book introduces these concepts in a child-friendly manner, using relatable characters and engaging narratives. I think it could be a great tool for parents to help children understand their emotions, empathize with others, and manage their responses effectively, By doing so, parents could lay a strong foundation for their emotional and social development, equipping them with the skills they need to navigate relationships and challenges throughout their lives. Ideally, I can’t wait to dive even deeper and expand this series to tackle mental health issues like neurodiversity, depression, social anxiety, body dysmorphia and autoimmune disorders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Are there any plans for more books in the future that follow similar themes of empathy and understanding? What can your readers look forward to next?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">YES!! I have so many story ideas to bring to life. I get excited to get them out into the world. Mostly bc I love the creative process, but truly want to make a difference or bc I truly hope that they will make a difference in a child’s life, a parent’s view of the world or a family’s dynamic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I wish I could just create and keep moving forward, but each book needs some special attention and that has been a challenge for me. So I am learning to space them out a bit so that my resources are a bit more manageable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I have the illustrator on the books for a follow up to F.R.O.G in early 2024.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One of my young readers pointed out the need for a “boy book” <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji", sans-serif;">😊</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This will also be a religious theme that compliments F.R.O.G., but this one is for boys.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I’m very excited that the illustrator for Empathetic Elephant (Lauren Sparks) is onboard with continuing the series of jungle adventures that address each animal from the first book and what makes each one different, but special.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How does "The Empathetic Elephant" reflect your passion for fostering intergenerational connections through storytelling?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Empathetic elephant is the culmination a message that has been in the making for many years. It is really a full circle moment for me. Without rehashing my whole life story. My love of writing began in 1987 with a high school English assignment to interview and write a paper about my grandfather. Ten years later I used that same paper as the foundation for a college graduation requirement. I researched and wrote about intergenerational bonding and titled it “Communication – The Vital Link”. That interview with my grandfather in 1987 had a profound impact on me. I didn’t realize the power of my writing then or the strength of the connection with my grandparents, but it proved to be a huge catalyst for what I do today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Can you describe your journey as a children's book author and how it led to the creation of "The Empathetic Elephant"?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I didn’t set out to be an author and until my 3rd book, I couldn’t even bring myself to use that title. I didn’t talk much about my writing. I remember reading bedtime stories to my kids thinking how cool it would be to write children's books because I loved reading them, but it was never something I ever thought I would do. I believed ,and still do, with everything in my being that motherhood was my purpose in life. It was all I wanted. I didn’t need anything else. I know that will rub some people the wrong way, but it is my truth. Being a stay at home mom was a privilege, but it required many sacrifices for our family. I wouldn’t change a thing, but I am grateful that I’ve found something that I love to do now that my kids are grown. Being there mom is still my favorite thing ever, but creating children's books brings me a sense of joy and fulfillment now that the house is a little more quiet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In what ways does "The Empathetic Elephant" aim to strengthen family bonds and cultural heritage?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Seeing Lucy’s interaction with her herd (extended family) will empower kids to discuss issues with family and hopefully encourage families to communicate in a healthy, helpful manner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">How do you believe your personal experiences as a parent in Pennsylvania have influenced the themes in your children’s books? I’ve had the privilege of raising some pretty amazing kids. I must admit they made it easy for me, but I do believe that was because faith and family mattered most. Life has not been easy, but we’ve always faced hard things and heartaches together.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>"The Empathetic Elephant" is about understanding and inclusivity. Why are these themes important for young readers today?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Inclusivity is especially crucial for young readers today because it helps them understand and appreciate the diversity of the world around them. It fosters empathy, respect, and acceptance of others, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or abilities. Thanks to technology we are more connected than ever, but we are also more isolated. A child can go on social media and know what’s going on around the world, but they are less likely to go outside and see what’s happening in their neighborhood. This view of the world through the lens of social media agendas and narratives can be dangerous for a child and their mental health. Inclusive literature that opens the door for important conversations is more important than ever. It allows children from all backgrounds to see themselves represented, affirming their identities and experiences. This not only boosts their self-esteem and sense of belonging, but also promotes social harmony and equality<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Lucy the elephant encounters various animals along her journey. How do these interactions convey the message of empathy and diversity?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Each animal rejects Lucy’s attempts at friendship. This rejection is not about<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lucy, but because each animal<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Is dealing with their own issue. It would have been easy for Lucy to give up at the risk of creating her own issues. With the encouragement of her family, Lucy realizes that she had the power to make a difference. With a growth mindset and an attitude of compassion Lucy breaks down the barriers and meets each animal where they’re at. Teaching us that we truly are better together.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What do you hope families will take away from reading "The Empathetic Elephant" together?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope that it will raise awareness of the need for connection and conversation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How do you approach the challenge of writing for a young audience while also engaging adult readers?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">My desire is to write stories that make a difference. My two favorite genres are self/help and children’s books. <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Symbol", sans-serif;">☺</span> So I’m in awe of authors like Dr.Suess and Charlie Mackesy who can package a profound message in a beautiful picture book. That’s would be my ultimate dream. For now, I’d like to think my stories speak to all ages because they tackle tough topics that are relevant today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That’s my focus.</p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-2095824681153694502023-11-24T05:30:00.000-08:002023-11-24T05:30:46.148-08:00The Go-Kart War (Author Interview)<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://a.co/d/b8epVna" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinx3Eu_7ysGTYejfDXWc1kwfsXVZZI31KrP3stVl2uqPzmVWtFV2CZD2RCmnuGacN65iosH8_Gsj5_cFDi8m71WQiKhp-fTD7he91GA2JQvob7jXt6KQdJI0MH34-QdAszWdQ_XQzSyDvvfkvbagmwfpby6EgWAiLGh1a3zkhj7vybdhfc6zxGGmyvN5I/s320/61MYqDwLNaL._SY385_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p><a href="https://a.co/d/b8epVna" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/b8epVna</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "The Go-Kart War"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 14.98px;">Sure, after reading countless books to my 3 children, Ethan, Olivia, and Abby I realized there were few children's fiction books rooted in everyday American life similar to the type of books I read when I was younger. That was the inspiration behind writing my first children’s book entitled, "The Go-Kart War".</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ethan Foster and Jasper Ackerman are such unique characters. How did you develop their personalities and rivalry?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">My inspiration for creating the character Ethan Foster is rooted in the feelings I had as a child. We all remember that one toy from our childhood that we would do anything to get but was always too expensive. I wanted Ethan to take that longing into his own hands by asking the question, “Why can’t I, with hard work and perseverance achieve a goal I set”. Jasper, on the other hand, is the antagonist in the story. I wanted to be careful not to make Jasper a bully in any way, only a rival who is has some of the same wants and desires as Ethan, and this friendly competition springs from that.</p><a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The book addresses themes like entrepreneurship and the spirit of competition. Why were these themes important for you to explore?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As a kid in the 80s I remember not wanting to have to wait until I was older to make enough money to buy the things I wanted to. I would try and come up with money making ideas such as having a Sunday lemonade stand after church in my neighborhood knowing that I would get a lot of traffic. The competition piece of the story plays on the themes that so many children face in school and in their neighborhood. From this theme I tried to show how competition, even at a young age, so long as it is spirited and positive can be a good thing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>"The Go-Kart War" offers a realistic portrayal of being 12 years old today. How did you approach writing about the modern pre-teen experience?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I really saw the character of Ethan Foster through my own, now 12 year old son, Ethan’s eyes (yes, my son has the same name!). Kids these days have a plethora of distractions many of which revolve around the time we are spending on our screens. I wanted to create a story that harkens back to a time before all this distraction was present when creativity, outdoor activities, and simply finding ways to fight boredom were paramount.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Friendship and rivalry play significant roles in your book. What message do you hope young readers take away about these dynamics?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I don’t want to give away any of the somewhat surprising ending of “The Go-Kart War”, but sometimes there are more to people than what it seems which is a theme I wanted to explore. Put another way I wanted find the good and innocence in our youth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Your book also delves into business know-how and hard work. How do you balance educational elements with keeping the story fun and engaging for kids?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I tried to come at the entrepreneurial aspect of the book from a pre-teen perspective where you have to figure out the business as you go along. The business idea that Ethan and his best friend Zach come up with has its highs and lows, themes we face as adults in our careers. To keep the story light and fun I created what I call “chapter tangents” where a single chapter may veer off in an unexpected and hilarious way. This is specifically true in Chapter 11 entitled, "Sabotage”.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What was the most challenging aspect of writing "The Go-Kart War"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For me the most challenging aspect of writing the book was simply finding the time to sit down and write. With having 3 young children at home this can be challenging, and I would like to give a special shout-out to my wife Tessa, for allowing me to spend endless hours at my local coffee shop, <b>The Spot</b> to write this book.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Finally, without giving too much away, can you share a favorite moment or turning point in the book that readers should look forward to?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In the book I purposely omitted a lot of adult and parental characters so that the reader will be drawn into the perspective of the kids with one exception. The adult character, whom Ethan befriends in the book, drives the story into something more than a simply small moneymaking idea, and in the process shows the fragility and emotions that adults can experience too. I think parents who read this book with their children will get something out of it also and will be able to relate to the innocence of being a child in America, and the realities of being an adult. </p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-80735205453999935952023-10-29T06:15:00.003-07:002023-10-29T06:15:55.831-07:00Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Adventure<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKNYGFVK" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="288" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FDyn0hNw9_GA5m71jnrgMJEoBJ2foSXVWOAO_xthOO3L0uweVsZz82TrXe7BhpAjzUWGkKpQla0nXOrL_azWpJGiaugKumz-IpPVW9kFurxGhdFl1aOzCw53WDYvmqrDUOA9iGIJGeJQa4NUA6Mf6s3BwxP28WDhjJ0w4bXw8psrwemrBJUEA130hBQ/s320/410pD9WDw6L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="207" /></a></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"></span></p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKNYGFVK">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKNYGFVK</a></b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;">Dear Reader, Please Help!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">If you are reading this, I have been taken prisoner, or worse. The North Pole is no longer safe, and Christmas is under attack!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">The only hope I have is two brothers, Alex and Noah James. These boys have no idea the destiny that lies ahead of them, but they are the only ones who can free me and save Christmas. I don’t want to put them in danger, but with dark forces at work, I have no other choice.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Please find the James brothers and send them immediately to the North Point Ski Resort. It’s not on a map. Tell them to follow Highway 99 north—the resort will make itself known.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: -4px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Make sure Noah has his crystal; he will know what I’m talking about. The crystal holds a magic so great the boys may be able to save Christmas in time.</span></p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Your friend,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Santa Claus<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />P.S. Tell the boys to get ready for an adventure they’ll never forget.</span>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-54540353772768714572023-10-24T07:52:00.003-07:002023-10-25T08:41:28.807-07:00Oliver the Adventurous Engineer: Learn with Oliver how to build your very own personal computer! (STEM Team Oliver Book Series) (Author Interview)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL6ZFW5C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="288" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSD02Tn2OtmQxRfnV2mtpmSWGem383YXXx8QXp-fV2jjyfjiSXRcDMnbZGigaLE3N7XBBnhjkeVRny269v2DPi78Dsc21stxFv-dIVxJTcxCD8qATHapeklpBEno33MLeCpLzj6Qq6JaS_CAy6awn8Eiw8RfzXxMM9TMnpW4NaObDTPczKh6eZfOnhdo/s320/41VZew1SK2L._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL6ZFW5C">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL6ZFW5C</a></span></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What inspired you to write about a young boy's journey into the world of computer engineering?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I drew from my own experiences. I’ve always loved computers and tech since I was young. The sheer potential they held, the ability to create something from nothing, seemed mesmerizing. I can still remember that first time I sat in front of a personal computer during elementry school. It was a Macintosh - hitting the keys and seeing the results of my input directly on a screen was a thrill. My passion for technology was ignited during these years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The second inspiration for me draws from the real-life stories of young minds shaping the tech landscape today. Their resilience and desire for innovation are a compelling narrative thread. This made me want to tell a story that not only mirrors my own techno-coming-of-age but also pays homage to the new young pioneers of our digital era.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How did you ensure the accuracy of the technical aspects of the book, especially concerning computer building?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I leveraged not only my own experience in tech but the power of online and up to date resources and how-to videos as integral components of my research for Olvier the Adventurous Engineer and the STEM Team Olvier series. Recognizing the dynamic nature of technology, these digital sources became indispensable guides, offering real-time insights into the latest advancements in computer engineering. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The hope is that this book provides a good guide which inspires and resonatates with readers who have never navigated the complexities of personal computer builing.</p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Oliver's story takes place in a small American midwestern town. Why did you choose this setting, and how does it influence Oliver's journey?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Having recently transplanted myself from New England to the Midwest, it seemed a compelling backdrop to the narrative. I found it a place far from the well known tech hubs and a place where I would like to see kids, especially in more rural areas of our country, expand beyond the confines of their immediate surroundings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In this digital age, where connectivity knows no bounds, the intersection of technology and growth can take center stage for many kids who will be the innovators of the future. The ability to harness the power of technology as a catalyst for exploration and growth, with the focus on benefiting the world, became a poignant message I wanted to share and communicate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Can you speak to the importance of STEM education and how Oliver's adventure might inspire young readers to delve into these subjects?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">The significance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is a fundamental base of Oliver's journey and the narrative at large. Stemming from a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of knowledge, the book series attempts to illuminate the pathways paved by STEM disciplines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">By weaving the narrative around Oliver's journey into personal computer building, the story is meant to demystify the often-intimidating world of STEM for young readers. It is a call to discover the fun aspects of science and technology and use them as benefits by encouraging knowledge and innovation for young readers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Cultivating STEM literacy is not just a choice but a necessity. Oliver's experiences are crafted to resonate with young imaginations, to ignite a spark of curiosity which in turn may evolve into a profound interest in STEM subjects. The story aims to foster an appreciation for the creativity and problem-solving inherient in these disciplines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Oliver's character and his conterparts in the STEM Team Oliver book series are deliberately portrayed as relatable, embodying the idea that anyone—regardless of background or circumstance—can find inspiration in STEM. It's a deliberate effort to break down perceived barriers and empower young readers to see themselves as protagonists in their own STEM narratives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Were there any personal experiences or individuals in your life that influenced the creation of the character, Oliver?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Children and young teens that have an interest in technology are inspirations. I wanted to make Oliver as relatable as I could to the demographic. In some of the early character develpment, Oilver was proven to be relatable to young family members and children of friends. I also see a little bit of Oliver in myself. <i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">The heartbeat of Oliver's character finds tone in the spirit of children and young teens who harbor an innate curiosity for technology. Their boundless enthusiasm, coupled with an appetite for exploration, became a source of inspiration. In crafting Oliver, I sought to extract the essence of this demographic—capturing the wide-eyed wonder, the uninhibited curiosity, and the untapped potential that defines these formative years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Oliver and the other characters in STEM Team Oliver are intentionally crafted to be relatable. It's a conscious effort to bridge the gap between fiction and reality, allowing young readers to see reflections of themselves.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">My aim is to create a series that resonates deeply with the readers, sparking their imagination and kindling the flame of possibility within each one of them related to tech.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Throughout the book, Oliver faces numerous challenges. Which was your favorite to write, and why?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Oliver's challenges each offered its unique set of complexity and triumph. However, if pressed to pick a favorite, it would undoubtedly be Oliver's initial challenge — the meticulous process of researching and assembling a comprehensive list of components for his personal computer build.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This particular challenge held a special place for me, in many ways, it mirrored my own passage in crafting this story. The act of researching and assembling the component list and installation steps mirrored the real-world tasks I undertook with the research for writing the book.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The theme of perseverance is prevalent throughout the book. Why did you feel it was essential to emphasize this trait in Oliver's character?</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class="MsoNormal">The thought of building a personal computer for many adults seems daunting in itself. Perseverance courses through the veins of Oliver's narrative. Had Oliver not possessed this trait he may not have seen the build through.<i> </i>Without perseverance, where would our character be? The decision to emphasize this trait in Oliver's character was born out of a profound acknowledgment of its real-world significance. Young Oliver serves as a reminder that the journey toward completion involves one step at a time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Oliver's perseverance is a callout to the spirit of youth and the capacity for growth that lies within each young mind. By placing this trait at the forefront, the narrative becomes a vehicle for instilling a sense of determination in the readers, encouraging them to approach challenges with fortitude and view setbacks as stepping stones toward success.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How do you envision readers, especially those who are unfamiliar with computer engineering, engaging with Oliver's story?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In crafting Oliver the Adventurous Engineer and curating the broader STEM Team Oliver book series, the guiding principle was to demystify the complex world of STEM. The challenge lay not just in making STEM topics accessible but in developing a narrative that resonates with readers across diverse backgrounds, especially those unfamiliar with the tech and engineering.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The story is intentionally designed to be relatable, making technology not only comprehensible but also enjoyable. The idea is to keep tech understandable, approachable, and, most importantly, fun.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Oliver's story is made to invite readers of all backgrounds and levels of familiarity with technology to enjoy. The hope is that even those with no prior exposure to computer engineering, will find themselves drawn into the world of STEM with a sense of curiosity and excitement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps even to build their own personal computer!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Beyond just building a computer, what are the broader life lessons you hope readers will take away from Oliver's adventure?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">It is my sincere hope that readers, through Oliver's example, find inspiration to surmount their own technological challenge no matter their background.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ultimately, Oliver's adventure is more than a tale—it's a conduit for inspiring the next generation of thinkers, inventors, and problem-solvers. It is my hope that through this narrative, young readers will be encouraged to not only embrace STEM education but to envision themselves as architects of a future shaped by their insatiable curiosity and passion for exploration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Are there any plans to continue Oliver's journey in future books, perhaps exploring other areas of STEM?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Yes, Olvier the Adventurous Engineer is book one of a six-part series. The STEM Team Oliver series is a thrilling adventure - following a group of inquisitive young minds on their quest to unravel the mysteries of the scientific world. They tackle exciting challenges, encounter fascinating concepts, and solve problems using their knowledge of STEM principles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; margin-bottom: 0in;">Throughout the series, readers will be introduced to a diverse range of STEM topics, including computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Each book seamlessly integrates engaging narratives with vivid illustrations, making complex concepts accessible and captivating for young readers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p><o:p></o:p></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-47041524776189784842023-10-24T06:27:00.003-07:002023-10-24T06:27:56.802-07:00The Curious Turtle Who Flew to Space (Splash, The Curious Turtle) (Author Interview)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://a.co/d/hMZgIqC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKo629ZSzGxVyTQi67ULWfiPgReHMnWgtrWuao-R6smRYvNQX7XmYEowuYa2XCEm68dF3giBhRXfFCZIfGWOjhNkmYuqUAodcxo_DHAB9AsVA_cGsRYt_tf6og1S6esjHQT0Es94hyFa6yCxAZAWyZAVEjTFIjYcxxMhYDFMrWAlAhdi1Kxe71CmRx2E/s320/71Y0VUNS0LL._SY385_.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><p><a href="https://a.co/d/hMZgIqC" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/hMZgIqC</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What inspired you to write a story about a turtle traveling to space? How did the idea of Splash come to you?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">In March 2023, a significant chapter of self-discovery unfolded after my divorce as I embarked on a journey to rediscover my true self, rekindling the spirit of Brandon. Feeling disconnected from my identity, I volunteered abroad in Costa Rica, specifically for a Sea Turtle Conservation project. You might wonder how this leap from newfound divorcee to turtle-saving in Costa Rica came about. Well, I firmly believe in the profound influence of early childhood experiences. Ever since my Pre-K years, I harbored an intense fascination with turtles, so much so that when asked about my aspirations, I answered, "I want to be a turtle when I grow up."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">During my two-week volunteer stint in Costa Rica at an extraordinary place called the "Turtle House," I joined forces with fellow volunteers from around the world. We undertook various tasks, ranging from beach walks to caring for the hatchery, where we protected and monitored turtle eggs. These humbling experiences left a lasting impact on me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Upon returning to the States, my daughter Georgia became increasingly intrigued by my Costa Rica venture, reflecting my passion for turtles. Before our Disney cruise, we had planned a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. As we embarked on the seven-hour drive, Georgia bombarded me with countless questions about turtles. She was relentless, her curiosity shining through every moment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Finally, the day arrived, and we set foot in the Kennedy Space Center. Georgia's excitement grew exponentially as she chattered non-stop about astronauts, aliens, and spaceships. While standing in line for a space history briefing, Georgia looked up at me with a mischievous grin and proclaimed, "Daddy, turtles can't go to space. They can only swim in the ocean."<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In that very instant, the concept of "The Curious Turtle Who Flew to Space" was born. I found her comment somewhat problematic because it felt limited and closed-minded. Although her statement held some truth, I realized the importance of nurturing curiosity and imagination. After all, the most influential visionaries throughout history possessed these very qualities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I created the character "Splash," a female turtle who defies expectations to inspire my daughter and challenge her perspective. Through this fictional creature, I hoped to instill in Georgia the belief that one can transcend boundaries and explore uncharted territories in imagination and life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The theme of environmental conservation runs strongly throughout the book, particularly with Splash's determination to save her home from pollution. What message do you hope young readers will take away regarding the environment?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">This book is deeply connected to me as my experiences inspired it in Costa Rica. During my time there, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of pollution on the fragile environment, particularly on baby turtles. It broke my heart to see their habitats threatened by trash and litter. I spent countless hours cleaning the beaches, hoping to make a slight difference.</p><a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">This experience fueled my determination to create a book that would cultivate environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility in young readers. My main goal became igniting a genuine understanding of everyone’s power to safeguard our planet. I wanted to convey through Splash's unwavering determination how even the most minor actions can have a significant impact.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope young readers will empathize with Splash's passion and be inspired to act themselves. I want them to understand that they can enact meaningful change, no matter how small. Whether it's picking up litter or adopting eco-friendly habits, these efforts contribute to the well-being of our environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How did you approach the challenge of blending real-life issues like pollution with the whimsical notion of a turtle building a spacecraft?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Approaching the challenge of blending real-life issues like pollution with the whimsical notion of a turtle building a spacecraft was an unexpected but enriching journey. When I first set out to write this book, my primary goal was to send a strong message to my daughter, hoping she would understand the importance of curiosity and imagination. I had little to no expectations beyond that.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As I delved into the story, the concept of pollution naturally emerged as a central theme. I realized it was a real-life issue that deserved attention, even in a whimsical and imaginative context. I wanted to create a narrative that would captivate my daughter and young readers, using fantastical elements to communicate a more profound message.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Blending the idea of a turtle building a spacecraft with the concept of pollution was a delicate balancing act. It required finding the right combination of whimsy and seriousness to convey the importance of environmental stewardship. By contrasting the playful and imaginative elements with the gravity of the pollution issue, I aimed to capture young readers' attention and make them think critically about the impact of their actions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I've realized that the book's approach to blending real-life issues with notions has had a far more profound impact than I initially anticipated. It has sparked conversations among readers, highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental concerns and the power of everyone to contribute positively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ultimately, while I intended to create a fun and engaging story for my daughter, I am humbled by the book's ability to raise awareness about pollution and its importance to a broader audience. It reminds me of the incredible potential for stories to inspire meaningful change, even in the most unexpected and imaginative ways.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Splash is not only an adventurer but also an inventor. How important was it for you to portray a character embodying curiosity and resilience?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Portraying a character like Splash, who embodies curiosity and resilience, was paramount to me in this book. I wanted to create a character who embarks on exhilarating adventures and embraces her innate curiosity, pushing past her fears to accomplish something extraordinary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In our everyday lives, it's common to see people fall into a routine, conforming to the 9 to 5 mentality and playing it safe. But I firmly believe life is precious and meant to be lived to the fullest. By showcasing Splash's fearless and bold nature, I wanted to inspire young readers to embrace their curiosity, question the world, and never shy away from exploring or pursuing their dreams.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Curiosity is a driving force that propels us forward, enabling us to uncover new ideas, experiences, and possibilities. It opens doors to personal growth and pushes boundaries, encouraging us to go beyond our comfort zones. I wanted Splash to embody this sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging readers to engage with the world proactively and adventurously.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Resilience was a profoundly personal and essential element I wanted to highlight through Splash's character, influenced by my own experiences during a challenging divorce. I aimed to show young readers the value of determination and courage in pursuing their passions, even when faced with setbacks or self-doubt. Through Splash's unwavering determination and courage, I wanted to convey that setbacks do not define us but present opportunities for growth and self-discovery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Moreover, Splash's fusion of curiosity and resilience also aligns with the broader message of the book. It serves as a reminder that life is too short to hold back or settle for mediocrity. It encourages readers to embrace their unique abilities, to nurture their passions, and to dare to dream big. By doing so, they can make a lasting impact on the world and lead fulfilling lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Your book seems to be a blend of genres: adventure, fantasy, and educational. Was it challenging to strike a balance between these elements?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Surprisingly, striking a balance between this book's adventure, fantasy, and educational elements felt quite natural and effortless. It was as if all the life pieces had fallen into place, guiding the story's development and themes. Although merging these genres may seem unconventional, fusing them was the right approach.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Are there any real-life inspirations or personal experiences that influenced certain characters or events in the story?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">There were real-life inspirations and personal experiences that heavily influenced the creation of characters and events in the story. Splash was a character specifically designed to challenge my daughter's perspective and mindset. My experiences shaped her journey and challenges throughout the book during a difficult divorce. During this challenging time, I realized the importance of resilience, courage, and the power of overcoming adversity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What age group would benefit most from reading "The Curious Turtle Who Flew to Space"? How do you envision parents and educators using this book as a tool?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">"The Curious Turtle Who Flew to Space" would benefit children up to the age of eight, and parents/teachers can utilize this book as a valuable tool to initiate discussions about space exploration, environmental pollution, and the significance of protecting endangered species like turtles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Finally, can readers expect more adventures from Splash in the future? Are there any plans for sequels or related stories?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Readers can look forward to more captivating adventures from Splash in the future. Although there are no concrete plans for sequels or related stories, I am open to exploring new paths and narratives that may emerge. It’s important to me that Splash returns when my curiosity and imagination naturally align with a real problem that needs to be addressed. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.brandonseyl.com/">www.brandonseyl.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brandon_seyl">https://www.instagram.com/brandon_seyl</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/author/brandon_seyl">https://www.amazon.com/author/brandon_seyl</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonSeyl">https://twitter.com/BrandonSeyl</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-s-868b32209">https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-s-868b32209</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Email:</b> <a href="mailto:contact@brandonseyl.com">contact@brandonseyl.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpedWn20hdKuAn-r_WAYB4pH_mC4CXnzYCE019iugbxmSvjQAxww2uzmVIX9dKZFlwXbotzZE29IKwBY_eo8rAZ0J-V0Bsi2e7lc3REjx5QLnUyGfnPcYwHVmpqcix-LcS22h_43pxxQIMjm2G49XBloAW-gxV1q0DrGxiR9HxsxyyoCudqyZcH9dkEc/s925/The-BookFest-First-Place-Book-Award.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="925" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpedWn20hdKuAn-r_WAYB4pH_mC4CXnzYCE019iugbxmSvjQAxww2uzmVIX9dKZFlwXbotzZE29IKwBY_eo8rAZ0J-V0Bsi2e7lc3REjx5QLnUyGfnPcYwHVmpqcix-LcS22h_43pxxQIMjm2G49XBloAW-gxV1q0DrGxiR9HxsxyyoCudqyZcH9dkEc/s320/The-BookFest-First-Place-Book-Award.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-70644741184421694552023-10-18T08:48:00.003-07:002023-10-18T08:48:44.846-07:00The Lost Pilot (Author Interview)<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKK5J77Y/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8TIiip3yrtpZKMJ3QiN950YRiQh3xR8fdwP3g8iDd_Q4okdoisfONX30rrsBPfl1FlQJRkAaKQLbmMW7n8TdfQnhc4fVp7HkTqah6x72UvgjN5tnG4zDJ-AnmXFdGBRQPp8QUQvvWqX53V5E4bjrc10DpV4lghVaRdxBfMx2hGUNYJFCzm8Y1-aS4YA/s320/41CKv2knMLL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="248" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKK5J77Y/">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKK5J77Y/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What inspired you to create a tribute to "The Little Prince" in the form of "The Lost Pilot"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I first got a copy of The Little Prince when I was about five or six years old and it quickly became that book you force your mom to read to you over and over again. As I got older, I reread it several times and the wonder, the imagination, the devotion to friendship, and the basic morality of being good continued to resonate with me. Here was a man - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - facing a world war, with his country invaded and falling apart, living in a strange land (New York City), willing to fly and fight for his country, and The Little Prince was what he was inspired to write.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I've read pretty much every book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and several biographies and articles and features about him. I've been to the apartment building where he wrote The Little Prince, visited his homes in France, explored parts of the Sahara Desert where he crash landed and was stationed, and even chartered a boat to where they found his plane in the Mediterranean Sea.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One night, when I was on top of an enormous sand dune deep in the Sahara Desert, I felt further away than anyone in the world. The only people near me didn't speak the same language as me. It took me a long time to get to the top of the dune and the stars stretched out like explosions of color and light. I was all alone and the loneliness was awe-inspiring. I knew I was not far from where Antoine de Saint-Exupéry had crash landed so there was a chance, at some point, he had stood right where I was.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I looked up at the tapestry of infinity and I started talking as if Antoine was there. I imagined him flying away to find The Little Prince. I was inspired and I wanted to inspire others just like he had done for me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I kept the idea for years and years - always thinking of it sometimes and adding ideas. Then, I read that it was the anniversary of the publication of The Little Prince and it seemed like the perfect time to pay homage to one of the greatest stories ever told. I want more people to read The Little Prince and be inspired.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How did you go about blending biography with fiction in "The Lost Pilot"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Lost Pilot is Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. He never says it and neither does the narrator (or who The Lost Pilot calls 'the artist'), but it is supposed to be him. As he tells his story about journeying into the stars to find his friend, he reveals things about himself that are actual truths of Antoine's life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It's not of course a full biography - for a great version of that, read The Pilot and the Little Prince by Peter Sis - but, there is a lot of biographical information in the book. His dog Hannibal was really his dog and he talked about how much it broke his heart to leave him when he returned to flying.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The blending of biography and fiction in The Lost Pilot happened really naturally. I had always imagined that Antoine had flown off to find his long lost friend, The Little Prince. I had ideas about when he'd actually done it - when he disappeared during his last mission in World War II. For decades, no one knew what happened to him so it fit the story. But, I also knew that his plane had been found so I wanted to acknowledge the truth but also the possibility of something magical happening, and that's pretty much The Lost Pilot.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The theme of imagination seems to play a central role in "The Lost Pilot". Why do you think imagination is such an important concept for children and adults alike?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our imaginations are just like any other skill or talent - the more you use it, the better you are at it. Too much of life has no imagination and thus, no inspiration. We all need to be inspired. We all need to be creative.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">One of the central themes of The Little Prince is about imagining. You have to believe that The Little Prince really could have traveled from his planet to earth holding balloons and following a flock of birds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Books are imagination factories. We read and we imagine what we're reading. We see the people, feel the conflicts and love, know locations and understand points-of-view. The beauty of imagination is it is inspiring too. We read something beautiful, like The Little Prince, and we're inspired to share our own imaginations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In The Lost Pilot, I wanted imagination to be why any and all of it happens. I wanted to create my own imagination factory and for people to be inspired after they read it. I wanted them to think about their own imaginations and their own inspiration, and feel how much it matters to really be inspired.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>The story begins with the traveler being washed ashore. How does this setup help set the tone for the entire narrative?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Pretty much everything in The Lost Pilot is a play on parts of The Little Prince. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry crash landed in the Sahara Desert (several times) and while he waited to be rescued, he invented The Little Prince.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I came up with the idea of The Lost Pilot while in the Sahara Desert looking up at the stars and imagining him flying off into them to find his dear friend. I actually had a conversation with him and the look of the stars in the book is as close as I could get to the way they looked that night in the desert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I was a travel writer for years and I had an idea of writing a piece about a literary pilgrimage to find 'the lost pilot' - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. One of the places, of course, was off the coast of Marseilles, France where they'd found his plane. I was able to find an article about the people who found the plane that had the coordinates, so I chartered a boat and we sailed out to the spot. I jumped in the water and swam above it. I put my head underwater and tried to see far far down, but of course I couldn't see anything.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">It was an amazing feeling though and when I came back up, I had the idea of mirroring how the narrator meets The Little Price, and how the artist meets The Lost Pilot.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>While developing the character of the lost pilot, were there any personal experiences or real-life inspirations that influenced his creation?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I've been obsessed with The Little Prince since I first got the book for my birthday as a child. I was fascinated by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry too and I read everything I could about him, and his award-winning adventure books - Night Flight; Wind, Sand and Stars; and others. He's one of the reasons I became a travel writer and I found myself an eerie amount of time in places related to him and his writings, from New York City to the Sahara Desert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As I mentioned, when I was in some of these places and I knew I was close to places he'd been, I always thought about what it was like for him and how these places had impacted him and his work.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In The Lost Pilot, the narrator talks about how he was a very good artist from a very young age, but he'd stopped painting because he'd lost his inspiration. That is exactly what happened to me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When I decided to write The Lost Pilot, I had to figure out how it was going to be illustrated. I actually asked several artists if they'd be interested and I got close with one, but it didn't work out. I was rereading another biography about Antoine and it talked about how self-conscious he was about his illustrations. To me, they were part of the magic of The Little Prince. I couldn't imagine him being unsure of including them. So, again, he inspired me to relearn how to paint.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Illustrations play a big part in bringing "The Lost Pilot" to life. Can you talk about the collaboration process with the illustrator and how the two of you decided on the book's visual style?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The collaboration process for illustrating The Lost Pilot was a difficult one because I am also the illustrator and the writer side of me doesn't think much of the artist side of me. The two of them don't get along so well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">That night in the Sahara Desert - all alone and further away from anyone I think I've ever been - the night sky was not just black and not just dotted with stars. It was purple and blue and violet and the stars felt like they were so close, you could catch them in a butterfly net. They were yellow and white and orange. I saw two or three shooting stars that night and they ripped through the air like a scream. It was magical and awe-inspiring, and that's when I just started talking to Antoine as if he was there and asking him if he was one of those shooting stars.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The aesthetic of the book is very much inspired by those night stars.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What do you hope readers, both young and old, will take away from "The Lost Pilot"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Your imagination is precious. It inspires you and it inspires other people. A book written 80 years ago, still, to this day, inspires people because of the exquisite imagination of its author. Books are unique because of this and I think that's because they are where imagination dwells and inspiration is found.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Remember too, friendship never ends. We all have friends come and go, but what we experienced together matters the most. I've spent years and years with people and lost contact or had falling outs. These things happen, but it doesn't diminish what our friendship was and how much it mattered. Remember that - remember how important friendship is and how, like a flower, you need to nourish it and protect it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Throughout the story, the lost pilot and the traveler share a unique bond. Why did you choose to focus on their relationship as a central element of the story?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I wanted to create as strong of a relationship between The Lost Pilot and the artist (narrator) as The Little Prince had with Antoine because that's my relationship to him and his creation. The Little Prince really inspired me growing up and taught me important lessons about how to treat friends, how to treat animals, and how to think about what matters the most to us as people. Imagination is the most valuable thing in the world in The Little Prince because it created him and it helped an ageing pilot endure a very difficult time. The magic of the book is it continues to do that for people all this time later.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I wanted to try to recapture that and add to it. The Little Prince is in The Lost Pilot here and there, but it's the relationship between the pilot and the artist that inspires the latter to paint again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>How did writing "The Lost Pilot" deepen or change your personal connection to "The Little Prince"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I reread it again of course and I read a couple of biographies of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry to prepare. I knew a lot about him because I'd been such an enormous fan for so many years, but then, when it came down to writing and illustrating, I had the chance to think about the characters and what happens in different ways - it was more about why he'd written this or that rather than just taking it in and being inspired by it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Every time I read something by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, I find myself inspired by it. The Little Prince lets us use our imaginations in very dramatic and significant ways because the story is so fantastical but at the same time, topical and relevant. The tone is serious with a sly sense of humor. I think my entire personality is very The Little Prince and I felt it even more as I wrote The Lost Pilot.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Are there any easter eggs or subtle nods to "The Little Prince" that readers might miss on their first read? Can you hint at one or two?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are a lot of allusions and references to The Little Prince and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in The Lost Pilot. When he takes off in his plane to go find The Little Prince, he follows a flock of birds, just like The Little Prince.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">What The Lost Pilot and the artist have on the island for food and drink is an inventory of what Antoine de Saint-Exupéry had when he crash landed in the Sahara Desert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Lost Pilot's journey to find The Little Prince is similar to how he visits different people with different roles and reflects on how confusing and strange what we value is.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When The Lost Pilot asks the artist to draw him a picture of an airplane, it's a similar setup as The Little Prince when he asks for a drawing a sheep, and of course, The Lost Pilot has two old drawings that he shows the artist that are copies of illustrations from The Little Prince.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">They spend the same amount of time on the island as the original narrator spends with The Little Prince in the desert, and in both books, the titular character disappears.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are a lot more fun references and allusions, but those are probably the most noticeable and fun.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-62985125132790584272023-10-15T06:30:00.003-07:002023-10-15T06:30:56.545-07:00The Magical Paws of Christmas<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJSN8XFS" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="354" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-6o135uTk5CpqJBkkZj0sth7MWkxC1UbdIBaxgn09ktCq29Rbxc9tXcodrWId3N1cF5Yg5WceJYCxoaJET_G224eCa624m1r-I8lCWhX_j5L2e2nU98Wtz1CZowAaMj8EzVeAOxalO6Ecp7qm9UfoIYoW9HDTRYTVHZZyt9Fwvs5V5KAs4i7TDUP3XE/s320/81fOtnGwRxL._AC_CR0,0,0,0_SX480_SY360_.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJSN8XFS">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJSN8XFS</a></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Blake, Flash and the rest of the pups have a top-secret mission.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">On Christmas Eve, they must help Santa enter houses without chimneys.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But what should they do? Will they do it in time before Santa arrives?</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Discover the true spirit of teamwork and Christmas magic in this snowy adventure!</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This fun filled Christmas story is perfect for children aged 3-8.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">It provides valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, respect for elders, keeping secrets and recognition.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The book has beautiful and colorful illustrations that add fun and delight to the child's reading experience.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This is the perfect Christmas story to read and cuddle with your child during the holidays.</span>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-91385294188675215182023-10-14T06:22:00.003-07:002023-10-14T06:22:15.326-07:00Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcxrhJtuCJ7F2tYisuLKeDbGCCrHF20Kq_BseRN0vigoehBItGA5Q9MkQbtiZV6MmQxQ_O5HiZB4Ry0B288jd-xMRCXYkYX7_CC0QxrgVYTQMN_FIXi82_133M_gaGmqZxwVlvG3z_sTMiGZC5LzILF8Zi2WPWZZinBJ_OvRcA27Gh78OV0NeiX2aJZY/s445/4198vgQG3bL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcxrhJtuCJ7F2tYisuLKeDbGCCrHF20Kq_BseRN0vigoehBItGA5Q9MkQbtiZV6MmQxQ_O5HiZB4Ry0B288jd-xMRCXYkYX7_CC0QxrgVYTQMN_FIXi82_133M_gaGmqZxwVlvG3z_sTMiGZC5LzILF8Zi2WPWZZinBJ_OvRcA27Gh78OV0NeiX2aJZY/s320/4198vgQG3bL._SY445_SX342_.jpg" width="246" /></a></p><p><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #0f1111; font-family: Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCCQR3BN">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCCQR3BN</a></b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;">Step into a world of dreams and protection with Lukey, the extraordinary puppy who watches over children as they slumber.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Within the pages of Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs, an endearing story unfolds—a tale of Lukey, a special puppy with magical powers, dedicated to safeguarding the dreams of children everywhere. From the creator of bedtime joy to the defender against nightmares, Lukey emerges as the ultimate guardian of the night.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />As Lukey grows from a pup to a loyal companion, his mission becomes clear: to ensure every child's sleep is filled with comfort and happiness. From watching over baby Grace to gently sprinkling dream crumbs over slumbering children's eyes, Lukey's presence guarantees a night of uninterrupted dreams.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700 !important;">Unlock the world of imagination and security for your little ones. Get your copy today and Embrace Lukey's magical essence and make every bedtime a cherished memory filled with smiles, giggles, and dreams that come true.</span></p><p><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700 !important;"><a href="https://booklife.com/project/good-boy-lukey-the-dream-crumbs-87805" style="color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://booklife.com/project/good-boy-lukey-the-dream-crumbs-87805</a></span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6550054404603106183.post-60205537111078658852023-10-12T07:36:00.003-07:002023-10-12T07:36:58.497-07:00The Luckiest Bear (Author Interview)<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGF66HLL" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7g5Sx6NxSUtST0cDUywrYkXwjUMLzqPiwUjyzT3uXk0dA9psyxIBjKKxfegIgtSIcTu3unN4BNDSUYwLfU6N75MLcVdRK7aGEDx9dg0MpFblTenrGHwkx4SbMTgGwkr7gs_D320_khQVAenL_8OucXeJ4jFRtMUA-7laZYr84AaL_WWtGaKxcWKVgJA/s320/81bgzdvN9AL._SY425_.jpg" width="312" /></a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGF66HLL">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGF66HLL</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">What inspired you to create the character of Beanie the bear?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">When I had children, I wanted to create a means of conveying some of life’s most important lessons in a manner that is relatable to developing minds. That desire led me to a bear with a fun and simple name to pronounce. My youngest son used to call my oldest son Beanie because he could not pronounce his actual name.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">There's a lot of mystery surrounding Beanie's 'effortless' accomplishments. How did you navigate the line between making his successes believable and maintaining an element of surprise for the readers?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I think the illustrations play a large part in showing Beane’s athleticism and stature. Bears are naturally a larger animal which lends itself to having a more athletic prowess. We also added overalls as Benie’s attire which is typically associated with hard working occupations such as mechanics or farmers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">What do you hope readers will take away from Beanie’s story, particularly in terms of what it means to be "lucky"?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">There can be an element of luck in any given situation, but it will only account for a small amount of a desired outcome. Most often what determines success or failure is hard work and preparation.</span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">The title "The Luckiest Bear" implies a deeper theme regarding fortune and fate. How do you personally define luck, and how did that influence the book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I personally believe in luck or chance and that it has an impact on our lives, but I believe that impact occurs in the margins of what makes individuals excel. I also believe through hard work, persistence, intelligence and other attributes that can be developed, we have the ability to shrink those margins so that luck becomes less necessary to achieve success.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Beanie's hidden attribute is a significant aspect of the narrative. Without giving too much away, can you explain why you felt it was necessary for him to have this secret?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">We only really get to observe our athletes or composers or scientists at the moments of their successes without fully understanding the hard work and sacrifices they had to make for those achievements.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Did you draw from any personal experiences or stories you've heard in real life when developing Beanie's journey?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I was fortunate enough to participate in college athletics and gain an understanding of how much effort goes into being successful. When you’re on the track, court, field or any other stage are the fun times that everyone gets to see but there are also countless hours of preparation that goes into every minute in the spotlight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">How did you go about developing the supporting characters in the story, and how do they highlight or challenge Beanie’s unique abilities?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A lemur is a lesser known animal that I could introduce to some young children and it also served to contrast Beanie’s natural size as a bear. The characteristics of Lilly being both curious and loyal are attributes of many successful individuals and demonstrate that there are many avenues to and definitions of success.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Luck and effort often seem to be at odds with each other in society's perception. What's your take on this, based on Beanie's story?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I view the juxtaposition of luck and effort as a finite spectrum of achievement in that the more effort or work that goes into a task the less luck you will need for success, and vice a versa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Children's books often have underlying messages or moral lessons. What would you say is the core message of "The Luckiest Bear"?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">I based this book on one of my favourite quotes from Thomas Jefferson; “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more of it I have.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Are there any plans to continue Beanie’s story in future books or explore the world you've created in different ways?</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Beanie, with the addition of new characters, will be returning in subsequent books that highlight other positive attributes and life lessons using kid-friendly, relatable situations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Luckiest-Bear-Jason-McDaniel-ebook/dp/B0CGF66HLL?nodl=1&dplnkId=f340a70c-ef7a-4b2d-9570-92257171dc3f" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; 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color: #74767e; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #74767e; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;" /><a href="https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-luckiest-bear_jason-mcdaniel/39586956/#edition=67883797&idiq=59133043" style="background-color: white; color: #1dbf73; font-family: Macan, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-luckiest-bear_jason-mcdaniel/39586956/#edition=67883797&idiq=59133043</a></span></p>Kevin O.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01714701442098040551noreply@blogger.com