What a unique alphabet rhyming book! The rhymes are crisp and sharp, the colors vibrant, and the letter choices unique. Young readers will have fun listening to or reciting the Texas accent and the musical rhymes.
Adults get the opportunity to learn about many unique wildflowers while having fun reading about them. The author also includes a wealth of information about these plants and flowers.
Highly recommended as a library choice for preschoolers learning the ABCs, interested in flowers, or as a delightful class read-aloud choice or bedtime story.
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Becky laughs when her teacher, Mrs. James, wears an octopus hat to class. Then she asks the class what they would like to be and why.
As each student takes a turn, they give answers like a kangaroo, cheetah, monkey, and alien. Becky begins to think that her answer (Becky’s pet dog) is too ordinary, and she is embarrassed.
Becky is in for a surprise when she finally gets her chance to contribute to the class discussion.
I love the claymation illustrations. They are huge in size, brilliant in color, and appear to pop off the page.
I heartily recommend the book for parents of children ages three through seven.
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Roland Looks for God: A Christian Picture Book for Ages 3-8
Written by Phyllis Wheeler
Illustrated by Elizabeth van der Bijl
This is a charming Christian picture book. Roland is a curious duckling who pauses to admire the simple beauty of God’s creation. However, a hungry crane and fox may be planning to eat him!
Roland is able to divert their attention from their plans by showing them the beauty of the world around them. The illustrations are charming and calming.
I would suggest this book for Christian parents or teachers of children ages three through eight. As a bedtime story or read aloud, this book encourages a young child to appreciate God’s gifts in the beauty they see in the world around them.
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Adana the Earth Dragon: An Elemental Tale (Tales from Umbrae)
Written by Debbie Manber Kupfer
Illustrated by Tina Wijesiri
Adana is a small, brown earth dragon. She is very sad because the more powerful air, fire, and water dragons shun her. Adana seems small and insignificant to them.
One day a giant strides into the neighborhood. He marches into their midst and renders the air, fire and water dragons powerless and afraid. Meanwhile, Adana slept peacefully in her cave. When Adana wakes up and discovers the giant in their midst, she is determined to help. Adana figures out exactly what her secret power is and how to use it. Readers will chuckle at her ingenious plot to trick the giant and restore balance. In the future, the more powerful giants learn the value of Adana’s talents and appreciate her friendship.
There is enough text in this book to consider it a beginning chapter book, even though it is richly illustrated. Younger readers can follow the story through the pictures, while older children can read the tale independently. Especially recommended for children ages five through nine. This narrative emphasizes the value of individual talents and skills as well as the importance of extending friendship to those who are just like us. It teaches children to avoid bullying and to appreciate diversity.
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Looking for a babysitter you can trust? Learn six essential steps to help you choose the right caregiver for your child—ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
Every parent needs a night out once in a while. But leaving your children in someone else’s care can feel nerve-wracking. Choosing the right babysitter takes more than finding someone who’s “nice.” It’s about finding someone dependable, experienced, and genuinely caring. Here’s how to make a confident, informed choice that keeps everyone safe and happy.
1. Don’t Hire Just Because They Seem Nice
It’s tempting to trust someone who seems friendly, but appearances can be deceiving. Not everyone with a warm smile has good intentions. Be cautious and thorough. Take time to get to know the person and verify their background before leaving them in charge.
2. Ask for—and Check—References
Always ask for references and confirm them carefully. Call each one to learn about the sitter’s past experience. Some references may be friends or relatives, so look for those who can speak about actual babysitting jobs. You want to know how this person has handled real childcare situations.
Parent Tip: Ask questions like: “How old were the children they cared for?” “Would you hire this person again?”
3. Conduct a Family Interview
Schedule a friendly, in-person meeting. Include your child in the conversation and observe how the sitter interacts with them. Does your child feel comfortable? Does the sitter seem genuinely kind and attentive?
Remember: Never force a babysitter on your child. Comfort and trust matter most.
4. Set Clear Rules and Expectations
Once you’ve made your choice, discuss your household rules—no smoking, limited phone use, no visitors, bedtime routines, and screen time limits. Make sure your expectations are understood before you leave.
Parent Tip: Write down your rules and contact information so your sitter has them handy.
5. Stay Alert for Warning Signs
If you plan to use a sitter regularly, keep an eye out for changes in your child’s behavior.
Do they act fearful or withdrawn when you mention the sitter?
Have eating or sleeping habits changed?
Are there any unexplained bruises or injuries?
If something doesn’t feel right, address it immediately—and contact authorities if necessary.
6. Look for a Caregiver, Not Just a Babysitter
The ideal sitter treats your child with the same love, patience, and respect you would. They should be dependable, caring, and trustworthy—someone your whole family feels comfortable with.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right babysitter takes time and thoughtful attention, but the peace of mind you gain is worth it. When you find someone who truly connects with your child and respects your home, you’ve found more than a sitter—you’ve found a trusted partner in your child’s care.
ADHD Workbook for Kids: A Beginner’s ADHD Guide For Parents With 10 Curated Therapeutic Worksheets To Improve Child’s Focus and Build Character
Written by Henry Lee
This workbook is a good place to start for a parent investigating ADHD or for anyone seeking general knowledge about this disorder.
Lee addresses the symptoms, causes, and different types. He explores how to handle ADHD in different environments such as home, school, and social situations. The author explores different types of behavioral management plans, academic instruction plans, medications, meal plans, and the need for parents to join support groups.
While the book cannot address all the possible variations, medications, educational interventions or behavioral symptoms, it does provide a good starting point for parents facing a diagnosis or an educator seeking effective ways to deal with children in their classroom who have been diagnosed.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: Autism: My Invisible Backpack is a heartwarming story that follows two autistic brothers, Adrián and Guillermo, on a mountain hike. Along the way, children discover that everyone carries an invisible backpack filled with feelings and thoughts, sometimes light, sometimes too heavy to carry alone.
Through this powerful metaphor, kids explore four common challenges —masking, hyper-empathy, literal thinking, and emotional overload —while also learning that therapy can be a safe place to unpack and rest.
With simple language, hand-drawn illustrations, and practical tools, this book helps children and families:
✔️ Recognize emotional overload and name feelings ✔️ Create mask-free zones to feel safe and authentic ✔️ See therapy as a trusted space to share openly ✔️ Celebrate moments of being truly seen and valued
A supportive resource for families, educators, and therapists, this story brings comfort, connection, and real strategies to make the autism journey feel lighter.
Dalisse Sequeiros is a devoted mom raising two incredible autistic boys. As a passionate autism advocate, she understands both the joys and challenges that come with parenting autistic children. Dalisse thoughtfully creates books for children ages 6–12, offering stories that celebrate their strengths, differences, and unique ways of connecting with the world.
Her mission is to offer resources that foster understanding, empathy, and confidence, helping autistic children feel seen, valued, and empowered. With every story, Dalisse hopes to create meaningful moments of connection for families navigating the world of autism.
She cherishes every milestone and dedicates herself to promoting acceptance and belonging through her writing.
Inspired by their own parenting journeys, authors Dalisse Sequeiros and Luis Barros have created a touching and practical story that opens a window into the world of a neurodivergent child. Told through the eyes of young Adrián, Autism: My Invisible Backpack follows a family hike that becomes a powerful lesson in understanding emotions and self-acceptance.
As Adrián struggles up the mountain, he learns about the “invisible backpack” we all carry—filled with our thoughts and feelings. The story gently shows how carrying too much emotional weight, or trying to “act normal,” can overwhelm a child on the spectrum. With the loving support of his parents, Adrián learns to unpack that weight and embrace his true self.
Vivid illustrations and easy-to-understand metaphors make complex emotional concepts come alive for young readers. The authors also include helpful notes and strategies for parents, offering guidance on emotional regulation, self-care, and creating safe spaces for every family member.
Autism: My Invisible Backpack is both heartwarming and practical. It is a story that encourages empathy, celebrates differences, and reminds readers that every child deserves to shine in their own way.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for the chance to win one of 10 paperback copies of Autism: My Invisible Backpack by Dalisse Sequeiros. Plus, one lucky grand prize winner will receive a complete set of books from Loving Pieces Books!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SEE THE BOOKS AND ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
November 14, 2025 bamauthorComments Off on EXPLORING THE WORLD OF A NEURODIVERGENT CHILD, Autism: My Invisible Backpack, VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY
Can You Hear Me, Daddy?: A Heartwarming Children’s Book About Loss and Grief
Written by Y.Y. Chan
Illustrated by Pearly L.
This book explores how cancer affects children in a family. It is written in first person from the point of view of a young daughter whose father has been diagnosed with cancer.
Written in the calendar format of a diary, the daughter explores the ups and downs of cancer. There is surgery, then hope, and then despair. The dying father tenderly explains that his daughter will always be able to talk to him in her heart.
While the book discusses a sad topic, the author presents the topic with empathy and hope. I would recommend the book for families who face cancer and would like an approach to opening up the topic with their children.
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It’s hard to know what to say to children about the pain and suffering of others. It can be especially challenging for families when kids see images and videos of violence that impact their own community. Here are some ways you can help children process and cope with news about violence, crime, and war.
Seek connection and support with your community. Knowing they’re not alone and spending time with people who share similar experiences can help kids feel valued and accepted.
Explain the news to them in an age-appropriate way.Use this guide to help them understand what’s happening. Give them space to share their feelings and reactions.
Tell them they’re safe, and offer hope. Whether the violence is taking place near home or far away, it can be scary for kids. Reassure them that they’re not in immediate danger. Build on their resilience by balancing the scary news with stories of hope. You can also talk about meaningful and positive ways that your family can get involved to support a cause.
Encourage them to take breaks from screens. Like adults, older kids and teens may want frequent updates on breaking news. But constant exposure to negative news can take a toll on us. So while it’s important to stay informed, setting limits on how often kids see violent media coverage is best for their well-being.
Focus on what connects us all. When individuals and communities are victims of tragic events, hate speech can be an extra burden to bear. Kids may encounter cruel language and false information, on- and offline. They may see or hear things meant to harm groups of people based on their religion, ethnicity, sexual identity, gender, or race. Standing up against hate speech, questioning sensationalized news, and celebrating your family’s culture and the beauty of diversity are all ways to combat messages that are meant to divide us.
Create a self-care routine. Routines can be comforting and let kids feel more in control. Help them make time for relaxing activities during times of uncertainty. That can include reading, taking walks, journaling, listening to music, or anything else that grounds them.
Riley the Rabbit Learns a New Habit: Mindset School Series Book #3
Written by Heather Lyn Davis
Illustrated by Corryn Webb
This is cute picture book for elementary age readers.
Riley the Rabbit is excited to attend school. The problem for him is jumping. Riley loves to jump and his rambunctious leaps cause havoc to friends and furniture in the classroom. His teacher urges Riley to be aware of the problem his jumping causes.
Riley’s grandmother teaches him a compromise, Riley learns to hop. While he finds the new skill difficult, Riley learns that sometimes compromise is important. Even more important, that does not mean giving up jumping all the time.
A delightful picture book for children ages six through ten.
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November 30, 2025
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