This post is sponsored by Shawn Hainsworth. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Created by Darin S. Cape

Illustrated by Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto

Ages: 9+ | 160 Pages

Publisher: SHP Comics (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8992749939

Publisher’s Book Summary: Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King is a fast, funny, manga-inspired graphic novel that blends fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and family appeal. When a cheeky underdog hero is pulled into a world of monsters, doppelgängers, and an army of rats, Zicky must rely on wit, courage, and unlikely friendships to survive. Bursting with kinetic action, playful mischief, and relatable growing pains, Zicky is a perfect gateway to manga for younger readers and a joyful, high-energy adventure for kids, teens, and families alike.

Praise: “Smart, energetic graphic novel blending fantasy and touching real-life emotion. Cape smashes expectations and keeps the pages pleasurably turning, all while grounding the chaotic story in the growing pains of children and the anxieties of the adults raising them.” —Booklife

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | SHP Comics

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Hainsworth is the creator and writer, as Darin S. Cape, of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King. The story began as bedtime adventures he invented for his own children, with Shawn playing the role of Zicky, a super-secret ninja who went on adventures while everyone else was asleep. Those family stories eventually grew into the world of Zicky, a graphic novel celebrating imagination, courage, family, and the hero inside every kid. Shawn lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife, two teens, and two hound dogs. He is the publisher of SHP Comics and is currently working on the sequel, Zicky: The Cursed Blade.

Website | https://www.instagram.com/shpcomics_kids

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATORS

Zeno Decrux is an accomplished illustrator and comic artist with over nine years of experience in the international independent comics scene. His work spans a diverse range of comics and manga titles, where he brings a dynamic, expressive style and a strong commitment to quality on every project. Passionate about storytelling through visuals, Zeno continues to push his craft forward with each new collaboration.

Jorge Luis Gabotto, also known as Hiorsh, is an Argentine cartoonist and writer from Mar del Plata. A visual arts teacher, puppeteer, and musician, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. For him, comics are a fusion of art and literature—a cinematic form that combines movement, atmosphere, and emotion. His work explores themes of love, time, and perception, offering readers a personal and poetic vision of the world.

MY BOOK REVIEW:

Day vs night. Immediately, the reader recognizes that Zicky transforms himself into a hero everynight.

The images conjured up in Zicky’s dreams are reflected in vivid colors and daring action shots. Zicky might lead a dull daily existence, but every night he becomes a superhero fighting against the army of rats. The book is broken into five chapters, which makes it a good choice for a beginning reader or for an adult to read aloud and then discuss with the child. Young readers enter a cinematic world that literally moves the reader and involves him as an active participant in the adventure.

The author suggests an audience of nine plus, but younger children interested in action adventure will be mesmerized with this appealing graphic novel.

Enter below to win the giveaway prize package:

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/zicky-wrath-of-the-rat-king-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 1, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 2, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 5, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 The Children’s Book Review A Booklist Featuring Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 8, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

Friday, October 9, 2026 @bored_military_wife Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 12, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Author Interview with Shawn Hainsworth

Tuesday, October 13, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 15, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 16, 2026 @MaryLanniReads Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Monday, October 19, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Thursday, October 22, 2026 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Friday, October 23, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King

Talon, Come Fly with Me: Inspirational Story about Friendship

Written by Gigi Sedlmayer

This tender story has won multiple awards. The protagonist is Matica, a young girl who is born with a disability that makes her small. She lives high up in the Peruvian mountains. Matica is ostracized for this disability. She searches for a friend. Matica forms a friendship bond with two condors. She names them Tamo and Tima. In time, the village marvels at her talent to communicate with these creatures and to protect them from danger.

The book is an inspiration for children with disabilities who face ridicule and disdaindue to their individual differences. Teachers might use the tale as a resource for class discussions on bullying and disabilities.

The book is an easy read for middle-grade, young adult and adult audiences as a lesson in empathy and true friendships.

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Wherever You Wander

Written by Peggy Kan Hai

Hai uses poetry combined with the beauty of nature to convey a message of unconditional love. This book allows a parent or grandparent to give young children an outlet from a stress-filled world.

The digital images of animals and natural scenes portray a vision of calm and beauty. Hai manages to reduce the rhymes to no more than two lines, which perfectly convey meaning.

This book should be read aloud before bedtime as a perfect way to prepare for a restful sleep. I would especially recommend it for children in the four-to-seven age range.

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When Your Child Learns Differently, You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone

Every child learns in their own unique way. Some children may need extra time, different strategies, additional support, or simply a teacher who understands how they learn best. As a parent, recognizing that your child may be struggling can bring a mix of questions, concerns, and uncertainty—especially when you’re not sure what to say or where to begin.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

As a New York State-certified Special Education and Nursery through 12th Grade educator, I know how important the partnership between parents and teachers can be. Open, respectful communication can help everyone better understand a child’s strengths, challenges, and individual learning needs.

In this article, I’m sharing practical tips to help parents feel more prepared and confident when talking with their child’s teacher about learning differences. I’ve also included helpful guidance from Understood.org, a valuable resource for parents and educators supporting children who learn and think differently.

Remember: asking questions is not being difficult, and advocating for your child is not being demanding. It is being an important part of your child’s educational team.

The goal isn’t to find someone to blame. It’s to build a partnership that helps your child feel understood, supported, and capable of succeeding.

How to talk to your child’s teacher
about learning differences and ADHD

Teachers can be a big source of support for struggling students and their families. Use this
discussion guide to help raise your concerns and talk about how you can work together.
What’s inside

1. General tips
2. If you don’t know why your child is struggling
3. If your child has a diagnosis
4. More resources
   General tips
   You may not be sure what to say about your child’s challenges, and that’s OK. Take a deep
   breath, and remember that the teacher is there to support your child. Here are some tips
   to help get ready for the conversation.
5. Make an appointment.
   You don’t have to wait until parent-teacher conferences to talk with your child’s teacher.
   But remember that teachers’ workdays are jam-packed. Ask to schedule a 15- to 20-minute
   appointment, either in person or by phone or videoconference. Be sure to thank the teacher
   for their time and support — gratitude can help build the relationship.
6. Prepare what you want to say.
   When you meet with the teacher, be clear and specific. Spend some time before the
   meeting to plan what you want to say and ask. Try writing your ideas down, recording
   voice notes, or practicing with a friend. Focus on these key areas ahead of time:

• Challenges you want to talk about
• Strengths or interests that can help your child complete tasks
• Responses you can use if the teacher says something you weren’t expecting or
  that heightens your emotions. For example, you can say, “Let me think about that and
  get back to you.”
  

Be open to working together.
A strong partnership with teachers can have a positive impact on your child.
Keep in mind that successful partnerships are built on mutual respect. If you’ve had
bad experiences at school, you might have trouble trusting that things will go well.
You can ask for the meeting to include a staff member you know well or a family member
or friend who can help you go into this conversation with an open mind.

Prepare yourself emotionally.
Talking about your child’s challenges can bring up strong emotions. It helps to practice
what you want to say in advance. During the conversation, you can take a deep breath
or refer to your notes if you need to pause and steady yourself.

Follow up after the meeting.
Send a thank-you email for taking the time to meet. Summarize what you talked
about and any next steps you agreed on. Make a plan for checking in again by
suggesting a date or timeframe. Talking regularly can help you build the relationship.
You don’t need to wait until there’s something specific to talk about.

If you don’t know why your child is struggling

Talking with your child’s teacher is a great first step in getting answers and finding the
right support. Planning ahead can help make the conversation go smoothly.
Ask for a time to talk
by phone, by email, or
in person.
“Hi. I’m the [parent or caregiver of X]. I’ve noticed my child is
having challenges with [reading, math, paying attention, etc.].
I’d like to set up a time to talk about it.”
Start by explaining
your purpose.
“Thanks for meeting with me. I’d like your help understanding
some challenges my child is having with….”
Share some details about
what you’ve noticed.
“This tends to happen [when, where, and how often].”
“I started noticing this [how long ago].”
Share strategies you’ve
tried at home.
“I’ve tried [which strategy], and that has helped [a little/a lot/
not at all].”
Ask for input. “Is this something you’ve noticed too?”
“Any strategies you use at school that might help at home?”
“Do you think I should talk to the school counselor about my
child’s challenges?”
Talk about next steps. “Thanks for your time. Let’s talk again after I’ve had a chance
to try some of your suggestions. What timeframe feels
reasonable for us to check in?”
After the meeting
Tips What you can say
Follow up with a
thank-you email.
“Thanks so much for your help. Can we check in after I’ve had
time to think about this and talk about what happens next?
How about we check in two weeks from now?”

Remember, You are not alone, and you can have a productive conversation with your child’s teacher.

Boredom is not empty. It is the space where attention resets, creativity gathers, and ordinary life becomes vivid again. The goal is not to escape it faster but to stay long enough to receive what it offers. The empty moment was never the problem. It was always the opening.

“Boredom is the dream bird that hatches the egg of experience.”

— Walter Benjamin

Boredom has developed a worse reputation than it deserves. For most of human history it was simply the quiet background of a life, the unremarkable space between one thing and the next. Now it appears and vanishes within a second, erased by a screen before it can settle, and something valuable has been quietly lost in that trade.

This report is not about doing more with your time or filling it more wisely. It is about the opposite: learning to sit inside empty time without flinching and to stop treating every idle moment as a gap that must be closed. What follows are nine practical ways to become comfortable with boredom again, so that your focus steadies, your creativity returns, and your ordinary days start to feel like enough.

Tip 1: Rename the Feeling

Boredom is not an emergency, and treating it like one keeps you reaching for the nearest escape. It is closer to a signal that your attention is momentarily unoccupied and simply waiting for direction. The next time it arrives, name it plainly as ordinary boredom rather than something wrong to be fixed, and let it stay a passing state you can leave alone.

Tip 2: Leave the Small Gaps Empty

The habit of filling every spare second is built one tiny gap at a time, in the seconds spent waiting in line, riding an elevator, or pausing between tasks. Each of those gaps is short and low in stakes, which makes them the ideal training ground for a larger tolerance. Choose a few of them each day and deliberately leave them empty, letting yourself simply stand there and wait.

Tip 3: Let the Restlessness Rise and Pass

When you stop filling a moment, a wave of restlessness usually follows, and it can feel surprisingly physical. That feeling is not a sign that anything is wrong; it is a nervous system used to constant stimulation meeting a moment without any. Rather than acting on it, watch it the way you watch weather, and notice how it crests within a minute or two and fades on its own.

Tip 4: Do One Thing at a Time

Much of what we call boredom is the quiet letdown of an activity that offers only one stream of input at a time. Single-tasking feels slow at first because you have trained yourself to expect several things at once. Pick one ordinary activity each day, whether eating, walking, or washing dishes, and do only that with nothing playing in the background.

Tip 5: Put Empty Time on the Calendar

Unstructured time rarely happens by accident anymore, so it helps to plan for it on purpose. Set aside a short window, even fifteen minutes, with no task, no screen, and no goal beyond letting the time stay open. Sit on a step, look out a window, or wander the block with no destination, and let the emptiness be the point rather than a problem.

Tip 6: Stay With the Boring Task

Dull, repetitive chores are usually treated as things to rush through or distract yourself away from, yet they are a reliable way to practice staying present when nothing exciting is happening. The next time you fold laundry or tidy a room, do it without a podcast or video filling the silence, and give the task your full attention. You will feel the pull toward escape, and each time you stay with it instead, that pull grows a little weaker.

Tip 7: Let Your Mind Wander

An unoccupied mind is not an idle one, because left alone it drifts, connects, and quietly works on problems in the background. This wandering is where a great deal of creativity and insight comes from, which is why answers so often arrive in the shower or on a walk. Give yourself regular stretches with no input, let your thoughts go wherever they like, and treat the drifting as useful rather than wasted.

Tip 8: Turn Down the Stimulation

When your baseline is set by fast, intense, endlessly novel input, ordinary life begins to feel flat and boredom arrives much faster. Lowering that baseline lets the quieter pleasures of an ordinary day register again. For a week, reduce your most stimulating inputs and let your senses recalibrate, and notice how moments that once felt boring begin to feel simply calm.

Tip 9: Give Boredom a Long Enough Runway

The first stretch of any empty moment is almost always the hardest part, and most people give up right there. If you can stay past that initial discomfort, boredom often softens into something closer to rest, reflection, or unexpected interest. Give the feeling more time than you think it needs, and treat the early restlessness as the toll for entry rather than a reason to turn back.

💡 Key Insight Boredom is not empty. It is the space where attention resets, creativity gathers, and ordinary life becomes vivid again. The goal is not to escape it faster but to stay long enough to receive what it offers. The empty moment was never the problem. It was always the opening.

Fast Action Steps

Comfort with boredom grows through small, repeated practice rather than a single decision. These two steps give you a simple place to begin this week.

Action 1: Sit With One Empty Moment

Choose one moment today when you would normally reach for a distraction, and let it stay empty instead. Notice what the restlessness feels like and how long it actually lasts. The aim is not to enjoy the moment but to prove to yourself that you can stay in it.

Which everyday moment will you leave empty, and what did you notice when you did?

Action 2: Reclaim One Single-Tasked Activity

Pick one routine activity and commit to doing it with no background input for the next several days. Let it be as slow and unremarkable as it wants to be. Over a few repetitions, watch whether the urge to fill the silence begins to loosen its grip.

What activity will you single-task, and what pulls at you when the background noise is gone?

Recommended Reading

These books explore boredom, stillness, and the quiet value of unstructured time.

Recommended reading:

• Bored and Brilliant by Manoush Zomorodi
• How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
• The Art of Stillness by Pico Iyer
• Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
• Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
• Solitude by Anthony Storr

Next Step Pick one empty moment tomorrow and let it stay empty. That single unfilled pause is the whole practice in miniature, and every calm, unhurried moment you allow makes the next one easier to meet.

SUBSRIBE WITH WORD BOREDOM TO GET A FREE PRACTICE ACTION WORKSHEET.

Back-to-school season is exciting—but it can also put a serious dent in your budget. Whether you’re sending a child to kindergarten, high school, or college, the costs of clothing, supplies, electronics, and other essentials can add up quickly.

The good news? With a little planning, you can save money without sacrificing quality. Here are a few smart strategies to help stretch your back-to-school dollars.

Take Inventory First

Before heading to the store, check what you already have at home. You may discover unused notebooks, pencils, folders, backpacks, or art supplies tucked away in a closet. Creating an inventory helps you avoid buying duplicates and makes it easier to create a shopping list based on what you truly need.

Watch for Sales and Coupons

Many retailers offer excellent back-to-school discounts during the summer. Compare prices, browse weekly store ads, and look for digital coupons or cashback offers before making your purchases. A few minutes of planning can lead to significant savings.

Shop Online and Compare Prices

Online shopping makes it easy to compare prices across multiple retailers. Be sure to check shipping costs, read customer reviews, and watch for free-shipping promotions. Don’t overlook gently used or refurbished items—especially for electronics, calculators, and textbooks.

Buy in Bulk

Frequently used school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, tissues, and glue sticks are often less expensive when purchased in larger quantities. If you don’t need a full package, consider splitting the cost with another family or stocking up for later in the school year.

Stick to Your List

Impulse purchases are one of the quickest ways to exceed your budget. Before you shop, create a list of necessities—and do your best to stick to it. Staying focused on your list helps keep spending under control.

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little preparation and smart shopping, you can send your student back to school with everything they need—while keeping your budget on track.

Skelly the GIANT Skeleton: A Hilarious Modern Day Halloween Book Parody Tribute to the GIANT Halloween Community!

Written by Hailee Oman

Illustrated by William Velasco

The illustrations in this book are creative and original. Rhymes hit the mark.

The author uses parody to illustrate the limits some people will go to in celebrating and decorating holidays like Halloween. Skelly is the physical manifestation of overindulgence.

Children and adults will laugh at the ridiculous scenario. The book is appropriate for all ages.

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The Midwife of Parramatta River: Life, Love, and Childbirth on the Australian Frontier

Written by Werner Stejskal

For fans of historical fiction, this short novel is a good choice.

Set in the early nineteenth century in the rugged frontier of New South Wales colony, the protagonist is Sergeant James Graham, who is a member of the Coldstream Guards. The journey to Australia is long and dangerous. Upon his arrival, Graham builds a cottage and divides his long days between duties of a police guard and a struggling farmer.

Graham is lonely and soon writes to his brother seeking a good English woman who would be willing to settle in this untamed land. He finds a strong woman who soon helps him build a midwife practice along the Parramatta River.

The story depicts the difficult life in the early Australian frontier and reveals a tender love story. It is a moving historical portrait of the difficult life of pioneers in a setting unfamiliar to most readers.

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The Lightborn Generation : Children of the Light and the Future of Humanity

Written by Werner Stejskal

Children of the Light is a reflective novel that invites readers into a world where inner transformation, consciousness, and the search for truth take center stage. Werner Stejskal crafts a narrative that blends storytelling with philosophy.

Stejskal’s writing leans into themes of enlightenment, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of humanity. Readers who enjoy contemplative or metaphysical literature will likely find the book meaningful.

One of the novel’s strengths is its tone, which is calm, introspective, and often poetic. The author explores big questions: Why are we here? What does it mean to live authentically? How do we move beyond fear and limitation? These elements make the book feel almost like a guided meditation at times.

However, readers looking for a traditional, plot-driven story may find the pacing slow. The narrative prioritizes ideas over action. That said, for the right audience, this is precisely what makes the book impactful.

Children of the Light is best suited for readers who appreciate spiritual fiction and are open to exploring deeper questions about life and consciousness. It is an invitation to think, reflect, and perhaps see the world a little differently.

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A CHECKLIST FOR PARENTS

Signs Your Child May Be a Natural Leader

Observing natural leadership qualities in children early can help parents, teachers, and caregivers encourage and develop those important life skills.

If you want to identify and support your child’s leadership qualities, here are some signs to consider:

Talkative

Does it sometimes drive you crazy that your child talks so much? Actually, being talkative may be a sign of things to come. A chatty nature indicates a child with excellent verbal skills, which are important for good leaders. Did your child talk early and proficiently? This may be a sign that he or she will be a good leader.

Treats Others with Respect

If you notice that your child seems to end up in responsible positions – team captain, for instance – and you know he didn’t get that position because of “muscling” his way to the top or bullying others, then this may be a sign of leadership ability. Notice if your child seems to have others “gravitate” toward her and wish to emulate her. Take note as to whether or not this is due to respectful treatment. If it is, you may have a strong leader on your hands.

Sees Both Sides

Some kids exhibit an ability to understand both sides of an issue, rather than being overly committed to one point of view. These children often act as peacekeepers who help their peers find an agreeable middle ground.

In the Know

Does your child always know what’s going on? Is he or she always aware of the latest happening at school or in the family? This is not the same as being a gossip (that’s not a good leadership quality), but it does mean that he or she is paying attention and interested in what’s going on with others.

Inquisitive

A good leader is not afraid to ask questions, but he/she is not afraid to go looking for answers on his own, either. Too much questioning may indicate self-doubt – your child is always trying to make sure about things – but healthy questions that spring from a true desire to know more about something may be a sign of leadership ability.