Dear Readers,

It’s almost the end of 2018. Can you believe it? This year has absolutely flown by and as I reflect on this year, I wanted to share some things I am grateful for:

1. I published a new book this year. Little Miss HISTORY Travels to The NORTH POLE.

Check out what others have to say:

This is a book written for children, and its appeal is undeniable. I loved the chatty style that subtly hides the “educational” aspect, but Barbara Ann Mojica sets out to teach and she succeeds. I learned a lot I didn’t know, and any child would absorb the fascinating facts so clearly and entertainingly explained, and, of course, drawn in by the promise of finding out about Santa Claus. By the time they can read and understand this enchanting book, they know he’s make-believe, isn’t he? He has many other names dug from the mists of time by Little Miss History. Little Miss History Travels to the North Pole is the perfect Christmas gift, and sure to be welcomed by schools at any time. _ Sarah Stuart Reader’s Favorite 5 Stars

Little Miss History Travels to the North Pole” should be on top of YOUR holiday reading list! It will kindle your holiday spirit and your children will learn something useful. The clever informative illustrations and fun but an educational story will charm and educate your kids for hours. Please take a chance on this book and have fun traveling to the North Pole with Little Miss History! – Mrs.D

Chock-filled with interesting facts, there are tons of gateways for discussions from all the brave people who explored to discovering fun facts about Santa Claus.
Highly recommended. Carole P. Roman

I love books that teach me something in a fun way! Many of us know that the North Pole is not on land, but this author has a wonderful way of presenting her material. The book is well-researched and honestly admits where there are uncertainties or dual opinions. She includes little known or unknown information, and the illustrations make learning fun. What a joy to read Little Miss History books! And the North Pole is non-commital about tying Santa Claus to any religion. A wonderful work! – Ann Morris

2.. I received a Book Excellence Award for Little Miss HISTORY Travels to MOUNT VERNON in the children’s non-fiction category.

3. I received three honors in The International Readers Favorite Book Award Contest. A Gold Medal in children’s nonfiction for Little Miss HISTORY Travels to Ford’s Theater,  a silver medal for Little Miss HISTORY Travels to MOUNT VERNON in children’s educational books, and honorable mention for Little Miss HISTORY Travels to La Brea Tar Pits & Museum in the children’s 4th to 6th-grade category.

4. MOST OF ALL, I AM GRATEFUL FOR A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY OF READERS, JUST LIKE YOU!

I hope you have a very happy holiday and I wish you all the best for a wonderful and prosperous New Year!

Barbara

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The Magic in You: Help Your Child Overcome Public Speaking Fears

Written by Emily Reed

When seven-year-old Liam learns from his teacher that everyone in the class will have a role in their school play, Alice in Wonderland, he is really excited. The whole family supports and encourages him. Mom sews his white rabbit costume and grandma bakes him a pie. Liam works hard to learn his lines, but the night before the play he has a nightmare that he forgets everything and everyone makes fun of him. His grandma urges him to wear a special red bow tie that will help him remember his lines. Now Liam has full confidence in himself.

This book is a good bedtime story or beginning chapter book to promote a child’s self-confidence in public speaking. I read the kindle version. The text size was a comfortable read for beginning readers. Unfortunately, the pictures were too small. Recommended as a bedtime story or beginning chapter book, especially for shy children.

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Snowdrops: Adventure Three (Book # 3 in the Adventures of Katie and Alex series)

Written by Julia Gousseva

Ten-year-old Alex and his nine-year-old sister are staying with their Aunt Karina while their parents are working in Russia. Karina frequently reads the children Russian folktales. But she does more than read those tales, the children have discovered a fireplace that leads to a magic portal through which they become a part of that story.

One day the children are on the porch when the summer weather suddenly turns stormy. Within a matter of minutes, snowdrops are swirling. Alex, Katie and their Aunt Karina retreat to the warmth of the house. Karina reads them a folktale about a girl named Masha who lives with her wicked stepmother, Darya.  This stepmother ordered Masha to go into the forest and pick snowdrops even though it was still winter. Alex, Katie, and Karina rush into the forest to save Masha and they proceed to have an adventure in which they meet Father Frost and move through all the seasons of the year. The children learn about the seasons and meet the Twelve Months of the Year.

Will the children and their aunt be able to rescue Masha and prevent Darya from abusing her further?

This is a chapter book that combines elements of fantasy with a Russian folktale and a travel adventure. There are no illustrations. I would recommend this book as a good choice for readers in third through fifth grade, but readers of any age who enjoy multicultural folktales will probably enjoy it.

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Want to help your child learn about history? Then follow Little Miss History on her explorations.

Little Miss HISTORY Travels to MOUNT RUSHMORE is her first stop. In her second journey, she sails to The STATUE of LIBERTY. Little Miss HISTORY’S third adventure to SEQUOIA National Park finds her skydiving into the park to explore its history. This book recently received honorable mention in the Children’s Literature Independently Published Principal’s Awards (CLIPPA), and runner-up in nature/wildlife category of the 2015 Great Northwest Book Festival. In her fourth adventure, Little Miss HISTORY arrives at FORD’S THEATER in her horse and buggy just in time for the 150th Anniversary to witness an event that changed history. This book won the 2015 IAN Award for Outstanding Children’s Nonfiction Book.

Awards for books in this series include seven B.R.A.G. MEDALLIONS, Eric Hoffer Award, Book Excellence Awards, International Reader’s Favorite Awards, Independent Author Network Awards, Global E-Book Award, and CLIPPA Principal’s Award.

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About the Author

Barbara Ann Mojica is a historian and retired educator living in New York State. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in History. Barbara spent more than 40 years teaching in NYC and holds New York State teacher certifications in Elementary, Special Education, and Administration. She also spent several years as a Special Education Administrator and principal of a special education preschool for developmentally delayed children. Barbara, although retired from teaching, is staying busy: along with her series of Little Miss History travel books she writes historical pieces for The Columbia Insider, Pat Fisher, and Ed Pollack Editors, under the banner “Passages”. Marrying her love of history and teaching, Barbara hopes her Little Miss History character will inspire children to learn about historical people, and visit landmarks such as the one covered in this book.

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Review excerpts

“The use of photographs and colorful illustrations by the illustrator enhances the book with visual appeal. Highly recommended.”

“Charming and informative, Little Miss History doesn’t disappoint, informing young readers about the many great places the United States has to offer for entertainment and learning.”

“I love Barbara’s Little Miss HISTORY books! They visit historical sites and explain the significance of that location in terms kids understand. These books can be used in the classroom as well as for reading at home. Kids love to learn!”

“Because ALL books produced by Barbara Ann Mojica are just wonderful to read, I can’t tell you my favorite. Each time I read one, I believe they all become my favorite.”

Hide and Panic Stations (Super Sleuth Sam Book 1)

Written by Monty J. McClaine

This is the first book in a nine-part series. The author uses the introduction to present the characters of the series. Jack is a mischievous six-year-old. His father likes to tinker in the garage with his Corvette, his mother is a devoted stay at home mom, his sister, Molly has just begun to crawl. Sam, the basset hound is always on red alert protecting the family and serving as Jack’s constant companion. But Sam is no ordinary dog, he has magical powers passed down to him from his ancestors. When Sam recites his chant, he develops super speed and the detective skills of a Sherlock Holmes.

One day Jack and Sam are playing hide and seek. Jack pushes the envelope by finding a hiding place in which no one discovers him. While Jack is comfortably ensconced reading his dad’s comic and enjoying a snack, the rest of the family is in panic mode. Readers will enjoy how Sam employs his super speed and detective smarts to solve the mystery of Sam’s disappearance. Sam’s parents are about to call the police. Will Sam be able to solve the mystery? Perhaps young readers will be able to help.

This book is a fun chapter book for beginning and middle-grade readers. It presents a typical family with some atypical characteristics, some humor, and a mystery for readers to ponder. Recommended especially for third to fifth graders. The length of approximately one hundred pages makes it a good choice for reluctant readers as well.

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Maya and Filippo Show Hawaii

Written by Alina Rutkowski

Maya and Filippo live with their parents on a cruise ship named Fun Princess. The author provides clues for their next destination and invites young readers to guess. She describes the islands of Hawaii and talks about the language, customs, and culture. As the children arrive at Waikiki beach, readers learn about the ukulele, the flower lei, the hula dance, and the meaning of the word aloha. It does not simply mean hello and goodbye but describes the philosophy and way of living in Hawaii. The family spends a day at the beach before heading back to their cabin on the ship. Before ending their day, the children will have the opportunity to attend classes onboard to learn more about the hula dance and play the ukulele.

This book is colorfully illustrated in a cartoon-like format. Young would-be travelers will enjoy taking an armchair vacation with Maya and Filippo. I would especially recommend this book for children ages three through six.

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CHECK OUT THE NEWEST REVIEW OF LITTLE MISS HISTORY TRAVELS TO THE NORTH POLE BY LINDA MARIE FRANK…

Spurring the imagination of young readers is something Barbara Ann Mojica does with a combination of elements that make her Little Miss History books such a success. The book is a wonderful Christmas present because Little Miss History is visiting the North Pole this time, and of course, Santa Claus figures into the history of this magical place. Mojica captures the mystery of the North Pole, one of the most unique places on Earth. She explains the geography, ecology and wild life of this special place. The history figures prominently in the book, from the Inuits to the famous explorations of the North Pole. Besides being a factually rich fun learning experience, the book is GORGEOUS. The illustrations are vibrant, with accurate details. Each page is to be savored, visited again and again. Each page leads the reader on to the next treasure. I can’t wait to give this Little Miss History Visits the North Pole to my grandson. Linda Maria Frank, author of The Annie Tillary Mysteries. The author provided the book for review.

E is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids About What Matters Most

Written by Ian James Corlett

Illustrated by R.A. Holt

The author is a Children’s TV writer and animator by trade. Distressed by the fact that schools no longer include ethics and civics teaching in their curriculum, he decided that he and his wife must assume that responsibility. Many years ago when his children were young, he and his wife decided to set one night a week as a family discussion time. Corlett developed a series of twenty-six stories that exemplified different aspects of moral behavior. Following each story, the children engaged in interactive questions for discussion as well as suggested activities.

The following is a list of the topics discussed in these stories: honesty, understanding, forgiveness, courage, perseverance, tact, politeness, loyalty, gratitude, truthfulness, sincerity, integrity, citizenship, responsibility, kindness, generosity, helpfulness, empathy, charity, trust, willingness, respect, fairness, acceptance, patience, and effort. There are simple colorful illustrations of a young child like the character of Lucy or Eliot featured in each story. A few famous quotations are sprinkled throughout.

This book provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to spend time getting to know what their children are thinking as well as fulfilling a necessary parental responsibility to guide and form a child’s character and values. Recommended for all ages in the family to enjoy and share.

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MEOW SAID THE COW

WRITTEN BY SARAH MAZOR

ILLUSTRATED BY ABIRA DAS

This is the second book in the Auntie Lily bedtime silly story collection. I liked it even more than the first. The lead character is a silly cow who tries to imitate other animals like a cat, hen, donkey, cheetah, monkey, snake and frog, to name just a few. In the process, children learn the characteristics of many animals. Rhymes are crisp and sharp, and the alliteration allows the sounds to roll off the tongue when reading aloud. Adults will enjoy this one as much as the children who are listening.

Illustrations are vivid and expressive, allowing even the youngest child to clearly get the message. This book is a perfect choice for an older sibling reading to a younger brother or sister. Perhaps my favorite part is the riddle section at the end that asks the child to answer ten riddles. After reading the book a few times, many readers will be able to create their own riddles. This series is a clever, creative, interactive approach to learning. Highly recommended as a bedtime story or read aloud for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school age children.

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Check out what others are saying about Little Miss HISTORY’S
Latest Adventure as she travels to the North Pole.

Little Miss History Travels to the North Pole