Posts from the ‘fiction’ Category

EXPLORING THE WORLD OF A NEURODIVERGENT CHILD, Autism: My Invisible Backpack, VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Autism: My Invisible Backpack

Written by Dalisse Sequeiros and Luis Barros

Ages: 6-12 | 87 Pages

Publisher: Loving Pieces Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-8409767816

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.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

For more information, visit www.lovingpiecesbooks.com.

https://www.instagram.com/lovingpiecesbooks

https://www.facebook.com/lovingpiecesbooks

https://amzn.to/47pCVzX


MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

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

https://gleam.io/JCdZe/autism-my-invisible-backpack-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 30, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Friday, October 31, 2025avainbooklandInstagram Post about Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Monday, November 3, 2025Lisa’s ReadingBook Review of Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Tuesday, November 4, 2025Deliciously SavvyGuest Post about Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Wednesday, November 5, 2025Country Mamas With KidsGuest Post about Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Thursday, November 6, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Friday, November 7, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Monday, November 10, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Tuesday, November 11, 2025@tinks_books_and_fostersAuthor Interview with Dalisse Sequeiros
Wednesday, November 12, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Dalisse Sequeiros
Thursday, November 13, 2025Un Viaje en LibroAuthor Interview with Dalisse Sequeiros
Friday, November 14, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Sunday, November 16, 2025@nissa_the.bookwormInstagram Post about Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Monday, November 17, 2025One More Exclamation Guest Post about Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Tuesday, November 18, 2025A Blue Box Full of BooksInstagram Post about Autism: My Invisible Backpack
Tuesday, November 25, 2025@FroggyReadTeachInstagram Post about Autism: My Invisible Backpack

BE YOURSELF, BUT BE AWARE OF THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

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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LOTS OF LAUGHTER AT A SERIOUS SITUATION

Berticus: How I Survived School! and Bullies! and Farley Finnigan!

Written by Brian Silbert

Berticus dreads the first day of school because his birthday always falls near opening day. This year, it is even worse because he is facing the transition to middle school.

Berticus tries hard to pay attention and do his best, but his ADHD keeps getting in the way. This middle-grade novel addresses the common trials of middle school, bullying, and peer pressure. The cast of characters is so relatable. Action is non-stop. This book is a page turner with unexpected twists and turns.

Two bonus resources enhance its value. The Student Activity Pack contains word searches, crosswords, a class discussion guide, and problems for students to solve. In addition, a Teacher’s Guide examines the characters, provides discussion topics, analyzes the story arc, and provides chapter summaries.

Whether you purchase this book for a home library or develop a lesson for a large classroom group, this book is sure to please readers ages nine through twelve.

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GROWING STRONGER EACH DAY

Into the Thicket

Written by Gail Kuhnlein

Illustrated by John Megahan

Patrick is a sensitive young boy with a gentle heart. His older brother, Ben, is rather hard and often teases Patrick.

One day, Patrick finds an injured baby rabbit. He convinces Ben to accompany him to Felice at the Wildlife Rescue. To get there quickly, Patrick and Ben will have to cross a scary thicket, which Patrick believes contains all manner of scary creatures. Patrick overcomes his fears because the urge to help an injured creature is stronger.

Throughout the sixty-page book, children learn about nature and its delicate creatures. Patrick teaches how to care for and nurture this frail rabbit. They learn that even when a strong bond develops, these creatures must learn how to be strong, resilient, and survive on their own.

I enjoyed the author’s technique of using onomatopoeia to teach sights and sounds of nature. The soft watercolors complement the mood of the tale.

This book is both a picture book and a beginning chapter book that is suitable for new readers.

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Name It, Breathe It, Tame It

I Can Deal With Anger: A Children’s Book About Understanding Big Emotions and Learning Anger Management Skills. (I Can Books 5)

Written and Illustrated by Alicia Ortega

A lovely illustrated, rhyming book that is part of the I Can Deal with book series for elementary school readers.

Mia is a Queen, but she lives her life out in the real world. Mia goes to school and interacts with her peers. She experiences the same emotions and feels the same frustrations.

Mia’s teacher, Miss Luna, teaches her many techniques to handle Mia’s emotions. Mia learns to use positive affirmations, quiet spaces, writing in her journal, counting, and breathing techniques.

At the end of the book, the author provides a maze and a coloring page for readers to practice implementing some of these strategies.

This nicely illustrated multicultural book deserves a place on the shelf of home and classroom libraries.

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Stronger Together

Paper Airplanes: A Girl, a Dream, and the Sky Between 

Written and Illustrated by Jennifer Li

This book carries a beautiful message written in a lyrical, poetic style.

It begins with a little girl who has a dream and launches a paper airplane. The airplane takes off and travels around the world. She is frustrated when she loses sight of it. Then she meets a little boy who has also lost his paper plane. Together, they search and continue to meet other dreamers. They stop to plant and create dreams together.

I like the way the illustrations begin in black and white. As the theme of friendship and connection continues, more color is added. Children learn that we are stronger when dreaming and connecting with each other.

A beautiful book with an inspirational message for children of all ages.

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The Right Place at the Right Time

A Place for Ace (Charlie Learns to Be a Cowboy Book 2)

Written by Danika Kester

Illustrated by Jeffrey Foster Thomas

A preschool picture book that teachers young readers about life on Grandpa’s ranch.

Charlie is excited because today his herding dog, Ace will begin training for herding cows. Ace accompanies Charlie on his rounds to complete chores. In each instance, Ace appears to be distracted but actually is warning Charlie of danger.

When the time for herd training arrives, Ace appears to again become distracted and undisciplined. Ace teaches children that the traditional pattern of behavior is not the only way to complete the job.

Especially recommended for ages three through five and children interested in ranching and animals.

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AUSTRALIAN RECOLLECTIONS

The Aboriginal Cameleer

Written by Gordon Smith

This fictional story is set in a rural Australian town in the 1930s. Willow Vale is a small town that lies at the end of a railroad line. This town has suffered a decline in population with little opportunity for upward mobility. Most of the inhabitants work on the railroad, in the mines or farming. The tiny schoolhouse has only four teachers and each classroom accommodates two grades.

Baddar and his sister, Delari are the offspring of the last Afghan cameleer and his wife, Rose, who is an aboriginal raised by missionaries. Baddar feels confused and trapped by his mixed heritage and feels he doesn’t fully belong to either group. He spends a lot of time with his friend Billy, with whom he has several adventures. Baddar’s family tries to help him by organizing a camel trip with his Afghan grandfather, but an accident mars the trip. When a brushfire threatens to destroy Willow, the aboriginals step up to team with Billy, Baddar and the citizens of the town to make a last-ditch effort to save their community.

There are a host of issues addressed by this fictional tale, coming of age, family and community struggles and relationships, cultural divides, poverty, and economics. The children set an example for the adults. Minor editing issues need to be addressed, and the plot tends to ramble on here and there, but the book gives a glimpse into a forgotten part of Australian history.

Middle-grade readers will enjoy the adventures and believable characters. Recommended for readers ages ten and older.

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CLOSE YOUR EYES AND FEEL THE MAGIC

Magical Stories: A Collection of Short Stories for Children Aged 3-103

Written by Píaras Ó Cíonnaoíth

A collection of ten short stories that stimulate the imagination. While I would not classify this book as a picture book, each story starts with an illustration of the main character.

The characters include many favorite types such as dragons, elves, fairies, tigers, and mermaids. It is equally appealing to male or female readers. The average length of the tales is approximately five pages, making it ideal as a bedtime story or classroom read-aloud. Each includes a moral lesson for young minds to ponder and appreciate.

Adults may enjoy reading them along with their children.

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IN THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME

Little Tooky, The Dangerous Volcano

Written and illustrated by Josh Wills

Tooky is lost and trying to find his way back home. He flies over an island with an active volcano. Friggo, the frog, is the only animal left on the island. As the volcano spews forth lava, Friggo desperately tries to attract the toucan’s attention. Friggo takes shelter in a hollow cave and screams at the top of his lungs.

Somehow, Tooky can hear Friggo amid the roar of the volcano and flies back to rescue the frog. The two become good friends. The author promises many future adventures featuring Tooky and Frigo.

This short book contains a few color illustrations. The author narrates the story in the third person. Some dialogue between the characters would make the characters more interesting and believable. There are a few editing errors. The complexity of the text makes the book more appropriate as a beginning reader rather than a picture book.

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