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

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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.

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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

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO RECEIVE NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

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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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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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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY.

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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Children’s book: The Torch of Peace (about relationships and better communication) 

Written by Doron Erez

Illustrated by Abira Das

Oliver is a kindergarten student who dreams of a career in construction. Every night he dreams of building tall brick structures. At school, he enjoys acting out his dreams with toy trucks. One day he is playing with some other children who rent apartments in his building development when Rafael, the owner, passes by. Rafael demands that the children remove the bricks and play elsewhere because they are spoiling the appearance of his property.

When Oliver tells his dad what happened, Oliver’s father reads him a story about two native tribes who once argued over how to grow crops on the land and figured out a way to settle their differences. Oliver recognizes the lesson in the story and immediately finds a way to apply it to solve his problem with the property owner.

This book is written to teach young children how to communicate with each other and adults. It teaches them how to solve problems with words instead of actions. Highly recommended for preschoolers and primary grade children. Parents and teachers might use it to discuss problem solving and communication issues with peers and adults.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily decided to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.

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Moshe Comes to Visit

Written by Tehila Sade Moyal

Illustrated by Fatima Pires

A little boy is terrified of monsters that come into his room at night. His parents try to comfort him. Eventually, his father comes up with a solution in the form of an agreement that is hung on the wall. A logical way to help the protagonist and the reader face irrational fears.

Then the book takes a sudden turn. When a cockroach enters the home, the boy decides to name him Moshe and befriend the creature. Unfortunately, his mother is terrified of Moshe. The boy must come up with a creative solution to save his friend and please his mother.

The rhymes are sometimes a bit difficult to read. I applaud the creative plot, but the English translation lacks fluidity.

A useful resource for a family with a young child who experiences night tremors.

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The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant (Global Beekeeping Tales)

Written by Nicola Williams

Illustrated by Henry Ezeokeke

A charming legend from Kenya relates the tale of an elephant who cooperates with the humans and animals of his village by watering the crops.

One day, a cabbage is missing from the fields. On subsequent days, more crops are missing. Elephant becomes distressed as do the other animals and humans of the village. The members of the beehive community invent a clever solution.

Readers discover the problem and the innovative solution after reading this book. They also learn facts about elephants, honeybees, the environment, and conservation.

A good choice for the classroom or home bookshelf for children who enjoy learning about animals, problem-solving, and conservation.

Recommended for ages six through twelve.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Al’s Journey

Written and Illustrated by Marin

Ages: 5-9 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Fontreal (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-989661-45-1 (Hardcover), 978-1-989661-46-8 (Paperback), 978-1-989661-47-5 (eBook), 978-1-989661-48-2 (Audiobook)

Publisher’s Book Summary: The Night Everything Changed: A Magical Story of Growing Up Fast and Learning Who You Are

What if you woke up tomorrow… a different person?

In Al’s Journey, young readers are invited into the magical story of a boy who grows up overnight—and must learn what it means to grow truly. With dreamlike illustrations and a message that resonates with kids and adults alike, this gentle parable offers a meaningful bedtime read and a touching reminder of the changes we all go through.

Perfect for ages 5 to 9, this book explores:

• The mystery and beauty of growing up
• Emotional self-awareness for young readers
• Gentle lessons in identity, transformation, and empathy

Give your child a story they’ll never forget—with a lesson that will stay with them forever.

Can a child grow up overnight?

Al’s Journey is a magical tale about an orphan boy and his wise grandfather, the shaman of a gold-obsessed tribe that disregarded eating and sleeping while searching for the yellow metal. On his 100th birthday, the shaman announces to Al that it is time for him to begin his own life journey. The boy must climb the mountain alone to reach the roofless sacred hut of the old shaman, where he can ask God crucial questions. As Al makes his way up the mountain peak guided by mystical fireflies, he faces challenges that test his courage and strength. When he finally reaches the summit, Al asks the creator profound questions about the true meaning of life. The valuable experience of the voyage and the response of the supreme being help Al grow mentally, emotionally, and physically overnight and become the healer his tribe needs.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

His name is Marin* and he marinates his picture books in a creative concoction brewed on the very beach of the Atlantic East Coast. Marin writes the stories, illustrates the pages, designs the covers, arranges the layout of the elements, and publishes the books. Sometimes he creates new fonts for his titles to make them complete pieces of art. His food-for-thought creations contain only natural ingredients. They are nutrient-dense and perfect for a balanced brain diet.

WARNING: Marin’s books tend to inspire young readers!

*Recipient of the Literary Titan Book Award, Wishing Shelf Book Award, and Creative Child Magazine 2025 Picture Book of the Year; 2024 American Book Fest finalist

For more information, please visit fontreal.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

This stunningly illustrated picture book offers much food for thought for beginning readers. Marin relates a familiar tale of greed, portraying villages that forget the importance of human dignity while relentlessly pursuing their quest for gold and material wealth. Alongside that storyline, an elderly shaman struggles to train his young adopted grandson to assume the responsibilities as the village shaman. This young boy, Al, climbs the mountain to answer three questions and save his people.

Adults reading this book aloud are given multiple opportunities to explore deeper questions, such as the spiritual nature of God and the important values of life, including empathy and the dignity of the human spirit. Al must learn to assess his own strengths and abilities as well as his frailties. Readers are then encouraged to evaluate their own.

GIVEAWAY

Everyone who enters the giveaway will receive links to download two of Marin’s creations: a free e-book and a free audiobook! One grand prize winner will receive $200 via PayPal along with the audio version of Al’s Journey. Another winner will receive $50 via PayPal and the audiobook, and a third winner will receive $20 via PayPal and the audiobook.

https://gleam.io/fTgjm/als-journey-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, September 1, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off for Al’s Journey

Thursday, September 4, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review or Guest Post about Al’s Journey

Friday, September 5, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Al’s Journey

Monday, September 8, 2025@nissa_the.bookwormBook Review of Al’s Journey

Tuesday, September 9, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review or Guest Post about Al’s Journey

Thursday, September 11, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Marin

Tuesday, September 16, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Al’s Journey

Wednesday, September 17, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Al’s Journey

Thursday, September 18, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Al’s Journey