Another adorable addition to the Whiskers, the Cat, book series for elementary-age readers.
In this Christmas Eve addition, Whiskers is curled up under the Christmas tree when he notices a light that needs fixing. He tries but fails, and chaos ensues. Soon, Whiskers is getting into Santa’s goodies, and messing with the stockings on the mantel and the snowman outside the house. Will Whiskers destroy Christmas for his family?
The rhymes are spot on and fun to read aloud. Humor abounds, and the holiday spirit fills the hearts of the reader.
This one is sure to become a Christmas favorite for families and teachers’ holiday libraries.
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Pennygirl is an adorable Lab mix who lived on a farm in Texas with Grandma Adeline. One day Pennygirl is called upon to help Grandma in a time of need. She does not realize it would be the last time she would see her home.
Grandma never returned to the farm, and Pennygirl finds herself in an animal rescue shelter. One day turns into the next, but Pennygirl never loses hope. After a time, Pennygirl learns she will be going to a new shelter, far away in Canada. Does this mean she will find her forever home?
This book is well-written with just enough challenging vocabulary. Though a picture book, it would be suitable as a beginning reader or middle-grade choice for a reluctant reader.
I would suggest it for children ages five through ten.
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December is well-known for Christmas but do you know how people in countries around the world celebrate it? Here are some customs from various parts of the world that parents or teachers can use to jumpstart a multicultural holiday customs activity for the children in your family or classroom.
Australia
Greeting – Merry Christmas Santa’s Name – Santa Claus. Children leave him a piece of cake or biscuits and a glass of milk or a bottle of beer. Food – Many Christmas dinners include roasted meats and vegetables, special fruit cakes, and puddings with a coin baked inside. Since the temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, people are starting to eat cold meats and salads, tropical fruits like mangoes, and stone fruits like plums. Often, the main meal is eaten for lunch. Gifts – These are left under the Christmas tree and opened Christmas morning. Decorations – Shops and homes are decorated with tinsel, Christmas trees, decorations for the holiday, and special lights. Customs – Traditional and Australian carols are sung by candlelight on Christmas Eve and are broadcast on television. On Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, two sporting events take place: The Boxing Day Test Match (cricket game) and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Brazil
Greeting – Feliz Natal Santa’s Name – Papai Noel (Father Noel), who is dressed in a red, silk suit with boots. Food – Many people eat a traditional feast with roast turkey and vegetables, while others eat chicken and rice or beans. Beer and wine are also served. Some regions begin eating around 9 PM on Christmas Eve, while others eat around midnight. Gifts – Local charities take in donations but do not seem to have enough presents for all the children. Decorations – Brazil has a mixture of people so Christmas is celebrated in different ways. In the northeastern area, it is common to find Nativity Scenes; in the southern part, snow is simulated with little pieces of cotton on pine trees. Customs – Brazilians sing a number of Christmas carols.
Greece
Greeting – Eftihismena Christougenna Food – Special holiday cakes are baked. Gifts – Most Greek people exchange gifts on Saint Basil’s Day, January 1. Customs – To honor Saint Basil, the holiday cakes have gold coins hidden inside them. The cakes are cut at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Whoever has a gold coin in his piece of cake will have good luck the following year.
Hungary
Santa’s Name – Actually, the Baby Jesus is said to bring presents on Christmas Eve. A bell sounds signaling that the Angels have brought the tree and gifts. Customs – On December 5, children leave out their shoes. During the night, Mikulas and Black Peter come to fill them with goodies for well-behaved children and switches for naughty children. India Decorations – Sometimes, houses are decorated with mango leaves; mango or banana trees are also decorated. Small, clay, oil-burning lamps are placed on the edges of flat roofs as decorations.
Israel
Greeting – Chag Semeach (Happy Chanukah) Santa’s Name – Actually, parents, grandparents, and other family members give presents to the children. Food – Because oil is an important part of the holiday, many foods are prepared with it. A favorite is potato latkes (pancakes). Gifts – Since Chanukah lasts for eight days, children may receive one present each night. Decorations – Jewish stars, blue or silver foil garlands, dreidels (spinning tops), Chanukah gelt (chocolate coins), and pictures of the Macabees (Jewish army that recaptured the Holy Temple and Jerusalem from the Assyrian Greek King Antiochus) are found around the house. Customs – The menorah (candelabra) is lit each night. On the first night, one candle is lit; on, the second night, two candles; and so on until all the candles are lit on the eighth night. After lighting the candles, families eat a festive meal, dance, play games, and open presents. They also attend Chanukah parties.
Japan
Greeting – Kurisumasu Omedeto Santa’s Name – Santa Kurohsu. He does not appear in person but is pictured in advertisements as a kind old man with a round sack on his back. Food – Depending upon the family’s custom, they eat turkey on Christmas Day or on Christmas Eve. Japanese families also eat Christmas cake. Gifts – Stores sell merchandise for men, women, and children; and on Christmas Day, families exchange gifts. Decorations – More and more artificial Christmas trees are beginning to appear. They are decorated with small toys, gold paper fans, dolls, lanterns, paper ornaments, and wind chimes. A popular ornament is the origami swan. Other decorations are mistletoe, evergreen, tinsel, and lights. An amulet is put on the front door for good luck and children exchange ‘birds of peace,’ pledging there must not be anymore war. Customs – The daiku, or Great Nine, refers to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and is performed many places.
Mexico
Greeting – Feliz Navidad Customs – Beginning on December 15, some families carry colorful lanterns and walk from house to house in their neighborhoods, each night, until Christmas Eve. This is called La Posada, which means ‘the procession.’ On each of the nights, the families are invited into different houses where they become guests at a party. There is plenty to eat and drink. Children play the pinata game, trying to break open the papier-mache figure with a stick while blindfolded; when it is cracked open, candies and small gifts fall out.
Netherlands
Greeting – Hartelijke Kerstroeten Santa’s Name – Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas), who wears a red bishop’s hat and bishop’s cloak and has white hair and a white beard. He arrives on a white horse with his servant, Black Pete, to put small gifts in children’s wooden shoes. Food – The Dutch people eat lots of marzipan, spiced ginger biscuits, tall chocolate letters, and ‘bankletter’ – initials made of pastry and filled with almond paste. When they are around the Christmas tree singing songs, they eat ‘Kerstkrans’ – a Christmas ring. Gifts – On December 6, after hearing a knock at their door, children find a bag full of toys, nuts, and gifts. Decorations – The Christmas tree is known as the Paradise Tree. Decorations of the season include dolls, musical instruments, fruit, candies, and lights. Customs – The Dutch sing carols, the most popular one being “O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree.”
Sweden
Greeting – God Jul Food – Coffee, cakes, and special buns are served on Santa Lucia Day, December 13. Customs – Santa Lucia Day honors Saint Lucy, who helped blind people. The oldest daughter in each Swedish household dresses in a white gown with a red sash, wears a crown of evergreen with seven candles in it, awakens the family with a song, and serves the coffee, cakes, and buns. Each town and city also chooses a young woman to be Lucia for the day. She then serves coffee and food to the townspeople at schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. From these women, a national Lucia is chosen; followed by a parade, feast, and dance.
Now comes the fun part. Let your children put the information in a comparison chart. Label the left side with the names of the countries and the bottom with the various information (ie: Greeting, Food, and so on). Then fill in the boxes!
Let your children do research Conduct research to find out the same customs for other countries, especially the heritage countries of students in your class or your own family.
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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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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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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.
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December 17, 2025
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