How I Saved the Ants

Written by Joyothsna Raju

IIlustrated by Vijitha Senadeera

Cheeku is a mischievous boy who lives with his grandmother. He tries to avoid getting up for school but reluctantly rises and steals mangoes from the monkeys on his way. But the monkeys chase him and he falls into a tunnel where his adventure begins.

Cheeku meets an ant colony. The queen grants him magic powers to be both a boy and an ant. In the following days, Cheeku discovers the value of friendship, the meaning of forgiveness, and the definition of teamwork.

Can a naughty little boy learn a valuable lesson from these tiny creatures?

Colorful, expressive illustrations that evoke strong emotions link the story effectively to the lessons taught. A multicultural tale that teaches and entertains elementary school children.

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Team Supercrew Emotions and Powers (4 Box Set)

Written by Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn

Illustrated by Sergio De Giorgi

This multicultural picture book assists elementary school readers to discover positive ways to discover and understand their emotions.

In the first book, the author introduces Sarah, who is about to attend her first day of school. Sarah is talking to her favorite superhero Benny who assures her fears are unfounded. He points out the positive situations and new experiences that could lie ahead in school.

Sarah understands the power behind, “What if?”. As a brave member of team supercrew, she has the power to be brave and unafraid.

I like the addition of an exercise for readers about how to build their own superpower skills. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Parents use it, just like their children. However, on average, teenagers are the ones who spend the most time on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and similar platforms.

This leaves many parents worried. Some are afraid that this habit will grow into an addiction, while others are concerned about cyberbullying, over-sharing, and an “all-about-attention” attitude.

Author Donna Lynn Hope asks an important question: “How different would people act if they couldn’t show off on social media? Would they still do it?”

If our children were to be born in more innocent times, without social media, would they be any different?

Consider these questions:

• How do we know what our children are doing online?
  
  
• Is there a way to control our child’s behavior on social media, without invading their privacy and breaking their trust?
  
  
• How do we recognize if social media is negatively affecting our children?

This topic is complicated, and there are no simple answers. However, if you ask your child about the time they spend on social media, you might be surprised at how willing they are to talk about it.

When you speak with them about their emotions and challenges, and address potential issues in self-esteem, you may find that social media won’t pose such a threat to them.

Even so, you may still be wondering how you can safely explore your child’s secret life on social media.

These solutions will help:

1. Dignify their devices. If you want to limit your child’s social media usage, avoid taking away their device. They will find another one. Help them find effective ways to self-regulate, instead.
   

● Teens are aware of the consequences this habit creates. Encourage them to reflect on these consequences and focus on the impact social media overload has on their personal, academic, and other goals.

2. Ask about the apps. Ask your child which apps they spend the most time on. Is it Instagram, Facebook, or perhaps Snapchat? Once you find out, install those apps on your phone, too, and figure out how they work.

● Some apps have geolocation which can pose a real danger. Try to manage your child’s social media activity by informing them of the danger rather than imposing your opinion.

● Don’t be a manager, be a mentor.

3. Help them to protect their privacy. Talk about privacy settings on different social media accounts. Some teens are not aware of this option.

● Agree with them to accept only the followers and friends that they know personally. This is not an easy task for a teen because the number of followers is often the barometer of popularity.

● However, if they understand the necessity for well-managed online presence, this shouldn’t be a problem.

4. Talk about sexting. Parents find the infamous conversation about “The Birds and the Bees” just as awkward as children do. However, now you have another level to deal with – sexting.

● Teens can often confuse sending explicit messages and photos for intimacy that might not exist.

● Talk about what it means to have a healthy relationship and how to develop and maintain one.

5. Overcome social media prejudice. Many parents believe that social media is completely, or almost completely, bad. However, it is neither good nor bad per se. It’s a new form of communication.

● When parents talk to their children about social media from this standpoint, the child is likely to withhold and hide information.

● Genuine curiosity and an open mind about your child’s interest in social media can make a significant difference.

6. Care about their emotions. Teenagers want their opinions to be heard. This especially goes for the things they’re passionate or angry about. Social media offers instant feedback to their posts, which makes kids feel listened to, validated, and acknowledged.

● However, if you offer empathy for challenges your child is facing, you can provide listening and validation inside of your family, too. This will give you an insight into what your teen posts on social media and an opportunity to help them self-filter.

When your child asks you for the first time if they can open a social media account, avoid judging them or jumping to conclusions. Accept their need to engage in such community-based way of communication, talk about it, and help them build a safe profile.

Teach them how to protect themselves and what to expect.

You’ll never have all the information about their activity, but if you’re interested and understanding, you might get just the right amount.

My Very First Friend: A Rhyming Picture Book About a Boy and His Dog

Written by Kristina Sheldon

Illustrated by Jillian Dister

Many first-time parents already have a dog in their home when their first child arrives. This picture book features a young boy reflecting on his early experiences with the family dog. That pet became his very first friend and protector.

The simple rhymes and soft illustrations appeal to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is a nice memento for dog-loving families with a young child.

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Cardboard Rosie

Written by Cazzy Zahursky

Illustrated by Sam Cabbage

This picture book is a lovely way to explore a whole range of emotions for children. At the outset, Rosie is a young girl who longs to spend time with her father but he spends most of his time working to support the family. Rosie longs for a Forever Doll, but the family cannot afford one.

The girl and her dad make a cardboard doll, named Rosie but the child feels disappointed. As time goes on, she learns to lean on the doll to share her feelings, hopes, disappointments, wishes, and dreams. But cardboard does not last forever. What will happen if Rosie disappears? Life changes and our feelings evolve. What lessons does the family learn?

A good book to use as a read aloud and family or class discussion book. Recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.

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Raising a child is challenging. Raising a happy and confident child is even more challenging! Each child is different and will require a unique approach.

Answer these questions to gain a better perspective of your situation.

1. How do I define success? What traits and skills does my child need to be happy, confident, and successful?

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2. What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?

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3. What experiences from my own childhood are relevant? What did my parents do well?

What could they have done better?

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4. How can I help my child to be more successful in school?

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5. How can I help my child develop better social skills?

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6. What are five goals that would be appropriate for my child to achieve?

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7. What are my child’s greatest fears? How can I help?

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©Barbara Ann Mojica 2023

DIVERSITY to me: A children’s picture book teaching kids about the beauty of diversity

Written by Marisa J. Taylor

Illustrated by Fernanda Monteiro

I love the non-judgmental presentation of diversity presented by this author.

She shows both in text and illustration diversity is not restricted to skin color. We all have different talents, personalities, and physical traits. These must be assessed together so that all races can live and work together in harmony.

Recommended to parents, teachers, and librarians of preschoolers and primary grade children.

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Reading comprehension is essential to success in school and in life. You play a major role in helping your kids retain the information they read. There are basic and more advanced strategies that any parent can use to assist their children in this area.

Basic Steps to Strengthen Comprehension

1. Make it fun. Your child may already feel uneasy if reading is an area of weakness. Project a calm and happy attitude and even try to turn reading into a game.
   
   
2. Practice. Practice. Practice. Encourage your children to take advantage of every opportunity to test their reading skills. In addition to books, they can read street signs and cereal boxes.
   
   
3. Select materials that match the reading level of your child. People retain material best when they can read at least 90% of the words. Otherwise, they’ll get distracted by asking questions or trying to figure out the meanings of unfamiliar words.
   
   
4. Choose subjects your kids love. It’s easier to get your kids to read if you keep their passions in mind. Browse your local library for new books about dinosaurs, fairy princesses, or any other area of interest.
   
   
5. Create a summary. Ask your child to recap what was just read. If they struggle, prompt them gently by dropping some clues. When they get it right, praise them for doing a great job.
   
   
6. Take time off. Small children and even some adults have limited attention spans. Alternate between reading and other activities such as baking cookies or taking a walk.
   
   
7. Break long texts down into smaller segments. Approach a large textbook a few pages or one chapter at a time. You can gradually increase the length of reading assignments as your child progresses.
   
   
8. Find a comfortable reading spot. Designate a special area for reading. It could be the corner of the living room couch or while sitting at the dining room table.
   
   
9. Discuss the reading material. Encourage conversation about whatever you and your child are reading. Question one another and share your impressions.
   
   
10. Supplement reading with other activities. Generate more enthusiasm by combining reading with other special activities. This will give your children something to look forward to. If you’re reading a book about the American Civil War, you could plan a family outing to a local museum or even Gettysburg.
    
    
11. Read aloud to each other. Take turns reading aloud to each other. Kids learn faster when they hear and see words at the same time.
    
    
12. Go back and re-read. Let your kids know that a smart student goes back and re-reads sections that they find difficult. Tell them that even adults do this.
    
    

Advanced Steps to Strengthen Comprehension

1. Scan the text before reading. Give a complicated textbook the once-over before you plunge in. Suggest that your kids focus on the chapter titles, section headings, and any words in bold or italics.
   
   
2. Take notes. Purchase a memo pad and sticky notes so your children can jot down thoughts and questions as they read. This is called active reading. Older kids may be more comfortable taking notes using their eBook reader.
   
   
3. Experiment with inferences. Explain what inferences are and how to use them. Making an inference is when you draw conclusions based on clues in the text and your own experiences.
   
   
4. Spot flag words. Talk with your kids about how flag words help you to understand a text by establishing word relationships. Give examples such as analogies, cause and effect connections, or comparing and contrasting.
   
   
5. Map the story. Some readers have a more visual learning style. These kids may benefit from drawing squares or circles and filling them in with elements of the story such as characters, plot, and theme.
   
   

With skillful guidance, even children who are reluctant to read can discover the joys of reading for pleasure. As a parent, you’re the best role model and instructor for helping your kids to build reading comprehension skills and love of literature for a lifetime.

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Social Skills for Kids 3-10

Written by Kate Herm

I like the detailed introduction explaining just how to use the book. It is important to note that the author requests the book be read in sequential order. While the child may only need work enforcing one or two areas, it is necessary to examine each stage within the framework of social-emotional development.

Herm presents activity suggestions grouped in categories like communication, listening, body language, self-control, empathy, problem-solving, manners and developing friendships. Of course, many of these categories contain social emotional skills that overlap. Parents can mix and match activities according to resource availability and time constraints. Most of the activities can be adapted to be flexible with an older or younger child. Perhaps siblings could work on some of these together or parents might introduce them on play dates.

A good addition to a parent or teacher’s education bookshelf for preschool and elementary school social skills.

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Our Nicu Journey: Tiny Keepsake for Tiny Miracles

Written by Sarah Immonen Ward

Illustrated by Andrea Brasier

A charming picture book that tells the story of premature birth. Soft pastel illustrations and crisp rhymes detail the real life experience of a couple whose twin daughters were born at twenty eight weeks of age. It expresses the hopes and fears of parents, family, and friends as they eagerly await the outcome.

This book would make a wonderful gift for any new parent, but especially for those families who have experienced a premature birth or would like to know how to tell the story to other children in the family who may feel confused or upset. At the end of the book, the story of the author is included as well as a list of resources that families might find useful.

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