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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FIND OUT WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT WITH THIS FREE GIFT

DO YOU BELIEVE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS IN TROUBLE?

SHOULD PARENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE ACCESS TO ALTERNATIVES?

WHAT SPECIFICALLY ARE THE PROBLEMS WE NEED TO FIX?

WHAT CAN WE DO TO GIVE OUR CHILDREN THE EDUCATION THEY DESERVE?

LET’S HAVE A DISCUSSION!

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WHO AM I?

I am a parent, grandparent, author, historian, and educator with forty years of experience as a teacher, principal, and school district administrator serving children in both the general and special education populations. I provide parents and teachers with tools and resources to accomplish their goals.

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In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kraine Kreative

ABOUT THE BOOK

Space Baby

Written by Jay Dee

Illustrated by Tom McGrath

Ages 3+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Kraine Kreative | ISBN-13: 9781777426118

Publisher’s Book Summary: When Angelic hears that Daddy spread his love for her around the whole universe, she worries she hasn’t done the same for her baby brother. Only one thing to do! Brother and sister rocket into the night sky to explore the universe in search of the most awesome thing there. “Space Baby Salute!”

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Under multiple pen names, Jay Dee is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author behind chart-topping comics, fiction novels, and business books, including THE NIGHT BEFORE THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and GROW THROUGH IT, which was written, illustrated, and published during the CV-19 lockdown with proceeds donated to coronavirus relief efforts. PASS THE PIG: LEADERSHIP BY ATTRACTION was his first non-fiction book, and he made his fiction debut with the multimedia sci-fi/fantasy THE PLAGUE and EZEKIAL, followed by RENEGAYD, all of which became bestsellers.

To learn more about Jay Dee and his books, visit www.KraineKreative.com and www.spacebabybook.com/.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Tom McGrath is based in the North West of England, working as a freelance illustrator since 2012. Despite being repeatedly told that all artists drink too much absinthe, cut their own ears off , and only make money after they’re dead – he has always wanted to be one. In fact, this has only encouraged him. He still has both his ears.

To learn more, visit www.SpikedMcGrath.com.

My Review of This Book:

Space Baby

Written by Jay Dee

Illustrated by Tom McGrath

Angelica is infatuated with outer space. Her father tells her that his love for her fills the universe. One thing bothers her. Angelica has not spread her own message of love for her baby brother, Ollie.

Angelica cannot sleep. She transports her brother and herself on a trip through space visiting the galaxy, sun, planets, and space objects. She leaves a message of love everywhere they go. Soon she becomes sleepy and decides that finishing the task will have to wait.

This is a charming, picture book that teaches young children about family values and the world around us. Its story contains lots of dialogue among the main characters. The illustrations are colorful and endearing to young and old alike. While I would recommend the book especially for children under five, its universal message is one that should be shared with any age reader.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win an autographed copy of Space Baby and a $250 donation to The Planetary Society and its mission to increase discoveries in our Solar System, elevate the search for life beyond our planet, and decrease the risk of Earth being hit by an asteroid.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A signed copy of Space Baby

A $250 donation made in your name to The Planetary Society and its mission to increase discoveries in our Solar System.

Nine (9) winners receive:

A signed copy of Space Baby

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/rLOtc/space-baby-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 9, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 10, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, January 11, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 17, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Space Baby

Wednesday, January 18, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Space Baby

Thursday, January 19, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Space Baby

Friday, January 20, 2023Because I Said SoA book review of Space Baby

Monday, January 23, 2023Twirling Book PrincessA book giveaway of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 24, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, 25, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book giveaway of Space Baby

Thursday, January 26, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book review of Dog Park

Monday, January 30, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 31, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, February 1, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Space Baby

What Am I? Christmas: A Picture Book of Read-Aloud, Rhyming Christmas Riddles

Written by Shana Gorian

Illustrated by Art Porta

A beautifully illustrated Christmas holiday picture book!

Children (and adults) love solving riddles. This book could easily become a family holiday tradition passed down from one generation to another. These rhymes contain riddles about easily recognizable holiday objects appropriate for all ages from preschool on up.

Suggested for families and classrooms. Siblings or classmates might even want to turn the fourteen riddles into a competition to see who might get the most correct answers. Fun for all ages.

LOOKING FOR MORE FAMILY FUN?

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The Importance of Self-Care

This past year has been a hectic year for many all over the world. People have been coping with all that life brings in many ways. One way is working on self-care practices. There are many reasons why introducing practices of self-care into your life can make a pivotal difference in your life. For many, these practices and habits get overlooked in the chaos of the day, particularly during the busy holiday season. 

What Is Self-Care

Self-care is defined as any activity that is intentionally meant to care for our mental, physical, emotional, and even spiritual health and wellness. Certain activities are common self-care practices. This means taking care of yourself so that you are healthy physically, and mentally.

You are at your best so that you can work, interact with friends and family, and you can do all the things you need to and want to in a day. This can look very different for each individual but some common self-care activities are listed below.

Self-Care Practices:

• Yoga
• Taking a hot bath to relax
• Enjoying a cup of tea
• Journaling
• Meditation
• Spirituality Practices
• Getting a massage.
• Listening to calming music
• Cutting down on screen time.

And many more.

Why Is Self-Care Important

Adding self-care practices to your life has many benefits. Self-care is shown to reduce stress. In addition, many people feel that making time in their lives for self-care practices improves their own mental health greatly. Many people also report greater levels of happiness in their daily lives when incorporating self-care practices.

Taking care of yourself can also improve physical health. In addition to self-care on a personal level, self-care is a factor when facing illness, disease, or disability. Many health care professionals are adopting an integrative health care style approach that includes checking in with patients to help them seek balance in all aspects of life. This helps people facing illness or disease recover faster, better, and more successfully overall.

Tips To Practice Self Care In Your Life 

• Get enough sleep
• Balance your commitments and priorities
• Make a weekly schedule
• Say no to optional tasks or events you don’t want to take on.
• Stay on top of physical and mental health
• Exercise
• Allow quality time for friends and family.

Making space for self-care in your life provides great benefits to physical and mental health. Some aspects of self-care are personally enriching and fun.

Self-care is not selfish; it is vital to being a well healthy and balanced person. This lets you face whatever life throws at you without breaking your stride. 

©Barbara Ann Mojica December 12, 2022