Posts from the ‘reference book’ Category

ALPHABET, TEXAS STYLE

The A to Z of Texas Wildflowers 

Written by Kathleen J. Shields

Illustrated by Michael P. Earney

What a unique alphabet rhyming book! The rhymes are crisp and sharp, the colors vibrant, and the letter choices unique. Young readers will have fun listening to or reciting the Texas accent and the musical rhymes.

Adults get the opportunity to learn about many unique wildflowers while having fun reading about them. The author also includes a wealth of information about these plants and flowers.

Highly recommended as a library choice for preschoolers learning the ABCs, interested in flowers, or as a delightful class read-aloud choice or bedtime story.

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GETTING A HANDLE ON ADHD

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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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

I MUST, I MUST

Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab

Written by Janice Spina

Illustrated by John Spina

What a charming picture book based on a true story that teaches valuable life lessons.

Clarence Henry is a hermit crab that once lived in the author’s aquarium. He is missing a claw and a leg, so Clarence is aware that the other creatures in his habitat view him differently. That does not keep him from dedication to his duty. Clarence understands that it is his duty to keep the aquarium clean and safe for his fellow inhabitants.

Every day, Clarence performs his duty faithfully until one day he grows too large for his shell. Clarence knows it is time for him to molt. After his owners provide a new shell, Clarence begins the process of adjusting to his new home. A pleasant surprise awaits him!

Young readers learn about devotion to duty, perseverance, and resilience. They become aware that a disability can be a strength, not a handicap. Charming illustrations enhance the story. A wonderful bonus feature at the end of the tale teaches children about the fascinating lives of hermit crabs.

I highly recommend the book to parents and teachers, both as an enchanting tale and an informative lesson about life as a hermit crab.

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TACKLING FOOD ALLERGIES HEAD ON

Max’s Big Adventure: Traveling with Food Allergies

Written by Sally Huss and Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino

HUSS AND HAMILTON-GUARINO have addressed an important subject that affects the everyday lives of millions of children. Kudos to both authors for providing a teaching tool to entertain and educate kids about allergies and actionable resource links to guide their parents.

I love the way Max takes charge of his health and speaks intelligently and confidently to both adults and children about his problem. The list of resources is valuable to parents, grandparents, and teachers who need to get the most update information on food allergies.

Recommended highly to the growing number of families who face this problem.

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WHO KNEW?

S Is For Swords: And So Are All The Other Letters (The Amazing World of Swords)

Written by Luke Ralliston

What a unique and fascinating book!

The author has managed to find a sword that begins with every letter of the alphabet. In addition, Rawlings lists the advantages and disadvantages of each with wry, sarcaster humor. The illustrations are amazing!

Readers learn letters of the alphabet along with the history and culture of each sword. A must for sword fans of any age. This book can be appreciated by a reader of any age who has an interest in swords.

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HOPE FOR MOMS – VIRTUAL BOOK REVIEW TOUR AND GIVEAWAY TOUR

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope for Moms: It’s Tough Out There, but So Are You

Written by Anna McArthur

Ages: 18+ | 168 Pages

Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-64343-560-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Many of us did everything we could to prepare for becoming moms, but there just wasn’t any way to know what might lie ahead. Most of us have, at one point or another, looked around and wondered if we are alone in our parenting challenges. Hope for Moms offers a heartfelt guide for mothers navigating both the joys and heartbreak of being a mom, sharing Anna McArthur’s personal journey through parenting difficulties such as learning disabilities, LGBTQ+ identities, and adoption. Structured around a triage plan that helped the author prioritize her family’s needs, it includes practical insights, quotes, and reflection questions to support moms in their journey of resilience and soul care. With gentleness and humor, McArthur provides reassurance to mothers, reminding them they have the strength to not only survive motherhood, but thrive.

McArthur provides reassurance to mothers, reminding them they have the strength to not only survive motherhood, but thrive. If you’re a mom who feels overwhelmed by the curveballs life has thrown your way, you aren’t alone—yes, it’s tough out there, but so are you!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna McArthur is a mom to four kids, including two recent college graduates and twin girls who are high schoolers. She is a blogger, newspaper guest columnist, and contributor to parenting magazines and websites, including Her View from Home and the Motherly Collective. Anna’s essays have recently been published by Grown and Flown and Business Insider.

A graduate of Clemson University and Columbia Theological Seminary, Anna lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, Bryan, and their teenaged girls, who are much cooler than her. Anna loves to read, garden, hike, and eat dips for dinner.

For more information, visit hopeformomsbook.com.

https://www.instagram.com/hopeformomsbook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555908861922

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

TURNING LIFE’S CURVEBALLS INTO HOME RUNS


Hope for Moms: It’s Tough Out There, but So Are You
Written by: Anna McArthur

A book written from the heart by a mom who has faced social-emotional challenges, physical disabilities, and financial distress while raising her family. Any parent will attest to the fact that parenting is one job that comes without a playbook or set of rules. McArthur shares her difficult journey in the hope that her experiences and difficult lessons will benefit other families.

She reminds moms that it is okay to accept help from others, to stop expecting perfect kids, and to be realistic in your hopes and dreams. Instead, understand that moms cannot protect themselves or their children from heartaches or disappointments. The author reminds the reader that raising a family is hard for all of us.


All parents make mistakes; it is more important to keep trying. Stop comparing your parenting style to others. Find the things that make your family unique. Do not compare your family to others. As children grow older and become more independent, moms must learn to listen more than talk. The best solution is to keep an open mind and keep learning.

I highly recommend this book for new parents as well as those facing challenges.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You by Anna McArthur.

CLINK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER:

https://gleam.io/2SqLW/hope-for-moms-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 24, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Friday, April 25, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Monday, April 28, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Tuesday, April 29, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Wednesday, April 30, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Thursday, May 1, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Friday, May 2, 2025Country Mamas With KidsGuest Post about Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Monday, May 5, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Anna McArthur
Tuesday, May 6, 2025Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Thursday, May 8, 2025@pieladybooksBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
TBD@bookstrofficialAuthor Interview with Anna McArthur

CLEVER AND FUN TO READ

The Mosquito Burrito: A Hilarious, Spanish Sprinkled, Rhyming Children’s Book

Written by Didi Dragon

Illustrated by Lenaska Ti

What a fun bilingual read! Dragon cleverly rhymes Spanish and English short phrases that roll off the tongue.

The plot centers around a mosquito who finds himself stuck inside a burrito. After taking a bite, he simply cannot resist eating his way through it. I love the humorous play on words. This book has enthralling illustrations that enhance the plot.

I highly recommend the book as a read aloud for primary grade English and Spanish speakers to promote reading and language skills.

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THE CONSTITUTION KIDS – A VIRTUAL BOOK BLOG REVEW TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to share my opinion.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Constitution Kids

Written by Gary Gabel

Ages: 8+ | 200 Pages

Publisher: Amplify Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891383906

Publisher’s Book Summary: Alex, Kali, and Roman are three fifteen-year-old friends who live in a small town. Alex is a great communicator, Roman is a bit of an inventor, and Kali is an intuitive empath. It’s summertime, and an adventure is triggered when they find themselves in the middle of a protest outside the local library by people who want to ban certain books. During the protest, people are focused on what they believe to be their Constitutional rights, causing the three teenagers to realize how little they know about the Constitution.

In their search for answers, they discover a book with magical properties, which becomes a catalyst in helping them discover what the Constitution is really all about.

Join the teenagers as this mysterious book enables them to travel through time and space—bringing to life historical figures like Ben Franklin, Wyatt Earp, Alice Paul, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and many more. Each of these historical figures will teach them about the original Constitution and its amendments. Through the eyes of these three teenagers, you’ll be able to explore what it was like when the original Constitution was signed. You’ll even travel to other countries, like Russia, where you’ll meet Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in a field within the Gulag where he was imprisoned.

The Constitution, by itself, can be a difficult document to read, but The Constitution Kids will bring it to life with unusual experiences, humor, and fun, no matter your age.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary J. Gabel, Ed.D., has spoken to groups throughout the United States on the subjects of personal takeover, accountability, and leadership. He has personally trained thousands of people, primarily in the areas of leadership, management, motivating performance, presentation effectiveness, sales, and customer service. He has worked with over 200 CEOs, helping them build high-performing teams.

Gary has written several books, including Day One, which was jointly authored with Tom Buck and published in 2020. Gary’s other book, Personal Takeover, was published in the United States by Career Press in 2003. It was translated into Korean in 2004, with an Arabic translation in 2005. The second edition of Personal Takeover was released in October 2019.

Gary was the 2001 Entrepreneur of the Year for Service Companies in Michigan. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics and a doctorate in Education. He formerly served as Chair of the National Council on Education and Human Development at The George Washington University. His current memberships include the Oakland Schools Education Foundation Board of Trustees and Mensa.

Gary’s presentations at TEDxDetroit and others can be viewed on YouTube. Gary lives with his wife, Lisa, in Michigan, and they have two children and three grandchildren.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

THE CONSTITUTION IS ALIVE AND WELL
The Constitution Kids
Written by Gary Gabel

The author correctly points out that the subject of the Constitution rarely comes up in modern schools. Gabel decides to remedy that problem by incorporating its story within the pages of a time travel adventure containing three unlikely friends. Kali, Alex, and Roman who display unique interests and talents. Kali is an empath, Roman a science and tech prodigy, and Alex, an excellent communicator.

On a summer day, the three fifteen-year-old friends encounter a protest demonstration and demonstrators claiming the right to gather under the Constitution. Curious, the friends decide to research the Constitution in the library. When they find and open an old book, they meet Ben Franklin who initiates a time travel journey on which they investigate the Constitution, and the Amendments added to it.

During this journey, the teens meet famous people like Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein, and Wyatt Earp. In addition, they journey back and forward in time to colonial times, visit slaves, a gulag, and Nazi Germany, among other places. The threesome experience how the Constitution works and the reasons why for each amendment.

Gabel details the characters as relatable and integrates the past and present seamlessly. Modern readers learn not only what the Constitution contains but why it evolved and how it works.

This book is a wonderful tool to teach civics and responsibility. I recommend it for the bookshelves of middle-grade and high school readers.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one of ten copies of The Constitution Kids. Enter below to bring this magical journey home!

Click here for the entry form: https://gleam.io/2295r/the-constitution-kids-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 31, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off for The Constitution Kids
Tuesday, April 1, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Wednesday, April 2, 2025Froggy Read TeachInstagram Post about The Constitution Kids
Friday, April 4, 2025NancyStewartWritesBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Monday, April 7, 2025One More ExclamationBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Tuesday, April 8, 2025Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Wednesday, April 9, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Friday, April 11, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Monday, April 14, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Tuesday, April 15, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Wednesday, April 16 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Friday, April 18, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of The Constitution Kids
Monday, April 21, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Gary Gabel

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE


If Shapes Could Eat: A fun rhyming story encouraging a healthy relationship with food and trying new things. 

Written by Rella B.

Illustrated by Wendy S.

The protagonists are colorful shapes who get together for a block party. At the party the shapes enjoy a variety of foods including meats, fruits and vegetables. I like the way the author portrayed shapes who were eager to share new things and explained to readers that it is okay if we do not all have the same taste. Also, there were shapes who had allergies and needed to avoid certain foods. This makes children who have allergies feel more comfortable in being different.

The rhymes are crisp and the illustrations fun and colorful. Highly recommened as a bedtime story or read aloud.

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