Posts tagged ‘kindness’

THE LIFE CYCLE OF A FRIEND

Ellery’s Magic Bicycle

Written by Maria Monte

Illustrations by Zoe Saunders

A charming picture book that teaches the true meaning of a friend, and how our relationships grow and change over time.

Ellery finds a purple bicycle with magical powers. She spends most of her time talking, singing, and playing with it. As she grows, the bicycle grows with her. Eventually, their relationship evolves and changes. Can their friendship survive the test of time?

This beautifully illustrated picture book teaches young children the value of friendship and the importance of maintaining relationships. Children see the value of empathy, kindness, and compassion. They learn the importance of developing good relationships.

I highly recommend it for preschoolers through the primary grades.

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EMBARRASING GEORGE virtual book tour and giveaway #EmbarrassingGeorge

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Foreword Publicity.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Embarrassing George

Written by Kimber Morgan

Illustrated by Jessica Kwan

Ages 4+ | 34 Pages

Publisher: Creative, Simple Wonder Press | ISBN-13: 9781737038641

Publisher’s Book Summary: Everyone in George’s family is so embarrassing. His mom can’t cook, his sister is constantly making kissy faces to her phone, and his brother’s wardrobe consists of nothing but costumes. To top it off, George’s dad is known for going outdoors in his underwear!

Will Family Night at school reveal all of their quirks?

Or will George want to hide under his desk to avoid them?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimber Morgan is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kimber is a fun wife and imperfect mom of 3 crazy kiddos and two little lemon (problematic) dogs. She tries to live her strengths the best she can. Morgan is a homemade Halloween costume type of mom who lets her kids mix the play-doh. She bakes fun birthday cakes (cutely, but far from perfection) and loves a homemade valentine and a school project.

Writing children’s books is an extension of her creative strength. She strives to create picture books that are beautiful, engaging, humorous, and with themes of acceptance and kindness. She hopes you love reading her works. Kimber is available for author visits and wants to connect with you.

Visit her on Instagram @kimbermorgan_writes and her website, kimberfoxmorgan.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Jessica Kwan is the illustrator behind Bad Attitude Bunny Illustration, though her attitude is generally not that bad. She hails from San Francisco and is currently based in northern Sweden. She enjoys drawing characters with funny expressions and anything inspired by nature and animals. She is always looking for the next collaboration, but during her spare time, she likes to: travel, read, do crosswords, and pet the neighborhood cats. Some things she dislikes are sand, mosquitoes, and melted ice cream.

Visit her on Instagram @badattitudebunny and her website, badattitudebunny.com.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Embarrassing George and a Fire HD 8 Kids tablet!

One (1) winner receives:

– An autographed copy of Embarrassing George

– A Fire HD 8 Kids tablet, 8″ HD display, ages 3-7, 32 GB, Blue Kid-Proof Case

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/jHfKa/embarrassing-george-book-giveaway

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

I AM SO EMBARRASSED

Embarrassing George

Written by Kimber Fox Morgan

Illustrated by Jessica Kwan

It is time for family night at school and George dreads it. Why? He thinks his family is weird and embarrassing. George has inherited the family’s preferred first name passed down from generation to generation and he hates it. His older sister is obsessed with her phone, his younger brother wears only costumes, his mother burns the food, and his father routinely goes outside in his underwear. What will they do to embarrass George at school? George does not want to find out.

Kwan’s illustrations are hilarious. They keep kids and adults in stitches. I laughed my way from page to page. Readers may be surprised at the ending. Are all families as weird as George’s family? A little weird may be a good thing.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, September 13, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Embarrassing George
Wednesday, September 14, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Embarrassing George
Thursday, September 15, 2022Book Zone ReviewsAn interview with Kimber Fox Morgan
Tuesday, September 20, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Embarrassing George
Wednesday, September 21, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Embarrassing George
Thursday, September 22, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Embarrassing George
Monday, September 26, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Embarrassing George
Tuesday, September 27, 2022Me Two BooksAn Embarrassing George book activity
Wednesday, September 28, 2022Because I Said SoA book review of Embarrassing George
Monday, October 3, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Embarrassing George
Tuesday, October 4, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Kimber Fox MorganMost Embarrassing Moments
Wednesday, October 5, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Embarrassing George

WHAT NOT TO DO

Where I Get My Super Power

Written by Ageno H. Monica

This is a different slant on the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah. In this picture book, Samson possesses exceptional strength which he uses to keep bullies at bay. Delilah is his best friend, but one-day local bullies offer her all kinds of riches and power if she could uncover the secret of his strength.

The bullies convince Delilah to sell out her best friend. Samson is strong mentally as well as physically. Will he continue to resist?

Cute illustrations and simple text make this book appealing to young children under the age of eight.

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MEOW IS NOT A CAT

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kelly Tills

ABOUT THE BOOK

Meow Is Not a Cat

Written by Kelly Tills

Illustrated by Max Saladrigas

Ages 4+ | 44 Pages

Publisher: FDI Publishing LLC | ISBN-13: 9781736700488

Publisher’s Synopsis: Meow is definitely not a cat. Cats lick their butts. Follow along as this wild child’s unique way of following instructions ends up going a little bananas.

Meow Is Not Cat is a completely goofy story, guaranteed to make kids laugh. With a cynical cat, wild monkeys, butt jokes, and a banana cannon, even pre-readers will love shouting out their favorite parts as you read aloud. Nestled among the laughs is a lesson about how embracing a person’s different way of interpreting the world can lead to surprisingly good results —and bananas, lots of bananas.

PURCHASE LINK

https://amzn.to/3LOA31x

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Tills is the creator of her own uniquely shaped family. Kindness, neurodiversity, and potty humor are her jam. She writes silly stories for kids and believes even the smallest hat-tip, in the simplest of books, can teach our kids how to approach the world. Kelly’s children’s stories are perfect to read aloud to your little humans or to have your older kids read to you (hey, let them flex those new reading skills!). Either way, you’ll enjoy the giggles.

For more information, visit:

https://www.instagram.com/kellytillsbooks/

https://www.facebook.com/kellytillsbooks

https://twitter.com/@kellytills

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

Meow Is Not a Cat

Written by Kelly Tills

Illustrated by Max Saladrigas

Tills authors this book to celebrate neurodiverse children who think and respond to situations differently from most children.

The protagonist is a young boy called Meow by his teacher. Meow protests he is not a cat and does not act like one. The author adds a cat as a character who ad-libs as the story proceeds. This boy just cannot seem to fall in line. He goes off in the opposite direction. When the class participates in an outing to feed the monkeys, the situation gets out of control. Will Meow find a way to fit in with the group? More importantly, is it fair that he even tries to do so?

The book is full of hilarious illustrations and situations that will have primary-grade readers laughing. They will learn the value of empathy, kindness, and respecting the rights of others regardless of physical or mental differences.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Meow Is Not a Cat!

Five (5) winners receive:

A copy of Meow Is Not a Cat

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/UHCH9/meow-is-not-a-cat-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 13, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Thursday, April 14, 2022Books Are Magic TooA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Friday, April 15, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Monday, April 18, 2022Writer with WanderlustAn article by the authorKelly Tills
Tuesday, April 19, 2022A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Wednesday, April 20, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Thursday, April 21, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Friday, April 22, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Monday, April 25, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by the authorKelly Tills
Tuesday, April 26, 2022Me Two BooksA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Wednesday, April 27, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Thursday, April 28, 2022Reading Is My SuperpowerA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Friday, April 29, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Kelly Tills
Monday, May 2, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Tuesday, May 3, 2022Lille Punkin’A book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat
Wednesday, May 4, 2022Ravenz ReviewsA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

#TheKindnessMachine – virtual book tour and #giveaway

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Purple Butterfly Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Kindness Machine

Written by Christina Dankert

Illustrated by Chad Dankert

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Purple Butterfly Press | ISBN-13: 9781955119085

Publisher’s Synopsis: Creative and artistic 2nd-grade teacher, Mr. Wilson, wants to teach his students about kindness. Mr. Wilson creates The Kindness Machine, a special machine that shows the students exactly what they can do to bring kindness to their classroom and into their hearts! Instead of telling his students to “be kind,” which is something children hear from a very early age, they learn exactly what they can do in their own lives by pressing the special buttons. In the end, Mr. Wilson teaches his students that they each have their own Kindness Machine within them to help make kind decisions for others and themselves.

This creative, innovative, and fun teaching method will direct kids to be kind to one another in their classroom and beyond. The book includes discussion questions to help the reader consider not only kindness towards others but also kindness towards themselves, a lesson that is not always taught.

The Kindness Machine is a practical and innovative tool for teaching emotional literacy, kindness, and acceptance of self and others.

Available in hardcover, paperback, and as an ebook.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3COBXwa

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781955119085

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina Dankert is a second-grade teacher. She has a passion for literacy and believes that we can change the world by reading to the children in our lives. This is her debut picture book. She lives in Sylvania, Ohio, with her husband, Chad, and their two children. She has dreamed of collaborating with her husband to merge their two professions of educator and artist into one meaningful product. The Kindness Machine allowed that dream to come true.

Learn more about Christina at www.christinadankert.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

SPREAD A LITTLE KINDNESS

Kindness for All

Written by Christina Dankert

Illustrated by Chad Dankert

What a wonderful message for elementary school children! This multicultural book portrays a diverse second-grade class with a wonderful role model as a teacher.

Mr. Wilson is a popular teacher with a penchant for invention. One day he brings one of them to class. He hides the invention under a bedsheet. The children are excited and curious. What could it be?

Mr. Wilson asks the class to identify their superpowers. When they claim not to have any, Mr. Wilson shows them how his invention is the kindness machine that will reveal each student’s superpower.

Can this be true? One by one the students step up to the machine and learn how each possesses a unique superpower that can help them to spread kindness.

The author includes wonderful illustrations and discussion questions to use before, during, and after the reading, making this picture book a valuable teaching tool.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of The Kindness Machine or one of five individual copies!

One (1) winner receives:

A classroom set (30 copies) of The Kindness Machine will be sent directly to the winners’ school of choice, along with autographed bookplates personalized for each student and the teacher.

Five (5) winners receive:

A copy of The Kindness Machine, with bookplates autographed by author Christina Dankert

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/xE0ba/the-kindness-machine-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 22, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Wednesday, March 23, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Thursday, March 24, 2022Books Are Magic, TooA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Friday, March 25, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair withThe Kindness Machine
Monday, March 28, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Tuesday, March 29, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Wednesday, March 30, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Christina Dankert
Thursday, March 31, 2022Book Bug CAA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Friday, April 1, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Monday, April 4, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Tuesday, April 5, 2022Younger Family FunA book review ofThe Kindness Machine
Wednesday, April 6, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA guest article byAuthor Christina Dankert
Thursday, April 7, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

TEAMWORK WORKS

Cinnamon the Adventurous Guinea Pig Goes to Devil’s Island

Written by Daniel Turner

Illustrated by Gayle Skinner

This is a delightful beginning reader chapter book. It contains a few simple illustrations peppered throughout to keep the reader interested. The animal characters featuring guinea pigs and Siamese cats are delightful. They provide young readers with models of compassion, kindness, empathy, resilience, and teamwork.

Driven to flee their home because of a volcanic eruption, the animals get lost at sea, captured by the nasty, Captain Blood, and develop a plan to resist their enslavement. Will they be able to escape his clutches? What will the future hold for them?

The book is under sixty pages which makes it a good choice not only for a beginning but also for a reluctant reader. I would also recommend it as a classroom read-aloud that could be used to teach desirable values.

If you are looking for more teaching resources, check out my youtube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

 ROUND AND ROUND WE GO

Where Did Grandpa Go? (Grandpa’s Stories)

Written by Mrs.D

Illustrated by Saima Malik

This book is Part One of a two-part series about a beloved grandpa. Grandpa wants to oblige and help, but he has his way of doing things. When his wife makes a simple errand request, he immediately offers to comply. There is one problem, he has a unique way of achieving that goal.

In this tale, Grandma asks her husband to perform four simple errands to purchase ice cream, pizza, soil, and oranges, but in each case, Grandpa causes great anxiety by disappearing. Grandma is frantic. She calls the family, neighbors, hospitals, and police. Ultimately, Grandpa calls from a different destination each time telling her he is unharmed.

This book has a unique message. Not all people follow the accepted way of achieving our goals. It is okay to be different. Mrs. D’s beginning chapter book contains beautiful, color illustrations, and an important life lesson. I would recommend the book for elementary school readers and would also be an excellent choice for families with members afflicted with early Alzheimer’s disease. Looking forward to Grandpa’s adventures in Book 2.

Looking for children’s books to inspire tomorrow’s leaders? Check out http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

FROM THE HEART #jesúsmaryandjoseph

IN PARTNERSHIIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND KATHLEEN T. PELLEY

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

Written by Kathleen T. Pelley

Illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic

Ages 3-7 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Journey with Story Press | ISBN-13: 9780578651965

Publisher’s Synopsis: After Jesús finally lands a part as an innkeeper in his school’s Nativity play, he asks God to help him be the best innkeeper ever. Day by day, he grows more and more confident in his role, but on opening night, he finds himself so swept up in this long-ago world, that when Mary and Joseph asked him, ”Do you have any room at your inn?” he comes up with his own answer, causing chaos on the stage.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lYbq8y

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780578651965

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATHLEEN T. PELLEY is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, but spent most of her childhood summers playing on her grandparents’ farm in Ireland. Her passion for stories stemmed from listening to them on the radio during the BBC children’s story hour. She is the award-winning author of seven other picture books and hosts her own storytelling podcast, Journey with Story.

For more information, visit https://kathleenpelley.com.

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK:

This is a sweet story of a boy named Jesús who yearns for a part in the Nativity play. When his teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez chooses him to be an innkeeper, Jesús is ecstatic. He tries hard to learn his lines, but he is so nervous. Jesús takes us through the typical feelings faced by a child in his situation. Will he succeed? There is a surprise ending that reveals the depth of Jesús’ character.

Children learn about the Nativity story through the eyes of a child as Jesús relates his hopes and fears through prayer. All types of children are represented. The soft colors and simple drawings correspond well with the mood of the narrative. Recommended highly for preschool and primary grade children. A nice book for families to share during the Advent season.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a Jesús, Mary, and Joseph prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A hardcover copy of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph, autographed by Kathleen T. Pelley

A paperback copy of Five Little Angels

An Audible copy of Five Little Angels

A $25 Barnes and Noble gift card

A Nativity sticker book

A shoutout on the Journey with Story podcast

Five (5) winners receive:

A hardcover copy of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph, autographed by Kathleen T. Pelley

A Nativity sticker book

The giveaway ends November 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/avyHd/jesus-mary-and-joseph-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, November 1, 2021The Children’s Book Review Book Tour Kick-Off
Tuesday, November 2, 2021Over Coffee Conversations An interview with Kathleen T. Pelley
Wednesday, November 3, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s blog A book review ofJesús, Mary, and Joseph
Thursday, November 4, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph
Friday, November 5, 2021Life Is What It’s Called A book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph
Monday, November 8, 2021The Momma Spot A book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph
Tuesday, November 9, 2021The Fairview Review A book giveaway of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph
Wednesday, November 10, 2021Book Bug CA A book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph
Thursday, November 11, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph
Friday, November 12, 2021Library Lady’s Kid LitA book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

#THISISCLARE – virtual blog tour and giveaway

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Lindy Nelson

ABOUT THE BOOK

This Is Clare

Written by Lindy Nelson

Illustrated by Ingrid Lefebvre

Ages 4+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 978-1643073606

Publisher’s Synopsis: Come follow a lady and her hound.

New adventures with new friends will abound.

Learn some English and verse with Lindy and Clare.

We’re in China; we hope to see you there!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XQA4io

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindy Nelson is an American who has spent most of her adult life teaching English in China after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She enjoys arts and crafts, funny memes, eating candy, and of course, spending time with her greyhound, Clarence.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

This is Clare is an adorable picture book about a lady named Lindy and her adventures with her greyhound named Clare. The author uses verbs that end in air and are to teach English vocabulary. The illustrations are adorable and the simple text will expand vocabulary for anyone learning English. It is a book that is fun to read aloud and will enrich the vocabulary of native English speakers as well.

The multicultural illustrations that feature Chinese culture will provide a springboard for discussion and further research. This book will delight all ages from preschool to adult English as a Second Language Learners. I am looking forward to more adventures with Lindy and Clare.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of This Is Clare, along with a virtual Questions and Answers session with the author!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A copy of This Is Clare

A virtual Questions and Answers session with the author via Skype

Nine (9) winners receive:

A copy of This Is Clare

The giveaway ends December 2, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/BSTcn/this-is-clare-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofThis Is Clare
Wednesday, November 3, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofThis Is Clare
Thursday, November 4, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withLindy Nelson
Friday, November 5, 2021Tales of a Wanna-be Superhero MomA beyond-the-book activity forThis Is Clare
Monday, November 8, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThis Is Clare
Tuesday, November 9, 2020Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofThis Is Clare
Wednesday, November 10, 2021Book Bug CAA book review ofThis Is Clare
Thursday, November 11, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThis Is Clare
Friday, November 12, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofThis Is Clare
Monday, November 15, 2021Me Two BooksA book review ofThis Is Clare
Tuesday, November 16, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThis Is Clare
Wednesday, November 17, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofThis Is Clare
Thursday, November 18, 2021The Momma SpotA book review ofThis Is Clare

What’s Old is New Again…

Annual Toy Drive: The Underground Toy Society

Written and illustrated by Jessica D. Adams

This book is a delightful new version of The Underground Toy Society. This society is a group of toys that are no longer being used by their former owners. Together they work as one to find new homes to love them.

Children will love these adorable toys that act like human characters. When the toys find their way to a toy store, they are excited to find a donation box for Christmas toys. Their hopes are dashed when they discover the toys must be new.

I love the section that describes how these toys make themselves new again. Will these toys find a way into the hearts of new children owners?

Adorable illustrations and characters will make this book a new holiday favorite. Recommended for a Christmas story or any time of the year.

Check out all my family resources at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Book reviews, teaching videos, parent tips, and much more.

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