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.
The sparkly little red shoes sit on the shelf in the shoe store. They cannot believe no one has chosen them because they feel themselves superior to all the other kinds of shoes.
One day, Lisa and her mother visit the shop seeking a pair of shoes to wear on her birthday. Lisa chooses the red shoes, but after her birthday they are put away in the closet. The little red shoes need to learn there is a place and time for everything.
This is a short picture book with color illustrations. There is quite a bit of text in this short story which makes it suitable for a beginning reader. Recommended for ages four through seven.
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Crow From the Shadow (Parent-Child-Connect (P2C) Book 1)
Written of Olaolu Ogunyemi
Illustrated by Joshua Ogunyemi
Crow is a bird that possesses a high level of intelligence. He wants to push himself to his limits. Perhaps he will be an architect, a superstar athlete, or a military genius. Unfortunately, self-doubt in the form of the shadow is always lurking in the background telling him that he cannot succeed.
Children and adults are so often held back by nagging self-doubts. This beautifully illustrated book urges us to aspire to our best and see the possibilities for success not the fears of failure. There is a wonderful opportunity to continue the discussion with parents and teachers by using the discussion questions. In addition, the information section about crows is highly informative.
Recommended for upper elementary school and middle-school-age students.
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In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and the REED Foundation for Autism
The “One Big Canvas” book series seeks to celebrate differences, showcasing how each individual, regardless of his or her own unique qualities, can be an integral part of a much larger picture.
The Reed Foundation understands autism is a highly prevalent and often misunderstood neurological disability. They hope that these positive and engaging children’s stories will promote acceptance, understanding, and kindness for all.
ABOUT THE BOOKS
One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
Written by Jay Miletsky
Illustrated by Luis Peres
Ages 3-9 | 24 Pages
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
Publisher’s Synopsis: Join a spunky collection of paintbrushes as they set out to create a grand masterpiece.
When some of the brushes don’t cooperate, is it because they are misbehaving…or is there another reason entirely? In this story, young readers are introduced to some of the behavioral differences in their autistic peers.
Without ever mentioning any particular challenge or disability by name, this story helps children recognize and understand what autism is, and impress upon them the importance of showing kindness to those who are different, wrapped into a fun story with lighthearted, engaging characters.
They worked through the day, then stopped and admired,
the wisdom their now-painted canvas inspired:
their painting was perfect, It all meshed just fine,
with its colorful circles, and angry green line.
It was a true masterpiece, not one thing was wrong,
Publisher: New Paige Press | ISBN-13: 978-0578496382
Publisher’s Synopsis: The brushes are back! Join Reese, Estelle and the rest of the gang in the art studio in another adventure as they learn the value of kindness and understanding.
When Clay comes to visit from the other side of the art studio, the brushes are excited to welcome their friend. But when a few of the brushes start acting differently, Clay needs to be reminded that it’s important to be accepting:
“Some brushes are different, so we like to remind,
it’s kind to be caring, so take care to be kind.”
Will Clay leave the brushes in frustration, or will he learn to mold his thinking as he comes to understand and accept that brushes have different abilities and challenges? Without ever mentioning autism or any particular disability, The Molding of Clay helps introduce children to the behavioral differences of their autistic peers, creating an opportunity for discussion. It helps teachers and parents impress upon them the importance of understanding, acceptance and kindness, through a fun, lighthearted story with quirky and colorful characters.
The REED Foundation for Autism is committed to providing individuals with autism the opportunity to learn, live, work and thrive at every stage of their lives. For more information, please visit https://www.reedfoundationforautism.org.
MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK SERIES
ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
The Masterpiece
Written by Mr. Jay
Illustrated by Luis Peres
The paintbrushes have assembled in their art studio. They are determined to create a masterpiece. Only Estella sits off to the side and sings her own tune. The other brushed understand it is her way. They invite her but do not force her to participate. Then Byron decides to go off on his own to create paint circles. The other paintbrushes accept his efforts and join the fun. Suddenly, Lee decides to splatter green paint everywhere. Instead of getting angry, the other paintbrushes continued to add more colors. All day long, they worked together until the painting masterpiece was completed.
This tale teaches young children that each person is unique. Sometimes differences can not be controlled, but that does not mean all of us can succeed when allowing for our differences.
OUT OF A DIFFERENT MOLD
The Molding of Clay
Written by Mr. Jay
Illustrated by Luis Peres
Excitement runs high in the art studio because the paintbrushes are expecting a visitor, a lump of grey modeling clay, appropriately named Clay. When Clay comes barreling into the studio, Paul holds his ears because loud sounds bother him, while Estelle hides in a corner humming. Clay wants them to stop, but the brushes explain that it is their way. A small brush named Jerry keeps bantering Clay with his paintings of boats. Finally, Clay realizes that he himself can transform himself into many different forms so it must be okay, so he changes shape to take part in the fun.
Once again young readers discover that differences are not only acceptable but that they can be transformed into new and exciting strengths.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a ‘One Big Canvas’ book series prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay
A $50 Amazon gift card
Two (2) winners receive:
A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Masterpiece
A hardcover copy of One Big Canvas: The Molding of Clay
The giveaway begins April 23, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT, and ends May 23, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
A very short picture book for preschoolers that teaches young readers not to be afraid to express themselves because their friends might think they are different.
The author uses the scenario of a cat named Dottie who is invited by her friend, Andy to come to a pool party. Dottie loves to swim, but aren’t cats supposed to be afraid of the water? She fears her other animal friends will judge her. How will Dottie solve her dilemma?
Simple, easy to read text and dialogue, accompanied by large colorful illustrations.
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Why We Wear a Mask: How a squirrel is helping to stop the spread of Covid-19
Written and Photographed by Lieve Snellings
I am a big fan of the Margot book series. In this new book, Margot’s family doctor, Dr. Sarah shares her concern about a new sickness affecting all her squirrel patients.
The author uses adorable photographs of squirrels exhibiting symptoms of the virus like headaches, upset stomach, shortness of breath, and sore throats to illustrate effects of the virus in a clear but non-threatening way. Snellings shows them wearing masks because they want to protect vulnerable members of their families as well as themselves. The author explains how the disease is transmitted, and exactly what needs to be done to keep ourselves and others safe.
Young readers will inevitably be enthralled with these adorable, personified squirrel messengers of information needed to assist children in understanding this disease without alarming them. I would highly recommend it to parents and educators of elementary school and middle-grade readers.
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Merlin Raj and the Santa Algorithm: A Holiday Yuletide Dog’s Tale
Written by D.G.Priya
Illustrated by Shelley Hampe
The author creates a unique plot that will engage middle-grade and young teens. She does a good job of explaining how algorithms work, while creating a heart-warming tale of family devotion and holiday spirit.
Peter has a service dog named Merlin who accompanies him to school. His Golden Retriever friend tries hard to serve his master but often winds up in trouble instead. Readers are treated to a Christmas tale in while the family struggles to maintain traditions like baking and cutting down the Christmas tree while mom is traveling for work.
Along the way, readers learn how algorithms work, enjoy a bit of humor, and empathize with a close family who just want to get things right.
The black and while illustrations are charming. They enhance the feeling of identification with both human and animal characters. Recommended for ages eight and older.
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The Adventures of Tweet Tweet: A really awesome Penguin
Written and illustrated by Eleanor Wint and Lois Wint-Rose
This sweet little story is coauthored by a grandmother and nine-year-old granddaughter. It is based on a stuffed penguin who is personified in this tale.
Tweet-Tweet, the young penguin, brings beginning readers on a journey that explains how he broke his wing. Along the way, readers learn a bit about life in the Arctic, how penguins move and communicate, and an accident that lands Tweet-Tweet in the hospital.
Children learn about family bonds, adapting to change, and being resilient. The color illustrations add charm to the story. Readers will enjoy the dialogue format and personification of the characters. Two more books are in progress to continue Tweet-Tweet’s adventures.
Recommended especially for children ages five through eight.
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Publisher’s Synopsis: In the stand-alone companion to the New York Times–bestselling A Wolf Called Wander, a young orca whale must lead her brother on a tumultuous journey to be reunited with their pod. This gorgeously illustrated animal adventure novel explores family bonds, survival, global warming, and a changing seascape. Includes information about orcas and their habitats.
For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the leader she’s destined to be?
A Whale of the Wild weaves a heart-stopping tale of survival with impeccable research on a delicate ecosystem and threats to marine life. New York Times-bestselling author Rosanne Parry’s fluid writing and Lindsay Moore’s stunning artwork bring the Salish Sea and its inhabitants to vivid life. An excellent read-aloud and read-alone, this companion to A Wolf Called Wander will captivate fans of The One and Only Ivan and Pax.
Includes black-and-white illustrations throughout, a map, and extensive backmatter about orcas and their habitats.
This book drew me in from the opening chapter. The personified characters make you feel you a member of the whale pod. A compelling adventure that also provides readers with a wealth of knowledge about the dangers of life in the ocean. I highly recommend this beautiful book for elementary and middle-grade audiences. That doesn’t mean adults won’t enjoy it just as much!
A Whale of the Wild is at the top of my book list on the subject of whales. You will find other suggestions as you read on in the blog post.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rosanne Parry is the author of the novels Heart of a Shepherd and Last of the Name, among other acclaimed titles. She lives with her family in an old farmhouse in Portland, Oregon, and writes in a treehouse in her backyard. www.rosanneparry.com
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Lindsay Moore is an artist and writer with roots in Northern Michigan. She studied marine biology and fine art at Southampton College on Long Island and figure drawing at the Art Students League of New York, and earned her master of science in medical and scientific illustration from Medical College of Georgia, now Augusta University. Lindsay Moore lives with her family in Bowling Green, Ohio.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Rosanne Parry’s A Whale of the Wild!
Five (5) winners receive:
A copy of A Whale of the Wild, by Rosanne Parry
Giveaway begins September 1, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends September 15, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Interested in finding additional great books about whales?
Here are a few suggestions:
Song for a Whale
Lynne Kelly
Ages 8-12
In the spirit of modern-day classics like Fish in a Tree and Counting by 7s comes the Schneider Family Book Award-winning story of a deaf girl’s connection to a whale whose song can’t be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him.
National Geographic Readers: Great Migrations Whales
Lynn Marsh
Grade Level : 2 – 4
Over the course of their 70-year lifespan, sperm whales will easily travel the circumference of the Earth in search of food and the need to breed and find a mate. Males will travel as far north as the Bering Sea and as far south as Antarctica in order to find enough food to sustain their ways of live—up to 700 squid a day! Along the way, these massive beasts battle 30-feet-long giant squids, and each other, to sustain their ways of life.
Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises
Mark Carwindine
Illustrated Martin Camm
Reference book for all ages
Authoritative text, detailed illustrations, and a systematic approach make DK’s Smithsonian Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises the most comprehensive and concise pocket guide to cetaceans. With more than 900 illustrations, this visual recognition guide is designed to make identification as simple and accurate as possible.
This book is one of a series covering plants, animals, and other natural phenomena from around the world and is published in association with the Smithsonian Institution.
Baby Belluga (Raffi Songs to Read) Board Book
Written by Raffi
Illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Age one through preschool
Raffi’s most popular and beloved song about the “little white whale on the go” is available in a sturdy board book edition–just the right size for babies and toddlers!
Singing supports and encourages even the youngest child’s speech and listening skills, which makes Baby Beluga perfect for early learning. Join this adorable baby whale in a busy day at sea, culminating in a warm mother-child bedtime ending. With its delightful illustrations, this is the ideal sing-along for a whole new generation of readers.
Wally Whale’s Mighty Tail: A Book about Happiness
Written by Kim Linette
Illustrated by James Loram
A Multicultural Book for Elementary Readers
At least that’s what Koa hears, and so he sets out in search of Wally Whale and the valuable knowledge that he hopes Wally will share.
Determined to discover Wally’s secret to being mighty, Koa follows the whale through waves and reefs, never knowing the truth was inside him all along!
Wally the Whale helps Koa – the little island warrior – learn the real secret to being mighty! And you already have it inside!
It’s a lesson of emotional intelligence that is essential for any child—including Koa, who learns as he journeys through the Pacific with Wally Whale.
Get to know the entire EQ Explorer’s Series—including how we donate 100% of profits to help underserved kids around the world.
Publisher’s Synopsis: When the survival of their hometown is threatened, two unlikely comrades join forces on a quest to defeat a dangerous enemy and bring back the only one who can save them all.
Beyond the frozen mountains there lies an oasis from the frigid cold and the howling winds. A place the animals call Lake Zuron. What a wonderful place, happy creatures of all kinds, living in harmony and warmth thanks to their very own fire-breathing dragon named Daniel.
But one day everything changed when the unthinkable happened. The Dragon fire goes out and immediately the air begins to chill. Things were not looking good but just when all hope was lost, an unlikely hero steps up. Join Spark the mouse on an adventure of a lifetime as he and his friends do their part to save their town from an icy demise.
With the magical power of Daniel, the Dragon there could be hope. But first, they must face and defeat a dangerous enemy, the vile beasts who own these mountains where nobody passes through.
Along this journey maybe you will discover that it’s that little Spark in each of us that really matters, and that a little Spark could save them from the coming cold. The story reminds us that we all need something in life every day to ignite our passion and spirit – to help the world be a “warmer” place and to look for ways to “Be That Spark.”
Ages 7+ | Publisher: Zuroam Media | October 1, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1735145501
About the Author
Chris Parsons grew up in the small fishing village of Flatrock, Newfoundland where he was surrounded by storytellers. When he became a father, he began creating his own children’s stories, and soon he was sharing them with a wider audience.
Over time, his audience grew up, but he continued to create his stories and colorful characters mostly for his own enjoyment. One day he had a flash of inspiration about a little mouse named Spark and began to create the world of A Little Spark.
Today, Chris lives in Dallas. He has left the high-tech world of innovation and business development behind and is focused on his real passion – to create new meaningful experiences for children centered around powerful and engaging stories like ” A little Spark.”
Together with his wife, Kathleen, daughter, Maggie, and son, Kealan, they share a love for all God’s creatures.
Mike Motz is a children’s book illustrator and publishing professional based out of Toronto, Canada. Motz has helped writers around the world fulfill their dreams of publishing their works. To date, Motz has been responsible for the creation of the artwork for over 300 self-published children’s books.
About the Narrator
Brandon McInnis is a voice actor and singer known primarily for his work on animation and video games. He voices Sir Nighteye in My Hero Academia, Ganos in Dragon Ball Super, Finral Roulacase in Black Clover, Asagiri Gen in Dr. Stone, Yuna D. Kaito in Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, Frodo Baggins in Lord of the Rings Online, Patrick Phelps in Black Butler, Sonosuke Izayoi in Danganronpa 3, Erlang Shen in SMITE, and many more.
With a deep love for music production and originally trained as an opera singer, Brandon also produces music for release on YouTube and Spotify. He can be followed on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram: @BranMci.
About the Music Producer
Bruce Faulconer is a musician, composer, and record producer based in Dallas, Texas. He is the owner and founder of Faulconer Productions Music, and CakeMix Recording Studio. Faulconer writes music for orchestra, various instrumental and choral groups, along with the music for feature films, and TV series, including the anime Dragon Ball Z. He recently completed twelve songs for A Little Spark, included in a new audiobook, an interactive children’s book, and an animated feature film in development. He resides in Dallas with his wife Lisa and is the father of two sons.
My Review of A LITTLE SPARK
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
A Little Spark
Written by Chris Parsons
Illustrated by Mike Motz
This interactive book is a valuable resource for young children’s minds on so many levels. It is innovative, inspiring, and entertaining.
The target audience range is a wide one. This book contains rich illustrations that could place it in the picture book category. But with a length of more than one hundred fifty pages, it also might be considered a chapter book or a middle-grade reader. What it delivers is a range of fascinating animal characters which are personified with a range of human emotions and aspirations. There are fire-breathing dragons, bears, mice, weasels, goats, cats, and raccoons. They live in Lake Zuron, an oasis on the edge of a frozen world. Their world survives only because of the warmth provided by Daniel, a fire-breathing dragon. Lake Zuron is not an ideal society. The “Supervisors” contain the stronger animals, a ruling class. Far below them, “The Streeters,” perform all the work.
One day, Daniel loses his ability to produce fire. Lake Zuron faces extinction. But Sparky, a tiny mouse, finds within himself the courage to make the perilous journey over the frozen wasteland of their enemies, the Scabes, to follow a rumor that another land survives on the other side of the mountain. He and Veen venture to the other side. Will they discover salvation or face extinction?
Young readers learn many lessons from the colorful cast of characters as the adventure unfolds. Hope, courage, friendship, equality, fairness, and responsibility are exemplified in the faces and actions of the characters, both large and small. But Parsons provides much more than an excellent book. Embedded within its pages are a collection of twelve songs, private video messages from the characters, the ability to take a photo with your favorite character, or an opportunity for readers to share their personal opinions on the interactive lesson pages at the end of the book.
I highly recommend this unique educational resource for readers age eight through eighty-eight.
PURCHASE LINK
Before October 1st, pre-order your copy, email the team at Zuroam Media, and they’ll give you the audiobook free so you can enjoy it while you wait for the book to arrive. You can find all the email address and links to your favorite bookstore here:https://bethatspark.com/shop/.
September 29, 2021
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