Our mission is to encourage a love of reading in children and re-ignite the love in you.
"There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book."
Frank Serafini
This is a book that parents and children everywhere will love and relate to. Momsteris a humorous story of a boy who isn't listening and following directions. Soon his mother turns into something that scares him and he realizes the consequences of his actions.
Not only will children learn from this book, it will opened parent's eyes to what we must look like to them when we "lose control". The kids will jokingly say to me, "Yes ma'am. Don't let the Momster out!"
I have also used this book in therapy with clients to help them connect the dots between others behavior and their actions. The only thing I wish happened in this book is that mom also apologized for turning into a Momster.
Laura Jensen-Kimball is the mother of four children and married to Jeff.She was inspired to write after her youngest child was diagnosed with a speech delay.Books were a common tool used in improving his speech.Laura creates books with a touch of humor she feels both parent and child will enjoy.Living in Norwalk, Iowa, she is also a Registered Nurse currently pursuing her Masters in Nursing. She has direct insight and experience with the emotion expressed throughout MOMSTER.Entertainment will start at page one and a, “Read it again!” will follow the last. This is Laura's first published book and hopes to publish her other stories soon. For more about Laura go to https://www.wackystackbooks.com/blog
Where can one find a story about having good listening skills, facing one's fears, not jumping to conclusions and basic computer lingo all in one book? Why in the newest Sherrill Cannon book, MICE & SPIDERS & WEBS...OH MY! That's where.
In this charming, eloquently rhymed story, Rosie tells her mom that she doesn't want to go back to school because there will be mice, spiders & spider webs. I wouldn't want to either!!! Yuck! Rosie's mom takes her to school to figure out what is going on.
Sherrill, once again, expertly weaves a beautiful tale packed full of life lessons that teaches without preaching. Kalpart's illustration are beautiful and bright.
As always, I highly recommend Ms. Cannon's book. I recommend it as a mother and as children's and family therapist. Both my children & clients enjoyed this book immensely.
The Lemonman: A Party, Some Rain and Wiggleworm Lane by Natasha Ferrill
Natasha Ferrill does it again! A Party, Some Rain and Wiggleworm Lane is the second book in The Lemonman series. This time she and the Lemonman teach us about compassion, consequences and Mother Nature. Whew! Does that sound like too many lessons for one children's book? Natasha presents these lesson in a singsong, rhyming way that is not preachy. Your children will love the adorable illustrations.
I enjoyed the imaginative story. Although I don't like worms, I couldn't stop reading this story. Even my 11 year old loved it. An added plus are that the author uses words like: naïve, proposition, repercussions, eccentric and absurd in the story. My 6 year old loved learning what these words meant ( Do the lessons in the story ever end?).
I wholeheartedly recommend this story to families and children.
Manner-Man is a fun book that will teach children about good manners, being a
friend, not being a bully and standing up for what's right. These are all
lessons that our children need to hear again and again. It is written in rhyme.
Who doesn't love a book with a superhero? The awesome illustrations will keep
your children's interest. Another great book by Ms. Cannon
Synopsis
"I am strong, and my flash is bright, And I will defend you and make things all right." These are the magic words to call upon Manner-Man - a superhero who can help control bullies and teach children ways to be considerate of others. Manner-Man arrives, shouting "To the Rescue", helping children learn about sharing and warning about not 'hitting with words.' He teaches that if someone starts pushing, just shout out "not nice!" Meet the children who form the Manner-Man team and find out how to join! Manner-Man incorporates messages and characters found within some of Cannon's earlier books - helping children learn how to cope with bullies and look within themselves for their inner superhero!
The Large Rock and the Little Yew by Gregory Ahlijian is an uplifting story of survival about a little yew tree who is trapped in the crack of a large rock. The little yew is determined to find sunlight., soil and water so that it can survive. The large rock is rude, pessimistic and inhospitable. Despite the large rock trying to destroy the little yew tree's dreams of survival by insisting that it will never survive its less than ideal circumstances, it continues to believe that it is unique, valuable and can grow strong. The book is beautifully illustrated by Janna Roselund.
The lesson illustrated by the determination and willpower of the little yew tree is that anyone can achieve their dreams no matter the overwhelming odds and hostile environments that they may be in. The little yew and the large rock are located in Wakehurst, United Kingdom. People travel to see a large rock encased within the roots of a majestic yew.
100% of the proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to Jasper Mountain Center, a nonprofit treatment center, in Oregon, that addresses the needs of emotionally disturbed children and their families. On April 9th, he presented the center with a check in the amount of $30,000!
Gregory Ahlijian has been a mentor at the Jasper Mountain facility since 2008. He has worked in the field of arboriculture for over 30 years. He teaches the children at the center bout nature, trees, character development and poetry. The children of Jasper Mountain were the inspiration for this uplifting story of perserverance and hope. He says that his goal is "..to inspire the child's sense of self-worth by creatively and effectively teaching the components of good character and illustrating them with examples present in everyday activities."
Sherrill does it again! She has written another great book that will teach children morals in an enjoyable, non preachy way. Gimme-Jimmy is beautifully rhymed story about a bully named Jimmy. He snatches and takes what is not his. He never asks. He is very rude and always demanding "Gimme". He learns a valuable lesson when his hand swells to an enormous size. He must be polite and not say "Gimme" for his hand to return to its normal size.
My favorite part is Jimmy's New Polite Rule:
"To try to treat others as I'd like to be,
To try to see things the way others might see,
To try to be helpful, and do what is right,
And to try at all times to be very polite!"
The illustrations, as always, are excellent. I have used this in therapy with my young clients and one of my four year old clients now wants to read it every session. We say the polite rule and she chimes in very loudly the last word of every sentence. Great job, Ms Cannon!
Although clinical depression is often thought of as an adult disease, it can affect children as well. Unfortunately, children may not have the maturity to understand what is happening to them, or they may feel powerless to change their situation, so they don’t speak up about what they are going through. It is up to adults to be on the lookout for signs of trouble, and recognize when a child needs help.
What to Watch For – Potential Warning Signs of Depression in Children:
Sadness, hopelessness, loss of pleasure or interest, anxiety, turmoil (anger outbursts)
Difficulty organizing thoughts (concentrating), extreme negativity, worthlessness and guilt, helplessness, feelings of isolation, thoughts of suicide
Changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, sluggishness, agitation
Avoidance and withdrawal, clingy and demanding behavior, excessive activity, restlessness, self-harm
What to do:
Don’t minimize your child’s feelings, and reassure him child that depression is not something to be ashamed about –Some people have a hard time recovering from being sad.
Work hard to cultivate trust and communication with your child and be aware of the impact your own responses in life are having on your child. You are your child’s coping instructor.
Allow your child the right to feel depressed and teach him that asking for help is ok – If he thinks depression is bad or not ok, he may try to hide his feelings from you.
Tell your child the truth and give him time to grieve. By being honest, you are allowing your child to work through the pain.
Pay attention to the length of your child’s symptoms. If the symptoms linger for an extended period of time, or if you see severe changes in your child’s personality, seek professional help.
Although suicide in children is rare, it does happen. Take it very seriously if your child says or acts like he wants to die.
If your child is experiencing frequent signs of depression that last for extended periods of time, it is crucial that you seek professional help. Children who are experiencing signs of depression do not automatically need medication. Many children will respond to therapy alone. If you are uncertain where to seek help, contact your child’s school counselor or your family physician for a referral.
Julia Cook is a national award winning children’s author and parenting expert. The purpose of her books is to enter the worldview of children and teach them to become life-long problem solvers. Her latest book: Blueloon is a creative story about a sad little balloon who is suffering from depression. With help from the wise rock, Blueloon learns what he can do to “bounce back” to being the way he used to be – bright, round , and full with a very straight string! Finally! A book on depression that works for Blueloons of all ages! Available at www.juliacookonline.com (and amazon.com)
Would you like to WIN a copy of Blueloon? Julia will give away TEN (10) copies. Just leave a comment here! If you use the anonymous feature be sure to type your name. Winners will be chosen by random.org on Wednesday, May 9, 2012.
Easter is almost here! Instead of candy that will rot their teeth and toys that will break the next day. Give the children in your life the gift that keeps on giving! Books!
From today 3/28/12 through 4/3/12 you will receive an "I Love You More than Chocolate Chip Cookies coloring book FREE with the purchase of the book! Be sure to check out the rest of the blog to see all of the other wonderful books you can buy from other wonderful authors!
I Love You More Than Chocolate is a sweet rhyming book that will help you share with your child how much they are loved. The story lists all the wonderful things that we see in our own lives. This is a sweet story that is perfect for a bedtime ritual. The author sings a sweet song that matches the words in the book. You can listen to the cd that it comes with while you share the story with your children. What a wonderful way to remind your children how much you love them.
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
Julia Cook was born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah. While living in Utah, she became actively involved in teaching children how to ski. That experience led to a love of teaching in general. Julia now lives in Fremont, Nebraska. She has a Master’s degree in Elementary School Counseling. While serving as a guidance counselor, Julia often used children’s books to enhance her classroom lessons. She is now well-recognized as a national award-winning children’s book author who has presented in over 700 schools across the country, regularly delivers keynote addresses at national education and counseling conferences, and has 26 published children’s books. The goal behind all of Julia’s books and efforts is to actively involve young people into her fun and creative stories and teach them to become “better.” Inspirations for her books come from working with children and carefully listening to parents and teachers. Julia’s books have been referenced in such publications as Parent’s Magazine, The New Yorker, Yahoo.com, and babyzone.com. In her spare time, Julia enjoys spending time with her husband and family.
Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you.
I can ride the unicycle and play the accordion at the same time, I love banana popsicles, I think more like a kid than a grown-up.
What inspired you to write the books?
Kids that struggle with solving their problems
What are your favorite children's authors/books?
The Box Car Children!
What advice would you give other aspiring writers?
Use empathy in your stories so that kids can live what they read
What are you working on now?
I book called I Just Want To Do It My Way – on staying on task and asking for help
What do you hope your books will impart to children?
Help all who read them become life long problem solvers
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
A school guidance counselor
What obstacles have you experienced in your writing journey?
Getting my books in the right hands and truly making a positive difference to both kids and grown-ups
Anything else you would like to share?
Never underestimate the power of the words “I Can!”
Where can people buy your books/.Do you have a web page or fan page?
