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Disneyland to Disneyworld announced ! After living totally barefoot for over nine years, humanitarian, author and speaker Dr. Jeff Brodsky will be embarking on a journey no one has ever taken, for the sole purpose of bringing awareness to child trafficking  For Immediate Release (Conifer, CO)— Dr. Jeff Brodsky has proven over the years that he will do just about anything to bring awareness to important causes. For the past nine years, he has gone barefoot—all over the world, in any weather—to bring awareness to child sex trafficking. He has led ten, 101 mile walks across Death Valley, performed as Snuggles the Love Clown, and in 1983 rode a bicycle from California to New York City. Today, at 67 years of age and after two heart attacks, Brodsky has decided to take another bike ride. This time, he will be riding a bicycle barefoot from Disneyland in California to Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, there is no record of anyone attempting this before, and Brodsky says he had to get permission from four people to even consider it. “First, my wife Gail had to approve,” says Brodsky, “then my family doctor, my cardiologist and my chiropractor. After being given several tests and seeing the entire plan of working with a Physical Trainer, they all gave the go-ahead. So, on April 1, 2020, I will be bicycling from Disneyland to Disneyworld barefoot. It will be over 2,600 miles and probably take me about two months. I chose Disneyland to Disneyworld because they are the happiest places on earth, and the children that are trafficked are in the most evil places on earth. They may never see a Disneyworld park in their lives or anything like it because so many of them will die young or commit suicide.”Human trafficking has overtaken arms trafficking to become the second-largest black-market industry behind drug-running. It is also the fastest-growing global industry. According to a recent study funded by the Department of Justice, the average age of young girls forced into the sex trade in America is approximately sixteen years old. According to the FBI, girls that are trafficked for sex have an average lifespan of 5-7 years, typically dying of disease, suicide or murder. It was these facts, along with an encounter at a garbage dump in Cambodia, that first motivated Brodsky to begin his barefoot journey which is chronicled both in his memoir, “The Least of These: One Man’s Remarkable Journey in the Fight Against Child Trafficking,” and in his new children’s book “Why Are You Barefoot?” Brodsky and his team at JOY International have rescued thousands of children from sex trafficking—some as young as four-years-old— as well as conducted various undercover operations to aid law enforcement. The efforts of JOY International, along with their partners have helped to move Cambodia from a Tier 3 country (no efforts against trafficking) to a Tier 2. The U.S. is considered Tier 1 due to its aggressive laws and enforcement against trafficking. JOY International employs a Director of Global Police Training and Tactical Operations who has trained Special Forces Anti-Human Trafficking Police and SWAT teams. Their training techniques for airport personnel to spot potential human traffickers recently resulted in the rescue of a 9-year-old in the parking lot of an Alaskan airport. “On the one year anniversary of my decision to go barefoot, I was in my living room about to put on socks for the first time in twelve months,” says Brodsky. “But God wouldn’t let me do it. I mean, the sock would, literally, not go on my foot! I cried out to God and asked Him what He wanted from me after I went barefoot for an entire year. I heard Him speak these words to me— ‘Keep going, those children are still out there.’ I knew in that moment that as long as my going barefoot could motivate just one person a year to take action in a way that will help us rescue even one more child each year, I’ll go barefoot the rest of my life.”  To view a short video of Dr. Jeff, click this link   About Dr. Jeff Brodsky:
Dr. Jeff Brodsky is the founder of Joy International, a non-profit organization which exists to be involved in, or help to coordinate, the rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention of the commercial sexual exploitation of children, teens, and young women, both domestically and internationally. For over 37 years, to raise funds and awareness, he has performed as Snuggles the Clown, ridden a bicycle solo from California to New York City, led ten, 101-mile walks across Death Valley, and spoken in 50 nations. He and his wife, Gail, live in the foothills above Denver, Colorado and have three children and eight grandchildren. For more information... http://www.joy.org (or) http://www.thebarefootmile.org.
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Cowboy Joel and the Wild, Wild West by the Gagnon Family Book Tour & Duel Giveaway! {Ends 8/1/19}6/24/2019 Joel Gagnon's real-life story of being bullied made national news. Now, he's helping teach kids how to deal with their own "El Matons."  Book Details: Book Title: Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West Category: Children | Release date: June 4, 2019 Will send print books: USA | Blog tour June 24—August 1, 2019 Page: 48 | Content Rating: G SYNOPSIS: Cowboy Joel and Blackbeard find themselves face to face with El Maton, the most feared desperado in the West. When El Maton mocks him for the way he looks, Joel must confront his biggest fear; a tongue-slingin’ with the outlaw. Can Blackbeard convince Joel to do it? Will Joel find the courage? Note to Mom and Dad: Cowboy Joel will teach your child that it’s not always about punching the bully. It’s about being confident in who God made them to be, and using those truths to fight the battle in their mind. Links to buy the book:| Amazon | Author's Website Review by LAWonder10: Cowboy Joel and the Wild, Wild West is a fun, light-hearted story that many elementary school age kids will enjoy, especially young boys. It addresses the problems of bullying. Even though it makes a few valid points, it definitely isn't solution. Not always does standing up to bullies stop the issue. This is a very complex problem, with all ages, in life. It requires a group effort in standing up to bullies. If the bullies never get the attention or fear, then only, do they cease bullying. The mixture of "critters" in humanized animation, will attract the younger elementary age child. It is presented in a cartoon form. This book, however, does adequately describe a bully and addresses one way of "facing up" to the bully. Bullies don't just "go away". They often have "deep set" personal problems of their own. Bullies often have been bullied throughout their lives. The wording is simple or the elementary age child to read and understand. Seth Yoder had effectively illustrated this story. The illustrations are colorful, simple, yet well done. I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review   Endorsements “I loved the message in the story about being brave. Oftentimes children, as well as adults, do not realize the impact we are making when we stare at others that may ‘look’ different than we do, or use unkind words to mock and hurt them. I look forward to reading this story to my kindergarten students and explaining to them that we are all the same, no matter what our differences are, and that we need to be kind and treat others the way we want to be treated.” --Lisa Fuller, B.S. Early Childhood Education, Kindergarten Teacher “Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West is a great book about overcoming the everyday fear of being different and of bullies. The great balance of wit and bravery displayed by Joel and his sidekick Blackbeard teaches kids that it is not only okay to be different, but everyone has something special that makes them an individual.” --Jessica Vocca, M.Ed Educational Administration, Principal, Dr. Daniel Bright School "When a thrilling imagination meets the sturdy virtues of moral character, what you have is more than a book; you have a tool to shape and sharpen the next generation. Cowboy Joel provides the charm, intrigue, and spirit to capture any child's attention while subtly weaving in the principles needed to strengthen every heart." --James Joiner, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Northern Arizona University “I liked the part where the lizard told Cowboy Joel he could be brave. It made me very happy. I want to be brave like Cowboy Joel.”— Kellen, age 6  About the Gagnon family: The Gagnon family is an atypical, hodgepodge mix of humanity. The entire family enjoyed writing this book, with each one contributing their own input. Every child in the family has their own special story, and every one faces their own unique challenges. Stacey, the mom of this bunch, also has a blog called Ransom for Israel. She presents an honest assessment of the orphan crisis and the desperate need for families willing to adopt. After the adoption of their youngest daughter, the Gagnons started a non-profit called Lost Sparrows. Lost Sparrows is dedicated to improving the lives of orphans and those with special needs through education, proper medical care, and adoption. Their current focus is in areas of Eastern Europe and Bulgaria. Follow the Authors: | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  Tour-wide Giveaway! 1 Print Copy of Cowboy Joel and the Wild, Wild West (U.S. residents only) Click on the Rafflecopter link below to enter this Giveaway. RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY!  An Additional Blog Site GIVEAWAY! I Print Copy of Cowboy Joel and the Wild, Wild West (U.S./Can. residents only) To enter, just click on the link below. RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY! Presented by The Adams Group
For Immediate Release (Conifer, CO)— Recent headlines have brought awareness to human trafficking, but Dr. Jeff Brodsky, founder of Joy International, has been living totally barefoot since July 2010 to do the same. Both domestically and internationally, Brodsky has gone barefoot in solidarity with impoverished and trafficked children. Most of the time, he speaks to adults about the staggering statistics of child sex trafficking, but in his first children's book entitled "Why Are You Barefoot?," Brodsky seeks to educate elementary children about the human trafficking epidemic. The book is based on an actual presentation Brodsky gave in person to a school full of children.
Human trafficking has overtaken arms trafficking to become the second-largest black-market industry behind drug-running. It is also the fastest-growing global industry. According to a recent study funded by the Department of Justice, the average age of young girls forced into the sex trade in America is approximately sixteen years old. Though estimates vary, as many as 21,000 child sex slaves, or children who are trafficked, may exist in the United States alone. According to the FBI, girls that are trafficked for sex have an average lifespan of 5-7 years, typically dying of disease, suicide or murder. It was these facts, along with an encounter at a garbage dump in Cambodia, that first motivated Brodsky to begin his barefoot journey which is chronicled in his memoir, “The Least of These: One Man’s Remarkable Journey in the Fight against Child Trafficking.” Brodsky and his team have rescued thousands of children from sex trafficking—some as young as four-years-old— as well as conducted various undercover operations to aid law enforcement. The efforts of Joy International have helped to move Cambodia from a Tier 3 country (no efforts against trafficking) to a Tier 2. The U.S. is considered Tier 1 due to its aggressive laws and enforcement against trafficking. Joy International employs a Director of Global Police Training and Tactical Operations who was trained Special Forces Anti-Human Trafficking Police and SWAT teams. Their training techniques for airport personnel to spot potential human traffickers recently resulted in the rescue of a 9-year-old in the parking lot of an Alaskan airport. A few years ago, a youth group in Ohio where Brodsky spoke organized a fundraiser called The Barefoot Mile which has since been embraced by groups, churches and organizations around the globe. Brodsky says these events have offered communities a chance to stand with him in solidarity with victims of human trafficking.
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This Children's book is a well-illustrated story of a delicate subject matter. It is written very simply and delicately that all children can read or listen to it without becoming upset with the content. This is a real problem in society and children need to be aware of the dangers in the world without becoming fearful. This approach has the impact of awareness, yet, is "mellowed down" so it won't upset a child. This book, also, offers suggestions for all to be able to aid in this battle against the evils of human trafficking. It is highly recommended for Summer reading programs, Book Clubs and to parents and educators to include in their curriculum. It seemed to end a little abruptly, but was very well-written. I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating. This was gifted me with no suggestion of a positive review. This is my honest review.
About Dr. Jeff Brodsky:
Dr. Jeff Brodsky is the founder of Joy International, a non-profit organization which exists to be involved in, or help to coordinate, the rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention of the commercial sexual exploitation of children, teens, and young women, both domestically and internationally. For over 37 years, to raise funds and awareness, he has performed as Snuggles the Clown, ridden a bicycle solo from California to New York City, led ten, 101-mile walks across Death Valley, and spoken in 50 nations. He and his wife, Gail, live in the foothills above Denver, Colorado and have three children and eight grandchildren. For more information, visit http://www.joy.org or http://www.thebarefootmile.org. 
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Book Details:
Book Title: The Adventures of Wilhelm: A Rat’s Tale by Maria Ritter Illustrator: Teri Rider Category: Middle-grade Fiction, 210 pages Genre: Children's Fantasy |Publisher: PartnerPress Release date: August 2018 Format available for review: print & ebook Will send print books out: USA Tour dates: March 11 to 29, 2019 Content Rating: G (This is a clean children's book with no expletives, violence, sex or drugs.) Book Description: Young Wilhelm leaves home and travels the world. He not only discovers the value of different cultures and the importance of family and friendship, but he also overcomes obstacles with courage and cleverness. He returns home with deep respect for all creatures on this earth and a new sense of rat identity and purpose. Buy the Book: Amazon | Add to Goodreads
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This is an enchanting story from a rat's view of the world - Much like Burgess Thornton's writings. Wilbur wants to explore the world with his family's blessings of which he receives. This can be a very dangerous journey... one from which he may never return. This is a fun way to enlighten older children and young teenagers to the wonderful diversity of cultures and traditions. It. also, gives interesting information on rats. The brief illustrations, created by Teri Rider, are well done sketches, capturing the expressions and details of the characters is in various situations. The Book Cover and Title could not have been chosen better. This earns a Four Stars rating. ^This was gifted me with no requirement for a positive review. This is my honest review. 
GUEST POST:
The Adventures of Wilhelm – A Rat’s Tale. Why write about a “dirty” Rat? Allow me to introduce my friend Wilhelm. He’s been a constant companion to me and in my thoughts for nearly four years now. I even took him on my travels to other parts of the world to explore garbage and customs (see below). As many of you know I got the idea from watching a bunch of rats in our front yard making a mess, stealing ripe tangerines, sucking on scented lemon blossoms, picking up cheese cubes and digging tunnels next to our house walls for their lodging and for access to the garbage cans in the alley. Our dog, Penny, and I watched them from the kitchen door and, eventually, named one grey and pink rat, Wilhelm. As time went by, I began thinking what it might be like if a creature that is such a pest, scary and repulsive to so many people, was to travel the world? How would such a creature be treated? What would a despised rat discover about history, other cultures, food and trash? That’s the adventure story. Most of us have a little Wilhelm in us. Some of us know a Wilhelm. All of us can help a Wilhelm. Here he is, the hero of our journey. Come along, Maria Ritter 
About the Author:
Maria Ritter is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in La Jolla, California. She is the author of Return to Dresden (2004), an autobiographical reflection on her childhood in Germany during and after World War II. It is a healing memoir that confronts national guilt for the Nazi past and weaves the broken pieces of loss and grief into a healing tapestry. Connect with the author: Website 
Prizes:
Win a copy of The Adventures of Wilhelm: A Rat's Tale by Maria Ritter - choice of print or ebook (5 winners total / open to USA only) (ends April 5, 2019) 
 Anger Management Workbook for Kids: 50 Fun Activities to Help Children Stay Calm and Make Better Choices When They Feel Mad by Samantha Snowden Ma, Andrew Hill (Foreword)
The Anger Management Workbook for Kids offers kid-friendly exercises and interactive activities to feel happier, calmer, and take control of anger. Everyone gets angry, but teaching kids how to respond to anger is what really matters. The Anger Management Workbook for Kids offers fun, interactive activities to help kids handle powerful emotions for a lifetime of healthy behavioral choices. From drawing a picture of what anger looks like to building a vocabulary for communicating feelings, the activities in this workbook give kids ages 6-12 the skills to understand and talk about anger habits and triggers. With this foundation, kids will learn positive and proactive strategies to deal with anger through gratitude, friendliness, and self-kindness.At home, school, or with friends, the Anger Management Workbook for Kids equips kids to take control of anger, with: * A close look at anger that helps kids and parents identify habits and triggers, and recognize how anger feels to them. * Interactive exercises that provide a fun format for learning how to communicate feelings, needs, and wants to take control of angry outbursts.
My Review:
This is a valuable workbook written especially for children ages 6 to 11, but I feel, even as adults, this can easily be adjusted to aid in our anger control, as well. The synopsis really says it all! There are three parts with chapters in each, helping the individual to understand anger, identify it, the physiological effects, and what its cause is, then activities to manage it. I recommend this workbook to all ages! This rates Five Stars. *This was gifted me with no stipulation for a positive review. This is my honest review.  Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia: 101 Games and Activities to Teach Your Child to Read by M.Ed Hannah Braun Paperback, 136 pages Published October 30th 2018 by Zephyros Press ISBN: 164152104X (ISBN13: 9781641521048) Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia is the definitive activity workbook to improve phonemic awareness, dysgraphia, and auditory processing disorder (APD) for kids ages 7-12. For kids with an official dyslexia diagnosis, or kids struggling with dyslexia related symptoms, learning to read can be challenging. Using a targeted approach to skill development, Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia applies the latest research-based learning methods to games and activities that strengthen auditory discrimination skills, support letter formation in writing, and most importantly―make reading fun. Specifically designed for kids ages 7-12, these engaging activities offer children daily opportunities to practice and hone their reading skills, instead of more homework for your child or student. With icons that designate skill building in phonemic awareness, dysgraphia, and APD for each activity, this workbook allows parents and teachers to focus on strengthening specific areas that will help kids become lifelong readers. From rhyme triangles to letter tracing mazes, Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia offers an entertaining and effective approach to reading with:
MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10) This workbook has a variety of wonderful activities to aid in the development of children who are distressed with Dyslexia. The activities are well thought out and mostly easy to follow. However, there are a few objects the child is asked to identify which are not clear to an adult, so a child may not ne able to identify the object, either . There are no Answer Keys, so the adult has to just figure it out, along with the child. I still feel this would be mostly helpful to any child suffering with Dyslexia. The 117 page workbook is illustrated very nicely, with a large amount of activities. Thee are two pages of helpful instructions to aid Parents/Educators to best facilitate this book. I offer a Four Stars rating *This book was gifted me with no suggestion of a positive review. This is my honest review.  About Hannah Braun M. Ed.Hannah Braun is a curriculum writer and former elementary school teacher. She has worked with diverse learners in whole-class and reading intervention settings. Hannah takes pride in helping parents and teachers bring about "light bulb" learning moments for children. Her lessons are easy to follow, fun, and use research-based strategies.
Hannah lives with her husband and two children in the Columbus area. She enjoys playing French horn, paper crafting, fitness classes, and painting. You can find out more about her work at www.theclassroomkey.com Follow her on Facebook or Instagram, both @theclassroomkey Read less  Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes! Astronomy for Kids is a fun, how-to-guide to explore outer space with binoculars, a telescope, or just your eyes! One of the coolest things about outer space is that anyone can explore it. All you have to do is go outside and look up! Using plain sight, binoculars, or a small telescope, Astronomy for Kids shows stargazers how easy it is to explore space, just by stepping outside. With this book as their guide to the northern hemisphere, kids will learn to find and name amazing objects in the night sky. Fully illustrated with fun facts throughout, kids can point out sights to friends and family, saying things like, “that’s Jupiter,” and, “those stars are the constellation Cygnus the Swan,” and maybe even, “that group of stars doesn’t have a name but I think it looks like my dog getting belly rubs.” From the Milky Way Galaxy to Mars to the Moon’s craters and mountains―Astronomy for Kids helps young astronomers discover important parts of our solar system, with:
MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10) I enjoyed this book! Although it is directed at an older elementary age audience, it is simplified so even a person like me, who Is challenged in discovering the placement of constellations, can actually find them! After the description of the item discussed is given, each one has added trivia about it. Besides the constellations and planet information and illustrations, it also includes the Universe information. This book discusses What one can see with one's bare eyes, what one needs binoculars to view and what s telescope is needed to view. It concludes by offering resources one van get increased information from and a Glossary of key terms in astronomy. Dr. Bruce Berrs as written this book in away it is organized and easy to understand. I offer a Five Stars rating. This was sent to me as a gift with no prodding for a positive review. This is my honest review.  Dr. Bruce Betts is Director of Science and Technology for The Planetary Society, the world’s largest space interest group. Dr. Betts is a planetary scientist who earned a B.S. in physics and math and an M.S. in Applied Physics from Stanford and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science with a minor in Geology from Caltech. He spent several years with San Juan Institute/Planetary Science Institute as a Research Scientist, and later Senior Research Scientist. He studied planetary surfaces, including Mars, the Moon, and Jupiter’s moons, using infrared and other data, and published several scientific papers on these subjects. Dr. Betts spent three years at NASA headquarters managing planetary instrument development programs to design spacecraft science instruments.
At The Planetary Society, he has had copious project management experience, having managed a number of flight instrument (both science and public outreach) projects, including silica glass DVDs on the Mars Exploration Rovers and Phoenix lander carrying millions of names and Mars literature, and the LIFE biology experiment that flew on the Russian Phobos sample return mission. He is the Imaging Team Lead for The Planetary Society’s LightSail solar sail mission, and led a NASA grant studying microrovers assisting human exploration. He has also overseen or managed a number of additional projects designed to excite and involve the public in space exploration. He regularly writes for The Planetary Society member magazine The Planetary Report, and on his blog on planetary.org. His twitter feed @RandomSpaceFact provides easy night sky astronomy and random space facts. He also co-hosts the "What's Up?" feature on the weekly Planetary Radio show (150 radio stations, XM/Sirius satellite radio, and podcast). He is a frequent guest on History Channel’s The Universe. Dr. Betts is an Adjunct Professor with California State University Dominguez Hills and his recent Introduction to Astronomy and Planetary Science course is available online. He is an Alumnus Senior Scientist with Planetary Science Institute. 
Social exclusion is a form of bullying experienced by some children. When it occurs, they feel isolated, alone, and humiliated. It is important for parents to be informed and talk with their children about all types of bullying (e.g., verbal, physical, social/relational, and cyberbullying) so they are better equipped to intervene or prevent their child from bullying others or being a victim of bullying.
MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10) Bully on the School Bus addresses a problem between a boy bullying a girl to leave her seat on the bus. It offers a helpful suggestion which may work but often is not enough. Bullying is a serious problem, and is growing more severe. What I feel is very important is for parents to "be there fore the child". Nicole's parents are in a habit of asking questions each day about her daily experiences. That is a key step. I still feel "in the real world" often a student is mistreated by a bully for telling, when away from adults. Bullies are attention-craving, cowards. If peers do not join in or show approval, but are unimpressed and come to victim's aid, bullying would vastly diminish. Most "bullies" are bullied at home. This is the first place which needs to be addressed. The comedy-style illustrations created by Leah Peyton are entertaining and colorful. This earns a our Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no request for a positive review. 
About the Author:
Dr. Mildred Peyton is the President and Founder of Peyton Consulting, LLC. Dr. Peyton established her consulting firm, which was initially geared towards school bullying services, in March 2016. She was inspired to create Peyton Consulting and become a children's author on bullying after completing her doctoral research study entitled, "Exploring the Meaning of School Bullying Among Parents of Victimized Children." During her undergraduate internship in 2002-2003 at Salisbury Middle School in Wicomico County, Dr. Peyton and her team developed and facilitated a mentoring program, providing one-on-one conflict resolution and mediating skills to students who were identified by the program coordinator with ongoing needs of behavioral issues. One of the key/primary areas Dr. Peyton and the other mentors focused on was educating and addressing bullying issues with bullies and victims. And in her graduate program, Dr. Peyton also facilitated a school bullying focus group in 2005 at Maryvale Elementary School in Montgomery County, to teach participants about bullying behaviors and how to avoid bullying others. She also attended several bullying workshops to learn about the latest studies while working with the students. Her passion on this topic followed her even as she served as a member on the Committee on Hate/Violence at Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, in 2013. There she developed a brochure for students and parents for the annual bullying symposium and, provided rich knowledge and skills on this topic throughout the year. Today, the company has expanded its services to target workplace bullying as well. With the experiences of others and Dr. Peyton's personal experience with adult bullying in the workplace (which caused her to resign from her employer in 2016), she believes attention, guidance, and solutions are also critical in this area. Dr. Peyton holds a Ph.D. in Human and Social Services with a concentration in Social Policy Analysis & Planning. She has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Sociology and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Peyton is committed to using her knowledge and skills to influence positive change among students and adults. Connect with Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
Giveaway:
Prizes: Win a $50 Amazon gift card (open internationally to wherever Amazon delivers / 1 winner) (ends Nov 3, 2018) 
Book Details:
Book Title: Sophia Writes to Her Bully by Dr. Mildred D. Peyton, with Leah N. Peyton and Jada L. Peyton, Illustrator: Andy Hoang Category: Children's fiction, 24 pages | Publisher: CreateSpace Genre: Education, Social Skills & School Life Release date: February 21, 2017 | Content Rating: G Tour dates: Oct 8 to 26 2018 Book Description: Sophia experiences verbal and social (also referred to as relational) bullying from her classmates during recess. Whenever Sophia attempts to play with a group of students from her fourth-grade class, she is rejected; Amber also calls her an inappropriate name. Only when Sophia takes action by confronting her bully with a letter does her victimization finally end. Want to know what Sophia was being called and how her classmates treated her? Read Sophia Writes to Her Bully and find out what her letter is all about! Social exclusion is a form of bullying experienced by some children. When it occurs, they feel isolated, alone, and humiliated. It is important for parents to be informed and talk with their children about all types of bullying (e.g., verbal, physical, social/relational, and cyberbullying) so they are better equipped to intervene or prevent their child from bullying others or being a victim of bullying.
MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
In the book Sophie writes her bully, Sophie's mother comes up with an idea to aid in preventing the bullying at school. I think this - and most books- on bullying should be used in every parent or educator's library. This is - and always has been - a serious problem in school and also in other places. Unfortunately, it has been my experience, that writing a letter does not make a difference. Bullying often begins by parents or older siblings in a home. I do feel it is a good effort. I , also believe every effort should be made to alleviate the practice of bullying. I firmly believe, the best source of combat for this problem is to persuade peers not to encourage bullying, but to let the bully know it "isn't cool". If others speak up against bullies and nobody champions them, bullies will loose momentum and possibly cease. The illustrations, by Andy Hoang, are created in a comic style and are entertaining. I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no requirement fir a positive review. This is my honest review.
GUEST POST: Understanding The Types Of Bullying There are four main types of bullying, but we are all familiar with the most common one, which is physical bullying. With physical bullying, it is apparent that one has suffered an attack or assault, as there are scraps, scratches, bruises or other indications of aggressive physical contact. Physical bullying consists of hitting, pushing, spitting, kicking, shoving, tripping, pinching, taking or breaking someone's things, sexual assault, and violence (i.e., throwing objects at someone). Verbal bullying is the other type of bullying some children will experience. Verbal bullying includes name-calling, malicious teasing, taunting, insulting, sexual harassment, telling lies, telling a person they are worthless or stupid, and threatening to hurt someone relating to gender, sexuality (i.e., homophobia), or religion. Another kind of bullying is called social or relational bullying. This kind of bullying is the deliberate act of excluding a person from a group, publically embarrassing someone, gossiping and spreading rumors, withdrawing a friendship (i.e., telling others not to be friends with someone), silent treatment, threatening to tell others someone's secrets, homophobia, and discrimination (i.e., religion and racial discrimination). Lastly, cyberbullying is a newer form of bullying. As we’ve experienced advancements in technology, so too we've witnessed an increase in bullying by the Internet and other electronic devices. The internet/technology has made it easier for bullies to target their victims beyond school grounds. Bullying can persist online well after school hours by use of social media and phones, and that's what makes it more concerning, as the victim may feel there is nowhere to escape. What's more dangerous about this kind of bullying is that the damage (e.g., posting private photos, texts, or posts without an individual's consent) could be permanent. Most times if the targets are harassed online their information spread to a larger group of witnesses. These forms of bullying should be taken seriously as one does not take precedence over the next. In fact, they could all leave a long-term or lasting impact into adulthood. By: Dr. Mildred Peyton 
About the Author:
Dr. Mildred Peyton is the President and Founder of Peyton Consulting, LLC. Dr. Peyton established her consulting firm, which was initially geared towards school bullying services, in March 2016. She was inspired to create Peyton Consulting and become a children's author on bullying after completing her doctoral research study entitled, "Exploring the Meaning of School Bullying Among Parents of Victimized Children." During her undergraduate internship in 2002-2003 at Salisbury Middle School in Wicomico County, Dr. Peyton and her team developed and facilitated a mentoring program, providing one-on-one conflict resolution and mediating skills to students who were identified by the program coordinator with ongoing needs of behavioral issues. One of the key/primary areas Dr. Peyton and the other mentors focused on was educating and addressing bullying issues with bullies and victims. And in her graduate program, Dr. Peyton also facilitated a school bullying focus group in 2005 at Maryvale Elementary School in Montgomery County, to teach participants about bullying behaviors and how to avoid bullying others. She also attended several bullying workshops to learn about the latest studies while working with the students. Her passion on this topic followed her even as she served as a member on the Committee on Hate/Violence at Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, in 2013. There she developed a brochure for students and parents for the annual bullying symposium and, provided rich knowledge and skills on this topic throughout the year. Today, the company has expanded its services to target workplace bullying as well. With the experiences of others and Dr. Peyton's personal experience with adult bullying in the workplace (which caused her to resign from her employer in 2016), she believes attention, guidance, and solutions are also critical in this area. Dr. Peyton holds a Ph.D. in Human and Social Services with a concentration in Social Policy Analysis & Planning. She has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Sociology and a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Peyton is committed to using her knowledge and skills to influence positive change among students and adults. Connect with Author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
Giveaway:
Prizes: Win a $50 Amazon gift card (open internationally to wherever Amazon delivers / 1 winner) (ends Nov 3, 2018) 
Book Tour & Giveaway for BUBBA AND SQUIRT'S BIG DIG TO CHINA by Sherry Ellis! [Ends 10/ /18]10/11/2018 It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Sherry Ellis’ BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.  The author is offering a tour-wide international giveaway featuring five autographed copies of her book. More information on the giveaway is listed at the end of this posting.  BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA by Sherry Ellis ◊ Genre: Juvenile Fiction ◊ Paperback: 94 pages ◊ Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press | ◊ Grades 3-5 Squirt doesn't believe Bubba can dig a hole to China. But when the hole swallows them, the kids find themselves in X'an, China, surrounded by Terracotta Warriors. It gets worse when the ghost of the first emperor of China appears. He tells them they can't go home until they find his missing pi. The kids don't know where to begin until they meet a girl and her grandmother who promise to help find the pendant. Soon they realize they are being followed. And they are no closer to finding the missing pi. Will Bubba and Squirt ever make it back home? BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA available at: * Amazon US * Amazon UK * Amazon CA * Barnes and Noble * BAM * iTunes * Kobo My Review: (LAWonder10) This was a fun fantasy tale with a bit of educational value as well. Bubba and Squirt are an interesting brother and sister duo. Bubba was given a magic shovel" by his grandfather. In this episode, Bubba digs a hole and grabs his sister so they both can travel to China. When they arrive in China, it isn't at all what they expected and are soon given only one option if they want to ever return home again. Can they ever accomplish this, seemingly, impossible situation? The characters are very likable and realistic. The scenes are easily visualized. The cover and Title are a perfect fit. This is a great series for a children's TV or movie series. The end of the book has a glossary with many Chinese words, pronunciation & numbers. This is an excellent chapter book. I offer a Five Stars rating for this book. *This book was gifted me with no requirement for a positive review.  Author Bio: Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Sherry, her husband, and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia. For more on Sherry and her writing, you can connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, her blog, her website and her Amazon Author Page. GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) autographed copies of BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA. The giveaway is open internationally. To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the widget doesn’t show up, just click HERE and you’ll be directed to the widget. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Sherry on her month-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out. Dizzy the Stowaway Elf + Frizzy the S.A.D. Elf by Dorothea Jensen Review & Giveaway! [8/15/2018]7/30/2018 
Dizzy, the Stowaway Elf (Santa's Izzy Elves #3)by Dorothea Jensen , Andrea Agostini (Illustrator)
Paperback, 30 pages | Published October 3rd 2013 by Elf Enterprises, LLC ISBN13 9781492370314 Dizzy, the Stowaway Elf, the third story in the Santa's Izzy Elves series, tells what happens when Dizzy (Tizzy’s best friend), eager to have an adventure of his own, sneaks aboard Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. He literally drops into the bedroom of two little boys, Drake and Stuart, and the three of them share a wild joy ride that might be even more of an adventure than Dizzy was hoping for.
MY REVIEW:
Dizzy was an elf who did a naughty thing! He decided to stowaway on Santa's sleigh to discover what the adventure would be like. After awakening two brothers, he needed their assistance to get him back to the North Pole! Once again, it was wonderful to have the CG to accompany the book and get the author's emphasis in various story parts. The story is full of rhyme, except in a few places. In those places it upset the "flow" of the story but it was still such a FUN, Delightful tale! The elves are all so adorable, yet very individual. The illustrations by Andrea Agostini are beautifully done. This is a entertaining new approach to Christmas stories. I totally recommend getting her CD or audible to go along with the story. She does a very good narration I offer a four Stars rating. *This was sifted me with ne expectations for a positive review. This is my honest review. 
.Frizzy, the S.A..D. Elf (Santa's Izzy Elves #4) by
Dorothea Jensen, Shayne Hood (Illustrator) Paperback, 34 pages | August 2nd 2014) Published August 7th 2014 by Independent Publisher (first published ISBN: 1495122859 (ISBN13: 978149512285 The Santa's Izzy Elves stories are not your usual picture books: older kids who enjoy playing with words and reading rhythmical verse will love them, too! One reason for this is that although these stories echo the famous 19th century poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" Santa's Izzy Elves are definitely 21st century, with electronic devices galore in their North Pole workshop! In this fourth story of the series, Frizzy, one of Santa's Izzy Elves, styles the hair of Christmas dollies, but misses them dreadfully when Santa takes them away on Christmas Eve. (She suffers from S.A.D.: Seasonal Affection Distress.) Frizzy decides she needs to change her job so she doesn’t get so attached to the toys she works on. She starts making something completely different but soon finds that her plan isn’t going to work out exactly as she intended
MY REVIEW:
Frizzy was S.A. D. - not really sad. She just can't stand the thought of all her doll creations to be gone on Christmas Eve. She MUST find another avenue to use her skills. This is a fun account of how a simple realization can change everything! The illustrations are brightly accomplished by Shayne Hood. Once again, I strongly recommend purchasing the audible or CD to accompany this tale. Dorothea does such a great job in narrating this story with emphasis in areas that make this so much more entertaining. The flow of the rhyming tale is sometimes interrupted with words which don't quite rhyme. It is still such a delightful series, young elementary age children are sure to enjoy them! The elf characters are easily visualized and the scenes are, also. I rate this Book, and also the CD, with a Four Stars rating. *This was gifted me with no expectations of a positive review. Thus us my honest review.
To enter the Giveaway, complete the Rafflecopter below. (U.S./Can. only,)
To add a final touch to the "Christmas in July" portion of my Blogversary, I am reviewing the Four delightful Christmas "Izzy Elf" series she has created. They are an exciting addition to children's reading & listening experience!
Tizzy, the Christmas Shelf Elf(Santa's Izzy Elves #1)by Dorothea Jensen (Author) , Michelle Alfonso (Illustrations)
A recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award for its e-book edition, this Christmas story in verse celebrates the power of children's imaginations and the magic of books. It tells what happens when two naughty boys find Tizzy, one of Santa's elves, stranded in their living room. Tizzy tells them that Santa's sleigh is powered by the imaginations of children, and pleads with them to use the power of their own imaginations to send him home. But how?
MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10) Tizzy, the Christmas Shelf Elf is the first in author, Dorothea Jensen's new Children's Christmas Elf "Izzy" series. Eight elves are named in this first introduction to the series. Each book can be read as a "stand alone" but will be better appreciated if they are read/listened to, in order. Owen and Alex are suppose to stay in bed but with the excitement of their Christmas gifts, they sneak down to "check out" their expected gifts. However, when they open the biggest one, it is not the gift they expected to find! This rhyming tale is set to the rhythm of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. It is a delightfully different tale. Will these two disobedient brothers have what is needed for a "Christmas Miracle"? Will Tizzy be stuck and not able to return? The watercolor illustrations are very well done and are brightly colored on a "mat" surface. The expression on the character's faces are very complimentary to the tale. This book is very entertaining, but is even more captive if the author's voice and emphasizes on audible or CD accompanies the book! The book on Audible or CD is also more appreciated if the colorful illustrations are shown along with the narration. Either way, this is a series which is sure to be "a hit" with children ages six to ten! I offer a Five Stars rating. *This was gifted me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review. 
Blizzy, the Worrywart Elf (Santa's Izzy Elves #2)by
Dorothea Jensen (Author), Shayne Hood (Illustrations) The e-book version of this story is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award! Blizzy, Tizzy's "favorite lass," is the only one of Santa's Izzy Elves who notices that Tizzy is missing on Christmas morning. When she starts questioning all her friends about when they saw him last, and where Tizzy could possibly be, however, they think she is just being a "worrywart." What Blizzy REALLY is, however, is very, very clever, and she alone might just figure out the mystery! This is the second of the Santa's Izzy Elves series of Christmas stories in verse by Dorothea Jensen.
MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
If you missed the first book of this delightful new "Izzy" series, never fear! Each of these can be read as a stand alone. However, you will not want to miss reading any of them! In this "Izzy" book, Tizzy is missing! Blizzy is worrying herself into a frazzle while searching everywhere for Tizzy! Shayne Hood has successfully created colorful images, full of expression in the fun illustrations. Dorothea Jensen's voice brought life to her story on the CD of this book! The story alone would have been entertaining for the children, but her reading it with emphasis in the right places added to the listener's enjoyment. The book was made even better by listening to her recording of it. The book is written in wonderful rhyme. However, in places like AWOL if it isn't read as A-WOL rather than A_W_O_L, the rhythm and rhyme will be off. There is one other place toward the end, where the rhyming isn't quite there, causing the rhythm to be slightly off. Regardless, this is a fun, newly created series, and hopefully there will be more! This is recommended for grades 3-4 but I feel this would be a good series for children ages 6 to 10 years of age. I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating. This was gifted me with no request of a positive review. This is my honest review.
This book can best be appreciated by listening to the CD recorded by the Author.
Dorothea Jensen was born in Boston, and grew up in Chillicothe, Illinois. (This is the same little town where Johnston McCulley, the writer who created Zorro, grew up many years earlier.) She majored in English Literature at Carleton College and earned a masters degree in Secondary Education at the University of New Mexico. She has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South America, tutored refugees in ESL, taught junior high and high school English, and written grant proposals for arts organization. She and her husband have three grown children and six grandsons.
Her first historical novel for young readers, THE RIDDLE OF PENNCROFT FARM, was named an International Reading Association Teachers' Choices Selection soon after publication, and is read in classrooms throughout the U.S. as an enrichment resource for kids studying the American Revolution. In 2014, THE RIDDLE OF PENNCROFT FARM won a first place Purple Dragonfly Award in the historical fiction category. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt published an e-book edition of this book in 2014 as well. TIZZY, THE CHRISTMAS SHELF ELF was Dorothea's first illustrated story in verse, which she wrote for families to read aloud with their elementary school-aged children. She has now completed three sequels: BLIZZY, THE WORRYWART ELF; DIZZY, THE STOWAWAY ELF, and FRIZZY, THE S.A.D. ELF. Modeled on the 19th century classic poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas", these story poems feature decidedly 21st century elves. The Tizzy and Blizzy stories are recipients of a 2013 Mom's Choice Award in the e-book category. The Dizzy book was "Story Monster Approved" in May, 2014 and received a 2014 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention in the Picture Books Age 6 & Older category. The Frizzy story is the first place children's book winner in the new Red City Review Book Awards. It also is a 2014 Santa Choice Award Winner. Santa's Izzy Elves stories are available in fully illustrated e-book and trade paperback editions, and as downloadable and CD audiobooks narrated by the author herself. Dorothea plans to write a story for each of the remaining Izzy Elves -- Bizzy, Whizzy, Fizzy, and Quizzy. Dorothea's new historical novel for young readers, A BUSS FROM LAFAYETTE, was released in April, 2016 by BQB Publishing. It is set in 1825 in the small town in New Hampshire where she has lived since 1991. She is now working on a new novel set in 17th century Massachusetts, called A SCALP ON THE MOON. In addition to writing, Dorothea is an experienced actress and singer. She performed with the Ex Machina Baroque Opera Company in Minneapolis, and also played most of the Gilbert and Sullivan battle-ax contralto and ingenue mezzo roles with companies in Philadelphia and Minneapolis. She nearly always lost the hero to the soprano. Websites: dorotheajensen.com | abussfromlafayette.com | izzyelves.com Blogs: izzyelfblog.blogspot.com | dorotheajensen.blogspot.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/dgjensen116 | https://twitter.com/Izzy_Elves FB PAGES: https://www.facebook.com/A-Buss-from-Lafayette-1573026166247655/?ref=hl | https://www.facebook.com/RiddleofPenncroftFarm?ref=hl | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Santas-Izzy-Elves/530055507092115?ref=hl
To Win your OWN Print copy + CD (U.S./Can only)) of Blizzy the Worry Wort Elf, enter with the Rafflecopter below.
Book Details:
Book Title: The New Adventures of A.R. Achnid (Revised Edition) Author: Sandi Smith, Illustrator: Kathy Lee Category: Children's Fiction, 126 pages Genre: Children's Chapter Book, Animals, Bugs & Spiders Publisher: Mindstir Media | Release date: January 3, 2017 Tour dates: June 18 to July 13, 2018 | Content Rating: G Book Description: Harold! There goes that spider! See, he is running on the floor! That spider has to go. He cannot live here anymore!!! Oh, no! Beth looks very, very angry. What has A.R. Achnid done now? Well, before A.R. got into big trouble with Beth, he had a lot of wonderful adventures. There are ten different adventures in this book. There is the time he went to the circus and rode on a balloon, and then had some shoo fly pie. Another day, A.R. and Rex (a Great Dane, who is A.R.’s best friend) decided to walk all the way into town, and they had such a wonderful time. Then, A.R. and his family went to New York City for the biggest craft fair ever (which was for spiders only), plus many, many other adventures. Unfortunately, in the tenth story, A.R.’s current living situation is going to need an adjustment. Something changes in the lives of Harold and Beth (the humans) that will make things very difficult for A.R. Come along with A.R. for some fun, and find out what small bundle will cause problems for A.R. and his family. As A.R. says, “Spiders rule!”
Book Trailer:
Book Trailer:
Guest Post: THE ADVENTURES OF A.R.ACHNID Sandi Smith Finding your voice. Writing in First Person (or third). I think I generally write in the third person. I am an outsider looking in, trying to make everything work out. When I first started writing my children’s books, they were all written in verse. I loved poetry, and that was how I wrote. Some people respond well to the poetry, and then there are some who don’t. They would rather have conversations between two or three different people in the story (i.e., “where were you today?” or “I didn’t like that dress!”). I didn’t know how to do that. Recently, I took one of my children’s books, printed it out, read it, and then I started to rewrite it. I actually rewrote it in the first person style. It was fun! I had to work really hard at it, because three or four paragraphs would be in the first person style, and then I would switch right back over to third person (he went to the kitchen to get a drink of water. His sister stuck her tongue out at him.) It actually was really confusing and frustrating. I didn’t think I could do it. Again and again, everything would go smoothly, and I would be writing everything in the first person, but then two or three paragraphs later, again, I would be writing in the third person. I had to really pay attention to that. Once you get used to something, especially if that is the only way you would write, it is really difficult to change. But I liked the new style, so I am going to try to do more of it. 
About the Author:
Sandi Smith spent her time as a young girl combing the shelves of the public library. She has always enjoyed the magic that books have to offer and was inspired by her high school English teacher, Mr. Coolidge to embrace the arts. The author found her calling as a writer early one morning as her first story came to her in the form of a poem. Since then she has written more than 15 children’s books, with her most popular series about the adventures of an adorable spider in the A.R. Achnid series. Sandi is happily married to her inspiration and husband of 40 years, John. She continues to write for her two precious grandchildren. When she’s not penning a new story, Sandi and John like to camp, kayak and to enjoy the simple life in their home in Pembroke, NH. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest
Here is the tour schedule
Giveaway:
Win a hardcover copy of The New Adventures of A.R. Achnid (open to USA & Canada - 1 winner) (ends July 21, 2018) 
 The Pumpkin Patch by Sandi Smith (Author)
GUEST POST: My Inspiration to Write All of this started about ten years ago. There was no indication that books were headed my way. There were no thoughts in my head that I might want to be an author, although I had always loved to write when I was in high school, but most of that was poetry. A large black spider started the whole thing. One night, when I couldn’t sleep, I got up to get a drink of water. I noticed a large spider on the wall. Being afraid of spiders, I went to smoosh the spider with a shoe, but he fell down onto our dark blue rug. I could not find him, and was horrified that he was walking around somewhere where I could not see him. I sat up for a little bit, but decided to go to bed, because I kept looking and wondering where the spider was. I went to bed and fell asleep. Shortly after, I woke up with all of these words running through my mind, like a ticker tape. I shrugged it off, and went back to sleep. Again, I woke up with all of these words running through my mind. I couldn’t quite understand what they were, but they did involve a spider. I got up and grabbed a piece of paper, writing every word down. I went back to bed, fell asleep for a short while, but then I woke up. Another set of words was running through my mind. Persistent, different words. Once again, I got up, wrote the words down, and then proceeded to go back to sleep. This happened two or three times throughout the night, until morning came. When morning came, I sat down, looked at all of the words that I had written down. I said to my husband, “I think I have words to write a children’s story.” After that came many, many words, and eventually I started to get the words for The Pumpkin Patch. I was bombarded with words and phrases, all mixed up and disorganized, and I had to, somehow, put them into a recognizable and understandable content. Once the words started coming in for the story, I was hooked on writing a novel. The depth of the characters and the challenge of how to put it all together was enjoyable, but then very rewarding when it was finished. That large, black spider started it all. He was the one that inspired me to start writing, and, because I don’t like spiders, I have to put some blame on him somehow, he is responsible for the words running through my mind constantly, the hours and hours of very little sleep (nine years, at least), and the headaches. But, now that it is said and done, I am very grateful to that spider (although, I still don’t know where he is to this day), and so enjoyed all of the writing he inspired.  Meet the Author: Sandi Smith spent her time as a young girl combing the shelves of the public library. She has always enjoyed the magic that books have to offer and was inspired by her high school English teacher, Mr. Coolidge to embrace the arts. The author found her calling as a writer early one morning as her first story came to her in the form of a poem. Since then she has written more than 15 children’s books, with her most popular series about the adventures of an adorable spider in the A.R. Achnid series. Sandi is happily married to her inspiration and husband of 40 years, John. She continues to write for her two precious grandchildren. When she’s not penning a new story, Sandi and John like to camp, kayak and to enjoy the simple life in their home in Pembroke, NH. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest Giveaway: Win a paperback copy of The Pumpkin Patch (open to USA & Canada - 1 winner) (ends July 28, 2018)  |
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