 Mindfulness for Kids: 30 Fun Activities to Stay Calm, Happy, and In Control by Carole P. Roman J. Robin Albertson-Wren 113 pages - Published October 30th 2018 by Althea Press BOOK BLURB: Mindfulness for Kids offers fun activities for kids ages 6-12 to stay cool, happy, and present with mindfulness. Homework horrors, chores, and not-so-friendly friends—that’s enough to make any kid’s brain hurt. The secret to staying cool is easy: it’s called mindfulness—and this book gives kids fun activities to practice it on their own. Mindfulness for Kids applies mindfulness exercises to stories and real-life scenarios that kids go through at home, school, and with friends. Shared through the voices of five children: Jasmine, Willow, Kayli, Colby, and Zeke, Mindfulness for Kids is an engaging, kid-friendly guide for handling tough situations and powerful emotions mindfully. From using belly breathing to help with panic before a presentation to actively listening to siblings, Mindfulness for Kids addresses the everyday challenges that kids face with: Mindfulness 101 that teaches kids what mindfulness is, and how they can be mindful of their emotions and senses. Relatable, real-life scenarios that kids encounter at home, school, and with friends. 30 Fun exercises that show kids how tricks like a gratitude list, “counting to calm”, and even yoga poses can help them relax and feel better from not-so-nice feelings.Mindfulness is a kind of superpower we all have but don’t know how to use. In this book, kids will learn how to use this power to feel good about themselves and the world around them through activities and stories told by kids, for kids. ADD to GOODREADS ~ Amazon ~ NOTE: Presently on SALE on Audible & on Kindle!  REVIEW By LAWonder10: As a Mindfulness instructor for many years, Carole P. Roman offers professional instruction and 30 uplifting activities in this very helpful book for children from age six to ten. The introduction contains a message to parents/educators in how to best use this book, plus, a message to the children on how to best benefit from the ideas presented in stories and in doing the activities. The book proceed with many challenges the children in this age group face in a short story, then offers thought questions and an exercise in aiding the child to deal with it in a positive manner. As the author mentions, the brain is a muscle which also can be exercised and trained. This is i simple book to follow. It would be additionally helpful in this stressful time dealing with the pandemic. I offer a Five Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.  ABOUT The AUTHOR:
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts a blog radio program called Indie Authors Roundtable and is one of the founders of the magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman. She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren and a new joke book called The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren. Her series includes: Captain No Beard If You Were Me and Lived in- Cultural If You Were Me and Lived in- Historical Nursery series Oh Susannah- Early Reader and coloring book Mindfulness for Kids with co-author J. Robin Albertson-Wren The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids; 800 plus Jokes! Navigating Indieworld- with co-author Julie A. Gerber Marketing Indieworld- with co-authors Angela Hausman and Julie A. Gerber Adult Fiction under the pen name Brit Lunden Bulwark The Knowing- A Bulwark Anthology Goodreads ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
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Book Details:
This Is The Earth by Deedee Cummings/illustrated by Charlene Mosley Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre: Children/ Holiday | Publisher: Make A Way Media Release date: April 2019 | Tour dates: Oct 12 to Dec 4, 2020 Content Rating: G. Children's Holiday Book. Book Description: A recent Purple Dragonfly Award First Place winner, Cummings uses bold and bright illustrations in This is the Earth to share a message of peace, love, respect, compassion, inclusion. Published in early 2019, the book’s message bears repeating: peace is meant for all of us and it is everyone’s responsibility to care for each other like the united family that we really are. This exceptional and timely book shares the reality that we are all sharing this world that we call home instead of acting as though each continent, each, country, and each neighborhood is like a completely different planet. Within the pages of This is the Earth, readers will discover thought and conversation-invoking concepts on issues and struggles that has our world at odds with each other. Kids and adults will love the lyrical message and thoughtful artwork that reinforces the fact that every human being is our neighbor on Planet Earth; a place also known as Home. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Make a Way Media ~ Add to Goodreads
Also for the Holiday Reading: 
Book Details:
In the Nick of Time by Deedee Cummings/illustrated by Charlene Mosley Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 28 pages Genre: Children/ Holiday | Publisher: Make A Way Media Release date: November 2019 | Tour dates: Oct 12 to Dec 4, 2020 Content Rating: G. Children's Holiday Book. Book Description: A Timely Tale about a Little Brown Boy who Saves Christmas. Nick Saint never really put a lot of thought into his name until one snowy day in December when he accidentally receives a letter meant for Saint Nick. Realizing there is not much time left until Christmas, Nick opens the letter. The unexpected message inside ultimately leads him on a journey of understanding poverty, gratitude, and service to others while discovering the real meaning of the holiday spirit. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Make a Way Media ~ Add to Goodreads 
Meet the Author:
Deirdre “Deedee” Cummings believes literacy is a fundamental human right. She is the founder of Make A Way Media, It Pays to Read & the Louisville Book Festival, as well as, an attorney, therapist, and CEO of Abi Behavioral Health in Louisville, Kentucky. Abi is an intensive therapy agency that works to prevent the placement of children in out of home care, such as foster care, hospitalization, and incarceration. Deedee attended Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina, one of only two all-female Historically Black Colleges in the country. After graduating from Bennett, she earned a master’s degree and a law degree from the University of Louisville. All of her writing focuses on sharing inspiring messages that remind us all it is never too late to begin again. Deedee encourages the children she works with to write as a way to process emotions, document their journey, and express themselves more clearly. In addition to presenting on multiple topics around the country, Deedee donates hundreds of books and volunteer hours every year to families, children, churches and the local school system. She is excited to announce the launch of her tenth children’s book, This is the Earth. The inspiration for this book came from overwhelming negative media coverage about race relations in our country and across the world. This is the Earth is a book about peace, respect, and diversity inclusion: a message that must be heard and repeated often. She and her husband Anthony live in Louisville with their three children Kayla (an actress in New York), Anthony (a college student and athlete), and Nick (in elementary school). Connect with the author: website ~ make a way media ~ twitter ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ instagram ~ goodreads Here is the Tour Schedule. 
Giveaway Details:
Win signed copies of IN THE NICK OF TIME & THIS IS THE EARTH & a $25 Amazon Gift Card (1 winner) (USA only) (ends Dec 11) To Enter the Giveaway, Fill in the Rafflecopter Below. 
A graduate of Exeter University, Wendy spent 20 years as a teacher of French, Latin and Classical studies before a change of career led her to writing children's fiction. Currently residing in Abu Dhabi, she lives with her husband and beautiful Tonkinese cat.
Wendy's ""Shadows from the Past"" time-travel adventures, featuring 3 children and a rather special cat called Max, are aimed at the Middle Grade age group. This award-winning series also includes several shorter novellas that see Max the talking Tonkinese cat undertaking solo missions. Now working on the 18th book in the series, ""The Shadow of the Shifting Sands"", Wendy hopes that her love of history, myth and legend will rub off on her young readers as she takes them on a magical mystery tour through the past.
In his fifth solo mini-adventure, Max the talking Tonkinese cat, the feline hero of the SHADOWS FROM THE PAST series travels back in time to the mid-seventeenth century.
He doesn’t understand how this has happened until he recognises his surroundings and realises it isn't the first time he’s been to this place. Why has he been brought to this tumbledown cottage in the middle of nowhere? All is about to be revealed…
In 17th century Essex, at a time when most people believed in witchcraft, the name Matthew Hopkins was enough to strike fear into the heart of many a woman who lived alone with only a pet cat for company… for Hopkins was the Witchfinder General.
The 15th book in the Shadows from the Past series takes the time-travelling foursome back to the year 1646. It isn’t Max’s first visit to the village of Mistley Thorn, but this time his friends Jemima, Joe and Charlie are by his side.
Their mission is to bring an end to Hopkins’ campaign of terror. Will they succeed, or might this prove to be their most dangerous challenge yet? "
Q&A With the Author:
1. What is your favorite Autumn Time activity? Going for long walks in the countryside and seeing the autumnal colours of the trees, with their leaves turning all shades of yellow, gold and red – one of nature’s real wonders. I also love the smell of bonfire smoke – it takes me right back to my childhood. In the UK, we celebrate Guy Fawkes on November 5th with bonfires and fireworks. 2. What is one of your writing quirks? It’s not so much a writing quirk, but more of a post-writing quirk. When I’m reading through what I’ve written, usually at the end of a chapter and again when I’ve finished the book, I always read it aloud to see how it sounds. Also, I find that typos and errors jump out more readily that way. 3. Which of your books was your favorite to write? And why? Two of my “Max’s Adventures” spring to mind: Max’s Midnight Adventure, because it made me laugh as I was writing about my funny feline hero’s escapade in the attic one night and, more recently, Max’s Royal Adventure. My favourite uncle, who loved reading my books, had recently passed away. He was especially fond of Max, so I decided to write this book especially for him – it’s dedicated to him, but I’m sad that he never got the chance to read it. 4. Who is the person or group of people who most support you in your writing? What have they done for you? My husband is my biggest supporter but also my most ruthless critic! He does a great job of editing my work. In addition, I’m lucky to belong to a group of fellow authors who seem to enjoy my stories and who are hugely supportive, supplying vital encouragement and advice. 5. What is your trick for getting past writer's block? And what advice would you give to others who are struggling? Like many other authors, I struggled to write during the Covid-19 virus lockdown earlier this year. I desperately wanted to make a start on my latest book in the series, but just couldn’t make any headway and found it really tough-going. It was frustrating, to say the least, but I decided I couldn’t waste this valuable time and forced myself to sit down at my laptop every single day. To begin with, I only managed a few lines at a time, sometimes a paragraph, but I persevered and, eventually, the creative juices began to flow… and I’m pleased to say I got there in the end. The Kindle version is already available on Amazon and the paperback version will be published soon. The Shadow of the Great Fire is a perfect pandemic read, set during the last episode of Bubonic Plague to affect England in 1666. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Great-Fire-Shadows-Past-ebook/dp/B08F499JCP So, my advice would be to try to write a little each day, even if the ideas aren’t flowing naturally and it feels as if you’re wading through treacle. When you read it through the following day, you might want to delete some of what you’ve written, but I genuinely believe it kickstarts the creative processes! 6. Autumn time has its own set of foods/flavors. What is your favorite Autumn comfort food? I love pumpkin soup – it’s real comfort food. I’m also partial to roasted chestnuts, which remind me of my father who is sadly no longer with us.
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Book Details:
Book Title: My Hair Went on Vacation by Paula Quinn Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages Genre: Children's Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Books Release date: August, 2020 Format available for review: print, ebook (PDF) Will send print books out: USA Tour dates: Oct 12 to Oct 30, 2020 Content Rating: G. This children's book is for everyone. Book Description: This story is about Rosie, who lives in Chicago. Within three weeks she lost all of her hair and asked, "Where did it go?" Rosie loved to rock the bald, without even skipping a beat. She happily wore sunscreen -not even a hat!- in the summer heat. At bedtime, Rosie would tell her own stories with a smile on her face. She'd imagine her hair going on magical adventures all over the place. From a young age, Rosie loved herself and was not phased by her look, So her mother decided to share her spirit to teach others through this book. Come on this adventure with a confident bald girl, Who tells us Bald is beautiful! as she smiles with a twirl. We hope this book can inspire you to love others as they are, And to love yourself every day, whether your hair is near or far. Buy the Book Amazon.com ~ Coming Up Rosies B&N ~ Book Despository 
REVIEW By LAWonder10:
This is a beautifully illustrated book on childhood baldness. With delightful rhyming manner, it addresses a autoimmune disease and the hurtful things endured by those who have it. It is based on an actual event. At the end of the story, it has suggested activities and discussion points which will assist in the children to be empathetic and supportive toward those afflicted with this problem. It is also good for children who have had to endure cancer treatments. Chiara Civati's illustrations are truly beautiful! They are very colorful, clear an distinct. The book is made up of high quality paper and binding which makes this a very attractive gift for any child. I offer a Five Stars rating for this book. *This was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
Tell us about your daughter, Rosie – the inspiration behind the book. At two and a half, Rosie was diagnosed with Alopecia, an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicle which results in baldness. Within three weeks, Rosie lost all of her hair, and we were at a loss for words and worried how we were going to raise a bald little girl. Since there isn’t a cure or effective treatment, we doubled down on activities that bolstered her self-esteem and confidence. Our main goal as parents was for Rosie to embrace her baldness with a smile. With the initial diagnosis, we found ourselves hanging onto her positivity, and we really let her be in the driver’s seat on how to deal with her baldness. If she was ok with her baldness, then we were ok with it. Rosie is, and always has been, a very glass half-full type of child, and is very good at picking up people’s emotions. In fact, she saw me sad one day (although I thought I was hiding it pretty well), and walked up and said, “Mommy, it’s ok. My hair is on vacation.” I was a little floored that my three-year-old came up with an elaborate, yet insightful, explanation. We took on this mantra, and as a family, we went on adventures each night before bed. Today, Rosie is still a genuinely happy, outgoing, very talkative, and loving child. She makes parenting very easy and fun— and like most children, she has her not-so-happy moments. She is a constant inspiration to me, and hopefully to all children who may look a little different. 
Meet the Author:
Paula and Rosie Quinn are the founders of Coming Up Rosies, a nonprofit dedicated to fulfilling Rosie’s dream to make bald kids like her smile confidently. At two years old, Rosie was diagnosed with alopecia universalis, an incurable autoimmune disease that results in baldness. From a young age, Rosie taught her parents how to embrace her difference by coming up with magical adventures of her hair each night before bed. Despite Rosie’s confidence, awkward questions and comments about her baldness started to bother Rosie. One day, her parents surprised her with a head scarf made from one of her paintings. Rosie immediately felt confident again, and wanted to share this feeling of pride with all bald children. Rosie lives in Chicago with her sister Caroline, her parents Paula and Larry, and their bernedoodle, Enzo. As a family, they love to go to Cubs games, have dance parties, and cook Italian dinners at home. Connect with the Author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads 
Giveaway Details:
$20 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the author of MY HAIR WENT ON VACATION (AMAZON.COM customers) (1 winner) (ends Nov 6) Enter the Giveaway b using the Rafflecopter below!
  About the AudiobookAuthor: J. Edwards Holt Narrator: Dean Ruple Length: 5 hours 11 minutes Publisher: J. Edwards Holt Genre: Fantasy Release date: July 02, 2020 Synopsis: Whether you’re looking for mystery, adventure, light-hearted laughs, or even something on the scarier side, The Storyteller’s Diary has it all! Set in the fantasy world of J. Edwards Holt’s Little Men, Big Treasures trilogy, this collection of short stories includes over a dozen tales, featuring all kinds of fantastic mythical creatures like dragons, wizards, elves, and much, much more! Buy Links Buy on Amazon⎮Audible  REVIEW by LAWonder10: The Storyteller's Diary is a list of 17 fun, new fairytales for older elementary-age and older individuals to enjoy! It is a mix of human, elven, dragon and other creature characters. Each tale has a great message with it which ca easily be made into a discussion point. This would be great for Book Clubs as well as individual contemplation. All the short stories were really interesting. However, some endings were incomplete - which I am sure was intentional but I am not a fan of creating my own endings - and I would have liked the feeling of completeness. The Narrator, Dean Ruple, did an outstanding job in narrating. His voice was deep and pleasant to listen to, and his voice did all the fluctuations to give extra meaning and emphasis to the story. There was some mild violence which might cause very young children to feel fearful. I offer a Four and a Half Stars Rating *This audio was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
Favorite books in this genre (besides your own work) 1. The Hobbitt 2. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 3. The Phantom Tollbooth 4.Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince 5. The Lord of the Rings 6. Alice in Wonderland 7. Eragon 8. A Wrinkle in Time 9. Miss Peregrin’s Home for Peculiar Children 10. The House with a Clock in its Walls   About the Author: J. Edwards HoltBorn in North Carolina, United States, J. Edwards Holt always knew that he wanted to be a writer. After graduating high school, he attended college and pursued a degree in education, but later decided to change course and follow his dream to become a novelist and children's author. Now a full-time writer, editor, and blogger, Holt spends his free time dreaming up stories and reading. He is passionate about spreading Christian messages through his writing, watching science fiction and super hero movies, and collecting comic books. Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram  About the Narrator: Dean RupleI've loved to read for as long as I can remember, but I have been in love with the audiobook form since I was 13 years old - I was grounded for the week, but found an old Walkman cassette player and passed the time with some great books. While I have been narrating professionally for less than a year, I already have a number of titles of various genres under my belt. In addition to my work on ACX, I also have experience doing sports announcing for local teams. As a teacher of English for 8 years, I read to and with my students almost every day from a variety of genres. I submitted my first audiobook, Reecah's Flight by Richard H. Stephens, in February of 2020, the culmination of years of dreams and work, and have been going strong since! TOUR PRESENTED BY AUDIOBOOKWORM PROMOTIONS.COM
This is a delightful juvenile fiction story that readers of all ages will enjoy!
Genre: Juvenile Fiction ◊ Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press (Sept. 7, 2020) ◊ Print & eBooks ◊ Paperback: 96 pages ◊ ISBN-10: 1939844703 ◊ ISBN-13: 978-1939844705
SYNOPSIS: An ancient Mayan civilization! That's what Bubba and Squirt find when they travel through the mysterious vortex for another wild adventure. There they meet archeologists who are unearthing priceless artifacts. But someone is stealing them. And an encounter with the Tate Duende awakens magic within Bubba. Throw in the mysterious Alux and a new discovery and things get sticky. Will Bubba and Squirt solve the mystery, or will they be stuck forever in the jungles of Belize? Bubba and Squirt available at AMAZON US * APPLE BOOKS * DANCING LEMUR PRESS * BARNES & NOBLE * BAM * KOBO 
Book REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Once again, Bubba is off to uncover his special magic hole in the ground to go on another unknown adventure! Of course his sister cannot let her younger brother go alone. She must trust him. This time the two end up in a very dark, silent tunnel. Thank goodness they brought their flashlights. Just about the time they were unsure where they should go, a sound of small feet pattering led the way. They were astonished where they landed this time! This is such an incredible, fun fantasy which entertains and educates at the same time. It is written in a simple way so it is easily understood. The Characters and the scenes are portrayed very well and allows the reader to feel connected to the tale. The Book cover and the Title are both well chosen. It is perfect as a "chapter book" for early readers. Ths is a fun story the family can enjoy together. I offer a Five Stars rating. * This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
Top Ten Tips to Become a Better Writer
Writing takes practice. To get in the habit of doing it, follow tips one and two: 1. Find your writing space. Have a comfortable space without distractions that’s conducive to writing. 2. Create a writing ritual. Set aside a specific time each day or week that is used only for writing. Learn from others. Tips 3 through 6 can help. 3. Read works by great writers. Look for books by award-winning authors – preferably those who have won prestigious literary awards. A lot can be learned about character development and plot by doing this. 4. Read books on the craft of writing. Elements of Style, Storyworks Guide to Writing Character, and Save the Cat Writes a Novel are some good ones to check out. 5. Take a writing course. Writers’ conferences are a good source for these, but there are many free online ones if budget and time are issues. 6. Get workshop feedback. Critique groups, of course help. It’s even better to get professional opinions at writers’ workshops. Here are some technique tips: 7. Describe and be clear. The clearer the writing, the easier it is for the reader to become a sensory participant in the story. 8. Leave adverbs out. A few are okay, but for the most part, they’re not needed. 9. Learn to be conversational. Make sure dialog sounds as it would in conversation. 10. Revise. The all-important step for ensuring that a manuscript is the best it can be. 
Meet the Author
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. Ellis and her family live in Atlanta, Georgia. Author's Linls: Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Blog * Website * Amazon Author Page
JOIN ALONG FOR THE FUN. YOU CAN READ POSTS THAT WILL CONSIST OF Q&AS, GUEST POSTS, REVIEWS, FEATURES, AND/OR EXCERPTS. IMonday, Sept. 14 – Write With Fey – Guest Post Alex J. Cavanaugh – Guest Post Tuesday, Sept. 15 – Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews – Interview Wednesday, Sept. 16 – The Story of a Writer – Review Thursday, Sept. 17 – Book Reviews by Pat Garcia – Review Friday, Sept. 18 – Booked Solid with Virginia C – Feature Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review & Top Ten List Monday, Sept. 21 – Just Jemi – Review & Interview Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Baroness’ Book Trove – Review Wednesday, Sept. 23 – Thursday, Sept. 24 – Anna del C. Dye Official Page – Excerpt Friday, Sept. 25 – Saturday, Sept. 26 – Storeybook Reviews – Excerpt Monday, Sept. 28 – Elizabeth Spann Craig’s Blog – Guest Post Joylene Nowell Butler – Excerpt Journaling Woman – Feature Tuesday, Sept. 29 – Wednesday, Sept. 30 – Nesie’s Place – Excerpt Thursday, Oct. 1 – Friday, Oct. 2 – Thoughts in Progress – Review Monday, Oct. 5 – The Sexy Nerd “Revue” – Excerpt Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Willow Writes and Reads – Review Thursday, Oct. 8 – Friday, Oct. 9 – Celticlady’s Reviews – Excerpt Monday, Oct. 12 – Literary Rambles – Interview Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Wednesday, Oct. 14 – Writer’s Gambit – Feature & Top 10 List 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
The author is sponsoring a tour-wide giveaway. She is giving away ten (10) autographed print copies of the book open to all. Be sure to enter below on the Rafflecopter widget. The giveaway ends at midnight on Oct. 17th. 
Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole by Auralee Arkinsly Book Tour & Giveaway! {Ends 9/2/20}8/26/2020 
Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole By Auralee Arkinsly
Children's Chapter Book | Paperback & ebook, 44 Pages August 8, 2019 by Capture Books BOOK BLURB: Darling Hedgehog goes on an adventure to look for her parents who dropped out of sight. Darling Hedgehog learns about the animal nature of things in high humor and carefree, cute, and winning episodes. Learn about opposites, homophones, and similes as two animals in nature roll into fantasy land. For children 4-8 or preschool and kindergarten, as a read-to-me picture book, and first grade and second grade as a chapter book. Darling and Miss Fox come to life as Darling introduces herself to the strange animal who is Miss Fox. Miss Fox gives her gifts so that Darling is distracted from her mission. The two animals look for things to do together in fantastical attempts to be friendly. When Darling enters Miss Fox's kitchen, she realizes that by nature, not all strangers are good for you. Will Darling save the day when it's already dinner time? Pictures similar to Charlotte's Web and the Mercy Watson series are characterized and painted in full-color, though the pages are set up like a chapter book. This book helps to train children in natural wisdom, analysis, and discernment. It helps to balance the teachings of acceptance of everyone and friendliness to all. There may be good purposes for everyone to exist under heaven, yet all purposes may not be good for a child. So, beware, and flee from crafty foxes especially when they are holding your parents in the pantry. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depositor
Auralee Arkinsly writes in good humor about serious subjects because kids of all ages can learn a lot from laughing. Since opposites exist, she believes children can learn to identify the nature of things and get out of a risky situation. "Good Laughter sparks the mind." She reckons if she can save some from the bumps and bruises, then she has done a good day's work.
Goodreads | Amazon
GIVEAWAY!
$25. Amazon Gift Card GIVEAWAY! One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card! Open internationally to those who can receive the gift card through one of Amazon's branches Ends September 2, 2020 TO ENTER, Fill out the Rafflecopter Below!
TOUR SCHEDULE:
August 24th: Launch Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt Captive Dreams Window - Review August 25th: Locks, Hooks and Books - Review Christy's Cozy Corners - Review Bizwings Blog - Review August 26th: Wishful Endings - Excerpt Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama - Review Rockin' Book Reviews - Excerpt & Review August 27th: Splashes of Joy - Review Karma Readz Kidz Bookz - Review August 28th: Remembrancy - Excerpt Andi's Kids Books - Review Teatime and Books - Excerpt August 29th: Grand Finale 
 - Book Synopsis: In honor of the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, Andrew Knaupp and Sal Velluto, have created a graphic novel adaption of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. “Pillar of Light” teaches youth through a talented blend of imagery and words. Their goal is to inspire young readers to build their testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and provide insights for receiving their own personal revelation. Details from all four wondrous accounts written by Joseph Smith as well as from those who heard him tell his firsthand experience are captivatingly blended together. - Link to Purchase: Amazon - Link to View on Their Website The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Honor of the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, REVIEW by LAWonder10: This account of Joseph Smith's First Vision is portrayed in a unique manner. Written as a graphic magazine form, the illustrations have simple captions signifying key people and key events. The illustrations of the tale builds until the main events are in full-page splendor. Although written in a style elementary age youth will enjoy and find easy to read, it can be equally entertaining to older youth and adults. Thee illustrations are bright and colorful. The Book begins with an introduction and a Forward, then ends with an illustrated explanation, plus, Lucy Mach Smith's near death experience. My only negative thoughts are: The beginning following the introduction was briefly confusing. I soon realized it wasn't the beginning of the story, yet. I felt it needed to begin more precisely. I felt the rest was done very well. I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating. This book was gifted me with no suggestion of a posuitive review. This is my honest review
 Presented by Covenant Communications Publishing
JUST in TIME for FATHER'S DAY!  ScheDADule (Best Dad & Daughter Week): Gift for Dad from Daughter. Poetry Kindle Edition by Alex May (Author), Nina Gvozdeva (Illustrator)
REVIEW by LAWonder10: This is a comical story of a mother leaving her daughter in the care of the Dad for a week. What first sounded like a boring day, soon became rollicking fun! In this book of the antics of a father babysitting, "holds true" for many. Hopefully, the "more refined" fathers won't feel offended. It is usually true, however, that mothers and fathers have very different concepts of "childcare". There were a few phrases which felt incomplete, but most of the rhyming tale was done very well. The illustrations by Nina Gvozdeva, were equally comical, colorful, and well-done. I offer a Four Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.  About Alex MayAlex May was born in 1983.
When she was a little girl, she spent much time in her mother's bookstore. Even then, she fell in love with the fabulous world of books. When her daughter was born in 2012, she began to introduce her to this beautiful world. And in the evenings, they invented magical stories together. Over time, Alex began to write them. And beautiful books were born. All the stories she creates are inspired by events from the life of her child. Her books for children are full of meaning and humor. Her beautiful illustrations and magical stories not only stimulate the imaginations of young children but also inspire and educate them. "In communication with my daughter, I adhere to the principle of 'don't learn, but play'. When a doll teaches a teddy bear the alphabet, the child learns much faster," Alex laughs. Alex May is dedicated to helping parents teach their children high values and life lessons in an easy to understand manner. Guinevere, the Legend by Cheryl Carpinello Book Tour, Top Ten & $25. G.C. Giveaway! {Ends 5/3/20}4/28/2020   Their friendship put him in harm's way. Will it be enough to save him? Across the dark water to the land of ancient Gaul, renegades take Cedwyn and the littl'uns farther from home and rescue. Led by her heart rather than her head and without any thought for her safety, fifteen-year-old Guinevere sets out alone to save Cedwyn. And if she fails…? Eleven-year-old Cedwyn's trust in Guinevere is absolute. But will his sacrifice to save her and protect the littl'uns end with the loss of his own life? Buy Link: AMAZON OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
A bit about me: Serious: * Retired HS English teacher * Write Tales & Legends * Love the Ancient & Medieval Worlds * Sharing the Ancient & Medievals with kids * For Adults: Read my books? I don’t tell if you don’t Fun: * Love margaritas and smothered burritos * Las Vegas: one of my favorite cities * A night owl * Lover of music—I’m a binge listener! * Most recent concert: Mumford & Sons and Elton John * Will travel to almost anywhere, anytime * Top trips: Egypt, England/Wales, & Iceland * Top 5 concerts: Elton John, Mumford & Sons, Sting, Paul McCartney, & Celine Dion   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: I’m a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Tales and Legends for Reluctant Readers set in these worlds—Ancient Egypt, Medieval Wales, and coming soon, a hair-raising adventure through ancient worlds in search of 5 rare Phoenix Feathers. All of my books come with Free study guides and/or extensive Back-of-the-Book materials. My husband and I love to travel. In 2008, we spent three weeks in Egypt traveling by local train from one end of the country to the other; in 2014, we spent three weeks in the UK driving over 1700 miles through England, Wales, and Scotland; and in 2016, we spent a week in Iceland. We’ve also traveled to Mexico, Jamaica, and Aruba. Our next big adventure will be to Greece and Italy. When I’m not writing or traveling, our 4 grandkids keep us busy. ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~     Book Details: Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday by Alysson Foti Bourque Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre: Children's Picture Book | Release date: March 17, 2020 Publisher: Mascot Books | Tour dates: March 17 to April 6, 2020 Book Description: A “Mom’s Choice Award Winner”! Alycat’s brother, Bugsy, is playing in a golf tournament with some of his friends, and wants to use his lucky ball to win the game. But when Alycat forgets his lucky ball at home, Bugsy learns what luck is really all about. Can Bugsy win the tournament without his lucky ball? Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday is part of the Alycat Series: alycatseries.com. Buy the Book: Pre-Order Your Copy Today! Scheduled release date is March 17, 2020! | Amazon.com REVIEW by LAWonder10: This was a very good tale teaching children to rely on diligently practicing and to value his/her own self over objects or superstitions. The illustration by Chiara Civati was colorful, precise, and large, to aid in capturing the child's attention. At the end of the book is a list of words and terms related to the game of Golf. It will aid in teaching the game of golf to young students and in expanding vocabulary and understanding. I offer a Four Stars rating. This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
Can you tell us the inspiration and accolades surrounding the new book, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, and the upcoming Book Launch Party event? The newest book of the Alycat series, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, will release on March 17, 2020. This book is the fourth installment of the Alycat series and has already won a Mom’s Choice Award and Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review. In Tournament Tuesday, Alycat is in charge of bringing Bugsy’s lucky ball to his golf tournament, but mistakenly picks up the wrong ball. She chooses to show Bugsy that he doesn’t luck after all and creates a “new” lucky ball. Bugsy learns that he doesn’t need luck after all. He just needs to rely on his past training and practice to achieve his goals. This story is inspired by my son, Carter, who has played in the US Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, NC at ages 6, 7, and 8. His drive, dedication, and determination to make his dreams come true inspired me to write a story about it to inspire little readers work hard and reach their goals. To celebrate the release, The Book Launch Party for Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday will take place on March 22nd at The Little Gym of Lafayette from 1:00-3:00 p.m. This event is free to public and everyone is invited. The community and other local businesses gather with activities, crafts, food, and drinks to celebrate the release and literature! The wonderful businesses that will be taking part in this fun event include The Frosted Apron, Lafayette Mom, Spavia, MC Photography, SmallCakes Carencro, Canes Chicken Fingers, The Music Box, Macaroni Kid, Animal Aid for Vermilion Area, and Donut Mix. There will also be door prizes, free play in The Little Gym, face painting, and much more! Even cat adoptions!   Meet the Author: Alysson Foti Bourque is the author of the award-winning Alycat series. Alysson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center. After practicing law for six years, she traded in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books. Alysson enjoys public speaking opportunities at schools, conferences, and festivals nationwide. She hopes to inspire people of all ages to follow their dreams and believe in themselves wholeheartedly. AWARDS & HONORS The Alycat Series has won several prestigious awards including: Three Mom’s Choice Awards® Benjamin Franklin Digital Award, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Best Book Award Finalist NY Big Book Award Reviewed by Midwest Book Review Southern Festival of Books Panelist Louisiana Book Festival Featured Author Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~Pinterest  Here is the tour schedule.  Giveaway Details: Prizes: Win 1 of 2 autographed copies Alysson Foti Bourque's ALYCAT AND THE TOURNAMENT TUESDAY (USA only) (2 winners) (ends Apr 13) To Enter this Giveaway, by Clicking on HERE!   Merry Mazes for the Holidays: Level 2 (Clever Mazes)by Clever Publishing (Author), Inna Anikeeva (Illustrator)
REVIEW by LAWonder10: These Mazes will challenge the minds of children ages 5 to 9 and older! Some are fairly simple to follow for younger ages, yet some others, of the over 35 mazes, may challenge some adults! From "Santa" to the Rescue, traveler going through city avoiding obstacles, to "Pretty Patterns" on the ice, there are plenty of activities to keep a young mind occupied. At the end of the book are the diagrams of what the mazes, and other activities, should look like. Illustrator, Inna Anikeeva, has lavishly created a colorful, and entertaining pictures, obstacles and pathways. However, to me, it is slightly too "busy". I offer a Four Stars rating for this book. Although this book was sent by the publisher, no request for a positive review was made. This is my honest review.  Be Sure to Enter the Blog Hop featuring Merry Mazes for the Holidays GIVEAWAY!
About Clever Publishing Introducing Clever Publishing!
Clever Publishing is dedicated to creating a wonderful world of experiences for children and their families. The bright, colorful pages of our interactive formats introduce children to early learning skills in the most playful and entertaining ways. Learning has never been so enjoyable! OUR MISSION: To create a wonderful world of books and ideas for children and their parents! Fans of classics like Black Beauty, Thomasina, and Beautiful Joe, which feature redemptive bonds between animals and people, will find The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special offers a touching tale of love and triumph.  Book Details: The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special by Sunny Weber Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 246 pages Genre: animals/pets | Content Rating: G Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press | Release date: Oct 6, 2017 Tour dates: Nov 11 to Dec 2, 2019 BOOK DESCRIPTION: Can a dog like Max go from years without a bath to unconditional love and acceptance? Or will his new family abandon him again? Puppy Max doesn’t have the easiest start in life. He faces hunger, living alone outside, a vicious dog next door, and menacing raccoons. Just when he thinks it can’t get any worse, he is abandoned at an animal shelter. Max is rescued and fostered in a home complete with canine companions - Miles, a benevolent fellow Australian Shepherd, and cantankerous, bossy little Muffin. He also lives with three cats, two parakeets, and one incredible mistress. Buy the Book: Amazon.com | ~ Add to Goodreads REVIEW BY LAWonder10: Max lived in a comfortable home with his Mother. His siblings had all been taken aay somewhere. Now the was humans taking him away, too! The man didn't look or act nice toward him. The little boy and girl seemed nice enough. However, when he arrived at the house, they put him in a closed yard with an old blanket and that was all! Many events happen in the first two years of his sad, lonely life, culminating with him bing taken to the animal shelter. Was he going to die? After being very anxious and unable to eat or sleep, Max was saved!! This is a bittersweet tale of one dogs life which is a partially, all too familiar, a tale of what happens to do many animals. It, also, is a story one can relate to human experiences as well, making good discussion topics. As with her other awesome books in the series, Sunny Weber has effectively captured her reader's undivided interest. This is a series which I highly recommend to all elementary, middle grade and teenaged students. I suggest to parents/educators to make this a part of family/group reading. The characters are depicted in a very humanizing way and feel real.. The scenes are described in a way they are easily visualized. The Book Cover Image and title are eye-catching and will appeal to "the browser". I offer a Five Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
The Dog at the Gate will help teach children to be kind to animals and learn that they have feelings.” - Temple Grandin, PhD - CO State University, Professor of Animal Science --Author of Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, and Autism “This touching narrative, with its colorful characters and humane messaging. . .conveys a resonant message of empathy for mistreated and abandoned animals.” - Kirkus Reviews “Weber’s writing is clear and poignant, and includes an engaging plot and compelling narrative.” - Blue Ink Review “Author Sunny Weber writes with a clean, uncomplicated style. Every chapter has a charming illustration. . . an addictive and emotional adventure. . . I highly recommend it. . .” - Caitlin Lyle Farley, Five Star Review for Readers' Favorite / Barnes & Noble Bookstores
 Meet the Author: Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about. Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet. Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs. Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In
  Book Details: Hurricane Dog: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption & Change by Sunny Weber Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 221 pages Genre: animals/pets : Content Rating: G Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press | Release date: Aug 8, 2019 Tour dates: Nov 11 to Dec 2, 2019 Book Description: Pit bull mix Gator and puppy mill survivor Magnolia are abandoned during a Louisiana hurricane. They suffer dehydration and starvation after rescuers take their people to safety but leave the pets behind. Saved from their flooded house, Gator and Magnolia recover but remain homeless. Nobody wants a pit bull. Gator’s resentment festers into intense hatred for Gavin, the boy who left them to die. He vows to never trust again. Transported to Colorado with other refugee pets, Gator and Magnolia face the uncertainty of a new life. Eventually they are fostered by a kind woman who seems mysteriously familiar. Both dogs relax in their new lives until upheaval again throws them into chaos. Overwhelmed by trauma, Gator and Magnolia cling to one another through change after change. Will they be separated? Will Gator forgive the Great Betrayal and love again? What will happen to pets and their people in the next natural disaster? Can Gavin change the rules of rescue? Will Gavin and Gator reunite? Buy the Book: Amazon.com | ~ Add to Goodreads Review by LAWonder10: This is another delightful tale by Sunny Weber of a Pit Bill adopted by a family for a young teenage son, who named him Gator. It is also a tale of another small dog, later named Magnolia, who was rescued from abuse. The family adopted her and the two very different dogs became best friends and developed a tight bond.. When a severe hurricane hit Louisiana, the family had to be rescued but were forced to leave their dogs. The dogs became starved and dehydrated and barely living. They felt betrayed. Magnolia was listless and Gator was too weak to help...But what could he do anyway? The author very cleverly creates the story from the dogs point of view. It is very touching, yet inspirational. The readers will find this story to be captivating, intriguing and emotional. The adventures never cease. There are interesting "twists:". The characters are very realistically portrayed and the scenes easily visualized. The Book Cover and Title are very eye-catching and depicts the story well. I highly recommend this book and series for all children and adults, too. It is a great family and book club reading series. I offer a Five Stars rating for this book. * This book was gifted me. I received no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review.
 **For some reason, although it showed on my computer, browsers outside of my computer couldn't pull up he Guest Post From my Posting of the 1st From Wild to Mild Book. For those who missed it, here it is… Dog in Two Worlds Blog Post #1: ~ Why I Wrote From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds Children are buffeted in overwhelming directions during their formative years. There are so many options and expectations from society that many children founder in trying to discern how grow up to be the best they can be. Coming-of-age books address emotional and social challenges that all children face, often beginning at the so-called “middle-grade” years (8-14). Despite supportive adults, most children learn to bury their insecurities under the inability to articulate discomfort. Children with unsupportive or absent adult leadership are even more hindered. My goal with all my books’ characters is to provide fictional animal friends who experience what children do, such as bullying, ridicule, rejection, insecurity, and the universal seeking of where to belong. Finding your true self is difficult work, even as an adult. Beginning on the journey of self-discovery as an emotionally developing young person can be daunting and confusing. I wrote this book to address the main theme of the importance of searching for your true self, regardless of setbacks and roadblocks from situations and other people. Everyone has inborn talents and interests and one will be happier if those traits are discovered and adhered to. Being true to yourself is crucial to the development of higher character attributes. In DTW, protagonist Kaya, a dog who is raised by coyotes, struggles to figure out how to force herself to become a wild canid. But try as she might, she cannot take a life (she’s an Australian Shepherd—a herder whose instinct to kill has been bred out of her breed), and she can’t stay awake for night hunts (she’s a dog, after all). Kaya finds other ways to contribute and finds the value of mother love and sibling companionship. Her father, however, is an unscrupulous, bullying, meanie who constantly berates her. He nicknames her, “Worthless,” and is incapable of seeing beyond what he sees as her failures. Early on, Kaya recognizes that her father has no morals or integrity. Even if she can’t identify his faults cognitively, she emotionally senses he is not worthy of respect. For a while, she is conflicted—she knows she should revere him as her father, but his lack of admirable characteristics negates any attachment to him or his ways. Children who live with similar emotional and physical abuse by parents struggle as Kaya does to reconcile society’s push to honor thy father and mother, with the contradictory push to idolize positive role models in the adults around them. Such children either mimic the cruelty they see and experience—often turning to violent “acting out,” such as animal abuse; or collapse into “learned helplessness” and timidly accept bad treatment; or purposefully seek out alternative guidance and lifestyles opposite of the ones they have been imprisoned in. Animal abuse usually begins in frustrated, non-verbal, unsupported children in the middle-grade years, when children first discover their own power over those “below” them in the family food chain, which are often pets. Multiple studies have shown that without intervention, animal abuse always escalates into violence against people when these troubled children become adolescents and adults. By utilizing “first paw” (person) telling, I strive to help young readers see the world through the protagonist dog’s eyes, mind, and heart—thereby tapping into inborn empathy, before the world teaches that child to bury his or her kindness. Having the dogs go through conflicts young human readers may experience first-hand, I hope that my audience can see there are other ways to deal with frustration, trauma, and betrayal. Like Max and Gator, the stars of my other children’s books (see www.sunnyweber.com), Kaya battles her own innate demons. Yet she wants to emulate her courageous and kind coyote mother, and reject her cruel, closed-minded father. I wanted to show children that just because you are born into certain circumstances, you do have choices in whom and what you ultimately become. Ultimately, Kaya must leave the family she can’t truly belong to and find her own way—utilizing her inborn talents and to learn skills that fit her nature. Just as children grow up and must leave home to strike out on their own, Kaya faces her future—sometimes with courage, sometimes with fear. But she knows there is no home to return to, until she finally finds she is at home within herself. Theme: Work to find your true self; then be true to yourself. (The Development of Integrity) Messages: 1) There are two sides to every story: learning to think analytically is important. Learn to think through what is right or wrong and then stick to what you think is right. 2) Everyone has a “true nature,” although discovering inborn talents and personal interests can be difficult as one grows up, the search for “true self” is worth the struggle. 3) One must have courage to remain true to oneself, despite push-back from authorities, parents, peers, etc. You must beware of leadership/governance/parenting based solely on bullying, propaganda, and overpowering dominance and the other’s desire for control of you. 4) Disabilities can turn into abilities. Do not underestimate yourself or others. 5) That people should EARN your respect, not just expect it, because they are parents, social leaders, work superiors, etc.   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about. Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet. Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs. Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In
  Book Details: Book Title: From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds by Sunny Weber Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 196 pages Genre: animals/pets | Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press Release date: August 23, 2019 | Tour dates: Nov 11 to Dec 2, 2019 Content Rating: G Book Description: Eight-week-old Australian Shepherd Kaya is kidnapped by a nasty coyote to be food for his mate and puppies. Instead, the loving mother raises Kaya with her own pups. But as hard as she tries, Kaya can’t completely fit in—she can’t kill prey or stay awake for night hunts. Why can’t she make herself a true coyote? Constantly criticized by her coyote father, Kaya finds support in her new mother and siblings. She also figures out how to contribute through teamwork with her brother and sister. Trapped by a dog rescue, Kaya re-enters the human world and learns the differences between how dogs and coyotes live. When freed to roam again, does she return to her forest freedom—or remain with her farm family? Can Kaya forever straddle between the Wild and the Mild? Buy the Book: Amazon.com ~ Add to Goodreads REVIEW by LAWonder10: From Wild to Mild is sure to become a highly sought after series! This is a story from an Australian Shepherd's view. Kaya was confused and scared. It was getting dark, she was in an enclosed yard, and some strange people had taken her away from the warmth and home of her mother. She see two eyes in the shrub. Can it be her mother? She slowly moves closer to see and an animal quickly grabs her by her neck and runs a long way. Kaya soon discovers, he want to eat her! Kaya discovers this is a coyote, but the mother, with her own two pups, refused to eat her. So Kaya crawled in the middle of the two pups to get warm. Thus, she must learn to survive in a new world, or die. This is an outstanding series, of acceptance, rejection, love, hate, adjustments, discovering own's self worth and place in life. I am excited to read the next in the series! Easy analogies can be made between the human and animal species. This book will surely inspire discussion Elementary aged children, young adults and adults alike, will find this series very entertaining. This is an ideal series for "Family-Time" reading, Summer Reading Programs, or just for personal enjoyment. The Cover of the Book is beautifully created and the Title is very "Fitting". This is sure to "catch the eye" of the "Browser". I offer a Five Stars rating for this book. *This book was a gift, with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
"Sunny Weber takes readers on a remarkable journey between two worlds as we follow the puppy, Kaya, struggle to live and grow with a family of coyotes, and then experience returning to her role as a dog living with people. In addition to exciting adventures, challenges, and drama experienced by Kaya, we also learn about the differences between the animals, and their very different relationships to people. As a biologist that works with coyotes and dogs, I appreciate the creative way Sunny distinguishes the two animals in such an engaging story. Highly recommended for young readers interested in dogs, coyotes, and the world through their eyes." Stanley D. Gehrt Professor of Wildlife Ecology Extension Wildlife Specialist School of Environment and Natural Resources Ohio State University "What a beautiful, heartwarming book! Sunny incorporates the stories of abused and neglected farmed animals to bring attention to their plight. Sunny does a wonderful job of telling the story of Kaya, a caring and compassionate dog who is forced to confront her values and make difficult decisions to follow her heart or to fit in. Kaya teaches us to have empathy for all animals, regardless of their species." Chrissy Dinardo Development Director Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary Erie, CO
Dog in Two Worlds Blog Post #1: ~ Why I Wrote From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds Children are buffeted in overwhelming directions during their formative years. There are so many options and expectations from society that many children founder in trying to discern how grow up to be the best they can be. Coming-of-age books address emotional and social challenges that all children face, often beginning at the so-called “middle-grade” years (8-14). Despite supportive adults, most children learn to bury their insecurities under the inability to articulate discomfort. Children with unsupportive or absent adult leadership are even more hindered. My goal with all my books’ characters is to provide fictional animal friends who experience what children do, such as bullying, ridicule, rejection, insecurity, and the universal seeking of where to belong. Finding your true self is difficult work, even as an adult. Beginning on the journey of self-discovery as an emotionally developing young person can be daunting and confusing. I wrote this book to address the main theme of the importance of searching for your true self, regardless of setbacks and roadblocks from situations and other people. Everyone has inborn talents and interests and one will be happier if those traits are discovered and adhered to. Being true to yourself is crucial to the development of higher character attributes. In DTW, protagonist Kaya, a dog who is raised by coyotes, struggles to figure out how to force herself to become a wild canid. But try as she might, she cannot take a life (she’s an Australian Shepherd—a herder whose instinct to kill has been bred out of her breed), and she can’t stay awake for night hunts (she’s a dog, after all). Kaya finds other ways to contribute and finds the value of mother love and sibling companionship. Her father, however, is an unscrupulous, bullying, meanie who constantly berates her. He nicknames her, “Worthless,” and is incapable of seeing beyond what he sees as her failures. Early on, Kaya recognizes that her father has no morals or integrity. Even if she can’t identify his faults cognitively, she emotionally senses he is not worthy of respect. For a while, she is conflicted—she knows she should revere him as her father, but his lack of admirable characteristics negates any attachment to him or his ways. Children who live with similar emotional and physical abuse by parents struggle as Kaya does to reconcile society’s push to honor thy father and mother, with the contradictory push to idolize positive role models in the adults around them. Such children either mimic the cruelty they see and experience—often turning to violent “acting out,” such as animal abuse; or collapse into “learned helplessness” and timidly accept bad treatment; or purposefully seek out alternative guidance and lifestyles opposite of the ones they have been imprisoned in. Animal abuse usually begins in frustrated, non-verbal, unsupported children in the middle-grade years, when children first discover their own power over those “below” them in the family food chain, which are often pets. Multiple studies have shown that without intervention, animal abuse always escalates into violence against people when these troubled children become adolescents and adults. By utilizing “first paw” (person) telling, I strive to help young readers see the world through the protagonist dog’s eyes, mind, and heart—thereby tapping into inborn empathy, before the world teaches that child to bury his or her kindness. Having the dogs go through conflicts young human readers may experience first-hand, I hope that my audience can see there are other ways to deal with frustration, trauma, and betrayal. Like Max and Gator, the stars of my other children’s books (see www.sunnyweber.com), Kaya battles her own innate demons. Yet she wants to emulate her courageous and kind coyote mother, and reject her cruel, closed-minded father. I wanted to show children that just because you are born into certain circumstances, you do have choices in whom and what you ultimately become. Ultimately, Kaya must leave the family she can’t truly belong to and find her own way—utilizing her inborn talents and to learn skills that fit her nature. Just as children grow up and must leave home to strike out on their own, Kaya faces her future—sometimes with courage, sometimes with fear. But she knows there is no home to return to, until she finally finds she is at home within herself. Theme: Work to find your true self; then be true to yourself. (The Development of Integrity) Messages: 1) There are two sides to every story: learning to think analytically is important. Learn to think through what is right or wrong and then stick to what you think is right. 2) Everyone has a “true nature,” although discovering inborn talents and personal interests can be difficult as one grows up, the search for “true self” is worth the struggle. 3) One must have courage to remain true to oneself, despite push-back from authorities, parents, peers, etc. You must beware of leadership/governance/parenting based solely on bullying, propaganda, and overpowering dominance and the other’s desire for control of you. 4) Disabilities can turn into abilities. Do not underestimate yourself or others. 5) That people should EARN your respect, not just expect it, because they are parents, social leaders, work superiors, etc.  Meet the Author: Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about. Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet. Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs. Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in. Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In
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