Tag Archives: be kind

The Unique Little Bear by Debi K Fraser (Book Review)

Seeing the joy in being completely unique.

“Why is their growl so loud, and scary and strong?

But mine is so quiet – is my growl wrong?”

 

Little Bear is beginning to notice that he is different from the other bears, and he has decided to ask mummy bear why.

Using engaging rhyme and endearing illustrations, The Unique Little Bear takes the reader on a gentle discovery and celebration of the uniqueness of every individual, and encourages us all to do the same.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the meaning of unique is “being the only one of its kind; very special or unusual.” Merriam-Webster lists unique as “being without a like or equal.” Whether it’s your fashion choices, personality, hairstyle, special skill, body shape, birthmark, or so on, we all possess something that makes us stand out from everyone else. Makes us … unique.

Little bear noticed he didn’t look exactly like the other bears. His fur was golden-red instead of brown. His growl didn’t reach the same depths and volume as other bears. Even his paws weren’t as mighty as theirs. Being “different” bothered the small animal, much like it does for many of us. We want to fit in, sometimes meaning we try to act or look like others. 

Every day, humans are mocked, teased, shunned, or made feel less than because of something deemed strange. That causes negative feelings about ourselves, squashes our self-esteem, and can cause people to isolate themselves from gatherings or friendships. This adorable children’s book helps children understand that we all have characteristics or skills that set us apart from one another. We should never be embarrassed, sad, or ashamed about what’s different about ourselves but, instead, love and embrace what makes us special. 

Mummy bear said it best when she tried to comfort her son with the fact we are all different from our eyes to our ears, from our fur to our feet. Substitute hair for feet, and that applies to humans. 

I loved everything about this book. The illustrations were spectacular. I was thrilled to see the animals were shaded in unorthodox colors, making each one unique and staying on target with the general theme of the story. And promoting positive body image and self-love is always a plus in my book! 

Share The Unique Little Bear with your children and teach them to love themselves from head to toe, inside and out. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

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Meet the Author

My love of stories and the characters that inhabit them has been with me forever. As a child I could often be found with a plate of cucumber sandwiches and a pile of books about dragons, witches and magical adventures. Stories are brewing in my head constantly. 

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Happy Holidays

 

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Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning by Callen Kropp (Book Review)

When was the last time you woke up on the wrong side of bed? In Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning, Ozzy Ox finds it’s not the best way to start out his day. In this second title in the Ozzy Ox series of children’s picture books, the young ox grumpily greets the morning with some choice words for his feline friend.

Finn Cat’s raucous response is a screech heard around the Land of Ox, summoning a startled menagerie of cagey neighbors hoping to help bring peace back to the community. 

But their good intentions clamorously fall apart, and Ozzy is soon in disbelief how quickly the neighborhood comes together while the day falls apart. Is he able to address the consequences of his moody morning? Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning resonates with a powerful message: that words and friendships matter!

Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning, by Callen Kropp, is one of four books in the Ozzy Ox series.  It is a 42-page rhyming picture book for children ages 3-8 that warmly embraces children and encourages them to make better choices. It shows children that acceptance and forgiveness are more likely when they admit their mistakes.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

We’ve all woke up on the wrong side of the bed. We may be dreading the first day back to school or work. Perhaps we didn’t sleep well or were feeling under the weather. Ozzy Ox woke up moody and didn’t waste a moment unleashing his crabbiness onto others. He screeched at Finn, scaring the cat to death and possibly knocking away one of his nine lives. Finn’s frightened, hair-rising illustrations were funny. His twitchy, spasming pose had me in stitches! 

Things turn disastrous when a cow jumps through the window and enters the house with the frame stuck around his head. More barnyard friends came to the rescue, only to make matters worse. The front door flew off its hinges, thanks to two horses! The drama-filled day is no fun for the animals, but kids will laugh loudly at the crazy scenes. Three cheers to the storyline (writer: Callen Kropp) and artwork (artist: Emily Hagen)! 

A steady stream of calamity befell the animals in the story, and Ozzy Ox realized everything started when he yelled at his friend. That show of anger caused a ripple event of fear and destruction. In the end, Ozzy realizes how his words and actions affect others. He vows, “To choose the words that launch each day In a much brighter, lighter way!”

Ozzy Oz learned several valuable lessons in Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning. One, treat others how you want to be treated. Two, choose your words carefully and realize how your words and actions might affect the day. Third, friends help friends in need. 

No one can be happy 24-7, 365 days a year; however, we can teach our children to think before they speak and treat others with kindness. Make better choices! 

I recommend the humorous, slightly under 40-page storybook to children ages 3-8. 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

Callen Kropp is a North Dakota author whose family has raised bison for decades.  After a career in corporate communications, she pursued her lifelong dream of writing books.  Adventures with her family, including children and grandchildren, provide inspiration for her Ozzy Ox picture book series.

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Kaida Brightscales and the Magical Meadows: Beehive Secrets 1 by Xanda Monteiro (Book Spotlight)

NEW EDITION

A world brimming with flowers and colors. An inquisitive young dragon. A sick friend in need of help.

Kaida Brightscales loves to explore. And when the shimmering winged creature crosses paths with a busy butterfly and a focused ant, she’s delighted to discover that they’re working hard at very important jobs. But after she spots her sick bee friend, she’s not sure how to help her feel better.

Bothered by the news that all the bees in the hive are ill, Kaida asks her insect buddies to help her find some medicine. And as the thoughtful youngster grows to understand more about how nature needs to be in harmony, she realizes she’s taken on a really big job.

Can she and her tiny chums stay strong and get everyone buzzing back to health?

Kaida Brightscales and the Magical Meadows is the first book in the Beehive Secrets series for children ages 4-6. If you or your child like vivid and beautiful illustrations, fun ways to learn about nature, and making new friends, then you’ll love Xanda Monteiro’s tale of teamwork.

Buy Kaida Brightscales and the Magical Meadows to fly to the rescue today!

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@lightshadowandink

Kaida Brightscales TikTok#booktok #readersoftiktok #realmewishlist #readysetlift #readertok

♬ original sound – Xanda Monteiro – Xanda Monteiro

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Readers’ Thoughts! 

“We had lots of fun reading this book, my 4yo is a fan!”
— Linaewe  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

“This was a beautiful little book. The general appearance was gorgeous – adorable illustrations of Kaida the dragon and her friends, and I loved how colourful it was. The pages were so full of beautiful bright colours. The story itself was also really sweet, and a fun way for children to learn about pollination.” 

— Kelly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

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Meet the Author

Xanda’s story is one of a lifelong explorer, born in Africa with a sense of adventure that took her far and wide. She spent countless hours getting her clothes ripped in tree branches and her knees scratched, but the magic of discovering new places made it all worth it. 

As she grew older, Xanda’s curiosity led her to chase eclipses and capture the perfect shot with her camera. Her passion for nature and fascination with bees inspired her to write a series of books for children about their struggles and possible solutions. 

When she’s not writing, Xanda can be found practising Qi Gong and meditation to deepen her understanding of the world and herself. She loves spending time with friends from all over the world and is always seeking out new experiences and adventures. 

Xanda’s African roots instilled in her a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the wonder that can be found in everyday moments. She believes that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and that we can do so without causing harm to other beings. 

If you’re looking for a guide to help you explore the wonders of the world, Xanda is the perfect companion. With her infectious enthusiasm and boundless curiosity, she will show you the beauty in even the most ordinary things. So come along and let’s discover the magic together – just watch out for those tree branches and knee scratches! 

Author Website
Amazon Author page
Twitter Link

 

 

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A Little Something About Me by Karlene Y Murray (Book Review)

Dreamers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ability levels. Children have different abilities and face different challenges. Some may have obstacles that limit them a little or a lot, but ALL can be empowered.

The children featured in A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT ME offer empowering stories of hope and inclusion that emphasize the importance of having choices, taking risks, being supported and listened to, thinking and speaking positively, and treasuring happy moments.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Karlene Murray brings together a diverse cast in her children’s book, A Little Something About Me. First, we’re introduced to Julia, a young girl with Down Syndrome. Julia may learn slower than others, but that’s okay. What really matters is how she treats others, and it’s with kindness.

Jae-won explains that he’s adopted; his biological parents gave him up for a better life. The decision to give up your child is never an easy choice, but it’s a reality many parents face. Jae-won felt what others would face in similar scenarios: nervousness and fear of the unknown. However, they reassured young readers walking a similar path that, with time, those negative emotions will be replaced with joy and love. Plus, a family isn’t defined by shared DNA. It’s about the people you can count on and who make you happy. 

Children will read about Lisa, who longs for the day they are cancer-free. They want to stress that while they have Leukemia, it does not define them. Their positive attitude is inspiring! While many children might’ve heard of cancer, dwarfism or achondroplasia might be a foreign terminology. The illustration did a decent job showing the genetic condition; however, a child might walk away assuming people with dwarfism only have enlarged heads.

As the book continues, we meet Kimmy, who’s more comfortable with fictional people. Then there’s Marcos, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I was happy to see Taylor representing the hearing-impaired community and Jiyaan, a paraplegic boy who doesn’t let his physical limitations keep him from doing what he loves. His ball-playing and chair-maneuvering skills were impressive! I’m sure he’ll reach his goal: medaling in the Paralympic Games. 

Children reading this book might see themselves (physically or mentally) among the thirteen characters. Maybe for the first time! 

I recommend sharing this informative and diverse book with your family and school. Also, utilize the links featured on the “Additional Information” page and expand your knowledge regarding every topic shared in the mini-stories. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

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Meet the Author

Karlene Murray is the author of Best of Both Parents. She is an avid lover of reading, travel and cooking. It has been a dream for a very long time to write and publish a children’s book and that dream has finally come true.

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Do I have Something on my Face? by D.L. DiBenedetto (Book Review)

Step into the heartwarming world of Michael, a young man with Down Syndrome, and experience a delightful story from his perspective that will connect with children of all ages. This beautifully illustrated children’s book is a must-read for any young person who has ever felt different or struggled to fit in.

With its uplifting message of self-acceptance and positivity, it is perfect for anyone who wants to teach their children about empathy, acceptance, and the power of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Whether your child has Down Syndrome, autism or other challenges, this book with inspire them to focus on their strengths and see the positive in every situation. Get your copy today and embark on an endearing journey of everyday life through Michael’s unique perspective.

Our motto is: we laugh (a lot), sometimes we cry, but most of all we try!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

During those long months in the womb, our bodies grow and develop from zygote to baby. A fetus has no control of the process; they are just floating in the amniotic fluid, patiently waiting for the time they can greet the world. They do not select what color eyes they’ll have, how their limbs will form, how tall they’ll become, or decide if they’ll be born with 46 or 47 chromosomes. Michael was born with Down Syndrome; a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, meaning he has 47 chromosomes total. This extra chromosome affected how his brain and body developed but did not change who he was on the inside. 

Michael’s head and face structure may look differently than yours, but he still likes to do the same activities as you. He loves play video games, especially the dancing ones. He loves watching videos online and listening to music. He enjoys family trips, such as visiting the zoo or theme parks. Michael can not fly due to air pressure behind his eyes, but that’s okay. Many people avoid them due to a fear of flying. Moving floors are tricky, but I’ve seen people without Down Syndrome get tripped up by them. Michael has to adjust how he handles some obstacles, but don’t we all have something that is hard for us to do? I’ve known many children and adults without D.S. who find swallowing a pill impossible. I prefer liquid or powder over solid pills, too. 

Michael’s courageous story teaches children to treat others the way you want to be treated. Don’t stare unless you like being stared at. And, just because a person looks or sounds differently than you does not mean they are unintelligent. Judge people on how they act, not how they look or sound.

Michael’s story will inspire all children with Down Syndrome, autism, or other challenges to focus on their strengths and see the positive in every situation. I recommend this sweet, inspirational book for children 4-10. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I’m a software program/product manager juggling work while being a caregiver for my bedridden mother and my nephew, Michael, who has Down Syndrome. Michael’s experiences, and musings have inspired the creation of this book. He truly inspires, and challenges me every day to be a better person.

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