Author: Sandra Cruz

Pet parent, social media expert, and freelance writer who writes about and reviews books and events.

Five activities that can bring your life joy

Woman forming heart with hands. Photo: Unsplash

Life is often so busy. We have many responsibilities and commitments that it’s so easy to forget to live. After all, there are so many things in our lives that can bring us joy and we definitely deserve to indulge in them regularly. Yet, either we just can’t find the time or them or we don’t always really know what to turn to. If you’ve found yourself in a rut, you may want a little inspiration. So here are five things that you should always look to fill your life with for more joy.

1. Books
First of all, we have books. When you’re a bookworm and avid reader, books are always going to bring you joy. You’re going to find that you’re able to really immerse yourself into a relaxing environment when you read. It’s okay to always want to prioritize reading time. Filling your life with books and stories can be a simple way to make sure that your life feels fulfilling.

2. Food
It’s safe to say that food always brings us joy. When you’re eating your favorite meals, life can feel good. And if you’re a foodie, taking the time out to go to the right restaurants and trying new dishes is always going to be fun for you. But you can also do the same by cooking things up at home too. Maybe it’s an authentic goulash or your favorite pasta dish – another way, cooking can always make you happy. And it’s certainly something to enjoy the results of too.

3. Movies
If you love cinema, then turning to the right movies is always a good idea. You’re likely to find that filling up your time with amazing stories, documentaries, and even things like shows and theater could spark so much joy in your life. Cinema is art, just as much as other forms. So allowing yourself to switch off and enjoy it can be such a great move for you.

4. Nature
Then we have nature. Being in nature is something that can bring so much happiness into our lives without us even knowing it. Nature is calming. When we’re outdoors, we can exercise, move, enjoy sunlight, and many other things that help our health. Whether you like to walk, practice yoga in the garden, read in the sunshine, or anything else, being in nature can be great for you.

5. Travel
Finally, there’s also travel. You may find that getting out and about in the world is always going to bring you a lot of joy. There’s a wealth of experiences to be had when you travel. From relaxing and enjoying the culture, to getting out into nature and eating more food (two of our joy-filled things), you can do so much when you travel. If you’re yet to book your next trip, go ahead and do it. After all, our lives should be filled with experiences we’ll never forget.

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Fun ways to spend those long summer evenings

Food on brown wooden table with chairs and plates. Photo: Pexels

The sun hasn’t quite gone down yet, the sky is peachy orange or pale pink, and the air has a certain haze to it. That’s right, the season of long summer evenings is in full swing. And finding ways to spend time when it’s seemingly forever light outside is all part of the charm. But if you’re already out of ideas for this year, we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you down below. Use this time wisely – it’ll be winter again before you know it.

Spend Time in the ‘Pool’
Lucky enough to have a pool, or a hot tub? If not, don’t worry. Even if you don’t have one, you can buy a small paddling pool and spend some time luxuriating in the warm outside air and the weightless feeling around you.

Set it up in a flat, private space, wear your favorite swimwear items, pour yourself a yummy drink, and then spend a good half hour out there watching the sun go down. The water will help to keep you cool, and as that elusive evening breeze moves in, you’ll be able to truly cool off from the day behind you.

Host a Proper Streaming Night
Whether you’ve got a new box set to binge or you want to watch a bunch of horror movies back to back, this idea will align neatly with your plans. Why not host a big streaming night for your friends to come along to? Make up a creamy crack dip with bacon and cheese, make sure there are plenty of dipping chips available on plates (with a few raw vegetables for a healthy option!), and buy some special drinks for the occasion too.

Take the Cinema Outside
Tired of evenings indoors? If you’ve got the garden space, you can invest in a projector and a screen to show it all on. Wait until it’s a bit darker outside, put up an awning or gazebo to sit under and keep the screen safe, and set up some fairy or candle lights. Once you’ve done this, invite a couple people around for an outdoor cinema night. Put on your favorite movies, or have a theme night featuring the best animated classics, and watch late into the night while it’s warm and cozy outside.

Go Adventuring with a Pet
If you’ve got a dog, or even a cat, take them out in those later evening hours while there’s still a bit of sunlight. A late one down the dog park or through your neighborhood, your pet by your side with a few treats in your pocket – it can be magical. And it’s good to get a bit of late day exercise; it can help you cool off, give you a healthy outlet from heat frustrations, and it’ll help you meet other lovely pet owners looking to do the same thing.

Long summer evenings don’t have to be boring, or overbearing with the heat! Make it fun with ideas like these.

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Poetry spotlight: the poetry of Danny Wilson Vol. 4

‘The Hacker’s Handbook’ is just one of Danny Wilson’s poetry books. Photo: Amazon

Continuing the journey into Danny Wilson’s poetry, here is volume 4 and a look into some of his other poetry books. Danny Wilson is a poet originally from Greenville, NC and currently residing in Albuquerque, NM. After years of military service, he is now retired and focusing on his poetry. He has written over 100 poetry books in the last nine years with no intention of slowing down. (Danny Wilson, 2023)

“The Hacker’s Handbook”
Tomorrow is another day….Just believe!! Reality comes and goes but faith is eternal. The down-trodden, homeless, and misunderstood matter.

“A Lifetime of Tomorrow’s”
Never saying never. Desire is the only answer!! Lonely days/nights binding all humans together. We try/We cry at numerous foibles…It’s okay, really!

“Insufficient Strangers”
Trying to capture the magic of Nuance…..I seek the brief sense of External time?….I walk within the shadows of Melancholy babies….Freedom rings! 

“A Continuing Journey”
Thinking of time/space while contemplating an uncertain future. Chaos comes…Chaos fades. Human evolution continues to proceed despite all of our faults. The future?

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New book release: ‘The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World’ by Marvin Merritt II

‘The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World’ is the new novel by Marvin Merritt II. Photo: Marvin Merritt II, used with permission.

In today’s book news, here is a new release from Marvin Merritt II, “The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World.” It is a thriller with a relatively new concept in literature: social media, specifically live streams, and how these forms of connectivity can affect people’s lives.

Marvin Merritt II is a seasoned Navy veteran and new author from Georgia. With over 20 years of service and multiple deployments, he has received numerous accolades and awards for his dedication and commitment to serving his country. Marvin’s writing often delves into themes of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. He skillfully blends suspense, mystery, and heartwarming moments to create stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats while touching their hearts. In his latest work “Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World,” Marvin weaves a thrilling tale set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis. Through Jimmy’s journey, the charismatic bus driver, Marvin explores the power of positivity, the strength of community, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. (Marvin Merritt II, 2023)

“The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World” is a gripping and thrilling novel that delves into the complexities of a society driven by social media and connectivity. In this futuristic world, Jimmy, a bus driver from Chicago, transforms his daily route into a captivating live stream, capturing the hearts and attention of millions of viewers. With his charismatic personality and knack for showcasing the diverse talents of his passengers, Jimmy becomes an unexpected sensation.

However, the excitement takes a dark turn when a series of murders strike the community, leaving Jimmy and his viewers in shock and fear. Determined to uncover the truth, Jimmy embarks on his own investigation, enlisting the help of his loyal viewers, his friend Monica, tech-savvy Derrick, and the relentless Detective Rodriguez. As they navigate the digital landscape and unravel the secrets hidden within the interconnected world, the lines between reality and virtuality blur, posing unforeseen challenges and dangers.

In “The Transit Chronicles,” author Marvin Merritt II seamlessly combines elements of mystery, suspense, and technological innovation, painting a vivid picture of a society shaped by social media and the pursuit of online fame. With each chapter, readers are taken on a thrilling ride, exploring the power of human connection, the impact of digital platforms, and the lengths one man will go to seek justice.

Through its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and thought-provoking themes, “The Transit Chronicles: Uniting Lives in a Connected World” captivates readers with its blend of high-stakes intrigue, unexpected twists, and an exploration of the profound effects of technology on society. It is a riveting tale that will leave readers questioning the boundaries of the virtual world and the lasting impact of human relationships in an increasingly interconnected future.

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Time saving recipes you are sure to love

These recipes include something for everyone. Photo: Google

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding the time to cook wholesome meals can seem like an impossible task. Yet, with a few tricks up your sleeve and a repertoire of quick, delicious recipes, you can create meals that save time and satisfy your palate. To prove the point, here are some time-saving recipes that you are sure to love, including a comforting slow cooker beef stroganoff.

1. Slow cooker beef stroganoff
The slow cooker is a boon for anyone looking for time-saving recipes. This beef stroganoff recipe, is perfect for a stress-free dinner. With ingredients like stew meat, fresh mushrooms, Italian seasoning, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, cream cheese, sour cream, and pasta, you’re all set for a hearty meal. And best of all, you don’t need to do much more than add the ingredients to the slow cooker and turn it on, adding pasta or rice later on. It’s so simple, creamy, and delicious, you will soon be adding it to your regular rotation.

Photo: Pixabay

2. Quick vegetable stir-fry
Vegetable stir-fry is another time-saving recipe, ready in 20 minutes. It’s versatile, healthy, and can be tailored to suit your taste buds. Grab a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Sauté these in a pan with olive oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Add your favorite stir-fry sauce and toss everything until well-coated and cooked. Serve this over steamed rice or noodles for a quick, balanced meal.

Photo: Pexels

3. Sheet pan salmon and asparagus
Sheet pan meals save time on preparation and clean-up. One delightful combination includes salmon fillets and asparagus. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with foil. Place your salmon fillets and asparagus on to the sheet pan. Drizzle with a big glug of olive oil and a light sprinkle of whatever seasonings you prefer. Roast in the oven until the fish is cooked through and the asparagus is tender. It’s a high-protein, low-carb meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

Photo: Pexels

4. Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera, brimming with fresh summer vegetables, is a delightful, time-saving recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings. It’s versatile, vibrant, and ready in just 20 minutes. You’ll need pasta of your choice, summer vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Then it’s just a matter of boiling your pasta as you heat olive oil in a large pan, and sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant. Add in your chopped vegetables, and cook them until they’re tender yet crisp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for seasoning.

Once the pasta is cooked, simply drain it, but keep some of the pasta water. Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetables in the pan, tossing them together. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to moisten the dish. Top with grated parmesan and a few basil leaves and you will have a deliciously satisfying dish to enjoy.

Photo: Pexels

These time-saving recipes prove that cooking doesn’t need to be time-consuming or complicated to yield delicious results. So, what are you waiting for? Time to hit the kitchen.

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New hit show on Tubi: About the Authors TV

About the Authors TV on Tubi profiles the world’s greatest storytellers. Photo: Google

If you are a fan of books and entertainment in general, this is a series worth checking out. The new streaming series on Tubi, About the Authors TV, profiles and tells the story behind some of the world’s greatest storytellers. Seasons 1 through 4 are available now. I know what I will be bingeing next. (MVD Publicity, 2023)

The documentary/lifestyle show’s new seasons 3 and 4 feature the creators of Oscar-winning The Martian movie, the Lincoln Rhyme franchise, Star Wars, Fox’s Bones TV show, the Indiana Jones film franchise, HBO’s True Blood, billion-dollar box office hit Rambo, Apple TV sensation Shining Girls, Donnie Brasco, The Goonies, Poltergeist, Netflix’s Blonde, Longmire, Trollhunters, Spike TV’s The Mars Trilogy, Sundance’s Hap and Leonard, Judy Moody, the Dark Hunter universe, and more.

Born out of the Covid-era boom of new shows that rose to popularity with 2020s viewing audiences, the show targets both the readers of these authors and aspiring writers alike. About the Authors TV has grown to over 2 million viewers and counting in the past two years since Tubi began airing the show.

Seasons 1 and 2 featured episodic interviews with best-selling writers Scott Turow, Karin Slaughter, T.C. Boyle, Brad Meltzer, Ian Rankin, Catherine Coulter, Heather Graham, Chris Bohjalian, Jonathan and Faye Kellerman, John Lescroart, Tess Gerritsen, F. Lee Bailey (in his final TV interview), Mindhunter’s John Douglas, Laurie R. King, Steve Alten, and Rob Bell, in more than 60 episodes.

Seasons 3 and 4 features another 68 of the world’s best-selling authors with Joyce Carol Oates, Andy Weir, Jeffery Deaver, Barry Eisler, James Rollins, JA Jance, Dr. Kathy Reichs, Daniel Kraus, Homer Hickam, Craig Johnson, Sara Paretsky, Erica Jong, Charlaine Harris, Joe R. Lansdale, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Ret. FBI agent Joe Pistone, David Morrell, Dean Koontz, Riley Sager, Victoria Aveyard, Kim Stanley Robinson, Candice Fox, Lauren Beukes, Christopher Paolini, Jay McInerney, Janet Fitch, Jeanine Cummins, Charles and Caroline Todd (in her final filmed interview), Megan Miranda, Christina Lauren, Joyce Maynard, novelizer James Kahn, Ruth Ware, Dr. Naomi Wolf, JD Barker, Lois Lowry, Mary Kay Andrews, Megan McDonald, Jay McInerney, Ben Mezrich, Hank Philippi Ryan, and more.

Patricia Cornwell declared to her 1.1 million Twitter followers that she had “a BLAST!” on the show. Gillian Flynn selected About the Authors TV as one of only four media appearances celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Gone Girl, alongside the Today Show. Legendary Irish author John Banville recently said, “I enjoyed our talk, and I must say I’m full of admiration for the panache with which you carried the thing off – you managed to mention all of my books in a neat hour. A pleasure to deal with a professional.” Joyce Carol Oates found her episode to be “brimming with enthusiasm & energy!”

Host/Creator Jake Brown, himself an award-winning author of 55 books says, “We’re so grateful for the opportunity to continue our relationship with Tubi TV and MVD Entertainment in delivering 68 more episodes over Seasons 3 and 4 as we work to make About the Authors TV the largest streamed episodic archive of author interviews across all genres and generations. With 80 more new episodes coming in Seasons 5 and 6, being filmed now, and recently completed Science Fiction and UK Editions, as well as an upcoming Horror Edition, there are hundreds of more episodes coming and we hope readers, aspiring authors and fans of each specific author will take a look and join our growing audience!”

About the Authors TV airs on Tubi and recently landed its first sponsor in partnership with International Literary Properties. Visit their YouTube Channel for daily promos from newly interviewed authors, extended previews of upcoming episodes and early exclusive premieres. The series is shot weekly at a Nashville, Tennessee-based studio and edited by the team of Ray Riddle, Allan McCall, Jake Brown, and Chris Lucas.

New book release: ‘Good Night, Irene’ by Luis Alberto Urrea

‘Good Night, Irene’ is the new novel by Luis Alberto Urrea. Photo: Amazon

Luis Alberto Urrea, a 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist for nonfiction and member of the Latino Literature Hall of Fame, is a prolific and acclaimed writer who uses his dual-culture life experiences to explore greater themes of love, loss, and triumph. Winner of a Lannan Literary Award and Christopher Award, he is also the recipient of an American Book Award, the Kiriyama Prize, the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Literary Award, a Western States Book Award, a Colorado Book Award, an Edgar Award, and a citation of excellence from the American Library Association. A professor of creative writing at the University of Illinois – Chicago, he is a member of the Latino Literary Hall of Fame and has won numerous awards for his poetry, fiction, and essays. His new book “Good Night, Irene” asks the question: what if a friendship forged on the front lines of war defines a life forever?” It is an epic based on the magnificent and true story of courageous Red Cross women. (Amazon, 2023)

“Good Night, Irene” – In 1943, Irene Woodward abandons an abusive fiancé in New York to enlist with the Red Cross and head to Europe. She makes fast friends in training with Dorothy Dunford, a towering Midwesterner with a ferocious wit. Together they are part of an elite group of women, nicknamed Donut Dollies, who command military vehicles called Clubmobiles at the front line, providing camaraderie and a taste of home that may be the only solace before troops head into battle.

After D-Day, these two intrepid friends join the Allied soldiers streaming into France. Their time in Europe will see them embroiled in danger, from the Battle of the Bulge to the liberation of Buchenwald. Through her friendship with Dorothy and a love affair with a courageous American fighter pilot named Hans, Irene learns to trust again. Her most fervent hope, which becomes more precarious by the day, is for all three of them to survive the war intact. Taking as inspiration his mother’s own Red Cross service, Luis Alberto Urrea has delivered an overlooked story of women’s heroism in World War II.

Binge worthy shows you should watch

Photo: Tech Daily on Unsplash

The last few years have been a feast for the eyes, heart, and soul when it comes to streamable series. More people now watch classics and brand-new series via streaming services like Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ than they do on regular TV. After all, almost all of the best shows will be released in bulk rather than a once-a-week release like TV.

Meaning when you have a few hours free, you can get into it! 2022 was great for TV shows, and there were some new seasons added to shows like Succession, and of course, we were blessed with the SATC women again with Just Like That.

But what does 2023 hold? And don’t worry, if you don’t live in the country with these releases, you can use a VPN for streaming!

Shrinking
An Apple TV+ release starring Jason Segel, and if you have watched Our Friend, you are probably itching to see Jason in more emotionally meaty roles.

Well, in Shrinking, he loses his wife, and we follow him go through the complexities of loss – and see how he helps himself and others—a great show with a big heart – funny, sad, and nuanced. A great show that deserves applause.

Beef
Is there anything Ali Wong can’t do? Not only does she have flawless comedic timing, but Beef is the show that keeps on giving – and yes, you will end up hungry from time to time, but we are talking Beef as in an argument, not Beef as in the food. While Ali Wong and Steven Yeun are the stars, David Choe and Amy Lau are right there with them. So far, it has received critical acclaim and is praised as what will be one of the best Netflix shows of 2023.

Coming from Korean director Lee Sung, we follow the foursome as they go to extreme lengths after an incident of road rage. Beef, while funny, smart, and often outrageous, does force you to look inwards at how you might be dealing with your own anger. A dark comedy that is just the right amount of spicy.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Bridgerton has been a runaway success, and from that, Queen Charlotte has arrived. What makes Queen Charlotte so intriguing is that it is a dramatization of the real-life story of King George III and Queen Charlotte.

While many of the characters from Bridgerton do make appearances, it is not 100% necessary to watch it first. But, for the sake of getting the full scoop and enjoying a show that millions did, it’s a good idea anyway.

While they are based on real people and some real events – it is not a history lesson, just a very enjoyable period series. Oh, and it has been stated to be a limited series, and no season 2 will be coming (or at least there are no announced plans).

Daisy Jones and the Six
An Amazon Prime series with the rather dashing Sam Clafin and gorgeous Riley Keough as the leads. The band is fictional but not far into the first episode, you will be hoping for them to release an album.

The band is a huge success and is topping the charts – only to crash and burn. The scenes switch between interviews of the band members, flashbacks, and more so that we, the viewers, can piece it together.

The original author, Taylor Jenkins Reid, said that it was inspired by Fleetwood Mac, who is well known for having a tumultuous time. Daisy Jones and the Six also deals with some heavy themes, so it is worth checking out trigger warnings.

The Witcher
This is the last time you can see Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia before Liam Hemsworth steps into the role for season 4. While it is not due to be released until the end of June, Netflix has been generous with plenty of teasers, first looks, and more.

The other Witcher seasons offered action, magic, mythical beasts, romance, and more. Based on the book and then the game, The Witcher has a lot of lore – and season 3 is set to be incredible.

The Bear
The Bear season one was an incredible success, and season 2 is set to be just as sizzling. Jeremy Allen White plays the uptight, hyper-precise, and messy chef we come to know as Carmy. Available on Hulu or the Star Hub on Disney +.

In season one, we see Carmy leave his high-flying fine dining career to take over a smaller place and the trials and tribulations that follow. The Bear deals with some heavy topics, too – so another one to check trigger warnings.

And let’s never forget there is always: The Lincoln Lawyer television series on Netflix!

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New book release: ‘Live Longer, Suffer Less’ by Darrell Parrish

‘Live Longer, Suffer Less: The Herbal Guide To Improve Health’ by Darrell Parrish. Photo: Amazon

Darrell Parrish is an author whose three previous books centered around surviving America’s number two worst working occupation: the aggressive car salesman. Before that, he worked at an aircraft manufacturing company that made military and civilian aircraft. He supervised the cleaning of aircraft parts processed in huge chemical tanks and his main assignments was to manage engineering blueprints and develop test procedures to solve plant manufacturing problems regarding chemical processing. These two work assignments impacted his life but the car books turned him into a consumer advocate. Working sixteen years in the Material and Processing department gave him the mental means of discovering how to live longer and suffer less with herbs. He converted an American made coffee warmer into his dry diffuser invention. This enabled him to do a self-wellness DIY book for fellow Americans. The purpose of “Live Longer, Suffer Less: The Herbal Guide To Improve Health” is to allow Do-it-Yourself [DIY] enthusiasts to select herb combinations that collectively render ample “benevolent effects” into the body’s cell communities living in the human. More information and an excerpt of this book is available online. (Darrell Parrish, 2023)

“Live Longer, Suffer Less: The Herbal Guide to Improve Health” – Life is too short, no matter how old you are. Why risk your state of wellness on marketed goods and services pitched in the marketplace? Why not learn how to measure your own healthfulness? In this book, there is a simple test anyone can take. There are currently numerous health books available online. Thousands of herbs are being marketed as possible cures to specific diseases. Yet not one single herb is capable of removing any single infestation, perfectly within the body.

Few people realize the central portion of the body is not the beating heart, but the blood stream itself, which consists of sixty-five thousand miles of smaller vessels called capillaries. Only a few pre-selected herbs can protect the blood system and thereby aid the entire body’s immune system. There are ample cell communities in the body which support the thirty-seven trillions of human single cells. The supreme support to all these cells within the body are the 400 million air sacs called alveoli. Between these two living mediums is the blood system, which effectively moves oxygen and food energies in a cyclic mode — every minute of the human body’s entire life. This book will teach you how to identify the essential oils worth taking long term and how to administer key herbs with a unique dry diffuser. One main thing to remember: select key herbs from leaves, flowers, and stems. You can practice and learn this book’s five learning courses and over time and give yourself and your friends the gift of a longer life.

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Book review: ‘If I’m Upset I Can’ by Julien Bodrieu

‘If I’m Upset I Can’ is a children’s book designed to help children identify and cope with anxiety and anger. Photo: Amazon

Julien Bodrieu, a school teacher and avid children’s book author, has over 10 years of experience working with children. Julien had a passion for telling stories since he was a child, which inspired him to begin writing stories and picture books for children. He writes in simple, easy-to-understand language with an entertaining style that keeps children engrossed in his books while teaching them important lessons about life. “If I’m Upset I Can” is a positive, interactive book that will help children calm down, cope, and cool a hot temper with skills that will last them a lifetime. (Amazon, 2023)

“If I’m Upset I Can” – Kids, like adults, go through a wide range of emotions. They may experience emotions such as boredom, anxiety, sadness, disappointment, embarrassment, and fear. While most of us experience a variety of emotions daily, we are not always taught how to deal with or manage them. Children must learn how to handle their emotions in a healthy manner. It is critical to teach children coping techniques that will enable them to face their concerns, relax, and cheer themselves up. Coping methods are divided into two categories: emotion-focused and problem-focused. Both types of abilities are critical for children to learn and apply in their daily lives. This book includes essential skills to help kids deal with feeling so they are less stressed, activities that help kids develops these important skills, anger management and growth mindset activities, self-esteem and social skills activities, and an anxiety workbook and activities. If you work with kids, you are always looking for creative ways to help them navigate through their hardships. This book can help you do that.

This is book #1 of the Social skills Children’s Books for Kids designed to help children develop their social skills. It is an interactive workbook that older children can use as they learn to cope with anger and anxiety. Illustrations such as ‘How I Feel Anxiety In My Body’ will help them identify these emotions by how their bodies are reacting: ‘Headache, Trembling or Shaking.’ Once identified, they can use the coping statements and changing negative thoughts ideas to guide them as they navigate these often confusing emotions. The Self-Care Checklist gives healthy living tips they can use anytime. Since these are skills anyone can use, parents and their children can work on it together and benefit from this extremely resourceful guide. The Worry Jar idea is a wonderful tip anyone can use to set aside some ‘worry time’ each day. Mental health is an important issue, and ‘If I’m Upset I Can’ is geared towards children as they learn to identify and cope with anxiety and anger. Highly recommended!

Rating: 4 out of 5.