Tag: Children's books

Forthcoming new book release: ‘Finding My Rainbow’ by Josh Coleman

‘Finding My Rainbow’ will be released June 12, 2024. Photo: Amazon

An exciting milestone in the world of literature and LGBTQ+ advocacy comes with the announcement that “Finding My Rainbow: A Journey of Courage, Acceptance, and Pride,” the highly anticipated children’s book by Josh Coleman, is now available for pre-order. (Iron City Communications, 2024)

Josh Coleman is a distinguished advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, serving as the Deputy Director of the Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity in Birmingham’s Mayor’s Office. His pioneering role as the city’s first LGBTQ+ Liaison and leadership in Central Alabama Pride highlight his commitment to inclusivity. His academic pursuits in political science and public administration further underscore his dedication to public service and community engagement. His new book, “Finding My Rainbow: A Journey of Courage, Acceptance, and Pride” is a story of finding oneself, fighting for acceptance, and the power of love. It will be released on June 12, 2024. (Iron City Communications, 2024)

In “Finding My Rainbow,” readers are invited into the world of Josh, a young boy from Alabama, navigating the challenges of growing up gay in a community not fully prepared for his truth. This story of self-discovery, bravery, and the quest for acceptance is poised to become a beacon of hope and understanding for children and adults alike.

It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of being true to oneself. This book is not just for those who identify with Josh’s journey but for anyone who believes in the transformative power of love and acceptance. Join Josh on his colorful journey, and be inspired to find and spread your own light.

Through Josh’s eyes, readers are invited into a deeply personal narrative that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of unconditional love. “Finding My Rainbow” is not just Josh’s story-it’s a call to action for understanding, empathy, and support for LGBTQ+ youth navigating their own paths to acceptance. This book aims to inspire readers of all ages with its message of hope, reminding us that we all deserve to live our truth and find our rainbow. Suitable for readers aged 8 to 13, this story touches hearts and minds, encouraging a more inclusive and accepting world. (Amazon, 2024)

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Children’s book: ‘Harrison Waits’ by Missy Hagen

‘Harrison Waits’ is a children’s book written and illustrated by Missy Hagen. Photo: Amazon

In today’s book news, the spotlight shines on a children’s book about a boy who is waiting for something big and how he passes the time. Missy Hagen’s “Harrison Waits” is an illustrated children’s book that is sure to entertain the little ones in your life.

Missy Hagen came to children’s book writing and illustrating after an eclectic career in fields that seemed to predict such destiny. She has a BA in Elementary Education from Cornell College, spent years in corporate technical writing, built a popular aerobic dance program in the eighties, and raised three children, all before returning to college for web and graphic design. She combined her teaching, technical, and design skills as Educational Technology Director for Rochester Community and Technical College for over 10 years. When her grandson Harrison was born, it sparked the idea for “Harrison Waits” based on his FOUR initials. A story focusing on the letters H and W and about how the rewards of being patient and keeping busy yield an outcome worth waiting for. Missy’s watercolor and ink artwork has often been exhibited and featured throughout southeast Minnesota where she resides with her husband.

“Harrison Waits” is a wonderful story about a young boy who is anxiously waiting for … what? See how Harrison patiently passes the time while he anticipates the arrival of something special he has been looking forward to for a long time. Will it be worth the wait? Can Harrison find enough to do to keep himself busy while waiting? The colorful artwork from Missy Hagen will captivate all ages while the clever play on the letters “H” and “W” will entertain readers and listeners alike. For extra fun, search for hidden “H” and “W” words illustrated on each page.

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New children’s book release: ‘Felix and Eagle Imagine’ by Willie Thomas

‘Felix and Eagle Imagine’ is the new children’s book out by Willie Thomas. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Willie Thomas is an American author born in Birmingham, AL and currently resides in North Carolina. Storytelling and writing books have always been his passion and goal. By the time he reaches the century mark, he would like to have well over a hundred different books out, each with its own unique voice and tale. “Felix and Eagle Imagine” and “Rodowell Sky: Miracles Come to Life” are the first of these books. Follow Willie Thomas on his journey as he makes what he has imagined come to life. (Willie Thomas, 2023)

“Felix and Eagle Imagine”

His goal is not to be a knight. His goal is not to fly a kite. In his bones Felix feels he just might become a great superhero on this night.

Felix is a young boy seeking to become a great superhero. Eagle, his cat, wishes for the ability of flight. After drifting off to sleep, they embark on a shared dream where they Imagine wondrous things only found in ones imagination.

Author Willie Thomas. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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New children’s book author releases books in four themed series

Kelly Anne Manuel offers a book for each day of the month with messages about permission and encouragement. The books are designed to help children see the world in entertaining and inspiring ways. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Kelly Anne Manuel is a children’s book author who released an astonishing 31 books – one for each day of the month – to give kids an array of positive messages. An eternal optimist who has been called “the good kind of contagious,” Manuel has a unique voice that children respond to because of her own actively vibrant inner child. Her books are available in four series: The Essentials Series, The Rainbow’s End Series, The Classics, and My Name Is Series. In addition to being a self-described “uncommon author,” since she did not set out to write children’s books but happily took the path life intended for her, she is also a mother and an artist. Kelly Anne Manuel grew up on New York’s Long Island and earned a BA Degree in Telecommunications with a major in Marketing and minor in Spanish from Indiana University. (Black Château, 2023)

There is a different book for each day of the month and the books are categorized in four series, each with a theme for young readers. The books are published by Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. and are available from Amazon and other retailers. “The Catcher Dream” and “My Name Is Light” are coming soon.

The Essentials Series – Positive self-talk books that kids can pick up anytime. Daily affirmations filled with positivity that encourage independence so children can face their fears and explore their world with the help of animals and the natural world.

The Rainbow’s End Series – Destination stories that aid in imaginary and play discourse. The gap between reality and pretend is bridged. Each book begins with “The other day I went to visit a friend…” and transports readers to a different place where anything is possible.

The Classics – Timeless books where all generations can find meaning. These many-layered stories have broad themes but focus on specific events and reality-based resilience topics. These books help kids navigate difficult situations.

My Name Is Series – Self and identity themed books that help children explore the duality of their internal and external nature. The importance of self-esteem and clear communication of the self are explored. These books give the child the opportunity to say: “This is who I am.”

“I want the world to know that these books are important for children everywhere to have access to. The books are an extension of my mission and purpose on the planet to support children of all ages and stages as they navigate through unprecedented times.” – Kelly Anne Manuel

Book review: ‘Fonchito and The Moon’ by Mario Vargas Llosa

‘Fonchito and The Moon’ by Mario Vargas Llosa. Photo: Amazon

Mario Vargas Llosa was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010 in recognition of his contribution as one of the most important voices in contemporary literature. Born in Arequipa, Peru, he received his doctorate in philosophy and letters in Madrid. His novels include “The Time of the Hero,” “The Feast of the Goat,” and “Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter.” “Fonchito and the Moon” is his first children’s book. It is illustrated by Marta Chicote Juiz.

“Fonchito and the Moon” – This is the story of Fonchito, who falls in love for the very first time and discovers that there is nothing one cannot do for a loved one, even if what they wish for is the moon. Fonchito is a little boy with his heart set on winning the affection of his classmate Nereida. She is beautiful, and all he hopes for is her permission to kiss her on the cheek. But she is shy and agrees under only one condition: that Fonchito bring the moon to her. Bring her the moon? What is Fonchito to do? In that moment his love inspires him to find a way to do the impossible.

One of life’s hardest lesson is finding a way to achieve your heart’s desire even when it seems impossible, especially for young children. This first children’s book by Mario Vargas Llosa, one of the world’s greatest writers, is an enchanting story about the magic in discovering how high you can reach for those you love, even if they ask for the moon. Fonchito has a crush on Nereida, a fellow classmate. All he wants is permission to kiss her on the cheek and he searches high and low for a way to grant her wish. “Fonchito and the Moon” is an inspirational story for children, focusing on finding a way to achieve the impossible and the merits of not giving up. The illustrations by Maria Chicote Juiz are bright and colorful and brilliantly bring the story to life. It is recommended for children ages 6-8 years old in grades in kindergarten through fifth.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Golden Cookies’ by E’Laiya London-Ashlyn Cuthrell

‘Golden Cookies’ is the new children’s book by E’Laiya London-Ashlyn Cuthrell. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

E’Laiya London-Ashlyn Cuthrell is a twelve-year-old who enjoys making others smile. She is a 7th grader from North Carolina who developed an interest in writing from reading books, drawing characters, and journaling in her scrapbook. She challenged herself to find the creativity of converting her journals into a short story after completing a writing assignment at school. She realized that her goal to write a short story was possible with hard work, dedication, and words of encouragement. “Golden Cookies” is the story of a wise man who wants to spread positivity everywhere through his very special golden cookies. (E’Laiya London-Ashlyn Cuthrell, 2022)

“Golden Cookies” – The wise man’s cookies make people act and think positively. They bring exceptional changes in even the most mean-hearted people and make their behavior kind and loving towards those around them. He gives these golden cookies out free of cost just to help others and his only reward is seeing the happiness they bring to others. He travels through the woods and hands them out to anyone who would take them and tries to convince those who do not believe in the power of these cookies. Even though some people make fun of him, he eventually manages to turn everything around in a positive way. His efforts are rewarded when people find out that riches, power, beauty, trust, leadership, or recognition cannot bring them happiness, and only eating a golden cookie will bring such change which would give them ultimate happiness. Come join the wise man along a very special path that leads to positive changes, kind words, and happiness. Enjoy the excitement of completing the activity corner worksheets in this book to create your amazing story. Get a bite of the golden cookies as you read this book and all you have ever wished for on the positive side of life may come to you.

“Golden Cookies” is available through Amazon. 

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