Tag: children’s books

New children’s book series: Motivating Our Champions by Ife Akanegbu

Dr. Ife Akanegbu has written a series of books for children focusing on promoting positive mental health. Photo: Google

Ife Akanegbu has always had a lifelong passion for telling stories. He completed his medical training in Nigeria before achieving a Master’s in Health Management at the University of Leeds. Upon observing the alarming rise in depression, anxiety, and self-harm rates, he felt compelled to take action and he knew his gift for storytelling could make a difference. That is when he combined this talent with his more than fifteen years of medical expertise to create Motivating Our Champions, a game-changing children’s book series designed to help our precious little ones take good care of their mental health. The books in the series include “My Grandpa Is A Hero,” “Janel’s Struggle,” and “Lila And The New Bully.” (Ife Akanegbu, 2023)

Ife’s charming life story is full of inspiration, adventure, and compassion. In fact, he has mastered the art of captivating storytelling by sharing his experiences with others. Ultimately, this motivated him to use his skill to impact current mental health trends, an issue that concerns him deeply.

“My Grandpa Is A Hero” – Tyler spends all his free time in his room playing video games and does not even want to join the family for dinners. His siblings come to the table and play on their devices all through mealtime. Grandpa is staying with the family and is not happy with the lack of interest the kids have in being part of the family. Grandpa decides to do something about it and finds fun and engaging activities for the kids, they begin to live healthier, more well-rounded lives, and their mental health improves.

“My Grandpa Is A Hero” can teach kids and parents the value of family activities and how it affects the quality of life. Parents learn about setting limits for TV and electronic devices and kids learn they can have fun by not engrossing themselves in their electronics.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Janel’s Struggle” – Janel is going through a tough time because she is overweight and feels she does not fit in. No matter what she does, she cannot lose weight. She is bullied at school and feels she does not have any friends. After many attempts to try to lose weight, it begins to affect her mental health. Janel does not even want to look at herself in the mirror. Only the love and support from her mother helps her find the real reason why she cannot lose weight.

“Janel’s Struggle” will take you and your child through a heartfelt journey of how people’s perception and bullying of an overweight child is harmful to their mental health. It helps parents teach children about mental health as well as accepting who they are and asking for help when they feel something is wrong. It also teaches children how much making fun of someone hurts. “Janel’s Struggle” informs parents that when things are not right, there is not always an obvious answer.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Lila And The New Bully” – Lila’s mother moves her to a new school because Lila is being bullied. On the first day of class, Lila is confronted with the same issue from one of her classmates, Kima. Instead of being discouraged, Lila demonstrates empathy for Kima and wants to be her friend, so she comes up with a plan.

“Lila And The New Bully” will help your child realize that sometimes people are mean because they are hurting inside and their mental health is not good. Lila’s compassion and kindness show kids a positive way to handle someone who is mean to them and the importance of mental health. Sometimes showing love and kindness is better than acting out in a non loving way.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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Award-winning author Steven Joseph releases new children’s book

‘Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles’ will be released May 3, 2022. Photo: Steven Joseph

Award-winning author Steven Joseph releases a new children’s book this May 3, 2022. Filled with outlandish humor and lively storytelling, “Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” is a feel-taste-smell good story for children ages 5-10, who will surely be left wanting more. (Steven Joseph, 2022)

“Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” – In a cranky world where cars run on sauerkraut, there is a new invention that will change everything: the SnoodleMobile, the brainchild of Herbie Snoodleman. Now cars are powered by noodles, and the delicious aroma produced fills everyone with happiness. While this is a major upgrade for society, the inventor of the KrautMobile, Sour Croodleman, is far from elated. Mr. Croodleman is furious that this newfangled pasta fad destroyed his business and the reputation of his beloved KrautMobiles, and his envy grows deeper every day. When Herbie Snoodleman unveils a flashy new art installation in the local museum, it is the final straw, and Croodleman hatches a plan to destroy it.

The envy monster is something we all deal with at some point, and kids are not exempt from this experience. From being jealous of a sibling to envying the birthday kid, childhood is rife with opportunities to feel frustrated at what others have. But the happy ending of the book teaches a valuable lesson: you do not always need to the most popular person in your group — if you have someone in your life who appreciates you for who you are and what you do, that is the most meaningful appreciation of all. However, perhaps for all readers, the most important lesson is this: Never be afraid to move your world.

Praised as an “adorable children’s book” by Reader’s Favorite, “Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” invites readers to enter a world where imagination can solve any challenge, and even the crankiest person can find happiness. The book is filled with “outlandish humor and lively storytelling” and includes beautiful, full-color pictures. In a five-star review, Booktrib raves, “Whether this book is read as a bedtime story to children, or a story time read for the whole class, children will be able to enjoy the characters’ misadventures while also absorbing the important life lesson.”

It is available for pre-order on amazon.

ISBN: 978-1-63755-084-7
Paperback price: $16.95
Publisher: Mascot Kids

Steven Joseph is an author, attorney, negotiator, and speaker. He is also a five-time Boston Marathon and 17-time NYC Marathon runner and a humorist who has spent 30 years as a partner with therapists, a lifetime of schuckling at countless synagogues, and practicing zen sitting on a cushion staring at a white wall at the Village Zendo. He is, however, a person still smart enough to know that he has not figured everything out – except for crankiness. His first children’s book, “The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris” was distinguished with the Mom’s Choice Award, and his self-help book, “A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The Crankatsuris Method” received over 300 five-star ratings on amazon.

 

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Book review: ‘Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life’ by Bryan R. Johnson

‘Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life’ by Bryan R. Johnson. Photo: google

Bryan R. Johnson is an American entrepreneur, venture capitalist and author.  He is the founder and CEO of Kernel, a company that has developed devices that can monitor and record brain activity and OS Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage science and technology companies.  His published works include “Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life” and “The Proto Project: A Sci-Fi Adventure of the Mind.” “Code 7” is the story of life at Flint Hill Elementary School, where life may seem normal, but seven friends find themselves on a path to crack the code for an epic life.  It has received Wishing Shelf Book, Royal Dragonfly Book and Mom’s Choice Awards.

“Code 7” begins with an Introduction by the author, made to look handwritten, where he invites his readers to “crack the code” that will lead them to an epic life.  It is divided into seven chapters, each a different child’s story where they each learn a life lesson: A World of Possibilities – Jefferson is given the job at school to paint a mural that represents the community; Smash Mouth Taffy – Sebastian opens a successful taffy business, but it is based on a lie; Handle With Care – Genevieve, an aspiring veterinarian, is given an egg to take care of for seven days; The Monster – Talmage helps his father in an epic effort to catch a “monster” fish that likes in a lake; Break a Leg – Samantha, a shy singer, who wants to try out for her school’s musical; Oh Rats! – Alec is a constant battle with his parents regarding cleaning his room and Code 7 – Kaitlyn, who wants to be a film maker and brings all six characters together for one final story.  

These short stories all revolve around different students who each have their own life experience with a lesson learned: from lessons in caring, to having a strong work ethic and learning to work together as a group for a common goal. The chapters are short and the language is easy and simple enough for the youngest of readers to follow and enjoy. Even if sometimes the characters come across as bratty and the stories may be hard to believe, they serve the purpose of teaching a lesson and promoting discussions. At the end, there is a reference website that includes a discussion guide and insights into the Code 7 Challenges. It is a children’s book recommended for age level 6 and up and grade Level 1 and up.

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

Movie adaptation: ‘The Witches’ by Roald Dahl

The newest movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’ will be available for streaming on HBO Max. Photo: google

Roald Dahl was a Welsh novelist, short-story writer, poet, screenwriter and wartime fighter pilot. His books have sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. He has been referred to as one of the greatest storytellers for children of the 20th century. He is best known for “James and the Giant Peach,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Matilda,” “The Witches,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and  “The BFG.” “The Witches” features the experiences of a young British boy and his Norwegian grandmother in a world where child-hating societies of witches secretly exist in every country. The second feature-length adaptation of the novel stars Ann Hathaway, Octavia Spencer and Stanley Tucci and is directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis, Kenya Barris and Guillermo del Toro.  It will be available for streaming on HBO Max on October 22 with a theatrical release in selected theaters on October 28.

“The Witches” is set in Norway and in the United Kingdom where the witches are ruled by the extremely vicious and powerful Grand High Witch. An unnamed seven-year-old English boy goes to live with his Norwegian grandmother after his parents are killed in a tragic car accident. The boy loves to listen to his grandmother’s stories, especially the ones about real witches.  According to her, witches are horrific creatures who are out to kill human children and tells the boy how to recognize them. The Grand High Witch has just arrived in England to organize her worst plot ever but when the grandmother, a self-professed former witch hunter, and her young grandson find out about her evil plan, they must work together to defeat the witches.

Movie adaptation: ‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark’ by Alvin Schwartz

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The movie adaptation of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark opened this weekend. Photo: google

Alvin Schwartz was an American author and journalist who wrote more than fifty books dedicated to and dealing with topics such as folklore and word play, many of which were intended for young readers. He is mostly known for Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a series of short stories for children originally illustrated by Stephen Gammell. The series consists of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” (1981) “More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” (1984) and “Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones” (1991). The film adaptation, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, opened this weekend and stars Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Gil Bellows and Lorraine Toussaint. It is directed by André Øvredal and the screenplay was adapted by Dan and Kevin Hageman, from a screen story by producer Guillermo del Toro, Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan.

According to Wikipedia, the author drew heavily from folklore and urban legends for his stories and each book features numerous short stories in the horror genre. Influences include Shakespeare, T.S. Eliot, Mark Twain, Joel Chandler Harris, Bennett Carl and Jan Harold Brunvand. The series has sold more than seven million copies with the books appearing on numerous children’s bestseller lists. While being considered a “cultural touchstone for a generation,” they have also been criticized by parents and social groups for being inappropriate for children.

In the movie, it is 1968 in America. Change is blowing in the wind but far removed from the unrest in the cities is the small town of Mill Valley where for generations, the shadow of the Bellows family has loomed large. In their mansion on the edge of town, Sarah, a young girl with horrible secrets, turned her tortured life into a series of scary stories, written in a book that has transcended time-stories that have a way of becoming all too real for a group of teenagers who discover Sarah’s terrifying home. – Lionsgate and CBS Films.

Movie adaptation: ‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio

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The movie adaptation of ‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio is now in theaters.

R.J. Palacio is an American author, art director and book jacket designer.   Her previous works include “Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories” and “365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts.” She is best known for “Wonder,” her first novel and The New York Times best-seller about Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. The feature film adaptation is now in theaters everywhere and stars Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay.

According to Amazon, “Wonder” tells the story of August Pullman who was born with a facial difference that has always prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Now he is starting the fifth grade at Beecher Prep and he wants nothing more than to be treated like an ordinary kid, but his classmates can not get past his looks. The narration begins from Auggie’s point of view and then switches to his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend and others. This serves to highlight one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion and acceptance. Friendship is the central theme with Auggie as the hero many will root for as he proves that people can not blend in when they were born to stand out. This book inspired the Choose Kind movement.

Movie adaptation: Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey

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The movie adaptation of the children’s book series Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey opens in theaters on Friday June 2, 2017.  Photo: Barnes & Noble

David Murray “Dav” Pilkey Jr is an American author and illustrator of children’s literature. He is best known for the children’s book series Captain Underpants and Dumb Bunnies. His first book “World War Won” won a national competition for student authors and was published in 1987. He is considered one of the most popular contemporary authors for elementary school aged students and a subtle moralist because even underneath some of the most outrageous stories, the good guy always wins and his philosophy emphasizes friendship, tolerance and generosity. Dav Pilkey created the Captain Underpants character while still in elementary school. Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is the animated movie based on the children’s novel series of the same name and opens in theaters on Friday June 2, 2017. It stars the voices of Ed Helms, Kevin Hart, Thomas Middleditch, Nick Kroll, Jordan Peele and Kristen Schaal.

According to Wikipedia, Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is set in Ohio where George Beard and Harold Hutchins are fourth-grade friends and the school’s biggest pranksters. Their pranking days are over when they mess with the toilet invention of Melvin the school nerd and Principal Krupp decides to separate them and end their friendship. To get back at him they decide to hypnotize him using a 3D Hypno Ring they got from a cereal box and make him believe he is Captain Underpants. When a new teacher, Professor P, becomes determined to get rid of laughter in the school, he schemes with Melvin to turn all the students to zombies. George and Harold set out to stop him by feeding Captain Underpants, who has no real powers, mutated food from the cafeteria that give him superpowers and allows him to defeat Professor P.

Book review: ‘Welcome to the Symphony’ by Carolyn Sloan

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‘Welcome to the Symphony’ by Carolyn Sloan is a children’s book that introduces readers to the world of classical music.  Photo: amazon

Carolyn Sloan is a native New Yorker and a music educator at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn, New York. She is also a songwriter and musician and has been writing music for theater, television and children. As an author she has written ‘Finding Your Voice: A Practical and Spiritual Approach to Singing and Living.’  Her new book is ‘Welcome to the Symphony: A Musical Exploration of the Orchestra Using Beethoven’s Symphony No.’ It is illustrated by James Williamson, an illustrator, designer and artist whose work has appeared in The New York Times and numerous children’s books.

‘Welcome to the Symphony’ is an illustrated book targeted for children ages four to eight and uses Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, one of the most popular musical pieces, to introduce young children to the world of classical music. It is an interactive picture book with a panel of 19 sound buttons that readers press when prompted during the narrative and takes them from the tuning of the orchestra to the end of the first movement. They can learn the basics of classical music including the definition of a symphony and conductor. From there they are immersed in the different aspects of music which includes melody, harmony, tempo and theme and the different type of instruments in a symphony.

This is an excellent book to introduce to young children who are becoming interested in classical music. It is informative and straight to the point and suitable for anyone who wants to learn about the different instruments, the background of each and the specific sounds they make. Even adults can benefit from it to learn the basics of classical music. It is recommended for parents looking to introduce their children to music in general and for anyone who appreciates musical instruments.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.