Review for Tom The Tamer by Tjjbbe Veldkamp and Philip Hopman

An Imaginative Adventure On How To Conquer Fear!

Reading level: Ages 4 and up

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Lemniscaat USA; Illustrated edition (November 15, 2011)

ISBN-10: 1935954059

ISBN-13: 978-1935954057

Description:

Tom’s father is afraid of animals. The father learns through Tom's creativity and courage that he can conquer his fear.

Review:

Tom is a talented boy who has a truly amazing gift--he can tame any kind of animal he wants to do tricks. He creates a trampoline for the snails in the garden, who love to jump on it. The squirrels in the trees are having fun on the trapezes Tom made for them as they swing by as if they were apart of a circus act flipping about.

The problem is that no matter how creative Tom is in the development of activities for his animal friends, his father refuses to come outside and look at any of his new inventions. Tom's father is afraid of animals, even butterflies, so he stays indoors where it's safe. But wanting to spend time with his father, Tom comes up with another idea. He brings the animals indoors to him in the lieu of furniture. But will his masterful plan help conquer his father's fear of animals, or only add to it? Good intentions sometimes don't work out as planned, or do they?

Tom the Tamer is a fun and imaginative adventure that will delight readers ages 4 and up, with it's interesting 32 page tale on  how to conquer a father's fear of animals. The author, Tjibbe Veldkamp, uses many different types of animals to accomplish Tom's goal from various climates and habitats, which young animal lovers will notice right away. This lends to the hilarity of the story, yet reinforces the fact that the story swims with fiction. The illustrator, Philip Hopman, has created charming illustrations that balance the text and fills it with life. Children of all ages will be able to live in Tom's imagination during the reading of the story and will relish in the outcome.   

  

Review of Nowhere Hair by Sue Glader

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Thousand Words Press; 1st edition (September 1, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0984359109

ISBN-13: 978-0984359103

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Description:


The little girl in NOWHERE HAIR knows two things: Her mom's hair is not on her head anymore, so therefore it must be somewhere around the house. After searching the obvious places, the story reveals that her mother, although going through cancer treatment, is still silly, attentive, happy and yes, sometimes very tired and cranky. She learns that she didn't cause the cancer, can't catch it, and that Mommy still is very much up for the job of mothering. The book, written in rhyme, explains hats, scarves, wigs, going bald in public, and the idea of being nice to people who may look a little different than you. It ends with the idea that what is inside of us is far more important than how we look on the outside. For any parent or grandparent, NOWHERE HAIR offers a comfortable platform to explain something that is inherently very difficult.

Bio:

I love words. I cuddle with them. I like them. A lot. (Which is always two words, and not one.)

I’ve been a copywriter since graduating from Stanford in 1988. But that’s not who I am.

I have one child, a son, which means I am a mother while also being a wife. But that is not who I am. When Hans was just 13-months old and I was only 33, I found a strange pea-sized lump under my left armpit that changed everything. That was 10 years ago now. I'm not a huge fan of the word“survivor,” because that is not who I am. I mean, I am surviving. I just don’t like the label.

I drive an old German convertible sportscar, because life is short. I am in a 12-step recovery program for chronic school volunteerism. I live in Marin County, California. While being one of the most spectacularly beautiful places on earth, Marin is also the breast cancer capital of America. So I've learned to take the bad with the good. Ask me any day. Life is good.



Review:



An Amazing Children's Story That Softens The Topic of Cancer To A Child.

This story begins with a child who wonders where her mother's hair has gone. She looks in her purse, in the cookie jar, even under her mother's bed, but no hair. Then she thinks that her mother may have lent her hair to a matador, or a bird borrowed it for it's nest. Though the girl realizes that her mother is not as active as she once was, her mother's love for her never changes.

Their are many new things about her mother. One of the things she notices is the various hats and wigs her mother has to fit every mood. They help her attitude.

What gives this 32 page story life is the truth that just because we see someone with a bald head, or someone that looks different than ourselves, we should treat them for what they are on the inside and not what we see on the outside. A mother with cancer is no different than a mother without cancer to a child. A mother's love always stays the same, for though appearance may change, love is something that never will. This is a story highly recommended to aid the discussion of talking to a child about cancer.

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Interview for the Christmas Story, Helping Santa

Tune in today at 2pm est at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors to hear about Helping Santa.

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Bunker Hill Publishing (November 16, 2011)

ISBN-10: 1593730934

ISBN-13: 978-1593730932

Synopsis:

Grandmas are wise beyond their years and often give us memories to cherish for the rest of our lives. Helping Santa: My First Christmas Adventure With Grandma is the story of one of those enchanting moments.

Told there is no Santa by his older sister, the narrator recalls rushing off to consult with his Grandma who, he was sure, “would be straight with him.” After roundly and immediately declaring the idea that Santa might not exist to be wholly and absolutely “ridiculous”, she challenges him to become one of Santa’s helpers, and suggests he buy and deliver a gift to someone who really needs it. Thus he learns, as the adventure unfolds, the true meaning of Christmas and what Santa Claus is really all about.



Review:

This story is one of those few books that are truly memorable. Grandmas always know just what to do and say, for they are much wiser than we are, but Grandma brings to life a great message. The boy in the story believes in something that in our hearts has always been true. Grandma sends the message home by telling the boy to buy something for someone in need. When the boy thinks about it, he realizes that there is someone who could benefit from his kindness. It is someone who is truely in need. This book doesn't just show the great qualities of kindness, caring and generosity from one person, but through many people. It shows how a community can pull together to help the ones who truely deserve it. Every winter season, with other people's needs in mind, we can all be helping santa.

Interiew with author Andrea Prostko for Strike One

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @2pm est to hear author Andrea Prostko talk about her book, Strike One!

Paperback: 220 pages

Publisher: Eloquent Books (July 29, 2010)

ISBN-10: 1609115465

ISBN-13: 978-1609115463

Bio:

Andrea Prostko grew up in Columbus, Ohio and currently resides with her family in suburban Detroit. An avid reader with a life long passion for writing, she left the corporate world after 20 years to pursue her dream and write full time. Please visit www.andreaprostko.com.

Summary:

Fifth grader Billy Carmichael is very popular, a great student and a star baseball player. He is looking forward to his last few weeks in elementary school, and can hardly wait until the end-of-term school picnic, followed by the biggest baseball game of the year. Before all this can happen, however, Billy must deal with the escapades of his best friend, Jacob Riley. Jacob is another popular boy at school, but also a bully. Billy is able to accept most of Jacob's behavior, but he constantly struggles with the way Jacob treats Timmy Watkins, a quiet, overweight new kid at school. Jacob calls Timmy "fat boy" and embarrasses him in front of the rest of the kids. Jacob takes advantage of every opportunity to harass Timmy, beginning with pushing him off the school bus. He doesn't stop there, however, finding all sorts of occasions to make Timmy the subject of his ridicule. All of these events upset Billy, and even affect his ability to play baseball. Rather than confronting Jacob or befriending Timmy, he chooses to ignore it. Billy does, though, turn to his father to discuss his feelings. Strike One! shows what happens when the tables are turned, and the bully needs help from the victim.

Review:

Strike One! is a story that focuses on the ups and downs of 5th graders, Billy Carmichael and Jacob Riley. Through their sometimes bad decisions, their love of baseball and devotion to family, this story takes the reader on a journey of self discovery and the focus of doing what is right, which definetly doesn't always mean what is popular. This story takes a different twist to the ordinary bully story, especially when the bully finds that he is the one who is in need of help.  Children from 9 years of age and up will enjoy this baseball themed 220 page story, and most will be able to relate to the characters and their plight.

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Interactive Mystery Series

Hello Everyone,
Don't forget to check out my Joe-Joe Nut Series and Crypto-Caper Series this winter season for some great interactive mysteries for children from 2nd grade all the way up into middle school. For more info about the books check out my website at www.reneeahand.com.
Thanks everyone!
Renee

Interview with Janice D. Green for The Creation

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @2pm est to hear author Janice D. Green talk about her book, The Creation.

Hardcover: 24 pages

Publisher: Honeycomb Adventures Press (September 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0983680809

ISBN-13: 978-0983680802

Bio:

Janice D. Green has a passion to see healthy, happy, Christ-loving families and to that end writes and illustrates Bible storybooks for children with a goal of stimulating families to read the Bible together. The illustrations in her books are hand appliqued quilt blocks. Janice Green hopes families will be encouraged to create Bible quilts to further stimulate Bible reading at bedtime. Future Bible storybooks and quilt-able Bible coloring books are in developmental stages.

Janice Green has also written family oriented books to preserve many anecdotal memories for her parents' offspring. She feels strongly that families should write and preserve the slice of life stories from their pasts in this world that is changing so fast.

Summary:

The book of Genesis comes alive with this colorfully illustrated, scripturally sound, and kid-friendly retelling of the events and progression of creation. Questions for each day spark discussion between children and their parents and caregivers. A page is included to encourage families to begin their own Bible quilt projects. Additional faith building concepts pertaining to the Genesis account of creation are included.

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Review:

The Creation is an interesting 24 page story made up of paraphrases written by the author to help children understand the creation account as recorded in Genesis. On each page there is a quilt illustration that matches the text, but the author also includes on the same page questions or information that will help bring about family discussion. The 7 days of creation are covered and will bring about in children a reconfirmation of God's existence in their lives on a daily basis. Religous families will love the the lay out of the story and children of all ages will enjoy the quilt illustrations that will bring about many hours of possible craft ideas at home.

 

Interview with Beverly Stowe McClure for Tumbleweed Christmas

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @2pm est to hear author Beveryl Stowe McClure talk about her book, Tumbleweed Christmas.

Paperback: 24 pages

Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC (August 28, 2011)  

ISBN-10: 0983274045

ISBN-13: 978-0983274049

Bio:

When Beverly was a kid she hated to read. Even though her eighth grade teacher sent her poem “Stars” to the National High School Poetry Association, and it was published in Young America Sings, an anthology of Texas high school poetry, she hated to write. In spite of her rocky relationship with the written word, she attended Midwestern University where she read too many books to count, graduated, and became a teacher, which meant more reading. As she read to her students and they read to her, she made an amazing discovery. Reading was fun.
She also started writing. To her surprise many of her articles were published in leading children’s magazines, such as Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, Ladybug, and Focus on the Family Clubhouse Jr. One of her articles was published in a PreK-K Scott Foresman anthology. She also has five novels for teens and two books for young readers published, along with a story in Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Beverly has three sons and a bunch of grandkids. She and her husband live in the country where deer, skunks, and armadillos stop by for a visit. She writes most every day and usually has a book in one hand, with the vacuum, mop, skillet, or other household items in the other.

Tumbleweed Christmas is Beverly’s latest release. Visit her online at:
Website Address: http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com
Blog Address: http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com
Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/beverlymcclure
Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/beverlysmcclure


Summary:

Christmas is the time for miracles, but sometimes, a child must make her own miracle, and one for her siblings.


Review:

Tumbleweed Christmas is a touching story about what the spirit of christmas is truly about.

Like most children, Jackie believed in miracles. Her mother had told her that Christmas was the season for miracles and that anything could happen. The problem was, that belief was going to be tested. Jackie's father was sick and in the hospital. They didn't have a lot of money for extra things, even a tree to light up their home. Jackie felt compelled to help everyone, but she only had a dollar to do it, which wasn't much money to do much of anything. But will she find a way to put smiles on her families faces despite the lack of funds?

This is a delightful 24 page book which shows the reader about selflessness. Many parent's give up much to make things work when they don't have a lot of money, and being creative is certainly a key in such situations. Jackie gave up what was dear to her the most to be able to give gifts to her family so they had something to open on Christmas day. In many ways, gift giving has gone out of control. The most expensive items are not necessarily the best. Sometimes it's the handmade items or drawings that come from the heart that are truly memorable. A gift from the heart is what truly matters most, and it doesn't have to be much. Children and parent's alike will enjoy this story because it touches upon one of the best gifts in the world that we can give--LOVE!

Interview with Michael Sheahan for The Roof Top Hop

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @2pm est to hear author Michael Sheahan talk about his book, The Roof Top Hop.

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Finest Books Inc; 1st edition (October 1, 2010)

ISBN-10: 1935679007

ISBN-13: 978-1935679004

Synopsis:

This original song celebrates the imagination within, and will deliver to children, friends and loved ones the joy of reading. The illustrations by Douglas Wright capture the warmth and spirit only a Christmas story like "The Roof Top Hop" can do. Watch children smile as they are entertained by this warm classic style picture book version of the lyrics, accompanied by a CD offering the title song, and a second original Christmas song by Michael Sheahan. "The Roof Top Hop" instructional dance DVD will entertain everyone as they learn the dance with Broadway's award winning Michael Balderrama and professional dance instructor Jennifer Parsinen. So many gifts in one luscious package. Fun for the entire family!

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Bio:

Michael Sheahan is a retired NYPD detective, who is also an accomplished singer, songwriter, and musician. His love of celebrating all the holidays with his wife and three boys inspired him to create Mr. Holidays, and an entire series of characters, songs, books, and dances that cherish the values, warmth and traditions of each holiday. "The Roof Top Hop" is the result of the collaboration of Finest Music, Finest Media, and Fine St. Records.

Review:

The Roof Top Hop is a fun and innovative way to not only tell a unique and entertaining story about Santa Claus, but to get children moving and hopping around. The illustrations are amazingly detailed and life like, and will catch the eye of every child. The character, Mr. Holiday's, will remind many of the charismatic and talented, Fred Astaire, who was the narrator in Santa Claus is Coming Town. The dance DVD that came along with the book is professionally done and teaches children the steps of the dance, the words to the story and the song. Coloring pages and many extras are included on the disc. And for the car, as well as to play in the home, is included a 4 song CD that will become every households new favorites. With the collaboration of many talented people, Mr. Sheahan has created a wintertime masterpiece that will entertain children of all ages for years to come, helping them create a new and memorable family tradition. 

    

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Interview for Amy's Travels by Kathryn Starke

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors @2pm est to hear author Kathryn Starke talk about her book, Amy's Travels.

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Creative Minds Publications (November 1, 2006)

ISBN-10: 0976973707

ISBN-13: 978-0976973706

Bio:


Kathryn Starke spends everyday motivating children to read, think, and learn. As an elementary school reading specialist she provides instruction that enables children to learn to read, and in turn, read to learn. As a classroom teacher, Kathryn found there was a great need for educational children's books that teach the required national social studies standards. With her experience in teaching in urban school systems, she realized that all students can learn when provided with literature that is enriched with child friendly text and illustrations; therefore, she wrote and published her first children's book, Amy's Travels. She has developed Creative Minds Publications, a company that promotes creative and educational materials for children. Kathryn travels to schools, libraries, museums, and book stores to share Amy's Travels with children, parents, and teachers. She also presents literacy workshops to teachers. Kathryn continues to write and share her passion for literacy with fellow educators.


Synopsis:

Come along with Amy on her wonderful journey to all seven continents on earth. This multicultural children's book teaches the geography, culture, and diversity of our world through the eyes of a young girl. Traveling to brand new places is one of the most exciting ways to learn. Based on a true story, Amy's Travels takes readers on a trip they will never forget. This educational resource contains lesson plans that meet elementary school social studies standards. A book guide for parents and teachers is also available. Visit Creative Minds Publications online to download the guide and learn more about Amy's Travels.

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Review:

Amy's Travels is a simply told story told from a child's point of view. It is appropriate for children 4-7 years of age, but could definetly go higher. This story talks of Amy's travels to five out of the seven continents. Children will learn what countries and states she has traveled to and at what age. Amy then discusses, briefly, a choice memory about each place teaching the reader about the land, diversity, culture and/or language about a specific country. The author does a great job incorporating social studies into the story, making it fun for young children to learn. Teachers and parents will love the added kindergarten to fifth grade teaching objectives that go along with the book. This story will encourage children to think about a place they would like to travel to and to look up more information about it. Young children will enjoy reading this 32 page paperback picture book, which inspires a child's imagination to dream of the possibilities.

Interview with Karen Pokra Toz for Nate Rocks the World

Traveling with Pump Up Your Blog Book Tour

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 9am est to hear Karen Pokras Toz talk about her chapter book Nate Rocks the World.

Paperback: 136 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (June 30, 2011)  

ISBN-10: 1463510829

ISBN-13: 978-1463510824

Bio:
Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife, and mom. Karen grew up in the small town of Orange, Connecticut and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Finance. She also attended the University of Richmond, where she studied law and business, receiving both a JD and an MBA. Karen has spent the last several years working as a tax accountant, writing in numbers. She recently discovered a passion for writing with words. Nate Rocks the World is her first book.

Karen is a member of the Association of Independent Authors, Independent Author Network, and The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She is the 2011 Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run Honoree for the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter. Karen enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband and three children. For more information, please visit www.karentoz.com.


Synopsis:

Nate Rocks: Part Super-Hero, Part All-Star Athlete, Part Rock-Star… Part Fourth-Grader?
Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous – what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth-grader appears to be completely doomed. Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things. Follow the adventures of ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge as his cartoons and adventures come to life.

Review:

Nate Rocks is a great series for children 9-12 years of age. Nate really encompasses the majority of 4th graders and some of the things that happen to them on a daily basis. They must deal with competitiveness, girls, sports, irritating siblings, meddling parents and frustrating situations. But this book offers children not only a great clean story, but the realization that good can come out of everything. Especially when we look at it from a differnt angle and not are own. Nate is a character children can relate to, especially those who have more of a creative nature in them. Children in 4th grade and up will enjoy this 136 page chapter book.

Interview with K.S. Krueger for her Traegonia Series

Pump Up Your Blog Tours Present K.S. Krueger

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 8:00pm est to hear K.S. Krueger talk about her unique Traegonia Series.

Paperback: 276 pages

Publisher: AuthorHouse (June 12, 2009)

ISBN-10: 1438964641

ISBN-13: 978-1438964645

Bio:


Although her background has been in business, K.S. Krueger has always loved to write. She has written poetry and several children’s stories originally for her eldest daughter. Kim enjoys the idea of seeing the world through the eyes of her imagination and finds herself submerged in the worlds she creates. Imagination has never been in short supply ever since she was a child.

Because her series rides a fine line between fantasy and reality, it calls each reader to decide for themselves if they BELIEVE! Kim has always believed that when you find something you truly love to do, even if you think it is just a dream, find your passion, the gift that is within you, believe in yourself and follow that dream. “Let yourself be open to the possibilities that await. You never know where they might take you.”

Kim is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She is a writer, businesswoman, Reiki practitioner and spiritual person. She loves animals, nature and kids. Kim has lived in the Suburbs of Chicago all her life. She is creative and always tries to foster creativity in her own children as well as in others. She is the author of Traegonia The Sunbow Prophecy and Traegonia The Ember Rune.

You can visit Kim’s website at www.WorldOfTraegonia.com and her blog at http://worldoftraegonia.wordpress.com/




Synopsis:


Do you believe in Fairies, Sprites, Elves or Gnomes? Just because we cannot see them doesn’t mean they don’t exist….

Welcome to The World of Traegonia where mystical things really do happen. Close your eyes hold out your hand and allow the spirit of the Sunbow Prophecy to draw you into a place you have never been before. Meet a community of unknown creatures who are the protectors of the Earth. See how they bring hope to a seemingly hopeless situation, a home to those who are at risk of losing theirs and a voice to creatures who cannot speak for themselves. Watch as three young friends work together to bring about change. No matter how big or how small one is, belief and passion can change the world. Choose to see the beauty in that which is different. Put aside the fear of what you do not understand and you just may find something truly special in the gifts that others hold. What they have to share could just be the thing to change your life or maybe even the world.

Dino, an average boy from the Midwest, has a fateful encounter with two young Traegons, in a local forest. Traegons are sixteen inch tall forest dwelling creatures that resemble a cross between a troll and a wingless dragon. Looking beyond outward appearances, Dino chooses to find out more about them and discovers friendship in this most unlikely meeting. When the home of the Traegons, becomes threatened by an unscrupulous developer, Dino and his new friends Karia and Juna, must work together to stop the destruction that looms. An ancient Traegonian Prophecy is revealed and these three friends find that their friendship is the key that sets the prophecy in motion. Follow them as the adventure unfolds and the World of Traegonia is unveiled.


Review:


This is an amazing story that combines heart with friendship and the reasoning to do what is right. Krueger created a fantasy world full of creatures who cherish and respect the earth. Many lessons can be learned from this story and will remind the reader that our world is made up of balances. We all must depend on the other to survive. The story also speaks of friendship and trust. It shows the reader that friendship can be found in the most unusal of places. There's also a reason why fate shows it's hand.  Fate brought three unlikely friends together to help save the Traegonia world from certain destruction. The Sunbow Prophecy will soon be a favorite for children of middle grade level. This 276 page story is packed with fantasy, suspense and compassion that will suck in the reader from the very beginning not letting them go until the end is reached.  

Interview for the book Kathryn the Grapes Colorful Adventure

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 3:00pm est to hear Kathryn Cloward talk about her book, Kathryn the Grapes Colorful Adventure.

Hardcover: 44 pages

Publisher: Kandon Publishing (September 21, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0982927711

ISBN-13: 978-0982927717

Bio:

Kathryn is a proud and loving mother to her four year old son, who is her greatest inspiration. She is a purposeful woman and entrepreneur, and is the creator and author of the Kathryn the Grape children's book series. Bringing her childhood nickname to life in the Kathryn the Grape books has been one of the most fulfilling projects in her life thus far. Kathryn is passionate about writing dynamic stories with the intention of helping children build self esteem and learn important life lessons. Kathryn was recognized as an "Inspirational Woman" by the Speak for Success Women Changing the World awards, and was honored as one of San Diego Metropolitan's "40 Under 40" award recipients for excellence in business and community service. Kathryn's weekly talk radio show, The Ripple Effect, shines a light on extraordinary people rippling goodness into the world. Kathryn lives in her native San Diego where she enjoys hiking, running, kickboxing, and spending time with her family.

Review:

Kathryn the Grape loves the color purple and wears the color everyday. She has a best friend who is a magical butterfly named Maggie. At Kathryn's house it is hamburger night. The problem is that Kathryn doesn't like hamburgers, though her brother's love them. Unhappy with the choice of meal, Kathryn feels that her opinion doesn't matter, and that no one is listening to her. She also feels that her parent's love her brother's best. Upset, and saying some things she shouldn't have, she storms from the kitchen table to her room where she cries her woes away.

Maggie consoles Kathryn telling her that her parents love her very much. She also says that Kathryn is hardly invisible, in fact, she is very colorful. With those sweet words, Maggie gives Kathryn a box with a rainbow charm in it. Kathryn is told that as she learns about each charm, her rainbow will begin to shine. So Maggie takes her on a special tour into the world through Kathryn's imagination. But what will they find along the way? What is the importance of the charm bracelet? Will it be enough to help Kathryn's self esteem, teaching her of self worth?

This is a great story teaching children from the ages of 5 and up, about the strengths in themselves. Kathryn expresses feelings that many children have, especially when siblings are concerned. Many children feel they're not being heard. Kathryn teaches children to speak up and talk to their famlies about their feelings. Though sometimes it's not easy to do, they also need to think of the needs of others as well, and not just themselves and their own needs. Kathryn brings a good message to all little girls. The bracelet helps teach children of the many components it takes to believe in themselves, but to also know what is really important in their lives, and what they really need to be thankful for. 

Interview for Ceana Has CP by C. Fran Card

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 2:00pm est to hear C. Fran Card talk about her book, Ceana Has CP.

Hardcover

Publisher: Royal Blue Books: Lansing, Michigan (October 1, 2006)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0615131255

ISBN-13: 978-0615131252

Bio:

C. Fran Card has spent her adult life working with children. In addition to raising seven sons, she has also been a school teacher, school counselor, stay-at-home mom, foster parent and founder/director of Christian Cradle, Inc., An adoption agency. Because of her work with children, she was chosen to carry the torch for the 2002 Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ceana Has CP is her first book.
Fran makes her home in Okemos, Michigan.

Review:

Ceana and her big brother, Cullen, live in a house on a hill. Cullen, Ceana and their mother wait for the bus so Cullen can go to school. When Ceana and her mother go back to the house, Ceana walks around the living room, but she cannot walk the same as her mother,brother or father. The muscles in Ceana's left leg do not work properly and she has a difficult time walking about. Ceana has Cerebral Palsy, otherwise known as CP. Some children with CP have to use crutches, a walker or must ride in a wheelchair to get around. Some even have a hard time talking. Ceana can run and play, and can talk very well, but there are some things that she can't do. Will Ceana let CP control her life?

Ceana Has CP is a delightful book for children 3-7 years of age. It is a day in the life of a child who has CP. It shows what they can't do, but most importantly it shows what a child with CP can do. Children who have CP will find this simple story a way to let them feel more comfortable about who they are, it also lets children who don't have CP understand more about what a child with CP goes through on a daily basis. This story provides a simple way of discussing disabilities. It also lets the reader know that a child with CP doesn't let their disability define who they are. They are children no different then any other child. That is what other children should see when they look at them. This is a great story to use in classrooms and at home.

Interview with Nicole Weaver for My Sister Is My Best Friend

Tune in today at http://blogtalkradio.com/storiesfromunknownauthors at 6:30pm est to hear Nicole Weaver talk about her book, My Sister is My Best Friend.

Paperback: 16 pages

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (November 14, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1616332093

ISBN-13: 978-1616332099

Bio:

Nicole weaver was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish. Her second children's trilingual book titled: My Sister is My Best Friend will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is also the author of a children's trilingual picture book titled : Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle. The story is about a Haitian little girl who resided by the beach in Haiti.

Review:

This book is about two sister's who do everything together. They play dolls together. They play with their big fluffy dog, Bernard. They play in the park and do many other things together, having adventures every day of their lives. They are twin sister's who are thankful to have each other to play with and be around. My Sister Is My Best Friend is a 16 page trilingual picture book for children between the ages of 3-7 years of age. Children will be able to read the story in English, Spanish and French.

This story brings the true meaning of friendship to light. We may have best friends in the world, but no bond is better then the one we have with our siblings. It is those friendships that truly do last forever, because there really is no one who knows us better. Children will relish in the bond the sister's have and will have a nice warm feeling brewing inside them as the girls go about their day in each other's company, as well as in their mothers.

The illustrations are charming and heart warming as the illustrator, Clara Smith, creates these sister's so realistically to the reader. The twins wearing matching outfits, along with similar hair styles, reminds this reviewer of when I was a child with my sister and we looked liked twins constantly. The soft warm colors are soothing and colorful, bring an uplifting warmth that matches the story perfectly.  A delightful story for all.