I Can Do That! helps children learn self-regulating techniques.
About I Can Do That!
I Can Do That! helps children learn self-regulating techniques. Told through rhyme from a child’s point of view, strategies are shared empowering the child to effectively learn and practice ways they can control their emotions and actions when they feel themselves becoming dysregulated. The discussion questions at the end of the book provide an easy transition for counselors and parents to open a discussion, assisting the child in exploring ways they can learn to manage themselves.
My Thoughts
As adults we have learned tools that help us control our emotions, maybe you crack knuckles, maybe you do slow breathing or meditate or maybe you need to take a walk. Whatever you do, it is so important to have a tool to help control the emotions that we experience throughout the day.
For children, these emotions are present and can be difficult for them to understand, explain and talk about. It is important for us as parents and caregivers to understand and watch for signs of these emotions and help them understand what they are feeling. Even more important is giving them tools and techniques to help them control these emotions.
In beautiful rhyme and illustration, I Can Do That! helps children by acknowledging their feelings of being mad or bored from sitting still and how they can help themselves with these feelings. It also lets them know how these useful tools make their body feel better. I think it is important to validate their feelings but to also empower them to take charge of their feelings and actions. I love that Kayla also includes helpful discussion about regulation that forces parents and caregivers to think about actions and their child as well as activities and questions to do with your child. This is a fantastic resource for parents and children.
A native Texan, Kayla lives with her husband and three cats in Austin. Her two married daughters, along with her faith, have been an inspiration in many of her writings. She has been a guest speaker at elementary schools, women’s retreats, writer’s groups, and University of Texas. At the request of teachers and counselors, she has provided stories to broach difficult situations. Her passion is to empower and validate children, helping them know they are not alone in their feelings or circumstance, and ways to deal with it. When she is not writing she loves spending time with family and friends, read, scrapbook, and watch old movies. You can connect with her on her website.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
My Actions Matter helps children learn life value skills, creating a foundation on how they can connect with others.
About My Actions Matter
My Actions Matter helps children learn life value skills, creating a foundation on how they can connect with others. Told through rhyme from a child’s point of view this book provides strategies for the child to learn how their actions influence others. The questions at the end of the book provide an easy transition for counselors and parents to open a discussion assisting the child in exploring ways they can effectively correct their behavior and connect with others. In my professional counseling, I encourage caregivers to use My Actions Matter as a part of their everyday interaction. Kayla has written an easy to use tool that is foundational in implementing life value strategies for children and their ability to connect with others. With the sing-song rhythm and diverse characters, children can relate to and understand that their actions do matter. The Behaviors Display a Need and Explorations and Activities sections add a dimension making My Actions Matter a complete tool for caregivers to use easily, effectively, and with confidence.
My Thoughts
It can be quite difficult for children at times to control their actions – they may shout out answers, be a little too rough, may talk back or not want to listen. None of this is done because they are a bad child but they sometimes tend to forget or not understand how to control their behaviours. They need a positive adult who can help guide them in this time about why we behave in certain ways, respecting feelings and listening to others.
My Actions Matter is a soft cover book shows children and adults how to respond to negative behaviours that are typical in children. These behaviours can be not wanting to share, wanting to be the boss, being a bit too aggressive or rough and even talking back. The book then shows them the proper behaviours in a positive light. I loved the way the book is written as it makes it easier to read with your child out loud and engages them in the story. Especially with the repetition of positive behaviours and actions. The illustrations are beautiful and show children of all backgrounds.
I really liked that Kayla includes two sections in the back of the book for parents – one about behaviours displaying a need and another that encourages discussion with questions for your child. I loved that she points out that your child’s behaviour is not them, it is a need that we as parents need to understand and figure out. The questions are great for opening up dialogue between parent and child about actions, both good and bad, and how they can make others feel.
This is an excellent resource for both parents and young children.
A native Texan, Kayla lives with her husband and three cats in Austin. Her two married daughters, along with her faith, have been an inspiration in many of her writings. She has been a guest speaker at elementary schools, women’s retreats, writer’s groups, and the University of Texas. At the request of teachers and counselors, she has provided stories to broach difficult situations. Her passion is to empower and validate children, helping them know they are not alone in their feelings or circumstance, and ways to deal with it. When she is not writing she loves spending time with family and friends, read, scrapbook, and watch old movies.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
An Unbidden Visitor is a tale of family, friends, and fear.
About An Unbidden Visitor
March 1913: Struggling to make ends meet, widow Bridget Murphy finds life in rural Ireland difficult, raising six children while farming her small acreage. With the help of neighbors and friends, Bridget is able to cope with the many arduous tasks and chores required of her.
When an unnatural and terrifying force invades their house, threatening their family, Bridget is surprised to see so many backs turning on her. Fearing for themselves, those she once counted on for help and support will not risk their safety for her. Father Smyth, their priest, is the only one who stands alongside their family in the battle against the uninvited and fearsome poltergeist. But, prayers alone won’t run the farm. Will Bridget find a way to save her home and her family before there’s nowhere left to turn?
My Thoughts
I have always loved the paranormal, as a teenager I would devour books about history and legends. This was one of the first things that attracted me to this audiobook, not to mention the beautiful setting! I couldn’t wait to start listening to this short story that drew me in with its setting and plot.
I was initially shocked at the length of the audiobook (around thirty minutes) but it makes sense for a short story. Dianne packs a lot into that time and left me craving for more. Bridget is an amazing and strong women doing the impossible – raising six children on a farm alone after her husband dies. When a spirit enters her home, it is almost too much to handle.
When she looks for help, she finds she is all alone. Friends turn their back on her in fear. This is one of things that I loved learning about as a teen, the superstitions and beliefs behind the paranormal especially during these time periods.
I loved the build up of this book, the narration was excellent and helped to set the mood of the book. For such a short book, it is packed full of history, faith, paranormal and great character development. I would love to have more! I think the characters would make for a great story especially with this background.
You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon and Audible.
Rating: 4/5
Audio Excerpt
About the Author
Dianne Ascroft writes historical and contemporary fiction, often with an Irish connection. Her writing includes a ghost tale inspired by the famous Northern Irish legend of the Coonian ghost, An Unbidden Visitor; a short story collection, Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves, and a historical novel, Hitler and Mars Bars.
Her series The Yankee Years is a collection of Short Reads and novels set in World War II Northern Ireland. After the Allied troops arrived in this outlying part of Great Britain, life there would never be the same again. The series strives to bring those heady, fleeting years to life again, in thrilling and romantic tales of the era.
Dianne lives on a small farm, in Northern Ireland, with her husband and an assortment of strong-willed animals. When she’s not writing, she enjoys walks in the countryside, evenings in front of her open fireplace and folk and traditional music.
About the Narrator
Elizabeth Klett spends her days teaching English literature at a university in Houston, TX, and reading Dr. Seuss to her daughter. She has also been a professional audiobook narrator since 2011, with over 100 titles available at Audible and elsewhere. She has performed in a variety of dramatic projects, reading roles ranging from Lady Macbeth to Antigone to Juliet. She can also be heard voicing various characters in audio dramas at The Online Stage, and reading poetry at Rhapsodize Audio. Her audio narration and voice-over clients include: ACX, Audible, Findaway Voices, Duple Media, Essential Audiobooks and Listen2aBook.
In TruthSpell, what if every lie you heard caused you pain?
About TruthSpell
Thrust into the role of saving the stones of power, Shaeleen is still learning how to manage the magical abilities she has been given. As the holder of a TruthStone, every lie she hears or tells causes her immense physical pain.
Sent to find Princess Diamonique to prevent a civil war, Shaeleen travels with her brother, Wizard Protector Cole, and her friend, Orin. But her journey veers off course when she discovers an evil shadow power threatening the magic of Wayland.
As Shaeleen gathers the other stones of power, she discovers a TruthSpell that can force others to tell the truth and do her bidding. Will this help her save Wayland’s magic? Or will she become a monster worse than the one she is fighting against
My Thoughts
The exciting story of Shaeleen and the power of the stones continues in book two, Truth Spell.
In book one, Shaeleen was given what some might view as a special gift and others a curse, the Truth Stone – which gives her great powers to know the truth but also gives her physical pain when someone around her lies. For a young girl in her teens, this is at times almost too much responsibility but she carries it with grace, humour and sensitivity. In book two, we get to see much more of her personality and watch her grow in confidence, maturity and compassion. I love her character and Mike throws in great moments of humour with her love of sweets.
Shaeleen struggles a bit more with the powers she has been entrusted with. She found at times that they would take over her especially as she adds more power stones to the Truth stone. She has to learn not only how to control the stones but also how to control her own emotions and the way the stones can take over her with their power. She doesn’t want to become one of the people that she is fighting against. We learn a lot more about the Shadow stones and the plot that was building in book one. Shaeleen must learn quick in order to fight back against the shadow.
This was an excellent second book in this exciting series. The plot really takes off in this installment leaving you craving for more in book three! I loved every moment and can’t wait to read book three.
Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn’t reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn’t put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.
Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.
Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys – writing!
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream vividly recounts the journey of an African-American woman from rural, segregated Mississippi through academia, corporate America, and politics. It is the story of how she triumphed even when, more often than not, the ugly realities of racism and sexism tried to deter her.
About From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream
From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream vividly recounts the journey of an African-American woman from rural, segregated Mississippi through academia, corporate America, and politics. It is the story of how she triumphed even when, more often than not, the ugly realities of racism and sexism tried to deter her.
This book tells the broader story, too, of how her life epitomizes what the Civil Rights Act and Equal Rights Amendment have meant and have not meant for blacks and women as she has lived through their maturation during the last 50 years. What better time than now to examine how these two seminal and defining events played out in the life of an ordinary African-American woman who believed in all of America s promises?
What better moment than today to look deeply at the life of a woman who prepared herself and worked tirelessly to achieve her goals only to realize that many lay beyond her reach and that of most women and most blacks. From Liberty to Magnolia shows readers, especially aspiring women and minorities with whom her story will have special resonance how to navigate and ultimately embrace the challenges at every major crossroads and be triumphant.
A Discussion Guide is included for use by book clubs, classes, and group discussions.
My Thoughts
This is an incredible, powerful and moving book written by an inspiring woman. Dr. Ellis has a powerful way with words that draws you into her story, her life, her hopes and her fears. You can’t stop reading her story as she is so many of us. She is honest and her story is raw and heartfelt. She shares many intimate details that must have been hard for her but it empowers women to speak up and out against the same treatment towards themselves.
As a woman, you can connect immediately with her story. We are constantly struggling to make it in the world, always giving more of ourselves and pushing ourselves harder than our male counterparts to prove our worth. You may have felt gender discrimination yourself at some point in your life or you may have felt gender stereotyping. I know for myself having someone tell me what a woman should do or behave like, instantly makes me want to prove them wrong and I have had this instinct in me since a child. She shares so many intimate details from her life, from domestic abuse to emotional abuse in postgraduate education.
She shares an honest and open view of growing up black. Reading her story of being black, the treatment she received (and her family and those around her) is eye opening and shocking. We are talking the 60s, 70s, 80s and more recently. We clearly as a human race have a long way to go in acceptance and understanding. Even though she was treated unfairly many times due to her race and gender, she never let this turn to hate. She could have harboured a lot of anger but instead she fought to change perceptions and build understanding.
From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream is a powerful and honest book that empowers and builds understanding. You can find yourselves in many moments of Dr. Ellis’ life and when things feel hopeless she gives you courage. This book should be a mandatory read for all young adults (and adults).
Janice Ellis, Ph.D, has been an executive throughout her career, first in government, then in a large pharmaceutical company, later as President and CEO of her own marketing firm, and finally as President and CEO of a bi-state non-profit child advocacy agency. Along with those positions, she has been writing columns for four decades on race, politics, education, and other social issues. They have appeared in a major metropolitan daily newspaper, The Kansas City Star; a major metropolitan business journal, The Milwaukee Business Journal; and for community newspapers The Milwaukee Courier, The Kansas City Globe, and The Kansas City Call. She began her career writing and delivering radio commentary for two years for one of the largest ABC radio affiliates in Wisconsin. Later in her career she wrote and delivered a two-minute spot on the two largest Arbitron-rated radio stations in the Greater Kansas City area. She has also written for several national trade publications, focusing on healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Ellis published an online magazine, USAonRace.com, for seven years dedicated to increasing understanding across race and ethnicity, in which she analyzed race and equality issues in America. The website continues to attract thousands of visitors per year. The site also has a vibrant Facebook page with fans numbering in the thousands. Five years ago, Dr. Ellis launched a companion site, RaceReport.com, which aggregates news about race relations, racism, and discrimination from across the United States and around the world daily. Dr. Ellis also has her own website, JaniceSEllis.com, which houses a collection of her writings and where she continues to write about race inequality, gender inequality, politics, education, and other issues related to the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Janice Ellis, a native daughter of Mississippi, grew up and came of age during the height of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. Born and reared on a small cotton farm, she was influenced by two converging forces that would set the course of her life. The first was the fear and terror felt by blacks because of their seeking to exercise the right to vote along with other rights and privileges afforded to whites. The second was her love of books, the power of words, and her exposure to renowned columnists, Eric Sevareid and Walter Lippmann, whose work solidified her belief that the wise use of words is what advances the good society.
Janice Ellis became determined to take a stand, and not accept and allow the conditions of that farm life, or the strictures of oppressive racial segregation and entrenched sexism limit what she could become. She became determined to use whatever talents God had blessed her with and the power of words to help improve the human condition. FROM LIBERTY TO MAGNOLIA is her first book.
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