All posts tagged: children’s book

BookS on MondaY: Mary Felciani shares her inspiration for her children’s book on friendship, THE MAPLE LEAF (hint: it was her hometown), the Roseto Effect, Cognitive Maps, and the magic of friendship

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By Leslie Lindsay  You just have to mention the words “Italy” and “leaf” and you’ve got me. Throw in a story about friendship and I’m there. Having been an Italian aficionado for most of my life (don’t ask why, according to my Ancestry DNA results, I’m only 1% Italian), I was enamored with this children’s story by Mary Felicani, who I can assume is Italian, penned this charming story of a young Italian boy, Carlo and his quest for friendship. Set in another time (medieval), and another place (Italy), the message is universal. Yet it’s Mary’s deft use of sensory detail that brings the story to life, thrusting me back to an ancient time when the values of friendship and belonging were just as resonate then as they are now. I’m pleased to have Mary back this week to chat with us about her book, THE MAGIC LEAF, her love for Italy, and how we can help our children cultivate friendship. Leslie Lindsay: Mary, it’s a pleasure to have you join us again. Thank you! …

Fiction Friday: Children’s Books about Books!

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By Leslie Lindsay [this piece originally “aired” on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 over at http://www.speakingofapraxia.com%5D I read a lot. Grown-up fiction? You bet. The backs of cereal boxes? Guilty. Just about anything with written text in a language I understand? Totally. But my absolute favorite part of the day is wrapping my arms around my girls and reading a children’s book. And I got to thinking, there are a lot of books about books. Sounds like a lovely combination, doesn’t it? Here are a few of my favorites in children’s literature: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. By William Joyce. This book, published in 2012 may very well be my favorite. The illustrations are rich, engaging, and offer a slightly vintage nostalgia everyone can appreciate. But the story itself is sweet, touching, and terribly moving. I love it. The book also inspired an academy-award winning short film that will bring the story to life for any reader. [Amazon Prime Members can see the video free, or purchase reasonably here. http://www.amazon.com/Fantastic-Flying-Books-Morris-Lessmore/dp/B00EV6YJ9W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396369519&sr=8-2&keywords=Mr.+Morris+Lessmore%5D Miss Dorothy and …

Apraxia Monday: Helen Keller

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By Leslie Lindsay About a month or so ago, my family  read Who Was Helen Keller by Gare Thompson.  It’s a small book, designed for kiddos in the 1-4th grades.  You may know Helen Keller as the deaf and blind young woman who became quite famous for her writing and later appearance in the movie “Deliverance.”  You may not know much at all.  And  that’s okay, too!   Grab your notepad, it’s time for a history lesson. (image source: Amazon.com 4.22.13) With my two girls snuggled on my lap after bathtime and a busy day, we dove into Helen’s dark, silent world.  Born in 1880 in Alabama to a farmer/newspaper editor and a housewife, Helen was a beautiful–and bright baby.  She learned to speak early.  Her first words were “tea, tea, tea” and “wah-wah” for water.  If she didn’t know words for things, she made signals to show her mother what she wanted  (sound familiar?) But just before Helen turned two years old, she became very sick with a fever.  In fact, her doctor thought she wouldn’t make it.  …

Apraxia Monday: He Talks Funny Author Jeanne Buesser & Give-a-Way

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By Leslie Lindsay   For mother Jeanne Buesser, apraxia has been near and dear to her heart.  Her son–now a senior in high school–and doing well–suffers from the neurologically-based motor speech disorder.  Jeanne is also the president of the nonprofit grassroots organization, Apraxia Network of Bergen County (New Jersey) and the author of He Talks Funny (Author House, 2010).  For more information, see Jeanne’s YouTube Channel: PSA’s, interviews, and more.   (image source: http://www.authorsden.com 2.11.13) “All the children eventually reach the top of their mountain but each has a different way of getting there.”   Designed for parents, caregivers, teachers, and children with apraxia, Ms. Buesser indicates He Talks Funny was “an idea that just popped into my head one day.” She’s not a stranger to writing, though.  Her work had appeared in the Exceptional Parent Magazine, Parentguide Magazine, and also http://www.Parentpaper.com.  She also blogs regularly at http://jeannebuesser.com He Talks Funny is a story about a young boy named Joey and his struggles with CAS, specifically about other children not being able to understand him, and as a result– not …

Special Guest Post & Give-a-Way: Author Jan Helson of “The Global Game Changers”

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By Leslie Lindsay Fun, fun week!  What a great way to extend”cyber week,” the continuation of Thanksgiving…and the start of the holidays.  I truly feel humbled to be able to offer some exciting guests and give-a-ways. Today, I share with you a guest post by Jan Helson, creator of The Global Game Changers children’s entertainment brand and author of the children’s book, The Global Game Changers. Developed by a mother-daughter team, Jan Helson and Rachel Annette Helson  (image source: http://theglobalgamechangers.com/ggc-headquarters/) to inspire children to “Ignite Good!” and use their superpowers to make the world a better place, the goal is to teach kids about the different ways they can give back and develop their philanthropic interests. ***Be sure to sake a look below for contest details!!*** 5 Easy Tips for Teaching Children about Philanthropy This Holiday Season (by author Jan Helson) The holiday season is a wonderful time to start teaching children about philanthropy and the joys of giving. The key to encouraging your child to become a life-long giver is a simple equation: Your …

Book Review/Give-a-Way: Marlow & the Monster

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By Leslie Lindsay (**See end of post for give-a-way information) (This contest is now closed, 8.21.12)  What kid doesn’t fear the proverbial monster-under-the-bed?  What parent hasn’t had to deal with that child who is just sure the monster slithered underneath the bed or into the closet the moment mom and dad pop in to investigate?  That’s right:  nearly all of us.  For Sharon Cramer, a certified nurse anestehtist and mom of three grown children in the Pacific northwest, her book, MARLOW & THE MONSTER (Talking Bird Books, August 2012) says it all: monters don’t exist…or do they?!  (image retrieved from Amazon.com 8.17.12) Cramer is the author and illustrator of three previous books: Cougar Cub Tales, a three-book series, but this is her first stand-alone title.  Marlow & the Monster is beautifully illustrated in black & white quill pen and ink, while portraying the monster in vivid color.  Of course–what monster would be in black & white to any child’s imagination?  Cramer states it took about 30-40 hours per illustration!  In Marlow and the Monster, young Marlow has a …