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Review of PB and J by Christine Reynebeau

BLURB:

“You can do anything, anytime, any day!”

Grab this Children’s Book and join Lucy as she tries to get the jelly jar open!

For ages 3-9… She wants to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but can’t get the lid off the jar. No matter how many times she asks her parents for help, they just keep telling her she can do it herself. She tries everything to get the lid off the jar, but ultimately, there is only one thing that works.

This story is a reminder of the potential we all have in us to do whatever we set our minds to. Sometimes we just need someone to believe in us. Great books for families to add to their bookshelf.

“After they read it the first time, they immediately wanted to read it again!” -Amazon Review

This book takes real world lessons and makes them fun and palatable.

The stories are designed to use strong vocabulary and encourage the start of dialogue with parents and their kids.

Great for elementary schools, at bedtime, or as gifts. Help parents to start the meaningful discussion about the power of perseverance and the value of believing in ourselves!

MY REVIEW:

A simple read that makes you understand the power of believing in yourself and make you own the “I can do it’ attitude. How often we have seen people failing just because they do not want to give it a try or are lazy. Sometimes we see people giving up after the first failure. Or if they know there is always someone to reach out to who would get it done. This book will help you overcome that.

The story is about Lucy who wants to make herself a peanut butter and Jelly sandwich. She tries to twist and turn but it doesn’t open. So what does she do? She decides to let Daddy open it for her. But did he do it? No. Why? Because he wanted her to try and he said he believed in her that she could do it; continued reading his paper. So she tries with her shoe, knocking with her fist and to the dog. Nothing worked so she reaches out to her mom. She also insisted that Lucy try on her own and she believed in her.

She tried with scissors, brush, tossing it to her brother which dint work either. So after many attempts by herself and by being denied by her parents, she finally succeeds in opening. After all, “You can do anything, any time and any day”.

Believing in yourself is a great capability. So how do we teach that to kids? Start with small things at home. Taking their toys, clothes or books. This book is a great way to do things on their own and teach them to be independent.

I loved reading the book and I’m sure my kid will love it too. The illustrations make it even more easier to read and understand by the kid on her own.

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Cover: 4/5

Plot: 4/5

Writing and presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christine grew up in Green Bay, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science- Animal Science, and has worked in the youth development field, for both the YMCA and Boy Scouts of America, for 9.5 years.In 2013, she was accepted to publish with Mirror Publishing. She published PB & J first, June 2014 and it took another two years to publish GUTS, June 2016. September 2017 was the start of this great new adventure, Dreambuilt Books. In 2018, She published KIND (April 2018) and RESCUE (September 2018). She is a motivational presenter for writers & librarians, connecting my career and my passions. In both 2017 & 2018, she presented several topics at UntitledTown Book Festival. She has presented for Workforce Development programming and Church Library Associations.

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Review of Rescue by Christine Reynebeau

BLURB:

When doing it alone is simply too hard, teamwork is the answer!

Follow the story of three dogs as they rescue Phoebe’s favorite ball!

Phoebe can’t find her favorite tennis ball, Walter and Finley come to help find and rescue it! This story is about teamwork; it is a reminder that teams require different skills to accomplish our goals and that sometimes, the best thing we can do is to ask for help!

After the book, we had a discussion on how everyone has their own special abilities and when you put your minds together, anything is possible. – Amazon Review

Children’s book that can be used in elementary schools, at bedtime, or as gifts. Help parents to start the meaningful discussion about the value of a diverse team to overcome challenges!

MY REVIEW:

Rescue is the kind of story that is gentle as the wind, but the moral that it trying to teach makes a great impact. It is a story where three little furry creatures –Phoebe, Walter and Finley set out to find Phoebe’s missing ball.

One sunny day after Henry leaves for school, the three animals set out to play. Finley and Walter went to sniff around. Phoebe as usual sat down to play with her tennis balls , when she notices that her favorite ball is missing. She became frantic and began searching the entire yard, but realized that it is difficult to search for it alone.

She calls for Walter and Finley to help her out. So together they search all around the yard, under each stone, bush and tree but they couldn’t seem to find it. At last, they come to know that it went into Lulu’s yard. Lulu was old and known to be grumpy all the time. All that she is known for is barking when these three have fun.

So they decided to make a plan to rescue the ball from Lulu’s yard by diverting her.

Phoebe distracted Lulu, when Walter ran and Finley had to lookout and keep Walter clear. Unfortunately Walter steps onto a twig, but grabs the ball and Lulu was caught behind in her chain. And thus Phoebe’s favorite ball was safe.

This story brings out the importance of teamwork. We may be excellent in our individual skills but when someone is in need of help, we definitely should pitch in. If several individuals can pitch in the solution can be made easier. In this case they needed each other’s strength to save the day.

This book will teach your kid to understand the importance of team work and its benefits. The illustrations by Jessica are cute and support the narration. Christine has done a great job of coming up with this book to teach about team work. I’m sure that every kid will appreciate the thought and will try to work as a team.

I would recommend the book for ages 5 and above.

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Cover: 4/5

Plot: 4/5

Writing and presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christine grew up in Green Bay, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science- Animal Science, and has worked in the youth development field, for both the YMCA and Boy Scouts of America, for 9.5 years.In 2013, she was accepted to publish with Mirror Publishing. She published PB & J first, June 2014 and it took another two years to publish GUTS, June 2016. September 2017 was the start of this great new adventure, Dreambuilt Books. In 2018, She published KIND (April 2018) and RESCUE (September 2018). She is a motivational presenter for writers & librarians, connecting my career and my passions. In both 2017 & 2018, she presented several topics at UntitledTown Book Festival. She has presented for Workforce Development programming and Church Library Associations.

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Review of celebration by Christine Reynebeau

BLURB:

Henry and Lucy are asked to stand up at a wedding! Together they discover meaning in the big celebration. This is a story about the celebration and values that come with love; it’s a small reminder that love is very important in our lives. This is a wedding book that walks you through the day and helps ring bearers and flower girls to understand their role in the big day.

Use this book for children as a tool to open discussions about weddings, love, family and values! This book makes a great wedding gift for your ring bearers and flower girls. This is a book that will allow any family to talk about love and what that marriage connection means.

MY REVIEW:

The book begins with a wonderful note from Christine. A note that is straight form her heart, which goes like.

The book is dedicated to all who celebrate her wins and give her roots in her storms .This is to each one of them to know that your love matters and is worth celebrating.

That gives you an insight of what the book is about. The book celebrates love and union of two people in love that ends in happy marriage, which is the beginning of a wonderful lifetime with loads of happiness,

So what really happens on the day of marriage? It is a day when the flowers and the dove dance. The bride is dressed in her best and the groom is suited up. Guests take up sides in the aisle. The important ones stay close near the altar. The ring bearer (Henry) brings the rings to the front and so it is ready to be exchanged by bride and Groom. The flower girl (Lucy) walks ahead of the Bride welcoming her with a petal shower. The book brings out the important role of the flower girl and the ring bearer. Also stresses the truth that marriage is a promise and it is special that they have chosen the two.

The vow they take to be together at good and bad times. The day marks the beginning of life that they live together happily. The ring bearer and the flower girl are special in their first day of life. So let the celebrations continue until the music ends. Love is the only thing that matters in marriage, friendship and family.

That is actually the root that holds you in a storm and makes you heart warm. So it ends on a note that says that if you find someone who loves you to the moon, it calls for a celebration with everyone in the room.

I personally like the choice of words and the way it ends on a rhyming note. The book is wonderful medium to introduce marriage, vows, celebration and love. How cute are the illustrations that equally support the narration. The choice of words are simple and easy to understand.

The book talks about the presence of near and dear ones and the love that envelopes the surrounding during the celebration. A wonderful read which brings out so much happiness.

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Cover: 4/5

Plot: 4/5

Writing and presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christine grew up in Green Bay, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River Falls in December 2012 with a Bachelor of Science- Animal Science, and has worked in the youth development field, for both the YMCA and Boy Scouts of America, for 9.5 years.In 2013, she was accepted to publish with Mirror Publishing. She published PB & J first, June 2014 and it took another two years to publish GUTS, June 2016. September 2017 was the start of this great new adventure, Dreambuilt Books. In 2018, She published KIND (April 2018) and RESCUE (September 2018). She is a motivational presenter for writers & librarians, connecting my career and my passions. In both 2017 & 2018, she presented several topics at UntitledTown Book Festival. She has presented for Workforce Development programming and Church Library Associations.

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Review of When I grow up by Jon Hales

BLURB:

It’s the question which has stumped little kids and big kids for years, but, when her class is asked to come up with an answer, Annie has some unique ideas of her own.

How about Alien Hunter? Or Master Ice Cream Taster?

When she struggles to choose just one job, her teacher has some surprising advice for her.

Beautifully illustrated, expertly rhymed, with a poignant message about the importance of imagination, following our dreams and not being afraid to change our minds, this captivating picture book will delight again and again.

MY REVIEW:

When I grow up is a lovely book that brings out a little girl’s numerous choices of what she wants to become. The books starts with little Annie describing her Teacher Mr.Dove. She says he would say “Lazies and Jellymen’. He gives the class an assignment to write on what they want to become. They all start thinking and writing them.

Annie looks around to see what her friends come up with. One wants to be a fire fighter, one wants to be a baker and one an entrepreneur.

So when she thinks of her choices, she comes up with many. Say a master ice-cream taster, president of universe, alien hunter and a deep sea explorer. She explains what she would be doing becoming them.

Thinking of all this she missed writing it on paper. So when Mr.Dove is right in front of her staring at a blank paper, he tells her that it’s alright that she couldn’t settle on one choice. He comforts her by saying that he is also in the same state. He is a teacher but could become a painter or an actor after retiring.

So he asks her to write it down in a rhyme and submit it tomorrow. Annie settles in her room and starts writing as ‘When I grow up’. When she gets her paper back after submission she notices that Mr. Dove had indeed appreciated her rhyme and would want her to become an alien Hunter.

The book ends on a lovely note where she asks the reader what they want to become when they grow up. Yes, in Mr. Dove’s tone ‘Lazies and Jellymen’. And she hurries to catch aliens.

The illustrations by Paula are perfect depicting Annie’s imagination. The narration is easy to grasp. It makes you wonder how kids come up with so much imagination. Author has come up with a thought provoking subject that kindles every child’s imagination on what they would want to become.

The book is recommended for ages 4 and above but is good to look at pictures for children aged 3.

The book also helps them understand that it is natural to dream of more than one career or aspiration and we should never let go of our dreams and follow them seriously. The book would bring about a different perspective when being read to the child at different ages.

The book is rightly named “When I Grow up’ which is same as the poem Annie wrote.

MY RATINGS:

Cover: 4/5

Plot: 4/5

Writing and presentation: 4/5

Title: 4/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jon Hales

Artist. Musician. Brewer. Designer. Footballer. Author.

These are all things that Jon has dreamed of being paid to do at some point in his life (with varying degrees of connection to reality).

During his time as a kindergarten teacher, Jon loved reading stories to his students and found it fascinating to see which ones they connected with above all others.

He dreamed of crafting THOSE stories. The ones that kids picked up first every time. The ones they bugged their teachers / parents / caregivers to read to them over and over again. The ones that adults didn’t mind reading one hundred times because they enjoyed the wordplay or loved the illustrations. The ones that contained positive, inclusive messages that didn’t get in the way of the pure enjoyment of reading.

It’s early days but Jon hopes he’s on the right path to that goal. In any case, it’s becoming increasing unlikely he’s going to be called to play up front for England.

This book was received from theAuthor, in exchange for an honest review.

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Review of Zetta, the poinsettia

BLURB:

Follow the tale of Zetta, once a lonely poinsettia who discovers her worth outside the holiday season

  • Uplifting story in verse
  • Powerful lessons on sympathy, self-worth, and hope
  • BONUS ONE: Page to color at the back of the book
  • BONUS TWO: Fun facts about the poinsettia plant

MY REVIEW:

This lovely book is about Zetta, the poinsettia plant. Zetta feels lonely in the shop and longs to be held and be in company. She then is taken to a warm home where children on holiday are ready for celebrations.

As each day passed, with so much of celebration around, Zetta enjoyed being joyful during the holiday season. There were crackling sounds of gift wrappers, sipping sound of hot chocolate and slipper sounds.

But suddenly one day everything vanished and things were being put away. Zetta was puzzled but she was strong, alive and full of love. She was worried that she would be out away just like the tree. But she believed that there was a reason to be.

She was then placed near the kitchen window along with other plants where she would grow of the minimal sunlight along with other plants. She was not lonely any more.

When she grew up, she was placed in a nigger pot and brought outdoor. She would get more sunlight. She edged the front door growing bigger. But she always kept in mind whether or not it was holiday season she would always reach toward light. For she believes that there is always a reason to be.

This book brings you so much of positivity and self-esteem through the story of Zetta. The once lonely flower who longed for company also believed that there is a reason to be.

The illustrations are adorable and bring in so much energy and magic when you look at them. This book is a sure winner among the kids and among parents to help them teach the values to kids. The idea of making the plant a protagonist and having told the story from her point of view is a brilliant thought.

The book sure is to put a smile on every face and would be a great gifting option. I love the fact that the book comes with facts about the plant, so would be of great help for people (like me) who do not know that such a plant exists. Also it comes with a page to color at the back of the book so you get a wonderful story and also an activity as a reward for your kid. The cover gives you so much joy and I’m sure the book would definitely stock out soon in the shops, given that nobody would cross without picking it up. Next time you think of gifting your child, this book is a great option and sure is a memorable one.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • ISBN-13: 9780998536262
  • ISBN-10: 0998536261
  • Publisher: Sweetbeet Books
  • Publish Date: November 2018
  • Page Count: 34
  • Reading Level: Ages 4-8

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Plot: 4.5/5

Cover: 4/5

Writing and presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alma is the award-winning author of picture books for children published by Sweetbeet Books. In Alma Hammond’s ‘Travel with Me’ series, children will meet creatures she encountered while traveling. The stories celebrate friendship, diversity, respect for nature, and acceptance of others and self. Each book includes fun facts about the animals, culture, and geography of a particular location. All of Alma’s children’s books are written to entertain both the adult and child, and are inspired by fascinating discoveries about life. When adults express excitement about a book while reading it to a child, its magic!

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Review of the boy who grew a forest

BLURB:

As a boy, Jadav Payeng was distressed by the destruction deforestation and erosion was causing on his island home in India’s Brahmaputra River. So he began planting trees. What began as a small thicket of bamboo, grew over the years into 1,300 acre forest filled with native plants and animals. The Boy Who Grew a Forest tells the inspiring true story of Payeng–and reminds us all of the difference a single person with a big idea can make.

MY REVIEW:

The author, Sophia tells you an inspiring story of Jadav “Molai” Payeng. Jadav is a teenager from the Majuli Island- which is one of the world’s largest river island located in Brahmaputra. So what sort of story is this about Jadav that made him an inspiration to many people? Do you believe that even kids get inspired reading this book.

Prone to seasonal flooding and erosion, the Majuli Island witnessed the death of thousands of snakes in flooded water on barren sandbars. Heartbroken and depressed, Jadav approached the elders in the village for a way to bring back the greenery and wildlife back on the island.

He is given twenty bamboo saplings which he planted. He took really good care of them by watering them regularly and also devised a watering system. But did that stop the river from flooding? No. SO he had bring in earthworms, termites to make the soil richer. He even brought back seeds from neighboring places to cultivate varied vegetation.

He came across many hurdles- men wanting to harvest for homes, elephant from farms to feed on crops, hunters approaching for fur. But how did Jadav manage. Yes, he had a solution for every problem that came up. He grew some for harvesting, fruit trees to feed elephants and protected wildlife from hunter.

What initially started as 10 acre became 20…then 30…40 and is now a 1300 acre forest named after him as Molai. If you can compare the reality, it is larger than 900 football grounds. He is known as the forest man, who single handedly created the forest. In fact it’s rightly said if I mention he created an ecosystem to support the animals and also continue growing and maintaining the forest.

If this effort by a teenager could make a better place for living why not us. If a single man could create a 1300 acre forest, why not us. A small difference that we make is going to bring in a bigger change and provide the future generation with a greener place with rich wildlife. Why don’t we make this change come true?

The illustrations were very supportive to the narration. You can really see the story come alive when you read the book. The story is environmentally themed and sure is to inspire your kid to look up to someone who also saves the world in a different way.

Sophia and Kayla have unitedly worked for the mission of creating a book for young readers to read, inspire, empower, protect and care. Certain things could be learnt by seeing, hearing or feeling. This idea of bringing in inspiration through a book to young readers is commendable.

The end note of the author telling us to plant a seed and we never know what it would become is what which makes all the difference. I’m sure that each kid/parent who reads the book would want to do their part to save the greenery and the mission of the author is accomplished.

BOOK DETAILS:

  • Format:Kindle Edition
  • File Size:47044 KB
  • Print Length:32 pages
  • Publisher:Sleeping Bear Press (15 April 2019)
  • Sold by:Amazon Asia-Pacific Holdings Private Limited
  • Language:English
  • ASIN:B07F3B4RVZ

MY RATINGS:

Title: 4/5

Cover: 4.5/5

Plot: 4.5/5

Writing and Presentation: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sophia Gholz is a children’s book author, music lover, magic seeker, and avid reader.

As a child, Sophia was a passionate reader and artist. When not reading or drawing, she could be found at the farm riding horses or out causing mischief with her brothers.

As a grown up, Sophia is still an avid reader, art fanatic, and mischief-maker. When she’s not writing, you can find Sophia on Twitter, in her cave (aka office) or running around after the kids, dogs or any combination of the two.

Sophia grew up in Florida, went to art school in California, and met her husband in Manhattan. She’s now enjoying life by the beach with her family.

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5 unique ways to tackle reader’s block

Quite often while reading a book, we suddenly go blank. Kaboom…. Completely blank that you cannot proceed beyond that point. There is that lack of concentration or that loss of focus that does not let you read thereafter. I was not aware of how you would describe that. As a naïve human, I would just say I went blank or I had no mood to continue. Thereafter I came to know that the term used to describe such a condition is reader’s block. So far, I’ve read only about writer’s block and experienced it at times too.
So now that you experience this emotion or whatever you call it by the term reader’s block, how do you tackle it? The topic mentions to list 5 unique ways, I do have some more and I wish to share them here to help fellow readers.

DROP THE BOOK AND GET YOURSELF A REFRESHING DRINK

Yes, you heard me right. Drop of the book exactly where you are. Leave the place immediately and get yourself a drink. It could be a cappuccino, green tea, lime juice, hot chocolate or even a glass of water. A quick refresh is sure to give you a change of mind.

KEEP YOURSELF OCCUPIED

You can keep yourself occupied, when you are away from the book. Say catch up on some old friends. Call them and talk, complete some pending chores.

GO FOR A POWER NAP

Yep. It’s great to have a power nap and then get up feeling fresh. I’m sure that would give you a lot of new thoughts and energy to continue reading that book.

DO NOT STRESS OUT

When you have a reader’s block, do not stress out on deadlines. You might have to submit a review or even come up with content for a blog post. Do not do that in a hurry or when you do not have the focus. That is not going to give you fruitful results.

BINGE WATCHING

Ahh. Now there is an even better way. Now that you do not have to read why not finish watching the series that you always wanted to, but did not have time for. Some series are shorter that you can finish watching them by the time the reader’s block gets out of you.

SWITCH TO OTHER GENRES

You might have encountered reader’s block at times, because the plot is moving too slow or it goes to the uninteresting phase. So your next step should be simply switching the genre. Take up reading a different genre or short stories or even read out a book for your kid.

DO SOMETHING RELATED TO BOOKS

What if you are not reading, you can do something relating to books. Set up blog schedules or posts. Take pictures, come on you are a bookstagrammer you will have to take cool pictures. Read some articles relating to reading or try reading posts of other bloggers if you are participating in a blog train. Just like we are doing now.

SOCIAL MEDIA

You could catch up on some latest buzz, or read articles or browse pictures or statuses posted online. Check out memes that will give you a good laugh.Let me tell you that is really good to take your mind off. But precautionary is have the right kind of people in your circle, so that it gives you some positive vibes. Not viewing updates of someone who portrays life to be better than yours and you end up feeling like a piece of shit. I’m definitely not recommending following such kind of people.

OUTDOORS

Get a breath of fresh air. Go for a walk. Jog or take a stroll. Go for a ride on your bike or ride in your car. Call your coffee buddy. There is definitely no person who would say no to a coffee.

These are some of what I follow to tackle reader’s block. I hope it would be of some help for people who face similar blocks.

This article is written as a part of #Thebookblogtrain conducted by Vidhya Thakkar and Siddhi Palande powered by Penguin India and Redwolf should not be repurposed, republished or used otherwise. The content herein is owned by the blogger. Hosts are not responsible for any infringement caused.”

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Tips and tricks to increase reading on kids #thebookblogtrain

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” — Emilie Buchwald.

I believe that the reading trait can be imbibed when you start reading to them when they are in womb. The baby has the ability to listen and this makes it easier when they are out.

Learning through seeing is a great way to grasp. Seeing parents read could intrigue the child to pick up book. But that does not stop you from sitting down with them and reading a book. I have a detailed blog post on what to read to your kids. You can check that out here.

Check here : books to read to your kid.

Once you start reading out to them often, they would begin to gain interest. First they might like to feel the hold of a page, then turning them over, look at pictures, feel them if they have textures and then start reading.

What does it take in the beginning to read? THE BASICS. By basics I mean phonics.

What is Phonics?

It is the study of sound or method on how you read. It initially is taught by grouping alphabets of similar sounds under groups. There are a lot of tools or aids available online to help teach your kids. You have books, flashcards, and worksheets available in the market to make it easier for you to teach at home. Age 4 is apt for you to start teaching them, since that is when most kids begin to read. But if you believe that your child has an above average vocabulary for that age you are good to start at 3. You can even enroll yourselves for a phonics course before teaching your kid.

Make reading time a must on the schedule

Reading daily can increase reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, identifying similar words or sounds and familiar words. If your child is still not started reading I would urge you to have story telling in place of them reading. Listening regularly could help in gaining familiarity of words and help them use it in appropriate situations. Once they start reading, they could read out to you. Trust me this is such a joy of having your kid read out to you.

Reading out regularly

Do you believe that if you surround yourself with specific things you have the curiosity or the urge to go see and check out what it is? That is exactly what needs to be done. Surround the kids with books and aids that will intrigue them to

go pick up. Keep a wide variety so that they do not get bored.

Lead them by example

When they see you reading before bedtime regularly they are sure to inculcate the habit as well. Soon after they will also pick up a book and read alongside with you. Have you seen children with mobile during bed time that is probably because they are imitating behavior.

Find the right choice of what they would like

If your child can decide, then let them pick their own book. Make suggestions here and there but do not thrust books.

Read outside apart from books

Let them read the signs on road or read out a recipe of their favorite dish that they want you to make.

Support the child, each child is different

Not all children take instant liking to reading. Some are quick, some are mediocre and some are slow. Take the time to stop, step back and see why where the child is having difficulty. Try to correct that difficulty.

Visit the local library

Take a visit to the local library. Not many people visit the libraries these days, since everything is available online. Spend time at the library with both you and your kid reading books. Who knows you might even uncover certain unknown treasures not present in the online world.

Use ruler or finger

Use a ruler or a finger to follow along. That makes reading easier, and also easy to grasp for the little one. Tell them how each word combines and forms a sentence and how does that make sense.

Review and recap

Ask your child what they finished reading and which part did they like the most. Let the child explain in their own way. You can help in correcting when they are done explaining. Note down difficult words which you can teach them later.

Take part in reading challenges

Once they grow up, you can start signing them up for reading challenges. Nowadays we have more reading challenges which do help in spreading awareness about the importance of reading and also let them explore the world of books and joy of reading.

I hope the above helps in making your children read.

This article is written as a part of #Thebookblogtrain conducted by Vidhya Thakkar and Siddhi Palande powered by Penguin India and Redwolf should not be repurposed, republished or used otherwise. The content herein is owned by the blogger. Hosts are not responsible for any infringement caused.”

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Review of Jay jay and his island adventures

BLURB
Jay-Jay is no ordinary bus.
His journey is full of play.
He is a Playbus, he brings fun and adventure to the children wherever they are.
A safe place to play where children can use their imagintion and explore.
Once a real bus his story has been told in many schools.
“We wish he was still here,” the children say. “We would love to go inside!”
Well you can and he is, even if only in fictional form, his story goes on.
The real Playbus proved so popular that the idea was copied by many other play projects.
Always bright and colourful, they stood out from the rest and knowing they were different, the children and other users would come along to look inside and explore to find out what was on offer.
The real Jay-Jay ras much loved and fondly remembered.
His fictional story continues.

MY REVIEW

I loved reading the first book and was looking forward to read this.

This book is about Jay jay’s adventure to an island. This time he goes to meet kids on an island. The joy of meeting children in a new place and making them happy gave him a very good feeling.

But to get to the island he has to Go by a ferry boat. And the sight of it was not comfortable for him. He started feeling sick. But he had to overcome all this to get to the kids. The thrill and joy the kids get when they see Jay Jay is what mattered most to him.

He initially had a bump trying to get on the ferry and upon arrival at the island the driver inspected it and found to be a minimal repair. The children started flocking the bus and were very excited to see a double decker .

They had loads of toys and books to play with. They enjoyed pretending to be pirates and took memorable pictures. Jay jay stayed on the island for a week and returned back wondering what his next adventure would be.

The cover is super colourful and the illustrations are very good and could make any child happy. The narration is simple and requires no help that children could read on their own.

BOOK DETAILS

Format: Kindle

Pages : 44

MY RATINGS

Cover 4.5/5

Plot 4/5

Writing and presentation 4/5

Title 4/5

Overall 4.5/5

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sue Wickstead is a teacher and an author and has currently written six children’s picture books with a bus theme. In addition, she has also written a photographic history book about the real bus behind her story writing. Her bus stories are about a playbus. Have you ever been on a Playbus? When Sue’s two children were young, they attended a playgroup on a bus, but not an ordinary bus taking you on a journey, exciting though this is, but a Playbus stuffed full of toys to capture their imagination! For over 20 years, alongside her teaching career, she worked with the charity, the Bewbush Playbus Association. As part of the committee she painted the bus, worked in the groups, helped raise the profile of the project and its work and was part of the team involved in raising funds to replace the old bus with a newer vehicle. This led her to write a photographic history book about it. `It really was a fun journey to be involved in’, said Sue. The bus really got into her blood and became a work of the heart. Having written the history book Sue soon found that many children had never been on a bus before, let alone a `Playbus’ and they wanted to know more. So, she decided to write a fictional tale, his number plate JJK261, gave him his name. `Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus,’ came out in print in 2014. It is the story behind the original project and is his journey from a scrap-yard to being changed into a playbus for children to play in. From Fact to fiction the bus journey continues. This story has now been followed by five more picture books. `A Spooky Tale’ and `The Christmas Play Rehearsal’ do indeed have a bus connection as well as links to her teaching journey. Sue has undertaken events and author bookings and loves to share her stories, she is also proud to be `a patron of reading’. The books have all received 5-star awards from ‘Readers Favourite’. .

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Review of Circus folk and village freaks

BLURB

Meet the beautiful people of the Circus, and the freaks who live in the Village next to them. Mangled, jangled, misunderstood, all find place in the rich tapestry of this book.

Siamese twins separate to lose half a heart each, and find snake-man and tiger-taming lovers. A man bitten by a crocodile becomes a God, and a Devadasi woos the entire countryside with her culinary artistry.

Fates intertwined lead sometimes to tragedy, sometimes happy summits of fame. A clown finds his place in Hollywood and mute animals break unspeakable chains. A twisted man falls in love with a mirror and a white man is unmade by the Indian sun.

In this book are tales for every season and every reason. Tales of human depravity that take innocent lives, and of a murderers’ insanity that follows, a fitting revenge by nature, red in tooth and claw.

These stories are told in the form of narrative poems in rhyming couplets.

Look inside and you will find, you have been to this Village. Surely, you have been to this Circus too.

MY REVIEW

A book telling you stories in the form of poetry in the current trend is indeed refreshing. Not many people have a liking for poetry reading, since it is not easy to understand the inner meaning of what is being put out in words. But this book is different with about 18 tales in the form of poetry.

The book is about the inmates of the circus and villagers from around. The villagers at times become the inmates of the circus.

Each one of the tale has a moral to tell you. They leave a mark in you to make you think of it. The stories presented makes you want to do a comparison of the circus we live in and contemplate.

The cover of the book is yet another gem. It looks so colorful and vibrant that makes you want to pick the book up immediately and read.

The narration in poetic form is very good. Some are direct, some have inner meanings. This is my first time one reading a book of this kind and I enjoyed reading it. Kudos to the author for coming up with such a thought.

BOOK DETAILS

Published by : Viswakarma publications

Format : hardcover

Length : 156

MY RATINGS

Plot : 4/5

Title :4/5

Cover : 5/5

Writing and presentation :4/5

Overall :4.5/5