Magic & Wonder Collide, as Enchanting Books Teach Children British Etiquette

As an International Etiquette Trainer, Taryn Jahme has taught British etiquette to clients from all walks of life. However, children have a special place in her heart – not only for the unique challenges they present, but the creative and uplifting ways in which Taryn can impart her wisdom.

The ‘Henry and Kathleen’ series of children’s books is one of Taryn’s proudest resources – a series of storybooks that teach children British etiquette while engrossing them in a world where literally anything can happen!

Synopses:

‘A Magical London Adventure’ - Siblings Henry and Kathleen are lively and imaginative, but also a little mischievous. The Magical London Adventure by Taryn Jahme tells the tale of how, following a spot of trouble due to poor table manners, the children write a story of apology. This story within a story tells of an exciting magical adventure in which Jasper, a friendly dragon, explores London. The story culminates with a grand feast at Buckingham Palace where the children succeed in demonstrating their refined manners.

‘High Tea Through the Tunnels of London’ - Henry and Kathleen are invited by their Aunty Kerry and Granny Fay to sample High Tea at the Ritz Hotel. While there, they get trapped in a lift—from which they are rescued by Detective Fox, one of the animals the children watch play at the bottom of their garden. Detective Fox enlists the help of his friends Lady Badger, Sir Rabbit, Mrs Mole and Mr Hedgehog to whisk Henry and Kathleen on an adventure through the tunnels deep below London.

‘Little London Pirates’ - Henry and Kathleen enjoy playing in one of London’s most prestigious play-grounds at Kensington Garden’s. Magic turns the playground’s fabulous and famous pirate ship in to a real ship, setting sail upon the River Thames on a great and exciting adventure! Embarking upon a twisting and epic journey, encountering Pirates and mermaids and sea monsters., Henry and Kathleen are in for a wild time. Famous ships which are ‘dotted’ around London join the battle on the River Thames to save the children from the pirates. Will the children manage to get away?

‘Royal Air Force Day’ - Henry and Kathleen are extremely excited to go and see the ‘Red Arrows’ flying at ‘Royal Air Force Day’. Dad is flying a red arrow which has the Queen of England watching in awe. Whilst Dad is flying, Henry and Kathleen are on an epic and thrilling journey in a world famous ‘London black taxi’ which magically grows wings! Flying through the skies, Henry and Kathleen are in a race with the Red Arrows! With the crowds cheering excitedly, amazed that a London black taxi is flying through the air at such ‘high speed’, will Dad realise who it is?

‘The Raven Tea Party at the Tower of London’ - Henry and Kathleen are having a fun picnic in beautiful Richmond Park. They adventure further away from their picnic spot arriving at a ginormous old oak tree. Little do Henry and Kathleen realise that the animals that live in the branches are truly magical creatures. After meeting the magical animals for tea, the children fly on the backs of the ‘Great Wise Owls’, soaring high towards the Tower of London. A truly marvellous party hosted by the Tower’s world famous ravens takes place with all the Tower of London’s historical animals, dancing and singing. With only a limited amount of time to get back to their picnic spot, Henry and Kathleen are against time to find hidden clues throughout the Tower of London’s narrow passages, dodging laser beams, hidden tiny rooms and with many twists and turns. Henry and Kathleen’s aim is to find the Crown Jewels before it’s too late! Getting chased out of the Tower by the Queen’s medieval metal armoured Guards and setting off alarm bells, Henry and Kathleen finally get saved!

“I wanted to create a fun-based learning experience that would embed important etiquette lessons in stories that young children actually want to read,” explains the author. “Each story puts the fun and adventure first, and then intelligently weaves wisdom around the experiences, characters and challenges that the child, Henry and Kathleen encounter.”

Continuing, “Social skills are of course the bedrock of anyone’s success in life, and etiquette is one piece of the puzzle that is often missing when we bring up children either personally or professionally. These books plug that gap in a way that will have youngsters curious to continue the enchantment!”

The entire ‘Henry and Kathleen’ series is available now, from the author’s official website.

"The Magic of My Name" Custom Children's Book

I’m Clara from The Story Tailors, the authors of the personalized children’s book “The magic of my name”, a book that invites every child to a magical adventure in order to find the meaning of the child’s name. Our company is based in Barcelona (Spain), but our book is available in different languages.

We want to introduce our personalized children’s book to you:

In “The magic of my name” each letter of the child’s name receives a certain character trait and behind every trait there is a little adventure. What is so special about our books is that the entire story is based on the individuals name and therefore brings a unique element to the book. We aim to motivate children to read and to make every single one of them proud of their names.

Via our website www.themagicofmyname.com  parents are able to create a magic personalized  book. Not only can they specify the name but leave a personal dedication, change gender as well as the color of skin and hair. Feel free to try it out and look at the preview of our books.

 My Thoughts

There are many words I could use to describe this book, but the most important one is "magical". This book is so special and so beautifully illustrated. When I first heard of the idea of this book I thought it was adorable. You pick your gender, hair color, and skin color. Then you type your child's name. The website then shows you a preview of your child's custom book. So I put in white male with blond hair and his name is Declan. It then showed me the entire book in the preview (which I absolutely love about this site). The illustrations are gorgeous. You can write your own dedication or a little love note to your child. 

When I got the book I was in love. It is large which is great for the sensory development of our little ones. It really immerses your child when their entire vision is filled by the book. Some of the words they used for Declan was Loyal for L, Noble for N, and Dazzling for D. It is definitely I hearty story as well. You could have it for a good long story night or break it up among two or three nights. I absolutely love how special this makes my son feel. A whole book about him and his name! It is a beautiful idea and really well put together. I would highly highly recommend this as a baby shower or any other type of gift for young children. So beautiful!

Connect with The Magic of My Name

Website     Face Book     Twitter      Pinterest    Instagram

Thank You, Me by Elena Reznikova - #Giveaway

Have you ever thanked your body for everything that it allows you to do? Follow along as Thank You, Me expresses thanks to our bodies, and say “thank you” to your eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hands, and feet. Say thanks to your brain and your lungs. And last but not least, say thanks to your heart—because that is the place where the best “thank you’s” start.

Go beyond the book and start your own gratitude journal! What are you thankful for, and why?

Photo credit: Deborah Wallace, Barfield Photography.

About the Author

Elena is an artist and book designer living in Houston, Texas. When she is not designing books for other authors, she likes to illustrate and write stories. Her goal is to write and illustrate books that can open the hearts and minds of children and parents alike. Her previous work includes the design and illustration of the book Zen Moments by Venerable Master Miao Tsan.





My Thoughts

Thank you, Me is an adorable book that teaches children to appreciate the miracle of their bodies. Using vivid and colorful illustrations, you go through each part of the body, expressing gratitude for the unique gift it gives. You thank the eyes for your sight and your ears for the beautiful things  you hear. But it goes beyond just that. This book teaches children to be grateful for themselves and how special they are, and to appreciate all the beautiful parts that make them who they are. It teaches them how perfect they are inside and out, and helps them to appreciate the miracle of their own being.

To go along with the book, there is also an accompanying journal. This journal is designed to teach kids the importance of gratitude. This gives them the stepping stones they'll need grow up with a loving and grateful heart.   The journal has large lines that are easy for young children to write in, and it gives them an outlet to express themselves in a positive way. This is a wonderful set that fill give  children the inspiration and confidence they need from an early age, which will help them succeed later in life.



The Giveaway 

One lucky winner is going to receive a copy of Thank You, Me and the accompanying journal. This giveaway will end on 4/10/17 at 11:59 EST. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to  the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

Dr. Seuss - Birthday Bundle FREE Reading and Growth Chart

Join the Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends book club today and receive Welcome Package with 5 storybooks for just $5.95 plus a FREE Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends Activity Book. Shipping is FREE. Limited time offer, Get a FREE Dr. Seuss Reading and Growth Chart. 

Each month you will benefit from receiving 3 more Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends storybooks to review and enjoy. If you decide to keep them, they are yours for just $5.99 per book plus a small shipping and handling charge. Cancel anytime, simply return them to us at your expense with a note marked "cancel," and we'll gladly refund the purchase price.

You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child." - Dr. Seuss. Join Dr. Seuss & his friends; receive 3 new books each month, control your membership online, cancel anytime, no purchase commitment, convenience of home delivery for less than $6 per book.

Dr. Seuss’ 111th birthday is on March 2nd, and there's so much to celebrate! Dr. Seuss has captured the hearts of the young and old with his whimsical rhymes, imaginative illustrations and zany characters. A child is never too young to introduce Dr. Seuss' poetic meter. Reading to babies and young children helps with brain development and fosters a bonding experience with families. Dr. Seuss mastered the repetition of sound throughout his stories, which makes his books perfect for beginner readers learning to connect sounds and letters to form words and sentences. Wacky plots and tongue twisters make his books thoroughly entertaining, inspires creative thinking and promotes pre-reading skills. Dr. Seuss' stories, such as The Lorax, also teach valuable life lessons; whether it's about responsibility for the environment, never giving up or being true to yourself.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with a FREE gift! Every new member will receive a free Dr. Seuss Reading & Growth chart for a limited time with promo code “BIRTHDAY”. Show young readers how they can grow with books! Record reading milestones while you mark your child's growth inch by inch. The Reading & Growth chart comes with Dr. Seuss stickers to personalize your child’s name and the Dr. Seuss books he or she has read. Don't miss out on this terrific keepsake and fantastic Dr. Seuss books at a great value. 

Former Children's Authors Continue To Do Well With Adults

Although it might seem like it isn't as difficult to do, most people understand that it takes a special amount of understanding and an ability to step into an age group's world in order to be successful writing children's books.

At the same time, when people that have been successful writing for young people turn to writing adult novels, there is sometimes the notion by potential adult readers that their material won't approach something they could read from someone who has always focused on writing for adults.

And then there are the success stories- part of an ongoing trend, really, where authors that have been successful with children's and young adult stories break through to the adult market and then write for both.

In 2015, the best-seller list seems destined to see more of that. Here are a couple of examples of authors that crossover well:

Judy Blume: Ever since Judy Blume's books came out for young adults decades ago, she has been read in junior high schools and high schools throughout America. Her ability to tell a story with emotional depth that makes sense to young people and still compels the reader with an interesting plotline is legendary. Her move to writing adult novels as well was completed years ago and her new book, 'In The Unlikely Event', is climbing the bestseller list for its authentic 1950's period drama that provides readers with insight into the modern family as well.

Daniel Handler: Mr. Handler has a penchant for approaching the modern family from a different perspective. His work has been lauded for its edginess at times and his willingness to sacrifice conventionality in order to underline his themes. Most readers know him from his Lemony Snicket: An Unfortunate Series of Events, a wildly popular series of books for children. Yet there is much more to his work and his new novel for adults, 'We Are Pirates' is a very good example of how powerful his work is when the story contains protagonists that are both adult and children. One way to get more insight into his adult perspective is to visit Reddit, where you can see where some of his viewpoint originates.

Families, young people, adults. It isn't easy to crossover and write successfully for all ages of person. Yet 2015 looks like it will be another year where some writers will continue to make their mark in multiple markets.

I See Me! Personalized Children's Books

I See Me are personalized books that help making reading fun and special. Two of the books they offer are:

I Can Change the World teaches your child that change starts with just one person—your child! This storybook empowers kids to believe in themselves and their ability to affect change in those around them. Plus, it’s personalized with your child’s photo and name on the cover and throughout the book and illustrations.

My Very Own World Adventure introduces children to the gift of travel and adventure. This storybook shows kids just how big the world is, and through the unique personalization features, they learn the importance of being open to diversity and culture.

Connect with I See Me!

Website - Facebook 

My Thoughts

I had a book made for my daughter Brooklynn, and when it arrived, I was very impressed with the amount of personalization that went into this book to made it feel truly like hers. The smile on her face when she received it was special.

Her name was incorporated in several spots in the book, which was a fun surprise as she read the book. The story itself was a great story and had a lot of teaching to it as my daughter learned about how to do her part to help take care of the world. I really liked that. It's a great book to give as a gift around Earth day when we take the time to teach our kids better ways, such as recycling.

The book is a hardback, so it won't tear up easy. The pages were pretty thick, so they didn't seem like they would tear easily either. The book itself was well made and could handle even the roughest kid.

I think my favorite part of the whole personalization is the fact her name and birthday is in the front of the book. They have a lot of different type of books on their website, so there is definitely one for any child or special occasion.

Book Review : Plastic Island

A 2001 study found an average of 334,271 pieces of plastic per square mile in the northern Pacific Ocean. The middle of the Pacific Ocean holds a stationary garbage heap about twice the size of Texas that goes unnoticed. Author David Cuellar is trying to change that.

In his short children’s story, “Plastic Island,” Cuellar stresses the importance of keeping the environment clean. Pollution affects all living beings, from a boy who plays the flute to an eagle that flies in the sky. Cuellar believes that Mother Nature has done her part, so it’s time for mankind to do his.

While on a hiking trip in Middletown, California, Cuellar first learned of garbage patches in the ocean from a fellow hiker.

“My first reaction was disbelief,” Cuellar said, “But after researching it, I realized the truth. I saw the vortex in the ocean as the Earth doing its part to gather up our mess.”

Everyone can contribute to the beautification of the earth. Kids, teens, adults, CEO’s and even members of the United Nations have a part. Cueller hopes to spread awareness of the garbage patches in the ocean and to help raise more environmentally conscious kids.



My thoughts:

This is a story about Flute Boy.  While playing his flute he felt the earth with his heart. So his journey begins as the earth wanted him to walk to the great forest,where he met a wolf that loved to howl at the moon.  Thank flute boy and the wolf walk up a great mountain the earth had called them to do.  Once there, they meet a proud eagle who loved to fly high.  The three of them felt the earth call to them to walk to the sea.  So once they reach the sea they meet sea turtle who loved to blow bubbles.  The four of them than felt the earth call to them to walk to the beach.  Once there they meet a little girl named Free Spirit  who loved to sign. The four of them felt the earth call them to go out to sea in a boat. They meet a great whale who loved to spray water. The earth called to the six of them to go deeper into the ocean so they did.  And this is where they came upon Plastic Island.  Where all the worlds trash was floating in the ocean.  

The six friends go the United Nations, as suggested by Free Spirit to get help cleaning up all of that trash in the ocean.  To get the attention Flute Boy played his flute, the wolf howled at the moon, the eagle flew high in the sky, the sea turtle blew bubbles, the great whale sprayed water, and Free Spirit sang.  They got the attention of the men and women at the United Nations, and received the help needed.

I read this book with my seven and eleven year old. They really enjoyed it. My son pretended he was Flute Boy, and my daughter was singing and pretended she was Free Spirit.  They also asked questions on what they can do to keep the earth clean.  So, this is a wonderful book  to teach children the importance of recycling and putting trash in the proper designated places. It is written in a way that it keeps a child's attention, as well as the great colorful illustrations. 

Book Review : The Things I Love About Friends

There are so many things to love about friends — sharing ideas, interests, feelings, and fun times. It’s important to learn how to be a good friend.

My thoughts:

Such a cute book.  The pictures throughout this book of all the bunny friends are so adorably colorful.  The words are bold black, which makes it easy for smaller kids to read.  

While reading this book to a small group of four year olds, they sat still the whole time.  They also loved the pictures, and commented on many of them, and some even said they like to do what was pictured with their friends.   Such as sleepovers, playing outside and even getting ice cream together.

This is definitely a great book for pre- schoolers and even children in first or second grade. 

Celebrate Easter with Candlewick Press!

Spring is here!

…and with it comes warmer weather and melting snow.  It’s a great time to get little ones out and about, whether they’re romping around in the backyard, taking a trip to the playground, or participating in an Easter egg hunt!

These Candlewick titles for kiddos under 5 are perfect for getting you and your family in the mood for the new season.  Featuring a variety of adorable, furry friends (and a familiar one-haired baby covered in Easter egg paint), they’ll work at playtime and bedtime alike—and they’ll look great in an Easter basket with some chocolate eggs, too.

Peep and Ducky Rainy Day

By David Martin, illustrated by David Walker

PB: 9780763668846 ∙ February 2014 ∙ $14.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 0-3

Perfectly tuned to a toddler sensibility, this exuberant tale will enchant both listener and reader.

When Peep visits Ducky on a rainy day, the little pals have no trouble finding things to do. Inside, there is a tent to build and a pillow fight to be had. And outside, with the help of galoshes and umbrella, it’s fun to captain a boat—until a whoosh of wind and a clap of thunder sends them running back in!

« “Totally in tune with toddlers, this snappy read-aloud gets it right.” — Kirkus Review

Hop! Hop!

Written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli

Board: 9780763663193 ∙ February 2015 ∙ $6.99 ∙ 26 pages ∙ Ages 0-3

The Easter Bunny is coming! It’s time to dye eggs. Did you know that red and blue make purple? That blue and yellow make green? That an art project may result in a multicolored Baby? There are bunny ears to wear (for the dog and cat, too) and an Easter basket to put out before bedtime. What will Baby find inside it the next morning?

“Preschoolers, parents, teachers, and librarians will be excited to ‘hop’ to Patricelli’s latest.” — School Library Journal

My Thoughts:

Hop! Hop! was an adorable book that goes over the fun things kids get do at Easter. Such as coloring eggs! While coloring the eggs, children will learn things such as red and yellow make orange.

The little boy in the book does arts and crafts after he dyes Easter eggs, followed by eating jelly beans and going on an Easter Egg hunt.

Kids will enjoy this book because they get to read about the things they are already doing, as well as some learning along the way. My daughter enjoyed the book. The illustrations are bright and eye catching, and sure to keep your child looking all over the pages as they follow along with the story.

Cutie Pie Looks for the Easter Bunny

Written and illustrated by Jannie Ho

Board: 9780763675998 ∙ February 2015 ∙ $5.99 ∙ 8 pages ∙ Ages 0-3

Little readers will love joining in with Cutie Pie's search.

Cutie Pie's friends all have Easter eggs but Cutie cannot find the Easter Bunny to get her egg. Wherever can he be?

“An upbeat, interactive offering sure to make an appearance in Easter baskets and storytimes come spring.” —Kirkus Reviews

A Lullaby For Little One

By Dawn Casey, illustrated by Charles Fuge

HC: 9780763676087 ∙ January 2015 ∙ $12.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 2-5

At the end of a lovely day full of laughter and fun, little Bunny and Big Daddy Rabbit have time for one last game. All their woodland friends join in, too — woo-hoo! — but when little Bunny gets tired of all of the hullabaloo, Big Daddy Rabbit knows that a special lullaby is exactly what’s needed.

“Casey's rollicking rhyming text describes their romp, which draws the attention and enthusiastic participation of other woodland creatures. ... Fuge masterfully paints cheery bucolic scenes in watercolor. ... Young readers ... will relate to Little One's abrupt swing from rambunctious fun one moment and overwhelmed unhappiness at the unexpected result in the next. ... Sure to satisfy toddlers and preschoolers, this father-child tale will warm many hearts.” — Kirkus Reviews

Count with Maisy, Cheep, Cheep, Cheep!

Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins

HC: 9780763676438 ∙ February 2015 ∙ $15.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 2-5

Will all ten chicks be safe and accounted for by the last turn of the page?

It’s bedtime, but where have all of Mommy Hen’s chicks gone? Maisy is quickly on the case to find them, and little readers can help, too—by lifting the flaps to see who’s hiding in the stable, by the tractor, or up in the apple tree.

“The counting combined with the flaps, appealing barnyard animals and varied farm locations make this an ideal counting companion to better known stories and songs, such as "Old MacDonald." A book that doesn't take any "cheep" shots at the material.” – Kirkus Reviews

********

My Thoughts:

Count with Maisy, Cheep, Cheep, Cheep! was an adorable book. In this book, we are helping the mama hen find her chicks before bed, and she has 10 of them to find. They are hidden in quite some funny places all around the farm.

A child will want to read this one multiple times and find the chicks under the hidden flaps. My daughter loved the interactiveness of this book, and she had fun counting the chicks along the way. We also were able to do some math as we had to figure out how many chicks were left to find.