Calm Monsters, Kind Monsters

A Sesame Street ® Guide to Mindfulness

by Karen Latchana Kenney

#CalmMonstersKindMonsters #NetGalley

This book opens by letting young children know that part of growing up is learning to recognize and manage emotions. The offer is extended to learn how to do this with some Sesame Street friends. What a good way to learn!

A mindfulness tip is given for every day situations, for example, falling asleep. The behavior is described then modeled by a Sesame Street character and then the child is invited to try. In the sleep scene, it is suggested that the child say good night to each part of their body working upwards from the toes. In another, milk is spilled and rather than feeling bad, Cookie Monster and children are invited to use positive self-talk. There are a number of additional situations packed into this short title.

This book is appealing and helpful. I recommend it for young children and a trusted adult to share together. It could also be used by early childhood educators.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

#SteveJobs #NetGalley

The children holding this title in their hands probably take the computer (and the iPad and…so much tech), completely for granted. But it was not always that way. For what we have today with our Macs and more, we have Steve Jobs to thank.

This entry in the excellent series tells the story of Steve Jobs and how seeing a computer, a huge one, when he was 12 influenced the direction that his life would take. It surely shows that Steve was a person with a dream who could make it come true.

The author mentions that Steve was adopted as a baby. Young folk who were adopted will no doubt find this adds a bit of extra interest to the book.

The author of this series does a great job of introducing children to change makers as she does again here. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the publisher:

I was delighted to see Rebecca here; it is a book that I have read and enjoyed several times. The novel is being made into a Netflix movie starring Lily James (of Downton Abbey and more). There are a number of Joanne Fluke titles so fans of this author should explore further. Enjoy.

by Marilyn Singer

#WaystoSayILoveYou #NetGalley

This appealingly illustrated picture book shows some of the many ways that animals and people demonstrate their love and care for one another. The text is rhyming which should appeal to its young audience.

Children will see everything from people dancing, to peacocks spreading their fans, to frogs puffing up and people holding hands. The simple story shows the importance of connection and caring.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: October 20, 2020

#PocketTherapyforAnxiety #NetGalley This title is part of a series that also includes Pocket Therapy for Emotional Balance and Pocket Therapy for Stress. One or all of these may be quite helpful to readers as they deal with our unique historical moment and their own personal challenges. Following an introduction this book is divided into ten chapters that are filled with strategies for self-care. A few of the chapter headings include Relax Your Body, Face Your Fears, Get Regular Exercise and Your Anxiety Took Kit. A great deal is packed into this title’s under two hundred pages. The book begins with a helpful introduction that describes the nature of anxiety and its various types. Readers will learn about everything from situational anxiety to panic attacks and the multi-factorial basis that may result in an individual’s anxiety. The included approaches to coping with anxiety come from a variety of clinical orientations including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness and more. Following the introduction, the book moves to its individual chapters. The first chapter on the body offers a technique described as progressive muscle relaxation. There are many more approaches and tips that follow throughout this title. This book appears to be an excellent resource on its topic. It will be welcomed by those in the mental health community along with individuals who are trying to live with the effects of the anxious state. Note: the book is for self-help. Those needing medication are encouraged to consult with a mental health professional. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC All opinions are my own. Pub date: November 1, 2020. This title will be available in both e book and book formats.

I have reviewed the Louise Penny and Ann Cleeves titles. Both were very good!

Adventure Stories for Daring Girls

by Samantha Newman

Ayrton Senna

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

I always enjoy and learn something from the titles in this excellent children’s series. This time, I became acquainted with Ayrton Senna, someone who was not familiar to me.

Ayrton Senna was a child who needed to be on the go and this took him to go karting. He was an amazing racer and eventually moved on to racing cars, moving from South America to England to achieve his dream.

Young readers can be inspired by Ayrton; not only did he win but he cared about others and the safety of his sport. He was another little person who achieved a big dream.

This is another good entry in a good series. It is illustrated in a cartoon like and appealing fashion that goes well with the text.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Some selections from popular mystery series today. Enjoy.

A World Full of Poems

Inspiring Poetry for Children

by DK

#AWorldFullofPoems #NetGalley

This gorgeously illustrated title provides a wonderful introduction to poetry for young children. The adults who share or read these poems will also enjoy the experience.

The poems are organized by subjects including Family and Friends, Feelings, Animals and Nature, Cities, Towns and Travel, Fun and Games, Science and Art, Body and Health and A World of Learning. The range is vast and appealing.

I enjoyed so many of these poems, one I liked was I’m Bigger by Kristy Dempsey. What older sibling won’t enjoy this paean to having skills that the new baby lacks while also acknowledging love for that tiny creature?

This book is inclusive. For example, the section on family includes poems about everything from adoption to same sex families to the Korean tradition of a baby choosing an object that is tied to their future to a poem titled Abuelita. Throughout this book, on all other subjects this book is equally inviting.

I highly recommend this title. It would make a wonderful gift for a new baby and their parents. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.