Showing posts with label life lessons for kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life lessons for kids. Show all posts

Friday, January 16, 2015




This is a lovely book written in two languages (English & Spanish) by Ann Morris. Her writing is inspired by her son, Mikel. Small children will find life lessons here as well as entertainment.  The story takes a young boy on a walk in the park. He and his mother discover a number of things while learning the importance of safety.

Mikel finds that his mother’s instructions are for his own good and he also gets to make a choice of his own.  While exploring the outdoors Mikel spots something that requires some research. He and his mother take a trip to find out what exactly they did see.

Spending time with his Mom, Mikel enjoys the day, is excited to explore, and learns many valuable things on his walk.  The illustrations by Blythe Russo, are pleasant and appealing to children. A fun read for the little ones.

Reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children's literature



Author of
Mommy & Mikel Go For a Walk


Ann (Ana) Morris Bio
Ann (Ana for Spanish books) Morris has a deep interest in education.  She knows that children have vivid imaginations and an insatiable love of learning.  Morris developed an interest in writing children’s stories with the intention of recording memorable experiences with young family members sprinkled with memories of her own youth.
As a teacher and as a community worker, Morris has collaborated with and served people from many cultures new to our country, including our Latino friends. She speaks and writes Spanish as well as English.  Her hopes are to encourage children and parents learning to read their native language, as well as to motivate language learners.  She includes a positive adult role model, a curious child and a unique learning experience in each story. 
Ann (Ana) Morris is the author of
·         Mommy and Mikel Go for a Walk/Mikel y Mami dan un paseo
·         Surprise in Auntie’s Garden!/¡Sorpresa en el jardín de la tía!
·         (Awaiting illustration completion) Everything Is Different!/¡Todo es distinto!
She has other works in progress and many other memories yet to record


Purchase Here

Saturday, November 22, 2014



A heartwarming story of a boy who over comes his fears by applying his efforts and following the path of Jesus. Ben has to prove to his family he is responsible enough to take on summer camp and look in the face of everything that scares him.  In the process he proves to be a hero with his handicapped friend Mary who has lost her service dog and also his new found homeless friend Jeremy.

This is a book that will hold the interest of children, but also the reader will be able to identify with Ben’s fears and sibling rivalry. Janet Ann Collins has written a story that teaches compassion, alerts a child to the hardships of others in life. 

The story awakens children to the troubles some people have in their lives, and shows them how God interacts through all of us in ways we never expect.

The characters Ben and Tom develop personal growth both in daily life and in spiritual being.  Great story and inspiring book for kids.   Lots of stars for this one.

This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children's literature


Monday, November 4, 2013



The Birthday Book Club Snatching

 

Although the title of this book describes the plot of the story, it does not do justice to the adventures that take place within these pages.  Come battle Neothors in the Galaxy Bratheria with Simon, or maybe your fantasy would be to revel in the Revolutionary war with the Redcoats attacking.  Whether you fence with Simon and the aliens on planet Meptee, survive on Blackbeard’s ship with pirates, or dodge the Nazi soldiers in World War II, you will experience Simon’s sometimes brutal and extreme imagination.  Throughout the story Simon’s fantasy is to have someone he can count on always as a good friend.

Simon is viewed as an odd child, whispered about, falsely accused, and laughed at, and all because others are not receptive enough to realize the creative genius within him. The Birthday Book Club Snatching is filled with life lessons,  history,  sibling kindness, Dyslexia,  awareness of those different, fantasy, friendship, bullies, daydreaming, stealing, knowing right from wrong, illegal aliens, educational content, and making the right choices. The most entertaining aspect in the book is of course, Simon’s vivid imagination.  The most virtuous is honesty.

This is a great book for boys, although I’m sure girls will find excitement within these pages that entertain as well.  This is a well written book from The Melinda &Simon Series, authored by Anne Burack Sayre.  I give five ***** stars for this book for the wide range of content, entertainment and life lessons it provides for middle grade kids  Great book!                                                                                                                                                  Purchase book here:
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