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Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients
Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients
by Mikki Hernandez (Author), Victoria Lewis (Illustrator)
Paw Prints; July 4, 2023; Ages 5-8; 32 pages
Hardcover; $18.99; 978-1223186429; 8 3/5 x 11 1/3
Paperback: $9.99; 978-1223186436; 8 1/2 x 11A young mixed-race girl named Remy, encounters that intrusive question, “What are you?” during her first day at a new school, which sends her on a journey towards self-acceptance. Feeling confused about where she belongs, Remy learns about ethnicity and what it means to be mixed by doing her favorite activity with her mother: baking. When she then returns to school, Remy shares the importance of celebrating different backgrounds, as you would the ingredients that make up a delicious cake, with her classmates.
About the Author: Mikki Hernandez is an actress, voiceover artist, and writer. She attended UCLA earning a degree in Communications and works in entertainment. She is of mixed-race heritage and enjoys discussing culture and new perspectives on her blog MixedKids&Co. Her debut children’s book, Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients, is now available. In her free time, she can be found dancing, taking long walks in the sun, or planning her next int
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Hello, Sweet Baby: An Adoption Journey
Hello, Sweet Baby: An Adoption Journey
by Janeen Jackson (Author), Brittanie Gaja (Illustrator)
Paw Prints; August 22, 2023; Ages 4-7; 40 pages
Hardcover; $18.99; 978-1223186535; 11 x 8 1/2
Paperback; $8.99; 978-1223186542; 10 3/4 x 8 1.2Young and in love, Momma Red and Poppa Yellow Tomato decide to have a baby tomato. However, Momma and Poppa quickly learn that they cannot properly care for their sweet seedling the way they want and make the difficult decision to release her to another loving tomato family in Hopewell Garden, using the assistance of a helpful ladybug adoption agent. Hello, Sweet Baby is a heartfelt, magical story by a bright new talent about adoption, making tough choices, honoring differences, and celebrating different types of families.
About the Author: At age 46, Janeen Jackson received unexpected news through DNA technology: she was adopted and biracial. She found inspiration for this book in a small tomato garden at her son Phoenix’s elementary school. Writing this story was Janeen’s way of explaining her adoption, her mixed race background, the family that released her, and the family that adopted her and loved her as their own. Janeen was a longtime resident of Santa Monica, CA, and in 2022 moved to Evanston, IL, with her husband, Ron Clark, and their two sons, Tyson and Phoenix. She received her B.A. from the HBCU Norfolk State University and completed her master’s in Education Leadership and Change in 2020 from Antioch University. Hello, Sweet Baby is Janeen’s first children’s book. Janeen is represented by Jesse B. Creative and you can find her online at janeenjackson.com and read her blog mixedupdiary.com.
About Jesse B. Creative
Jesse B. Creative specializes in developing diverse children’s books on behalf of traditional publishers. They prioritize creating better access to and growth within the world of children’s books for artists from marginalized communities. Through its literary agency arm, Jesse B. Creative represents authors and illustrators of children’s books, prioritizing diverse creators. As a book packager, Jesse B. Creative develops children’s books for major publishers and delivers the books ready for print. And finally, through its Each Story Matters non-profit, the company has hosted more than 20 publishing workshops in the last two years while transforming kids into published authors. By Fall 2024, more than 300 kids will have become published authors. This program was created to give kids insight into the science and artistry of how stories come together; give them exposure to guest instructors from places like PIXAR, Marvel, and more; provide them with the pride of being published authors; and hopefully, reduce fear of and improve their relationship with literacy. Learn more about Jesse B. Creative at jessebcreative.com, and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. -
A Dog Who Follows Gladly
“A beautiful Stoic fable that every dog lover should have on their bookshelf.”
— Tanner Campbell, Practical Philosophy
Every dog is graced with spirit of enduring optimism and joy that perfectly embodies the Stoic concept of Amor Fati: learning to truly love our fate.
“We’re free to choose how we feel about it, aren’t we?” the old dog said as he sat and watched the children run in the ranch yard. “There are chains on our collars, but no chains on our spirits. We can still decide to be happy — even tethered to a post.”
A Dog Who Follows Gladly
In this touching rendition of an ancient Stoic parable, a wise old ranch dog teaches an inexperienced newcomer how to see the best in every situation. A Dog Who Follows Gladly is an elegant collection of vignettes that celebrate the art of embracing what we can’t control — and being grateful for every moment of our lives.
“Do you miss running in the valley?” the young dog asked one day while visiting him on the porch.
The old dog thought for a moment. “I do miss it,” he answered. “But I can be just as happy laying here on the porch. It’s nice to think that the valley will keep on being the valley — even if I’m not running in it.”
A Dog Who Follows Gladly
A Dog Who Follows Gladly is a Stoic fable for life-lovers of all ages, and it’s a perfect gift for both children and adults.
This much-loved classic from author Phil Van Treuren and Stoic Simple Press has been purchased and enjoyed by thousands of happy readers!
The parable of the dog and the cart is a famous lesson of Stoicism that was first taught by Stoic philosopher Chrysippus more than 2,000 years ago. The parable is used to illustrate how we can live happier, more fulfilling lives if we learn to accept — and even embrace — the circumstances we have no control over.
A Dog Who Follows Gladly is a modern re-imagining of this ancient Stoic parable. The book presents a series of beautifully illustrated vignettes in which a wise old ranch dog teaches a new friend about the art of embracing the fate that’s ultimately in store for us.
If we’re going to end up going where the cart of life is taking us anyway, we might as well follow along gladly and enjoy the journey. If we refuse to accept our fate and pull at the rope, we’ll just make ourselves miserable — and still get dragged along with the cart, regardless.
The Fables of Eudaimonia Book Series
A Dog Who Follows Gladly is the second volume of Stoic Simple’s Fables of Eudaimonia book series, which introduces the most basic, life-changing concepts of Stoicism to a modern audience with charming stories and captivating artwork. The first book in the series, The Stock Horse and the Stable Cat, was published in late 2022.
Each fable in the series focuses on a fundamental principle of Stoic teaching with rich, delightful illustrations that will be loved by adults and children alike.
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Children’s Series Aims to Eliminate Stigma Around Disabled
Dr. Owlkin and The H.O.M.E Team, a series of children‘s books by Dr. Terri Howard-Hughes & Clint Hughes, has a mission set to change the world by eliminating the stigma around disabled children.
Based in Hopeville, The H.O.M.E (Help Or Motivate Everybody) Team celebrates characters’ differences or disabilities and promotes acceptance and inclusion for children aged 3-8. This series is devoted to raising the self-esteem and confidence of children with special needs and teaching other children acceptance of those with “differences.” Even though others may be “different,” we find that inside, everybody just wants to be loved, encouraged, accepted, appreciated and included. Dr. Owlkin is quick to remind readers, “It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!”
Dr. Owlkin and the H.O.M.E Team directly benefit St. Jude & Scottish Rite’s Children‘s Hospitals and are currently working toward developing relationships with other children’s charities. Book 5 is set to release this fall, 2023.
The mission of the Doctor Owlkin book series is to raise the self- esteem and confidence of children with special needs, disabilities, or differences and teach other children acceptance and inclusion of those with differences or disabilities. When children look past their differences, they find that inside everyone wants to be accepted, appreciated, included, and encouraged! Doctor Owlkin, the members of The H.O.M.E. Team (Help Or Motivate Everybody), and the characters in the books become the heroes who find a way to make their diversity and differences an attribute or advantage. The stories encourage those with differences to be their best!
The H.O.M.E. Team is led by wise old Doctor Owlkin and loving Nurse Sharky, who bring together their helpers. The first four books in the series tell the amazing stories of each of the helpers. The H.O.M.E. Team includes Trouble, a Bloodhound who was born with extraordinarily long and useful ears; King Tux, a tiny cat who has a BIG personality and smarts; Pirate, a lop-eared rabbit with only one eye who sees the world in a unique way; and Goldie, a Golden Retriever, who was born with 3 1⁄2 legs, but doesn’t let that stop her from being a hero. Each of these characters has adapted and developed special skills – their superpowers – that allow them to uplift and encourage others. Each book addresses a new difference to teach children why that character is special.
As Doctor Owlkin always reminds the team,
“It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!”
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ART & JOY: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER
This wry and wisdom-filled children’s book from the author of How To Spot An Artist helps artists aged five and up discover the joy of artistic expression while silencing self-criticism.
Danielle Krysa, a children’s book author and artist, has released a new book called Art & Joy: Best Friends Forever. This inspiring tale is designed to help young artists aged five and up overcome their inner critic and embrace their artistic expression. The book tells the story of two best friends, Art and Joy, who stand up to the “Art Bully” that criticizes their creative endeavors.
Krysa understands that children also have an inner critic, and her book empowers them to tap into their imaginations, shrug off negativity, and express themselves freely through art. The book‘s brilliantly colored collages and witty typography add humor and depth to the story as Art and Joy explore the art world, discovering clever ways to get their creative juices flowing using color, shape, line, and found objects.
Art & Joy: Best Friends Forever teaches children to embrace creativity and express themselves freely. Art & Joy is now available at major bookstores and online retailers.
For more information about the author and the book, visit https://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/.
About the Author
DANIELLE KRYSA, aka The Jealous Curator, is an artist and illustrator with over a quarter of a million Instagram followers. Her previous book, How To Spot An Artist, won Best Picture Book Page in the 2021 Children’s Book Council’s Kids’ Book Choice Award in the 3-8 age range category. She lives in British Columbia, Canada.
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Celebrate Your Awesomeness: Exploring “The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself” by Marla J. Albertie M. Ed.
In a world that often emphasizes humility and downplays self-accomplishments, there is a refreshing and empowering book that invites you to bask in the glory of your own achievements and unique qualities. “The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself: A Hundred Questions About How Awesome You Are,” authored by Marla J. Albertie M. Ed., presents an innovative and introspective approach to self-discovery, self-appreciation, and personal growth. This book serves as a guide to embracing your awesomeness and fostering a healthy sense of self-esteem.
Marla J. Albertie M. Ed., with her background in education and personal development, brings a compassionate and insightful perspective to the concept of self-celebration. Recognizing the importance of acknowledging one’s achievements and talents, Albertie creates a space within the pages of the book for readers to engage in meaningful self-reflection without fear of judgment. Her expertise shines through each question, encouraging readers to step into the spotlight of their own lives and take pride in their journey.
“The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself” comprises a series of a hundred carefully crafted questions, each designed to prompt self-awareness and introspection. These questions cover a wide range of topics, from accomplishments and talents to dreams and aspirations. By engaging with these questions, readers embark on a journey of self-discovery, unearthing layers of their identity and gaining a deeper understanding of what makes them truly awesome.
One of the book’s most remarkable achievements is its ability to unlock a sense of inner confidence and self-assuredness. Through the act of celebrating one’s own accomplishments, readers dismantle self-doubt and negative self-perceptions, creating space for a more positive self-concept to flourish. Albertie’s thoughtful approach empowers readers to embrace their worthiness and acknowledge the unique value they bring to the world.
Beyond its focus on self-appreciation, “The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself” is a catalyst for personal growth. Engaging with the questions encourages readers to set new goals, challenge their limits, and step outside of their comfort zones. The book transforms self-celebration into a springboard for pursuing new horizons and realizing untapped potential.
Marla J. Albertie M. Ed.’s book serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment for individuals seeking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and positive transformation. Through its innovative approach to self-celebration, this book encourages readers to recognize their achievements, dreams, and talents, fostering a renewed sense of self-esteem and gratitude.
“The Ultimate Brag Book About Yourself” by Marla J. Albertie M. Ed. is a beacon of empowerment in a world that often emphasizes modesty over self-celebration. Through a series of thought-provoking questions, readers are invited to explore their awesomeness, cultivate self-esteem, and embark on a journey of personal growth. With Marla J. Albertie’s guidance, readers can unlock their full potential, embracing their unique qualities and accomplishments while celebrating the remarkable journey of their lives.
