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South Shore Author Tanya Hackett to Release Children’s Book “My Brother Lives in Heaven” to Assist Families Dealing with Grief and Loss
Plymouth author Tanya Hackett will release her first children’s book “My Brother Lives in Heaven” on July 23, 2024 to help children who are suffering from an unimaginable loss. The book has already been named the number one new release in its genre from pre-orders on Amazon.
The book explores how children often wonder what Heaven looks like and struggle with the unknown of where their loved ones go after they leave us here on Earth. In this touching story, a little boy describes to readers all the emotions he feels after the loss of his younger brother. He describes in detail the beauty of what he sees as Heaven and all that will be until he’s reunited with his brother. He validates the sadness that comes along with missing someone, but also the joy, beauty, and peace of what he believes fills his brother’s eternal life in Heaven. Through beautiful illustrations, readers will feel an array of emotions as this little boy travels through his journey of grief. This sweet story helps little minds see beyond Earth and find peace after losing a loved one.
Hackett wrote the children’s book following the sudden, unexpected death of her three year old son Jonny in 2021. After losing her son, she was not only faced with her own grief, but also the grief of her son Bobby, who was only five years old. Through her own blog and social media, she shared the rawness of the pain they felt and the pain of watching her son suffer with the loss of his little brother. Hackett realized this loss was not temporary and, in fact, is a life sentence of learning a new normal. She has gone on to dedicate her life to not only remembering and honoring her son through her foundation, but also normalizing grief and sharing her journey. This book is a look into what grief has been for her son Bobby, who is now turning eight years old.
Hackett hopes this book will help other children who are suffering with an unimaginable loss. The children’s book in Jonny’s memory is going to be released on July 23rd during his anniversary week. The book is being published by Briley and Baxter Publishing Publications LLC of Plymouth, MA, which was founded by South Shore award winning author Stacy Padula as a way to support animal rescues with 10 percent of publishing royalties donated to different animal rescues. The company publishes books in adult fiction, non-fiction, young adult, children’s, science fiction, fantasy and self-help, as well as Christian fiction and non-fiction for all ages. The book is illustrated by Mandy Moore and is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and e-book on Apple Books and Kobo.
“My mission as a bereaved mother is to normalize grief and not make people grieving feel like they need to move on or get over it,” said Hackett. “There are no eight stages and then you’re suddenly healed. This is a life of learning how to live around the pain and function in a new normal. “
About the Author
Tanya Hackett is the wife of a police officer and mother to three beautiful children: Bobby, Jonny, and Brooke. In 2015, Tanya began working as a social worker for the state of Massachusetts. Tanya’s passion for helping others shined through her work with families and children in the community. It wasn’t until the sudden, unexpected death of her son Jonny in
2021 that her mission shifted. After losing her son, she was not only faced with her own grief, but also the grief of her son Bobby who was only five years old. Through her own blog and social media, she shared the rawness of the pain they felt and the pain of watching her son suffer with the loss of his little brother. Tanya realized this loss was not temporary and, in fact, is a life sentence of learning a new normal. Tanya went on to dedicate her life to not only remembering and honoring her son through her foundation, but also normalizing grief and sharing her journey. This book is a look into what grief has been for her son Bobby, who is now turning eight years old. Tanya hopes this book will help other children who are suffering with an unimaginable loss. Tanya plans to continue sharing this journey and hopes to someday write a
follow-up book in the perspective of her daughter who was born a year after her brother Jonny gained his wings. Jonny will always be a part of the Hackett family, and they will never stop sharing his legacy.
The Hackett family founded a charitable organization, Jonny’s Bags that help families at Children’s Hospital ICU by providing items of comfort and support. For additional information please visit https://www.
jonnyhackettmemorialfund.com/ -
Transforming Kids from Consumers to Creators with the Power of Paper
In an age where children are increasingly drawn to screens for entertainment, “The Paper Girls Show: Origami Craft Book” emerges as a refreshing alternative, offering a vibrant fusion of creativity and learning. Authored by Olivia Levenson of Global Tinker and inspired by the acclaimed animated series, this book transcends the boundaries of traditional entertainment by immersing young readers in the captivating world of origami.
From the moment you delve into its pages, it’s evident that “The Paper Girls Show: Origami Craft Book” isn’t just another activity book; it’s an invitation to embark on an imaginative journey. The book ingeniously combines storytelling with hands-on activities, weaving together vibrant characters from the animated series with interactive paper crafts. Each page is a canvas waiting to be transformed, offering a blend of entertainment and education that captivates the young mind.
One of the book’s standout features is its seamless integration of accessible videos, enriching the experience and encouraging children to actively participate in the crafting process. This multimedia approach not only enhances engagement but also fosters a deeper connection with the characters and their world.
Moreover, “The Paper Girls Show: Origami Craft Book” goes beyond mere entertainment; it serves as a powerful tool for holistic development. Through the art of origami, children are not only honing their fine motor skills but also cultivating mindfulness and concentration. The emphasis on problem-solving instills a growth mindset, teaching young learners the value of perseverance and learning from mistakes.
What sets this book apart is its ability to transform screen time into a creative endeavor, empowering children to become active creators rather than passive consumers. By providing a platform for imaginative expression, “The Paper Girls Show: Origami Craft Book” equips young minds with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital landscape with curiosity and creativity.
In conclusion, “The Paper Girls Show: Origami Craft Book” is more than just a craft book; it’s a catalyst for inspiration and discovery. With its engaging narrative, interactive activities, and emphasis on creative exploration, this book is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and hands-on learning. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply a lover of creativity, “The Paper Girls Show: Origami Craft Book” is a must-have addition to any child’s library.
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LET’S EAT : Recipes for Kids Who Cook
LET’S EAT : Recipes for Kids Who Cook DL Acken & Aurelia Louvet
A colourful, comprehensive cookbook that teaches kids (ages 9+) and beginner chefs to cook, and arms them with accessible yet impressive recipes they can make with little to-no parental supervision.
- Let’s Eat brings together kitchen basics, tools, terminology, and 60+ recipes with loads of variations to suit a range of tastes.
- Follow this fun, choose-your-own-adventure style primer, with its bold, colourful photography, kids will soon advance from quick afterschool snacks and summer picnics to breakfasts in bed and full-course family dinners (with dessert, of course). Recipes like:
- Sticky Soda Pop Ribs
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Falafel Veggie Burgers
- Deviled Eggs
- Pulled Chicken Tacos
- Sweet Potato Curry
- Teriyaki Baked Salmon
- Oven Baked Doughnuts
“Vibrant, fun, and full of tips and recipes that manage to be kid-friendly without being too kiddish. Perfect for budding school-aged cooks!”
—Stacie Billis, Co-host, Didn’t I Just Feed You podcast
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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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Join the Ride with Robby The Dyslexic Taxi: A Children’s Book Celebrating Differences
Did you know Dyslexia influences as many as 1 in 5 people and is a genetic difference in an individual’s ability to learn and process information? As a result, dyslexic individuals have differing abilities and differing strengths in creative, problem-solving, and communication skills such as spelling, reading, and memorizing facts.
Introducing Jonathan and Lynn Greenberg and their latest children’s book, The Creative Cab Company Presents: Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure. Written and illustrated by Jonathan Greenberg, a dyslexic man, and his mother, Lynn Greenberg, Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure not only entertains but also celebrates neurodiversity and promotes empathy and understanding. This charming story will inspire young readers and their families to embrace their differences and the differences of others while also reminding them of the power of kindness and determination.
With over 30 million Americans living with the power of dyslexic thinking, Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure and a happy ending. So, buckle up and join Robby on his unforgettable journey!
Jonathan and Lynn’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity extends beyond Robby’s story. They plan to continue creating stories representing the breadth and depth of the neurodivergent community. The idea of using the Creative Cab Company as a hub to connect the characters and their stories was born out of a desire to create a rich and nuanced universe that reflects the community’s diversity.
JON BIO
Born with dyslexia, Jonathan could not read and write like many other children his age. So instead of giving in to frustration, Jonathan used his struggle as a catalyst for creativity by expressing his ideas through art. Having overcome his learning difficulty, Jonathan has fallen in love with reading. Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Aiport Adventure exemplify Jonathan’s passion for writing and illustration. Together with Lynn, his mother, and his writing partner, they are already thinking of other stories that complement this book. To learn more about Jonathan and his work, visit Creationaire Arts.
LYNN BIO
Lynn is the happiest wife, mom, and grandma. A very retired attorney who loves to cook, exercise, and read, she has seen how positivity with feelings and differences can allow children to grow into happy, productive adults. During COVID-19, when many families were living together with an abundance of unscheduled free time, Lynn and Jonathan began to work on the concepts and ideas for Robby. As ideas developed, they became increasingly invested in the character, his story, and the impact this endeavor could have on others.
