• Books,  Children's Books,  Gift Guide,  San Diego

    Superheroes Have Feelings, Too! Teaching Kids the ‘Power’ of Emotions (ON AMAZON)

    “All of the best heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.” – Gerard Way

    Team Supercrew believes that heroes sometimes wear capes, but true superpowers come from within. Award-winning Team Supercrew authors, Julie Anne and Darren Penn, reinvent the wheel when it comes to superheroes. Characters like Benny the Brave and Keisha the Kind come to the rescue to remind children (and parents!) that emotions are their superpower, and there is a superhero within all of us.

    Each book in the Team Supercrew series promotes diversity and inclusion, and teaches kids the power of emotions. The Penns are parents, too, and witness firsthand how kids react to their feelings. The series is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a social-emotional therapy focused on the ways thoughts, emotions and behavior are intertwined. Experts have said these books go beyond what’s usually seen in children’s books, and are valuable resources for kids.

    The Team Lineup

    • Benny the Brave: A bestseller on Amazon, Benny the Brave teaches Sarah there’s nothing to be afraid of on her first day of school. When teachers look like swamp creatures and lunch may look like it’s wriggling; Benny helps Sarah face her fears with the power to be brave.

    • Keisha the Kind: Danny is feeling frustrated with his little sister. She seems to always get the attention, and always gets into his things. Keisha teaches him the practice of patience and the power to be kind to others.

    • Chloe the Calm: When Miko continues to battle bedtime and her mind is racing, Chloe comes through to teach her how to find balance and the power to be calm.

    • Gen the Grit: Jordan loves soccer, but these days things aren’t going his way. When he can’t kick well, he feels flustered by everyone’s differing advice. Gen arrives just in time, determined to help out. With the power of grit, Jordan (and you!) can do anything!

    While finding the power to be brave, kind, calm, and have grit, kids will also learn how to recognize and manage their emotions in a positive way.

    These books are perfect for kids any time of the year – and can be especially helpful during spring break and the upcoming summer months.

    ABOUT TEAM SUPERCREW:

    As parents, Julie Anne and Darren Penn want their son to grow up understanding that true power comes from within. With backgrounds in elementary education and creative writing, the husband-wife pair launched Team Supercrew in May 2022 to unite their superpowers and share their mission with kids and families everywhere. After co-writing four books that psychologists and teachers love, the Penns are now award-winning authors and on track to become a six figure business by the end of 2023! Their books, Benny the Brave, Keisha the Kind, Chloe the Calm, and Gen the Grit are designed to teach children the importance of regulating their emotions, and give parents tools to help when they need it most.

  • Books,  Children's Books,  Gift Guide,  San Diego

    Pollinators Book Helps Kids Make an Impact

    An alarming article from The Guardian recently pointed out a statistic from a recent study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “The global loss of pollinators is causing about 500,000 early deaths a year by reducing the supply of healthy foods.” The study is the first to quantify the human health toll of insufficient wild pollinators.

    With this information in mind, I’d like to point you to a new book that seeks to educate young readers about the importance of pollinatorsWorld of Pollinators: A Guide for All Explorers: Fun Projects, Over 400 Amazing Facts about Plants, Bees, Beetles, Birds and Butterflies (Creative Homeowner) teaches children the importance of pollinators, along with exciting outdoor DIY projects and activities that make a difference!

    Have fun while making an impact! Jam-packed with tons of awesome information all about nature, World of Pollinators teaches children the importance of pollinators, along with exciting outdoor DIY projects and activities that make a difference! Engaging and fun, kids will read and learn about important pollinating insects and other valuable nature topics, from what pollen is and how it works to why some insects and birds are pollinators while some are not. Also included are illustrated guides showing different types of birds, insects, and flowering plants that attract pollinators, regional maps, and awesome fun facts on state birds across the United States! This educational and hands-on book also provides exciting outdoor projects for kids that are fun as they get involved in nature while also protecting it, including how to make a butterfly house, how to plant a pollinator haven in a flowerpot and more. World of Pollinators is an excellent resource for parents and teachers to encourage, educate, and inspire children about pollinators and helping the environment, all while having fun! ​The book will launch on May 9.

  • Art,  Children's Books,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    ABCs of Beekeeping Spelled Out in Lively New Children’s Book

    Suburban beekeeper Justin Weiss aims to inspire the next generation of bee enthusiasts and environmentalists with his vibrantly illustrated new children’s book, B is for Beekeeping: An Alphabet Book.

    With concise, easy-to-understand language, such as “C is for comb,” and “H is for honey,” Weiss introduces young audiences to the ABCs of beekeeping and the critical role that honeybees play in the ecosystem.

    “Did you know one-third of the food we eat gets pollinated by honeybees?” asked Weiss, who started beekeeping a few years ago on a whim. “While at first I was afraid of handling honeybees, it turns out having thousands of them buzzing around is quite therapeutic. This hobby has lifted my spirits when I’ve most needed it, and I’ve enjoyed sharing it with my friends and family.”

    In B is for Beekeeping, Weiss uses each letter of the alphabet to teach a beekeeping term and idea, and each fascinating new fact is brought to life by a bright, playful illustration.

    Perfect for parents, grandparents and teachers, B is for Beekeeping intends to encourage children to explore the “un-bee-lievable” world around them and to respect some of the smallest, but mightiest, creatures.

    About the Author

    Justin Weiss is a husband, father and hobby beekeeper. He loves to explore the world with his family and try new foods.

    Born and raised in California, he currently lives outside of Dallas, Texas, on a small suburban homestead. He and his wife have a garden, keep bees, raise quail and chickens, and have an orange cat named Leo. He is fluent in Spanish, having also lived in Chile, Easter Island and Spain.

    Weiss serves his community as the assistant city manager and also as a board member for the local school district’s education foundation.

    It has always been a dream of his to publish a book — a special gift for his children that he hopes they will want to pass down one day, too.

    A portion of all sales of this book will be donated to organizations such as Pollinator Partnership, the Bee Conservancy and Project Apis m. For more information, visit www.bisforbeekeeping.com, or follow the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BeekeepingBook.

  • Art,  Baby,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    BORN TO SPARKLE – A Story About Achieving Your Dreams

    “Uplifting, encouraging, and quite lovely”  – * Kirkus Reviews (starred)

    Author Megan Bomgaars, who has Down syndrome, is an activist, TV personality, and entrepreneur. This Fall, she adds “published children’s book author” to her list of accomplishments with her debut title arriving in stores nationwide.

    Inspired by Megan’s moving “Don’t Limit Me” speech, Born to Sparkle encourages young readers to dream big and work hard to make those big dreams come true. Whether you dream is to become an astronaut, firefighter, dancer, teacher, chef or anything you can imagine, you can achieve it because, just like Megan, you were born to sparkle!

    Never condescending or preachy, Megan’s pitch perfect story reassures, that there are no limits and anything is possible if one follows their dreams and works hard. It’s about doing your very best to make dreams happen. Be brave. Study. Learn. Practice. Ask questions. Educators and parents will revel in this uplifting, inspiring picture book with a cast of stuffed animals leading by example at each turn of the page.

    About the author: Megan Bomgaars

    Megan Bomgaars is an amazing woman who works hard to achieve her dreams every day. She starred on A&Es Emmy Award-winning and Critic’s Choice Real TV Award-winning reality television show Born this Way. Megan currently attends college and has already started her own business, starred on a TV show, and travelled the world as a public speaker. She was even invited to the White house by Michelle Obama to attend the “Beating the Odds Summit.”  This is Megan’s first children’s book.

    About the illustrator: Peter John Olczyk

    Peter John Olcyzk was born in Manchester. He studied art foundation at Manchester Metropolitan University and then illustration at Stockport College. He uses his own experiences and memories to put himself in the mind and shoes of a child when he illustrates, as well as being greatly influenced by stories, music and nature. He currently lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife and two young children.

     

  • Art,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Need New Kids Activity Books? Look No Further!

    Looking for engaging and educational activity books to keep children busy and off the electronics this summer?

    Schiffer Kids has you covered with books that feature optical illusions designed to confuse and excite the eye, and adventures that test problem-solving skills and develop motor skills.

     

     

    Cats: Fold and Play

    ISBN: 978-0-7643-5951-4 | softcover | $9.99 | May 2020

    With this beginner introduction to paper folding, create a merry band of black cats, each in a unique pose and ready to pounce on the included paper balls of yarn. Precut and creased kitties are ready to pop out and play in just a few folds!


    Inkyeong and Sunkyung (IK&SK) are sisters from South Korea who have both earned a master’s degree in product design, with honors. They graduated from Reims School of Art and Design in France and work together in Reims, France, and Seoul, Korea. Instagram: @ikskdesign Facebook: ikskdesign Website: http://isdesignstudio.cafe24.com

    ISBN: 978-0-7643-5952-1| softcover | $9.99 | May 2020

    Bug enthusiasts of all ages as well as budding etymologists will flex their dexterity and creativity with more than 20 paper bugs. Precut and folded pieces require no scissors or glue!

    Watch the Book Trailer Here!

    More than twenty multicolored insects are ready to crawl in just a few folds! Have fun recognizing and playing with them all. Pop out the pieces on each page and follow the instructions to create your perfect little paper friend. Each page features the name of the bug to help you identify them on your outdoor adventures.

    ISBN: 978-0-7643-5943-9| hard cover | $24.99 | May 2020

    Are you ready? Open your eyes! Look carefully! Look very closely, because things are not always what they seem. Dr. Goodview shows and explains more than 20 optical illusions to educate and entertain with amazing effects. From brightness and contrast, twisted cord, and color and perspective to motion illusions, see how these visual tricks can confuse and excite the eye!

    This is a book that seeks to explore how the eye send message to the brain for ages 5 to 12 because there is a certain magic in optical illusions.
    About the Author: Enric Jardí is a graphic designer specializing in editorial design and typography. His three published books have been translated into a number of languages. In October 2009 he received the National Prize of Culture in design from the Generalitat de Catalunya. He has also received awards such as the European Design Awards, Laus, and D&AD, and from the Infographics Malofiej Summit. Jardí combines his work with teaching at art schools and universities.

    Watch the Book Trailer Here!

    Schiffer Kids is now on social media! Please follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @SchifferKids – looking forward to seeing you.