1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping your cool when big emotions start to bubble up inside you? Check out what works for Mack and Gertie in 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me, a fun picture book by early childhood educator Hillary Harper. In honor of this Mental Health Awareness Month, you could win a signed copy of this new release as well as a children's journal companion to the book!

My Review:

Backed by the author's professional knowledge, 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me tells an amusing and comforting tale that teaches about self-soothing techniques and emotion management skills. In spite of his enormous size as a dog, Mack has many fears that seem to stand in his way of trying to protect his family. He's worried sick not knowing what to do about those weired feelings until he meets Gertie, a tiny, plump pup with a big, brave heart. His new buddy shows Mack how to calm down through deep breathing and helps him memorize it with a playful rhyme. Will it work like magic every time he feels scared or uneasy? Are there other things that can help?

Featuring an adorable puppy pair in colorful, engaging and action-packed pictures, the story speaks to young children who share Mack's fear for thunderstorms, new things or new people, and being alone and away from parents. As they entertain the comedic effect created through the surprising contrast between the size and temperament of the two characters, they learn about coping strategies that are easy to master and fun to practice. 

When Mack hides in his safe space, Gertie validates his feelings instead of making fun of him. His kind responses and mindful coaching style help Mack overcome his fears step by step. The role Gertie plays in Mack's journey has important implications for parents and educators. It also encourages young minds to be more understanding and supportive of their friends who may be struggling to conquer their fears. The inclusion of real-life pictures of Mack and Gertie, along with their true stories, is the cherry on top, making the main characters even more relatable and memorable.

A delightful delicacy for puppy lovers, 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me is an accessible and appealing book that helps nurture empathy and emotional resilience from an early age.

About the Book:

Ages 3-8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Cannoli & Co. Books | ISBN-13: 9798988363637

Meet Mack, the pup with emotions as big as his paws! At times, Mack finds himself overwhelmed by his feelings. His stomach is filled with butterflies, his legs grow wobbly, and he feels short of breath. Thankfully, Mack has his trusty sidekick, Gertie, to guide him through the tough times. Together, they explore ways to manage and overcome these powerful emotions.

Through Mack’s journey, children can learn breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and other self-regulation activities that can be practiced in their daily lives.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

Jo's Special Gifts Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Every child is unique in their own way and those on the autism spectrum are no exception. Let's find out what makes a little boy named Jo special in Mariam Shapera's newly released picture book Jo’s Special Gifts. Enter to win a book set autographed by the author, along with a Starbucks gift card!

My Review:

Based on the author's personal experience with parenting an autistic child, Jo’s Special Gifts is an uplifting and illuminating book that promotes neurodiversity, autism acceptance and positive parenting. Jo takes delight in reading about space, playing piano, watching spinning objects in action, and riding his favorite bike. Meanwhile, it takes time for him to adjust to changes or learn something new. He is not inclined to engage in a conversation unless the topic really interests him. He may express fear and anxiety by repeating certain words. But what matters most is that he always feels loved and cared for!

Written in rhymes and with great enthusiasm from the perspective of Jo, the book sheds light on how someone with autism thinks and behaves differently, and the kind of support and accommodations that can be provided to help kids with special gifts thrive and shine. It encourages young readers to pursue their passion and embrace diversity. It helps them understand the differences and challenges that their neurodivergent peers may experience. For parents with autistic children, it inspires them to help their little ones discover and cherish their unique talents, and build their confidence by cheering for their efforts as well as their achievements. Parents need to be patient, supportive, or simply be there when their kids need a shoulder to lean on.

Combining vibrant colors with vivid characters, the illustrations are cheerful and imaginative, reflecting the positive tone of the narrative while enriching the story with interesting details. Students with different ethnic backgrounds and physical conditions are thoughtfully represented in the classroom, where various devices can be found to help accommodate children with special needs. In the back of the book, the author also includes a guide to address common questions parents have about supporting a child on the spectrum.

Inspiring and informative, Jo's Special Gifts is a pleasure to read for all, as a sweet reminder of how special each and every one of us is.

About the Book:

Ages 4+ | 39 Pages
Publisher: Mariam Shapera | ISBN-13: 979-8-9896337-0-8

Join Jo, an enthusiastic, curious and sensitive boy, as he shares his autistic joys and challenges with you. This is an emotional journey that celebrates neurodiversity and embracing one’s own gifts. This heartwarming rhyming story celebrates the unique gifts that each person can bring to the world. You will love entering this amazing autistic brain as we celebrate Jo’s special gifts.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

Unsung Hero in Theaters Now! Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Today is the day! The highly anticipated movie Unsung Hero opens in theaters nationwide. It's a must-see for fans of the FOR KING + COUNTRY band. Get your tickets here and enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

Synopsis:

When David Smallbone's successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Australia to the United States in search of a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, their suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives from the ground up. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds; and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs.

My Review:

Featuring an amazing cast and uplifting music, Unsung Hero is an inspirational and heartwarming film demonstrating the power of faith, family and passion. It keeps the audience engaged in the Smallbone family's arduous journey as they struggle to make ends meet and to support Rebecca's pursuit of a music career. Their optimism, perseverance, and resilience are truly inspiring. Daisy Betts does an impressive job of portraying Helen as a strong, caring and creative mom, the unsung hero who leads the family through hard times and encourages the kids to follow their dreams.

The movie is perfect for everyone in the family to watch together as they get ready to celebrate Mother's Day.

Official links: Website | Trailer | Instagram | Facebook

How to Make a Sandwich Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

How hard can it be to make a sandwich for lunch? It depends on whether someone keeps messing with the process. Check out Lorena M. Proia's lovely debut picture book How to Make a Sandwich and enter to win a fun prize pack including a signed copy of the book, matching t-shirts and more!

My Review:

Brimming with love and kindness, How to Make a Sandwich tells a cozy and sweet story about food, family, friendship and forgiveness. Feeling hungry, Rae invites her cat Nero to watch her make a turkey sandwich while passionately explaining why making a sandwich reminds her of families. Her creation can't go exactly as planned though, with the key ingredients missing one after another. Can she solve the mystery? Will she finish making her sandwich anyway?

Through interesting monologues and vivid illustrations, the story brings to life a cute little girl and her adorable furry friends. Rae tries to act and talk like a grown-up, but the oversided rope she wears and the step stool she has to stand on to reach the kitchen counter give her away. Her cat Nero is a patient, attentive listener, while her dog Phebe is an avid yet mischievous food lover.

The analogy Rae makes between family and sandwich is clever and creative, suggesting the different roles family members play and how love holds them together. The way Rae handles the challenge of making a sandwich with limited resources inspires young readers to be flexible, to improvise, to make do with what you have, and to solve problems in constructive ways. Moreover, the ending of the story illustrates the joy of sharing and forgiving.

As an integral part of the book, the engaging and expressive artwork provides revealing details about each character and encourages young readers to observe and search for clues that help unravel the puzzle of missing ingredients. It also makes the loving relationship between Rae and her family members evident and compelling.

Amusing and captivating, How to Make a Sandwich is sure to charm young foodies and pet lovers!

About the Book:

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: PnM Publishing | ISBN-13: 979-8-9885730-0-5

Making a sandwich is fun and easy! And Rae knows just how to do it. The bread is like the parents, it keeps the sandwich safe and happy. The turkey is the love, the lettuce is the fun. But every time Rae adds an ingredient, it disappears, and she soon realizes there is a sandwich-stealing thief intent on eating her creation! Will Rae ever get to eat her lunch? Suddenly making a sandwich isn’t so easy after all!

Purchase links: Amazon | Author's website