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Perfection in My Imperfect World - a bookwrap

 

Unwrapping

Perfection in My Imperfect World

by Anh Sphabmixay

Specs

* Reading Age:  3-7 years

* Grade Level: Baby-2

* Length:  26 pages

* Publisher: Independently published

* Pub. Date: Feb. 25, 2023

* ISBN-13: 979-8987304402

* Language:  English

Unwrapping Some Illustrations

 

 

 

The Book

This gentle heartwarming book is a celebration of the bonding and love between a mother and her unborn child.  It shows that a mother's love can stretch all around the world and to infinity and beyond.  

The artwork is simple but very powerful.  Parents start loving their child even before they are born.  This book is a perfect way to connect with your awe  wee one thus creating a precious keepsake that both will forcherish for years to come.   I love the book and highly recommend it.

Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS! 

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Meet the Author

Anh Sphabmixay lives in Colorado with her family and a Yorkshire Terrier named Abbie. She is a wife and a devoted mother to an energetic child who is the entire inspiration for everything in her life. Her daughter's love inspired her to write books and share them with the world. When she's not busy searching for a word that rhymes with "Love," she can be found spending time with her daughter, learning a new recipe, and taking too many pictures of her daughter and dog. Furthermore, she hopes her books bring all readers joy and create unforgettable memories.

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"THIRTY MILLION WORDS ARE CRITICAL" - an infowrap

 

Guest Post:  www.readbrightly.com

Why 30 Million Words Are Critical to Your Child’s Future Success

by Laura Lambert

Laura Lambert is a writer, editor, mother of two and flailing book club member living in Los Angeles.

### 

It’s hard to wrap your mind around the concept of 30 million anything. It’s the population of Malaysia. It’s the number of Ashley Madison accounts unearthed by hackers. The price of a castle in Kentucky.

It’s also the gap between the number of words a well-to-do child hears by the end of age 3, versus any one of their less fortunate peers. Thirty million words. And that gap has a persistent impact on learning, literacy, and education.

Crazy, right? I spoke to Professor Dana Suskind, MD, founder and director of the Thirty Million Words Initiative and author of the book of the same name, about how something as simple as talking is linked to lifelong success.

So, is it really as simple as ‘Talk?’

Yes and no. It comes down to the brain. Talking and language, especially in the first three years, is food for the developing brain.

What it isn’t is 30 million random words. It’s not all about quantity. It’s the quantity and quality of the parent talk.

And we aren’t doing it? That seems so astonishing to me.

[Researchers] Betty Hart and Todd Risley shined a light on the impact of poverty and stress and culture on how much parents talk and interact.

And there’s also the emergence of attention-consuming technology — the iPads and the iPhones. Go to any park and see that parent talk is being impacted. The brain still needs it.

How does parent talk work?

Parent talk doesn’t just build babies’ brains and vocabulary. It builds all aspects of a child and their academic trajectory, executive function, social-emotional skills. Even math and spatial skills. Kids hear more number and measurements words. Even generosity. The real crux of the book that is fact that parent talk builds all aspects of our children’s success — and you don’t have to buy any technology or toys.

How is talking — in particularly, parentese — linked to literacy? Cooing seems the opposite of, you know, SAT words.

Baby talk always gets trashed. It’s not gaga googoo; it’s the intonation. What’s interesting is that it helps a baby tune in. It helps get the baby’s attention. In studies, the brain lights up with parentese. It’s such an important part. Parents do it all over the world.

The singsong voice helps the babies parse words and segments of words and sounds. When we’re born, it’s not like the speech has clear breaks. Parentese helps baby’s brain understand letters, phonemes, words. It’s incredibly important.

The crux of the book is the Three Ts. Can you tell me a little bit about how they work?

Thirty million words is a metaphor for richness in language environment. We culled it down to three basic things a parent needs to do to provide a rich language environment.

Tune in. This is the first step. You need to be tuned in to what your child is focused on for language to stick. If they’re distracted by a TV show, they aren’t really hearing you.

Talk more. Tune in, and then start talking about what you’re doing. Start narrating. What do you say to a 3-month-old? You can talk about the laundry you’re doing, whatever you’re cooking, what’s happening in the here and now or in the future or the past. And use rich words to go along with it.

Take turns. It’s hard to think of babies as a conversation partner; before they have words, it feels foreign. But from day one — or almost from day one — they’re practicing having a conversation with gestures, grimaces, babbles. You can respond and keep it going. That’s the crux of a rich language environment.

###

How to Practice 30 Million Words at Home

Thirty million sounds unfathomable, but, in reality, you get there one word at a time. Here are some examples that any parent can do to develop a rich language environment at home. As Suskind explains, “Every routine and activity can be an opportunity for brain building and language.”

Getting dressed — and counting

• Tune In: A parent notices that a toddler wants to help dress him- or herself in the morning.
• Talk More: “Your romper has five snaps. Can you help Mommy count them? One, two, three, four, five. Five snaps to snap and you’ll be ready to go.”
• Take Turns: The child takes turns by snapping the snaps and counting with Mom. One… Two… Three…

Playing dress-up — and learning about size and scale

• Tune In: A child walks around the living room wearing his father’s shoes.
• Talk More: “You’re wearing Daddy’s shoes. They sure are big on you! Daddy has big feet so he needs big shoes. Look at the difference in Daddy’s feet compared to yours. Yours are much smaller.”
• Take Turns: “Whose shoes are bigger? Daddy’s or yours? Right! Daddy’s shoes are much bigger than yours. But your feet are growing. That’s why we needed to buy you new shoes last week. Your old shoes were squeezing your toes. They were much too small.”

Helping mom with a problem — and learning emotional self-regulation and problem-solving

• Tune In: Mom is headed out the door but just realized she can’t find her keys. Mom explains without sounding annoyed or stressed.
• Talk More: “I don’t believe I lost my keys again. This is the third time this week I’ve misplaced them. I’m really upset with myself. I’m going to be late for work. Can you help Mommy look for her keys?”
• Take Turns: “Do you see the keys under the table? That was good thinking to look there because Mommy sometimes leaves her keys on top. They could have fallen. Should we look on the kitchen counter too?”

With younger babies and newborns, it’s less about the script, and more about simply narrating what you’re doing and responding to their coos and gurgles. Those coos and gurgles will become babble will become “ball” and “dog” and full on sentences, soon enough — and at each stage, the words you speak, and how you speak them, are building baby’s brain.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Professor Dana Suskind, MD, is both founder and director of the Thirty Million Words Initiative, which is based on scientific research that demonstrates the critical importance of early language exposure on the developing child. Dr. Suskind received the University of Chicago Medical Faculty Award as “Distinguished Leader in Program Innovation.” She is an advisor on The Clinton Foundation’s Too Small to Fail initiative and part of the White House initiative on creating a pathway to ending the achievement gap. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Thirty Million Words: Building a Child's Brain

Dana Suskind, MD

 ###

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Unwrapping

Mimi: A Small Giraffe with a Big Dream. A Children's Story about Acceptance Believing in Ourselves and the Power of Friendship and Humor 

by Dr. Betty Carvajal

Specs

* Ages:  4-8 years

* Grade Level:  PS-3

* Length: 41 pages

* Publisher:  Independently Published

* Pub. Date:  March 9, 2023

* ISBN-13:  979-8987897003

* Language:  English

Unwrapping Some Illustrations

The Book

This is a sweet heartwarming book that highlights the power of never giving up, following your dreams no matter what others think or say, and friendship. 

The tale follows Mimi, an adorable tiny giraffe, whose dream is to become a fashion model.   She learns many valuable life lessons about acceptance, trust, and that it is always best that you have a good sense of humour as you journey along in life.  The book teaches the importance of believing in yourself and  that dreams can come true. 

The colourful vibrant illustrations are beautifully done.  I love the diversity of the animals portrayed and I especially love Mimi's character.  It's a wonderful book with a positive message that I highly recommend.  Excellent job Dr. Betty! 

Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS! 

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Meet the Author

Dr. Betty Carvajal, also known as “Dr. Betty,” is a licensed psychotherapist and a visual international abstract artist with Masters and Doctoral degrees in clinical and counseling psychology. In her private practice, she sees individuals and families from all walks of life. Dr. Betty understands the importance of emotional support systems, encouragement, and kindness and how they can dramatically change people and people's journeys when we have them in our lives. In her debut children's book, Dr. Betty tells the story of a giraffe who achieves her dream despite adversity. Her professional work as a Psychotherapist offers a deep understanding of what it is like to be different and how an unlikely hero can succeed against the odds. Dr. Betty resides with their spouse, chickens, and cats in St. Augustine, Florida. Dr. Betty's inspiration for her debut book is her grand baby and her son, and the unexplainable love you feel when you get to see your baby with his. The Small Giraffe with a Big Dream is dedicated to Olivia.

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"The Littlest Turtle". - a bookwrap

 

Unwrapping

The Littlest Turtle

by Lysa Mullady

illustrated by Erica Salcedo

Specs

* Age Range:  4-8

* Grade Level:  PS-3

* Hardcover:  32 pages

* Publisher:  Magination Press

* Pub. Date:  August 15, 2023

* ISBN-10:  1433840774

* ISBN-13:  978-1433840760

Unwrapping Some Illustrations

The Book

The tradition in the turtle world for a long time was the little turtles climbed on top of the big turtles so they could eat the freshest fruit from the top of the bushes.  The poor big turtles were left the sour and rotten berries that had fallen on the ground.  YUK! 

Little turtle hears the feelings of the big turtles and recognizes the injustice of it all and raises the question would it be hard for everyone to share and enjoy the fresh fruit?  

Together both big and small hatch a plan to work together to change that old tradition and celebrate that EVERYONE can enjoy the fruits of their labour. 

The colourful expressive illustrations are wonderful and the positive, problem solving message is great.  I love the book and highly recommend it. 

Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS! 

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Meet the Author

Lysa Mullady has been an elementary school counselor for 30 years. She was born and raised on Long Island, New York, where she still lives with her family and golden-doodles. She is the author of Bye Bye Pesky Fly, Three Little Birds, and Red Yellow Blue. Visit lysamullady.com, @lysamullady on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About the Illustrator

Erica Salcedo is a freelance illustrator. She completed a fine arts degree at the University of Castilla la Mancha and then a Master's degree in Graphic Design and Illustration at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. She lives in Cuenca, Spain.

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A Delicious Story - a bookwrap

 

Unwrapping

Specs

* Reading Age:  3-6 years

* Grade Level:  PS-1

* Length:  80 pages

* Publisher:  Hippo Park

* Pub. Date:  June 6, 2023

*ISBN-10: 1662640161

* ISBN-13:  978-1662640162

Editorial Reviews

"This book IS delicious. Pun WAY intended. Imaginative and connecting.”  — Jamie Lee Curtis, Bestselling author of Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods that Make My Day

“Barney Saltzberg has done it again!  A DELICIOUS STORY is hilarious, delightful, and . . . DELICIOUS! Kids will eat this one up!" — Peggy Rathman, Caldecott Winner for Officer Buckle and Gloria

“Sweet and silly, this book reminds us that everyone is hungry for a good story.” — Sherri Duskey Rinker, New York Times Bestselling author of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

"A delightful picture book that is a doorway to much for kids! From learning about what a story is, to thinking about characters and their feelings, to making new friends, this picture book has it all. Wonderful illustrations and use of space on the page put it over the top!” — Lorie Barber, Anderson’s Bookshop

"A fun story about stories!" — Kate Reynolds, Colgate Bookstore

"Great book for younger elementary level readers. They can read and share this with others." — Pam Gombert, Kentwood Public Schools (MI)

"A spunky, laugh-out-loud picture book for fans of "The Book with No Pictures." A great book for story time!" — Amanda Zirn Hudson, Bethany Books

"A super cute book that would be great for story times. Perfect for fans of Elephant and Piggy books. The surprise ending will delight young readers."  — Lauren Wilder, Jefferson County Library

"A delightfully meta-story perfect for the early elementary audience. The use of dialogue is a popular choice for students raised on Mo Willems and aspiring to the graphic novels older students devour around them. The illustrations are also delightful, both both and clear and sketchy lines. Very successful." — Erin Tobiasz, Youth Services Librarian, C. C. Mellor Memorial Library

Unwrapping Some Illustrations

The Book

This sweet creative story has all the earmarks of a winner. It is a perfect read-aloud that kids will gobble up. A little mouse is looking for a story from a big mouse... after all they are in a book.  Big mouse confesses there is no book because he ATE it!  Oh my now that is a problem.  

Little mouse will have no excuses .... he wants a story and he wants it now.  They squeak back and forth trying to problem solve and creatively find a solution.  Kids will love the fun surprise ending.  I did too.  

The illustrations are great and the mice characters are adorable.  I highly recommend " A Delicious Story". 

Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS! 

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Meet the Author

Barney Saltzberg is the author of more than 30 books for children, including Beautiful Oops!, My Book of Beautiful Oops!, Good Egg, and the best-selling Touch and Feel Kisses series. Additionally, he’s recorded four albums of songs for children. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, two dogs, and a pond full of fish. His books have won numerous awards, including NAPPA Gold Awards, and received Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews starred reviews. Most recently, Melinda Gates chose Beautiful Oops! as one of the top three books every child should read.

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I Love You to Infinity & Beyond - a bookwrap

 

Unwrapping

I Love You to Infinity & Beyond

by Anh Sphabmixay

Specs

* Reading Age:   3-7 years

* Grade Level:  PS - 2

* Length:  32 pages

* Publisher: Anh Sphabmixay

* Pub. Dat:  Feb. 28, 203

* ISBN: 979-8987304419

Unwrapping Some Illustrations

The Book

This sweet tender book highlights the depth of love that a mother has for her little one.  The story shows the unconditional love and bond between a mother and her child.  

The heart-warming message is coupled with soft gorgeous illustrations which I love.  This book would make a perfect gift for a new mother.  I Love You to Infinity & Beyond is highly recommended and will be a keepsake for many years to come. 

Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS! 

🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Meet the Author

Anh Sphabmixay lives in Colorado with her family and a Yorkshire Terrier named Abbie. She is a wife and a devoted mother to an energetic child who is the entire inspiration for everything in her life. Her daughter's love inspired her to write books and share them with the world. When she's not busy searching for a word that rhymes with "Love," she can be found spending time with her daughter, learning a new recipe, and taking too many pictures of her daughter and dog. Furthermore, she hopes her books bring all readers joy and create unforgettable memories!

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Read on...Read Always! 

It's a wrap! 

💜💜💜