Come on! We're Visiting Cuba with Tour Guide Carole P. Roman

  

If you were me and lived in Cuba, you would live on an island located in the northern Caribbean in the western hemisphere. It is known as the Republic of Cuba and is the biggest island in the Caribbean and the second most populated in the area. You would live in the capital and largest city Havana. You would love the energy of this busy port. It is an important business and banking center for the whole island.

I'm not totally uptodate on the present relationship with the United States, given some fairly recent comments by our president; however, it is obvious as you turn the pages of the latest Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World by Carole P. Roman that Cuba is beautiful and offers a wealth of enjoyment for vacationers and sightseers. I found pictures for our children in the above video but do like to learn about the names given in the various countries we visit.

Veronica, Zamira or Aymee are sometimes chosen for girls while Ernesto, Jose, and Luis are often given to boys... Coming home in this case involves arriving at a pleasant house with architectural design similar to ours while town buildings may represent an older time period, and also, when we visit, we would go to see the Castillo del Morrow, a Spanish form built in the 17th Century.

I was impressed with the quality of the architectural works, such as with the Castillo, and give kudos to Illustrator Kelsea Wierenga for her contribution to the wonderful book.

Of course we got to have lunch with the family! I love to be able to at least taste food in different countries, but with my sweet tooth seeing the tres leches waiting there on the buffet, I was already looking forward to dessert even as I was enjoying arroz con pollo, which is chicken and rice...I also tasted twice-fried plantains...which I had never tried before, although I've seen them in grocery stores--they look like bananas (actually I didn't get to taste them, but I would have if I'd really been there in Cuba!)...

Do you know what I was most impressed with! The importance placed on a healthy body, with the parents early teaching children about sports as an essential part of life...Parents began exercising with you when you were only 45 days old! Wow! I sure wish America had that as a guiding principle for our youth...I doubt many of us would be in the shape we are when our parents automatically began to indoctrinate all of us early to exercise massage of arms and legs...Especially when they added it to games so it would be fun!

And you know what? It's July 18th and it's a special time...it is when Carnival at Santiago de Cuba is held! You'd have a week-long week to enjoy if you were there right now! And then stay to watch the annual Fire Festival, Fiesta del Fuego, which highlights a culture from the country each year.

You know this collection is a wonderful set of books for your child's library, but, well, I'm not a child anymore and I must add that, for me, I have learned more about the culture of the countries I've visited through these books, than I would ever had done through travel books... These books are created to entice you to visit, giving sufficient information about the country and culture there, as well as events and tourist places, that you have a short overview that gives you enough to become quite acquainted with countries where you may never visit. 

So, let's just say this book and the series are highly recommended for children...and their families! Find out Why if you haven't already...

GABixlerReviews

Do You Know About the Ancient Mali Empire? Let's Check It Out with Carole P. Roman

This book from the If You Were Me series by Carole P. Roman was a learning experience for me, as well, I am sure, as would it be for your children. With illustrations by Mateya Arkova, we go back to the year 1332...

1332...This was an important time in Mali. It was when it was considered a vital trade center and a world power. From the year 1230 to around the early 1600s, the Mali Empire was also known as the Mandingo Empire. The word Mali means hippopotamus in the Mandinka language...

This is a town Mali today...

With the help of the illustrator we see ... ...what a city in Mali may have looked like seven hundred years ago. Mali started as a small part of the kingdom of Ghana then rebelled against the government and became a kingdom in their own right.

The Kingdom of Mali emerged as the most powerful in the Western Sudan. The Mali empire grew to extend over a large portion of Western Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the southern part of the Sahara Desert.

With strong leadership, Mali was able to take control of trade routes, making the economy and people rich.

~~~

The first fun thing we have the opportunity to do is to meet some of the children...

If you were a girl, your parents might have chosen the name Wassa or Mariam.

They might have given the names Dango or Ibraham to your brothers...

The author then asks an interesting question as to why the names for Mali children could be quite different... You see, many of the people living in the Empire embrace the Islam faith, while many of the original occupants were part of the Mande people and spoke a language called Mandinka. The inhabitants merged because of the major roadways, especially as one road led to Mecca. Some of the people already living there changed to Islam but many remained with their beliefs and they live together side by side... Many of the earlier buildings were changed to mosques to meet the needs of those in the Islam faith. People loved to go to pray in the new beautiful mosques. Some even had sixty-foot towers that were topped with ostrich eggs! You'll have to find out what they did that...

Because of the time period, the book provides historical stories of that time and is quite long, 76 pages. Trading activities, information on how the empire was governed and the type of buildings and how they were built are interesting issues of this long-ago empire.

The King of the land was Mansa Musa who came to be known as the richest man in the world... But do you know what he would often do? He'd take gold nuggets with him when he traveled and passed them out randomly, sharing his wealth with those in his kingdom... He would also bring entertainers with him as he visited parts of his empire.

One cool man we learn about happened to be the grandfather of the family we are visiting...He was the griot, a storyteller who would share, by memory, of the history of the empire, often telling about the story of the Mandinka people....

Here's an example... entertainers and griot working...

I don't know about you, but I'm learning a lot from these books--they are soooo much more interesting that reading a textbook, aren't they... With the pictures alongside the historical text, we can imagine what was happening as we see the characters from that time or country. If you haven't read any of this award-winning series, you are missing an exciting way to travel around the world, and even visit ancient places... What better way to get children interested in learning about geography, history, and the people across the world?! Highly recommended.


GABixlerReviews

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts two blog radio programs and is one of the founders of a new magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored a self-help book, Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing. Oh Susannah is her first Early Reader Chapter book series. She lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren.

A Dog's Tale of Woe...What Fun! For Children and Adults Alike...by Anne Toole...

I would not have minded "living" with a cat... 

 I would not have minded looking like and being called "Toy"

 I would not have minded looking like and being called "Einstein"

 I wouldn't even have minded being called "Wookie"

Or even "Tiger"

But, why or why, is my name "Cat"?!!!

Mom, dad, baby, and a little boy named Tad went to an

animal shelter one day,

And to little Tad, dad did say,

"Look at all those dogs running about,

Now you need to pick one out."

After looking all around

At all the dogs playing on the ground,

Tad said, "I like this one the best,"

As he held a little dog next to his chest.

"We have to give him a name," said dad,

As he looked at little Tad.

That's when the baby pointed to the dog and said, "cat."

Mom and dad laughed and thought it would be cute if they

named the little dog that,

And that's what they did. They named the dog Cat.

~~~

A Dog Named Cat

By Anne Toole

Illustrated by Richa Kinra

Names are important aren't they? Most of us are quite pleased to claim the name we are given until they fit quite nicely. That's what happened when a cute little dog was adopted by a wonderful family. But when they began to think of a name, the little baby of the family pointed to him and said CAT!

Well, Cat didn't know anything was strange about a dog being named Cat, until he met a little mouse running around the house. Cat didn't frighten the mouse so he asked what his name was...

"My name is Cat," the dog did say,

As he looked at the mouse that was small and gray/

The mouse looked surprised,

When he looked into the dog's eyes.

"But you are not a cat," the mouse said,

As he shook its little head...

~~~

Answered the dog, "My name is Cat."
The bird said, "I can't believe that.
No, you are not a cat!
I know that for a fact.
You don't look, act, or sound like
a cat,
Thank goodness for that!"
~~~

Well, you might say that the mouse "let the cat out of the bag" because he told Cat that he wasn't a cat because if he was, he'd be chasing the mouse all around the house.

Dog thought about it and the question quickly came: If he wasn't a cat, why was he named Cat?

Later that day, Cat saw that a new goldfish had joined the family. Again the goldfish asked what his name was and the dog said Cat.

The goldfish laughed, he said he wasn't a cat, even he knew that!

And the same thing happened when Cat met a bird, who quickly proclaimed that he was not a Cat!

But one thing, he did say as he pointed over to a tree..."There's

a cat, then the bird quickly flew away.

Now Cat was really upset, all of those who could be his friends had denied his name was Cat--yet it was. And even worse, he didn't want to hurt any of those friends, like they all said a cat would do...What's up with that? And as he looked at that cat, he decided he didn't like him...and he had the urge to chase that silly cat! "Why did he feel like that?"

Well Cat started trying to tell his family, but they just began to worry about his barking all the time...

Do you think Cat will ever be happy? OK, I'm a cat lady myself but I sure wouldn't want to be named Cat, just because I love them...What's a dog named Cat gonna do? Poor...Cat...

The book is totally in rhyme with full pages of rhyme across from the beautiful scene to complement the story line. Kudos to Richa Kinra for her artistic contribution!

The book is, of course, aimed at children, but it is so cute to read, following the rhyming words, that I can picture parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, sharing this darling book within their family or to friends. The story is not complex, but helps children to learn about the lives of both cats and dogs and their natural "enemies." We all know that most family animals do not always prowl, but sometimes they do...so that can be explained or taught as the children grow older and read the book over and over...

The theme of the story is something like a child's version of The Boy Named Sue, which some of you may remember...I can almost guarantee this book will be a favorite--it's silly, it's fun, yet teaches in the easiest way possible...rhyming words to tell the tale of woe of a little dog who was named...Cat... 

Got to check this one out!

GABixlerReviews

Battle of the Grandmas A Delightful Children's Book by Anthonette Klinkerman; Illustrated by Justin Acquavella

There once was a little girl 

who couldn't live in a shoe;

She had so many relatives

she didn't know what to do!

There were grandmas, grandpas,

cousins, uncles and aunts,

To visit her they had to line up

for their chance.

~~~

Battle of the Grandmas

By Anthonette Klinkerman

Illustrated by Justin Acquavella

What a delightful children's book! And in today's world, a very much needed story is told!  This is based upon a true story. There really are three grandmas who were battling! And the battle really was ended by the real little girl that was caught right in the middle! How ironic: The little child shall lead them.

Six grandparents she had across state far and wide;

Even one in the desert

and one by beach tide.

One day in the mail 

three packages came;

A book from each grandma,

but all books the same!

So the battle to find the best presents was on;
The grandmas searched from dusk until dawn.
They pointed and clicked, shopped 'til they dropped,
Their quest was important - they couldn't be stopped!
~~~

One grandma scoffed, 

one sighed, and one frowned.

They each wanted her gift 

to be the best one in town.

~~~

Each of Madelyn's grandmothers had sent her a gift but, everybody was very surprised when it turned out to be exactly the same one! I'll bet that's when the word "mortified" was created, because each of the grandmothers wanted her gift to be the best. Did they equate their gift with how much love they would receive, and maybe make them the favorite? Because, you see, that's when the battle began!

Before going any further, I must comment on the outstanding work of the illustrator. Justin Acquavella is a senior in high school! His work is already professional quality...but so much more, that I noticed immediately. The detail by this young man is fantastic and each illustration that supports the story is filled with appropriate items that effectively helps tell what is happening. But the most amazing thing is the talent Justin has in facial expressions--even on toys! Eyes are expressive in portraying feelings. For example, when each of the grandmas realized that they had given the exact same book...their pictures said it too! One scoffed, one sighed, and one frowned! Now I'm a nonverbal communication fan, so I enthusiastically claim that, for this type of book, it has the best illustrations I've seen. Bravo for the illustrations and illustrator... (See his picture above on back cover.)

The story itself is a perfect use for rhyming and it has been done with fun and panache. In fact, the author has already proven (see video below on her first writing, and educational activities,  for Courtesy Bootcamp!) to be excellent...

This 34-page full color book is simply adorable. It has already won awards and is making a positive statement to both children and their many relatives and friends. This is a must for your children's library, in my opinion...

GABixlerReviews

About the Author

Anthonette Klinkerman is a public school English teacher and public speaker. She teaches English at a night high-school for at-risk teens, and conducts her award-winning mobile etiquette school, Courtesy Bootcamp, for businesses during the days. Battle of the Grandmas was written first, but actually is her second published book. Her first book is titled Courtesy Bootcamp: a not-so-gentle reminder to live by The Golden Rule. Married in 1999, Klinkerman was born in San Diego, California, and moved to Colorado in 2000. Her husband, also a teacher, was raised in Littleton, CO. Their one daughter is working on her art skills daily in preparation for mommy’s next book. The family does their best to keep up the visits with the relatives from in-town to those in California over breaks from school. When she is not speaking, writing, or grading papers, Klinkerman enjoys reading, golfing, hiking, and skiing, and exploring the restaurant scene to satisfy her inner “foodie”.

The Disappearing Dolphins - Delightful Children's Story by Jennifer Kelman With Joydyn and Kyle Kelman

Jackie and Kevin squealed with delight as they walked on the warm sand. They had been to the beach with Mommy many times, but something about today felt special, almost magical...at least to Kevin.

The kids starting building a sandcastle. As they worked, Kevin thought he saw a dolphin far in the distance. 

https://soundcloud.com/brady-alm

But when he looked up it was gone. He was certain he'd seen a dolphin jumping high, then diving playfully back into the surf. Kevin gazed at the ocean but saw nothing. Maybe it had only been his imagination. He shrugged it off and went back to building the castle...

As soon as he dug into the sand, the dolphin jumped again!

The Disappearing Dolphins

By Jennifer Kelman

With Jordyn and Kyle Kelman

Illustrated by Michael Swaim

Today I'm doing things a little different,,,Combining interview questions for the author within my overall review... I think you'll see why...

Why did you decide to write it?   This story came tumbling from me after a few weeks of my twins being sick.  Not feeling particularly creative, I began to weave this story and was truly surprised as I watched my kids begin to feel refreshed and happy.  It was at that moment that we all decided together to make the story of The Disappearing Dolphins into a book.

Take a look at the real pictures on the back

 of the book cover versus those in the book--

outstanding likenesses, don't you think?!

I'm a sucker for a good story, together with its background, so when I learned that the author actually created this tale while nursing and trying to help make her twin children, Jordyn and Kyle, feel better, I was even more intrigued! 

But then I started looking at the beauty of the book itself and was quite overwhelmed! Together with its backstory!  It seems the illustrator had chosen to take the safe way to make money and then was let go after 20 years--well, you know that also happened to me... But what was amazing was that his art is so very beautiful. Sure there is a cartoon flavor to it as is used for children's books, but I have to say that I've never seen such clarity and realistic features as are created by this illustrator. Take a look of an example right at the beginning plus throughout this article...In my opinion, these pages are worthy of using as pictures hanging on your child's bedroom wall...but I wouldn't want to tear up the book to do it! LOL

So the main characters are spending the day at the beach. What I noticed immediately was how I saw the difference between the two children.

Jackie is task-oriented, wanting to produce something and complete it for enjoyment. While Kevin is much more adventuresome, looking around, checking out what he can get into...what he can see and enjoy. Surely, the pictures were created to complement the story much more than usual?

In any event, while both children started to build a great-looking sandcastle, since Kevin is always looking outward, he was the first to catch sight of the dolphin! But by the time he had called out to his sister and she had looked, the dolphin of course had gone back underwater from his dive! Jackie even told him he was just fooling around--get back to work... Does Jackie take after her mother, I wondered?

Kevin was embarrassed and started to question his own imagination. Still, he knew what he'd seen! So he switched places with Jackie, hoping that she would see him if he came back.

wikipedia.com
In the meantime, Jackie had covered
herself with sand knee-deep and by the
time she looked, the dolphins were gone
again.
Jackie was "not" amused you might say
and told Kevin to quit interrupting her
with his silly games...

www.wikipedia

"There they are! Now there are three of
them!" Kevin yelled.
~~~

Flickr.com
Kevin was certain that one gave him a little wink...

I don't know about you, but if I were Kevin, I'd be very frustrated with my sister by then...Do you think Jackie ever did see the dolphins? Well, just to be sure you do, let's spend some time with them! First, here's the one that winked at Kevin--he just knew nobody would believe him and he laughed and laughed!

What type of readers will be interested in your book? 

This is a great story for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers to read to their kids.  Using fun and silly intonations while reading aloud, the listener can appreciate the frustration in Jackie and the desire in Kevin.  This book appeals to 4-6 year olds and maybe a bit older as they read the book to themselves.

And, of course, to adults of all ages, like me, who enjoy reading them too! LOL What is special about your book?  What differentiates it from other books in the same category? 

The book is special because of the subtle messages…believe in yourself, imagine and it can be, the sibling (twin) relationship and the love of nature.  It is special because the story is woven in such a way that highlights all of these aspects.  The reader remains engaged and isn’t exactly sure if Jackie will ever see The Disappearing Dolphins.  I believe that the illustrations by Michael Swaim, set this book apart from others.  His gift is unparalleled. I am also in the process of co-writing a song, The Disappearing Dolphins, which will be available on ITunes, to complement the book.  This song, a catchy, sing-a-long, is certain to stay stuck in your head all day long. (Note: this is an exclusive one time use authorized by the author to accompany this book review. Please do not share...)

Here's a sneak preview of later in the book. Do you think Jackie finally saw them this time?

Dolphins provide such fun and laughter for children and adults across the world. Now, with the help of Jennifer Kelman and her children, you can introduce your own children to these beautiful mammals who, even though live in the ocean, are not like the fish who also make their home in sea water...

I loved everything about this story and the back story of how it came to be written. Imagination and creativity are so important for children--a mother who can share her own, with those children, will certainly help them to develop their own! How Great is That?! Highly recommended for many reasons!

GABixlerReviews

About the Author 

Jennifer Kelman is a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She enjoys cycling and tennis, and finds endless creative inspiration from her young twins. She is the author of the award-winning Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® series featuring the lovable dog Moopus McGlinden®. The Disappearing Dolphins is her third children’s book.

Have you published any other books?  Do you plan to publish more?

This is my 3^rd book.  My first two belong to the Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series.

I created two children’s characters; Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® and her lovable dog, Moopus McGlinden®. Together, they inspire self-esteem in children through their love, warmth and silliness.  I have also created a full product line including a plush doll, a Moopus McGlinden stuffed animal, a music CD and 2 books.  Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast and Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Prance into New York City.  Available on Amazon.com and www.MrsPinkelmeyer.com 

I will continue to write and publish more books when the light of creativity strikes again.

Come! Let's Join T-Bone's Traveling Circus -- A Bully-Free Fun Place to Be!

Defeat Bullying with Friendship, Love, and Laughter

Have you ever felt the sting of an unkind word

that hurt much more than an abusive slap?

Words stay with you longer when heard

They stay in your head, crushing your back

This song always comforted, more than any learned

When no friend is near, Jesus can get you back on track!

But there's also many friends who are, perhaps, in the same boat. 

Some of us just don't fit the mold...

I heard the word "fatty" most of my life...

I remember vividly when an uncle called me by that name

I didn't answer...

My mother chastised, saying he was talking to me.

I quickly responded, that's not my name...

Many years have gone by, but bullies are any age...

One time in my life, I sang this song every night

Until I fell asleep...

I knew that I was His child and He loved me...

But we need to be reminded so very often, don't we?

That's why I want to share this wonderful little book with all of you!

T-Bone's Traveling Circus

By Janice Virant

Illustrated by Carla Castagno

Growing up,

Rita Bonita had a tough time,

The other horses her age

were not very kind.

They teased that her ears were as big as her head

And neighed, "Rita's not a horse, but a Donkey instead!"

Now the book doesn't say why Rita Bonita was teased. I thought maybe she was a miniature horse, but the reason really doesn't matter, does it? When one or more bullies start picking on somebody, it hurts, no matter the perceived reason! Rita Bonita was sad and cried a lot! Janice Virant, the author, indicated that her two adopted horses give her unconditional love   and inspired this story. As a known cat woman, I know that all cats have different personalities too and not all animals demonstrate that type of love. It is a special love when you receive it unconditionally...

Rita Bonita was out wandering by herself one day and saw something heading toward her--something strange! Do you know what it was? A turtle, moving very slowly, of course, but instead of a shell on his back, he had something that looked like a house!

As it got closer, Rita Bonita saw that it was a tent on his back! 

Wanting to get closer,

Rita started to sprint

"T-Bone's Traveling Circus!"

She saw in glittering print!

And she saw a picture of a Flying Horse! Now that just happens to be T-Bone, the Flying Horse, who the series is named after! You should check it out since that's how the circus started! This Traveling Circus is the second in the series!

Now as soon as Rita Bonita was close enough, she heard a very loud Hello!

"Helllllllooooooo There!"

She heard, and stared in awe at a wrinkled face.

There was a huge tortoise with no shell--

The wagon in its place!

The tortoise's name was Tiny and before Rita Bonita knew it, she had been asked to stay awhile with the circus...and all the other members of the circus came out to greet and welcome Rita!

Rita was soooo happy as she was told all about the circus and how T-Bone had made everybody feel loved so much that they never felt alone!

You know, I think I'd fit right in with this circus! Would you? No matter whether you've been bullied, or maybe if you've bullied others at time because you weren't feeling good, then I am sure you'll want to meet the other members of the circus--there's about 10 there now that I'm sure you'll soon be friends with! 

This little book is small enough to be held by the tiniest of hands and its fantastic shiny cover with full-color pages will attract a child of any age, including me! They can either read the story, or you can enjoy pointing out all the different animals and telling them all about how they became such good friends!

It has such a wonderful story to tell--especially for those special children who may thing nobody loves them and have been bullied for some silly reason! Remember, too, that some children, like me, may have never shared at that age, how badly those cruel words hurt... So, I recommend that you consider this beautifully created book for all the children in your life!

Bravo to Janice Virant... Your loving salutation in my book, "Celebrate Love and Friendship" shows exactly where your heart is by developing this series! Thank you...

GABixlerReviews

Janice Virant lives in Littleton, Colorado. She grew up on a farm in Chesterfield, Missouri. She writes fun, rhyming children's stories about the importance of Love, Friendship, and Acceptance. Preschoolers thru early readers, adults too, will enjoy the colorful imagery and playful rhyme. It has been a dream of hers to share her stories with children everywhere! They are available online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Outskirtspress.com, and more...THANK YOU for making it possible for her to donate books to schools and organizations that support children in need! Email for more information: janicevirant@hotmail.com.
Facebook Fanpage: facebook.com/janicevirantchildrensauthor