I Need Space by Molly Harris, Illustrated by Jon Corby

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Rocco is a rocket that loves playing in space. But, sometimes he finds others don't respect his space. They don't share, they take away his toys without asking, they play too rough.  All of these are things that children must deal with. Knowing how to deal with the emotions associated with these actions is important. Through this picture book children learn ways they can deal with those emotions.  I loved this book because I thought about how I handle situation. Like Rocco, I sometimes need space between me and the things creating those frustrating emotions.  An awesome and relatable way to help kids (and adults).

This book goes on sale October 27th.  Don't miss it.

Truth or Poop? Amazing Animals by James Warwood

 

Genre:  Children, Informational

Source: I received a copy from BookBub. The opinion expressed here are my own.

Absolutely amazing book. I read this one with my husband and he got most of them correct. So what did I like about this book?  First guessing what I might already know about the animal. Secondly was learning more about them. I love learning. Third were the humorous drawing the author made in the book.  I highly recommend this not only to be read with children, but tobe read by and with other adults. The book is set up so you are asked a question a page between allows you to guess whether it is truth or poop and then the answer and explanation is given.  I understand that for the younger child any use of the word poop will bringn them into this book automatically. I say, "Whatever it takes to get a child to read."  This is an awesome book for everyone, no matter their age.

SORRY I'VE BEEN MISSING

 

                I have taught for 33 years. I have loved everyone of them. I have taught kindergarten through twelfth grade. I used to joke when my students asked if I was ever going to retire and tell them, “No, they’ll walk in one day and find me at my desk with a pen in my hand, dead.”  Their response was, “Probably” and then they would laugh. In April I told my principal that this coming school year will be my last. The pain had gotten so bad I could barely walk with or without my cane. I could not sit, stand, or walk for long. Based on what I had been told I decided it was time to take care of me. The reasons below are why I have not read as much as I normally do. When you can’t sit for long or focus for long then things you love get left behind. For me that was reading.

                It began last August a week after students returned to school. I was sitting on my couch reading my student’s first writing assignment. I went to reposition myself on the couch and my right hip popped. It was loud enough it woke my husband from his nap. My right hip had literally popped out. I couldn’t lift my leg more than two inches above the floor. I called my doctor. It took a month to get an appointment. She said she would schedule x-rays. I heard nothing. I went to my arthritis doctor for my next appointment and to meet my new doctor. I could not get up on the table without physically lifting my leg to step up on the stool. She scheduled and x-ray and an MRI. She gave me some exercises to try to relax the muscles. I was at school trying to go up the stairs when the hip popped back in. Needless to say, the student walking next to me was scared to death. She asked if I was broke.  I laughed. From there things went downhill. The hip had caused a pinched nerve which caused inflammation. I have two types of arthritis. The arthritis has now moved down into my lower back and into my hips. When I ride in the car if feels like I am sitting on a stack of bricks. The pain has cause more inflammation and the inflammation causes more pain. I have been through physical therapy. They have tried to pinpoint the nerve(s) causing all the pain. On Tuesday I go to see what my next steps will be, possibly steroid shots, or surgery. 

                In addition to all of this, my husband had an itchy spot on his back and asked me to look at it. I took a picture and recommended he see a dermatologist because he had a couple of spots that didn’t look right. They biopsied and it came back cancer. We see an oncologist on Wednesday. This is scary to me. I am trying not to worry.

                No matter what, I know that all of this is in God’s hands. However, I have been able to focus on reading a bit more.