‘The Chants of the Praying Mantises through the Barks’, a new educational book for children, written by May Green, tells about two young praying mantises, Orwell and Ruben, who attend the acclaimed Tulip School. At the school, they study under Oscar, who is also a praying mantis, but he is also a Professor. While at school, the two brothers realize they are students. They learn about their function and their position and the positions of other related species in the natural world, how their traits are the product of evolution and how their character in the world has interesting similarities to that of human evolution and progress.

 

Humans have the ability to be constructive and reconstruct, if necessary, in order to survive, while remaining in touch with their own instincts. Another key message of the book is that survival skills are of the utmost importance, whereby civil and constructive means are, always at hand, if chosen to implement. Furthermore, one point made clear, is that humans seek out goodness, in spite of threats, and they attempt ‘reconciliation’ if foreseeable. However, humans appear to resort to sadism when diplomatic ties fall short, which they must learn to adjust or they will fall behind in the very progress they attempt to make. As the story proceeds to unfold, how our very maintenance structures play a vital role is illustrated in this process and what we choose to do pertaining, matters to the paramount.

 

The term ‘praying mantis’ originates from the Greek word ‘prophecy or soothsayer’, which accentuates the essence of the story. The story centers on constructive and evolutionary development; where the following concept surfaces: we all have the ability to guide and lead ourselves in spite of any and whatever impositions we encounter. This serves as the fundamental theme of the story.

 

The praying mantises learn their vital skills in order to ensure their survival. Instincts and traits are linked to their species survival in tandem with two human children, Olive and Oliver. The story focuses on themes of science, human thought, cognition, intellectual reasoning, and societal conditioning which often hinder the ability to grow intellectually and autonomously. For instance, Olive and Oliver were told they must train in something in order to survive in hope to nourish and live a long life. Oliver challenges that thought and chooses not to train in important and vital ways for himself. Whereas, and on the other hand, Olive definitely realized through training, she needed to determine her own self, rather than, lend herself to another's disposal, and develops from an inquisitive child with great aspirations to a more self-aware adult, which emphasizes a type of evolutionary growth that we all can have.  

 

‘The Chants of the Praying Mantises through the Barks,’ is a learning story presented as a children's story which has allowed for a presentation of a unique look at humanity that is easy to understand. As well, the story is entertaining with unique praying mantis students who have a strong desire to learn about the world and all the species that inhabit it. Moreover, it is a book that imparts an interesting insight into our own natural instincts and how these instincts are not just to ensure survival of each species, but also allows us to grow intellectually and make better life choices without feeling the pressure of external influences who want to define our place and purpose in the world. It is filled with symbolism and dialogue that children of about the ages of nine to twelve will be able to follow and understand.

 

‘The Chants of the Praying Mantises through the Barks,’ is highly recommended as a very thought provoking story with colorful characters. It is a story that children will enjoy reading.

 

 Tracy Roberts,  Write Field Services

 

In his children’s book, ‘We Do Remember You,’ Steve Butler continues the story from his first children’s book, ‘A Letter From Heaven.’ His first book told the story of Jamie, a young boy who learns to understand and grieve the death of his sister, Alexandra, who died before she was born. ‘We Do Remember You’ is a story about how children can still celebrate and commemorate a sibling after he or she has died and gone to heaven.

 

‘We Do Remember You,’ focuses on the theme of showing children how to find a way to honor and commemorate the death of a sibling in the form of simple rituals that will allow them to stay spiritually close to them. These rituals can be, “simple, elaborate, personal, or cooperative.” The story begins with a group of children gathered in Heaven’s garden that includes: Alexandra, Adam, Tammy, Olivia, Chandler, and John. They are remembering their parents and other family members on earth and how they are remembering them. Each child discusses how their family is remembering them through simple rituals such as lighting a candle, planting a rose bush, creating memory boxes…etc. An essential message of the book to help children understand their sibling’s death is the quote from a poem: “there can be no end, for eternity calls…”

 

‘We Do Remember You,’ is designed to help children to understand the death of a sibling, that includes pregnancy loss, and how children can still honor and keep the memory of their sibling alive through simple rituals. The personal rituals are a way for them to continue communicating with them although they are physically separated. The book is wonderfully well-written and illustrated and deals with an issue that can be very painful to a child. I appreciate the gentleness in how the story is told and how the story helps children learn that although there is a physical loss, they still have ways to maintain closeness with their sibling. Through a well-written narrative and beautiful illustrations, the messages will be easily understood. At the end of the book there is a list of resources for further assistance in helping a child grieve and understand the loss.

 

‘We Do Remember You’ is a very uplifting story and is highly recommended for every child dealing with the loss of a sister or brother. Parents can read the story with their children and together discuss the messages of the story and what they can do as a family to honor their memory.

 

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

 

In many instances, a child’s first experience with the death of a loved one is when a pet dies. This can be an emotionally overwhelming time for a child who has to deal with new emotions while coming to terms with such a devastating loss. In his children’s book, ‘Kate, The Ghost Dog,’ author Wayne L. Wilson, tells the story of the emotional journey of a young girl’s grieving process after the death of her dog, and her struggle to overcome her heartache and move forward.

 

Aleta is a fun loving happy young girl full of energy and a passion for life. One day, she returns home after school with two of her best friends to discover that her dog, Kate, had died at the foot of her bed. After Kate’s death, Aleta’s blissful life changes to that of despair. The story that unfolds chronicles Aleta’s struggle with her deep sadness. She goes through the stages of the grief process – shock, denial, anger, despair that includes withdrawing from life, and finally acceptance.

 

‘Kate, The Ghost Dog’ is a heartwarming children’s story that reveals important life lessons about helping a child cope with the death of a pet. The writing style is clear, consistent, and written as much like a young child thinks and speaks. It is a story that children will be able to easily follow and understand. The questions Aleta asks are common questions that most children will ask. The thoughts and emotional struggles of a young girl’s traumatic loss are depicted in a thoughtful manner. As well, the charming pictures enhance the story and make it even more enjoyable to read.

 

‘Kate, The Ghost Dog’ is a heartwarming story that will help children overcome their grief after the loss of a pet. It will also help parents learn how to be a valuable support system during their own child’s grieving process. The story will teach children about grieving, how to understand death, and how to celebrate a life instead of mourning a death. I highly recommend ‘Kate, The Ghost Dog’ as a story parents can read with their children or children can read on their own. It will help children learn how to move forward, but not forget their pet.

 

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It can be challenging for a parent or guardian to help their child understand and cope with the loss of a loved one, particularly a sibling. There are many books that deal with children’s issues when coping with the death of a family member. In his children’s story, A Letter From Heaven, author Steve Butler addresses a rarely talked about issue regarding the questions and feelings children have when they discover that their parents had a previous child who died.

 

Jamie is a young boy full of curiosity and questions. His inquisitiveness about a ceramic jar sitting on a shelf causes him to constantly question his mother about it. For a long time, his mother was quick to give a simple answer that satisfied him. As time passes, he becomes even more curious. His mother finally sits him down and retrieves a letter from the jar. She reads the letter and Jamie discovers that it is written to him from his sister who died shortly after being born.

 

A Letter From Heaven is a poignant and heartfelt story that explains what happened to Jamie’s sister before he was born. Within the letter, such themes as family, love, peace, life after death, and the connection with nature in terms of birth, death, and rebirth, are raised. The story is beautifully crafted to help children understand and cope with death. It is very positive and written with great care, emphasizing the grieving process that includes acceptance.

 

With beautiful illustrations enhancing the story, A Letter From Heaven, is a very tender and uplifting story. It is highly recommended as an aid for parents, therapists, and educators, to help children through the grieving process when discovering the unexpected loss of a baby through either a miscarriage, still born, or sudden infant death. The book is a must have for every library.

 

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When writing Juvenile Fiction, one has to be able to tap into the creativity, imagination, and attention of young readers. In Once Upon a Sandcastle, author Hildegard Caringi takes readers on a journey of the mind and spirit.

 

Savannah and her best friend Holly are two young girls full of curiosity, energy, and adventure. While visiting their Aunt in Malibu, the girls come across a young boy in a wheelchair on a beach. Jacob is a shy and introverted boy with a troubled family past. Jacob meets a man by the name of David and the two develop an instant bond. David teaches Jacob a song that will allow him to enter a magical sand castle. Jacob, Savannah, and Holly sing the song and enter the enchanted world. When Jacob arrives at this mystifying place, he discovers that he is no longer with the two girls. The three find themselves facing mysterious dark creatures, an angry Queen, and a multitude of lively and colorful characters.

 

With Jacob, Holly, and Savannah confronting many obstacles and ominous characters, Once Upon a Sand Castle is an action-packed fantasy adventure full of surprising twists and turns. The story is rich in color, creative characters, and fundamental themes that include: courage, compassion, overcoming physical and emotional challenges, as well as acquiring and developing friendships. Settings were vividly described to allow one to expand the imagination. The story is enhanced by the wonderful illustrations provided by renowned Argentina artist, Fernando Molinari. The book will inspire readers to draw on their imagination and encourage creative thought. There is a helpful list of questions at the end of the book that will motivate parents and children to discuss the various plots and themes.

 

Because the central character is Jacob, it may have been more appropriate to organize the book with the opening and closing focusing on Jacob. The dialogue was consistent with only a few instances of words that may be a bit beyond how young people talk.

 

Once Upon a Sand Castle is a very entertaining story filled with imaginative adventures and spell-binding characters. It is highly recommended to young people as well as adults.

 

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