Category Archives: Picture Book Recommendations

Interview with Adrianne Ashford

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Adrianne Ashford is one of the co-authors of the picture book, “Noni Bugs Returns to School”.

In anticipation of the Back to School Blog tour, I’m doing a series of pre-interviews and post-interviews to get everyone into the mood for this special time of year. This is an extra extraordinary time because of the challenges of COVID19 and distance learning. So, I’ve been looking all over for great read-alouds and literature to help with your home schooling, whether you’re a parent or teacher.

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Courtney Ashford is the other co-author of the book, “Noni Bugs Returns to School”.

Let me introduce you to my first find. It is co-written by Adrianne Ashford and Courtney Ashford. They are a mother and daughter writing team. With Adrianne’s school counseling experience and Courtney’s storytelling memories from her grandmother, they’ve combined their efforts to bring a fabulous new series of books. “Noni Bugs Returns to School” is their new book that addresses the fears of returning to school during the COVID19 pandemic. It’s a wonderful book to calm your little ones anxiety about this school year.

I had the chance to talk to Adrianne Ashford about her childhood reading memories, favorite authors and writing routines.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Adrianne Ashford: My favorite memory from reading as a child is my mother sitting on the edge of my bed and reading Little Women with me. l developed a love for the amazing, adventurous world that a book could take me to.

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Adrianne Ashford: My favorite author was Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women. Her ability to describe characters and bring them to life, made me feel like I knew them and today that makes me want to do the same for my readers.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Adrianne Ashford: My writing routine includes writing down main ideas, conversations between characters, then drafting a storyline.
4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Adrianne Ashford: I am looking forward to writing about topics that will help children identify their feelings and develop health coping skills. Topics like accepting diversity, coping with divorce, the feelings after the loss of a grandparent or someone they love, and moving to a new school. Anything that addresses real-life issues that I can present through a fun loving cat named Noni Bugs.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Adrianne Ashford: Writing is the opportunity to help others and contribute to something bigger than myself.

childrens book return to school postcovid19 kids book cover“Noni Bugs Returns to School” is a picture book about facing the fear of COVID19 while returning to school. Noni Bugs has been doing her schoolwork at home over the last several months. Now, it’s time to return to in-person school, but she’s nervous. Everything is so different. But her wonderful teacher, Mrs. Cook, is there to help her and all the kids adjust to this new type of schooling. Help your little one adjust to the changes in their daily school routine with this comforting topical tale.

“Noni Bugs Returns to School” is available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

For more information about Adrianne Ashford and her books, please visit her website/author page at https://www.amazon.com/Adrianne-Ashford/e/B08F6TFVFW.

For more information about Courtney Ashford, please visit her author page at: https://www.amazon.com/Courtney-Ashford/e/B08F7MQ5F3.

 

 

 

 

Interview with Inni Kaur

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Inni Kaur is the author of the children’s picture book, “The Story of Us.”

With the summer starting to come to a close, I’ve been finding some really interesting stories that can start getting our children focused back on school. I have found a fascinating book called “The Story of Us”. It’s written by the extremely talented author, Inni Kaur. She is a spiritual writer, poet, educator, painter and advocate for the Sikh community. Her stories help bridge an understanding into how humans are all connected. I had the chance to talk with Inni about her childhood reading experiences, advice for aspiring writers, and future projects.

What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Inni Kaur: Reading took me into a different world.

Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Inni Kaur: I did not have any particular author. I read whatever I could get my hands on. I studied in a convent. Basically was in a boarding school for 9 months out of a year.

Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Inni Kaur:  I write when I am inspired by something that I have read. Then the writing flows.

What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Inni Kaur:  I would like to write on subjects that promote unity of humanity – that we are one people.

What inspired you to write the book “The Story of Us”?

Inni Kaur: This was the blog post that I wrote about why I wrote this story.

“Every book that I have written so far, has its own unique story. A part of me is in every book, though veiled. However, for “The Story of Us,” I am going to reveal what this book means to me.

In 2017 I read Nayan Chanda’s book, “Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization.” The first chapter of the book spoke about human migration from Africa. And how, our color and features changed during the centuries of human migration. I was so intrigued that I ordered the National Geographic Saliva Testing kit and became a part of the Human Journey. This first chapter is the inspiration for “The Story for Us.”

Why was this so important to me?

Because…

I was the child that no one wanted to play with.

I was the child that no one wanted to hold hands with.

I was the child that was the last one to be picked to be on anyone’s team.

Because…

I was kali-black.

Mothers would tell their children, ‘if you don’t drink your milk, you will become kali-black like Inni.’ By all accounts, I should have had a miserable childhood. But, I didn’t.

Because…

I had the unconditional love of my paternal grandfather, my parents, and my sister. They did not see my color, though I saw my color. They saw me. The way they treated me was as if, I was the most precious thing in their lives.

In my teenage years, my constant companions were, “Who will marry her? She is so dark?”

Yet, I saw my mother, fill my dowry chest with beautiful evening bags from Germany, silk temple saris from South India; exquisitely embroidered shawls, evening gowns from England and so much more.

Love protected me.

Love cocooned me.

In my late fifties, I saw myself, and said I am “beautiful.”

Because…

Beauty had entered my life.

I know I am blessed.

I recognize it.

This book is written with the hope that children and adults will get to know the story of human migration and hopefully be kinder to each other.

And if my book prevents even one adult from calling a child kali-black, I would have accomplished much.”

FYI: This manuscript was sent to over a dozen mainstream publishers in the USA and India. After exhausting all avenues, I chose to self-publish it, because it was important to me.

What life experiences have influenced you the most to write for children?

Inni Kaur: There are very few books good quality that spoke to the Sikh experience when my children were young. The books did not reflect them. I took it upon myself to change that narrative. My children did not feel part of the mainstream culture because they were invisible in children’s literature.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Inni Kaur: Don’t let rejection and criticism color you. Don’t write because you want to, write because you have to. Become emotionally involved with the characters of your book because that will translate to your readers.

If you could tell your younger writer self anything, what would it be?

Inni Kaur: Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Take the plunge; cross that line. Don’t listen to the voices that say, “You cannot do it.”

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Inni Kaur: It is an outer expression of an inner journey.

The story of us-Cover1“The Story of Us” is a wonderful story of an author visiting a classroom to share the human movement story from the continent of Africa. Mr. Nayan Chanda is visiting Ms. Hollins’ class to give a talk about human migration and how science, through blood and saliva, helped to trace the story. Though we may have different languages, religion, dress differently, and eat different foods, we are all one people. Share this message with your own child or as a read-aloud in the virtual classroom. Recommended for children six to twelve.

“The Story of Us” is available at: Amazon.com and is also available at the website below.

For more information on the author Inni Kaur, please visit her website at:

https://storyofusbook.com/.

 

 

Interview with Freddie Bell

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With the little ones stuck inside, I’ve been on the search for activity adventures through books. It’s the safe way to spend the summer, and can be enjoyed in any backyard or camping trip. My newest discovery is the picture book, “Mya, the Amazing Girl with Magical Hair, Rides Her Bike” written by author Freddie Bell. I had a chance to interview Freddie about his childhood reading memories, writing routine, favorite authors, and what he has in store for future projects.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Freddie Bell: My favorite memory reading as a child came after I read an adventure book and tried to convince my neighborhood friends to go on an overnight adventure with me. (We were seven years old at the time.)

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Freddie Bell: James Patterson, I love the character development and plot twists.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Freddie Bell: I write constantly. Any situation can spark an idea.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Freddie Bell: Space Travel, Entrepreneurship, and Empathy. You can throw a little comedy in there as well.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Freddie Bell: Fun!MYARidesHerBikeCVR

“Mya, the Amazing Girl with Magical Hair, Rides Her Bike” takes you on a daring, magical adventure. Written by Freddie Bell and illustrated by Aria Jones, this picture book will sweep you into another world of fantasy adventure. It’s available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

 

Interview with Elizabeth M. Reinhart

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Elizabeth M. Reinhart is the author of the picture book, “The Fox Who Chased the Sky.”

Growing up in the West Virginia hills inspired the stories of my next summer reading find. Elizabeth M. Reinhart uses memories of her youth and the beauty of her home to create a fantastical world for her character, the Little Fox. In her book, “The Fox Who Chased the Sky”, the author brings nature and a playful fox into the safe haven of home. I had a chance to talk to Elizabeth about her childhood memories, advice for aspiring writers, and what she has next in store for us.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: It’s funny, because no amount of words can truly capture the feelings that these memories have for me. Times were not always easy for us back then, financially or emotionally. Reading before bed became a little cocoon of time when we could all be transported into other worlds with a sense of security. My brothers and I heaped onto our parents’ bed while our mom patiently read each book that we picked out and I cherish that time so much. Once I began to read on my own, I read voraciously. I consumed as many words as I could, and still do today! I credit our mom for passing on that love of reading and writing.
2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: It’s difficult to choose, but I think Kenneth Grahame. Wind in the Willows fascinated me as a child. I understood that his writing was for children (it had all the hallmarks of whimsical characters and adventure), but in my heart I also felt that he treated us as “grown ups”. Sure, I LOVED Little Golden Books and Dr. Seuss, but there was just something about reading Grahame’s words and knowing that he respected the reader enough not to simplify it. Books like Wind in the Willows taught me to be curious about language, which in turn led to a love affair with words.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: The first book in my series was written at 4:30 in the morning on my front porch after having a very sudden surge of creativity as I awoke. For me, it strikes unexpectedly, so I am always prepared to write notes wherever I am. As a children’s book author, I find that the challenge is to pack a lot of punch in a short amount of text. To successfully accomplish this, I rely heavily on imagery – which means that I daydream … a lot! I try to be open to creative influence whatever I am doing.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: For now, I am very focused on the “Little Fox” series that I have been developing over the past 3 years. My illustrator, Aleksandra Bobrek, and I have about 4 books planned so far in this series and we are also focusing on a line of merchandise. We would love to really make this world come alive for readers who fall in love with him.

5) What other books do you have planned in the “Little Fox” series?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I’m really excited about our plans for the Little Fox series. “The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is book 1 in the series and focuses on themes of self-discovery and establishing friendships. Book 2, “The Fox Who Caught a Star” carries on with the characters introduced in book 1 and takes a deeper dive into the concept of what it means to be a friend to another. Book 2 will be available by the end of the summer! I’ve also written a free book which is posted on my website titled, “The Fox and the Last Leaf.” It has not been through the editing and illustration process, but I thought it would be fun to begin to share stories in early stages. I’m all for creating more story time for folks!

6) What adventures playing in the West Virginia hills as a kid have led to scenes in your books?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: So many! My brothers and I rarely played indoors, so our memories are deeply entrenched in nature. We would climb trees, play pretend and run around our several acres of land, play on the swing set while watching the farmland behind us being baled for hay. For me, an interesting point about the illustrations is that Aleksandra (the illustrator) is from Poland. Much of what you see is HER perspective living in Europe as a child – and to me, it is a lovely marriage of memories and culture that makes the final look very special to me. When we collaborate, we try to include special details to both of us. For instance, there are little secret nods to my family in each of the books that Aleksandra has captured – one of which is the violets. They have a very special meaning for me.

7) What advice would you give to “aspiring” writers?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I think it depends on what the writer wishes to accomplish. To me, writing in and of itself, is freedom. Even if I were not pursuing a business in this field, I would write for the love of it. If that is you, write, write, write to your heart’s content and bare your soul. If you are pursuing a livelihood as a writer, do everything I mentioned before – that never changes! I do encourage everyone to research the business end if you are taking it a step further. There are so many nuances to the business and several pitfalls you want to avoid. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned so much starting up my business. I am always happy to pass what I’ve learned on, so if you need a little advice, please feel free to reach out to me.

8) Do you have any upcoming virtual appearances planned?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: Not quite yet, but I am working on it! I had some local plans set up, but as the situation shifts, I will focus more on virtual appearances. Check in with me on my website http://www.emreinhart.com for updates.

9) Are you planning to write any other types of children’s books after the “Little Fox” series?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: I’m always daydreaming up ideas for stories, and yes, I do have other ideas in mind! If I can gain a strong following, I would like to create two separate series. “Stories from the Dale” (which is where Little Fox lives), and “Stories from Home”, which will focus on lighthearted stories about life in West Virginia. All are children’s books which, I hope, young ones and adults will love!

10) What is writing to you in one sentence?
Elizabeth M. Reinhart: Writing, for me, is allowing my true self to come forward, unapologetically.

cover The Fox Who Chased the Sky“The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is a story about self-discovery and friendship through the lens of the character, Little Fox. Inspired by the beautiful West Virginia hills, Little Fox sets out to discover the world around him and learns of kindness and patience when he finds himself in a lonely and confused point in life. This book is not only for young readers, but also for everyone with the “child inside” that still needs an occasional reflection on life lessons.

“The Fox Who Chased the Sky” is available at the author’s website here. For more information on Elizabeth M. Reinhart, please visit her website at: https://www.emreinhart.com/.

 

Interview with Eric DeSio

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Eric DeSio is the author of the children’s book, The Social Distance King.

As we head further into summer, families are starting to emerge and take safe holidays. To help you with your quest back into the world, I found a great book to help with some of the new normals that are going to be part of our every day lives for a while.

A new book by author Eric DeSio helps to teach social distancing. It is called The Social Distance King. With school starting in the fall, teachers will also be interested in new class structure introduction books as we all take on dealing with the continued pandemic. This book will help in the quest for educators to find books to introduce these new topics to children.

I had a chance to interview Eric DeSio. He shared his love for story telling, and the need to teach lessons in his books. The Social Distance King by Eric DeSio helps introduce the topic of social distancing to children. In the interview, he shares his childhood reading memories, his favorite authors, and what projects he has in story for us.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child? 

My favorite childhood reading memory would be reading Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.  I remember feeling totally immersed in the imaginary world of that book. The characters and scenery were real and alive for me.

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you? 

As a child I would say Dr. Seuss. I enjoyed and continue to enjoy the rhyming and visual presentation. I’m not certain about how Dr. Seuss influenced my writing exactly, but I appreciate that he seems to have lose rules if any. I love the originality of his stories.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you. 

Often my writing starts with me singing about something. If I’m singing something, then I will usually write about it. And if I write about it, then I usually will start singing about it. I often write about stories or topics that intrigue me and that don’t “go away”. If the story and idea stay with me for a while, then I feel more naturally moved to write about it.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects? 

Wow. So many but at the same time, there are actually very few specific subjects that I feel I must write about in the future. Recently, for the most part, if I want to write about something, then I write about it. In general, I can say that I would like to write about challenging subjects or subjects that are not often written on. Also, I can see myself writing some non-fiction in the future.

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Writing to me is expression, sharing and connection.

social-distance-king-frontThe Social Distance King is a book that introduces the sensitive top of kids and social distancing. It’s a kid-friendly way to introduce them to this new social norm, and to teach them about the reasons for its use to keep them safe.

For a limited time, a FREE copy of this book will be offered through the authors website at: http://ericauthor.com/social-distance-king/.

The Social Distance King is also available as a free Kindle Unlimited title. Printed hardcover copies are also available at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

Picture Book Review: “Mozzi Presents: Love and Other Values”

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“Mozzi Presents: Love and Other Values” is the first in a series of heart-warming picture books.

I always like to find the hidden gems that can brighten up anyone’s day. I think a book about a dog is a great way to do this, especially with the current pandemic. We are looking back to family values, nature and the best addition to any household, pets. The lessons we can learn from our pets starts when we are children. I think I’ve found a wonderful picture book that shows the values of pets, love and family in  “Mozzi Presents: Love and Other Values” by Merav Gamliel Boschan.

We meet a wonderful dog, Mozzi, and his family. From a puppy to growing up to full doghood, we read about all the different challenges of life and lessons learned by Mozzi the dog with help from his family. They also learn from him in turn. It’s a great read aloud during these hard times of lockdown and isolation. The one thing that always seems to help during these hard times seems to be sharing a book with the family. This will make a wonderful read-aloud at bedtime or shared as an activity.

“Mozzi Presents: Love and Other Values” is available at Amazon.com. It is the first book in a series of four, and is a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

Interview with R. J. DiLupo

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Here is a picture book that will help any family deal with grief and the loss of a parent. The book, Papa Bear Isn’t Feeling Well, was written to help a family deal with their father dying from cancer. I got the chance to ask the author, R. J. DiLupo, about his child reading memories, his favorite author and what writing means to him.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

R. J. DiLupo: My favorite memory reading as a child would have to be Christmas with my grandmother. She would read “Night before Christmas” to all of her grandchildren. This was after a day of cookie baking and Christmas song singing. The whole experience was just very magical.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

R. J. DiLupo: My favorite author is David Sedaris. I was assigned one of his books in school. His stories encouraged me to be as honest and straightforward as I could be. His stories encouraged me to delve deep into my consciousness to find the precious moments in life, and to reflect on them honestly.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

R. J. DiLupo: Writing ensures our tales live on.

PapaBearcvrPapa Bear Isn’t Feeling Well is a picture book that teaches the theme of family and caring during times of crisis. At the head of it all is the patriarch, the father, the Papa Bear of the family. The pillars of faith, love and family help everyone rally around Papa Bear as he faces his biggest foe yet, cancer. Written to help readers deal with the upcoming grief of losing someone close to them, this touching story will help parents and children with the difficulty of loss.

Papa Bear Isn’t Feeling Well is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

 

Interview with Javelin Jaaziel

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Need a perk up for your child’s reading? Here is a spunky book to make the whole family laugh. Javelin Jaaziel is the author behind a fantastic character, Slog the Winged Frog. Javelin got the idea from a hypothetical question that a zany and inspiring Science teacher would often ask. A terrific story to get the imagination sailing, Slog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise begins the series with this loving and endearing character. I had a chance to talk to Javelin Jaaziel about the love of writing, memories of reading as a child, and what projects are in store for us. 

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Javelin Jaaziel: When I discovered the little girls next door were fake reading. They read a line in a picture book “black and white ducks”, when really it read “white and black ducks”, but they had memorized it incorrectly. 

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Javelin Jaaziel: More about Slog and his continued attempts to fly, and another story that’s still under wraps. Also something about ocean thermal energy conversion and it’s many potentials, including its ability to end the devastating effects of droughts and hurricanes.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Javelin Jaaziel: A creative outlet, and a way to express ideas.

Slog the Winged FrogSlog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise is the introduction to the lovable frog character of Slog. He lives in a normal swamp with normal friends. But Slog is no ordinary frog. He has wings. Yet, he doesn’t know how to fly. In his search for the answer, he meets Hooty the Owl and Squiggly Squirrel. Does he find the courage to fly? Find out in this delightful story that combines humor and acceptance into a new spin on the Dumbo theme.

 

Slog the Winged Frog: Sister’s Surprise is available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

 

 

 

Interview with Belle Brown

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In these hard times during the corona virus, it’s nice to read to your little one(s) about hugs. Here is a great picture book that tells of a cuddly porcupine that has to overcome the obstacle of his quills. Belle Brown is the author of the fabulous book, Porcupine Hugs. She wanted to bring the power of learning through storytelling with her writing. Each of her books develop children’s cognitive abilities, help parents bond with their child, and nurture a love for reading. I had a chance to talk to Belle Brown about her childhood reading memories, writing process, and future projects.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Belle Brown: When I was a child, my grandmother, a retired teacher, would bring us hand-me-down books from my older cousins when she would visit us every summer. I remember getting excited just knowing that I will have new books to read. I had no favourite books, back then, but I would re-read all the books that she brought home for us. I distinctly remember reading Green Eggs and Ham, though, when I was six.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Belle Brown: My favourite author is Dr. Seuss, and so I love to make silly rhymes and rhyming stories.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future books?

Belle Brown: I would like to write more about learning books which introduces important concepts to toddlers and preschoolers. I would also like to add more to my learning series, Patrick the Piglet’s Learning Adventures Series.

porcupinehugscvrPorcupine Hugs is a picture book written in rhyming verse and illustrated to bring your child into the world of Perry the Porcupine. This persistent porcupine loves to give hugs. But he’s got one problem. His quills. What is a porcupine to do? Inspiring in the way he solves this problem, Perry will warm your heart as much as teach about positivity and positive thoughts for everyone. Filled with high frequency sight words, this picture book will uplift your child’s day as well as help them learn the building blocks for reading.

Porcupine Hugs is available at: Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

 

Interview with Yael Manor

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Yael Manor is the author of the picture book, Dana Deserves A Playground Too.

I am excited to bring you a new and exciting picture book that is inspiring and important in this time to include all people. Dana Deserves A Playground Too was written after the author found a story about how a disabled girl was unable to use her local playground. All she could do was place a doll in a swing and push it. The injustice of our local parks underserving our children with needs has inspired Yael Manor to write the book.

Yael Manor was a math teacher for thirty-five years, specializing in coaching people with ADHD. She is a mother and grandmother, and found the need within her to nourish her grandchildren and other children with humor, imagination and ingrain a sense of wonder in everyday situations. I was lucky to talk to Yael about her memories of reading as a child, how she gets her writing ideas, and what she has in store for future projects.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Yael Manor: As a child, I read a lot – every book I could put my hand on, I read. I swallowed books of all kinds.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Yael Manor: There wasn’t one specific writer I particularly liked, I just liked good books.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Yael Manor: The writing ideas come to me during my early morning physical activity and the writing itself is done when I have time for it.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Yael Manor: Usually, I choose to deal with subjects that have some educational message.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Yael Manor: It’s a mission!

DanaDeservesPlaygroundcovr Dana Deserves A Playground Too is based on a story of a father that had brought his daughter to the park. Due to her disability of being confined to a wheelchair, she couldn’t play on the playground, even though she wanted to so much. All she could do was take her doll, place her on a swing, and push it. Yael Manor wanted to show how children with special needs can’t do what “regular” children can do, and that some changes need to happen to give Dana a playground too.

Dana Deserves A Playground Too is available at Amazon.com as a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Yael Manor, visit her author page at https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00EZQ2NXC.