Thank you to Nothing But the Truth for sponsoring this post.
I’m trying something new today. This is my first sponsored post for a publisher. What I am promising is an honest review of their books. What they get by sponsoring is that I will read and review their books in a timely way. Typically, my editorial calendar is two months out, but I may have books in piles TBR for much, much longer than that. Let me know how you feel about sponsored posts for authors and publishers. Thanks!
It was the illustrations that caught my eye in the Stewie BOOM! series. I really don’t like computer generated illustrations that look like clip art or poorly drawn cartoon-like figures. And while the faces of the Stewie BOOM! series are not perfectly anatomically correct, I found the wide set eyes on slightly squished round faces appealing. The diversity of the faces representing different ethnicities also appealed to me.
What I really like about this series is that it is purposeful, telling stories to help kids become kinder, both towards each other and the world around them. The stories are engaging as they are educational and the robust back matter in each book offers additional resources for book extensions to really make the message stick.
We are giving away the Stewie BOOM! series, 4 books to 4 winners. Please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom to enter.
Stewie BOOM! Series Helps Promote Understanding
Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes and Playdates
by Christine Bronstein, illustrated by Karen L. Young
But, just like everybody else, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some have incredible strengths and some have difficulty with everyday tasks.
I like how this book relates autism spectrum disorder to uniqueness, comparing snowflakes, handprints, and brains. This type of concrete comparison helps kids to understand ASD. The story also models preparing for a playdate to make the guest comfortable. In this case, Princess Penelope plays with a different kid at school, Eric, and this leads to his first playdate. He’s very sensitive to noise and needs flexibility in terms of what will happen. Princess Penelope’s mom had her children practice using their indoor voices outside in preparation. This is a great book to use for kids and adults to understand ASD and make interactions including playdates more successful. I think it’s important to do the kind of preparation as the built up to the playdate as the host. It is much appreciated by parents of Special Needs children. [picture book focusing on autism spectrum disorder, ages 3 and up]
Stewie BOOM! and Princess Penelope: The Case of the Eweey, Gooey, Gross and Very Stinky Experiment
by Christine Bronstein, illustrated by Karen L. Young
Stewie BOOM!’s experiment of household items ended up killing a patch of grass and turning their dogs’ fur green. It started a conversation about the environment and chemicals, motivating the family to go green. Some things were harder to let go of than others like junk food. The family also focused on small things that they could do like walking instead of driving to school, turning off the lights when not in use, and taking shorter showers. The back matter has great resources including award certificates, a glossary, ideas for greening your home, and fun and easy kitchen experiments. Use this book for Earth Day or any day of the year! [picture book focusing on recycling, ages 3 and up]
Stewie BOOM! Starts School
by Christine Bronstein, illustrated by Karen L. Young
Stewie BOOM! is the kind of kid who likes to conduct experiments to find out what will happen. With school starting for the first time, he’s not sure if he wants to go. Because the classroom routine is new to him, he has trouble adjusting to the different activities with naptime completely throwing him off. The next day is much better because his family helps him create a school schedule which he holds all day in his hand. Back to school can cause anxiety for all children regardless of returning to the same school. This book is a good reminder that preparation by reading books and knowing what to expect helps for a smooth transition. [picture book about anxiety and starting school, ages 3 and up]
Stewie BOOM! Boss of the Big Boy Bed
by Christine Bronstein, illustrated by Karen L. Young
In this book, Stewie BOOM! is transitioning out of his crib to a big boy bed. He’s not sure if he wants to and has difficulty adjusting to the new, “vast” amount of space. For a few nights, Stewie and his family do not sleep well, as Stewie tries out different but disruptive solutions to falling asleep. Eventually, he makes it through the night in a big boy bed, in a bed-hopping twist.
Dr. Sears and his wife Martha wrote my go-to parenting book so I was so happy to see him interviewed in the back matter on creating a healthy sleep attitude. [picture book about transiting to bed, ages 2 and up]
Stewie BOOM!! 4 Book Giveaway!
We are giving away the entire Stewie BOOM! series to 4 winners (1 book per winner). Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter. We can only ship to U.S. addresses.
To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.
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BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
I love finding books that teach kindness. Thank you for sharing.
Oh and I love Ian’s Walk
🙂
Thanks so much Jen! It is so needed right now!
The reason I jump is a great book about autism
Thanks for sharing your great book recommendation Rosanne!
I always love your book suggestions.
Thanks so much Cathy! Your kind words are much appreciated!