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“THE NEED GNOME” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Eleven of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to meet a mythical creature named the Need Gnome. The Child will engage immediately with the narrator who introduces this unique and mysterious main character. “THE NEED GNOME” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that this character represents a safe space where stating needs is not only accepted but encouraged. This is a story for all times of the day because its theme is a supportive one. There is a positive energy that the Child will feel as a result of the hopeful message that is delivered throughout the book. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations offer an imaginary setting with animals and gnomes personified. The story is illuminated by this fun and loving supporting cast of characters. There is discovery in the air as bunny rabbits, hedgehogs, and winged mythical friends grace the pages of the book. “THE NEED GNOME” models the healthy expression of inner needs to a support system. The Child is invited to join the narrator at any time to visit this imaginary community. That positive communication is there for the Child to absorb throughout the story. Wonderful discussions and conversations will be started with this book as a topic. It is in Early Childhood that futures are under major construction. “The Need Gnome” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that Children can openly express their needs in a way that is heard, received, and validated is embraced by the author. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with a journey to an imaginary destination where the Need Gnome is always waiting and ready for a visit. -
“The Inclusive All” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Ten of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to a magical place. The narrator welcomes the Child on a voyage that is complete with the theme of inclusion throughout. It is a place where peace and harmony reign supreme. “The Inclusive All” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they can actively engage with literature that is also entertaining. This is a story for all times of day because it is characterized by the freedom of joy and happiness. There is a positive energy that the Child will feel as a result of the hopeful message that is delivered throughout the book. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations offer a colorful view of beautiful and ethereal scenery. There are so many birds to find that represent the peace of this magical place. Waterfalls, trees, and plants will capture and hold the Child’s attention. “The Inclusive All” allows the Child to see cooperation in the way the animals interact. There is discovery in the air as butterflies, peacocks, and even fish accompany the Child on this unique voyage. The Child is invited to join the narrator at any time to visit this imaginary community. Positive communication is modeled and there for the Child to absorb throughout the story. It is in Early Childhood that futures are under major construction. “The Inclusive All” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we can learn from observing inclusive environments is a message the author embraces. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with an imaginary destination that is always ready to welcome their arrival. -
“The Emotion Commotion Locomotion” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Four of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Rainbow’s End Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to a town where there is a fantastical train. This train has amazing boxcars for the Child to visit in this book. This book is designed to address all kinds of emotions with the help of some furry friends. “The Emotion Commotion Locomotion” offers a standing invitation to the Child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow’s end and see what transportation adventures await. The Child will experience a train where unique feelings are represented in each boxcar. The freedom to experience and then process emotions is a springboard for many discussions for Children of any age. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations lead the way to an adventure where furry friends represent the feeling expressed in the boxcar. The human likeness of the animals are utilized to capture and keep the Child’s attention. The Child’s imagination will be ignited with possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. Children are naturally able to imagine events that are characteristic of a playful youth. In this story the author encourages the Child to actively engage in flexing their imagination muscles while also receiving information about the natural cycles of emotions. These natural cycles are excellent models for life experiences and that is embraced by the author. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Emotion Commotion Locomotion” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that feelings, thoughts, and emotions are alive and well is an important message that the author wants to relay. The Child who reads this book will be able to relate with, connect to, and enjoy the unique boxcars of this fantastical train. -
“The Tinker Sleep” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Eight of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey into space when the narrator is unable to sleep during the night. An interesting character known as the Tinker Sleep is introduced towards the end of the book and has been created to personify slumber. “The Tinker Sleep” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that if their sleep is interrupted, writing on paper can be helpful. They can use a journal, diary, notebook or pad as a temporary tool to find their way back to sleep. This is a story for all times of the day but really does fit in nicely with a sleep time routine. “The Tinker Sleep” addresses the important issue of a good night’s sleep. The idea that paper and pencil can be helpful once awoken from sleep is a theme the author embraces. The Child will enjoy the rhythm of the words and playful ideas of outer space. The message that great ideas can be found in times of quiet is also supported by the story. It is in Early Childhood that sleep patterns, night time rituals and habits are formed. “The Tinker Sleep” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that Children can learn to self soothe with a hobby such as writing is such an important message. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with a fun adventure into not only a dream world but a literary one. -
"The Loon Ball" was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Ten of Kelly Anne Manuel's Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is cordially invited to attend the most amazing, colorful, and inclusive event known as the Loon Ball. The Loon Ball is a magical adventure into a world where anything that they can dream of is possible. "The Loon Ball" engages with the Child immediately with an invitation to an imaginary fantastical event. The narrator guides the Child through all the elements that the Loon Ball encompasses. These elements are colorful, joyful, and playful ideas that come to life for the Child to experience. There is an exciting energy that the story brings right to the Child, wherever they are in their own life journey. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The story is supported with lovely animals that are both real and imaginary. The combination of both is important to the development of the magical theme woven throughout. The Child will be ignited with dreamy possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. Children are naturally drawn to stories of journey and adventure. This story provides both. The depth of the message is measured by where the Child is on their own growth journey so it is always age appropriate. The author hopes it will serve as a launch pad for discussions about invitations, events, and relying on oneself for a barometer of inclusiveness. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. "The Loon Ball" is a tool in a Caregiver's toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that there are unlimited ways to celebrate events is meant to inspire curiosity. Children's Literature is a wonderful place to allow imagination to fl y to untethered heights. The Child who reads this book will be entertained and encouraged to begin planning the fantastical elements that they would include in their own Loon Ball. -
"The Skate Free" was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Two of Kelly Anne Manuel's Rainbow's End Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to experience an everyday item in a new and exciting way. The item is the wheel and it is shown in a light that will encourage the Child to play creatively with anything that has them attached. This book offers a standing invitation to the Child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow's end and see what fantastical adventures await. In "The Skate Free" the Child will experience a place where wheels are celebrated and enjoyed for the wonderful invention that they are. The message that playing with wheels leads to discovery and freedom is woven into this playful story. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The illustrations lead the way to an adventure where items with wheels are shared for inspiration. The idea that a Skate Free is when anything with wheels finds itself outdoors is meant to encourage time and play in Nature. The Child's imagination will be ignited with possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. Children are naturally able to imagine events that are characteristic of a playful youth. In this story the author encourages the Child to actively engage in flexing their imagination muscle while visually stimulated with vehicles, toys, and even a hand truck. Creating a new event for wheeled items is a way to engage the Child's curiosity as well as stimulate conversation. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. "The Skate Free" is a tool in a Caregiver's toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that every wheel is an opportunity for fun, function, and fascination is an important message that the author wants to relay. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with motivation to discover everything the wheel has to offer, especially when it finds itself out a door. -
“My Name Is Wing” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Three of Kelly Anne Manuel’s “My Name Is” Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey into Nature where a discovery is made through observation, vocalization, and communication. The Child discovers a ring who believes itself to be a wing. “My Name Is Wing” begins with a Child in the great outdoors who notices something round in their vision. The Child takes the opportunity to interact, ask questions, and listen actively. The Child will learn that asking questions leads to fun adventures, interesting conversations, and positive outcomes. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will learn that Wing knows who it is at its core. The core values of Wing are excellent models for freedom, self empowerment, and courage. The illustrations capture Nature in an exciting way to hold the Child’s attention while they witness healthy discourse. The wonders of Nature are available and ready for action once the Child actively engages with communication that relates directly to their own observations. Children will experience a light hearted and fun story that will ignite their own imaginations. Why not explore the author’s theory that Childhood is a time of playful fascination as well as learning? This fascination can be enhanced by literature that allows for pretend conversations. It is in Early Childhood that lessons of connection with ourselves and others are learned. “My Name Is Wing” models practical connection skills in a clear and concise manner. The author feels that Children who know what traits and values reside in their core will be self empowered. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with an adventure where clear communication leads to a positive solution. -
“THE AWAY CAST” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Nine of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where the narrator must find courage to take on a new challenge. The Animal Kingdom characters of Bravery and Bolder are called in to assist and model strength for the Child. “The Away Cast” plays on the meanings of the word “cast.” It is used as a term for the cast of a play and also to examine the idea of the fear related to being “cast out.” The story unfolds with the narrator auditioning for a play even though it creates some anxiety and discomfort. The message is that trying new things, even if there is discomfort, can be beneficial in a myriad of ways. The challenge itself is becoming part of a courage cast, so being “cast out” is irrelevant. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The story is supported with scenes from the Animal Kingdom that will spark both imagination and courage to try new things. The Child will be ignited with dreamy possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. Children are naturally drawn to stories of journey and adventure. This story provides both. The depth of the message is measured by where the Child is on their own growth journey so it is always age appropriate. The author hopes it will serve as a launch pad for discussions about courage, determination, bravery, and relying on oneself for a barometer of inclusiveness. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Away Cast” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that being uncomfortable while tackling new and different experiences is normalized. Since it is common the author feels it is important to address it in Children’s Literature.
