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Danika loves ballet. She translates each ordinary aspect of her life into a remarkable dance performance. Ballerina Konora (a professional ballerina) joins the fun with how-to instructions for kids who want to dance along with Danika, Penelope the cat, and their animal friends. -
“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 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 Case Suit” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Seven of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where packing an imaginary suit case brings new meaning and adventure. It is a game for the Child to engage in with “Pretend” as a character who is always available to join them. “The Case Suit” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will be invited to investigate what the narrator chooses to pack and travel with to any destination imagination can create. The destination is open ended so the Child will participate with curiosity and play. The Child has unlimited freedom to decide, dream, and explore, while traveling along with the narrator. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. There is a mix of practical and fantastical elements to visually stimulate curiosity. This active engagement in imagination results in a world rich with creativity for the Child. 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 a balance of structure and a springboard for the Child to be a part of the action. It is a game that can be played at any place and time for entertainment and discussion. This is a story that the author hopes will be enjoyed with humor while considering everything the Child can dream of to pack in their own case suit. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Case Suit” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that practicality can be set aside while ushering in a world of imagination is a theme the author embraces. The Child who reads this book will benefit from the freedom to dream up any destination with all their Case Suit can hold and more. -
“The Boots Rain” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book One of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Rainbow’s End Series. In this story the Child is invited on a journey to experience an entirely new event that the narrator is so eager to share. The narrator describes this fictitious occurrence with such wonder, amazement and vigor, that the Child will naturally join in for the fun. “The Boots Rain” offers a standing invitation to the Child. Journey to the tail of a rainbow’s end and see what fantastical adventures await. In “The Boots Rain” the Child will experience a fun and unique way to look at rain in a different light. The story is meant to be a challenge to the regular idea of rain boots and the author hopes to spark curiosity and discussion. The simple words lead the way to an adventure where considering a different approach to a common event in nature is expected. Children are naturally able to imagine events that are characteristic of a playful youth. Why not join the narrator on a discovery mission to find out exactly what a Boots Rain is? In this story the author invites the Child to actively engage in flexing their imagination muscle. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Boots Rain” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that every boot that falls in the Boots Rain is unique, individual and one of a kind, is an important message that the author wants to relay. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with a fantastical insight to what magical events occur at the tail of a rainbow’s end. -
“The Line Sky” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Four of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where dreaming is the only goal. Any dream a Child may have or would like to have, is made alive and well on the pages of this enchanting story. “The Line Sky” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are always in good company when they allow their imagination to live, breathe, and flourish. It is a fascinating opportunity to look at the world with the unlimited scope characterized in youth. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child’s imagination will be ignited with possibilities as all manner of images leap off the pages. The message is that dreams are unlimited, at the ready, and surprising as they unfold in reality. Children naturally dream, hope and aspire to untold realities. In this story the author includes the Child to actively engage in flexing their imagination muscle. The narrator asks questions to awaken new thoughts, curiosities, and discussions in the developing mind of the Child. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Line Sky” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that there are no rules regarding imagination is so important because then the Child is able to develop independent thought and individual identity. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with the amazing opportunity and freedom to formulate dreams unlimited. -
As the symphony floated above, Sora searched deep inside for a song. But nothing came. Melodies tickled across Sora’s toes, legs, and back as the little cricket searched in vain. Then a stern voice pierced the song, and the music stopped. “Someone’s not singing.” Discover one little cricket’s beautiful pursuit of inspiration. Readers are invited to stretch, balance, jump, and move along with the creatures in this delightful story of perseverance and celebrating your own unique voice. An enchanting sound-enhanced resource perfect for kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, dance teachers, and families at home. Sora Searches for a Song is ideal for ages 5-8. It features Sora (no pronouns), birds, fish, frogs, dragonflies, turtles, snakes and more. Delight your little one or class with this dance-and-move-along audio story, complete with nature and animal sounds. Track 2 includes Ballerina Konora’s suggestions for movement exploration. As kids move along with the characters, they experience head/tail connection, dynamic posture, vestibular action, balance, movement quality, partnering, and more.
