Description

“The K-OH!” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Seven of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story the Child is invited to visit a very popular and in demand destination. The narrator explains that everything is not as it seems because the brochure over promised and under delivered.
“The K-OH!” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will be included on a journey to this imaginary place that is made real due to a myth. The myth is that using the word “okay” frequently to describe thoughts and feelings is exceedingly inappropriate. This is an opportunity for teaching through entertainment on numerous levels. The message is to explore words that accurately portray inner emotions to the outer environment.
The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will be visually stimulated by the vectors chosen to demonstrate this imaginary place that is actually quite real in daily vocabulary. The images will leap off the page to capture and keep the Child’s attention.
Children are naturally drawn to stories of journey and adventure. This is a practical approach to both. The ability to pair a subject like vocabulary with emotions is a theme the author embraces. This is a launchpad for discussions and conversations about discernment, honesty, and authenticity.
It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The K-OH!” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. A pretend journey that leads to enlightenment and understanding is a wonderful opportunity for Children’s Literature to shine. The Child that reads this book will be rewarded with a lesson about how important it is to match inner and outer discourse with thought, care, and intention.