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"The Catcher Dream" was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Five of Kelly Anne Manuel's Childhood Classics. In this story the Child is invited on a journey where self empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream. This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self assessment. "The Catcher Dream” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space. It is an example of how imperative it is to process the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that uncomfortable matters provoke. The simple words take on new meaning as the illustrations pair perfectly with their presentation. The Child will observe illustrations that are in alignment with the serious tone of the story. It is important that the art match the conflict presented and resolved by the narrator. The narrator shows the Child that once a boundary was encroached upon, speaking up in a firm manner provided a solution. Children learn how to handle conflict by observation. It is important for their literature to address a balanced yet firm approach to conflict resolution. The author intends this book to be a launch pad for discussions about personal space, respect, and boundaries. These are all areas that deserve to be explored frequently as the Child ages. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. "The Catcher Dream" is a tool in a Caregiver's toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that self empowerment is formed during these early years is embraced by the author. The Children who read this book will be rewarded with a valuable lesson that facing fears results in the positive trait of resilience. -
Timeless books where all generations can find meaning. These many-layered stories have broad themes but focus on specific events and reality-based resilience topics. These books help kids navigate difficult situations. -
“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. -
Positive self-talk books that kids can pick up anytime. Daily affirmations filled with positivity that encourage independence so children can face their fears and explore their world with the help of animals and the natural world. -
In this story the Child is invited on a journey into the galaxy where wonders never cease. This is a galaxy where love, acceptance, and unconditional support reign supreme. “THE FAMILY STAR” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they are always in good company as Stars are personified in a unique and brilliant way. It is a fascinating opportunity to look upon a galaxy of stars in their seemingly infinite number and feel comforted by their resilience and tenacity. 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 bright as the stars themselves. The message is that if a star can shine so bright and survive so many elements so too can they. Children naturally look outside of themselves for love and approval. Why not explore the author’s theory about how Nature is a vital and prominent piece of this puzzle? Additionally, introducing the stars and the galaxy in this sing song way has the added benefit of Science discourse coupled with entertainment. It is in Early Childhood that self esteem and identity are under major construction. “THE FAMILY STAR” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that we are united with Nature and Science is such an important message that the author feels Children’s literature must reflect. The Child who reads this book will be rewarded with as many lessons as there are stars. -
“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 Library Local” 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 on a fantastical journey to their local library. The adventure that the library offers is brought to life in this story. Magic, creativity, and imagination, are a few elements embodied by libraries and they are celebrated in this book. “The Library Local” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will be invited to investigate the world that libraries create beyond the normal confines of brick and mortar. The narrator engages the Child by describing their own journey and how the discovery of the library brings such joy. 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. The journey to the library and the library itself are presented without restrictions. It is an opportunity to show the gifts of the library to the curious mind of the Child in a new and unique way. 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 author hopes it will serve as motivation for library visits that support Child Development in numerous arenas. The library is a gift available to all Children who benefit from all the worlds it encompasses in its vast universe. It is in Early Childhood that futures are being constructed. “The Library Local” is a tool in a Caregiver’s toolbox to assist with that healthy formation. The idea that libraries are places of wonder and discovery is a theme the author embraces. The Child who reads this book will be entertained and encouraged to have their own adventures in a Library Local. -
“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. -
"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.
