Month: July 2018

ILLUSTRATED BY PETER BELLINGHAM

SUMMARY

Many children today believe that fame and fortune are the only pathways to happiness. This book shows that even if every desire is achieved in life, happiness can still be elusive. Many adults who know this important life lesson struggle to easily articulate the concept with their children. Sumi’s story of transformation into a joyful, awakened butterfly will resonate deeply within young children who strain to find meaning and fulfillment in a profit-driven, egocentric world.

This is the story of a baby caterpillar named Sumi and her life’s journey to find everlasting happiness. The story unfolds in a gentle, loving way that reveals age-old wisdom about the search for happiness to modern kids.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF READ REVIEW

Have you ever wondered:  Who Am I? Where Did I Come From? Why Can’t I Be Like…? Well that’s how Sumi felt when she was first born. She wanted to get to know the other caterpillars around her, but they seemed set in their ways. They didn’t like any of her suggestions, and when she tried to get them to go with her up the tree trunk for more food, they never would. But, Sumi soon realized that sometimes you have to do things on your own. One day, she started out on a solo adventure up that tree trunk. And what did she find. I can’t tell you that, but I can tell you that isn’t what made her enlightened. You have to read The Caterpillar that Became Enlightened to find out.

The UNIQUE thing about The Caterpillar that Became Enlightened is the plot. Who ever knew that a caterpillar could do that?

RECOMMENDATION

The Caterpillar that Became Enlightened is primarily for First Time Readers (1-8).  But I think some Middle Grade Readers (9 – 12) dealing with self-esteem issues will find this book helpful.

BUY IT HERE:  Amazon

BIO – DARRYL D. DIPTEE is an active duty US naval officer who has spent over twenty years collecting wisdom from various parts of the globe. He attributes much of his success to the valuable experiences gained while supporting those in need, such as helping Tibetan refugees integrate into society in India and teaching Iraqi children valuable life skills in Baghdad, Iraq. Messy, “unsolvable” problems are his favorite challenges, as he applies his worldly knowledge to convert complex concepts into easy-to-digest, inspirational lessons that people use to achieve fulfilling lives. Deeply spiritual at his core, Darryl’s aim in life is to enjoy every moment of the human experience while inspiring others to do the same.

 

SUMMARY

Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus is not an ordinary bus taking you on a journey. He is a Playbus. Find out what happens when he is invited to an island where the children have never seen a double-decker bus – and certainly not one full of toys!

A DIFFERENT KIND OF READ REVIEW

Last time, when we visited Jay-Jay, he had just become a play bus (Click here to see that review). This time he is going on a different kind of adventure to an island across the channel. While, he is eager to get there, he’s a little frightened, but he trusts his driver to keep him safe. “Oh my, the water’s a little choppy!” he notices and again, he isn’t so sure. that he should get on the ferry. Hmm, he can’t turn back now, the only thing left to do is to quickly get on the ferry. 

Oh, oh, he got on a little too quickly and hurt his bottom. What? How does bus hurt his bottom? What do you mean a bus doesn’t have a bottom? Patience, let me answer. It’s that part underneath. What does underneath mean? You know that part… Wait, I have to let mommy explain that to you as she reads Jay-Jay and His Island Adventure. Together, you’ll also find out if a bus can get seasick, and let me know what you think about those pirates.

Jay-Jay and His Island Adventure is a UNIQUE read because of the adventure he takes you on. And, it’s an ETHNIC read because of the diverse characters appearing throughout the book.

RECOMMENDATION

Jay-Jay and his Island Adventure is recommended for First Time Readers (1-8) and Middle Grade Readers to age 10.

BUY IT HERE:  Amazon

BIO – Sue Wickstead is a Supply teacher working across Sussex and Surrey.

For over 20 years, alongside her teaching career, she worked with a Children’s Charity, a Playbus, which led her to write a photographic history book about its journey. 

She soon found that many children had never been on a bus let alone a ‘Playbus’ and they wanted to know more, so she decided to write a fictional tale about a ‘Playbus’.

Jay-Jay the Supersonic Bus came out in print in 2014. From fact to fiction the bus’ journey continues with more stories written and on their way.