#Health

Christmas around the world: Discover Christmas traditions from around the world (Early Readers Christmas stories)

Author: EditorialPoint 22 Genre: Early Readers

✨🎄 DISCOVER CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD 🎄✨ This delightful book takes children aged 5 and up on a magical journey to discover how Christmas is celebrated in different cultures worldwide! From Spain to Japan, explore unique traditions like roller-skating to church in Venezuela, barbecuing on the beach in Australia, and eating fried chicken in Japan. 🌟 Why your child will love this book : 🎅 Engaging Storyline : Follow Olivia as she learns about Christmas celebrations across the globe. 🎨 Beautiful Illustrations : Vibrant depictions bring each tradition to life. 🧩 Fun Activities Included : Mazes, coloring pages, puzzles, and more to keep kids entertained. 📚 Inclusive Design : Written in uppercase letters, ideal for early readers and children with dyslexia or other learning challenges. 🖨️ Bonus Materials : Access over 250 additional printable activities to extend the holiday fun. 🎁 Perfect for Family Moments : This book encourages curiosity, cultural understanding, and shared laughter as you and your child discover the magic of Christmas together. 👉 Order your copy today and let the festive adventure begin! Read more

RJ Learns: Let's Go Potty - Learn to Talk for Toddlers, Children with Speech Delays, and Autism Using Gestalt Language Processing: Language Learning ... interests (RJ Learns- Learn to speak with RJ)

Author: Russell Zulueta Genre: Classics

RJ Learn’s “Let’s go potty” was written to help provide speech delayed children to have a template to be able to communicate effectively when going to the toilet. Potty training speech-delayed children can be particularly challenging due to several factors. Communication barriers often make it difficult for these children to express their needs, such as when they need to use the toilet, leading to frustration and misunderstandings. Additionally, they may struggle to understand verbal instructions, complicating the process of following the necessary steps for potty training. Sensory sensitivities, which are common among some speech-delayed children, can also make the experience of using the toilet overwhelming. Key Features: Uses stories to provide visual learning cues, making the process easier to understand than verbal instructions alone. Presents potty training in a relatable and less intimidating context. Reinforces steps and expectations through repetition and consistency. Reduces anxiety and increases comfort with the new routine. Incorporates gestalts, or chunks of language, to enhance communication. Provides ready-made phrases for children to express their needs and understand instructions. This book is a labor of love, written for my son RJ, who has a speech delay. RJ is hyperlexic—he could read and recite the alphabet by the age of 2. However, it took another year and a half before he could communicate using functional language, as we didn’t initially realize he was a gestalt language processor. Once we, along with his speech therapists, recognized this, his progress accelerated. These books are designed specifically for him, integrating key phrases we want him to learn in various contexts. Through these stories, we strive to support his language development and assist other children with similar needs, incorporating everything we’ve learned and found effective for him. Read more

Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen

Author: James Robinson Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir Illustrator: Brian Rea

From Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir for readers ages 10 and up—inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes . WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD • AN ORBIS PICTUS RECOMMENDED BOOK • A BEST BOOK THE YEAR: School Library Journal , NPR, BCCB, New York Public Library, and Chicago Public Library Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James’s experiences growing up with strabismus, allowing them to see the world through one eye at a time. Readers will get lost as they chase words. They’ll stare into this book while taking a vision test. They’ll hold it upside down as they practice “pretend-reading”…and they’ll follow an unlikely trail toward discovering the power of words. With poignant illustrations by Eisner Award–nominated artist Brian Rea, James’s story equips readers of all ages with the tools to confront their discomfort with disability and turn confused, blank stares into powerful connections. Read more

Curious George Joins the Team

Author: H. A. Rey Genre: Sports

Curious George has a playdate at a park designed for children of all abilities, perfect for his new friend, Tina, who uses a wheelchair. While they are playing together, Tina spots some kids playing her favorite game: basketball. George jumps right into the action, but Tina is too shy to ask to join. George suspects Tina is just as good—even better—than the other kids. Can he come up with a way to show the players she's got game and help her overcome her shyness? This story celebrates how kids of all abilities can play together! Read more

Speechless: A Graphic Novel

Author: Aron Nels Steinke Genre: Comics Illustrator: Aron Nels Steinke

From Eisner Award-winning author Aron Nels Steinke comes a heartfelt and funny middle-grade graphic novel about friendship, anxiety, and expressing yourself. Middle school was supposed to be a fresh start for Mira, who struggles to speak in class even though she can speak at home without a problem. Her former best friend, Chloe, has become her worst enemy, and Mira's only solace is making videos for her secret stop-motion animation channel. But when Chloe's mom has to travel for a family emergency, Mira is horrified to learn that her family has volunteered to let Chloe stay with them. When it feels like everything is going wrong, will Mira ever find her voice? Read more

What They Did to the Kid: Confessions of an Altar Boy, A Tale of Priest Abuse

Author: Jack Fritscher Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

"What They Did to the Kid" is a memoir spinning as a comic novel for general-fiction readers intrigued by boys' school tales, and baby boomers who "survived Catholic school." Ryan O'Hara, coming of age from 14 to 24, is the wise adolescent narrating readers' entry into the secret culture of 1950's altar boys who go to the seminary, meet priests, and must decide their own identities. The novel's interior ticking covers the clock and calendar of boys' emerging consciences and edgy consciousness. "The San Francisco Chronicle" says, "Jack Fritscher reads gloriously." Strong characters and snappy dialog propel the character-driven plot of male-dominant pecking order. At Misericordia Seminary (aptly nicknamed "Misery"), Ryan O'Hara exposes his own story. He's trapped for oxygen-with 500 other boys-by the imperial Rector Karg, the disciplinarian Father Gunn "of the USMC," the tart Father Polistina, and the rebel-priest Chris Dryden "who knows Fellini and JFK." The storytelling Irish-American author gives each ensemble character-hero or villain, student or priest, man or woman-a rich back story. Black civil rights of the 60's as well as three interesting women characters open this tale out of the suffocating seminary and on to the hot streets of Chicago's South Side and Old Town. The compelling psychological drama hinges on the very source and aspirations of priestly vocation versus self-esteem. "Is God calling me-and what about chastity? Or is it just the 'Bali Hai' of blind ambition and social climbing-and what about sex?" Fritscher makes deeper than usual sense of soulful coming-of-age material. The hearty supply of boarding school episodes cumulatively reveals the dueling dynamic between the boyish protagonist, Ryan O'Hara, and the callous ambition of the handsome bully, Tank Rimsky, as they fight toward the finish line of "manly men's" ordination to the priesthood. "The hardest thing to be in America today is a man." The novel is based on an under-reported story: the Catholic Church recruited 200,000 boys into seminaries in the 1950's. Only 20,000 were ordained. "Kid" details, in a nostalgic and not unkind take what happened to the missing 180,000 boys and the women and men in their families. Daring to step inside Catholic culture, without being parochial, this American story reveals the 1950's roots of 21st-century "recovering Catholic" panic and angst. The millions of post-Catholic baby boomers who have exited the Church will compare notes and laugh knowingly at the dead-on characterizations. Fashionably anti-Catholic campers will say, "but, of course!" Readers might catalog "Kid" in the genre of "Young Torless, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," and "Lord of the Flies." Before now, no one of the surviving 180,000 ex-seminarians has dared reveal this insider confession on the secret milieu of the Catholic education of priests. From interviews with more than a hundred former seminarians, Jack Fritscher uniquely stages their true story arcs with wit, verve, and comedy. "What They Did to the Kid" is the fourth novel from Jack Fritscher whose twelve books have sold more than 100,000 copies. Jack Fritscher is a graduate of the prestigious Pontifical College Josephinum, a Roman Catholic seminary, located in Columbus, Ohio, and directly subject to the Vatican in Rome. He received his doctorate in American Literature from Loyola University, Chicago. Read more

Decodable Books Kindergarten - Grade 2: Orton Gillingham Decodable Readers, 5 Consonant Blends Stories for Early and Struggling Readers, and Kids with Dyslexia (Step 2) (Decodable Books Hero)

Author: Kate Mendoza Genre: Early Readers

Do you want to help your struggling or early reader, and kids with dyslexia, build strong decoding skills and grow into confident readers? Discover Decodable Books Kindergarten – Grade 2 by Kate Mendoza — the proven way to turn struggling readers into successful ones! Unlike many early readers that rely on memorization and guessing, Decodable Books Kindergarten – Grade 2 by Kate Mendoza is grounded in the Science of Reading and shaped by the Orton-Gillingham approach . That means every story is carefully sequenced to teach one skill at a time , helping children progress with confidence. Inside this 5-in-1 book , you’ll find: 5 colorful decodable stories , each focused on a specific blend pattern , brought to life with engaging illustrations . Children will practice: - Beginning L-blends: bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl - Beginning R-blends: br, cr, dr, fr, gr, pr, tr - Beginning S-blends: sc, sk, sm, sn, sp, st, sw - Final T-blends: ct, ft, lt, pt, st, xt - Other final blends: lf, nd, mp, lm, nk, ng, lp, ld Each story focuses on one of these blend families, allowing children to master new patterns gradually while reading connected, meaningful text. Simple comprehension activities to check understanding after each story Targeted phonics practice that helps children decode words independently Fun CVC games to make phonics practice exciting and effective This all-in-one resource works perfectly for: Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade readers Struggling readers who need extra support Children with dyslexia or other reading challenges Decodable Books Kindergarten – Grade 2 is part of the Decodable Books Hero series , where each book focuses on a specific phonics target — beginning with short-vowel CVC words in Step 1, then moving on to consonant blends in Step 2 (this book) , followed by digraphs, long vowels, and beyond. The series is carefully designed to build skills in sequence, giving children a clear and structured path to reading success. Written by a reading specialist with years of experience helping children overcome reading struggles, this book combines research-based instruction with fun, engaging stories that kids will love. Give your child the gift of reading success today with Decodable Books Kindergarten – Grade 2 by Kate Mendoza, and watch their confidence grow with every page! Read more

Sports Illustrated Kids Graphic Novels Box: Spring and Summer Sports Set 1

Author: Chris Kreie Genre: Comics Illustrator: Andres Esparza

Six Sports Illustrated Kids graphic novels in one boxed set―featuring spring and summer sports! This multibook boxed set includes 6 complete graphic novels featuring today’s most popular SPRING and SUMMER sports. Each full-color, full-throttle story shines with dynamic comics paneling and the insider knowledge of Sports Illustrated Kids. What happens when best friends collide at home plate? Can a blind skateboarder take down the extreme competition? Who will win a surfing showdown? These and more sweat-drenched tales of dedication, perseverance, and triumphs are all here in one easy, giftable package for kids to enjoy again and again. Perfect for young athletes and cheering sports fans alike! Books Included in This Set : Battle for Home Plate: Justin and Carlos have played on the same baseball team since their T-ball days. But this season, the friends are forced to play on rival teams. When their teams face each other in the final game of the season, Justin and Carlos aren’t even speaking. What will happen when the former best friends collide at home plate? BMX Blitz: Luke Lawless faces off against his rival Peter Hildebrand in the BMX-Blitzkrieg! The super-secret course has been kept under wraps, so no one knows what to expect as the race begins. But somehow, the shadowy Peter Hildebrand seems to know what’s around every corner. Riptide Pride: Tane Kalana is a natural on the water. He rides waves with ease and looks good doing it. But being talented tends to put a target on your back, and Cody Hannigan has his sights set on taking Tane down a notch. Cody challenges him to a surfer showdown at Breaker Bay! Skateboard Sonar: Matty Lyons is a top-notch skateboarder who can do all the coolest tricks. His moves are even more impressive since he’s blind. But not everyone is a fan of the talented grinder. During the state’s biggest skating competition, former champion Bing Hawtin mocks Matty, saying that a blind kid has no chance to win. But Matty knows something Bing doesn’t―seeing isn’t everything. Soccer Longshot: Matty is the team captain of the local soccer club, the Strikers. His team is talented, but Matty can’t help but feel that something’s missing. So, he decides to head out to the local park to kick it with some of the streetball kids. Matty figures he’ll run right through the disorganized teens. Instead, he gets a swift kick in the pants! Track Team Titans: Track season is about to begin, and Gerald “Sully” Sullivan is ready and raring to run. But on the first day of tryouts, no other students show up! If the Titans don’t get more members, there won’t be a track team. So Sully pays a visit to the other sports teams, hoping their star athletes will join. Sully will have to beat them at their own sports to change their minds. Read more

Young Whit and the Traitor's Treasure

Author: Phil Lollar Genre: Adventure

Something sinister happened decades ago to disgrace the Whittaker name. Can young Whit discover the truth about his family history―and find the traitor’s treasure―before they’re gone forever? This Odyssey book series explores the history of the much-loved character John Avery Whittaker. The series introduces newcomers to the larger world of Odyssey. For readers who are already Odyssey-philes, the novels provide the history of the franchise’s most important character. Whit and his family (father, Harold; stepmother, Fiona; half-sister, Charlie) have just moved to Provenance, NC, in the middle of the Great Depression. Harold will be teaching at nearby Duke University. Not-quite-10-year-old Johnny soon makes a friend in Emmy, who lives across the street and joins him in his adventures. At his new school, he encounters a bully who makes his life miserable, and he makes a new friend in Huck, the custodian. Both of them play key roles in the mysteries and action. The central mystery in this book involves Confederate gold missing since the end of the Civil War and the question of whether Johnny’s ancestor was the coward and thief who stole it, as everyone believes. Book #1 in the Young Whit series Blends historical context with clean adventure to engage young readers Offers children a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of Whit’s formative years Best for kids ages 10 and up Read more

Drama Queen: One Autistic Woman and a Life of Unhelpful Labels

Author: Sara Gibbs Genre: (Auto)biography/Memoir

'It has taken me several years of exploration, but I am at a place now where I see autism as neither an affliction nor a superpower. It's just the blueprint for who I am. There is no cure, but that's absolutely fine by me. To cure me of my autism would be to cure me of myself.' During the first thirty years of her life, comedy script writer Sara Gibbs had been labelled a lot of things - a cry baby, a scaredy cat, a spoiled brat, a weirdo, a show off - but more than anything else, she'd been called a Drama Queen. No one understood her behaviour, her meltdowns or her intense emotions. She felt like everyone else knew a social secret that she hadn't been let in on; as if life was a party she hadn't been invited to. Why was everything so damn hard? Little did Sara know that, at the age of thirty, she would be given one more label that would change her life's trajectory forever. That one day, sitting next to her husband in a clinical psychologist's office, she would learn that she had never been a drama queen, or a weirdo, or a cry baby, but she had always been autistic. Drama Queen is both a tour inside one autistic brain and a declaration that a diagnosis on the spectrum, with the right support, accommodations and understanding, doesn't have to be a barrier to life full of love, laughter and success. It is the story of one woman trying to fit into a world that has often tried to reject her and, most importantly, it's about a life of labels, and the joy of ripping them off one by one. Read more

Squished: A Graphic Novel

Author: Megan Wagner Lloyd Genre: Comics Illustrator: Michelle Mee Nutter

From the Eisner-nominated duo behind the instant bestseller Allergic comes a fun new graphic novel about finding your own space… especially when you're in a family of nine! Eleven-year-old Avery Lee loves living in Hickory Valley, Maryland. She loves her neighborhood, school, and the end-of-summer fair she always goes to with her two best friends. But she's tired of feeling squished by her six siblings! They're noisy and chaotic and the younger kids love her a little too much. All Avery wants is her own room -- her own space to be alone and make art. So she's furious when Theo, her grumpy older brother, gets his own room instead, and her wild baby brother, Max, moves into the room she already shares with her clinging sister Pearl! Avery hatches a plan to finally get her own room, all while trying to get Max to sleep at night, navigating changes in her friendships, and working on an art entry for the fair. And when Avery finds out that her family might move across the country, things get even more complicated. Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter have once again teamed up to tell a funny, heartfelt, and charming story of family, friendship, and growing up. Read more

DREAMLAND ADVENTURES 5-Minute Bedtime Stories - for Older Children Ages 8-12: Tales of Courage, Magic & the Long Way Home Book Two: Twelve Dramatic Fairy Tales

Author: Dr Greg M Oji Genre: Anthology

Your child has outgrown simple bedtime stories. They want dragons with real fire, heroes who might actually fail, and endings that cost something. This book was written for them. Dreamland Adventures Book Two is a collection of twelve original fairy tales for children aged 8–12 — stories with genuine stakes, moral complexity, and the kind of dramatic tension that keeps older kids listening long after the lights go down. Every story is expertly crafted to bring children to a place of peace before sleep. Brave stories. Peaceful endings. WHAT'S INSIDE Part One: Kingdoms and Curses — A girl who trades her voice to save her village and discovers a different kind of language. A prince locked in a tower for 43 days — not by a dragon, but by his own refusal to say two words. A weaver's daughter who outwits the Goblin King with nothing but cleverness and a spool of impossible thread. A lighthouse keeper's son, alone in a storm, keeping a light burning for strangers he will never meet. Part Two: Wilderness and Wild Magic — A mapmaker whose imaginary maps turn out to be real places she somehow drew into existence. A girl who walks into a dangerous forest to ask the wolf directly what everyone else has only feared. A boy who can steal time from the sea and learns the hard way that power without judgment is the most dangerous thing of all. A Storm Girl who learns to read her own weather instead of fighting it. Part Three: The Long Way Home — A clockmaker's daughter who stops every clock in the workshop after her father dies, and the one unstoppable clock that teaches her to let time run forward. A thirteen-year-old carrying his whole family alone until the moon comes to listen. A merchant who needed fifteen years and a compass pointing home to finally turn around. And the Last Fairy Tale — a story about why stories exist at all, and why we need them most at the end of the day. WHY OLDER CHILDREN NEED DRAMATIC STORIES AT BEDTIME Over the years, I have worked with families whose children lie awake with anxiety, restless minds, and the low hum of worries that seem loudest in the quiet. What I have found — and what the research consistently confirms — is that older children don't need softer stories to sleep. They need stories that acknowledge the complexity of their inner lives, give their active minds something worthy to follow, and arrive at resolution. Stories that are too safe don't satisfy the developmental need for meaning. Older children need real problems, real choices, and the reassurance that comes not from the absence of difficulty, but from the presence of courage. Every tale in this collection ends in peace. But it earns that peace the honest way. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Greg Martins Oji is a practicing pediatrician in Los Angeles County, California, with 37 years of experience and more than 2,000 families guided through childhood and adolescence. His sleep methodology has achieved an 87% success rate within the first week of implementation. He is also the author of Dreamland Adventures Book One: Bedtime Stories That Help Little Ones Sleep , The Big Book of 650 Silly Jokes, Sleep Training Made Simple , and The Complete First Year: Your Baby's Development Day by Day . This book is the perfect gift for: Children aged 8–12 who love fantasy, fairy tales, and adventure Families looking for meaningful read-aloud stories that spark real conversation Parents of children who struggle to wind down at night The first Dreamland Adventures collection is also available for younger children aged 3–8. Read more