Coming in October: A Smile in your Pocket by Jarrod Zayas

It’s the morning walk to school and it doesn’t feel right. The day has started gloomy, when it’s normally bright. And, so begins a series of change that turns young Miles’ day upside down. Once friendly and familiar, everything on that school walk now seems distant, sad, or stressed. The weather. The community workers. Even the neighbor’s dog, Daisy. At school, things don’t lighten up for Miles. There, he’s introduced to a series of new rules meant to help prevent the spread of germs, and all the change overwhelms him, translating into major anxiety and sadness of his own. But, with the help of his patient teacher, Ms. Franklin, Miles learns the value of embracing change and remaining positive. And, he also learns how sharing one little smile, even one you can keep in your pocket, can bring perspective and happiness to yourself and those around you.

More relevant than ever before in our current “pandemic era,” A Smile in Your Pocket provides caregivers with a fun story time read that provides a conversation primer about good hygiene, social distancing, and coping with emotions.

Written in partnership with an accomplished child therapist, A Smile in Your Pocket combines sweet art and rhythmic text to tell a charming story that focuses on CASEL standards of social emotional development, and more specifically about combating negative emotions and the power of positivity.


This title is leveled using both the Lexile and Fountas & Pinnell reading level standards. Includes backmatter that cover tips for helping children manage stress and anxiety.

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Paw Prints (October 4, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1223183173
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1223183176
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 – 7 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 4106L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 – 2

Visit this book’s Goodreads page for more information and links to order from your favorite online retailer!

Sloth the Lazy Dragon by Regan W.H. Macaulay

If you didn’t catch it the first time around, you will want to pick up the updated version of Sloth the Lazy Dragon by Regan W.H. Macaulay.

Sloth allowed himself to get out of shape as he sits atop his hoard of gold and jewels. One day, a brave dwarf named Radish offers to help him get back in shape. Under the guidance of Radish, Sloth finds himself eating healthier and exercising. Soon he discovers this healthy new lifestyle is more valuable than all the treasure in the world.

Award-winning author Macaulay has re-released this delightful and fun story with Mirror World Publishing. An easy way to encourage youngsters to adopt a healthy lifestyle, Sloth the Lazy Dragon entertains and doesn’t preach. Young readers will enjoy the great message, while being captivated by the charming artwork from Alex Zgud.

Lovers of fables, fairy tales, and mythical creatures are sure to enjoy this story.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

I won a copy of this book during the author’s re-launch party. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy Corona Monster by Robert F. DeFinis, Ed.D.

How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy Corona Monster by Robert F. DeFinis, Ed.D. is a timely rhyming story to help you encourage good and healthy habits in your children so they can return to the life they knew before the coronavirus.

Doctor Robert F. Definis, Ed. D. has created this fun way to talk to your kids about the habits they need to adopt to help keep them and others safe. While they do their part, these SUPERHEROES in training will defeat the icky, filthy, creepy, slimy CORONA MONSTER.

Right now, things seem so uncertain for parents. Just imagine how kids are feeling. Inspired by the author’s desire to find a way to help explain things to his own daughter, this imaginative and empowering story will bring your child through the steps we have been hearing about for months: hand washing, covering your cough and sneeze, and keeping your distance. Readers are encouraged to be vigilant so the future can be better.

How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy Corona Monster is such a fun book, your children will forget they are learning something. This book can help assure your children it will be okay and address some of their fears. I like that the author reminds readers to remember those first responders who made our lives better and that it encourages children to look to the future where playing outside and hugging is no longer a scary thing.

How to Defeat the Icky, Filthy, Creepy, Slimy Corona Monster will make those tough conversations easier on everyone.

Highly recommended.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

File Size: 2061 KB
Print Length: 16 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publication Date: May 13, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B088NFNFTM

I received a copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Sloth the Lazy Dragon by Regan W.H. Macaulay

What a delightful and fun story you will find in Sloth the Lazy Dragon by Regan W.H. Macaulay.

Sloth had become out of shape and lazy as he guarded the pile of treasure. When one brave Dwarf named Radish decides to help him change his habits, Sloth is finally able to take flight.

Macaulay has crafted a story that encourages healthy habits without preaching. Young readers will enjoy reading how Radish helps Sloth work hard, eat right, and set goals for himself. As progress is slowly made, Sloth feels better and is so overjoyed with what he can do he rewards Radish in a special way.

Accompanying the story is artwork from talented Canadian artist Alex Zgud. This versatile artist has brought Sloth, Radish, and their world to life with stunning details that fit perfectly into the story.

Sloth the Lazy Dragon might just make it easier for you and your children to have the discussion of creating healthy habits. Kids who enjoy fables and fairy tales or stories of mythical creatures will get a kick out of this one.

I look forward to more of Macaulay’s work.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing; Large type / large print edition edition (May 14, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616337621
ISBN-13: 978-1616337629

I received a free digital copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses by Michelle Nott

Freddy and Hoppie go to school, but numbers are smooshed together, words blur, and the wrong answers make classmates snicker. After a week, Freddy knows it’s time to tell his mom what’s going on, but admitting you need help can be hard.

Freddy, Hoppie and the Eyeglasses by Michelle Nott is an adorable story about a young boy opening up to his mother about an ongoing problem with his eyes. His imaginary friend helps him, but at some point Freddy must work up the courage to share what he is dealing with so he can get better. This story will touch the heart and make it easier for young people who might be struggling with vision problems to open up and to have some idea of what to expect. The ending is so sweet. The story is made better by the colorful and fun artwork of Robert Lee Beers. From facial expressions, to background details, to that silly and cute little Hoppie frog, the illustrations are the perfect complement to a wonderful story. I look forward to more books from Michelle Nott soon.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Paperback: 16 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc; Large type / large print edition edition (February 11, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616337338
ISBN-13: 978-1616337339

I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.