Timmy the Fish - a Positive Anti-Bullying Message by Sean A. Kollman

Illustrated by Alicia C. Mattern
Dedicated to Sean A. Kollman (deceased)

In these troubled days, it's a joy to see a picture book aimed at young children, particularly in the early grades, with an anti-bullying theme they can understand. Timmy the Fish, with its adorable illustrations, is just that book. Children can probably relate to this book easier than to one featuring other children. When Timmy is bullied by bigger fish he has feelings of fear and sadness, but this all changes when he meets the biggest and oldest fish and learns that he had been bullied, too. Their friendship solidifies as Brutus the Largemouth Bass tells how he was able to free himself of the bullies. With Brutus' kindness, Timmy is happy that he can rejoin his young friends in the school without fear. At the back of the book there are some helpful links about dealing with bullying. An unusual take on a serious problem, this illustrated short story stands on its own as entertainment and education.

The Magic of Finkleton by KC Hilton

This book returned me to the magic of childhood! Though written for children, can encompass all ages in the way of fairy tales of yore. A magical time when things are not what they seem. Well-written to keep anticipation coming, and flows with mystery and curiosity. An old shopkeeper dies and the village farms of Finkleton are instantly inundated with rain. At the same time a home in another village is struck by lightning and burned. What is happening with the weather?

The home that was destroyed happened to belong to the heir to the old shopkeeper's store and property, and therein lies this delicious story. The displaced family of five arrive in Finkleton and very soon the youngest child makes a mysterious discovery. He keeps it secret but before long his sister, who reads everything readable, learns the secret. But when the weather gets out of control, they must let their older brother know what is happening. Should they tell their parents what they have found? Are there more secrets hidden in the old shop? Is Mother Nature really in charge of the weather?

KC Hilton creates an entire world, not on a different planet, not even in an enchanted forest. No, this is a village surrounded by farms, some very famous and lush farms, in fact the most productive farms and best-tasting produce in the world. But even in such a perfect location, danger can rear its ugly head. I was charmed by this magical adventure and I can tell the next will be exciting, too.

Jamie and The Angel: Meeting her Guardian Angel by Carol Guy

Reviewed for Review the Book
Publisher:  Marvelous Spirit Press

A beautifully illustrated childrens book (illus. Richa Kinra), Carol Guy has touched on a subject that has had many a parent scratch his/her head wondering what their child is talking about. Almost every child below the age of 6 and sometimes even older has had an "invisible friend" or has claimed to see people who aren't there.  How do you explain this to your children?  What can you say to comfort them and let them know it's alright to talk about it?

This story is just the right blend of comfort and level of reading for sharing with your children. Jamie is very troubled with what she is seeing that others don't appear to see. It makes her feel shy and isolated from her peers. Her parents told her it was all her imagination, which made her feel there was something wrong with her.

Praying one night, she asked for help. She told God how she felt and asked what she could do. As she lay in bed that night, hoping He would answer her prayers, a bright light filled her room. As it came closer she saw it was an Angel.  The angel comforts her with her words and explanation, an explanation that was easy for Jamie to understand. This is a book that resonates with simplicity and innocence. No one should be made to feel different because of what they perceive, what is in front of their eyes, or what they are hearing. Life is all about learning, and some learning curves are different. Some paths switch direction and some stay in a straight line, in other words, who are we to decide there is something not quite right about someone who sees things, whether adult or child. Most children leave it behind but a few do not, and they are our fortunate future.

After the end of the story, Carol Guy has written Guidelines for Parents that could be very helpful in dealing with this "gift" that so many children have for only a short while. I as a grandmother found this book to be an excellent resource, both story and guidelines, because my granddaughter was one of these special children. The story itself is only 14 pages plus 1 page of Guidelines and 1 page about the author and illustrator.  A wealth of comfort and understanding in one little book. I loved this beautiful little book and highly recommend it to all ages who have or know children, or who still maintain these "gifts". Everyone can benefit.