Welcome to Bookish!
Elizabeth Leiva-Hamel
“Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”
- Mark Twain
Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn. It improves cognitive development, increases concentration and focus, and prepares your child for academic success. Thus, experts recommend it as one of the best extracurricular activities children can practice, including outside of school.
Check out my books!
The
Angry Robot
Makes a Friend
“Zed the Angry Robot" is a heartwarming children's storybook about a grumpy robot named Zed who makes an unexpected friend and embarks on a series of exciting adventures throughout the city. Along with his new friend Bex, a smaller, friendlier robot, Zed explores different parts of the city, including the park, the zoo, a dog shelter, the subway and a museum. Through their adventures, Zed learns to let go of his anger and frustration, and he discovers the joy of making new friends and experiencing new things. With a positive message about the power of friendship and kindness, "Zed the Angry Robot" is a delightful read for children.
Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Brain Dump
Big Ideas Journal for Teens
Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
“Brain Dump journal is a creative and interactive journal designed specifically for tweens and teens, aiming to encourage self-expression, critical thinking, and personal growth. This imaginative journal offers a safe space for teens to explore their thoughts, ideas, and feelings while embarking on an exciting journey of self-discovery.
Brain Dump journal promotes self-awareness, fosters creativity, and encourages a positive mindset. Through its various sections and activities, this journal encourages them to embrace their unique selves.
With "Brain Dump," tweens and teens can engage in self-discovery and personal growth while having fun along the way. This journal is the perfect tool for tweens and teens to unlock their potential and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them
brush your chompers
brush your chompers
Brush Your Chompers: A playful guide to teach children about brushing their teeth. Kindle Edition
Brush Your Chompers takes young readers on a whimsical journey through the world of dental hygiene. Through rhythmic and engaging verses, the book encourages children to brush their teeth daily and makes the process of toothbrushing enjoyable, engaging and educational for children. Brush Your Chompers is a valuable tool for parents and caregivers to instill good dental hygiene habits from a young age and encourages children to take an active role in their own dental care.
Available on Amazon
Designed to help create a stress-free holiday season, this comprehensive planner and organizer will help make your Christmas preparations merry and bright. This festive Planner is your key to an organized and joyful celebration, ensuring you don't miss a single detail!
This Merry and Bright Planner and Organizer provides sections for:
To-Do's - Navigate the holiday hustle with ease using the to-do lists.
Grab yours today and have yourself a Merry and Bright Holiday Season!
Available on Amazon
Blooms Reflection Daily Journal
Elizabeth Leiva-Hamel
Blooms Reflection journal invites you to reflect on your personal journey within the 100 pages of this thoughtfully designed journal book. Let this journal serve as a private and safe space for your innermost thoughts and musings and your own creativity and unique story. The 100 lined pages offer ample room for your ideas to blossom. Let this journal help you express your thoughts and feelings through your own seasons of change and growth.
Available on Amazon
Blushing Pink Daily Journal
Elizabeth Leiva-Hamel
100 lined pages offer ample room for your ideas to blossom. Let this journal book help you express your thoughts and feelings through your own seasons of change and growth.
Available on Amazon
Starlight FloraDaily Journal
Elizabeth Leiva-Hamel
100 lined pages offer ample room for your ideas to blossom. Let this journal book help you express your thoughts and feelings through your own seasons of change and growth.
Available on Amazon
Twighlight Garden Daily Journal
Elizabeth Leiva-Hamel
100 lined pages offer ample room for your ideas to blossom. Let this journal book help you express your thoughts and feelings through your own seasons of change and growth.
Available on Amazon
Veridian Blooms Daily Journal
Elizabeth Leiva-Hamel
100 lined pages offer ample room for your ideas to blossom. Let this journal book help you express your thoughts and feelings through your own seasons of change and growth.
Available on Amazon
Next Gen Leaders
Tips to inspire kids to read
- Surround them with books.
Keep a good selection of kids books laying around the house. Keep a bookshelf in their room filled with books. Fill it with books about things they love. They will be more interested if the books are about things they are interested in.
- Take them to the library as often as possible.
As soon as my girls were old enough to read i took them to the library and let them explore and pick out their own books. They loved having their library bag and filling it with books. Check your local library for story time and start taking them today!
- Let them see you read
Set the example for your kids. I have stacks of books strewn all around my house. They often see me reading and will usually get curious and ask me what the book is about. When they were younger they would curl up next to me and ask me to read a book to them.
Benefits of Reading
1. It gives your brain a workout
2. Reading reduces stress
3. It boosts your vocabulary
4. It develops empathy
5. It boosts mental wellness
6. It keeps your brain young
7. It makes you a more interesting person
8. It build community
9. You learn new things
10. It’s a great motivator
Best Places to Find Free Ebooks
Google Play
Freebooksy
Amazon Kindle Store
If you’re seeking free kindle books, you’re in luck! The Amazon Kindle Store has two sections dedicated to just that: its Free Popular Classics page and its list of Top 100 Free Best Sellers.
Free Kindle and Nooks books are advertised on Freebooksy, as well as no-charge reads from Kobo, Google, and Apple. It’s a free book-lovers paradise! Make sure to check-in often as new titles are posted every day — and sometimes several of them go up at once.
Google Play makes it easy to find free books on its digital store — unlike on other sites, you can simply enter “free ebooks” into the search bar (makes sense for a search engine, right?). You’ll be directed to a page of freebies, and can click “See more” to explore.
Isadora Moon
Has a Sleepover
Book of the Month for Kids
October 2024
When Isadora is invited to stay at her friend Zoe’s house she’s so excited – she hasn’t been to a sleepover before! There will be midnight feasts, and staying up all night, it’s going to be so much fun!
Isadora Moon is special because she’s different. Her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire and she’s a bit of both.
When Isadora is invited to stay at her friend Zoe’s house she’s so excited – she hasn’t been to a sleepover before! There will be midnight feasts, and staying up all night, it’s going to be so much fun! And while she’s there, Isadora and Zoe are going to work on their cake for a baking competition at school. But will they be able to resist adding a sprinkling of magic to their creation. . . ?
Suitable for ages 5–8.
October 2024
ONE OF US IS LYING
Book of the Month for Teens
Pay close attention and you might solve this.
On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.
Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.
Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.
Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.
Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.
And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High’s notorious gossip app.
Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s still on the loose?
Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.
Picture books to support
tough conversations
Divorce
Domestic Abuse
Food Insecurity
Big Words for Little People
What does it actually mean to be kind, brave, calm, or happy to kids? Some words need a child-friendly explanation to help children make sense of the world around them.
Introducing Big Words for Little People, a series of picture books designed to help you talk about the ups and downs of first experiences and new emotions with your child. Created by language experts at Oxford University Press, each book contains carefully-chosen feature words to support early years learning and equip children with the language skills to develop and grow.
Engaging illustrations, fun characters and flowing rhythm make them perfect to share with young children aged 3+, and each book includes tips and ideas to help you talk about feelings in a gently supportive way.
Bravery
This little hardback book creates a moment for you and your child to focus on Bravery.
Using carefully chosen words and phrases, such as ‘try’ or ‘owning up’, it creates a special moment for grown-ups and young children to focus on what it means to be brave in everyday life.
Children can discover and understand new words to help them to talk about the ups and downs of first experiences and new emotions with confidence.
$5.99 on Amazon
$5.99 on Amazon
Kindness
This little book on Kindness is one in an exciting new series exploring big topics with young children in a way that feels good. Using carefully chosen words and phrases, such as ‘giving’ or ‘taking turns’, it creates a special moment for grown-ups and young children to focus on what it means to be kind in everyday life.
Respect
This little hardback book creates a moment to focus on Respect. It introduces words to talk about feelings with confidence and in a way that feels good. The engaging art style, fun characters and picture book feel make it perfect to share and, because it is from Oxford, it is packed with educational goodness to help children develop and grow.
$5.99 on Amazon
Unlocking Potential: The Transformative Power of Early Reading"
Here are some key points on why reading is crucial for young children:
Language Development: Reading exposes children to a rich and varied vocabulary, helping them develop language skills. They learn new words and phrases, which enhances their ability to communicate effectively.
Cognitive Development: Reading stimulates brain development and cognitive skills like memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. It encourages children to ask questions and think creatively.
Early Literacy Skills: Reading introduces young children to the concepts of letters, words, and sentences. It lays the foundation for literacy and can lead to better reading and writing skills in the future.
Imagination and Creativity: Books transport children to different worlds, sparking their imagination and creativity. They can explore new ideas and cultures through the stories they read.
Emotional Intelligence: Reading helps children understand and manage their emotions by exposing them to characters and situations they can relate to. It fosters empathy and emotional resilience.
Bonding and Social Interaction: Reading together with caregivers or peers promotes bonding and social interaction. It can create strong emotional connections and provide opportunities for discussions.
Academic Success: Research suggests that children who are exposed to books and reading from an early age tend to perform better academically throughout their school years.
Love for Learning: When reading is seen as an enjoyable activity, children are more likely to develop a lifelong love for learning and continue to read for pleasure.
Stress Reduction: Reading can be a calming and soothing activity for children. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, providing a sense of comfort and security.
Preparation for School: Reading prepares children for formal education by introducing them to the concepts of letters, numbers, and basic knowledge that they will encounter in school.
Cultural Awareness: Books expose children to diverse perspectives and cultures, promoting tolerance and a broader worldview.
Parent-Child Bonding: Reading together creates a special bond between parents or caregivers and children, fostering positive relationships and communication.
Experts recommend that parents, caregivers, and educators read to and with young children regularly to maximize these benefits. It's important to make reading a fun and engaging activity that children look forward to, rather than a chore or obligation. Encouraging a love for books and storytelling early in life can have a profound and lasting impact on a child's development.
Fun activities to develop reading skills
Reading has a number of benefits including improving your memory and vocabulary, helping you learn new things, and improving focus and concentration. Here are a few fun activities to develop reading skills in your children.
Find a Pen Pal
Writing letters not only develops your child’s writing skills but also develops his reading skills. Moreover, he will also feel connected to whom he is writing.
You can help your child find a pen pal using the NASA Astronaut Pen Pal Program. Through this program, your child can write letters to his favorite astronaut and even score an autograph picture of anyone he picks.
Read the Book Version of Your Child’s Favorite Movie
Does your child have a favorite movie adapted from a book? If he does, an excellent way to encourage your kid to develop his reading skills is to read that book, especially if he doesn’t typically like reading. Kids are often more excited to read if they are interested in the topic.
Write a Journal
Reading and writing are two skills that compliment each other. Writing directly affects how you read and vice versa. According to some experts, asking students of any age to write about what they have learned or read improves their reading comprehension.
To improve your child’s reading skills, have your child write a journal entry about something they learned or read that day. It doesn’t have to be a long entry. You can help your child by giving him prompts about what to write. Once they finish, have your child read what he wrote.
Writing improves reading fluency as thinking about spelling and sound patterns creates deeper brain connections. This deeper brain connection makes it easier and faster for children to recall words and sounds.
Open A Book
Grow Your Mind
10 Children’s Book Trends
As we look ahead, the world of children’s literature is set to undergo significant changes. From diverse representation to interactive storytelling, these 10 children’s book trends will shape the future of children’s literature. By keeping an eye on these emerging trends, authors, publishers, and readers can stay ahead of the curve and continue to promote a love of reading in children of all ages.
1. Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion have been ongoing trends in children’s literature, but it has become even more important in 2024. The world is becoming more diverse, and children’s literature needs to reflect this. This trend will involve a focus on stories that represent underrepresented communities and diverse protagonists.
2. Interactive Storytelling
In 2024, children’s books went beyond traditional storytelling. Interactive storytelling are a trend that encourages readers to engage with the story in different ways. This can include augmented reality, interactive illustrations, and choose-your-own-adventure books.
3. Mental Health and Wellbeing
As mental health issues become more prevalent in young people, children’s literature will keep focusing on mental health and wellbeing. This trend will involve books that address anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in a relatable and accessible way.
4. Sustainable Living
With growing concerns about the environment, children’s books will also focus on sustainable living This trend will involve stories that promote eco-friendly living and encourage children to take action to protect the planet.
5. Non-Fiction
Non-fiction children’s books have become even more popular this year. This trend will involve a focus on educational books that teach children about history, science, and other topics in an engaging and interactive way.
6. STEM Education
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education will be an ongoing trend in children’s literature. With a focus on preparing children for the future, books that teach STEM concepts in a fun and accessible way will continue to become more popular .
7. Social Justice
Social justice will continue to be an important trend in children’s literature. This will involve stories that address social issues such as racism, discrimination, and inequality. These books will help children understand the world around them and inspire them to make a positive difference.
8. Graphic Novels
Graphic novels have been growing in popularity in recent years, and this trend will continue . This format allows for a unique and engaging way of storytelling that appeals to children of all ages.
9. Own Voices
#OwnVoices will be a trend that also continues to gain momentum. This involves stories written by authors from underrepresented communities that reflect their own experiences and perspectives.
10. Audiobooks
Audiobooks have been growing in popularity, and this trend will continue. With the rise of voice assistants and smart speakers, children’s audiobooks will become even more accessible and convenient.
Fun and Free Learning Websites for Kids
These free educational websites for kids are fun while offering online learning games, printables, videos, and more. Pull them up the next time your child asks to use a cell phone or tablet!
From the publishers of TIME magazine, TIMEforKids.com is loaded with fascinating articles, photos, and videos, covering politics, the environment, entertainment, sports, health, and more. TIME for Kids isn't as interactive as most of the other sites on this list, but it tackles subjects that are in the news in a kid-friendly way.