Thursday, May 31, 2012

Disability, Klutziness and Sleepiness - Oh My!

Author J. Aday Kennedy has two recently released children's books from Guardian Angel Publishing that are delightful to read and provide valuable lessons as well.


Buster Bear and Uncle B is about a boy named Ham with a special fondness for his Uncle Brian and the toy bear his uncle gave him. Uncle B is coming for a visit, which fills Ham with excitement. His mother reminds Ham that his uncle was getting out of the hospital because he had been hurt while serving in Iraq. Upon the arrival of Uncle B, Ham is suddenly subdued when seeing his beloved uncle in a wheelchair. It takes a while for Ham to understand that Uncle B is still the same person he always was even though he is now paralyzed. Uncle B has learned new ways to have fun, and they have a great time playing together and sharing their love. This sweet story provides a great lesson for children about understanding and accepting people with disabilities.

J. Aday has a special insight into Uncle B's life since she is paralyzed herself. Like the character in her story, she overcomes her difficulties with grace, humor and faith. This is a wonderful story for children to enjoy and learn about handicaps and treating all people with respect.

Marina Movshina's illustrations very expressively help to convey the emotions and activities throughout the story. There is also a teacher's guide for Buster Bear and Uncle B with information about Jessica Aday, activities and tips for better understanding of disabilities, questions and games.


J. Aday's newest book is Cobbledom's Curse, a cute story about a flying horse, an elf and a leprechaun. Kantor Pegasus, a character from J. Aday's book, Klutzy Kantor, is once again struck with a klutziness curse by Cobbledom Leprechaun. In the midst of a klutzy frolic through the woods, he runs into a sleepy little elf, who is unable to sleep due to the same leprechaun's evil deed. Children will giggle over their adventures and find that what may save these two is cooperation and putting the other one's needs above their own. It provides a fun lesson for children about helping each other and not being selfish.

The bright, colorful illustrations by Jack Foster are adorable and are sure to capture a child's eye and imagination. You can enjoy more of Jack's art on his blog, Jacktoons.

Hope you have enjoyed the reviews of these two very different books that do have something in common - a good lesson for children and that they are written by the same versatile and talented artist, J. Aday Kennedy. Click on her name to visit Aday's website. These books and others are available from Guardian Angel Publishing and Amazon.


17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Connie. I just read your post.
Love,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer & Speaker

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the post. Aday is a wonderful children's writer and I'm a fan of Jack's illustrations.

Robyn Campbell said...

Thanks for showing me these books, Connie! I do know Jack Foster's illustrations are outta this world. They come alive on the pages. Buster Bear sounds great. I'll get them and do a review for Picture Book Friday. (If no one has all ready done that.) I hope all is well with you, my friend. :-)

Connie Arnold said...

Aday, you are most welcome!

Connie Arnold said...

Susanne, I agree that she's a wonderful writer and Jack is a terrific artist!

Connie Arnold said...

Robyn, you're welcome. That will be great if you can feature these books on your Picture Book Friday! I'm doing fairly well right now, thank you for asking, and hope you are too, my friend.

Susan Hornbach said...

Thanks for such a great post Connie.
Congrats Jess, these books look wonderful. Wishing you great success.

Janet Ann Collins said...

"Grace, humor, and faith" is a good and accurate description of the author and her books.

Anonymous said...

I'm flattered. Thanks.
Aday

Janet Johnson said...

That second one sounds like a fun story! And the first sounds like a great teaching tool. Wishing lots of success to J. Aday Kennedy. :)

MrBibleHead said...

Great reviews! Jes is an amazing person,and author and an inspiration. Thanks also for the kind words and the link :o)

Connie Arnold said...

Susan, glad you enjoyed the post!

Connie Arnold said...

Janet, I agree, a good description!

Connie Arnold said...

Aday, you are quite welcome. Hope many people are enjoying your books!

Connie Arnold said...

Janet, that's true - good lesson and fun!

Connie Arnold said...

Jack, she certainly is amazing and an inspiration, and you are most welcome!

DMS said...

These look great! I would have picked out the Cobbledom's Curse as a child because of the vibrant rainbow. It sounds like such a great story!

~Jess