My Friend John by Arleen McCarthy

Publication November 8, 2024-Austin Macauley Publishers-Children

**An uplifting children’s book about the power of kindness, friendship, and understanding and embracing neurodiversity.**

Book Overview

Meet John, a remarkable new student at The Huckleberry School. John’s life takes a heartwarming turn when he befriends a sweet little girl named Bella. Everything seems to be going smoothly for John, until a challenging situation resurfaces, shaking the foundations of his world.

In My Friend John, we are invited to witness a touching journey that explores not only the essence of friendship but also the profound qualities of kindness and leadership. This poignant tale serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience within us all and the transformative power of genuine connection.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

My Friend John shows children how to treat a classmate with special needs at school and guidance for parents at home. Arleen McCarthy’s main character, John, has Tourette Syndrome. Bella, a kind, compassionate classmate, befriends new student John at lunch on his first day. Students of all levels have been in a similar situation. The emotional anxiety of being accepted or the wonderment of how to respond are evident in Bella’s touching account. Bella’s mom also sets a good example when she offers to research Tourette Syndrome. A win for students and parents, alike!

Bella shows how kindness, the power of a simple touch, and connecting through commonalities leads to understanding. Bella reveals leadership skills in her determination to explain TS to the class; showing that with simple information students respond appropriately. Bella wanted her classmates to understand John and to see him like any other classmate.

This children’s book conjures a special memory for me. One of my son’s high school teachers had twin boys; one had TS and the boys were on the basketball team together. Coaches, parents, and players all came to understand Tourette Syndrome. The teacher/father later related what a tremendous impact my son’s example of understanding and acceptance had on his sons and the team.

My third-grade granddaughter recently read My Friend John aloud for me. She admitted, “I felt sad sometimes but happy at the end!” She also commented on the artist’s full-page illustrations and how the eyes of the characters were so expressive. She was not aware of Tourette Syndrome but is now informed! She is quite a little scientist, and a researcher so was very impressed that the mom suggested reading more about Tourette Syndrome.

An enlightening read for all ages.

Anne Dreams by Kallie George, Illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Publication Aug. 6. 2024-Penguin Random House Canada-Tundra-Children’s Fiction-72pp

Book Summary

Anne is starting to grow up, but she’s still disappointed with her red hair — it’s one of her lifelong sorrows. One day, she buys a bottle of hair dye in order to have raven black hair like her best friend and kindred spirit, Diana. Unfortunately, the dye ends up turning her hair green! This upset causes Anne to start focusing on improving herself inside, rather than her looks . . . and leads to a new dream taking shape: Anne wanting to become a teacher! She joins a club for students studying to get into Queen’s College. But can Anne overcome her fear of failing? And how can she study hard when pesky Gilbert is distracting her?

Lovingly adapted by Kallie George with beautiful nostalgic illustrations by Abigail Halpin, this series is perfect for fans of Anne, new and old.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

Anne Dreams is the sixth and final ‘early chapter book’ for young readers in Kallie George’s series adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. This gentle, concise retelling continues Anne’s passion for dramatic language as she recounts her “lifelong sorrow” and being in the “depths of despair!” Young readers will have compassion for Anne as she faces another calamity while figuring out what matters is on the inside and decides to focus on her future. This narrative aids in discussions of how Anne is maturing, following her dreams and learning to overcome fears. Abigail Halpin uses graphite, watercolors and colored pencils in her delightful illustrations. She moves the story through facial expressions aiding young readers with interpreting the emotions of Marilla, Matthew, and Anne. The endearing cover draws readers into Anne Dreams. Just like Anne, prepare to be dazzled!

I’m an author, editor, and speaker living on the Sunshine Coast, BC, near the sea. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m teaching creative writing workshops. I have my Masters of Children’s Literature from the University of British Columbia. I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.

My illustrations blend traditional and digital media, mixing watercolor, ink, pencil and collage. I’ve created illustrations and lettering for a range of clients, including Penguin Random House, FIGO Fabrics, Simon & Schuster, Taproot Magazine and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Davy in the Snow by Brigitte Weninger, Illustrated by Eve Tharlett

Publication: September 12, 2023-NorthSouth Books-Children’s Fiction-32pp

Book Summary

A deep blanket of snow covers the wintery forest! Davy and Mia are unstoppable. They set out with their sled and a cake to visit their grandparents. Grandpa Rabbit tells Davy the story of when he and his brother were lost in the snow, while Grandma Rabbit plays a game with Davy’s sister. Davy and his sister head home with a warm send off of cookies and juice. But when they tumble out of their sled, the way home becomes confusing in the deep snow. Luckily, big brother Davy remembers Grandpa Rabbit’s wise advice—stay in one place, keep warm, help will come soon. And so, cozy and warm, under a large fir tree with glowing branches, Davy and Mia tell stories and sing songs. Until at last—the family tracks down the two snow bunnies. Davy worries that it’s his fault, but his parents praise him for his responsible decisions.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

A heartfelt story of survival bundled with a helpful, compassionate sibling relationship. The lesson learned while Davy and Mia visit grandparents is relatable for all ages. The story is full of encouraging words from Davy and the helpful lesson learned in the great-snow adventure from Grandpa is key for survival in the winter storm. Author Brigitte Weninger keeps young listeners intrigued as the siblings discover foxfire in the woods and Davy tells the longest enchanted-forest story to entertain his little sister. Eve Tharlet’s enchanting illustrations are the “icing on the cake” for this comforting addition in the endearing Davy series.

Avocado Magic by Taltal Levi

Publishing March 5, 2024-North South Books-Children’s Fiction-48pp

Book Summary

Avocado seeds and slow growing! A young girl’s impatience turns to wonder as she and her avocado tree gradually change and grow in this story inspired by Israeli artist Taltal Levi’s childhood.

Ellie is sulking—she celebrated her birthday yesterday under the old avocado tree. But she’s not even a little bit taller today! Dad tells Ellie a secret. She is like the pit of an avocado, he explains, small and full of magic. Together they put an avocado seed in a glass of water by the window and watch as both Ellie and her avocado plant grow, take root, and eventually bring new life.

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab with Leona Claire!

A book for budding scientists and plant enthusiasts!

Leona Claire is my seven-year-old granddaughter. She is a second grader who loves to read, her favorite subject is science and after school takes art lessons. We read the digital copy of Avocado Magic but I’ll definitely order the hardback for her school library! The following comments are from my discussion with Leona Claire :

When asked about the illustrations, Leona Claire gave a solid 10 out of 10! “She (Taltal Levi) used the body’s simplest form to make Ellie look real. With just one line in her eyebrows Ellie looked mad or happy and her crossed arms showed her disappointment.”

When Ellie was frustrated, her dad felt Ellie and the avocado seed needed cheering up. She used puppets, played the saxophone, danced, and tried magic!

Other likes: The rhyme her dad repeated in the story, the magic stirring, and the avocado seed pictures.

“The details in words and pictures made me feel like I could jump into the story!” Leona Claire

Favorite line from the text: “You are like an avocado seed; small but full of magic…”

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