First Word

  COVID-19 has disrupted our daily lives and coined a new mental-health term “Covid Anxiety,” which has impacted old and young alike. For children this time in history has been especially disruptive to their normal school routines and social lives. Selwa Barbawy Hamati wrote her new children’s book Ant Trails and Butterfly Dreams – A Story About Happiness to deliver her message that no matter what is going on around young children, they can “decide” to be happy throughout it.   In the book’s introduction, Barbawy Hamati expresses the reason she wrote this important piece of children’s literature. “ I was often sad as a little girl. I remember how other people’s moods and opinions deeply affected me. I was happy when they were happy and when they were nice to me; as soon as that changed, my whole mood changed. I didn’t know how to be happy inside no matter what was happening around me. I had no idea that happiness was a choice and that even when things around me seem...

The latest children's picture book released from my company 3L Publishing (www.3LPublishing.com) is one of my new favorites (they're all favorites), but this one stands out from the "pack" (ha, ha) because it has a strong social message. Written as a cautionary tale to guide and inform children (and adults) about the perils of dropping off animals in the countryside to fend for themselves. It's a sad story with a happy ending. The writing by Cathy Lagorio is well-done and well-thought-out, and the story based on her dog, Steve. The illustrations by Robert Kelley are fine art and gorgeous. It's a hardcover book, too. It's $21.95 and a purchase you'll feel worth every penny. Read it to your kids or grandchildren or even nieces and nephews, especially if they want or already own a pet. The lessons about pet ownership are invaluable. Buy it on the 3L Publishing website to fully support the author -- although it is available on Amazon, too. To purchas...