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Children’s Series Aims to Eliminate Stigma Around Disabled
Dr. Owlkin and The H.O.M.E Team, a series of children‘s books by Dr. Terri Howard-Hughes & Clint Hughes, has a mission set to change the world by eliminating the stigma around disabled children.
Based in Hopeville, The H.O.M.E (Help Or Motivate Everybody) Team celebrates characters’ differences or disabilities and promotes acceptance and inclusion for children aged 3-8. This series is devoted to raising the self-esteem and confidence of children with special needs and teaching other children acceptance of those with “differences.” Even though others may be “different,” we find that inside, everybody just wants to be loved, encouraged, accepted, appreciated and included. Dr. Owlkin is quick to remind readers, “It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!”
Dr. Owlkin and the H.O.M.E Team directly benefit St. Jude & Scottish Rite’s Children‘s Hospitals and are currently working toward developing relationships with other children’s charities. Book 5 is set to release this fall, 2023.
The mission of the Doctor Owlkin book series is to raise the self- esteem and confidence of children with special needs, disabilities, or differences and teach other children acceptance and inclusion of those with differences or disabilities. When children look past their differences, they find that inside everyone wants to be accepted, appreciated, included, and encouraged! Doctor Owlkin, the members of The H.O.M.E. Team (Help Or Motivate Everybody), and the characters in the books become the heroes who find a way to make their diversity and differences an attribute or advantage. The stories encourage those with differences to be their best!
The H.O.M.E. Team is led by wise old Doctor Owlkin and loving Nurse Sharky, who bring together their helpers. The first four books in the series tell the amazing stories of each of the helpers. The H.O.M.E. Team includes Trouble, a Bloodhound who was born with extraordinarily long and useful ears; King Tux, a tiny cat who has a BIG personality and smarts; Pirate, a lop-eared rabbit with only one eye who sees the world in a unique way; and Goldie, a Golden Retriever, who was born with 3 1⁄2 legs, but doesn’t let that stop her from being a hero. Each of these characters has adapted and developed special skills – their superpowers – that allow them to uplift and encourage others. Each book addresses a new difference to teach children why that character is special.
As Doctor Owlkin always reminds the team,
“It’s WHOOOOOO you are on the inside that matters most!”
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Join the Ride with Robby The Dyslexic Taxi: A Children’s Book Celebrating Differences
Did you know Dyslexia influences as many as 1 in 5 people and is a genetic difference in an individual’s ability to learn and process information? As a result, dyslexic individuals have differing abilities and differing strengths in creative, problem-solving, and communication skills such as spelling, reading, and memorizing facts.
Introducing Jonathan and Lynn Greenberg and their latest children’s book, The Creative Cab Company Presents: Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure. Written and illustrated by Jonathan Greenberg, a dyslexic man, and his mother, Lynn Greenberg, Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure not only entertains but also celebrates neurodiversity and promotes empathy and understanding. This charming story will inspire young readers and their families to embrace their differences and the differences of others while also reminding them of the power of kindness and determination.
With over 30 million Americans living with the power of dyslexic thinking, Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Airport Adventure is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure and a happy ending. So, buckle up and join Robby on his unforgettable journey!
Jonathan and Lynn’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity extends beyond Robby’s story. They plan to continue creating stories representing the breadth and depth of the neurodivergent community. The idea of using the Creative Cab Company as a hub to connect the characters and their stories was born out of a desire to create a rich and nuanced universe that reflects the community’s diversity.
JON BIO
Born with dyslexia, Jonathan could not read and write like many other children his age. So instead of giving in to frustration, Jonathan used his struggle as a catalyst for creativity by expressing his ideas through art. Having overcome his learning difficulty, Jonathan has fallen in love with reading. Robby the Dyslexic Taxi and the Aiport Adventure exemplify Jonathan’s passion for writing and illustration. Together with Lynn, his mother, and his writing partner, they are already thinking of other stories that complement this book. To learn more about Jonathan and his work, visit Creationaire Arts.
LYNN BIO
Lynn is the happiest wife, mom, and grandma. A very retired attorney who loves to cook, exercise, and read, she has seen how positivity with feelings and differences can allow children to grow into happy, productive adults. During COVID-19, when many families were living together with an abundance of unscheduled free time, Lynn and Jonathan began to work on the concepts and ideas for Robby. As ideas developed, they became increasingly invested in the character, his story, and the impact this endeavor could have on others.
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Superheroes Have Feelings, Too! Teaching Kids the ‘Power’ of Emotions (ON AMAZON)
“All of the best heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.” – Gerard Way
Team Supercrew believes that heroes sometimes wear capes, but true superpowers come from within. Award-winning Team Supercrew authors, Julie Anne and Darren Penn, reinvent the wheel when it comes to superheroes. Characters like Benny the Brave and Keisha the Kind come to the rescue to remind children (and parents!) that emotions are their superpower, and there is a superhero within all of us.
Each book in the Team Supercrew series promotes diversity and inclusion, and teaches kids the power of emotions. The Penns are parents, too, and witness firsthand how kids react to their feelings. The series is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a social-emotional therapy focused on the ways thoughts, emotions and behavior are intertwined. Experts have said these books go beyond what’s usually seen in children’s books, and are valuable resources for kids.
The Team Lineup
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Benny the Brave: A bestseller on Amazon, Benny the Brave teaches Sarah there’s nothing to be afraid of on her first day of school. When teachers look like swamp creatures and lunch may look like it’s wriggling; Benny helps Sarah face her fears with the power to be brave.
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Keisha the Kind: Danny is feeling frustrated with his little sister. She seems to always get the attention, and always gets into his things. Keisha teaches him the practice of patience and the power to be kind to others.
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Chloe the Calm: When Miko continues to battle bedtime and her mind is racing, Chloe comes through to teach her how to find balance and the power to be calm.
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Gen the Grit: Jordan loves soccer, but these days things aren’t going his way. When he can’t kick well, he feels flustered by everyone’s differing advice. Gen arrives just in time, determined to help out. With the power of grit, Jordan (and you!) can do anything!
While finding the power to be brave, kind, calm, and have grit, kids will also learn how to recognize and manage their emotions in a positive way.
These books are perfect for kids any time of the year – and can be especially helpful during spring break and the upcoming summer months.
ABOUT TEAM SUPERCREW:
As parents, Julie Anne and Darren Penn want their son to grow up understanding that true power comes from within. With backgrounds in elementary education and creative writing, the husband-wife pair launched Team Supercrew in May 2022 to unite their superpowers and share their mission with kids and families everywhere. After co-writing four books that psychologists and teachers love, the Penns are now award-winning authors and on track to become a six figure business by the end of 2023! Their books, Benny the Brave, Keisha the Kind, Chloe the Calm, and Gen the Grit are designed to teach children the importance of regulating their emotions, and give parents tools to help when they need it most.
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Pollinators Book Helps Kids Make an Impact
An alarming article from The Guardian recently pointed out a statistic from a recent study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “The global loss of pollinators is causing about 500,000 early deaths a year by reducing the supply of healthy foods.” The study is the first to quantify the human health toll of insufficient wild pollinators.
With this information in mind, I’d like to point you to a new book that seeks to educate young readers about the importance of pollinators. World of Pollinators: A Guide for All Explorers: Fun Projects, Over 400 Amazing Facts about Plants, Bees, Beetles, Birds and Butterflies (Creative Homeowner) teaches children the importance of pollinators, along with exciting outdoor DIY projects and activities that make a difference!
Have fun while making an impact! Jam-packed with tons of awesome information all about nature, World of Pollinators teaches children the importance of pollinators, along with exciting outdoor DIY projects and activities that make a difference! Engaging and fun, kids will read and learn about important pollinating insects and other valuable nature topics, from what pollen is and how it works to why some insects and birds are pollinators while some are not. Also included are illustrated guides showing different types of birds, insects, and flowering plants that attract pollinators, regional maps, and awesome fun facts on state birds across the United States! This educational and hands-on book also provides exciting outdoor projects for kids that are fun as they get involved in nature while also protecting it, including how to make a butterfly house, how to plant a pollinator haven in a flowerpot and more. World of Pollinators is an excellent resource for parents and teachers to encourage, educate, and inspire children about pollinators and helping the environment, all while having fun! The book will launch on May 9.
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Pollinators Book Helps Kids Make an Impact
An alarming article from The Guardian recently pointed out a statistic from a recent study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “The global loss of pollinators is causing about 500,000 early deaths a year by reducing the supply of healthy foods.” The study is the first to quantify the human health toll of insufficient wild pollinators.
With this information in mind, there is a new book that seeks to educate young readers about the importance of pollinators. World of Pollinators: A Guide for All Explorers: Fun Projects, Over 400 Amazing Facts about Plants, Bees, Beetles, Birds and Butterflies (Creative Homeowner) teaches children the importance of pollinators, along with exciting outdoor DIY projects and activities that make a difference!
Have fun while making an impact! Jam-packed with tons of awesome information all about nature, World of Pollinators teaches children the importance of pollinators, along with exciting outdoor DIY projects and activities that make a difference! Engaging and fun, kids will read and learn about important pollinating insects and other valuable nature topics, from what pollen is and how it works to why some insects and birds are pollinators while some are not. Also included are illustrated guides showing different types of birds, insects, and flowering plants that attract pollinators, regional maps, and awesome fun facts on state birds across the United States! This educational and hands-on book also provides exciting outdoor projects for kids that are fun as they get involved in nature while also protecting it, including how to make a butterfly house, how to plant a pollinator haven in a flowerpot and more. World of Pollinators is an excellent resource for parents and teachers to encourage, educate, and inspire children about pollinators and helping the environment, all while having fun! The book will launch on May 9.
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[Gifts that Give Back] PT Runs Free Book Donates Proceeds to Foster and Adoption-based Animal Rescues
Help animals in need this year by gifting a new children’s book featuring rescue dog PT (who also has 3 legs) that gives back to animal causes! More than 6 million companion animals end up in shelters each year. A meaningful way to celebrate the holidays is to help animals in need by gifting this new children’s book PT Runs Free that gives back to animals in need. All proceeds from the book with always be donated to foster and adoption-based animal rescues.
PT Runs Free written by Jason Kraus and illustrated by Connor DeHaan is an inspirational story featuring rescue dog PT and his journey from a neglectful family and as a shelter dog, to losing his leg and to never give up. Not only is this book written with an inspirational message, but the power of hope is being spread as all proceeds are being donated to Southwest Florida rescue groups and humane societies to help with Hurricane Ian displaced pets and needs.
PT’s owner Angie McGilvrey says there are two reasons she and husband Joe, owners of APEX Physical Therapy, wanted to share their dog’s story. “First, each of us, adults and children alike, have obstacles we are faced with throughout life, and we hope that PT will inspire others through positivity and determination to never give up and they too can conquer their obstacles,” she explains. “Secondly, we wanted to teach the next generation of pet owners humane education and why it is so important to be kind to animals. We feel that we can make the greatest impact in animal rescue by educating our youth.”
Author Jason Kraus was inspired to tell PT’s story because there are so many life lessons children AND adults can learn from his bravery and perseverance. “His life’s story exemplifies the resilience many rescue dogs exude as they often go through,” he continues.
ABOUT PT Runs Free:
This picture book, based on a true story, shares the uplifting tale of PT the rescue dog. PT faces many challenges in life, but never gives up! With the powers of positivity and determination, he overcomes a neglectful family, life as a shelter dog and even the loss of his leg! Find out how the incredible three-legged rescue regains his ability to run free, all while educating and inspiring children in schools and community centers along the way.
The real PT who was found injured on the side of a road in Miami, FL is now living the good life with his forever family in Fort Myers, FL. As a therapy dog, PT goes to work every day with his parents, Joe and Angie, the owners of Apex Physical Therapy. PT serves as the clinic’s mascot, spreading kindness, and inspiring those in pain or recovering from challenges of their own. On his days off, PT teaches children about empathy and the importance of adopting rescue dogs still waiting to find their forever homes.
Jason said his favorite part of the book is the ending! “When PT overcomes all of the obstacles and finally gets to play fetch with all the kids,” he says. “After reading PT Runs Free, I would like parents and kids to have an understanding of how amazing rescue dogs truly are. I would also like people to understand that no one is ever broken, if you never give up you can overcome anything in life. My hope for PT runs free is also that it inspires children who have undergone amputations and gives them someone to look up to. I also hope that other children reading it gain a greater sense of love and appreciation for other children who have lost a limb or may look different than them.”
Currently, PT is recovering from another obstacle – he recently underwent ACL surgery. “Once he is ready, he will be on tour doing ‘Never Give Up’ workshops at local churches, YMCA, kids camps and more. We will take his book and read it to kids and PT will go around and pass out high fives and spread the message to Never Give Up,” Angie adds.
The creation of PT’s book also inspired Angie & Joe McGilvrey to start their own 501 c3, Bella’s Heart of SWFL.
The book can be purchased at:
Amazon: PT Runs Free: Kraus, Jason, DeHaan, Connor: 9798218046088: Amazon.com: Books
Barnes & Noble: PT Runs Free by Jason Kraus, Connor DeHaan, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
