“When Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special Ed. “No way! Kids will think I’m dumb.” But he does go and with amazing results.”
I just received a new book by Margot Finke, Illustrated by Ellen Gurak. Horatio Humble Beats the Big “D,”is a book for children dealing with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a common learning disability among children where the brain has difficulty processing written words.
Horatio is an intelligent boy who makes good grades and many school subjects, except for reading. He just can’t make since of all the words. Horatio and his parents go to meet with his teacher and he finds out he has dyslexia. Horatio has many thoughts and emotions about this, and also is worried about what others will think when he has to attend a special class. To his delight, Horatio begins learning ways to read books and even begins to write!
I enjoyed reading this book. The rhyming has a comfortable pace, and the illustrations are colorful and vivid. Margot does a wonderful job of including the symptoms of dyslexia along with common emotions and thoughts a child might have when discovering they have this problem. It also includes a teacher, parent guide in the back with resources and also signs a child might be experiencing dyslexia. I would recommend this book for anyone working with children who have learning disabilities, and plan to use it for my own clients.
I have just begun the process of applying to insurance panels and was looking to find out more information. This is a nice brief article on how to get started if you choose to take insurance for your practice.
Books That Heal Kids: About The Blog Author: “Welcome to my blog. I’ve been working as an elementary school counselor since I obtained my Master’s Degree in Education in 2005. Bibliothe…”
When I found out about the Decatur Book Festival this year, held on September 3-5 2010 in Decatur, GA I had to check it out. This was my first visit to the festival. I visited several authors and venders of interest. There are many more vendors and activities than those listed here. To get a full idea of the the Decatur Book Festival experience you must view this year’s web page. It is full of workshops, book readings, musical events, and much more! This is a highlight of what I found interesting, and it was a great opportunity for networking with other authors.
First, I met with Gale Border, who just had her first book published, titled “Totally Buzzed.” She described it as a murder mystery, you can find more about her book on her book page and blog.
Then, I met with Diana Black, who has authored several workbooks and educational books for children, including “Little Bitty Kitty,”, and “No Words for Wendel.”
After that, I ran into a local illustrator and artist, Remi Bryant who illustrates children’s books, and also other graphic arts projects.
Of course a visit to the book fair is not complete without a stop at the Society for Children’s Writers and Illustrators (SCWI) table, where I found out there is a regional chapter for Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, called Southern Breeze This is a must for children’s writers to network and improve their craft.
Finally, after a long day at the book fair, I popped in to a local children’s book store, Little Shop of Stories, for a little browsing, and of course shameless book promotion! This bookstore is full of children’s books, and also young adult books of all genres. The staff is friendly and helpful. They even have a room for the youngest readers (which would include my son who is 18 months old), where we checked out their variety of puzzles, board books and toys.
I had a truly inspiring day where I found the Decatur Book Festival a must see for any author for networking, workshops, entertainment and educating the public about their book. I hope to go next year as a vendor, I can’t wait to go back!
“Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.
She wouldn’t talk to Mom or Dad. She refused to leave her room.
Her parents scolded, begged and coaxed, but Ruthie paid no mind,
Her moods grew big and ugly – like some Hippo’s fat behind.”
At the end of my first read through, of “Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind,” by Margot Finke, I thought “this is perfect for so many of my kids!”
When Ruthie moved, and left all her friends and old home behind her personality and moods completely changed. She sulked, and became rude to her parents, argued, and had tantrums. Finally, she drove her parents crazy and her father said, “Snotty Kid. Be Gone!” Then, she had a Magic Moment that helped her reconcile with her parents. It ends on a positive note, and Ruthie feels happier.
Changes can affect children in many ways, especially a move far away from friends. Ruthie’s story is like so many children who deal with changes in every day life, and often parents become frustrated themselves. Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind, by Margot Finke, Illustrated by K.C. Snider, is a light hearted, realistic look at how children often express their emotions. The rhyming feels comfortable to read, and the story has a good pace. It kept my attention throughout. There is a short teacher/parent guide in the back to help adults talk to children about their feelings and also other resources for parents.
Many children who are angry, going through change or a move of any kind would benefit from this story. Ruthie captures these feelings on many levels, including showing anger through arguing and tantrums, and also sulking and feeling bad about herself. As a child therapist, I see many children go through lots of changes and reflect behaviors and emotions like Ruthie. I would recommend this book therapists and parents alike for any child going through change.
“Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind” is available from G.A.P Publishing(Guardian Angel Publishing) in Soft Cover – CD – eBook download.
Fr Heyward Ewart is the Bishop, Diocese of The Risen Lord, Holy Catholic Charismatic Church, President/Academic Dean, St. James the Elder Theological Seminary, and Professor, American Association of Christian Therapists and Institute of Theology and Christian Therapy: May, 2009 to present
He practices in private counseling ministry from 1981 to present
He has a record of presenting and writing on topics related to child abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and substance abuse issues.
His latest book, “Am I Bad,” Is a book outlining various concepts about abuse and trauma.
Give a brief synopsis of your book.
The book postulates that victims of child abuse are destined to be victimized their whole lives. The reason is that abuse, being the strongest form of communication, alters the personality so that the child grows up with a “less than” mentality and a warped image of himself (or herself). Graphic case histories illustrate this point, and a new model of personality development is presented.
Tell me about your inspiration for this book.
My own brutalization as a child plus my experiences as a professional psychotherapist made clear the need for such a work. I have seen that the majority of so-called “mental patients” are abused people trying to adjust. They are reacting to mistreatment. But there is no normal way to react to craziness.
Who will benefit from “Am I Bad?”
The book is intended to set victims free by helping them understand the truth about how they formed their false self image. It is also meant for professionals to help them see how child abuse rapes the soul and to suggest ways to treat the devastation suffered by victims.
What other writing projects are you currently working on?
I write regularly for Ezine.com, and have contributed 41 articles thus far. The subject matter includes articles on child and domestic abuse plus spiritual issues.
What other works have you written?
On the Rock: A Defense of the Catholic Faith (with Vincent A. Capozzi)
A Carnation A Day: A Pro-Life Doctor’s Story
Contributor to Dean Tong’s Elusive Innocence
(The first two are out of print.)
How did you begin writing?
I was an English major as an undergraduate. As a young man, I would read the poetry of Wordsworth, Keats, or Shakespeare, and they would bring me to tears. Writing is an art that has the power to stir the soul. This same art form is perhaps the best way to convict readers in the truth.
Tell about your counseling practice.
I have been a Catholic psychotherapist for nearly 30 years, beginning in Philadelphia. I noticed at the very start of my private practice that I was always treating the “wrong” patient. The family member who shows up for therapy is the one taking the wrap for the dysfunction of the whole family. In time, I realized that nearly all of my patients had been abused in some way and had formed a mangled view of themselves. They had no idea of who they really were or what they might be called to be. This experience led me to the concept of the “adopted self”; that is, the construct formed by other people’s opinions and then the experimentation of adolescence.
Tell about your background as a priest, how do you think it influences your work?
A priest must be in contact with the Ultimate Truth on a daily basis. Knowing that only the truth can set people free from mental bondage demands that I speak and write the truth. I can be very patient with people who are undereducated or uneducated but I have no time for those who refuse to learn or who recklessly disregard the truth.
How do you integrate your faith into your work?
I begin each day with the prayer that I will not be permitted to minister to anyone without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I maintain that no one can understand the soul (mind)of another human being without the direct help of the Holy Spirit. Giving a person a psychological test is like trying to measure the universe with a ruler.
I went to the Association for Play Therapy Conference in Atlanta, GA last week. What a blast! I enjoyed several workshops, and lots of toy shopping. I even visited the Self Esteem Shop to find my book,Sam Feels Better Now: An Interactive Story for Children, sitting on the shelf. I met with colleagues, friends, and speakers. It reminded me of what I love about APT and play therapy.
Highlights of the conference included a plenary speaker, Dr. Eliana Gil who shared her journey to play therapy, the new Leadership Academy Graduates, and the presentation of the Key Awards, including, APT Service Award , Lifetime Achievement Award, Professional Education & Training Award , Public Education & Promotion Award, Research Award, and Student Research Award.
Robin Marvel is an author, Empowerment and life positivity coach and motivational speaker for children and adults. Using tools from her “Awakening Consciousness” book series she is expanding creativity and self awareness in beings everywhere.
I first started writing as a child. I loved being able to create something I could grow and learn from.
What was your inspiration to write “Awakening Consciousness, a Girl’s Guide?”
My inspiration to write “Awakening Consciousness A Girl’s Guide!” was my four daughters. I wanted to make sure they were aware of the big picture of life. I also wanted to encourage girls of all ages to love themselves and create a sense of self security within.
What age group is it appropriate for?
“Awakening Consciousness A Girl’s Guide!” does not have a specific age group. As a parent you can use it with your children as young as 1, young girls can use it as well as adults. Wherever you are on your path you can benefit from the guide.
What is the goal of the book?
The goal of “Awakening Consciousness A Girl’s Guide!” is to create a sense of self security and love within all.
How could your book be used in a therapeutic setting?
My book could be used in a therapeutic setting because it is very motivating and hands on. It offers a variety of empowering, self esteem building exercises that are fun and will create security in whoever is doing them. It is also a workbook so people are able to keep track of their progress.
What advice to parents do you have about using this book?
My advice to parents is to use this book to connect with your child. Encourage your child to explore who they are and love every part of who they are. Allow them to expand on their individuality. As parents we have the opportunity to raise confident, empowered beings that will change our world!
What is your favorite activity in the book? There are so many that look fun! (I liked the idea of the armoa buddy).
This is a hard question. I love all the activities . You are right the aromabuddy is so fun. If I had to pick a favorite I think it would be the ChakraCizes. The chakraCizes really get the people moving and they instantly can feel a shift in their energy so they know they are working!
I am fortunate enough to have many projects I am working on. “Awakening Consciousness A Woman’s Guide!” will be out in 2010. I am also working on my next book “10 EmPOWERaids to Inspire Mind, Body and Spirit”
I am also the owner of Marvelous EmPOWERment ~ offering a variety of empowering workshops for all ages throughout the world.
Do you have a job other than writing? What is it?
My other jobs include being a mom to four of the most amazing beings as well as the instructor for Marvelous EmPOWERment. I am also an Energetic Specialist and motivational speaker for all ages.
What is an Energetic Specialist, and who could benefit from one?
An energetic Specialist is a person that will help you to raise your energy level through positive activities. You will be educated to know your unique energy profile and guide you towards activities that will strengthen your vibrations.
Everyone could use an energetic specialist. No matter where you are at on your path you can always use coping mechanisms to strengthen your integrated whole.
What are your future plans as a writer/author?
My future plans as an author are to continue to encourage empowerment and self security within all. I plan to keep writing books that will inspire beings to accept who they are with love and gratitude. I want parents to see the importance of teaching their children self security at a young age so they will not need to heal as adults.
I was recently encouraged to check out by book, Sam Feels Better Now! An Interactive Story for Children, on Google Book Search. I found it adds a nice interactive component for my book. Check out the imbed at the bottom of my blog, and you can view an excerpt from my book!
You can add an imbed of my book too on your website or blog, just click on the “link” button at the top of the web page, copy, and paste onto your site.
“When Horatio has difficulty reading, his parents meet with the teacher to discover why. Horatio hears the words Dyslexia and Special Ed. “No way! Kids will think I’m dumb.” But he does go and with amazing results.”
