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Welcome to your fun corner of the internet, where every child is celebrated for their unique and wonderful self. Built with love, our mission is to spark a passion for reading, writing, and art through social-emotional learning.

WOW! Look at this amazing artwork!

These incredible drawings come from kids all around the world. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us!

Reader of the week

Sophia | Reader of the Week | Week 1 | Grandma’s Magical Kisses

August 13, 2024

What's New

Join Squirt and her friends in this delightful children's picture book as they embark on an exciting adventure in "Adventures at Breyer Woods: The Case of the Missing Necklace".

After a fun-filled day of playing in the woods, Squirt is devastated to discover that her favorite necklace is missing. But Squirt's big brother and his "Detective Team" are on the case! Follow along as this charming group of friends uses teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving skills to unravel the mystery and find the missing necklace.

Set in the enchanting Breyer Woods, this beautifully illustrated book is a heartwarming tale of friendship, family, and the power of working together. Young readers will be captivated by the colorful illustrations and inspired by the positive messages woven throughout the story.


Key Themes:

Cooperation: Watch how Squirt and her friends join forces to solve the mystery.

Teamwork: Discover the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.

Problem-Solving: Learn how the Detective Team uses their skills and creativity to find clues.

Friendship: Celebrate the bond between Squirt and her friends as they support each other.

Family: Feel the warmth of family ties as Squirt's big brother leads the team with care and dedication.

💡About the Author Maureen Henry

Maureen is a children's picture book author and illustrator. After illustrating her first children’s book published in 2023, she progressed to writing and illustrating her book, “Adventures at Breyer Woods: The Case of the Missing Necklace,” inspired by her childhood experiences living at Breyer Training Area in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Maureen enjoys traveling with her husband, exploring the beautiful and unique state of Pennsylvania.

Join Squirt and her friends in this delightful children's picture book as they embark on an exciting adventure in "Adventures at Breyer Woods: The Case of the Missing Necklace".

After a fun-filled day of playing in the woods, Squirt is devastated to discover that her favorite necklace is missing. But Squirt's big brother and his "Detective Team" are on the case! Follow along as this charming group of friends uses teamwork, cooperation, and problem-solving skills to unravel the mystery and find the missing necklace.

Set in the enchanting Breyer Woods, this beautifully illustrated book is a heartwarming tale of friendship, family, and the power of working together. Young readers will be captivated by the colorful illustrations and inspired by the positive messages woven throughout the story.


Key Themes:

Cooperation: Watch how Squirt and her friends join forces to solve the mystery.

Teamwork: Discover the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.

Problem-Solving: Learn how the Detective Team uses their skills and creativity to find clues.

Friendship: Celebrate the bond between Squirt and her friends as they support each other.

Family: Feel the warmth of family ties as Squirt's big brother leads the team with care and dedication.

💡About the Author Maureen Henry

Maureen is a children's picture book author and illustrator. After illustrating her first children’s book published in 2023, she progressed to writing and illustrating her book, “Adventures at Breyer Woods: The Case of the Missing Necklace,” inspired by her childhood experiences living at Breyer Training Area in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Maureen enjoys traveling with her husband, exploring the beautiful and unique state of Pennsylvania.

YouTube Video UCSlGNtR-JzpeS04MftA6S2A_mmqUrXVyUi0

Adventures at Breyer Woods: The Case of the Missing Necklace | Friendship + Problem Solving

Karyn Johnston September 11, 2024 10:58 am

From award-winning children's book author Jennifer Nestor, comes an unforgettable picture book that wows readers with its vibrant illustrations, noteworthy supporting characters, and a heartwarming storyline that is bound to help young readers embrace their own unique quirks.

This book is perfect for:
- Boys and girls ages 4-9
- Teachers who teach preschool through fourth grade
- Parents and grandparents with little ones in their lives
- Any child struggling with bullying
- Anyone who loves vivid illustrations and characters that are relatable
- Anyone who loves stories that help create a positive classroom or home environment

Rich with purpose and honest emotion, Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality is a children's picture book that leaves a lasting impression.

💡About the author Jennifer Nestor
Jennifer Nestor’s passion for writing grew out of her love for penning poems, song lyrics, and short stories as a little girl. Now a marketing and communications professional, Jennifer draws on these experiences as an adult and considers writing one of the best parts of her career. She’s always enjoyed the creativity and emotion of storytelling and is truly thrilled to share new stories that encourage bravery in young readers. Her mission as an author is to create imaginative books that make a positive impact and promote diverse characters who acquire strength, courage, and a sense of individuality through their adventures.

From award-winning children's book author Jennifer Nestor, comes an unforgettable picture book that wows readers with its vibrant illustrations, noteworthy supporting characters, and a heartwarming storyline that is bound to help young readers embrace their own unique quirks.

This book is perfect for:
- Boys and girls ages 4-9
- Teachers who teach preschool through fourth grade
- Parents and grandparents with little ones in their lives
- Any child struggling with bullying
- Anyone who loves vivid illustrations and characters that are relatable
- Anyone who loves stories that help create a positive classroom or home environment

Rich with purpose and honest emotion, Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality is a children's picture book that leaves a lasting impression.

💡About the author Jennifer Nestor
Jennifer Nestor’s passion for writing grew out of her love for penning poems, song lyrics, and short stories as a little girl. Now a marketing and communications professional, Jennifer draws on these experiences as an adult and considers writing one of the best parts of her career. She’s always enjoyed the creativity and emotion of storytelling and is truly thrilled to share new stories that encourage bravery in young readers. Her mission as an author is to create imaginative books that make a positive impact and promote diverse characters who acquire strength, courage, and a sense of individuality through their adventures.

YouTube Video UCSlGNtR-JzpeS04MftA6S2A_sYrZ_m6kheQ

Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality | Animated Story Read Aloud | Self-Esteem Books

Karyn Johnston August 27, 2024 11:26 am

My Good Friend, Ted! is the award-winning picture book series about Ted, a beautiful Blue Whale who is RED! Ted, the grand protector of the ocean, and his friends, navigate their adventures through kindness, respect, diversity, acceptance, support, teamwork, and understanding. Written in rhyme and illustrated in vibrant watercolour for ages 3-8, readers will be engaged in, enlightened by and educated about exciting marine life as well as what they can do to protect our global waters.

About the author Robyn Gram-Barclay 
"I am an art teacher of nearly two decades and love what I do immensely. I appreciate the opportunity to instill the confidence in my students that any dream is possible, be it in the Arts or another field of choice. Creativity and self expression exist within. There are myriad outstanding possibilities for all careers and along any avenue of life! 

Having attained an Honours Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences (USA), a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Montessori Teaching credentials, a Bachelor of Education in Visual and Dramatic Arts (Visual Arts Specialist), and Certification as a Life Coach in Therapeutic Arts - not to be confused with a qualified Art Therapist (Canada), I have enjoyed every moment of my educational journey. It has helped shape me into the successful and compassionate teacher I am today, hopefully  inspiring and making a difference along the way!

I am a self-published award-winning author and illustrator. I have also illustrated two previously published books for different authors. I am a painter using the preferred media of Acrylic and Watercolour and find it is a wonderful and therapeutic artistic outlet. I love leading others to discover their inner artist. 

I am a wife and a mother of twin daughters and a son. I cannot express how much I cherish the support of family and friends, as I continue on this fabulous creative adventure!  Along with my human family, I also reside with a cat, Ball Python and plethora of fish, in Ontario, Canada."

My Good Friend, Ted! is the award-winning picture book series about Ted, a beautiful Blue Whale who is RED! Ted, the grand protector of the ocean, and his friends, navigate their adventures through kindness, respect, diversity, acceptance, support, teamwork, and understanding. Written in rhyme and illustrated in vibrant watercolour for ages 3-8, readers will be engaged in, enlightened by and educated about exciting marine life as well as what they can do to protect our global waters.

About the author Robyn Gram-Barclay
"I am an art teacher of nearly two decades and love what I do immensely. I appreciate the opportunity to instill the confidence in my students that any dream is possible, be it in the Arts or another field of choice. Creativity and self expression exist within. There are myriad outstanding possibilities for all careers and along any avenue of life!

Having attained an Honours Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences (USA), a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Montessori Teaching credentials, a Bachelor of Education in Visual and Dramatic Arts (Visual Arts Specialist), and Certification as a Life Coach in Therapeutic Arts - not to be confused with a qualified Art Therapist (Canada), I have enjoyed every moment of my educational journey. It has helped shape me into the successful and compassionate teacher I am today, hopefully inspiring and making a difference along the way!

I am a self-published award-winning author and illustrator. I have also illustrated two previously published books for different authors. I am a painter using the preferred media of Acrylic and Watercolour and find it is a wonderful and therapeutic artistic outlet. I love leading others to discover their inner artist.

I am a wife and a mother of twin daughters and a son. I cannot express how much I cherish the support of family and friends, as I continue on this fabulous creative adventure! Along with my human family, I also reside with a cat, Ball Python and plethora of fish, in Ontario, Canada."

YouTube Video UCSlGNtR-JzpeS04MftA6S2A_aaBmSCkuYaw

My Good Friend, Ted | 3 Wonderful Children's stories Read Aloud | Friendship, Acceptance, Teamwork

Karyn Johnston August 21, 2024 1:24 pm

Levi Locust is a banjo-playing mountain bug with a song in his heart - but every time he tries to play his music, he is shooed away by the other bugs! Determined to find a place of his own, Levi embarks on a grand journey in search of a spot to sing his song. Despite numerous rejections, Levi doesn’t give up hope. His perseverance paves the way for belonging and encourages resilience among young readers.

💡About the author 
Janice Hostetter is an author of beautifully illustrated picture books, fulfilling a lifelong dream that began with scribbling stories in spiral notebooks. Her upbringing in Appalachia has infused her tales with the warm wonder of her home region, drawing from the rich storytelling traditions of her childhood. As a proud mother to five human babies and two fur babies, she finds endless inspiration in the laughter and chaos of family life.

When Janice isn’t penning tales or immersed in a good book, you can find her behind the lens, capturing the beauty of nature through photography. She finds joy sharing cherished moments with her loved ones and connecting with the great outdoors during camping trips. Through her creative pursuits and love for exploration, she continues to weave tales that spark the imaginations of young readers.

This version of "The Ballad of Levi Locust" has been interpreted by Rebecca.

Follow along for more Deaf \ HH friendly content , we aim to bring regular high quality sign language videos for children.

Levi Locust is a banjo-playing mountain bug with a song in his heart - but every time he tries to play his music, he is shooed away by the other bugs! Determined to find a place of his own, Levi embarks on a grand journey in search of a spot to sing his song. Despite numerous rejections, Levi doesn’t give up hope. His perseverance paves the way for belonging and encourages resilience among young readers.

💡About the author
Janice Hostetter is an author of beautifully illustrated picture books, fulfilling a lifelong dream that began with scribbling stories in spiral notebooks. Her upbringing in Appalachia has infused her tales with the warm wonder of her home region, drawing from the rich storytelling traditions of her childhood. As a proud mother to five human babies and two fur babies, she finds endless inspiration in the laughter and chaos of family life.

When Janice isn’t penning tales or immersed in a good book, you can find her behind the lens, capturing the beauty of nature through photography. She finds joy sharing cherished moments with her loved ones and connecting with the great outdoors during camping trips. Through her creative pursuits and love for exploration, she continues to weave tales that spark the imaginations of young readers.

This version of "The Ballad of Levi Locust" has been interpreted by Rebecca.

Follow along for more Dead HH friendly content , we aim to bring regular high quality sign language videos for children.

YouTube Video UCSlGNtR-JzpeS04MftA6S2A_MTo01imDUlQ

The Ballad Of Levi Locust | ASL Storytelling | Deaf Accessible | The Power Of Friendship

Karyn Johnston August 15, 2024 3:07 pm

Even though they can't be together right now, it's not going to stop this little girl and her grandparents from having a great time! 👧👵🧓 

A story about the love and bond grandparents have with their children.

💡 About the Author Lucy Jane Branch
Lucy was born in England and grew up in Hong Kong before moving to Australia in 2019 in anticipation of the birth of her daughter, so she has family all over the world! When the borders closed in 2020 she found herself separated from her parents who were unable to enter the country. One day as she chased her daughter around the house, phone in hand and arm extended desperately trying to ensure her parents would not miss a moment, she wondered how many other parents were doing the same thing
at that moment. 

With a background in primary and early childhood education, Lucy was inspired by books she had read with her students over the years such as Rosie's Walk and This is Not My Hat. Books that have simple text and let the illustrations tell the real story. Her daughter's relationship with her grandparents was not so different to other families, they ate meals together, played together and sang songs together. The only difference was that they had a few thousand miles and a screen between them! So the idea for My
Grandparents and Me was born. 

Now, thankfully, most of us are no longer separated indefinitely, but many of us still live in different countries than the rest of our families. Lucy wrote this book to commemorate
the special relationship her daughter was able to build with her grandparents during a difficult time. Now a mother of two beautiful girls who both get to see their grandparents regularly, Lucy hopes that this book will bring a little joy to families who can's always be together in person but find a way to stay connected!

Even though they can't be together right now, it's not going to stop this little girl and her grandparents from having a great time! 👧👵🧓

A story about the love and bond grandparents have with their children.

💡 About the Author Lucy Jane Branch
Lucy was born in England and grew up in Hong Kong before moving to Australia in 2019 in anticipation of the birth of her daughter, so she has family all over the world! When the borders closed in 2020 she found herself separated from her parents who were unable to enter the country. One day as she chased her daughter around the house, phone in hand and arm extended desperately trying to ensure her parents would not miss a moment, she wondered how many other parents were doing the same thing
at that moment. 

With a background in primary and early childhood education, Lucy was inspired by books she had read with her students over the years such as Rosie's Walk and This is Not My Hat. Books that have simple text and let the illustrations tell the real story. Her daughter's relationship with her grandparents was not so different to other families, they ate meals together, played together and sang songs together. The only difference was that they had a few thousand miles and a screen between them! So the idea for My
Grandparents and Me was born. 

Now, thankfully, most of us are no longer separated indefinitely, but many of us still live in different countries than the rest of our families. Lucy wrote this book to commemorate
the special relationship her daughter was able to build with her grandparents during a difficult time. Now a mother of two beautiful girls who both get to see their grandparents regularly, Lucy hopes that this book will bring a little joy to families who can's always be together in person but find a way to stay connected!

YouTube Video UCSlGNtR-JzpeS04MftA6S2A_Q9mXApqvjgs

My Grandparents & Me | Long Distance Family Love | Childrens Story Read Aloud + Animated

Karyn Johnston August 14, 2024 10:41 am

Let’s learn the magic words in ASL 🙌 #kidseducation #asl #signlanguage #kidslearning

Karyn Johnston August 10, 2024 9:28 am

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Writer of the week

Karyn Johnston

I'm Karyn, the creator behind Karyn Johnston: Creating Connections, Kindling Hope. I've crafted these notebooks with intention, filling them not just with pages, but with elements that spark joy and provoke thought—think flipbook animations, thematic jokes, affirmations, and enlightening facts.

Beyond the notebooks, there's a mission. A full 20% of our profits are channeled directly into causes I hold dear: ocean wildlife conservation, beach clean-ups, and particularly to Cansumbol Elementary School in the Philippines to assist underprivileged children with education . I'm equally committed to uplifting people with special needs and their families and fostering a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth.

My story's bit all over the place. I started acting in the Philippines by pure chance, then did some TV hosting. Having to switch gears when the pandemic came and ended up in tech recruiting. Now, I'm trying to get back to doing what I love- being creative.

But what really keeps me going is the chance to give back. I've always loved helping out, like volunteering in my sister's special needs class or giving away shoes to kids in the Philippines. I hope this brand takes off and allows me to do more of that, I want to spread joy, offer help, and create a ripple of hope. That's the dream.