I Take Off the Mask

There is something about kids and dinosaurs that instantly click and consequently spur one’s imagination. In the book Dinosaur Dreams by Alexander J. Kelley, we get to see how Greyson can enjoy his dinosaurs not only during the day as he plays with them but even as he sleeps! Educational, relatable and playful, this book is one that can definitely be enjoyed by children, especially those who love dinosaurs in all shapes and sizes. With its superb and captivating illustrations, children can quickly visualize their dinosaur friends as they spend unforgettable hours with them night and day. Parents can join their kids in their journey with dinosaurs, enhancing their creative thinking and helping them look forward to adventures that await them in their dreams. Bedtime stories need not be a chore when such stories could help children surrender slowly to sleep, anticipating another world they could explore with enthusiasm. I love how this book flawlessly combines science and heart to int...

The world is full of wonder in the eyes of a child! That’s what immediately struck me as I read the book “Together We Go Places” by Jennifer Schroer. In the eyes of a child, everything is new. In the eyes of a child, things that could look simple or boring for most people are fun, worth-anticipating and a source of delight. You don’t need to take a trip around the world just to feel excited. Simply step in the shoes of this little child in the story and savor your everyday moments, looking at all things with the awe of a grateful heart. Both adults and children can enjoy this sweet and magical book, being drawn to it as a portal into the life of a loving family. Let its whimsical illustrations help you visualize each day of this family’s week, seeing it through the perspective of a little child. Narrated through the use of rhymes, this book is a fun and engaging read that could etch precious bonding moments between parents and their children. Even kids can re-read it for themselv...

Sometimes, our biggest problem is merely our greatest blessing in disguise. That’s what happened to Chris, a young tiger who spent all his life in a zoo until bullying forced him to look for another way to live his life. Filled with colorful and attractive illustrations that would capture the attention and imagination of children, “Chris, the Tiny-Tailed Tiger” by Susan George is a wonderful tale worth telling your ones. Not only would it teach your child to not judge one’s appearance, but it would also equip him with the priceless virtue of perseverance. This book is recommended for parents, teachers and guardians who would like to spend quality time with children. It is a light and easy read but it is also fun and full of lessons that would last years after the story had been read. Using animals as characters in the story, children who have visited the zoo could easily create a mental picture that’s easy to recall and relate to. Rhymes are also present, making the book far easier...

8 Steps for Interview Prep: How English Learners Can Confidently Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” and Other Questions 8 Steps for Interview Prep by Tina Crouch is a short but very informative book that could help you thrive in your job interviews. Written by an English teacher especially for ESL (English as a Second Language) students, it is packed with practical advice that could help non-native English speakers confidently take on any interview in the US. Even if you’re in a rush, you can easily see valuable pieces of information at the end of each chapter under the section “In a Nutshell.” It’s a book that’s very easy to read and wouldn’t make the interview process far more complex than one may fear it to be. Filled with contributions coming from human resource experts, it’s a practical guide that can help the reader gain insight from within the company’s perspective. One would learn how the interview process was meant to be a mutual exchange of information that could help...

Expect a Miracle written by Sandy and David Petrovic gives a comprehensive account of a mother and son’s journey to conquer countless challenges in various stages of David’s life. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Asperger’s, David’s journey had never been an easy one. It was something that demanded everything he and his family could ever give together with the support of friends, mentors and teachers who all provided the assistance David needed every step of the way. Parents and educators could learn so much from this book as it gives a very detailed account of the different methods applied to help David develop his full potential. Written from both the perspective of David and his own mother, the reader gets to see the broad and complete picture of managing life when one needs to face it using a different approach and set of tools. I found the summary of tips/lessons learned at the end of each chapter very helpful, especially for those who take care of their autistic child. The...

I’ve always considered writing to be a gift. It’s a gift that allows me to connect to the world and to express myself. Being an introvert, I consider these things to be very important to me. Later, I have also realized that although writing is part of my mission in life, I should not treat it as an obligation. Neither should regard it as a right I should be entitled to. More than anything, I see it now as a God-given privilege. Even if I don’t earn much from it, and even if I don’t get famous for it, it is a wonderful privilege to write. When I consider writing as a privilege, I remember its essence as a gift. A gift is something to be grateful for and and something to be taken care of with joy.