Are the perceptions and beliefs of a child are influenced by his or her reading? In the same way, one might ask, can the character of a child be shaped by careful selection of the books that he is reading? Educators have been concerned with these issues since the end of the First World War, when it became apparent that there was a need for interracial, international and interreligious understanding to prevent future wars. It goes without saying that, in our own time, the questions are just as challenging, and probably more so. Never before have there been so many books of high quality for children dealing with varied races, nationalities, and religions, having as their theme the importance of sympathy, kindness, and understanding between people all over the world.
On your average, modern day pre-reader’s bookshelf, one may find storybooks that introduce kids to mystical realms with amazing heroes, to exotic lands with unusual creatures and traditions, or hold them near to home with stories of playground bullies or dentist visits. For comparison, factual books on outer space, marine animals, or pre-historic dinosaurs can also be included. In a variety of their characteristics, these books that vary from each other including their type, the inclusion of wonderful elements, pictorial realism, and the usage of realistic words. Children are expected to learn and adapt the facts, principles, and values into everyday life.
Renown children’s book author Janet H. Councilman is well versed in the art of colorfully adventurous storytelling for young readers.
This retiree and previous writer of numerous children’s books has completed her new book, “Sammie the Shark and the Return of the Lost Gift”: a lovely fable that shares the adventures of Sammie the Shark. Sammy finds a very special lost gift– he sees a reflective object on the seafloor that is a unique present for a special someone. He and his friends live in the colorful Coral Bay. He finds a treasure, which he is not sure at first what this reflective object could be. It all turns out to be a very special gift for a special someone he loves very much.
“My name is Janet H. Councilman and I am from Burlington, N.C. I graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design. My love of art and the beach is why I wrote Sammie the Shark and the Return of the Lost Gift. I was influenced by the guidance counselor at the elementary school I worked. The autistic students love me reading to them when I mainstreamed them into the first grade. I have been drawing portraits of people, children and pets since 2000. I also design and make cards,” Janet tells us.
Published by Covenant Books of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Janet H. Councilman’s vividly immersive and child-friendly new book shares admirable virtues of thoughtfulness, fellowship, and helpfulness for children to learn from and internalize. This book also imparts an appreciation for the beauty of Mother Nature through the wonders of animals in their natural habitat.
Another one of her successful children’s books is titled “Rocky Raccoon and His Raiders vs. the Prowlers”. Parents and kids alike love sports, and it’s easy to get caught up in a game and become focused on winning. Yet there is much more to be gained from the sports experience than a winning record. When children and teens are involved in sports, they are able to learn and put into practice values that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Good sportsmanship is one of the life lessons that children can learn from sports.
In this exciting tale, Rocky and his team of Raiders are playing their last basketball game of the spring season against the Prowlers. This story deals with the character trait ‘Fairness’. Even though the Prowlers are bigger than the Raiders, the Raiders coach instills in his players, playing by the rules and playing fair. A good lesson is learned during the game, which is intended to teach young children about the value of good sportsmanship and playing fair.
Janet Harden Councilman grew up in Graham, North Carolina. She and her husband, R.F., are now living in Burlington, N.C. She attended and graduated from Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. When she is not writing, she is busy drawing detailed portraits from a photograph of children, adults and pets.
The Happy Hammock 