Happy Book Birthday, The Invisible Stone by Carola Schmidt!

THE INVISIBLE STONE

A Letter to a Powerful Girl

by Carola Schmidt

Illustrated by Dian Ovieta

Picture Book

24 pages

ages 6 to 12

The Invisible Stone: A Letter to a Powerful Girl is a heartfelt, uplifting letter every girl needs when confidence wobbles. In clear, encouraging words, bestselling author Carola Schmidt speaks to the smart, brave go-getter who sometimes meets doubts, fear and hesitation—the “invisible stones” on the road to big dreams. With lovely illustrations by artist Dian Ovieta, this inspiring book reminds readers of their resilience and self-love, showing how to name those hidden obstacles, step over them and keep moving toward the future they deserve. A beautiful message about perseverance and growth mindset, perfect for encouraging girls to trust their path, celebrate small wins and turn every stumble into strength.

Perfect for:

• Girls who need positive affirmations and confidence boosts
• Parents, teachers and counselors seeking a short, powerful read-aloud with gorgeous art
• Classroom lessons on self-esteem, perseverance and mindfulness
• Back-to-school, graduation and birthday gifts
• Ages 6–10 with a message that resonates for older readers too

What readers will find:

• Encouraging, straight-to-the-heart language that builds self-belief
• Practical encouragement for facing self-doubt and perfectionism
• A motivational go-to book to revisit before tests, tryouts, presentations and new challenges
• Warm, expressive illustrations that make every page feel like a hug

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Inspiration, support, and vibes of a cheering squad make this a book to lift up anyone who is facing a few unexpected challenges (big or small).

This book is all about building confidence and letting readers know that nothing is easy to achieve. There will be problems to overcome. To take this a step further, the author also refers to the deeper obstacles such as hesitation, fear, and the like. These are deemed invisible stones, since they are there...and monstrous...but not always immediately noticed. With uplifting word choices, these pages offer encouragement. Even invisible stones can be overcome, and everything should be seen as a path, which is taken step by step. It's a message which works well for a variety of situations and individuals, since it's a broad theme and doesn't turn specific. While it is thought for girls, the message is wide and works for all readers.

The text is kept short and carries an almost poetic atmosphere. There are a few tougher vocabulary words, which might need to be explained depending on the age of the reader. But this is great for those word building skills and also makes it slide into this mid-range of 6 to 9...I say 9, since the book, in general, gives off younger vibes thanks to the illustrations. However, this book takes a bit of an indirect approach to the theme, and this makes it a nice fit to children even up to 10. 

It's a positive read with cheerful illustrations and tons of motivational goodness.

Review: When a Brave Bear Fights Cancer by Carola Schmidt

 

WHEN A BRAVE BEAR FIGHTS CANCER

A Get Well Soon Gift

by Carola Schmidt

Illustrated by Mark O'Dwyer

Picture Book

44 pages 

ages 4 to 8

A whimsical, cuddle up with a cutie furball moment…

Do you or your child need help understanding cancer or coping with treatment? You need a bear hug boost! The strong, positive and trustworthy message in this book—coming from teddy bears you'll want to hug!—is ideal for kids that are going through cancer treatment.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON   /    BOOK DEPOSITORY   /   B&N  

MY TIDBITS

With care, quality and a wonderful sense of encouragement, this book walks a child through what it means to have cancer and that in a very factual, and yet, gentle way.

Cancer is a difficult discovery for anyone, and this book especially directs itself toward younger listeners, who are facing it themselves or know someone who is. The author has many years of hands-on experience and yet, is able to bring the subject matter down to level young listeners can understand. There are some larger words, which will need explaining, but in general, this is very well done for the audience level.

The illustrations flow along with a special touch. The scenes of the bears are very well done and radiate a sense of calm and gentleness. The photographer is also very versed in this area, and the quality shows.

I was impressed at how the author tackles this subject. It starts out with the diagnosis and takes one step after the other from there. The various types of therapy are presented (everything from chemotherapy to surgery), but all of this is done in a care-filled way, which keeps fear subdued. The author even explains what cancer is, and how it works...and always in a way, young listeners can grasp. Most importantly, one message rings clear the entire way through—you are not alone. There's always a warm paw to hold on to and someone by your side.  In other words, this is a book I can recommend.

Review: Bald is Beautiful by Carola Schmidt

September is Cancer Awareness Month, and today's review is a celebration of just that. Usually, I say a few more words, but today, I'm just going to dive right in. 

BALD IS BEAUTIFUL

by Carola Shawn

Picture Book

27 pages

Bald is Beautiful: A letter for a fabulous girl” is an inspiring and lovely illustrated letter for girls of any age who will go or already are bald. It’s a perfect gift to send love to a powerful girl who needs to be reminded of how beautiful and loved she is. It’s not a book that explains scientific conditions, disease, and treatment. It’s about love, beauty, happiness, and friendship when going through various changes in our lives.

Bald is Beautiful comes like a hug, and it’s the perfect gift for girls aged 4-100 years and up.

Purchase here:    https://bookgoodies.com/a/1985021730

MY TIDBITS

Inspiring and super sweet describe this lovely book, which also carries a very important message.

The illustrations already had me smiling as they dance along with care and energy. They help to bring across the meaning of the letter, while keeping warmth at the center of things. Because this book does harbor a difficult theme, while offering inspiration. 

The word choice is well met for the age group and written in a way that readers can understand. For those who face or know people who face similar problems, it's a book of hope. But for those who aren't immediately met with a similar situation will still understand and be inspired in their own ways. In other words, the author did a wonderful job.

This one makes a nice read aloud and does open up to discussions if desired, too.

And here they are...

Carola Schmidt is a pediatric oncology pharmacist, scientific writer and children’s book writer.

Author of several books in pediatric oncology published by Springer Nature. Her scientific books are present in lists such as BookAuthority’s Best Pharmacy Books of All Time, Best New Pharmacy Books and Best New Pharmacy eBooks, and Springer Highlights 2020. Author of several kids’ books about cancer, such as Bald is Beautiful: A letter for a fabulous girl, Cancer Daily Life, Chubby’s Tale: The true story of a teddy bear who beat cancer (listed by BookAuthority as one of the “81 Best Leukemia Books of All Time”.) She is also the author of Babushka Series, her first children’s books that are not about cancer.  kidscancerbooks.com

Dian Ovieta is a children’s book illustrator who is really in love with anything about children’s world.

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Review: Babushka is Homesick by Carola Schmidt

Today's read is the last in my row of books, which have found their influence from Russia and its surrounding areas—this time, Ukraine. This one is another picture book, and it raises awareness for those living in a foreign country. When I read the blurb on this one, I was immediately curious, since it might hit home for me and my family. But either way, it definitely is a timely read in so far that it opens up understanding for others and includes diversity. 

 Let's take a peek, shall we?

BABUSHKA IS HOMESICK

by Carola Schmidt

Illustrated by Vinicius Milo

Picture Book

28 pages

ages 4 to 8

Babushka hadn't been in her homeland since she was a child. She went to the church with a suitcase, and the whole way, Babushka thought about how she would feel in Ukraine after so many years. She sang, and then she prayed. Amen. But Babushka was thinking of her trip instead of the Lord's grace. After a long time pondering what to expect-if she would feel a sense of belonging-Babushka arrived in her homeland. Babushka had a lot of fun, but she felt like something was missing. She was homesick. "Babushka is Homesick" is a story about memories, family, and the true meaning of the word "home."

"Babushka is Homesick" is the second children's book in the Babushka Series. Everyone has their own stories, history, and the desire to belong. The first book, "Tell me a story, Babushka," is a best-selling new release in Children's Multicultural Literature on Amazon USA (Aug 2019), in which kids and adults will enjoy fun adventures and identify their own stories.

This folktale is ideal for ages 4-11, and perfect for teachers.

You can purchase it here

or find it on....    Goodreads   /   Amazon

MY TIDBITS

This is a partner book to Tell Me a Story, Babushka, and while it is not necessary to read that one before diving into this one, I would recommend it, since it allows the reader to get to know Babushka before this next story begins.

Babushka hasn't been back to her home in Ukraine for years and is excited when she finally has the chance to return. While she enjoys being there and seeing everything again, she soon notices that she's missing something. And it could be that 'home' might have a different meaning than what is usually expected.

This tale explores the idea of homesickness, especially among those who have moved far away from their own countries. The author does a nice job at explaining Babushka's situation in a way listeners can understand and sympathize with. And it's easy to feel happy as Babushka's excitement grows. The listener also gets a tiny glimpse at Babushka's earlier home and setting (learning a bit about Ukraine along the way). 

The text and subject matter is a bit heavy for the youngest readers but those up the first grade will have no trouble understanding what's happening. I do recommend reading the first book, since this one doesn't take the time for the reader to get to know Babushka first, but the main messages will still be understandable even if only this book is read. It definitely makes a nice addition for teachers or guardians wanting listeners to learn more about the Ukraine.

And here she is...

Carola Schmidt is a pediatric oncology pharmacist, scientific writer and children’s book writer.

Author of several books in pediatric oncology published by Springer Nature. Her scientific books are present in lists such as BookAuthority’s Best Pharmacy Books of All Time, Best New Pharmacy Books and Best New Pharmacy eBooks, and Springer Highlights 2020. Author of several kids’ books about cancer, such as Bald is Beautiful: A letter for a fabulous girl, Cancer Daily Life, Chubby’s Tale: The true story of a teddy bear who beat cancer (listed by BookAuthority as one of the “81 Best Leukemia Books of All Time”.) Belonging is a subject that is present in her writing, and the two books in the Babushka Series are her first books that are not about cancer. 

Media links:

@_CarolaSchmidt 

@MyLovelyBabushka

@MyLovelyBabushka

Review: Tell Me A Story, Babushka by Carola Schmidt

It's time for another dive into a historical read. Saturday's review of Vasilisa took a fairy tale with it as it went back into history, whereas today's read takes history and allows Babushka to tell it like a fairy tale. 

Curious? Then, let's take a peek!

    TELL ME A STORY, BABUSHKA

by Carola Schmidt

Illustrated by Vinicius Melo

Picture Book

27 pages

ages 4 to 11

When Karina asks Babushka to tell her a story about a princess and monsters, Babushka surprises her granddaughter, and even herself, telling a story about her life in Ukraine and how she had to run away to another country during the Holodomor. This folktale about memories and family is a sweet story about immigration and how history brought us to where we live today.

Find it here:

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B083738W2C

Also found on:

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON  

MY TIDBITS

With the love and tenderness of a grandma telling her grandchild a tale, this book teaches a bit about history and awakens empathy for those at that time.

Karina watches her Babushka knead dough and asks her to tell her a fairy tale about princesses and monsters. The tale follows a little girl as her village is raided by monsters, and she's taken captive with many other children. But there is more to the tale than Karina first knows.

I'm always thrilled to take a dive into the history and culture of other countries, especially when it hits upon a little known event. This tale addresses Ukraine during 1932-1933 and the Holodomor, a man-made famine which killed millions. The monsters in this tale are the Russian soldiers as they invaded the villages and took many captive. It's not an easy topic, and I was surprised to have something like this hit the pages of a picture book, but the author handled the theme with wonderful care.

The illustrations are well done and change style along with the atmosphere and emotions. Karina and the little girl in the story are portrayed with an ample amount of cuteness to keep things light. I enjoyed these quite a bit.

As to the text, this is a bit of a longer tale and suitable more for first graders and up. It does rotate around a very serious event, and it's clear from the illustrations that the monsters are soldiers, although these are kept more as silhouettes. Still, sensitive readers might find it too much. Also, the text does include several terms, which young listeners will not recognize unless the reader takes the time to explain what is happening. In other words, this book is best used in connection with the topic of Ukraine and the region.

For anyone wanting to expose young readers to this interesting and sad part of Ukrainian history, this book is well worth grabbing up.

And here she is...

Carola Schmidt is a pediatric oncology pharmacist, scientific writer and children’s book writer.

Author of several books in pediatric oncology published by Springer Nature. Her scientific books are present in lists such as BookAuthority’s Best Pharmacy Books of All Time, Best New Pharmacy Books and Best New Pharmacy eBooks, and Springer Highlights 2020. Author of several kids’ books about cancer, such as Bald is Beautiful: A letter for a fabulous girl, Cancer Daily Life, Chubby’s Tale: The true story of a teddy bear who beat cancer (listed by BookAuthority as one of the “81 Best Leukemia Books of All Time”.) Belonging is a subject that is present in her writing, and the two books in the Babushka Series are her first books that are not about cancer. 

Media links:

@_CarolaSchmidt 

@MyLovelyBabushka

@MyLovelyBabushka