Review: DNA Chronicles by Sophia Day

TO THE NEW WORLD AND BACK

Blake and the Mysterious Coins, Book One

DNA Chronicles

MVP Kids Media

Middle Grade Adventure

224 pages

ages 8 to 12

Blake discovers the truth about his ancestors and their quest for freedom in a wild and dangerous land. Travel with him as he wakes up on the Mayflower and struggles to find his new identity not as Blake but as his ancestor Henry Samson. Experience first hand the riveting life and death struggles on the voyage across the Atlantic, surviving the bitter winter and the celebration of the first Thanksgiving. Will he ever find his way home again?

Stepping back through generations of time, our MVP Kids experience the history and culture of their ancestors. What happened in their lives? How did their great-great-great grandparents participate in the progress and development of their ancestral countries, their communities? Each new adventure brings new clarity to the DNA of our MVP Kids, weaving the past with the present, reliving actual historical events and firsthand accounts of real people. The past may belong to the past, but our DNA Chronicles will allow readers to realize that the past also belongs to them. Readers learn about the desire and fortitude it takes to commit to life's most important values, life skills and accomplishments.

         

MY TIDBITS

History takes on life in this exciting tale of a jaunt back to the Mayflower and getting an impressions of what those pilgrims experienced.

Blake loves video games and absolutely hates history, since it's so boring. Thanks to his imitation of a turkey, he's now in trouble too. Hoping to give him new thoughts, his parents send him to the attic where one of his relatives' possessions has been stored away after her death. Blake hopes to discover a few treasures, but instead, finds himself whipped back in time. He awakes in the body of one of his ancestors and now, gets to experience the voyage of the Mayflower first hand. But living history isn't as easy as he thought it might be.

This is a fun little adventure and a lovely way to learn about history. Blake comes across as a very normal boy and tends to find himself in a bit of self-made trouble every now and then. But he's likable and never carries mean intent. Before hopping back through time, the reader is given a chance to get to know Blake and his family in a setting, which will be very familiar to many. So, when he sweeps back onto the Mayflower, it's easy to understand his decisions, fears, and to cheer him on.

The idea behind this series is to teach kids more about historical events, while letting them sink in through modern day reality. And it does this fairly well. The historical aspects are researched, and the places to find more information are listed in the back of the book. Blake not only sinks into a person on the Mayflower but meets more and lesser known true historical figures along the way in a 'true to life' manner. The idea that these were real people and not just tales comes across pretty well, while an exciting adventure unfolds. The details and information of the time period are brought across but in a way, which doesn't bore. Rather, the tale pulls the plot along and lets the pilgrims appear as they truly might have.

It's a lovely way to open up the Mayflower adventure in a way which kids won't find boring...and still, learn quite a bit as well.

About DNA Chronicles from MVP Kids Media...

Each new adventure brings new clarity to the DNA of our MVP Kids, weaving the past with the present, reliving actual historical events and firsthand accounts of real people. The past may belong to the past, but our DNA Chronicles will allow readers to realize that the past also belongs to them. Readers learn about the desire and fortitude it takes to commit to life’s most important values, life skills, and accomplishments.

Discover their rich collection as well as a coloring contest and more HERE!

Review: Full of Flavor and Stick to the Beat, both by Sophia Day

MY TIDBITS

Usually, I start posts with the book information, a short blurb and buy links before jumping into my thoughts. But today, I'm shaking things up a little...Can't stay boring!

Today, I'm presenting two books from the Mighty Tokens series from Real MVPKids Media, LLC. These books are thought for first level readers and designed to be read with the child and adult together. Each story is designed to address a certain topic, which readers can apply to their own lives such as self-esteem and determination. Now usually, I'm not a huge fan of such books and tend to steer clear as much as possible, but this publisher has caught my interest for several reasons.

These books are truly designed to help young readers grow more sure of their word skills. Before the tale begins, it's explained that the left side of each 2-page spread holds text which is slightly more advanced than the right side...which through the reading-together theory, encourages young readers while giving them a break before feeling overwhelmed. Difficult words are highlighted as well.

Even before the tale begins, the main theme is discussed with thoughts and pointers to settle readers' minds into the topic and raise a few questions before diving into the tale. Then, at the end, the topic is combined with moments from the tale and readdressed in a way which opens up to discussions. This makes it great for homeschoolers as well.

Finally, the stories flow nicely with characters and situations, which are easy to relate to. The tale feels natural and although the message is the main theme, it's still a fun story to read. Add in the huge variety of reoccurring characters in this series, and it's one that readers will not only see themselves in and relate to, but also one they can become familiar with and revisit other adventures without having to relearn new worlds and characters each time. It's simply a very well-balanced mix.

FULL OF FLAVOR

Mighty Tokens - Self-Esteem

by Sophia Day

Illustrated by Timothy Zowada

MVPKids Media, LLC

First Reader Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Leo and his father are in the kitchen cooking a mighty delicious Italian sandwich. As father and son bond, Leo learns that it's not just the things he accomplishes that make his father proud. Find out what makes Leo beam with pride for being Full of Flavor in this story you and your child can read together.

   

STICK TO THE BEAT

Mighty Tokens - Self-Esteem

by Sophia Day

Illustrated by Timothy Zowada

MVPKids Media, LLC

First Reader Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Faith discovers that with hard work and determination, she can do anything! Sticking to the rhythm her mother teachers her, she dances her way to achieving her dreams. Give your child the Token of Determination as you read this story together.

Mighty Tokens is a series for emerging readers to experience together with their parents. Children will learn valuable reading skills as their parents read one side of the page while the child is encouraged to read the other side. While nurturing literacy and building reading skills, parents will also reinforce positive concepts, such as determination and kindness, as they deposit tokens of affirmation into the "character banks" of their children, raising them to someday be mighty adults.

Discover their rich collection as well as a coloring contest and more HERE!

Review: MVPKids Books

TREASURED WISDOM

Celebrate! Wise Words

by Sophia Day

MVPKids Media

Picture Book

36 pages

Join our MVP Kids in learning treasured wisdom from their grandparents! Learn from the legacy and culture in theirn wise sayings from around the world and apply them to real-life situations.

MY TIDBITS 

In a lovely dedication to the older people in young listeners' lives, this book weaves with respect, words of wisdom and illustrates how precious connections with elders can be.

Each page brings along a new message, opening up to an array of talking points. And that's what this book is about—getting kids to discuss and discover more about their relationships with the more elderly generation. With warmth and love,  wonderful moments kids have with their grandparents are introduced. Some young readers will easily identify with. But even for those situations which aren't as close, the idea is still clear. Grandparents and elders offer more than loving comfort, they have words of wisdom too.

The rhymes flow relatively well, and while some vocabulary might be a bit difficult, it's about learning and discovering. Each rhyme flows with a colorful illustration to help make the situations clear, and are sure to open up thoughts, questions and memories. The questions down in the corner of the pages offer the perfect prompts. 

This is a great book for caretakers and parents.

WE'RE MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT

Celebrate! Diversity

by Sophia Day

MVPKids Media

Picture Book

36 pages

Join our MVP Kids as they learn to be confident in who they are while respecting the uniqueness of others. By interacting with children of various differences in background, ethnicity, ability and needs, children learn that differences aren't scary. Learn to find common ground and build strong friendships in which differences can be celebrated.

MY TIDBITS

Diversity isn't only about being different, but also how everyone shares a few attributes too. Through rhyme and illustrations, kids are encouraged to share thoughts and experiences of their own.

From games to family to habits, these pages take a flip-flop on diversity and shows the similarities people share. Each page offers a rhyme with a new thought, and this thought is than deepened and opened up to discussion thanks to a related question at the bottom of the page. Young listeners are encouraged not only to hear about the shared qualities, but join in and discover some themselves.

The illustrations are bright and flow wonderfully along with the rhymes. The rhymes run relatively smoothly and hit upon things most young listeners can relate too. This is a book aimed more for caretakers, home schoolers, and group discussions, but also works for parents who want to open their kids up to the specific topic.

Review: MVPKids Books

Today and this coming Friday, Bookworm for Kids is presenting several books from MVPKids. In their own words: "These are innovative books that follow a diverse cast of sixteen MVP Kids® that represent a wide range of ethnic and cultural diversity and are the stars of our products. Starting from toddler board books and growing through early-elementary and elementary hardcover books, our products follow the MVP Kids® as they grow from toddlers to adolescents."

Head over to their website to find out more and find a true bounty on titles! https://realmvpkids.com/

Especially homeschoolers, preschool teachers and parents wanting to help introduce their young listeners to the world around them will want to take a look at these.

THE WAY WE'RE MADE

Celebrate! Self-Esteem

by Sophia Day

MVPKids

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Join our MVP Kids in discovering that each person is made to be unique! From physical traits to skills and strengths, children are encouraged to feel good about who they are. Be inspired to a positive sense of self and appreciation for the differences of others.

MY TIDBITS

Diversity is a natural fact of life, and this is a fun celebration of just that.

Short, clear, and fun—these three words describe this lovely dive into everything which makes us different from each other. No two people are alike, and these pages tackle that with joyful clarity. From freckles to birthmarks to skin color to hair, each person has traits to call their own. And this is good so.

The rhyming verse on each two-page spread are simple, flow nicely and clearly bring across a point even younger listeners can understand. While the message is very clear, it doesn't come across as preachy but simply celebrates each unique trait. This is supported by a question on the bottom of many pages, which direct listeners to partake and share what traits they have, which make them different. And that's what makes this book special. 

Diversity is a very modern topic, but often times it concentrates on race, religion and such. This book simply celebrates all kinds of differences. And it encourages kids to discover their own. The atmosphere supports a self-pride and fun of sharing, making this a book not only to read but get involved in. 

COUNTING CRITTERS

Celebrate Number Sense

Sophia Day

MVPKids Media

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Join our MVP Kids as they count and make number sentences with the critters they discover. Children will search for bugs, practicing counting, recognize number sight words, and develop part-part-whole reasoning. Come along and develop a respect for nature while having fun with hands-on math.

MY TIDBITS

Mix those wiggly, squiggly, crawly insects with counting, and out comes a little basic math rolled into searching fun.

Outside, especially this time of year, insects and bugs are everywhere. Under rocks...on the plants...all it takes is a peek, and some creepy, crawly can be discovered. Mix in a little counting and some searching, and out comes basic math. This entire concept is rolled within a bit of rhyme on each page and a small illustration of the mathematical formula in the lower part of some corners.

This book was more fun than I thought it'd be. While the main theme is number sense, it starts off with something which entice kids or make them screech and shiver—insects and creepy crawlies. These characters head out into the backyard and search for whatever bugs they can find. The mention of numbers does come right away, allowing listeners to get wrapped up in the bug discovery first. Listeners will easily relate, and probably be itching themselves to get out and do their own searches.

Then, comes the counting, but it stays wrapped up in the bug hung. Not only that, but the bugs tend to scamper a bit and a tiny bit of searching is sometimes required. The counting is easy and never comes across as rigid or teaching. On several pages, the problem-solving is written out for listeners to get a glimpse of what the math looks like. And while this is there and very useful, it also is not the center point. In other words, school-critical listeners won't be overly terrified since this is more as a glaze than a hard teaching presentation.

It's a fun way to introduce numbers and some first, basic math problems while building in an aspect kids can relate to and will want to run outside and try themselves.