Cannonball Read 17

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

Impact of books and other really cool things

The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest by Lynn Street

Little Monk Writes Rain by Hsu-Kung Liu

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As you know I enjoy reading picture books. They are not just for the “kid crowd” as I have found (and highly encourage others  to do so, too) many books that give me information about something or someone I was unfamiliar with. I also find poetry, poetic prose, silliness and much more. But sometimes I am unable to write a “full review” so I must combine them to make one larger review. I do try to “theme” them, and I hope I did with the […]

Dance like your ancestors are watching

I Am a Bon Dancer by Brandi-Ann Uyemura

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Recently I noticed that I have been reading a lot of titles that are similar to each other, be it the theme or the way it is presented. Therefore, I was hoping to find a few new themes or at least new ways of presenting them. In I Am a Bon Dancer, by Brandi-Ann Uyemura and Amy Matsushita-Beal (the lovely illustrations creator) the dance itself is a new way of presenting an old theme, but the idea of family and trying your best has been […]

The Map to the Afterlife

49 Days by Agnes Lee

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Read the description of 49 Days by Agnes Lee as that tells the story. My review is one that focuses on the fact that this is an emotional, complex and beautifully done book. I am focusing on the pieces that really spoke to me. And how it is relatable in many ways.  I like the realism of the grief processes. It is strong and powerful, and the idea of “yes, I must grieve, but I also must keep on living” is an interesting twist. Usually […]

Bình learns the game of life

Enlighten Me by Minh Lê

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Enlighten Me is a mindfulness/meditation graphic novel for the 10 and up crowd. There is a little bit of a social theme added with the racism the school bully directs towards the narrator, but the idea is how to deal with the emotions and a situation that triggers and not necessarily this particular situation. The entire book is mostly in “thought bubbles” as the narrator and his family are at a silent retreat, and therefore, unable to talk once there. But to allow the teachings of […]

Getting your Zen on

Zen for Kids: 50+ Mindful Activities and Stories to Shine Loving-Kindness in the World by Laura Burges

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CBR15Passport, author unknown to me. Zen for Kids: 50+ Mindful Activities and Stories to Shine Loving-Kindness in the World by Laura Burges and  Melissa Iwai  is a story of mindfulness and Zen actives that can grow with your child. Each story is adapted from a classic fairy tale, legend or from stories of Buddha, plus other inspirations. Items you will need to enact some of the practices presented are mentioned, journal activities as well as a haiku at the end of each story (created by […]



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