Helping Emerson like the dark by Martin Chaney - [Book Review]

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Helping Emerson like the dark

Author: Martin Chaney

Genre: Children's Books, Anxiety and Phobias

Publisher: Independently published (Nov 2024)

Print Length: 85 pages

Recommended Age : 7 to 10 yrs

Source: A copy from the author for review

Blurb:

Book 1 in The Chaney Twins series is about overcoming fear of the dark.

Join Emerson as he learns to conquer his fear and discover the fun things that can be done in the dark. Set in the home of the Chaney twins, this heartwarming story follows Emerson’s struggle with his fear of the dark and the unexpected help he receives from his grandparents. Emerson’s fear is put to the test with a fun-filled day. From playing mini golf to stargazing during the day, Emerson’s grandparents show him that the dark can be exciting and full of surprises.

Why should you choose this book?Not only is it an entertaining read for kids ages 8 to 11, but it also provides a valuable lesson on coping with fears and stress.

Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, this book offers practical tools for children to overcome their fears and worries.
It's the perfect read-aloud story for parents to bond and open up a conversation about fears and anxieties with their child.


Add this book to your cart and let the Chaney Twins entertain your child.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

My Review:

This is the first book released as part of the Chaney Twins series. This specific book talks about the twin brother Emerson and his fear of darkness. You have to read the book to know about Grandpa, Grandma, and Hudson's plan to make Emerson feel normal and comfortable even in the dark.

They introduce him to the beautiful things that can be enjoyed in the dark.  

What I love about this book:

It's not a simple Children's book with pictures. It is good for kids aged 7 to 10 years.

It is very common for kids to have a fear of darkness at this age. So, it comes in handy to the parents to make them gradually comfortable staying in the dark without fear. 

Grandma and Grandpa are very mature and loving characters. I love how they coordinate together for the activities they take the twins to. It gives off good family vibes.

The writing style is not preachy; it's easygoing. 

The book cover is great and apt. The title is exactly to the point. I will look forward to the next books in the series. 

My Rating: 5/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Until next time,

Careful What You Hear by Helen Dunlap Newton - [Book Review]

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Book Details:

Title: Careful What You Hear

Author: Helen Dunlap Newton

Genre: Action and Adventure / Sci Fi

Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing

Print Length: 214 pages

Source: A copy from the publisher for review

Blurb:

After a surgical mix-up gave 13-year-old Noah Baker mind reading powers, he became a spy tasked with stopping the bad guys.

Ever since he accidentally got an experimental cochlear implant, Noah and his secret agent partner, Lena, have been going on secret missions for the government. Now, they're in for a reward for all their hard work-Space Camp! But all is not as it seems. When Noah accidentally overhears thoughts that reveal a plot to steal top secret plans from nearby Redstone Arsenal, he must make a choice.

From award-winning author and educator, Helen Dunlap Newton, Careful What You Hear is an engaging middle-grade read.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Careful-What-You-Hear-Book-ebook/dp/B0DSJVYR9W/

https://www.amazon.com/Careful-What-You-Hear-Book-ebook/dp/B0DSJVYR9W/

My Review:

This middle-grade fiction is about 2 teenagers Lena and Noah who are helping in a government secret mission. This is part 2 of a sequel. 

There are connections to part 1 about an incident in New York on how they were kidnapped in a secret mission, but this book can be read independently.

Lena and Noah are sent to an interesting space camp with 2 secret agents protecting them. Lena is excited to learn about cyber programs while Noah wants to learn flight simulation. But, their space camp fun is disrupted by a dangerous plot. 

Noah and Lena are depicted as perfect teenagers struggling to learn details about secret missions and enjoying their lives in the middle of all the tension. The writing style is engaging and not wordy. The plot has its twists and I loved it. Kids will have fun reading it. It has some action as well. 

The book cover is great and well-designed, apt for the story. 

I would recommend this to young readers between the ages of 9 to 13 years. 

My Rating: 5/5

PS: I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About the Author:

Award-winning author Helen Dunlap Newton is a veteran middle grade language arts teacher and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Both her first novel, Night of the Amber Moon, and Do You Hear What I Hear? were finalists for the Oklahoma Book Award and earned her the Creative Women of Oklahoma Award. 

As an educator with over 30 years of experience, she understands the power of literature to help children understand themselves and the world around them. Now she inspires them to enter the world of books, not only through her writing but through her author visits to classrooms and libraries. In addition to writing, Newton enjoys reading, music, and helping her husband care for backyard chickens and an energetic Australian shepherd in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Social Media Links – @newtonhelendunlap (Insta) and Helen Dunlap Newton (FB)

Until next time,

Everything You need to know about getting ready for a Kuchipudi Performance

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Here is to the classical Dancers, students, and professionals -

It is not easy to prepare for a classical dance performance, right? 

Of course, practicing hard before performances and arranging music are the most important parts of the preparation process, but arranging costumes, makeup, jewelry,, and getting ready on time is still a bigger challenge. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kichus/33659381966

My students ask me about what essentials to buy, where to buy, what to wear etc., 

For every performance, I make checklists and share them with them. 

Even after doing so many performances myself, I always make checklists and get anxious before performances. 

So, writing this post for all such dancers about the essentials of a Kuchipudi classical dance performance.

We used to start with hair makeup, and face makeup, and proceed with costume, jewelry, snacking, and then alta. A few people prefer face and then hair, but it's really as per your convenience. 

Makeup Checklist:

The most important task is makeup. 

I recommend washing the face clean with face wash and applying the ice cubes on the face before applying makeup. You can do this at least 15 minutes before applying makeup to make the skin tight, and more absorbing.

If you are a beginner in makeup, please set 2 hrs aside. I suggest you spend more time on eye makeup than anything else. Choosing the right foundation is very important for the overall look.

https://flic.kr/p/5fzVoo

Initially, apply primer, moisturizer, and sunscreen in the same order before applying foundation. These are some items that I use, but please explore products that match your skin tone and suit your skin without any reaction. 

Primer 

Moisturizer 

sunscreen 

foundation

compact , smooth mousse foundation

blush

eyebrow pencil

eyeliner 

eyeshadow 

mascara 

Face sponge

lip balm

lipliner

lipstick

lip gloss 

bindi - Round, Cone shaped

Compact mirror

white paint to mark below bindi, color paints

Pin it for later!

Hair Accessories:

Spend at least 20 to 30 mins time to prepare hair. First we set hair bun. 

Here is the video on how to do that. This beautifully explains both face and hair makeup.

Put a lot of U pins and slide pins. Then, attach the fake braid. Arrange flowers - white first from the bun and then, orange. 

Hair bun set

Jada billa in the middle of the bun

Fake braid 

U pins,

rubber bands/ hair ties

Ribbon ties

Slide pins

Fake flowers - Orange

Fake flowers - White

Costume:

There are no Amazon links to buy Kuchipudi costume. Here are some websites to custom order it:

Classical dance jewelry

Shanthi tailors USA

Readymade Dance costumes

Practice saree

Sweat pads are very helpful. You can stick them to the blouse. 

Checklist:

Classical Kuchipudi costume

Safety pins set

sweat pads

Jewelry:

You can buy jewelry sets or even buy them separately online. Jewelry to be worn after hair, and face makeup.

Jewelry set

Head ornament or papidi bottu or 5 step chutti

Surya , Chandra

Ear rings 

Nose accessories

Bangles

Long chain 

Necklace

Waist belt / vaddanam

Black thread to tie jewelry

Others:

Wear alta at the end after you eat and get ready completely. Let it dry. 

It is always a good habit to carry makeup pouch for touchup and tie ghunghroo only a few minutes before performance. For adults with knee pains, don't forget to pack knee pads.

As ghunghroo is considered sacred for a classical dancer, you shouldn't wear sandals while wearing them. You should remove ghunghroo while going to the restroom or any such place. 

Alta / paint for hands and feet

Makeup pouch for touchup with eyeliner, compact, lipstick, blush, safety pins, slides, u pins

Knee pads for adults

Ghunghroo - 4 line leather, 3 row ankle bells for small kids

https://flic.kr/p/2hm292e

Ooff... that's a long list. Did I forget anything? Please do let me know in the comments. Will add it.

Overall Checklist:

Face Makeup:

• Primer
• Moisturizer
• sunscreen
• foundation
• compact, smooth mousse foundation
• blush
• eyebrow pencil
• eyeliner
• eyeshadow
• mascara
• Face sponge
• lip balm
• lipliner
• lipstick
• lip gloss
• bindi - Round, Cone shaped
• Compact mirror
• white paint to mark below bindi, color paints

Hair:

• Hair bun set
• Jada billa in the middle of the bun
• Fake braid
• U pins
• rubber bands/ hair ties
• Ribbon ties
• Slide pins
• Fake flowers - Orange
• Fake flowers - White

Costume:

• Classical Kuchipudi costume
• Safety pins set
• sweat pads

Jewelry:

• Jewelry set
• Head ornament or papidi bottu or 5 step chutti
• Surya, Chandra
• Ear rings 
• Nose accessories
• Bangles
• Long chain 
• Necklace
• Waist belt / vaddanam
• Black thread to tie jewelry

Others:

• Alta / paint for hands and feet
• Makeup pouch for touchup with eyeliner, compact, lipstick, blush, safety pins, slides, u pins
• Knee pads for adults
• Ghunghroo 

Until next time,