Important Note: Chapter-Books-for-Children strongly encourages children to be safe; at home, at school, and especially when using the internet. In the testimonies below the last names of the children (where they were written) have been omitted.Power of the Story
With the positive responses from kids (and parents, teachers, and principals!) that have read The Eye of the Storm we are learning more about the power of this story.
"I like how you teach the reader by using a simple word. Such as perseverance and ask a question that makes people think of what they do to contribute to the world." --Cindy, Grade Six Student |
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First to answer a popular question. "Is there going to be a sequel to The Eye of the Storm? The answer is... ...drum roll please.... "Yes!" Actually, there will be a serious of stories that will follow this story. The working title for number two is The Inner Storm. And to answer another question about writing these unique stories(asked in various ways). While writing this series I have... Three MotivesFirst is to entertain. They are, after all, stories. The second is to make the plots easy to follow and understand. This is to encourage readers of all levels to read. The third motive is what makes this series compelling to all ages. An undercurrent of universal principles flows through all the stories. These stories will continue to ask important questions about self-esteem, courage, the environment, our hopes and dreams, compassion, respect, responsibility... Ideas that affect everybody. It doesn't matter how old you are, The Eye of the Storm will add value to your life.
"I like your book because it is like a real life story not like a fantasy book. I like books like yours because they are exciting and fun to read."--Christopher, Grade Six |
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Parents of toddlers are downloading the PDF, printing off pages, and having their kids color and mark the paper while they read the story. Of course they know that their 4-year-olds will not fully understand the content. But through the caring and interesting voices of their mom or dad they are being introduced to valuable words like Self-Esteem, Compassion, Responsibility, Teamwork... While listening to the words they simultaneously see them on the sheet of paper they are coloring. Amazing! Take for example the following chapter heading:
Chapter Three
Helpless
That illustration by Duncan Seton says at least a thousands words. That picture stays with the reader until Chapter Seventeen, Courage.
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"It’s smart how you write about stuff kids can relate to. Like how Johnny feels when Mitch is bullying him because everyone is bullied sometimes." --Megan, Grade Six Student.
"Your book also gave me the strength to continue in my situation, to solve it until the end (never say “die”).--Sanjot, 11 years old.
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(For helpful tips on protecting your children from bullying go Here.)
Parents that have purchased the hard copy for $8.99 are finding value in downloading the PDF for $4. Imagine for $4 introducing your child to important values they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. It is never too early to start.
My many years studying and teaching in the martial arts, my interest in philosophy and psychology, and my optimism that the world can be a better place fuels my metaphorical pen.
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"The chapter Fear I liked the most because it had a lot of detail which really gave a good picture in my mind of the bear's mouth open and the fox with 3 legs. But the other chapters had detail but Fear had most details out of all of them." Abdullah, 11 Years Old
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Getting the Most Out of the Story
To help your children get the benefits many other children have been getting from this story (See Letters to Author/Illustrator.) here are some simple tips:
1: Read with your child. One chapter a day before bedtime is always a great time.
2: Make the story interactive. After a reading maybe you could have your child write one or two lines of what is happening in the story, how the characters are feeling, and what might happen next.
Another way to make it interactive is through art.
The pictures above the chapters' headings were intentionally left black and white. Your child may wish to add some colour. Or maybe she or he would like to draw a picture on a separate sheet of paper. It could be a character, the scenery, feelings, anything s/he wants.
If you have downloaded the PDF, you could print off one chapter a night. Maybe you could have your child colour as you read.
This will give you some key insights to how your child most enjoys learning. Maybe she or he would like to sing a little jingle about the story.
In 2007 we will be learning more about Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory and how to wield your child's natural intelligences toward better marks in school.
For now, the key is to be receptive to how your children wish to best express themselves. As Brian Tracy says, "The very best way to ride a horse is in the direction it is already going."
3: Talk about the story in-between readings. Leading question will help your children interpret the events of the chapters and allow them to internalize the strong messages. This will help them come to conclusions on their own.
Remember the maxim attributed to Galileo: "You cannot teach a person anything. You can only help her to find the answers within herself."
Socrates, the Greek philosopher, was famous for his conversation and verbal teaching skills. What has become known as the “Socratic Interrogation” helps us all achieve genuine self-knowledge. That simply means we learn best by asking questions.
We will be discussing the science of this in the Members Only Section (FREE for The Eye of the Storm Readers). Suffice to say here that to ask a question is to engage the mind. Does that make sense?
Member Section Coming Soon!
In 2007 we will be opening our Members Only Section (FREE for The Eye of the Storm Readers) and delivering cutting edge information to help you help your children develop the skills to really succeed. Not only in school, but at home, and in the community.
Stay Tuned!
And please, we would love to hear from you. How is your child responding to the events of the story? Would you like to see the story as a Graphic Novel or television show?
Imagine a television show that kids love to watch that shows them how to be courageous, positive, and feeling like they can achieve any goal or dream. Wouldn't that be a refreshing change?
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"My favourite chapter from the story is chapter four Responsibility because Johnny has the responsibility to go to the principal and say's sorry even though he didn't hit the paper airplane at his teacher. Another reason is because the same thing happened to me and it disrespected the teacher." --Samra, Grade Six
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