Reading Helps Children Understand Feelings and Social Issues

Reading books together is a great way for parents and children to talk about important issues. The story acts as a catalyst for shared conversation. The characters and their feelings lead naturally into meaningful discussions.

Author Sabrina Panfilo, a graduate of NYU and an elementary school teacher, has molded her professional expertise in journalism, education, and psychology into one passion — creating a literary world for children that reminds each and every one of us that we are indeed unique and beautiful –– and, undoubtedly, loved. Sabrina’s two new books from Vantage Press, Cosmo’s Crave and Guppy’s Gall and Tomey and the Caterpillar are inspiring books that convey these essential messages.

Cosmo’s Crave and Guppy’s Gall is a unique two sided, reversible board book with two separate stories. Featuring delightful illustrations by Massimo Mongiardo, it can capture the attention of even the youngest child. Through the two stories, children will learn about the power of love and importance of courage.

In Cosmo’s Crave, children meet Cosmo, a lovable little pup who craves constant attention and can’t help but get himself in all kinds of mischief. Even though Cosmo gets into trouble a lot, at the end of the day it’s friendship, love and loyalty that matter, and of course kisses galore.

The second story, Guppy’s Gall, encourages children of all ages to remain brave and determined. Children will relate to the feeling of being a small fish in a huge ocean. Waves can seem too ominous to overcome and leave one feeling hopeless. Guppy’s Gall inspires children to hang in and keep on swimming, because things are not often what they seem. If they just believe in themselves their sharks will set them free.

Bullying is not a new issue; it has been around for ages. In recent years, the trauma of bullying and the harm it can cause make it an issue we must no longer ignore. In fact, most schools now have a zero tolerance policy on bullying. Parents can help their children from a young age to understand that this behavior is unacceptable.

In this contemporary world of bullying and not-so-nice peers, Tomey and the Caterpillar is an inspiring story about being proud of who you are and being confident in your individuality. With illustrations by Massimo Mongiardo, Tomey and the Caterpillar is a tale of personal strength and positive self-esteem. Tomey is an awkward red pony who knows what it’s like to feel different. He comes upon a very sad little caterpillar who is gray in more ways than one. He has no wings and no color and so he sits and cries because his colorful family of butterflies has left him.

Tomey takes the time to let the caterpillar know that he just needs to believe in himself and that he is special just the way he is. While Tomey is giving the caterpillar a pep talk, little wings begin to emerge and the more the caterpillar believes he is indeed special the way he is, the bigger his wings grow and he takes flight. The little caterpillar proudly soars higher than any of the other more brightly colored family members and learns that it is okay to be different.

For more information about adding these to your retail library, check books out at www.vantagepress.com