Today is Friday – Not only do I have a children’s book review to add to the Perfect Picture Book resource list that author Susanna Leonard Hill is building on her blog…I also have, thanks to the wonderful author of today’s book, a GIVEAWAY! Just leave a comment on this post. Then, for more wonderful reviews from authors, educators and others who contributed today, please go to Susanna’s post here.

I got to know the author of My Warp Speed Mind when my parenting book was published and I started blogging and connecting with authors, educators and parents. Donalisa Helsley is a family and children’s therapist. She’s written several other books, each addresses a particular problem or concern of parents and kids.

My Warp Speed Mind

Written by Donalisa Helsley

Illustrated by Kalpart

Publisher: Mirror Publishing (2013)

Ages: 5 and up

Themes:

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), behavioral modification

Opening Lines:

“My name is Drake. I always used to be in trouble. I didn’t like school because I didn’t think the teachers liked me.”

Synopsis:

Drake knows he has a problem paying attention and listening, but he doesn’t know why. He tries to be the class clown, but that only gets him in more trouble. On his own, he is not able to control these urges to jump out of his seat or speak out without raising his hand…and his parents are disappointed with his behavior at home as well. A visit to the pediatrician sheds some light on the matter and Drake begins going to a therapist who teaches him various exercises that help him gain more control over his behavior.

Why  I like this book:

• Simple enough for a child (age 5 and up) to understand and relate to
• Bold colorful illustrations
• This is one of the few books that address ADHD

How a parent can use this book:

• Opportunity for discussion about ADHD
• Fantastic calm-down exercises that any child would enjoy doing – many kids aren’t diagnosed with ADHD, but controlling behavior is a life-long process for all of us
• Parent/teacher tips at the end of the story with various discussion points and activities

Related Activities:

MAKE A GOAL CHART

Photo courtesy of http://simplekids.net

WOW! How cool is that! Click on http://simplekids.net/goal-setting-charts-for-young-kids-2013/ and you will find several goal-setting charts that your child will enjoy making –it’s a great website with loads of info and activities for young children.

Please don’t forget about the giveaway! One lucky person will win a copy of Donalisa’s My Warp Speed Mind. Just leave a comment below. If you’d like to learn more about Ms. Helsley and her other books, please visit her website, Wild About Reading.

We had A LOT OF SNOW here in New Hampshire…which was perfect for the first week of my Making Picture Book Magic class (which is definitely magical) with Susanna Hill…as well as the first week of Doris K. Stone’s Fearless February. I’ll be guest-posting on Doris’ blog later this month – I’ll let you know when. I’m doing a lot of writing and revising – and hope to be submitting a couple of things to agents and editors in the second half of the month.

What’s happening in your neck of the woods?