Parenting
A BEARY fun Children’s Book Launch!
Hello world!
We all know how slow the publishing industry can be, and how difficult it is to get published. So when that dream actually comes true, it’s time to celebrate!
My new picture book NO BEARS ALLOWED was published on July 1 this past summer, but it’s been a long, winding journey to get there. The initial idea came to me in 2012, and I wrote the book a year after that. A few agents and a slew of rejection letters later, Blue Whale Press acquired the book!
So now it’s time to celebrate. I’ll be hosting a fun family event, where I’ll be reading and signing my book and offering a free puppet making workshop. Plus I’ll be making delicious cupcakes!
Details are below. Hope to see some of you there!
The Face of Autism
Studies show that 1 in 68 children are currently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism does not discriminate; it affects children of all races, ethnicities, gender and socio-economic groups. With the right support, all individuals with ASD can thrive. But understanding its complexities and raising awareness is critical.
Sally Meadows is a published author who travels to schools talking about her book The Two Trees (see summary below) and speaking to children about autism and the importance of being a good friend. I conducted a Q & A with her, and I hope her thought provoking answers illuminate you.
What are the most important messages you bring to children regarding autism and the importance of being a good friend?
I am a former teacher and I use a teaching technique that encourages students to draw on their own experience and knowledge to ultimately bring out the important messages in my book. As a start, I ask the children (ages 5-9) to brainstorm practical ways as to how they could show friendship and kindness to Syd, the boy with autism in the story, if he went to their school. Then I ask them to share what they know about bullying. (There is a scene in the book where Syd is pushed up against a wall and the other kids throw balls at him.) I emphasize that when we say or do something hurtful to someone, it can stay with him or her throughout his or her life. Read the rest of this entry »
How to get Your Child to Eat More Veggies!
I can’t be the only parent who finds it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to feed my child vegetables!! Things were easy enough when she was a baby and she gobbled down spoonfuls of carrots and beets without a clue as to what they were.
But then, she turned 2.
And along with the proverbial Terrible Twos came the “NO! I don’t wanna eat vegetables!” This was her face anytime I gingerly placed a piece of broccoli or a few shreds of red pepper in front of her:
And on and on it went.
I was going ba
nanas. I obsessed over dramatic questions. How my child would grow without any vegetables? How would she be healthy? Would she be like this forever?
Out of my frustration, I decided to write a picture book that entices little ones to eat their veggies. That’s when the illustrious Mr. Broccoli Bob was conceived and soon enough Melvin and the Madcap Musical came to life. Mr. Broccoli Bob is the distinguished host of an all-vegetable cabaret. This was my attempt to make veggies more fun, and show the virtues of eating veggies in an amusing way children can relate to.
I wrote the book last year. And guess what? Since I read it to my daughter, she actually (GASP) started to eat broccoli! So I did my Happy Dance:
Another trick I learned is that presentation is KEY. For instance, my daughter would never go near tomatoes or red peppers. But one day, I turned them into a happy face on a rice cracker with hummus and much to my amazement, she gobbled it up. Victory!
If your little one is a picky eater and doesn’t “love” vegetables, here are some fun and easy snacks to entice them! The bonus is that they take under 5 minutes to prepare. I got them off the internet and included the links with credits. Hope these recipes are useful! As for my daughter and I, it’s a work in progress. We have a select few vegetables that have been “approved,” and I’m hoping that the more my daughter sees me eating vegetables, the more she’ll be inspired to eat a wider variety herself!
Veggie Smack ideas
Fruit & Veggie Snails
Courtesy of Hello, Wonderful.
For details, click HERE.
Butterfly Veggies
Courtesy of B-Inspired Mama.
For details, click HERE.
Funny Veggie 
Flowers
Courtesy of Gourmandelle.
For details, click HERE.
More Veggie Flowers
Courtesy of Noosh Loves Blog.
For details, click HERE.
Another great idea is to make a smoothie with various veggies and then make Popsicles. Click HERE for some great recipes.
Contest to Win a Free Personalized Story!
Hello world! I’m hosting a contest for parents (or grand-parents, aunts, uncles, friends…). The winner will receive a free personalized story about their child, which I will write myself. Along with some pictures of your child, I will create a mini book in PDF format so you can have it printed. This would make a great gift, just in time for the holidays!
The contest starts today and ends December 16. You can enter as many times as you like, all you have to do is visit my Facebook page, Twitter account or blog. It’s easy!
Enter the contest HERE.
Please spread the word. The winner will be announced once the contest closes.
Good luck!
Keeping the Magic Alive in our Children
Kids grow up fast. At first they’re cooing in diapers and the next thing you know, they’re telling you they’re “pre-tween” and too cool for certain things. When they’re young, they’re filled with wonder and innocence. They buy into the magic without question. But somewhere along the line, they stop believing. They may even block their own imagination and creativity as they grow up.
Here are some easy ways to cultivate and keep magic alive with your children: Read the rest of this entry »
Welcome to my Blog!
Aloha and welcome! Here you will find my musings on various topics such as:
- children’s literature
- what it’s like to be an author
- inspirational quotes and thoughts
- my latest projects
- the publishing industry
- educational resources for parents and teachers
- parenting tips
- arts and crafts for kiddies and much, much more!
Stay tuned everybody! Subscribe to the LL newsletter HERE.
Lydia Lukidis 