Author: catfish

A podcast interview with Jeanne Walker Harvey on The Growing Readers Podcast, a production of The Children’s Book Review. Have you ever heard of Else Bostelmann, the courageous artist who painted the marvels of the deep sea in the 1930s? If not, you’re in for a treat! In the latest episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, Jeanne Walker Harvey, the author of Else B. In the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Deep, explores the fascinating story of this pioneering female artist whose work sparked wonder and advanced marine science. This episode is a must-listen for anyone…

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Creating the building blocks for young conservationists: Zoos launch Eco Detectives in Minecraft Education. An innovative collaboration between zoos across Australia and New Zealand, Microsoft AUS/NZ, and expert game developers Team Workbench in Amsterdam has resulted in Eco Detectives, a Minecraft computer game. This game empowers students to act as conservationists in their local ecosystems using a series of interactive maps to raise awareness of the plight of species and wild habitats to a new gamer generation. The launch of Eco Detectives brings conservation straight into the hands, devices and keyboards of millions of Minecraft Education educators and students in…

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Choosing the best flight times for babiesSelecting the optimal flight times can significantly enhance travel comfort for you and your baby. Ideally, book flights that align with your baby’s sleep schedule. Overnight flights are particularly beneficial as they mimic your baby’s nighttime routine, increasing their chances of sleeping through the journey. Additionally, flights during mid-morning or mid-afternoon tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed boarding process and potentially more attention from flight staff. Avoiding peak travel times reduces stress and minimizes exposure to crowded and noisy environments, which can unsettle babies.Essential packing list to reduce hasslesCreating an…

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​Thomas Edison said, “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven’t.” The Self-Awareness domain of SEL, includes knowing one’s strengths and limitations and developing an understanding that success requires struggle, effort, and willingness to try new strategies. Seeing mistakes and setbacks as part of learning is vital for developing a “growth mindset.” Failure becomes a motivator, rather than a stopping point. ​With this in mind, let’s enter The School of Failure: A Story About Success, written by Rosie J. Pova and illustrated by Monika Filipina (2022, Yeehoo Press). Reminiscent of the maxim, “Don’t let perfect get in the way…

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Why does this election matter?Rwanda’s presidential and parliamentary elections this year are taking place three decades after the genocide in which some 800,000 people were killed.President Paul Kagame, who helped end the bloodshed, has been in power ever since and is expected to win again in this election, which takes place on July 15. Under his rule, the Central African nation of Rwanda has achieved significant economic strides and become a leading contributor of troops to the United Nations’ peacekeeping forces. But critics say Mr. Kagame has also overseen a repressive state accused of widespread human rights violations and where…

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Sponsored* | Opinions are our ownThe Children’s Book Review Written by Leona Cobham Illustrated by Timothy O’Brien Ages 7+ | 144 Pages Publisher: Cobham Wings | ISBN-13: 9781739407032 What to Expect: Aviation, history, friendship, problem-solving, and teamwork. In book 2 of the Airplane Adventures series, readers will watch the four friends learn more about themselves and the qualities that make real heroes as they struggle to overcome their weaknesses and put their strengths to work for the greater good.  The four friends of the flying circus are back for three new adventures, pitting their unique talents and exceptional teamwork against…

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Taylor Swift CrowdChant & Pizza Party An unforgettable evening of music, fun, and delicious eats at the City of Salisbury’s Taylor Swift CrowdChant and Pizza Party! Get ready to belt out your favourite Taylor Swift hits in mass karaoke style at the Salisbury Community Hub on 28 June from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Experience the excitement with a 360-degree camera, friendship bracelet station, and mouthwatering pizza and desserts as you sing along to songs from the Eras Tour. Dress to impress in your best Taylor Swift outfit for a chance to win amazing prizes, including Taylor Swift merchandise and a Spotify…

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Solar PanelsSolar panels are expensive up front, and the installation can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, with the right set-up, you can earn that money back in a few years, with the savings on your electrical bill. Many homes with solar panels produce an excess of electricity, which is then routed back into the grid. Many cities and municipalities pay homeowners who do this, or credit their bill with the extra amount produced.If you really want to be self-sufficient, then you can install a bank of batteries in your garage or basement. The sun doesn’t really work at night, so…

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South Africa is headed for big change.Precisely what that change looks like, and whether it will alleviate the many hardships that South Africans face, remains the million-dollar question.The African National Congress, or A.N.C. — which has governed with sizable electoral majorities since the start of democracy in South Africa in 1994 — won only about 40 percent of the vote in last week’s election. The poor result means that it is now negotiating with rival parties to become partners in forming a government.“In their desperation, I wonder what kind of choices they will make,” said Bhekindlela Cebekhulu, 40, a theater…

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A podcast interview with Dorion Solot on The Growing Readers Podcast, a production of The Children’s Book Review. In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, sexuality educator Dorian Solot discusses her new children’s books, co-written with Marshall Miller, in the Learning About Bodies series. Content note: This episode discusses private parts matter-of-factly and uses anatomically correct words. Parents may wish to preview it before listening with children. Dorian Solot shares insights on providing kids with accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies and the challenges of creating sensitive content. All About Vulvas and Vaginas and All About Penises cover topics…

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