Authorpreneur Dashboard – Sonja Lange Wendt
I'm Not a Weed
Children's Books
This #1 Amazon Best Seller book and award-winning in cultural diversity, bullies, peer pressure, self-esteem & self-respect, and prejudice & racism is about a sunflower, Suzy, that blows into a perennial garden. Mr. Gardener considers anything that the has not planted, a weed. This story is about “welcoming” something or someone new or different into your garden. When something new is added or happens, it can add more love n joy. This is a story of inclusion and acceptance.
Book Bubbles from I'm Not a Weed
Open Your Hearts to Welcome the Unplanned
Welcoming the unplanned, whether it’s an event or people, like new friends or siblings, enriches our lives in unexpected ways. Unplanned events may seem chaotic at first, and not at all wanted, like a pesky weed popping up in our garden. But as it flows it often can become a heartwarming experience, like an unplanned shower on an outdoor event. It may seem like a disaster at first but as you work through it to overcome the inconvenience, it can ultimately become a good memory of working together to solve a problem. As far as people, there is always room for one more in our hearts. Love is not a finite resource; it expands and grows with each new person we include. Adding someone to our lives doesn't take away our love for someone else; instead, it can enhance it. Each new relationship brings unique joys and strengthens and broadens the bonds we share with existing loved ones. Welcome a new kid into your circle of friends. Embracing the unplanned teaches us adaptability, resilience, and the beauty of abounding love, showing that our hearts have an infinite supply and the capacity to grow and expand, showing kindness and compassion to many.
Love is not finite ....
Welcome into your garden of life someone new, someone different, someone special and unique. It won't take away from those you already love, because love is infinite!
FREE eBook June 20-24
Every kid loves Suzy Sunflower. This is a story about welcoming and accepting the unplanned. It's about how love is not finite and that our heart grows to let other people and things we cherish into our lives. Grab your free eBook today through Amazon: https://bit.ly/BaBaBelongs
Discounted Price for Weed Your Garden Day
June 13 is “Weed Your Garden Day.” But before we start weeding, and yanking those healthy, thriving plants out of the ground, what plants do we define as a weed? Likewise, before you start pulling out those weeds in your compassionate garden of life, think about it. What is adding value and direction to your purpose and goals and what are distractions. I particularly like Ralph Waldo Emerson’s definition of a weed, “ A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.” So weed your compassionate garden of life, but don’t be too hasty in what you pull out and what you allow to grow and thrive. That “weed” may be the beautiful, fragrant, purposeful flower you have been waiting for all your life, that just needs care, nurturing, and time to develop. Grab your discounted eBook now!.
But I Am Loved: Weed Appreciation Day 3/28
"The only difference between a flower and a weed is a judgement," according to Dr. Wayne Dyer. Just like a gardener needs to manage weeds in the garden, we also need to manage weeds in our lives. A gardener typically consider weeds plants that were not planned and planted, they just popped up. Unplanned events that just pop up in our lives may be good or bad, partially determined by how we react to it. There are probably more unplanned events in our lives than planned. There may be times when we need to open our arms and welcome something or someone new into our life or accept a drastic, and maybe initially, panful, change. We need to listen to where we are being lead and be accepting to new possibilities. At the same time, depending on the situation, we need to be alert, assess, and ensure that whatever this unplanned event happens to be, that it is something that will allow us to positively thrive and grow. March 28 is Weed Appreciation Day. Appreciate those unplanned events in your life that keep your life interesting, intriguing, challenging and often rewarding. See the beautiful, intricate, flower in the weed. You make the judgement call, is it a weed?
Welcome Some Weeds into Your Garden of Life
"The only difference between a flower and a weed is a judgement," according to Dr. Wayne Dyer Just like a gardener needs to manage weeds in the garden, we also need to manage weeds or unplanned events in our life. There may be times when we need to open our arms and welcome something or someone new into our life. We need to listen to where we are being led and be accepting to new possibilities. At the same time, depending on the situation, we need to keep our eyes open and ensure that whatever this unplanned event happens to be, that it is something that will allow us to positively thrive and grow. Why would Mr. Gardener consider Suzy sunflower a weed when a sunflower is not a weed? She wasn’t part of his planned perennial garden so by that definition, a weed. And let’s face it, sunflowers are hardy and do spread quickly. They sometimes can be difficult to manage. For these reasons also, they often get labeled, a weed. Weed Appreciation Day is March 28. Go out and hug a weed. Appreciate those unplanned events in your life that keep your life interesting, challenging, and often, rewarding! See the flower in the weed. You make that judgement call.
But I Wasn't Planned
Suzy Sunflower started from a seed that blew into Mr. Gardener's perennial garden. He did not plan for her in his design. She didn't have a drip line but instead grew and thrived just from rainwater. But Mr. Gardener considered her a weed. How often in life do things happen that are not planned? What do we do when that happens? How do we respond? Are we able to accept and love what blows our way? Are we able to open our arms and welcome them into our garden?
Love is Infinite
A while back a close friend of mine was pregnant with her second child. She was genuinely concerned about the love for this second child. I didn't understand. She said she loved her first child so much how could she possibly have enough love to give to her second child? Well, she had her second child, and she did love him just as much. She loved the second child just as deeply as the first. Love isn't finite. Just because someone or something else enters our life, our garden of life like Suzy Sunflower blew into as described in this story, doesn't mean that we have to take away love from someone else. LOVE IS INFINITE. Welcome into your garden with wide open arms someone or something else. Your love will grow, and GROW, AND GROW. Then there will be more love in YOUR garden than you ever had before! Share the love. (this award winning book is available through Amazon at http://bit.ly/ImNotaWeed)
What’s Wrong With Grandpa?
Children's Books
If you are looking for a story about understanding aging, disabilities, acceptance, and compassion, this Amazon #1 Best Seller in four categories (Multigenerational Families, Aging Parents & Eldercare, Children’s Maturing Books, and Children’s Camping Books), is the book for you. This multi-award-winning children’s book in categories including disability awareness and special needs, is beautifully illustrated taking place in a mountain setting with nature all around. It is a sweet story to help explain the impacts of aging and disabilities in general. It is about a boy and his grandpa as they are trekking on a Colorado trail where little Joey sees his grandpa is acting differently. What Joey doesn’t understand is that Grandpa is experiencing disabilities that come along with aging. Joey misinterprets Grandpa’s inability to do what he could do with him in the past as a reflection on him, questioning whether his grandpa still loves him anymore. Misunderstandings such as this are common and require communication to get the big, the true picture of what really is happening. This is a multigenerational story which is wonderful for parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends to read to with children leading discussion on how easily situations can be misunderstood.
Book Bubbles from What’s Wrong With Grandpa?
Misinterpreting the Effects of Aging
The aging of a grandparent or friend can be confusing for a child, leading them to mistakenly believe they are no longer loved. As people age, they might become less physically active, more forgetful, or experience health issues that affect their ability to interact as they once did. They may even act strange. A grandparent who once played energetically might now tire easily, or a friend may not remember details as well as before. To a child, these changes can seem like withdrawal or disinterest, causing feelings of rejection or confusion. It’s crucial to explain that these changes are a natural part of aging and not a reflection of diminished love or affection. Encouraging continued interaction, finding new ways to connect, and reassuring the child of the ongoing love can help bridge the gap. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can help children navigate these changes with compassion and reassurance.
Understanding Each Other Is Love
Little Joey misunderstood his grandpa's disabilities. Joey thought maybe his grandpa didn't love him anymore. Grandpa didn't run with him like he used to. Grandpa yelled at him in the loud diesel truck. Grandpa just wasn't the same as last year on the hiking trail. What Joey didn't realize is that Grandpa was going through the natural process of aging. He got new hearing aids that were hard to get used to. His legs were stiff this morning making it hard to race up the mountain. He got new bifocals he needed to adjust to in order to read or even walk on a rocky trail. Through communication Joey now understands that grandpa is going through the natural process of aging. This made Joey love is grandpa even more.
June 1 is Intergenerational Day
Aging is difficult. Who wants to lose their physical and mental abilities, and their independence? We see hearing aids, canes, and walkers and cringe. Little kids don’t understand some of the pain, suffering and disabilities that aging may cause. Kids don’t realize that grandpa may be speaking loudly, not because he’s mad at them, but because he’s adjusting to new hearing aids. Grandma may not be able to keep up with little Sarah like she did last year while hiking on a favorite trail or might not have as much patience or stamina since her body feels achy today. The messages of not accepting natural processes of aging are similar to kids accepting themselves as they are, even if they are not skinny, athletic, popular, smart, funny or beautiful. Intergenerational learning helps people understand the commonality of the human experience. Bridging the generations rather than setting up barriers, brings people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities and support. This promotes greater awareness and respect between generations and contributes to building more cohesive communities and relationships. Intergenerational practices are inclusive, welcoming and creates a bigger picture enhancing understanding which is the nourishment to growing compassionate people and relationships. What are you going to do June 1 to acknowledge Intergenerational Day?
Winner of 2021 Purple Dragonfly Award
What's Wrong With Grandpa book won a 2021 Purple Dragonfly Honorable mention in the category of Special Needs/Disability Awareness, announced Friday, July 9. This book is about a little boy Joey, who is on a hike with his grandpa on a Colorado trail. Joey notices differences in his grandpa and is confused by them. For example, his grandpa is talking real loud and as a result, Joey misunderstands his grandpa as a being mad at him. One incidence follows another. At the end of the story, the two of them talk and Joey understands that his grandpa has some disabilities as a result of aging and that it has nothing to do with the love his grandpa has for Joey.
#1 Amazon Best Seller in Six Categoies
This wonderfully illustrated book received #1 Amazon Best Seller in 6 categories in eBook format: - Children's eBook on Disabilities - Multigenerational Families - Interpersonal Relationships - Children's Maturing Books - Aging Parents & Eldercare - Children's book on camping. What a great gift for Father's Day and it's free in eBook format through June 6 on Amazon.
Understanding Disabilities Deepens Compassion
This book (in eBook format) is FREE today and a great book for Father's Day. It addresses compassion and understanding disabilities, especially those that come with aging. Little children, and even adults, tend to think we will be the same forever. But we all change with age and our bodies start to break down. Children can misunderstand grandparents they love. It could be that grandpa is talking really loud acting like he's mad when he's just getting used to new hearing aids. Maybe it's he can't run and climb like he used to last year and a child may misunderstand and think he is not interested in playing with him anymore. Grandpa may be using walking sticks hiking or a cane when he never did before. Grandpa might make strange faces trying to read something using his new pair of glasses. Understanding that grandpa is aging and disabilities that might come with it shows understanding, compassion and love. This would be a great Father's Day gift for a grandpa from their grandchild.
Misunderstanding Disabilities with Aging
There is a National holiday, called Joe Day, always on March 27. Who would have known! I didn’t until a couple months ago, but once I found out, I was so excited! I could share with you one of my favorite book characters who is named Joey. In this book, seven-year-old Joey misunderstands his grandpa as disabilities with aging take over. Have you ever misinterpreted a situation just from the way it looked? I like this advertisement where a teenage boy is running up to an elderly lady and quickly grabs her purse strap. Our first thought is that boy is trying to steal her purse. But if you keep on watching, you see this boy is using the straps of her purse to pull her away from traffic and prevent her from getting hit by a truck. It was through communication that Joey understood his grandpa. The bigger picture became more apparent after obtaining all the facts. This changed Joey’s perception of the situation. He realized his grandpa wasn’t mad at him. He understood that his grandpa still wanted to do the things together that they used to do too; he just wasn’t able to anymore. Joey learned the impacts of aging and how it creates challenging disabilities. Comprehension created more compassion between the two of them.
Increased Understanding, Deepens Compassion
Sometimes children, and even adults, misunderstand a behavior or situation and tend to internalize it. Little Joey in this book, doesn't realize his grandpa is going through the natural process of aging, he is changing, as we all do. He is not aware that grandpa is now wearing hearing aids that sometimes need adjustment in a loud diesel truck. Joey thinks his grandpa can do the same things he always has been able to do like running and climbing and since grandpa isn't doing it, Joey thinks he is the cause that grandpa is acting differently. Maybe grandpa isn't interested in playing with me anymore or love me like he used to, Joey thinks. Too often we misunderstand people. We tend to misinterpret the situation taking a more negative reasoning. Through increased communication in any situations, thereby increasing understanding, we become more open, aware, compassionate, caring loving and accepting of people and situations.
Understanding the "Real" Situation
When we view a situation, do we really understand what's happening? Sometimes we need a magnifying glass to see the "bigger" picture. This story has many incidents that little Joey is misunderstanding. He doesn't realize that his grandpa is physically changing as he gets older. He misinterprets them and thinks his grandpa is mad at him, doesn't want to run and play with him like he did before, acts strangely, and as a result, questions whether his grandpa still loves him anymore. Finally, through conversation with his grandpa while sitting on a rock on a Colorado mountain trail, Joey gains a greater understanding of what's naturally happening with his grandpa, thereby deepening their love for each other. This book promotes discussion of aging and the onset of disabilities that may come as a result, strengthening compassion and kindness between the generations.
Is Grandpa acting different?
Changing with aging can happen quickly. All of a sudden Grandpa is acting differently. Children may not fully understand that aging can bring about disabilities. These disabilities can be misinterpreted. Through communication of the situation you can increase a child's awareness and sensitivity. This book promotes discussion of this topic strengthening compassion and kindness between the generations.
BaBa-Balu Belongs, Too
Children's Books
Have you ever felt left out, or that you just did not belong or fit in? Do you know a child that might feel this way? Human beings need the feeling of self-worth to grow and develop into a healthy contributing part of society. This Amazon #1 Best seller, BaBa-Balu Belongs, Too, a multiple award-winning story in areas including School Issues, Peer Pressure, Self-Esteem & Self-Respect, LGBT, and STEM is about a monarch caterpillar who doesn’t fit in. He feels uncomfortable in his own skin. The story reaches a turning point where he feels loved and accepted. This allows him to become the beautiful butterfly he is meant to be. This story follows the metamorphosis cycle and includes several of its scientific terms.
Book Bubbles from BaBa-Balu Belongs, Too
Misunderstandings Can Lead to Exclusion
Even little kids can be misunderstood by their peers, leading to exclusion. Young children often have limited language and social skills, making it easy for their actions or words to be misinterpreted. A shy child might be seen as unfriendly, or a child with different interests might be considered strange. These misunderstandings can lead to feelings of isolation and exclusion from group activities. Compassion is essential in these situations. Teaching kids to approach each other with empathy and patience can bridge gaps in understanding. Encouraging open communication, celebrating differences, and modeling inclusive behavior helps children develop a more accepting attitude. By fostering an environment where kids feel safe to express themselves and understand others, we can reduce exclusion and promote a sense of belonging and friendship among all children.
Feeling Accepted - A Metamorphosis in Itself
This is a wonderful story of a monarch caterpillar who opens up and becomes a butterfly, following the scientific metamorphosis cycle along with accurate terminology. Feeling accepted provides a foundation of safety and support allowing him to express his true self. When a person (or bug in this case) is accepted, they no longer need to mask their thoughts, feeling mental and emotional energy to push out into being who you they are meant to be. In a supportive environment, strengths are recognized and encouraged fostering creativity and growth. Authenticity flourishes. Beauty abounds.
Can Change Be Beautiful? - Entering Autumn
Little Baba-Balu is a monarch caterpillar that has been going through continuous changes. Not only is his body changing drastically, but his emotions and feelings are developing, too. He didn't feel included or connected to the other bugs and felt sad and even mad at times. But something happens and he has the feeling of acceptance and inclusion. This feeling gives him him the strength to open up, spread his wings and become the bug he is meant to be. Has your child every been left out? It's a normal occurrence in life that is often hard to navigate. This is a great book to discuss feelings and learn about the metamorphosis cycle at the same time.
FREE eBook - Gain Positive Self-Image
Everyone wants to feel like they belong, even kids! This feeling of inclusion warms the spirit and opens it up so self confidence can grow and a positive self image to emerge. This frees them to open up and become the beautiful, unique person (or bug) they are meant to be. A sense of belonging is especially critical in today's society. A feeling of self worth and pride is essential to give to society rather than to tear it down and destroy it. This story also follows the metamorphic cycle. Get your FREE eBook June 27- July 1 on Amazon.
2021 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Winner
BaBa-Balu Belongs, Too won honorable mentions in three categories, LGBT, School Issues, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). This book is a story about a monarch caterpillar who feels he does not belong. The other bug don’t include him in games at the playground, at lunch or parties. In his depression, BaBa-Balu rolls into a deep sleep and has an amazing dream where he he is included in everything. This feeling of belonging gives him the excitement and freedom to open up and become who he is really meant to be, a beautiful butterfly. This story also follows the metamorphosis cycle.
Becoming Who You Are Meant to Be
This book is a wonderful story for Pride Month, June. It's a story of a caterpillar who doesn't feel right in his own skin. He isn't included by the other bugs. He becomes depressed and rolls into a cocoon where he is warm and safe. In his cocoon he dreams he in included. He feels he belongs. This feeling overcomes him. He feels excited inside and opens up his wings. His wings? He has wings? His feeling of belonging and inclusion allows him to spread his wings, flit them back and forth, and rise into the sky and become a beautiful butterfly. It also follows the scientific metamorphosis cycle and has questions at the end.
Learn About Butterflies & Belonging
March 14 is National U.S. Learn About Butterflies Day so let’s talk butterflies and transformation. BaBa-Balu Belongs, Too, is a story of a monarch caterpillar who doesn't fit in. He feels uncomfortable in his own skin which he grows out of five times. The other bugs don't play with him. This causes him to be sad, mad, and even bad. This book follows the process of metamorphosis including the scientific terms while telling a story of inclusion, acceptance, and becoming. The feeling of not being included is powerful. It can suppress the desire to move forward and live a full life. In this story, BaBa-Balu has a dream while he is snug tight safely in his little green burrito, or chrysalis. In his dream he experiences the wonderful feeling of inclusion where the other bugs play with him, eat lunch with him and he is invited to a party! This feeling of belonging makes him feel happy, complete, and causes him to stretch out his wings (wait! what? he has wings?) and to become the wonderful self he is meant to be. He has transformed from a cute little caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly! This book includes discussion questions at the end and the scientific terms related to metamorphosis and their definition. This is a wonderfully illustrated book that includes dual learning.
A Child's Act of Kindness - Inclusion
One of the best ways to grow a kind child, is to show acts of kindness. What a wonderful day to show acts of kindness than on Random Acts of Kindness Day, February 17. There are many acts of kindness that you and your child can do. In this story, BaBa-Balu the caterpillar was not included by the other bugs. As a result, he felt very sad, mad, and sometimes acted bad! Talk to your child about how they can reach out to someone who might be feeling like BaBa-Balu at school, on the playground, at lunch, or even at soccer practice. Maybe they the one feeling excluded? You might be surprised. Does your child have lots of friends and welcoming attitude to meet new friends that might even seem different or strange at first? A child feeling like they never fit in can lead to a serious mental state. It's important that every child know they are loved and that they belong.
A Change Is Going to Happen
This little guy was not happy in his colorful skin that he grew out of 5 times! He felt he didn't belong. Have you ever felt you didn't belong or afraid to be who you really are or state what you believe? Let this book inspire you to be who you really are meant to be.
Growing Compassionate Children: Grower's Guide
Parenting & Relationships
The world needs more compassion and where else to start, than with raising compassionate children. This Amazon #1 Best Seller and first place award winning parenting book includes twelve steps of “growing” compassionate children, a Grower’s Guide. It follows the steps needed to grow a healthy plant, starting with preparing the soil, where a plant can be deeply rooted in solid healthy ground, like a child growing within a strong foundation made up of positive values and principles. There are stories and topics addressing the impacts of societal issues such as the use of social media, anger, mental health, and violence to focusing on acts of kindness and making this world a better place for all. The topics are diverse and include math and science concepts as they apply to plants and growing compassionate children. It talks about the importance of knowing, understanding, and preserving our roots, where this knowledge and increased understanding leads to a more compassionate child.
Book Bubbles from Growing Compassionate Children: Grower's Guide
Raising a Child is Like Growing a Garden
Raising compassionate children is like tending a garden. Start by planting seeds of kindness through early exposure to empathetic actions and stories. Nurture their growth with positive reinforcement, guidance, and role modeling—show empathy in your own actions and praise their compassionate behaviors. Create a supportive environment free from negative influences, encouraging friendships built on respect and limiting harmful media exposure. Allow children to explore and practice compassion in various situations, like helping friends or participating in community service, and discuss these experiences to deepen their understanding. Handle setbacks with care, teaching resilience and the importance of kindness even in challenging times. Guide them through conflicts to help them understand different perspectives. Finally, celebrate their compassionate actions, no matter how small, to reinforce their behavior and encourage further growth. By treating compassion like a garden, with careful nurturing and a supportive environment, you help it take root and flourish, leading to kinder, more empathetic individuals.
Discussion Increases Compassion
A compassionate child requires being watered with knowledge so they will grow and thrive in wisdom and good judgement. Teach your child. Get them involved in different experiences. Discuss issues and current events with your child. Keep their mind thinking. Listen to them. Guide them with love and kindness. Keep them aware, observant, active, and engaged. This will lead to more understanding and compassion for all.
Sprinkle Your Child with Knowledge
It's spring, well, in some areas anyway! We are anxious for green grass and colorful flowers. As you think about planting seeds in your garden, think about planting seeds of compassion in this world. This book parallels growing plants with raising compassionate children. One step is watering your child with knowledge! This knowledge helps a child to make informed decisions throughout their lives!
How To Fertilize Your Child
It's springtime and we are thinking about our gardens. We start with those tiny seeds that need to be fertilized because most soil does not provide all the essential nutrients for optimum growth. By fertilizing your garden, you replenish nutrients and ensure your plants have the food they need to flourish. How do you ensure your child has the nourishment they need to bloom into a compassionate child? Fertilize your child through communication and different experiences so they can gain the nutrient richness of the soil. It is not the material wealth they will gain but the heart-felt understanding worth more than gold or silver or any other earthly treasure. Nourish your children, so they will bloom into magnificent and compassionate human beings, something that we desperately need more of in this world.
Plant a Flower Day - March 12
Growing healthy flowers is like raising healthy children; one step needed is fertilization. Most soil does not provide all the essential nutrients for optimum growth. By fertilizing your garden, you replenish nutrients and ensure your plants have the food they need to flourish. Likewise, a child needs nourishment to grow into a compassionate little human. Fertilize your child through communication and different experiences so they can gain the nutrient richness of the soil. We need to communicate with each other and listen to understand, not just to react. Comprehension is required to understand what it is like in different situations, identify with others, and relate to their situations. This leads to compassion and don't we want a more compassionate world?
Form A Parent Discussion Group
How do parents navigate all the issues they have to face regarding their children, today? Form a small group of moms, dads, or couples and get together at a park or a home to discuss the content of this book. A study guide with questions and activities is available on this website, sonjawendt.com, to help in leading the discussions. Dig in and get your hands dirty.
Free eBook - Mother's Day Special
It's Spring and the start of Gardening Season! Why not plant seeds of compassion to grow healthy and caring children! This 1st place award winning book in the parenting category would not only make a wonderful Mother's Day gift, but a also great baby reveal or baby shower gift. In addition, it is ideal for small group discussions with parents of young children to address current societal topics such as social media, mental health, inclusion, and life balance between activities, school, and freedom to play independently. The book is creatively designed with a poem for each of the 12 steps, highlighted quotes and adorable pictures of kids being kids. The book includes real life stories and also gives scientific and mathematical parallels while relating growing a child to gardening. It's a fun DIY guide to preparing, planting, growing and raising a compassionate little girl or boy. Grab your free eBook May 4-8. 2022, share this with others, and help sprinkle and spread the seeds of compassion
2022 Independent Press Award Winner
The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recognized Growing Compassionate Children: Grower's Guide, written by Sonja Wendt in the category of Parenting & Family the Distinguished Favorite Award. The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence. This multiple award winning parenting book includes twelve steps of “growing” compassionate children, a Grower’s Guide. It follows the steps needed to grow a healthy plant in raising a child. There are stories and topics addressing the impacts of societal issues such as the use of social media, anger, mental health, and violence to focusing on acts of kindness, inclusion and acceptance. It is a great book to prompt discussion between parents and friends with children. In 2022, the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD had entries worldwide. Authors and publishers from countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Puerto Rico, Switzerland participated. Books submitted included writers based in cities such as Anchorage to Memphis; from Berkeley to Philadelphia; Calgary to Sydney; from Albuquerque to New York City; from Princeton to Santa Monica as well as others. For more information please visit independentpressaward.com; and to see this year's list of IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites.
10 Best Authentic Parenting Blogs
This book which is composed of 12 blogs correlating growing children to growing plants, made the list on the 10 Best Authentic Parenting Blogs by SoFlo Tutors. (https://soflotutors.com/blogs/10-best-parenting-blogs/). Growing Compassionate Children: Grower's Guide, which was released late 2021 is also a 1st place book award winner, The steps have life or scientific examples including current social issues parents need to consider and address. This book makes for a great small group discussion book for young parents, and a good baby shower or baby reveal gift!
First Place in Royal Dragonfly Award
This book, which was published in August of 2021, won FIRST place in the 2021 Parenting Category in the ROYAL DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARD. The Royal Dragonfly Book Award contest is a worldwide book competition that honors excellence in all types of literature and genre, recognizing creativity and excellence. This is not your typical parenting book. It is a fun, engaging and thought provoking read good for prompting discussions between parents and friends. It is a compilation of blogs in the twelve steps of cultivating a compassionate child with a poem, highlighted quotes with drawings and pictures of kids being kids with each step. Thanks to Rebecca Finkle for designing a book that will be cherished by many. Here are a few quotes from the book: “Knowledge is powerful. Knowledge reduces fear. Knowledge leads to greater understanding which can also lead to a more compassionate human race.” “Fertilize your child through communication and different experiences so they can gain the nutrient richness of the soil.” “While waiting for that garden to grow, you still need to be diligent. You must continue watering and weeding and ensuring that the plants are protected from harm.”
Become Knowledgeable to Increase "Compassion"
Our world seems to be at a compassionate all time low. Why is that? We are bombarded with information, but that seems to have put each of us all in tail spin crashing into each other. It's gotten so toxic people are afraid to talk or say anything. What we need is not just information, but knowledge, accurate knowledge and understanding. Knowledge if understood, usually puts the majority on the same page. Knowledge decreases our fear and gives us the confidence to move forward and make a positive difference. Making a positive difference contributes to a more compassionate world. So go out there and research from different and conflicting sources, learn, experiment, experience the world. gain knowledge and guide your children to do the same. They are our future. A compassionate world is a much better place to live in than a world full of hate, anger, and frustration. Let's make this place a loving, kind, and accepting place to be. It's up to us.
Let’s Talk Dirt - Prepare the Soil
Create a Healthy Environment to Learn and Grow- Prepare a rich soil. Form a safe environment. The hard work of your toil. Leads to child development.
New Book Released - Parenting book
Do you wish there was more compassion in this world? The place to start is with raising our children to grow and bloom into a compassionate person. This book talks about the twelve steps to grow a compassionate child with the series of blogs that talk about real world situations and considerations. It requires 1) creating a safe environment 2) being a good example 3) sprinkling them with knowledge 4) increasing their understanding 5) developing confidence 6) inspiring them to perform acts of compassion 7) allowing them room to grow 8) shielding them from dangerous situations 9) learning from mistakes 10) exercising patience 11) appreciating progress and 12) preserving the memories.
Can Old Be Beautiful? (Cultivating Compassion in Children)
Children's Books
This Amazon #1 Best Seller book in 4 categories (Peer Pressure, Values, Self-Esteem & Self-Respect, and Girls & Women's books) is part of the Cultivating Compassion in Children series. Six-year-old Maggie questions her grandmother whether old things can be beautiful. This is after Maggie sees advertisements to wash the gray out of your hair and creams to wipe away the wrinkles to make you look young and beautiful. They talk about things that are old and beautiful, like the patchwork quilt on her lap. Maggie comes to her own conclusion on beauty and age. The intent of this story is to see beauty from beyond societal norms to what is simply natural in life. It can lead to thoughts and discussion on positive self-esteem. The illustrations in the book are beautiful and culturally diverse. There are questions at the end that the adult can discuss with the child to encourage thinking and increase their understanding. This is a warm and wonderful book for grandparents and elderly friend to read to young children.
Book Bubbles from Can Old Be Beautiful? (Cultivating Compassion in Children)
Anti-Aging Ideals Impact Young Minds
Society glorifies youth and views aging as something to be resisted or reversed. This anti-aging movement extends beyond adults, affecting even small children in subtle yet profound ways, impacting even their self worth. Children absorb these societal messages and cultural norms and can develop insecurities about their natural growth and change. The anti-aging industry thrives on the notion that aging is undesirable, often portraying it as a problem to be solved rather than a natural part of life. This perspective can lead to negative stereotypes about older adults, painting them as less capable, less attractive, and less relevant. These attitudes not only impact individual's self-esteem and mental health, but also perpetuates ageism, contributing to discrimination and marginalization of the elderly in various aspects of society. Viewing old age as beautiful encourages a more inclusive and respectful attitude towards older adults. It promotes the idea that every stage of life has its own form of beauty. Aging should be celebrated rather than combated. Beauty standards need to evolve to embrace the natural aging process, honoring the stories and strengths that come with it. Seeing and accepting the beauty in the natural is learned at a young age.
Why is the phrase, “I Am Enough” Unsettling?
We hear or see the saying, "I am enough," thrown around a lot now days. There are all forms of jewelry, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and other paraphernalia with the saying. Somehow, I "earned" a ring with that saying engraved. But am I enough? What does that even mean? I believe this saying came about with the low self-esteem, self-worth many of us experience, young and old. Maybe we are exhausted trying to please others, trying to "be enough" for them, to please them, to earn their love? We often do not feel we are good enough and don’t feel accepted or that we belong. This book, Can Old Be Beautiful, addresses how we try to change or cover our physical self to be “beautiful.” Whether we are five or 55, we struggle with “looking” ok to fit in, to be accepted, to be beautiful. We often fight the laws of nature thinking natural beauty isn’t good enough. Isn’t it? Let me tell you, it is enough. I am enough. You are enough. Through the grace of God, we all are enough.
How Does Social Media Hurt Self-Image?
We are constantly getting blasted with ways to look better. There are blemish treatments, hair coloring kits, wrinkle creams, acne medicine, diet plans, exercise programs, clothes, shoes, hats, and the list goes on and on. Do you ever question, no matter what age you are, “am I enough?” We typically think of the preteen years as being especially difficult, transitioning from a cute little kid to an independent teenager. Do these feelings of not looking or being enough, ever go away? As we get older, we do hopefully get wiser even though our bodies start wearing down and it’s even more difficult to “look good.” The impact of self-image doesn’t go away. How we perceive and address it is what’s important. Have you noticed how little kids are brutally honest. They will gently run their little fingers down grandma’s face and innocently state, “your skin is wrinkly grandma”. It is wrinkly. They are just stating what they see. It’s not a judgment call unless we make it that way. This book addresses the doubts posed by society. They talk about beautiful things, old things, and old and beautiful things such as castles and majestic mountains. Mother’s Day is coming up. Why not get this book for mom or grandma. It’s a great book to read, share and discuss with an adult. The pictures in this book are beautiful and the message is even more precious.
Love is Understanding Natural Beauty
Little Maggie is confused by ads she sees about ways to make yourself beautiful. She sees that old people can wash away the grey and even wipe away wrinkles. Can old things even be beautiful? Grandma talks with Maggie about beautiful things like snowflakes falling from the sky, and autumn leaves dropping from the trees. They talk about old and beautiful things like ancient castles and majestic mountains. This is a story of loving yourself for who you are whether old or young.
June 1 is Intergenerational Day
Western culture tends to see beauty only in youth with every attempt to look young. There are products galore and constant advertising of these products to reduce wrinkles, grow more hair on those balding spots, or color your hair from the natural gray. Children hear and see these messages. Today children suffer more than ever to find themselves, accept themselves, and believe that they are truly enough. We hear more frequently of teen and even child suicides. The messages of not accepting natural processes of aging are similar to kids accepting themselves as they are, even if they are not skinny, athletic, popular, smart, funny or beautiful. This is another reason to bring the old and the young together, to talk with each other, share feelings and challenges, and bring together mutual understanding and compassion. Bridging the generations rather than setting up barriers, brings people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities and support. This promotes greater awareness and respect between generations and contributes to building more cohesive communities and relationships. Intergenerational practices are inclusive, welcoming and creates a bigger picture enhancing understanding which is the nourishment to growing compassionate people and relationships. What are you going to do June 1 to acknowledge Intergenerational Day?
2022 Independent Press Award Winner
The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recognized the children's book, Can Old Be Beautiful, written by Sonja Wendt in the category of Children's/Inspirational/Motivational for the Distinguished Favorite Award. The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence. This Amazon #1 Best Seller book in categories including Peer Pressure, Values, Self-Esteem & Self-Respect is about six-year-old Maggie as she questions her grandmother whether old things can be beautiful. The intent of this story is to see beauty from beyond societal norms to what is simply natural in life. It can lead to thoughts and discussion on positive self-esteem. This is a warm and wonderful multigenerational book for parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends to read to young children.. In 2022, the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD had entries worldwide. Authors and publishers from countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Jordan, Puerto Rico, Switzerland participated. Books submitted included writers based in cities such as Anchorage to Memphis; from Berkeley to Philadelphia; Calgary to Sydney; from Albuquerque to New York City; from Princeton to Santa Monica as well as others. For more information please visit independentpressaward.com; and to see this year's list of IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites.
Aging is a naturally beautiful part of life
I couple years ago I was told I needed wrinkle cream to look beautiful, or at least, not ugly. It was an ad that popped in on my computer about a story of a little boy who had two grandmas. He called one his ugly grandma and the other his beautiful grandma. I had to read it again. Who would label their grandmas like that? What kind of advertiser would want to promote their product in that way! Then I wondered why this ad popped up in my feed. Is there a message for me here that I need that wrinkle cream? There was one good thing that came out of that ad for wrinkle remover cream that popped up under my computer feed. No, I didn’t buy the cream and am now wrinkle free. But it did inspire me to write this children’s book, Can Old Be Beautiful, and create the series, Cultivating Compassion in Children. This book is a great book for a child to give and read to a grandmother for Mother’s Day!
It's a Natural Part of Life
Mother's Day is coming and what a wonderful gift to get a mother, grandmother, or great-grandmother. Our society emphasizes beauty in the youth trying to wash away or hide those grey hairs and wrinkles. But aging is a natural part of life. There is beauty in old things as well as new things. That's what this book is about. Share this story with a child to help them see beauty in all shapes, forms, and sizes, whether a snowflake or an old patchwork quilt. Boost their self esteem through discussion of the questions at the end and increasing their awareness and acceptance.
What is Beautiful - What Media Tells Us
Social media and advertisements impact even small children. They see products such as creams to remove wrinkles, colors to get the gray out of your hair, or products to lose weight in order to look beautiful. What are these messages telling our children? They do not look good enough in a natural state? Only youth is beautiful? Only skinny or buff is acceptable? How does that impact self image? This Amazon #1 Best Seller book takes on another perspective of just what is beauty. It's a great intergenerational book. There are questions at the end to help lead discussion and prompt more in depth thinking.
Amazon #1 Seller in 4 Categories
Thank you for sharing the compassion with our next generations! Can Old Be Beautiful Best Seller categories are: #1 Children's Self Esteem & Self Respect. #1 Children's Book on Peer Pressure. #1 Children's Book on Values. #1 Children's Girls and Women Books. eBook is free today at: https://bit.ly/OldBeauty
FREE eBook Today
Get this book free today from Amazon at: https://bit.ly/OldBeauty This story is so much more than seeing the beauty in the old, torn and worn. It brings to light social media/advertisements and how it impact self-image and self esteem. This affects even little children. There are discussion questions at the end and the illustration of beautiful things in this book are amazing. This is a great intergenerational book and a wonderful Valentine's gift for grandparents. Help share the message of compassion on your laptop, iPad, or phone by downloading it today. What can you lose?
Social Media Can Impact Self Esteem
Can Old Be Beautiful is more than a book of seeing the beauty in old things. It prompts thoughts and questions about how advertising and social media can impact perception of ourselves that question our self worth . Self esteem issues can begin at a young age and child/teen suicides are not uncommon. We hear messages that you need to be skinny, or buff, or tall, or youthful or whatever to be beautiful and fit in. This book encourages discussion of what is beautiful and helps a child look at the beauty in the world in it's natural state whether new or old, worn or torn, colorful or dull. It's a sweet book to have your child read with grandparents or elderly friends bringing different generations together in discussion. It also make a wonderful Valentine's gift. Book Available at https://bit.ly/OldBeauty
