#Goodreads Challenge 2024 Archives

Meet Nicole Oke

Let’s meet Author Nicole Oke and how she got started with her wonderful books.

First off, let’s start with my review for her newest book, “Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas.”

“Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas,” by Nicole Oke and illustrated by, Richard Hoit is a great book for readers and parents to read together when a range of emotions arise.

When Izzy is about to go on stage to dance in front of a large audience, she can feel the nervous butterflies flittering in her stomach. She turns to Penny Panda for help.

Penny introduces her to the “Emotions Ninjas” and explains how these feelings are normal, how to understand them, and how to navigate through them.

This book is a fantastic resource for parents and educators looking to teach children about emotional intelligence, and emotional awareness.

Readers will love the fun, bright and colorful illustrations.

Inspiration for Her books

1) Nicole, what inspired you to write your Penny Panda books?

I was first inspired to write my children’s books when my oldest daughter was around six months old. I didn’t know exactly what the story would be, but I knew I wanted to create something meaningful for her—something that would inspire her and reflect my love and dedication. A few years later, I began focusing on my own emotional intelligence and self-improvement, and I found myself thinking, “What if my kids could learn these skills now, instead of waiting until their 30s like I did?”

I went to Amazon, searching for children’s books that taught social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, but I noticed that while there were many books about how emotions are important, few really dove into how to manage and process those emotions. I wanted to find something that would teach my girls how to handle their feelings, challenge their thoughts, and develop emotional resilience. When I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to write it myself.

That’s when the inspiration for Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility came to me. Each Penny Panda book focuses on a different social-emotional skill that I want my kids—and others—to learn. The first book explores how we can challenge our assumptions and embrace new possibilities. The second, Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas, teaches that every emotion has value, but we’re ultimately in control of how we respond to them. I’m also working on future books that address important topics like fairness and grief, areas I believe are underrepresented in children’s literature but essential for kids to understand.

Illustrator

2) Tell us about how you chose your illustrator?

Choosing an illustrator was a thoughtful process that took some time. I had a general vision of the style and feel I wanted, but I wasn’t quite sure how to translate that into the right artist. I spent a lot of time referencing children’s books and looking through different illustrators’ portfolios. Eventually, I narrowed it down to three illustrators whose styles resonated with me. My editor and I reviewed their work together, and we selected the one that best captured the spirit of the characters and story.

I wanted a style that was playful and relatable for kids, but also professional and polished. As someone who enjoys photography and various forms of art, it was important to me that the illustrations were of the highest quality. That’s how I found Richard Hoit, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with him. Not only is he a fantastic illustrator, but he also became a true creative partner. He brought fresh ideas to the table, even suggesting a few playful lines that enriched the first book. His work really brought the characters to life in a way I hadn’t even imagined!

Finding Nicole’s Books

3) How can our readers find your books?

Readers can find my books just about anywhere books are sold. However, I always recommend starting with my website, ► https://nicoleokeauthor.com, where you can order copies at a discounted price. Plus, there are a lot of great freebies available—like activity books and free lesson plans for teachers—along with helpful blogs for parents, caregivers, and educators. You can also find my books on Amazon, which is especially convenient if you’re a Prime member and want to take advantage of free shipping!

Find Nicole Oke’s Book here, too!

Amazon:

► Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility

► Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas

Barnes and Noble:

► Penny Panda and the Gift of Possibility

► Penny Panda and the Emotion Ninjas

Social Media Profiles – Great to follow. I offer lots of different activity books and freebies throughout the year 🙂

► Instagram

► Facebook

► Linkdin

► TikTok

Nicole, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to tell us about your sweet books.

Please leave a message for Nicole if you have any questions.

My Last Outside Fall Project for 2024

Once daylight saving times hits the first weekend in November, my outside art will have to end. I’m still going to make art in the coming months, but will have to bring it all inside.

To see my past 2024 art fall project and blog post, click here ►

"Five Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate"

If you follow my Facebook – “Books by Rose” page and Instagram page – (booksbyroseforyou11- Rosie Russell) type in those links to read the backstory on how and why I made this. Please follow these two pages for upcoming news. I’ll be sharing lots of fun things for my next book coming in 2025.

Goodreads Challenge 2024

Phew what a month it has been for me to get some reading done this month.

I was going right along and the book below had to be returned to the library. I thought, “No big deal, I can renew it, right?” No, it’s such a popular book I was put on many waiting lists. Finally, the CD audiobooks came in and I will have to finish it up in November. I’ll be back to review then.

“Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings,” written by Dionna L. Mann.

5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed, “Mama’s Chicken and Dumplings,” written by Dionna L. Mann. The rich voice of each of the characters puts readers right in the setting in the 1930s. Mann’s research in the back of the book shows the amazing backstory of Charlottesville, N. C. and the times and relationships which adds to this sweet tale. Problem solving among two girls and their quarrels were perfect, not to mention, the interactions which sets the tone for the story to be complete.
The recipe for the chicken and dumplings can be found on the author’s website. I’m looking forward to trying it and reading more of Mann’s stories.

I highly recommend this book for a read aloud and for classroom learning and enjoyment.

That’s all for this month.

I hope you have a wonderful November. Let us know what you have planned for this month.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Valentine’s Day hits in the winter and it can be cold! If you are in the Midwest area, bless you (and us) for this surge of blustery cold and dark days. It has calmed down a bit as I write this blog, but it will happen again in the coming months. I hope these tips and tricks will get you through those wintery, blue days.

Let’s Talk About Valentine’s Day

If you look up the origin of this heartfelt holiday, most of it is geared towards those in relationships and those in LOVE. If you are one of those who are not in a particular relationship at this time, it can make you feel somewhat left out of the whole holiday tradition. I have great news to tell you…

Valentine’s Day Is For EVERYONE!

Below are some fun activities you could make for your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, or anyone to tell them how much you care for them and appreciate them.

Easy Valentine’s Day Craft

If you have followed my blog for sometime, you know I love puzzles!

Here’s an easy Valentine’s card to make. This one is especially fun for your little ones to put together, too.

Think of fun things to write on your card. Use this idea for other occasions, as well. How about a snowman? A pumpkin? A birthday?

Just place all the parts and pieces in an envelope to give.

For Valentine’s Day, create a heart like this and write a message.

Valentine's Day Puzzle — Valentine’s Puzzle

Next, cut up. You can make this as complicated as you wish, depending on the recipient.

Glue down on a marked shape heart, matching the puzzle.

Valentine’s Day Treat

Strawberry Crisp

If this recipe sounds to familiar, you are right. I probably share this one more than I can count. But wait, I FOUND A NEW WAY TO MAKE IT! I’m so excited to share this one with you!

Yes, it’s has all the same ingredients as the Cherry and Apple Crisp you have seen on here before but with Strawberry Pie Filling. I also found a new trick to making this even better!

One can of Strawberry Pie Filling

¾ cup instant oatmeal (I use 2 packs of the Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal.)

¾ cup flour

¾ cup brown sugar (packed)

¼ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup of melted butter (1 stick)

Here’s the update on this recipe.

Soak the instant oatmeal mixture in the butter for awhile before adding the other ingredients. (Do it as long as it takes to preheat your oven.)

Mix your other ingredients to the butter and oatmeal.

Once it’s crumbly, spread half of it in a sprayed 5×9 baking dish. Add the canned Strawberry pie filling. Top with the other half of the crumbly mixture and pat down.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, once golden brown. (Don’t overcook, you want the pie filling to stay gooey.) Let cool a bit before eating.

Option: Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream when it’s a little warm. Yum! Since this dessert contains fruit, refrigerate leftovers. It’s very tasty cold, too.

Other Things to Keep You Busy

Visit with a friend or friends. Invite them to lunch, give them a call, a text, or write a letter to someone.

Think of a special meal or dessert you would share with someone. If you can’t physical share it with them, send them one of your favorite recipes, letting them know you thought they’d enjoy it.

Watch A Funny Movie (s)

Make a bowl of popcorn and sit down for some laughs.

The movie, “Heart and Soul” does make me laugh. (It can bit a bit sad though, too.) “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” is another funny one.

What movie suggestions can you give that make you laugh?

When All Else Fails…READ!

My Reading Challenge So Far For 2024…

All five star reviews for these books below.

“Terrier Transgressions (Pet Whisperer P.I. #2,)”
by Molly Fitz was an entertaining book. I have read the first one in this series, but author Fitz wrote this a way you would not have to read that one.
If you like, “who done it,” books you will enjoy this one.
This book is appropriate for YA readers and up.

“The Beginner’s Guide to Procreate: Everything You Need to Know to Master Digital Art,” by Roché Woodworth is an easy to understand book for digital artists and beginners. You do not have to have Procreate to learn the steps instructed in this book if you are already familiar with digital art programs. There may be some differences, but the knowledge is much the same.

An easy read by, Debbie Macomber. “Must Love Flowers” had subplots to keep the story interesting and rooting for the characters.
It is a story of losing those who were loved. This story may be helpful for those seeking comfort when the time is right. For those still suffering, it may trigger some uncomfortable feelings.
I’ve always enjoyed Debbie Macomber’s books and this one did not disappoint.

Walter Foster Creative Team presents “How to Draw & Paint Fashion & Costume Design: Artistic inspiration and instruction from the vintage Walter Foster archives (Walter Foster Collectibles.)”
My favorite pages were 1- 17 where the introduction is complete with supplies and techniques for drawing and painting.
I love vintage outfits and was entertained with the various styles from the different eras.
The only downside I found in this book were the drawing instructions, which is not the fault of the authors? I believe, they were showing how designers from the past arrived at costume designing. Now in 2024, there are much easier ways to draw and come up with the same concept.
If you like vintage fashions and styles, you will enjoy this book.

“Joshua Weissman: Texture Over Taste,” by Joshua Weissman was a book I almost gave a 4 star review, then I realized, it’s not my fault we don’t have a Mandoline slicer for cutting and some of the ingredients are not readily available to us in our nearby stores. They did peak my curiously, though.
I really did enjoy Chef Weissman’s cookbook. It is one for adults to follow. (Heads up, it does have some adult language, so if that offends you as a reader, you may want to pass on this one.)
The chapter heads and explanations were spot on and entertaining. Joshua Weissman has quite of bit of scientific knowledge behind the recipes he shared which were very easy to understand.
One can pull him up on Youtube for a variety of tips and tricks to making great food.
I bookmarked many recipes, even if I saved them for just the sauces or for how to cook a particular item.
If you want to learn the ins and outs of creamy, chewy, or crunchy, etc., and great flavors, this book is for you.

Update On What I’ve Been Doing

Yes, I’m still into art and cookbooks. With all the supplies I received for Christmas, I’m having a blast planning my next project. It will be awhile and may take me the good part of 2024 to finish but keep watching!

Oh, and I highly suggest looking into a “Food Saver.” It will save me a ton of time this summer when baseball season is here. With so many games, it’s hard to be home to cook every night.

Tell Us About You!

How is your year going so far?

Any new projects on the horizon?

Please leave us your comments below.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Tag: #Goodreads Challenge 2024