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Articles by Jenna Wolf
Review of Canada: We Are the Story
Canada: We Are the Story by Richard Wagamese; illus. by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley Primary Swift Water/Tundra 40 pp. 3/26 9781774886380 $18.99 “Listen.
Review of My Subway Runs
My Subway Runs by James Gladstone; illus. by Pierre Pratt Primary Groundwood 32 pp. 2/26 9781773067544 $19.99 A young boy and his mother take a subway ride to Union Station in an unspecified city. Spare text and captivating illustrations turn this commonplace ride into an extraordinary depiction of everyday life. We see a long line of passengers making their way through the turnstiles and then waiting on the platform.
Review of Field Trip to Dinosaur Valley
Field Trip to Dinosaur Valley by John Hare; illus. by the author Preschool, Primary Ferguson/Holiday 40 pp. 9/25 9780823459575 $18.99 This fourth installment of the wordless picture book series (Field Trip to the Moon, rev. 9/19, and sequels) raises stakes even higher than previous excursions by delving into time travel—and dinosaurs.
Review of How to Reach the Moon
How to Reach the Moon by Nicolás Schuff; illus. by Ana Sender; trans. from Spanish by Lawrence Schimel Primary Amazon Crossing Kids 40 pp. 4/25 9781662522963 $18.99 How can one visit the moon without leaving our Earth? This question, reminiscent of a riddle or folktale, is answered in a surprising and loving fashion in this Argentinian import. Emilio, on a visit from his city home to his abuelo, who lives in a deep forest, wonders about the dark side of the moon.
Review of First Day Around the World
First Day Around the World by Ibi Zoboi; illus. by Juanita Londoño Primary Versify/HarperCollins 48 pp. 6/25 9780063078888 $19.99 Zoboi’s (The People Remember, rev. 11/21) newest picture book celebrates the first day of school across the globe. Children ride the bus in Soweto, while in Lagos little ones cling to their grownups as they whoosh down the streets on the backs of motorbikes.
Review of Fox and the Mystery Letter
Fox and the Mystery Letter by Alex G Griffiths; illus. by the author Primary Frances Lincoln 40 pp. 9/25 9781836001102 $18.99 A fox seemingly likes his solitary life in a remote cabin located in a dense forest. One day, however, a knock on the door disrupts his daily routine: it’s a gigantic bird, who delivers a mysterious letter. The brief note, from an “Old Friend,” tempts Fox to embark on an intricate scavenger hunt.
Review of Seven Skies All at Once
Seven Skies All at Once by Ted Kooser; illus. by Matt Myers Primary Candlewick 32 pp. 7/25 9781536229004 $18.99 e-book ed. 9781536249637 $18.99 While two families hang out their laundry on a rooftop clothesline connecting their apartment buildings, a larger metaphor plays out farther up in the atmosphere.
Review of Princess Battle Royale
Princess Battle Royale by Phaea Crede; illus. by Jen Hill Primary Viking 40 pp. 8/25 9780593621370 $18.99 e-book ed. 9780593621387 $10.99 This picture book using comic-style conventions presents a mashup of professional-wrestling bluster and traditional fairy-tale characters and tropes in one dramatic sporting event: World Princess Wrestling, or WPW. Six princesses “from all over the globe” intend to wrestle “reigning victor” Swan Princess for the Enchanted Championship Belt.
Review of I Come from Another Galaxy
I Come from Another Galaxy by James Kwan; illus. by the author Primary Abrams 40 pp. 7/25 9781419771149 $18.99 e-book ed. 9798887071640 $17.09 A young space explorer records the ups and downs of intergalactic education in this lighthearted, affirming take on the perennial first-day-of-school tale. Clad in a tiny space suit, wide-eyed astronaut James lands a rocket and bounces delightedly across a novel planetary landscape before reporting to the bus stop.
Review of Fish Friends Forever
Fish Friends Forever by Kerry Ferguson; illus. by Aliaa Betawi Preschool, Primary Rocky Pond/Penguin 32 pp. 8/25 9780593700204 $18.99 e-book ed. 9780593700211 $10.99 The young girl who narrates this funny, affecting, and sensitive picture book adores her new goldfish, Frank. She observes his behavior closely (and decides his favorite color is pink), plays games with him, writes him a lullaby, dresses up like him for Halloween, and makes him a Valentine’s Day card.
Review of The Winding Willow
The Winding Willow by Will Hillenbrand; illus. by the author Preschool, Primary Holiday 40 pp. 9/25 9780823459452 $18.99 Little mouse Hubert (The Voice in the Hollow, rev. 9/23) returns for a second snowy, mysterious tale. This one starts on his return home from shoveling a path to Aunt Nanny Mouse’s house. In the soft, moody illustrations, the protagonist appears as a small, vulnerable figure among eerie, towering trees.
Review of Fish Don’t Go to School
Fish Don’t Go to School by Deb Pilutti; illus. by the author Preschool, Primary Ottaviano/Little, Brown 40 pp. 7/25 9780316565271 $18.99 Henry loves wearing a fish costume that matches his pet goldfish, Marigold, and plans to wear it when he starts school—a milestone about which he is anxious. His parents try to reason with him; they offer reassurance and eventually bribes to go to school without the costume, but he remains unconvinced.
Review of Sundust
Sundust by Zeke Peña; illus. by the author Primary Kokila/Penguin 48 pp. 8/25 9780593700112 $19.99 e-book ed. 9780593700129 $10.99 Spanish ed. 9798217003976 $19.99 Two siblings living in what appears to be a U.S.-Mexico border town embark on an adventure in the desert, following “sundust” as it illuminates the world around them.
Review of Fish Fry Friday
Fish Fry Friday by Winsome Bingham; illus. by C. G. Esperanza Primary Abrams 48 pp. 7/25 9781419766930 $19.99 e-book ed. 9781647009465 $17.99 A child spends the day with their grandmother fishing and then frying up their catch together in this tasty follow-up to Soul Food Sunday (rev. 11/21). The child narrates as the duo leaves before dawn, loading up their supplies into Granny’s Jeep and heading for a pier on an Army base on the Chesapeake Bay.
Review of Moon Song
Moon Song by Michaela Goade; illus. by the author Primary Little, Brown 40 pp. 10/25 9780316461634 $18.99 As a family goes to bed on a cold night, a young girl begins a story to ease her cousin to sleep.
Review of Kente for Jojo
Kente for Jojo by Bernard Mensah; illus. by Elizabeth Zunon Primary Knopf 32 pp. 6/25 9780593567128 $18.99 Library ed. 9780593567135 $21.99 In a familial tradition of selecting Kente for children, a young narrator and family travel to pick one for the protagonist’s baby brother, Jojo. Along the way, Daddy entertains the family with the familiar story of how Kente began through the folklore of Ananse the spider.
Review of Norman and the Smell of Adventure
Norman and the Smell of Adventure by Ryan T. Higgins; illus. by the author Preschool, Primary Disney-Hyperion 48 pp. 7/25 9781368090216 $18.99 In Norman Didn’t Do It!: (Yes, He Did.) (rev.
Review of Tiny Owl’s Scary Day
Tiny Owl’s Scary Day by Petr Horáček; illus. by the author Preschool, Primary Candlewick 32 pp. 7/25 9781536235876 $17.99 e-book ed. 9781536249385 $17.99 As dawn breaks, sleepy Mama Owl urges her not-tired, curious Tiny Owl to rest, warning, “Days can be scary for a small owl.” Unfazed, Tiny Owl tiptoes out to explore a sunlit morning.
Review of Sarang Saves the School
Sarang Saves the School by Korena Di Roma Howley; illus. by Joowon Oh Primary Candlewick 32 pp. 7/25 9781536232318 $18.99 e-book ed. 9781536249156 $18.99 At her school in a coastal South Korean village, Sarang and her classmates sit in mostly empty rooms. Happily, this leaves more time for questions, and—bonus!—the lunch line is short. But since there aren’t enough students, the school may need to close, and Sarang’s parents say they’ll have to move to the city if that happens.
Review of We Match!
We Match! by Chris Barton; illus. by Sharon Glick Primary Astra 40 pp. 7/25 9781662621062 $18.99 Finding common ground is humorously explored in this comic-book-style visit to a dog park. A terrier with a microphone commentates as two black-and-white dogs meet: “One thing is clear as today’s action kicks off: these dogs match.” A golden retriever is not a match—until she asks if they like to play ball. “You can’t always tell right away, can you?” the terrier observes.
Review of Papilio
Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou Musser; illus. by the authors Primary Viking 48 pp. 3/25 9780593693254 $19.99 e-book ed. 9780593693278 $10.99 Three author-illustrators join forces for this story told in three parts about the life cycle of a black swallowtail butterfly. Clanton goes first, rendering Papilio’s caterpillar stage “and a bit of egg time too” in a combination of paint, pencil, crayon, ink, etchings, pressings, stamps, and halftone patterns.
50 alternative words to stop you from using a swear, cuss or curse
Jenna Wolf of The Lotus Room, For 12 & Broad Published 7:00 a.m. CT July 19, 2019 Instead of teaching your kids not to curse, have you ever thought about just telling them what curse words mean? Buzz60 It is true, as Mark Twain said, that “under certain circumstances, profanity provides relief denied even to prayer.” We all have our favorite cuss words on hand for stubbed toes, moments of bewilderment and emphatic exclamations.
Where to meditate in Nashville
Jenna Wolf of The Lotus Room, For 12th & Broad Published 7:00 a.m. CT July 18, 2019 You're not alone if you have a hard time finding a moment to meditate. But all hope is not lost. Wochit For many, beginning a meditation practice alone can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Nashville is home to many different meditation groups who meet regularly throughout the week and serve as a guide for those seeking to add a mindfulness practice into their life.
Nashville workouts for $10 or less you want to look out for
Jenna Wolf of The Lotus Room, For 12th & Broad Published 7:00 a.m. CT July 18, 2019 The millennial motto ‘Instagram it or it didn’t happen’ also applies to their workouts and gyms all over the country are keeping it in mind. Susana Victoria Perez has more. Buzz60 Who doesn't love a good bargain? Well these workouts for $10 or less can kill two birds with one stone— neither of which include killing your pocket.
Here are 30 phrases you should know if you visit Nashville, Tennessee
Jenna Wolf of The Lotus Room, for 12th & Broad Published 7:00 a.m. CT July 17, 2019 Can't understand what the locals are saying? We've got you Nashville newbies covered. Ayrika Whitney/USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee When calling Nashville home (even for the weekend), it's good to learn to speak the language. Being a Southern town, Music City is ripe with colloquialisms and sayings unfamiliar to Yankee and Californian ears. Don’t worry, here at 12th and Broad, we’ve got you Nashville newbies covered.
Gemstones for health and happiness
For centuries, civilizations have used gemstones to help release mental, physical and spiritual blockages. It is said that each crystal has unique properties and energies to heal different aspects of our life. When held in your hand, placed on the body or added somewhere in your home or office these stones connect us to the Earth’s subtle healing power, enhancing balance, relaxation, protection, creativity, happiness and love.
Girls Night Out Nashville
When it’s ladies night, the feeling is always right! Just ask Kool & The Gang. Girlfriends are what make the world go round. I consider myself one lucky dame to be surrounded by so many creative, empowered, beautiful women and I hope you do too. We all know you don’t need a special occasion to celebrate your female friendships! You just need a good old fashioned girls night out. So grab your planner, text your tribe and make a date to kick up your heels with your favorite queens.
How to channel anger into action
Anger is not an action, it is a wake up call — an emotion fueled within us when a boundary has been crossed or a need is not being met. Often anger is associated with aggression, but with a bit of understanding this fiery emotion could in fact be utilized for self-growth and world transformation. Anger can actually be an expression of compassion, a willingness to uphold boundaries that are sacred or stand up for those are are oppressed.
30 Nashville phrases you should know
When calling Nashville home (even for the weekend), it's good to learn to speak the language. Being a Southern town, Music City is ripe with colloquialisms and sayings unfamiliar to Yankee and Californian ears. Don’t worry, here at 12th and Broad, we’ve got you Nashville newbies covered. We will have you speaking like a native in no time with this list of both uniquely Southern and Nashville phrases you will likely hear around town: Y’all: You all. Everyone. All you people.
10 simple acts that can help save the environment
“For every action there is an equal and opposite re-action” - Newton’s Third Law Regardless of the science, the truth is, we all have a responsibility to leave this world better than the way we found it. While it remains true that the most dramatic changes will need to take place on corporate and governmental scales, there are a number of ways the average person can make his or her daily routine more eco-friendly, from actions as simple as carpooling, to as unexpected as eating less red meat.
Nashville Workouts for $10 or less
Don’t let money get in the way of your wellness. Think that you have to spend a lot of money to be fit? Not, so. Here are Nashville’s top workout classes for $10 or less: When your budget is tight but your pants are tighter, get your asana moving at one of these affordable yoga classes. Shakti Power Yoga currently offers 8 weekly community classes on the schedule. Sweat it out with a 60-minute, power yoga flow for only $5! Make sure to sign up online as classes fill up fast.
How to stay fearless during a life transition
“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?” -Rumi A transition is the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another. To move, passage, transform, or convert. It is the space between the change, the butterfly inside of the cocoon, and you can’t have a transformation without one.
Acupuncture in Nashville: the who, what, why and where
Whether you’re an acupuncture rookie or a seasoned vet of this ancient health care practice, Nashville offers several affordable, accessible options to help you get your zen on. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine rooted in Traditional Oriental Medicine, a healing method dating back to China’s Ming Dynasty (c.1368-1644).
3 natural ways to increase your energy
Every day is a dance with the universe. As we so graciously spin around a brightly burning star, we all must learn to move with the ways of the rising and setting sun, the changing of seasons and the shedding of old skins. Finding flexible persistence in the everyday things along the way that support us on our journey towards wellness and longevity. We all do this universal dance, but some of us have bruised toes.
How to set powerful intentions
“You are what your deepest desire is. As your desire is, so is your intention. As your intention is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.” – The Upanishads Everything that happens in the universe begins with an intention. When I decide to pour myself a cup of coffee, take the dog on a walk or call a friend, it all begins with an intention. Intentions are the creative power behind the fulfillment of our deepest needs and wildest dreams.
5 morning mantras to start your day
“Today I welcome infinite possibilities. With open arms I accept the support of the universe. I know that creative abundance is available to me now. I expect miracles.” – Gabrielle Bernstein Every morning is a chance to begin again. Each sunrise, a golden opportunity to breathe in a fresh perspective on life, love and happiness. Just as we know we must nourish our physical body with breakfast, we must also make time to nourish our spiritual side with the practice of sacred self-talk.
12 booze-free Nashville winter activities
The weather outside might be frightful, but our beautiful city serves up many delightful winter activities to those looking for a good time, sans the alcohol. So go ahead, put a cork in those other plans and drink in one (or all) of these 12 alcohol-free winter activities Nashville has to offer. 1. Channel your inner Michelle Kwan and go ice-skating at Centennial Sports Plex. 2. Grab some creative pals and get crafty at one of the many classes at 12th South Craft.
Keeping the peace at home this holiday season
Peace on earth is a lovely thought, but it can be hard to find amidst screaming children, drunken uncles, and a stressed out mother hanging around the house. There is no denying that spending time with family can bring out the best and/or worst in us. This year don’t let family time turn you into a grouch. Stay that radiant, joyful, peaceful person you already are, even when everyone else has seemingly gone mad.
35 ways to pay it forward
“A smile is the shortest distance between two people” - Mom In a world so big, in all of its blazing suffering, it can be hard to see how one person can pave the way for positive change. The truth is we can’t change the world alone. If we want to make room for more love in our own life and the world around us, we must do it together. Creating joy is a powerful, heart healing medicine that does not need to take a lot of time, money or natural resources to distribute. All it takes is YOU.
6 Beautiful Ways of Saying Grace
The ritual of saying grace before a meal is one of humanities oldest universal behaviors – a ritual that crosses all cultural and religious bounds. These few moments dedicated to acknowledging the gods, elements, animals and people who make our food possible brings us into the present moment and reminds us of our complete reliance on Mother Earth and all that is within her to sustain our life. Gratitude’s spiritual value is intrinsic, so it’s no surprise that it’s health benefits are also many.
How to stand up to a bully
Every morning of seventh grade, my Roman soldier waited for me in the front seat of bus number 104. He didn’t look like a bully, but this puny sixth grader with glasses too big for his face sure knew how to make me feel small. I was ashamed of myself that I would allow him to constantly be so hurtful toward me. I knew I had to find a way to stand up for myself or the rest of the year would be torture. On the day I’d finally had enough, I walked onto the bus anticipating his daily ridicule.
Stop, Drop and Yoga - 5 yoga poses to do throughout the day
One of my favorite things about yoga is the way it awakens freedom. I’ve never been the kind of yogi who shows up to my mat everyday. At one point in my life, I was ashamed of this, telling myself I was never going to be a real yogi until I got my asana to class 7 times a week. As my yoga practice matured, I realized that a yogi isn’t defined by how many yoga classes they show up to, or whether or not they can touch their toes. To be a yogi means to embrace freedom in it’s infinite forms.
Where to meditate in Nashville
For many, beginning a meditation practice alone can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Nashville is home to many different meditation groups who meet regularly throughout the week and serve as a guide for those seeking to add a mindfulness practice into their life. Meditating with others in a group connects you with people from all different backgrounds and levels of experience. Group gatherings also offer consistency to those of us who find it hard to make time for meditation.
Three natural remedies for a better night’s sleep
Nothing beats waking up in the morning feeling rested and alive. While we all know that good sleep is vital for total well being, for some of us, getting enough regular rest is a nightly challenge. Thankfully, there are many natural ways to mend broken sleep cycles. Here are three natural remedies to get a better night’s sleep.
How to Make a Gluten Free Vegetable Pizza (with Pictures)
Coming up with ideas of new and exciting meals to make for dinner every night can definitely get difficult. It can be hard to find a recipe that is delicious while not being terribly unhealthy. This gluten free vegetable pizza is perfect for anyone who may be vegetarian, anyone who does not eat gluten, or anyone who just needs a quick and easy meal to make for dinner! # [[Image:IMG_3846.jpg|center]] Obtain all ingredients.
10 things to start doing in your 30s
To grow older is a beautiful blessing. With every new decade comes an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from and peer into an unknown future towards where we are going. Life in your 30s is the beginning of a grand journey towards deeper wisdom and even greater life experiences to be had. The vitality, the confidence, and the stability that comes with being in your 30s shouldn’t be feared, but rather embraced to the fullest.
How to talk about the hard stuff
Here’s how to start those hard conversations that will advance, heal and grow your most cherished relationships. “When we talk about our feelings they become less overwhelming, less upsetting and less scary.” — Dr. John Gotterman In every healthy relationship there will come a time when a difficult conversation is looming between you and your partner.
Face to face with mystic yogi Sadhguru
You mentioned earlier that Nashville was the first place you came in the U.S., and in 2006, it is where you decided to build the only Isha Institute for Inner Sciences outside of India. Why Nashville? Sadhguru: I never intended to come out of India, but a few people who did not know me were crying out — and so I came. It’s strange: An Indian guru comes to the States, they go to New York or California — not Nashville (giggles). People thought I was crazy, but I didn’t care. People needed me here.
How to Make a Gluten Free Vegetable Pizza (with Pictures)
Meet P-code, a New Article Booster who has been active in the community for over a year. P-code likes to review new edits and to improve and approve new articles to make sure they're ready for readers. Why do they contribute to wikiHow? "Ever since I began editing on wikiHow, I felt good knowing I could actually edit something someone else wrote, and help many other readers. I created an account, and the community was very welcoming.
What the cuss? 50 swear-word alternatives
It is true, as Mark Twain said, that “under certain circumstances, profanity provides relief denied even to prayer.” We all have our favorite cuss words on hand for stubbed toes, moments of bewilderment and emphatic exclamations. But how much does dirty language really belong in everyday conversations with ourselves and others? Each word that we speak carries with it an inherent vibrational frequency. High vibrational language tends to leave people feeling happy, cared for and understood.
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