HEATHER PIERCE STIGALL
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BOOK REVIEW: SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH

9/19/2024

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​If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction issues and are in need of a children’s book that addresses the topic in a heartfelt, honest, and approachable way, I highly recommend:
​TITLE: PLEASE BE OK: A STORY ABOUT ADDICTION
AUTHOR: Diane O’Neill
ILLUSTRATOR: Anastasiya Kanavaliuk
PUBLISHER: Albert Whitman
OPENING LINES:
“Come on, Dylan! Let’s go!”
Fiona couldn’t wait to get to the museum. She loved dinosaurs. But event more, she loved going places with her big brother.
Dylan peeked out from his dark bedroom. “I’m not going,” he said.
“Are you sick?” Fiona asked. “You said—”
He shut the door in her face.
Picture
This heartfelt story of addiction is told from the point of view of a young girl, Fiona, as she notices changes in her older brother, Dylan. Changes she struggles to understand. Changes she doesn’t like. Changes that make it difficult to be around the brother who was once her hero. Diane O’Neill’s text tackles a difficult subject with honesty, emotion, and in an approachable way for children to understand a very complex topic. Her author’s note to the reader provides more explanation about addiction and mental illness as well as a number to contact for help. Further, she reassures the reader that if they have a family member with an addiction, they are not alone, and it is not their fault. Anastasiya Kanavaliuk’s expressive illustrations convey all the emotions Fiona faces throughout the book, from disappointment, fear, uncertainty, sadness, guilt, and hopefulness. With so many families dealing with addiction and mental illness, this book is a valuable resource to help explain and open the door for further discussion.
 
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REVIEW: HAPPY NATIONAL WHEN PIGS FLY DAY (and National World Fun Fair Month)

9/9/2024

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​How appropriate that a pig holiday falls in the same month as a fair holiday, because today’s picture book recommendation is about a group of pigs who are building a road to reach the Hamshire County Fair:
Picture
​TITLE: PIGS DIG A ROAD
AUTHOR: Carrie Finison
ILLUSTRATOR: Brian Biggs
PUBLISHER: G.P. Putnam’s Sons/2024
OPENING LINES:

In her workshop, late one night,
Rosie plans by hard hat light--
a brand-new road from here to there,
to reach the Hamshire County Fair.
 
​She outlines,
calculates,
and yawns--
and prints her plans as daylight dawns.
This book has so much to appeal to young audiences and their grown-up readers! Children will pour over every detail of the pigs, other animals, and construction vehicles, adorably illustrated in Brian Biggs’ signature style. Grown-ups will appreciate the story’s themes of cooperation, perseverance, and resiliency. And everyone will love hearing the wordplay and rollicking rhyme pulled off with perfection by Carrie Finison. This great read aloud will have kids cheering on Rosie, Curly, Pinky, and Stinky, and begging you to read their story again and again.
 
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Did you read and like this book?
One of the best ways to support authors and illustrators is to post reviews for their books. Support an author/illustrator today by leaving a review on Goodreads or Amazon!
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    About Heather

    Heather is a busy wife and mom of five rambunctious children and one lovable pup They all provide lots of distractions, but oodles of inspiration.  Sometimes the pictures and ideas in her head turn into her own children's stories, but she always makes time to read other people's books. Sometimes she reviews them here.

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  • Books
    • PAISLEY'S BIG BIRTHDAY
    • GILBERT & THE GHOST
  • About
    • Meet Heather
    • Press Kit
  • Events & News
  • Appearances
    • Author Visits
  • Resources
    • For Writers
    • For Educators & Readers
  • Ramblings & Reviews
  • Contact