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"Gertie Braves the River"is packed with vivid examples of word choices that paint a positive picture in the reader's mind. Above all, the story of Gertie teaches that with a courage, optimism and a little resilience, facing a challenge can turn into a brighter possibility that can inspire anybody!
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Teaching Perseverance though illustrative storybooks is essential for many reasons. It shows young readers that challenges aren't meant to stop us-rather, they are opportunities to help us grow! It helps to develop coping mechanisms in children in order to teach them what it takes for long term life planning. This book fosters emotional strength and resilience, that will guide children to aspire for a brighter future.
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Yes! Rhymes do matter for kids! A well-crafted rhyming manuscript in the correct verse and meter, encourages children to recognize patterns in words and sounds. Furthermore, it encourages them to be creative in their own speech. In addition, it highly improves memory and retention, because rhyming words are easier to remember. It's playful, musical quality keeps children engaged and ultimately inspires love for language because rhyming makes reading more engaging and very fun!
About the Author...
LOUIS PAPADAKIS is an Award-Winning & Amazon Best-Selling Author, Artist, Stepfather and a Husband, who has proudly grown a bright stepson and pampered a spoiled kitty! He holds a Fine Arts Degree and was a finalist in the Richert Ziebold Trust Award for the School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois. He later attained a full scholarship for his Master's in Fine Arts program at the School of Figurative Art in New York City.
For a while he worked as a substitute teacher of Art and dedicated himself to crafting materials that enhanced his students learning journey.
An Inspirational Journey...
Illustrative storytelling has always felt vibrant and captivating to Louis. To this day he feels so alive when finding himself in the children's book section at the bookstore. Children's story books aren't just stories- they are inspirational pieces of Art bursting with imagination, and fun for any age to enjoy whether you are 3 or 83!
But there is a much deeper reason for this book. A very personal one!...
Years ago, He was thrusted into fatherhood by becoming a dad to an incredible stepson. This changed his life in a profound way that he couldn't ever imagine. Every night, before bed, he would sit together with the little boy and dive into the world of picture book bedtime stories: "I watched my stepson's eyes light up with wonder, and then softly close as he would fall asleep, finishing the night with a gentle kiss goodnight on his forehead. Our bond grew stronger with every bedtime story night, and over time a little child became less of a stepson and more of just.... my SON! These precious moments became our special time to connect, laugh and dream together. Reading to him not only built our relationship but gave me the privilege to witness the power of picture- storytelling firsthand, and the way it can create entertaining fun and comfort. To inspire and build a lifelong bond!"
Let's Inspire kids - one story, one child, one brave step at a time!
What started as one stepdad trying to reach one child, has become a mission to help children home and around the world, that even when life seems to be difficult, they can brave their own rivers-and come out stronger on the other side!
Now, I visit schools to share Gertie's stories and the powerful values behind it-perseverance, resilience, self-belief, and resourcefulness!
As Seen In:
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The Power of Storytelling
Read Full Interview HEREGertie Braves the River follows a giraffe with big dreams and a bigger heart, as she faces a daunting challenge, a river that blocks her path, who with the help of her jungle friends, learns patience and creative problem-solving skills.
