Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog is about ALL types of things! Join children’s book author, creative writer, blogger and podcaster, Alison Paul Klakowicz, on her journey to inspire! By way of guest interviews, travel, food, books, all things North Carolina, life as a military spouse and more!
I hope you all are safe, healthy and happy! I’m so excited to share this video of my son’s former First Grade Teacher, Ms. Moylan, read aloud Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck on YouTube ❤️!!!
Take a trip today with Ms. Moylan through the pages of my awesome children’s travel and adventure picture book 📚!
Go here 👉😍: https://youtu.be/0Ev49Ge5-jE
Interested in purchasing your very own copy for your home library? Look here👉: http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com
Pam Fries, an award-winning artist and illustrator, has published a lovely children’s picture book titled Something’s Eating the Garden.
The gorgeously illustrated book features an amazing garden adventure with a child and Papa. Papa discovers that something is eating his garden and the child tries to solve the mystery by guessing who the creature culprit could be.
The sweet (and curious) child imagines different animals— like an elephant, giraffe, pig or even a crocodile— nibbling on the garden plants.
But to no avail none are the guilty party!
With each turn of the page, the reader is greeted by whimsical, bright and beautiful, full-page illustrations.
It is a delight to the senses and will help create a curiosity of the outdoors, animal life and vegetables for every young child! A wonderful educational tool, for sure.
The Washington State author Pam Fries, published the book soon after the passing of her husband who the character “Papa” was based around. They were together for 40 years, and the book gave her purpose and a place to remember the legacy of her husband.
She has 5 beautiful grandchildren, a dog and many chickens!
Pam enjoys speaking to schools and Women’s groups, creating breath taking art— and working in the garden.
For more information you can follow her here:
https://www.facebook.com/Pam-Fries-AuthorIllustrator-315272125744988/
Instagram @pamjfriesartist
mightylionpress@gmail.com
Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck is ready to #hitheroad this spring and summer for #amazingadventures 🗺🏖🏟🛶⛰
How about you? Where are your favorite places to visit?
Family travel is so important in learning about the world around you and making special memories with those you love!
Learn more about Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck here: http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com
#familytravel #familyadventures #familytime #roadtrips #letsgoplaces #kidslit #kidsbooks #picturebooks #books #funbooks #awardwinningbooks #trucks #monstertrucks
Today is National Read Across America Day!
What a wonderful way to celebrate by reserving an entire day to create awareness of the love and importance of literacy.
To learn more about how you can celebrate Read Across America Day, look here: https://www.readacrossamerica.org
In honor of Read Across America Day, I decided to share a reading of my book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck with you!
Gather your children and put on your listening ears 👂 to enjoy my super cute travel and adventure picture book here:
I hope you take time today to read your favorite books 📚 and travel to new places in your mind!
Happy Reading!
– Alison Paul Klakowicz
Author of the award-winning travel and adventure picture book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck
http://www.alisonpaulklakowicz.com
https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Big-Red-Monster-Truck/dp/1525530178
Coming Spring 2020: Super Max and the Math Menace
Super Max and the Math Menace by Heather E. Robyn is a story about a little girl named Max on her way to elementary school classroom 23 just as any other day. BUT this day was different for some reason. Max could not place the feeling. Something was making her quite nervous, chilling her spine.
She tries to find the culprit, but none can be found. That is until she sits down in her math class and her teacher Ms. Spice asks the class to put their books down as it was time to take a TEST.
Max can feel her heart beating in her chest, while a classmate yells out from behind her that he too feels unprepared.
Max knows she has to do something to save her class from the terrible, terrible math menace test. So she has an awesome idea! She walks to the back of the class, opens her bookbag and reaches inside. She pulls out a super hero cape and mask which she quickly puts on.
Then walks out for all to see and hears her classmates exclaim, “Look! Super Max!”
All eyes in the class, including her teacher Ms. Spice, look to her for guidance on how to beat the lurking math test villain.
Super Max then knows just what to say to them all, “We just need to relax.”
The book ends with the best advice:
“So, if you ever feel stuck and don’t know what to do, search deep down inside for the hero in you. It can help you find answers and help others too. Be the hero you know you have living in you.”
The message of this story is one so many children (and adults) can relate to. Anxiety can prevent us from accomplishing our goals and it is so very important to learn how to control the symptoms.
The beautiful and vivid illustrations by Zoe Mellors help keep the reader engaged as well as intrigued. The book also includes a wonderful guide that includes tips and tricks to overcome test anxiety. It is noted the guide was developed by Nakeya Fields, LCSW, PPSE, Registered Play Therapist, Trauma Informed Restorative Yoga Therapist, and Executive Director of The Feel Well Empowerment Center.
The author Heather E. Robyn was raised in Southern California. As an avid learner, she earned a Doctorate degree in Education and spent several years in Social Work helping foster youth and homeless veterans. She enjoys traveling with her two children and exploring new activities. She calls the Bay Area of California home with her kids, boyfriend and Husky, Echo.
To learn more about Heather, go here: https://heathererobyn.com/
If you would like to monetarily contribute to Heather’s Kickstarter Campaign to get this fabulous book published and in the hands of children who need its wisdom and advice to defeat test anxiety, go here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/heathererobyn/a-childrens-book-about-overcoming-test-anxiety?ref=user_menu
– Alison Paul Klakowicz, BA, MS
Host and Creator of Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog
Author of the award-winning children’s travel and adventure picture book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck
Guiding Wellness Institute
Fayetteville, NC–
Did you say—
Yoga✅
Brunch✅
AND,
Bookclub✅???
Say no more, I’m there!
What better way to spend a day than in mindful reflection!?
Caring for your body and soul, eating delicious food and drinking blissful adult beverages while discussing thought provoking literature surrounded by fabulous company— AND in a beautiful setting?
That pretty much sums up the experience I had last weekend at Guiding Wellness Institute.
The holistic wellness center is masterful in curating monthly events that incorporate wellness practices into perfect weekend outings appealing to the young and old, single or betrothed, hardcore yogi or novice.
All are welcome!
AND all will enjoy!
I attended the Yoga, Brunch and Bookclub this past Sunday which fell on Valentines weekend and made for a fabulous Galentines outing!
A 60 minute gentle flow vinyasa yoga class was taught by GWI CEO Kelsey Timas. The lantern lit studio paired with beautiful acoustic music playing in the background and Kelsy’s fluid class instruction kept each student engaged and made for a perfect yoga experience.
Following yoga, guests were treated to a gorgeous brunch prepared by Brittany Moore, GWI Holistic Wellness Coach.
During our brunch, attendees engaged in an enlightening conversation regarding the Bookclub pick—Elizabeth Gilbert’s novel Eat, Pray, Love. It was lovely to reflect on a book focused on self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-growth and self-healing.
Overall the experience was wonderful and although most of those who attended the event met as strangers, I feel confident that we left as friends.
Mark your calendars for the next Yoga, Brunch and Bookclub May 3, 2020 from 11am-2pm.
For more information, go here: http://guidingwellness.com/
– Alison Paul Klakowicz
Creator and Host of Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog
Author of the award-winning children’s travel and adventure picture book, Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck
