Ready for another story to spark your interest? Time for our second tour of the day, once again brought to us by The Children's Book Review, but this time starring an interesting Picture Book that's something just a bit more. Curious? I don't blame you, and what's more, there's no need to wait any longer! The star of our post is front and center as we dive between the pages of....
by
Sandrine Marlier
Ages 5+ | 64 Pages
9781953021519
Belle Isle Books
About the book...
One day, Odette the ant wakes up feeling stressed. After realizing that all she does is work, Odette decides to leave her anthill in search of the freedom to create her own world. Along the way, she meets Marcus, a lost mouse, and together they discover simple ways to feel better. Inspired by her journey and this wonderful new friendship, Odette finds her way back home to the colony with a new sense of being.
Odette’s Alphabet is a mindful story that offers a map to handle big emotions with kindness, unity, and courage. Fun and easy activities support each of the chapters, along with letters of the alphabet to provide additional opportunities for learning while encouraging young readers to explore meditation practices.
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Sometimes a Picture Book is not just a Picture Book, and the same can be said about alphabet books too. Surface level, this one looks like a cute story about an ant name Odette, and, from the second half of the title, we deduce that it will include the alphabet, at least according to her. A curious concept, but not as unique as the actual product.
This is in fact not a simple Picture Book or Alphabet Book, but rather a learning tool disguised as both, filled with friendly images of our little ant friend, and her friends, to draw the eye and the attention of little readers. It is in fact a story containing an alphabet journey, but only as it applies to the progression of Odette's story. It is in fact a cute way to make the concepts explored relatable to younger readers. What concepts? Ah, and that is the million dollar question, now isn't it? You see, the story takes us along Odette's journey from stressed to blessed, so to speak, as she finds balance, understanding, and inner peace, while making a few new friends along the way.
Have you guessed it yet? The big reveal is that it introduces little ones to yoga, meditation, and other mind quieting techniques, and invites them to try out some of the things Odette learns along the way. For example, K IS FOR KINDNESS has you breathing for specific counts, and reminiscing on kindness you've been the recipient of, as well as things you might be able to do for others...and the other moments are just as special, just as mindful to not only entertain, but help kiddos build healthy tools to get them through some of the harder things life may bring. A great read as a story in one go, or as a progressive tale shared one letter and activity at a time at the end of a busy day.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sandrine Marlier woke up one day in her New York apartment feeling out of sorts. She realized that no matter how many trips she would take around the world, thanks to her modeling career, only a journey within could bring her peace. Eventually, she trained with world-renowned meditation teacher davidji. That training inspired this book, as she found herself drawing an ant and a sound: A, the beginning of all beginnings. Sandrine is a mother, meditation teacher, transformational coach, and Reiki practitioner. She shares free meditations about healing and empowerment on Instagram (@sandrinemarlier).
You can connect with her through her website, www.sandrinemarlier.com.
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~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~
Enter the giveaway below for the chance to win a paperback copy of Odette’s Alphabet and a $25 Amazon gift card!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A copy of Odette's Alphabet
A $25 Amazon Gift Card
Two (2) winners receive:
A copy of Odette's Alphabet
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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the copy for review. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Sandrine Marlier. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!
TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, April 10, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Thursday, April 13, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Friday, April 14, 2023
A book giveaway of Odette’s Alphabet
Monday, April 17, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Thursday, April 20, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Friday, April 21, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Monday, April 24, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
A book activity paired with Odette’s Alphabet
Thursday, April 27, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Friday, April 28, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Monday, May 1, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
A book review of Odette’s Alphabet
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
