Ways to Help Kids Cope with Life Problems Through Reading

This post was written by Stacie Grissom, Reading Kingdom Blog Ways to Help Kids Cope with Life Problems Through Reading January 25, 2012 As adults, people always reminisce about childhood and think about how easy life was 20, 30, 40 years ago. There were no responsibilities, no stresses, no problems. But being a kid is never easy– especially a kid who is different and sticks out from the kid crowd. I’ve worn glasses since I was six and while I was never picked on, (that I remember) I do remember when my mom tried to make me feel comfortable wearing them around other kids. One my first day at kindergarten with my new pink wire-frames, not only did my mom buy tiny little doll glasses for my favorite doll, she also asked my teacher if I could do a special show-and-tell session to explain my new specs. Maybe it was because I am her oldest child or maybe she worries too much, but either way, there are many ways that parents try to help their kids cope with change. A great way to help kids deal with changes like glasses is through books. At my day job, I write for Reading Glasses Shopper where I’ve compiled a list of kids’ books about glasses, so I’m always on the lookout for a new book. There are books to help kids cope with divorce. Books on how to help kids cope with a new sibling. Books on how to cope with death, the responsibility of a new pet, friendship troubles, and life. One book that I read recently, Patch Land Adventures, helps kids with Amblyopia, or “lazy eye”. Patch Land Adventures is written by Carmen Swick, the mother of Preston who was diagnosed with Amblyopia. Just like my mom tried to help me deal with wearing glasses by requesting a show-and-tell session in school, Carmen helps her son with Amblyopia by writing a book. The coolest thing about living in the Internet age is that the power of the media does not rest entirely with companies like Conde Nast or Random House. Bloggers and self-published authors have a voice in the fragmented media world. If you have a passion for something, you can be heard. Patch Land Adventures is about Preston’s time wearing an eye patch to help correct his Amblyopia. The book shows that children can carry on with their normal activities and social interactions even if they are a little different–because everyone is different. Carmen shows that patching is not only easy, it can also be a source of imagination inspiration. Preston’s dreamscapes of Patch Land are fun and quirky, where everyone wears a patch and plays to their heart’s content. I admire any parent’s effort to make their child more confident and well-rounded, and I really admire Carmen’s passion for creating awareness of Amblyopia. Books and reading really can make a difference in a child’s life by making them aware that other people have the same struggles and that there is always someone who shares their experience. Stacie Grissom Stacie Grissom is a writer about all things glasses for Reading Glasses Shopper where she talks about everything from bifocals to sun readers. She is also working on a list of kids' books about glasses, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to comment! Stacie recently received her Bachelor’s degree in English Writing from DePauw University in Indiana. In her spare time, she loves to read, sew, and forage through thrift stores.

HAPPY NEW YEARS! 2012!

Happy New Years! Wishing you the best in 2012! May you find great adventures! http://www.patchlandadventures.com

Comments from a few people about Patch Land Adventues!

I would like to share with you a comment from one of the mom's that bought a copy of my book. It really touched my heart when reading it. Amanda Sayre Received Cameron's book the other day, was going to give it to him for Christmas but I couldn't wait. I wanted to tell you thank you from the bottom of my heart for using ur amazing gift in such a way to reach children with Amblyopia. Cameron has a hard time understanding (at four) the reasoning for his eye patch. He thinks he is the only boy in the whole world to have to wear one (his words) his reaction to your book, warmed my heart because I could instantly tell he realized he really isn't the only boy to wear one, thank you deeply for making my little boy smile and giving him the gift of understanding! Happy Holidays to you and your family from Cameron and mine! Carol wrote: "Carmen: Just received my books in the mail. It is truly a heart warming story. Can't wait to give them to all the children! Joey Manfre is an amazing illustrator. When is your next book coming out. Hi to all the family. Luv & Hugs, Aunt Carol" Rick Espino Carmen, you have done a fabulous job on your new book, Fishing with Grandpa! You have created a outstanding tool for adults and children to learn about vision related problems! Thanks again and I look forward to your next book!

12 workdays of Christmas for Books

Deb Jones Parker: Check out Day 3 of the 12 workdays of Christmas for Books. Today is all about the kiddos with local author Carmen Swick, and her book Patch Land Adventures Book One Fishing with Grandpa. Little Preston and his dog Beau both wear eye patches due to an eye disease, but they persevere and continue to enjoy what they love to do...like fishing. In Patch Land they do all sorts of things and enjoy many adventures. This is a feel good book that also helps to teach tolerance for those who may be facing challenges that we may not understand, but we can if we just take the time to try. Thanks Carmen! http://patchlandadventures.com/

Fishing with grandpa (Book, 2009) [WorldCat.org]

Fishing with grandpa (Book, 2009) [WorldCat.org]

This is other ways of getting copies of my book if you do not go direct to my website. www.patchlandadventures.com

Preston starts 5th Grade.

My son Preston starts another chapter in his life today, The 5th grade! He also was chosen to be one of the Ambassadors and tour guide at the 1st ever Welcome "New Families" Ice Cream social! He thought that was pretty cool! Wishing you the best in the 5th grade year! You go little man! xoxox

Front cover of my 1st book!

I am very excited to say that my 1st Children's book Patchland Adventures "Fishing with Grandpa" Is out in print now! You can go to my website to order your book, If you would like a signed copy I will do that for you. www.patchlandadventures.com
You also can go to amazon.com and barnes&noble.com. But I can only sign your book, If you go directly to my site. Also my book now is @ all 3 locations of the Tattered Cover book store. Also in Maria's book shop in Durango, and in Douglas County libraries, & Arapahoe Library (Smokeyhill Locattion. Bookies also carries my book too! I am so grateful and humbled!