The Essentials

“The Tail Fairy” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Four of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story, the Child is invited on a humorous journey to experience an entirely fresh and new approach to the traditional fairy tale. The animal kingdom is pivotal in demonstrating diverse layers of support to aid in child development.

“THE STILL BEE” was born as a poem and remains so in this newly minted Book Nine of Kelly Anne Manuel’s Essentials Series. In this story, the Child is invited on a journey with the narrator to study bees with a different lens. It a is fun and light-hearted story of a narrator who is curious about what goes on in the mind of a bee. “The Still Bee” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will learn that they can actively engage with literature that is also entertaining.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to a magical place. The narrator welcomes the child on a voyage that is complete with the theme of inclusion throughout. It is a place where peace and harmony reign supreme. “The Inclusive All” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they can actively engage with literature that is also entertaining. This is story for all times of day because it is characterized by the freedom of joy and happiness.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where blocks are the destination. Block play is such an incredible opportunity for children to learn on so many levels that the author felt a book dedicated just to them was important. “The Blocks Building” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to explore why blocks are so engaging and perfect for the world of pretend. Block play is about freedom of thought, choice, and unknown outcomes.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into space when the narrator is unable to sleep during the night. An interesting character known as the Tinker Sleep is introduced towards the end of the book and has been created to personify slumber. "The Tinker Sleep" offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that if their sleep is interrupted, just writing it down on paper can be helpful. They can use a journal, diary, notebook or pad as a temporary tool to find their way back to sleep.

In this story the child is invited on a penny day outing. A penny day outing is all about how many fabulous and fun items can be purchased for one-hundred pennies. The child will engage naturally as the narrator shares ideas of how many choices there are for the cost of one-hundred pennies. "The Penny Day Outing” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to collect and count coins. This is a opportunity for teaching through entertainment on numerous levels.

In this story the child is invited to experience their mornings in a unique and beautiful way. The optimism that the story presents is practical as well as heart-warming. "The Morning Good" offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that every morning is a fresh new day, with unlimited adventures to embrace. It has a rhythm which encourages the child to look upon each morning as special.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where the narrator must find courage to take on a new challenge. The Animal Kingdom characters of Bravery and Bolder are called in to assist and model strength for the child. "The Away Cast” plays on the meanings of the word "cast." It is used as term for the cast of a play and also as a to examine the idea of the fear related to being "cast out." The story unfolds with the narrator auditioning for a play even though it creates some anxiety and discomfort.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to meet a mythical creature named the Need Gnome. The child will engage immediately with the narrator who introduces this unique and mysterious main character. “THE NEED GNOME” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that this character represents a safe space where stating needs is not only accepted but encouraged. This is a story for all times of the day because its theme is a supportive one.

. In this story the child is invited on a pet walking journey. This journey is full of surprises as the outing unfolds with the pet choosing the path. The narrator realizes that this is a fun and welcome way to spend time outside with the pet. “THE WAY TEDDY” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that spontaneous decisions can lead to fun adventures. The pet has its own ideas which allow for both freedom and adventure. Choices are a main theme that the author embraces in this light-hearted story.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to the Arctic where the Animal Kingdom there enhances the adventure. The child will naturally engage with the immediate introduction to the main character, Teddy. “The Bear Teddy” offers a standing invitation to the Child. The Child will observe that there is inspiration to be found in the natural world around them and in far-off distant lands.

In this story the child is invited to experience their sleep-time ritual with the comfort of Nature nearby. It is a remarkable combination of relaxation yet imagination igniting prose. “The World Small” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that no matter where they are on the planet, Nature has common elements. She is always available for discovery and wonder. In the story Nature is personified as a unifying presence to our planet.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into the galaxy where wonders never cease. This is a galaxy where love, acceptance, and unconditional support reign supreme. “THE FAMILY STAR” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they are always in good company as Stars are personified in a unique and brilliant way. It is a fascinating opportunity to look upon a galaxy of stars in their seemingly infinite number and feel comforted by their resilience and tenacity.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where self empowerment is modeled through an interaction between the narrator and a fictionalized character known as the Catcher Dream. This is a story where the narrator models strength and courage once an uncomfortable matter is identified through self-assessment. "The Catcher Dream” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they are individuals in charge of safeguarding their physical and emotional space.

In this story the child is invited on a journey where packing an imaginary suit case brings new meaning and adventure. It is a game for the child to engage in with “Pretend” as a character who is always available to join them. “The Case Suit” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to investigate what the narrator chooses to pack and travel with to any destination imagination can create. The destination is open-ended so the child will participate with curiosity and play.