It is indeed difficult to live in a world that is full of standards. Those standards, sad to say, are based on what the majority thinks are appropriate based on how they see themselves. If we are not like them, most probably they think that we don't belong.

In the story, Emma, a young school-aged girl, is just average in physical attributes but she looks very pleasant. She is good and studious but she is left-handed and she stutters when she talks. Those traits of hers make her prone to bullying because some of her classmates feel that she is not normal as they are.

Due to this predicament, Emma feels that she is inferior and doesn't belong which prompts her to write using her right hand instead. She also stops participating in recitations due fear of being teased. Her classmates make her feel that she's abnormal. What makes her situation difficult for her is that some of her relatives, teachers, and friends consider her abnormal and they don't even extend their efforts and patience to help her cope up.

Despite being treated differently, Emma chooses not to fight back. She does her very best to show her classmates that she is not ashamed of who she is. Her strong faith in the God and the belief that those challenges shall pass keep her moving forward. 

When her teacher gives her a chance to be her class' representative for the spelling contest, some of her classmates show that they are not in favor of her. Their teacher defends Emma and encourages her that it's her chance to show everybody that she is a good student and she can succeed.

Emma does her very best. She studies very well as she prepares for the upcoming spelling contest with the support of her parents. She's able to win and she wins the hearts of those who treat her unkindly.

They ask forgiveness from Emma. Instead of getting getting angry and thinking of revenge, Emma forgives her classmates.

Emma has a good heart. This story proves that nobody can put a good person down and our greatest enemy is ourselves. Instead of channeling our energy to think of revenge, focusing on self -improvement together with prayer is one the best ways to conquer our fears and challenges. No matter what other people say about us, the acceptance and love of our family can keep us going against all odds.

Courtesy: im-just-a-girl.tumbler

Reading this book together with my Bunso who was diagnosed with mild autism two years ago made me relate it to his current situation. It is inevitable that not all people are going to understand his special needs. We can't shield him forever from people who don't understand and don't even bother to educate themselves that children with special needs may be different in our normal standards but they are unique in their own right and they see the world in a different perspective. We may be surprised that they see things differently and most of the time, it's amazing. It is only if we go inside their world that we can see how they think. They think better, love more, forgive easily, and show affection without hesitations or judgment and we should learn from them. What makes them different from our normal standards makes them more beautiful. If we only accept them the way we want others to accept us and if we only forgive the way they forgive, this world is going to be a better place.

Courtesy: picturequotes.com

I encourage you, dear parents, to get a copy of this book. It teaches so many values that your kids can imitate and they can pass those values to their children in the future. The book is filled with life's lessons about showing respect, treating others the way we want to be treated, conquering challenges and fears, strong relationship with God through prayer, being self-directed, honing God's given talents, being forgiving, and being beautiful inside out.

Courtesy: jarofquotes.com

Talking about quality, the book is made with high quality printing materials and surely, your kids can keep it, just make sure that it is handled and stored with care, until it's time for them to raise a family when they can read it again with their children.

Emma Kali-kaliwete! Emma U-utal-utal! by Meanne Mabesa Mijares is available in all St. Pauls Philippines branches. Grab a copy now and you'll love it too.

On the 31st of July, Miss Joyce Bautista, Scholastic Philippines' Trade Manager, invited me to Geronimo Stilton Academy Pawbooks Trade Launch on August 22 at Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4, Makati City. I immediately said yes and asked if I could bring Kuya with me. 

When Miss Joyce said yes that I could bring Kuya to the launch, I immediately marked his calendar for him to see. He was in school then. I wanted to witness his reaction after taking a glance. He was surprised. It never failed to give him so much joy and excitement! Having the notion of being one of the first kids to see the newest Geronimo Stilton book series made him jump for joy!

 

Kuya's an avid reader of Geronimo Stilton Series, the fondness which he shares with his cousin, Kate. Whenever we go to any bookstore or book fair, he always asks me if he can check out Geronimo Stilton. He's also thinking of Kate during those times because Geronimo Stilton is always her request as "pasalubong" everytime we go for a visit to the province.

On the day of launch itself, the weather was not in favor of us. It was stormy that prompted us to cancel our attendance two hours before the start of the event. What made us cancel that late was we kept on hoping that the rain would stop. I had no choice but to do it despite of thinking that it was very unprofessional. Our home was far away from the venue, we would commute, and my primary concern was Kuya's safety. I really felt relieved when Miss Joyce sent a text message stating that she sincerely understood.

Kuya was very sad and disappointed. I was so sad too because a promise was broken. As a consolation, I assured him that once the books were out in the nearby National Bookstore, we would get copies for him and Kate. That premise still didn't work to take away his weariness. Imagine, it took him until the next day to accept the reality that we weren't able to make it.

Miss Joyce was very thoughtful. She informed me that she would send us copies of Geronimo Stilton Academy Pawbooks which I didn't tell Kuya right away. I wanted to surprise him again. I wanted to make amends because we were not able to attend the book launch.

When the parcel arrived, Papa and I had a connivance. I told him to let Kuya pick it up and let him open it for me. By the way, we observe privacy at home. We don't open other family member's mail or parcel unless we're authorized to do so.

Kuya was tired from school and he decided to open it in front of us after resting a bit. Then when he did, he was speechless! His eyes literally popped with so much delight! He couldn't contain his happiness. He thanked me but I said he should thank Miss Joyce for thinking of us.

Look what I got in the mail on August 27! I was #kiligtothebones when I received the complete set of the recently launched Geronimo Stilton Academy Pawbooks. The books came with badges and plastic folder pa (Kuya brought it to school due to too much excitement. LOL!) ! Thank you so much, Scholastic Philippines! I missed the book launched but still you sent me copies! Kuya and my niece, Kate, are big fans of Geronimo Stilton and they are going to enjoy answering them!

He hurriedly opened and answered one of the Pawbooks. He's being voracious reader of Geronimo Stilton made him  read and answer the activities with ease. 

Before I go further and tell you more about Kuya's learning experience, let me give you some facts about Geronimo Stilton.

Who is Geronimo Stilton?

According to Wikipedia, in the series, Geronimo Stilton, the title character is a talking mouse who lives in New Mouse City on Mouse Island. He is a best selling author that works as a journalist and editor for the fictional newspaper The Rodent's Gazette.

He has a younger sister named Thea Stilton, a cousin named Trap Stilton, and a favorite little nephew, nine-year-old Benjamin Stilton. Geronimo is a nervous, mild-mannered mouse who likes nothing better than to live a quiet life. But he keeps getting involved in far-away adventures with Thea, Trap, and Benjamin, and sometimes Aunt Sweetfur.

More about Geronimo Stilton and the complete list of books HERE.

What is his philosophy?

I've found some facts that I've adapted about Geronimo Stilton at www.geronimostilton.com that can make you understand his character more. You can read here that Geronimo Stilton teaches children not just to be cognitively smart but to become well-rounded persons with  good hearts as well.

Grabbing and reading a copy of Working Mom Magazine February 2015 issue definitely made me so excited. Many insights were given about nurturing and treasuring love in all forms not just for the love month but everyday as well.  The tips found on this mag could fit different lifestyles and personalities.

Here's the sneak peek on what's in store for moms this month:

On Romantic Love...

- Working Mom planned the perfect date options and matched them with the latest trends in fashion (An Affair to Remember, page 25).

- There are doable tips for us, moms, to keep ourselves in tiptop and desirable shape with energy levels soaring high (9 Easy Energy Boosters, page 30).

- Couples can get a dose of libido-boosting foods and get ready for a romantic night at home (Spice Up Things, page   31).

- Giving chocolates is sweet but using it to make a feast is sweeter (You Can Have Chocolate in Your Salad, page 78).

- Planning a quick getaway with hubby is easy with Working Mom's best options (Romantic Escapades, page 82).

- Bringing sexy back  in our bedroom can turn our hubbies on for some lovin' (Bedroom Bliss, page 87)!

  

- Richard and Lucy Gomez inspires married couples to stay bonded and happily married for years (Love Story, page 40).

On Family Love...

- We can help our kids nurture good relationships among themselves (Strengthen Sibling Love, page 61).

- It takes an effort to build a  strong mom and son relationship (It's A Date!, page 64).

  

-  It is a must to understand securing our family's future (Operation: Invest, page 56).

- We can prepare fun and healthy bento meals for the kids not just on Valentine's Day but everyday (Love at First Bite, page 63).

- Spreading sweetness to our friends and loved ones with homemade cake pops is fun, fun fun (Make it Pop, page 77)!

On Loving God...

Pope Francis teaches us the true meaning of Christian faith (Faith in Action, page 72).

Mommies, get your copy now from your favorite newsstands and bookstores! You'll enjoy and learn so many things from it aside from the ones mentioned above, promise! There's so much in store for us!

 
For more Working Mom Magazine updates, you may go to these websites:

https://www.facebook.com/WorkingMom.Magazine

http://twitter.com/workingmommag

http://instagram.com/workingmommag 

"I wrote the book to support young boys and girls who are perceived as 'different' because of their appearance or hobbies. It is a funny colorful book with a serious message and will interest those who care about promoting diversity and embracing our differences, as well as all children seeking to fit in." 

"In my research, I have found some shocking stories. Recently, a principal told a boy he could not bring his 'My Little Pony' lunchbox to school because it was a 'trigger' for teasing and bullying. The same week a girl was expelled from a Christian school because of her short hair, perceived masculine look and interest in sports."

"I dedicate this debut picture book to ‘the real Raffi’, Rafael McCarroll Swan and his loving and supportive family who are the inspiration for the story."  

 
What makes you truly fulfilled that you wrote this book?

"I have already received terrific early trade reviews and many supportive messages from those who have seen advance copies of the book as well as from those who have ordered. I was recently forwarded this email from a man in Istanbul:  'Today I enjoyed to preorder your beautiful and meaningful children book for my cousin.  Especially here in Turkey we need to learn respect to the one who is different than us.  Thanks for your effort to make the world a better place to live.  Best regards...' A donor has given books to the Archdiocese of New York Catholic schools for all of their libraries."

Can you site some reviews about Made by Raffi?

"Below are some early trade reviews..."
 

"Made by Raffi is highlighted by the major trade magazine The Bookseller : selected by Fiona Noble as a picture book highlight for June –‘ Tackling classic issues of teasing and bullying, this is refreshing look at diversity with a positive message about being 'different' and creative.’ " 


"Rhino Reads – Top Pick  -'looks special, very special indeed!' "

"Rhino Reads – My Independent Bookshop - 'Inclusion at it's very best! Wonderful book to celebrate diversity. LOVE this!'"

"Parents in Touch  - review - ' It's an excellent story, perceptive and thoughtful, about being confident with yourself, about not being swayed by others and doing what you think is right and handling opposition; family love is shown as vital too. It's good to be different!'"



Songwriters Amanda McBroom (composer of the Golden Globe award winning song The Rose) and Michele Brourman (The Land Before Time) read Made By Raffi, loved it, and wrote a song specifically for the book entitled Different. Craig intends to sing the song on publication, at book events, and at any opportunity! 




Made By Raffi is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles. Follow Craig Pomranz on Twitter @MadeByRaffi and visit his website www.CraigPomranz.com for more details.