Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book by Madeleine Matthews is a book to be shared by parents with their children. It is also a book for parents to help them traverse the pitfalls of tempers and tantrums. The book is beautifully illustrated and Madeleine has a good concept in theory. Unfortunately the story is a little to much for younger kids to take in. I read this to my friends little boy, and he loved the pictures but the story got lost in translation and he lost interest half way through. We all know that all young kids want is something short sharp and shiny. An adult reading it is one thing but I think it needs revising to hit it’s intended audience.
Matt’s Swirly World by Madeleine Matthews lept out at me when it showed up on my recommended book feed, as I have a three year old in my life who I am always on the lookout for great picture books for. I thought the title was catchy and the cover was cute- so I grabbed a copy and couldn’t wait to read it to him. When we opened the book, I was impressed with the beautiful and colourful illustrations which just lept off the pages. Jack thought they were great too. He was pointing out the slide, the balloons, butterflies, children, rainbow, dragon, cars, and waves etc- and was really excited about the pictures. But, the story was very wordy and way over his head. I think it would be more suited to 8 to 10 year olds. So, I went back to the blurb to see what I could make of it- and found a rather long and wordy explanation for the book. This book was written as a guide to help parents teach their young ones about mindfulness and self-control- using love and understanding to help guide them through stressful times. While I love the concept behind the book- the execution, for me, missed the mark. As a children’s picture book, “Matt’s Swirly World” really needs to be simplified more so that the younger children can engage and understand. Because a three year old is a ripe candidate for tantrums and/or emotional meltdowns- but this book is way to complicated to really engage him/them properly. An older child would better understand the story. Love the pictures, love the concept- but the ‘story’ left us wanting.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2019-10-06 01:45:552019-10-06 06:09:55Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book by Madeleine Matthews – Review by Angela Hayes
“In this book parents will learn how mindfulness helps kid’s create better coping skills, but also a variety of other useful tools”
While this is illustrated with beautiful illustrations and the message is told in a “child like” tone, I’m not sure who the audience is supposed to be. It seems as if it is geared towards a young babysitter to explain why the youngster in their care is having a meltdown.
Great visualization exercises that I think everyone could learn from.
Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book by Madeleine Matthews
4-Stars
Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book by Madeleine Matthews was a cute children’s book that helps teach a lesson on emotions and mindfulness. I loved the illustrations in this book and the bright colors. My son loved it too and really liked the Dragon. It had a wonderful way of teaching mindfulness to children but would require some help from an adult to help explain it more. Very cute and creative though!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Madison Degraffenreidhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMadison Degraffenreid2019-10-05 19:50:232019-10-05 20:53:03Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book by Madeleine Matthews – Review by Madison Degraffenreid
I loved this book! This is a children’s book that is creative and engaging. I read this story to a couple of smaller children. They were engaged and loved the pictures that go with the story. They could follow the story easily. I would not hesitate to read this book to other children. It is a great tool that will help children understand emotions and having those emotions are okay. It brings the subject down to a child’s perception so they can understand it. I highly recommend this book
Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book By: Madeleine Matthews 5 out of 5 stars
The book Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book by Madeleine Matthews is a wonderful story to read. It is a book that is insightful and entertaining. I loved that the story gives a lesion on emotions and is very easy to read. The illustrations are great. I loved them because they are so colorful. I loved the characters of Matt and his mother. I found that Matt’s mother is insightful and resourceful. You will love reading about Matt and his mother. This book was informational and a joy to read. It is a story I would recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2019-10-05 13:49:292019-10-05 14:13:18Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book By Madeleine Matthews – Review by Laura Furuta
When children are young their emotions come in peaks and valleys. Sometimes they’re super excited, sometimes they’re sad, and sometimes they lose control and express themselves by throwing a temper tantrum.
These outbursts of emotions are common for parents and kids of all walks of life and can be leveraged by parents who want to teach impulse control, improved behavior, and better mindfulness.
That’s why Matt’s swirly world was written to help parents understand the “why” behind a tantrum as well as what’s going on inside their child’s brain when they’re acting out, feeling scared, or reacting to stressful situations.
An adorable journey featuring a mother and her young son, this book is a great reminder about how all emotions are accepted and that proper behaviors can be learned by kids and taught by moms and dads. In fact, your love is the perfect space where emotions can be processed, expressed, and shared together.
In this book parents will learn how mindfulness helps kid’s create better coping skills, but also a variety of other useful tools, including:
How love can be used to process emotions and support positive behaviors
Why feelings of anger and frustration come and go and are non-threatening
How a calm voice and demeanor can soothe a child and minimize meltdowns
Providing children relief from stress, anxiety, or big feelings and emotions
How children often mimic the behaviors of their mothers and fathers
Moving forward and adapting to behavioral changes in the future
This is an opportunity to learn and grow as a parent while teaching your child valuable mindfulness and self-control skills they can use long into adulthood. And it should be the first book you read on tantrums, emotions, and how to inspire positive behaviors each and every day.
When you need help better understanding why your child feels or acts they way they do in times of crisis, or you just want to connect with them on a deeper level, learn more about temper tantrums and emotional control with Matt’s swirly world – Helping Parents Understand Tantrums to Create Mindful Kids.
Aspiring contemporary ballerina, commercial poet, grateful wife and mother. Certified Life Coach, BA Finance, MA Statistics ( don’t judge, I was young ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ), now IT Product Manager. When I was pregnant with my now 3 y/o boy, I was worried of how I can raise my child to cope in a world of bullying, peer pressure, substance abuse, screen time etc. My husband told me that if we want our son to thrive in this world, all we need to do is build his self confidence & firm limits. So that’s how I started reading parenting books, and reached a lot; I read tons of books on the latest research discoveries in interpersonal biology and brain development. I worked with a psychologist that specialize in child development and attachment parenting. I am above all, convinced of the immense potential every child has and their absolute innocence; I know from experience that raising kids can often feel quite differently, and challenging. I am convinced that the way to turn that potential into peaceful family lives and well balanced kids – is both intuition and science (and patience). Being emotionally available as a parent, being present for them and for your self, to keep your own emotional highs & lows in check. Because they are good at triggering us, aren’t they? I write lyrics since aged 8, when I had no money to buy my mother gifts; I really wanted to create joy in her heart, so I started dedicating poems to her. Pack this all together and you get : Matt’s swirly world
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Frront-cover-ema.jpg12001187itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-10-05 00:02:102023-11-28 12:14:07Matt’s Swirly World: Children’s Book by Madeleine Matthews
5 Star The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows
The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows is a sweet fairy tale that I loved reading. I read it to my eighteen month old and he kept saying “round,round” and “again mom-mom” so he enjoyed it as well. Infact he enjoyed it so much I read it three times in a row. This is a perfect book for bedtime and for a wild imagination. Find out what happens next when a fairy gets a wish. This was my first read by this Author and not my last.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2019-09-17 23:09:272019-09-17 23:28:05The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows
5 Stars
I simply adored this book, if I had one negative I would say I wasn’t ready to stop singing so wish it had been even longer.
I’m a full grown adult and thought this was amazing, I plan to read it to my young granddaughter this weekend and I know she will love it and I will probably buy her the hard copy for Christmas.
This author did a fantastic job on this and the illustrations were absolutely amazing.
Pick this up for all the little ones in your life. I promise they will be singing even after the book is done.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2019-09-17 17:22:582019-09-17 17:22:58The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Debi Kircher
The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows is a delightful children’s book- with a cute fairy story for children aged 2 to 8. It has a lyrical and musical quality to it- set to a wonderful sing-song rhythm which children will love. It’s a story of magic and fantasy- with a pretty fairy, an enchanted crown, a hidden wish, and lots of other quirky and whimsical details. The story definitely has a fairy tale feel, which I found quite adorable. And the artwork is quite beautiful. I think it is sure to be a favourite for reading time, or as a bedtime story. A sweet story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2019-09-16 15:36:492019-09-16 16:04:34The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Angela Hayes
The River Fairy’s Wish is a cute little book by Cyrena Shows. I love the illustrations by Anastasia Yatsunenko, they are very colorful and vibrant. The book is described as a lyrical fairy tale which is exactly what it is. While i was reading it to my children, I liked that the story was like a song, that kept adding on line by line, page by page. By the end they were reading/signing along. I can say by children ranging 3-9 all enjoyed it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2019-09-13 23:31:472019-09-14 11:35:45The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
The River Fairy’s Wish ( A Lyrical Fairy Tale) by Cyrena Shows 5 Stars!!!!!
This was such a joy to read. I have to admit I had the song going on in my head as I read it and that inner reading voice was singing the book. The author has such a sweet story here. If my children were younger I would definitely read them this book. It was quite catchy when the author plants the seed about the song association. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone with small children. I am sure it would become one of their bedtime favorites.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caralee Loonathttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaralee Loonat2019-09-13 09:41:292019-09-13 21:18:21The River Fairy’s Wish : A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Caralee Loonat
The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows
5 out of 5 stars
This is such a great fairy story for kids and the illustration was out of this world this author did an awesome job with this story. I read this short fairy story to my grandchildren and they loved it especially my granddaughter with all the purple in the illustration. Now my granddaughter wants to be a fairy for Halloween. LOL…
I highly recommend this short story for young children….
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tracy Mandersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTracy Manderson2019-09-12 20:56:212019-09-12 23:47:12The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Tracy Manderson
This book was simply perfect. Beautiful lyrical quality that satisfied my artist heart while telling a delightful tale that engaged my young children with vivid imagery and detail. Simply beautiful.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2019-09-11 22:03:242019-09-11 22:03:24The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Heather Lovelace
The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows
5-Stars
The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows was a cute short story that would be perfect for kids. There is great detail and color in the various illustrations in this children’s book. I loved that it could be sang or read normally. It is more tailored to girls than boys. It was sweet and fun. The words were precise and easy to read. I found it easy to follow the story. I definitely recommend this book for young girls.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Madison Degraffenreidhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMadison Degraffenreid2019-09-11 18:01:192019-09-11 18:30:56The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Madison Degraffenreid
The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows is a wonderful and beautiful story that will steal any child’s heart. It is a magical lyrical tale that is easily imagined as you gaze upon the beautiful illustrations. It is a story that will be read over and over again. If you wish hard enough it just may come true.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2019-09-11 17:19:062019-09-11 18:29:49The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed. This is a sweet fairy tale that I read in one sitting. This story is whimsical and full of imagination. This would make a great bedtime story for any young child. The artwork will keep them engaged and entertained. It reads like an old folklore song that is kind of catchy and fun. Find out what happens when a fairy gets a wish and what that wish would be. This is a great story with cute characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2019-09-11 09:43:262019-09-11 09:43:26The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Bobbi Wagner
One of the beautiful things about KU is that I get to read the book to the “littles” in my life without having to go to the physical library all the time.
THE RIVER FAIRY’S WISH is one which I will be purchasing hard copies of in the future.
It can be sung as you read which makes it super fun. The illustrations allow a little to pick out something new with each page turn and it reminds me of a Fairy Garden I saw while visiting Ireland.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maura Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaura Harper2019-09-11 08:35:162019-09-11 08:41:09The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows – Review by Maura Harper
If you were a fairy who could make a big wish, what would your wish be?
The River Fairy lives in an enchanting crystal house by the lazy Dream River. What more could she possibly want? With the help of a dazzling magical crown, the fairy’s most desired wish comes true! Can you guess what her wish might be?
The story concludes with the message that delighting in the innocence of childhood is even more amazing than all the magical things we make up. Childhood is an amazing, magical gift. She realizes that the best parts of childhood are to be able to read adventurous tales, play games, and dream beautiful dreams, which is what this fairy wants most.
This lyrical story reveals the River Fairy’s wish through song accompanied by the colorful, whimsical artwork of Anastasia Yatsunenko. Much of the tale follows the tune of the old folk song “Green Grass Grows All Around,” and children will love the singsong quality of the story. The audiobook edition of The River Fairy’s Wish features the singing talents of vocal actor Megan Rutledge. Listen to the provided sample to hear this wonderful story that your child will surely love.
Excerpt:
“And in that house
There was a fairy
The prettiest river fairy
That you rarely did see.
And the fairy in the house
And the house made of crystals
In a sleepy fairy town,
And the Dream River
flowed all around,
all around,
The Dream River
flowed all around.”
Young children will delight in both the auditory and visual beauty of this magical fairy tale. If you are looking for a bedtime story, birthday gift, Christmas gift, or preschool or kindergarten graduation present for your favorite 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 year old kid, this is the perfect book! Fulfill your child’s wish for an enchanting story intertwined with art and music with this beautiful and fun book that will inspire her or him to dream BIG while appreciating the gift of childhood.
Cyrena Shows is an emerging children’s book author who also writes novels, short stories, poetry, and plays. She is a member of the Mississippi Writers Guild and Mississippi Professional Educators. She teaches high school, so her children’s books tend to teach a lesson. She also homeschools her two daughters, and they read lots of children’s books together. She believes that good readers make good learners.
Cyrena graduated from Mississippi State University with a BS in Secondary Education and an MA in English. She studied creative writing while there, though she can remember writing and illustrating her own book as early as six years old!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cover-image.jpg12001183itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-09-11 00:01:062020-04-12 15:13:07The River Fairy’s Wish: A Lyrical Fairy Tale by Cyrena Shows
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