Schoolhouse Review: S is for Smiling Sunrise #hsreviews

Some of my all-time favorite memories are the ones spent cuddled with my children looking through the pages of books together -- smiling at beautiful pictures, sounding out letters and words, pointing to interesting things that would encourage and inspire for years to come.  Like all children, mine had favorite books.  We have spent countless hours reading and re-reading certain books and now that my children are practically grown, they still recall the pages of their favorites.  Books become old friends that escort us throughout life.  (True story:  I actually have MOST of the books from my own childhood on bookshelves in my garage.)  There are books I like and books I love.  My kids speak fondly of chunky little hardboard books from preschool years and thin-paged leather-bound books from current days.  We like books and we like to read and I firmly believe that that can be traced all the way back to times we cuddled together with books long before my children even understood how to communicate effectively.  I know that a love of learning comes from quality time spent together living and that early introductions to the beauty in the world promote a lifetime quest for knowledge.


The Crew recently had the opportunity to review a beautifully illustrated picture book that lovingly introduces children to the alphabet while seeking to share positive values and ideas.  S is for Smiling Sunrise is a 30-page hardback book by first-time author Vick Wadhwa that offers a new take on the typical ABC book.  Published by WordsBright, an independent publisher dedicated to learning and committed to nurture and inspire children while "giving back" to those less fortunate, S is for Smiling Sunrise can be used in a variety of ways.

Children learn the letters of the alphabet while looking through photos and illustrations of beauty, goodness, and wonder.  Now, I don't know about you, but I am thrilled that there are positive books that show the world as beautiful and good while pointing out the wonder that surrounds us all. Special words are chosen for each letter of the alphabet that allow children to dream, and think, and act.  Words like "artwork" for A (what a great way to encourage creativity), "park" for P (Isn't it refreshing that children are reminded to PLAY?), and "moon" for M (sparking an early love for science) enhance learning and engage children on an entirely different level than many books published today.

Written in poetic style that sings to children,  S is for Smiling Sunrise will resonate with those you love.  You can take an inside look at this labor of love from a daddy to his daughter on the website, print out a beautifully illustrated Words Poster to look at and discuss, check out the Teaching Tips to be used with both Preschoolers and Elementary students, and even download the free MP3 so that you and your children can sing along together.  Each of these resources offer additional learning opportunities for your family -- and give you suggestions for spending quality time together.

Make sure to peruse the website for more of the story behind the book and check out author Vick Wadhwa's Facebook page for a peek inside the heart of the man.  I'm super impressed with a dad who is willing to share his love in such a tangible way.  This scientist-turned-author has opened his home to us through rhymes written for his own child.  We should all be so brave.

I was given the opportunity to review S is for Smiling Sunrise as a member of the Schoolhouse ReviewCrew.   You can check out the Crew Review and see what other members of the Schoolhouse ReviewCrew thought of this and other products as well (or just click on the banner below.)

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