Tag Archives: health

March 2, 2026 · 7:00 am

Courageous Kids Chronicles Book II Tales of Little Warriors by Gary R. Brown (Book Review)

These stories illustrate children’s remarkable resilience, care, and understanding in the face of challenges. Their ability to adjust and maintain a positive outlook, even in dire health situations, is truly inspiring. It all begins with knowledge and experience; through professional assistance, many of these conditions can be effectively addressed as a family. This book seeks to uplift and provide hope for families and caregivers navigating similar health concerns.

I would like to point out that these stories do not propose corrective measures for the conditions and diseases described here. Like all books in this series, they highlight everyday and unique situations children encounter daily. Some are visible in our public lives, while others remain private and often unspoken. By sharing these glimpses into a child’s life, I hope readers recognize that everyone has experiences filled with wonder and resilience. Understanding this and witnessing their grace will humble us all.

This perspective reminds me that I am not a qualified professional and do not dictate how these matters should be approached. Instead, families and trusted caregivers must work closely with their medical and psychological professionals for the best outcomes. Even children navigating tough times do so in their remarkable ways.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Courageous Kids Chronicles Book II: Tales of Little Warriors is a heartwarming and informative illustrated chapter book that focuses on three diseases: PKU (Phenylalanine [PHE]), Celiac Disease, and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Each section follows the journey of a single child who finds the courage to share their medical condition with their class. Their bravery is inspiring and might prompt your child to embrace what makes them special and share it with others, as well. 

In chapter one, readers meet Jack, who has a condition that many people may not be familiar with. He has PKU, a condition that makes it difficult for his body to process a specific part of the foods he consumes. Like Lucy with Celiac Disease, they must watch what food they consume. Their special diets might be confusing to some, and, as Jack experienced, it might cause others to stare. Jack’s growing unease with the puzzled looks are 100% relatable to many kids in the real world. Jack just wanted to fit in, something else kids can relate to. 

Knowledge is power, and the kids opening up about their afflictions served several purposes. It taught kids about diseases they might not be familiar with. It opened minds to try new things, like gluten-free cupcakes in support of Lucy and slow-mo freeze tag (in respect to Ameara’s Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis). It taught kids to embrace their own special qualities and those of others. Lovely message of acceptance and inclusion! Great illustration of Ameara’s classmates supporting her and taking part in the daily stretches

Lucy’s story didn’t flow as smoothly as Jack and Ameara’s. The sequence of events and illustrations seemed out of sync. The artist was excellent, though. The book’s messages are ones I hope every child takes to heart, and I hope the three fictional kids’ bravery encourages real children to share their “story” with their classmates. 

Bonus material included in end pages: PKU (Phenylalanine [PHE]), Celiac Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis affirmations. Plus, a reflection page and educational resource links. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤️❤️❤️1/2
(Rounded to 4 on Amazon and Goodreads)️

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Meet the Author

Gary R. Brown is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and federal civil servant whose remarkable journey from the neighborhoods of Trenton, New Jersey, to destinations across the globe has profoundly shaped his perspective on life, leadership, and faith. After dedicating over 24 years to the Navy, followed by a 15-year career in civilian government, Gary embraced writing as a personal outlet and a powerful means to inspire others.

He has created a diverse array of activities and storybooks for children and adults, including coloring books, poetry collections, faith-based devotionals, and word games, all designed to promote creativity, well-being, and connections across generations. And recently, short novels have been of great interest to me. I am just having fun!

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Website
Alignable.com

 

 

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July 1, 2025 · 7:00 am

Good Job, Arya! by Miranda Miller and P.J. (Book Review)

BOOM! The doors swing open—and here comes Arya Bear.

She’s not here to do tricks.

She’s not here to talk.

She’s here to help—just by being exactly who she is.

With her pink bow, wild hair, and a tail that wags 100 miles per hour, Arya brings joy, calm, and just the right kind of chaos to the people who need it most.

Inspired by real-life visits, Arya Bear Adventures: Good Job, Arya! follows a registered therapy dog as she comforts kids and families during her hospital work. This gentle, heartwarming story helps young readers understand the powerful role therapy dogs play—just by showing up and being themselves.

Written by Yup’ik author Miranda Miller and her 4-year-old co-author, P.J., this book brings real moments to life through the eyes of a young child and his best furry friend. Perfect for ages 3–5, dog lovers, classrooms, and anyone who’s ever felt better just because a dog was there.


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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

What is a therapy dog, and how does it differ from a service dog? Service dogs are trained to help one person with specific tasks, like guiding a blind person or alerting someone with diabetes when their blood sugar is high or low. On the other hand, therapy dogs help many people by providing comfort and companionship. These canine caretakers visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to help people feel calm, happy, and safe. Arya is an energetic therapy pooch who loves their job. Her tail moves at lightning speed, eager to help those in need. With a shake of her head, the pink ribbon falls, their hair poofs up, and many patients’ low spirits are instantly lifted. And if Arya’s wild fur and pink leg warmers don’t cause you to smile, wait until she presents her belly and rolls back and forth. No one can resist the silly dog. Or can they? Has Arya finally met someone whose mood can’t be lifted?

Arya notices a boy sitting all by themselves outside a hospital room. No tears. No smile. The therapy dog calmly approaches the quiet child and waits to see how the boy responds to them. Therapy animals enjoy making people feel better, so I imagine other canines would be just as confused as Arya when their presence and tricks appear to have no effect on the darling child. However, Arya’s patience and dedication are unwavering. Her efforts were celebrated with smiles, laughter, and hugs, proving that patience is oftentimes the key to success and inspiring us all with her resilience.

Arya’s visits play a vital role in a patient’s recovery. Arya and other therapy dogs’ visits can help lower stress, anxiety, and blood pressure while raising spirits. They, like doctors and nurses, are medical superheroes!

Good Job, Arya! is a cute, heartwarming story demonstrating service dogs’ remarkable impact on a patient’s emotional and physical health and even their visitors’ state of mind. This story is perfect for dog owners or canine fans, medical waiting rooms, or anyone who needs a reason to smile today.

My recommended reading age is 2-7 years.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Authors

Miranda Miller and Arya.

Miranda Miranda is an Indigenous Alaskan (Yup’ik) author, entrepreneur, and mother who writes with heart, purpose, and deep cultural pride. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, she blends the warmth of her Yup’ik roots with the joy and wonder of storytelling, inspired by her own life, her son’s imagination, and her beloved therapy dog, Arya Bear.

Miranda’s stories aren’t just tales—they’re lived experiences. Her debut children’s book series, Arya Bear Adventures, celebrates emotional wellness, connection, and kindness—infused with real-life hospital visits, community heroes, and the healing magic of animals. Each character is thoughtfully based on someone from her real world, from nurses to her own family.

A passionate advocate for authenticity and Indigenous representation in children’s literature, Miranda is building a storytelling legacy that reflects the love, resilience, and imagination at the heart of her family and culture.

 

 

 

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February 27, 2025 · 7:00 am

Where is Love? by Annie Caboose (Book Review)

While walking in the garden one day, Annie, a curious little ant from Hillsville, meets a single poppy flower called Love. They become instant friends, sharing stories, laughing and talking for hours on end. Then one autumn day Annie goes to visit Love, but Love is not there. Remembering the rhyme that Love told her, she sets off on an adventure to find Love.

Love is with you every day.
Love is never far away.
Go search, go find and then you’ll see
All the places Love can be.

But don’t forget to look within
For often, that’s where Love begins.

May Annie’s story inspire anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved being, to look and perhaps still find them within their lives and within themselves.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

We witness death on TV shows and movies, but you’re never really prepared for the emotions accompanying it until you’re in the thick of it. Everyone handles the loss of a friend or loved one differently, kids especially. Where is Love? is a touching book reminding us that the ones we miss are never truly gone; they will always remain in our hearts and memories. A lovely message that can bring a great deal of comfort.

Annie is just one of many ants that call Hillsville, a mound of dirt behind Fanny’s Flower Farm, home. James Dakay, the illustrator, did a lovely job creating the underground world. The ants wore human attire as they engaged in activities we’ve all seen or done, such as groups of ants playing basketball and hopscotch while another hung wet clothes up on a clothesline. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed, with each ant having its own unique features and expressions. Though the Queen ant looks lovely in her royal cape and crown, Annie was quite the fashionista in her bright yellow straw cap and matching shirt.

Annie didn’t spend all her days or nights inside the mound; on weekends, she went aboveground to explore and enjoy the summer breeze. During one excursion, Annie met a poppy named Love. Love was a beautiful orange-petaled flower with soft features nestled in the flower’s seed pod. Love and Annie became quick friends. They laughed together, played games, and told tall tales. Love shared a sweet little rhyme with her new friend:

Love is with you every day.

Love is never far away.

Go search, go find and then you’ll see

All the places Love can be.

 

Each time Annie went to meet up with her fragrant friend, she noticed Poppy was losing her beautiful orange petals. It was heartbreaking to watch her wither away. Sadly, young kids and adults will face a similar situation with a friend, family member, or beloved pet. It’s an emotional time, especially when their physical body is no longer here. Annie realized the significance of Poppy’s rhyme. It’s a comforting reminder that our loved ones will remain in our hearts and live on through our memories, and that love is always present, even when we can’t see it.

I recommend reading Annie Caboose’s moving story with your child, especially if they have lost someone recently or are facing circumstances that mirror Annie’s situation: watching someone slowly fade away. Where is Love? is technically a picture book aimed at young viewers, but Love’s sweet rhyme and the story’s overall theme can also resonate with adults.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

Annie, a.k.a. the Caboose, is the youngest of nine children. Her loving mother read her lots of children’s stories, including some she wrote herself. Inspired by her mom, Annie wrote her first book, Where is Love? She resides on a lake in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, fascinated by the many birds that live there too.

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July 17, 2024 · 7:00 am

A Migraine in the Light by Tony Peluso (Book Spotlight)

Tony Peluso began having migraines as a child but developed headaches every day in the year 2000, which have persisted to the present day. Living a life in and out of hospitals since he was a teenager. It is a life so surreal it is hard to imagine, and words are the only thing that can illuminate the invisible curse of chronic migraines, a disease for which the only diagnostic tool for any doctor will only ever be the patient’s voice. His disability covers the first quarter of the 21st century, and with it a unique Odyssey of failures, challenges, and changes in healthcare. It is a book that took him 14 years to write and is a path that has led him to a philosophy he calls The White Tower.

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Meet the Author

I’m 39 and I’ve been disabled with chronic migraines for 24 years. My disability started at 15 when the pain became daily. After a decade of daily headaches, I began writing and it took 14 years to finish. The disease is invisible and complex, and the only diagnostic tool is a patient’s voice.

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January 29, 2024 · 7:00 am

Whiskers of Hope: Paws, Possibilities, & DISH by Cyndi Whatif (Book Review)

From Back Cover:

We like to believe we can control our lives, but sometimes things just get put in our path. Things we didn’t even know we really needed—like a little abandoned kitten. This Christmas kitty’s story is a journey into fate causing our lives to converge.

This crossroad caused the transformation of a feeble creature’s health and the author’s mental toughness to share her discovery with the world. It is a true story of events which I have used to introduce my readers to this mystery body system (DISH) which I believe we all have. I believe the effectiveness of DISH (Defensive Individual Shield Hypothesis) determines whether a person has the opportunity to be well.

Read this short memoir and see how my understanding of DISH was able to change the outcome of this kitten. May this memoir raise questions in you about the profound impact DISH could possibly have on the well-being of us all.

 

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Animals have a special place in many of our hearts. Adults often refer to them as their children, while kids label them as siblings. How, why, and when our paths cross are fond memories we reflect on often. At the beginning of this chapter book, we are introduced to a young kitten that has been discarded. Due to the kitten’s severe injuries, the vet suspects the under-a-pound kitty was thrown from a vehicle. It broke my heart to see how they tossed her away as if she was meaningless. The rescue cat, Moxie, has lived a hard life and now facing a long road to recovery.

The family in the story always took in animals, but finally, the dad put his foot down and said they didn’t need another pet. The mom is all set to honor her husband’s wishes and give the poor injured feline to a neighbor, but fate (once again) intervenes. Daisy, the neighbor and possible new owner, was not home; therefore, the cat must remain with the family who found it. As you might guess, attachments grew, and the temporary home became the kitty’s permanent dwelling.  

While reading the paragraphs centering on cleaning the stray and listening to the vet’s remarks about the kitten’s health, I kept petting my own two furballs. I was thankful my cats came into my life, and I know Moxie (the abandoned kitty) will grow grateful for her new family. First, though, the kitty had to beat the odds. 

Signs of infection are expected to be treated with antibiotics. The author thought it was vital to introduce supplements into the female kitten’s body, too, since antibiotics are known to destroy and kill good bacteria in the gut. This method of healing is called DISH (Defensive Individual Shield Method). The introduction stated that the DISH is a straightforward concept, but implementing it can be tricky due to the many factors involved. This book is intended as a quick example of how the process could look and why it works.

DISH, AFTER ( Altering Fields to Enable Recovery), and Exit Ramps all have their purpose in helping this kitten beat the odds. All three are discussed in detail in the story. It’s about keeping the “Good Guys” and “Bad Guys” separated so the “Good Guys” can avoid the “Bad Guys” and exit the lymphatic system. Plus, this method targeted chronic inflammation and replenished vital nutrients. Read the story for more detailed information! 

Maybe fate was in full effect the day Moxie was found stranded, cold, and on the brink of death. Some might call this encounter a miracle since it happened a few days before Christmas. Others might agree that her recovery was a miracle as well. I believe fate stepped in and gave Moxie what they needed: a home. 

If you have a soft spot for animals, I encourage you to read this heartwarming story about a little kitten rescued and found their furever home. It’s an emotional read but a fantastic one as well. 

Like with us, recovering from injuries or infections does take time. Some individuals chose to rely on prescription meds. Others go the route of the homeopathic way. Meanwhile, others see the benefit of both. I am in the last category. I think it’s worth mentioning the author’s medical disclaimer: This book should never be a substitute for professional medical advice from healthcare professionals. It is my personal experience.  

I agree with the writer, always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatments!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

Cyndi is a relentless seeker of knowledge. She has spent five years working on her hypothesis of a newly revealed body system and five more years testing it. She goes by the penname of Whatif because of the many questions she still has and the many possibilities this system may potentially impact.

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