Multicultural Children's Book Day with What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor? and Bowls of Happiness

**Disclosure: I did receive complimentary copies of these books in order to bring you this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Multicultural Children's Book Day is coming up on January 27 and I have two new reads about Chinese culture to check out for your little ones. Last year, we reviewed In the Forbidden City and were very impressed with the quality of the volume. So I was pretty excited to check out two new books in the series, What Was It Like, Mr. Emperor? and Bowls of Happiness. I am happy to unveil these new treasures to you---and I have a surprise at the end!

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Into the Night: A Magical Children's Book by Local Author Carrie Steinweg

**Disclosure: I did receive an electronic copy of Into the Night for the purpose of this review. No compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own.

I have been very fortunate throughout my years as a blogger and social media connector to meet many truly talented people. I have been following Carrie Steinweg's blog Chicago Foodie Sisters for quite some time. I have always enjoyed her culinary adventures and the enthusiasm with which she exposes local restaurants. Carrie is certainly multitalented and is a published author. Awhile back, I reviewed Old 104 Rides Again which is lovingly written children's book using Old 104's unexpectedly valiant ride to teach lessons about fire safety, the important work of firemen and how we all can contribute to safety. The book was truly charming and I am so happy that Carrie has written a new children's book called Into the Night!

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Addie B. Strong - I Am So Strong: An Empowering Children's Book

We cannot protect our children from everything. However, we can provide them with the tools to make sound decisions. As my daughter rapidly approaches the preteen years, I am a little nervous about what those years hold in terms of her self confidence. I navigated those years pretty easily without too much worry about what others thought about me. Of course, I did give in to preteen and teen impetuous shopping trips. But, over all--those were great years. However, my daughter is not me and I hope that I have given her the tools she needs to soar during those years.

I think that we can really lay down the foundation for our daughters to enjoy their uniqueness as well as that of others at a young age. Recently, I learned about Addie B. Strong, a new children's series started by another concerned mother, Alyson Flippo. Frankly, I have seen even the youngest children at my daughter's elementary school face criticism and peer pressure. It is crucial for children at any age to realize that they each are strong in their uniqueness. Addie B. Strong - I Am So Strong speaks to these young children and inspires them in words that they understand.

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Old 104 Rides Again - a Great Children's Book for Fire Safety Month (Review)

In October, our kids will be stopping, dropping, and rolling for Fire Safety Month. I am lucky to have the opportunity to introduce to you Old 104 Rides Again by Carrie Steinweg - a perfect book for Fire Safety Month.

Old 104 is a veteran fire truck. After years of valiant service, Old 104 has been replaced by faster, fancier firetrucks. However, he still serves a purpose--coming out for special occasions and teaching kids during Fire Safety Month. On one of Old 104's outings, he is called into service once more and rushes firemen to a nearby fire.

Old 104 Rides Again is a great children's book for Fire Safety Month. I think through how seriously Old 104 takes his duties, children can see how important it is to learn about fire safety and prevention. Additionally, the way the firemen and firetrucks come together to save those in need shows the bravery and comradery amongst the men and women that are on the front lines keeping us safe. Furthermore, the message about an outdated firetruck still serving purpose--whether it be for marching in a parade, helping teach children, or saving the day--teaches children about the importance that we all have---young or old, big or small.

The colorful illustrations by Javier Durate really help the story jump from the page. The story is well-paced for reading to children. Old 104 Rides Again is truly adorable and a great read for kids!

Carrie Steinweg will be doing a reading of her book at the Lansing Public Library in Lansing, IL on October 4 at 6:30PM. You can register for the event at this link.

Carrie Steinweg is also the author of Images of America: Lansing, Illinois, Images of America: South Holland, Illinois,  and Mom Moments: A Compilation of Columns from the Northwest Indiana Times. She is a columnist for the Northwest Indiana Times and is an author for several blogs including one of my favorites, Chicago Foodie Sisters.

If you are interested in purchasing Old 104 Rides Again, it is available online at Barnes&Noble and Amazon.

**Disclosure: I received a copy of Old 104 Rides Again in order to make an accurate review. I did not receive any compensation. All opinions are 100% my own.

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