Tasneem Halloum, a seventh-grade science teacher at Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA), has authored a children’s book titled “A Kids Book About Courage.” The book, available now, is the latest in the acclaimed book series “A Kids Book About,” which explains complex topics — racism, empathy, equality, anxiety and more — for children ages 5 and up. Halloum joins other authors in the series, including tennis great Billie Jean King, actor LeVar Burton and former NFL coach Daron K. Roberts.
“Over the years, I’ve taught children with varied backgrounds and abilities, and I’ve seen the life challenges they face,” Halloum said. “Many students who have made the switch to AZVA include those in military families that make frequent moves, those who have health issues that don’t allow for in-class attendance, and those who are refugees. Sadly, some transfer to AZVA because they’ve been bullied. The courage AZVA students and all the students I have worked with over the years express daily is what inspired this book.”
“A Kids Book About Courage” describes courage and its different forms and shares how all children have courage within themselves. While courage can be internal or external, big or small, children can learn to recognize it and be proud of it.
Halloum’s book is part of a children’s book series that explains the big issues young people face and how they can deal with them. The book is meant to be read by children with their parents and to foster conversations about important topics.
“We fully support our teachers like Tasneem by encouraging them to pursue their passions — in this case, writing a book — and share them with others to foster confidence and growth,” said AZVA Executive Director Charles Woods Jr.
Halloum has been with AZVA for seven years and has taught abroad and in brick-and-mortar schools. More information on her book can be found here. It is available on Amazon.
About the Author
Tasneem Halloum is a devoted mother and dedicated educator who has a passion for inspiring young minds. In working with children from all over the world, Tasneem continues her mission to educate and empower the leaders of tomorrow and guide them to embrace the limitless opportunities of the future.
About Arizona Virtual Academy
Based in Phoenix, Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA) is a full-time, online K-12 public school. It is one of the largest virtual schools in the nation, with more than 5,000 students. AZVA is the only state-approved, online virtual school with a CRE/CTE program that trains students in career pathways ranging from cybersecurity and veterinary medicine to drone technology and engineering. Some students who graduate from the school can obtain high-paying jobs with $50,000 salaries. The school’s curriculum is developed by K12, Inc., an education leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering online education to students nationwide.
Babies Bond by Phoebe Fox, Illustrations by Jim Fox, Contributions by Rachel Luman
By the creators of the award-winning picture book, Babies Nurse, Babies Bond highlights the magical relationship between mammal mothers and their offspring. Graceful watercolor illustrations accompany tender haiku poems, followed by four pages of informative animal fun facts. This picture book, for children ages 2 to ten years, is a wonderful science learning tool and a gentle introduction to haiku poetry.
Written by a former Gilbert Public Schools teacher, these beautifully illustrated children’s books celebrate and inspire conversations about caretaking in the natural world.
Babies Bond highlights the magical relationship between mammal mothers and their offspring. Graceful watercolor illustrations accompany tender haiku poems, followed by four pages of informative animal fun facts. This picture book, for children ages 2 to ten years, is a wonderful learning tool and a gentle introduction to haiku poetry.
Author : Phoebe Fox
Can contact through website.
Babies — whether pandas, puppies, or people — nurse. This bond is precious; this process, a natural art. Luminous illustrations and lyrical text will inspire conversations about caretaking in the natural world.
Author : Phoebe Fox
Can contact through the website
On a rainy, rainy day, Mrs. McGoody discovers a small monkey on her doorstep… and he means business.
Author and or Illustrator : Michael Hale
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/michaelhaleillustration/
Can Contact through website.
Benny Lost His Blurgle by Patrick Kaiser, Illustrations by Ariel Kaiser
Dragons and caves and giants, oh my! This illustrated children’s book will whisk you away on a homegrown adventure with Benny and his dad on a quest to find Benny’s unique sound…who knows – maybe you’ll even find yours along the way!
Written by a local husband/wife duo, this is a charming story that was a fun story to read for parents, too!
The school year is winding down, and Nate can’t wait for summer vacation: baseball, beach trips, and…overripe bananas? Yuck! Turns out Nate has a problem with fruit that’s past its prime. And that’s not all that’s bugging him. Kim Cressly is making Chester jealous at Nate’s expense, Artur is challenging him in the Hunny Bursts mascot contest, and his replacement social studies teacher is none other than Coach John. In banana terms, it’s all left Nate feeling a little bruised. Can he make it to summer without slipping up?
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bndesertridge/
Olive is sure she’ll have the best time at summer camp with her friend Willow – but while Olive makes quick friends with the other campers, Willow struggles to form connections and latches on to the only person she knows – Olive. It’s s’more than Olive can handle! The stress of being Willow’s living security blanket begins to wear on Olive and before long…the girls aren’t just fighting, they may not even be friends by the time camp is over. Will the two be able to patch things up before the final lights out?
With Career Day just around the corner at school, Shaina wants to follow her dreams and highlight a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics fields. But can girls get into those types of careers? Or, are they simply just dreams?
Discover the many S.T.E.M. career options as the young girls are empowered to learn dreams really dostem from reality!
Written by local mom, Sarah Schild, MBA
With your library card, you have access to free online resources, databases, and entertainment wherever you go, 24/7. From eBooks and streaming video to homework help and consumer research, there’s a world of information waiting for you in our Digital Library.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/tempepubliclibrary/?igshid=1hwnchosntzhl
Federico the Desert Tortoise refuses to live a slow & boring life. His bold adventures and many friends make him a legend in his Sonoran Desert home.
Author and or Illustrator : Michael Hale
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/michaelhaleillustration/
Able to contact on the website.
On the spookiest night of the year, Jim Panzee and his jungle friends brave the dark to collect treats. Not only does the jungle look different at night, it sounds different. What’s that knock-knock-knock and that HAHA HAHA HAHA? And the smell? PEE-YEW! “Don’t be scared,” they tell Jim. But then two glowing eyes flash overhead, and looking for treats is almost abandoned. Halloween in the jungle can be even scarier than trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/changinghands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayley.rose.author/
Hayley has been entertaining and educating children across the country since 2002.
Her range of educational, interactive concept books have earned over 50 national and international book awards and cover subjects ranging from manners and kindness, to math and geography, to music and emotions. School presentations include curriculum for teachers grades K-4th. Over the years Hayley has been invited to speak at book stores including Barnes and Noble, Borders and Bookmans, and for the last few years Hayley has been a featured author at the Children’s Learning and Play Festival which garners crowds of 10,000 and up.
Hayley was recently interviewed on the Author Learning Center alongside authors Stan Lee and R.L. Stine, and she had the honor of presenting keynote presentations for the Readers Favorite International Book Awards and the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference among others.
Hayley is an active member The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers and the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.
Even from Ramen’s small shelf in the supermarket, they see spaghetti propaganda everywhere. They want to be celebrated, too. Maybe, Ramen misguidedly thinks, I have to change to be loved like that. “I want spaghetti!” they proclaim to the dismay of the rest of the instant noodle section. But when Ramen’s brought home and placed in a warm bowl of broth alongside new friends like Chashu, Narutomaki, and Nori, they realize they’ve always been perfect exactly the way they are.
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/changinghands/
Moon Cheese is the Best by Alyssa Andrews, Illustrations by Maddi Cushman
Have you ever wondered what treats you might find on the moon? In this adorable children’s book, Kaylene the mouse hopes to find her favorite food – cheese. Join the curious mouse as she discovers her answer in “Moon Cheese is the Best.”
This fun book will entertain adults, young children, and early readers. Rhyming sentences with silly situations make the story an easy and fun read, and the colorful illustrations with clever details will have readers re-reading and delaying the turn of their favorite pages.
As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bndesertridge/
A bumbly, tumbly Panda bear is trying to help a sick friend in need but isn’t sure she’s up to the task. A story of dedication, friendship and helping yourself by helping others.
Author and or Illustrator : Michael Hale
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/michaelhaleillustration/
Can contact through website
Spring is in the air and it’s time for Starry’s first haircut. She wonders: Who will come to shear my coat? Will the haircut hurt? How different will I feel without my cozy wool? Children will smile when they find out that getting a haircut isn’t so bad, even for a sheep!
Author : Phoebe Fox
Can contact through website.
In this delightful sequel to Starry’s Haircut, Starry the Sheep becomes confused and concerned when the school children leave to go on a field trip. When she decides to follow her friends, Starry soon discovers she is lost. Young readers will relate to this endearing character as she experiences feelings of loneliness, fear, determination, and in the end, accomplishment and joy. The tale of Starry Gets Lost is a gentle reminder not to give up hope, even when it appears all is lost.
Author : Phoebe Fox
Can contact through website
Starry the Sheep is perfectly content in her pen next to the apple tree. Then Luna arrives. Luna is new. Luna is boisterous. The school children are delighted. Starry is not.
Author : Phoebe Fox
Can contact through website