A Book Review of The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Since it was first published in 1993, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn has provided reassurance for children dealing with difficult transitions and situations. While the focus of the picture book is on fears about starting school, the reassurance and comfort the book provides can be applied to many different situations. Summary of The Kissing Hand The Kissing Hand is the story of Chester Raccoon, who is terrified to tears at the thought of starting kindergarten and being away from his home, his mother and his usual activities. His mother reassures him about all the good things he will find at school, including new friends, toys, and books. Best of all, she tells Chester that she has a wonderful secret that will make him feel at home at school. Its a secret, passed down to Chesters mother by her mother and to her mother by Chesters great-grandmother. The name of the secret is the Kissing Hand. Chester wants to know more, so his mother shows him the secret of the Kissing Hand. After kissing Chesters palm, his mother tells him, Whenever you feel lonely and need a little loving from home, just press your hand to your chest and think, Mommy loves you. Chester is reassured to know that his mothers love will be with him wherever he goes, even kindergarten. Chester is then inspired to give his mother a kissing hand by kissing her palm, which makes her very happy. He then happily goes off to school. The story is slightly stronger than the illustrations, which while colorful, are not as well executed as they could be. However, kids will find Chester to be appealing in both the story and the illustrations. At the end of the book, there is a page of small red heart-shaped stickers that have the words The Kissing Hand printed on each of them in white. This is a nice touch; teachers and counselors can give out the stickers after reading the story to a class or parents can use one whenever a child needs reassurance. According to her website, Audrey Penn was inspired to write The Kissing Hand as a result of something shed seen and something she did as a result. Shed seen a raccoon kiss the palm of her cub, and then the cub put the kiss on his face. When Penns daughter was scared about starting kindergarten, Penn reassured her with a kiss to the palm of her daughters hand. Her daughter was comforted, knowing the kiss would go with her wherever she went, including school. About the Author, Audrey Penn After her career as a ballerina came to an end when she became ill with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Audrey Penn found a new career as a writer. However, she began writing a journal when she was in the fourth grade and continued writing as she was growing up. Those early writings became the basis for her first book, Happy Apple Told Me, published in 1975. The Kissing Hand, her fourth book, was published in 1993 and has become her most well-known book. Audrey Penn received the Educational Press Association of Americas Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Journalism for The Kissing Hand. Penn has written about 20 books for children. In all, Audrey Penn has written 6 picture books about Chester Raccoon and his mother, each focusing on a different situation that can be difficult for a child to deal with: A Pocket Full of Kisses (a new baby brother), A Kiss Goodbye (moving, going to a new school), Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully (dealing with a bully), Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories (the death of a friend) and Chester the Brave (overcoming fears), She also wrote A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon, a board book dealing with bedtime fears. As to why she writes about animals, Penn explains, Everyone can identify with an animal. I never have to worry about prejudice or hurting someones feelings if I use an animal instead of a person.   About the Illustrators, Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak Ruth E. Harper, who was born in England, has a background as an art teacher. In addition to illustrating The Kissing Hand along with Nancy M. Leak, Harper illustrated Penns picture book Sassafras. Harper uses a variety of media in her work, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, and acrylic. Artist Nancy Leak, who lives in Maryland, is known for her printmaking. Barbara Leonard Gibson is the illustrator of all of Audrey Penns other picture books and board books about Chester Raccoon.   Review and Recommendation The Kissing Hand has provided a lot of comfort for scared children over the years. Many schools will read it to a new kindergarten class to ease their fears. In most cases, children are already familiar with the story and the idea of the kissing hand really resonates with young ones. The Kissing Hand was originally published in 1993 by the Child Welfare League of America. In the foreword to the book, Jean Kennedy Smith, founder of Very Special Arts, writes, The Kissing Hand is a story for any child who confronts a difficult situation, and for the child within each of us who sometimes needs reassurance. This book is perfect for children 3 to 8 years old who need comforting and reassurance. (Tanglewood Press, 2006.) More Recommended Picture Books If you are looking for bedtime stories for young children that are reassuring, Amy Hests Kiss Good Night, illustrated by Anita Jeram, is a good recommendation, as is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, with illustrations by Clement Hurd. For young children worried about starting school, the following picture books will help ease their fears: First Grade Jitters by Robert Quackenbush, with illustrations by Yan Nascimbene, and Mary Ann Rodmans First Grade Stinks! illustrated by Beth Spiegel. Sources: Audrey Penns website, Tanglewood Press

Impact Of Financial Problems On Motivation - 1314 Words

Past studies have shown that the motivation issues experienced in the work place are not necessarily caused by the work environment. In some cases, external factors not related to work environment are the primary reason that so many workers are incapable of performing to the best of their ability. â€Å"People tend to underestimate the importance of external factors and overestimate the importance of internal factors as influences on those behaviors† (Baack, 2012, Ch. 3.1).Through the exploration of how financial problems can affect motivation in employees and how the motivation of these employees can be boosted, a better understanding of performance issues and motivation can be gained. Financial problems are quite common and they contribute a huge percentage of motivational problems found in the work place. In most scenarios, financial difficulties are a result of poor choices made by the individual (Ford, 1992). However, in some instances the financial hardships are a result of situations beyond the control of the individual. Hardships are often the result of the economic climate, or other external situations. Some common financial problems that are experienced by employees include: minimal or no medical insurance, mortgage payments, gambling addictions, lack of savings, and fraud (Shinnick, 2009). Regardless if the hardship is self inflicted or beyond one’s control the effects on motivation in the workplace are still present. Having medical insurance ensures peace of mind thatShow MoreRelatedThe Work For Organisations And With Their Abilities And Skills1651 Words   |  7 Pagesachieve higher levels of output. The employees loses their interest and their working efficiency level gets reduced when they feel that their good work is not noticed and not been appreciated by the management. Similarly some of the employees may need motivation for them to get on track and start using their skills for the benefit of their organisation (Liopis, G., 2012). There is an old saying you can take a horse to the water but you cannot force it to drink; it will drink only if it’s thirsty-so withRead MoreOrganizational Performance Of The Amc1446 Words   |  6 Pagesarrival of Andy Falender, there were three prominent problems plaguing the organizational performance of the AMC. These problems consisted of: 1) the decentralization of decision making to the local chapters, 2) the financial stability of the organizati on, and 3) the growth of the organization. These problems presented themselves as troublesome for the organization, hindering its ability to perform accordingly. Looking first at the problem of decentralization of the decision making process, theRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Real Chicago Millionaire 972 Words   |  4 PagesCited Dreiser, Theodore. Finansist. Erevan: Hayastan, 1967. Print. Finansist is the first novel of American writer T. Dreiser. This book gives an excellent example of a self-motivated person, Frank Cowperwood, who made dizzying career in the financial sphere. The story is based on the biography of real Chicago millionaire Charles Yerkes. The author describes the process of formation of a young man from his childhood to his middle age. The main character is not only gifted but also a hard workingRead MoreCybercrime And Its Effects On Society1239 Words   |  5 Pagesprovide solutions that change the current situation. This paper explains the impact of cybercrime on society in different forms such as security, economy, and psychology. Thus giving us a better understanding of cybercrime and its effects. While at the same time giving recommendations to improve the awareness of this issue among people. Keywords—cybercrime, Social Impact, and Different types, causes, prevention, Social Impacts I. INTRODUCTION Now a day’s internet and computer usage are an emerging trendRead MoreIntroduction. In An Organization, There Are Various Factors1598 Words   |  7 Pagesbackgrounds. Some employees have negative attitudes and this creates problems that make it difficult for them to work together. All this will influence the team and sales performance. Some of these problems come from ineffective communication among the employees, cultural differences and a lack of understanding of the values from Americans and Japanese alike and the way they perceive things. This paper presents a motivation plan that intends to address such issues and promote a cohesive work betweenRead MoreThe Counseling Process Is A Dynamic And Progressive Style875 Words   |  4 Pagesdistinct areas that affect the client’s ability to succeed: social, physical health, motivation, and financial. Success is only determine by the ability of the counselor and client to define the goals of counseling and work towa rds those goals collaboratively. My research will focus on gaining insight on how and why these areas make counseling individuals with disabilities rewarding yet challenging. PROBLEM AREAS The counseling process is a dynamic and progressive style or approach to helpingRead MoreThe Importance Of Motivation On Creativity, Creative People And Creative Work Essay1360 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferentiating characteristics is related to the motivation of the workers. Creatives are said to be intrinsically motivated. Ryan and Deci (2000) define intrinsic motivation as doing something due to the appeal and satisfaction that will be gained. Managers from another point of view are known to be more extrinsically motivated meaning the motivation comes from the external reward which will be gained (Ryan and Deci, 2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation contrast each other and this concept can alsoRead MoreThe Overall Impact On Having Motivation At Work1588 Words   |  7 PagesThe overall impact on having motivation at work is ideal for performing to your highest ability Motivation is the â€Å"desire and energy in people to be continually interested and committed to a job, rol e or subject† (BusinessDictionary.com, 2016). However, there are many incentives to help motivate the employee whether they are financial or non financial, depending on what motivates them the most, whether it be a raise in salary or just a simple bit of praise. During the time of Scientific ManagementRead MoreFinancial Rewards And Incentives Should Be Used1364 Words   |  6 Pages‘Financial rewards and incentives should be used to motivate employees’. Critically evaluate. Employee motivation is considered to be an important component of an organization to accomplish its objectives successfully. Managers use tools like financial as well as non-financial rewards and incentives to increase motivation. While financial rewards are generally considered to be beneficial, non-financial rewards also have an important role to play because of their impact on different types of motivationRead MoreUnit One Assignment : Fraud Basics879 Words   |  4 PagesIroda Yakubova Unit One Assignment: Fraud Basics 1. In my opinion, non-shareable financial need is the most important in causing executives, managers, and employees to commit occupational fraud. The proxies become â€Å"criminals on trust† in the case of they start to have financial difficulties, which they cannot share with nobody. They think that available option to perform completely secret financial fraud and able to give an explanation to their behavior in a given situation, allowing to reconcile

Apple’s Success, Service and Innovations Free Essays

CASE: â€Å"The Success of the iPod and iPhone raises the licensing question for Apple†¦. Again† 1. Use the Cyclic Innovation Model figure to illustrate the innovation process in this case and provide a brief description? Apple started in 1977 when it’s first personal computer was designed by Steven Jobs and Steven Wozniak. We will write a custom essay sample on Apple’s Success, Service and Innovations or any similar topic only for you Order Now The thing that was different about the Apple Macintosh personal computer was that it used a mouse driven operating system, which was not being used by other computers at the time. Microsoft were using a Microsoft Disc Operating System, which they licensed to all other PC manufacturers, Apple refused to do this which limited it to only people who bought Apple computers, this led to Apple’s shares falling significantly. Although Apple had an arguably better operating system they were losing in the market, because Microsoft licensed other manufacturers to use their operating system it became the common household system. This stubbornness although at the time seen to be foolish at the time, has helped with their success today (Trott, P 2012). Apple’s technological research over time (and the return of Steven Jobs) led to the creation of the iPod. In 2001 the iPod was launched, from 2003 the sales of the iPod heavily increased, generating massive profits for Apple, and giving the brand more exposure. To help Apple deal with the market competitors they kept improving and modifying the iPod, whilst still being able to lower its price. They did this by making modified versions such as the iPod Shuffle, and upgrading other models. Apple has continued to upgrade and invent new products to keep its customers and attract new ones. This has been done through the iMac, iPod, iPad and iPhone, adding new technological features, such as giving phones other multipurpose uses such as an iPod substitute as well as the invention of the ‘apps store’. Their technological developments to make these products do all sorts of amazing new things has given them a huge upper hand in the market (Trott, P 2012). Apple have made a positive shift in the market transition since they first started, from the debut of the Apple Macintosh in 1976 at the Homebrew Computer Club which was barely taken seriously. To now where the release of the iPad which was criticized for being too big for an iPhone but too small for a laptop which has made considerable profit, is astounding. The brand image they have built is superior to any other technological brand in the market, in my opinion. 2. With Sales of iPod falling and Apple facing fierce competition from all quarters such as Sony, Dell, Samsung and other electronics firms as well as mobile phone makers who are incorporating MP3 players into their devices, can the iPod survive? The iPod has become the standardized form of MP3 players in the market, taking up 50% of market share in the MP3 market (Trott, P 2012). Although Apple has recorded a fall in iPod sales in recent years, they have been substituted for other apple products which have had a huge increase in sales such as the iPhone which is commonly used as an MP3 player. Other companies have tried making and matching and bettering the iPod with their own MP3 players but have been unsuccessful in knocking off the number 1 MP3 player of the decade. Apples brand is so strong in that market with so many different versions of the iPod, making them an affordable and safe choice when choosing an MP3 player. Still competitors will keep trying to better the iPod through MP3 technology in their own devices, the iPod will have to keep on improving if it wants to keep the upper hand in the market. To keep their spot Apple with have to keep improving the quality and technology of their iPod and keep its sleek original design, while still keeping the prices competitive with other brands. Even newer technology will need to be presented by Apple if it wants to keep MP3 market shares high, futuristic technology will have to be designed possibly holograms technology and increasing the uses that the iPod MP3 already has. Although I believe it is inevitable that iPods and MP3 players will soon be a very small market in today’s society with so many other devices having the same technology plus more, that is still a fair while away and more profit is definitely yet to be made through the iPod. New fashionable unique covers can make the iPods more attractive to consumers, as well as all the accessories; such as jogging/fitness straps to hold them while the consumer participates in physical activity. Also upgrading the headphone design so it sits in more comfortably. I think some kind of hologram technology will become evident in the future of the mobile phone or iPod technology. Also a backup storage where the whole device is always backed up to a computer device so absolutely nothing is lost if a phone breaks, or is lost. 3. How can Apple influence future technology developments or establish strategic alliances to ensure it is a dominant force in the hand-held device that will incorporate both the cellphone and the MP3 player? Apple must continue to maintain a positive and trusting strategic alliance with other companies in the future to ensure that their plans for future technologies aren’t leaked, or copied. If they are able to create that kind of a strategic alliance, and with a major technical company (e. g. HP) they could create some mind blowing new technology in the future. The possibilities if Apple were able to team up with a technology giant could mean massive $$ for both companies, and new technology which could come out of that type of alliance could set the standards for the next generation of the industry. With the ability Apple have to keep upgrading and improving their products this would give them a huge advantage over their competitors. However for now, Apple must make sure they maintain their brand image, as the producers of the newest and best technology. The only way they will be able to do this is by keep upgrading their current products, while they wait for new technology’s to be developed. They must also keep designing new and upgraded products, so when new generation technology’s become available, people look to buy their product first. This will help keep them as a dominant force in the future hand-held device of MP3, cellphone industry. References: Trott, paul. 2012 innovation management and new product development 5th edition. prentice hall/pearson How to cite Apple’s Success, Service and Innovations, Papers

Test 1 Inquiry, Atmosphere Water Cycle Review Questions Example For Students

Test 1 Inquiry, Atmosphere Water Cycle Review Questions Question Answer What is the first step of the Scientific Method? Asking a QUESTION Katie noticed that bacteria growing on a plate did not grow next to mold that was growing on the same plate. So she wrote: â€Å"The mold may be producing a substance that kills bacteria.† This statement is best described as an Inference There are 200 gumballs in the machine. Is the above statement a Quantitative or Qualitative Observation Quantitative Carolina will lose the Championship this year.This statement will be best described as an inference or a prediction? Prediction What is the name of the variable the scientist changes or manipulates in an experiment? Independent or Manipulated Variable What is the name of the variable the scientist tries to keep the same in an experiment? Control Variable What is the name of the variable the scientist measures in an experiment? Dependent or Responding Variable An ornithologist (bird scientist) wants to determine if different temperatures affects how many times a bird chirps. What is the independent variable in this experiment? Different temperatures An ornithologist (bird scientist) wants to determine if different temperatures affects how many times a bird chirps. What is the dependent variable in this experiment? How many times the bird chirps An ornithologist (bird scientist) wants to determine if different temperatures affects how many times a bird chirps. What is the control variable in this experiment? Same bird An astronaut entering the Earths atmosphere from space will pass which layer first? Exosphere In which layer of the atmosphere would the Aurora form? Thermosphere Which layer of the atmosphere is responsible for meteors disintegrating? Mesosphere Which layer of the atmosphere is mainly responsible for protecting us from harmful UV radiations from the sun? Stratosphere Which layer of the atmosphere do we live in? Troposphere Which is the most common gas in the atmosphere? Nitrogen What is it called when heat is trapped by the earths atmosphere due to pollution? Greenhouse effect What happens to pressure as we travel towards space? It decreases Why do mountain climbers carry oxygen tanks with them? Less oxygen molecules so it is difficult to breath Pilots fly to the stratosphere when there is a storm. Why do they do that? To avoid the stormy weather occurring in the troposphere Water from water bodies turn into water vapor and enter the atmosphere. What is this process known as? Evaporation Water enters the atmosphere from plants and animals. What is this process known as? Transpiration Water vapor cools into water droplets and forms clouds. What is this process known as? Condensation What type of condensation is it when water vapor cools into water droplets onto a cold surface? Dew What type of condensation is it when water vapor freezes onto a cold surface? Frost Frost is a type of condensation that happens due to a process known as ________________________________ ? Crystallization Water falling from clouds in various forms is known as ? Precipitation What determines the type of precipitation you will receive? The TEMPERATURE of the troposphere When water that falls down as precipitation reaches the earth, it always flows back to the ocean as ? Run off When you can see the run off flowing it is known as ____________________? Surface water flow When the run off seeps into the ground it is know as________________________? Ground water flow What symbol would you see on the door of a lab that uses live animals to conduct a behavior study? Animal safety What symbol would you see on the bottle of a chemical that can catch fire easily? Flammable What symbol would you see on the box of a specimen that contains a sample that can cause harm to you on contact? Bio Hazard What symbol would you see on a bottle of chemical that gives out strong odors? Fume safety