April 2024

Hello Friend,

The official release day is here! Check out all the exciting updates we have in store for April as we celebrate Financial Literacy Month! Let’s do all that we can to help promote financial literacy for the next generation. The sooner they start learning, the easier and more fulfilled their futures will be!

Akash and Mila Comes Out TODAY, 4/2/24!

“A pleasant kids’ story about making mistakes and facing fears.” —Kirkus Reviews

Best friends Akash and Mila learn a powerful lesson about fear and empowerment in the fifth book of the award-winning Owning the Dash Kids’ Book series by Anthony C. Delauney.

It’s their first gymnastics class. After Akash attempts to jump off the springboard, it doesn’t go as planned, and he crashes on his belly in front of the other gymnasts. Fear of judgement quickly takes root, and both Akash and Mila no longer want to participate.

Two older gymnasts, Dash and Lulu, step in to help and offer some words of wisdom. They share a personal story of their early years in gymnastics, and Lulu explains, “Making mistakes is okay. We know they’re never planned. But now you get to choose. Do you want to try again?” With their encouragement, Akash overcomes his fear, jumps again, and this time lands on his feet, followed by cheers from the class. Mila follows with a fantastic first-time jump!

This book’s lesson is about trying new things, even if you fail one or multiple times. It highlights how all individuals experience fear of judgement, and it illustrates how encouragement from peers can play such an important role in shaping how we view ourselves and others. We can raise each other up!

With Anthony Delauney’s charming rhymes and Chiara Civati’s irresistible illustrations, this book is sure to be a favorite on your bookshelf.

Praise for Akash and Mila and the Big Jump

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Nobody likes to be judged by others, and sometimes it can make kids scared to do things, in case others laugh or make fun of them when they do it wrong. This book is designed to teach kids – and adults – how to overcome a fear of judgment, how to see the way ahead, and try things regardless of the outcome."

—A Readers Favorite Reviewer

April is National Financial Literacy Month

While the grownups think about taxes, this is a great month to remember the importance of teaching the kids in your life about money and finance topics. Open the conversation! It might be easier than you think. ❤️ Our books can help!

In 2003, both the House and Senate passed resolutions urging President George W. Bush to declare April as "Financial Literacy for Youth Month.” A year later, it was formalized as “Financial Literacy Month” (probably because all of us need to always keep learning!) So happy 20th Anniversary!

What are you going to discuss with the littles in your life for Financial Literacy Month?

Readers Favorite Giveaway Starting TODAY!

Lilly and May Learn Why Mom and Dad Work is a rhyming book that helps young children understand why their parents go to work and how the money that they earn helps their family live.

Enter now!

We have a FINALIST for an Early Readers and Picture Book Award!

Rohan and Nyra and Big Sisters Bet teaches about risk vs reward. What starts off as a fun game of playing catch soon turns into a powerful, loving lesson on gambling and greed that Rohan will never forget. Keep your fingers crossed for us! 🤞🏻