Taking Turns

by Marianne Blackstone Tabner

Sun and Moon have been together for a lifetime. Can they resolve their differences? A whimsical tale written with a universal theme about restoring balance. Moon’s refusal to take turns with Sun to gain more attention not only impacts his friend, Sun, but affects our whole planet, Earth. Fun facts about our Sun and Moon included. 

Filled with nature, science and how Sun and Moon resolve their differences,  Taking Turns , offered in both English and Spanish, provides social skills for children to learn kindness, sharing and friendship with a science theme.  This book follows the common core standards for English, Science, Spanish and in Social skills for children up to grade five.

34 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2020

About the author

Marianne is an award-winning children’s book author. She celebrates writing to spark curiosity, imagination, and wonder in young readers with STEM themes. Her works include the picture books, TAKING TURNS and TOMANDO TURNOS in English/Spanish, illustrated by Gail Nelson, Star of the Sea Publishing, 2020. They were featured on news outlets such as CBS, Fox Business, and Coronado Times, becoming a number one best seller on Amazon, a five-star recipient from Readers Favorite, and a CIPA EVVY Award winner for independent publishers and authors.

Her upcoming second and debut nonfiction picture book, THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER, illustrated by Ann Curch Gagliano, Islandport Press, releases Spring, 2027. A lyrical nonfiction picture book biography, about Sally Snowman, and her personal journey to discover and overcome her learning disabilities to become the (first female) and last lighthouse keeper in the U.S. Back matter includes the history of Boston Light, the first lighthouse in America.

Marianne has been a strong advocate for children’s literacy and diversity since her days as a special education teacher in the Boston suburbs, her years as a mom raising three children and as a Mimi to her grandchildren. She has also helped countless families find the perfect place to call home as a Realtor. She volunteers with local coastal advocacy environmental groups and helps young readers in her local public school system, who struggle to make connections with words.

Marianne earned her B.S.Ed. in both Elementary and Special Education from Fitchburg State University and her Certificate in Writing For Children at The University of California San Diego.

She now lives, writes, and plays in sunny Coronado, CA with her partner, Keith.

When Marianne is not writing books for children, you can find her reading stories virtually to her granddaughter or traveling to discover new faraway places.

Reviews

[Tony Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

How long have the Sun & Moon have been together?
What effect does the moon have on the stars?

What happens to people when the sun comes up?

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures, charming illustrations & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (preschool/elementary; MS age) storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s rhyming educational presentation (solar system), movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 3/5 stars.

Thank you for the free author(s); Sea Publishing; FreeBooksy; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Linda Margulis-Yant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice book for young children. It's short enough to be a good bedtime story and also has some educational Q&A, which is a dialogue between the earth, the sun and the moon, at the end that may appeal to elementary school kids. Visually appealing with deep, colorful images. Per the book notes, a portion of proceeds are donated to children's literacy foundations. Nicely done.

[Mary Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story tells a terrific story about the sun and the moon the roles they play in our universe, but more importantly ... it also focuses on the theme of taking turns and acknowledging the importance of those around us. Fun Sun & Moon facts are included at the back of the book. I can see this book being used effectively with lower elementary classrooms.

[Joni Klein-Higger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking Turns, by Marianne Blackstone Tabner, is a lovely picture book that focuses on the importance of sharing and finding balance. Beautiful illustrations by Gail M. Nelson add to this lyrical story about the Sun, the Moon, and their place in our world. There is also an educational question/answer section readers will enjoy.

[Donna Cangelosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful picture book! Sun and Moon are having a hard time taking turns. But they eventually discover that sharing works best! I love that this story shows readers that everyone is important and unique. The author also includes an educational guide about the roles the sun and moon play in our universe. I recommend this engaging, multi-layered story.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children absolutely adore this book. Reading literature is so important to the development of a child's mind, and I cannot think of thing I would rather do then sit down to read to them in the evenings. Imagination and growth are so vital in those so young.

[Caryn Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super entertaining and sweet story of the sun and the moon and how they each make the villagers happy. A great foundation to start teaching kids about the sun and moon and their roles as well as teaching kids about the importance of sharing.

[Kate Allen Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved this book of taking turns with fun science tie-ins. Illustrations are lovely!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I would recommend this book if you are teaching your littles about the importance of sharing.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated book about the sun and the moon and how it is important to take turns.