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#GrowYourCircle
Mila is a young girl with a strong sense of purpose. She also listens and pays attention to the words and thoughts of wise advisers, like her parents and teachers. Through everyday actions imbued with kindness and consideration, Mila is intent on fostering positive change in her community and across the globe.
#GrowYourCircle is a trailblazing graphic novel for children 6-10, their parents and teachers. The book nurtures children’s innate sense of purpose and helps build strong, positive leadership skills.
#GrowYourCircle is a trailblazing graphic novel for children 6-10, their parents and teachers. The book nurtures children’s innate sense of purpose and helps build strong, positive leadership skills.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
About the author
Professor Stork
13 books6 followersProfessor Stork is on a mission to write and publish books that help children build and nurture self-worth, creativity, compassion, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. He believes that children are the catalyst for positive change and that reading is a way for them to begin the journey leading to a fulfilling, purposeful life.
Parents and educators can help support their children by introducing them to books with positive messages. You can read more about Professor Stork by vising his website at www.professorstork.com
Parents and educators can help support their children by introducing them to books with positive messages. You can read more about Professor Stork by vising his website at www.professorstork.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 6, 2022
Grow Your Circle, by Professor Stork, is a graphic novel. Graphic novels are comparable to comic books but differ from them in that they are standalone storylines with comic-type pictures which include either an individual frame or multiple panels.
We meet Mila, who possesses a superpower, the Superpower of Purpose, despite not being a superhero. Thus begins the story of a little girl whose life is affected by the arrival of a new girl in her class at school. When Mila is hesitant to approach her new classmate, Mila's mother offers essential support and invaluable assistance.
After taking her mother's advice to heart, Mila allows her mother to post her experience online, where it becomes overwhelmingly popular, going viral. Mila and her pals are shocked to find they have done something admirable and worthy, unintentionally sparking a movement.
The author does a great job of demonstrating the idea of purpose, which is highlighted by mentions of Mila's heroes: Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist; Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; Martin Luther King, an American Baptist minister and activist and Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist.
As the topic develops, readers like you and me, as well as Mila's classmates, learn more about different nations and develop an appreciation for their diversity. Mila also learns more about her new classmate's culture, too.
I believe the target audience of 6 to 10 year old will connect with the story. Many children have new students enter their classroom, and some readers will have been the newcomers. Grow Your Circle will provide them with realistic, useful and immediate remedies and solutions for the feelings of anxiety, shyness and the host of other emotions they may experience in circumstances similar to Mila's.
The illustrations are bright and vibrant and do a respectable job of illuminating the subject. The bright red high-top shoes and the swirly dress caught my attention in particular. The circles or bubbles gave depth to the concepts the characters voiced in the story. However, I felt that the illustrations were rather one-dimensional and lacked "life."
By and large, Grow Your Circle offers advice and provides encouragement for times one is in an awkward or uncomfortable and discomfiting situation, something that should appeal to the age group it is intended for. In addition, the theme of purpose cements the reasons why we should each grow our own circle.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We meet Mila, who possesses a superpower, the Superpower of Purpose, despite not being a superhero. Thus begins the story of a little girl whose life is affected by the arrival of a new girl in her class at school. When Mila is hesitant to approach her new classmate, Mila's mother offers essential support and invaluable assistance.
After taking her mother's advice to heart, Mila allows her mother to post her experience online, where it becomes overwhelmingly popular, going viral. Mila and her pals are shocked to find they have done something admirable and worthy, unintentionally sparking a movement.
The author does a great job of demonstrating the idea of purpose, which is highlighted by mentions of Mila's heroes: Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist; Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; Martin Luther King, an American Baptist minister and activist and Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist.
As the topic develops, readers like you and me, as well as Mila's classmates, learn more about different nations and develop an appreciation for their diversity. Mila also learns more about her new classmate's culture, too.
I believe the target audience of 6 to 10 year old will connect with the story. Many children have new students enter their classroom, and some readers will have been the newcomers. Grow Your Circle will provide them with realistic, useful and immediate remedies and solutions for the feelings of anxiety, shyness and the host of other emotions they may experience in circumstances similar to Mila's.
The illustrations are bright and vibrant and do a respectable job of illuminating the subject. The bright red high-top shoes and the swirly dress caught my attention in particular. The circles or bubbles gave depth to the concepts the characters voiced in the story. However, I felt that the illustrations were rather one-dimensional and lacked "life."
By and large, Grow Your Circle offers advice and provides encouragement for times one is in an awkward or uncomfortable and discomfiting situation, something that should appeal to the age group it is intended for. In addition, the theme of purpose cements the reasons why we should each grow our own circle.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2024
In Professor Stork's #GrowYourCircle, readers are introduced to Mila, a young girl navigating the challenges of inclusivity and friendship in her classroom. When a new student from Jamaica arrives, Mila experiences the common hesitancy of reaching out, exacerbated by her forgetting the new girl's name. This children's graphic novel skillfully explores the theme of opening oneself up to new experiences and the richness it brings to life.
Mila, following her mother's advice to "grow your circle," finds the courage to approach the new girl, Lettie, leading to a blossoming friendship. This narrative serves as a charming introduction to the benefits of embracing cultural diversity and forming connections with people from different backgrounds. The inclusion of a character from another country adds a valuable dimension to the story, showcasing the exciting possibilities of intercultural friendships.
Professor Stork employs an enriching vocabulary throughout the novel, with a helpful glossary included for younger readers. The book also features interactive elements such as coloring pages, activities to encourage readers to expand their social circles, a mini-research project about Mila's real-life heroes, and a recipe for Jamaican coco bread, making it an engaging read. The artwork has a unique style that stands apart from conventional graphic novel aesthetics, offering readers a refreshing and engaging visual experience and inviting them to explore and connect more intimately with the story's visual narrative.
#GrowYourCircle is more than just a story about making a new friend; it's a journey toward understanding the value of inclusivity and the joy of discovering new cultures and perspectives. The novel is a commendable effort to educate young readers about the importance of being open and friendly, highlighting that the rewards of such an approach are indeed profound.
Mila, following her mother's advice to "grow your circle," finds the courage to approach the new girl, Lettie, leading to a blossoming friendship. This narrative serves as a charming introduction to the benefits of embracing cultural diversity and forming connections with people from different backgrounds. The inclusion of a character from another country adds a valuable dimension to the story, showcasing the exciting possibilities of intercultural friendships.
Professor Stork employs an enriching vocabulary throughout the novel, with a helpful glossary included for younger readers. The book also features interactive elements such as coloring pages, activities to encourage readers to expand their social circles, a mini-research project about Mila's real-life heroes, and a recipe for Jamaican coco bread, making it an engaging read. The artwork has a unique style that stands apart from conventional graphic novel aesthetics, offering readers a refreshing and engaging visual experience and inviting them to explore and connect more intimately with the story's visual narrative.
#GrowYourCircle is more than just a story about making a new friend; it's a journey toward understanding the value of inclusivity and the joy of discovering new cultures and perspectives. The novel is a commendable effort to educate young readers about the importance of being open and friendly, highlighting that the rewards of such an approach are indeed profound.
January 2, 2023
This book has a great message for kids about how doing one small thing can actually lead to something tremendous. Mila is fascinated by the new girl in class, but isn't sure how to approach her. She has a wonderful conversation with her mother, strategizing about how to reach out and to "grow her circle" of people in her life. It's something that we all need to learn how to do - get to know other people outside of our comfort zone of the usual suspects. And the two girls learn a lot about becoming friends, their similiarities and differences. The intertwining of their worlds makes their worlds grow and thrive. Parts of their story reminds me of my own childhood, meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and having our families get to know each other.
The story really does seem to come from a young girl, as the accompanying illustrations are more juvenile than you usually see in books. It makes me feel like a child actually did the bulk of it. I think that could inspire children to maybe make their own friendship stories and books.
There's also the social media aspect where the kids come up with the hashtag #GrowYourCircle. If appropriate, it could turn into a class project to see if they could create their own special project to fulfill this hashtag and its ideas. At the very least, there are activities at the end of the book that could be used in the classroom or even at home.
I received a requested review copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story really does seem to come from a young girl, as the accompanying illustrations are more juvenile than you usually see in books. It makes me feel like a child actually did the bulk of it. I think that could inspire children to maybe make their own friendship stories and books.
There's also the social media aspect where the kids come up with the hashtag #GrowYourCircle. If appropriate, it could turn into a class project to see if they could create their own special project to fulfill this hashtag and its ideas. At the very least, there are activities at the end of the book that could be used in the classroom or even at home.
I received a requested review copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2022
A MUST READ
Kudos for Professor stork and Diane for this lovely book. Every child goes through this phase while moving to a different country and feels hesitate in making new friends. This book teaches a lot and changes the perspective of school and friendship. #Growyourcircle is unique and one of a kind book where every child must read and follow. The graphic illustration is so overwhelming and lovely. A must buy book and I highly recommend this book to children of all ages and thier parents.
Kudos for Professor stork and Diane for this lovely book. Every child goes through this phase while moving to a different country and feels hesitate in making new friends. This book teaches a lot and changes the perspective of school and friendship. #Growyourcircle is unique and one of a kind book where every child must read and follow. The graphic illustration is so overwhelming and lovely. A must buy book and I highly recommend this book to children of all ages and thier parents.
October 14, 2022
Grow Your Circle
I read this book in hopes to give it to my 8 year old granddaughter and I can’t wait to give it to her. The message of emotional growth and a sense of how we are all connected was well written and the illustrations were so well done. Worth a quick read beneficial for all ages.
I read this book in hopes to give it to my 8 year old granddaughter and I can’t wait to give it to her. The message of emotional growth and a sense of how we are all connected was well written and the illustrations were so well done. Worth a quick read beneficial for all ages.
October 13, 2022
Beautiful and Inspiring
#GrowYourCircle is a perfect melody of education and inspiration. The plot warms your heart while it feeds your brain, as the illustrations create a bright and beautiful experience for all.
#GrowYourCircle is a perfect melody of education and inspiration. The plot warms your heart while it feeds your brain, as the illustrations create a bright and beautiful experience for all.
September 6, 2022
This lively comic follows the story of Mila, a bright and enthusiastic youngster. She had no trouble at all in making friends. However, this changes when a new student, Lettie, arrives at the school. From the first day, Mila was in awe of Lettie's beautiful and unique clothes. She wants to be friends with her but cannot find the courage to do so. But will Lettie and Mila ever be friends?
This story's unique and vibrant illustrations and beautiful message melted our hearts. It is easy to read, and the activities are pretty fun!
#GrowYourCircle by Professor Stork is a mellow book that encourages everybody to make friends and change the world, little by little.
Read our full review at Nothing But Picture Books
This story's unique and vibrant illustrations and beautiful message melted our hearts. It is easy to read, and the activities are pretty fun!
#GrowYourCircle by Professor Stork is a mellow book that encourages everybody to make friends and change the world, little by little.
Read our full review at Nothing But Picture Books
May 3, 2023
much needed lessons in today’s culture
This book is about a new girl in school and Mila wanting so much to talk to her yet she just can’t bring herself to approach Lettie. There are a lot of take always here, Mila shares her fears with her mother, who has wonderful wisdom and advice that Mila takes to heart. The book is tender and thoughtful, it shows respect, kindness and compassion, Mila has respect for her parents and the advice they give her, the students have respect for one another and a willingness to work together until a consensus is formed.
On the negative side, the book is long for the 4-6 age group, I understand it is geared for ages 4 - 11. I think it’s a great book and a must read for fourth grade through middle school, although all of us learn something valuable from it, no matter our age.
The illustrations really add to the story and are very well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
This book is about a new girl in school and Mila wanting so much to talk to her yet she just can’t bring herself to approach Lettie. There are a lot of take always here, Mila shares her fears with her mother, who has wonderful wisdom and advice that Mila takes to heart. The book is tender and thoughtful, it shows respect, kindness and compassion, Mila has respect for her parents and the advice they give her, the students have respect for one another and a willingness to work together until a consensus is formed.
On the negative side, the book is long for the 4-6 age group, I understand it is geared for ages 4 - 11. I think it’s a great book and a must read for fourth grade through middle school, although all of us learn something valuable from it, no matter our age.
The illustrations really add to the story and are very well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
October 26, 2022
#GrowYourCircle by Professor Stork features the story of Mila, a youngster who initiates a movement across the globe through her friendship with a Jamaican girl.
The friendship between the two girls from two different parts of the world began following Mila's brave approach and it flourished in no time. Soon they learn to view the world with each other's eyes. Realizing the importance of having a diverse circle of friends, they help to educate others about the same.
The book comes with a couple of important messages. The primary aim of the story is to celebrate diversity but it also shows quite vividly how great things begin with a single, small step.
Although I understand that the author only tried to be creative with the format of the book, I feel it made the story a bit hard to follow. The illustrations could be better as well.
The author's effort is highly appreciated.
(I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
The friendship between the two girls from two different parts of the world began following Mila's brave approach and it flourished in no time. Soon they learn to view the world with each other's eyes. Realizing the importance of having a diverse circle of friends, they help to educate others about the same.
The book comes with a couple of important messages. The primary aim of the story is to celebrate diversity but it also shows quite vividly how great things begin with a single, small step.
Although I understand that the author only tried to be creative with the format of the book, I feel it made the story a bit hard to follow. The illustrations could be better as well.
The author's effort is highly appreciated.
(I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews