"CHILDREN, A WORD PLEASE!" is a short, illustrated book that delivers an important message about how the spoken word affects us and others. It is easy to read and includes clear and precise rhymes. This book helps children understand the impact of words in their daily lives.
"CHILDREN, A WORD PLEASE!" was written for children of all ages and is an excellent tool for those wanting to cultivate healthy principles and positive values in children.
As the title suggests, the book is penned in direct address, presenting generalized but bluntly declarative statements about the effect words can have, paired with illustrations that invite readers to imagine the words spoken in specific scenarios. The statement “Some words save lives” is accompanied by an image of a young girl in the surf calling for help from a lifeguard; on the next page, “Others can cut like a knife” shows a young boy in tears on the floor of a classroom. The question of what exactly has been said in these situations offers fruitful opportunities for discussion. (The rhyme scheme, however, is uncertain, at times undercutting the seriousness of the text.)
Conflicting tone aside, it’s clear that Yianolatos cares deeply about this topic and in a world where kids are exposed to all kinds of words at young ages, the core message of our words having power rings true regardless. Best suited as a conversation starter with a child rather than a comprehensive look at the ways in which words both hurt and help, Children, A Word Please! has a place on bookshelves but the message could perhaps benefit by being paired with additional text that is more focused on specifics of word choice in different situations rather than the broad strokes, as this one is.
Takeaway: Introduction for kids to respecting the power of words.
Comparable Titles: Alexi Lubomirski’s What Are Words, Really?, Lisa Chong’s When Words Have Power.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
By Telina Cuppari
PublishedMay 8, 2023 at 10:10 AM
KENILWORTH, NJ – Kenilworth resident Linda Yianolatos has released her latest book “CHILDREN, A WORD PLEASE!”
"CHILDREN, A WORD PLEASE" is a short, illustrated book that delivers an important message about how the spoken word affects others and ourselves. Using a series of clearly written and precise rhymes, “CHILDREN, A WORD PLEASE!” highlights the importance of being mindful of the words we choose to use in our daily lives.
This book is appropriate for children of all ages and is a useful tool for parents, teachers, librarians, and counselors looking to establish healthy principles and positive values in children.
TAPinto Kenilworth recently sat down with Yianolatos to learn more.
What was your inspiration to write this book? The inspiration to write "CHILDREN, A WORD PLEASE!" came to me one morning when I woke up from sleep. The title and first line were already in my mind. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and I felt strongly that I needed to complete what seemed to be a poem. I wrote most of it that day and later added more lines to complete the powerful message I wanted to convey. Having already published eight children’s books that included valuable life lessons, I decided to make my poem into a book.
How long have you lived in Kenilworth? My husband and I have lived in Kenilworth for almost nine years. I used to dream of living in a small town where people stop and say “hello” if you’re on a walk or just sitting in front of your house. That is Kenilworth! We love our neighbors and we love our town. We moved to Kenilworth from South Orange, NJ. but I was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and grew up in Newark, Delaware. My daughter and her family live in Cranford and my son and his family live in Pennsylvania.
Could you please give a brief background about yourself and your writing experience?
I am a CPA and hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration. A Finance professional for more than 30 years, I was the former Controller at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and retired as Chief Financial Officer of Summit Oaks Hospital. Apart and separate from my Finance career (and keeping it private), after reading several books, I became fascinated with information revealed in Past Life Regressions. I felt drawn to the practice and was warmed by the benefit and closure obtained by the individual regressed. As a result, in 2008, I received a certificate as a Certified Hypnotherapist and I have been performing Past Life Regressions for clients for over 15 years. (weareeternalonline.com)
I’ve published eight children’s fantasy books in the “Crystal City Series” based on stories I told to my grandchildren over the years. They include “The Yummy Treats Room”, “The Baby Animal Room”, “The 1,000 Room”, “The Kids Only Room”, “The No Lifeguard Room”, “The Bubble Room”, “The Spirit of Christmas Room”, and “The Fairy Trail Room”. Each story is entertaining and includes valuable life lessons that can help children long after they read the book. Some of the lessons are: living in peace, appreciating diversity, focusing on dreams and goals, and the wonderful feeling of family and generosity. (crystalcityseries.com)
In 2021, six months before his passing, “Growing Up in the Shadow of the Church: the Autobiography of Andrew J. DiSabatino" was published. It was written over five years from discussions I had with my 94-year-old father. It is the story of his life growing up in The Great Depression and World War II years. It is filled with vivid recollections of volunteering for the Church, work, school, family, and life-long friendships.
Anything else you would like our readers to know?
Although the message in “CHILDREN, A WORD PLEASE!” is one that I strongly believe needs shouted from the rooftops for all to hear, I didn't plan to write it. I felt I had to write it. I've been blessed with a long life and I have seen firsthand the results of verbal abuse, whether intentional or unintentional, from adults and children alike. Labeling, insulting, demeaning, controlling, and other harmful uses of speaking need to be addressed. If we can help children understand the importance of being mindful of the words they use toward themselves and others, we can help them form healthy relationships, improve their self-image, and become caring adults.
I do speaking engagements relating to my Books, my Hypnosis Practice, and How I went from Finance to Hypnosis to Books in one lifetime.
My books can be purchased from Amazon and are enrolled in expanded distribution. If you would like to contact me I can be reached at yianolatos@optonline.net.
Ms. Yianolatos will read her book at the Kenilworth Library on June 6, 2023, at 6:30 pm.
