Lisa Cohn's Blog, page 8

Sensory Sensitivities in “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera & the Dream Beasts”

Illustration of Sensitive Bash

In “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera & the Dream Beasts,” we describe sensory sensitivities in kids–and have received both criticism and applause for how we handled this topic.

Our goal was to paint a picture of what it feels like for the main character, Bash, to be sensory sensitive, This is sometimes called sensory processing disorder, although sensory sensitivities can be mild or severe, In addition, they can improve with certain types of therapy.

As we explain in our book description, sensitive Bash gets grumpy and disruptive when his life is too bright, too loud, too smelly, or too busy. To help stay calm, he counts on his librarian sister, Ally, his friends, and especially his dog, Lucy. In the kidlit book, Bash’s family members and friends support him by listening when he’s upset, hugging him when he’s overwhelmed and bringing him protein-packed food to help keep his blood sugar up.

In “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera & the Dream Beasts,” we didn’t give Bash’s sensitivities a label because we were hoping that parents and kids might recognize their own sensitivities and become curious about what these sensitivities are all about. Some reviewers, like Cat Michaels, applauded us for addressing this issue: Mother-Son Writing Team Show What Life is Like for Kids with Sensory Sensitivities

However, other readers jumped to conclusions, in part because we chose not to put a label on Bash’s sensitivities. They assumed that Bash is autistic, and that Lucy is his service dog, and that Bash’s cousin wants to steal his service dog from him.

None of these assumptions are true; however, we learned we failed some of our readers by being vague.

Sensory sensitivities come in many forms. They often make everyday life hard for both kids and adults. Kids (and adults) can quickly get overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights and crowded places.

On the other hand, these sensitive kids and adults tend to be bright. In fact, a pilot study by the STAR Institute found that 35 percent of the kids in one large sample of gifted children showed symptoms of sensory processing disorder (SPD). The link between SPD and giftedness is due in part to the fact that gifted kids’ brains are wired differently.

These kids’ sensitivities  can serve as super strengths. When sensory-challenged kids aren’t feeling overwhelmed, they tend to be very sensitive to others’ feelings. They can smell and taste things that others can’t.

In our family, Lisa (who is super sensitive to noise and smells), was always called the “canary in a coal mine” when she was young. Recently, her super-strong sense of smell kept the house from burning down when she caught a whiff of something smokey coming from the clothes dryer–a scent no one else could register.

Michael (who is especially sensitive to taste, sounds and certain types of touch) can taste when food isn’t fresh, or when a new ingredient has been added to a recipe. His ears can identify songs after listening for just a second or two, and he quickly identifies when a friend’s singing is off-key.

We also know a dance teacher who can actually hear the sound of ants moving in the dirt. While researchers have asked to study her amazing ears, she prefers to use them to help teach kids music and dance.

In our next book, we’re going to explore these sensory strengths. If you’ve got some examples for us, please send them along! BashAndLucy@gmail.com

In the meantime, watch Moira and Michael talk about their sensory challenges and strengths:

Again, we’d love to get ideas from you about sensory super strengths for our next book!

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All Three of Our Children’s Audiobooks, Recorded with Kids’ Voices!

Caricature of Ally, a Voice-Over Artist in our Kids’ Audiobooks

Our latest children’s audiobook, Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts, was recorded with the voices of six kids, one Ukrainian grandma, a big sis (Ally) and a dog! You can check it out on Audible here: Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera audiobook. And you can check out our other children’s audiobooks!

Above is a caricature of Ally, Michael’s big sis and an important voice-over artist in this audiobook. She reads for the character of Ally, the librarian, dancer and mayor in the book and audiobook. The character is based on the real Ally, who is a college student and actress. She’s a girlpower character in the book, and also a voice of goodness and kindness.

The book and audiobook are about a sensory-sensitive boy, Bash, who relies on his big sis, friends and dog (Lucy) to stay calm when the world is too bright, loud or busy.

But the audiobook for Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts is not the only children’s audiobook we have produced, featuring the voices of kids (with the help of Ally).

Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy was recorded with the voices of kids age 7-9. The voice-over artists include Michael, age 7 at the time, and his friends, Matthew, Adam and Edward (age 7-9 at the time). You can check it out on Audible here.

In that book/audiobook, Bash learns how to share his canine companion, Lucy, with a kids’ Special Olympics team. Below is a picture of Michael (far left), Adam and Matthew recording the kids’ audiobook. They’re all 7 years old.

Recording Audiobook for Bash and Lucy Fetch Jealousy

Our very first kids’ audiobook, Bash and Lucy Fetch Confidence, was recorded when the boys were only five years old. Because co-author Michael (nw age 10) is a huge kids’ audiobook lover, he came up with the idea of creating the audiobooks.

Listen on Audible here.

In our first book, readers are introduced to golden retriever Lucy and learn a few thing about what dogs can do for kids.

In each audiobook, Lisa, Michael’s mom (me), is the narrator.

Email us with questions at BashAndLucy@gmail.com!

And don’t forget to watch Michael dedicate our latest book to Vera, his Ukrainian grandma, also a voice-over artist in our latest book!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46LyEBoE0L0

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Reviews of Our New Children’s Audiobook, Featuring Voices of Kids!

Kids Recording Children’s Audiobook

Reviews of our new children’s audiobook for “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts” are coming in and we’re excited! We just finished sending out 49 CDs to the winners of our Goodreads giveaway.

Listen to a sample and check out the audiobook on Audible here: https://adbl.co/2Oh4KSY

The children’s audiobook was recorded with our voices (Lisa Cohn and Michael Cohn, age 10), five of Michael’s friends, his big sister, Ally, his Ukrainian grandma, Vera, and our dog, Hudson!

Our first review came from a listener in southern Oregon. Here’s what she sent us via email:

In the second review, Amanda wrote on Goodreads, “I won a copy of the audiobook from a Goodreads giveaway. My boys enjoyed listening to the story and I enjoyed the characters and issues that were mentioned.”

Jennifer, a third giveaway winner wrote, “Listened to the audiobook a couple times commuting to work and back. Great concept writing books together as mother & son. The audiobook was entertaining but have a burning question about what is wrong with the character Bash who all his friends are constantly protecting him from temper tantrums by giving him hippie snacks? I will be passing this audiobook on to a younger audience, thank you Lisa & Michael for the opportunity to get to know Lucy, Bash, Ally, Vera & Hudson.”

Our response was, “Such an interesting question! The reference to hippie food reminds us that life is different here in Oregon! (where “hippie food” is often the norm.) Bash has sensory sensitivities (which are described in the book and audiobook) and is prone to meltdowns if he’s exposed to too much stimulation that’s hard for him. Healthy, sugar-free food helps keep his blood sugar up and keep him calm!”

We really enjoy getting this feedback. If you’re a giveaway winner, please let us know your thoughts via email (BashAndLucy@gmail.com) or by posting a review on Audible, Goodreads or Amazon.

And don’t forget to watch Michael dedicate the book (and audiobook) to his Ukrainian grandma, Vera, whose voice is also featured in the children’s audiobook!

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New Kids’ Audiobook: Voices of 6 Kids, 1 Ukrainian Grandma, 1 Dog!

Recording new kids’ audiobook

Our new kids’ audiobook of Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts is now available on Audible!

In the kids’ audiobook, Lisa is the narrator and Michael, age 10, reads Bash’s part. The audiobook also features the voices of five of Michael’s friends, age 9-11, and his Ukrainian Grandma, Vera–to whom the book is dedicated.

Ukrainian Grandma Vera

Also making voice appearances are Michael’s sister, Ally, and his dog, Hudson.

Listen to a sample that focuses on the main conflict: Paula’s assertion that under Title IX, Paula’s soccer team has the right to have superstar Lucy (a dog), on her team: https://soundcloud.com/lisa-and-michael-cohn/kid-voice-over-artists-reading-bash-and-lucy-fetch-team-vera-the-dream-beasts. We were especially proud of Samantha Reihl, age 10, for her contribution to the audiobook, reading for girl-power Paula.

Ally is another girl-power character in the book. Our Ally character, roughly modeled on Michael’s sister, leads by example. She’s the town’s mayor, the librarian, and also is the founder of an improv dance troupe. As one 10-year-old reader said in an Amazon review, “I think it’s cool that Ally is everywhere. Whenever you need her, she’s there.”

The third girl-power character is Vera, who, in real life, is Michael’s surrogate grandmother. In the book, she urges the kids to “do what’s right.” She tells stories about her difficult upbringing in Ukraine, imploring the characters to appreciate all they have–especially their dogs. You can read an article about Vera here: https://theimmigrantstory.org/girl-power-grandma/

Michael’s friends who are voice-over artists in the book include Vera’s grandchildren, Levko (reading Adam’s part) and Lukyan (reading Coach Danny’s part). Both are students at a school for super-bright kids.  Samantha and Ronin (reading Matthrew’s part)  are a sister and brother who are homeschoolers, and Milo is a 10-year-old who attends public school.

A special guest is Hudson, our dog. Hudson joined our family after Lucy died five years ago, prompting our “Bash and Lucy” journey–a journey that included an appearance on the Today Show, our “Skype in the Classroom” visits with kids in 15 countries, and the formation of the Roving Reader Leaders book club.

Hudson helps record kids’ audiobook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hope you listen to our new audiobook! If you’d like a digital or CD version for review purposes, email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com.

And be sure to watch Michael dedicate the book to Vera here:

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Sharing Our Kids’ Audiobook at Hillsboro Local Authors Fair

Recording new audiobook

We’ll be giving away our new kids’ audiobook–recorded with the voices of six kids, three adults, and one dog–Sat. Sept. 22 at the Hillsboro Public Library Local Authors Fair.

We just finished recording the “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts,” audiobook, which features the voices of me (Lisa), Michael, age 10, and five of his friends, age 10-12. Also featured will be the Ukrainian-accent-laced voice of Vera, Michael’s surrogate grandma, who appears as a character in the book. We also dedicate the book to Vera.

Michael’s 20-year-old sister, Ally, the model for the girlpower “Ally” character, reads her lines.

And last but not least, our dog, Hudson, supplies the barks in the kids’ audiobook.

Here’s a very short sample that features the voices of Michael, Sammy (who reads for girlpower Paula) and Vera:

Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera audiobook sample

At the fair, Lisa will be participating in a panel about diversity in children’s literature. She’ll be discussing why and how she and Michael gave Bash, the main character, sensory sensitivities. In short, our aim was to give readers a feel for what kids with sensory sensitivities feel like when exposed to the stimulation that’s hard for them. As we say in the book, Bash gets  grumpy, disruptive, and prone to temper tantrums if he’s hungry or overwhelmed. His friends and family members try to help him with hugs, back rubs, and home-cooked, sugar-free food.

In spite of the fact that Bash is supported by his friends and most of his family members, he faces a big challenge: His cousin, Paula, thinks that under Title IX, her soccer team has the right to have Bash’s dear dog, Lucy, as coach.

As you can hear in the sample, Paula has strong feelings about equal opportunities for girls. She is one of three “girlpower” characters in the book, and each character displays her “girlpower” characteristics in different ways.

 

 

 

Hudson helps record kids’ audiobook

As we wrote the book, we had faith that Bash had the smarts and determination to work things out with Paula. But some of our readers didn’t like the fact that a sensory-sensitive boy would be challenged by his cousin in this way. Lisa will discuss this issue, too. In short, sensory-sensitive doesn’t mean helpless–and Bash is by no means helpless in the book.

We’re giving away audiobooks this fall in other ways, as well. We’ll soon announce another giveaway of the new kids’ audiobook for Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts.

If you’d like us to send you a CD of the audiobook for review, email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com! We can also send links. It will be available on Audible soon.

If you’re a teacher and would like us to visit with you via Skype or in person, email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com!

 

 

Be sure to watch Michael dedicate the book to his immigrant grandma, Vera:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mom-Son Author School Visits, Libraries, Too!

Lisa and Michael Cohn, Mom-Son Authors

We’re excited about our Mom-Son Author school visits this month, and will also be visiting the Hillsboro Public Library.

In addition, we’re planning Mom-Son Author school visits via Skype in the classroom around the world, with our first later this month.

During our school visits this month–with the Hillsboro Public Library, the Oregon Home Education Network (OHEN), and a school in the Eugene, Oregon area–we’ll be focusing on our latest book, Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts. We’ll be sharing both the book and the audiobook, which is now being recorded with voice-overs by six kids, three adults, and one adorable dog!

At the Hillsboro Public Library, Lisa will participate in a discussion that focuses on diversity in books. She’ll be talking about why she and Michael chose a character, Bash, who has sensory sensitivities–and how readers have responded (in surprising ways!). She’ll also touch on the girl power theme in Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts and how readers have responded (again, in surprising ways!).

Lisa and Michael Cohn, Mom-Son Authors, Book Release Party

 

Our first visit will be Friday, Sept. 7. We’ll be sharing our books and audiobooks at the OHEN Not Back to School Resource Fair: http://www.ohen.org/not-back-to-school-day-resource-fair/

On Monday Sept. 17, we’ll be visiting a school in Eugene, Ore. And on Sept. 22, we’ll be participating in the Hillsboro Local Authors Fair https://www.facebook.com/events/363576484182078/

Our first Skype in the classroom visit this year will be with first graders in Florida Sept. 24. While these kids are too young for our latest book, we will share our earlier books and clips from the new audiobook.

Learn about and sign up for our Skype in the Classroom lessons here: https://education.microsoft.com/LisaM.... To date, we’ve “traveled” 540,000 miles to meet with students in 15 countries around the world. Teachers who are interested in having us visit their students can also email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com

 

Our New Audiobook

Recording Audiobook for Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera

If you’re interested in learning more about our audiobook, you can listen to some samples here. In the first, Michael reads the credits and the dedication to Vera. Music is by Mr. Hoo, Michael’s music teacher:

Audiobook Intro, Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera

In the second, listeners will hear the voices of Michael, his 11-year-old friend, Sammy (who reads Paula’s lines), and Ukrainian grandma Vera:

Sample from Audiobook of “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera & the Dream Beasts”

Be sure to email us with questions and comments! BashAndLucy@gmail.com

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Kidlit Book Study Guide: Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera & The Dream Beasts

COMPLETE THE KIDLIT BOOK STUDY GUIDE BELOW AND WIN A PRIZE!

Students—either alone or as part of a class—who complete this study guide and email their answers to the authors receive one gift of their choice.

A) A “Bash and Lucy” book, as a pdf or e-book

B) A “Bash and Lucy” audiobook, recorded with the help of Kids, age 5-10

C) A half-hour Skype visit with the authors (Lisa Cohn and her son, Michael, age 10) to discuss the writing and reading topics of your choice.

Email your completed kidlit book study guide to BashAndLucy@gmail.com and tell us which prize you’d like—a book, audiobook or Skype visit with the authors! See bonus offer below.

DOWNLOAD THE STUDY GUIDE HERE:

STUDY GUIDE for Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera

 

I. Title IX and Girl Power

1. What does Bash mean when he says Paula is all about girl power?

2. What is Title IX?

3. Do you think Paula is right to insist that Bash’s dog, Lucy, coach Paula’s team?

4. Why or why not?

5. How would you describe Bash’s sister, Ally?

6. Does Ally have girl power? Why or why not?

7. How is Ally different than Paula?

8. Would you like to have a sister like Ally? Why or why not?

II. Bash’s Sensory Sensitivities

1. Bash is described as being super sensitive. How is he sensitive?

2. Do you know any kids who are as as sensitive as Bash? Describe them.

3. How do Bash’s friends and family members help him with his sensitivities?

4.. What is Bash’s best quality?

5. What does Bash do when he needs to solve a problem?

III. Dogs

1. Who is chased by dream beasts in the book?

2. What happens when someone who is chased by dream beasts goes to the pet fair?

3. What does Bash mean when he says that Coach Danny is now “one of us” after he adopts a dog?

4. In what ways are dogs important to this story?

IV Immigrant Grandma Vera

1. Vera tells “In My Country” stories in the book. What are they usually about?

2. Why do you think Vera is an assistant mayor, which is a job as a leader?

3. Why do you think her soccer team wins a lot?

V Likes and Dislikes

1. What do you like about this book?

2.. What don’t you like?

3. How could the authors make the book better?

BONUS QUESTION: Answer this question and receive an audiobook, paperback book or e-book, AND Skype visit with the authors.

How do Paula, Ally and Vera show girl power in different ways? Please give examples.

Be sure to watch Michael dedicate the book to his immigrant grandma Vera:

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The Girl-Power Librarian, Mayor and Dancer in Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera…

A popular character in our latest kidlit book is Ally, the girl-power librarian, mayor and dancer in Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts.

By popular, we mean that reviewers comment on her role in the book, often saying she’s a great role model for girls.They also comment on how the main character, Bash, uses the library to find information about Title IX, a theme in the book.

Ally’s character is based on Michael’s sister, the real Ally, who loves to read, is a dancer and improv artist, and is studying political science in college.

Her most important role is girl-power librarian. Whenever Bash, the main character, is upset or confused, he runs to the library for help from Ally. He also feels comforted by the library.

In the beginning of the book, Bash sprints to the library when he’s upset. “The sound of Ally’s voice soothed him for a minute. So did the dusty paper smell of books, bookmarks, hold slips, scrap paper, magazines, and pencils.”

Libraries and bookstores are really important to us. We visit a library or bookstore almost daily, looking for Michael’s favorite kidlit books or information about animals, a place we want to visit, or another topic that interests Michael. Recently, we checked out all the “Wings of Fire” books–and audiobooks.

We love libraries so much that on New Year’s Eve, our favorite place to party is the local library, which holds a “Loud in the Library” New Year’s Eve event.

We also love librarians, which is why we cast one in a featured role in our book. Here are some of the reviewers’ comments about Ally’s role in Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts:

Very interesting and captivating character

“I  have four daughters and wish this book was around when they were growing up to help them to adjust to the tough world out there. Ally, the mayor-librarian-dancer, is a very interesting and captivating character good for the young ever absorbing mind to learn kindness.”

–Team Golfwell, on Amazon

It’s Cool that Ally is Everywhere

“I think it’s cool that Ally is everywhere. Whenever you need her, she’s there.”

–10-yr-old Amanda, as part of Tina Morley’s review on Amazon

Great Role Model

“Great female characters in this book, including mayor-librarian-dancer Ally, whose smarts, talents, and kindness make her a great role model.”

–Elisa Wood, on Amazon

Library is a Good Resource

Dawn, a blogger at Bound for Escape, wrote that kids learn “the library is a good resource for information.”

Want to join in the conversation? Tell us what you think of our girl-power librarian! Email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com and we’ll send you a review copy of the book!

Read other reviews here: http://www.bashandlucy.com/2018/06/11/reviews-bash-lucy-fetch-team-vera-dream-beasts/

In the meantime, be sure to watch Michael dedicate Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts to his surrogate grandma, Vera, who also plays an important role in our latest book!

 

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New Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera Ratings and Reviews

New Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera ratings and reviews are coming in!

We’re still getting some negative reviews about the character of Paula, and her insistence that under Title IX, the best female coach–Lucy–should coach her all-girls team.

At the same time, we’re getting numerous positive reviews. If you’d like to chime in, email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com and we’ll send you a review copy of Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts.

Here’s a very thorough review from Wanda C, on Goodreads:

“The Inclusion of Title IX in this Story was Well Done”

I enjoyed the main characters being their own selves. I also liked how the characters were different even though they looked alike (Bash and his cousin Lucy.) The inclusion of Title IX into this story was well done. Readers will learn, if they already don’t know, what Title IX is and they will learn how important it is to understand, so those who need its protection receive it, while those who use Title IX, not as it was 100% intended, are helped to see why it was created and how vital it is to protect it and respect it.

Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!

1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes

2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes

3) Storyline adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes

4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes.

5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The cover art relayed to me the tension/stand between two groups/individuals.

The next reviewer, identified as an “Amazon customer,” assumed that Michael is a girl. We think that’s because of the Title IX theme. Actually, Michael is a boy, just to be clear! He chose the girl-power characters in the book based on his relatives: his real-life sister, Ally, is the librarian-mayor-dancer. His cousin, Paula, is the girl-power character some are struggling with. And his surrogate grandma, Vera, is a coach and assistant mayor.

“Read This Book”

Written by a 10-year-old girl..it is very well written. I liked the girl power and cute puppy dogs. i liked the description of the sensory problems. Good job writing Michael. Written by mom–in includes girl power, awareness of friends and family and help working together to make everyone happier.

We received this note from a former teacher:

“Your Work and Imagination Will be Shared with Many”

As a former teacher and avid reader books are very important to me. I enjoyed the  book and vivid illustrations. This book will be passed on to my daughter who is an elementary teacher. Your work and imagination will be shared with many children.

Now, for the so-so reviews. Laura Reading provided a very thorough discussion here of what she liked and didn’t like:

“Torn About How to Rate This Book”

As some others, I was torn about how to rate this book. From the authors/illustrator aspect, I want to whole heartedly give this 4 stars. I will go as high as 3 stars after reading the entire book and giving it some consideration. Ally was a saving grace for me.

The topic is controversial and timely. It is a battle that has been fought for decades.

To be honest, I would have liked to see teams with both male and female players.Having Lucy TAKEN by a girls team just because she is the best is NOT equality. That is bullying and wrongful justification. Sharing Lucy’s talents would have been a better choice. In the end, it helps that Lucy gets that option, in a way. (Not to spoil what happens.)

I had not planned on writing a politically oriented review but I see how strongly readers are reacting.This book is supposed to be fun with a lesson. Perhaps the authors were too ambitious in their attempts.

Bash is shown in a positive light as having special personality traits. Because everyone around him tries to feed him to calm him, and he finishes the words for them, shows this is a tactic they have used many times.

I also appreciate that Bash has friends, and a good relationship with his family.

I wish the pet adoption part of the book said more about a dog being part of a family and not just a solution to one problem. Personally, having had dogs in my house for many years, we are more likely to end up wearing MISmatched socks after adopting a dog, but being happier about it.I give the book praise for effort but only OK for results. I understand one author is a child, but the role of supporting adults is to help create a more acceptable end result. I think in that respect, it needs more attention.
Read other reviews here:

Reviews of Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera & the Dream Beasts!

Again, email us if you’d like a review copy. And be sure to watch Michael dedicate the book to the real Vera here:

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Title IX in Kidlit: Surprising Reactions to “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera”

By addressing Title IX in kidlit, we opened up a can of worms! We’ve been very surprised by some of the reactions to our use of Title IX in “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts.”

In the book, Bash is very sensitive and relies on his dog, Lucy, to help keep him calm. But Lucy has become a superstar soccer coach, and all the kids want her to coach their teams. Chief among them is Bash’s cousin, Paula, who says that under title IX, her soccer team has the right to the very best resources–and that includes Lucy, the best coach around!

Under Title IX, women and girls are entitled to the same resources as boys. In sports, that means they should have the same funding, equipment, coaching and other opportunities, as we explain in our book. Our hope was to teach kids about Title IX in Kidlit– using kidlit to explain the concept in an easy-to-understand manner.

Some of our reviewers think we did just that. But others have given us very negative reviews for the fact that Paula tries to take sensitive Bash’s dog away.

First, here are a few of the positive comments about our use of Title IX in kidlit:

An Important Message Candy-Wrapped with Humor

This is our favorite review because the readers understood what we were trying to accomplish. Tina Morley said on Amazon and her blog, “Amanda’s Books and More,” Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts teaches an important message candy wrapped with humor. Bash learns that under the Title IX law, girls have equal rights as boys when it comes to the best coaches and education. This is an early chapter book with expressive illustrations.”

Tina’s 10-year-old daughter, Amanda, wrote: “I liked that they loved dogs so much and let them be coaches. I think it’s cool that Ally is everywhere. Whenever you need her, she’s there. I like that the grandma is a coach and teaches the best girl team. I also like the grandma’s accent.”

Helps to Integrate Equal Opportunity Between Genders (Title IX)…into more Understandable Ideas for Kids

Kirk Mango, a collegiate National Champion in gymnastics and author of “Becoming a True Champion,” wrote,

“Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts” is a nicely written piece that helps to integrate equal opportunity between genders (Title IX) and meld them into more understandable ideas for kids. Taking the main concepts of Title IX, the book takes readers on a journey through the complexities of this law. Its ups and downs, or collateral consequences…depending on one’s perspective, and the possible effects, in a real sense, on all those involved in sports participation. There is more to Title IX than many might initially realize as its application can be cumbersome when looking at all it effects.

In the end, through Bash and Lucy’s journey, there IS a solution that benefits ALL…one where fairness, equality, and equitability tends to win out over disparity…inequality. A good read for those who want to introduce our younger generation to current issues facing us today.

Lastly, I cannot end this review without mentioning the wonderful artwork and illustrations…certainly a GREAT help in keeping children riveted to the book and its purpose.

Now, for the negative comments about our use of Title IX in kidlit:

Ludicrous and Disgusting

Amber Hawke wrote on Goodreads, giving the book one star, “I personally feel that this would not be a good book for children because while everything does end well it was not a nice book. The idea that a young boy with some emotional sensitivity difficulties could have his companion dog taken away to help a girls team due to an equal opportunity law was both ludicrous and disgusting. I feel this could upset young children and send bad messages to them.

Our response to Amber’s review:

Thanks so much for your comments. A few points: The book describes Bash as being sensitive. He relies on his dog to help keep him calm. The book never says Lucy is a service dog or emotional support dog. Also, Bash is anything but a helpless victim. In fact, we hope it’s clear he’s upset but still takes action by going to the library and trying to understand Title IX. Also, he’s supported by many people around him, who like to bring him food to ensure his blood sugar is high enough to keep him feeling calm. In the end, he works with others to find a solution that makes everyone happy.

We’d like to add that one of our favorite book series, “I Funny,” by James Patterson, features a boy in a wheelchair who faces numerous challenges–including bullies who are very hard on him and make fun of the fact that he’s in a wheelchair. While this may seem cruel, the important message is that the boy, even though wheelchair-bound, overcomes such obstacles, thanks to his scrappy personality and group of friends.

Girl Empowerment is Important BUT….

On Goodreads, Cheryl wrote, “This is a cute book. Young readers will enjoy Lucy, the Golden Retriever. I know I sure did. She is awesome. That is why Bash and Paula both wanted her so bad. I understood Paula’s reasons for wanting Lucy for her girl’s team but I felt like there was a better way to go about sharing Lucy. Girl empowerment is very important but it seemed to be portrayed wrong in this book. Paula felt that she could use this reason as “entitlement” for Lucy with no thoughts about how this would make Bash feel.

What do you think? We want to hear from others! If you email us at BashAndLucy@gmail.com, we’ll send you a free book in exchange for a review, especially comments about our use of Title IX in kidlit!

Meanwhile, be sure to watch Michael dedicate the book to his immigrant grandma, Vera, from Ukraine. She’s one of the girl-power characters in “Bash and Lucy Fetch Team Vera and the Dream Beasts.” While she’s hard on Bash at times, she’s also very gentle and loving and helps the kids find a solution to their problem.

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