Book Blurb:
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.” Thomas Jefferson
Join Bella and her playful puppies on an exciting new journey through American history! In this charming tale, Bella comforts her frightened pups during a noisy Fourth of July fireworks display by sharing the story of America's founding. Through Bella's gentle explanations, young readers will learn about the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Constitution, and the key figures and IDEAS that shaped our nation.
With a perfect blend of storytelling and history, this book introduces complex concepts like natural rights, separation of powers, and self-governance in a way that's accessible and engaging for children. Filled with warmth, humor, and important lessons about bravery and freedom, "Tales of the U.S.A.'s Founding Documents" is the perfect way to spark a love for American history in young hearts.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/7fqqjK
Author Bio:
Deb Evans is the author of multiple fiction books for children, as well as books for Solopreneurs on tax planning and financial management. She is a creative multipreneur who has worked successful in writing, photography, private teaching, financial coaching, and tax planning for over 30 years.
“Bella’s Tales” is a fun chapter book series featuring a Momma Golden Retriever, Bella, telling engaging stories to her puppies. The first book “Bella’s Fables” has won several awards and has been enthusiastically received by both children and parents. Deb just released (July 2024) the 7th book in the series and the first in the sub-series "Bella's Tales of History." Children love Bella and her playful pups.
As a private tutor teaching young struggling readers, Deb created “The Vowel Puppies”, an engaging story that teaches early and struggling readers the building blocks of reading - vowel sounds and syllable types. She used this story in her private tutoring sessions for years before deciding in 2022 to publish it. Children love reading about the antics of the Vowel Puppies and don’t even realize they're learning!
A creative multipreneur, Deb Evans is also an Enrolled Agent, a federally-licensed tax professional, and Certified Financial Coach working primarily with female Solopreneurs. She has published “Yes, But… Tax Savings Strategies for Solopreneurs”, and “The Profitable Odyssey: a Hero’s Journey to Financial Independence for Solopreneurs”. She has also published under the name Debbie Evans.
Editorial Review:
““Boom!”
Freddy jumped. Wide-eyed, he scooted closer to his mother Bella and sisters Emma and Abby.
“Boom!”
“Momma! Make it stop!” he cried as the strange sounds blasted through the night.
Bella nuzzled her puppies, licking their fur to soothe them. “Don’t be frightened, little ones,” she said calmly. “It’s called fireworks. The humans set them off every year on the fourth of July. It is a lot of noise and lights, but it can’t hurt you.””
If you want a story to read to the children in your life about key points in history, look no further. Bella and her puppies are here, with relatable conversations and easy-to-understand explanations. This time, “Bella’s Tales of History” by Deb Evans is focusing on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution/Bill of Rights – the founding documents of the United States of America. Evans’ educational and teaching experience is evident throughout the storyline, with a great mix of cute dog interactions (of course Golden Retrievers can talk!) and central historical concepts which are carefully explained in age appropriate ways. The Vocabulary page is one that children will keep referring to, and a great reference for all. The story is pitched as one that adults can read to children, in order to discuss and assist with some of the content.
While all content is child focused (King George is described (with appropriate context) as “mean”, and Natural Law is described as knowing it’s a good idea to share toys) parents or other interested adults may need to be on hand for those questions that children inevitably have or to discuss some of the more academic concepts. For example, Jefferson’s ideas are defined, but these concepts, and other definitions, are brief. This brevity may lead to further thought and benefit from input from a fearless adult who can discuss social prejudice and value systems, which, as even adults know, are a minefield.
“Jefferson used some fancy words in his letter, but the ideas are easy to understand,” Bella said.
“These truths are self-evident”. This just means that everyone should know in their hearts that what he is writing in the letter is true.
“All men are created equal”. In many countries and governments, some people were considered more important than others. If they were born in an important family, then they were important.”
This reviewer grew up reading, for example, the earlier, unrelated, ValueTales series, which left an indelible impression on a young mind. “Bella’s Tales” takes a different approach, being more of an educational overview with Bella the dog as “Teacher” or narrator. Some of the content is verbatim from the founding documents or exposition of historical fact. Other content is based around Bella and her puppies, and the farmyard animals. This is a mix of approaches that will no doubt hold a child’s attention, but it is different, say, from a narrative “story” about an individual person such as is in ValueTales.
Regardless of any difference between the two approaches, is so worthwhile to see again the same commitment to explaining history in a child-focused way, that will hopefully lead to further questions and learning by interested children. Adults will no doubt be able to add to and interpret content of “Bella’s Tales” as best suits their own parenting and family preferences, and the understanding of the children involved. The use of a family pet as a mechanism to teach will be a further connection for many children.
“The Founding Fathers knew they needed a stronger national government than the Articles of Confederation gave the. But they were also worried about giving the government too much power. To find this balance, they created a Constitutional Republic.
In this system, the people hold power by electing representatives to serve in government and make decisions for the people. If the representatives don’t serve the way the people want, the people can vote them out and choose someone else. This allows the peoples’ voices to be heard. It allows majority rule but also protects the rights of the minority voices.
That was a good start, but it wasn’t enough. The Founding Fathers found more ways to limit the new government’s powers.”
“Bella’s Tales of History” by Deb Evans is a worthwhile resource for children, which will hopefully spark a family debate or discussion, and perhaps even an ongoing interest in history. While some of the concepts are, even now, pivotal adult concepts on which a nation is based, Evans’ (and Bella’s!) explanations are always age appropriate and a great introduction to the founding documents of the United States of America.
*****
“Bella’s Tales of History” by Deb Evans receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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