Learning - Ovia Health

The Ovia Bookshelf: Healthy Habits

Andy Blackett — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 01:55:27 +0000

Embark on a wellness adventure with this edition of The Ovia Bookshelf. These delightful stories help young readers discover the joy of healthy living – from energetic movement and playful exercise to understanding doctor visits with confidence. Through colorful tales, children learn how their amazing bodies work and connect with their emotions in meaningful ways. Perfect for inspiring your kiddos to begin lifelong healthy habits.

Shake My Sillies Out (Raffi Songs to Read)

Written by Raffi

Illustrated by Maple Lam

Ages 1 to 2

It’s a song about moving and shaking. It’s perfect for little ones to get their energy flowing and their bodies moving!

Little Panda and Her Super Heart

Written by Marta Almansa Esteva

Art and illustration by Silvia Romeral Andrés

Ages: 2-7

Little Panda and Her Super Heart is a children’s book about a brave panda who must have heart surgery. Written by a cardiac nurse who works with children’s hearts, it helps children learn about medical tools and stay brave during hospital visits. The book features colorful clay characters and real hospital equipment children might see at the doctor’s office.

While the story focuses on heart surgery, any child facing medical procedures can connect with Little Panda’s journey.

Jump!

By Tatsuhide Matsuoka

Ages 4 to 7

Get ready to bounce and play with this delightful interactive book for your littlest ones! Award-winning Japanese artist Tatsuhide Matsuoka brings animals to life through charming, accurate illustrations that will have babies and toddlers jumping with joy.

Listening to My Body

Written by Gabi Garcia

Illustrated by Ying Hui Tan

Ages 3 to 8

This hands-on guide assists children in identifying and describing their emotions along with the physical sensations that accompany them. It teaches them vocabulary to help them express their feelings, such as when they’re jumpy or calm. Engaging activities help kids recognize these feelings. Learning these skills allows children to handle big emotions and encourages them to treat themselves with kindness and understanding, especially when facing intense feelings.

The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness

By Lizzy Rockwell

Ages 3 to 7

This fun fitness guide helps kids discover how the body moves. Colorful characters show kids different ways to be active. Easy-to-follow diagrams showcase the six major body systems that power our movements, helping children understand how their amazing bodies are designed for action.

The Couch Potato

Written Jory Johns

Illustrated by Pete Oswald

Ages 5 to 8

It’s terrific to veg out and not have to move an inch because everything is within your reach. Expect when things don’t go as planned. The Couch Potato learns to explore its surroundings and get out into the world in this excellent book by the duo behind the #1 New York Times bestselling Food Group series.

Kids Can Cook Anything!: The Complete How-To Cookbook for Young Chefs

By America’s Test Kitchen Kids

Ages 8 and up

A great way to get kids to understand and appreciate the food they eat is to get them excited about cooking. This book, filled with kid-tested and approved recipes, is a great educational and life skills tool to engage them. It’s not just a collection of recipes but a guide to understanding basic kitchen skills and learning how to prepare a meal they can be proud to serve and eat!

Ovia Bookshelf: Family Edition

Andy Blackett — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:34:47 +0000

This bookshelf is dedicated to the beauty of families of all kinds, from those we are born into to those we are fortunate to find along the way. It contains stories about family life, adoption, blended families, fostering and more.

Happy reading!

All Kinds of Families

Written by Suzanne Lang

Illustrated by Max Lang

Ages Baby to 3 years

All kinds of families exist in this world, and this book touches on some of the many different combinations of families out there. The book highlights all the many types of family members there could be with a fun and humourous tone kids will love.

Favorite Line: Uncle Hal, Al, Sal and Uncle Lou, too!

Made for Me

Written by Zach Bush

Illustrated by Gregorio De Lauretis

Ages Baby to 3 years

This sweet and tender book focuses on a father’s love for his child. We see Dad take on fatherhood, loving and raising his baby with joy, wonder and determination. And his baby is enjoying every moment.

Favorite line: Of all the children that ever could be, you are the one made just for me.

Who takes care of you?

Written by Hannah Eliot

Illustrated by Jade Orlando

Ages 2-5

Raising a child does take a village. This book spotlights a diverse group of children sharing a bit about the people caring for them.

Favorite Line: We walk hand in hand. We dance to our own tune.

A Mother for Choco

By Keiko Kasza

Ages 2-5

Choco wants to find a family more than anything. This book shows us that the family you need sometimes is not the one you expected. It is a great book to discuss how family is about love, no matter how different you and your family members are, adopted or not.

Favorite Line: But I don’t have big, round cheeks like you.

How to Babysit a Grandma and Grandpa Board Book Boxed Set (How To Series)

Written by Jean Reagan

Illustrated by Lee Wildish

Ages 2-5

Being a kid and having to babysit the grandmas and grandpas is tough! This funny book series is a step-by-step guide for kids who want to be prepared when it’s their turn to babysit the grownups.

Favorite Line: You may want to have some extra tricks – grandpas always clap for more.

Bonus: How to raise mom and a surprise dad

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

Written by Kevin Maillard

Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

Ages 2-6

A native bread becomes the centerpiece of a story about coming together, honoring heritage, respecting culture and all the things that native peoples uphold. It is a very insightful and powerful book with wonderful illustrations and a great bonus section that dives deeper into Indigenous traditions.

Favorite Line: Drop the dough in the skillet, the bubbles sizzle and pop.

Bathe the Cat

Written by Alice B. McGinty

Illustrated by David Roberts

Ages 3-6

The family cat is determined not to get a bath and will use some handy scrambling skills to get his way. But his efforts confuse everyone as they hurry to prepare for Grandma’s visit.

Favorite Line: Sarah feeds the floor. I’ll sweep the dishes.

No Dogs Allowed

Written by Sonia Manzano

Illustrated by Jon J Muth

Ages 3-8

A trip to the state park becomes an entire feat for Iris and her family. When they discover no dogs are allowed, they all come together to ensure El Exigente, their beloved pooch, isn’t left out of the fun.

Favorite Line: I was packing for El Exigente when my sister yelled, rolling her eyes, MOMMMM! Iris can’t bring that dog, can she? There’ll be nothing but trouble if he comes!”

Home for A While

Written by Lauren H. Kerstein

Illustrated by Natalia Moore

Ages 4-8

Calvin struggles to manage his emotions as he enters yet another new foster home. His new foster parent, Maggie, assists him in finding ways to cope with anger, sadness, frustration, and feelings of being unwanted.

Favorite Line: Calvin’s tummy settled like a quiet winter snow.

Mango, Abuela and Me

Written by Meg Medina

Illustrated by Angela Dominguez

Ages Baby to 3 years

When Mia’s grandmother leaves her tropical home to live with her family in the city, love helps them overcome their language barrier.

Favorite Line: Snuggled in my pajamas, I smell flowers in her hair, sugar and cinnamon baked into her skin.

Lunar Boy

Written and illustrated by Jen and Cin Wibowo

Indu is an adopted boy from the moon who goes to live with his blended family on New Earth. When he faces challenges in his new home, he asks the moon to bring him back. This graphic novel is a coming-of-age story that tackles acceptance, identity, love and family bonds.

Ages 10 and up

Favorite Line: When I chose to raise you I promised to love every part of you even the parts you haven’t figured out yet

Sisters

Written by Raina Telgemeier

The bond between sisters can be incredible—unless it isn’t! In this graphic novel, the author reflects on her childhood and shares her experiences with the complexities of family and sisterhood.

Ages 8 to 11

Favorite Line: The cousin I wished was my sister barely knows me at all and the sister I actually have hates me.

The Ovia Bookshelf: Hispanic Heritage Edition

Andy Blackett — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 21:57:55 +0000

Check out these great family reads representing diverse Latinx cultures and experiences. From classic novels to new stories to books profiling historical figures, these books are rich with examples for all kids to love and want to read with pride.

All Around Us

Written by Xelena González

Illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

Ages 3-5

Grandpa guides his granddaughter through the cycle of nature and the world around them. This mindful story will inspire conversations about how we connect with the world and each other. It is a lovely collaboration between the author and illustrator.

Winner of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor and American Indian Youth Literature Award Picture Book Honor

Favorite line: What we take from the earth, we return

Searching for Sancocho / En busca del sancocho

Written by Jamileth Brito, Mario Serrano

Illustrated by Yurieli Otero-Asmar

Ages 3-5

Aurora’s Abuela has passed away. When people bring food to help the family deal with their loss, Aurora can only think about the Dominican sancocho (a hearty stew native to Caribbean and Latin American cuisines) her Abuela would make. With the help of a magical bike, Aurora explores the origins of the delicious recipe and searches for the secret ingredient that will keep Abuela’s sancocho alive. Searching for Sancocho / En busca del sancocho is a sweet story about love, loss, grief and keeping cultural connections alive.

Favorite line: Abuela, what is the secret ingredient? Hija, the secret ingredient is love.

The Ofrenda That We Built

Written by Jolene Gutiérrez & Shaian Gutiérrez

Illustrated by Gabby Zapata

Ages 3-5

Traditions are moments and acts that bind us together and keep culture and connection alive. This vibrant book centers itself around the tradition of the Day of the Dead, a multi-day holiday celebrated in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage around the world. It shows us how an ofrenda, a home altar celebrating our ancestors, is built. It is written in a House that Jack Built-style rhyme.

Favorite line: There are the candles, glowing and bright, that welcome our ancestors in from the night.

Nacho and Lolita

Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Illustrated by Claudia Rueda

Ages 4-8

This book by celebrated author Pam Muñoz Ryan is a beautifully written love story. Nacho, the only bird of his kind left, finds friendship, companionship and love with Lolita. The emotional journey of this beautiful bird and his soulmate will surely tug at your heartstrings. Get ready to pull out the tissue!

Favorite line: When Spring poked its head into February, the vines held buds that promised returning blossoms. All that from one feather.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

Written by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Illustrated by Paola Escobar

Ages 4-8

Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library system, made her mark on our culture by championing education. This book is a valuable resource that introduces children to the important work of the librarians who keep us informed and expose us to new ideas and opportunities.

Favorite line: Now, a new island stretches before her–ripe for planting seeds of the cuentos she carries.

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built

Written by Angela Burkel Kunkel

Illustrated by Paola Escobar

Ages 4-8

One person’s garbage is another’s treasure. Learn how a Colombian garbage collector in Bogota created a “paradise” for the people of his community, one book at a time.

Favorite line: A few pages to read, a few hours to dream and then it is a new day.

Turning Pages: My Life Story

By Sonia Sotomayor

Illustrated by Lulu Delacre

Ages: 4-8

Read about the life of Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina United States Supreme Court Justice. It focuses on key moments in her life and how books and storytelling were so important to her and ultimately influenced her career as a lawyer and judge.

Available in English and Spanish

Favorite line: I didn’t know how to read yet, but written words, I discovered, were electrical currents that jolted feelings to life.

Fearless Trailblazers: 11 Latinos who made U.S. History

By Naibe Reynoso

Illustrated by Jone Leal

Ages 5-8

This book is part of the Con Todos Press Little Biographies for Bright Minds™ series written by Reynoso and illustrated by Jone Leal. By presenting the biographical stories of outstanding Latinx leaders and heroes in rhyming verse, young readers will easily follow their journey to success in both English and Spanish. Plus, there’s a wonderful surprise at the end.

Check out the other companion books:

Be Bold! Be Brave! / ¡Sé audaz, sé valiente! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History
Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America Who Changed the World

Esperanza Rising

Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Ages 9-12

This one may sound familiar! It is about a young Mexican girl named Esperanza. After facing tragedy on her family’s ranch in Mexico, she is forced to flee to California with her mother during the Great Depression. The novel is loosely based on the experiences of the author’s grandmother.

The critically acclaimed book is often used in schools to teach about Mexican-American history and coming-of-age stories. Revisit it or discover it for the first time with your child.

Favorite line: Our land is alive, Esperanza. You can only hear the earth’s heartbeat when you are still and quiet.

Invisible

By Christina Gonzalez

Illustrated by Gabriela Epstein

Ages 10-12

Five students are forced to do community service. They think they have nothing in common except that everyone sees them as the same…Spanish-speaking kids. Will they risk the “convenience” of “being middle school invisible” to help someone in need?

Inspiration from the classic 1980s movie The Breakfast Club and great illustrations set in a bilingual graphic novel format make this a good one to read with your child.

Favorite line: What could I possibly have in common with any of them?

Read more from The Ovia Bookshelf!

The Ovia Bookshelf: Back-to-School Edition

Black History Month

Celebrate AAPI

Disability Pride

Reading resources

Pre-reading skills in the third year

All about your child’s reading and writing journey

Learning to talk in a multilingual household

All about your child’s reading and writing journey

The Ovia Bookshelf: Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Andy Blackett — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 22:20:30 +0000

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in the United States on July 26, 1990, and a global movement soon followed. Nearly a decade ago Disability Pride Month was established to. To celebrate this important moment, we’ve gathered inspiring books showcasing the strength and resilience of individuals living with disabilities. Get ready to feel hopeful and inspired as you read these great books with your family.

See what’s on the shelf!

A Friend for Henry

Written by Jenn Bailey

Illustrated by Mika Song

Ages 2-7

Henry has autism and is looking for a friend. This heartwarming story explores the experience of autism and the power of friendship. Making friends is an experience we can all relate to!

Favorite line: She burps pebbles, Henry thought. And breathes underwater. And turns sunshine into colors.

I Am a Masterpiece!

Written by Mia Armstrong, illustrated by Alexandra Thompson

Ages 3-5

Actor, model, artist and activist with Down syndrome, Mia Armstrong, lets us into her beautiful world with this sweet and empowering book about loving and celebrating yourself.

Favorite line: It’s a different kind of self-portrait. It’s how I feel, not how I look.

A Day With No Words

Written by Tiffany Hammond, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove

Ages 4+

Author Tiffany Hammond’s celebration of neurodiversity and the beauty of finding different ways to communicate and understand each other is a must-read. Inspired by her autistic son, the story follows a boy who doesn’t speak but finds other ways to connect with the world.

Favorite line: Daddy’s voice is like air, soft as a light summer breeze that kisses my cheek, strong as the winds of hurricanes that abandon ships at sea.

What Happened to You?

Written by James Catchpole, illustrated by Karen George

Ages 3-6

This award-winning book uses simple language and illustrations to show how a boy named Joe deals with kids who ask him what happened to his leg. The book focuses on addressing how a disabled child might want to be spoken to and provides valuable insights into the honest and curious way kids who don’t understand may approach another child with a visible disability.

Favorite line: Sharks were easy compared to kids Joe hadn’t met yet.

My Brother Charlie

Written by Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete

Pictures by Shane Evans

Ages 4-8

Charlie is adored and valued by his family, especially his twin sister Callie, who shares what makes her brother so awesome in this book. It’s a heartfelt love letter from a sister to her brother, shining a light on acceptance, kindness, and the strength of sibling relationships. The story is a tribute to the relationship between Holly Robinson Peete’s real-life twins, RJ, who has autism, and his twin sister, Ryan Elizabeth.

Favorite line: He always makes my hurts better with the caring that comes from his eyes.

Fighting for YES!: The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann

Written by Maryann Cocca-Leffler, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger

Afterword by Judith Heumann

Ages 6-9

Judith Heumann defied the limits society put on her and challenged the barriers that limited the disabled community. Her pursuits changed the law and made it possible for many people to have a more accessible life, better educational opportunities, and more. It’s a great, inspiring read!

Favorite line: No more NOs!

We Move Together

by Kelly Fritsch and Anne McGuire

Illustrated by Eduardo Trejos

Ages: 6 – 9 years

We all move, but not in the same way. This lovely book shows how communities have people with different abilities and ways to move about in life.

Bright and fluid illustrations help bring the story to life.

Favorite line: We build something better

I Deaf-initely Can, Rhett the Heeler

Written by Karlie Waldrip, Illustrated by Lucy Rogers

Ages 2-18

Rhett needs a forever home, but he is a deaf dog and many folks don’t understand or know how to care for him. So when Karlie, who happens to be deaf, comes along, it starts a great friendship and new life for Rhett and Karlie. Based on a true story, this book’s author, illustrator, and main character are part of the deaf community!

Favorite line: Together, we saw the world differently, but we didn’t let our deafness stop us.

Triple the reading fun!

Award-winning author and artist R.J. Palacio brought millions together with her New York Times bestselling books centered around August Pullman, a boy with an extraordinary face and the willingness to brave the world. Here are three books from the Wonder universe for all ages.

Wonder

Ages 9-11+

August starts 5th grade hoping to be treated like any other kid. The first book, told from multiple points of view, shows how people struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

Auggie and Me

Ages 9-11+

See Auggie through the eyes of Julian, the bully, Christopher, Auggie’s oldest friend, and Charlotte, Auggie’s new friend at school.

We’re All Wonders

Ages 3-8

Palacio introduces Auggie’s story to younger readers.

Favorite line: I know I can’t change the way I look. But maybe, just maybe…people can change the way they see.

Read more from The Ovia Bookshelf!

Black History Month
Celebrate AAPI

Reading resources

Benefits of reading to your baby

All about your child’s reading and writing journey

Does my kid have ADHD?

CMS Development — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:45:44 +0000

The only person who can tell you for sure whether your child has ADHD is a mental healthcare provider. Though you’ll definitely want to seek a professional’s opinion, there are a few signs to look out for that might hint at the condition.

Here’s what to know about ADHD in children, including the most common signs and symptoms.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The condition affects millions of children, can be diagnosed at any age, and often continues into adulthood. It’s mainly characterized by difficulty focusing and holding attention, an inability to sit still, and impulsive behaviors.

ADD vs. ADHD

ADD (short for attention deficit disorder) was once used to describe people with attention difficulties who don’t struggle with hyperactivity (an inability to sit still). However, the term is outdated. Today, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) only recognizes ADHD as an official mental health condition.

Signs your child has ADHD

Kids, preteens, and teens with ADHD show various signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. A diagnosis of ADHD requires multiple symptoms (depending on age) over a period of time for a diagnosis.

A child with ADHD might:

Be constantly in motion
Fidget, squirm, or get out of their seat when asked to sit still
Be easily distracted
Be unable to finish tasks, fail to do chores/homework
Have trouble listening, be forgetful
Struggle to play quietly
Talk excessively, interrupt often, or intrude socially

Keep in mind the symptoms can vary from person to person. Also, some of these traits are relatively normal for kids, as their brains are still developing. A diagnosis would take different factors into account, like their age and how chronic the issues are.

How to know if your child’s behavior is normal

Again, it’s normal for children, tweens, and even teens to be inattentive and impulsive — at least sometimes. If your child is showing some signs of ADHD once in a while, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern.

If your child is struggling in many different environments, that can also be a clue that something global needs to be addressed. For example, tired and overstimulated children may be challenging at home after school, but if their teachers report great behavior while at school, that’s reassuring.

In some cases, a lack of attention has more to do with a lack of interest in an activity than a general inability to focus. As for the hyperactivity aspect, well…kids are often hyper and energetic. So you can’t assume every high-energy child has ADHD — that’s why working with a provider is so crucial.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Like many mental health conditions, there’s no blood test or brain scan that confirms whether a person has ADHD. Instead, a healthcare provider will ask questions about your child’s behaviors, activity levels, school performance, and overall health. Often you’ll need to see a specialized provider or work in a team with a provider and a school counselor/specialist.

You’ll likely be asked to fill out a checklist or questionnaire about things you’ve noticed and how long they’ve been going on. A provider will carefully consider all factors before diagnosing your child with ADHD — or potentially a learning disorder or another mental health condition if they think something else might be going on.

What to do if you think your child might have ADHD

Knowing the signs of ADHD is important, but you won’t know for sure if your child has the condition until you get a diagnosis. The best thing to do is make an appointment with your child’s provider or their school counselor to get the process started.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, there are many treatment paths available — including taking medications and starting therapy — finding the right one may take time.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.” Mayo Clinic. 2019. Web. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD.” 2022. Web. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html
Nemours Children’s Health. “ADHD.” 2022. Web. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html
American Psychiatric Association (APA). “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” Web. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd