Nothando's Journey

Dear Diary,

Recently, my little boy Jailen and I read Nothando’s Journey and fell in love with the story. The author weaved a tale about a brother (Jabu) and sister (Nothando) traveling together to a special event–the Reed Festival, a celebration in Southern Africa.

Nothando is nervous about dancing at the festival for the first time. Along the way, they encounter wild dogs, lions, elephants, and other animals. Learning how to imitate each animal’s movement, Nothando gains confidence and courage—and discovers she is grateful to be exactly who she is.

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This was Jailen’s first time learning about yoga. He enjoyed stretching his mind and body and wanted to read the book again and again. The back of the book includes a simple, easy-to-follow movement guide.

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We recommend this book to flex your mind and muscles! It’s also a great way to prevent toddler tantrums. Yoga helps kids concentrate, calm down and relax.

Hey DFTM Fam–What are you reading to your little ones? Share your stories with us on social media #ReadingWednesday.

About The Author

Vlog Mom/DFTM Creator

Not long ago, Heather Hopson hosted a television show in the Cayman Islands. Today, she's back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom. In her 15 years working as a professional journalist, this by far is her best assignment! Growing up, she dreamed of becoming Oprah Winfrey. She was the features editor for her school’s newspaper and a teen talk show host for her city’s most popular radio station. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University. After graduation, she worked as a television producer and reporter at CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates throughout the U.S. Instead of heading to Chicago to join Ms. Winfrey on her set, she bought a plane ticket to the Cayman Islands instead. She arrived five days before a category five hurricane! She lived in paradise for seven years, hosted an award-winning television show and traveled the globe with a government delegation. She also served on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and spearheaded a Send a Kid to Camp campaign. Then, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to obtain a teaching certification and instruct 8th grade reading at a high needs middle school. She later returned to her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA to raise her daughter Caitlynn, now 4-years-old. During her 10-month-stint as a stay-at-home mom, Caitlynn inspired her to create this blog, and Diary of a First Time Mom was born on Mother’s Day 2012. Two years later, she expanded the family to include 20+ writers. Currently, Heather serves as the communications director at Allies for Children. In addition, she is the owner of Motor Mouth Multimedia, which ranked #49 in Startup Nation’s Home-Based 100 Competition sponsored by Discover Card and Sam’s Club. Recently, The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Heinz Endowments selected Heather to receive an Emerging Black Artist award to develop Diary of a First Time Mom.

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