Martina Omejec
Dear readers,
my name is Martina Omejec, I’m 47 years old children’s book writer and mom of 8 years old. I come from Zagreb, but spend my long summers in Korčula :)). I wrote a bilingual ( Croatian -English children’s book for children from 5 to 95 years old ). The book’s name is “The Wonder dance” or in the Croatian language it’s “Čudnovati ples”. It’s published on Amazon – https://amzn.to/3kfRD3n and the Croatian version can be bought in bookstores in Croatia. It is a well-sold book in Croatia because the theme is very interesting in today’s world full of quick and big changes that children and grownups can’t get used to so fast. The children’s book «The Wonder Dance» teaches children how to deal with feelings of sadness and dissatisfaction through a form of relaxation enjoyed by both children and adults – dance. «The Wonder Dance» helps children relax and re-awaken feelings of happiness as well as develop a positive attitude towards new challenges.
I went through a handful of challenges myself a few years ago when no one could diagnose my illness. I visited many western medicine doctors in Croatia, Slovenia, and Switzerland, but no one knew what was wrong with me. I also visited many alternative doctors and most of them didn’t help until I met a Chinese lady who helped me to feel better and even have my firstborn in my 40ies. Afterward, I received my diagnosis which was Fibromyalgia and sacroiliitis. One of the healing activities I was taught by the Chinese lady was The wonder dance. It helped me to get out of the depression I was feeling because of the illness no one knew the name of. I do the relaxation dance to this day because it helps me relax and open up to new possibilities. I felt the need to share the knowledge of the technique with others, especially with children. Because I think If, You adopt a positive way of helping yourself as a young person it will be a big help onceYou get older.
I’m also sending You a review of the book written by a reader on an online bookclub.
Sometimes bad things happen to all of us in life. However, they are a part of life, and we need to learn to deal with them and stay positive. Various techniques can help people feel better in difficult times, one of which is dancing. The Wonder Dance: Čudnovati ples by Martina Omejec is a children’s picture book that shows how dancing can help us feel better.
This book primarily follows Leo, the boy whose grandmother died. Remembering the stories of the Native Americans and their dance that his grandmother read to him, he also began to dance every morning to feel better and alleviate the grief over his grandmother’s death. Leo realized that dancing helped him. When his friends from school told him about their problems, Leo would advise them to try dancing because it would make them feel better, and most of their problems would be lessened or gone. The reader further learns what problems Leo’s friends had and how the dance affected their resolution of those problems.
This children’s picture book is very interesting and engaging. First of all, I like that the story is written in both Croatian and English. In this way, children can expand their vocabulary in two languages. Also, I must emphasize that the illustrations are captivating and colorful and can easily hold the child’s attention throughout the story. As for the plot itself, I like the idea conveyed. We all sometimes find ourselves in difficult situations, and we have various problems. However, it is imperative to stay positive in such cases. It is necessary to vibrate positively, and one of the ways to achieve that is to dance. Also, the story stresses the significance of ecology, which is also a big plus because I think it is important to teach children from an early age to care for the environment.
As for the negative elements, there are none. In addition, I did not encounter any errors in the entire book.
Taking everything into account, I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. As I mentioned before, I have no reason to give it a lower rating because I liked the whole book. I would recommend it to all parents who want to convey to their children the importance of optimism and dance but also care for the environment.
