The Chicago Journal

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Erica Jones Unveils Debut Children’s Book ‘Ready, Set, Bet’ Helping Children Acquire Lifelong Skills Through a Meaningful Story

A child’s developmental years are crucial; hence, growing children deserve the best kind of education and entertainment that suits their every need. “Ready, Set, Bet” is a colorful children’s book by Erica Jones that is both educational and entertaining. Ready Set Bet Big Dog and Little Cat Race to Get Cheese Pizza is a delightful storybook that involves two main characters, Big Dog and Little Cat, along with many other animal characters. Big Dog is very tech-savvy and enjoys utilizing technology for about everything. Little Cat, on the other hand, is an amazingly simple cat who enjoys a more traditional way of problem-solving. 

Together they will teach children how to problem solve as well as complete tasks using two different methods teaching them to reach their goals.

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Erica Jones has always been very intrigued by cartoons like Tom and Jerry, Garfield, and other animals’ characters. “There was something very captivating about animal characters that possessed human-like characteristics,” explained the renowned author. 

At the age of seven, she picked up a pencil and began creating characters of her own which eventually developed into a deep passion for art and drawing. Erica would study art and practice her craft every chance she would get, turning to the history of art and completely falling in love with artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso at the age of thirteen. She would then start experimenting with different art styles such as Modern Art, Photorealism, Pop Art, and more.

She discovered that she had a deep interest in Editorial and Illustrative Cartoons. In no time, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with her associate degree in Graphic Design and Interactive Multimedia. Her relentless passion for art eventually blossomed into a dream, culminating in her decision to pursue a career in becoming a children’s author and illustrator. 

After witnessing the ongoing violence and senseless crimes rampant in her city, Erica Jones became even more adamant about using her talent for good. So, she decided to create a line of children’s books that focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, and healthy competition. “I feel that these are very important life skills that are starting to diminish,” explained Erica. 

Thus, her debut children’s book “Ready, Set, Bet” was born. The book provides children with not just a storybook but also educational flashcards that allow them to answer various questions regarding the story using actual scenes from the book. “Ready, Set, Bet” was created with a rigid learning system with various developmental steps that aid in learning and keep the child engaged. This combines children’s entertainment with education, allowing them to develop holistically and pick up valuable life lessons as they continue to read on. 

“By this time, children began utilizing a different area of their brains that fosters critical thinking while prompting a smooth transition in assisting the child with the ability to increase their attention spans with the properly guided speed,” said Erica Jones. Furthermore, “Ready, Set, Bet” also offers a coloring and activity book that will allow children to feel a sense of satisfaction by allowing them to release healthy endorphins.

The last step in the system is a reward system which makes the child feel accomplished, strengthening the child’s confidence. 

Soon, Erica Jones hopes to lead larger projects, including spreading her positive message and attending wonderful events that support early childhood education. “I also see myself becoming a proud author and illustrator with fifteen volumes under my belt. I see this program being converted into an educational television show reaching children all around the world,” shared the esteemed author. www.readysetbetchildrensbooksbyerica.com

Barbara Crump Tells Her Story of Growth and Success in New Book

When life gave her challenges, Barbara Crump did not give up. Despite all the fear in her life, she kept moving forward. Today, she is a nurse practitioner, a Ph.D. degree holder, and now a published author. Her book, titled From GED to Ph.D.: My Journey Toward Becoming an Extraordinary Woman shares her story of growth and reinvention with individuals all over the world who may need a little help on their journey to self-discovery.

Barbara Crump has always felt fear as she was growing up. She said, “I have spent my entire life wondering why fear was so prevalent in me. I am still trying to find out why.” The challenges she faced shaped her life. At first, she had trouble responding and adapting to her circumstances, but eventually, she found her footing and was able to turn her life around.

This new author was a teenage mother, and that responsibility at a young age filled her with fear. As a result, she dropped out of high school, which caused a ripple effect of limitations in her life. As a teen mother, she got to know herself better. Becoming a parent influenced Barbara Crump’s desire to set an excellent example for her child. “I wanted to be a better person,” Barbara explained. “I wanted to take control of my life to build a better future for my child and me.”

Barbara Crump knew that the key to a better life and future was education. “Even though I was filled with fear, I decided to work on getting my GED. That was only the first step. I may have dropped out of high school, but once I decided to go back to school, I found that the learning never stops,” Barbara explained.

After obtaining her GED, Barbara Crump went on to pursue a degree in nursing. She is a registered nurse, an adult nurse practitioner licensed in New York and New Jersey, and an advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner. Barbara also has a doctorate in Nursing Research. 

In her book, From GED to Ph.D.: My Journey Toward Becoming an Extraordinary Woman, Barbara Crump shares her experience, from the good to the bad, the challenges she went through, and the success she has achieved. She said, “My book is part of my personal learning process. It is helping me to pull everything, good and bad, out of my subconscious. It is helping me be more secure within myself, and most importantly, as I write my story, I am learning to love myself.” 

Barbara Crump hopes her story can inspire many individuals who felt stuck at one point in their lives. “Being a better person does not happen overnight,” Barbara said, “Despite all my years spent pursuing an education, I am still learning about the things in life that can make me a better person, and I want other people to know that they should never stop learning.”

From GED to Ph.D.: My Journey Toward Becoming an Extraordinary Woman is a beautifully written account of one woman’s life and how she decided to turn her life around and change for the better. From a high school dropout to a Ph.D. holder, Barbara Crump proves that a person can always improve their circumstances in life as long they are willing to put in the work. 

“I was at rock bottom. But I knew I could do more,” she said. “How did I get here with all my limitations and challenges? God must truly have a purpose for me. And I held on to my faith and worked diligently to turn my life around. It can be done. And I hope everyone who reads my book will feel inspired to start making affirmative changes in their life.”