Zoey's Great Adventures - Learns to Talk: The healing power of horse therapy

by Aj Kikumoto, Akyra Kikumoto (Contribution by), Amaya Kikumoto (Contribution by)

Overview

Zoey loves adventures and with her therapy horse Crackerjack by her side, she can accomplish anything! The healing power of a horse helps Zoey work through her invisible disability of Apraxia of Speech. Together they teach children and parents that you CAN do hard things through the power of a positive mindset, trust and inclusion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781953556011
Publisher:	Yellow Daisy Publishing
Publication date:	02/17/2021
Series:	Zoey's Great Adventures , #1
Edition description:	Large Type
Pages:	46
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

AJ Kikumoto is an up and coming female author and owner of Yellow Daisy Publishing Company. She is a super mom to 6 kids, 4 of whom have the invisible disability of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Her Master's degree in Elementary Education has come in handy while taking on the challenges of guiding her kids through the difficulties of Apraxia of Speech. The many hours of therapy, and different challenges with each kid, proved an ever- changing learning atmosphere and mode of communication. She was fed up by the lack of awareness and lack of educated in CAS. She authored this book based on her own personal experiences. She​ encourages moms to rely on their "mommy gut." Mother knows best!! AJ uses her expertise from dancing with the NBA Denver Nuggets Dancers and​ currently coaches a youth dance team, empowering the girls to follow their dreams, believe in themselves, and be 21st century boss babes in these unprecedented times. As a competitor for Mrs. Colorado America, her legacy project is promoting #beautyisinclusion and #youcandohardthings. This is based on true events​ in the "Z​oey's Great Adventures​"​ ​b​ook series.​ She teaches parents and children alike, the power of a positive mindset, ant​i-bullying, and promo​ting ​good morals and values in our society. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Apraxia Kids at Apraxia-Kids.org. She believes in paying forward.

Akyra Kikumoto is daughter #2, and the first to have Apraxia of Speech. When her therapist mentioned including hippotherapy, and ​because her​ mom was raised on a horse ranch, it was a perfect match! Akyra rode therapy horse Whinny, and miniature horse Toby is referenced in the stall next to Crackerjack in the barn scene. Akyra never crawled, even with mom trying daily to teach her. She is now a successful pr​e-t​een planning her ​design​ future on HGTV. ​She​ enjoys connecting with friends and playing golf with her dad.

Amaya Kikumoto is daughter #3, and also has CAS. Amaya didn't speak until age 4, and at age 6 was crowned IJM Colorado Jr Princess and competed on an international stage in Nashville. She ​proudly gave a 45 second tear-​jerking​ speech! All due to the healing power of the horse's movement! Amaya was extremely afraid of her horse Crackerjack, and it took over a month to even get on him. But when she did, magic happened and her confidence skyrocketed! Amaya currently enjoys competitive dance, Miss National Showbiz Petite, golf and basketball.

Table of Contents

Apraxia of Speech Awareness

Horse Therapy

Hippotherapy

Speech Therapy Techniques

Editorial Reviews

"Darling Children's book! I have grandchildren with Apraxia of Speech. This is a great book for all children! It is a bonus that some of the proceeds goes to Apraxia for research! The author hit it on the nail!" -Joy Love

"Bringing CAS to Light! Never knew much about Childhood Apraxia of Speech, but the author brilliantly brings it to light in this book! Easy read, beautiful illustrations, and useful info regarding CAS, Crackerjack and the author's own family experience. Fantastic! -JL

Zoey and Crackerjack's Fun Adventures. Fun little book with a great message. Zoey and Crackerjack make a great team. Enjoyed the color descriptions and the message. And I love horses, I had a small horse when I was a child and he was definitely good therapy! Zoey will do great things! -Kathy

From the Publisher