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Dr. J. is a professor of communication studies with more than 18 years of teaching experience. She has a PhD in Education and a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Human Communication Studies. While she was penning down her scholarly research, her daughter had once asked her, "Why can't you write a children's book?" So, she did. The Hiccup's Hiccups series was written with the intention of teaching children to respect themselves and the differences in others—a problem her daughter experienced when she was being bullied in elementary school. Likewise, she was concerned about her son, who is on the autism spectrum and the potential stigma that could surround a child with developmental challenges. She is hopeful that the series will help children embrace their differences and will cultivate the values of empathy and compassion.
When she is not teaching or writing on the patio of her home in Southern California, she is completing her morning runs, so she can indulge in chocolate-chip cookies later on. She also enjoys receiving loving licks from her chocolate Labrador Retriever and spending time with her family. Her two children are her biggest source of inspiration. In fact, the inspirations behind her beloved characters in the Hiccup's Hiccups series include personality traits of her children.
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Bubble in Me by J. Alvarez is a quirky tale of friendship and teamwork. Tibby is a chubby tiger who befriends poor Benny, the bumblebee who can’t fly. Together they join forces with Hiccup the Hippo who has no friends because, whenever she speaks, she hiccups. The three friends accept each other for who they are, no matter what their flaws and, after Hiccup tells them a secret, they set off on a great adventure. Along the way they make new friends, they solve problems, and come together as one big happy family that may not be perfect to others but, to each other, they are valuable and gifted friends.
The Bubble in Me by J. Alvarez is a wonderful story for children, complete with pictures that help to bring more life to the story. This isn’t just a kids' adventure story; this is a lesson, not just for kids but for adults too, on friendship, insecurity, accepting people for who they are and not what society dictates they should be. It also teaches teamwork, an invaluable lesson for anyone. This is a highly entertaining, humorous tale about characters with very genuine issues to overcome. While children can enjoy an incredibly well-written adventure story, they can also learn how to deal with emotions, in particular jealousy, in a very creative way. Funny with serious undertones, plenty of quirky characters and a great story line, this is a delightful book for kids, and both children and adults can learn a few lessons along the way.
