Sponsored* | Opinions are our own
The Children’s Book Review
Josie Saves the World—And You Can Too
Written by Bea McGowan
Illustrated by Sian Costello
Age Range: 10+
Hardcover: (Final page count to be provided.)
Publisher: Self-Published
ISBN-13: 9781838092108
What to expect: Social Media, Finding One’s Voice
Josie Saves the World—And You Can Too is a short story that encourages aspiring social media influencers to find their voice and use it for good. It also offers a little lesson in patience: good things come to those who wait.
Josie’s greatest desire is to own an iPhone so that she can use apps and post TikTok videos like her best friend. Her parents cannot afford to buy her one, but she does not give up hope on receiving one as a gift. Christmas goes by and her birthday goes by. When fall comes, her elderly neighbor hears her little, made-up iPhone ditty, which sparks a conversation that leads to a special bond between the pair.
“”One leaf, two leaves, three leaves, four…I want an iPhone from the iPhone store…” sang Josie as she skipped through the crunchy leaves on that autumn day.”
Through the wisdom of the elderly neighbor’s guidance, Josie discovers the power of affirmation, visualization, and gratitude. When she finally receives the gift of an iPhone and also experiences the loss of her kind neighbor, she realizes that she can use her phone and social media platforms to become an influencer for goodness in the world by spreading her newfound wisdom near and far.
Author Brenda McGowan has weaved a contemporary parable suitable for the times. This simple story provides instructive, sensible principles that are accessible to young readers and highlights the importance of finding one’s voice to do good in the world. This book is most recommended for teens that have an affinity for social media and ‘going viral.’
Buy the Book
About the Author
Brenda McGowan wrote her first poem at the kitchen table of her west of Ireland home in the early nineteen eighties. It was clear even then that the young child had found her passion. She later abandoned her writing for a career as a social care worker, a decision she grew to regret in time. After the breakdown of her marriage, Brenda, then a single mother of four, realized her soul purpose again. She wrote about her experiences with mental illness on well-known blogs, like ‘The World of Psychology’ and on her own personal blog. Her writing brings the reader on a journey through the agonizing highs and lows of bipolar disorder, anxiety, and psychosis. At this time Brenda was only concerned with raising awareness and had little or no ambition to write for commercial purposes. Over time her health improved and now she writes to entertain and endear.
After many years of studying spirituality, she now practices daily communication with her Angels and the Archangels. It is Brenda’s hope that children from all backgrounds will discover the gift that is there for each of them through similar practice.
For more information, visit https://www.beamcgowan.com/.
About the Illustrator
Sian Costello (b. 1998) is an artist based between the north and southwest of Ireland. Her work has been exhibited in both solo and group shows nationally and her achievements include a BA in Painting at Limerick School of Art and Design as well an appearance on Sky Portrait Artist of the Year 2020. Painting portraits has led to Sian meeting people from all walks of life and each with a unique story to tell. That same interest in storytelling drew her to the role of illustration for Josie Saves the World.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of “Josie Saves the World—And You Can Too.” Learn more about getting a book review …
