“TIP’s Magical Journey” by Barbara Mishkin

• 11/10/2023
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TIP’s Magical Journey

Barbara Mishkin
Wow! Publishing and Distribution (2023)
ISBN: 978-1733156868
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (10/2023)

“TIP’s Magical Journey: The Ride of Discovery and Inspiration” by Barbara Mishkin, is a magical journey of recognizing and celebrating the diversity in human nature. This heartfelt and inspiring book can be enjoyed by both adults and children, especially when read together so that parents and teachers can talk about the wonderful people and cultures in the book. Readers will find within these pages, stories of people from different walks of life so that we can understand and embrace everyone, experienced through the eyes of a boy named TIP (Thaddeus Isaac Pendleton) who rides a commuter train every day and meets diverse individuals.

Illustrations accompany the stories, as do pictures of flags from each country represented, which act as a visual aid when reading about the people and their customs. It’s amazing how it can take only one book like this to get people talking and interested in diversity, and how to overcome struggles. Everyone has a story to tell, and there are plenty captured in this warm and informative book.

Mishkin is an author who has created a book that can plant seeds of open-mindedness and tenderheartedness while offering tips to parents on discussing diversity with children, asking them to literally see the whole picture, and then talking about the details contained inside. At the end of the book is a list of items with a hidden-object-game approach, that asks the reader to find the items on the train.

There is also the ABCs of Inspiration, which alphabetically lists advice to keep in mind when thinking about differences. For example, A is for Always Curious. The attention to detail really stands out in this book, giving readers a brief but rich glimpse into the people that make up the world. I like the message of showing respect and being kind. In the end, this is a warm book about family and friendship. If you’re looking for a good children’s book that is both fun and educational, or perhaps to give as a gift to a child, grandchild, or classroom, “TIP’s Magical Journey: The Ride of Discovery and Inspiration” by Barbara Mishkin, illustrated by Jason Shiver, and edited by Steven Adler, is the perfect choice.