Oct 15, 2026

Inspired by her own son, a story about belonging without changing who you are
Crestline, California Oct 14, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - Howie is unlike the other bears -- in his appearance, his behavior, and his preferences. He longs for companionship and searches for someone who will accept him exactly as he is. That is the heart of Howie, The Unusual Bear, Laure Stack's picture book about individuality, belonging, and the hope of being loved without having to conform. The story's inspiration is deeply personal. In a June 2026 interview, Stack shared that Howie grew partly from her experience with her own son, who, in her words, "did not fit into the box" -- as well as other young people she came to value precisely for their differences. Stack has connected the fear of being different with bullying, and she emphasizes the importance of discussing acceptance with children early. "As a teacher and a parent, I need children to believe in themselves, be proud of themselves, and understand how to deal with fear and conflict in healthy ways," Stack said. Reviewers have embraced the book's message. Pacific Book Review praised it for showing children they can maintain hope while seeking people who appreciate their unique personalities. The book explores acceptance, friendship, self-confidence, and the idea that belonging should never require erasing what makes a child different. Stack, a former special education teacher with more than two decades of experience supporting children through their struggles and dreams, now writes from her home in Lake Arrowhead, California. In 2026 she was named Best New Children's Book Author in California, United States, by the Evergreen Awards -- whose award page highlights Howie, The Unusual Bear alongside Once Upon a Boy for encouraging self-confidence, individuality, curiosity, and learning.
Audio editions of all of Stack's books are also in production and will be available soon. Howie, The Unusual Bear by Laure Stack -- 36 pages; ages preschool through Grade 2; ISBN 9798265815255. Find the Book: Author website https://laurestack.com/ ; Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Howie-Unusual-Bear-Laure-Stack/dp/B0FRGGRGDT ; Facebook @authorlaurestack; Instagram @authorlaurestack. ### Laure Stack is a children's author and former special education teacher with more than 20 years of experience working with young people from kindergarten through high school. After retiring from education, she began turning the emotional barriers she had observed in children -- self-doubt, fear of difference, loneliness, and uncertainty -- into stories designed to encourage confidence and self-acceptance. She lives in Lake Arrowhead, California, with her husband and pets. In 2026 she was named Best New Children's Book Author in California, United States, by the Evergreen Awards. Media Contact: Laure Stack | [email protected] | (626) 488-3547 | https://laurestack.com/

Source :Laure Stack
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
The Ontario Medical Association is looking for an apology from the province, after it says 'hundreds' of doctors received letters recently stating they were working too many days or seeing too many patients. A health ministry spokesperson says the letters are not an assumption of inappropriate billing.
Portland International Airport’s $2.15 billion transformation brings travelers craft cocktails, wood-fired pizza, Oregon seafood and exceptional coffee, with local restaurants turning PDX into an unexpectedly delicious destination before departure. The post Airport Eats: Where to Eat and Drink at Portland International Airport appeared first on Business Traveller.
Tanzania is preparing to take centre stage on the international tourism calendar after being officially announced as the host destination for the 2026 World Travel Awards Grand Final, which will take place on December 12th at the stunning The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, a premier 5-star luxury property nestled deep within the Central Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Kingdom and the Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO) hosted an exclusive reception at the prestigious Wallace Collection in London, in connection with the exhibition Winston Churchill: The Painter. The initiative reflects MNTO’s ambition to place culture and internationally renowned figures at the heart of Morocco’s global tourism promotion. Coinciding with World Travel Market (WTM) London, the Moroccan National Tourist Office selected one of Britain’s most distinguished art institutions, the Wallace Collection, as the setting for an evening dedicated to the exhibition Winston Churchill: The Painter.
Die europäischen Airlines haben die Wiederaufnahme nach Dubai erneut verschoben. Condor setzt die Verbindungen in das Emirat ganz aus. The post Naher Osten: Airlines setzen Flüge nach Dubai weiter aus appeared first on Business Traveller.
Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) revealed the island’s latest tourism developments at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, taking place from 3-5 November at ExCeL London. Led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, the Sri Lanka delegation hosted a lunch and press conference on 4 November, sharing updates on new air connectivity from the UK, the country’s national tourism strategy and its priorities for 2027.
Quito is participating at World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026, taking place from 3 to 5 November at ExCeL London, with its own stand (N8-314), where it is showcasing its tourism offering and strengthening its positioning among international travel industry professionals. The Ecuadorian capital is using this global platform to reinforce relationships with tour operators, travel agencies, specialised media and strategic partners across Europe’s key source markets.
The airline inaugurates twice-weekly flights linking Doha, Bogotá and Caracas, becoming the first Gulf carrier to serve Venezuela while expanding connections between South America, Asia and the Middle East. The post Qatar Airways Inaugurates Flights to Venezuela and Colombia appeared first on Business Traveller.
Is there any city that's more romantic? View Entire Post ›
Broadcasters Julia Bradbury and Kate Humble urged tour operators at WTM London to think carefully about how they target different audiences and the language needed to woo the right customers. Speaking yesterday during sessions on the Wanderlust Stage, they both extolled the virtues of the great outdoors and getting off the beaten track – especially if it encourages travellers to put down their phones and fully experience destinations.
Visit Qatar announced the launch of Stopover Your Way (Enjoy Two Nights on Us) at World Travel Market (WTM) London, offering eligible UK travellers two nights’ accommodation at participating four-star hotels across Qatar. Developed in partnership with Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar, the promotion encourages travellers to turn their journey into an opportunity to discover all that Qatar has to offer, from its rich cultural heritage to its beaches, desert adventures, museums and vibrant culinary scene. There are a number of participating four-star hotels, and customers have flexible options to upgrade or extend their stay.
Seldom is the idiom to show up “with bells on toes” taken literally, but that is exactly what Moldavian-Austrian-Swiss violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja and Argentine cellist Sol Gabetta did at their recital at Hong Kong City Hall on November 2. Classical music boundaries have no place in the pair’s playbook, and their theatrical entrance for the last leg of their Asian tour – each from opposite sides of the stage, dressed in bold colours and wearing slip-ons with bell-lined toes – was a clear...
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.