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News: Adventure Time

4/30/2026

A Short Break for Renewal
I would like to share that I will be taking a break from social media for the next month as I go on vacation.
This time away is an opportunity to rest, explore new places, and connect with different people and cultures. As a writer and educator, I find that stepping away from routine often opens space for new ideas, deeper reflection, and creative inspiration.
I look forward to gathering experiences that will enrich my future writing and educational projects.
While I am away, you are warmly invited to explore my websites:

emmasplace.ca
eugarellibooks.com

Both sites offer free educational materials and resources for children, and will remain available during this time. You are also welcome to send me a message, and I will respond when I return.
Thank you sincerely for your ongoing support and connection. I look forward to returning refreshed and sharing new work with you.
See you soon

by emma ugarelli

Poetic Corner: Mother's Day Poem

4/29/2026

Mother’s Day Poem
This poem is a personal tribute to the presence of a mother throughout life—the strength that holds a family together, the light that guides every step, and the love that continues through generations.
From childhood memories to motherhood and now grandmotherhood, it is a reflection of a bond that never fades, only deepens with time.
A celebration of love, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of mothers everywhere.

Poema para el Día de la Madre
Este poema es un homenaje personal a la presencia de una madre a lo largo de la vida: la fuerza que sostiene a la familia, la luz que guía cada paso y el amor que continúa a través de las generaciones.
Desde los recuerdos de la infancia hasta la maternidad y ahora la etapa de abuela, es una reflexión de un vínculo que nunca desaparece, sino que se hace más profundo con el tiempo.
Una celebración del amor, la gratitud y el espíritu eterno de las madres en todo el mundo.

by emma ugarelli

My mom is the strength of our family,
the invisible bond that holds us together,
the sun around which we revolve--
lighting, caring, sustaining us.
Since we were children, she has been by our side,
a refuge in every fall,
a steady light in every doubt.
With her example of perseverance and hard work,
with her wisdom and her unique beliefs,
she has guided our steps
without ever letting go.
She is a lighthouse in the darkest night,
a shelter in difficult times,
and a smile that suddenly appears
to brighten even the grayest day.
That is my mom,
from my childhood until today,
when, as a grandmother,
I follow her path of love.
That is my mother’s love,
and with that same love,
I live for my children
and my grandson.
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

Mi mamá es la fuerza de nuestra familia,
el lazo invisible que nos une,
el sol alrededor del cual giramos,
iluminando, cuidando, sosteniéndonos.
Desde niños ha estado a nuestro lado,
refugio en cada caída,
luz firme en cada duda.
Con su ejemplo de tenacidad y trabajo,
con su sabiduría y sus creencias tan suyas,
ha guiado nuestros pasos
sin soltarnos nunca.
Es faro en la noche más oscura,
abrigo en los días difíciles,
y sonrisa que aparece de pronto
para alegrar hasta el día más gris.
Eso es mi mamá,
desde mi infancia hasta hoy,
cuando, siendo abuela,
sigo su huella de amor.
Ese es el amor de mi madre,
y con ese mismo amor
vivo por mis hijos
y por mi nieto.
Feliz Día, mamá.

La Ardilla Lola Perdió su Cola está en la Feria

4/29/2026

La Ardilla Lola Perdió su Cola llega a Puente Piedra
Mi libro La Ardilla Lola Perdió su Cola está presente en la Feria del Libro de Puente Piedra
Puente Piedra, Lima
Disponible hasta el 30 de abril
¡Una linda oportunidad para que las familias disfruten de esta historia llena de humor y aprendizaje!

Copy of Untitled Design by emma ugarelli

Authors of the Americas : Octavio Paz

4/29/2026

by emma ugarelli

Solitude is often misunderstood as loneliness, something to avoid or escape. But as Octavio Paz reminds us, it is much more than that—it is a fundamental part of being human.
In solitude, we are free from noise, expectations, and distractions. It is the space where we encounter our true thoughts, where our fears and dreams quietly surface, and where our conscience speaks most clearly. These moments may not always be comfortable, but they are honest.
It is in solitude that we build the most genuine relationship with ourselves. We begin to understand who we are, what we value, and what truly matters. Rather than something to fear, solitude can become a place of growth, clarity, and inner strength.
Perhaps the deepest truth of our human condition is not that we are alone, but that in those moments of solitude, we have the opportunity to truly know ourselves.

La soledad a menudo se malinterpreta como aislamiento, algo que debe evitarse o del que se debe escapar. Pero, como nos recuerda Octavio Paz, es mucho más que eso: es una parte fundamental del ser humano.
En la soledad estamos libres del ruido, las expectativas y las distracciones. Es el espacio donde nos encontramos con nuestros verdaderos pensamientos, donde surgen en silencio nuestros miedos y sueños, y donde la conciencia habla con mayor claridad. Estos momentos no siempre son cómodos, pero son honestos.
Es en la soledad donde construimos la relación más auténtica con nosotros mismos. Empezamos a comprender quiénes somos, qué valoramos y qué es lo que realmente importa. En lugar de ser algo que temer, la soledad puede convertirse en un lugar de crecimiento, claridad y fortaleza interior.
Quizás la verdad más profunda de la condición humana no es que estemos solos, sino que en esos momentos de soledad tenemos la oportunidad de llegar a conocernos verdaderamente.

Emma's Reflections:Safe Space, a Lesson from the Classroom we shouldn't forget.

4/28/2026

by emma ugarelli

Safe Space: A Lesson from the Classroom We Shouldn’t ForgetIn my program as an early childhood educator, we teach children as young as two years old that our classroom is a safe space. Very quickly, they understand what those two simple words mean—not only through explanation, but through our behavior and daily interactions.
In simple terms, we explain that in this space:

Their bodies are safe — no one can hurt them, hit them, touch them inappropriately, or harass them in any way.
Their feelings are safe — no one is allowed to say mean things, call them names, or make fun of them.
Their work is safe — the things they create or that belong to them are respected; no one can take, break, or destroy them.

What is remarkable is how quickly young children understand and embrace these ideas. But they do not learn them only through words. As educators, while we explain the rules and their meaning, we model them constantly through our own behavior. We show them what respect looks like. We demonstrate how to respond to conflict calmly, how to use words instead of aggression, and how to express feelings without escalating into harm.
Children learn to say:

“I don’t like that.”
“Stop.”
Or they learn to walk away, refusing to enable negative behavior.

As teachers, we guide them using empathy and group support, helping them resolve conflicts without violence.
And yet, as children grow, something begins to change.
The opposite behaviors are often reinforced in society.
They may see adults—sometimes even their own parents—watching public figures who use bullying, mean language, lies, or aggressive behavior. Instead of questioning it, they may laugh, justify it, or dismiss it as normal. In those moments, the very behaviors we work so hard to discourage in early childhood are being normalized.
What message does that send?
That being loud is being strong.
That being aggressive is being confident.
That hurting others with words is acceptable—or even admirable.
So we must ask ourselves:
If young children can understand and practice respect, empathy, and boundaries so naturally, why do adults struggle to do the same?
Why do we move away from using our words to resolve conflict?
Why do we allow intimidation and aggression to replace dialogue and understanding?
Why do we sometimes reward behavior that makes our world less safe and more chaotic?
The truth is, the rules we teach young children are not simplistic—they are foundational. They are the building blocks of a healthy society.
Perhaps the real lesson is this:
Children are not too young to understand respect.
Sometimes, they understand it better than we do.
I hope that one day, we begin to learn from the lessons our youngest members teach us. That we stop normalizing harmful behavior and instead promote empathy, respect, and understanding.
Because creating a safe space shouldn’t stop at the classroom door.
It should be our goal to create a safe world, where every part of each person feels safe.

Quotes From Modern Authors: Paulo Coehlo

4/28/2026

“ ." by emma ugarelli

The Power of Looking Within
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”
This powerful idea speaks to the deep connection between self-awareness and the world we experience. Often, we search outside ourselves for change—hoping that people, situations, or circumstances will improve. But this quote gently reminds us that the real transformation begins within.
We are, in many ways, the authors of our own lives. Our choices, attitudes, and actions shape our present and influence our future. Even our past, though unchangeable, can be redefined by how we learn from it and grow.
Looking inward is not always easy. It requires honesty, reflection, and the willingness to take responsibility. Yet, it is through this process that we discover our true strength. The energy we need to move forward, to heal, and to grow is already within us.
When we focus on becoming better—more patient, more understanding, more resilient—we begin to see subtle but meaningful changes in our surroundings. Relationships improve, opportunities appear, and life feels more aligned with who we are becoming.
Blaming others or holding onto resentment only keeps us stuck. Growth, on the other hand, sets us free.
The message is simple but powerful: the change you seek starts with you.

El poder de mirar hacia adentro
“Cuando nos esforzamos por ser mejores de lo que somos, todo lo que nos rodea también mejora.”
Esta poderosa idea refleja la profunda conexión entre la autoconciencia y el mundo que experimentamos. A menudo, buscamos el cambio fuera de nosotros mismos, esperando que las personas, las situaciones o las circunstancias mejoren. Pero esta cita nos recuerda suavemente que la verdadera transformación comienza en nuestro interior.
En muchos sentidos, somos los autores de nuestra propia vida. Nuestras decisiones, actitudes y acciones moldean nuestro presente e influyen en nuestro futuro. Incluso nuestro pasado, aunque no se puede cambiar, puede redefinirse a través de lo que aprendemos de él y de cómo crecemos.
Mirar hacia adentro no siempre es fácil. Requiere honestidad, reflexión y la voluntad de asumir responsabilidad. Sin embargo, es a través de este proceso que descubrimos nuestra verdadera fortaleza. La energía que necesitamos para avanzar, sanar y crecer ya está dentro de nosotros.
Cuando nos enfocamos en ser mejores—más pacientes, más comprensivos, más resilientes—comenzamos a notar cambios sutiles pero significativos en nuestro entorno. Las relaciones mejoran, surgen oportunidades y la vida se siente más alineada con la persona en la que nos estamos convirtiendo.
Culpar a otros o aferrarnos al resentimiento solo nos mantiene estancados. El crecimiento, en cambio, nos libera.
El mensaje es simple pero poderoso: el cambio que buscas comienza contigo.

Emma's Reflection: Idolatry vs True Faith

4/27/2026

Faith is one of the most powerful forces in human life. It can inspire kindness, strengthen communities, and guide us toward a deeper sense of purpose. But when faith becomes tied to unquestioned authority or human control, it can lose its true meaning.
Throughout history, people have looked for guidance in spiritual leaders. While guidance can be valuable, it should never replace personal reflection, conscience, or the core teachings of love and humility. No individual has the authority to claim ownership over truth or to demand blind obedience in the name of God.
This reflection invites us to pause and consider an important question:
Are we truly following the values of love, compassion, and unity—or are we being led by voices that distort them?
Understanding the difference is essential. Because true faith does not control—it enlightens. It does not divide—it unites. And above all, it calls us back to what is deeply human: love, empathy, and truth.

La fe es una de las fuerzas más poderosas en la vida humana. Puede inspirar bondad, fortalecer comunidades y guiarnos hacia un propósito más profundo. Sin embargo, cuando la fe se vincula con la autoridad incuestionable o el control humano, corre el riesgo de perder su verdadero significado.
A lo largo de la historia, las personas han buscado guía en líderes espirituales. Aunque la orientación puede ser valiosa, nunca debe reemplazar la reflexión personal, la conciencia ni los principios fundamentales del amor y la humildad. Ningún individuo tiene la autoridad de apropiarse de la verdad ni de exigir obediencia ciega en nombre de Dios.
Esta reflexión nos invita a hacer una pausa y plantearnos una pregunta esencial:
¿Estamos realmente siguiendo los valores del amor, la compasión y la unidad, o estamos siendo guiados por voces que los distorsionan?
Comprender esta diferencia es fundamental. Porque la fe auténtica no controla, ilumina. No divide, une. Y, sobre todo, nos conecta con lo más profundo de nuestra humanidad: el amor, la empatía y la verdad.

by emma ugarelli

La idolatría, los falsos profetas y los falsos líderes espirituales no son lo mismo que el verdadero amor a Dios o la devoción a Jesucristo.
Existe una profunda diferencia entre amar a Dios, seguir las enseñanzas de Jesucristo y respetar a las figuras cristianas, y idolatrar a un pastor o a cualquier ser humano que afirme representar a Dios en la tierra.
Debemos ser cautelosos, especialmente con aquellos que, en nombre de Dios, exigen obediencia sin cuestionamientos. Desconfía de quienes utilizan el nombre de Dios para beneficio personal o insisten en que sus palabras son la voluntad de Dios. Estas personas son humanas. Pueden tener fe, pero no son divinas. No han sido elegidas por Dios para controlar a otros.
Los líderes pueden ser elegidos por las personas para guiar a una comunidad, pero la guía no es lo mismo que tener autoridad sobre la conciencia. Pueden ofrecer orientación, pero nunca deben imponerla ni afirmar que sus mandatos son la voz de Dios.
Seguir a otra persona ciegamente no es seguir a Dios. No es seguir Su voluntad. Cuando alguien se proclama como “elegido” o “mensajero especial” y exige lealtad sin reflexión, eso es idolatría, especialmente cuando la fe se utiliza para justificar intereses mundanos o acciones que contradicen los valores morales.
Esto distorsiona la creencia. Es particularmente peligroso cuando quienes afirman seguir a Jesucristo—quien enseñó el amor, el perdón, la compasión y la humildad—promueven el miedo, el odio y la división. Cuando la empatía y la unidad se descartan como debilidad o se etiquetan como algo político, debemos preguntarnos: ¿eso refleja las enseñanzas de Cristo?
La respuesta es no.
El amor, la empatía, el perdón y la unidad no son posturas políticas. Son valores morales y humanos.
Quienes se enriquecen en el nombre de Jesús, quienes convierten la fe en propaganda política o justifican la agresión y la violencia bajo el nombre de Dios, no están guiando a las personas hacia la verdad. Están creando falsos ídolos—figuras fabricadas y egoístas—y llevando a otros a la idolatría.
La fe nunca debe utilizarse como una herramienta de control. Debe ser un camino hacia la verdad, la humildad y el amor.

Idolatry, false prophets, and false spiritual leaders are not the same as true love for God or devotion to Jesus Christ. There is a profound difference between loving God, following the teachings of Jesus Christ, and respecting Christian figures—and idolizing a pastor or any human being who claims to represent God on earth. We must be cautious—especially of those who, in the name of God, demand obedience without question. Be wary of anyone who uses God’s name for personal gain, or who insists that their words are God’s will. These individuals are human. They may have faith, but they are not divine. They have not been chosen by God to control others. Leaders can be chosen by people to guide a community, but guidance is not the same as authority over conscience. They may offer direction, but they must never impose, nor claim that their commands are the voice of God. To follow another person blindly is not to follow God. It is not to follow His will. When someone proclaims themselves as a “chosen one” or a “special messenger,” and demands loyalty without reflection, that is idolatry—especially when faith is used to justify worldly interests or actions that contradict moral values. This distorts belief. It is particularly dangerous when those who claim to follow Jesus Christ—who taught love, forgiveness, compassion, and humility—promote fear, hatred, and division instead. When empathy and unity are dismissed as weakness or labeled politically, we must ask: does that reflect the teachings of Christ? The answer is no. Love, empathy, forgiveness, and unity are not political positions. They are moral and human values. Those who enrich themselves in the name of Jesus, who turn faith into political propaganda, or who justify aggression and violence under the banner of God, are not guiding people toward truth. They are creating false idols—manufactured, self-serving figures—and leading others into idolatry. Faith should never be used as a tool for control. It should be a path toward truth, humility, and love.

Quote from Classic Author: The Inner Spring of Love | La primavera interior del amor

4/27/2026

by emma ugarelli

“If people did not love one another, I really don't see what use there would be in having any spring.” — Victor Hugo
Spring is not only a season or a change in the weather—it is something deeper. It reflects how we feel: renewal, hope, desire, expectation, and happiness.
Love is the expression of that happiness and hope. Just as spring is nature’s response to the awakening of life, love is the soul’s response—our own inner spring.
If there is no love, if people do not love one another, then spring cannot truly exist within us. Without love, our hearts remain in winter.

“Si las personas no se amaran unas a otras, realmente no veo qué utilidad tendría la primavera.” — Victor Hugo
La primavera no es solo una estación o un cambio en el clima; es algo más profundo. Refleja cómo nos sentimos: renovación, esperanza, deseo, expectativa y felicidad.
El amor es la expresión de esa felicidad y esperanza. Así como la primavera es la respuesta de la naturaleza al despertar de la vida, el amor es la respuesta del alma: nuestra propia primavera interior.
Si no hay amor, si las personas no se aman entre sí, entonces la primavera no puede existir realmente dentro de nosotros. Sin amor, nuestros corazones permanecen en invierno.

Emma's Reflection: The Pied Piper of Modern Voices.

4/24/2026

Copy of Copy of Untitled Design by emma ugarelli

The Sound of the Modern PiperThe story of the The Pied Piper of Hamelin often comes to my mind when I listen to certain politicians and religious figures speaking.
I cannot help but picture the Piper—the mysterious figure who led all the children away from the village with the sound of his magical flute. The children left everything behind and followed him without hesitation, completely enchanted by the music.
In a similar way, the words of some modern voices seem to create the same effect.
Their speeches produce a kind of “music”—a narrative that contrasts with reality, sometimes even distorts it—but because it sounds pleasant, almost comforting, people are drawn in. Carefully chosen phrases filled with superlatives--“we are great,” “we are beautiful,” “everything is improving”—promise something extraordinary, something we may not have even imagined before.
And so, some begin to follow this modern “piper.”
However, they are not being led to a magical place.
They remain where they are, yet become convinced that everything around them is improving, transforming, becoming better. At the same time, they are encouraged to believe that if something feels wrong or unpleasant, it must be the fault of “others.”
Meanwhile, they continue walking behind the piper--
not toward light or beauty, but toward a growing darkness.
A darkness that feeds on fear.
A darkness that grows stronger through division.
A darkness that turns people against those who think differently.
And yet, many cannot see it.
They are captivated—bewitched by the beautiful and enchanting sound of promises.
So what can be done?
We—the ones who stand outside that spell—must find a way to silence the flute. Not with force, not with confrontation, but with understanding.
We must try to understand why that sound resonates so deeply.
What does it offer?
What need does it fulfill?
Perhaps the answer is not to fight the melody, but to offer new ones.
Different voices.
Different perspectives.
Different directions.
With patience, with empathy, and with love, we can gently reach those who follow and invite them to return—not through judgment, but through connection.
Because only together can we move toward something real:
A world that is not built on illusion,
but on truth…
not on division,
but on unity…
and not on fear,
but on compassion.

El sonido del flautista modernoLa historia de El flautista de Hamelín a menudo viene a mi mente cuando escucho hablar a ciertos políticos y figuras religiosas.
No puedo evitar imaginar al flautista—esa figura misteriosa que condujo a todos los niños fuera del pueblo con el sonido de su flauta mágica. Los niños lo dejaron todo atrás y lo siguieron sin dudar, completamente encantados por la música.
De una manera similar, las palabras de algunas voces actuales parecen producir el mismo efecto.
Sus discursos crean una especie de “música”: una narrativa que contrasta con la realidad, que a veces incluso la distorsiona, pero que, al sonar agradable, casi reconfortante, atrae a las personas. Frases cuidadosamente elegidas, llenas de superlativos--“somos grandes”, “somos los mejores”, “todo está mejorando”—prometen algo extraordinario, algo que quizá ni siquiera habíamos imaginado antes.
Y así, algunos comienzan a seguir a este “flautista” moderno.
Sin embargo, no están siendo conducidos a un lugar mágico.
Permanecen donde están, pero llegan a convencerse de que todo a su alrededor está mejorando, transformándose, volviéndose mejor. Al mismo tiempo, se les impulsa a creer que, si algo no es agradable o no está bien, es culpa de “otros”.
Mientras tanto, continúan caminando detrás del flautista--
no hacia la luz o la belleza, sino hacia una oscuridad creciente.
Una oscuridad que se alimenta del miedo.
Una oscuridad que crece a través de la división.
Una oscuridad que enfrenta a las personas contra quienes piensan diferente.
Y, sin embargo, muchos no pueden verlo.
Están cautivados—hechizados por el sonido bello y encantador de las promesas.
Entonces, ¿qué se puede hacer?
Nosotros—los que estamos fuera de ese hechizo—debemos encontrar la manera de silenciar la flauta. No con fuerza, no con confrontación, sino con comprensión.
Debemos intentar entender por qué ese sonido resuena tan profundamente.
¿Qué ofrece?
¿Qué necesidad satisface?
Quizá la respuesta no sea luchar contra la melodía, sino ofrecer nuevas.
Diferentes voces.
Diferentes perspectivas.
Diferentes caminos.
Con paciencia, con empatía y con amor, podemos acercarnos poco a poco a quienes siguen ese camino e invitarlos a regresar—no desde el juicio, sino desde la conexión.
Porque solo juntos podemos avanzar hacia algo real:
Un mundo que no esté construido sobre la ilusión,
sino sobre la verdad…
no sobre la división,
sino sobre la unión…
y no sobre el miedo,
sino sobre la compasión.

Weekly Spotlight: Polly the Grumpy Elf.

4/22/2026

by emma ugarelli

This week’s highlight introduces one of my newest children’s books, Polly the Grumpy Elf—a heartwarming story that helps children explore emotions, understand the importance of expressing their feelings, and appreciate the value of friendship.
Feeling grumpy? So was Polly…
One chilly morning, Polly wants nothing more than to stay in bed. But when her friends arrive, her gloomy day turns into an unexpected snowy adventure filled with surprises, laughter, and meaningful lessons.
Through Polly’s journey, children discover that it’s okay to feel grumpy sometimes—and that kindness, understanding, and friendship can turn even the hardest days into brighter ones.
Perfect for young readers learning to navigate their emotions and build meaningful connections.
Visit Emmasplace.ca or eugarellibooks.com to learn more and access free resources.
Available on Amazon in paperback and eBook formats.

Author

Emma Ugarelli is my name. I grew up in Lima, Peru and immigrated to Canada two decades ago. I have a Psychology degree from Peru, and I worked as a psychologist for fifteen years. In Canada, I pursued Early Childhood Education and I have been a daycare provider for the last twenty years. I became a writer in 2021 when I published my first children's book "Lou and his Mane". I reside in Kitsilano, Vancouver, with my family and cat Ricky.

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