Part 1: How Side Hustle Culture Is Redefining Learning in 2025 Gone are the days when learning only happened in classrooms or ended with a diploma. In 2025, people are learning everywhere—on YouTube, during a lunch break, and even on the bus to work. But what’s truly changing the game is how side hustle culture is becoming the new “learning lab” for millions around the world. Young people and adults alike are picking up new skills not just for fun, but to survive, earn, and thrive. Whether it’s learning how to design Canva templates , editing TikTok videos , baking for online orders , or selling vintage fashion on Instagram , the knowledge required to pull these off isn’t taught in traditional education. At Learning with AL-Mercy , we believe this is a revolution worth watching—and worth being part of. In this series, we’ll dive into: How ordinary people are learning extraordinary things to fuel their passions and pockets Where to find free and low-cost resources to learn practical sk...
Inspiring Young Minds Through Magical Nature Stories | Little Ray Children's Books for Literacy, ESL & Special Needs Learners
Little Ray Children’s Books
Little Ray Children’s Books Inc is a 501c3 nonprofit. Our mission is to get children celebrating, thinking, discussing and wanting to learn more, while exploring the world with the adults in their lives. Our adventures extend beyond the mere reading of words. Goopy Ghost, Little Ray and the rest of our storied ambassadors show the way to teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving and the achievement of justice in our world.
We do this with magical tales about the Goopy Ghost of the pumpkin, and with epic adventures about such iconic animals as rays and sharks, raccoons and armadillos. Nature offers an escape from hyper-connected, over-loaded, online networks. The power of nature fights boredom. Our adventures are as “sticky” as videos, games and the internet, but they lead to discovery, learning and accomplishments.
Reviews show that our books appeal to children and adults, including those with special needs and learners of English as a second language. New approaches are needed for reading. Apathy blocks discipline and learning. Community efforts can help Little Ray Children’s Books Inc. show the world that quality, rhyming verse prompts literacy, and helps children find true purpose in the pursuit of their dreams.
Why Nature and Storytelling?
We live in a time when digital distractions are everywhere—devices, screens, and endless streams of content compete for our children’s attention. But in the pages of our books, nature becomes the ultimate classroom. Stories about rays and sharks, raccoons and armadillos introduce children to the natural world in a way that's playful and meaningful. Nature is more than a backdrop; it’s a co-teacher. It encourages mindfulness, resilience, and imagination.
By grounding our stories in the wonders of the natural world, we give children the chance to escape the noise and overstimulation of the digital world. Instead, they get to dive into tales that are just as “sticky” and captivating as videos or games—but ones that guide them toward discovery, learning, and personal accomplishment.
Literature for All Learners
What makes our approach different? We write in quality, rhyming verse—a style that research has shown to be incredibly effective for promoting literacy. Rhyme enhances memory, reinforces language rhythm, and makes learning to read feel more like play than work. This is especially important for children who face learning challenges or are learning English as a second language.
Our books are designed to engage a wide range of learners, from early readers and children with special needs to families seeking shared reading experiences. In fact, reviews and feedback from parents, teachers, and librarians confirm that our stories resonate across ages and backgrounds. Adults often find themselves just as engaged as the kids—laughing, thinking, and reflecting right alongside them.
Our Call to Action
Reading is not just about decoding letters—it's about igniting passion, building discipline, and opening up worlds. Sadly, many traditional approaches to reading fall short of inspiring today’s young learners. Apathy, distractions, and lack of access all play a role in hindering literacy progress. That’s why Little Ray Children’s Books Inc. is stepping in to offer something new.
We are calling on communities, educators, parents, and supporters to join us in redefining the reading experience. With your help, we can bring our stories to schools, libraries, literacy programs, and homes across the country. Together, we can show that a fun, lyrical story can unlock a lifelong love of learning.
Let’s Write a Brighter Future Together
Every child deserves the chance to dream, to read, and to believe in their ability to make a difference. With your support, Little Ray Children’s Books Inc. will continue to publish powerful, inclusive stories that inspire young minds and uplift communities.
Join us as we help children discover their voice, explore their world, and chase their dreams—one magical rhyme at a time.
Watch our video here:
Thank you for sharing this article. Goopy/Terry
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