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Olive and the Valentine's Spell
Olive is a sweet elementary school boy who is afraid to go to school on Valentine’s Day. . .because he thinks he’ll have to get married! Olive’s mom joins in his fight to defeat the “princess of love,” but along the way he learns an even bigger lesson, discovering the true meaning of love.
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is an inspiring children’s book for all ages that shines a humorous light on Valentine’s Day and overcoming your fears.
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is an inspiring children’s book for all ages that shines a humorous light on Valentine’s Day and overcoming your fears.
38 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 8, 2022
This is a super cute, humorous hardcover book with pages that can handle sticky fingers exploring them as the book is being read to your youngster. The book was inspired by a Valentine Day at school with Helen Millman, the author, and her son. I remember my excitement when my mom got my bag of valentines and I sat choosing which classmate got which one, handing them out in class and getting one in return. Life’s simple pleasures and wonderful memories.
Seeing love through a child’s eyes in poem form was sweet and endearing. I smiled throughout and wondered…what was I thinking back then? A child’s imagination is amazing.
The illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre are perfectly matched to the story.
In this book, she is hoping to share with her readers the idea that love is in everything we do. I believe, do you?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman.
See more at fundinmental
Seeing love through a child’s eyes in poem form was sweet and endearing. I smiled throughout and wondered…what was I thinking back then? A child’s imagination is amazing.
The illustrations by Vanessa Alexandre are perfectly matched to the story.
In this book, she is hoping to share with her readers the idea that love is in everything we do. I believe, do you?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman.
See more at fundinmental
February 11, 2022
Oh my, Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is such an adorable story, and the illustrations are just delightful.
Helen Millman has written a sweet, sweet story about Olive, a young boy who hears about Valentine's Day at school and is terrified of having to marry. The poor little boy's imagination then leads him on a roller coaster of emotions, the most prominent of which is fear.
I appreciated how the little boy in the book was able to freely open up to his mother about his anxieties and how she calmed him. She then gently helps him realize he has nothing to be afraid of.
Because there were a few new vocabulary words introduced to my almost two-year-old granddaughter in the story, it was a little above her comprehension level at times. On the other hand, she loved the story and Vanessa Alexandre's enchanting artwork. She even requested that I re-read it several times!
The book is intended for children aged 3–7 years old. Older children and adults may enjoy the narrative and perhaps remember their own feelings regarding Valentine's Day. I'm sure it will make everyone, young and old, smile.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Helen Millman has written a sweet, sweet story about Olive, a young boy who hears about Valentine's Day at school and is terrified of having to marry. The poor little boy's imagination then leads him on a roller coaster of emotions, the most prominent of which is fear.
I appreciated how the little boy in the book was able to freely open up to his mother about his anxieties and how she calmed him. She then gently helps him realize he has nothing to be afraid of.
Because there were a few new vocabulary words introduced to my almost two-year-old granddaughter in the story, it was a little above her comprehension level at times. On the other hand, she loved the story and Vanessa Alexandre's enchanting artwork. She even requested that I re-read it several times!
The book is intended for children aged 3–7 years old. Older children and adults may enjoy the narrative and perhaps remember their own feelings regarding Valentine's Day. I'm sure it will make everyone, young and old, smile.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
February 14, 2022
I have come across another decent book about the upcoming holiday named Valentine's Day. Children seem to know what this holiday is about. But if you are looking for one that overcomes a child or children's fear. "Olive and the Valentine's Spell" is a good one. Olive feels that Valentine's day means getting married and a few other things as he tells his feelings to his mom. She wants to help fight with him. Olive seems to have to get rid of all his fun stuff at five years. He thinks he got to do some grown-up things.
Will Olive overcome his fears and enjoy the holiday. Will he see this holiday like any other day and there will be no love. Then maybe love comes in many different forms. Will Olive realizes that and wants this memorable holiday to stick around.
Olive seems confused at the beginning and will let his fears run wild. Children will learn that Valentine's day is a special day for couples. But it also showed what love is and how it can be. It also teaches about overcoming your fear. A parent can help children with reading this book. This book shows that love is essential, which is why we celebrate it.
Will Olive overcome his fears and enjoy the holiday. Will he see this holiday like any other day and there will be no love. Then maybe love comes in many different forms. Will Olive realizes that and wants this memorable holiday to stick around.
Olive seems confused at the beginning and will let his fears run wild. Children will learn that Valentine's day is a special day for couples. But it also showed what love is and how it can be. It also teaches about overcoming your fear. A parent can help children with reading this book. This book shows that love is essential, which is why we celebrate it.
February 1, 2022
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is a rhyming story about a little boy named Olive. He somehow thinks he’ll have to get married if he goes to school on Valentine’s Day. When his mother hatches a plan to eliminate love by defeating the princess of love, he learns a valuable lesson.
The illustrations are fun and colorful, giving added umph to the story. The story accentuates overcoming fears, but the true driving force seems to be the rhyming, which (in my opinion) takes away from the impact. Some rhymes are strained, breaking my attention. The humor is fun yet might flow above some younger reader’s heads.
Overall, a children’s story that employs young reader’s imagination is a win, and a story theme of keeping love alive is another plus.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
The illustrations are fun and colorful, giving added umph to the story. The story accentuates overcoming fears, but the true driving force seems to be the rhyming, which (in my opinion) takes away from the impact. Some rhymes are strained, breaking my attention. The humor is fun yet might flow above some younger reader’s heads.
Overall, a children’s story that employs young reader’s imagination is a win, and a story theme of keeping love alive is another plus.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
March 10, 2022
Olive and the Valentine's Spell Offers Families a Fun Look At Conquering Fears. While my children were not necessarily afraid for their first Valentine's Day party--they did worry about choosing the "wrong" Valentine for each classmate. Olive worries that Valentine's Day brings marriage and love--and the end of childhood. The book makes for a fun read-together story to help little ones understand that sometimes the imagination creates a much larger monster of an everyday event or activity! Worrying about the unknown or a new experience is still common with my kids!
Fun, Themed Illustrations Bring Olive's Story to Life. I loved the whimsical, magical elements in the book's illustrations that really showed the inspirational battle that Olive was fighting against his fear of Valentine's Day! The images complemented each page very well.
Would I Recommend Olive and the Valentine's Spell by Helen Millman? This book is a cute children's story for preschool and very young elementary-aged students. I think it is best suited as a read-along because the flow of the text and some of the words are likely difficult for the target aged audience. I would recommend it for families to learn about Valentine's Day and prepare for those all-important, first classroom parties!
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.
Fun, Themed Illustrations Bring Olive's Story to Life. I loved the whimsical, magical elements in the book's illustrations that really showed the inspirational battle that Olive was fighting against his fear of Valentine's Day! The images complemented each page very well.
Would I Recommend Olive and the Valentine's Spell by Helen Millman? This book is a cute children's story for preschool and very young elementary-aged students. I think it is best suited as a read-along because the flow of the text and some of the words are likely difficult for the target aged audience. I would recommend it for families to learn about Valentine's Day and prepare for those all-important, first classroom parties!
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2022
My, my, little Olive has certainly gotten himself all worked up as he finds out at school that the next day is Valentine's Day. What is he to do? As he states he is not ready for the big "I do" but what else can he do? So, he decides to hide until his mom finds him and promises she will make it all go away.
Well, that sounds great until little Olive realizes that that might just make all love go away. He doesn't want that! And now he is in a much worse pickle as a world without love is a world full of ...well a world that Olvie is not looking forward too.
Olive sounds like he is definitely a deep thinker and a bit of a worrier. Somewhat like I was. This was an adorable Valentine's Day book written in a clever rhyme of all that is going on in his head. I found it cute and humorous to be in a child's head and see what crazy things he might be thinking. Olive definitely has a big imagination.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Well, that sounds great until little Olive realizes that that might just make all love go away. He doesn't want that! And now he is in a much worse pickle as a world without love is a world full of ...well a world that Olvie is not looking forward too.
Olive sounds like he is definitely a deep thinker and a bit of a worrier. Somewhat like I was. This was an adorable Valentine's Day book written in a clever rhyme of all that is going on in his head. I found it cute and humorous to be in a child's head and see what crazy things he might be thinking. Olive definitely has a big imagination.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
February 11, 2022
Olive is a little boy who just heard that tomorrow is Valentine's Day and he's worried. He's afraid that everything is going to change...he may have to get married and he's just in kindergarten! His mother quickly assures him that she will help him fight Valentine and all of that love nonsense. Wait! Does that mean that he won't have his Momma's love either?
This is such a cute story, and it's a great way to reassure children that it's okay to be nervous, and it's even better to talk about your fears with your parents. Olive's mother is very understanding, and she teaches him that Valentine's Day is about celebrating all kinds of love, not just romantic love and marriage.
The rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this a fun book for children and reading it as a family is the perfect opportunity to discuss how we are often afraid of what we don't understand. Olive and the Valentine's Spell is a charming book and I recommend it as a perfect addition to both home and school libraries.
I received a copy of this book from the author via iRead Book Tours. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
This is such a cute story, and it's a great way to reassure children that it's okay to be nervous, and it's even better to talk about your fears with your parents. Olive's mother is very understanding, and she teaches him that Valentine's Day is about celebrating all kinds of love, not just romantic love and marriage.
The rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this a fun book for children and reading it as a family is the perfect opportunity to discuss how we are often afraid of what we don't understand. Olive and the Valentine's Spell is a charming book and I recommend it as a perfect addition to both home and school libraries.
I received a copy of this book from the author via iRead Book Tours. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
February 14, 2022
Valentine’s Day so the perfect little read to get today started. From the moment I started to read this it put a smile on my face and I couldn’t help imagining what else children think about Valentine’s Day. The illustrations were lovely especially the facial expressions. You could really see the worry and the joy and every other emotion just by looking at the illustrations before even reading.
As much as I enjoyed this book I felt like the flow could’ve been smoother from one part to the next. But that was just a mini issue for me I’m sure children wouldn’t notice it as much as myself.
The key messages are brilliant though. How imagination is just imagination and you mustn’t be afraid of what you think as imaginations can run wild.
Maybe it’s just me but I didn’t really understand what the valentines spell was. Maybe I need to read over and try to understand it a bit better. I did truly love the relationships with Olives mum. The illustrations were lovely and really bought out all the adventure mentioned. Not my favourite as I felt there was a slight few things missing for me but enjoyable.
As much as I enjoyed this book I felt like the flow could’ve been smoother from one part to the next. But that was just a mini issue for me I’m sure children wouldn’t notice it as much as myself.
The key messages are brilliant though. How imagination is just imagination and you mustn’t be afraid of what you think as imaginations can run wild.
Maybe it’s just me but I didn’t really understand what the valentines spell was. Maybe I need to read over and try to understand it a bit better. I did truly love the relationships with Olives mum. The illustrations were lovely and really bought out all the adventure mentioned. Not my favourite as I felt there was a slight few things missing for me but enjoyable.
February 9, 2022
As a mom, there are a lot of "firsts" that I can think of when it comes to my boys. When they were little, like Olive, they had more than they do now as teenagers, but they still sometimes come with big imaginations and fears. Even as an adult, I personally experience fears when it comes to new and the unknown!
The story and illustrations flow well for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and other loved ones can read an expressive story while capturing their attention. I always love a story that includes a variety of well-defined characters through which a unique personality shines. This book does exactly that!
I also loved the closeness you feel between Olive and his mom. I hope that this book can be used by many to encourage that type of relationship with their kids' loved ones! As adults, we forget that it's important to talk about our fears, thus lessening the power they have over us. This is a great reminder for all ages!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
The story and illustrations flow well for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and other loved ones can read an expressive story while capturing their attention. I always love a story that includes a variety of well-defined characters through which a unique personality shines. This book does exactly that!
I also loved the closeness you feel between Olive and his mom. I hope that this book can be used by many to encourage that type of relationship with their kids' loved ones! As adults, we forget that it's important to talk about our fears, thus lessening the power they have over us. This is a great reminder for all ages!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. All opinions are my own.
February 2, 2022
This was an adorable story where we meet Olive, a little boy who is scared of the Valentine’s Day celebrations at school. He’s got it in his head that he’ll have to get married at this party, and he wants NOTHING to do with that! Olive’s mom helps him understand what Valentine’s Day is all about, LOVE, not getting married through a fun story!
I thought this was such a cute story! Olive’s mom is really supportive of his fears and helps him feel better. It’s a great story about what Valetine’s Day is, and it also shows children it’s okay to be afraid. I liked that Olive was able to open up to his mom and share his worries. It showed readers that they can share their fears with loved ones too!
I would recommend this one for early elementary readers!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I thought this was such a cute story! Olive’s mom is really supportive of his fears and helps him feel better. It’s a great story about what Valetine’s Day is, and it also shows children it’s okay to be afraid. I liked that Olive was able to open up to his mom and share his worries. It showed readers that they can share their fears with loved ones too!
I would recommend this one for early elementary readers!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 11, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
As a parent who’s raised two kids, my children didn’t have fears regarding Valentine’s Day like Olive did in Olive and the Valentine’s Spell by Helen Millman. However, there have been many times they’ve been afraid when it came to other firsts. So, with that said, I’m sure other children will be frightened or have questions regarding their first Valentine’s party.
If you have children or take care of children, you know that we caregivers go to any lengths to take a child’s fear away. Much like the mommy in the story, we listen to a child’s fear(s), hold them tightly, reassure them everything will be alright, and maybe we’ll toss in a bit of magic.
While being scared is no laughing matter, Vanessa Alexandre bought a smile to my face with her adorable illustrations. I loved the children’s expressions, and Cali’s glasses were just the cutest! The fairy was also darling.
There are a couple of words that might need to be defined: humbly and oh vey. While I can see readers (ages 3-7) following along when being read to, I think it’ll prove challenging for them to read independently. No worries though – they’ll be old enough to read this story solo sooner than you think!
No matter the age, I think it’ll be enjoyed by many!
Happy Valentine’s!
(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
February 4, 2022
How stinking cute! We follow a little boy, Olive as he navigates through his Valentine's Day fear. Olive thinks if he goes to school on Valentine's Day that means he has to get married. With a bit of help from mom and a magical fairy Olive overcomes his fear. An adorable book at the perfect time of the year. Children often have fears that adults cannot even fathom so this book is so fitting. As a mom I know we always come to the rescue when it comes to our children - we will stop at nothing to make sure they feel safe. This book portrays that in the cutest way ever. Three illustrations are beyond adorable. Definitely a book kids will enjoy!
Huge thanks to iRead Book Tours & Helen Millman for my gifted copy!
Huge thanks to iRead Book Tours & Helen Millman for my gifted copy!
March 2, 2022
Olive is a little boy who is facing some major fears about the Valentine’s Day celebration at his school. He fears this means he must get married!
His mother comes to his rescue and helps him face his fears and learn to ask questions about his fears rather than hiding under the bed.
You never know what misconceptions can lurk in a young child’s mind. This book encourages discussions between adults and children.
This hardcover book by Helen Millman is perfect for families with young children, especially those that fear the unknown.
I think libraries, daycares, and schools would benefit from owning a copy.
I received a copy of the book for a tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
His mother comes to his rescue and helps him face his fears and learn to ask questions about his fears rather than hiding under the bed.
You never know what misconceptions can lurk in a young child’s mind. This book encourages discussions between adults and children.
This hardcover book by Helen Millman is perfect for families with young children, especially those that fear the unknown.
I think libraries, daycares, and schools would benefit from owning a copy.
I received a copy of the book for a tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
February 9, 2022
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Poor Olive learns that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and he’s so scared, he wants to defeat the princess of love. When his mom agrees to help him do that, however, he realizes that the world would not be a good place without love. His mom tells him that he can celebrate Valentine’s Day any way he wants…he doesn’t have to get married!
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is a cute story with fun text to read and bright and colorful illustrations.
Poor Olive learns that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and he’s so scared, he wants to defeat the princess of love. When his mom agrees to help him do that, however, he realizes that the world would not be a good place without love. His mom tells him that he can celebrate Valentine’s Day any way he wants…he doesn’t have to get married!
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is a cute story with fun text to read and bright and colorful illustrations.
February 6, 2022
What is Valentine’s Day?
A kindergarten boy wonders what it is and how it configures into his life of homework, family, and childhood.
“An era of freedom is coming to an end. Love and fun cannot go hand in hand.”
Can the boy defeat Princess Valentine? Or will he realize that love is actually a precious gift?
Illustrations are fun, colorful, and lively in this sweet, little tale.
A kindergarten boy wonders what it is and how it configures into his life of homework, family, and childhood.
“An era of freedom is coming to an end. Love and fun cannot go hand in hand.”
Can the boy defeat Princess Valentine? Or will he realize that love is actually a precious gift?
Illustrations are fun, colorful, and lively in this sweet, little tale.
March 2, 2022
Olive and the Valentine's Spell by Helen Millman was a very cute kids book with great pictures! I really liked the Valentine theme of the book as most holiday books focus on Christmas or Easter so this one was a nice breath of fresh air among holiday genre books.
May 10, 2022
This is such a sweet story!
February 3, 2022
Olive and the Valentine's Spell is a cute little tale about a kindergartener, Olive, who is dreading the Valentine holiday and the possible event of having to marry someone. While Olive tries to figure out how to get out of getting married during this time, they learn the lesson of what real love is about and their worries are not as big as they seemed. I thought it was a sweet little story that made me smile and giggle at times. My young children liked it, as well, and had me read it to them again and again.
Olive and the Valentine's Spell is illustrated by the talented artist, Vanessa Alexandre. The pictures are colorful and vivid. They perfectly follow story and help bring the characters to life. They help the story flow and make it easy for younger readers stay focused on the story. I loved seeing Olive being brought to life.
Olive and the Valentine's Spell is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of four and eight. It would be a great addition to a classroom’s reading shelf, as well as, the local library. I will be looking forward to see where else Helen Millman will take my young ones to next in her upcoming releases.
I received a hard cover copy of Olive and the Valentine's Spell from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Olive and the Valentine's Spell is illustrated by the talented artist, Vanessa Alexandre. The pictures are colorful and vivid. They perfectly follow story and help bring the characters to life. They help the story flow and make it easy for younger readers stay focused on the story. I loved seeing Olive being brought to life.
Olive and the Valentine's Spell is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of four and eight. It would be a great addition to a classroom’s reading shelf, as well as, the local library. I will be looking forward to see where else Helen Millman will take my young ones to next in her upcoming releases.
I received a hard cover copy of Olive and the Valentine's Spell from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
February 1, 2022
Olive and the Valentine's Spell is a cute children's book about a little boy named Olive. He's worried about going to school on Valentine's Day, because he thinks it means he'll have to get married. Olive isn't ready for that type of commitment yet. He's only in kindergarten! So with the help of his mom, Olive casts a spell to make himself immune to the "princess of love". Now, he won't have to get married. But soon, Olive discovers that maybe doing a spell to prevent love on Valentine's Day (or any day, for that matter) might not be such a good thing after all.
This is a sweet story with a good lesson about learning to face your fears. Plus, it's a fun, festive read for the month of February. The illustrations are delightful, and the story is one that is easy to read. Young children will enjoy this adorable book about the true meaning of love.
4 stars!
This is a sweet story with a good lesson about learning to face your fears. Plus, it's a fun, festive read for the month of February. The illustrations are delightful, and the story is one that is easy to read. Young children will enjoy this adorable book about the true meaning of love.
4 stars!
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