Earth Shot by Stephen Henning is suggested for those 9 and older and I loved it. Earth Shot made me think of ET, with the 3 friends, one of them beingEarth Shot by Stephen Henning is suggested for those 9 and older and I loved it. Earth Shot made me think of ET, with the 3 friends, one of them being the younger sister, but it didn’t take long for the differences to start to show when we get to know the dying alien and Magic.
Sure, THEY wanted to find the aliens, but the kids weren’t going to help them. Not only are the kids hiding from the military, but they are also hiding from the evil alien that wants to kill them all.
Magic is awesome. At times I felt sorry for him, but he’s only a machine, a tablet. I can only imagine how enamored a child would be, maybe, like me, at times forgetting it’s not alive.
I had so much fun with the kids, dodging bullets and danger, while soaring through the skies. The action was non stop, keeping me flipping pages. At times, I laughed, at times I was scared, but I never lost faith in the children.
This is the second series of Stephen Henning’s I am reading and I love his work. It keeps me entertained for hours at a time. I find the characters personalities shine throw, keeping me involved, wondering what is going to happen to them next.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Earth Shot by Stephen Henning.
As soon as I saw The Dolphin Dentists by Cheryl DaVeiga, I had to have it. I love anything to do with marine life, oceans and seas. The illustrations As soon as I saw The Dolphin Dentists by Cheryl DaVeiga, I had to have it. I love anything to do with marine life, oceans and seas. The illustrations are vibrant and amusing, sure to catch the eye of a child of any age. The characters are fun and endearing. Even a great white shark can be afraid of something. And who does like going to the dentist? Not me. What is the dentist afraid of? Sharks.
It is poetically written, with a rhythm that is easy to read along to. I had a smile on my face all the way through. I cannot imagine a child not being enchanted by The Dolphin Dentist. I sure was. I loved it and it will help a child (or all of us) realize, we are all afraid of something, but to face it before it becomes an even bigger problem, is the best solution. I give it five shining stars.
Maya’s Tiny Warrior’s by Manasi Vegesna is a wonderful introduction to science for a young child. It is recommended for ages 4 – 8, and though they maMaya’s Tiny Warrior’s by Manasi Vegesna is a wonderful introduction to science for a young child. It is recommended for ages 4 – 8, and though they may not grasp the concept in full, the colorful, fun illustrations may capture their curiosity. I strongly believe in education and feel that learning something new is always a good thing, even if they don’t understand it all. It will come to them as they reread the book, or pick up another with science as the topic. It is never too early to learn about our bodies and how they function. Small steps…
All I had to do was see the cover, read the title and know that I had to have this book. I love everything to do with trees, whether naked, clothed, oAll I had to do was see the cover, read the title and know that I had to have this book. I love everything to do with trees, whether naked, clothed, or anything in between.
This oversized book, with wonderful illustrations, and a young girl who can talk to trees is sure to spark the young ones imaginations. Like seeing shapes in clouds, she sees faces in trees. I have seen things in trees too. Amanda has a huge heart and capacity for empathy. I smiled through the entire book and cannot imagine a child not enjoying this wonderful, magical adventure with Amanda.
A wonderfully illustrated story about a small dog with a big heart and a man with an even bigger one. I loved it. The illustrations are colorful and dA wonderfully illustrated story about a small dog with a big heart and a man with an even bigger one. I loved it. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. I feel a child would love to reach out and touch them. A story that is sure to capture anyone’s heart and spread the Christmas spirit.
Michele Monaco and illustrator, Prabir Sharkar have created an entertaining fantasy of magical reindeers visiting three young girls, wanting them to bMichele Monaco and illustrator, Prabir Sharkar have created an entertaining fantasy of magical reindeers visiting three young girls, wanting them to be pen pals. The illustrations for the oversized book are colorful and fun, on heavy, slick pages for the youngsters to touch. The story may encourage the young to pick up pencil and paper and write to..anyone. There are a list of questions at then end for the kiddies to ask their favorite reindeer, Santa, or any pen pal they choose. I love books that encourage children to communicate in any form and stretch their imagination. Sure to entertain the child hiding in all of us.
The thick, shiny pages of For Kinder Times by Pam Gittleman calls out to the children to be touched. Each rhyming fairy tale has been tweaked and inclThe thick, shiny pages of For Kinder Times by Pam Gittleman calls out to the children to be touched. Each rhyming fairy tale has been tweaked and includes the three kind mice, with questions and emoticons at the end of them. I love interactive books that ask the child to participate, making them feel as if they are part of the story. The Kinder Times shows how easy it is to be kind to others, no matter where you are.
I love the magnificent illustrations created by Mary Wentael in Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan. Detailed and colorfulI love the magnificent illustrations created by Mary Wentael in Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan. Detailed and colorful that lead us, step by step, through the story. I was eager to get my hands on it, and wasted no time diving in. I love anything to do with oceans, seas, lakes, ponds…and all of their inhabitants. I am fascinated with water and find it soothing, hypnotizing.
We are introduced to Sammy, a sergeant major fish, and Scarlett, a yellowtail snapper who are washed out of their tidal pool, fiding safety in the mangroves. They decide it”s time to head to the Florida Keys, where they will spend their adult life.
They meet Howie, a Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and become fast friends. They learn a lot from him, as did we. Didn’t we, little ones?
I can imagine the delight a young child can gain from the wonderful illustrations as they learn about the symbiotic relationship of the Florida sea creatures. As Sammy and Scarlett learn from Howie, so do we. We learn of corals, reefs, solitary fish, schools of fish, who could be a friend, who could be your enemy and who could eat you. We, also get a glimpse of ourselves and our contributions, good and bad.
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan.
Grace is a character pulled from the author’s family and the values she learned as a child.
Grace and the Golden Rule by Negrita Smart is a wonderfullyGrace is a character pulled from the author’s family and the values she learned as a child.
Grace and the Golden Rule by Negrita Smart is a wonderfully illustrated story with a simple message: Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
A new girl, Ruth, comes to Grace’s school and they become fast friends. She invited Ruth to her house to play in the snow. Grace loved the snow. Since Ruth and she had so much in common, she thought Ruth would too. BUT, Ruth wanted to go home. Grace couldn’t figure out what happened. Her father reminded her of the Golden Rule and she made a decision.
I loved the story and the vibrant, fun illustrations. I highly recommend Grace and the Golden rule by Negrita Smart for all young children, and it made me feel good and end with a smile on my face, so I feel we could all enjoy this gentle reminder to be kind.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Grace and the Golden Rule by Negrita Smart.
Beautifully illustrated, wonderfully written, Aqua Paws by Patricia Allieri has everything I would love to have in a picture book, if I was a child. IBeautifully illustrated, wonderfully written, Aqua Paws by Patricia Allieri has everything I would love to have in a picture book, if I was a child. I loved it! The story is cute with an ecological message that can make a child feel like they can make a difference while enjoying what our watery world has to offer. A story of friendship and teamwork. I love the does and don’ts at the end of the book that mirror the only leave a footprint message. There is also a do it yourself build a crab project that adds more fun, making the story continue after the book is read. I highly recommend this aquatic adventure.
If you are looking for some reading material to give your child hours of reading pleasure, getting lost in a fantasy world where Sam and Tuck take somIf you are looking for some reading material to give your child hours of reading pleasure, getting lost in a fantasy world where Sam and Tuck take some amazing adventures, I must recommend this series.
The books are beautiful, with wonderful illustrations that draw us into the book, making it easier to visualize the scenes as they unfold, offering a little something extra to keep children involved, maybe even putting themselves in Sam and Tuck’s place.
Sam has a big heart and a need to help others, drawing Tuck into her adventures. Verny the Wyvern and Barloc the Unicorn are a couple of their best friends and volunteer to help them go Beyond The Portal to find discover answers about the disappearance of her biological mother.
Not only will they get the answers they are searching for, but they will help others who are in desperate need of it. All of them will be surprised at the outcome, learning that things are not always as they appear and helping others comes back to you. I love watching them grow and develop into more complex characters that are willing to accept what is, to go above and beyond what is expected of them, doing it with love and compassion.
I highly recommend the Unicorn Island series by Donna Galanti. Children will have hours of fun on Sam and Tuck’s adventures, playing on Unicorn Island, solving mysteries and making new friends of the supernatural kind. Their imaginations will blossom, maybe believing in magic and legends that are sure to supply hours of entertainment. I hope I conveyed my love of this series without spoiling anything for anyone.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unicorn Island: Beyond The Portal by Donna Galanti.
Grady is in middle school with his best friend Aarush, who is on the autistic spectrum.
Kids…autistic, asthmatic, overweight, bullies, insecurity…This Grady is in middle school with his best friend Aarush, who is on the autistic spectrum.
Kids…autistic, asthmatic, overweight, bullies, insecurity…This coming of age fantasy has it all. I was captivated with the world and characters that Carole P Roman has created. I loved watching them learn and grow.
Grady, Aarush and many of their classmates want to go to Templeton Academy, a place to discover your ‘hidden talents and develop them into formidable powers.’ Sounds a bit Hatty Potterish, doesn’t it?
The kids who gravitated to Grady learned to work together for a common goal. I can see a moral to the story and I feel all who read Grady Whill will leave with a smile on their face.
It is hard to describe the story without spoiling it, but I will say it was…unputdownable.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P Roman.
I jumped at a chance to read The Nightmare Brigade by Franck Thillez because it made me think of Scooby Doo and the gang and I love them.
I haven’t reaI jumped at a chance to read The Nightmare Brigade by Franck Thillez because it made me think of Scooby Doo and the gang and I love them.
I haven’t read a lot of graphic novels, but I used to read a lot of comics as a kid. Reading The Nightmare Brigade brought back those memories. The illustrations are awesome, so richly detailed that I found myself investigating each panel for clues as to what is terrifying Sarah in her nightmare. That’s when I found out that what happens to the dream brigade in the dream, happens for real, whether it’s an injury, death, or anything else. But, they do have special powers, whether it is walking for someone who can’t walk, being able to go through walls, or flying. Each power will be needed to help those who are having the nightmares…and, eventually getting rid of their nightmare permanently.
There is even more danger than them being real in the dream, they must prevent anyone or anything from following them out and, if things go terribly wrong, they could be stuck in someone’s dream…forever. The Nightmare Brigade deals with real issues, mystery and danger.
I think this is a fantastic glimpse into an adventure series that will delight middle graders. You will not get all the answers, but when I found out about Esteban it only whet my appetite for more. There is more going on than first meets the eye.
To sum it all up…I loved it. I think the youngsters will too. And, they will get a bit of knowledge on the brain, nightmares and dreams.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Nightmare Brigade by Franck Thillez.
Unicorn Island is a magical story that has everything a young mind could want in an adventure, with plenty of fantasy and fact to inspire…the young anUnicorn Island is a magical story that has everything a young mind could want in an adventure, with plenty of fantasy and fact to inspire…the young and the old alike.
Foggy Harbor has begun to feel like home since Sam made a friend and discovered a magical island full of unicorns and other magical creatures. Now…their immortality is threatened and she searches for a cure, finding a secret from her past that links her to the future of the herd.
Sam had learned her Uncle Mitch’s legacy was to protect the herd and keep the secret of the island that was hidden by a fog bank. He was training Sam and her friend, Tuck, to be unicorn protectors.
When Donna Galanti mentioned elephants evolution and tusks (yes, I am talking real elephants), I had to check it out and see if it was real. I urge you to do the same.
Love. Selflessness. Devotion. Courage.
“…Science and magic together can create wondrous things…”
I loved this wonderful adventure into the magical world of Unicorn Island, with fabulous characters and magical creatures that work together to save the unicorns and the island. Not only does it have a gorgeous cover, but it holds factual tidbits at the end of the story to inspire young minds.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Unicorn Island: Secret Beneath The Sand by Donna Galanti.
The Mirabel Sisters is a wonderfully illustrated look into a moment in time in the Dominican Republic during the rule of the dictator, Rafael LeonidasThe Mirabel Sisters is a wonderfully illustrated look into a moment in time in the Dominican Republic during the rule of the dictator, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Because of these sisters, November 25th was declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in their honor.
Kudos to these brave ladies, and those that supported them. I am happy to share their story and the courage they showed. The book and illustrations work together to tell their inspirational story.
The sisters were just people, people who loved to read, paint, worked in the family store, and, even though the youngest, Dede, was not killed, she was left to raise the children and tell their story. They are the true definition of heroes, which I feel is bandied around all too easily nowadays.
Recommended age group: Grades 4 – 6, Ages 8 – 12. The MIrabel Sisters would be a great addition to any library.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Mirabel Sisters by Raynelda A Calderon.
I love the simple message with bright and colorful illustrations sure to stimulate a child’s mind…what is myI Celebrate My Voice. It is My Superpower.
I love the simple message with bright and colorful illustrations sure to stimulate a child’s mind…what is my voice? Limitless possibilities and it is never too soon to show your child that the world is their oyster. They can be and do so many things. Such a happy message with smiles, dancing and singing.
At the end of the book are a couple of coloring pages.
The book is recommended for children 3 to 7, but I think it is never too early to expose our children to what the world has to offer.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of I Celebrate My Voice by Nonky Kunene Adumetey.
The wonderful cover for Cinidi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman is thick, as are the pages, and can definitely handle those sticky fingers thThe wonderful cover for Cinidi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman is thick, as are the pages, and can definitely handle those sticky fingers that will want to reach out and touch the animals inside.
I found myself chuckling as the critters, Cindi and Pitty Pat, were decorated in costumes and paraded through the neighborhood. I love that creatures of all kinds and disabilities were shared in such a fun way.
And…we are left with a question…Have you ever changed your mind about things you might not like? Sure to inspire your child to answer and I would love to know what they come up with.
I love that some of the proceeds will be donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverly Reichman.
Let’s start off by saying…I LOVE that cover front and back. What is that pink unicorn doing there?
I have been reading and reviewing more children’s boLet’s start off by saying…I LOVE that cover front and back. What is that pink unicorn doing there?
I have been reading and reviewing more children’s books than ever and the Bianca series by Meg Dendler fits in that genre, recommended for 4 – 18 year olds (Amazon). I think different ratings would apply to different age groups within the recommendation. This is a book you would read to the younger ones and want a little more sophisticated for the older ones. I loved it, so…what to do?
It is filled with clean adventure. We have dragons, unicorns, faeries, a water sprite, flutterpurrs (how cute a name is that?)…
Bianca has earned some independence from her father. She is still new to being out of the castle, so she doesn’t know all the ins and outs of social interaction, especially when it comes to royalty. After all, who wants to sit at dinner and not be able to talk at all, to tell of her last adventure in Book I? She is 14 and wants to share. She has questions that, the only way she will get answers to, is to be able to ask them?
Well, all that and I haven’t even looked at my notes.
Ooooo, we have a baby dragon. Princess Bianca the Brave and Percy the Merciful will be put to the test when a handsome visitor makes an appearance. He is requesting their assistance with a dragon egg in a far off kingdom. So over the mountain and through the woods they will go.
I can hardly wait to go on the next adventure with Bianca and Percy. And…will the baby dragon be a part of it? What ya thinkin’ Meg?
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bianca: Journey to Ryuugito by Meg Dendler.
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. ThThis 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.
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