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Showing posts with label Children's Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children's Book Reviews. Show all posts

Monday, March 15, 2021

War at the Ice Cream Store by Dave Gibson and Cheryl DaVeiga (Book Review and Giveaway!)


War at the Ice Cream Store is a super fun book with a great message. Scroll down to read my review and to enter the giveaway to win a copy!

Book Details:

Book Title: WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE by Cheryl DaVeiga and Dave Gibson
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Cheryl DaVeiga and Dave Gibson
Release date: January 2021
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

The first of the Frank TL Frogg and Friends series, War at the Ice Cream Store tells the story of one night at the Frozen Frogg, when Mustachio Pistachio and his “flavorite” flavor friends teach Bully Vanilli a lesson in kindness and acceptance.


My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

War at the Ice Cream Store is a super fun book with a great message. I read the interactive multimedia version, which included videos of Frank TL Frogg and friends narrating the story with every turn of the page. At the end of the book, there is a song sang in a Southern tune summarizing the story. The song is quite catchy and is sure to be a hit with kids. I found myself singing along!

The story is about the ice cream flavor vanilla (Bully Vanilli) who bullies the flavor pistachio (Mustachio Pistachio) because he is the least favorite. But Bully learns a valuable lesson when the other flavors, toppings, and ice cream tools show Bully Vanilli that he thinks too highly of himself. Without them, he is quite plain.

Parents reading this book with their young ones will enjoy the many witty puns used throughout the narrative. I chuckled a few times. What a fun book! The authors' talents are quite evident in this colorful book full of imagination and community feeling. The Frozen Frog ice cream store is filled with interesting characters that rallied together to bring about change.

I know my kids (now grown) would have loved this book because of the puppet characters that come alive on video to tell them the story. I think interactive books are a good way to get an immersive experience for children, especially those who are reluctant readers or who like songs related to a book they read.


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Meet the Authors:

Cheryl DaVeiga

Cheryl is an award-winning songwriter, children's song recording artist (as the cartoon character CADi Grace), and the co-creator of the puppet musical and comedy show, The Waterhole Bunch. After the success of The Waterhole Bunch, Cheryl along with co-creator Dave Gibson, spun off the main character, Frank TL (The Lucky) Frogg, into a children’s entertainment concept, Frank TL Frogg and Friends, featuring the puppets in a magical town called Lucky Fork, Tennessee. Frank TL Frogg and Friends includes books, songs, videos, games, and more for younger audiences. War at the Ice Cream Store is the first of the Frank TL Frogg and Friends children’s book series.

Dave Gibson

Dave is an award-winning Nashville-based songwriter, having written hundreds of hit songs for artists including Alabama, Montgomery Gentry and Marie Osmond. Dave’s own group, The Gibson/Miller Band, won the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award for a best new group in the early nineties. He is the co-creator of the puppet musical and comedy show, The Waterhole Bunch. After the success of The Waterhole Bunch, Dave, along with co-creator Cheryl DaVeiga, spun off the main character, Frank TL (The Lucky) Frogg, into a children’s entertainment concept, Frank TL Frogg and Friends, featuring the puppets in a magical town called Lucky Fork, Tennessee. Frank TL Frogg and Friends includes books, songs, videos, games, and more for younger audiences. War at the Ice Cream Store is the first of the Frank TL Frogg and Friends children’s book series.

Connect with the authors: 




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Friday, March 5, 2021

Marvellous Macey: The Delightful Days by Caitlin Bangsund (Book Review and Giveaway!)


Marvellous Macey is about a little girl, who despite difficulties, has a zest for life that she loves to share with others. Enter the giveaway to win a copy!

Book Details:

Book Title: Marvellous Macey: The Delightful Days by Caitlin Bangsund
Illustrations by Csongor Veres
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-8), 40 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Caitlin E. Bangsund
Release date: March 2021
Tour dates: Mar 1 to 28, 2021
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

Can you va va voom? Do you light up the room? Marvellous Macey does! She may not quite fit the mould, but she is living delightful days. Embrace Macey's world of imagination and ability to love and accept everyone. Life may not be perfect and some things might be hard, but Macey shows us how to live in the moment and find the delight! Be inspired by Macey to make everyday the BEST day.


My Review: 
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Marvellous Macey is about a little girl, who despite difficulties, has a zest for life that she loves to share with others. She loves to sing, laugh and play, and interact with people and animals. But school is hard for Macey and makes her brain very tired. Despite certain disabilities, Macey makes every day her best day ever. She is a delightful girl and her enthusiasm comes across beautifully in this book.

Macey is also inspirational, even more so because this book is based on the author's own daughter, who as a toddler, fought leukemia cancer, and a bacterial infection that turned septic. I learned this from reading Macey's journey on the author's website. She truly is a miracle child. Although the book's narration says that when Macey was younger she had some mountains to climb and battles to fight, it does not give any details as to what these battles were. I think that the book would be more relatable to children suffering from serious illnesses had it given some indication as to what these battles had been.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Csongor Veres. With whimsical illustrations, he captures the essence of Macey, her spunk for life, and her delightful days. In addition, from the beginning, the reader is encouraged to search for a weasel that shows up throughout the pages 16 times. I loved this because I know my kids used to love books that included some searching in the pages.

Marvellous Macey is a beautiful book with a positive message for everyone, children and adults alike. She inspired me! As a person and as a parent. Her zest for life is contagious and her exuberance for life, despite all that she went through, is inspirational. A delightful book that is timely and can help children to focus on others as they overcome their own difficulties.



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Meet the Author:


Caitlin Bangsund is the author of Marvellous Macey, The Delightful Days. It is the first in a series based on true life. Caitlin knows the trial and trauma of childhood cancer, childhood disability, and the fear of almost losing her daughter — the star of the series — Macey. She encourages readers to look for the treasures that hide in the rubble and gloom. Life is beautiful chaos and her message is to press on and conquer. Read her stories and help create a world that is full of kindness and acceptance.

Connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Meet the Illustrator:


Csongor Veres is a freelance Children's Book Illustrator. He has a strong art background and 10+ years of experience in illustration and in graphic design.

He loves producing magic pictures, whimsical and unique environments for his characters. He keeps his work simple and clear but he pays meticulous attention to detail. He works in both traditional and digital media and he also loves combining traditional and digital techniques while retaining the traditional feel of the illustration.

He creates illustrations for picture books, fairy tales, book covers, and posters. He loves stories about nature, children, dreams, traveling, magic and kindnesses. His works have been published in a number of international publishing houses and publications like Hallmark and Happiness Mountain Inc. 

Connect with the illustrator on his website: https://www.csongorillustration.com



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Thursday, February 25, 2021

Be a Superhero in the Kitchen by Donna Glass (Book Review and Guest Post)


This book is a fun recipe book with delicious kid-friendly recipes that are easy to make. Perfect for the picky eater in your family!

Book Details:

Book Title: BE A SUPERHERO IN THE KITCHEN by Donna Glass
Illustrated by Alejandro Chamberlain
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 6-10), 48 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Cook Book
Publisher: Mascot
Release date: March 2021
Tour dates: Feb 22 to Mar 5, 2021
Content Rating: G. This children's book is for everyone.

Book Description:

Every caregiver knows the trials of feeding a picky eater. Some nights are truly a battle. Nerves are frayed, and a pleasant, relaxing dinner can quickly be filled with tears, tantrums, and some nights, a battle of wills. Well, my goal with this book is to tip the scales in our favor. One surefire way I've discovered to get my picky eaters to eat is to let them help make the meal. After all, food tastes better when you've had a hand in fixing it. Let your child try their hand with the recipes in this book. A child who becomes the superhero of dinnertime is one who eats super well.

My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Having raised a son who has been a picky eater ever since he was a babe, I appreciated reading Be a Superhero in the Kitchen. I agree that including children in the cooking or preparation process is part of teaching them to love eating and trying different foods.

The first thing that I noticed about this book is that it's bright and colorful. The recipes have cool names, such as Gutsy Garlic Bread Burgers and Boomtastic Butter Cookies. We get some smart tips right at the beginning, written in such a way that is easily understood even by very young kids. Essentially, this book is a fun recipe book with delicious kid-friendly recipes that are easy to make. I got some ideas that I think my teen son would like! The kids depicted in the book are of various nationalities and one child is also in a wheelchair. That impressed me! I've worked in special education and I don't see too many disabled children represented in books that aren't focused on special needs.

The illustrations are cute and pop off the page. They are age-appropriate and I think they suit the topic well. I loved the girl with the colander on her head. The idea is that kids can be superheroes in the kitchen because they are participating in an adult activity and making a difference. They are also being creative. Each recipe comes with superhero tips too. Once kids get used to manipulating food and creating meals, this can become a lifelong habit. The kitchen is a place where many good useful lessons can be learned.

If you have a picky eater and are looking to stimulate your child at mealtimes, getting them involved is the best way to do it. Who knows, the recipes in this book can also motivate you to try inventing some of your own or bring you to search out other children's recipe books for continued learning. 


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Guest Post:
My Advice to Budding Writers
by Donna Glass

Since I write children's books, I can only describe my journey and what I learned. I hope my following words help any inspiring author.

Bringing a book to life requires patience and, in some cases, lots of time. There are edits on the manuscript, selecting an illustrator, and rounds of revisions with an illustrator to get your vision just right. You'll also have to handle modifications on design and layout. Then, there's the waiting game on when your baby goes live.

If you have a publisher, your book will be sent off to the printer. Mine took months to be delivered. If you go indie, you can select Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Lulu, or a number of other places to print your book on-demand.

Despite all the frustrations you'll face, and you'll face some, focus on when you have the book in your hands. Visual a smiling customer is holding your book, eager to read it, or overjoyed because they just did, and it's that good.

Nothing in life is rarely easy. However, every time I get mentioned online with a Super Chef in action, I am grateful I remained patient and put this book on the market.

One day, you'll have a similar moment with a reader, and it'll make your whole day brighter. I wish you all luck and great success.

 

Meet the Author:


I am a wife, mother of two kids, a lover of comic books, and a home cook. I believe in making mealtime an enjoyable experience through joint cooking and kid-friendly meals. I also believe kids that help with the cooking process are more likely to eat their meals, which leads to a happy, peaceful dining experience. Be a Superhero in the Kitchen is my first children’s cookbook, but I strive to publish more.

Connect with the author: 







Monday, February 22, 2021

Mickey on the Move by Michelle Wagner (Book Review and Giveaway!)


Mickey on the Move is a story about a deaf boy who wears cochlear implants to help him hear. Enter the giveaway for a chance to win an autographed copy.

Book Details:

Book Title: Mickey on the Move by Michelle Wagner
Illustrated by: Jenny Phelps
Category: Children's Non-Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Jan 2021
Tour dates: Feb 1 to Mar 5, 2021
Content Rating: G for everyone.

Book Description:

In this big-hearted book, the real story of a young boy with deafness in his ears is aided by his mother and teachers in navigating new school experiences. Mickey is just like everyone else, except he wears cochlear implants and has to do things just a little differently than most. This charming tale reminds us that we can all find happiness if we lean on and support each other.


My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Mickey on the Move is a story about a deaf boy who wears cochlear implants to help him hear. Mickey is starting sixth grade at a big new school but he isn't worried because he has changed schools five times and is used to being on the move. At school, his teacher wears a special microphone that is connected to Mickey's implants so that he can hear everything. When he has a hard time in the noisy cafeteria, his mother and teacher sit with Mickey to brainstorm a solution.

Having worked with special needs children, I recognize that books that deal with topics such as this one are essential in children's literature. This book can help children learn more about deafness and cochlear implants. However, it is written in such a way that makes it come across as a short journalistic recounting of a deaf boy's journey to getting cochlear implants. I did not really get a good sense of what it felt like to be a boy who spent his whole childhood dealing with a deafness problem. For example, Mickey has attended various special schools that were far away from his home. How did he feel about being the new kid with special needs in five different schools? Had he ever felt scared, apprehensive, a little nervous? When children read stories, they want to meet characters that express feelings they can relate to.

When Mickey sneaks into the library to eat lunch, his mother figures the reason is that it's too noisy, so they sit down with his teacher to figure out a solution. We never get Mickey's version of how he felt, needing to isolate himself from his friends because of the noisy environment. There is not enough characterization in this story. Mickey, who is 11 or 12, seems to breeze through life with wonderful friends and virtually no problems as he navigates his tween years. 

The illustrations were age-appropriate, but I did find some of the facial proportions slightly off. Apart from these issues, Mickey on the Move is a book that can introduce deafness to children and open up this topic for parents to discuss with their children. Being different is nothing new, but the more special needs topics our children are exposed to the better this will prepare them to show acceptance and tolerance.


Buy the Book

Meet the Author:

Born and raised in Chicago, Michelle Wagner was always a very positive and outgoing woman. Her energetic love for children and zest for life was admired by everyone who knew her. Michelle is a realtor whose career background involved restaurants and always helping other people. She has dedicated time and support to charities and events to help other children with hearing loss and assist families as they work through the different approaches to raising a special needs child in a typical environment.

Connect with the author: 



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Wednesday, February 17, 2021

The Adventures of Forkman: What's That Noise? by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie (Book Review and Giveaway!)



What's That Noise is a book about mealtime etiquette. Scroll down to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy!

Book Details:

Book Title: The Adventures of Forkman: What's That Noise? by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie
Illustrated by: Vanessa Alexandre
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Jan 2021
Tour dates: Feb 1 to Mar 5, 2021
Content Rating: G. This children's book is for everyone.

Book Description:

When poor manners are present, Forkman will be there to save the day! Join Kathryn and William as they learn how to load the dishwasher properly and avoid inappropriate distractions at the table with the help of all their utensil friends. This second book in The Adventures of Forkman series is a great introduction to mealtime etiquette for readers of all ages.


My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

What's That Noise is a book about mealtime etiquette. This book has two chapters that each address a topic: learning how to properly load a dishwasher and learning what noises should not be heard at the dinner table.  The book starts at Chapter 3, and initially I was confused and wondered what happened to the first two chapters. I'm assuming they are part of the first book in the series. There is no indication on the front of the book cover that this is book two of a series. I did not particularly think this was the best  way to format the book, as children may question why they are missing out on these chapters.

I think learning proper etiquette from a young age is so valuable. Learning good manners is part of growing up. I especially liked that the authors included putting away cellphones and devices when at the family table. The authors use the word toot when referring to passing gas, but I think using the word fart would have been better. Kids love that word and it's funnier and better understood than toot. I know my kids would have asked me why tooting is wrong as a sound when they sing toot toot while playing with trains or cars.

The illustrations are cute and appropriate for the target audience. The facial expressions tend to be similar throughout, however.

The Adventures of Forkman series is a good introduction to basic manners. Parents can have much to discuss with their children as they read them together, such as doing chores before playtime and refraining from making offensive noises at the dinner table.


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Meet the Authors:

Tiffany Caldwell: I have worked with children for over thirteen years and every year basic manners become less evident. When I was growing up, my sisters and I took etiquette classes during the summer while we visited our grandparents. Etiquette was always a big part of our upbringing. ​ When we would have our family dinners, my dad, W.R. MacKenzie, would make our utensils come to life as we were eating. Forkman became a part of our dinner routine! ​ I am a mother of three great kids and a military wife to my hero. A few years ago, I told my dad we needed to start writing our story. We are so excited to share Forkman with the world!

W.R. MacKenzie: I spent thirty-nine years in the bakery business. After I retired and my four children were grown, I felt it was time to share the importance of the family meal with the world. ​​​​​The Adventures of Forkman teaches children how to properly conduct themselves at the table. Our books are filled with characters all children can relate with and I believe Forkman and his crew will help children of all ages learn manners and table etiquette.

Connect with the authors: 




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Thursday, February 11, 2021

Journey To A New Earth by Zeiny Sher (Book Review and Giveaway!)


Journey to a New Earth is a beautiful book featuring Penelope Panda and Kobi Koala. 

Book Details:

Book Title: Journey To A New Earth by Zeiny Sher
Illustrator: Zuzana Svobodova
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 30 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Zeiny Sher
Release date: Oct 30, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 25 to Feb 12, 2021
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

Penelope Panda and Kobi Koala Discover a New Earth is an exploration in preservation through connection. Penelope and Kobi are connected through life-changing events, which helps them learn how to love and preserve the earth, and how to deeply connect with each other and others along the way.


My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Journey to a New Earth is a beautiful book featuring Penelope Panda and Kobi Koala. Penelope wakes up to a gorgeous sunny day and shows appreciation for the light, the fresh air, the birdsong, and the leaves she eats. In the forest, she comes upon Kobi who is crying because he lost his home to a fire and he cannot find his friends. So they set out to find his friends and they meet a talking tree who tells them how we are all connected. The tree said that their journey ahead was toward a new Earth full of light and unity.

I loved the message of this book because even the Bible speaks of a new Earth where we will all live in unity forever. However, I felt the message in this book was conveyed in an abstract way and doesn't clearly mention our role in making this Earth new and what exactly is the journey.  Children will want to know what is the golden light within them that shines out. Kindness, mercy, generosity...Abstract thinking only develops later in childhood.

The sentences were also too long for this age group, making the message even more difficult to grasp. I think with developmental editing, the narration can be tighter, and this book's message clearer.

The illustrations were absolutely adorable and so visually appealing in the way they depicted nature that they were perfect for this story. The colors are vivid and bursting with life. Any child will be drawn to them and with the help of an adult will be able to understand that together we can make the Earth beautiful not only physically but with each other's good qualities toward one another.



Buy the Book
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Meet the Author:


Zeiny Sher is a children’s book author whose journey began while writing a journal of life’s little love and connection experiences for her three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son. With a very close-knit family, Sher has always been passionate about the universal connection we all have and teaching this to the younger generation. She has coached teenage girls on self-esteem and self-worth. Sher enjoys meditation in nature, CrossFit, Safari holidays, and baking with her little ones.

You can connect with her on Instagram @zeinysher or on her website Lightenedside.com



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Thursday, February 4, 2021

Mia and Nattie: One Great Team by Marlene M. Bell (Book Review and Giveaway!)


This is a beautiful book, with a good message that comes through without being preachy. Check out the giveaway where you can win a bundle.

Book Details:

Book Title: Mia and Nattie: One Great Team by Marlene M. Bell
Illustrated by Grace Sandford
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing
Release date: October 3, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 18 to Feb 5, 2021
Content Rating: G


Book Description:

Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn. But Mia thought Nattie was perfect. In a read-aloud picture book for children who love animals, award-winning writer and sheep breeder Marlene M. Bell presents Nattie the lamb’s true story. MIA AND NATTIE is a heartwarming book that teaches readers about problem-solving, teamwork, and love. On a visit to her grandma’s farm, eight-year-old Mia discovers a newborn, orphaned lamb outside in the cold and takes her to the laundry room, naming her Nattie. As she tries to nurse the lamb back to health, Mia discovers that Nattie is different from the other lambs and struggles to fit in with them like Mia does with other kids her age. When her grandmother says she will sell Nattie to a neighbor, Mia must come up with a plan to keep her friend around—one that will show the family just how special Nattie truly is.


My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Mia and Nattie is the story of a little girl named Mia who rescues a baby lamb born too soon and too little on her farm. Mia convinces her Grandma to let her keep Nattie even though Grandma tells her that Nattie can't give them baby lambs and wants to sell her. Mia, though, knows that Nattie is special and does have her place on the farm. 

I was truly touched by this story because it emphasizes that we all have a place in this world, even those that society may think are useless. Mia felt a kinship with Nattie and she soon discovers Nattie's calming presence makes her a useful part of the flock. In addition, raising Nattie, getting to discover her personality traits, and developing a bond with her helped Mia have confidence in herself.

This is such a great book for kids who feel different, unloved, or worthless. Nattie just needed someone to love her for who she was, and to see beyond the physical imperfections to her nurturing nature. Mia, on the other hand, needed to prove to her grandma that her perception about Nattie was right.

The illustrations are cute and simplistic, appropriate for this book's target audience. The hardcover edition is a good size, not too big and not too small. At the end of the book, the author, who is also a sheep farmer for the last thirty years, shares a story about a sheep named Nathalie upon which this book is based. I loved that!

This is a beautiful book, with a good message that comes through without being preachy. It would make an ideal addition to any school or home library.


Buy the Book
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Watch the Trailer:




Meet the Author:


Marlene M. Bell is an award-winning writer, artist, and crazy sheep lady who resides in beautiful East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines where she also writes newsy articles about raising sheep from her hands-on experience. Marlene offers the first of her children's picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team which is based on true events from the Bell’s ranch. It's a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Marlene shares her life with her husband and dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The cats believe they rule the household—and do.


Connect with the author: 



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Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Dear Brave Friend by Leigh Ann Gerk (Book Review and Giveaway!)


Dear Brave Friend is a heartwarming letter written from a dog who has died to his boy owner. 

Book Details:

Book Title: Dear Brave Friend by Leigh Ann Gerk
Category: Middle-Grade Non-Fiction (8 to 12) , 49 pages
Genre: Self-Help
Publisher: Golden Harvest Publishers
Release date: August 2019
Tour dates: Jan 18 to Feb 5, 2021
Content Rating: G


Book Description:

This gentle and heartwarming story captures the love between a boy and his dog, and the sadness that follows after his cherished dog passes away. Written in the form of a letter from the dog to the boy, the letter shares relatable, real life examples of how the boy (and therefore anybody who has lost a dear pet) may be feeling and suggestions on what he can do to help himself get through this most difficult time. The letter also touches on simple acts of kindness that can follow the reader throughout his or her lifetime. The message in this story is applicable to young and old, girl or boy, and to any family pet that has stolen your heart. Story starters, drawing pages, and a place to add pictures of your own beloved pet are also included in the back of the book.


My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

For anyone who has lost a beloved pet, dealing with the painful loss is inevitable. Pets add joy and love into our lives, and when they are gone, they leave a hole. Dear Brave Friend is a letter written from a dog who has died to his boy owner. The dog helps the boy go through the variety of feelings he may be experiencing and shows him how he could cope with these feelings such as sadness, loneliness, anger, and guilt.

The little dog also talks about how much he was loved by the boy. He goes on to highlight beautiful personality traits of the boy and then encourages him to show these same traits to others. Any child or adult of any age can relate to the sentiments in this letter; it's an ode from a faithful dog to his special boy.

The watercolor illustrations in pastel colors has a softness to it that is perfect for the mood of this book, and appropriate for the intended audience. The scenes are of everyday life of a young boy and taken throughout the different seasons, showing the passage of time, giving the message that grieving does not have a set time. It also shows the boy with his parents planting a tree and in another scene, it seems that the dog's grave is right by this tree, emphasizing the circle of life. So it may be confusing when it also shows in another illustration the dog frolicking in a sort of animal heaven, and sleeping on fluffy clouds. A child reading this book may want to know why the dog is somewhere else after having died and not with him. This presents a conflicting message. 

Apart from this, the idea of a letter from a beloved pet as a parting gift to the boy it loved is touching and heartwarming. In addition, this book can be used as a therapeutic tool because it has pages in the back of the book for a child to write his/her own letter with prompts as to what to include in the letter. There is also space for drawings and pictures to be added.



Buy the Book:
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Watch the Trailer:




Meet the Author:


Leigh Ann Gerk MA, LPC has been in the counseling field for over eleven years. She is certified in Pet Loss & Grief Companioning and the founder and owner of Mourning to Light Pet Loss providing individual and family counseling for anyone grieving the loss of a pet. She currently offers 3 free pet loss support groups in Northern Colorado and is excited to branch out and offer more. Having grown up on a farm, Leigh Ann's childhood playmates included baby calves, horses, bunnies, dogs, and 32 cats that set up house in a boxcar that also served as her playhouse. This upbringing introduced her, at a very young age, to the human-animal bond and instilled in her a deep understanding of, and love for, this extraordinary relationship. Leigh Ann and her husband, Andy, live in Loveland, Colorado, and are the proud parents of identical twin daughters, Heather and Heidi. Their family is made complete by their first grandchild and their cherished therapy dog, Gracie. Visit Leigh Ann online at MourningToLightPetLoss.com.


Connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads



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Ends Feb 12, 2021



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Thursday, January 28, 2021

I Can Handle It! by Laurie Wright (Book Review and Giveaway!)


This is the perfect book to help young ones especially in this time of pandemic. And its message is helpful for both young and old! 

Book Details:

Book Title: I Can Handle It! (Mindful Mantras) by Laurie Wright
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Laurie Wright
Release date: August 2016
Tour dates: Jan 25 to Feb 5, 2021
Content Rating: G This children's book is for everyone.

Book Description:

Your child will incorporate the idea of 'I Can Handle It' almost immediately after reading this book, even in our current uncertain times. After reading this book, they will have great ideas for how to ‘handle’ tough situations! When they are tired of having to stay home, they will think 'I can handle it'! When they are missing their friends, they will think 'I can handle it'! When they are feeling worried about the future, they will think 'I can handle it'! Even if they aren't saying the words out loud, this mantra will become a part of their self-talk. Over 300 5-star reviews say so! Positive self-talk is vital for improving and maintaining strong mental health which is exactly what the world needs right now. Help your child feel emotionally strong along with Sebastien, and provide a tool to help them get through these challenging times. And because parents have such a difficult and important job, this book includes updated free resources.

My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

I Can Handle It! is the perfect book to help young ones especially in this time of pandemic. And its message is helpful for both young and old! 

Sebastian is a young boy who goes through various emotions, for example, being sad when his best friend is mad at him or frustrated when adults don't listen. He then goes through various scenarios about how he will handle them. Some are funny or silly and others are simple but powerful solutions on dealing with these emotions or situations. I love that the author names specific emotions, such as annoyed, ashamed, miserable and cranky. This helps children recognize and voice how they are feeling in an intellectual way rather than just feel the emotion in a physical way. When a child learns how to be specific about what he/she is feeling, such as "I am feeling lonely" or "I am feeling scared", then these specific emotions can be addressed as well as their underlying cause.

I was truly impressed by this book. With a few sentences, it demonstrates to a child that when problems arise there are ways of coping and dealing with them and it's up to us to choose how to handle them. "I can handle it": four small words that can help us believe in ourselves. I'm a big fan of positive psychology. The earlier in life we learn how to positive self-talk the better it is for our mental health.

I Can Handle It! is an excellent resource book and would make a good addition to any home or school library. Highly recommended.


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Meet the Author:


Children's author and book marketing coach, Laurie Wright is a silly but smart, busy mom of three who laughs at her own jokes just a bit too much. The minivan is her sanctuary, and the only place she can sing out loud without being shushed. She’s known for her short term memory and extreme love of chips and dip. Usually on her best behavior, watch out when her filter wears off! Never without her laptop and a notebook. Trust her with your kids and your books, but not your coffee!

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Tuesday, January 26, 2021

DREAM IT & DO IT: 100 Possibilities, Stories, and Real-Life Role Models by Holly A. Sharp (Guest Review and Giveaway!)


The perfect gift for that middle-grade student in your life...

Book Details:

Book Title: Dream it & Do It by Holly Sharp
Category: Children's Non-Fiction, 216 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: Dream It & Do It LLC
Release date: Nov 2020
Tour dates: Jan 6 to Jan 22, 2021
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

Dream It & Do It introduces children to a wide range of career possibilities at a young age. Readers will explore 100 stories featuring 100 role models, each one showcasing a different career choice. Dream It & Do It was recently awarded a coveted Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review from the largest fully-accredited book review platform, 1st place for short stories (Royal Dragonfly Book Award) and a Gold Mom’s Choice Award.

"Dream It & Do It by Holly Sharp is a perfect book for young kids who want to find their place in this world and what they’d like to be when they are older.” (Readers’ Favorite).

Readers will continued to be inspired through the coordinating Activity Book wherein 100+ activities teach your child about today’s career paths. Book can be purchased as a full collection or in 3 individual volumes. Find the paperback version on Amazon.com and hardcover on dreamitandoit.com.

Book Review:
Reviewed by Lauren Carr

I wish Holly Sharp’s middle-grade non-fiction book DREAM IT & DO IT: 100 Possibilities, Stories, and Real-Life Role Models was around when I was in middle-grade. Reading the many stories in her collection of 100 stories of success took me back to my youth when I had announced to my family that I wanted to become a best-selling novelist. One of my relatives, an adult and role model snickered and said, “Stuff like that doesn’t happen to people like us.” Translation, poor farmgirls don’t grow up to write novels—at least not successfully.

That's why I felt an instant connection to Jacqueline Woodson’s story. Like me, she started out telling stories (lies) to her friends and preferred to spend time in her room reading than outside playing with her friends. Eventually, she discovered that writing lies is not lying, but rather storytelling, which grew into a successful career of writing novels. 

Ms. Sharp’s book offers real life evidence that anyone can achieve their dreams. Now, that is not to say that you should just go for it blindly—like dropping out of the eighth grade to become a clown in a circus without having been to clown school. In a letter to the dreamers at the beginning of the book, the author notes common lessons to be learned from each of the stories. It would have been easy for her to simply state “don’t give up!” That can be easier said than done. Rather, Ms. Sharp digs deeper by noting that in each of her subjects’ success stories, they didn’t just dream, they did something about it. Other common threads were to not be afraid of failure and not to allow obstacles to get in the way.

One of the aspects that I really liked about Holly Sharp’s book is that it is not filled with success stories of celebrities or billionaires. Many I had never heard of. Most have successful careers in fields that don’t make national news—like an ambulance driver or librarian or historian. DREAM IT & DO IT is not about getting rich and famous. Rather, it is about how to achieve your dreams of fulfilling your life by doing what you want to do.

I highly recommend Holly Sharp’s DREAM IT & DO IT to any young person. It would make a perfect gift to that middle-grade student in your life. It is easy to see how such Holly Sharp’s could impact an adolescent reader with dreams of being a novelist, or a cartoonist, or fashion designer, or any of the other short, quick success stories in Holly Sharp’s books. “Could I become an author? Doctor? Entrepreneur? Zoologist?” Answer: If they’re dreaming it, they can do it. 5 starts!


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Meet the Author:


Sharp spent the bulk of her career in new product development—dreaming up intuitive ideas from how to kill bugs to new ice cream forms to hit grocery shelves. A self-proclaimed problem-solver, she loves to think about the things that the world needs and figuring out how to make those things come to life. “Knowing in high school what I wanted to do with my life set me up for the right path. I wanted the same for my child and searched for books to guide her, but came up short,” Sharp said. “That’s when I thought, ‘why not write the book for my child that she needs and that will also help others?”

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Sunday, January 17, 2021

Dragons Don't Dance Ballet by Jennifer Carson (Book Review and Giveaway!)


A lovely picture book about perseverance in the pursuit of one's dream and about the power of friendship. 

Book Details:

Book Title: Dragons Don't Dance Ballet by Jennifer Carson
Illustrated by: Eric Afuso
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 36 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Vinal Publishing
Release date: December 8, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 18 to Feb 5, 2021
Content Rating: G 

Book Description:

Esmeralda Dragon works the spotlight at the Metropolitan Ballet, but what she really wants to do is dance. Encouraged by her friend Harold to audition, Esmeralda takes a leap of faith only to discover that she doesn’t quite fit in with the other ballerinas. But Esmerelda isn’t ready to give up–and neither is Harold! Dragons Don’t Dance Ballet is a whimsical picture book that challenges body image expectations and encourages little ones to go for their dreams.


My Review:
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Dragons Don't Dance is a picture book about perseverance in the pursuit of one's dream. It's also a book about the power of friendship. Why are there no ballerina's that are heavier in weight yet who are just as graceful in dance? It's hard to break the stereotype of the very thin ballerina. This book shows that all body types can dance ballet if they really practice and set out to learn.

The book is well written and uses ballet terms throughout. It would have been useful and fun to have had a glossary in the front of the book for those readers who may not be that familiar with ballet expressions such as demi-plié, glissade and petite cabriole. I liked the watercolor illustrations. They were age-appropriate rendering Esmeralda the dragon lovely in all her towering height and body weight.

This picture book shines with the message that bigger children can be ballerinas too. It can help the child who lacks confidence and who does not believe they can be graceful in dance just because of their body size. Dancing is for all ages and sizes! And we cannot forget Harold, Esmeralda's friend who encouraged her, had faith in her and joined her in her dream. A lovely book about breaking stereotypes.



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Meet the Author:

Jennifer Carson lives in Michigan with her husband, four sons and many furry friends. She grew up on a steady diet of Muppet movies and Renaissance faires and would occasionally be caught reading under the blankets with a flashlight. Besides telling tales, Jennifer likes to create fantasy creatures and characters and publishes her own sewing patterns. Her artwork and patterns can be seen online at thedragoncharmer.com.

Jennifer's work has been featured in national magazines including: Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Dolls United.Jennifer's work has been featured in national magazines including: Cloth, Paper, Scissors, Faerie Magazine, Soft Dolls and Animals, Teddy Bear and Friends, and Dolls United.

Meet the Illustrator:

Hi, I'm Eric and I love to tell stories through my art. Even before I knew what a illustrator was, I can always remember having a pencil, paper, and plenty of imagination on hand to illustrate new adventures.

It is with much excitement and anticipation that I announce that two books I have illustrated will be published in the near future in 2020.

I previously worked as a graphic artist in the apparel industry creating numerous pieces of art and designs that were printed on top selling pieces of children's clothing sold through major retailers such as Walmart, Macy's, The Children's Place, and Target.

I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest near Seattle, Washington with my wife and two children.


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