May 18, 2026 · 7:00 am

Mama Sheep and the Big Cruise Day Checklist by Carlie Guerrier (Book Review)

Mama Sheep has her checklist ready for the family’s first big cruise!

She’s packed, planned, and prepared for everything… or so she thinks.

With three playful lambs, a helpful Daddy Sheep, and plenty of bags to carry, things don’t go quite as planned.

A funny, lighthearted story about family, teamwork, and learning to laugh when things go a little off course.

Perfect for ages 3-7!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Family vacation prep can be stressful. There’s finding a pet and/or house sitter, packing, getting to your departure place on time, and remembering your identification and tickets. Mama Sheep has the fix to ensure everything goes off smoothly and nothing is forgotten; she’s created “The Big Cruise Day Checklist.” Mama Sheep methodically goes through the list with her family, making sure nothing is overlooked. Pack something special. Check, even though one child’s choice was a risky item for a ship! Put the suitcases in the taxi. Check! Deliver the pet and plants to the sitters. Check and check! Make sure you have the tickets! Check! Mama Sheep checks the list more than once, and everything seems to be in order. Now, it’s smooth sailing from here, right? Wrong!

No matter how well families prepare for a vacation, there’s always that one thing they forget. Maybe even a multiple of things! Ask your kid(s) to guess what they think the sheep family forgot before the story’s big unveiling. Teachers, also ask your class to share if they or their family ever forgot something for a trip. Mama Sheep took the missing vacation item(s) rather well, but it prompted her to add a new item to her vacation checklist: a very important item no one wants to overlook! (No spoilers!)

Mama Sheep and the Big Cruise Day Checklist was a fun read. Kids will enjoy watching the Sheep family prepare for a cruise. Parents and Educators will love that the story offers opportunities for group discussions and is also pleasing to the eye. The various animals in human clothing were cute, and so were the sheep’s heart-shaped noses. Kids as young as 2 will love the illustrations, but 3- to 7-year-olds will be more inclined to guess what was left behind and share their own vacation mishap memories. I encourage you to read Mama Sheep and the Big Cruise Day Checklist and Mama Sheep and the Mysterious Cup!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Meet the Author

Since her teenage years, Carlie Guerrier has had a deep passion for writing, finding both joy and comfort in storytelling. When she’s not bringing stories to life, she loves cooking delicious meals for her family and enjoying quality time together.

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May 15, 2026 · 7:00 am

Me and My long, Long Hair by Pria Dee (Book Review)

When Sita moves to a new school, her hair is the first thing everyone notices—long, shiny, and impossible to ignore. At first, being different feels awkward. But with a little encouragement from her mom, Sita learns to see her hair as something to celebrate. Then she hears a heartbreaking story about a child with cancer, and a spark of kindness turns her self-consciousness into courage. Could her long hair become a gift that changes someone’s life?

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Sita Reddy and her family have relocated from Chennai, India, to America. Being the new student in class comes with its challenges. The stares. The whispers. Sita really wants to fit in at her new school, but the unwelcome attention to her long, black hair is making her feel self-conscious. Sita decides to hide in the shadows, keeping to herself, but she must come into the light eventually, and that’s when this story starts tugging on heartstrings. 

Misunderstandings can stem from many reasons. For Sita, it stemmed from a classmate who kept staring at her very long hair. She thought he had an issue with it but soon discovered the real reason behind his stares. Chris’s sister has cancer, and he would love to grow his hair out to make a wig for his sister. Unfortunately, his hair is not growing fast enough. His stare was in wonderment; how did Sita grow her hair so long? The sweet gesture and the sadness in Chris’s eyes were touching. Sita’s plan to cut and donate her hair to a cancer charity was also very moving. 

Me and My Long, Long Hair is a sweet, heartfelt story that shows how one’s act of kindness can bring sunshine to another’s dreary day. Though Sita is right, “hair is just hair,” but to those who have lost it due to chemo, a wig brings them joy. It offers them a reason to smile. To hope. 

Sita’s act of kindness did not stop with donating her hair; she rallied her classmates to create a fundraiser to raise awareness about kids with cancer. Hair or money, a little bit goes a long way! 

I highly recommend reading this heartwarming story with your family or class. I also recommend reading and completing (at least) one option from “Ways to Help.” Let’s eradicate cancer and support cancer patients and their families!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Meet the Author

Award-winning author Pria Dee believes that it’s important for children to learn about the wonderful differences in other cultures, as well as how hard life can be. In her new children’s picture book Little Moe Can’t Fly, she depicts the struggles of a little gosling who is a late bloomer face. The story of a gosling from hatching to migration also deals with the emotional distress that is experienced by children when they feel they are “slow” to learn. In this poignant story, Dee describes how maternal love can support a little one through these insecurities.

Pria has an active imagination and often weaves her stories around ideas that pop into her head, spurred by current events, personal observations, and her imagination. She thinks a wonderful children’s story shows empathy and involves relatable characters. She hopes her young readers come away from her books with a glimpse of another’s life and learn both the similarities and differences in their own lives.

When she isn’t writing thoughtful and enlightening stories to children, Pria enjoys reading, walking, painting, drawing, and listening to music. She also appreciates spending time in nature, often with her dog, and draws inspiration from it. She is also the published author of an adult novel under a different pen name.

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May 12, 2026 · 7:00 am

One Last Snoot Boop: The Story of a Good Dog by John Graff (Book Review)

A gentle and heartfelt picture book that helps children understand the loss of a beloved pet.

From puppyhood in Hollywood to one final snoot boop, One Last Snoot Boop tells the story of Cuthbert, a mischievous and loyal family dog whose life is filled with love, laughter, and daily walks.

But as the years pass and Cuthbert begins to slow down, JJ and Matt must face the moment every pet family eventually encounters – saying goodbye.

Written in warm, playful rhyme and paired with soft watercolor illustrations, this touching story helps young readers understand that grief and love often go hand in hand. One Last Snoot Boop offers a gentle way for families to talk honestly about loss while celebrating the joy, friendship, and memories pets leave behind.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

One Last Snoot Boop is a moving story that will touch the hearts of all animal lovers, especially those who’ve loved and lost a pet.

We form strong bonds with our pets. They become our confidant, our honorary sibling, our therapy buddy, and our friend. We see each other through the good times and bad. We often grow up together, not quite remembering a time they were not a part of our lives. And when the time comes to say goodbye to our beloved friend, our hearts shatter. One Last Snoot Boop tells the story of an adorable canine who found his forever home at three months old. It was love at first sight for JJ and Matt. They didn’t mind Cuthbert’s queasy stomach on car rides, his chew toy preferences, or whining at night. They were patient with him, and the snapshots show a family who adored being together.

Time moves swiftly. One minute, you are trying to corral an energetic puppy, and the next, you are hugging them as they grow weaker in your arms. JJ and Matt face this emotional journey in One Last Snoot Boop. The story, the illustrations, it all captures the heartbreaking reality. But what truly touches the heart is their final moments together. No spoilers, but you might want tissues nearby.

The death of a beloved pet is never easy to deal with, not for adults and especially not for kids. Kids might question whether there is a doggie heaven. Though One Last Snoot Boop does not come out and say there is one, it does show “Rum the Mighty Tum” in his afterlife. The dog acted as he had for many years and fondly remembered his owners’ loving hands. They, in turn, felt their pup’s love long after he’s gone.

One Last Snoot Boop is an emotional story; a great choice if your family has recently lost a pet, especially a dog. I recommend sharing the book with children aged 3-8 years. I also advise having tissues nearby.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Meet the Author

John Graff is the author of One Last Snoot Boop, a children’s picture book inspired by the life of his beloved dog, Cuthbert. He is the founder and CEO of Ashby & Graff Real Estate and lives in Los Angeles with his husband, Matt, and their son. This is his first children’s picture book.

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May 8, 2026 · 7:00 am

Laggie and Grillo: The Sea Glass Mystery by Phyllis Schwartz (Book Review)

Fifth grade poet Yoshi and her two curious critters, Laggie and Grillo are back!

Something mysterious washes up on their hometown beach in the beautiful surf town of Encinitas, California.

“Mommy and Laggie and Grillo and me,
trying to find our beloved sea glass by the sea.

Blue and green and turquoise and gold—
it’s a mystery tale that’s never been told.”

There are lots of twists and turns as they try to answer the question: Is it sea glass or a real gem?

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 


Yoshi and her two critter companions are back; this time, they are putting their detective hats on to solve a mystery of who the sea glass belongs to. Pirate? Explorer? Sailor in love or thief? Wager a guess and then read the story to discover who the owner of the heart-shaped sea glass is. 


Laggie and Grillo: The Sea Glass Mystery is a cute detective story, with many positive qualities. The story demonstrates the power of teamwork and determination. It also shows that help comes in all forms and from the unlikeliest characters, as was the case with the lizard and the cricket. In addition, the story incorporates interesting facts about the beach town of Encinitas, California, the story’s setting. Read the story to discover who wrote a VERY popular song about the wonderful waves at Swami’s Beach. Read the story to discover how to say, “small lizard” and “cricket” in Spanish and what Yoshi’s cat’s name, Ketzeleh, means in Yiddish. The book also features pages dedicated to the five jewels mentioned in the story and the Sea Glass Cookie recipe. If that wasn’t all, the author included a tune sung to an old sea shanty “Sailing, Sailing.” If you are like me and don’t know the old tune, I would advise looking it up so your family or class can sing “Laggie and Grillo’s Detective Victory Song” to the right beat.

Laggie and Grillo: The Sea Glass Mystery is a book worth reading time and time again. It’s interactive, educational, and visually very cute. Just wait until you see pirate Grillo! ADORABLE!! 

I recommend this book for readers ages 4-8! I also recommend reading the author’s other creations. Oh, I 100% recommend baking up a batch of the Sea Glass Cookies! Yuuuuummmmm! 


Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤️❤️❤️❤️1/2

(It will be rounded to 5 on Amazon and Goodreads.)

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Meet the Author

Phyllis Schwartz is a married mother of two, who, after a highly successful career in the TV news business, finally has the time to indulge in and focus on her “civilian” writing. Even as a kid, she kept a diary and wrote little stories and poems, a creative release that continued well into adulthood. She wrote news by day and poetry by night. And despite battling three different types of cancer over more than three decades, she is still filled with energy, joy, and optimism, and she looks forward to writing much more poetry and children’s books in the future. Her writing often centers on what she observes daily: including her friends, husband, and two children, as well as her garden and her beautiful beach town residence in dreamy Encinitas, all providing continued inspiration for her verse.

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FB/Insta: phyllischwartz_author

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May 4, 2026 · 7:00 am

Happy Star Wars Day!!!

The Ultimate Star Wars Joke Collection

Get ready to laugh your way through the galaxy with 100 Funny Jokes for Star Wars Fans! Whether you’re a young Padawan, a wise Jedi Master, or secretly rooting for the Dark Side, this clean joke book will have you chuckling like Chewbacca in no time.

Perfect for All Ages

These jokes are 100% clean and family-friendly, making this the perfect gift for kids, adults, and Star Wars superfans of all ages. From Luke Skywalker to Darth Vader, every page is filled with hilarious one-liners, silly puns, and clever Star Wars humor.

Why You’ll Love This Book

• 100 original, clean Star Wars jokes that all fans will enjoy
• Perfect for birthdays, holiday gifts, or fun road trips
• Great for reading aloud at parties, classrooms, or family game nights
• Easy-to-read format with short jokes that deliver big laughs

A Must-Have Gift for Star Wars Fans

Whether you’re looking for a gag gift, a stocking stuffer, or a fun way to make someone smile, this book is a light-hearted and entertaining choice. “May the laughs be with you” every time you open this joke-packed book!

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All over the galaxy, there have been numerous undiscovered secrets about the galactic adventure – until now!

Marvel at the funniest, most bizarre, and exciting facts from a galaxy far, far away.

Did You Know?

  • The inspiration for Chewbacca was George Lucas‘ dog, which had long, thick fur.
  • The famous phrase “Luke, I’m your father” never appears like that in the movies.
  • Initially, a trained and costumed monkey was to embody the role of Yoda.

Reveal the Secrets

Over 400 unbelievable facts from all across the Star Wars universe will make you a true Jedi Master of awesome facts. You’ll be amazed at the secrets of this epic saga and its hidden connections.

Relive the Star Wars Universe

Whether movies, series, games, or fan articles: Find out all the quirky things about the Star Wars universe that even Yoda didn’t know. Each page reveals incredible details, from the iconic Jedi Knights to the infamous Sith Lords.

A Must-Have for Fans

Whether you use it as a reference book to refresh your Star Wars knowledge, read it simply for pleasure, or want to please a true fan with a gift, this book is a must-have for all fans.

Highlights:

  • Over 400 facts about the Star Wars universe.
  • The ultimate book & gift for every true fan
  • Incredible facts, fun details, and amazing revelations
  • Amazing trivia for young & old fans

Discover fascinating facts about the space opera that will make you laugh and marvel as you flip through the pages.

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