Monthly Archives: April 2023

Tiny Tales by Vanessa Newman (Book Review)

“Tiny Tales” is a collection of five friendly fables for young children and young-at-heart adults with positive messages and charming illustrations. A collaboration between an American writer, Vanessa Newman, a Ukrainian artist, Anastasia Yatsunenko, and designed by artist Richard Newman.

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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.

 

Tiny Tales is a collection of five friendly fables for young children and young-at-heart adults with positive messages and charming illustrations. 

Each fable is only a handful of pages long, a perfect size for children with limited attention spans. The stories contain easy and advanced words making it an ideal reading material for kindergarten through 2nd grade. 

 

“Posey in Charge” centers around a large cat who’s “large and in charge” until she meets her ultimate foe, a ball. The orange furball set out to show the ball who’s boss. The cat’s antics are hilarious. Kids will love the story and the adorable main illustration of the kitty! I wish the short tale had an image of the kitty protecting his turf, though. I know kids would like to see it. 

“Bumble Bee” teaches children that it’s okay not to do things like everyone else. Be like the fun bee in this short tale. Take your time, enjoy life, and don’t change yourself for someone else’s benefit, even for royalty.  

Chippy the chipmunk loves to gossip and couldn’t wait to share what he heard, even to the displeasure of whose stories he was spreading. When Chippy meets a boy who lost his turtle, he seeks out his forest companions for help. Due to Chippy’s history, no one wanted to be around him; they feared he’d tell others what they discussed. He lost his friends’ trust. 

“Chippy Chitters” teaches children that sharing stories (gossip) can hurt people’s feelings, make them angry, or lead to lost friendships. Chippy realized it’s best only to share information when it is needed. 

Gabe, the mouse, didn’t feel special. He had an average physique and no plan for the future. He wasn’t sad or mad, but he wasn’t happy either. Others referred to him as the “no-fun” mouse. He felt something was missing from his life but had no clue what. Adults experience these feelings, and children do as well. They can be overwhelming for any age. 

Gabe found his missing piece. He discovered that his balancing skills brought joy to others, which also filled him with joy. Like the previous tales, “Synonymouse” weaves a powerful message through a whimsical story. Even if you look like someone else, it doesn’t mean you don’t possess your own talents and abilities. We all have something about us that makes us unique. My special ability is picking objects up with my toes. 

“Tess the Toucan” features a bird with a positive attitude and a willingness to help her friends with any task. No matter the request, Tess answered, “Yes I can.” She worked nonstop, even when her body wanted her to sleep. 

Tess realized it’s unhealthy always saying “yes” and it’s okay to say “no.” Through this fable, children will grasp the importance of setting boundaries. Maybe they’ll even understand why their parents have to say “no” occasionally. 

Tiny Tales was a quick read with easy-to-follow storylines. With more illustrations, the recommended reading age would be three and older. As is, the targeted audience should be five through eight.  

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author 

I have been writing since I was eight and have self-published 10 children’s books and 3 novels. I’m also a freelancer who has contributed to hundreds of articles, courses, and blogs online. I like to write grown-up humor (Dr. Seuss meets Dr. Ruth) and children’s books.

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Raptor Rescue: A Curious James Crossing the Street Adventure Book by Jaybie D. (Book Review)

Amidst the bustle of a chaotic street, the Raptor quivered, his heart skipped a beat. He tried to cross, but oh, what a disaster! His fear too great, he couldn’t move faster.

Then, along came James, with a look in his eye, he saw a new friend and didn’t think twice. He knew what to do and led him out of harm’s way, then taught him to cross safely that day.

This inspiring tale of friendship and care will encourage young readers, with a message so rare. Join James and the Raptor, on a journey so sweet, and learn that helping others, can’t be beat.

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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.

 

Does your child love dinosaurs? Do they play superheroes or watch superhero shows? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you’ll want to read Raptor Rescue. This story teaches critical street safety tips with the help of a raptor and a superhero boy. 

Raptor Rescue begins with James spotting a raptor attempting to cross the street. The raptor didn’t mean to cause a ruckus, but his appearance did cause chaos. Cars veered to miss him. People shouted for it to move out of the way. James, witnessing the mayhem, sprung into actionNot all superheroes wear capes, but James did. 

As James speaks to the raptor, readers discover the dinosaur didn’t mean to cause trouble. He only wanted to cross the street. James teaches the raptor how to go from one side to the other safely. Through his instructions, your child will notice familiar traffic signs and signs. Stop and go light. Do not cross, and safe to cross lights. They also learn that a yellow light warns that red will soon be shown, so we must be patient and not roam.

I loved the introduction to the crosswalk images and the various buttons you might encounter at the corners of an intersection. We take these things for granted, but they are essential to teaching as much as the colors of the traffic lights. 

Raptor Rescue gives readers important advice. “Drivers may not see us, or yield the right of way, so we must be cautious, and cross the road with care each day.” James also explains what to do if you are halfway across the street and the light turns yellow. Every point of the book gives valuable advice and should be introduced to our children at a young age and reinforced repeatedly. 

Amazon has the book intended for 5-10 years olds. I suggest going younger: 3-year-olds. Again, the sooner we start teaching our children street safety, the better! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

It is a privilege to write and illustrate children’s picture books, encouraging them to explore their imagination! It fills my soul.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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The Prize at the Bottom of the Box: A Leighton Sophia Rainbow Bath Time Adventure by Jaybie D. (Book Review)

Join 8-year-old Leighton, full of glee, when her bubbly bath turns into cereal you see.

In the tub, she swims and dives, imagine the adventure that comes alive. The bubbles in the bath, the cereal box so fun, in the “Prize at the Bottom of the Box”, a children’s book for everyone!

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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.

 

Kids have vivid imaginations. They can make an ordinary object extraordinary. Kids also love bubbles. They especially love when the tub is overflowing with bubbles. 8-year-old Leighton is no different. In Prize at the Bottom of the Box, Leighton’s bubble bath becomes extra fun when her bathtub turns into a cereal box with rainbow bits and rainbow marshmallows mixed in with the avalanche of bubbles. 

As a child, I would dig to the bottom for the prize in the box. It was the second-best part of opening a box of cereal. The first is the marshmallows. The prizes varied, but typically there was a temporary tattoo, a plastic toy, or a color-changing spoon. My childhood prizes were lame compared to what Leighton was gifted: THREE WISHES. As you can imagine, Leighton’s friends are ecstatic and know precisely what they want. Those wishes will remain a surprise, and so will Leighton’s until you read the book!

Leighton’s treasure hunt will take her on a grand adventure with a doll (Vicky) and a super-sized rubber ducky by her side as they face off against a pink pig who wears pearls and can transform into an evil octopus. The octopus’s sinister smile reminded me of Ursula (The Little Mermaid). 

Have you ever swam in a tub of cereal? I’d be surprised if anyone reading this said yes. But, swimming through cereal poses challenges that Leighton and her friends face and conquer. Besides the thick waters and rocky waves, they had to figure out how to best the octopus. Did they? Oh yeah, but how they beat him plays into the three wishes, so I will keep that a secret. 

Prize at the Bottom of the Box would make a great gift for 5 to 10 years. It was a fun read that your child(ren) will love. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

It is a privilege to write and illustrate children’s picture books, encouraging them to explore their imagination! It fills my soul.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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Gladiator (The Arena Book 1) by Casey Lea (Book Review)

One Arena. One Love. ONE DAY.

Happy-ever-after is never guaranteed but that’s the gladiator’s mission. It wasn’t his plan to fight to the death, but plans change. When Harvesters steal his wife, he tracks them down. The hunt takes all of his money and most of his self-control, but she’s worth it. He joins her as a slave forced to fight for his life without hesitation.

His wife is a deadly warrior, so it’s too bad she doesn’t know him. Memory stripped and struggling to survive she has no interest in the fool claiming to be her husband. He’s just another target standing between her and freedom, but not for long. She’ll take down anything and anyone in her way.

Can the gladiator live long enough to win his wife’s love? Unlikely. It’s the end of the season and the final day of fighting. They’re about to enter the Carnival of Death which leaves only a single survivor.

One of them must die.

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

 

Imagine waking up and not knowing who you are, what species you are, where you are, or how you got there. That’s how Gladiator (The Arena Book 1) by Casey Lea begins. Haze’s com (nicknamed Connie) informs him that he is on the slave-trading planet Vertigo. It claims he’s seeking work in the arena as a gladiator. Haze is confused. Nothing makes sense. 

Slowly, snippets of who he is resurface and, with it, a name. Silk is his wife, and he’s on a mission to find her. The path takes him to the Carnival of Death, a battle where many walk in, but only one will leave…alive. 

Haze will do anything, sacrifice anything to ensure Silk makes it to the center of the area (the maze) and claim the prize, the knife. However, there are several obstacles in Haze’s way. For one: the other contestants vary in size and species from an enormous dragon to a scrawny guy. Two, he has to face non-contestants who love to snack on the fighters: eels and wolves. Thirdly, there’s Umpyre, the guard of law, who is a stickler for following the rules he made up. And finally, the most challenging obstacle of all, Haze’s wife, Silk, doesn’t remember her hubby. 

The cards are stacked against Haze, but he is a tenacious S.O.B. He will battle creatures, contestants, and even his wife’s stubbornness. I won’t disclose what Haze is, but he’s not your typical lawyer. He puts fear in many, and you’ll understand why once you see him lose control. 

Many shall enter. Only one is supposed to win. The road to victory was hard. The fights were intense, bloody, and brilliantly written. 

There were several shocking developments as the day came to a close. I did not see the twists coming. I was left stunned, like the characters in the book. 

Who survives 24 hours of hell, aka the maze cut out of stone? That question will only be answered by reading the book. So read it! 

The story did end with a set-up for a sequel. I can’t wait to read it as well!

 

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

Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Authors

Casey Lea is the pen name for a mother and daughter creative duo, dedicated to sharing their passion for all things sci-fi and fantastical.

A doting grandmother with too much time on her hands took the opportunity to put pen to paper.  Her older daughter kindly placed the resulting scribblings in one of those new-fangled so-called “computing machines” and a writing partnership was born.

The Lea (pronounced Lee) half of Casey Lea now spends her days wrestling with words and her memory while reading aloud to any cat careless enough to settle nearby. Daughter Casey edits the results while wrangling her adorable offspring.

After a decade on the rollercoaster ride of indie publishing their shared passion for epic love and grand adventure, spiced with advanced tech and ancient magic, remains undimmed.

 

You can find us at:

Sci-fi Fantasy Authors / Caseyleabooks.com
Casey Lea | Facebook
 Casey Lea (@CaseyLeaBooks) / Twitter

 

 

 

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Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus by L.T. Caton (Book Review)

A group of young friends travel back in time to key periods in history in this new chapter book adventure series, making learning fun!

A normal day of hide-and-seek turns into a discovery of a lifetime when five young friends are transported back in time after finding a secret clubhouse at the top of a sycamore tree. Dubbing themselves the Tree House Club, Ashley, Emma, Keith, Aaron, and Harry learn that events of the past didn’t necessarily unfold the way they learned in school.

The treehouse has magical abilities that take Ashley and her friends to Guanahani in 1492, a time the kids requested to witness Christopher Columbus’s first arrival on his voyage to the New World. There, the friends—dubbed the Tree House Club—meet the kind and generous Taino Lukku-Cairo tribespeople who welcome their new visitors with food and gifts.

It isn’t long before the Taino chief, Tiburon, and the Tree House Club friends see three sailing ships approaching. With history on their side, the kids realize it is the famed explorer, Christopher Columbus, who quickly makes his claim for the Taino’s native land for the Queen of Spain. The kids soon learn that what their history books did not teach them was some of the lesser-known facts about Columbus, his greedy intentions in Guanahani—or San Salvador, as he named it—and his poor treatment of the humble Taino people. But the children’s friendships with the Taino put their own lives in danger from the European colonists. Will the treehouse save them in time?

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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.

 

Imagine, if you will, casually playing hide-and-seek with your best chums when the unexplainable, the imaginable, occur. One moment, you’re seeking a prime hiding spot; the next, a ladder appears out of nowhere, leading to an extraordinary treehouse. Five best friends entered the treehouse and noticed that the interior didn’t measure up to its exterior. Looks were truly deceiving. While that alone would boggle anyone’s mind, what happened next shook them— literally. As if the treehouse comprehended Harry’s question of who built this home, it answered him by transporting all five friends into the past. Floor shaking. Lights flashing. The experience was disorienting, but it didn’t negate they were, in fact, in the past. They were observers of the events unfolding, frozen and scared about what they witnessed. Their first trip to the past was short-lived, but they did manage to time travel again and again.

The group chose many points in history to visit. Their brief time at the Alamo in 1936 was frightening. War is never a pleasant experience for any age. But, a bright spot came out of the adventure; they met Davy Crockett. Since their second trip was quite jarring, they decided to do more research before they haphazardly asked the treehouse to work its magic. Great idea. Their next trip had them setting sail to the time of the infamous Christopher Columbus. Young readers will learn interesting information about the explorer as the group discloses what they learned during their research. 

Readers will enjoy how this journey differed from the other voyages. This time, the five friends were active participants in the past. They looked like they belonged. They walked around the village. They could smell the flowers and food. They had the fortunate opportunity to touch hand-crafted objects displayed in modern-day museums behind touchless glass. They also spoke to the Native Americans and bore witness to the arrival of Christopher Columbus. 

Many revere Christopher Columbus, but they shouldn’t. Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus shows the truth about the explorer. He did not respect the natives or their land. He devastated their land, destroyed the natives’ way of life, and was a brute. When the children revisited the Taino tribe, they were stunned by what Christopher Columbus and the colonists did to the tribespeople and their home. The children can’t fathom why we still celebrate this man, and I don’t either.

While the truth of Christoper Columbus and his mark on his history isn’t pleasant, children must know the truth about him and his actions. 

The story concludes with possible more journeys ahead, even to outer space. I can’t wait to read that one! 

I concur with Amazon’s recommended reading age of 6-11 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Children’s book author L.T. Caton knew early in her teaching career that she wanted to be a writer. When she was a young student, history was her least favorite subject. She found it boring and often questioned why the delivery of historical facts presented in school only provided one perspective.

As a teacher and writer, her goal is to provide students with an entertaining opportunity to learn about people in history who are often not mentioned in textbooks, and to explore the many conflicting versions of history that exist. She hopes to achieve this goal through her new chapter book series, Find Me in Time, a collection of chapter books covering significant events or periods in history.

L.T. thinks a great book has relatable characters, an engaging plot, and a lesson learned that can be applied to real life long after the book is closed. She hopes her books inspire a love of reading, and in particular, inspires children of color and young girls to learn about people in history who look like them.

Hailing from New York, when she’s not writing fascinating historical fiction stories for young readers, L.T. enjoys being near the ocean—fishing, walking on the beach, sailing, and cycling. She also enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, community service, and being with family and friends. Her family has been supportive in her professional journey, including her parents, sister, and late grandmother.

Find Me in Time’s debut title is Meeting Columbus, about the famed explorer’s first landing in the New World.

 

 

 

 

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