Yearly Archives: 2023

July 20, 2023 · 7:00 am

In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes – Quest for Courage by R.A. Stone (Book Review)

It’s the 1977-1978 school year and Calvin Arthur is on his way to fifth grade. When he arrives on the first day, he quickly finds out that he has been assigned to the teacher he really needs. He finds out Mrs. Walton is a star within her classroom. She is also the judge and jury that solves many problems swiftly. Calvin is intimidated by his new teacher and finds himself in the middle of some classmate issues. Is this going to be a year of misery or does Calvin find courage along with some great experiences? You can be assured that he is headed on another roller coaster ride much like his fourth-grade year. See and feel what Calvin feels and you will relate to some of his pain and victories. Does this resemble your fifth-grade year? If you are reading this second book in the series, consider yourself a Calvin Arthur fan and please leave an Amazon review. It will help to keep Calvin’s message alive. Please feel free to contact R.A. Stone for school assembly information or with other questions or comments at fairway36@yahoo.com. Hope you enjoy the journey, In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes ~ Seeking Courage.

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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.

 

It’s the start of a new school year at Washington Elementary, and Calvin Arthur’s filled with trepidation. Like many kids, he’s worried about bullies. Calvin wants nothing more than to be more courageous and stand up to their taunts. He also wants the courage to speak up, find his voice and say what’s on his mind.

Mrs. Walton, Calvin’s homeroom teacher, deserves the Teacher of the Year award. She was tough but fair. Mrs. Walton gave them ample opportunities to work together as a team. She encouraged them to stretch their imagination and think outside the box through multiple science experiments. I loved the assignment that involved students creating an invention that would change the world. I know this wasn’t a picture book, but adding a drawing of Calvin and Ava’s anti-bully robot would’ve been an excellent addition to the chapter.

Calvin and his classmates also learned empathy and responsibility when they were required to write a letter to seniors, convincing them not to drink and drive at prom. I think more teachers should embrace this assignment with their students! Maybe real-life students will experience a touching moment with their senior counterparts like Calvin did with his. And hopefully, students will think twice about drinking and driving.

In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes: Quest for Courage by R.A. Stone highlights the struggles one might face in school. The story also highlights how, with encouragement, a student can thrive even in adversity. Calvin no longer stood idly by why and let bullies target him and others. He voiced his opinions on matters. His confidence skyrocketed, thanks to his inspiring and motivating teacher.

We all have that one teacher that we will never forget. I believe Calvin will not soon forget Mrs. Walton.

In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes: Quest for Courage is an inspirational story for children 10-13.

 

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

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Meet the Author

R. A. Stone has been teaching at various Elementary and Middle public schools in the USA for thirty two years, Writing and story telling has been a passion ever since he was a young student. Calvin Arthur has evolved from all of his countless student interactions and teaching experiences.   Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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July 17, 2023 · 7:00 am

Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe by Aloha Pickles (Book Review)

The Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook is a beautifully designed notebook that celebrates the unique bond between stepfathers and their loved ones. It features a heartfelt message on the interior page, wishing him a Happy Fathers Day and saying “I love you” on the back in the beautiful Hawaiian language of love, Aloha wau ia’oe. The notebook is handmade and features a durable cover that ensures it will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Highlights:
This notebook is a handmade paperback and features a beautiful design that celebrates the unique bond between stepfathers and their loved ones. It has lined pages with small illustrations accenting the pages of a Hawaiian Dancer and a Hawaiian Dog both with a bright yellow hibiscus flower. The greetings Aloha and Mahalo are on the top and bottom of each page and the right corner features an image of a Paniolo Cowboy.

Usage:
The Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook is a versatile notebook that can be used for daily writing, journaling, capturing memories, expressing gratitude, and documenting aspirations.

Give him the Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook Let him know you love him in the beautiful Hawaiian language of love, Aloha wau ia’oe.

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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.

 

“Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe” is dedicated to fathers, biological or not. It’s filled with (roughly) eighty-lined pages, offering fathers ample opportunity to journal their thoughts and feelings, chronicle their life’s journey, write down their goals and aspirations, or keep miscellaneous notes. Gift givers could also use the pages to write a message to their father, listing how they impacted their lives. Share favorite memories. The touching sentiment will brighten any recipient’s day.

Buyers will discover three images on the writing pages: a Hawaiian dancer surrounded by flowers, a Paniolo cowboy, and a Hawaiian dog sitting next to a bright yellow hibiscus flower. There’s also “aloha” and “mahalo.” at the start and end of each page. This format is the perfect incentive to write a (paper) letter—revive a dying art form.

While I did like the artwork, the notebook could’ve benefited from more images. Hawaii has much to offer in wildlife, plants, flowers, and scenery, and the artist missed the opportunity to make each page or group of pages stand out from the next. To repeat, what was presented was very lovely.

“Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe” (Happy Father’s Day Notebook: I love you) is a lovely present idea for any holiday or when you want to say “I love you” or show your dad that you appreciate everything they’ve done for you. Its durable cover ensures it will be a cherished keepsake for many years.

If you want a handmade gift for your dad, give him the” Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook.” Express your love using the Hawaiian language: Aloha wau ia’oe. While the book’s intention was explicitly for fathers, anyone can use the lined pages for daily writing, journaling, capturing memories, expressing gratitude, personalized letters, and documenting aspirations.

Check out Pixie Publishing House’s other journals if you like this notebook. You’ll find a gift for every occasion!

 

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

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July 14, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Wiggly, Woggly Lady by Debi K Fraser (Book Review)

A story of wiggly feelings and making friends.

Wiggling and woggling is a lot of fun, but it would be so much more fun to do with friends. Thinking about trying to find those friends makes the wiggly, woggly lady feel very nervous. But today she has decided to try!

Fun, read-out-loud rhyme, comes together with quirky and unique characters, to gently illustrate the wonderful things that can happen when our children just be themselves.

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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.

 

Debi K Fraser (the writer) couldn’t have asked for a better interpretation of her storyline; Stephen Stone’s illustrations were spectacular. The wavy objects and characters were fun to look at it, and the curvy text was a delight to read. Together, the dynamic duo developed a creative book that children won’t be able to resist. They wiggle in their seats as you read it. They’ll wiggle around the house. They will be the wiggly friends the wiggly woggly lady has been seeking from the start of the story.

The wiggly woggly lady is sad because she has no friends. She’s too shy to ask someone to wiggle woggle with her. Questions of self-doubt flood her thoughts. What if they run away? Asking for someone to hang out with you or to be your friend might seem like a simple task to some people, but shyness is a paralyzing condition. People of all ages become physically ill at the thought of talking to a stranger. The wiggly lady’s stomach felt strange due to her anxiety about the situation.

As the wiggly woggly lady gathered her courage to face her fears, she failed to hear a mouse (wearing a purple leotard and pink tutu) asking her to wiggle and woggle with her. The lady also missed out on other people and animals wiggling the day away around town.

“The Wiggly Woggly Lady (Stories with Heart)” teaches young readers to be themselves and that good things will come because of it. It also stresses that sometimes it takes a little bravery to make your wishes come true. Oh, and remember that friends come in all sizes.

“The Wiggly Woggly Lady (Stories with Heart)” is a fun and humorous story that’ll get your child up and wiggling around their home. I recommend this adorable picture book for children 2-7.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

As I grew up my love of stories and the characters within them led me to create my own. Now my imagination has no off switch.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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July 10, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Ickles®. They’re Everywhere! They’re Everywhere!: An Adventure in an Overlapping Parallel Dimension! by A. J. Eccles (Book Review)


An Adventure in an Overlapping Parallel Dimension!


We are Ickles. A proud, and independent people.
We just didn’t know we were such tiny little beings.
To us we seemed normal size.
Until the day we came face to face with our greatest challenge.
How would you feel if your world was suddenly overrun by giants five times taller than you and your friends?
How would you react if you and your neighbors were driven out of your homes and had to watch your town being turned into a theme park for the giants?


This was the situation facing Mac, a ten-year-old boy, as a rift in the fabric of space and time brought together two worlds of very different sizes. The invading giants were not monsters, not aliens, but normal-looking people just like the Ickles themselves. Only much, much larger. For the briefest moment in time, the tiny world of the Ickles and the larger world of humans overlapped, in a small bubble of physical space. Our hero, Mac, has an amazing adventure in both worlds and manages to help his fellow Ickles return home after the humans are pushed back to their own parallel universe.

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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.

 

The Ickles reside in a parallel dimension to our world. According to an Ickles historical book, our universes have only overlapped once, in the mid-1800s. The well-documented incident occurred in a farmer’s field in Ireland. The rift in the fabric of space and time closed up as quickly as it opened, shocking both sides. But now, for a reason unbeknownst to either side of the border, the two worlds can see one another again. This time around, their meet-up is significantly impacting both sides of the invisible wall.

The Ickles call “our world” the land of the giants, and I can’t fault them for their name choice. Our house pets are the same size as them. When a bull from our dimension entered theirs, its horns spanned the entire street and knocked down their power lines. Through their eyes, it looked monstrous and behaved accordingly! 

In the “giant” world, our dimension, we were shocked by a sudden miniature town appearing in thin air. Every morsel of food was real. Every aspect of the town was functional, including the vehicles that ran on the same fuel we use. With dollar signs in their eyes, the “giants” didn’t waste a moment capitalizing on the discovery. 

The “giants” had theories about who the “little people” were, and the Ickles had theories about the thin veil separating the parallel universes. Each was curious about the other, which led to scenes with action, humor, and danger. 

The Ickles®. They’re Everywhere! They’re Everywhere!: An Adventure in an Overlapping Parallel Dimension! by A. J. Eccles is a thrilling science fiction story; however, it lacks one component that readers would wish the author added: images. Young readers will want to see the little town surrounded by the train track (Earth realm), the bull smashing its way down the tiny streets, Mac facing off with the “giant” cat, and especially the surprising development in the final chapter. 

If your child loves science fiction stories, I recommend you purchase The Ickles®. They’re Everywhere! They’re Everywhere!: An Adventure in an Overlapping Parallel Dimension! It’s a fantastic read! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

I first turned my hand to writing fictional stories after a career as a copywriter, video producer, and senior global marketing executive. I love writing for strong characters and developing unusual stories with unexpected plot twists. The stories range from comedy to adventure to sci-fi drama.

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July 6, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Magic of Gluten-Free Cooking by Julia Matto (Book Review)

Discover how a healthy, a gluten-free diet can transform your health with these easy, scrumptious, home-cooked recipes

Within this magical ride to gluten-free cooking, you will discover:
● 20 easy-to-prepare recipes to enjoy an enhanced and energetic lifestyle.
● The gluten-free way to start every day – breakfasts so good, you’ll never say never!
● How each home-cooked meal is a doorway to better digestive health, mood, and
focus: a gluten-free mind and body leads to a disease-free life
● Fulfilling lunches to make easy yet exquisite meals – grab your herbs, veggies,
shrimp, chicken, and pasta to whip marvels that make your tastebuds do the
tango!
● Mouth-watering dinners you simply cannot do without!
● How to maximize the benefits of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices to make your
dishes aromatic, delicious and healing
● Detailed ingredient lists and clear instructions with added suggestions and dairy-
free options.

Adopting a gluten-free diet is your ticket to a new way of living – you’ll feel like you’ve been born again from within.

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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.

 

Life is busy, and eating nutritious foods at every meal can be a real struggle. Most families opt for take-out to save time and money and, let’s face it, the hassle of cooking. Besides those obstacles, people face dietary restrictions for themselves or a family member. Julia Matto’s daughter developed gluten sensitivity. “She had endured digestive issues and bloating, and her mood and concentration were off the charts.” Those same issues plagued Julia as well. As the author removed gluten from their diet, everything changed for the better! Julia discusses this and briefly explains gluten, including healthy food choices in the “Introduction.” Be sure and check it out! 

The Magic of Gluten-Free Cooking contains breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert meal ideas; 20 recipes in all. There were anywhere from 4- 16 ingredients per recipe. In those ingredients, there were spices/seasonings that most households have on the ready: cinnamon, pepper, olive oil, (kosher) salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and vanilla extract. However, a trip to the grocery store will be necessary to complete most of the recipes. They require fresh herbs, fresh produce, and (possibly) a need to restock your cabinets. 

I’m a visual person; if a food image looks scrumptious, I’ll be eager to prepare the food. Every recipe had a picture depicting what the food should roughly look like. “Red, White and Blue Berries Parfait with Greek Yogurt” looked divine. “Cranberry Apple Crisp” made my stomach growl. The “Oatmeal Raisin Cookies” and “Lemon Granita with Honey (Sicilian Lemon Ice)” activated my sweet tooth. 

While the dessert portion of the book had mouth-watering pictures, the rest of the food portraits did not have me reaching for a fork. The “Steak and Eggs” and “Chicken Piccata” were visually unappealing, and the blueberry pancakes in “Blueberry Pancakes with Chicken Sausage and Avocado” looked burnt to a crisp. 

Despite my feeling about the food presentations, I’m still inclined to try the recipes. The directions are easy to follow and introduce new foods into my diet. 

If you are seeking recipes that fit into your gluten-free lifestyle or looking for healthier meal ideas, I encourage you to take a chance on The Magic of Gluten-Free Cooking: 20 Home Cooked-Meals Made Easy. Your gut will thank you! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Julia Matto is the author of The Magic of Gluten Free Cooking. Her work is dedicated to gluten-free cooking, and helping readers with the skills they need to enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle. Julia is married and lives in Connecticut. She enjoys gardening; and playing with her Frenchie.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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