Monthly Archives: November 2024

I Did Not Know That by Suzanne Johnson (Book Review)

Sofia loves to explore the forest with its welcoming animals and beautiful wildflowers and trees. Join her as she meets friends and learns some unexpected lessons along the way.

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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.

 

I Did Not Know That explores feelings or social interactions children will experience at some point but may not understand how to handle them. Or, they’ve mishandled situations and need guidance on better handling them. For instance, in the first chapter, Sofia comes face to face with a deer on a walking trail. She very frankly tells the deer they are in her way. Like all the other animals in the story, the deer speaks to her. This wild animal kept a cool head and said, “You don’t always have to remove things that are in your way. Did you know that sometimes you can walk around them?” Sofia claimed she didn’t know that. Young kids might not know that either. They might ask a person to move in a not-so-pleasant tone. 

As Sofia continues her journey, she meets more animals who give her sound advice and food for thought. Sofia and readers will learn why bullfrogs croak so loudly. They will learn from a bushy-tail squirrel that it’s okay to cry. Accidents will happen; don’t lose your temper when they do. Losing your temper hurts another person’s feelings and solves nothing. It typically escalates a bad situation. Instead, choose forgiveness. It has a better effect than angry words and actions.  

Sofia returns to the forest over the years, meeting new friends and learning valuable life lessons. One day, a small brown horse notices Sofia doesn’t look happy kicking her soccer ball around. They asked her what’s wrong. Sofia is mad at herself for missing a ball, causing her team to lose the game. Society puts too much pressure on people, especially kids, to win. Peyton, the horse, tells Sofia she is good enough just the way she is. Parents, coaches, and educators should always encourage kids to enjoy life and not make themselves miserable, striving for perfection. Remind them it’s not important if you win or lose but how you play the game!

Sofia meets one more animal before we flash forward a few years to see Sofia return to the forest as an adult. Her first meet-up was with a big, black spider. I bet kids will have strong views on whether they’d stop to speak to the arachnid. For me, the answer is a hard NO. But I’m glad Sofia was braver than me because she had an insightful talk with Caroline about feeling jealous of her best friend. You’ll have to grab the book to hear Caroline’s helpful advice and Sofia’s wise words for the two bickering crows. 

Life moves too quickly and so does this book. I wish it had another nine chapters. Why? Because I see children welcoming, absorbing, and then using the advice from the animals and arachnid more readily than if an adult sat them down and said what they should have done after the fact. 

After Sofia meets one more forest animal (name withheld on purpose), kids learn to draw Ethan, the squirrel, by following 10 simple moves. The end credits also feature multiple discussion questions. A few ask readers to recall what they read or flip back and look for an object. 

I Did Not Know That guides children through simple dialogue on handling many emotions/feelings. The sketches were cute too, even the (gulp) spider. The only thing this book needed was names for all the animals. Sofia asked a few, but not all. Why? Besides that one small detail, this story was fantastic and worth four stars. 

I recommend sharing this quick read with preschoolers and elementary school children. Let’s raise children to be kind, treat others with respect, love themselves, be happy with who they are, and realize that it’s okay not to be okay.

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

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Meet the Author

 

Suzanne Searcy Johnson is an author and poet who loves connecting with others and with nature. She hopes that Sofia motivates young readers to discover the outdoors with curiosity.

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Punctuation Retreat: Adventures in Language by G. L. Sinclair (Book Review)

Brimming with wit & whimsy, this sweet picture book is a creative & stress-free introduction to basic punctuation. In this delightful children’s book, each punctuation mark comes to life with its own personality, helping readers understand their important roles in writing. Join the overworked punctuation marks as they embark on a whimiscal retreat to four Caribbean Islands! Hitchhiking on a tourist book to board the airplane, these lively characters take young readers on a colorful adventure. With vibrant illustrations and playful rhymes, discover how commas help you take a breath, periods end a sentence, question marks make you wonder, exclamation points show excitement and much more. This enchanting journey makes learning punctuation fun and memorable.

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

 

Learning how to punctuate a sentence properly can be tiresome. Most kids would rather be doing anything else than editing a sentence or paragraph. Teachers and (homeschooling) parents continually search for new ways to excite their students or children about learning. Well, look no further… Punctuation Retreat makes learning fun! 

In chapter one, the writer uses alliteration (words that start with the same letter) when presenting most of the punctuation marks: Penelope Period, Cedric Comma, Eloise Exclamation, Quincy Question, Lenny and Ricky (left and right quotation marks), Clara Colon, Sammy Semicolon, Amelia Apostrophe, Harry Hyphen, Peter and Pippa (open and close parenthesis), and Spencer Space. Swirly McWhirlpool (@ used in emails and to tag), Señor Wiggleworth (~ aka the tilde), Dottie Ellipsis (…) didn’t follow the alliteration route, but their names were catchy and cute, nonetheless. During the first few pages, readers will notice that each character’s name is assigned a specific color with their corresponding mark in the same hue. For example, Quincy Question was in dark green, and so was their punctuation mark. A creative touch that extensively feeds into visual stimuli, which is how most of the information is transmitted to the brain.  

Feeling overworked and underappreciated, the punctuation pals set off to a Punctuation Island Retreat for much-needed rest, relaxation, and fun. The first stop is Havana, where kids learn about Cuba’s capital and gain insight into the unique way the Spanish language uses question marks and exclamation points. Readers will also get the inside scoop on the “squiggly line over the N”: its name in English and Spanish and its function. 

Next, the punctuation marks jet off to the Cayman Islands, my dream vacation spot. There is much to do there, and the weather and sights are beautiful! In this chapter (#3), readers discover fun activities the island holds while understanding which grammar mark goes where. Readers will learn interesting facts, too. For instance, I had no idea of Blackbeard’s real name. Do you? If you answered no, I encourage you to pick up this wonderful book and discover the answer. Attend the Pirate Week Festival, too!  

After the friend group hopped out of the tourist book and into a magazine, they flew to Martinique, a French-speaking island many readers might have yet to hear of. During this section, I noticed the most missed opportunities to shade and bold punctuation marks used by their namesakes, like Amelia and her apostrophes. On the plus side, this chapter (#4) taught me a thing or two. I discovered how important ONE grammar mark was to the French people (to all of us, really) and what the French used in place of quotation marks. The most significant language difference came when the punctuation marks team visited Jamaica. (Read the sign written in Jamaican Patois and ask your class to note the differences and similarities between it and American English.)

Punctuation Retreat takes readers on an amazing adventure from Cuba to the Grand Cayman, onward to Martinique, and then to Jamaica before returning home. Kids learn to punctuate sentences correctly, are introduced to foreign languages, and gather wonderful information about each tourist spot. Young or old, we will all discover something new during our journey. Though I applaud the writer’s innovative way of teaching kids how, where, and why each punctuation mark is used, the writer missed moments when punctuation was not highlighted when their character spoke. But again, I must commend the long hours spent crafting this book; it had to be no easy feat! 

Punctuation Retreat presents information in a whimsical and fun way that’ll entertain kids instead of their typical reaction to grammar lessons — yawns. This book hits the mark from text to images, and I recommend including it in your grammar lessons. BTW: my favorite was the tilde. I loved the artist’s play on the grammar mark, using it as a mustache for Señor Wiggleworth.

 

Amazon’s recommended age group is 5-11 years.

 

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

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Meet the Author

I am an accountant by profession and have retired after many years of service. I always wanted to write a book. I developed a series of 6 books on punctuation/grammar for kids. This is a completely new experience for me, and I hope you like what I have written.


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The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Takes the Plunge by Andrea McLean (Book Spotlight)

Embark on a heartwarming journey of courage and friendship in “The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Takes the Plunge.” When Ava’s family moves to a new house with a sparkling swimming pool, excitement fills the air. But Burnie, skeptical of the water’s vast expanse, refuses to join the fun. Despite Ava and Chloe’s encouraging words, Burnie remains steadfast in his fear.

As days pass and temperatures rise, Burnie becomes more curious. With gentle coaxing from Ava, he tentatively enters the pool, only to retreat just as quickly. But as the heat intensifies, Burnie’s adventurous spirit awakens, leading to an unexpected discovery: he can swim! Filled with joy and newfound confidence, Burnie surprises everyone, especially Chloe, during a playful pool party. Through laughter and splashes, Burnie learns that trying new things can lead to unexpected joys and friendships.

“The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Takes the Plunge” is a charming story of overcoming fears, embracing new experiences, and the enduring bond between friends, both furry and human. Join Burnie and Chloe on their journey of discovery and dive into a world of fun and friendship.

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Take a peek inside…

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Meet the Author

Andrea C. McLean is a board-certified life, career, and executive coach. She is a global leadership coach and mentor focused on developing women leaders in corporate and university settings. Andrea has a spirit of encouragement and a passion for inspiring others on their journey toward achieving personal transformations. She can be reached at andrea@acmcoachinggroup.com and you can follow @andreacmclean on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more inspiration.
 
 
 

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Nortis Learns A Lesson by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

In Nortis Learns A Lesson, Nortis and his friends are always up for a good laugh, but their latest prank with the school lunch goes too far when it leaves everyone feeling sick. What starts as a harmless joke quickly spirals into a serious situation, and the group finds themselves facing the unexpected consequences of their actions.

As Nortis watches his classmates suffer, he begins to realize that some jokes aren’t funny when people get hurt. Guided by their teachers, parents, and a bit of their own conscience, Nortis and his friends learn about taking responsibility, making amends, and understanding the impact of their choices.

This engaging story teaches young readers about accountability, the importance of thinking before acting, and how mistakes can be turned into valuable lessons. Nortis Learns A Lesson is a heartfelt journey of growth, friendship, and learning to make things right.

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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.

 

Nortis, Porjan, and Jun were best friends and loved playing pranks on their teachers and classmates. One day, their prank went horribly wrong. When they poured salt into the soup, vinegar into the milk, and ketchup into the juice, they thought their mischievous acts would create many laughs. They were very wrong. No one was laughing; they were all mad and confused and wanted answers. So did the principal. 

April’s Fools centers around practically jokes or tricks. People expect a day to be filled with harmless fun. Harmless being the keyword here. The principal was correct when he said whoever tampered with the cafeteria items wasted a lot of food and money. They disrespected the school, staff, and classmates. 

The three friends felt immense guilt for what they did. They honestly meant no harm. We all mess up in life, but how we handle our mistakes shows our true character. Do you hide from the truth or fess up to your mistakes and make amends? Guilt ate at Nortis, Porjan, and Jun. They knew they’d get in trouble for the harm they caused, but owning up to the prank was the right move. 

The principal deeply appreciated the trio’s apology because he knew they were sincerely sorry for the harm they caused. He respected their honesty and their willingness to right their wrong. 

Nortis, Porjan, and Jun learned powerful lessons that day. For one, they realized that there were safer ways to make someone laugh or smile. They also learned the importance of telling the truth. In doing so, they DID NOT lose the principal’s trust in them. Finally, they understood the need to make amends and fix your mistakes. 

Nortis Learns a Lesson is a wonderful book that teaches kids the importance of doing what’s right and being respectful toward others and their property! It also highlights the importance of facing your mistakes. I recommend sharing this story with your child, preferably two years and up.

 

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

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Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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Dingo Toad Helps a Friend by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Join Dingo Toad on an inspiring adventure in Dingo Toad Helps a Friend. In this heartwarming tale, Dingo Toad discovers the true meaning of friendship and bravery when his friend Penny faces bullies. With a big heart and a courageous spirit, Dingo Toad stands up to the bullies and teaches us all valuable lessons about kindness, resilience, and standing up for what’s right.

Perfect for young readers, this beautifully illustrated book not only entertains but also provides important life lessons on dealing with bullies and being a good friend. Share this wonderful story with your children and help them understand that everyone has the power to make a difference.

Dingo Toad Helps a Friend is a must-read for any child who has ever faced a bully or wanted to help someone in need. Let Dingo Toad inspire your little ones to be brave and compassionate in the face of adversity.


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

 

Dingo Toad lived in the southern swamp region of planet Venesha. This uniquely illustrative character’s fashion sense resembled what Earthlings wear daily: t-shirt, shorts, and open-toed shoes. Dingo was also sporting a white mohawk. Nice hairdo!

While the alien’s style was something you’d see here on our planet, Dingo had features that definitely screamed Alien! For one, Dingo had large yellow spots covering their teal skin. They also had a toad-shaped face with two oversized eyes and mouth, two holes for nostrils, a purple tongue, three large toes on each foot, and four fingers on each hand.

While Dingo Toad looked different than you or me, they enjoyed many of the same things as us. Dingo looked very adorable playing in the bubble bath. I found it cute that Dingo was listening to his mom read him Nortis Goes Swimming—another book by Lamar and Liana Golden. Dingo shared one important similarity with humans: their planet, like ours, had bullies. When Dingo saw his friend, Penny, being bullied by Sangu and Piman, he did not hurry away. Dingo didn’t throw punches, either. He, very sternly, demanded they apologize for being “meanies,” which they did immediately.

Unfortunately, kids will encounter bullies during their school years. Maybe they will be the target, or perhaps they’ll witness someone else being harassed. No matter the situation, kids should follow Dingo’s example —use your words, not your fists. Not every bully apologizes as quickly as they did in this story. That is where the extended lesson on how to deal with bullies should be addressed with your child or class. Ask kids what they would do if their friend is being bullied, and the “meanies” don’t stop when asked.

Dingo Toad Helps a Friend is a wonderful sci-fi children’s book that shows the importance of standing up to bullies and the power of our words. I loved every colorful and imaginative illustration. The wild and wacky zoo animals were my favorite! Even though I won’t be placing flies in my ice cream or other foods any time soon, I even thought the bug-infused desserts were cute, too.

Check out this and every book featured on the planet, Venesha!

Amazon’s recommended reading age is baby-12 years.


Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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