Author Archives: Kam Brook

About Kam Brook

#Reviewer #Proofreader - Yes, I'm a total #book addict & proud of it! #Authors: DM me & let me be your book pimp. 😉 #KamsPlace
December 6, 2024 · 7:00 am

Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate by Melissa Robinson (Book Review)

You might not believe me… but my Grandma is MAGICAL!

Mel has always known that Grandma Marjorie was special, but one sunny summer day she learns just how MARVELOUS she really is! What begins as an ordinary day of baking brownies transforms into an extraordinary adventure.

Mel’s safe and cozy world turns into a whirlwind of excitement as she, Grandma, and Grandma’s parrot, Misty, embark on an action-packed journey through Mystic, CT.

Unexpected perils lie in wait and Mel discovers that Grandma has more surprises in store than she ever imagined.

A fun adventure story for younger readers celebrating the relationship between grandmother & granddaughter.

In the spirit of classics like Pippi Longstocking, Matilda, and Mary Poppins, this book will create shared cherished, magical memories that last a lifetime!

For Children Ages 3-12 years old and their parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles but especially Grandmas!

This book includes a Read-Along Audio Flipbook AND Coming Soon: A Descriptive Audiobook and Videobook with ASL Transcription.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

“In the spirit of classics like Pippi Longstocking, Matilda, and Mary Poppins, this book will create shared cherished, magical memories that last a lifetime!”

 

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word grandma? Did you picture a little old lady with gray hair who moves at a snail’s pace? A purse containing butterscotch candies? An endless stream of tissues coming from her sleeve? Did you suddenly smell a batch of fresh-baked cookies or the cream for her aching body? These are stereotypical descriptions of a grandma. These do not describe Mel’s grandma, Marjorie Fish! 

At a young age, Marjorie Fish vowed never to grow up, and she kept that promise. Grandma’s outer form resembled an older adult, but inside, she had the spirit and energy of a young kid. I was most impressed that she could juggle and play the piano simultaneously! Amazing!

Mel discovered her grandma differed from other kids’ grandparents. Having a parrot is not such an out-of-the-box idea for a pet. Having a parrot that towers over an adult because the humans have magically shrunk is! Grandma and Mel soared around town on the back of Grandma’s feathery sidekick, Misty Morning Crimson Sunset (Misty, for short). They first landed on a lighthouse where trouble awaited in the form of seagulls. Seagulls are notorious for stealing people’s belongings, but Grandma wasn’t giving up the goods without a fight. You’ll have to read the book to discover how she bested the annoying birds. 

Grandma’s energy didn’t waver once during the adventurous ride. She soared through the skies, took on a flock of seagulls, nosedived off Misty, and still had the energy to make brownies. Phew. I hope I have an eighth of her energy when I reach her age! 

Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate celebrate grandmas worldwide and the joy and fun they bring us—evident in the entertaining storyline and rib-tickling illustrations. I recommend reading it the next time you visit your grandma! 

The synopsis states the book is intended for children 3-12. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

I’ve loved books since before I could read. My stories are inspired by real-life adventures, infused with a healthy dose of whimsy. I aspire to cultivate a unique storytelling voice that is both relatable and enchanting and to produce books that bring loved ones together.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

December 2, 2024 · 7:00 am

Bear’s Sick Day: A Story of Caring and Friendship by Hong Lee (Book Spotlight)

Winner of the 2024 Golden Wizard Book Prize

 

In Bear’s Sick Day, we explore the comforting power of friendship through Bunny’s visit to her friend Bear, who isn’t feeling well. Despite Bear’s reluctance, fearing Bunny might also fall ill, the day unfolds with gentle care and shared joy:

  • Bunny makes warm tea to soothe Bear’s aches.
  • Together, they read a story, listen to uplifting music, and play Bear’s favorite game of Jenga.
  • Laughter and fun ensue, proving that a little compassion goes a long way.

A simple yet touching story, this book illuminates the importance of caring for others and the positive impact it can have.

Amazon’s Purchase Link

 

 

 

 

Praise for Bear’s Sick Day

“This charming narrative encourages children to understand the importance of empathy and kindness, reminding them that sometimes simply being there for someone in need can make all the difference. Hong Lee perfectly presents this message in a way that children will understand, with adorable animal characters and an engaging story. The colorful illustrations will grab children’s attention and draw them into the story. The words are enclosed in text boxes, making them easy to read and accessible to youngsters with reading difficulties.”

– Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review

 

Amazon’s Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Hong Lee’s passion for writing children’s books began when she started reading to her son. She is captivated by children’s picture books’ whimsical and imaginative nature. Beyond writing, Hong enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family. Her debut book, “Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Tale of Kindness and Friendship,” reflects her dedication to storytelling and her commitment to fostering strong morals in young readers. Hong currently resides in Oklahoma with her husband and son.

Website Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

November 29, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Tardy Tooth Fairy by Shauna Farris (Book Review)

“There were three things that all of the other fairies knew about Luna Bloom. She always wore purple, she never met a creature she didn’t like, and she was easily distracted. Therefore, she was always late.”

 

Luna Bloom may not be the most punctual tooth fairy, but she sure is dedicated! After studying diligently at the Tooth Fairy Academy, Luna is finally ready to put her training to the test. Will her wandering mind get the best of her? Follow along as she does her best to gather everyone’s lost teeth in one night.

If the tooth fairy has ever skipped past your house, The Tardy Tooth Fairy is for you. This book offers readers the answer to what tooth fairies really do and the relief of knowing that the tooth fairy probably hasn’t forgotten you-they’re just late! Watching Luna attempt to break her untimely habits will teach us to be more understanding and remind us that it’s all right to take a moment to breathe.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

“If you’ve ever woken to find a forgotten tooth, you might need to seek the help of a sleuth. But listen close, for the reason may be that it is just the fault of a tardy tooth fairy.”


Luna Bloom was well-known to her peers for three reasons. One, she always wore purple. And who can blame her—the color is fabulous! Two, she never met a creature she didn’t like. Even a black mamba or piranha? Not me! Lastly, she was easily distracted; therefore, she was always late. Many kids and parents will relate to number three, especially in the morning on school days.

Luna Bloom had a valid reason for her tardiness; she was distracted by the world’s wonders, and those curiosities caused her to ponder questions. For instance: “How do ladybugs get their spots?” This question made me stop and do a little internet investigating. I encourage you to look it up since the answer was not disclosed in the story or the end credits. 

Luna Bloom knew her lack of punctuality would not fly when she became a tooth fairy. She wanted to make her family proud and vowed to work on her tardy behavior. The day before her first assignment, Luna was bubbling with mixed emotions. She was excited and nervous, typical reactions for the first day of a job, new school, or class. Luna knew all would go well tomorrow because Marigold, the most talented tooth fairy in the land, would be by her side. She never imagined Marigold would call in sick, but that exactly what happened. Without Marigold to keep Luna on track and away from distractions, the newly crowned tooth fairy couldn’t resist all the tempting sights and smells or the cat who wanted pets. As a cat owner, I couldn’t resist scratching the fairy-sized kitty, either! 

Luna’s first night as a tooth fairy didn’t go as planned; mistakes were made. At this point in the story, readers hear comforting words from Luna’s mentor and teacher, Marigold. Kids also learn what “flower breath” is. (You and your youngster will discover what that is when you read the story!)

The author and number 1 tooth fairy gave Luna Bloom a wonderful pep talk, words to live by: Mistakes will happen; when they do, it’s important to say, “I’m sorry.” Learn from them and don’t be scared or nervous to ask for help! 

The Tardy Tooth Fairy is a delightful picture book that reminds readers it’s okay to make mistakes. Learn from them. Apologize. And don’t be afraid to ask for help!

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age of 4-8 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I’m an elementary school counselor/mom/avid reader/amateur baker and feel passionately about the healing power of books. It’s always been a dream to publish, so The Tardy Tooth Fairy is close to my heart! I hope to continue sharing my love of storytelling through creating future books.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

November 25, 2024 · 7:00 am

Sunny’s First Day by Dr. Julissa Artiles (Book Review)

Come along with Sunny, an endearing young giraffe, on her first day of school in this heart-warming tale of bravery and friendship. Sunny is excited and anxious about her first day of school. Struggling with anxiety and self-confidence, she finds herself unsure of what to expect. With the help of mama giraffe and a good friend, Bailey the elephant, Sunny faces her fears and learns to overcome her challenges while also making new friends. This beautifully illustrated book gently addresses themes of anxiety, self-confidence and resilience. Through Sunny’s journey, children learn the importance of developing meaningful connections, kindness, support, and the power of facing their fears with a little help from friends. Perfect for young readers navigating their own struggles with new experiences, this story is a celebration of courage and the joy of new beginnings. Discover how Sunny manages to turn her first day of school into an experience of growth and friendship.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

“Come along with Sunny, an endearing young giraffe, on her first day of school in this heart-warming tale of bravery and friendship.”

Several occasions might cause a child to be anxious, worried, or scared: first day at a new school, taking a test, public speaking, or speaking to new people, to name just a few. When you’re feeling any or all of these unpleasant feelings, it’s common for your body to react much like Sunny’s did. Sunny, a very cutely illustrated giraffe, has a very common reaction to the first day of school: their belly feels jumpy, and their hooves sweat. While we don’t have hooves, our human body has areas that might break out in a sweat. Mama Giraffe did not dismiss her calf’s fears; she reassured them that what they were experiencing was normal. Mama Giraffe also mentioned that when we feel anxious, our hearts can feel like they are running a race. Mama had a special breathing technique to quieten nervous bellies and pounding hearts. “Just breathe in slowly, like when you’re smelling the daisies out in the garden. Then, breathe out through your mouth, like when you’re blowing out the candles on your birthday cake.” This breathing technique comes in handy when Sunny has to stand up to a classroom bully. 

Bullies are present in every school, and often, the less-than-friendly classmate(s) target kids on their very first day or week of school. A bully can make it difficult for children to participate in class and interact with others on the playground. The negative attention can make a kid dread school days and can affect a kid’s mental and physical health. Sunny had the misfortune of being on a bully’s radar on their first day of school. Basher the bull’s name-calling and mocking of Sunny’s spots caused the giraffe to run out of the room in tears. 

Basher felt zero guilt or remorse when Sunny cried. He didn’t learn his lesson after spending time in the “calm corner,” either. However, Basher’s attitude drastically changed when Sunny stood up for herself, and he was the one no one wanted to play with on the playground. 

Sunny’s First Day shows the profound effect negative words can have on a person. The illustrated storybook shows the proper way to handle a bully. Sunny did not stoop to Basher’s level and call him names. Instead, she took the advice of Bailey (the elephant) and stood up to Basher; she informed him what he was doing and showed him that she would not let him stop her from having fun with the other animals. Before she stood hoof to hoof with the bull, she first needed to quiet her nerves and racing heart using her mom’s breathing technique. (Breathing techniques and positive affirmations are visited after the story’s conclusion.) 

While not every bully may change like Basher, Sunny’s inspiring handling of the situation and her ability to calm her nerves are valuable lessons for children. I strongly recommend sharing this book with your elementary students to help create a more peaceful and healthy environment for them to grow and learn. 

I loved the storyline and animal illustrations very much, but I couldn’t overlook the editing errors. I would recommend another editing pass. 

Amazon’s suggested reading age is 5-9 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Born and raised in Miami, FL, I am a licensed clinical psychologist, wife, and mother of two wonderful children. I love spending quality time with family and friends and reading bedtime stories to my kids. Writing a children’s book was a dream come true and I’ve loved using my creativity and psychological insights to help children face new experiences with courage and confidence.

Reedsy Author Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

Instagram Link

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

November 22, 2024 · 7:00 am

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,