Tag Archives: adventure

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

 

 

 

 

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November 20, 2024 · 7:00 am

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: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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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November 8, 2024 · 7:00 am

Rika Saves A Cat by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

A story of two sisters from Planet Venesha playing hide and seek in the woods when they hear a strange sound and go to investigate.
They look and find a cat who appears to be all alone and wait for its mother to return.

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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.

 

Rika and her little sister, Jari, live in the northern forest region of the largest planet of the universe: Venesha. Its appearance is vastly different from ours from a distance, but it does possess qualities found in our world: oceans, swamps, rivers, mountains, deserts, and plains. The two children (Jari and Rika) look slightly different from Earthlings, but each play as typical children do. They climb trees, play hide-and-seek, and are curious about the world around them. 

While playing outside with Jari, Rika heard a strange sound, went to investigate, and discovered a scared baby kitten inside a hollowed-out log. Children will love the adorable uni-kitty (orange kitten with yellow horn). They’ll probably yell they want a unicorn-kitty too. I know I wouldn’t mind adopting one! 

Rika and Jari could’ve left the animal to fend for itself, but they didn’t. Instead, they nestled together on the forest floor, waiting patiently for the sweet furbaby’s mother to return. Their patience and kind hearts paid off; momma cat and her baby were reunited, and momma cat was just as cute as her baby! 

Rika Saves a Cat by Lamar and Liana Golden is a sweet, quick read that children will want to read often. The main story is less than 30 pages, with simple text and adorable illustrations. As a family of Star Wars fans, I liked Rika’s Princess Leia hairstyle and her pointy ears (Artist: Veronica Guarino.) 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is baby-10 years. The color palette will capture a baby’s eye; kids of all ages will adore the pictures, while the text will appeal to older children. This short story is perfect for children who are practicing reading alone. 

I encourage you to check out Rika Saves a Cat and the author’s other works. Their stories are wildly creative, with out-of-this-world designs and engaging storylines. 

 

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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November 1, 2024 · 7:00 am

Nortis Goes Swimming by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Everybody needs a new friend – even in other worlds!

Dive into the enchanting world of “Nortis Goes Swimming,” where science fiction meets fantasy in this delightful children’s story book about making friends!

Join Nortis, a young explorer from the distant planet Venessa, as he embarks on a thrilling school field trip to a sparkling swimming pool.

In this captivating tale, young readers aged 2-6 will be transported to the far reaches of outer space, where lovable creatures much like our world on earth are faced with making new friends. As Nortis and his friends splash and play, they’ll discover the true meaning of friendship and cooperation, making this sci-fi adventure a heartwarming journey for both children and parents alike.

With charming illustrations and a whimsical storyline, Parents will love sharing this imaginative tale with their little ones, using Nortis’ adventures to teach valuable lessons about inclusivity and the importance of making new friends.

So pack your bags and join Nortis on this unforgettable school field trip to the stars!

With “Nortis Goes Swimming,” the magic of friendship shines brighter than ever before.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Far, far away in outer space lies the largest planet of the universe – Venesha. This alien planet has rivers, oceans, mountains, swamps, and forests like Earth; however, the inhabitants are not Earth-like in appearance, and they possess special powers too. 

Up in the high glacier region of Venesha lived Nortis. He was orange, with three large eyes, four fingers, and pointy ears. His day began like a typical child’s day: eat, dress, brush teeth, and head off to school. His day differed from ours via the mode of transportation and how the students looked. Kids will love the vast collection of aliens at the bus stop and on the flying yellow bus. Classmates varied in shape and coloring. One eye, Eight eyes. Each alien was unique and beautifully drawn!

Today was an exciting day for Nortis and his friends. Instead of the bus dropping them off at school, it was flying them to the local swimming pool for a field trip. Field trip days are usually the highlight of a school year, so if your child has been on one, they will probably voice which one was their favorite. 

While everyone was frolicking in the water, Nortis saw a classmate sitting alone. He did the right thing and asked Jun, who resembled a blue, one-eyed rabbit, to play with him. Nortis’s kindness brightened Jun’s face for the rest of their day. 

Nortis Goes Swimming teaches children to be kind to one another, be accepting, and be open to new friendships. Remember, one small act of kindness might seem insignificant to you, but it could be life-changing to the recipient! 

I adored the artwork by Patrick Girouard. I also loved the message and the overall creativeness of Nortis Goes Swimming by co-authors Lamar Golden and Liana Golden. I wish there were some elaboration on Nortis’s “magical powers.” 

Nortis Goes Swimming is a short read, perfect for children with short attention spans. It is also a prime choice for kids learning to read independently. I recommend this book for children 2 to 10 years of age. 

 

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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October 18, 2024 · 7:00 am

Mordokai Searches for Strawberries by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Mordokai and Friends go searching for strawberries in the wilderness of Planet Venesha and encounter danger during their search.

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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.

 

Mordokai is back; this time, he’s searching for strawberries on his home planet, Venesha. Venesha is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, from the purple mountains and lush green countryside to the colorful variety of trees and flowers. The animals and people inhabiting the wonderland are bursting with color and possess unique physical and magical traits. 

Mordokai discovered that his hair would change color depending on his mood and, over time, developed telepathic powers. Mordokai could also sense danger, which would be handy in any world. 

We all have food cravings, and Mordokai’s mind and stomach are hungering for wild strawberries. Since the journey to his desired fruit is dangerous, he’s requested three friends to come along: Naiya, Shia, and Ketab. Anytime you go on a trip, it’s good practice to pack the essentials! Making a checklist helps! Before the group set off, they reviewed what each had brought. Rope. Snacks. Emergency blanket. Water tablets for purifying water. Tools. First aid ointment. I initially thought each item might prove invaluable at some point in their journey; my gut instinct was wrong. The group’s list opens doors for discussing what else kids think the travelers should’ve brought or what they take with them on a camping trip, a hike, or a vacation. 

The four friends faced dense vegetation, buzzing insects, and bizarre-looking animals. The three-eyed, multi-colored mountain lion is one of them! Luckily, the lion turned tail and ran off. 

Naiya, Shia, Ketab, and Mordokai’s adventurous trip ended with them sharing multiple sacks of sweet, ripe strawberries among the villagers. Mordokai was wise and planted some berries in his garden for a future fruit pie. 

Mordokai Searches For Strawberries teaches children several valuable lessons. First, avoid wild animals. If you should stumble upon one, follow Mordokai’s example: be loud and back away slowly. Second, be supportive of your friends and help me if you can. Third, while sharing is caring, always ask an adult for permission to share food. I don’t know if food allergies exist on Venesha, but they do on Earth. Fourth, make sure you have all your supplies before heading on a trip. 

While the story was sweet, I wish we could’ve seen Mordokai’s power in play. His coloring-changing hair is supposed to alert him to danger, yet it didn’t when the group encountered the lion. It was a significant missed opportunity. 

Mordokai Searches For Strawberries was an okay read. The illustrations were top-notch, but the story needed to include what made the characters special: their unique magical powers. I still recommend the story to children 4-10, but I suggest Mordokai’s next adventure show us his powers at work. 

 

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

 

Social Media Handles

 

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

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