Tag Archives: adventure

My ANT Mary by Milt Lowe (Book Review)

Ants are usually a little boring. They’re hard workers but do the same thing all the time and follow the Queen’s rules. But not My ANT MARY.

My ANT Mary is the story of a fiercely independent ant who marches to her own drummer. When the Queen Ant demands that Mary conform and act like every other ant, Mary realizes she needs to leave to find where she truly belongs. She sets out on an amazing world adventure and discovers she’s happiest in a surprising place.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches the value of independence and finding your own path to happiness.

Ingramspark.com

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

 

Ant Mary doesn’t behave like a “normal” ant, which makes them interesting (in my opinion). As the narrator (ANTony) states on the opening page, they are worried about their best friend because some of the wacky stuff Mary does could land her in trouble. “Could” is the key word here since no harm came to the insect.

Ant Mary’s “wacky stuff” would make perfect questions for the “Would you rather” game. Would you rather climb a tree like ANT MARY or enjoy a lovely picnic? Would you rather live alone in a stinky sneaker or with millions of other people? Would you rather take a nap or go to work? The fun question-and-answer game could continue as readers follow Ant Mary as she scopes out potential new living quarters. For example, would you rather live near a pond filled with chomping alligators or in a zoo with roaring crocodiles?

Ant Mary was not pleased with how the queen dictated how she should act and where she should live. Instead of calmly voicing her concerns, Mary ran away. This story opens a line of communication on the importance of facing your problems and talking things out. It also points out the dangers one might face if they run away. I applaud Mary for Ant Mary thinking of a compromise that made them both happy(ish).  

The artist did the impossible; they made ants cute. I adored Ant Mary’s blue hat with the pretty white flower. I also loved the elderly ant in the wheelchair enjoying a cup of tea (or possibly coffee).    

One small note: The text on the page where we first meet the queen of ants got lost in the colorful and busy scenery. My eyes wanted to focus on the beautiful artwork, not the white text.

I liked the addition of the ant fact. (Read the story for more information.).I would’ve liked a page dedicated to more ant facts. Help expand kids’ knowledge about the impressive insect—just a thought.

My recommended reading age is 3-9 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤1/2
(Will be rounded to five on Amazon and Goodreads)

Ingramspark.com

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Meet the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.

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Wow Bow, the Dog Who Barked Backwards by Milt Lowe (Book Spotlight)

As Wow Bow lay sleeping in the drafty old barn at the edge of the forest, his mother was thinking about their wonderful life together and the horrible thing she had to do.”

The opening line from Wow Bow, The Dog Who Barked Backwards, sets the stage for this enthralling adventure of overcoming adversity, finding your inner strength, and having unshakable faith. Wow Bow has been abandoned by his mother in the cold Canadian woods and must learn to overcome his tragic loss while thrown into a world eager to taunt him for his freaky bark and mongrel looks. 

Sent to a dog pound to be killed, Wow Bow is saved by a blind boy who hears his unique bark, makes an instant connection, and adopts him. He sees Wow Bow as the noble breed beneath the outer mutt.

Wow Bow’s inspiring and emotional saga spans his life from abandonment to meeting a wolf who teaches him survival skills to exploring several other relationships and finding his space in the world. Wow Bow’s story heroically proves that you’re never an underdog if you never quit.

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Small sample

Otto walked slowly toward Wow Bow and the other dogs with a cane that he tap-tapped on the ground in front of him. He asked his mother to describe the dogs she liked. None of the descriptions seemed to please Otto.

“Exactly what kind of dog are you looking for?” said his mother.

“I don’t want ordinary,” said Otto. “I want different, unusual, a dog that stands out in a crowd.”

“The only dog here that fits that description is a shaggy mutt with a droopy left ear, oversized feet, a curly bushy tail, and a big brown patch over one eye.”

 

Visit Milt Lowe’s Website for More Information!

 

 

Meet the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.

 

 

 

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The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn by Michael Lingo (Book Review)

An oddball pair of animals, a bunny and a fawn, love each other like sisters. In the forest that is their home, they play and laugh and learn together all day long. At night, they sleep cuddled together inside a big log. But when a sudden storm sweeps their home away, and they become separated in the melee, they have to fight hard to find each other again. Bunny is despondent at the loss of their home, but Fawn reminds her that as long as they’re together, they are home. The bonds of friendship, chosen family, and sisterhood are both tested and proven in this adorable picture book.

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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.

 

As the story begins, we meet two sweet forest animals, who we learn live together in a log. Fawn, the deer, and Bunny met as babies and have remained together ever since. They are more than best friends; they are sisters by choice. Fawn and Bunny’s temperaments are vastly different, but their differences complement one another nicely and come into play as the story progresses. Fawn, the protective sister, always watches for Bunny’s safety. When Bunny finds herself stuck, Fawn is nearby to give her sister some helpful advice: take a deep breath and stay calm. When Bunny gets too close to a coiled-up snake, Bunny recalls and enacts Fawn’s sage advice from the pond incident and avoids getting bitten by the sun-bathing snake! Thank goodness! 

As the sky darkens and a storm brews, Bunny and Fawn choose to take shelter. Wise choice! They have ridden out other storms in this very log, but this one appeared to be worse than all of the past. Globally, natural disasters are happening more frequently. More tornadoes and floods are ravaging the states this storm season. Fawn and Bunny faced what many children and their families face every year. Often several times a year! The poor animals had to make a hard decision while the thunderstorm was still barreling down on them: leave the only home they’ve ever known and seek studier shelter or stay in harm’s way. They said goodbye to their broken home. 

Every storm season, the news covers all the homes severely damaged or lost to natural disasters. Families of all sizes must start anew, and even animals must find new homes. Fawn and Bunny had the misfortune to lose the only home they’ve ever known, but worse than that, they lost each other for a time in the storm, too. Thankfully, the two siblings safely found their way back to each other. Unharmed, too!

The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn is a relatable, lovely story that shows that “home” is any place where the ones you love are. I loved the message that families come in all shapes and sizes. It’s true that family members can be biologically related, adopted, or fostered, or you can recognize someone you are very close to as your sister, brother, uncle, and so forth. 

Bunny and Fawn were fortunate to find a new home quickly; however, that is only sometimes the case for people in the real world. If your community has been affected by storms, fires, floods, etc., encourage your family to give back to their neighbors, near and far. Also, if your family doesn’t have a disaster plan, now is the time to make one. I would encourage discussing what to do if your family gets separated during a storm or dangerous event.

My recommended reading age is 2-8-year-olds.  

 

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

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Meet the Author

Having pursued an education in Architecture, and a career in construction-related fields, Mike is not your typical children’s book author. The concept for this book began as a joke, but transformed into an exciting journey. He’s excited to continue writing in the future.

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Deadpool and Wolverine (3 Comic Book Spotlight)

 Deadpool and Wolverine’s movie is out! Hooray! 

Go watch the movie, but first…order these comics! 

 

Uncover the wiles and insights of the Merc with a Mouth in this lavishly presented collection of Deadpool’s best, worst and frankly outrageous moments from his comic book history.

Deadpool: a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a frankfurter skin suit. Even he doesn’t know what the *?@$ is going on in his brain! In this little guide to everyone’s favorite mercenary, discover what makes the katana-wielding, gun-toting, insult-firing anti-hero tick, or maybe more accurately in his case, tock.

With a collection of the greatest comic book covers, scenes we love to remember (or forget, depending on your disposition), and the musings of our morally confused comrade, there’s sure to be some wisdom gained from the ravings of a psychotic killer who cracks wise more than a comedian on Prozac.

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Wolverine. Logan. Weapon X. By any name, Marvel Comic’s savage, brooding antihero is, in his own words, the best at what he does–killing with gratuitous precision. Paradoxically violent yet humane, the beer-swilling, cigar-smoking mutant with retractable claws is universally misjudged in the Marvel Universe yet esteemed by fans worldwide.

The author explores Wolverine’s development from bit character to modern legend over more than four decades, with a focus on his enduring appeal as an allegory for resilience through torment.

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WADE WILSON AND LOGAN AT THE ENDS OF THE EARTH – AND EACH OTHER’S THROATS! The most intensely mismatched team-up in comics and pop culture – the best there is and the merc with the mouth – undergoes a radical change as we kick off a three-part, globe-spanning saga for the ages! The mysterious DELTA believes in change. Change is good. But as he sets his sights on DEADPOOL, and WOLVERINE is caught up in the plot, is the third time really the charm, or the curse? Get ready for WWIII to erupt on the scene with the wildest duo in comics from legends Joe Kelly (DEADPOOL, UNCANNY X-MEN) and Adam Kubert (WOLVERINE, UNCANNY X-MEN)! Rated T+

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Quest For Different: Bucky’s Adventures by GD Sexton (Book Spotlight)

A Quest for Different – Bucky’s Adventures is a heartwarming children’s book that tells the tale of a rare piebald white-tailed deer named Bucky. Bucky embarks on a quest to find someone who is different like him. Along the way, he meets a little girl named Clara, who has and is equally special. The story beautifully illustrates the idea that being different is something to be celebrated and cherished. The vibrant illustrations enhance the storyline, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s library

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Meet the Author

GD Sexton is a musician, singer, songwriter and is half a duo along with JoAnn Durbin.
They are known as DoubleHearts of Doubleheartsmusic.com

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