Tag Archives: aliens

November 11, 2024 · 7:00 am

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: ❤❤❤❤

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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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October 7, 2024 · 7:00 am

Space Elves Defend Their Planet by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure.

In this captivating sci-fi tale, perfect for kids aged 6-9 who love space books, readers will be transported to the far reaches of the cosmos, where brave space elves face an epic battle for freedom and survival.

As fiction books go, “Space Elves Defend Their Planet” by Lamar and Liana Golden is sure to capture the imagination and hearts of young readers with its thrilling storyline and unforgettable characters.

Join Lord Ruffles and his fellow elves of Planet Rain as they stand united against the formidable Lord Droxy of Planet Doom.

With high-stakes battles, daring escapes, and heartwarming moments of camaraderie, this captivating sci-fi adventure is guaranteed to keep young readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

As the elves of Planet Rain learn valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the power of hope, readers will be swept away on a journey through the cosmos unlike any other. Whether they’re seasoned space enthusiasts or new to the genre, kids aged 6-9 will delight in the excitement and wonder of this enthralling tale.

“Space Elves Defend Their Planet” is a must-read for any young adventurer seeking an epic sci-fi experience.

So grab your space helmet and join the adventure today!


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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.

 

War has affected many generations. Innocent people did not ask to be a part of the conflict, but many face its cruelty, the destruction it brings, the lives lost because of it, and the mental or physical harm it leaves behind. Space Elves Defend Their Planet‘s message is this: “War is never an answer to solve problems. People can disagree and argue but fighting only makes things worse. Spend time working together to find solutions that can benefit all life on the planet because war will destroy everything.”

Lord Droxy, the elf leader on Planet Doom, wanted to expand his reign, setting his sights on Planet Rain. The power-hungry elf gave Lord Ruffles 6 days to surrender and become part of Planet Doom, or else there would be war. This ultimatum is not unheard of and is the root of many wars, past and present. Lord Ruffles, the elf ruler of Planet Rain, knew that if he couldn’t reason with the tyrant, his planet would have to fight for their freedom. Lord Droxy reacted in true dictator form – it’s either his way or prepare to face his wrath. 

Lord Ruffles knew this was a battle his planet couldn’t face alone; they needed reinforcements and help from neighboring planets. I loved the inclusion of the Space Federation. It gave me Star Trek vibes! 

The Space Federation’s council acted in the same manner NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Its fundamental goal is to safeguard the members’ (countries’) freedom and security by political and military means. The council, like the space one in the sci-fi story, votes on whether or not to offer aid to those not a part of the organization. Did the Space Federation provide military assistance to Lord Ruffles and Planet? Read the story and find out! 

Though Space Elves Defend Their Planet is a purely fictional read, there are elements that people in the real world face daily. Homes lost, lives lost, relocating to a safer country, and things we cherish are buried under rumble or turned to ash. I agree with the author’s plea: “Let’s all work together to find a peaceful solution and end all wars.”

The wonderfully written and illustrative sci-fi book accurately demonstrates war’s ripple effect on the world, so let’s encourage children to use their words instead of fists or other weaponry. 

I recommend Space Elves Defend Their Planet to children ages 5-10.

 

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 9, 2023 · 7:00 am

P.E.T.R.A. The Little Earth Rover From Mars by Trevor Allan (Book Review)

A 24 page illustrated children’s book. Scientists on earth send a rover to Mars to collect some specimens.

Meanwhile a little Mars rover travels to Earth to collect items that might prove Martians once lived there.

The story with fun illustrations, also explains why we sometimes lose things and don’t know where they have gone.

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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.

 

In real life, on November 26, 2011, NASA scientists sent a rover (Curiosity) to Mars to discover if the planet ever possessed the proper environmental conditions to support small life forms called microbes. This burning question has the rover exploring and collecting rock, soil, and air samples. That mission was real; what occurred in this children’s book is loosely based on those events.

As Earth’s rover was roaming and analyzing the terrain in this fictional children’s book, P.E.T.R.A. (Pink. Extra. Terrestrial. Roving. Accumulator.) was embarking on a mission for their home planet: Mars. P.E.T.R.A. arrived as a streak of light in the night sky. Its arrival did not go unnoticed, but the McKay family had no idea what landed in their yard. Grandpa and Dad set the unidentified flying object on the hall table and went to bed, unaware of what would occur. As the family slept, P.E.T.R.A. changed from a stationary pink “egg” to a walking pink “egg.” It had two eyes, a mouth, green objects posing as ears, mechanical arms and legs, and sprouts of yellow hair. It was an adorable extraterrestrial being. Maybe even cuter than the notorious E.T.

P.E.T.R.A. went room to room, collecting items that would prove (Mars) Martians once called Earth home. Children will giggle at one bedside piece of “evidence” P.E.T.R.A. took back to Mars and presented to her superiors. They will probably snicker at the key item that gave the aliens hope that Earth housed some of their relatives. 

I recommend sharing this family or class. Its plotline is packed with humor, and the illustrations will have you smiling. It creates opportunities to discuss the possibility of alien life. Ask your child if they believe aliens have ever visited Earth or if they think aliens might be calling another planet home. Ask your child to design their own extraterrestrial visitor.  

At only twenty-four pages, P.E.T.R.A. The Little Earth Rover From Mars is a quick read, perfect for preschoolers and elementary students. 


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

Order through Author’s Website

 


Meet the Author

I am a self taught illustrator, cartoonist and was published as an illustrator for ‘Poppa McPhee gets the eggs” by John Parker, published by Scholastic NZ. I have been a cartoonist for magazines and newspapers. I am now retired and have time to publish five children’s books.    Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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April 2, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Cootie Wars: Rise of the Germaphobes by Kofi Houston (Book Review)

Dr. Cooties, genius scientist and son of Emperor Ivan Von Cooties, leads the Ickyonian Empire in their quest to spread the cootie virus throughout the universe. As he and his Legion of Ickyness set their sights on Earth, can the Germaphobes rise in time to stop them, or will they succumb to his evil schemes? Brace yourselves for the beginning of the incredible journey of the Germaphobes led by Max and Corbin as they discover the universe is much bigger than they thought and whether or not they can trust the new girl, Aja. Who is she and what secrets is she hiding?

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

 

We knew cooties as this fictional germ passed from one gender to another. You didn’t dare catch the cooties, but if you did catch them, you knew you better get the antidote (the cootie shot) asap. 

Imagine if cooties were real and they destroyed planets. The Cootie Wars: Rise of the Germaphobes revolved around Dr. Cooties, his witch sister (Endora) henchmen, and Cootie Troopers that intend to spread cooties around the universe, destroying each planet they infect. Dr. Cooties’s sights are now firmly set on Earth and, more precisely, The Living Waters. 

The villains from Ickyonia have the most unique and humorous names: Paste Eater, Sweet Tooth, Captain Faltulence, and Snot Shot, to name only a few. How they received their name coincides with their funny name. For instance, Snot Shot shoots booger bullets out his nose. It sounds disgusting, but kids will eat it up. (no pun intended) If your child loathes brushing their teeth, taking showers, and cleaning up, they will probably be rooting for Team Ick! 

The Protectors ( team heroes) didn’t have the funniest names except for Kernel Corn. That was cute. They did have excellent fighters whose punches made quite an impact on their opponents. 

So far, the drama mainly occurred in space, but the ending scenes gave clues that Earth better be prepared to fight back sooner rather than later. Dr. Cooties, Endora, and the henchmen might have won the battle, but will they will the war. 

The end credits state that the Germaphobes will return, and I can’t wait to read the sequel. 

I want to see what happens now that we know who are traitors to the Protectors. What becomes of a certain kidnapped human. Now that we know the heritage of an earthling, what does fate have in store for them? Also, what other cootie monsters exist besides the arachnicootie?  BTW: I would love to see an illustration of that 8-legged freak! In fact, I would LOVE to see this book, and future workings, translated into graphic novels! 

The Cootie Wars: Rise of the Germaphobes is perfect for fourth graders and higher. It’s also perfect for adults that are still kids at heart…like me. 

 

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

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Meet the Author 

Deciding to cash in on his fame as an esteemed Young Author’s Award Winner in the Second Grade, Kofi finally released his debut novel, The Cootie Wars: Rise of the Germaphobes, thirty years later. (You can’t rush genius, right?) After working with children for over ten years as a basketball coach and Teacher’s Assistant, he has since moved on to pursue his passion in writing and being the big kid that he is.

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March 20, 2023 · 7:00 am

As Red as a Munka Bean by Kristin T. Dethlefsen (Book Review)

Beings from all over the universe have gathered on Kamim for the yearly Interstellar Beauty Contest. Fifteen-year-old Liam and his best (and only) friend Absalom are there to represent Earth, although they never actually agreed to come. Now Absalom must put his reservations aside and convince the judges of something he doesn’t quite believe himself: that his short, fat, brown body is beautiful.

Liam only has to announce Absalom and translate the other beings’ sign language for him, a simple enough task for a deaf boy. But when he meets pretty Sadie right before the announcement, his mind goes blank and his hands can’t find the right words.

And then there is Topher, the boy who bullies Liam and Absalom on Earth and was accidentally brought to Kamim with them. He is sullen and mean, but he knows how to be cool and confident, two traits which would help Absalom immensely in the contest…

This contemporary fantasy for young adults and tweens is an adventure story about the power of friendship and believing in yourself.

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

Beings from around the universe gather together in an interstellar beauty contest. Liam, Absalom (Sal), and Topher were swept up in a green cloud and transported to Kamim, the host planet, for the extraordinary event. The three boys took everything in stride. They didn’t freak out about the situation. Topher, the class bully, was actually more upset about being mistaken for a girl than being abducted by a little green alien. 

Sal, the chosen contestant for Earth, wasn’t comfortable showing off his body. Fairies forcibly removed his shirt. Topher asks him to jiggle his fat. And he was repeatedly in a state of embarrassment. The aliens thought he was beautiful; he did not. I didn’t particularly appreciate how “fat” was constantly used to describe Sal’s physique. Words hurt. 

Luckily, as the story progressed, Sal became more confident with his body. However, it was a long road to this moment. I was saddened to see Sal body-shamed. I was upset to see how the cops manhandled him. They grossly abused their power. Unfortunately, that display of injustice happens far too frequently in real life. 

They were comedic moments in the story and had spectacular galactical beings with unique and fascinating skills. The aliens came in all shapes and sizes; some nice and some not so much. 

Whether you are on Earth, Kamim, Windshippers, or another planet, we are all different, and those differences shouldn’t divide us; however, they often do. 

Being comfortable in your own skin is hard for many people. 

Standing up to bullies is a challenging feat too. 

Both issues are addressed in As Red as a Munka Bean.

While I am thrilled Sal gained confidence, I would like another outcome for Topher. (Staying vague to avoid spoilers.) In a nutshell, I wanted him to do the right thing. 

This story did have a marvelous blend of hearing and deaf characters. It taught Sal to embrace his size and not let other people’s opinions weigh him down. For that, I recommend this story to teens. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Kristin has always been an avid reader of many kinds of books: young adult, adventure, fantasy, travel, the classics. As with her reading tastes, her novels don’t adhere to just one genre. You’ll find elements of fantasy and contemporary, books for young adults and those for middle grade readers. Travel often figures into her stories as well.

Kristin grew up in a small town in Connecticut and began writing after her daughter was born. She lives in Germany with her family, where she teaches English as a foreign language to adults. To find out more about Kristin and her current projects, take a look at her website: www.dethlefsenbooks.com or follow her on Twitter @dethlefsenbooks

 

 

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