Tag Archives: animals

Momo Has a Bad Day by Papa Paws (Book Review)

Everyone has bad days – even little puppies! When Momo can’t find a playmate and gets caught in the rain, her spirits are as damp as her fur. But big sister Molly Paws knows just what to do to help turn those storm clouds into sunshine.

This tender tale shows young readers that it’s okay to feel down sometimes, and that family is there to help make things better. Through gentle storytelling and heartwarming illustrations, children will learn that even the gloomiest days can brighten up with a little love and care from those who matter most.

Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers ages 0-5, this comforting story helps little ones understand their emotions and discover that bad days don’t last forever – especially with family by your side.

Each book in The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws® series features:

  • Charming illustrations that capture every emotional moment
  • Age-appropriate storytelling perfect for ages 0-5
  • Real-life situations that children instantly relate to
  • Gentle life lessons woven naturally into each tale
  • True stories that make the messages even more meaningful
  • Opportunities for family bonding and discussion

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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.

 

Have you ever woken up with bad luck appearing to follow you with each step? Has your mood ever soured over unfavorable events or circumstances? This is the case for Momo. The day began with Momo, the cute brown and tan dog, heading outside to play with Robbie the Cardinal, only to find the redbird flying off, too preoccupied to play today. Next, Momo visited Timmy the Squirrel and discovered a sign saying their pal was off looking for nuts. Momo’s bad luck would continue to plague them as rain drenched them from head to paw. The illustration of Momo standing outside the window, watching their sisters sleep soundly in their warm dog’s bed, was so sad. Your heart goes out to the poor, sopping-wet, lonely pup. However, it’s hard to stay sad long when you see both sister pups tucked in with a blanket and stuffed toy. Very cute illustrative pages!

Momo did not stay sad for long, thanks to Molly Paws and their humans. Molly Paws suggested tips and activities to make Momo feel better on bad days. These suggestions are not limited to canines either. They are universal and can be applied by anyone, regardless of age or species. When feeling down, I recommend selecting one or more tips courtesy of Molly Paws. Eat your favorite. Soak in a bubble bath (be cautious of UTIs and delicate skin). Focus on happy thoughts and activities. Snuggle up and take a nap. Play with family or friends. Take deep, calming breaths and let the bad day vibes float away. 

Teachers, ask your students to share ideas or tips on making bad moods vanish. Your class can make a colorful chart like Molly Paws. Parents, read this story with your child(ren) and show them that everyone has bad days, and that’s okay. Encourage them to utilize Molly Paws coping mechanisms or make their own “how to feel better on a bad day” poster board. 

I recommend sharing Momo Has a Bad Day with children up to age 5. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Nicholas J. Nawroth is Papa Paws. He is a dog lover and artist. At age 9, he created his first comic book featuring his dog, Woody, and has been drawing ever since. He has never lost touch with his childlike wonder and love of dogs, which he shares in his stories. In his free time, he enjoys snuggling up on the couch with the family to watch movies.

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Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains by Stacie Green (Book Review)

Kindle is OUT NOW!
Hardcover Releases March 5th!

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a journey into the heart of Appalachian folklore and childhood wonder. In this beautifully illustrated memoir, Stacie Green shares the stories passed down by her grandparents, filled with signs from nature, superstitions, and folklore of creatures that roam the woods. Perfect for young readers ages 7-12 and educators exploring regional culture. This book invites readers to discover the magic hidden in the everyday traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 Kindle is Out NOW – Hardcover Releases March 5, 2025

 

 

 

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

 

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains is an educational story divided into sections, offering insight into the Appalachian people, food, weather predictions, omens and superstitions, deaths and traditions, paranormal encounters, language, and influences/heritage. The writer also included an index and vocabulary section, resource lists, and festivals. But, before they dived into the mountain’s rich history, we learn what or, better yet, who inspired this book’s creation.

The author wrote Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains as a tribute to their grandparent and to preserve the Appalachian history for future generations. In the introduction, readers will discover how far the Appalachian Mountains stretch, its highest point, and which river measures the same length as the mountain range. The author graciously provides a map of thirteen states and details about this wondrous Blue Ridge Mountains. They also share a bit about their maternal grandparents, Howard and Lucy, and parental grandparents, Treva and Raymond. They taught Stacie Green (the writer) about the rich history of the mountains, how to be self-sufficient, and the importance of appreciating the beauty and abundance of nature. You can feel the author’s love for her family and gratitude for their teachings. Love and respect continue to be felt on every page of Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll discover the magic hidden in the everyday traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Uncover the full spectrum of information, starting with what cultures and animals call the mountains home and how people survive on the land. We learn how observing animals and insects signals rain is imminent, expect an early winter, snow is coming, or alerting us about upcoming bad weather. Read and store this section’s helpful info because it can be useful!

Though I enjoyed the list and explanations surrounding omens and superstitions, especially those focused on “death,” my favorite sections dealt with the paranormal world—the “otherworldly” creatures that also call the mountain home. The Wampus Cat, half human and half feline, was most fascinating. I had no idea of its theorized origin. The same goes for the Bell Witch Legend. While I wouldn’t like to cross paths with a Wendigo, Mothman, or Dogman, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Brown Mountain lights in North Carolina.

After we unravel the Appalachian language, the author steps back in time and gives us a history lesson on the native people. These factoids would make great conversation starters! For instance, did you know that the making of moonshine can be traced back to the 17th century? This is merely the tip of the iceberg of all the fascinating information you’ll learn and want to share with your family, friends, or students!

The text presentation hit a snag on a few occasions. The (sometimes) extra spacing between letters made a single world appear as two. Occasionally, it looked as if there was an attempt to erase a handwritten letter, but it didn’t entirely erase, leaving behind a wisp of lines. Those minor glitches aside, I highly recommend you read Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll walk away from the story with a new appreciation for Appalachian culture, particularly the Blue Ridge Mountains, which the writer’s family and many others call home.

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

 Kindle is Out NOW – Hardcover Releases March 5, 2025

Reedsy’s Review Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Stacie Green is an author-illustrator based in North Carolina. She has written and illustrated several books featuring monsters including Monsters Need Breaks Too! and Monster Problems A to Z. Her illustrative style is richly colored, full of patterns, and brings nature and folklore together.

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Mom Wombat Says Make War No More by Phyllis Schwartz (Book Review)

In another beautifully illustrated collaboration by author Phyllis Schwartz and artist Siski Kalla, we meet Mom Wombat, known as Mombat to her kids.

Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship.

Try to get along and don’t keep score.
It doesn’t matter who has more toys.
Just have fun, my girls and boys.
Don’t YOU be a bully, not even now and then,
not even to a foe or friend.

The wise Mombat shares plenty of ideas on how to get along with others, whether it’s across the street or across the sea.

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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.

 

Mom Wombat declares, “Make war no more! No more fighting in or outside my door!” “Fighting can hurt your heart and head. Why not make peace instead?” She also states that we should not do or say anything that would cause tempers to get hot. She advises you to use your words and speak through your feelings. We should make friendships, not foes! 

Mom Wombat uses the animals in the forest to illustrate what is bad behavior. The unruly animalistic actions she pointed out can apply to human children, such as don’t pull someone’s hair. It’s never wise to tease or bully or say hurtful things. Mom Wombat also points out creative ways that form positive bonds: invent a cool game, ride bikes with a friend, play music, write a silly song, and share your toys. 

War is happening right now. We can see the impact it’s having worldwide. It affects us on many levels. We must teach children to use words instead of weaponry to communicate their points. Educate them on the proper way to handle conflicts and emotions. If we want a world of peace, then adults must also follow the lessons of Mom Wombat as well. 

“Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship.” It’s a story that I recommend 100%! 

Share Mom Wombat Says Make War No More! with your youngster and help make the world a peaceful place for future generations! Also, try “Mombat’s Soothing, Sharing Shake.” It’s a refreshing, healthy drink with four ingredients, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or (really) any time of the day! It’s also the perfect cooling beverage for parents and children on those hot summer days! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Phyllis Schwartz is a married mother of two, who, after a highly successful career in the TV news business, finally has the time to indulge in and focus on her “civilian” writing. Even as a kid, she kept a diary and wrote little stories and poems, a creative release that continued well into adulthood. She wrote news by day and poetry by night. And despite battling three different types of cancer over more than three decades, she is still filled with energy, joy, and optimism, and she looks forward to writing much more poetry and children’s books in the future. Her writing often centers on what she observes daily: including her friends, husband, and two children, as well as her garden and her beautiful beach town residence in dreamy Encinitas, all providing continued inspiration for her verse.

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FB/Insta: phyllischwartz_author

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Coming Soon

A delightful picture book that teaches kids 15 Spanish, Yiddish, & Japanese words as Yoshi crafts a poem about what bothers them the most!

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

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50 Essential Facts about Climate Change (50 Fabulous Facts) by Gloria Barnett (Book Spotlight)

A great book of facts and images for all readers who are curious about their planet. It contains a wealth of information about the problems of Climate Change – and the actions everyone can take to help save life on planet Earth. This book is presented in a way that is easy to understand by readers aged 8 – 18 +.

These essential facts are grouped into FIVE main topics:

What are the problems? Working Together, Who Can Help Us? Individual Activity, and Goals.

The carefully chosen images help to illustrate the information and make it easier to understand.

A book which will stimulate interest in the world young people live in.

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SAMPLE PAGE

 

 

Meet the Author

With a history of teaching exciting science, Gloria is now an award-winning author, international speaker and champion of the ocean environment. Gloria writes adventure/environmental children’s books, both fiction and non-fiction that introduce younger generations to the wonders of the oceans.

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B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet by Henrique Meyer (Book Review)

Embark on a sizzling alphabetical safari with B is for Barbecue! This delightful children’s book serves up a hearty helping of fun, combining the joy of learning letters with the excitement of barbecue and meats. Each letter of the alphabet is celebrated with a whimsical poem that introduces young readers to barbecue-related terms-from A for Angus to Z for Zebra. The vibrant two-page spread illustrations burst with color and flavor, capturing the imagination and taste buds alike.

Perfect for little foodies and aspiring grill masters, this book not only teaches the ABCs but also kindles a love for cooking and outdoor gatherings. The rhythmic poems and captivating artwork make each page turn a new experience, keeping children engaged and eager to learn. Whether read aloud at family cookouts or enjoyed during cozy bedtime routines, B is for Barbecue is sure to become a cherished favorite that brings smiles and appetites together.

 

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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.

 

Barbecue is a popular cuisine that involves cooking food over a live fire or smoke, typically outdoors. Barbecue, also known as BBQ and barbeque, can refer to the cooking method or a gathering of people where BBQ foods are the main course. B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet mainly focuses on meats you’d prepare using a grill or smoke, but it doesn’t limit itself to just those. The writer shares vegetables, like zucchini, can also be prepared on a grill. But for many of us, when we think of barbecuing, common foods spring to mind: steaks, burgers, ribs, and hot dogs. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet uses poetry to introduce readers to barbecue-related terms, beginning with A for Angus and ending with Z for Zucchini and Zebra. As I peered at the vibrant and charming cover, I asked myself what barbecue-themed foods or meats begin with N, U, X, and Y. Now I know! Thanks to the creative prose, I have a better understanding of two Japanese grilled foods, too. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is more than a book that teaches kids their ABCs. It’s a celebration of food, family, friends, and memories shared over a meal. The rhyming lines are cute as can be, but sometimes the flow is interrupted with a word kids might pronounce incorrectly or baffled at its meaning. Take “confit,” for instance. Kids might pronounce kän fit instead of känˈfē. Kids and adults might not know that confit is a French cooking technique that involves slowly cooking food in fat at a low temperature to preserve it. 

 

Amazon has the book listed for kids up to age 8, making it a versatile learning tool for a wide range of children. The bold, beautiful, colorful pages will delight babies and toddlers. Preschoolers and kindergarteners will also love the illustrations and creative ways of learning their letters. Kids between ages 6 and 8 can use this book to strengthen their reading skills. It’s a great mixture of easy and complex words, ensuring that it’s engaging and beneficial for all. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is perfect for any household that loves to cook or eat BBQ foods. The short poems and adorable artwork will enlighten and entertain kids and adults. Everyone will walk away learning at least one new fact centering on a specific meat or BBQ item. For me, it was yakitori. Read the book to gain insight into Japanese food.

 

Make reading this story a part of your next BBQ event! 

 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Henrique Meyer, born in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and raised in Florida, is a software engineer and technology consultant residing in Fort Lauderdale. Henrique enjoys spending time with his children, barbecuing, fishing, and traveling.

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