Tag Archives: animals

March 20, 2024 · 7:00 am

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight Sky by Avery Davis (Book Review)

Sunflower Rise in a Midnight Sky is a whimsical picture book which explores a fantastical world where the stuff of dreams becomes reality. Visit a place where purple cows graze beneath marshmallow clouds, where moon-tulips glisten beneath copper-penny stars, and diamond spiders spin snowflakes amid polka-dot roses. Sweet, lyrical verse and dreamy, full-color illustrations will entrance even the busiest of minds, making Sun Flowers Rise in a Midnight Sky a storytime favorite kids will ask for again and again.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

What if what you dreamt at night could come true? That’s the premise behind this lovely, whimsical children’s book. Page after page, we witness a dreamer’s imagination coming alive in vivid detail thanks to the brilliant illustrations by Tang Wei. There’s purple grass turning a cow purple as they grazed. An airplane that’s landed on marshmallow clouds. Hyenas being entertained by Comedian Cool Cat as the feline maintains extraordinary balance while standing on one foot as it plays the violin. Then there’s the world’s largest lollipop that vanishes after a billion licks. Readers will also see fireflies glowing brightly in the belly of an animal and seahorses riding in the boat. 

There were many wonderful and colorful pages, but my favorite dream moment featured straws perched inside strawberries, waiting for slippers to stop by and quench their thirst. Even though I am deathly afraid of spiders, I spent several minutes admiring the diamond spider that spun shimmery snowflakes. It was gorgeous! 

These images and more were not conventional, nor were the text placements. I loved how the words went uphill, downhill, and arched across the page. This feature will delight readers. They’ll enjoy following the text. 

Sunflowers Rise in a Midnight is an explosion of color that will dazzle readers old and young. There is so much to see; you’ll discover something new every time you open the book. I would advise including it in your bedroom routine! 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-18, but the artistry will mesmerize birth through two. Older children will also love the drawings and be open to extension activities surrounding the book’s theme: make your bedtime dreams come true. 

Share Avery Davis’s story with your child or class. Ask if anyone has a dream to share. Please encourage them to bring their dream alive using any art medium. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Avery Davis graduated in Environmental Law. She lives half of the year in Cordova, Alaska as a fisherman’s wife and the other half drying off in the deserts of Utah. She is the mother of three, who love a good bedtime story.

Reedsy Author Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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March 13, 2024 · 7:00 am

Tippie-Doo & Groovin Grandpa by Nyx Nightshade (Book Review)

With TIPPIE, every day is an “ADVENTURE”. His funny little personality makes him a STAR in every way!
Tippie and Grandpa take a car ride to write his first song. The SIRENS suddenly go off, forcing Grandpa to stop. Having a DONKEY in the car, however, was he going to explain this to the OFFICER?

Tippie-Doo knew exactly what to do!

Read more inside…

To receive a FREE, fully narrated book in the kids’ voices, please upload a copy of your receipt/ invoice to www.tippie-doo.com. It will stay with you FOREVER.

In this cautionary tale, Tippie and Grandpa are stopped by a police officer. In this cute story, Tippie learns about responsibility and how his actions affect others. As a result, he learns the importance of honesty. Forgiveness is possible when we are honest. In this book, we can learn how rules are made to ensure everyone’s safety and happiness. When we break rules, there are consequences.

Each book includes a colouring book for a fun, hands-on engagement with the story.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

There is a special bond between grandparents and grandkids. They confide in them. Seek their advice. Share news and accomplishments. Play games or watch television together. The list goes on and on, but one thing is for certain: (most) kids are excited when their grandparent(s) visit. 

If your grandma or pa is like mine, they tend to be more lenient and break rules they would otherwise enforce when their title was “parent.” For example, they might offer dessert before dinner or let their grandkids skip school for a fun activity. Tippie’s grandpa did break a rule when they went for a ride in his Maserati.; he was speeding. 

Officers see many odd-looking things and hear many stories when they pull people over. Seeing a donkey wearing shades while riding shotgun might be a first. Encountering a talking donkey is definitely a first! The officer bounced back from their shock pretty fast. After the initial shock wore off, the officer got back to work. We watch as grandpa is (nearly) issued a ticket for breaking the law. Children will learn that the ticket reminds drivers of the huge responsibility they face when they go behind the wheel.—a fact that kids should learn at a young age so they grow up being careful and law-abiding drivers. 

While road safety is NOT a humorous topic, Tippie’s reaction to the situation will cause you to grin. The illustrations will also make you smile. I think every reader will agree that Tippie and Grandpa looked very cool in the convertible sports car. 

Amazon’s recommended age is 4-10 years: a great age to teach or reinforce that actions have consequences. 


Special note:

The author is offering a FREE, fully narrated book in the kids’ voices. To get this gift, upload a copy of your receipt/ invoice to www.tippie-doo.com. The book’s synopsis on Amazon also states each book includes a coloring book.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

An authority in the cosmetics industry, Nyx Nightshade is a savvy business leader with over three decades of entrepreneurial experience. As the CEO of a global cosmetics distribution company, Nyx brings a wealth of expertise in corporate leadership and international business. Her talent for cultivating partnerships and spearheading innovative initiatives has been instrumental to her company’s growth and success. With an impressive career spanning over 32 years, Nyx has grown into a role in problem-solving, customer relations, strategic thinking, and passion for the beauty industry that will continue to drive her company forward.

Gifted with innate intuition and healing abilities from a young age, Nyx felt a natural calling to care for and rehabilitate horses. In 2016, she welcomed her first rescue horse, Willow, into her home, marking the beginning of a profound journey. Since then, Nyx’s herd has grown to include two Ponies, one Standardbred, two Thoroughbreds, four charming Donkeys, and one spirited  Miniature Horse. Spending quality time studying their mannerisms and bonding with each animal has fully allowed Nyx to appreciate their distinct personalities and quirks.

Nyx welcomed new residents into her heart when she introduced Tippie, Nala, and Jackson to the existing family. Immediately upon meeting the charismatic Tippie, Nyx recognized his star quality. She dedicated countless hours to ensuring the newcomer’s smooth transition, tenderly cradling Tippie and Nala as she read bedtime tales. Little did Nyx know, she would soon begin crafting bedtime stories starring her beloved creatures. Tippie’s curious personality distinguished him from the other animals. He embodied a free soul, a courageous rebel, unafraid of taking chances. Tippie-Doo doesn’t care who you are. He wants to tell you who he is!

As Nyx observed Tippie’s growth over two years, she could envision the antics and adventures awaiting them. Her mind overflowed with possibilities for bringing their stories to life. She could picture all the silly things he did and what they could do in her mind.

Nyx gladly put her heart and soul into her writing. The Adventures Of Tippie-Doo is a passion project she is excited to share with the world. Just like Tippie, “There’s NOTHING you can’t do!”

 

Let’s Connect:

Reedsy Author Link
Instagram Link
Amazon Author Page Link
Facebook Link
TikTok Link
Twitter/X Link
Pinterest Link
YouTube Channel
LinkedIn Link

 

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March 11, 2024 · 7:00 am

Tippie & Nala’s Cleaning Day by Nyx Nightshade (Book Review)

With TIPPIE, everything is always an “ADVENTURE.”
He’s a funny little DONKEY that LOVES to make you LAUGH. You never know what he will THINK of next!
While MAMA is shopping, Tippie and Nala decide to clean the house for her.
Well… you can IMAGINE how that worked out!

Read more inside…

This adventure finds Tippie in a terrible mess while helping Nala clean the house for their mother. By not asking for help, Tippie causes more problems.

This book teaches the importance of teamwork. If you are uncertain about what to do, ask for help rather than handling things alone.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 


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

 

Children are not typically excited to clean up. They would rather eat a plate of Brussels sprouts than tidy up. Parents try every trick to motivate their kids to clean their bedrooms or playroom. They sing clean-up songs, give them a star on a chore chart, or reward them with a toy or treat for a job well done. 

As children grow up, their allowance might revolve around the amount of chores they do or the time spent doing them. They might have a must-have item in mind, like a video game or skateboard. Tippie and Nala have decided to tackle household chores. They weren’t saving up for a cool toy. Nala hopes the thoughtful act will make their Mama happy, and she’ll reward them with extra carrots at dinnertime. 

The two friends didn’t have great success doing chores last time; the house was messier than before they started. Swearing they be more careful this time, Tippie and Nala divided the duties and got to work. Despite good intentions, things quickly went south. Readers will laugh at the bubbles in the laundry room and feathers raining down in the bedroom. 

Anger and raised voices are two common reactions to stepping into a mess, especially one of this magnitude. Tippie cried when being yelled at, and so would many other people in the same situation.. While becoming angry is easy, saying sorry is not. Kids need to understand that words have power: those said in anger and those asking for forgiveness. Nala apologized for yelling, an important moment in the story.

Readers also saw Nala and Tippie learn the importance of teamwork. As the duo tackled the messes, Tippie’s tears were replaced with laughter. When Mama came home, she thanked them for the effort and didn’t yell about the mess. She was proud they tried, which is the important part. 

Messes will happen in life. Things will break. Tempers will want to rise. This story reminds kids (and adults) that getting angry solves nothing; it only makes matters worse. Instead, take a breath. Problem solve a solution. Own up to a mistake and be willing to work as a team to fix what’s broken.

Humorous illustrations. Important lessons learned. This is a must-read for children three years and older. 

 

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

 

 

An authority in the cosmetics industry, Nyx Nightshade is a savvy business leader with over three decades of entrepreneurial experience. As the CEO of a global cosmetics distribution company, Nyx brings a wealth of expertise in corporate leadership and international business. Her talent for cultivating partnerships and spearheading innovative initiatives has been instrumental to her company’s growth and success. With an impressive career spanning over 32 years, Nyx has grown into a role in problem-solving, customer relations, strategic thinking, and passion for the beauty industry that will continue to drive her company forward.

Gifted with innate intuition and healing abilities from a young age, Nyx felt a natural calling to care for and rehabilitate horses. In 2016, she welcomed her first rescue horse, Willow, into her home, marking the beginning of a profound journey. Since then, Nyx’s herd has grown to include two Ponies, one Standardbred, two Thoroughbreds, four charming Donkeys, and one spirited  Miniature Horse. Spending quality time studying their mannerisms and bonding with each animal has fully allowed Nyx to appreciate their distinct personalities and quirks.

Nyx welcomed new residents into her heart when she introduced Tippie, Nala, and Jackson to the existing family. Immediately upon meeting the charismatic Tippie, Nyx recognized his star quality. She dedicated countless hours to ensuring the newcomer’s smooth transition, tenderly cradling Tippie and Nala as she read bedtime tales. Little did Nyx know, she would soon begin crafting bedtime stories starring her beloved creatures. Tippie’s curious personality distinguished him from the other animals. He embodied a free soul, a courageous rebel, unafraid of taking chances. Tippie-Doo doesn’t care who you are. He wants to tell you who he is!

As Nyx observed Tippie’s growth over two years, she could envision the antics and adventures awaiting them. Her mind overflowed with possibilities for bringing their stories to life. She could picture all the silly things he did and what they could do in her mind.

Nyx gladly put her heart and soul into her writing. The Adventures Of Tippie-Doo is a passion project she is excited to share with the world. Just like Tippie, “There’s NOTHING you can’t do!”

 

Let’s Connect:

Reedsy Author Link
Instagram Link
Amazon Author Page Link
Facebook Link
TikTok Link
Twitter/X Link
Pinterest Link
YouTube Channel
LinkedIn Link

 

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March 8, 2024 · 7:00 am

Tippie-Doo Mama Always Has The Last Laugh by Nyx Nightshade (Book Review)

With TIPPIE, everything is always an “ADVENTURE.”
He’s a funny little DONKEY that LOVES playing TRICKS and is
always very CURIOUS.
Tippie and Daisy try to play a trick on MAMA this time, but…. things don’t go quite as planned!
Read more inside…

Based on a true story.

In The Adventures Of Tippie-Doo, a silly little donkey discovers the world around him. This is a true story about mischievous donkeys who like to play tricks on their mama.

Sharing and thinking of others are key life lessons taught in the book.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Tippie (Tippie-Doo) and her siblings are mischievous donkeys who love to play tricks on their (human) mom. Tippie-Doo Mama Always Has The Last Laugh is a true account of the one instance when Tippie’s prank didn’t go as planned. 

Carrots are a favorite snack item for donkeys, so when Daisy-Doo and Tippie-Doo saw Mama carrying a bag of carrots, they had the same idea: get the bag and hide the loot! Tippie-Doo’s mental blueprint plan reminded me of classic Looney Tune cartoons. The drawn-out plan looks sound, but you know it’s doomed to fail at some point. And when it does, you’ll be laughing!

Readers will giggle as Daisy-Doo zooms across the pen, a lunch bag dangling from her mouth, as their Mama chases after them. They might also snicker watching the human and donkey play tug of war with the sandwich. I bet readers will pick a side in the food battle: Team Donkey or Team Mama! Whichever side they choose to win, young listeners might be shocked to discover it was all for naught. While Daisy and Tippie were playing a trick on their Mama, behind-the-scene trickery was also happening to them. Before reading the conclusion, ask your child or class who they believe nabbed the carrots from Daisy and Tippie. 

Through comedic text and imagery, Tippie-Doo Mama Always Has The Last Laugh teaches children that not everyone loves being tricked, and sometimes, a trick can backfire on you. It also stresses the importance of sharing and having patience. 

Pictures, storyline, plot, and resolution: Every aspect blended and complimented each other quite nicely. However, the last line didn’t read like a finale to a story. I read it over multiple times, and it still felt off. I wanted the donkeys to say “I love you” back. Other than that, I found no issues with the laugh-out-loud book and highly recommend you to share it with your own trickster.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 4-10 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

An authority in the cosmetics industry, Nyx Nightshade is a savvy business leader with over three decades of entrepreneurial experience. As the CEO of a global cosmetics distribution company, Nyx brings a wealth of expertise in corporate leadership and international business. Her talent for cultivating partnerships and spearheading innovative initiatives has been instrumental to her company’s growth and success. With an impressive career spanning over 32 years, Nyx has grown into a role in problem-solving, customer relations, strategic thinking, and passion for the beauty industry that will continue to drive her company forward.

Gifted with innate intuition and healing abilities from a young age, Nyx felt a natural calling to care for and rehabilitate horses. In 2016, she welcomed her first rescue horse, Willow, into her home, marking the beginning of a profound journey. Since then, Nyx’s herd has grown to include two Ponies, one Standardbred, two Thoroughbreds, four charming Donkeys, and one spirited  Miniature Horse. Spending quality time studying their mannerisms and bonding with each animal has fully allowed Nyx to appreciate their distinct personalities and quirks.

Nyx welcomed new residents into her heart when she introduced Tippie, Nala, and Jackson to the existing family. Immediately upon meeting the charismatic Tippie, Nyx recognized his star quality. She dedicated countless hours to ensuring the newcomer’s smooth transition, tenderly cradling Tippie and Nala as she read bedtime tales. Little did Nyx know, she would soon begin crafting bedtime stories starring her beloved creatures. Tippie’s curious personality distinguished him from the other animals. He embodied a free soul, a courageous rebel, unafraid of taking chances. Tippie-Doo doesn’t care who you are. He wants to tell you who he is!

As Nyx observed Tippie’s growth over two years, she could envision the antics and adventures awaiting them. Her mind overflowed with possibilities for bringing their stories to life. She could picture all the silly things he did and what they could do in her mind.

Nyx gladly put her heart and soul into her writing. The Adventures Of Tippie-Doo is a passion project she is excited to share with the world. Just like Tippie, “There’s NOTHING you can’t do!”

 

Let’s Connect:

Reedsy Author Link
Instagram Link
Amazon Author Page Link
Facebook Link
TikTok Link
Twitter/X Link
Pinterest Link
YouTube Channel
LinkedIn Link

 

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March 4, 2024 · 7:00 am

Ritter and Coco’s Rainy Day by Kierra Mohr (Book Review)

Rain or shine, the best adventures are shared with a friend!

The anticipation of a fun-filled picnic day at the park is shattered when unexpected rain dampens Ritter and Coco’s plans. However, the two friends quickly turn disappointment into an opportunity for creativity and imagination. With the guidance of Coco’s mother, the children start their day filled with indoor adventures- creating a blanket fort, playing with trucks, and enjoying each other’s company.

They become so busy playing and imagining, they don’t even realize that the storm outside has cleared, revealing a bright, blue sky. Through their resilience and positive outlook, Ritter and Coco learn that the joy of spending time with a friend can turn even a rainy day into one of the best days of the year.

Ritter and Coco’s Rainy Day, wonderfully illustrated and written in rhymes, provides a valuable lesson for young readers about adapting to change and finding joy in unexpected moments.

Get your copy today and help your little ones navigate their emotions and learn to deal with change positively in this brightly illustrated, rhyming story of friendship. Perfect for ages 2-5.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Weather affects all of our daily activities. We might hit the beach, visit an amusement park, or head to the park when it’s nice and sunny. On snow days, children often build snowmen, sledding, or engage in an epic snowball fight. It’s typical for people to plan or schedule their day based on the meteorologist’s forecast. But what happens when the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse? That’s precisely what happened in this storybook. 

Ritter and Coco have their whole day planned out: play at the park and enjoy goodies from their picnic basket. However, their plans went up in smoke when an unexpected storm rolled in. They were rightfully disappointed. They didn’t understand why it was storming when the forecast signaled clear skies. As your child reads or listens to the story, they might question how or why the weather changes so quickly. Depending on your child’s age, they might ask what “forecasted” means. Take this an opportunity to expand your child’s vocabulary!

Coco and Ritter were visibly upset by the sudden storm with due reason. Instead of crying, sulking, or becoming angry, the duo took this as an opportunity to have fun indoors. I loved how they took a negative and made it a positive. I loved how they both contributed ideas to the things to do now and things to do later list. 

Ritter and Coco could’ve allowed their feelings to match the weather outside. They could’ve let the darkened skies and pouring rain ruin their day. But they didn’t! The friends’ attitude made them great role models for young readers!

I recommend Ritter and Coco’s Rainy Day to children six years and under. It presents a positive message and encourages children to look on the bright side of life! Plus, the illustrations are fantastic, too! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Kierra is a children’s author and registered nurse who loves the amount of creativity and use of imagination writing books brings her. She’s always had a passion for creative arts and helping children learn, grow, and develop through song, dance, literature, and play. Mama, wife, Christ follower.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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