Tag Archives: book review

April 1, 2025 · 7:00 am

Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles: Dynamic Duos by Helene Hovanec (Book Review)

Unleash Your Inner Detective with Word Fun Riddles and Crisscross Puzzles!

Join Puzzle Pooch and puzzle master Helene Hovanec on a journey to solve puzzles and learn new words at the same time! Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles: Dynamic Duos contains 50 puzzles and two books in one:

  • Word fun riddles: Ridiculous riddles full of riddles and jokes. These puzzles are not only fun, but funny, too. Have fun with 25 word fun puzzles from “What do spiders eat with their hamburgers?” and “What would you get if you crossed a ghost and an elephant?” to “When is the ocean friendliest?” Every Word Fun puzzle is based on a ridiculous riddle. You’ll probably laugh [or groan] when you find the answer.

  • Crisscross puzzles: All you need to do is just figure out how to fit all the words listed on the page into the correct spaces in the diagram, based on length and crossing letters. Have fun with 25 crisscross puzzles from “Sew What?” and “Let’s Dance!” to “Exotic Colors” and “Summertime.” Crisscrosses have no clues or numbers. Instead you’ll need to figure out how to fit each word into its own unique space in the diagram.

Find clear instructions on how to complete puzzles, with helpful examples and tips from Puzzle Pooch. You’ll love the puzzles in this book because you can become a WORD DETECTIVE! So grab your pencil and get ready to have a blast!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Get ready to dive into a world of diverse puzzles that will keep you engaged and entertained. From 25-word fun riddles to 25 crisscross puzzles, there’s something for everyone in this book!

 

In the first section of Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles, the author challenges your power of observation by closely examining two words on each line and spotting which letter they do not have in common. For instance, when presented with tirade and tired, you would write down “a.” As gamers jot down the answers in order of descent, the letters will unlock the answers to riddles, like “What has two humps and is found at the North Pole?” or “How did the Vikings contact each other?” I was impressed by the variety of riddles in this first section. I was pleased to see the writer didn’t include ones we’ve heard countless times. Who wants more of the same anyway?! Not me, and I bet you won’t either! I knew a few without looking at the word clues, but I still worked them anyway because I loved solving the mini mysteries to unlock the bigger ones.

If you thought the word fun riddles was easy to solve, things might become more complicated as you enter the world of “Crisscross.” Before the first puzzle (“Supermarkets”), the adorable, oversized glasses-wearing Puzzle Pooch will walk you through how to work the games in Crisscross Puzzles. Players will notice the puzzles resemble crossword puzzles in design, but they are lacking crucial components that we have grown accustomed to: Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles has omitted numbered clues. NO numbers are signaling across or down answers. Instead, this version gives you a word bank, broken down by the number of letters per word, and supplies you with a few letters on the puzzle board to help you on your puzzle journey. “U.S. Cities,” “October 31,” words that contain the letters “ME,” plus 22 more games that will require more thought and time to figure out. If you love a good challenge, this section is for you!

Take Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles with you on a long commute or trip. Solve puzzles on your lunch break. Work the puzzles as you work on your tan. Take it into the bathroom instead of your phone. Solve the riddles and quiz your family; see who can solve the mystery without help.

Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles is an entertaining and educational activity book anyone can work on if they can read and spell. It’s perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, vacations, lunch breaks, and more. So, put down the electronics and sharpen your mind with 50 fun puzzles!

An answer key is included!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
(4.5 stars rounded to 5)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Helene Hovanec has been hooked on puzzles since she was six years old. She is a former elementary school teacher and is the author of more than 60 puzzle books. Helene is the creator of Dynamic DoubleCross and Plus One puzzles and the producer of Puzzles4Kids for King Features.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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January 21, 2025 · 7:00 am

Midnight of the Soul by Nicholas Nawroth (Book Review)

The hours between dreams & death.

The chill of my own grave seeped into my bones as I awake.

Time stands still in this liminal space, a twilight hour of eternity where I find myself suspended between realms of the living and the dead, my past a mystery waiting to be unraveled.

A cryptic raven at one shoulder, an enigmatic angel at the other as a malevolent darkness closes in. Together, they guide me through dangers and dreams, but their secrets cast shadows of doubt in my mind.

With each step, I descend deeper into the labyrinth of the midnight of my soul. To reclaim my life and uncover the truth, I must unlock the powerful magic that lies dormant within me.

But I have to wonder if it’s already too late.

Am I trapped in an endless dream, or am already dead?

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

 

Imagine waking in a grave with no recollection of how you got here, no memories of your past, with only your name fresh on your mind. Anna faced such a fate. She snapped free of a troublesome dream and bolted upright, causing a coin to fall from her “good” eye. A silver coin with strange markings that Anna couldn’t decipher yet and that changes to fit Anna’s dire needs. She questions if she is dead. Readers will ponder this question, too. In the city of the dead, she is not alone. Anna will meet Raven, a mysterious creature who converses with her and becomes her companion as she tries to evade the Darkness Within—an entity that will devour Anna’s soul and drain her of her life, one agonizing molecule at a time, if given the chance.

When we meet the Raven, we are first introduced to auras. Auras play a significant factor in Midnight of the Soul, and, thankfully, the author defined aura and clarified what each color represents—also mentioning that aura colors can intermingle for complex feelings. Besides “reading” people’s auras, Anna relied heavily on her “dead” eye. It didn’t see the world as we did but tingled or burned hot when danger was close or closing in on her. Her “dead” eye would be a commanding tool in her mission to complete her task. 

Each chapter represents an hour Anna spends facing challenges with the Darkness Within inching closer, hell-bent on wiping Anna out of existence. But why? This question will be answered during the twelve-hour journey. But until then, readers will travel with Anna, Raven, and Angel through the depths of purgatory. We will sail on the Ferryman’s vessel and witness what dwells in the water. We will march on the shore and watch in horror as skeleton armies’ arms reach out to rip away Anna’s soul on their way to damnation. We will question who sent Raven and Angel to Anna. Are they friends or foes? Who is “she” that keeps getting referenced? What of Anna’s family?

From the start, I wondered why Anna, who lost all her memories, wasn’t freaked out that she could understand the Raven and converse with it like she would with another human. Why wasn’t she more unnerved by the fact she woke up in a cemetery with one good eye and another that she (from the beginning) labeled as “dead.” I had more questions but voicing them would reveal moments and exchanges that would spoil the story.

Midnight of the Soul featured locations and circumstances that would be phenomenal to see on a big screen, especially the scene where Anna dips her hand into the river Styx. The final showdown between the Darkness Within and Anna would be spectacular to see as well as certain moments featuring Angel and Raven. (Staying vague on purpose). I’m fascinated how the cinematic world would recreate the characters and the kaleidoscope of colors following their every move. The book did lag in several spots, but a key event during each hour kept me turning the page. I was hooked! Plus, I had to know if my suspicions were correct on who “she” was. 

Is Anna locked in a nightmare? Is she dead? Is she stuck in purgatory? Read the novella and prepare to walk through fire AND more as Anna braves the unknown and danger is constantly nipping at her heels. Midnight of the Soul is a twelve-hour journey into the depths of the unknown, facing lost souls, finding the path home, and vowing never to give up while also weaving in elements of mythology. Under 150 pages, this book is perfect for both teens and adults, offering a thrilling adventure for all readers. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
(rounding to four on Amazon and Goodreads)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Drawing from his lifelong fascination with mythology and dreams, Nicholas J. Nawroth weaves a mesmerizing tale that explores the shadows of the human psyche and the otherworldly beings that dwell within. His visual storytelling skills, honed since childhood, breathe life into the ethereal creatures and haunting landscapes that populate his dark fantasy world.

When he’s not crafting stories or art, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and their beloved doggies, who inspired his children’s picture book series, The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws®. 

www.nicholasjnawroth.com

www.papaandpaws.com

 

 

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January 3, 2025 · 7:00 am

Queen of the Mountain by TAK Erzinger (Book Review)

What if you lost someone very important to you and didn’t have anyone around you who understood your feelings?

One summer, a sad woman arrives in a tiny village. A little girl in the village recognizes her sadness.

In this gentle and loving story, a carefree farm girl strikes up an unusual friendship with an interesting foreigner.

Soon they both realize they have a lot in common, even though they have very different lives.

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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.

 

Grief can impact us emotionally, physically, and mentally. It can put a strain on our bodies as well as relationships. Just as grief affects us differently, how we handle the loss differs as well. Some people might isolate themselves as they work to process their loss, while others seek professional guidance. Some people might seek solace through family and friends. Others might need to get away or visit a place that makes them feel connected to the individual(s) they are missing. Recently, the Countess of Kent’s husband, Prince Albert, passed away, so she traveled to a small village to feel closer to her beloved. The countess spends her days staring at the beautiful and picturesque landscape. Sometimes, a local child (Vicky) would observe the older woman resting on the hillside; other times, Vicky would watch the Countess of Kent paint for hours.

Vicky and the countess shared more than the love of the gorgeous scenery surrounding the village. Like the countess, Vicky lost someone close to her: her mother. One day, Vicky left a bouquet for the sad lady at the inn. The darling girl’s thoughtful gesture will touch readers, especially when we learn the flowers came from her mother’s garden and how they reminded the countess of the roses in her locket, a gift from her late husband.

Grief can tear people apart, but it can also draw people together. Sometimes, a bond can form between the unlikeliest people, as with the farm girl and the older woman. As the story progresses, it takes an unexpected turn; the countess shocks Vicky with a surprise revelation, leading to hurt feelings. However, readers won’t have to wait long for apologies to be accepted and bonds reform. It was a beautiful and touching ending.

If you or someone you know is grieving, I strongly recommend sharing this touching story with them. It might serve as a comforting companion in their journey of healing. And, above all else, let them know they are not alone in their grief.

There were some clarity or design issues in the artwork, but I did like the paint-like quality of the work.

My suggested reading age is 2-8 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
(rounded to 4 stars on Amazon and Goodreads)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

TAK Erzinger is an award-winning poet. Her collection At the Foot of the Mountain (Floricanto Press 2021) won the University of Indianapolis Etching Press, Whirling Prize 2021 for best nature poetry book. Erzinger is an American/Swiss poet and artist with a Colombian background.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

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December 26, 2024 · 7:00 am

Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs by P.E. Shadrick (Book Review)

Do you know what happens at night when you sleep? Ladybugs come out to play.

Lisbeth, a lively six-year-old, wakes up one morning to discover a tangled mess in her hair. Her grandmother tells her the story of how a group of playful ladybugs is the cause of all the knots in her hair. Through Grandma’s fanciful story of the ladybugs’ glorious grand gala, Lisbeth learns the lesson of how shared responsibility can be both necessary and fun.

Inspired by the stories of P.E. Shadrick’s own grandmother, this charming story comes to life through the vibrant and dreamy illustrations of artist, Maya Penzlik.

Available in a special extended artwork edition as well as hardcover, paperback and digital editions, this colorful picture book draws children, ages 3 to 6, into an imaginative world of classic storytelling and traditional illustration, certain to delight audiences both young and old.

Join Lisbeth on a whimsical adventure, and get to know her curious and free-spirited ladybug friends.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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 your hair knotted and looking like you put your finger in a light socket? Lisbeth woke her hair resembling a rat’s nest, and her grandma told her she knew exactly who was to blame: ladybugs. You might be puzzled why the grandmother would think this; Lisbeth did. Grandma shares the story of Lana, Lola, Laney, and other ladybugs who like to party in a child’s hair while the kid is asleep. 

It all began one gloomy day when Lola told Lana how she wished the sun was out. Rainy days sometimes bring lightning and thunder, which scare her. Kids and adults can empathize with Lola’s fear of storms. The sudden thunderous booms and the sharp crack of lightning have made me jump several times over the years. Being a good friend, Lana didn’t minimize her friend’s fear. Instead, she suggested they dance because no one can stay sad for too long when they are dancing. I agree! This moment in the book would be a prime time to ask children what other suggestions they’d give Lola to quieten her fears.

After a bit, Lana had another brilliant idea; they suggested throwing a party for all their friends. Readers will meet many partygoers whose names all begin with the same letter: L. Kids will also notice that each ladybug has a unique look thanks to Lorelei’s impressive costume design and sewing skills. I love the retro sewing machine! (Special thanks to the imaginative artistry of Maya Penzlik.)

Ladybugs came to the bash wearing various masks, hats, multi-colored clothes, and make-up. They drank tea, ate tasty treats, and danced to and fro as they held onto streamers. When the party ended, the ladybugs left without cleaning up. Lisbeth connected the streamers to her hair, an imaginative explanation of why some people’s hair is a wild, knotted mess in the mornings. See if your kids can as well before Lisbeth offers her guess. (Three cheers to P.E. Shadrick’s wonderful imagination!)

Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs is a lovely picture book teaching kids the importance of being responsible and having good manners. As Grandma said eloquently, “It’s best to clean the mess you made, but sometimes we must clean up even when we didn’t create the clutter.” Very true!

Grandparents, I recommend sharing Lisbeth and the Littering Ladybugs with your grandkids the next time you get together or when their hair is unruly. Educators and parents: Ask kids to draw a ladybug in a costume for an extension activity. 

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age: 3-6 years.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

From an early age, Atlanta, Georgia-born, P.E. Shadrick was surrounded by masterful storytellers. Carrying forward a shared love of boundless creativity, she pursued opportunities of artistic expression in design and writing, eventually settling into a career in marketing & communications.


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December 16, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of Bronx by Heidi Brooks (Book Review)

Welcome to The Adventures of Bronx,
a wonderful little boy with Down Syndrome…

Through his story, you’ll see that children like Bronx are just like everyone else—full of love, laughter, and dreams. This book celebrates the power of inclusion and reminds us that our differences are what make us unique.

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

 

Bronx is a happy, energetic little boy who enjoys playing dress-up, having fun outside, watching movies, dancing to his favorite tunes, and spending time with his family. Bronx loves bringing smiles to others and offering one back. The pictures of Bronx smiling without his front teeth were cute!

Bronx has one thing that makes him unique: he has Down Syndrome. Kids might wonder what Down Syndrome is. The author (Heidi Brooks) gives an overview of the genetic condition, stating most babies have 46 chromosomes, but children born with Down Syndrome have an extra one. The writer notifies young readers that chromosomes are “one of the things that makes us who we are.” The informative page also shares a strain of DNA and a developing baby.

Bronx has short, chubby fingers and extra wide feet, but that’s just part of his outer shell charm. It might take him a bit longer to learn new things, but we all struggle now and then. Deep down, he is like any other person. When he’s sad, he needs hugs. When he’s happy, he dazzles the world with his beautiful, infectious smile. 

I encourage you to share The Adventure of Bronx with your family or classroom. Teach children to be kind to others and include everyone in  game time. When you see someone with Down Syndrome, take Heidi’s advice and say “hi” to them. If you’re at the park or recess, invite them to play with you. Remember, people with Down Syndrome have feelings just like you, so treat them how you want people to treat you: with kindness and respect.

I loved getting to know Bronx. He was an adorable child who made me want to smile. Well, every photo except for his “I’m sorry,” portrait. That one made me want to hug the darling boy. I liked the inclusion of the real-life snap sort of Gammy and Bronx hugging. (That’s Bronxy to her.) You can tell there is a lot of love in his family! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Heidi Brooks is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose delightful experiences with her grandchildren fuel her passion for writing. With a lifelong love for children’s literature, Heidi is particularly inspired by the whimsical worlds of Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, and Roald Dahl.

Her keen sense of humor allows her to find joy in the everyday antics of her grandchildren, often turning their adventures into tales featuring brave heroes and heroines.

When she’s not writing, Heidi cherishes spending quality time with her family, embarking on countless adventures that spark laughter and inspire her next story. Through her writing, she hopes to capture the magic of childhood and share it with young readers everywhere.

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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