Tag Archives: friendships

Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship by Phyllis Schwartz (Book Review)

Yoshi wants a pet so badly she befriends some backyard critters who aren’t likely to get along and brings them into her circle of family and
friends for fun and frolic.

She aces a school writing assignment in the process by telling the tale in a poem that uses words from all over the world.

LAGGIE AND GRILLO: AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP not only helps children think about the responsibilities of keeping a pet, but also about the importance of helping opposites get along. It’s a multicultural friendship story so full of rhyming fun you’ll want to be a part of it!

 

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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.

 

Yoshi has been assigned to write a poem revolving around something that is bothering them. Their teacher wants them to use a few words from different cultures. Since Yoshi’s dad is Japanese and her mom is Jewish, the little girl understands Japanese and Yiddish and plans to work both languages into the verses. She also plans to incorporate Spanish words, which she learned living in San Diego, a city close to Mexico.

As Yoshi held her pencil to the paper, she knew exactly what she would write about— how her parents wouldn’t let her have a pet. The first stanza starts with Yoshi sharing her mom’s frustration over being asked about getting a pet. Based on the parents’ reaction, I sense it was not the first time the mother heard the request. She warned Yoshi to stop bugging her about it, or Yoshi wouldn’t be playing with her friends today. Yoshi didn’t understand why she couldn’t play with a cute un perrito (Spanish for dog) instead of her Japanese doll (Ningyo). Upset by her mom’s response, Yoshi kicked a garden elf (gnome) over and moped around the yard. It was during her moping session that a quick lizard zipped by. She thought if I couldn’t have a dog, she would adopt the lizard as her pet.

Laggie, the little garden lizard, was a low-maintenance pet; it nibbled on insects in Yoshi’s yard. However, there was one insect that Yoshi preferred that Laggie didn’t dine on: the cute cricket or Grillo in Spanish. That night, she took it inside her house to ensure the Lagartigo (Spanish for a small lizard) didn’t make Grillo their next un bocadillo (Spanish for a snack). The illustration showing wide-eyed and frazzled Yoshi surrounded by numerous “chirp” words was hilarious. Many people lose sleep to similar unwanted outdoor guests every spring and summer, so many of us can most definitely feel her pain!

Yoshi could’ve taken Grillo outside and let nature take its course, but instead, she built her two new friends their very own homes. How sweet, and I love the drawings! These two unlikeliest of friends made beautiful music together…literally because she instructed them to create a “Best Friend” song. Funny and cute!

Did Yoshi’s poem change her mom’s mind about having an indoor pet? Did it earn a perfect score? To find out, be sure to read the book’s conclusion. And don’t miss the final pages, where you’ll find a glossary of all the Spanish, Yiddish, and Japanese words used in the story, their definitions, and their punctuation. Plus, the author has included the Inari Sushi Recipe, a simple and delicious dish that young kids can help an adult make for lunch or dinner!

Laggie and Grillo: An Unlikely Friendship is more than just a delightful picture book. It’s a valuable educational tool that introduces children to several Spanish, Yiddish, and Japanese words. As Yoshi crafts her poem, readers are not only entertained but also enriched with new words and their meanings.

My suggested reading age is 4 years and up.

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

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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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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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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.

Website Link

FB/Insta: phyllischwartz_author

LinkedIn Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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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Bear’s Sick Day: A Story of Caring and Friendship by Hong Lee (Book Spotlight)

Winner of the 2024 Golden Wizard Book Prize

 

In Bear’s Sick Day, we explore the comforting power of friendship through Bunny’s visit to her friend Bear, who isn’t feeling well. Despite Bear’s reluctance, fearing Bunny might also fall ill, the day unfolds with gentle care and shared joy:

  • Bunny makes warm tea to soothe Bear’s aches.
  • Together, they read a story, listen to uplifting music, and play Bear’s favorite game of Jenga.
  • Laughter and fun ensue, proving that a little compassion goes a long way.

A simple yet touching story, this book illuminates the importance of caring for others and the positive impact it can have.

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Praise for Bear’s Sick Day

“This charming narrative encourages children to understand the importance of empathy and kindness, reminding them that sometimes simply being there for someone in need can make all the difference. Hong Lee perfectly presents this message in a way that children will understand, with adorable animal characters and an engaging story. The colorful illustrations will grab children’s attention and draw them into the story. The words are enclosed in text boxes, making them easy to read and accessible to youngsters with reading difficulties.”

– Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review

 

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Meet the Author

Hong Lee’s passion for writing children’s books began when she started reading to her son. She is captivated by children’s picture books’ whimsical and imaginative nature. Beyond writing, Hong enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family. Her debut book, “Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Tale of Kindness and Friendship,” reflects her dedication to storytelling and her commitment to fostering strong morals in young readers. Hong currently resides in Oklahoma with her husband and son.

 

 

 

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Nortis Learns A Lesson by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

In Nortis Learns A Lesson, Nortis and his friends are always up for a good laugh, but their latest prank with the school lunch goes too far when it leaves everyone feeling sick. What starts as a harmless joke quickly spirals into a serious situation, and the group finds themselves facing the unexpected consequences of their actions.

As Nortis watches his classmates suffer, he begins to realize that some jokes aren’t funny when people get hurt. Guided by their teachers, parents, and a bit of their own conscience, Nortis and his friends learn about taking responsibility, making amends, and understanding the impact of their choices.

This engaging story teaches young readers about accountability, the importance of thinking before acting, and how mistakes can be turned into valuable lessons. Nortis Learns A Lesson is a heartfelt journey of growth, friendship, and learning to make things right.

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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.

 

Nortis, Porjan, and Jun were best friends and loved playing pranks on their teachers and classmates. One day, their prank went horribly wrong. When they poured salt into the soup, vinegar into the milk, and ketchup into the juice, they thought their mischievous acts would create many laughs. They were very wrong. No one was laughing; they were all mad and confused and wanted answers. So did the principal. 

April’s Fools centers around practically jokes or tricks. People expect a day to be filled with harmless fun. Harmless being the keyword here. The principal was correct when he said whoever tampered with the cafeteria items wasted a lot of food and money. They disrespected the school, staff, and classmates. 

The three friends felt immense guilt for what they did. They honestly meant no harm. We all mess up in life, but how we handle our mistakes shows our true character. Do you hide from the truth or fess up to your mistakes and make amends? Guilt ate at Nortis, Porjan, and Jun. They knew they’d get in trouble for the harm they caused, but owning up to the prank was the right move. 

The principal deeply appreciated the trio’s apology because he knew they were sincerely sorry for the harm they caused. He respected their honesty and their willingness to right their wrong. 

Nortis, Porjan, and Jun learned powerful lessons that day. For one, they realized that there were safer ways to make someone laugh or smile. They also learned the importance of telling the truth. In doing so, they DID NOT lose the principal’s trust in them. Finally, they understood the need to make amends and fix your mistakes. 

Nortis Learns a Lesson is a wonderful book that teaches kids the importance of doing what’s right and being respectful toward others and their property! It also highlights the importance of facing your mistakes. I recommend sharing this story with your child, preferably two years and up.

 

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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