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Rika Saves A Cat by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

A story of two sisters from Planet Venesha playing hide and seek in the woods when they hear a strange sound and go to investigate.
They look and find a cat who appears to be all alone and wait for its mother to return.

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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.

 

Rika and her little sister, Jari, live in the northern forest region of the largest planet of the universe: Venesha. Its appearance is vastly different from ours from a distance, but it does possess qualities found in our world: oceans, swamps, rivers, mountains, deserts, and plains. The two children (Jari and Rika) look slightly different from Earthlings, but each play as typical children do. They climb trees, play hide-and-seek, and are curious about the world around them. 

While playing outside with Jari, Rika heard a strange sound, went to investigate, and discovered a scared baby kitten inside a hollowed-out log. Children will love the adorable uni-kitty (orange kitten with yellow horn). They’ll probably yell they want a unicorn-kitty too. I know I wouldn’t mind adopting one! 

Rika and Jari could’ve left the animal to fend for itself, but they didn’t. Instead, they nestled together on the forest floor, waiting patiently for the sweet furbaby’s mother to return. Their patience and kind hearts paid off; momma cat and her baby were reunited, and momma cat was just as cute as her baby! 

Rika Saves a Cat by Lamar and Liana Golden is a sweet, quick read that children will want to read often. The main story is less than 30 pages, with simple text and adorable illustrations. As a family of Star Wars fans, I liked Rika’s Princess Leia hairstyle and her pointy ears (Artist: Veronica Guarino.) 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is baby-10 years. The color palette will capture a baby’s eye; kids of all ages will adore the pictures, while the text will appeal to older children. This short story is perfect for children who are practicing reading alone. 

I encourage you to check out Rika Saves a Cat and the author’s other works. Their stories are wildly creative, with out-of-this-world designs and engaging storylines. 

 

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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Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools by W.T. Kosmos (Book Review)

A divided nation has a ludicrous new hope.

 

Welcome to Island Nation, where powerful knuckleheads have turned schools into battlegrounds between the Puddin’ Heads and Sweeties. Amidst this turmoil, hope emerges in the form of a courageous teen on a mission to lead the nation’s schools. Narrated by a sarcastic teacher, this 2023 Mark Twain Book Award finalist is a “gloriously absurd” adventure (Kirkus Reviews) in the spirit of George Orwell, Douglas Adams, and Terry Pratchett. Dive into a world of social absurdities and laugh-out-loud moments in this sharp, satirical romp through the madness of modern life.

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

 

Our nation is divided. People on the right and left sides of the aisle can’t come together and agree 100% on anything. Their gut reaction to hearing the opposing side draft an idea is to say, “No.” Every day, the U.S. is taking giant steps back. Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools take creative liberties over things that have occurred throughout history. That is happening today! In this chapter book, people are grouped into two categories: Smalls and Bigs. This grouping is related to a person’s hand size. Big-handed people are seen as “lesser than” beings and have more restrictions put upon them. They couldn’t lead anything, such as teams or bands, and had to pay higher school fees. Many BIGS drop out of school over the high fees.

Past or present, we’ve all witnessed people in power make decisions that suit their agendas. Citizens have lost some of their rights because of it. As our next BIG election nears, we could see more of our freedoms vanish. Blaze and Chopper are two teens who are ready to help make change happen in their fictional world. But, like in the real world, change won’t happen if brave individuals don’t stand up for their rights. Blaze and their growing numbers of supporters want the three F’s: freedom, fairness, and fabulous schools. Students, teachers, and parents do not want absurd rules thrust upon them.

What they do want is this: Stop with the book bans. Stop rewriting history. Encourage free thinkers. Executives should not be swimming in cash while middle and lower-class individuals fight to pay medical bills and school fees.

 

Blaze (Puddin’ Head) and Kai (Sweetie) were adversaries, each blaming all their problems on the opposing side. After visiting the five regions and seeing each other’s schools in action, they realized this was not a one-sided problem. It was a universal issue. The narrator quickly learned that there were schools worse off than theirs. Kai, Blaze, and Chopper soon realized that some schools, their curriculum, and their leaders were bat-shit crazy. (Talkin’ like a pirate School Boss J.R. as one example!)

 

Here’s one crazy school scene from each side

Cape Freedom, Puddin’ Head Region 3: Students are forced to eat spicy chips and boosters of varying degrees. Goal: They must handle the heat for one minute without drinking water. The longer they forego liquid assistance, the stronger the immunity from the Sweetie Zombies. An absurd idea, right?! Here’s another: At Sweetie Experimental High School, students are forced to handle extremely hot peppers (like the ghost pepper) with zero protective gear. This school was permanently harming and disfiguring their students. Another absurd idea! (Remember, readers, the author promised absurdity. *smiley face*)

 

Kai, Blaze, and Chopper didn’t have time or resources to tour every school; they agreed that there were good teachers out there, but things still needed to change. For that to happen, they needed cash. The supreme prime minister decided that whoever won the football (aka soccer) game would win the ultimate prize: Noble Deed for each winning team member. Their represented leader would be granted a hefty budget, too. The Sweeties versus Puddin’ game had a very shocking and funny moment. The game’s conflicting results set the stage for what would happen next. Hint: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

 

The author and narrator promised absurdity, and they delivered. I laughed at many scenes and dialogue. I’m going to find a way to include “Moldy fart tart” in a future conversation. While this story is built around absurdities, it does touch upon things in real life: demands to “build a wall,” banning books, political leaders doubling down on lies, and leaders with NO educational degree deciding what should or should not be taught in schools. The characters demonstrate that both sides (red and blue) can come together harmoniously for the betterment of all! Readers, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for change. And remember to work with others instead of butting heads with them. Oh, and thank your lucky stars, you don’t have to play tag like the students had to at Hard Rocks High School.


Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools had comedic moments, but sometimes, the book moved at a snail’s pace. Also, a noogie between friends is done in jest, but Kai and Blaze were not friends and opposite sexes; therefore, I do not think Kai (boy) should’ve given Blaze (girl) a noogie. Some people (I won’t say which side of the aisle) might have issues with kids laying hands on the school boss, causing him to break several bones. Burning of school property might also be a hot-button item for some individuals. 

The recommended reading age for the satirical fiction story is 12-18 years.

 

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

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Meet the Author

W.T. Kosmos is a humorist author and playwright whose works include the award-winning Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools, the Maya and Waggers series, and The Golden One. W.T. Kosmos is the wry alter ego (pen name) of a life-long educator.

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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.

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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.

 

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: 

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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.

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Polar Animals Coloring Book by Jorge (Book Review)

Dive into the frosty wonders of the Icelands with our ‘Polar Animals Coloring Book for Kids Ages 4-8: Featuring Pookie the Penguin and Tushka the Polar Bear.’ This engaging book not only offers a delightful coloring experience but also provides fun educational facts and activities about Arctic Hares, Reindeer, Sea Otters, Arctic Wolves, and Wolverines.

What to expect inside:

• Enjoy 50 individual designs showcasing polar wonders.
• Designs are single-sided, featuring adorable characters like Pookie the Penguin and Tushka the Polar Bear against detailed Arctic backgrounds.
• Learn about polar animals with age-appropriate backgrounds, including icebergs, snowflakes, and igloos.
• Mazes, Shadow Matching, Freehand Drawing, and over 40 fun educational facts about the polar regions.
• Large paper size format tailored for small hands to explore and learn.

This isn’t just a coloring book; it’s an immersive Arctic adventure that enhances your child’s creativity and knowledge. The book includes inspirational messages about friendship and self-esteem, inspired by characters from the award-winning book ‘Pookie and Tushka find a little piano.’

Activities and educational facts about the polar regions and its unique inhabitants will captivate young minds, making this book a perfect gift for young explorers. Order your copy today and let the polar coloring and learning journey begin!

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

 

This coloring book differed from others on the market. The most significant difference I noticed was the cool facts accompanying almost every page. Ex. “Icebergs are like gloating mountains made of ice! Even though we see only a small part above the water, most of the iceberg is hidden below!” Here’s one more “cool fact”: “Arctic hares change the color of their fur from brown in the summer to white in the winter, helping them hide from predators like foxes and owls.”

The cool facts are found on nine get-to-know-the-character pages, such as Vale the Arctic Hare and Pookie the Penguin. They’ll located on the polar matching games, mazes, and drawing pages. Watch your kid get excited as they recognize scenes from the series! 

The 50 individual designs are a perfect activity for days when it’s too cold outside. There are large images with plenty of open space, which would be perfect for toddlers. There are smaller objects requiring precision and double-page coloring scenes. While a toddler could also scribble on these, these coloring pages would be ideal for three years and up. 

Need a break from the cold or screens? I recommend this coloring book and every reading book by their talented creator (Jorge). 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Jorge (or Jorge Antonio Tello Aliaga for short) is a writer and illustrator born and raised in Lima, Perú. He has created books, toys, and apps that have received several awards including a “Children’s Book of the Year” award. His experience includes having worked for Apple, Adobe, Cisco and Oracle.

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As Maya Grows in the Natural World by Patricia Ambinder (Book Spotlight)

As Maya Grows in the Natural World” celebrates the joyful play of a young child and her friends as they discover the wonderful sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and textures in the natural world. Catch a falling leaf that waved goodbye to its tree, wiggling fingers in the squishy and lumpy earth, and dancing to the music of branches that sway as the wind plays are just a few of the book’s experiences for nurturing a child’s love and care for the environment.

Fun prompts and cues encourage outdoor exploration, enhanced by the whimsical and stunning illustrations and poetic phrases. Timeless quotations about nature and its profound impact on children are a wellspring of wisdom for adults to reflect on and share with the reader. The red lotus flower seek and find encourages attention to detail and instills a sense of accomplishment that brings a smile.

Feel the presence of nature’s calm and engage a child’s imagination as a listener, reader, and thinker through the book’s enchanting words and colors.

For budding nature explorers, ages 2-6.

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LINK to My Review

 

 

SAMPLE PAGE

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LINK to My Review

 

 

Meet the Author

A writer of poetry and prose, Patricia Ambinder is a passionate social justice advocate with an avid curiosity to understand the complexities of the human experience. She appreciates the concise eloquence of quotations to nurture imagination and challenge thinking.

For decades, Patricia held leadership positions on boards and councils, offering guidance and enhancing communications to strengthen community engagement on issues such as early childhood education, food security and peace and justice. She is an Honorary Life Member of the Board of Directors of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Patricia and her husband cherish time with their four children and extended family. It was her adored granddaughter Maya’s fascination with leaves and delight in morning nature walks that inspired “As Maya Grows in the Natural World.” Patricia loves watching birds, hearing the rustle of sea grapes and simply being outdoors.

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Happy Holidays!

 

 

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