Tag Archives: imagination

August 29, 2024 · 7:00 am

How to Make a Sandwich by Lorena M. Proia (Book Review)

Making a sandwich is fun and easy! And Rae knows just how to do it. The bread is like the parents, it keeps the sandwich safe and happy. The turkey is the love, the lettuce is the fun. But every time Rae adds an ingredient, it disappears, and she soon realizes there is a sandwich-stealing thief intent on eating her creation!

Will Rae ever get to eat her lunch? Suddenly making a sandwich isn’t so easy after all!

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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.

 

Rae has a BIG imagination. With it, she can transform into anything she desires. On Mondays, she’s a budding artist, while Saturdays see her donning the role of a doctor for her stuffed toys. She’s also a scientist on Wednesdays, but today, she’s embracing her culinary skills as a chef. 

Feeling a little hungry, Rae heads to the kitchen with her kitty trailing close behind. I loved how Rae spoke to Nero (the cat) as if the feline understood every word. I do the same thing, and I’m sure many other pet owners do as well. While Nero was super cute, the real showstopper was another pet. Its identity is purposely hidden in this review not to spoil who’s stealing Rae’s sandwich contents. While her dad does snag pickle chips from her, the main bandit’s sorry expression will melt your heart and make you say aw, look at those big, sad eyes.

As Rae makes her sandwich, she compares it to her family. She remarks that the bread is like her parents, each keeping their ‘family’ safe and happy. Rae also draws interesting parallels between turkey, cheese, mayo and pickles and her family dynamic. My daughter does tell a lot of cheesy jokes and makes life interesting, so I agree she is the “cheese” of our sandwich, too! 

After reading the final page, I was left wondering what role did the avocado play in the family. I bet kids will have a theory on this! I also pondered what professions she pretended to play during the rest of the week. I bet your child or class will have input on this topic, too! 

How to Make a Sandwich is a delightful, humorous story that your family will love to read. It might even make your belly growl. After reading it, I recommend you and your kids put on your chef’s hat and make a sandwich together. Be sure to watch for sandwich-stealing furry friends or pickle-loving dads!

I recommend How to Make a Sandwich to children three years and up. It’s a cute story that will make your whole family smile from ear to ear!


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

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Meet the Author

When Lorena graduated with a BFA, she never imagined she’d become an Information Architect. She thought her creativity was lost until she was rescued by an Australian Shepherd named Phebe. How to Make a Sandwich is her first picture book. Find out more at www.lorenaproiabooks.com

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April 26, 2024 · 7:00 am

Astro-pigs 1,2,3! by Michael Lawrence (Book Review)

Three bored pigs dream big when they look to the night sky! How far can these Astro-pig’s imaginations take them?
Astro-pigs 1,2,3! is an adventure story exploring the value of imagination and dreaming big. Bright colorful illustrations and a rhyming text take children along on an adventure to the moon, and back.

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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.

 

Parents can relate to kids complaining that they are bored and wishing for something fun to do. The three bored (not so little) pigs featured in this brightly colored story lay in a patch of mud, wishing they were Astro-pigs. With thoughts of space travel in their heads, they slept, dreaming about out-of-this-world adventures. And, when the piggies opened their eyes, they were suited up and ready to blast off. 

Like in real life, young readers will count from 10 to 1 as the rocket’s inhabitants prepare for departure. The audience will see the three oinkers tethered outside the rocket as they float about in space. Encourage your children or class to jump and bounce as if they are on the moon with the space pigs. Continue the imaginative pretend play as you drive a lunar rover over the rocky terrain of the moon. 

Astro-pigs 1,2,3! is an interactive, fun-filled storybook that encourages pretend play. Its rhyming words would be ideal for beginning readers. Out of every rhyming pair, I found one page where the rhyming word choice missed the mark: farm and warm. They are spelled nearly the same, but their end sounds do not rhyme. Unfortunately, I had to ding the book’s score for the rhyming error. 

Families and classrooms will love watching the three pigs suit up and explore space. This cute story encourages participation using numbers on more than one occasion. Whether your child knows only numbers 1, 2, and 3 or 1 through 10, they’ll love becoming a part of the adventure.  

I recommend sharing this Astro-pigs 1,2,3! with your family or classroom. The bold, colorful images should capture your baby’s eye. Toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary students will also love the illustrations. It would also make a phenomenal choice in reading material for beginning and advanced readers. 

Grab your copy today!

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Early Childhood Educator with 30 plus years in the field of early education. Self-published first picture/storybook in 2006, 10 titles released to date. I get kids. I know what works in a story and what might not. Doesn’t mean I always get it right but my track record has been pretty good so far:)

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April 8, 2024 · 7:00 am

Finding Figgins by Shayna Leib (Book Review)

Figgins is a lonely stuffed animal who feels forgotten by his human friend, Julian. Figgins has a rich, secret life unbeknownst to Julian in which he is a professor, a painter and scuba diver. But when Figgins goes missing, Julian has to venture beyond his comfort zone into an unusual magical world. By retracing Figgins’ steps Julian finds out just who Figgins really is, with a little help from Mrs. Zebrasky’s cats who know all that goes on in their neighborhood.

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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.

 

Unless a child is looking for a book featuring a movie or cartoon character, they’ll scan the covers and select a book that captures their eyes. That means designers must create a cover with bold text, written uniquely, and bright colors. Adding a bit of silliness to the design helps, too. The cover for Finding Figgins checks all three boxes. The hedge-shaped lettering was fun, creative, and definitely unique. The kitties were adorable and funny, especially the scuba diver. It took me a minute to notice the gingerbread cookie holding tight to a leaf. How quickly will others spot the cookie? 

The spectacular illustrations did not stop with the cover; every page spotlighted astounding artistry. Kids will get a kick out of the mouse squeezing hot sauce on a taco, the orange-striped cat chillin’ on the beach under a huge umbrella, and the flying penguins. Those are a small fraction of images that’ll delight readers. There are MANY more! 

As you can see, I was impressed with the artwork; the storyline DID NOT disappoint either. When Julian was a baby, he was gifted a stuffed bear named Figgins. For many years, they were inseparable— best friends. But, much like real children, Julian grew up, and his interests shifted. Figgins decided not to wait for Julian to find time for him, so the bear went out to make his own fun. When the child discovered Figgins had been gone far longer than usual, he went to look for him. Julian saw wondrous things on his adventure: orchards full of colorful crayons, enormous mice, flowers that towered over the boy, talking jack-o-lanterns, and a sugary house that Hansel and Gretel would love to sink their teeth into, etc. Through each stop, Julian learned interesting facts about his friend, Figgins. The revelations prompted Julian to reevaluate his priorities and to make time for his friend. 

Finding Figgins is an adventurous tale centering around a bond formed between a child and their best friend, a stuffed bear. It teaches children to appreciate their friends and make time for them. It was a delightful, adventurous read featuring a unique storyline and outstanding artwork. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-10 years.

 

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

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Meet the Author

Shayna Leib is a multi-media artist who has worked in glass, metal, and ceramic for 30 years. Her work has traveled the globe from the Middle East to Europe and America, and is found in numerous museums, public venues, and worldwide private collections. Having taught glassblowing, sculpture, and drawing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Cal Poly University, she is returning to her 2-dimensional roots with her first book, Finding Figgins which celebrates her affection for the magical, colorful and feline.

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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.

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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.

 

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.

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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.

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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: ❤❤❤❤❤

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.

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