Tag Archives: laughter

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

(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.

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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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November 7, 2022 · 7:00 am

165 Ridiculously Absurd Questions and Statements: Creating Laughter and Fun Moments with Yourself and Others by J.T. Newcomb (Book Review)

This book may literally be the only comedy book of its kind in terms of the comedic topic and approach! It can work like a social game where friends and family take turns reading one of the 165 comedic bits to each other. The sheer randomness of what might be read makes it all the more fun!

What’s included in this work of comedy:

  • 165 brief comedic items that may be statements, questions, or a mixture of both.
  • A unique voice in humor that may not have existed until this book.
  • A fun dose of unpredictability due to how utterly random each item is.
  • A book that can be used as a game where friends and family take turns reading the comedic items from the list to each other.
  • Comedy that completely avoids any raunchiness and vulgarity that comedy often has.

Enjoy clean, comedic absurdity just for yourself or to enhance a social gathering of any number (but get a microphone for very large groups)! Discover a fresh experience of humor that is likely to get a variety of reactions to keep things interesting!

If you want to lay hold of this unique work of comedy to create laughter for yourself and others, click the “Buy” button and enjoy!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

165 Ridiculously Absurd Questions and Statements Creating Laughter and Fun Moments with Yourself and Others offers brief comedic items that may be statements, questions, or a mixture of both. 

Some of J.T. Newcomb’s statements were quite amusing. For instance, number twelve, “If I woke up one day with actual octopus tentacles instead of arms, I would wonder why I only had two and not the usual eight.” I’m unsure if I wonder or ponder the number so much as I would freak out that I now have tentacles. On number 13, the author wrote, “If your name is Jim and you promote going to the gym, wouldn’t people think you’re a bit bias?” The author was not suggesting naming a gym “Jim,” but I thought it was a funny coincidence I recently had a discussion about homophones and these particular words.

Number twenty-seven states, “Sharks are mean.” Maybe they are just hangry. I would suggest offering them a Snickers, but I doubt that’ll fix their issue. Plus, do you want to get your hand that close to a shark’s mouth? 

Do you love dad jokes or puns? Check out number thirty-three! “If you’re a food reviewer writing about a dish comprised of ground beef and okra called Meaty Okra, be careful when describing it as mediocre.” By the way, I shared it with my husband, who laughed; therefore, this has earned the “dad” stamp of approval. 

So many statements and questions had me rolling my eyes because they were so ridiculous. Which was great; I loved their silliness! The whale and pizza incident, catfishing and cat fishing, shampooing a pigeon, and many more. And to answer the sloth question (#109), yes, it would! (Read the book for the question.)

From a design point of view, I would suggest adding a space or two after each number. Some have the space and so don’t. Also, some readers might like a few images because the inside contents do look a bit plain. 

165 Ridiculously Absurd Questions and Statements Creating Laughter and Fun Moments with Yourself and Others is slightly over twenty pages and contains a whole lot of comedy, making this a book I highly recommend! Perfect for the entire family! 

Review edited on 10/5/22 (Reedsy) 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

About the Author

J.T. Newcomb has had a long history of comedic focus such as in writing songs like the “Good Ol’ Days in the Amniotic Sac” and a song about how cheap rent would be if the roaches paid their share. He’s done stand up comedy and now translates his absurdist style to a book for the first time.

Reedsy Author Link

 

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August 15, 2022 · 7:00 am

Biño and the Triggerfish: The Adventures of a Yorkie by Kate Wessels (Book Review)

Meet Biño, a Yorkie with a big personality.
He loves to travel the world seeking for new adventures.
Biño easily makes friends – but his bold and boastful ways can often get him in trouble.
One rainy day, his owners announce they are heading to a remote, tropical island, that Biño can’t wait to discover.
As it happens, Biño soon learns that a dark shadow hangs over the island paradise, which has the native animals in unrest. A certain fish seems to haunt the waters.
Will Biño be able to bring back peace to the island?

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 a lovely, colorful map of The Island!

Like Biño, I went from living in frigid temperatures to bright, sunny weather 24-7, and it was a remarkable transition. Like the Yorkie, my body was not made for cold weather. 

The new city brought many opportunities to make new doggie friends, which he did daily. Lucky pooch! His owner explained to a neighbor that Biño’s name meant “little bear.” Curious, I searched the meaning of my pet’s name, and it came back as “a simpleton; a dunce.” Ouch! In truth, my furry friend is intelligent. 

Like most canines, Biño loves to play chase even at the most inopportune time. If you have canine friends, you can relate to a dog’s sudden need to run after something. This adventurous streak is a quality that most owners love, including Biño’s. They adored his eagerness to learn and discover new things. They took Biño (almost) everywhere, including on a plane ride. I loved the photo of him looking out the window. Cute! Oh, and the drawing of the pooch running with the knickers in his mouth made me laugh out loud. No shoe, sock, or pair of undies is safe from a dog’s mouth. 

The island was a wonderland, full of new sights, sounds, smells, animals, and places to explore. The family was invited to swim with reef sharks but chose snorkeling along the reef instead. Even though they were skittish to swim with the reef sharks, I liked that the author incorporated ways sharks are helpful into the storyline. People tend to focus on reports of shark bites and forget their contributions to the underwater world. That’s why I love shark week on the Discovery channel. They speak of the dangers and beauty of the apex predators. 

Joe, a storybook character, discusses coral reefs, palm trees, sea levels, and triggerfish. No image was provided in the initial mention of a triggerfish, so I did a quick internet on it. I learned there are 40 species of triggerfish. The fish looked flat in the various photos, which was quite unexpected. Later in the story, the author did have an illustration for the fish. It looked like one of the images I discovered online. Great job capturing its likeness, Anastasia Naryadko. Oh, and to Kate Wessels, the dog and fish (Pablo) conversation was delightful and informative! The chats with Titan Triggerfish were on the suspenseful side. I found each encounter entertaining in different ways. 

The island holds many gems, but it possesses dangers too. Watch out for falling coconuts and the not-so-friendly triggerfish! 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 8 – 12 years. Some words will be unfamiliar to young readers. In fact, I had never heard of décolleté or the sport Boules. From a style and editing perspective, I would add a space between all paragraphs and different characters’ talking points to make things easier to read. 

With all that said, Kate Wessels wrote an exciting book demonstrating what we know about our canine companions: they love to eat human food, are very curious, and manage to find themselves in sticky situations. I can’t wait to read about Biño’s next adventure at the North Pole! 

Review submitted to Reedsy on 8/13/22.

#KamsPlace

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

As an avid reader and traveller, Kate has always loved a good story. With a focus on environmental topics, her books potray a fun and captivating story, while highlighting the challenges of modern times. She lives in Italy with her adorable Yorkie, Biño.
 

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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