Tag Archives: magic

Joey Meets the Tooth Fairy by Tannia Ortiz-Lopes (Book Review)

Hi! My name is Joey. I am eight years old and have a secret: I’m a late-toothed. (shhh). One day, my secret was revealed, and all my friends made fun of me. I was hurt! When I got home, I was upset and complained to Mom. So that night, while tucking me in bed, my dad told me the story of the Tooth Fairy. I was fascinated and wished I could travel to the castle to meet her. Do you want to know if I visited the Tooth Fairy?

To learn more about Joey and the Tooth Fairy, visit his website.

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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.

 

Kids love it when they get a visit from the Tooth Fairy because it typically means the magical person will leave money in place of their lost tooth. That’s why, when a child’s baby tooth starts to wiggle, they push and pull on it, ready for it to pop out. Even though every child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, not every child will lose them at the same time. This is the case of eight-year-old Joey. Unlike his friends, Joey had not lost a single tooth yet. Instead of his friends reassuring him that he’ll probably lose one soon, they laughed at him. This situation provides a valuable opportunity for your young listeners to discuss appropriate responses to teasing and how mocking laughter can hurt as much as harsh words.

Are your kids at an age where they are questioning how the Tooth Fairy has time to gather up all the teeth every night? Joey Meets the Tooth Fairy takes readers on a magical journey through the fairy’s enchanting castle, where each floor is more wondrous than the last. We meet the Tooth Fairy, whose legs don’t work, so they built a Praconama (Pra-con-ama) flying-hovering wheelchair to help them get around. At first glance, I thought the Tooth Fairy was sitting on an oversized toilet with pointy legs. After a good chuckle, I appreciated the creativity in the chair design. I also admired the artist’s beautiful color choices for the fairy’s hair and all the detail they put in every scene. Above all else, I applaud the creative team for developing a character that looks like many viewers. So many kids are brown, black and/or spend their days in a wheelchair, so I was thrilled to see them represented.

The author’s imagination amazed me as well. The story answered common questions kids have about the magical visitor: how do they find the teeth, how do they grab the tooth without waking the child, how do they reach the numerous homes each night, and a couple of other questions the book raises. Their storytelling will mesmerize young listeners. Kids will love the surprises found in the castle. One floor might even activate their sweet tooth, while another floor hosts a character with a unique and very cool ability.

Joey Meets the Tooth Fairy is a captivating storybook that takes readers inside the magical world of the Tooth Fairy. It is intended for children ages 5-8.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
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Meet the Dynamic Duo

Joey Paco:  I am an adventurous and curious eight-year-old boy. I can speak English, German, and Spanish. That makes me trilingual. I enjoy riding my bike, doing sports, reading, and playing with my friends. Mom says I am very persistent.

I keep a journal about my unusual adventures and family traveling. I think of me like a explorer. All famous explorers kept a journal about their adventures and discoveries.  

The idea for my first book,  “Joey trifft die Zahnfee.”  came from my journal, “Joey Paco’s Travels.”

 

Mom:  I was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico. I am a trilingual, multi-genre author, public speaker, freelance book reviewer, songwriter, bag designer, and hobby photographer. I speak Spanish, English, and German. To know more about my creative world, visit my Christian site: https://timewithtannia.com/

“Joey” is the main character of my first picture book: “Joey trifft die Zahnfee” (“Joey Meets the Tooth Fairy.”). I created Joey Paco’s Travels to allow Joey to promote his book. Likewise, he will share information about our “Book Reading Tours” and other adventures. After the publication of his book, he is starting to feel like a bestseller author. He refers to his site as “The Digital Journal of Young Author, Joey Paco.” (wink)

Psst: Please don’t tell him, he’s just a fictional character. Like Pinocchio, he thinks of himself as a real boy.  


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The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R Garg (Book Spotlight)

Have you ever wondered why Jack and Jill needed that pail of water in the first place? Or how Sleeping Beauty managed to prick her finger despite a royal order to destroy every spindle in the kingdom?

Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have given us some of the most iconic characters and images in storytelling; think Cinderella’s glass slipper or Jack’s oversized beanstalk. But what about the in-between moments? The ones that never made it to the page?

In this enchanting micro-collection of short stories, award-winning author Ekta R. Garg explores the untold scenes between the lines of some of our most loved tales. Find out what the Wicked Witch of the East was doing in the road before Dorothy’s house fell on her. Learn where Goldilocks came from. Meet the conmen who convinced the emperor he had new clothes and more.

Rediscover the wit, heart, and magic of the classics, and see them as you’ve never seen them before in The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories.

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Meet the Author

Working in niche publishing since 2005, Ekta has written and edited about everything from healthcare to home improvement to Hindi films. A writing contest judge for the Florida Writers Association and the Saturday Writers chapter of the Missouri Writers Guild, Ekta conducts writing workshops and also hosts Biblio Breakdown where she examines books and offers writing exercises. She blogs original writing, book reviews, and all things writing and editing at The Write Edge. Her award-winning holiday novella, _The Truth About Elves_, and her fairy tale for grownups, _In the Heart of the Linden Wood_, are available from Atmosphere Press.

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Storma’s Unexpected Adventure: The Tales of Storma by Gina Bayar (Book Review)

A magical journey through a desert of wonders, wildlife, and unexpected friendship.

 

When a dreamy young unicorn sets out in search of the sparkling ocean, she accidentally arrives in the vast, sun-drenched Gobi Desert instead. But what begins as a mistake quickly turns into an unforgettable adventure.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers journey with the unicorn as she meets the rare and wise Mazaalai (the critically endangered Gobi bear) and a kind Bactrian camel who becomes her gentle guide. Together, they explore golden dunes, singing sands, ancient dinosaur footprints, and hidden oases—discovering the wonders of one of the world’s most unique and underrepresented ecosystems.

Blending enchanting fantasy with rich, real-world educational content, The Unicorn and the Gobi Adventure introduces children to the beauty and biodiversity of the Gobi Desert, while nurturing curiosity, compassion, and the joy of discovery.

Perfect for readers aged 4–8, this story celebrates friendship, environmental awareness, and the magic of life’s unexpected paths.

 

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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.

 

Does your child love unicorns? Do they love stories involving magic or magical powers? Do they enjoy exploring new places and learning facts to share with friends or family? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child will want to read Storma’s Unexpected Adventure.

Storma loves living in the Enchanted Forest with her family, but she wants to see more of the world and visit the places from her parents’ stories. Storma didn’t have wings like Pegasus, but she did have a magical power that made traveling a breeze: She could travel to any location just by closing her eyes and picturing the destination. Now, that’s a magical trick I’d like to have, and I’m sure other readers will want it to!

Storma used her unique magical powers to whisk themselves to a “grand ocean.” Unfortunately, her destination didn’t have an ocean in sight. Did her powers fail her? Not exactly. Her timing was a little off, like a few million years. Storma’s Unexpected Adventure takes readers across the desert, where we meet interesting characters and discover facts about the desert and those who call it home, then and now. Kids are not the only ones who might learn a thing or two about the Gobi Desert. For instance, thanks to this beautifully told story, I found out the desert is home to the rarest bear in the world, and the wind makes music there too! How fascinating!

These are not the only two interesting tidbits you’ll learn as Storma and Polka (camel guide) go in search of the “ocean.” Read the story and discover the hidden gems of the Gobi Desert. Also, check out Did You Know? to learn more about the fascinating Gobi bear, the Mazaalai! It’s a great bonus feature of the book. It’s too bad the author didn’t include fun fact pages dedicated to the desert and camels. A glossary would also be a helper tool for young readers.

This children’s book beautifully captures the Gobi Desert’s unique wildlife. The sunset scene, in particular, is lovely. The vibrant colors against the different shades of sand create a mesmerizing visual. Each scene is reminiscent of the magnetic story activity play sets, with the sticker-quality plant and animal drawings looking like they could be plucked off the page and moved to different locations. It’s a testament to the illustrator’s skill and will captivate children and parents alike. (Special note: Gina Bayar is the book’s writer and illustrator.)

Storma’s Unexpected Adventure takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the Gobi Desert, where they learn there’s more to the landscape than initially seen. Share this story with kids aged eight and under. Ask them to share where they’d visit if they had Storma’s unique magical power. Expand your knowledge and look up what else calls the desert home, past and present. Also, be on the lookout for Storma’s next story, Storma’s Gift! (Release date TBD.)

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

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Meet the Author

Gina Bayar is an author and illustrator of imaginative picture books that celebrate kindness, nature, and the magic of unexpected journeys. A lifelong dreamer and mom of two, she inspires young readers to explore, care for the planet, and believe in themselves.
 

 

 

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Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher by Ben P. Fisher (Book Review)

He’s sure that mistakes are always bad. Can he learn to take a deep breath and turn an oops into a ta-da?

Scribbaloo wants to do everything perfectly. So even though it’s amazing that everything he draws with his magic comes to life, the little creature is always worried about messing up. And he’s certain everyone will be angry when his frustration makes a monster that’s gobbling up all the colors and turning the world gray.

Joined by his upbeat best friend, Scribbaloo sets off on a daring journey to find the Golden Crayon to restore the rainbow. But every time they go around a corner, there’s a new mistake about to ruin their trip.

Will Scribbaloo give up, or keep trying until he figures out a way to win?

Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher is a wonder-filled picture book for kids ages three to eight. If you or your child like beautiful illustrations, using your imagination, and building self-esteem, then you’ll love Ben P. Fisher’s delightful adventure.

Buy Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher to paint the world wonderful today!

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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.

 

Everyone, regardless of age, will make mistakes; they are inevitable and come in all sizes. For kids, coloring outside the lines would equal a minor mistake. Shattering a window would equal a bigger mistake. While some mistakes might feel like the world is ending, they all amount to the same thing – a learning experience. Scribbaloo, a magical creature from Color Island, learns this valuable lesson in Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher.

Scribbaloo possesses a magnificent, magical ability; whatever they draw comes to life! That sounds amazing unless you are like Scribbaloo, an individual who gets easily frustrated when you make an error. Scribbaloo blew his stack when their design didn’t turn out precisely how they envisioned. His star-shaped friend Glittergleam tried calming him down and encouraged them to try again, but Scribbaloo was too angry to listen. He started angry drawing, and those dark, scribbly lines merged to create The Color Cruncher! This transformation was a powerful metaphor for how unchecked anger can lead to unintended consequences.

The Color Cruncher was weirdly adorable. It resembled a ball of steel wool or a large ball of dryer lint with arms, legs, googly eyes, and black felt for angry-looking eyebrows. While it was cute, its sinister mission was not. It planned to devour all colors, and there was only one way to stop it: Scribbaloo needed to fetch the Golden Crayon up on Crayon Peak. The quest required Scribbaloo to draw, but his drawings kept hitting a snag. He knew no good came from losing his temper, so he took a moment to collect himself and tried again. What a good example for kids to model!

I loved the story’s cute rhymes, particularly the word paired with “unlucky.” The illustrated page accompanying the surprise word, which I will keep vague for the sake of the surprise, was stupendous. I also liked how the artist brought the writer’s words to life. The Paintbrush Forest was simple but very creative. And when Scribbaloo started to cry, my heart went out to the little red creature.

I recommend Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher for households and classes with children ages three to eight. It is a wonderfully written and illustrated story that entertains and delivers a powerful message: It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are how we learn. So, the next time you mess up, take a calming breath and try again.


Special note: Scan the QR code in the end pages or visit the author’s site (BenPFisher.com) to download a FREE activity book!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Husband. Father. Cheese enthusiast.

While he enjoys all things cheese, Ben’s true joy comes from the blessing of his family. His two passionate and playful children remind him how tough it is to be in the “rough draft” stage of becoming an adult. His love for creativity and being a positive influence on others led him to a career in teaching and school leadership. Inspired by a need for stories that teach resilience and the value of learning from mistakes, Ben began writing children’s books. Through his stories, he hopes to encourage kids and adults to remember that love and acceptance don’t require perfection.

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Cavie’s Magical Wish by Julie Huetsch (Book Review)

Join Cavie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue dog, on an adventure with his friends, Finley the frog, and Rory, the rabbit. Their journey takes a surprising turn when they meet Hummer, a tiny hummingbird needing help. When Cavie’s brave act earns him a magical wish, he has to decide what to wish for. With surprising moments and a big decision to make, Cavie uses his wish to bring hope and happiness to dogs in need.

Cavie’s Magical Wish highlights the values of kindness, compassion, and dog rescue and adoption. These messages are positive for young readers, their families, and dog lovers everywhere! The heartwarming tale is sure to inspire and delight!

Author Julie Huetsch is thrilled to introduce her new children’s book, Cavie’s Magical Wish, the first of her Cavie Tales™ series. Drawing from her personal experiences with dog rescue and her love for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julie’s heartfelt connection to these themes shines through in her writing with sincerity and warmth.

Julie is dedicated to making a difference. A portion of her book sales support The Cavalier Rescue, which helps dogs needing rescue and rehabilitation.

Siski Kalla’s illustrations are enchanting with their vibrant colors and striking details. Each scene is beautifully created, capturing the charm and personality of the animal characters. Her artwork adds an extra layer of magic and warmth to the entire reading experience.

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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.

 

Cavie’s Magical Wish is a touching children’s picture book showing how one dog’s thoughtfulness changed many puppies’ lives. 

Cavie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is bursting with energy and ready to play with his friends. Not just any games but games that young readers play at recess. Cavie and Finley, the frog, enjoyed a round of tag while Cavie and Rory, the rabbit, played hopscotch. During the hopscotch game, Cavie’s impeccable hearing caught a chirping sound. Curious, Cavie followed the sound and walked upon a sad and troubling scene; a poor hummingbird had been caught in the silken strands of a spider’s web. For those with arachnophobia (fear of spiders), rest assured that the illustrator graciously left the 8-legged arachnid out of the book. PHEW! 

Cavie lends Hummer, the hummingbird, a paw and sets them free from the web. At this point, Hummer lets Cavie and readers in on a little secret: the tiny bird is magical! Hummer offers Cavie a single wish as thanks for the life-saving good deed. You might guess two of the three illustrated wishes. Here’s a hint for the third: think about what power Krypto and Underdog have in common. 

As Cavie ponders his choices, he recalls his time in a puppy mill: a place no dog deserves to be. Cavie mentions that for several years, he lived in a dog crate, a small cage, and was never allowed to go outside. He didn’t have a family to take care of him either. But now, he has a soft bed, delicious food, and a loving family. Being rescued was the happiest moment in his life, and he wanted all his old friends to feel loved and happy, like him. 

Readers of all ages will fall in love with the dog with a heart of gold. I recommend sharing this moving story with your family and consider giving a dog (or cat, if you prefer felines) their forever home! Also, ask your child what they’d wish for. Maybe it can become a reality like Cavie’s beautiful wish.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 2-8 years. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Julie Huetsch is thrilled to introduce her new children’s book, Cavie’s Magical Wish, the first of her Cavie Tales™ series. Drawing from her personal experiences with dog rescue and her love for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julie’s heartfelt connection to these themes shines through in her writing with sincerity and warmth.

Julie shares her heart and home with two wonderful Cavaliers, Granger and Sophie. Granger’s inspiring rescue journey, saved from a puppy mill by The Cavalier Rescue and adopted into Julie’s family, initiated her passion for writing Cavie’s Magical Wish. Despite his challenges of having a heart condition, hearing loss, and separation anxiety, Granger has become a cherished family member and claims the title of king of their castle! Meanwhile, Sophie is on her own special mission, training to be a touch therapy dog. She will soon be spreading joy to children in hospitals—a role that is perfect for sweet Sophie!

Cavie’s Magical Wish highlights the values of kindness, compassion, and dog rescue and adoption. These are positive messages for young readers, their families, and dog lovers everywhere! This heartwarming tale is sure to inspire and delight.

Julie is dedicated to making a difference. A portion of her book sales support The Cavalier Rescue, which helps dogs needing rescue and rehabilitation.

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