Tag Archives: picture book

February 14, 2025 · 7:00 am

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

Children’s Picture Book


Can you catch the magical Loveosaurus? The How to Catch Kids are on the chase again, this time to trap a dinosaur that escaped from the museum and wants to spread love and kindness. Blending exciting traps and STEAM concepts with hilarity and chaos to encourage reading, learning, and imagination, this charming adventure will delight young readers, families, and educators alike―and maybe inspire spreading some kindness too! This funny children’s picture book makes the perfect bedtime read-aloud and Valentine’s Day gift for kids ages 4-10!

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Reading age: ‎ 8 – 12 years


Can you solve the mysteries?

Join Hailey Haddie, the sharpest vampire detective on the block, as she embarks on a series of puzzling adventures that will keep you guessing—and giggling—right until the very end.

Someone tricked all of Peter’s party guests into drinking love potion…how did they do it?

Only YOU can figure it out.

The short mystery stories are filled with funny riddles, tricky puzzles, lovable characters, and a dash of Valentine’s Day magic that will captivate children, parents, and teachers alike.

What’s Inside the Book:

  • ✓ 15 Short Interactive Mysteries: Young readers can solve the mysteries alongside Hailey with clues hidden in every story, designed to challenge and entertain growing minds.
  • ✓ Valentine’s Day Spirit: Each enchanting tale explores themes of friendship, love, and the joy of giving.
  • ✓ Educational Fun: Bite-sized brain teaser reading games to develop comprehension and critical thinking skills while enjoying the thrill of solving mysteries.
  • ✓ Illustrations that Pop: Fun doodle style illustrations throughout bring Hailey’s detective world to life.

Perfect for young sleuths ages 8 to 12, this short stories collection blends humor, mystery, and Valentine’s Day into one delightful package.

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Teen and Young Adult

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Out of all of the boys
Why am I stuck with you


Finn

I didn’t mean to volunteer for the Valentine’s Day Planning Committee.
I was just reaching out to pass Shay Munroe her folder when Mrs. Darcy thought I’d raised my hand.
Seems I’m now on the Planning Committee…

 

Shay

I didn’t mean to volunteer for the Valentine’s Day Planning Committee.
I was about to swipe at Finn Davidson’s hand as he tapped me on the back.
But Mrs. Darcy took it as an affirmation.
Now I’m on the Planning Committee with the most obnoxious boy I’ve ever met!
Finn Davidson’s mantra could well be
Roses are red
Romance is dead

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about romance and love and all things sweet
But its hard to work with someone who isn’t putting his heart into the project
And then I find there’s a reason for that…
Finn Davidson doesn’t have a heart…

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Rom-Com

When the ingredients for love turn into a recipe for disaster …

Lily’s world is turned upside-down when her ex-boyfriend Stephen walks into her bakery, hoping to buy Valentine’s cookies for his new girlfriend. To make matters worse, he wants Lily to decorate them with a heartfelt message of love.

Determined not to let him see her heartbroken, Lily tells him she’s met someone else and has never been happier. It’s a risky move, but luckily she knows just the man to help her.

What she doesn’t anticipate is ending up on a double date with Stephen and his new girlfriend. Nor does she expect her fake boyfriend to be concealing a secret of his own.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Lily faces the challenge of creating the perfect cookies – and the even bigger challenge of untangling her own feelings. As the pressure mounts, she starts to wonder whether the recipe for happiness has been in front of her all along.

With a cast of charming characters, and a dash of sweet romance, A Sugarloaf Valentine is a delightful, heart-warming read that will have you falling in love with love all over again.

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February 10, 2025 · 7:00 am

Gentle Hugs by Lily Guzmán (Book Review)

Releasing April 5, 2025!

Alex treasures the time he spends with Nico, his loyal and curious dog, who is always by his side. Day by day, Alex confides in Nico about his mother’s health challenges, sharing his concerns and hopes. Despite her illness, Alex witnesses the unwavering depth of her love, a love that remains constant, though gentle. This story explores themes of resilience and the quiet strength of love.

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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.

 

Starting at a young age, kids pick up on cues that a friend or loved one isn’t feeling well. They make the connection between a cough or sneeze, which means a person is sick. That doesn’t mean they fully understand why mommy or daddy can’t play with them. In their eyes, parents are superheroes; nothing can keep them down for long. However, what happens when one day becomes two, two becomes three, and so on? Will their young mind understand why their parent isn’t getting better? Will their mood change? Kids are observant; they listen and see more than we realize. They catch whispered conversations. They notice a person is going to the doctor, sometimes a lot. They take notice of changed behavior and appearances. They may not fully grasp the root cause, but they know something isn’t right. That’s why we must include kids in the conversations and reassure them that they can talk to us about their feelings, and we’ll answer all their questions to the best of your ability.

Lily Guzmán beautifully explained what was happening to Alex’s mom and allowed us to view her “not-so-good days” through his eyes. When mom had a fever, Alex compared her body to the sun. A simile that kids of many ages can comprehend. When his mom was too tired to read a bedtime story, Alex explained to his best friend and dog, Nico, that he knew his mommy still loved them because she checked on them while they slept.

Love. Whether mom’s skin felt like it was being stung by a hundred ants or her legs felt like big balloons, Alex knew his mother loved him. Even when Alex couldn’t receive big bear hugs, he reassured himself and his furry companion that Mommy still loved them. Sickness can come in short-term bursts or long-hard battles. Our job is to share with our kid(s) what we believe they can handle at their age and reassure them that, though it all, they are loved. This story is an excellent demonstration of both.

Gentle Hugs is a touching picture book showing how love can be expressed, not only with words but also with our actions. The book is filled with lovely illustrations that vividly depict Alex’s journey and his mother’s battle with an illness. The heart-warming storyline moved me. I teared up at Alex’s observations and how he never once doubted his mother’s love. I recommend sharing this story with your child, especially if someone close to them is battling a health issue. It’s a beautifully crafted storybook that’ll leave a lasting impression on every reader, young or old.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
(rounded to 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads)

Amazon Preorder Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Lily Guzmán is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, currently based in Puerto Rico. Born and raised on the island, she spent a formative period in Miami, Florida, where she trained to become a Rheumatologist. Her passion for medicine stems from a deep desire to improve the lives of her patients, particularly those living with chronic pain.

Outside of her medical practice, she cherishes time with her family and her beloved dog, Nico. It was the comfort and companionship she found in Nico, along with the resilience of her patients facing chronic pain, that inspired her to write Gentle Hugs. The book serves as a heartfelt reminder that empathy and compassion, like any other qualities, need daily care to thrive.

Through her writing, she hopes to offer comfort and support to families facing similar challenges, particularly those affected by chronic illness. Gentle Hugs helps children understand the emotional complexities of having a loved one who struggles with health issues, while also reminding readers of all ages that love, empathy, and care can endure even on tough days. Lily hopes the book encourages a deeper sense of kindness and compassion in everyone who reads it.

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February 3, 2025 · 7:00 am

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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January 24, 2025 · 7:00 am

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet by Henrique Meyer (Book Review)

Embark on a sizzling alphabetical safari with B is for Barbecue! This delightful children’s book serves up a hearty helping of fun, combining the joy of learning letters with the excitement of barbecue and meats. Each letter of the alphabet is celebrated with a whimsical poem that introduces young readers to barbecue-related terms-from A for Angus to Z for Zebra. The vibrant two-page spread illustrations burst with color and flavor, capturing the imagination and taste buds alike.

Perfect for little foodies and aspiring grill masters, this book not only teaches the ABCs but also kindles a love for cooking and outdoor gatherings. The rhythmic poems and captivating artwork make each page turn a new experience, keeping children engaged and eager to learn. Whether read aloud at family cookouts or enjoyed during cozy bedtime routines, B is for Barbecue is sure to become a cherished favorite that brings smiles and appetites together.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Barbecue is a popular cuisine that involves cooking food over a live fire or smoke, typically outdoors. Barbecue, also known as BBQ and barbeque, can refer to the cooking method or a gathering of people where BBQ foods are the main course. B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet mainly focuses on meats you’d prepare using a grill or smoke, but it doesn’t limit itself to just those. The writer shares vegetables, like zucchini, can also be prepared on a grill. But for many of us, when we think of barbecuing, common foods spring to mind: steaks, burgers, ribs, and hot dogs. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet uses poetry to introduce readers to barbecue-related terms, beginning with A for Angus and ending with Z for Zucchini and Zebra. As I peered at the vibrant and charming cover, I asked myself what barbecue-themed foods or meats begin with N, U, X, and Y. Now I know! Thanks to the creative prose, I have a better understanding of two Japanese grilled foods, too. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is more than a book that teaches kids their ABCs. It’s a celebration of food, family, friends, and memories shared over a meal. The rhyming lines are cute as can be, but sometimes the flow is interrupted with a word kids might pronounce incorrectly or baffled at its meaning. Take “confit,” for instance. Kids might pronounce kän fit instead of känˈfē. Kids and adults might not know that confit is a French cooking technique that involves slowly cooking food in fat at a low temperature to preserve it. 

 

Amazon has the book listed for kids up to age 8, making it a versatile learning tool for a wide range of children. The bold, beautiful, colorful pages will delight babies and toddlers. Preschoolers and kindergarteners will also love the illustrations and creative ways of learning their letters. Kids between ages 6 and 8 can use this book to strengthen their reading skills. It’s a great mixture of easy and complex words, ensuring that it’s engaging and beneficial for all. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is perfect for any household that loves to cook or eat BBQ foods. The short poems and adorable artwork will enlighten and entertain kids and adults. Everyone will walk away learning at least one new fact centering on a specific meat or BBQ item. For me, it was yakitori. Read the book to gain insight into Japanese food.

 

Make reading this story a part of your next BBQ event! 

 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Henrique Meyer, born in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and raised in Florida, is a software engineer and technology consultant residing in Fort Lauderdale. Henrique enjoys spending time with his children, barbecuing, fishing, and traveling.

Reedsy Author Link

 

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January 20, 2025 · 7:00 am

The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau by Henrique Meyer (Book Review)

Join the Big Bad Wolf in this delightfully twisted take on the classic story of the three little pigs. The Big Bad Wolf is hosting a luau, and with his sights set on the piggies as the main course, he huffs and puffs his way through their homes, collecting the piggies for his feast. This playful, humor-filled tale teaches children about creativity, resilience, and the power of clever thinking. Perfect for young readers who enjoy a fun twist on fairy tales and parents looking for a new favorite bedtime story. With charming illustrations and rhymes, this book is a deliciously fun adventure for the whole family!

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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.

 

“The Three Little Pigs” is a classic fable about three pigs who built their homes with different materials. One day, a wolf came along and quickly blew down the first two houses made from straw and sticks. The third house, however, proved impossible to knock over thanks to its sturdy construction. No matter how many times the wolf huffs and puffs, the brick house remains erect. The moral of the tale is to illustrate the importance of patience and hard work.

Over the years, there have been variations to the famed story; in every tale I have read, the pigs always prevail victorious. But have you ever wondered what would happen if they didn’t? If this big, bad wolf finally caught their prize? The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau took key elements from the famous, original story and put a dark yet funny spin on it. The three pigs in this rhyming story do build their homes out of straw, sticks, and bricks. The wolf huffs and puffs with one goal: destroy the homes and capture the oinkers. Like the original fable, the straw and stick houses fell quickly, while the brick home proved impossible to topple. Not to be deterred, this wolf had a plan B. You might recognize the cunning idea (somewhat) resembles a plan enacted by the big, bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood.

Have you ever rooted for Wile E. Coyote to catch the Roadrunner? For Tom to best Jerry? For Sylvester to catch and eat Tweety Bird? If so, you’ll be pleased by this story’s outcome. Yes, the storyline is darker than the original; however, the illustrations kept the mood light. The wolf looked cute in his bright green Hawaiian shirt and apron. All the luau guests looked rather darling in their floral prints. I loved the image showing the predators dancing into the night after filling their bellies with a smorgasbord of meats. They looked so happy!

The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau is a delightful, twisted take on a classic tale. With its charming illustrations and rhymes, the dark humor adventure book is ideal for children aged 3-8 years.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Henrique Meyer, born in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and raised in Florida, is a software engineer and technology consultant residing in Fort Lauderdale. Henrique enjoys spending time with his children, barbecuing, fishing, and traveling.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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