Tag Archives: picture book

December 9, 2022 · 7:00 am

Coney – A Trip to Luna Park by Jeffrey Lindberg (Book Review)

It is 1904, and a new amusement park is being built in Coney Island. Unfortunately, the construction is happening right on the dunes that Selena, a scrappy little rabbit, calls home! From her trolley car one day, Millie spots Selena, and the two become fast friends. Together, they discover and confront the men and the machines that are doing something extraordinary– building a modern, even futuristic, theme park – while also doing something destructive to the land and its inhabitants. Their mission to save Selena’s home becomes quite an adventure!

Filled with historical accuracy and a captivating tale in and of itself, this book takes readers on a ride through the old Coney Island. We follow Selena and Millie as they explore the sights and thrills of Luna Park for the first time. Against the fantastic and extravagant backdrop of creator Fred Thompson’s Luna Park, the story reaches a dramatic height in the nighttime Coney Island, lit up by thousands of Edison bulbs! We hold our breath as they also encounter the “mean” men with the bulldozers. Can Millie and Selena preserve the land and still reach for the stars?

Join Millie and Selena for a trip back in time to Luna Park, when for a few pennies, you could travel all the way to the MOON!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Coney – A Trip to Luna Park by Jeffrey Lindberg was a period piece based on clothing and design that also contained elements based on fantasy. The flying boat was a cool idea but, sadly, not an actual mode of transportation. Yet. But if and when this becomes a reality, I’m buying a ticket!

Okay, I wouldn’t encourage my daughter to play a prank on someone to teach them a lesson about being nice. However, I did find it amusing the tricks Millie and Selena played on the mean man in the suit (Skip). The exploding cake was humorous. 

I would tell your young listeners never to try these stunts at home. Fire is dangerous, and so is making someone trip on a high structure. Plus, pulling pranks could land you in hot water! 

In Coney – A Trip to Luna Park, Selena’s home is in jeopardy due to construction. In real life, many animals lose their homes to humans. Rest assured, Selena got her happy ending. Skip learns to be nice to people and animals. And everyone lived happily ever after.

Coney – A Trip to Luna Park by Jeffrey Lindberg offers the viewing audience suspense, adventure, and comedy with a fantasy twist. Children too young to understand the dialogue and plot have plenty of animals in the story for them to look at. Jeffrey Lindberg did a remarkable job on every single image. Each page was beautifully designed.

I will be recommending Coney – A Trip to Luna Park by Jeffrey Lindberg to family, friends, and our local library.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

About the Author

Jeffrey Lindberg is a professional illustrator and author whose new book is Coney – A Trip to Luna Park is forthcoming from Flying Rabbit Press in early fall, 2022. Coney is a 48-page, fully illustrated picture book; it will be printed offset in hardcover.

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November 9, 2022 · 7:00 am

Let’s Celebrate Being Different by Lainey Dee (Book Review)

Todd is different from all the other animals -with the head of a bird, the tummy of a bear and the legs of a tiger and he feels he doesn’t quite fit in anywhere! His family love him dearly but it’s hard for him to make friends.

During a visit to his grandmother’s, Todd express’s his concern and she tells him: ‘It’s okay to be different’.

Instilled with new confidence he sets out for the Friday Club, a place where all the animals gather and socialise with their friends. Will he find the courage to face his fears and embrace his differences?

He might be surprised to find some friends along the way! More importantly can he learn to accept himself?

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

“Todd is different from all the other animals -with the head of a bird, the tummy of a bear, and the legs of a tiger and he feels he doesn’t quite fit in anywhere! His family loves him dearly but it’s hard for him to make friends.” Since children probably have no idea how babies are created, they might not even question how a bird and a bear could make a baby together. But, if your child asks about the logistics, I’d say it’s a make-believe story, and it’s not possible in real life. 

Like so many others, Todd has traits that make them appear different from others. Todd’s grandma told him being different is okay, and she was correct. Many children can relate to Todd’s feelings regarding his uniqueness and what happens when others make a public spectacle of them. We should not point, stare, or cause others to feel sad, ashamed, or embarrassed about themselves. Kids are inquisitive, so if they make someone uncomfortable by asking questions about the other person’s body or condition, teach them always to apologize as Charlie did in the story. 

Animals come in different shapes, sizes, and coloring, and no two look identical. Humans also vary in size, shape, and color. Let’s Celebrate Being Different by Lainey Dee teaches children to accept those different from them and accept themselves for who they are! Two great messages! 

Let’s Celebrate Being Different mentions that Todd has no friends, and grandma claims it might be because he is homeschooled. I’ve known several homeschooling parents whom all say the lack of social interaction is a significant obstacle. Todd went to the local community center to meet his peers. Most libraries have events for children to interact with individuals their age. I would suggest speaking to your local library if they provide such events for the community.

The recommended reading age is 4-8. The overall story fits well in this age bracket. Depending on geographical location and the reader’s mental dictionary, children might not be familiar with some words. My child had no clue what a dungaree was until they saw the photo. 

Review submitted on 10/6/22

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Lainey Dee was born in Birmingham and raised in Kidderminster. Lainey is a accredited nanny and holds the NNEB certificate. She presently takes care of a pair of twins. Lainey is a big art deco fan and her home is decorated in that period style.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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November 4, 2022 · 7:00 am

The Train Rolls On To The North Pole by Jodi Adams (Book Review)

The Animal Express train is back, and it’s more determined than ever!

The Animal Express
has got a new goal-
to transport eight reindeer
back to the North Pole!

It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa’s reindeer have spent the day getting pampered at an Arctic spa in preparation for their annual journey around the world. Now, the Animal Express races the clock to return the reindeer to the North Pole before Santa’s departure. Will they arrive in time to guide Santa’s sleigh? The train encounters several wintery obstacles along the way, but…THE TRAIN ROLLS ON!

This book is a timeless tale of perseverance and working together as a team to overcome obstacles.With its rhyming text, memorable refrain, and stunning illustrations, this exciting holiday train adventure is sure to resonate with children and adults alike!

This Book Is Perfect For…

  • Fans of The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg and
    Santa and the Goodnight Train by June Sobel
  • Gifting to young train-lovers
  • Reading any time of the day
  • Reading aloud in the classroom, library, or at home
  • Engaging toddlers and students in preschool, kindergarten, and lower-elementary grades (ages 3-6)
  • Teaching perseverance and teamwork concepts
  • Promoting vocabulary and language development
  • Christmas book events and collections

Book Features:

Catchy, Rhyming Text – Rhymes help children predict language patterns and develop other critical language and reading skills. They also promote memory and rhythm development in a fun and exciting way.

Memorable Refrain – “The train rolls on!” is a powerful catchphrase that is ripe to become a go-to saying for kids and their caregivers when they need to persevere through difficult situations.

Eye-Catching Illustrations – The train and its passengers are expertly-rendered, and each has a unique personality that shines through on the page.

Glossary – This resource provides simple definitions for 17 words used throughout the book and is intended to help children enhance their vocabulary with each and every read.

Look and Find – Children will enjoy searching for the cardinal that accompanies the train in every illustration!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Christmas is a favorite holiday for lots of children around the world. Reading Christmas books at bedtime is a common pastime in many homes. The general idea of them is Santa delivering presents, but The Train Rolls On To The North Pole by Jodi Adams is not like the stories you’ve read before. 

“It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa’s reindeer have spent the day getting pampered at an Arctic spa in preparation for their annual journey around the world. Now, the Animal Express races the clock to return the reindeer to the North Pole before Santa’s departure. Will they arrive in time to guide Santa’s sleigh? The train encounters several wintery obstacles along the way, but…THE TRAIN ROLLS ON!”

The opening images of the famous reindeer enjoying a spa day were hilarious. Kids will giggle at the animals getting massages and pedicures. The train with the big eyes reminded me of Thomas the Train. They didn’t have the same coloring, but it’s the first thing that popped into my head when I saw it. 

The Animal Express battles the elements to see Santa’s helpers home safely. Blizzard-like conditions are not ideal traveling conditions, no matter what transportation you use. These conditions lead to a pivotal scene that might make your youngster yell, “Oh no!” The troublesome situation calls for teamwork, and the joint effort saves the day! 

The Train Rolls On To The North Pole by Jodi Adams is a perfect story for those who celebrate Christmas. Many age groups can and will find enjoyment in the story. Since many toddlers recognize Santa and his flying reindeer, they can easily enjoy the photos. By the way, the illustrations were spectacular. The cover instantly caught my eye, and I know it will also capture little kids’ eyes. 

If you want your child to understand the text, I would suggest reading this to three-year-olds and older. I want to note the author was thoughtful in creating a glossary. I would utilize it because some of the words in this book may be new to your child. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

About the Author

Jodi Adams is a former Crime Scene Investigator turned stay-at-home mom and children’s book author. When she is not reading or writing, Jodi loves to cook and bake, run, golf, and spend time with her family. She grew up in Iowa but now lives in Omaha, NE, with her husband and two kids.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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November 1, 2022 · 7:00 am

Magician Emu by R.C. Chizhov (Book Review)

Celebrate the magic of being YOU!

In old and charming Emu Town…an emu aspires to be like the great magician, Spikey Spike. But her magic goes all wrong and nothing like Spikey’s! Will the emu find her magic and dare to be different?

With award-winning author, R.C. Chizhov’s playful rhymes and Anastasia Yezhela’s colorful illustrations, Magician Emu is a funny and heartwarming tale of embracing who you are!

Perfect for holiday gifting, read aloud, classroom discussion and bedtime!

GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!

Other books in EMU TOWN STORIES:

  • Nope-Nope Emu
  • Adventure Emu
  • Yogic Emu (coming soon)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Anastasia Yezhela did an outstanding job with ALL the illustrations in Magician Emu. Children will adore EMU, who wears a magician’s cape and hat and has a lovely set of curly locks. Spikey Spike, another magical emu, looked quite adorable with their bowtie and Harry Potter-style glasses. 

As all great magicians will tell you, you can read how to do the trick a thousand times, but implementing the steps perfectly is not easy. It takes lots and lots of practice to master a magical feat. Some magicians make a trick seem easy; they make it look effortless. EMU realizes that magic is not easy at all. The unthinkable, the unplanned happens. But, you shouldn’t be discouraged. Keep practicing like EMU; one day, you’ll become a great magician too. 

As EMU practiced and his magic went awry, comedic moments did shine. I won’t disclose all of them, but I will note one. It’s slime time!! 

While EMU’s magic wasn’t precisely perfect, it did delight and entertain his friends. Their happiness made EMU happy. 

I recommend you check out Magician Emu by R.C. Chizhov. Make sure and catch all the books in the Emu Town series! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

About R.C. Chizhov

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R.C. Chizhov grew up in India, moved to New York in 2005 and spent fourteen years as an investment banker before pursuing her childhood dream of becoming an author. She now lives in Florida with her ever-supportive husband and ever- energetic son. She is a member of SCBWI.

Website Link

Instagram: @rcchizhov

 

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October 28, 2022 · 7:00 am

My Cat Thinks He’s a Puppy by Patricia Allieri (Book Review)

A warm and beautifully illustrated picture book that will have your child in fits of giggles

My cat thinks he’s a puppy,
How strange is that!
He does cute puppy things,
But he’s a big tabby cat!

Cats are known for being independent, particular and maybe a little bit snooty.

But this cat isn’t like other cats. In fact, he’s much more like a puppy.

Puppy-Cat loves to go for a walk, dig about in the dirt and even loves to splash about in water!

In fact, if it wasn’t for this one little thing, you might not be able to tell he was a cat at all…

Inspired by playful cats everywhere, this book is a perfect addition to any cat lover’s bookshelf and will become a fast favorite for children and adults alike.

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 coincidence, I have a cat who thinks he’s a puppy too! I swear mine barks. Since I have an unusual cat, I was thrilled to read My Cat Thinks He’s a Puppy by Patricia Allieri. 

The cat in the story loves to play hide-and-seek, but he always peaks. Wow, you think you could trust a cat not to sneak a peek. My cat loves to chase a ball like the kitty in the story. I wonder if that cat returns them -mine doesn’t. 

The kitty in the story does something my cat would never do—get in a pool of water voluntarily. It would be so much fun to see my cat dive in a pool, swim laps, or (even take it one step farther) go surfing or paddle-boarding with me. I’ve witnessed videos of cats doing just that, but mine seem to suffer from aquaphobia (fear of water).

Cats love to explore, but what they love more is naps. I’ve adopted several cats, and (depending on the time of day) you’ll find them napping in different locations. However, when the humans converge on the couch at night, someone will have a furry friend on their lap. And that means you’re there until they wake up. Cats make the rule, don’t you know!

My Cat Thinks He’s a Puppy by Patricia Allieri is very short in length, making it perfect for Amazon’s recommended audience of 3 to 7-year-olds. Your child or class will be eager to share all the fun things their cat does. Maybe you’ll get some children to run off to teach their cat how to act like a dog. I would start with “stay” first. All my cats mastered that one on the first try. 

Novel Varius did a fantastic job on the illustrations. They are worthy of 5 stars! The whole book deserves 5 stars! 

Review submitted to Reedsy on 9/15/22.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Patricia was born and raised at the Jersey shore. Her love of the beach and the ocean is undeniable. She moved to Texas in the 1990’s, worked as a elementary school teacher, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Patricia uses her background as a foundation for her children’s picture books.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

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