Tag Archives: teachers

Nortis Learns A Lesson by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

In Nortis Learns A Lesson, Nortis and his friends are always up for a good laugh, but their latest prank with the school lunch goes too far when it leaves everyone feeling sick. What starts as a harmless joke quickly spirals into a serious situation, and the group finds themselves facing the unexpected consequences of their actions.

As Nortis watches his classmates suffer, he begins to realize that some jokes aren’t funny when people get hurt. Guided by their teachers, parents, and a bit of their own conscience, Nortis and his friends learn about taking responsibility, making amends, and understanding the impact of their choices.

This engaging story teaches young readers about accountability, the importance of thinking before acting, and how mistakes can be turned into valuable lessons. Nortis Learns A Lesson is a heartfelt journey of growth, friendship, and learning to make things right.

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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.

 

Nortis, Porjan, and Jun were best friends and loved playing pranks on their teachers and classmates. One day, their prank went horribly wrong. When they poured salt into the soup, vinegar into the milk, and ketchup into the juice, they thought their mischievous acts would create many laughs. They were very wrong. No one was laughing; they were all mad and confused and wanted answers. So did the principal. 

April’s Fools centers around practically jokes or tricks. People expect a day to be filled with harmless fun. Harmless being the keyword here. The principal was correct when he said whoever tampered with the cafeteria items wasted a lot of food and money. They disrespected the school, staff, and classmates. 

The three friends felt immense guilt for what they did. They honestly meant no harm. We all mess up in life, but how we handle our mistakes shows our true character. Do you hide from the truth or fess up to your mistakes and make amends? Guilt ate at Nortis, Porjan, and Jun. They knew they’d get in trouble for the harm they caused, but owning up to the prank was the right move. 

The principal deeply appreciated the trio’s apology because he knew they were sincerely sorry for the harm they caused. He respected their honesty and their willingness to right their wrong. 

Nortis, Porjan, and Jun learned powerful lessons that day. For one, they realized that there were safer ways to make someone laugh or smile. They also learned the importance of telling the truth. In doing so, they DID NOT lose the principal’s trust in them. Finally, they understood the need to make amends and fix your mistakes. 

Nortis Learns a Lesson is a wonderful book that teaches kids the importance of doing what’s right and being respectful toward others and their property! It also highlights the importance of facing your mistakes. I recommend sharing this story with your child, preferably two years and up.

 

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

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Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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Milo and the Big Yawn by Milt Lowe (Book Review)

In Milo and the Big Yawn, Milo Crenshaw is a mischievous boy with the annoying ability to make everyone yawn.

In other words, Milo is a bit of a brat.

He loves tormenting his sisters, teachers, classmates, police officers, and everyone else he sees. That is, until one day when Milo discovers the joy of being a hero instead. He learns that using his talent to deal with bullies and scary lions and helping kids and parents is a lot more fun and rewarding. Impossible to read without yawning in appreciation of the story, this humorous book makes the perfect bedtime reading.

Ingramspark.com

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

 

Everyone is different to some degree. Your uniqueness might stem from a physical trait, talent, hobby, skill, life choices, etc. For Milo Crenshaw, nobody could yawn bigger than him.

Have you ever found yourself yawning just because someone near you did? I have, and the people occupying space near Milo couldn’t help but succumb to the need to stretch their faces and deliver one large yawn, too. Some individuals who witnessed Milo’s superpower didn’t just yawn once and go about their day. No, many people yawned and fell asleep like the principal and soccer players.  

You’ve heard the infamous line, “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the case of the two bullies, Milo used his superpower, aka his infectious yawns, to put the brother/bullies asleep. Nice move! His yawns also had a surprising effect on a zoo animal. (Identity withheld on purpose. Read the story to learn more.)

Milo became famous for his superpower. Parents called him, asking if he would use his power to get their kids to sleep at night.

If Milo’s power was present in the real world, he could’ve made a fortune working his sleepy time magic on all the world’s children!

Adult insomniacs would definitely utilize his power to get some much-needed zzzz’s.

I had mixed feelings regarding the illustrations. The zoo animal was cute. Bullies catching some zzz’s was funny. I didn’t care for the long and large round faces of the non-yawning people. Kids will likely find them humorous. On a separate note, I didn’t understand why Milo’s yawns didn’t affect every parent in the group yawn image (17). I would’ve also moved the text fully onto the purple background for easy visibility. Maybe even bump up font size on every page. (I am mentioning these suggestions because I had to enlarge the text on the PDF.)

Milo and the Big Yawn was a cute, funny, quick read that will induce yawns. The perfect time to read this book is at naptime or bedtime.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 4-9 years.

 

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

Ingramspark.com

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Meet the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.

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Children’s Book Author Showcase – Milt Lowe (Spotlighting 4 books!)

Hippos are famous for fighting and biting. But Kuno the hippo is unique. He refuses to fight even though he always gets teased.

“The Hippo Who Hated To Fight” is the sweet, fun, inspiring story of a hippo brave enough to be himself. Kuno leaves his family and friends to search for the love, kindness, and acceptance he is missing.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches them fun facts about hippos and elephants and that it’s cool to be different-you just need to find your herd.

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Click HERE to read my review on Amazon!

Click HERE to read my review on Reedsy!

Buy now at Amazon.com!

 

 

Fartasaurus is a young T-Rex dinosaur who has to leave his loving family for one year— according to dinosaur tribal law—because of his constant, embarrassing farting. (He even farted out the candles on his birthday cake!) 

Sent to live in a deep, dark forest,  the fun-loving farting dinosaur meets a wild and wacky group of other dinosaur misfits that bond over their uniqueness and discovers the value of friendship.

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Click HERE to read my review on Amazon!

Click HERE to read my review on this site (8/9/24)!

 

 

 

Ants are usually a little boring. They’re hard workers but do the same thing all the time and follow the Queen’s rules. But not My ANT MARY.

My ANT Mary is the story of a fiercely independent ant who marches to her own drummer. When the Queen Ant demands that Mary conform and act like every other ant, Mary realizes she needs to leave to find where she truly belongs. She sets out on an amazing world adventure and discovers she’s happiest in a surprising place.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches the value of independence and finding your own path to happiness.

Ingramspark.com

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In Milo and the Big Yawn, Milo Crenshaw is a mischievous boy with the annoying ability to make everyone yawn.

In other words, Milo is a bit of a brat.

He loves tormenting his sisters, teachers, classmates, police officers, and everyone else he sees. That is, until one day when Milo discovers the joy of being a hero instead. He learns that using his talent to deal with bullies and scary lions and helping kids and parents is a lot more fun and rewarding. Impossible to read without yawning in appreciation of the story, this humorous book makes the perfect bedtime reading.

Ingramspark.com

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.

Website Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools by W.T. Kosmos (Book Review)

A divided nation has a ludicrous new hope.

 

Welcome to Island Nation, where powerful knuckleheads have turned schools into battlegrounds between the Puddin’ Heads and Sweeties. Amidst this turmoil, hope emerges in the form of a courageous teen on a mission to lead the nation’s schools. Narrated by a sarcastic teacher, this 2023 Mark Twain Book Award finalist is a “gloriously absurd” adventure (Kirkus Reviews) in the spirit of George Orwell, Douglas Adams, and Terry Pratchett. Dive into a world of social absurdities and laugh-out-loud moments in this sharp, satirical romp through the madness of modern life.

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

 

Our nation is divided. People on the right and left sides of the aisle can’t come together and agree 100% on anything. Their gut reaction to hearing the opposing side draft an idea is to say, “No.” Every day, the U.S. is taking giant steps back. Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools take creative liberties over things that have occurred throughout history. That is happening today! In this chapter book, people are grouped into two categories: Smalls and Bigs. This grouping is related to a person’s hand size. Big-handed people are seen as “lesser than” beings and have more restrictions put upon them. They couldn’t lead anything, such as teams or bands, and had to pay higher school fees. Many BIGS drop out of school over the high fees.

Past or present, we’ve all witnessed people in power make decisions that suit their agendas. Citizens have lost some of their rights because of it. As our next BIG election nears, we could see more of our freedoms vanish. Blaze and Chopper are two teens who are ready to help make change happen in their fictional world. But, like in the real world, change won’t happen if brave individuals don’t stand up for their rights. Blaze and their growing numbers of supporters want the three F’s: freedom, fairness, and fabulous schools. Students, teachers, and parents do not want absurd rules thrust upon them.

What they do want is this: Stop with the book bans. Stop rewriting history. Encourage free thinkers. Executives should not be swimming in cash while middle and lower-class individuals fight to pay medical bills and school fees.

 

Blaze (Puddin’ Head) and Kai (Sweetie) were adversaries, each blaming all their problems on the opposing side. After visiting the five regions and seeing each other’s schools in action, they realized this was not a one-sided problem. It was a universal issue. The narrator quickly learned that there were schools worse off than theirs. Kai, Blaze, and Chopper soon realized that some schools, their curriculum, and their leaders were bat-shit crazy. (Talkin’ like a pirate School Boss J.R. as one example!)

 

Here’s one crazy school scene from each side

Cape Freedom, Puddin’ Head Region 3: Students are forced to eat spicy chips and boosters of varying degrees. Goal: They must handle the heat for one minute without drinking water. The longer they forego liquid assistance, the stronger the immunity from the Sweetie Zombies. An absurd idea, right?! Here’s another: At Sweetie Experimental High School, students are forced to handle extremely hot peppers (like the ghost pepper) with zero protective gear. This school was permanently harming and disfiguring their students. Another absurd idea! (Remember, readers, the author promised absurdity. *smiley face*)

 

Kai, Blaze, and Chopper didn’t have time or resources to tour every school; they agreed that there were good teachers out there, but things still needed to change. For that to happen, they needed cash. The supreme prime minister decided that whoever won the football (aka soccer) game would win the ultimate prize: Noble Deed for each winning team member. Their represented leader would be granted a hefty budget, too. The Sweeties versus Puddin’ game had a very shocking and funny moment. The game’s conflicting results set the stage for what would happen next. Hint: The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

 

The author and narrator promised absurdity, and they delivered. I laughed at many scenes and dialogue. I’m going to find a way to include “Moldy fart tart” in a future conversation. While this story is built around absurdities, it does touch upon things in real life: demands to “build a wall,” banning books, political leaders doubling down on lies, and leaders with NO educational degree deciding what should or should not be taught in schools. The characters demonstrate that both sides (red and blue) can come together harmoniously for the betterment of all! Readers, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for change. And remember to work with others instead of butting heads with them. Oh, and thank your lucky stars, you don’t have to play tag like the students had to at Hard Rocks High School.


Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools had comedic moments, but sometimes, the book moved at a snail’s pace. Also, a noogie between friends is done in jest, but Kai and Blaze were not friends and opposite sexes; therefore, I do not think Kai (boy) should’ve given Blaze (girl) a noogie. Some people (I won’t say which side of the aisle) might have issues with kids laying hands on the school boss, causing him to break several bones. Burning of school property might also be a hot-button item for some individuals. 

The recommended reading age for the satirical fiction story is 12-18 years.

 

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

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Meet the Author

W.T. Kosmos is a humorist author and playwright whose works include the award-winning Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools, the Maya and Waggers series, and The Golden One. W.T. Kosmos is the wry alter ego (pen name) of a life-long educator.

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In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes – Quest for Courage by R.A. Stone (Book Review)

It’s the 1977-1978 school year and Calvin Arthur is on his way to fifth grade. When he arrives on the first day, he quickly finds out that he has been assigned to the teacher he really needs. He finds out Mrs. Walton is a star within her classroom. She is also the judge and jury that solves many problems swiftly. Calvin is intimidated by his new teacher and finds himself in the middle of some classmate issues. Is this going to be a year of misery or does Calvin find courage along with some great experiences? You can be assured that he is headed on another roller coaster ride much like his fourth-grade year. See and feel what Calvin feels and you will relate to some of his pain and victories. Does this resemble your fifth-grade year? If you are reading this second book in the series, consider yourself a Calvin Arthur fan and please leave an Amazon review. It will help to keep Calvin’s message alive. Please feel free to contact R.A. Stone for school assembly information or with other questions or comments at fairway36@yahoo.com. Hope you enjoy the journey, In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes ~ Seeking Courage.

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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.

 

It’s the start of a new school year at Washington Elementary, and Calvin Arthur’s filled with trepidation. Like many kids, he’s worried about bullies. Calvin wants nothing more than to be more courageous and stand up to their taunts. He also wants the courage to speak up, find his voice and say what’s on his mind.

Mrs. Walton, Calvin’s homeroom teacher, deserves the Teacher of the Year award. She was tough but fair. Mrs. Walton gave them ample opportunities to work together as a team. She encouraged them to stretch their imagination and think outside the box through multiple science experiments. I loved the assignment that involved students creating an invention that would change the world. I know this wasn’t a picture book, but adding a drawing of Calvin and Ava’s anti-bully robot would’ve been an excellent addition to the chapter.

Calvin and his classmates also learned empathy and responsibility when they were required to write a letter to seniors, convincing them not to drink and drive at prom. I think more teachers should embrace this assignment with their students! Maybe real-life students will experience a touching moment with their senior counterparts like Calvin did with his. And hopefully, students will think twice about drinking and driving.

In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes: Quest for Courage by R.A. Stone highlights the struggles one might face in school. The story also highlights how, with encouragement, a student can thrive even in adversity. Calvin no longer stood idly by why and let bullies target him and others. He voiced his opinions on matters. His confidence skyrocketed, thanks to his inspiring and motivating teacher.

We all have that one teacher that we will never forget. I believe Calvin will not soon forget Mrs. Walton.

In Calvin Arthur’s 5th Grade Shoes: Quest for Courage is an inspirational story for children 10-13.

 

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

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Meet the Author

R. A. Stone has been teaching at various Elementary and Middle public schools in the USA for thirty two years, Writing and story telling has been a passion ever since he was a young student. Calvin Arthur has evolved from all of his countless student interactions and teaching experiences.   Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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