Tag Archives: wolf

December 12, 2025 · 7:00 am

Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast by Once Upon a Dance (Book Review)

Bunny leaps from the wolf’s belly with only one memory—she loves to dance. But something, or someone, is STILL MISSING!

Bellyrina delivers Once Upon a Dance’s signature blend of heartwarming stories and playful humor wrapped in the mission of inspiring joyful movement.

Dance-Along Fun with Once Upon a Dance features
• Interactive movement prompts
• Sweet, silly, and uplifting
• Screen-free fun that encourages connection
• Movement motivation photos
• Lessons in empathy that extend to all creatures
• Positive characters that celebrate strong girls

Perfect for ages 4–8, Bellyrina features adorable animals, fairy magic, gentle drama, and plenty of sparkle. Whether shared in classrooms, studios, or at home, this Dancing Ever After series debut invites children to dance their own happily ever after.

From the creators of over 40 dance books comes a fresh twist on a classic tale, great for
• Bedtime stories to get the wiggles out
• Dance classes and creative movement activities
• Family reading time with built-in physical play
• Gifts for little dancers, animal lovers, and active kids

Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast Movement & Learning Benefits
Physical Skills Development
• Full-body movements: stretching, jumping, bunny hops, twirls, spins
• Coordination patterns: arm sweeps, windmill arms, lasso movements
• Balance & control: tiptoeing, reaching, controlled falls
• Partner activities: hand-holding twirls, cooperative movement

Social-Emotional Learning Through Story
• Core themes: courage, resilience, kindness, friendship, and identity
• Emotional intelligence: recognizing and expressing joy, suspicion, and wonder
• Mindfulness concepts: breath awareness and finding stillness
• Character development: persistence, teamwork, and appreciation

Creative Expression & Social Skills
• Imaginative movement: gulping, sneezing, shivering for story context
• Free dance exploration and personal expression
• Interactive play that builds confidence

Transform reading time into active fun with giggles and wiggles for everyone!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

It’s time to get up and get movin’ with Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast by Once Upon a Dance! Follow the dancer’s movements demonstrated in the purple ovals. Challenge yourself with the “trickier” moves, such as “wolf creep.” Try your hand at matching the moves to the story. (Bonus feature) However, before you do all that, let’s take a look at the story and discover what or who is causing such a commotion.

Wolves in fairy tales tend to bite off more than they can chew, and the beast in this energetic and exciting story is no different. Luckily, Peter and his friends are there to wrangle and see him safely to the zoo, but this is not the last we’ve seen of the big bad wolf. Why? Because a pink bunny with selective amnesia says the wolf swallowed not just them but someone else, too, and that mystery animal is still trapped in the wolf’s belly. Let the rescue mission begin!

How does the friend group, along with the rabbit, plan to retrieve the imprisoned animal? Ah, that adorable plan will remain a secret. To find out the answer, you must get the book. I highly recommend you do. Bellyrina: A Tutu Tale from the Belly of the Beast features page after page of cuteness from the silly artwork to the amusing text.

The heart on the bunny’s belly was a sweet touch. The rescued animal looked adorable in their tutu. Milo’s (the cat’s) facial expression and sarcastic tone when meeting the bunny for the first time were quite humorous. The dance party scene will tickle some ribs. Plus, let’s not forget that every page encourages readers to get up and move with visual prompts.

There is so much to love about this book, from its amusing storyline to its interactive movement prompts. I encourage you to share it with your family or students, as it not only entertains but also promotes physical activity.

Amazon recommends a reading age of 4-8 years.

 

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

 

 

 

Meet the Team! 

Discover a delightful way to introduce children to the world of dance. Once Upon a Dance combines whimsical stories with movement, breath, and connection to spark imagination and foster self-expression.

Their catalog (36 books across six series) offers positive role models, whimsy, humor, and diverse characters. Alongside movement and dance, books feature themes of empathy, friendship, the value of practice, self-acceptance, sibling relationships, anger management, and working toward goals.

Ballerina Konora is living her dreams as a full-fledged ballet Company Artist. Teacher Terrel arrived in Seattle after a Peace Corps stint teaching English and dance. Complementing decades of teaching dance, she worked in early childhood education and for non-profits supporting kids. Terrel was recognized by her local City Council for “embodying the spirit of partnership and commitment to children in our community” for her work with young dancers. She also serves on Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Board of Directors.

Stories are lovingly crafted, and royalties are donated to charity partners. A few highlighted honors:

• Family Choice Award

• Mom’s Choice Gold Award Recipient

• PenCraft Award: First Place

• Firebird Book Award: First Place

• Royal Dragonfly Book Award: First Place

• Pinnacle Book Achievement Award – Best Book Juvenile Fiction

• Outstanding Creator Awards: Best Children’s Book, Top 10 Author of 2022 & 2023

• Kirkus Reviews Starred Review

@Once_UponADance (Instagram)
DanceStories.com 
Amazon Author Page Link
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!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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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February 19, 2024 · 7:00 am

Three Little Pigs and The Good Wolf by Avery Smart (Book Review)

In this charming retelling of the classic tale, “The Three Little Pigs and The Good Wolf” the author weaves a delightful narrative filled with whimsy, humor, and unexpected twists. The three little pigs, each with their distinct personalities, set out to build their homes, unaware of the lurking danger posed by the big ‘bad’ wolf.

As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a heartwarming journey of friendship, resilience, and the realization that sometimes, appearances can be deceiving. The author infuses the narrative with valuable life lessons, emphasizing the importance of not judging others based on preconceived notions. The unexpected alliance between the pigs and the wolf adds a unique and refreshing twist to the familiar fable, making this book a captivating read.

The storytelling is complemented by vibrant illustrations that bring the characters and their world to life. The author’s vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue capture the imagination, making it an ideal bedtime or classroom read. Beyond the surface-level narrative, the book encourages readers to reflect on themes of empathy, kindness, and the potential for unlikely friendships. It’s a must-read for those seeking a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Most of us know the classic children’s story The Three Little Pigs. In it, the wolf intentionally blows down the piglets’ homes made of straw and sticks and attempts to knock down the brick house as well. The famous wolf is labeled a villain for good reason. Readers will be introduced to a more thoughtful animal in Three Little Pigs and The Good Wolf. Children will discover this wolf is a sweet, caring canine, not a scary beast. 

This story contains some elements that the original fable possessed. Three pigs do go off to build their homes from the same materials found in the famed edition. A wolf goes to each home and asks to come inside. However, this wolf didn’t huff, puff, and knock down their homes with sinister intentions. He did not want to make them his late-night snack. Yes, he accidentally dismantled the straw and stick home. He tried to extinguish a fire, not cause the straw structure to fall. The stick home tumbled down, too, but again, the wolf didn’t have food on the brain. No, he had an important story and item to share! 

The three little pigs judged the wolf by his outward appearance. They reacted based on old fairytales and didn’t think twice about giving the wolf the benefit of the doubt. They were filled with shame once they realized the error in their ways. This was not an angry, hungry beast wanting to satisfy his hunger; it was just a friendly animal trying to do the right thing. The wolf found something that didn’t belong to him and wanted to return it to its rightful owner: the three pigs’ grandma. 

This story teaches valuable lessons. One, don’t judge a book by its cover. Second, friends come in all sizes, colors, and forms. Lastly, don’t be quick to dismiss someone. Listen and be kind. 

The artwork was out of this world! I can’t rave enough about it. The artist did a masterful job updating the piggies’ look from the famed story we’ve grown accustomed to. I loved how expressive their faces became, especially when the wolf came knockin’, or the oinkers went a runnin’. The artist didn’t stop with the three little pigs; they painted many emotions on the wolf’s face, showing a softer and friendlier side of the famous, menacing, canine breed. While I loved the illustrator’s skill, the text sometimes became muddled. On occasion, the background overpowered the text in the foreground. Despite that, I highly recommend sharing this story with your family or class!  

Amazon’s recommended reading age is baby-5 years. I would change that scale to 2-6 year olds. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Avery Smart, a vibrant author who resides in the heart of the lively family chaos with her three energetic kids. Nestled in the midst of parenting, she channels her passion for nurturing well-mannered children into delightful tales.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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September 30, 2023 · 7:00 am

Cruel Lessons (Lessons in Peril Book 1) by Randy Overbeck (Book Review)

On a school camping trip, fifth graders experiment with a dangerous new hallucinogen and die in a horrific accident, their deaths shattering the quiet town. Assistant Superintendent Ken Parks, hoping to redeem a fatal mistake from his past, grasps the opportunity to conduct the district investigation of how students are getting the drugs. Almost before he begins, the cops make a stunning arrest. But Parks battles on, convinced the real pusher is still out there, poisoning more kids until he receives an anonymous threat: if he continues, those close to him will pay. Is Parks willing to risk those he loves for a chance at redemption?

Preorder now: Amazon Purchase Link

 

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

 

Cruel Lessons was a 457-page novel (print edition) that touched on a sensitive real-life issue: drugs in school. It’s common for young adults to experiment with pot, cigarettes, or alcohol. The age bracket partaking in illegal drugs exists well before high school. Cruel Lessons features the effects of drug use among 11 to 13-year-olds. Drugs are entering Foster Middle School, mainly a hallucinogen-inducing wolf tattoo. Once the young buyer presses the drug to their skin, their time is almost up. 

Cops witness numerous horrific crime scenes through their time on the force; the death of 4 young boys close to the science camp will haunt their dreams for a long time, maybe forever. 

The school board asked Ken to take point and find out how the kids got a hold of the drugs and discover if the school was liable for their deaths. The board seemed more interested if they would get sued or not. I wasn’t surprised people valued the bottom line over the loss of 4 lives. 

Ken, not a trained investigator, began to work the case. He interviewed staff members and students and enlisted the help of Bart (resource officer). His “meddling” was not appreciated by the dealer, “the doctor.” Lives were lost in the pursuit of justice. A popular teacher was fighting to prove her innocence. Through all the school drama, readers also watched love triangles unfold in the background. Wow, the cheating spouses drama could be its own soap opera. While I understand each purpose in the story, I wanted their faithful spouses to discover their misdeeds. I wanted more drama! 

The list of suspects was long. Who brought the tattoos into the school and how they did it might stun you. As you work the case with Ken and Bart, do not write off a suspect so quickly. At the end of the story, I had 75% of the resolution figured out. I was wrong about one prime suspect, which falls in the 25% category. 

Cruel Lessons will keep you guessing. When you think you figured it out, the author throws you a curveball. The uncertainty, the twists, kept me going back for more. Even though I loved the book, it left me with many unanswered questions. To avoid giving out spoilers, I will refrain from elaborating on what puzzled me. 

If you like crime stories that take time to solve, this book is for you! 

 

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

Releases 10/11/23: Preorder (Amazon) Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades in a range of roles captured in his novels, from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent. His thriller, LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND (2012) and his recent mysteries, the Amazon No. 1 Best Seller, BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE (2019), CRIMSON AT CAPE MAY (2020) and SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER (2021) have earned five star reviews and garnered national awards including “Thriller of the Year”—ReadersFavorite.com, “Gold Award”—Literary Titan, “Mystery of the Year”—ReadersView.com and “Crowned Heart of Excellence”—InD’Tale Magazine.

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Sleuthfest, Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop. When he’s not writing or researching his next exciting novel or sharing his presentation “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

Amazon Author Page Link
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February 14, 2021 · 7:00 am

Scorned : A Wolf Shifter Paranormal Romance (Never Marry a Shifter Book 2) by Azaaa Davis (Book Showcase)

Releases February 23rd on Amazon! 

She’s the only one that can stop her cursed husband’s murderous rampage. 

Theresa lived a planned and pampered life that left her unprepared for the dark secrets and brutal people surrounding her new husband. Trapped in the form of a white wolf, the handsome Dr. James Patrick is in danger of dying, crazed and alone, or turning into something even shifters fear, a rogue alpha.

Theresa is bound to the unruly and vicious wolf pack James has tried to distance himself from in more ways than one. Theresa must stop relying on her looks and start using her mind. Can a human female that is best known for her beauty tips somehow save her cursed husband before he kills … again?

Preorder your ebook copy of Scorned today!

 

 

Be sure and check out book one! 

We said “I do,” and then he disappeared. 

Administrative assistant by day and boss lady on social media by night, Theresa enjoys sharing her charmed life with half-million followers. The only thing she loves more is being engaged to the hottest doctor at the clinic where they both work. Cementing her fame by reaching one million followers would be the icing on her wedding cake. 

Life stops running smoothly when her husband vanishes on their wedding night and a leaked photo of a barely-dressed Theresa yelling at the police sparks a viral sensation. With everything at stake—love, reputation, followers, and career—she embarks on a reluctant voyage of discovery. Follow Theresa as she stumbles over her new husband’s secrets and develops her inner strength. 

 

Start reading this thrilling paranormal romance novella today!

Kindle Purchase Link

 

Azaaa Davis is an International Bestselling American author of urban fantasy & paranormal romance novels. ✨

She fell in love with reading as a high school freshman and continues to read, write, and draw today. Her background in social work helps her portray realistic characters in otherworldly–and sometimes terrifying–situations. A New York native, Azaaa currently lives in New Hampshire (USA) with her husband and daughters.

Azaaa is working diligently to finish writing more fantasy novels while raising her daughters. Thank you for showing an interest in her stories!

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