Tag Archives: young readers

The Adventures of Bronx by Heidi Brooks (Book Review)

Welcome to The Adventures of Bronx,
a wonderful little boy with Down Syndrome…

Through his story, you’ll see that children like Bronx are just like everyone else—full of love, laughter, and dreams. This book celebrates the power of inclusion and reminds us that our differences are what make us unique.

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

 

Bronx is a happy, energetic little boy who enjoys playing dress-up, having fun outside, watching movies, dancing to his favorite tunes, and spending time with his family. Bronx loves bringing smiles to others and offering one back. The pictures of Bronx smiling without his front teeth were cute!

Bronx has one thing that makes him unique: he has Down Syndrome. Kids might wonder what Down Syndrome is. The author (Heidi Brooks) gives an overview of the genetic condition, stating most babies have 46 chromosomes, but children born with Down Syndrome have an extra one. The writer notifies young readers that chromosomes are “one of the things that makes us who we are.” The informative page also shares a strain of DNA and a developing baby.

Bronx has short, chubby fingers and extra wide feet, but that’s just part of his outer shell charm. It might take him a bit longer to learn new things, but we all struggle now and then. Deep down, he is like any other person. When he’s sad, he needs hugs. When he’s happy, he dazzles the world with his beautiful, infectious smile. 

I encourage you to share The Adventure of Bronx with your family or classroom. Teach children to be kind to others and include everyone in  game time. When you see someone with Down Syndrome, take Heidi’s advice and say “hi” to them. If you’re at the park or recess, invite them to play with you. Remember, people with Down Syndrome have feelings just like you, so treat them how you want people to treat you: with kindness and respect.

I loved getting to know Bronx. He was an adorable child who made me want to smile. Well, every photo except for his “I’m sorry,” portrait. That one made me want to hug the darling boy. I liked the inclusion of the real-life snap sort of Gammy and Bronx hugging. (That’s Bronxy to her.) You can tell there is a lot of love in his family! 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Heidi Brooks is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose delightful experiences with her grandchildren fuel her passion for writing. With a lifelong love for children’s literature, Heidi is particularly inspired by the whimsical worlds of Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, and Roald Dahl.

Her keen sense of humor allows her to find joy in the everyday antics of her grandchildren, often turning their adventures into tales featuring brave heroes and heroines.

When she’s not writing, Heidi cherishes spending quality time with her family, embarking on countless adventures that spark laughter and inspire her next story. Through her writing, she hopes to capture the magic of childhood and share it with young readers everywhere.

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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: ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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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The Tardy Tooth Fairy by Shauna Farris (Book Review)

“There were three things that all of the other fairies knew about Luna Bloom. She always wore purple, she never met a creature she didn’t like, and she was easily distracted. Therefore, she was always late.”

 

Luna Bloom may not be the most punctual tooth fairy, but she sure is dedicated! After studying diligently at the Tooth Fairy Academy, Luna is finally ready to put her training to the test. Will her wandering mind get the best of her? Follow along as she does her best to gather everyone’s lost teeth in one night.

If the tooth fairy has ever skipped past your house, The Tardy Tooth Fairy is for you. This book offers readers the answer to what tooth fairies really do and the relief of knowing that the tooth fairy probably hasn’t forgotten you-they’re just late! Watching Luna attempt to break her untimely habits will teach us to be more understanding and remind us that it’s all right to take a moment to breathe.

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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.

 

“If you’ve ever woken to find a forgotten tooth, you might need to seek the help of a sleuth. But listen close, for the reason may be that it is just the fault of a tardy tooth fairy.”


Luna Bloom was well-known to her peers for three reasons. One, she always wore purple. And who can blame her—the color is fabulous! Two, she never met a creature she didn’t like. Even a black mamba or piranha? Not me! Lastly, she was easily distracted; therefore, she was always late. Many kids and parents will relate to number three, especially in the morning on school days.

Luna Bloom had a valid reason for her tardiness; she was distracted by the world’s wonders, and those curiosities caused her to ponder questions. For instance: “How do ladybugs get their spots?” This question made me stop and do a little internet investigating. I encourage you to look it up since the answer was not disclosed in the story or the end credits. 

Luna Bloom knew her lack of punctuality would not fly when she became a tooth fairy. She wanted to make her family proud and vowed to work on her tardy behavior. The day before her first assignment, Luna was bubbling with mixed emotions. She was excited and nervous, typical reactions for the first day of a job, new school, or class. Luna knew all would go well tomorrow because Marigold, the most talented tooth fairy in the land, would be by her side. She never imagined Marigold would call in sick, but that exactly what happened. Without Marigold to keep Luna on track and away from distractions, the newly crowned tooth fairy couldn’t resist all the tempting sights and smells or the cat who wanted pets. As a cat owner, I couldn’t resist scratching the fairy-sized kitty, either! 

Luna’s first night as a tooth fairy didn’t go as planned; mistakes were made. At this point in the story, readers hear comforting words from Luna’s mentor and teacher, Marigold. Kids also learn what “flower breath” is. (You and your youngster will discover what that is when you read the story!)

The author and number 1 tooth fairy gave Luna Bloom a wonderful pep talk, words to live by: Mistakes will happen; when they do, it’s important to say, “I’m sorry.” Learn from them and don’t be scared or nervous to ask for help! 

The Tardy Tooth Fairy is a delightful picture book that reminds readers it’s okay to make mistakes. Learn from them. Apologize. And don’t be afraid to ask for help!

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age of 4-8 years. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

I’m an elementary school counselor/mom/avid reader/amateur baker and feel passionately about the healing power of books. It’s always been a dream to publish, so The Tardy Tooth Fairy is close to my heart! I hope to continue sharing my love of storytelling through creating future books.

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The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Takes the Plunge by Andrea McLean (Book Spotlight)

Embark on a heartwarming journey of courage and friendship in “The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Takes the Plunge.” When Ava’s family moves to a new house with a sparkling swimming pool, excitement fills the air. But Burnie, skeptical of the water’s vast expanse, refuses to join the fun. Despite Ava and Chloe’s encouraging words, Burnie remains steadfast in his fear.

As days pass and temperatures rise, Burnie becomes more curious. With gentle coaxing from Ava, he tentatively enters the pool, only to retreat just as quickly. But as the heat intensifies, Burnie’s adventurous spirit awakens, leading to an unexpected discovery: he can swim! Filled with joy and newfound confidence, Burnie surprises everyone, especially Chloe, during a playful pool party. Through laughter and splashes, Burnie learns that trying new things can lead to unexpected joys and friendships.

“The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Takes the Plunge” is a charming story of overcoming fears, embracing new experiences, and the enduring bond between friends, both furry and human. Join Burnie and Chloe on their journey of discovery and dive into a world of fun and friendship.

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Take a peek inside…

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Meet the Author

Andrea C. McLean is a board-certified life, career, and executive coach. She is a global leadership coach and mentor focused on developing women leaders in corporate and university settings. Andrea has a spirit of encouragement and a passion for inspiring others on their journey toward achieving personal transformations. She can be reached at andrea@acmcoachinggroup.com and you can follow @andreacmclean on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more inspiration.
 
 
 

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Jack’s Noisy Day: A Raucous Romp Through The Alphabet by Sarah Tinney (Book Review)

Jack’s Noisy Day is an engaging and interactive children’s book that takes readers on a lively journey through the alphabet. Follow Jack as he embarks on a noisy adventure, making uproarious sounds for every letter from A to Z. From “Ahem!” to “Zap,” each page is filled with fun and excitement, captivating young readers and encouraging interactive learning.

Key Features:

  • Vibrant illustrations that bring the alphabet to life
  • Engaging storyline that encourages active participation
  • Interactive sound effects for each letter of the alphabet
  • Perfect for children ages 0-7 years old
  • Ideal for story time sessions, classrooms, and bedtime reads

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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.

 

Jack is like many other kids—he loves to make noise! Awake or asleep, this little boy makes sure you know where he is and what he is doing at all times. The author has readers follow Jack on his noisy adventure, learning their ABCs along the way. For starters, if he doesn’t have your attention, he is quick with the “Ahem,” which has the “A” standing out in bright red shading.

Each page centers on ONE noisy moment. Kids will laugh at the child frightening someone, causing them to say, “Eek!” Kids can be quite the pranksters! Readers and young listeners will find the “Fart” and the white gas cloud quite humorous! Superhero fans will adore Jack’s super costume choice.

Jack found joy in pretending to be animals and various human characters. He was so cute trying to be ferocious in his lion costume. I loved his purple beret on the artist’s page; however, “Ooh aah!” didn’t fit the scenario as well as the other pages, such as “Pew pew” in the outer space scene. 

The author beautifully points out how exciting and tiring a day can be for a child. If your child is anything like Jack, you’ll be smiling and nodding in agreement that even in sleep, they like to be noisy: “Zzzzz!”

Jack’s Noisy Day uses familiar words and actions to teach children the alphabet. I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age, baby to 7 years. Babies will love all the wonderful colors. Toddlers can increase their vocabulary by saying what they see happening or naming objects on a page. Preschoolers can use this book to learn their letters. This would make a great first-level reading book for independent readers (kindergarteners and first graders). 

With something for multiple ages, this is a book your child will love for many years.

 

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

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Meet the Author

I am a pharmacist working in rural Australia. I love music, crochet, nature, cats and being creative. I recently gave birth to my son Jack and was inspired to create a story sharing his playfulness and cheekiness with the world.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

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