Tag Archives: young readers

August 11, 2023 · 7:00 am

Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog by J. E. Brewer (Book Review)

Zoe is a little white dog with a whole lotta pull! Every time Edna takes her pup Zoe for a walk, Zoe takes Edna on a wild ride through town. In this laugh-out-loud picture book for little kids, Zoe and Edna wreak helpful havoc on townsfolk, but always with a positive result. As Zoe pulls the leash, the duo rushes past delivery men, grocery clerks, laundry ladies, jump-roping kids, and many others who can benefit from Zoe’s unique panache. It’s a hilarious story about helping people in unexpected ways. Vivid illustrations include “hidden Zoes” for youngsters to spot before each big event. As she races through town, dragging her long-suffering owner behind her, Zoe gathers a thank-you from everyone she meets. Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog is an imaginative book about an adorable, can-do canine.

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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.

 

Most people have watched videos online or on tv featuring energetic dogs who are a handful once the leash snaps onto their collar. They drag their humans off porches, across lawns, and down streets, sending them flying in all directions. Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog by John Brewer features a white pooch who takes its owner on a wild ride around town. 

Zoe might be small, but don’t let their looks fool you; this doggie is no calm walker. The second Edna slipped on her glasses, Zoe was off to the races. The duo rushes past delivery men, grocery clerks, laundry ladies, jump-roping kids, and many others. Edna flew here, there, and everywhere, and the illustrations for the crazy journey were very humorous. 

Despite Edna’s run-in with power lines, clotheslines, and billboards, she emerged unscathed from the sticky predicaments. Each altercation led to a positive outcome, earning a well-deserved thank you. For example, at the grocery store, her speed helped wrangle multiple shopping carts. Edna also assisted a mailman by delivering a package. Her most impressive act was her topiary skills. She made trimming two bushes to look like a duck and goose seem easy!

Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog is an imaginative book about an adorable canine and their human who assist their community in unexpected ways. The non-stop action and pictures will make your child giggle. Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-7, but I can see an even wider viewing audience enjoying the antics of the owner and pet. 

While the illustrations were phenomenal and full of hilarity, I wanted a final image of a sleeping Zoe next to her frazzled-looking owner. I think that image would’ve been a perfect non-verbal response to the question posed at the end of the story. Besides a small illustration request, this story was a home-run hit! 

Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog is a laugh-out-loud picture book full of action, adventure, and death-defying illustrations. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

I grew up in a hardworking lobstering town on the coast of southern Maine. As a Physics major at the University of Maine, I won the state creative fiction competition. Today I live on Boston’s north shore with my wife, a pre-school teacher. We have two sons and a little white dog.

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July 20, 2023 · 7:00 am

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: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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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July 14, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Wiggly, Woggly Lady by Debi K Fraser (Book Review)

A story of wiggly feelings and making friends.

Wiggling and woggling is a lot of fun, but it would be so much more fun to do with friends. Thinking about trying to find those friends makes the wiggly, woggly lady feel very nervous. But today she has decided to try!

Fun, read-out-loud rhyme, comes together with quirky and unique characters, to gently illustrate the wonderful things that can happen when our children just be themselves.

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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.

 

Debi K Fraser (the writer) couldn’t have asked for a better interpretation of her storyline; Stephen Stone’s illustrations were spectacular. The wavy objects and characters were fun to look at it, and the curvy text was a delight to read. Together, the dynamic duo developed a creative book that children won’t be able to resist. They wiggle in their seats as you read it. They’ll wiggle around the house. They will be the wiggly friends the wiggly woggly lady has been seeking from the start of the story.

The wiggly woggly lady is sad because she has no friends. She’s too shy to ask someone to wiggle woggle with her. Questions of self-doubt flood her thoughts. What if they run away? Asking for someone to hang out with you or to be your friend might seem like a simple task to some people, but shyness is a paralyzing condition. People of all ages become physically ill at the thought of talking to a stranger. The wiggly lady’s stomach felt strange due to her anxiety about the situation.

As the wiggly woggly lady gathered her courage to face her fears, she failed to hear a mouse (wearing a purple leotard and pink tutu) asking her to wiggle and woggle with her. The lady also missed out on other people and animals wiggling the day away around town.

“The Wiggly Woggly Lady (Stories with Heart)” teaches young readers to be themselves and that good things will come because of it. It also stresses that sometimes it takes a little bravery to make your wishes come true. Oh, and remember that friends come in all sizes.

“The Wiggly Woggly Lady (Stories with Heart)” is a fun and humorous story that’ll get your child up and wiggling around their home. I recommend this adorable picture book for children 2-7.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

As I grew up my love of stories and the characters within them led me to create my own. Now my imagination has no off switch.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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June 26, 2023 · 7:00 am

Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows by Xanda Monteiro (Book Review)

Kaida Brightscales, a curious dragon, loves exploring the meadows near her cave. One day, she meets Bella the Bee, who is feeling sick, and she is not the only one. With the help of a hardworking ant and a knowledgeable butterfly, Kaida sets out on a mission to cure Bella and her friends of their mysterious sickness. Along the way, Kaida learns about the importance of pollination and the hard work of bees.

This delightful book for children ages 3 to 6 is filled with beautiful illustrations and a captivating story that teaches important lessons about empathy, teamwork, and the wonders of nature.

Join Kaida on her adventure as she uncovers the secrets of the beehive and learns about the power of friendship and collaboration.

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

 

Children are going to adore Tamar Blaauw’s beautiful illustrations. The artist couldn’t have selected a better collection of colors for the main star, Kaida. The dragon practically shimmered off the pages. I thought shading specific text in bright colors was an ingenious idea. Words that pop always capture a reader’s eye. 

In Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows, Kaida is fascinated by insects. First, she crosses paths with a very busy butterfly. Through their interaction, children will discover why the butterfly flutters from flower to flower and new terminology will be introduced: pollinate. 

Next up, Kaida spots a tiny ant carrying a berry. Through their talk, we learn where the ant is going and why. Of course, Kaida offers her assistance to the tired insect. Then, Kaida spots a sad bee holding a metal bucket of nectar. The poor bee admits to feeling under the weather. Kaida, the kind-hearted dragon she is, helps the ailing insect complete his job. She also seeks the help of her new buggy friends (ant and butterfly), and together, they work as a team to help Bella the bee feel better. 

Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows is a story teaching children to be kind and helpful. It also educates young readers about why these insects carry out the jobs they do. It does end without a complete resolution; Bella (bee) is still seeking a cure for her sickness. Even though I wanted a more unified conclusion, the story got its point across: “While the bees in the story may face challenges like sickness, this is ultimately a tale of hope and the power of working together to overcome adversity.”

Amazon recommends Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows for ages 3-6.

 

9/4/23: The book’s title, age bracket and synopsis has been updated since I read the book and created my post. I have not read it again. I have not updated my review to reflect any changes. 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Xanda was born in the small town of Beira on the East Coast of Mozambique, a place that holds a special place in my heart. It’s home to the magnificent Farol do Macuti, a lighthouse that has guided countless ships to safety over the years.

One of my fondest memories is the excitement my dad brought home with a new toy – the first Polaroid camera! I still remember the anticipation as we waited for the picture to develop on the square paper. To make the image last, we had to spread the fixer over the picture, which had a distinct smell that remains etched in my mind from childhood. It was an unnatural sharp, chemical and fruity sweet odour, but to us, it meant preserving memories that would last a lifetime.

But my childhood memories were not limited to photography. It was also with my dad that I experienced my first solar eclipse, an unforgettable sight that left me in awe of the natural world. Looking back, those memories of my childhood in Mozambique still fill me with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of life.

Growing up in Africa was an adventure in itself. I loved nothing more than exploring the vast landscape around me, always eager to discover new and exciting things. But with that excitement came a hint of danger. Some places and animals I encountered were quite hazardous, adding an extra layer of thrill to my explorations.

Today, I still hold a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature and the joy of exploration, and have added meditation and QiGong to my life as a way to continue that sense of wonder and connection to the world around me.

Author Website
Amazon Author page
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June 1, 2023 · 7:00 am

What Bird Heard (Traveler Series, Book 2) by Tricia Gardella (Book Review)

In Book 2 of this Traveler Series, Mouse and Bird are busy at work resolving Bird’s Book 1 mistake– trying to fly an airplane to the moon. Everyone knows it takes a rocket. But are there any other things Mouse and Bird need to be aware of?

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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.

 

What Bird Heard, book two in the “Traveler” series, picks up where its predecessor left off – trying to figure out how to get Mouse to the moon. 

We all have aspirations in life and reasons behind life choices/goals. Mouse’s reasoning for wanting to visit the moon is simple; he’s looking for cheese. Oh yes, this tiny rodent hasn’t gotten the memo that the moon isn’t made of cheese. 

The farm animals band together and use their resources from the scrap heap to construct a rocket. Their design was quite good based on the materials they had. The core was a soda code, and the base was from a can of tuna. The top, a funnel.

Construction, manufacturing, engineering, and space travel involve problem-solving. In the case of Bird and Mouse’s rocket, they need fuel. What Bird Heard teaches children to work as a team to brainstorm ideas. Why? Because teamwork makes the dream work, of course. 

When a creator’s design doesn’t go as planned, it’s essential to understand that alternative solutions must be considered and utilized. Good lessons to pass on to young minds!

Through talking to his friends, Mouse realized that the location was the issue; his goal was to see the world. Earth is a vast land with countless sights to explore. A trip to a library opened Mouse’s eyes to the wondrous world around him and made him realize they were so much to see, touch, taste, and experience here on Earth. Maybe one day the rodent will make it to the moon, but for now, he’s content to explore the planet he calls home. 

What Bird Heard had a couple of pages where the text overlapped the background; most of the text was clear. The illustrations were fantastic, like in “ABSURD,” SAID BIRD (Traveler Series Book 1).”

What Bird Heard encourages creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. I recommend this book to children 3-8.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author
 

Tricia’s books are influenced by ranch, animals and family life. She has tried it all, and almost mastered some: canning, cooking, knitting, fiber arts, rug-making, gardening. She has a BA in Ancient History and lots of grand children, giving her much food for thought. She lives in California.
 
 
 
 
 

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