In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Blossom Children’s Media Group, LLC

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Friendly Bookshelf

Written by Caroline and Katherine Brickley

Illustrated by Daniela Pérez-Duarte

Ages 3+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Blossom Children’s Media Group | ISBN-13: 9780997782714

Publisher’s Synopsis: Meet Bibli, a brave little library bookshelf in search of a story about someone like him . . .

Once upon a time, in a library like any other, there lived a little bookshelf named Bibli who carried a BIG question on his shelves: “Could there be a story somewhere about a bookshelf like me?” Bibli is told that bookshelves are supposed to hold stories, not have ones of their own. But everything changes when he meets Cassie, a girl longing for a friend just as much as Bibli longs for a story to relate to. Bibli learns that with kindness, confidence, empathy, and friendship, even your biggest dreams can come true—and that everyone has an important story worth sharing.

The Friendly Bookshelf is a social-emotional learning (SEL) research-based book and the first-ever picture book about a bookshelf. Written to build self-confidence and self-esteem as well as encourage inclusivity, Bibli’s story empowers children to be brave, be a friend, and always be your-shelf! Readers will be inspired to go beyond the final page of the book and share their own stories, as well as be the pioneers of a kinder, more inclusive world where everybody (and every bookshelf!) belongs.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qnVcbM

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780997782714

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Caroline and Katherine Brickley are twin sisters and the award-winning authors of The Blossom Shoppe and The Friendly Bookshelf. Inspired by their mother, who made up stories for them each night, the sisters spent their childhood coming up with stories of their own and bringing them to life. As they grew, so did their passion for storytelling, and in 2017 the sisters made it their full-time job by founding Blossom Children’s Media Group (Blossom) from their shared college dorm room.

Now a multi-award-winning company known for excellence in children’s literature and family content, Blossom continues to bring children, families, and educators from around the world together through wholesome stories and inclusive community experiences. In their free time, Caroline and Katherine love to swim, travel, and spend time with friends and family, including their goldendoodle, Sugar, who served as the inspiration for the library dog featured in The Friendly Bookshelf.

For more information, visit https://www.thefriendlybookshelf.com/

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

EVERYONE HAS A STORY TO TELL

The Friendly Bookshelf

Written by Caroline and Katherine Brickley

Illustrated by Daniela Perez-Duarte

Bibli is a proud bookshelf, the very first in his library. As time goes by, the library expands and adds more bookshelves. Soon Bibli finds himself in a back corner. His only visitor is Ms. Grammar who stops by each day to choose a read-aloud book for her visitors.

Bibli is sad. He wonders if anyone has ever authored a book about a bookshelf. The other bookshelves laugh at him. They tell him their only job is to hold books not to tell a story. One day a little girl named Cassie comes to sit nearby. They soon become friends. When Bibli confides his secret wish to her, Cassie produces a shocking surprise.

This beautifully illustrated picture book teaches young readers about self-esteem, self-confidence, and empathy for others. While the text and vocabulary are simple enough for young children, its message resonates with any age group. Highly recommended.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Friendly Bookshelf!

(7) Seven winners receive:

• A copy of The Friendly Bookshelf
• A copy of The Friendly Bookshelf donated to a library of your choice

The giveaway ends December 16, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER

https://gleam.io/d0m8O/the-friendly-bookshelf-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 16, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Wednesday, November 17, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Thursday, November 18, 2021Glass of Wine, Glass of MilkA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Friday, November 19, 2021Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Monday, November 22, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Tuesday, November 23, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Wednesday, November 24, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Thursday, November 25, 2021Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero MomA book beyond the book activityThe Friendly Bookshelf

Friday, November 26, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Sunday, November 28, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Monday, November 29, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Tuesday, November 30, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

Wednesday, December 1, 2021Heart to HeartAn interview withCaroline and Katherine Brickley

Thursday, December 2, 2021Me Two BooksA book beyond the book activityThe Friendly Bookshelf

Friday, December 3, 2021The Momma SpotA book review ofThe Friendly Bookshelf

LITTLE OWL’S FIRST CHRISTMAS

Written and illustrated by Hilary Hawkes

Little Owl sits in the tree with his mother. He feels sleepy and complains that other birds get to sleep at night. Why must owls stay awake?

Mother Owl tells him that tonight is a special night. Because owls are awake at night, they were the first to see the Christmas Star. She follows with the birth of Jesus’s Christmas story and a very special traveler on Christmas Eve who brings presents to children.

A cute Christmas story picture book to read for preschoolers or primary grade children.

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Check out more for your family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Night Critters Play

Written by Esseboe Kwami Nyamidie

Illustrated by Pamela Christiansen

What a fun book to read aloud for young children!

The author explores creatures of the night like those he heard while growing up in the tropical jungle. The poem evokes strong images and the text is laid out in eye-popping colors that highlight the rich vocabulary word choices.

The illustrator’s printmaking technique draws the eye of the reader inward inviting detailed exploration of each page. It is a book that children will want to read over and over again.

Especially recommended for ages three through eight, but a delightful read for age.

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Check out lots more for the whole family and http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

You Got This: A Tale of Courage

Written by Wanda Carter Roush

Illustrated by Nataly Simmons

A little girl enjoys visiting the garden where her guardian angel stands behind her giving her the courage to share adventures and later to face challenges in school. As the girl grows older, she faces new challenges but the angel is always there to support and encourage her.

When the girl becomes an adult and moves away the angel is sad. Life has become difficult for both of them. Will the woman find the strength to move forward? Can the guardian angel find happiness once more?

The picture book contains beautiful illustrations and valuable life lessons. An uplifting story for any age.

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More learning opportunities at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

THE CAVES OF SAN PIETRO

WRITTEN BY SUSAN GAYLE

An enjoyable historical fiction read based on real characters. A well-researched tale that follows several families during World War II and the Spanish flu pandemic.

The characters are believable and well-developed. Readers are drawn into the tragedies, the struggles, and at times, a bit of humor despite the awful circumstances. Each of the separate stories hits the mark and makes a deep impression on the reader.

If you enjoy historical fiction, adventure, and in-depth characters, you will like this tale.

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Looking for even more fun for your whole family? Check out http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

A Birthday Ball of Happiness: Dog story for kids

Written by David Shalem

Illustrated by Julia Po

Danny has a birthday coming up. When his mom asks for gift suggestions, Danny asks for a dog. That is the last thing his mom wanted to hear. She objects and argues dogs are messy, need to be walked and trained, and need constant supervision.

Danny continues to plead until his mother reluctantly gives in. When they arrive at the animal shelter, mom shies away. Will Danny convince her? If he succeeds, what problems will he need to solve? Can he become a responsible pet owner?

This is a cute picture book for preschoolers and primary grade children who love animals, especially dogs. It would be a good book for families to read together before considering a dog as a pet.

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Check out lots more for the family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

WINTER’S CHILD

Written by J. S. Burke

J. S. Burke is the author of the award-winning Dragon Dreamer series. The marine biologist has applied her storytelling talents to a charming fairytale in verse. Bonus features include detailed directions on how to create beautiful snowflakes.

A young girl named Mariah lives in the frozen North. There are no children her age, so she becomes friends with the wind. Seeking to please her, The Wind fashions clouds, and later snowflakes into images to tell Mariah about the creatures and history of the past. Eventually, the Sun decides to join them creating colors and warmth. Soon the ice begins to melt, and the seasons reemerge.

Mariah possesses an insatiable curiosity about her world but also desperately wants friendship and companionship. Will she ever find her proper place in her world?

Burke provides her readers with beautiful verse and imagery, while, at the same time, enthralling them with tales of dragons, dolphins, hummingbirds, herons, and unicorns. She weaves fiction and nonfiction in a charming tale that will especially delight elementary and middle-grade readers, but one that a reader of any age can enjoy.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out tons more learning resources at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

IN PARTNERSHIIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND KATHLEEN T. PELLEY

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

Written by Kathleen T. Pelley

Illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic

Ages 3-7 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Journey with Story Press | ISBN-13: 9780578651965

Publisher’s Synopsis: After Jesús finally lands a part as an innkeeper in his school’s Nativity play, he asks God to help him be the best innkeeper ever. Day by day, he grows more and more confident in his role, but on opening night, he finds himself so swept up in this long-ago world, that when Mary and Joseph asked him, ”Do you have any room at your inn?” he comes up with his own answer, causing chaos on the stage.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lYbq8y

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780578651965

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATHLEEN T. PELLEY is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, but spent most of her childhood summers playing on her grandparents’ farm in Ireland. Her passion for stories stemmed from listening to them on the radio during the BBC children’s story hour. She is the award-winning author of seven other picture books and hosts her own storytelling podcast, Journey with Story.

For more information, visit https://kathleenpelley.com.

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK:

This is a sweet story of a boy named Jesús who yearns for a part in the Nativity play. When his teacher, Mrs. Rodriguez chooses him to be an innkeeper, Jesús is ecstatic. He tries hard to learn his lines, but he is so nervous. Jesús takes us through the typical feelings faced by a child in his situation. Will he succeed? There is a surprise ending that reveals the depth of Jesús’ character.

Children learn about the Nativity story through the eyes of a child as Jesús relates his hopes and fears through prayer. All types of children are represented. The soft colors and simple drawings correspond well with the mood of the narrative. Recommended highly for preschool and primary grade children. A nice book for families to share during the Advent season.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a Jesús, Mary, and Joseph prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A hardcover copy of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph, autographed by Kathleen T. Pelley

A paperback copy of Five Little Angels

An Audible copy of Five Little Angels

A $25 Barnes and Noble gift card

A Nativity sticker book

A shoutout on the Journey with Story podcast

Five (5) winners receive:

A hardcover copy of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph, autographed by Kathleen T. Pelley

A Nativity sticker book

The giveaway ends November 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/avyHd/jesus-mary-and-joseph-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, November 1, 2021The Children’s Book Review Book Tour Kick-Off

Tuesday, November 2, 2021Over Coffee Conversations An interview with Kathleen T. Pelley

Wednesday, November 3, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s blog A book review ofJesús, Mary, and Joseph

Thursday, November 4, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

Friday, November 5, 2021Life Is What It’s Called A book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

Monday, November 8, 2021The Momma Spot A book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

Tuesday, November 9, 2021The Fairview Review A book giveaway of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

Wednesday, November 10, 2021Book Bug CA A book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

Thursday, November 11, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

Friday, November 12, 2021Library Lady’s Kid LitA book review of Jesús, Mary, and Joseph

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Lindy Nelson

ABOUT THE BOOK

This Is Clare

Written by Lindy Nelson

Illustrated by Ingrid Lefebvre

Ages 4+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 978-1643073606

Publisher’s Synopsis: Come follow a lady and her hound.

New adventures with new friends will abound.

Learn some English and verse with Lindy and Clare.

We’re in China; we hope to see you there!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XQA4io

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindy Nelson is an American who has spent most of her adult life teaching English in China after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She enjoys arts and crafts, funny memes, eating candy, and of course, spending time with her greyhound, Clarence.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

This is Clare is an adorable picture book about a lady named Lindy and her adventures with her greyhound named Clare. The author uses verbs that end in air and are to teach English vocabulary. The illustrations are adorable and the simple text will expand vocabulary for anyone learning English. It is a book that is fun to read aloud and will enrich the vocabulary of native English speakers as well.

The multicultural illustrations that feature Chinese culture will provide a springboard for discussion and further research. This book will delight all ages from preschool to adult English as a Second Language Learners. I am looking forward to more adventures with Lindy and Clare.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of This Is Clare, along with a virtual Questions and Answers session with the author!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A copy of This Is Clare

A virtual Questions and Answers session with the author via Skype

Nine (9) winners receive:

A copy of This Is Clare

The giveaway ends December 2, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/BSTcn/this-is-clare-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 3, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 4, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withLindy Nelson

Friday, November 5, 2021Tales of a Wanna-be Superhero MomA beyond-the-book activity forThis Is Clare

Monday, November 8, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThis Is Clare

Tuesday, November 9, 2020Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 10, 2021Book Bug CAA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 11, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThis Is Clare

Friday, November 12, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofThis Is Clare

Monday, November 15, 2021Me Two BooksA book review ofThis Is Clare

Tuesday, November 16, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 17, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 18, 2021The Momma SpotA book review ofThis Is Clare