This post is sponsored by Jill Rosen. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ode to a Pug

Written by Jill Rosen

Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: AM Ink Publishing (2024) ISBN-13: 978-1-958842-24-9

Publisher’s Book Summary: A precocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!

Laugh along with the snorting, snoring, and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can’t fix, right?

A true delight that any family can relate to, Ode to a Pug is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jill Rosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband. She doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!

Through her brand management work, Jill’s early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.

Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can’t wait to share them with all the young readers out there.

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

https://www.instagram.com/odetoapug

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Steph Rohr is a French Award-winning children’s book illustrator who earned a distinction from ECV Art School in Paris. She is fond of anything silly, funny, wacky, daft, and colorful. A freelance Illustrator & Art Director, Steph has been working in London in publishing and advertising.

https://www.instagram.com/stephdoespictures

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

DOGGIE DILEMMA

Ode to a Pug

Written by Jill Rosen

Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr

What a delightful picture book to delight dog lovers! The protagonist is a woman who has just adopted a new member of the family, an adorable pug. But wait, this cuddly little creature proves to be a lot more than she can handle.

He snorts, toots, tinkles on the carpet, and destroys the furniture. This tiny creature creates chaos everywhere he sets foot. Finally, the owner has had enough. Today is the day she will get rid of him!

Then she looks at those endearing eyes, can she follow through?

This picture book consists of short, clever rhymes and simple, cartoon-like illustrations that will delight young children and adults alike. Anyone who has owned a puppy will empathize with the owner and feel her mixed emotions.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an author-signed hardcover copy of Ode to a Pug, a 4″ custom pug plush, plus a die-cut pug sticker!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/heDFn/ode-to-pug-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, February 15, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Friday, February 16, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Monday, February 19, 2024My Reading GetawayAn Article by Author Jill Rosen

Tuesday, February 20, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Wednesday, February 21, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Thursday, February 22, 2024Country Mamas with KidsAn Article by Author Jill Rosen

Friday, February 23, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAn Interview with Author Jill Rosen

Monday, February 26, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Tuesday, February 27, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Wednesday, February 28, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Thursday, February 29, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Friday, March 1, 2024Because I Said SoBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Monday, March 4, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Tuesday, March 5, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAn Interview with Author Jill Rosen

Wednesday, March 6, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Ode to a Pug and Little Free Library Drop

Thursday, March 7, 2024Twirling Book PrincessBook Review of Ode to a Pug

Friday, March 8, 2024Mrs. Makes Reading FunBook Review of Ode to a Pug

The Very Hungry Spider (Silly Wood Tale)

Written by E. B. Adams

This is a very short picture book with a quirky sense of humor. It consists of short rhymes from a spider who catches a fly in its web. It appears that this spider is a picky-eater because it refuses to eat the fly. On subsequent days, the spider catches more flies and continues to protest. How do the flies feel about their predicament? Does the spider learn a lesson?

The book might appeal to young children who enjoy silly stories. It is fun to read-aloud. This author uses speech bubbles and the layout is similar to a comic book format. There is little educational value. A simple book for primary grade readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Ocean Full of Wonder

Written by Anna Smithers

Illustrated by Nino Aptsiauri

I love how this author presents the ocean topic. Children learn about twelve examples of sea creatures that inhabit the ocean, and the life cycle of plant life that interact with them. Then the author discusses the problems that modern-day life has imposed on the oceans and the life within them.

The author uses crisp rhymes with challenging vocabulary that is highlighted in colors that pop off the page. Human characters represent the many cultures that inhabit our planet and how they can work together to sustain it. At the end of the book, readers receive an opportunity to go back and identify the creatures they learned about in the story. Then the author presents them with tangible and actionable steps they can take now to protect our oceans and its resources.

This interactive book should be part of libraries and classrooms. Parents who want to teach their children to be mindful of protecting our planet can count on this resource to put them on the right track.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Iggy and Oz: The Plastic Dinos of Doom

Written by J.J. Johnson

This is the first book in a middle-grade adventure featuring two brothers named Iggy and Oz. Strange names because the boys consider their parents unusual. Iggy is twelve; his younger brother Oz was adopted from China. The boys compete against each other and exhibit the usual sibling rivalry.

Iggy loves to write and has an active imagination so his parents tend not to believe him. Oz wakes him up in the middle of the night to investigate monsters in the attic. When the boys finally get to the attic, they find some old plastic dinosaur toys have come to life, but the adventure begins when the dinos escape into their suburban neighborhood. There is a lot of humor, boyish banter, and a caste of interesting characters including bullies. Iggy, Oz, and their friends must save the neighborhood from destruction before it’s too late.

The plot is absurd, but perfectly believeable for the target middle-grade audience. Recommended for readers ages eight through twelve, particularly boys.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

This post is sponsored by Maya Nurtures. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Guess How Marion Feels

Written by Miss Kaye

Illustrated by Miss Waitthk

Ages 3+ | 34 Pages

Publisher: ‎ Maya Nurtures (2024) | ISBN-13: 9781738593026

Publisher’s Book Summary: Marion is a kind, creative, and easy kid… but he’s faced with BIG emotions. Help Marion identify those BIG feelings in this interactive children’s picture book.

Guess How Marion Feels is a transformative experience that lays the foundation for emotional intelligence and meaningful connections. A gentle Social Emotional Learning (SEL) tool to guide parents, caregivers, and teachers to teach kids who struggle to pick up social cues and have challenges in social situations.

This book is made to celebrate and honor the feelings of our little ones, foster open communication, and create inclusive learning with our neurodivergent kids. Written by a neurodivergent author, Miss Kaye aims to support kids and everyone struggling with social interactions.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Miss Kaye was born in the Philippines. She had challenges as an adult neurodivergent. This serves as her inspiration for writing fun, engaging, and educational stories to teach life skills and mindfulness to kids.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Miss Waitthk is from Hongkong. She enjoys making people feel happy and joyful through her drawings. As a kid, she remembered drawing anime characters and coloring them with colored pencils. Since then, she kept on drawing.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

IT’S OKAY TO FEEL THIS WAY…

Guess how Marion Feels

Written by Miss Kaye

Illustrated by Miss Waitthk

A beautiful, interactive picture book that allows young children to explore and communicate their emotions with others.

Marion wakes up happy to start the day. When his mother reminds him that today is the first day at school, his feelings switch to being scared and apprehensive. As the day progresses, readers watch Marion, and his feelings change. A new situation creates mixed feelings of excitement, worry, hope, anger, confusion, and relief.

Young readers are asked to guess what Marion is feeling in each situation by studying the pictures and text. At the end of the book, they get a summary of the book when Marion discusses the whole range of emotions with his parents.

The book is targeted for readers ages one through seven, but I feel the message in the tale is just as valuable for older children.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a 1-hour FREE coaching session to launch your own picture book, along with signed copies of Guess How Marion Feels (one to keep and one to share with a neurodivergent charity of your choice under your name).

Click here for the entry form: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/guess-how-marion-feels-by-miss-kaye-awareness-tour/

TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, February 9, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off

Monday, February 12, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Miss Kaye

Tuesday, Ferbuary 13, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Wednesday, February 14, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Thursday, February 15, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Friday, February 16, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels and Little Free Library Drop

Monday, February 19, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Tuesday, February 20, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Miss Kaye

Wednesday, February 21, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Thursday, February 22, 2024Get Outside and ReadBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Friday, February 23, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Miss Kaye

Monday, February 26, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Tuesday, February 27, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Wednesday, February 28, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Thursday, February 29, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Friday, March 1, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Miss Kaye

Monday, March 4, 2024Shooting Stars MagBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels

Tuesday, March 5, 2024Me Two BooksA Storytime Activity Paired with Guess How Marion Feels

Animal Antics: A Rhyming Book of Creatures Big and Small

Written and Illustrated by Tamar Tepper Kochen

A silly rhyming picture book, the first in a series about animals doing absurd things. A few examples are a deer with a rainbow ear, a ferret dressed as a carrot, and a flamingo who loved to play bingo.

The rhymes are short and easy to remember, the illustrations huge and vibrant. Children are encouraged to make up their own silly rhymes with several scenarios included at the end of the tale.

I think that preschoolers and primary grade children who enjoy books about animals and silly stories will especially enjoy this book. It’s fun as a read-aloud or a bedtime story.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

A Home Can Be…

Written by Stephanie Seidler

Illustrated by Anastasia Sikilinda

The author explores the different locations for homes that both humans and animal creatures inhabit. They could be underground, underwater, up in the trees, or under open skies. Some are found in cold climates, and others in warm areas. They might be built of different materials like ice, stone, wood, or even the shell on the animal’s back. Most important, a home can be found anywhere as along as there is a loving support group.

The rhymes are crisp and sharp, the illustrations colorful and alluring.

I highly recommend this book exploring the diversity of our world to parents and teachers of preschoolers and primary grade children.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

This post is sponsored by Purple Butterfly Press. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Written by Talar Hercuilian Coursey and Riley Herculian Coursey

Illustrated by Meri Andreasyan

Ages 4+ | 36 Pages

Publisher: Purple Butterfly Press (2024) | ISBN-13: 9781955119450

Publisher’s Book Summary: We have big feelings!

Sometimes we don’t know what to do with them or how to change our thoughts that cause these feelings. The first day of school can be scary, but “Furrapist” Jackson Johnson and cute pup Ralphy of Ralphy’s Rules for the Good Life are committed to helping a busload of kids understand and manage their big feelings. During the ride to school, Furrapist Jackson Johnson teaches the children that they can choose their emotions and decide how to respond to them. Ralphy and Jackson make the complicated subject of emotional intelligence accessible for kids to understand and, more importantly, implement in their everyday lives.

So hop on the bus with us, and let’s learn about how taking charge of our feelings can change our day!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Talar Herculian Coursey is a lawyer by day and a children’s book author, Life Coach, and philanthropist by night (more like mornings). She has been a General Counsel since 2011 and recently joined ComplyAuto, a privacy/cybersecurity SAAS company. Before going in-house, she was a file clerk, associate, and partner at the national labor and employment law firm Fisher Phillips LLP. Talar is a co-author of both #Networked: How 20 Women Lawyers Overcame the Confines of COVID-19 Social Distancing to Create Connections, CultivateCommunity, & Build Businesses in the Midst of a Global Pandemic and Women In Law: Discovering the True Meaning of Success. Her first children’s book, Ralphy’s Rules for Living the Good Life, was published in 2021.

Talar has served as the President of the Salt Lake City Chapter of the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (“SOAR”) since 2015. SOAR, founded in 2005, supports orphanages in Syria, Lebanon and Armenia. She runs the Salt Lake City Half Marathon every year to raise money for SOAR in memory of her father. Net proceeds from her children’s books also go to SOAR. In addition to being a mother, wife, lawyer, life coach, and philanthropist, she is also a runner, yogi, and Jesus, Eckhart Tolle, Peloton, and Brandon Flowers groupie.

For more information, visit talaresq.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILLS EXPLAINED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Written by Talar and Riley Herculian Coursey

Illustrated by Meri Andreasyan

This is the second picture book in a series that defines and explains how to deal with emotions for elementary school age children.

Ralphy, a dog, drives the school bus and his friend Jackson Johnson, the Furrapist, sits next to him on the first day of school. As each child passenger enters the bus, Jackson asks how they are feeling. The children express feelings like excitement, sadness, nervousness, and tiredness. Jackson encourages each child to put this feeling on the front seat and decide later whether to leave it or take it with them when getting off the bus at school, teaching children that a feeling can be changed by thinking differently about it. The book portrays a wide range of feelings exhibited by multicultural children, which allows any reader to identify with the characters. At the end of the story, readers are encouraged to discuss their own feelings.

While the book is targeted for readers ages four through ten, it is relevant for a reader of any age. I would recommend it to parents and teachers for a read aloud and discussion.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a classroom set that includes 25 copies of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

https://gleam.io/VfBnl/ralphys-rules-for-feelings-book-giveaway

  

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 22, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Tuesday, January 23, 2024Me Two BooksA Storytime Activity Paired with Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Wednesday, January 24, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Talar Herculian Coursey

Thursday, January 25, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Friday, January 25, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Monday, January 29, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings and Little Free Library Drop

Tuesday, January 30, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Wednesday, January 31, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Thursday, February 1, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Friday, February 2, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Monday, February 5, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Tuesday, February 6, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Wednesday, February 7, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Thursday, February 8, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Friday, February 9, 2024Stargirls Magical TaleBook Review of Ralphy’s Rules for Feelings

Saint Valentine the Kindhearted: The History and Legends of God’s Brave and Loving Servant

Written and Illustrated by Ned Bustard

This picture book presents an interesting review of what is known about Saint Valentine.

Bustard is both the author and illustrator. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations done in woodcut style and then embellished with bright colors.

The story is presented in rhyme. Each part is a kind of vignette about different aspects of Valentine’s life. They include his experiences with individuals as well as soldiers and the Emperor Claudius. Despite imprisonment, Valentine continued to write his poetry about the four types of love and sent some of them as lettters. Hence, the origin of sending Valentine’s on the date of his martyrdom, February 14th.

I believe this book will have wide appeal with Christian schools and parents

Reviewed by Barbara Mojica for Net Galley.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.