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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Written by Creator JJ

Illustrated by: Humouring the Fates Animation Studio

Ages 6-8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Tiki Toons Publishing LLC | ISBN-13: 9798218341381

Publisher’s Book Summary: Tiki is an honest, fun, and adventurous boy full of integrity. Lately, his behavior has been too rambunctious and he needs guidance. He meets a magical spirit who gives him the guidance he is looking for and much more. The spirit grants him magical powers and sends him on a quest to save the village of TikiTown from the evil King Lauia. Come join Tiki and his friends as they go on a magical time-traveling journey to save TikiTown. Tiki and his friends must find King Lauia, take back the sacred magical Toku Mask, and return the mask to Tiki Town to unfreeze the town. If Tiki doesn’t succeed, TikiTown will remain frozen forever…

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop.org

Barnes and Noble

Tiki Toons Publishing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR

Creator JJ and Fates are the creative duo bringing you this fun and magical adventure.

Fates has been making cartoons for over 30 years, bringing stories to life through drawing and imagining. Fates wants the world to draw and dream just a little more every day.

Creator JJ is the creative writer who dreamed up the storylines and characters in their stories. By using their imagination, he believes that everyone can create characters, worlds and stories of your own.

Together, the goal is to use their creative talents to create fun stories and ignite the hearts and minds of young children for both educational and self-development purposes.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Written and illustrated by Creator JJ and Fates

This book is the first in a series. Tiki lives in a faraway magical, jungle village. He considers himself a noble warrior, but lately he has been acting strangely. His sister, Tari, advises him to take a long walk to clear his head and so begins the adventure.

On the journey, Tiki meets Fetu, a spirit who grants him superpowers of speed, strength, and time travel. There is a catch. Tiki must use them to defeat an evil sorcerer who wants to plunge his village into a dark, frozen wasteland.

Tiki amazes his friends with his new powers and recruits them in his quest. Will they be successful in saving the town and restoring Tiki’s reputation as a noble warrior?

I like the messages of bravery, courage, friendship, and teamwork presented to young readers. This book contains large, vivid, cartoon-style images in and 8 and ½ by 11-inch book with large print. However, the book must be turned and opened from the top to read it. I would have preferred the book to be spiral bound so that a reader might place it on the lap to open and read easily.

Fans of time travel, superheroes, and comic books will especially enjoy the tale targeted for ages six through eight.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a signed copy of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn and a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/Lxs1a/tiki-time-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Saturday, August 24, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Monday, August 26, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Tuesday, August 27, 2024@ABlueBoxFullOfBooksInstagram and TikTok Post About Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Wednesday, August 28, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Thursday, August 29, 2024Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Friday, August 30 2024It’s Free At LastBook Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Friday, September 6, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Monday, September 9, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewInstagram Feature of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Thursday, September 12, 2024My Reading GetawayBook Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Friday, September 13, 2024Twirling Book PrincessBook Spotlight of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Monday, September 23, 2024Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Tuesday, September 24, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight of Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Wednesday, September 25, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersGuest Post about Tiki Time: It’s My Turn

Elle Partelle Gets Ready for School

Written by Lieve de Lint

An interesting picture book that explains how to use self-talk to respond to the flood of emotions a child experiences everyday.

A little girl named Elle wakes up on a Monday and prepares to get ready for school. Her mind races with a bunch of different scenarios as she tries to sort things out.

The colorful illustrations assist in identifying each situation.

While the book is targeted for ages three through five, I believe it might be more beneficial for children a bit older.

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We Loved You Before You Were Born

Written and Illustrated by Agata May’kowska

A beautifully crafted, multicultural picture book with a message of unconditional love for a child.

The author and illustrator have put together this message that expresses the unconditional love of a parent for a child who is also a child of God. This book also illustrates the life cycle and contains quotes from the Bible. As such, it conveys the message from a Christian viewpoint.

This book is a beautiful gift for a prospective parent or the perfect read aloud for a family expecting a new member. Recommended for readers from toddler to elementary school age.

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Furry Fighters to the Rescue: How to Stop Feeling Angry Kids Book

Written by Lieve de Lint

Illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

A brilliantly vivid picture book to help preschool and primary grade children deal with feelings of anger.

They learn to face their feelings by identifying with furry, firefighting creatures who team up to identify and analyze their strong feelings and get them under control.

A good resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who work with children experiencing anger issues.

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How Clover Spends Her Winter

Written by Linda Updyke

Illustrated by Vibha Rodi

A sweet picture book that will charm readers, especially toddlers and preschoolers.

Clover is a cute little mouse who misses her friend who hibernate for the winter. Readers will enjoy spending time with Clover as she navigates her day with cozy illustrations depicting winter scenes.

They will enjoy seeing that the life of a country mouse in Winterberry Grove is similar to their own. The author cleverly sneaks in lessons of responsibility as Clover dutifully completes her chores.

Beautiful, soft illustrations please the eye as the tale unfolds.

Recommended for all ages, but especially younger readers.

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

About the Book

Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Written by Frank Payne

Illustrated by Romney Vasquez

Ages 4+ 40 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781637556733

Publisher’s Book Summary: This is the story of Webster the beagle and his adventures at the Rappahannock River, whose tale of hope will inspire you to never give up on your dreams. Sometimes, we think we’re lost when, really, we’re just hoping to be found.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frank Payne’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious, so dog breeds such as beagles and Labradors are a perfect fit for him. He is an avid hunter, tennis player, and fan of all things James Madison University. Frank is also active in his community and enjoys exploring new ventures—from owning racehorses to oyster farming.

Frank is vice president and a minority owner of PD Brooks Company Inc., a traffic control company in Richmond, Virginia. He lives in Richmond with his wife, Caren, and their two dogs: Billy, the beagle, and River, the black Labrador retriever. On July 1, 2022, Frank adopted Billy the beagle from Richmond Animal Care Control (RACC). Billy was one of over four thousand beagles rescued from Envigo and adopted across the country. RACC was instrumental in protecting and fostering many of the beagles in Virginia.

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

https://www.facebook.com/websterthebeaglebook/

https://www.instagram.com/beaglewebster/

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

RAMBLING ALONG THE RAPPAHANNOCK

Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Written by Frank Payne

Illustrated by Romney Vasquez

This picture book adventure features a beagle named Webster who narrates his adventures from season to season along the Rappahannock River in Virginia.

Webster is a lovable beagle who especially enjoys meeting the creatures who inhabit the river. In the spring, he meets the ospreys who return to make their nests and raise their young. Summer finds him accompanying his master to go crabbing. In the fall, they harvest oysters from the river. Winter finds them bundling up to fish for rockfish. When not cruising down the river, Webster enjoys life at home with his friendly neighbors and his brother and family member, River, a black labrador retriever.

The illustrator presents vivid multicultural images that portray the emotions and mood of the tale. Payne introduces the young reader to a plethora of information about each of the creatures that inhabit the river. This book is a good jumping off point to encourage a child to explore them in greater detail. Also, the author donates part of his sales from the book to charity, which provides a good example to his primary grade reading audience.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a free signed copy of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River. 

Click on the link below to enter the giveaway:

https://gleam.io/EYqmF/webster-the-beagle-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 6, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewVirtual Book Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, August 7, 2024Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Frank Payne

Thursday, August 8, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Friday, August 9, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Monday, August 12, 2024Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Tuesday, August 13, 2024It’s Free At LastBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Wednesday, August 14, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Thursday, August 15, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Friday, August 16, 2024@avainbooklandBook Review of Webster the Beagle and Webster the Beagle and His Adventures at the River

Monday, August 19, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Frank Payne

Hop Lola Hop: A Yummy Market Day Adventure

Written by Kathy Urban

Illustrated by Siski Kalla

A lovely picture book with illustrations done in soft pastel colors that have a timely, vintage appeal.

This book will especially appeal to toddlers and preschoolers who have a favorite stuffed toy or imaginary friend. Ella is a little girl who has a stuffed bunny named Lola. They go everywhere together. One day a picnic is planned so Ella, Lola, and mom go to the market to gather their supplies. Now Lola is a bit too adventurous and often gets carried away. Ella and her mother are distressed when Lola disappears. Will they find her? Will the picnic be cancelled?

This beautiful picture book is a good choice for a read aloud or bedtime story.

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Good Evening, Good Evening: Mindfulness and Affirmations for Babies and Kids.

Written by Kaarjal Agnani

Illustrated by Ekta Makhijani

This is a sweet rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. It contains short affirmations connected to evening that will calm them down and prepare them for bed, while reminding them of the many beautiful images associated with winding down at the end of the day.

Recommended for children ages two through five to be read aloud as a bedtime lullaby.

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Navigating the Middle School Transition: A Parent’s Guide

IS YOUR CHILD ANXIOUS ABOUT ENTERING MIDDLE SCHOOL?

Saying Goodbye to Elementary School

Transitioning from the familiar environment of elementary school can be challenging for some children. Kathy Glass, a former middle school teacher and author specializing in curriculum and instruction, notes, “Children often spend several years at their elementary school, making it feel like home. When multiple elementary schools merge into a single middle school, it can be socially overwhelming, potentially straining old friendships and fostering new ones.”

Embracing Independence and Organization

Middle school demands greater independence and organizational skills from students. “Unlike the single, self-contained classrooms of elementary school, middle school students rotate through different classes with various teachers, each with unique expectations. This can be daunting for some children,” explains Glass.

As a parent, you can offer support by listening, sympathizing, and guiding your child through this transition while clearly communicating the importance of focusing on schoolwork and succeeding academically.

SEVEN STRATEGIES TO KEEP YOUR CHILD ON TRACK

1. Provide Hands-On Guidance
   • Advocate for your child with teachers, counselors, and school staff.
   • Monitor homework, asking guiding questions like:
     • What information do you need for this assignment?
     • Where will you look for it?
     • What steps will you take next?
2. Assist with Organization
   • Help your child develop a system for managing important papers.
   • Use binders with folders for completed and returned work.
   • Ensure your child uses a planner to track assignments and deadlines.
3. Communicate with Teachers
   • Discuss any organizational challenges with your child’s teachers or school counselor.
   • Brainstorm solutions together.
4. Teach Time-Management Skills
   • Reinforce the habit of referring to a planner regularly.
   • Break down large assignments into manageable tasks.
   • Help your child estimate how long each task will take and create a realistic schedule.
5. Develop Note-Taking Skills
   • Encourage starting a new page for each class daily, using key words and abbreviations.
   • Review notes after class to ensure accuracy.
   • Teach your child to take notes from reading assignments by pre-reading to grasp main themes.
6. Hone Study Skills
   • Encourage active learning techniques such as highlighting, making study cards, and diagramming concepts.
   • Identify the best study times for your child and establish consistent study habits.
   • Use mnemonic devices to aid memorization.
7. Engage with Teachers
   • Address specific teacher-related challenges through communication.
   • Ensure your child understands each teacher’s expectations and homework policies.

Seeking Extra Help

If your child continues to struggle, consider hiring a tutor. Literacy coach Laura Hendrick advises, “Middle schoolers still need parental support, both academically and emotionally. Be firm and establish accountability measures.”

Reading Tips for Middle Schoolers

To become a successful reader, students should:

• Maintain an organized home study space.
• Practice reading daily.
• Use textbook headings and questions to guide comprehension.

Advice for Parents

High school teacher Lance Balla suggests:

• Understand your child’s learning style and provide a conducive study environment.
• Stay engaged with teachers and monitor your child’s progress regularly.
• Foster a college-going culture and model enjoyable reading habits.

Encourage your child to read newspapers and discuss their learning content, focusing on understanding rather than grades.

Faithful Trail: Women’s Fiction Historical Saga (Courage on the Oregon Trail: Book 2

Written by A. T. Butler

This book is a work of historical fiction appropriate for adults and young adults.

Olivia is an Virginia orphan raised by her aunt and uncle who treat her with little dignity. Her monotonous life changes when she meets a preacher and falls in love. When he decides to join a wagon train and head West to Oregon, she anticipates a great adventure but finds more hardship along the route. Will she be liberated by this marriage and promise of a new independent life or will she continue to find disappointment?

For the most part, the book is a historically accurate telling of life on the Oregon trail. The author reflects the experience from the point of view of different characters in the story. On the other hand, the book is marred by errors in proofreading which detracts from the flow of the story.

Fans of historical fiction will find it an enjoyable read.

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