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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Written by Sands Hetherington

Illustrated by Natalie Leininger

Ages 7+ | 156 Pages

Publisher: Dune Buggy Press | ISBN-13: 9780984741762

Publisher’s Book Summary: The iguanas are back to their stinky shenanigans. They’ve fitted out the flying school bus for real mischief and are marauding all over the Borough. They’ve really got it in for John and Crosley, who must sniff out their evildoings before it’s too late! Will they succeed? Join the Night Buddies in their racing blimp for this exciting new adventure!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sands Hetherington, creator of the Night Buddies series of chapter books, credits his son John for being his principal motivator. Sands and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take. They collaborated many nights on escapades starring John and Crosley until, eventually, it occurred to Sands why it was that Crosley was bright red. That was when the first book came together.

Sands majored in history at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and has an M.F.A. in creative writing and an M.A. in English from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

For more information, visit www.nightbuddiesadventures.com/

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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Natalie Leininger, illustrator of the 4th title in the Night Buddies series, grew up in New Jersey and has been drawing ever since she was young. She now lives in Nebraska and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying the fine arts. She is in her third year at the university, primarily practicing oil painting, but spends time outside of the classroom working on a variety of projects. She has always enjoyed being with children, which made illustrating and working on Night Buddies such an enjoyable project!

Natalie strives to capture our world in bloom. Whether it be through the literal sense of a blooming flower or the simple act of sketching a character’s smile spreading across their face, her art is a place for all to engage in their own way.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Written by Sands Hetherington

Illustrated by Natalie Leininger

The fourth book in this zany adventure series for chapter book or middle-grade readers. John, a clever wise guy who does not hesitate to express his opinion, joins up once again with his red crocodile, Crosley, to combat the evil iguanas in their flying machine. These villains are determined to cause chaos and confusion throughout the area.

John, the indefatiguable boy hero, wisecracks his way through one wacky scenario after another, as he persists in overcoming his evil adversaries. The plot contains numerous twists and turns that readers cannot anticipate. Though the book contains less than one hundred fifty pages, young readers will not be able to stop turning those pages. Illustrations perfectly complement the zany characters and non-stop action.

The type of book that will especially attract reluctant readers.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for for your chance to win an autographed 4-book series, including Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare; Night Buddies and One Far-out Flying Machine; Night Buddies Go Sky High, and Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.

https://gleam.io/KVjSI/night-buddies-and-evil-school-bus-264-book-giveaway”

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 4, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Tuesday, March 5, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 6, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Thursday, March 7, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Friday, March 8, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Sunday, March 10, 2024It’s Free At LastBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 11, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAn Interview with Sands Hetherington

Tuesday, March 12, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 13, 2024Book Zone ReviewsAn Interview with Sands Hetherington

Thursday, March 14, 2024Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book BlogBook Spotlight of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Friday, March 15, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Author Sands Hetherington

Sunday, March 17, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 18, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAn Interview with Sands Hetherington

Tuesday, March 19, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 20, 2024Because I Said SoBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Thursday, March 21, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 25, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

The Bear with Long Hair: Bartholomew Bear in…

Written by Lisette Star

Illustrated by Gustyawan

Bartholomew Bear refuses to cut his hair. Eventually it grew to his knees and he no longer looked like a bear. Despite his family’s concern, he refused to comply.

One day when home alone, Batholomew decided he wanted a snack. That snack involved honey. His troubles began as he kept creating more turmoil and left the house in a mess. Eventually, he could not see and his hair was a sticky mess. Can you guess what happens when his mom returns home?

This book is a fun way to teach children to clean up themselves and their belongings. Bartholomew is a fun character with which young children will identify.

The rhymes are funny and the story fun to read aloud. Also, a good choice for parents with children who are reluctant to cut their hair.

Recommended especially for ages three through seven.

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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.

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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

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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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Written by Sherry Ellis

Ages 8+ | 104 Pages

Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press | ISBN-13: 9781939844989

Publisher’s Book Summary: Bubba and Squirt are back for another rousing quest as they travel through the mysterious vortex to Paris, France. It’s another wild adventure as they track down art thieves, encounter terrifying monsters, and discover the whereabouts of their missing father.

Will they make it out alive or join the rest of the skeletons in the City of Bones?

Coming Soon: The fourth book in the series, Bubba and Squirt’s Shield of Athena, will be released on May 7, 2024, and the final book, Bubba and Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearl, will be released in September 2024.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

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Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis has previously published Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China; Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure; Don’t Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN; and That Mama is a Grouch. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information about her work, she invites you to visit her website at www.sherryellis.org.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

NO BONES ABOUT IT

Bubba and Squirt City of Bones (Book 3 in the series)

Written by Sherry Ellis

This is the third book in a series featuring siblings, Bubba, and his younger sister, Squirt. In their first adventure, they travel through time back to Xian, China and the second hurls them back to the Mayan Empire. Each journey leads to a mystery they must solve and the possibility of never returning to the present.

This third adventure finds the pair falling through a vortex to ancient catacombs in Paris where they will encounter lots of creepy skeletons and nefarious characters in their attempt to rescue their father. The author relates the story with each sibling taking turns narrating the tale chapter by chapter. Combining history, fantasy, and a mystery adventure with lots of twists and turns creates a winning combination for middle grade readers, though I must admit it holds the interest of adults as well. Ellis supplies a glossary of information and a recipe as bonus items.

I highly recommend this educational and entertaining read for anyone age eight and older.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an autographed copy of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones and a $50 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/SqDwK/bubba-and-squirts-city-of-bones-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, January 16, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, January 17, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, January 18, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Friday, January 19, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

Monday, January 22, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Tuesday, January 23, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Sherry Ellis

Wednesday, January 24, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, January 24, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones and Little Free Library Drop

Friday, January 25, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Monday, February 5, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Tuesday, February 6, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Wednesday, February 7, 2024Twirling Book PrincessBook Spotlight of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, February 8, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

Friday, February 9, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

  

AS A BOOK REVIEWER FROM THE INCEPTION OF THIS EVENT, I AM PROUD TO SHARE TWO WONDERFUL NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK EXAMPLES WITH YOU.

📚 Join us for the 11th Multicultural Children’s Book Day on 1/25/24! https://shorturl.at/wG389 🌍 Founded by two book-loving moms, Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen, this non-profit initiative celebrates diverse books and authors. Let’s spread the joy of multicultural literature to young readers and educators. #MCBD2024 #ReadYourWorld 📖

It Is Not What You Think

Old Clothes for Dinner?

Written by Nathalie Alonso

Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro

This multicultural picture book is a delight for a young child’s eyes, ears, and taste buds. The book packs a ton of information as well as a delightful story of a Cuban family’s culture and homelife.

Magaly and her brother’s grandmother from Cuba have recently joined the family in America. They are delighted with the delicious native recipes she cooks for the family. One day, when Magaly asks what is for dinner, her “abuela” replies “ropa vieja.” That translates to old clothes in English. Magaly and her brother, Camilo, hurry to search for and hide their favorite clothes. Turns out the joke will be on them.

This book targets an audience of children ages four through eight, but it delighted this adult as well. In addition to the interesting tale, the author includes recipes from around the world including their history, facts about Cuba, and details on how to cook two of the Cuban recipes from the story.

THE TREASURE IS IN EVERYDAY THINGS

Treasure Hunt

Written by Stephanie Wildman

Illustrated by Estefanía Razo

When Luis sees a delivery person with a huge cardboard box, he at once thinks of his younger twin siblings, Roberto, and Flor. Luis asks the worker to leave the box behind.

Roberto and Flor return home from school expecting to watch TV and play video games, but Luis has a better idea. He asks them if they would like to go on a treasure hunt. The twins cannot hold their excitement. Roberto hides clues in the kitchen, the bedroom, and the living room.

Flor and Roberto are puzzled when they find and name the objects. Luis brings them to the backyard and the gigantic cardboard box. Immediately, the twins know exactly what to do with it.

This book displays a loving multicultural family with strong sibling relationships. Elementary grade readers will love this colorful picture book with endearing, curious, and intelligent characters. Wildman enriches its value by providing detailed instructions for readers to create their own treasure hunt complete with props.

I highly recommend this interactive book for primary grade boys and girls who seek opportunities for creativity and imaginative activities to engage in at home.

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Lola and Mia’s Adventures: The Desert Jitters

Written and Illustrated by Megan JL Dudley

This picture book is part of a series that features two sibling pups searching for adventure in new places. Lola is an experienced traveler, but her sister Mia longs to follow in her footsteps.

This time, the duo travels to the Arizona desert to view its beautiful sunsets. Along the way, the pair encounter snakes, reptiles, dust storms, cacti, and beautiful vistas. Young readers will enjoy the funny “dogisms” shared by the siblings and the illustrations that capture their rapidly changing emotions as they experience their adventure.

I would especially recommend the book to animal and nature lovers who are early elementary school age readers.

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Monster Problems (A Magic Pen Adventure Book Book 1)

Written by Jason R. Lady

Middle-school and young adult readers will relate to this book with its quirky humor, memorable characters, and innovative lessons in dealing with peers and siblings.

Brad is a sixth-grade student who loves to draw. Unfortunately, that gets him into trouble with his science teacher when caught drawing in class. Brad’s grades have taken a nosedive, so his parents punish him by forbidding him to draw. To make matters worse, Brad has an intelligent younger brother named Daley, who blackmails and torments Brad whenever he gets a chance.

A mysterious crow arrives outside Brad’s window with a magic pen. Brad decides to draw a creature he names Daley-Destroyer, an ugly green monster who leaves a trail of orange slime who will stalk his brother. As the story unfolds, readers meet Quentin, Brad’s only real friend, different teachers, the unusual principal, and a mysterious girl, Blue Hoodie. These characters combined with a fast-moving plot keep readers turning the page. When the monster proves to be uncontrollable, Brad needs to decide how to handle a situation his emotions cannot handle. A good way to get readers to think about innovative ways to solve their problems.

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Molly’s Maze Discovery: (Molly Greenwood Adventures Book 2)

Written by Carmen Allen

This is a cute interactive book for elementary school children that encourages both artistic and storytelling skills and is part of a series.

Dragon Cat decides to buy a lottery ticket hoping to win $100. When he discovers he has won the next day, he gets the surprise of his life, discovering 100 otters in his kitchen. The book is filled with black and white illustrations that can be colored in the paperback edition. Yet, that is not the best feature of the book because the author leaves the ending of the story blank, allowing the young reader to become an author by finishing the story and becoming co-author of the book.

The book is a good choice for a reluctant or beginning reader. It could also be used with a group to encourage multiple outcomes to problem-solving.

Especially recommended for ages four through eight.

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Luna Heartsong and the Explorers of Deep Space

Written and Illustrated by Lyra Brave

The protagonist, Luna, is a young girl who is brave and compassionate. She lives at the edge of the Milky Way. Luna’s fondest desire is to venture into deep space and explore the universe.

When the opportunity arises, Luna’s mother pleads with her not to go. Drawn by her insatiable curiosity, Luna answers the call. Her adventure will lead to many dangers, but Luna’s determination, empathy for others, and spirit of teamwork allow her to overcome the most formidable obstacles.

The illustrations are marvelous and the rhymes spot on. While the book is targeted for ages five through eight, the longer page length and vocabulary suggest for me a middle-grade audience as well.

This book with its strong female role model and intriguing plot make it a top choice for your next book selection to a home or classroom bookshelf.

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