In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Alysson Foti Bourque.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Written by Alysson Foti Bourque

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Pelican Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781455627233

Publisher’s Book Summary: Alycat hosts a big sleepover, complete with games, s’mores, and ghost stories. A surprise guest adds suspense!

People are talking . . .

The Alycat Series features Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, Alycat and the Monday Blues, Alycat and the Friendship Friday, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday, and Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday.

The books in this series have won more than 17 awards, including the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom’s Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, featured Bourque and her life-size mascot, Alycat, on her popular YouTube channel Little Red News.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Alysson Foti Bourque is a certified elementary education teacher and attorney who practiced law for six years before turning to writing full time. Her books featuring Alycat have been recipients of the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom’s Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag.

Find Alyson and Alycat online at www.alycatseries.com.

https://www.facebook.com/thealycatseries/

https://www.instagram.com/thealycatseries/

Tweets by AlyssonFBourque

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAlycatSeries

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

SCAREDY CATS

Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday

Written by Alysson Foti Bourque

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

Alycat eagerly awaits her Saturday night sleepover with her kitten friends when she receives a phone call from Luna. The phone reception is poor, but Alycat thinks she hears that Luna cannot come but has an important secret to share.

The kittens enjoy playing Drop the Cake, cooking s’mores and telling ghost stories. As darkness falls, fear sets in. Suddenly a shadow falls on the outside of the tent and the kittens scream.

Who is stalking outside their tent? Will Luna reveal her secret? Read the newest release in the Alycat series to find out the answers.

Vibrant illustrations and large text will please the primary grade audience or beginning reader. The book includes a sleepover checklist for readers who would like to enjoy one with their friends.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover, autographed by Alysson Foti Bourque.

Two (2) winners receive:

A copy of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover, signed by Alysson Foti Bourque

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/pAENq/alycat-and-the-sleepover-saturday-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, March 8, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Thursday, March 9, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Friday, March 10, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Monday, March 13, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Tuesday, March 14, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Wednesday, March 15, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Thursday, March 16, 2023JoanasbookshelfA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Friday, March 17, 2023Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Monday, February 20, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Tuesday, March 21, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview with Alysson Foti Bourque

Wednesday, March 22, 2023Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Thursday, March 23, 2023Twirling Book PrincessA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Friday, March 24, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Monday, March 27, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Tuesday, March 28, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Alycat and the Saturday Sleepover

Catch Up!

Written by Cazzy Zahursky

Illustrated by Sam Cabbage

A family enjoys a picnic in a local park. When a bottle-cap falls off the table, their dog Buddy runs away with it. He just wants to play fetch. But that bottle-cap finds itself on an unexpected journey when different animal groups in the park commandeer it to use for fun. The boy runs around trying to regain possession while readers are treated to a riotous adventure.

The funny picture book features huge, colorful illustrations and large font. It is a fun read aloud for adults or beginnng readers. Characters are multicultural and diverse including children with disabilities.

Highly recommended for children ages two through five.

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Katt Scallion and the Oracle Bird: Katt’s First Adventure

Written by E. K. Issacs

Illustrated by Taru Haimi

This is the first book in an adventure/mystery series for elementary and middle school readers. Katt is a feline space pirate, accompanied by a sloth named Speedy. Things have been slow in the pirate business lately until he is dispatched to retrieve the egg of an oracle space bird.

Off the readers go on this mystery adventure. Katt meets lots of interesting characters on his quest. The book features lots of dialogue and humor. The characters are interesting and the plot moves along quickly. I would describe the book as a chapter book for advanced elementary school readers or an introductory middle school read. There are a few black and white illustrations that enhance the tale.

Recommended for ages six through twelve who enjoy mystery, adventure, humor, and animal characters.

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

Adventures into the Heart, Book 2: Playful Stories About Family Love for Kids Ages 3-5

Written and illustrated by Eric Klassen

A rhyming picture book for preschool readers that explores the concept of beauty through an explanation of familiar objects in the ocean. Part of a book series featuring the characters of a bear and a fox.

Children learn through words and colorful graphics that when one has love in the heart its expression cannot be measured. A perfect bedtime or read aloud picture book for toddlers and preschoolers.

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

Miranda, Queen of Broken Toys

Written an Illustrated by Andrea Tripke

Miranda grew up in an ordinary town, but her temperament was different from most children. While her friends discarded toys that were broken or in which they lost interest, Miranda collected and cherished these toys. Her friends thought her strange. Soon they abandoned her. So Miranda ventured far away, and became the Queen of Broken Toys. She lived a lonely life until one day a boy who had lost a toy came to her castle. An incident changes the lives of both.

The soft pastel illustrations are appealing and appropriate to the mood of the tale. Elementary school readers can learn many lessons from Miranda. I am sure many children will empathize with her.

A charming, quick read for children of all ages. It might inspire a few to take better care of their toys.

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

The Magical Suitcase (The Decoders Book 1)

Written by Alba Arango

First book in a mystery detective series that targets middle grade readers. It’s a little more than one hundred pages so it might also be considered a beginning or reluctant reader choice.

Three friends, Matt, Steve, and Jenny team up to solve the mystery held within the suitcase purchased for one dollar at an auction. Turns out a poem written by a pirate long deceased holds the key to a hidden treasure. When someone else offers a lot more money for the suitcase, the three amigos are sure they need to follow the clues and resolve to uncover the treasure.

The characters are not complex and the plot not too intricate but readers who like detective and mystery stories probably won’t be disappointed.

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

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kraine Kreative

ABOUT THE BOOK

Space Baby

Written by Jay Dee

Illustrated by Tom McGrath

Ages 3+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Kraine Kreative | ISBN-13: 9781777426118

Publisher’s Book Summary: When Angelic hears that Daddy spread his love for her around the whole universe, she worries she hasn’t done the same for her baby brother. Only one thing to do! Brother and sister rocket into the night sky to explore the universe in search of the most awesome thing there. “Space Baby Salute!”

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Under multiple pen names, Jay Dee is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author behind chart-topping comics, fiction novels, and business books, including THE NIGHT BEFORE THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and GROW THROUGH IT, which was written, illustrated, and published during the CV-19 lockdown with proceeds donated to coronavirus relief efforts. PASS THE PIG: LEADERSHIP BY ATTRACTION was his first non-fiction book, and he made his fiction debut with the multimedia sci-fi/fantasy THE PLAGUE and EZEKIAL, followed by RENEGAYD, all of which became bestsellers.

To learn more about Jay Dee and his books, visit www.KraineKreative.com and www.spacebabybook.com/.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Tom McGrath is based in the North West of England, working as a freelance illustrator since 2012. Despite being repeatedly told that all artists drink too much absinthe, cut their own ears off , and only make money after they’re dead – he has always wanted to be one. In fact, this has only encouraged him. He still has both his ears.

To learn more, visit www.SpikedMcGrath.com.

My Review of This Book:

Space Baby

Written by Jay Dee

Illustrated by Tom McGrath

Angelica is infatuated with outer space. Her father tells her that his love for her fills the universe. One thing bothers her. Angelica has not spread her own message of love for her baby brother, Ollie.

Angelica cannot sleep. She transports her brother and herself on a trip through space visiting the galaxy, sun, planets, and space objects. She leaves a message of love everywhere they go. Soon she becomes sleepy and decides that finishing the task will have to wait.

This is a charming, picture book that teaches young children about family values and the world around us. Its story contains lots of dialogue among the main characters. The illustrations are colorful and endearing to young and old alike. While I would recommend the book especially for children under five, its universal message is one that should be shared with any age reader.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win an autographed copy of Space Baby and a $250 donation to The Planetary Society and its mission to increase discoveries in our Solar System, elevate the search for life beyond our planet, and decrease the risk of Earth being hit by an asteroid.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A signed copy of Space Baby

A $250 donation made in your name to The Planetary Society and its mission to increase discoveries in our Solar System.

Nine (9) winners receive:

A signed copy of Space Baby

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/rLOtc/space-baby-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 9, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 10, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, January 11, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 17, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Space Baby

Wednesday, January 18, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Space Baby

Thursday, January 19, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Space Baby

Friday, January 20, 2023Because I Said SoA book review of Space Baby

Monday, January 23, 2023Twirling Book PrincessA book giveaway of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 24, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, 25, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book giveaway of Space Baby

Thursday, January 26, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book review of Dog Park

Monday, January 30, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of Space Baby

Tuesday, January 31, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledA book review of Space Baby

Wednesday, February 1, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Space Baby

How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters: Novo the Space Robot Book 1

Written by Charity Froh

Illustrated by Zuzana Svobodova

This book is part of a picture book series that helps young children gain confidence and solve problems.

Novo is a space robot from the planet, Infinata. When a group of self-doubters invade his planet, the happy robots begin to doubt themselves. Soon after, they can no longer enjoy their favorite pursuits because they no longer believe in themeselves. Novo makes a trip to the planet earth but discovers self-doubters are present there as well. However, the children of earth teach him a valuable lesson. Will Novo succeed in teaching that lesson to his robot friends and save their planet?

The vibrant illustrations pop and the alliteration sentences are so much fun to read aloud. This book invites rereading and its lessons open up children’s minds to discussion of problem-solving.

Highly recommend this series to readers ages five through seven and their caretakers.

Looking for book reviews for the whole family? Subscribe and check out this blog every Wednesday and Sunday.

The Last Fairy Door (Bok 1 of the Titania Series

Written by N. A. Davenport

Amy’s dad is ill and she must temporarily move in with her grandmother. She cannot anticipate the adventure that awaits her when she discovers the fairy land of Titania.

This is the first book of a well-written series. The characters, whether human or fantasy, are carefully detailed and endearing. Language is descriptive and appealing with enough twists and turns to keep the plot lively and interesting.

I would highly recommend the book to its middle-grade target audience, but I must admit adults will find it just as enjoyable.

Looking for more book suggestions for all ages? Subscribe and check out this blog every Wednesday and Sunday.

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Bunny Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lulu the Beaver

Written by Bethany Gano

Ages 5+ | 48 Pages

Publisher: Bunny Books | ISBN-13: 9781736147269

Publisher’s Book Summary: In a colony full of busy beavers, one bashful beaver is hiding a gigantic secret.

Lulu tries to be a typical beaver, but her dream of being an artist is getting out! Despite her friends’ encouragement, Lulu’s struggle with fear and self-doubt has led her into a pattern of destroying her artwork — until an unexpected encounter changes Lulu, and the forest, for good.

With funny asides, sound effects, and elements of comic-book style, this eye-opening tale urges kids to confront gloomy thinking and gives them the courage to bravely share their gifts.

“The idea of feeling…boxed in by others’ expectations…is a complicated subject to tackle, but Gano handles it deftly. Gano’s evocative text, combined with her dynamic and multihued mixed media illustrations, make for an immersive and atmospheric reading experience.”

—BookLife Review, Editor’s Pick

“[Lulu] loves the rhythms of the world and cherishes her forest neighbors — but she also dreams in color and yearns to chew stumps into shapes. Ebullience ferries this inspiring tale forward, and the revelation of Lulu’s beautiful differences is a triumphant moment for all.”

—Foreword Reviews (Starred Review)

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Author’s Website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bethany Gano’s first large-scale work of art landed all over her parent’s kitchen floor — despite her witty, four-year-old attempt to give credit for the fine piece to her imaginary friends! She never stopped creating, though, and eventually learned the best places to display her artwork. Bethany has worked in the commercial arts for over twenty years and loves storytelling through art and design. She is extra fond of picture books — a place where art and words can’t survive without each other. Lulu the Beaver is her debut picture book.

Off the clock, you can find Bethany covered in paint, playing board games, swimming, daydreaming at the beach, and attempting to walk her dogs. She, her husband, three kids (and other furry and scaly family members) call Central Florida home.

For more information, visit: bethanygano.com.

https://www.instagram.com/bethanygano/

https://www.facebook.com/bethanyganoarts

Tweets by bethanyganoarts

https://www.luluthebeaver.com/

My Review of This Book

Lulu the Beaver

Written and illustrated by Bethany Gano

Lulu is a conscientious beaver. She loves the sounds of the forest and appreciates the work of her fellow beaver friends, but Lulu has one big problem. When she dreams, Lulu aspires to become an artist. She feels ridden with guilt because she should be doing a beaver’s work, yet she feels she could also utilize her other talents.

Children learn about the work of beavers, how they cooperate with friendship and hard work to get their necessary chores accomplished but also that there is an opportunity to reach out and follow one’s dreams.

The illustrations are colorful and whimsical. Life-lessons combined with a fanciful picture book tale make this book a worth-while choice for any elementary school-age reader.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one of three signed copies of Lulu the Beaver or one of two very awesome Lulu the Beaver prize packs: The Illustration Pack or The Blast-Off Pack.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

THE ILLUSTRATION PACK

A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver

A blank sketchbook

A set of four Blackwing Volumes pencils

A pack of metal pencil caps

One custom-painted illustration by Bethany of a name of your choosing (in Lulu’s forest lettering style shown, but the palette can be customized).

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

THE BLAST-OFF PACK

A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver

A copy of Lulu’s Activity Book

One “Dream On” patch

One “Lulu Blast” sticker

One “Lulu Blast” bookmark

Three (3) winners receive:

A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/8Jrv2/lulu-the-beaver-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

December 27	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
January 4	The Fairview Review	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
January 5	The Momma Spot	https://themommaspot.home.blog	Book Review
January 6	Me Two Books	https://www.metwobooks.com/blog	Book Activity
January 9	Twirling Book Princess	https://twirlingbookprincess.com/	Book Giveaway
January 10	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review
January 11	Cover Lover Book Review	https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com	Interview
January 12	JRs Book Reviews	https://jrsbookreviews.com/	Book Review
January 13	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com	Book Giveaway
January 16	My Reading Getaway	https://myreadinggetaway.blogspot.com	Guest Post
January 17	Life Is What It’s Called	lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com	Interview
January 18	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
January 19	Lisa’s Reading	https://lisasreading.com	Book Review
January 20	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Guest Post
January 23	The Review Wire	https://thereviewwire.com/	Book Review