Posts from the ‘Book Reviews’ Category

THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS US

The Beauty of Us All: Celebrating The Diversity of The World 

Written by Chandele Morris

Illustrated by Marissa Napolitano

A beautifully illustrated picture book to remind us of the simple beauty in objects and creatures all around us. The author reflects on the diversity and beauty of leaves, stars, fish, clouds, and the color of our skin. Each is beautiful, unique and loved.

Beautiful multicultural images enhance the message. Recommended for ages five and older.

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THERE IS ALWAYS ANOTHER WAY

Curly Crow’s Family Feast: A Children’s Picture Book for Kids Ages 4-8 about Finding Strength in Challenges, Wisdom in Problem Solving, and Thanksgiving for Family (Curly Crow Children’s Book Series) 

Written by Nicholas Aragon

Illustrated by Natalie Junqueira

An innovative picture book that teaches about problem solving and teamwork. In addition young readers receive knowledge about many species of birds along with the story about Curly Crow and her family.

Curly and her family are scavengers. When the dumpster outside the restaurant where they live is closed for Thanksgiving, the family has no food. Curly decides to visit the Rio Grande nearby to observe how other birds gather their food.

After much frustration, she observes similarities and differences and figures out a solution. Readers learn a lot about bird species and how to problem solve.

The book is highly recommended for preschoolers and primary grade readers.

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TWINS TRAIN TWINS

Rooger and Loki Learn Manners: Sit, Boy, Sit. A Children’s Story About Dogs, Kindness and Family (The Curly Crow Pawprints Collection Book 1) 

Written by Nicholas Aragon

Illustrated by Remesh Ram

When Dad decides to take his twins, Quinn and Finn to the park, they are delighted to find two playful Boston Terriers wrestling in the park. After striking up a coversation, the twins learn tat the twin pups named Rooger and Loki are homeless. The children decide they will need to learn manners and discipline before anyone will adopt them so the twins begin that task. At first, the job seems hopeless. Readers will laugh at the mayhem. Will the twins succeed with their good intentions?

The cute picture book teaches kindness and patience. Appropriate for animal lovers ages four and older.

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A THANKSGIVING TO REMEMBER

Meatball’s Adventurous Appetite: A Pet Cat’s Funny, Entertaining, and Engaging Read Aloud Thanksgiving Story Picture Book for Kids 3-8

Written by Dr. Feng Zheng-Ward

Illustrated by Roka Studio

This book is part of a series about Meatball and his family. When Mrs. Jones needs to run to the store, she leaves their Thanksgiving turkey on the counter. The cat sees his chance, but fails to foresee the danger.

What follows is a hilarious adventure that creates havoc for the entire family and the fire department.

Will Meatball learn his lesson? What happens to Thanksgiving dinner?

The picture book is a delight for young cat lovers and fans of humorous stories. It includes fun to read highlighted words and story questions.

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FUNNY BUT ODD

Blimey There’s a Bunyip!: (Laugh out loud funny) (The Misadventures of Blimey Bunyip Book 1) 

Written by Virginia Ferguson Perez

Illustrated by Natasha Kostovska

Book 1 in a series based on a mythical Australian animal called a Bunnyip who gets stuck on the narrator’s toilet (loo).

The story focuses on the outrageous antics the family tries to get rid of the creature who creates all sorts of chaos.

Children who enjoy off-beat humor will love it though vocabulary may appear strange to non-Australian readers. Adults will need to explain cultural nuances.

Recommended for ages two through seven who enjoy animal myths and zany humor.

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STUBBORN AS A MULE

Sam Says NO! (The Adventures of Sam the Mule)

Written by Dean R. Giles and Brenda Giles

Sam is an adorable mule who lives up to the reputation of being stubborn. Every time he faces a new situation, his answer is no. Sam will not try new foods and refuses to meet new people. Will anyone be able to persuade him to change?

The illustrations are simple but endearing. This series will develop a toddler’s curiosity and help prevent the “no” syndrome. Appropriate for children up to eight years old.

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JUST TRYING TOO HARD

Bacon Loves Everyone!: A book about the true meaning of belonging and unconditional love. (It’s Bacon’s World! 1) 

Written and Illustrated by Tina Neely

This is a cute interactive picture book with an important message.

Bacon is a pot-belied pig trying to find a forever home. No one seems to choose him. Maybe that’s because he sings too loud. When a couple finally picks him, Bacon meets other animals on the farm. Bacon learns all are unique, but each is loved.

There are clever cartoon illustrations and fun to read aloud rhymes. Especially fun for preschoolers.

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WHO KNEW?

S Is For Swords: And So Are All The Other Letters (The Amazing World of Swords)

Written by Luke Ralliston

What a unique and fascinating book!

The author has managed to find a sword that begins with every letter of the alphabet. In addition, Rawlings lists the advantages and disadvantages of each with wry, sarcaster humor. The illustrations are amazing!

Readers learn letters of the alphabet along with the history and culture of each sword. A must for sword fans of any age. This book can be appreciated by a reader of any age who has an interest in swords.

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HOPE FOR MOMS – VIRTUAL BOOK REVIEW TOUR AND GIVEAWAY TOUR

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope for Moms: It’s Tough Out There, but So Are You

Written by Anna McArthur

Ages: 18+ | 168 Pages

Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-64343-560-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Many of us did everything we could to prepare for becoming moms, but there just wasn’t any way to know what might lie ahead. Most of us have, at one point or another, looked around and wondered if we are alone in our parenting challenges. Hope for Moms offers a heartfelt guide for mothers navigating both the joys and heartbreak of being a mom, sharing Anna McArthur’s personal journey through parenting difficulties such as learning disabilities, LGBTQ+ identities, and adoption. Structured around a triage plan that helped the author prioritize her family’s needs, it includes practical insights, quotes, and reflection questions to support moms in their journey of resilience and soul care. With gentleness and humor, McArthur provides reassurance to mothers, reminding them they have the strength to not only survive motherhood, but thrive.

McArthur provides reassurance to mothers, reminding them they have the strength to not only survive motherhood, but thrive. If you’re a mom who feels overwhelmed by the curveballs life has thrown your way, you aren’t alone—yes, it’s tough out there, but so are you!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna McArthur is a mom to four kids, including two recent college graduates and twin girls who are high schoolers. She is a blogger, newspaper guest columnist, and contributor to parenting magazines and websites, including Her View from Home and the Motherly Collective. Anna’s essays have recently been published by Grown and Flown and Business Insider.

A graduate of Clemson University and Columbia Theological Seminary, Anna lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, Bryan, and their teenaged girls, who are much cooler than her. Anna loves to read, garden, hike, and eat dips for dinner.

For more information, visit hopeformomsbook.com.

https://www.instagram.com/hopeformomsbook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555908861922

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

TURNING LIFE’S CURVEBALLS INTO HOME RUNS


Hope for Moms: It’s Tough Out There, but So Are You
Written by: Anna McArthur

A book written from the heart by a mom who has faced social-emotional challenges, physical disabilities, and financial distress while raising her family. Any parent will attest to the fact that parenting is one job that comes without a playbook or set of rules. McArthur shares her difficult journey in the hope that her experiences and difficult lessons will benefit other families.

She reminds moms that it is okay to accept help from others, to stop expecting perfect kids, and to be realistic in your hopes and dreams. Instead, understand that moms cannot protect themselves or their children from heartaches or disappointments. The author reminds the reader that raising a family is hard for all of us.


All parents make mistakes; it is more important to keep trying. Stop comparing your parenting style to others. Find the things that make your family unique. Do not compare your family to others. As children grow older and become more independent, moms must learn to listen more than talk. The best solution is to keep an open mind and keep learning.

I highly recommend this book for new parents as well as those facing challenges.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You by Anna McArthur.

CLINK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER:

https://gleam.io/2SqLW/hope-for-moms-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 24, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Friday, April 25, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Monday, April 28, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Tuesday, April 29, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Wednesday, April 30, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Thursday, May 1, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Friday, May 2, 2025Country Mamas With KidsGuest Post about Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Monday, May 5, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Anna McArthur
Tuesday, May 6, 2025Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
Thursday, May 8, 2025@pieladybooksBook Review of Hope For Moms: It’s Tough Out There But So Are You
TBD@bookstrofficialAuthor Interview with Anna McArthur

HIP, HIP, HOORAY FOR PIP

Pip the Bird: For Early Speech & Language Development

Written by Rachel Florence Meyer

Illustrated by Kathy Lee

A wonderful picture book collaboration by a mom and a speech therapist. The protagonist is a little bird named Pip, who assists his fellow animal friends to avoid danger when a gardener comes in the yard with a lawnmower,

The rhymes are crisp and sharp with lots of action words in bold print. Children are encouraged to read aloud. I appreciate the interactive guide for parents and teachers up front before the story begins. Illustrations contain wonderful details and facial expressions.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers of toddlers and preschoolers.

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