Posts from the ‘children’s books’ Category

DRAGON DISSENSION

Math Dragon: fun fast-paced beginning chapter book series for kids 8-11 (Junkyard Adventures 10)

Written by Tevin Hansen

Book 10 in the Junkyard Adventures pits two angry dragons against each other.

When Eli and Grace arrive at Larry’s secondhand store, they cannot find Uncle Larry. Instead they discover Professor Harvard who is temporarily watching the store. Despite Larry’s absence, a new fantasy adventure involving a war between two diverse dragons, the Word Dragon and the Math Dragon erupts and the children find themselves in the middle of it. Must the siblings choose a side? Can they restore order and find a way back to the present to escape the turmoil?

Non-stop adventure and colorful characters continue to enthrall chapter book readers from ages eight up. A fascinating independent read or classroom read aloud.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A COWGIRL

Cowgirl Lessons: Cowgirl Lessons Adventures

Written by Rae Rankin

Illustrated by J-San

A sweet, rhyming picture book that features a young girl who loves to ride. It begins by showing her to be fairly typical and part of a loving family. Her mom helps her find her gear, her dad spends the day driving her to her lesson and waiting patiently for her while proudly watching her progress.

This is the first book in a series that is sure to be popular with every young girl who has dreamed of riding a horse. Children learn that riding a horse is not only a skill but that involves a lot of hard work and animal care.

Highly recommended for readers up to age ten.

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Oh, the places you’ll go…

Wander World

Written and Illustrated by Katie Gigliotti

A young girl visits her grandparents but everyone at the home seems to be too busy to play with her. In desperation, she finds her grandfather dozing on the couch. She takes him by the hand and suggests that they go on a trip. Turns out grandpa has an active imagination as well.

Together, they journey to places on each of the seven continents from the frigid Antarctica to a bustling New York City. Before grandma calls them for dinner, they manage to run through the jungle, swim under the sea, build sand castles and ride on a gondola.

Soft watercolor illustrations, crisp rhymes, and imagination gone wild combine to create a pleasing narrative for beginning readers.

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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Kneading a Winning Idea: A Book on the Importance of Practice

Written by Terri Sabol

Illustrated by Pei Jen

I love the play on words for the title! Ben likes to bake. Every year he enters a contest with his buttermilk biscuits but never comes in first. Sofia is his fiercest rival.

When Ben’s father asks him if he will compete again, Ben decides he must make a change in his recipe to come out on top so he experiments by leaving out different ingredients. Then his cat gives him an idea. After trying it out, Ben’s father proclaims it a big success.

Can Ben finally achieve his dream of winning the contest with his buttermilk biscuits this year?

This book teaches elementary school readers that they must face their feelings and persevere until their desired goal is met. Patience is a virtue most young children find difficult to cultivate.

This book is a good start and readers receive a delicious bonus biscuit recipe as well.

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IS YOUR WEBSITE UP TO SNUFF?

Best Practices for Designing a User-Friendly Website Navigation and Layout

Make your site easy to navigate and you’ll see more conversions, improved SEO, and stronger relationships with your audience.  Here are some best practices you can implement today to create a website with user-friendly navigation and layout.

Keep It Simple

  • Prioritize and organize site elements by relevance
  • Minimize clutter and unnecessary design elements

Consistent Design

  • Maintain design consistency across all pages
  • Ensure uniformity in navigation elements

A Clear Hierarchy

  • Establish clear visual hierarchy for content and navigation
  • Use visual indicators and drop-down menus for primary options

Breadcrumb Navigation

  • Use breadcrumb navigation for user location tracking
  • Represents categories, subcategories, filters, tags, user path

Mobile-Friendly Navigation

  • Ensure easy navigation on all mobile devices
  • Incorporate collapsible menus, recognized icons, adaptive layouts

Easy Search Function

  • Provide prominently visible search bar on all pages
  • Keep search bar placement consistent

Footer Navigation

  • Use footer navigation for additional options
  • Include links to key pages like About Us, Contact, Privacy Policy, etc.

White Space

  • Enhance navigation with white space for element separation
  • Ensure white space doesn’t distract users

Testing

  • Gather user feedback through testing for improvements
  • Conduct usability testing in-person or remotely

Good Design Is All about Good User Experience

  • User-friendly design leads to positive user experience
  • Increases engagement and conversions

CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE AT WWW.LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM/CONTACT

FOR AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

WORMING HIS WAY THROUGH HISTORY

Books for Benjamin: A Fun Picture Book Valuing Reading and Libraries!

Written by R. G. deRouen

Illustrated by Ulianna Barabash

This book is the most creative picture fiction book that I’ve seen in a long time.

The protagonist is a worm named Benjamin who has no desire to fit in with his family and worm friends. He loves books and wants to spend all his time reading. He fashions a plan to escape his life in a grocery store by hiding in a newspaper but when the purchaser discovers him she tries to kill him. Benjamin narrowly escapes but finds a dragonfly, ant, and ladybug to bring him to a safe place. Can you guess where that might be? Soon Benjamin finds himself in trouble again until he finds a sympathethic librarian who succeeds in making him famous.

Elementary school readers will turn each page as they follow this adventure, delight in the fanciful illustrations, and learn about the value of reading and safeguarding our literature. A bonus section features the history of the library.

Highly recommend the book and hope to see more creativity from this author.

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CATS RULE!

Cats Don’t Like That: A Hilarious Picture Book for Kids Ages 3-7

Written by Andy Wortlock

Illustrated by Nahum Ziersch

Whether you love or hate cats, you will find this rhyming, picture book hilarious! The author reflects on the unique qualities of a cat’s personality, likes and dislikes.

Illustrations and cat expressions are priceless. Children of any age get the message either through pictures or the short, crisp rhymes. It’s even appropriate for toddlers. I would particularly suggest this book as a good choice for reluctant or beginning readers.

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MY SOUL TREASURE – A VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

My Soul Treasure

Written by Kate Searle

Illustrated by Alison Mutton

Ages 4+ | 28 Pages

Publisher: Kate’s Soul Treasure (2022) | ISBN-13: 978-0645415421

Publisher’s Book Summary: My Soul Treasure is a beautifully illustrated children’s book designed to teach children how to connect with their inner selves and cultivate self-awareness and self-love. It follows the story of a young girl who goes on a journey beyond her mind, body, and heart to discover her own inner treasures. The story includes positive affirmations and visualization exercises to help children develop mindfulness and self-reflection skills.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

https://bookshop.org/p/books/my-soul-treasure-kate-searle/18192523?ean=9780645415407

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-soul-treasure-kate-searle/1140929713

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Searle is a geologist, wife, and mum who lives in the southwest of Australia. Becoming a mother sparked Kate’s love of storytelling. She has an innate passion for instilling in children a sense of personal empowerment. She has woven her love of gemstones into her debut book, My Soul Treasure, to teach children about the incredible powers of their own souls.

For more information, visit www.soultreasures.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/soultreasure_/

https://www.youtube.com/@soultreasure4756

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083179878213

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Alison Mutton is an illustrator from Perth, Western Australia, mainly working in the children’s and educational publishing fields. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design & Illustration from Curtin University and has been a freelance illustrator for over ten years. When not illustrating, she likes to play the piano, needle felt, walk her dog, and swing dance.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

THE ANSWER LIES DEEP INSIDE YOU

My Soul Treasure (Kate’s Soul Treasure)

Written by Kate Searle

Illustrated by Alison Mutton

This rhyming picture book is a feast for the eyes and the ears. I would highly suggest reading it aloud because the crisp rhymes roll off the tongue. Each page features brilliant color images that are associated with a matching color gem. But the message is even more powerful. Young readers come to understand that each of us possesses unique qualities that lie deep within ourselves. These qualities allow us to share that uniqueness with others. Courage, compassion, creativity, confidence, imagination, and wisdom are possible examples. By teaching children to be mindful of these, the potential to develop them is enhanced.

I am confident that this book will become a favorite on the elementary reader’s bookshelf. The bonus song might just become a family favorite sing along.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure and a Kindle!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle

– A Kindle (2022 release)

Four (4) winners receive:

– A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/xcFCW/my-soul-treasure-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, June 19, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Tuesday, June 20, 2023Life is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Kate Searle
Wednesday, June 21, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Thursday, June 22, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Kate Searle
Friday, June 23, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of My Soul Treasure
Monday, June 26, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Tuesday, June 27, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Wednesday, June 28, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Thursday, June 29, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Friday, June 30, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of My Soul Treasure and Little Free Library Drop
Monday, July 3, 2023My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Kate Searle
Wednesday, July 5, 2023Get Outside and ReadBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Thursday, July 6, 2023Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Kate Searle
Friday, July 7, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Monday, July 10, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn Article by Kate Searle
Tuesday, July 11, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of My Soul Treasure
Wednesday, July 12, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

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WELL WORTH THE WAIT

When Will Cicada Sing? (Little Fingers, Big Science)

Written by Carla Mae Jansen

This is a cute, informative picture book for preschoolers and primary grade readers. The author describes the seventeen year life cycle of the cicada. Children learn the long and complicated process of development. At the end of the book, readers are treated to a detailed diagram of the life cycle of the cicada and an illustrated explanation of how cicadas sing.

A valuable edition to a parent’s nonfiction bookshelf or a classroom science library.

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HAUNTING FOR TREASURE

The Legend of Creepy Hollow: Tales of the Lost and Found

Written by Shana Gorian

Noah and his sister Oakley are visiting the Murphy farm and orchard in upstate New York with their friend, Andre. They are enjoying learning about farm life but one thing troubles Noah. He has failed his history exam and his parents will ground him if he fails to pick up his grades. To make matters worse, his parents are history teachers! Noah’s teacher has given him an opportunity to make things right. She offered him coordinates to participate in a geocache. A geocache is a global treasure hunt game whose goal is to find a hidden treasure. Noah is not enthusiastic until Murphy’s granddaughter, Annalise, shows interest. Noah has developed a bad crush on her. The four teens decide they will embark the next day to explore the coordinates.

Once engaged on the hunt things get complicated. A nineteenth century ghost scouts the area. Strange sounds and events pop up. Will the foursome find the treasure? Can they survive their paranormal adventure?

The autumn setting and eerie feel contrast the peaceful nature of the farm with the threats that loom over them. The author skillfully weaves history within the plot teaching about the Harvest and Hunter’s Moon while revealing plot elements. Mystery, coming of age, detectives, and fear combine to entice middle grade readers to turn each page.

I received an advance copy of the book from the author and voluntarily chose to read and review with my honest opinions for no monetary compensation.

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