In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Riverlet Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

My Old Friend, Then

Written by Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Illustrated by Allie Daigle

Ages 4 and up | 40 Pages

Publisher: Riverlet Press LLC | ISBN-13: 9781737957607

Publisher’s Synopsis: A child ponders … who is her best, most loyal friend? Is it her constant companion, Then, who regales her with extravagant stories of their shared past and imagined future? Or is it precious, patient Now, with whom she sensitively explores each new moment that unfolds?

My Old Friend, Then explores mindfulness the same way that kids approach life: with curiosity, humor, and unspoiled sincerity. Pairing accessible and relatable language with vivid, quirky illustrations, this book invites readers to share in a young girl’s journey as she grapples with the trappings—and delights in the boundless potential—of her own brilliant mind.

PURCHASE LINK

https://amzn.to/36NEc6R

https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781737957607

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine Davis-Gibbon is a yoga teacher, a longtime practitioner of Vipassana meditation, and most importantly a mother of two. She is also the founder of Riverlet Press, a children’s book company for conscious parents raising mindful kids.

For more information, visit www.riverletpress.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Allie Daigle is an illustrator who strives to create immersive and expressive images that stimulate the imagination. Whether for a children’s book, a product label, or her original pieces, Daigle’s works implore the viewer to linger and explore the details within. Allie primarily works with traditional watercolor & ink as well as digital mediums.

For more information, visit www.alliedaigle.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

My Old Friend, Then

Written by Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Illustrated by Allie Daigle

This is a charming picture book written for preschoolers and primary grade children. A little girl reflects on her imaginary friend, Then. Then is a collection of her memories and her first imaginary friend. Now the little girl has also embraced a new friend, Now. This friend does not fear losing the girl or sharing her. She is confident and does not fear other friends.

The subtle pastel colors of the illustrations reflect the moods of the little girl. The faces of the imaginary friends are not filled in, allowing the reader to imagine what they look like. There are only a few lines of text with each illustration, but they are filled with emotion.

I would highly recommend this book as a bedtime story or read-aloud for children ages four through seven.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of My Old Friend, Then, along with a box of You’re Wonderful Thoughtfulls!

One (1) winner receives:

An autographed hardcover copy of My Old Friend, Then

A box of You’re Wonderful Thoughtfulls pop-open cards by Compendium Inc.

Three (3) winners receive:

An autographed hardcover copy of My Old Friend, Then

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/hgVTA/my-old-friend-then-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, April 4, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Tuesday, April 5, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Wednesday, April 6, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Thursday, April 7, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Friday, April 8, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Sunday, April 10, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Monday, April 11, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Tuesday, April 12, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewAn Instagram video book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Wednesday, April 13, 2022Ravenz ReviewsA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Thursday, April 14, 2022Twirling Book PrincessAn article by Katherine Davis-GibbonThe Importance of Teaching Kids Mindfulness

Tuesday, April 26, 2022Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofMy Old Friend, Then

Wednesday, April 27, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Thursday, April 28, 2022Me Two BooksAn article by Katherine Davis-GibbonMindfulness Activities with Your Kids

#oigetslost

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Bright Lights Books.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Oi Gets Lost

Written by Lorna Likiza

Illustrated by Yevheniia Melnyk

Ages 6+ | 124 Pages

Publisher: Bright Lights Books | ISBN-13: 9781739985318

Publisher’s Synopsis: Set in Kenya, Oi is a naughty kitten who lives with his Mummy and siblings in an outdoor shed. Despite Mummy’s warnings, Oi has a tendency of wandering off and exploring. But one day, after nearly being attacked by a dog, Oi ends up in an unfamiliar neighborhood. And this time, he’s not sure he’ll be able to find his way back home…

Oi’s adventure is sure to delight children and cat-lovers alike.

‘A brave and vivid adventure’ —Ijeoma Isichei

‘A sheer delight for all kids, a gem of a story’ —Okenna Nzelu

PURCHASE LINK

https://amzn.to/3qg4FRe

https://brightlightsbooks.com/ols/products/oi-gets-lost-the-oi-series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lorna Likiza is a Kenyan writer, tutor of French, and Founder of the Heroe Book Fair. Oi Gets Lost is her first published book. She considers Literature as one of her passions and lives in Mombasa.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

LOST AND FOUND

Oi Gets Lost

Written by Lorna Likiza

Illustrated by YevheniaMelnyk

An adorable chapter book with beautiful color illustrations. Oi, an adorable kitten, who lives in an outdoor shed near a shopping center in Kenya, narrates this story.

Oi possesses an insatiable curiosity that befuddles his mother and fellow siblings. He particularly enjoys wandering off to the shopping center where he encounters wondrous sights and smells. One day he gets too ambitious and finds himself in a shop where he causes damage and gets into trouble. A patron decides to bring Oi home to kill outdoor rats. Oi wonders if he will ever find his way home.

After befriending his new owner’s housecat, they become friends and allies. But these two cats have lived in different worlds. Can either of them be happy in different circumstances?

Elementary and middle-grade readers will learn a bit about Kenyan culture and customs as well as animals in this beautifully illustrated and well-written multicultural tale. Recommended for beginning readers, reluctant readers, and cat lovers everywhere.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Oi Gets Lost!

Ten (10) winners receive:

A copy of Oi Gets Lost

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/f87IG/oi-gets-lost-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 31, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Thursday, March 31, 2022Afrikanah Book ClubInstagram Live with Lorna Likiza10:15 a.m. Central Standard Time (North America)

Friday, April 1, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Saturday, April 2, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Monday, April 4, 2022Writer with WanderlustAn interview withAuthor Lorna Likiza

Tuesday, April 5, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Wednesday, April 6, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Thursday, April 7, 2022James Murua’s Literature BlogA podcast episode withAuthor Lorna Likiza

Friday, April 8, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Saturday, April 9, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Tuesday, April 12, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Wednesday, April 13, 2022Because I Said SoA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Thursday, April 14, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Friday, April 15, 2022Me Two BooksA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Saturday, April 16, 2022A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Tuesday, April 19, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Lorna Likiza

Denny and Penny: A Fun Rhyming Picture Book

Written and Illustrated by Silas Wood

Denny and Penny are fox friends. Penny is smart, sensible, and even-tempered. Denny tends to be negative, grumpy and has a terrible sweet tooth.

One day, Denny is out of food. He visits Penny to ask for something sweet. She cooks him a healthy meal instead. Will Denny enjoy it? What can he learn about kindness and gratitude?

This book contains large colorful and simple illustrations with a minimum of text on each page. It is the perfect picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. Also, it might serve as practice for children beginning to read.

Parents who have finicky eaters or children who love animal books will find it especially useful.

Looking for more teaching resources?

Subscribe to my youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Purple Butterfly Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Kindness Machine

Written by Christina Dankert

Illustrated by Chad Dankert

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Purple Butterfly Press | ISBN-13: 9781955119085

Publisher’s Synopsis: Creative and artistic 2nd-grade teacher, Mr. Wilson, wants to teach his students about kindness. Mr. Wilson creates The Kindness Machine, a special machine that shows the students exactly what they can do to bring kindness to their classroom and into their hearts! Instead of telling his students to “be kind,” which is something children hear from a very early age, they learn exactly what they can do in their own lives by pressing the special buttons. In the end, Mr. Wilson teaches his students that they each have their own Kindness Machine within them to help make kind decisions for others and themselves.

This creative, innovative, and fun teaching method will direct kids to be kind to one another in their classroom and beyond. The book includes discussion questions to help the reader consider not only kindness towards others but also kindness towards themselves, a lesson that is not always taught.

The Kindness Machine is a practical and innovative tool for teaching emotional literacy, kindness, and acceptance of self and others.

Available in hardcover, paperback, and as an ebook.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3COBXwa

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781955119085

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christina Dankert is a second-grade teacher. She has a passion for literacy and believes that we can change the world by reading to the children in our lives. This is her debut picture book. She lives in Sylvania, Ohio, with her husband, Chad, and their two children. She has dreamed of collaborating with her husband to merge their two professions of educator and artist into one meaningful product. The Kindness Machine allowed that dream to come true.

Learn more about Christina at www.christinadankert.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

SPREAD A LITTLE KINDNESS

Kindness for All

Written by Christina Dankert

Illustrated by Chad Dankert

What a wonderful message for elementary school children! This multicultural book portrays a diverse second-grade class with a wonderful role model as a teacher.

Mr. Wilson is a popular teacher with a penchant for invention. One day he brings one of them to class. He hides the invention under a bedsheet. The children are excited and curious. What could it be?

Mr. Wilson asks the class to identify their superpowers. When they claim not to have any, Mr. Wilson shows them how his invention is the kindness machine that will reveal each student’s superpower.

Can this be true? One by one the students step up to the machine and learn how each possesses a unique superpower that can help them to spread kindness.

The author includes wonderful illustrations and discussion questions to use before, during, and after the reading, making this picture book a valuable teaching tool.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of The Kindness Machine or one of five individual copies!

One (1) winner receives:

A classroom set (30 copies) of The Kindness Machine will be sent directly to the winners’ school of choice, along with autographed bookplates personalized for each student and the teacher.

Five (5) winners receive:

A copy of The Kindness Machine, with bookplates autographed by author Christina Dankert

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/xE0ba/the-kindness-machine-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 22, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Wednesday, March 23, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Thursday, March 24, 2022Books Are Magic, TooA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Friday, March 25, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair withThe Kindness Machine

Monday, March 28, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Tuesday, March 29, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Wednesday, March 30, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Christina Dankert

Thursday, March 31, 2022Book Bug CAA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Friday, April 1, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Monday, April 4, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Tuesday, April 5, 2022Younger Family FunA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

Wednesday, April 6, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA guest article byAuthor Christina Dankert

Thursday, April 7, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThe Kindness Machine

How Animals Say Goodnight: A Sweet Going to Bed Book about Animal Sleep Habits

Written by Esther Pia Cordova

Illustrated by Anastasiya Provozina

What a beautiful rhyming picture book!

The author presents bright, colorful illustrations of different animals as they prepare to rest. I learned a lot from this book. Did you know that giraffes sleep only twenty minutes a day? When a snail closes its eyes, it can sleep for three years. Ducks sleep in rows and have a system to protect each other from danger.

This book is a good choice for a simple bedtime story or read-aloud for toddlers or preschoolers. It contains lots of interesting information about animals for older children who may want to do additional research.

Looking for more book suggestions?

Check out my Pinterest Board https://pinterest.com/bamauthor

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Mark Darden

ABOUT THE BOOK

Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Written by Mark Darden

Illustrated by Anh Bui

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Buckeye Muscle Media | 9871736703007

Publisher’s Synopsis: Elijah is in Cleveland visiting his grandparents when he finds out that his favorite music band will be performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The tickets are free, but there is a catch: You have to do a scavenger hunt to find band members at various landmarks throughout Cleveland. With the help of his grandparents, will Elijah be able to secure tickets to see his favorite band perform? Pick up a copy of Elijah Goes to Cleveland to find out.

PURCHASE LINK

https://buckeyemuscle.com/shop/elijah-goes-to-cleveland

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Darden is an author, sports travel blogger, and Chief Content Creator for Buckeye Muscle Media, LLC. Since 2017, Mark has documented his sports travel adventures on his blog, buckeyemuscle.com. Originally from Cleveland, Mark’s first book is IT’S GAME TIME FOLKS!: Quest for 30, a travelogue of his journey visiting all 30 MLB ballparks during the 2017 season. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).

For more information, visit https://buckeyemuscle.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

SEEING THE SITES

Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Written by Mark Darden

Illustrated by Anh Bui

Elijah is so excited to be visiting his grandparents in Cleveland, Ohio. After he arrives, he views a commercial for a concert at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Elijah notes his favorite band will be performing and there is a contest to win free tickets. He immediately asks his grandparents to help.

They will have to scour the city because to win the prize the contestant must follow the clues to a scavenger hunt. During their mission, the family visits the town square, a museum, the zoo, a theater, a park, and the Hall of Fame. Will Elijah win the prize? What does he learn about Cleveland?

I enjoyed the beautiful multicultural illustrations, the map, and the warm family relationships portrayed in the story. Recommended for young children as a picture book, a travel guide for Cleveland, and a beginning reader.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one of ten autographed copies of Elijah Goes to Cleveland—5 books will have a gift card to one of the following places: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Karamu House!

Five (5) winners receive:

A signed copy of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

A gift card to one of the following places: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, or Karamu House!

Five (5) winners receive:

A signed copy of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/2022/03/elijah-goes-to-cleveland-awareness-tour 

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 7, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Tuesday, February 15, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland

Tuesday, March 9, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland

Wednesday, March 10, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Mark Darden

Tuesday, March 15, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland

Wednesday, March 16, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland

Thursday, March 17, 2022Because I Said SoA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland

Friday, March 18, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland

Wednesday, March 23, 2022Tales of a Wannabe Superhero MomA beyond the book activity forElijah Goes to Cleveland

Thursday, March 24, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA guest article byAuthor Mark Darden

Friday, March 25, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofElijah Goes to Cleveland

Cinnamon the Adventurous Guinea Pig Goes to Devil’s Island

Written by Daniel Turner

Illustrated by Gayle Skinner

This is a delightful beginning reader chapter book. It contains a few simple illustrations peppered throughout to keep the reader interested. The animal characters featuring guinea pigs and Siamese cats are delightful. They provide young readers with models of compassion, kindness, empathy, resilience, and teamwork.

Driven to flee their home because of a volcanic eruption, the animals get lost at sea, captured by the nasty, Captain Blood, and develop a plan to resist their enslavement. Will they be able to escape his clutches? What will the future hold for them?

The book is under sixty pages which makes it a good choice not only for a beginning but also for a reluctant reader. I would also recommend it as a classroom read-aloud that could be used to teach desirable values.

If you are looking for more teaching resources, check out my youtube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

When The Sky Roars: Dyslexia Font Edition

Written and Illustrated by Katie Weaver

A little boy is afraid of thunder. He decides he must put his foot down and conquer this fear. He ventures off on a trip to the sky with helium balloons. Once there he meets all kinds of fascinating scenarios like a pirate ship and a family of dinosaurs who are eating their delicious pie.

Bonus extras include a yummy recipe for Berry Crumb pie. Children will lose their anxiety about thunder and enjoy a delightful rhyming picture book filled with imaginative pictures and verse. I particularly like the color enhancement of key vocabulary words and the font that is friendly for dyslexic readers.

Recommended for parents and teachers of children ages three through eight.

Looking for more learning opportunities for the family.

Check out all the resources at http://www.LittleMissHistory.com

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Bruce Nemovitz.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Leaf & The Tree

Written by Bruce Nemovitz

Illustrated by Ani Ghosh

Ages 4-8 | 22 Pages

Publisher: Book House Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781952483257

Publisher’s Synopsis: Follow the wondrous and challenging life of our friend, the leaf, living alone and happy and confident that only he controls his surroundings and his good fortune. Then one day, Mother Nature teaches a lesson we all can learn from.

Through the journey in this heartfelt book, you will gain a new appreciation when taking a walk past your favorite tree. Our friend, the leaf, is given a gift of knowledge and understanding about the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nFbBq3

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/the-leaf-the-tree/9781952483257

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bruce Nemovitz has written two other books. He has been a full-time Realtor for over 43 years in the Great Milwaukee area. The first book is called “Moving in the Right Direction”, A Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. His second book, also related to the senior real estate market is called “Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction”, A Children’s Guide to Helping Mom and Dad Move From Their Long-Time Home.

Bruce’s passion has always been with children. He has two daughters, Dara and Karra, who blessed him with seven grandchildren! Bruce wanted to leave a message for the next generation who are living in a world divided. This book offers a message of hope and togetherness, that we are all connected to one another and to nature.

Bruce has won several awards in his field of real estate. Bruce has been a monthly contributor for over 12 years with 50plus Magazine in the Milwaukee area. He has written several articles related to the challenge of seniors moving from their long-time homes. He works with his wife of 48 years, Jeanne.

For more information, visit https://www.brucesteam.com/the-leaf-and-the-tree.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

THE TEST OF TIME

The Leaf and the Tree

Written by Bruce Nemowitz

Illustrated by Ani Ghosh

This is a delightful picture book for young children.

All the animals of the forest respect the tree. Readers learn about the tree through the eyes of a leaf. The leaf reflects on the cycle of life but sees itself independent of the tree. When the seasons pass and the leaf falls to the ground, it realizes that the roots, trunk, and branches all played a part in its journey. The book teaches children that all parts of nature need to work as a team that benefits the individual members.

The digital illustrations of personified nature appeal to the senses and reinforce the story line. Rhyming text makes the book an excellent choice for a read-aloud. Recommended for children ages three through eight.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Leaf & The Tree, autographed by Bruce Nemovitz!

Three (3) winners receive:

An autographed copy of The Leaf & The Tree

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/BV9tC/the-leaf-and-the-tree-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, February 7, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Tuesday, February 8, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Wednesday, February 9, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview with Bruce Nemovitz

Thursday, February 10, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Friday, February 11, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Monday, February 14, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Tuesday, February 15, 2022Book Bug CAA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Wednesday, February 16, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Thursday, February 17, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Friday, February 18, 2022Because I Said SoA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Monday, February 21, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Tuesday, February 22, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Wednesday, February 23, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair withThe Leaf and the Tree

Thursday, February 24, 2022A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

I Don’t Want to Turn 3

Written and illustrated by Gramps Jeffrey

Jordan is about to turn 3 years old and he is not thrilled. He believes that up to now he has succeeded in doing pretty much as he pleases. Jordan swipes prized possessions and toys from his siblings and cousins. Then he hides them in his room.

Up to this time, adults have made excuses for him, saying he is only two. Jordan must face the consequences when his “stash” is unexpectedly discovered in his room Dad sits everyone down for a serious talk. Jordan learns that bad behavior brings consequences.

The large and colorful illustrations appeal to a preschool audience. Children can follow them while an adult reads the story aloud. One suggestion I have is that the text near the end of the story be spread out on several pages to make the story flow read better.

Highly recommended read for children ages two through six.

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Check out more teaching tricks at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com