In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Ona Gritz.

ABOUT THE BOOK

August or Forever

Written by Ona Gritz

Ages 9 + | 108 Pages

Publisher: Fitzroy Books | ISBN-13: 9781646033072

Publisher’s Book Summary: Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so. Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts.

Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan to get her sister to stay. But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past. Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ona Gritz is the author of two previous children’s books, including Tangerines and Tea, My Grandparents and Me, a Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Alphabet Book of the Year and Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine Teacher’s Pick. Her essays and poems have been published widely. Recent honors include two Notable mentions in The Best American Essays, a winning entry in The Poetry Archive Now: Wordview 2020 project, two 2021 Pushcart nominations, and a 2022 Best of the Net nomination.

Learn more about her work at onagritz.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

A RELATIONSHIP REDEFINED

August or Forever

Written by Ona Gritz

Ten-year-old Molly is excited that Alison, her older stepsister, will be leaving her home in London to visit upstate New York. Throughout the years Molly has carried on a virtual relationship with her sister, meeting only once years ago. Now Alison has graduated university and Molly devises a plan to ensure her visit becomes permanent.

This tale is narrated in first person by Molly. Perhaps she loves Alison too much. Each of the girls have experienced troubles and losses. Molly needs to learn to recognize her sister’s needs as well as her own.

Gritz develops the characters in detail, using apt dialogue that conveys their emotions. She explores family bonds including complex issues like love and loss. The chapters are short and easy to follow. While the book targets a middle-grade audience, it also strikes a chord among adult readers. A great book for a book club or classroom discussion; the author includes starter questions at the end of the story.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of August or Forever, autographed by Ona Gritz, and a glass heart necklace (like one that figures prominently in the story)!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A signed, paperback copy of August or Forever

A glass heart necklace

Nine (9) winners receive:

A signed, paperback copy of August or Forever

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/bOrBE/august-or-forever-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, February 1, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of August or Forever

Thursday, February 2, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of August or Forever

Friday, February 3, 2023Writer with WanderlustA book review of August or Forever

Monday, February 6, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of August or Forever

Tuesday, February 7, 2023The Growing Readers PodcastAn author interview with Ona Gritz

Wednesday, February 8, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of August or Forever

Thursday, February 9, 2023My Reading GetawayAn author interview with Ona Gritz

Friday, January 10, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of August or Forever

Monday, February 13, 2023BookshelfmamaAn Instagram post of August or Forever

Tuesday, February 14, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA booklist featuring August or Forever

Wednesday, February 15, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAn article by author Ona Gritz

Thursday, February 16, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by author Ona Gritz

Friday, February 17, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of August or Forever

Monday, February 20, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAn author interview with Ona Gritz

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

I am honored to participate in the 10th anniversay of an event that I have been involved in since its inception. Here’s to all the readers of the world, big and small, young and old, from all corners of the globe.

DREAMS SHARED IN A BOTTLE

Arletis, Abuelo, and the Message in a Bottle

Written by Lea Aschkenas

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

A beautifully written and illustrated children’s book with an inspiring message. Arletis lives on a tiny street in a Cuban village. When she gazes at her location on a map in school, she dreams of the world that stretches beyond her small world. While Arletis is content living with her parents, sister, and grandmother, a tiny voice inside wants to know what lies beyond it.

One day, her parents take her to the seashore. Arletis finds a bottle washed ashore that contains a message in a foreign language. She writes back in her native language and hopes for a response. Thousands of miles away, an elderly tugboat captain answers her message. The rest of the tale is magical. Maybe dreams in a bottle come true.

The author is masterful in creating beautiful language phrases to convey her message. For example, “In summer, the heat got so heavy and thick it rolled down the street in dizzying waves…” Images portray the spirit and emotions of the characters. They literally jump off the pages drawing in the eyes of the reader. Bonus features include a Cuban recipe, glossary of unfamiliar words, and a list of resources to continue learning more. The book will be available in Spanish and English editions. Based on a true story, this multicultural tale will delight children and adults of all ages.

Don’t miss this release in April 2023.

THANK YOU to our wonderful MCBD participants and supporters including Co-Hosts, Medallion and Author Levels Sponsors, book reviewers, book donators, and readers! 

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

Harley James and the Trouble in Paris

Written by Leah Cupps

Another fun, fast read from the mystery adventure series that features Harley, an almost twelve-year-old cryptologist and official member of The Society for Mysterious Objects. She is the daughter of a famous, archaeologist, Russell James. Harley and her dog, Daisy are accompanying her father on a new job outside of Paris.

An announcement that an object has been stolen from the Louvre sets the plot in motion. Harley joins an educational group of young explorers and meets Veronica, her partner for this adventure. They feel duty-bound to explore the clues and solve the mystery. The setting of underground catacombs provides an eerie background for the middle-grade target audience but this fast-moving adventure will hold the interest of any age reader. Likeable characters, entertaining black and white illustrations, and short chapters appeal to beginning or reluctant readers. Each book of the series stands independently and apart from the rest.

LOOKING FOR MORE QUALITY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES? SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR MORE EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

  

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kathryn Kazoleas

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dog Park

Written by Kathryn Kazoleas

Ages 6+ | 116 Pages

Publisher: Kathryn Kazoleas | ISBN-13: 9781777426118

Publisher’s Book Summary: Gibson the Labradoodle is about to begin her first day of training to become a dog park ambassador, something she has been dreaming about her entire life. Dog park ambassadors hold a very high honor within the dog park community and have many important roles to make sure the dog park is a fun and safe place to be. She has so many great ideas and cannot wait to get started.

While Gibson is training alongside lead ambassador and trainer, Meistro the bulldog, things don’t go as planned. Gibson meets challenge after challenge and isn’t allowed to introduce any of her new ideas. Being a dog park ambassador isn’t what she thought it would be, so she starts to question whether the role is really for her. At the end of her very first training shift, and just as she’s about to give up and tell Meistro she isn’t cut out to be a dog park ambassador after all, there’s an emergency at the river. One of the dog park’s new puppies, Clover, has swum too far out and cannot get back to shore.

Gibson’s best friend and greatest supporter, Stretch the dachshund, convinces her she must help. Gibson springs into action, with Stretch at her side and encouraging her the entire time. Gibson saves the day…almost! Having been swept downstream and far away from the dog park, Gibson is forced to lead the trio back to safety. There’s only one way back through a dark forest with strange sounds and smells. The sun is starting to go down and everybody is tired and scared. But Gibson knows she has to get her friends back home, despite what or who gets in her way.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryn Kazoleas is a Canadian author. Her furry roommates and copy-editors Keeva the cat, as well as Koa and Freddy the labradoodles, inspire her stories every day. The way they see and experience the world inspires her to dream up and express what she can only describe as fun, chaotic, and innocent adventures. Kathryn has been writing for many, many years, with her most recent work being the middle-grade chapter books “Dog Park” and its sequel “Dog Daycare”. Her short story “Just Be There” can also be found in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s “My Hilarious, Heroic, Human Dog”.

For more information, visit www.kathrynkazoleas.com, https://www.instagram.com/kathrynkazoleas/, and https://twitter.com/kkazoleaswriter.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Dog Park. It’s Not All Fun and Games

Written by Kathryn Kazoleas

A fun book that will delight animal lovers. Gibson and her canine friends are protagonists who personify the lovable canine kingdom.

Their adventure starts with Gibson and her human Tyler arriving at the dog park. Today is a special one for Gibson. She will have her first day of training as a dog ambassador whose job is to see that all dogs follow the rules and ensure things run smoothly so that the humans will continue to bring them to the park. Kazoleas playfully describes the dogs and their antics. Things go awry when a pup named Clover gets into trouble. Gibson begins to wonder if she has what it takes to assume the responsibilities of dog ambassador. As night falls before they can find their way back to the park and danger lurks all around them, it seems all hope is lost.

The book teaches children the value of rules, empathy, cooperation, and a sense of devotion to duty and responsibility. This chapter book does not contain illustrations and with a length of more than one hundred pages, it is suitable for experienced chapter book readers. It is the type of book suggested as a transition before moving on to longer middle grade reads.

I recommend it to teachers as a classroom read aloud as well as dog lovers who enjoy a fun adventure.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Dog Park and its sequel Dog Daycare!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A signed copy of Dog Park

A signed copy of Dog Daycare

Two (2) winners receive:

A signed copy of Dog Park

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/PQPnr/dog-park-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 5, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Friday, January 6, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Dog Park

Monday, January 9, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Dog Park

Tuesday, January 10, 2023Because I Said SoA book review of Dog Park

Wednesday, January 11, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Dog Park

Thursday, January 12, 2023Writer with WanderlustA book review of Dog Park

Friday, January 13, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Dog Park

Monday, January 16, 2023My Reading GetawayAn interview with Kathryn Kazoleas

Tuesday, January 17, 2023Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Dog Park

Wednesday, January 18, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAn interview with Kathryn Kazoleas

Thursday, January 19, 2023Twirling Book PrincessBook Giveaway of Dog Park

Friday, January 20, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Dog Park

Monday, January 23, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Dog Park

Tuesday, January 24, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Dog Park

Wednesday, January 25, 2023Book Zone ReviewsA book review of Dog Park

Thursday, January 26, 2023StorymamasA book review of Dog Park

Friday, January 27, 2023The Review WireAn interview with Kathryn Kazoleas

Shh! We Got a Dinosaur

Written by Anjeanette Carter

Illustrated by Chau Nguyen

A picture book that is a feast for young eyes. The pictures come in brilliant colors that seem to pop off the page.

A brother and sister come across a Tyrannosaurus Rex on the way home from school. Quickly deciding that he is hungry, the female sibling names him Henry and offers him a sandwich. When she decides to bring Henry home to her kitchen, the mischief escalates.

This book is part of a series of fanciful adventures for young children. Rhymes are crisp and sharp. While the vocabulary is challenging, it serves to enrich a young child’s language skills. Recommended especially for children with active imaginations in the three to six-year-old range.

LOOKING FOR MORE RESOURCES? SIGN UP FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

How to Fight a Cold

Written by Adam T. Newman

Illustrated by Susan G. Young

It’s no fun to have a cold. Children are not the best of patients. In this whimsical tale, the protagonist is a young boy who wakes up with all the symptoms of a bad cold. His mother tucks him back into bed and informs him he will not go to school today.

The little boy does not know how to fight a cold, but he meets Boogie in a dream. Boogie takes him on a journey to meet the worst elements of a cold. He shows the boy how to defeat them.

This book has beautiful illustrations that will have both children and adults amused. The rhyming text and large font are pleasing to the youngest reader. Children learn a lot about colds and how to combat them.

This book is a sequel to How to Catch a Cold and part of a series that will appeal particularly to boys but appropriate for all elementary school age readers.

LOOKING FOR QUALITY EDUCATIONAL TOOLS. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW RESOURCES EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.