#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

Infinite Sacrifice: Infinite Series Book 1

Written by L.E. Waters

Maya has just died. She finds herself in a heaven very different from what she imagined.

Her spirit guide, Zachariah, whisks her on a tour through her past lives which include ancient Egypt, Greek Sparta, pirates and Vikings, and finally to the plague in medieval London. Maya just wants to be with the family she had before she died.

The book ends with a sneak peek into Book Two of the series which brings her to the papal court in Rome. Characters are interesting enough and the plot moves along evenly.

I found the first book interesting. Recommended for young adult and adult audiences. Not sure if the momentum of the concept can carry on through a whole series.

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

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

The Scenic Route: An Nsibidi Scripts Short Story

Written by Nnedi Okorafor

The author has written a short story based on the characters of his science fiction and fantasy Nsibidi scripts series.

The book series features friends Sasha and Sunny who live in Nigeria. They have special powers that allow them to see lots more than the average person. In this short story, the two friends land at O’Hare Airport in Chicago. They go on a short jaunt to visit the highlights of Chicago. Readers are treated to a tour of familiar sights seen through their unfamiliar eyes.

The book can be enjoyed by those who have not read books in the series but will probably whet their appetite to learn more about life in Nigeria and the mysterious powers they possess.

The series is recommended for ages twelve and older but this book is appropriate for younger children as well.

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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

Blackbeard: The Birth of America

Written by Samuel Marquis

This novel is an interesting work of historical fiction. It is carefully researched and well-written, though it probably goes a tad too long. Readers are presented with a Blackbeard who may not have been a cutthroat pirate but an early proponent of democracy. Did Blackbeard espouse the cause of the Revolution? Was this the reason the Crown was so desperate to get rid of him? How much of an influence did the pirates’ system of democracy influence the times?

Perhaps Blackbeard’s image as a cruel, inhumane character can be attributed to colorful imagination and oral storytelling passed down through the generations. In any case, Marquis presents an argument that must be considered. Historians spend countless hours sifting through research to form conclusions and these conclusions are often open to multiple possibilities and answers.

I would recommend the book as a thoughtful and interesting perspective on The Golden Age of Piracy and Blackbeard in particular.

IF YOU LOVE HISTORY, SIGN UP FOR ALL THE RESOURCES AT WWW.LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM

The New Kid: Surviving Middle School Is Tough

Written by Maureen Straka

Alex is dismayed that his best friend, Luke, is moving. The summer becomes a boring nightmare. When Alex wakes up late for the first day of school, he is certain it is an evil omen.

This book contains well-defined characters that will appeal to the middle-grade reader. So many familiar struggles. There are bullying, school and family relationship struggles, trust, and acceptance issues.

This book is a quick read, under one hundred pages, and a good choice for reluctant readers. I would recommend it for the eight through twelve age group.

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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