Posts from the ‘fiction’ Category

PREPARED FOR PRESCHOOL

Hello, Let’s Play! Preparing for Preschool

Written by Jennifer Sturgeon

Illustrated by Daniel Klein

This book is an excellent tools for preparing toddlers for the preschool experience. It will work for children about to enter a typical nursery school or those with special needs in an inclusive or stand-alone special needs early intervention program.

As an educator with experience in both settings, I appreciate the way author and illustrator include children from multicultural backgrounds and those with different types of disabilities whether they be physical or learning disabilities. Children are shown with educational adaptive tools like picture boards and braille books. Support staff are depicted working alongside the classroom teacher. Typical activities like independent choice centers, circle time, outdoor play, and singing songs are portrayed.

A young child will get a good idea of what happens when entering any type of preschool classroom.

A good resource for parents as preparation or teachers to use on the first day of school.

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A MUCH NEEDED RESOURCE

Grandma, It’s Me!: A Children’s Book about Dementia 

Written by Y. Y. Chan

Illustrated by Pearly L.

So many families contain an elderly member suffering from dementia. This book goes a long way toward explaining and humanizing the difficult situation.

The protagonist is a young girl named Riley. It follows her diary entries over a period of time. One day Riley notices that her grandmother is forgetting things. As time passes, grandma wanders off and forgets the names of family members. She needs constant care and that is a burden on the family. Chan shows how to combine love with patience as the family must constantly adjust their situation.

This book is a great resource in explaining dementia to young children. I liked the multicultural images, the characters, and the abundant resources included. Readers receive a list of questions and reflections about what they read as well as activities to download.

This book is highly recommended not only to parents and teachers but also counselors who work in mental health facilities or in schools with children.

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It’s the little things that matter…

It’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship

Written and illustrated by Shermaine Perry-Knights

The author introduces three friends and illustrated everyday examples where it is easy to show kindness. Carrying groceries for the elderly, showing a young child how to tie shoelaces, stopping mean kids from bullying, make each of them feel good about themselves as well as those who received their kindness. The illustrations include characters with disabilities.

As a bonus, the author provides a game with activities to show kindness, suggested lessons, and follow-up reading comprehension questions.

A good addition to parent and classroom libraries for any age but especially primary grade readers.

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A RUDE AWAKENING

It’s not easy being a LAZY BUG

Written by Pragya Tomar

Illustrated by Michela Fiori

Bug is lazy. He does not like dressing, eating, brushing teeth, cleaning his room or any of the activities necessary in everyday living. At first, his parents do everything for him. That gets old, and he gets a rude awakening.

A funny and cleverly illustrated book to wake messy kids up fast.

Recommended for all ages preschool and older.

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DRAGGED DOWN DEEP – VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

IN PARNERSHIP WITH MICHAEL OKON

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dragged Down Deep

Written by Michael Okon

Ages: 15+ | 286 Pages

Publisher: Chelshire Inc (2024) | ISBN: 978-1-950080-14-4

Publisher’s Book Summary: Logan Osborne has spent his life chasing the shadows of the past.

As a child, he watched helplessly as his father was snatched from a fishing boat by what he swore was a mermaid. No one believed him then. No one believes him now.

Determined to prove that mythical creatures exist, Logan is drawn back to the small coastal town where his nightmares began after another mysterious disappearance stirs the waters.

Teaming up with his pragmatic colleague Elliot Sheppard and his fiercely loyal friend Penny Swanson, Logan dives headfirst into an adventure packed with danger and deception. As they dig deeper, the trio faces resistance at every turn—a secretive agency with its own agenda, a suspiciously unhelpful police force, and Logan’s old flame, who may know more than she’s letting on.

What they uncover is far darker and more terrifying than Logan ever imagined: the truth about his father, the secrets of Minatuck, and the horrifying reality of the Mermaid of the Hamptons.

Will Logan and his friends expose the lies that have haunted him for years, or will they be Dragged Down Deep into the swampy, secretive underbelly of a town that guards its mysteries with deadly intent?

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres, including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure, and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with an English degree and later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

For more information, visit www.michaelokon.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

Logan Osbourne struggles to recover from a childhood trauma. When his father was dragged from a small boat and drowned by what he insisted was a mermaid, no one believed the tale. Now an adult scientist, Logan is determined to prove that a mythological creature called The Thunderbird exists. Together with his partner Elliot and the support of his university, Logan sets off to prove that the Native legend is true.

No one in the small town seems willing to talk, and Aimee, a former girlfriend, is out to beat him to the punch in finding the creature. Deception and deceit lurk around every corner. Logan faces physical danger, mental anguish, and socal ridicule. Will he succeed in uncovering the mystery surrounding his father’s death and the secrets of Minatuk? Why is everyone afraid of the answers?

From the intriguing quotes that introduce the adventure to the final chapter, readers are drawn into the complex characters and the twists and turns of the thriller. Another wonderful tale by a talented author that does not disappoint.

GIVEAWAY

Readers who join us on this tour can enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy of Dragged Down Deep, signed by Michael Okon. The grand prize winner will also take home a $100 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/8Ziz3/dragged-down-deep-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 20, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off
Wednesday, January 22, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Dragged Down Deep
Friday, January 24, 2025One More ExclamationBook Review of Dragged Down Deep
Monday, January 27, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Dragged Down Deep
Wednesday, January 29, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Dragged Down Deep
Friday, January 31, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Dragged Down Deep
Monday, February 3, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbInterview with Michael Okon
Wednesday, February 5, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Dragged Down Deep
Friday, February 7, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Dragged Down Deep
Monday, February 10, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Dragged Down Deep
Wednesday, February 12, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Dragged Down Deep
Friday, February 14, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

UNDER THE SHEETS

Ghosts

Written and Illustrated by Fiona Dalwood

A cute picture book that will stimulate the imagination of the youngest readers. The author poses simple questions concerning common mysteries like “Why does buttered toast always land butter-side down?” and “Why does the internet get slow” Those little ghostly gremlins just might be responsible.

This book about ghosts presents them as non-threatening and not scary. The humor and light-hearted illustrations makes this book a great choice for a read aloud or bedtime story. Appropriate and fun for all ages beginning with preschool.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

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ENERGY WARS: THE AWAKENING VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Energy Wars: The Awakening

Written by Jodi Dee

Ages: 8-13 | 200 Pages

Publisher: Jodi Dee Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 978-1736209363

Publisher’s Book Summary: Myles is an average thirteen-year-old boy until one day, Sally Munson shows up with purple pants on that look like a Halloween costume. As classmates tease and make fun of her, Myles starts to see these negative words as fireballs of energy being thrown at Sally. He finds himself in the middle of a war zone, invisible to everyone but him!

In a suspenseful, supernatural tale of self-discovery and friendship with constant, unexpected twists and turns, Myles tries to understand his newfound superpower. He not only learns about the energy exchange between humans but the energy of all things.

Myles and his friends discover the new ZS phone is stealing people’s energy. Follow Myles as he navigates this new reality and works to stop the theft of this energy with the help of his friends.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodi Dee is an award-winning author of the best-selling books The Dirt Girl and The Seeking Tree. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History and a Master’s in Education from Clark University. She is a dedicated mother of three with more than twenty years of experience in education. Jodi is a passionate advocate and teacher of self-love, self-awareness, emotional mastery, and empowering children to learn through independence, creativity, self-exploration, and discovery.

For more information, check out www.jodidee.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

OUT OF THIS WORLD
Energy Wars: The Awakening

Written by Jodi Dee


This book is the first of a new series of thrilling adventures. Dee succeeds in developing interesting and complex characters that challenge the imagination, but also compels the middle- grade reader to pay attention to the important underlying messages.

The protagonist, Myles, is a typical thirteen-year-old who lives in a somewhat dysfunctional family. His father pays him little attention, and his mother disappeared shortly after his birth. One day his ordinary life is transformed by the discovery of a superpower. He learns about his mission to spread happiness through his ability to observe the energy fields of others.

As Myles draws his two closest friends into the mystery, they research the science and psychology of energy fields. The plot comes to a climax when Myles’ grandfather gifts him five boxes that belonged to his grandmother revealing more strange truths.

Readers won’t want to put the book down until all is revealed. The ending sets up the next installment.

GIVEAWAY

Readers who follow the tour can enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a hardcover copy of Energy Wars: The Awakening. One grand prize winner will win one of the signed first copies of the second book in the series, releasing in Fall 2025.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.

https://gleam.io/uwxZQ/the-energy-wars-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, January 15, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Energy Wars: The Awakening
Friday, January 17, 2025avainbooklandInstagram Post about Energy Wars: The Awakening
Monday, January 20, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Energy Wars: The Awakening
Wednesday, January 22, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Energy Wars: The Awakening
Friday, January 24, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Energy Wars: The Awakening
Monday, January 27, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Jodi Dee
Wednesday, January 29, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Energy Wars: The Awakening
Friday, January 31, 2025The Starlit PathAuthor Interview with Jodi Dee
Monday, February 3, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Energy Wars: The Awakening
Wednesday, February 5, 2025Froggy Read TeachInstagram Post about Energy Wars: The Awakening
Friday, February 7, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewInstagram Reel featuring Energy Wars: The Awakening
Monday, February 10, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Energy Wars: The Awakening
Wednesday, February 12, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Jodi Dee

A CHORE NO MORE

Toothbrushing with Maggie and Mommy (Sparkly Smiles Series)

Written by Heidi Rocha, RDH

Illustrated by Noni-Ayanna and Gobern-Roach

This is the first book of a series written by a Dental Hygienist. The picture book with large, easy to read print and engaging illustrations features a little girl named Maggie and her mom.

Mom visits Maggie’s preschool and uses her stuffed dinosaur to demonstrate the proper way to brush teeth. This book will be appreciated by parents of preschoolers and pediatric dentists. There is a bonus activity chart to record progress and a find the hidden object page. The book is even approved by every little child’s friend, The Tooth Fairy.

Highly recommended, especially for parents and teachers of preschool children.

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BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER…

Mick and the Big Bone

Written by Shlomo Goldman

Batnadiv Hakarmi-Weinberg (Translator)

The author writes this rhyming picture book to teach young children about envy and jealousy.

In many ways, Mick, the puppy in this story, is typical in that his curiosity and impulsiveness can get the better of him. One day he goes to the beach with his owner. Mick is happy with his bone until he sees another one that is bigger and better. When Mick tries to snatch it, he finds himself in trouble.

Children learn the grass is not always greener and not to be greedy or envious of what other’s have in simple rhymes and pictures.

An ideal way to teach three to five year old children an important lesson.

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CAN WE SAVE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?

Leo the Elf Saves Christmas (The Guardian Elf)

Written by Bradley Doxon

The author targets this approximately 125 page book for readers ages eight through twelve but it can also serve as a read aloud or early beginning chapter book for younger children.

Santa and the elves are getting a nagging feeling that something is wrong. Sure enough, they soon discover that the Sorrow King has escaped and his mission is to destroy the Christmas spirit. Leo, one of the elder elves, decides to take on the nemesis. He teams up with a young, human girl named Ava.

This short book is a combination of fantasy and adventure. Can this dynamic duo banish the Sorrow King and restore the true Christmas spirit?

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