Posts from the ‘Home Environment’ Category

There’s magic in hope…

Chester and the Magic 8 Ball

Written by Lynn Katz

The author tackles several difficult issues that middle-grade students might find insurmountable.

Georgia is a sixth grade student who desperately wants a dog. She cannot convince her parents to agree, and they argue incessantly.

One day, Georgia succeeds in convincing her mother to take her to the humane society “just to look.” Enter Chester, an adorable toothless mixed breed who turns out to be “pyschic.” Georgia’s world is rocked when her dad finds the dog at home and walks out on the family. Is it Georgia’s fault?

Georgia faces the usual middle graders difficulty handling jealousy and peer relationships. Up to this time, she has relied on her Magic 8 ball to give her the answers, but now her world has been turned upside down. That is, until she discovers her dog might be able to help.

The characters are believable and genuine. They are placed in situations that seem impossible to solve, but this author navigates them and explains them in a way relatable to its target eight to twelve age audience.

I would highly recommend it to parents, teachers, and counselors who work with this age group as a tool to discuss divorce, illness, and mental health issues.

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ONE HAPPY FAMILY

Luna is Missing: A Children’s book about the friendships & adventures of a girl, her dog and her cat

Written and illustrated by Tanya Preminger

I enjoyed reading this simple picture book about a little girl who lives with her dog and cat pets named Max and Luna.

As children read the pages, they learn about the responsibilities in taking care of pets. The pet owner teaches her pets manners, responsibility, safety, and having empathy for the needs of each other.

The simple illustrations fill in the gaps and help young children understand the plot better. When Luna goes missing, they can look for clues in the pictures to help find her.

Recommended for primary grade readers, especially animal lovers and would be pet owners.

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LEARNING TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER

Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School: Sinead and Strawberry

Written by Elaine Heney

Sinead loves her pony, Strawberry. She experiences anquish when Strawberry throws her one day. Her parents want to get rid of the Connemara pony. Sinead cannot bear to be separated from her best friend.

They find a possible solution. Sinead and her poney are enrolled in a special training school. Strawberry learns how to understand human emotions, while Sinead learns to understand animal behavior, pyschology, and the proper equipment. Each must learn step by step to grow, change, and adapt to each other.

For readers who love animals, especially horses, this book provides a wonderful teaching resource. It is also a tender story of empathy, love, and responsibility. The book is an easy chapter book with short chapters, easy vocabulary, and a heartwarming plot.

Recommended especially for readers in the seven to ten age range, but enjoyable for any age group.

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Milo and His Magic Skateboard – a vitual book tour and giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Written by Kristina Tanso

Illustrated by Sofie Engstrom Von Alten

Ages 4+ | 36 Pages

Publisher: Life Unfiltered Books | ISBN-13: 9781738414000

Publisher’s Book Summary: Join Milo – an adorable French Bulldog – as he embarks on his very first adventure! Simply by clapping his little paws together and jumping on his magic skateboard, Milo takes flight and explores Europe! This fun, heart-warming adventure will charm children and adults alike, while exploring different iconic places and cultures!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristina Tanso is an animal lover whose life changed the day she rescued Milo from the streets of Hong Kong in May 2019. Milo and His Magic Skateboard is inspired by the real-life adventures the duo have had since: prompted by Kristina’s affinity for travel, and Milo’s curious personality. Kristina is also the author of the critically acclaimed psychological thriller, Bad Things (2023); and is a producer on Searching/or Chinook, a documentary about the future survival of the last remaining Southern resident orcas, starring Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones).

An advocate for mental health and spiritual well-being, Kristina’s articles on the topic are regularly featured on Medium. Outside of writing, Kristina works at the University of Oxford, and serves as a guest professor at a university in Asia.

You can learn more about Kristina and her work at www.kristinatanso.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Written by Kristina Tanso

Illustrated by Sofie Engstrom Von Alten

I once had a cat named Milo. That’s why I immediately identified with Milo.

In this picture book adventure, Milo is a French Bulldog living in Milan with a yen for travel. He loves being home with his mistress but when she departs for work, Milo picks up his magic skateboard and cruises across the continent.

Milo transports his reader friends to Paris, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Spain, and Rome where they are treated to a whirlwind tour of the famous sites in each country. Milo enjoys his adventures, but soon realizes something is missing. He longs to cuddle beside his owner.

Milo teaches us the value of experiencing new places, but, in the end, we long for the safety and comfort of home and the people we love.

Illustrations are simple, colorful, and appealing to the targeted primary grade reader. Rhymes add to the appeal of reading this adventure out loud.  

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Milo and His Magic Skateboard and a customized sketch of Milo!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/nkYML/milo-and-his-magic-skateboard-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 25, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Tuesday, March 26, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Wednesday, March 27, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Kristina Tanso
Thursday, March 28, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Friday, March 29, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Kristina Tanso
Monday, April 1, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Tuesday, April 2, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Wednesday, April 3, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Thursday, April 4, 2024Deliciously SavvyAuthor Article by Kristina Tanso
Friday, April 5, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Monday, April 8, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Tuesday, April 9, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Wednesday, April 10, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Thursday, April 11, 2024Q&A with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Kristina Tanso
Monday, April 15, 2024Me Two BooksA Book Activity to Pair with Milo and His Magic Skateboard
Tuesday, April 16, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAuthor Article by Kristina Tanso
Wednesday, April 17, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

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Play with Me – a virtual book book tour and giveaway

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Play with Me

Written by Kat Chen
Illustrated by Lorraine Nam

Ages 1+ | 24 Pages

Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop | ISBN-13: 9780593659717

Publisher’s Book Summary: This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kat Chen is the author of several bestselling contemporary and historical romance books. She also serves on the advisory board for Books for Newborns.

After becoming a grandmother and spending most of her free time helping with “the fun stuff”—conversations, crayons, and crawling—she was inspired to delve into children’s books and help kids master the art of simple conversation through shared play.

Learn more about Kat and her work at kat-chen.com.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Kat-Chen/61555122372925

https://www.instagram.com/katchenbooks

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Lorraine Nam is an illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. She was born in Philadelphia and spent her childhood drawing pictures and folding origami to pass the time at her parents’ jewelry store. She now spends her days combining those two loves to create her illustrations.

She is the illustrator of the picture book biography on Neil deGrasse Tyson, Look Up With Me, and the upcoming Wei Skates On, by Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen.

Learn more about Lorraine and her work at www.lorrainename.com.

https://www.instagram.com/lorrainenam

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

PLAY DATE

Play with Me

Written by Kat Chen

Illustrated by Lorraine Nam

A board book that will be enjoyed repeatedly when shared with curious toddlers and preschoolers. The setting is a picnic featuring a boy named Ellison and his pet rabbit. Ellison asks many questions of his rabbit and this interactive book’s readers. For example, what kind of drink do you like, what books do you enjoy, what cookies do you like to eat?

Ellison presents the joys of friendship, empathy, and sharing. He respects the opinions of his beloved rabbit and those of his readers inviting them to share in his play dates and conversations.

The illustrations are simple, bright, and colorful and will especially appeal to the targeted age audience of children ages one through four.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Play with Me and a $25 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/x6Ii5/play-with-me-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 2, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Play with Me
Wednesday, April 3, 2024Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Kat Chen
Thursday, April 4, 2024Star Girls Magical TaleBook Review of Play with Me
Friday, April 5, 2024Book Zone ReviewsBook Review of Play with Me
Monday, April 8, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Play with Me
Tuesday, April 9, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Play with Me
Wednesday, April 10, 2024Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Play with Me
Thursday, April 11, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Play with Me
Friday, April 12, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Play with Me
Monday, April 15, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Play with Me
Tuesday, April 16, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Play with Me
Wednesday, April 17, 2024Life is What it’s calledAuthor Interview with Kat Chen
Thursday, April 18, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Play with Me
Friday, April 19, 2024A Blue Box Full Of BooksInstagram and TikTok Post
Monday, April 22, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersGuest Post
Tuesday, April 23, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictPlay with Me Book Spotlight

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

A HAIRY TALE

The Bear with Long Hair: Bartholomew Bear in…

Written by Lisette Star

Illustrated by Gustyawan

Bartholomew Bear refuses to cut his hair. Eventually it grew to his knees and he no longer looked like a bear. Despite his family’s concern, he refused to comply.

One day when home alone, Batholomew decided he wanted a snack. That snack involved honey. His troubles began as he kept creating more turmoil and left the house in a mess. Eventually, he could not see and his hair was a sticky mess. Can you guess what happens when his mom returns home?

This book is a fun way to teach children to clean up themselves and their belongings. Bartholomew is a fun character with which young children will identify.

The rhymes are funny and the story fun to read aloud. Also, a good choice for parents with children who are reluctant to cut their hair.

Recommended especially for ages three through seven.

Subscribe to this blog for new book reviews every Wednesday and Sunday.

ODE TO A PUG, A VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ode to a Pug

Written by Jill Rosen

Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: AM Ink Publishing (2024) ISBN-13: 978-1-958842-24-9

Publisher’s Book Summary: A precocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!

Laugh along with the snorting, snoring, and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can’t fix, right?

A true delight that any family can relate to, Ode to a Pug is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jill Rosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband. She doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!

Through her brand management work, Jill’s early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.

Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can’t wait to share them with all the young readers out there.

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

https://www.instagram.com/odetoapug

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Steph Rohr is a French Award-winning children’s book illustrator who earned a distinction from ECV Art School in Paris. She is fond of anything silly, funny, wacky, daft, and colorful. A freelance Illustrator & Art Director, Steph has been working in London in publishing and advertising.

https://www.instagram.com/stephdoespictures

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

DOGGIE DILEMMA

Ode to a Pug

Written by Jill Rosen

Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr

What a delightful picture book to delight dog lovers! The protagonist is a woman who has just adopted a new member of the family, an adorable pug. But wait, this cuddly little creature proves to be a lot more than she can handle.

He snorts, toots, tinkles on the carpet, and destroys the furniture. This tiny creature creates chaos everywhere he sets foot. Finally, the owner has had enough. Today is the day she will get rid of him!

Then she looks at those endearing eyes, can she follow through?

This picture book consists of short, clever rhymes and simple, cartoon-like illustrations that will delight young children and adults alike. Anyone who has owned a puppy will empathize with the owner and feel her mixed emotions.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an author-signed hardcover copy of Ode to a Pug, a 4″ custom pug plush, plus a die-cut pug sticker!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/heDFn/ode-to-pug-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, February 15, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Friday, February 16, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Monday, February 19, 2024My Reading GetawayAn Article by Author Jill Rosen
Tuesday, February 20, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Wednesday, February 21, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Thursday, February 22, 2024Country Mamas with KidsAn Article by Author Jill Rosen
Friday, February 23, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAn Interview with Author Jill Rosen
Monday, February 26, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Tuesday, February 27, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Wednesday, February 28, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Thursday, February 29, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Friday, March 1, 2024Because I Said SoBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Monday, March 4, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Tuesday, March 5, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAn Interview with Author Jill Rosen
Wednesday, March 6, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Ode to a Pug and Little Free Library Drop
Thursday, March 7, 2024Twirling Book PrincessBook Review of Ode to a Pug
Friday, March 8, 2024Mrs. Makes Reading FunBook Review of Ode to a Pug

RESPECT OUR WATERY WORLD

Ocean Full of Wonder

Written by Anna Smithers

Illustrated by Nino Aptsiauri

I love how this author presents the ocean topic. Children learn about twelve examples of sea creatures that inhabit the ocean, and the life cycle of plant life that interact with them. Then the author discusses the problems that modern-day life has imposed on the oceans and the life within them.

The author uses crisp rhymes with challenging vocabulary that is highlighted in colors that pop off the page. Human characters represent the many cultures that inhabit our planet and how they can work together to sustain it. At the end of the book, readers receive an opportunity to go back and identify the creatures they learned about in the story. Then the author presents them with tangible and actionable steps they can take now to protect our oceans and its resources.

This interactive book should be part of libraries and classrooms. Parents who want to teach their children to be mindful of protecting our planet can count on this resource to put them on the right track.

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DINOS RUN AMOK…

Iggy and Oz: The Plastic Dinos of Doom

Written by J.J. Johnson

This is the first book in a middle-grade adventure featuring two brothers named Iggy and Oz. Strange names because the boys consider their parents unusual. Iggy is twelve; his younger brother Oz was adopted from China. The boys compete against each other and exhibit the usual sibling rivalry.

Iggy loves to write and has an active imagination so his parents tend not to believe him. Oz wakes him up in the middle of the night to investigate monsters in the attic. When the boys finally get to the attic, they find some old plastic dinosaur toys have come to life, but the adventure begins when the dinos escape into their suburban neighborhood. There is a lot of humor, boyish banter, and a caste of interesting characters including bullies. Iggy, Oz, and their friends must save the neighborhood from destruction before it’s too late.

The plot is absurd, but perfectly believeable for the target middle-grade audience. Recommended for readers ages eight through twelve, particularly boys.

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GUESS HOW MARION FEELS – A VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Guess How Marion Feels

Written by Miss Kaye

Illustrated by Miss Waitthk

Ages 3+ | 34 Pages

Publisher: ‎ Maya Nurtures (2024) | ISBN-13: 9781738593026

Publisher’s Book Summary: Marion is a kind, creative, and easy kid… but he’s faced with BIG emotions. Help Marion identify those BIG feelings in this interactive children’s picture book.

Guess How Marion Feels is a transformative experience that lays the foundation for emotional intelligence and meaningful connections. A gentle Social Emotional Learning (SEL) tool to guide parents, caregivers, and teachers to teach kids who struggle to pick up social cues and have challenges in social situations.

This book is made to celebrate and honor the feelings of our little ones, foster open communication, and create inclusive learning with our neurodivergent kids. Written by a neurodivergent author, Miss Kaye aims to support kids and everyone struggling with social interactions.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Miss Kaye was born in the Philippines. She had challenges as an adult neurodivergent. This serves as her inspiration for writing fun, engaging, and educational stories to teach life skills and mindfulness to kids.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Miss Waitthk is from Hongkong. She enjoys making people feel happy and joyful through her drawings. As a kid, she remembered drawing anime characters and coloring them with colored pencils. Since then, she kept on drawing.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

IT’S OKAY TO FEEL THIS WAY…

Guess how Marion Feels

Written by Miss Kaye

Illustrated by Miss Waitthk

A beautiful, interactive picture book that allows young children to explore and communicate their emotions with others.

Marion wakes up happy to start the day. When his mother reminds him that today is the first day at school, his feelings switch to being scared and apprehensive. As the day progresses, readers watch Marion, and his feelings change. A new situation creates mixed feelings of excitement, worry, hope, anger, confusion, and relief.

Young readers are asked to guess what Marion is feeling in each situation by studying the pictures and text. At the end of the book, they get a summary of the book when Marion discusses the whole range of emotions with his parents.

The book is targeted for readers ages one through seven, but I feel the message in the tale is just as valuable for older children.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a 1-hour FREE coaching session to launch your own picture book, along with signed copies of Guess How Marion Feels (one to keep and one to share with a neurodivergent charity of your choice under your name).


Click here for the entry form: https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/guess-how-marion-feels-by-miss-kaye-awareness-tour/

TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, February 9, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off
Monday, February 12, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Miss Kaye
Tuesday, Ferbuary 13, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Wednesday, February 14, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Thursday, February 15, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Friday, February 16, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels and Little Free Library Drop
Monday, February 19, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Tuesday, February 20, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Miss Kaye
Wednesday, February 21, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Thursday, February 22, 2024Get Outside and ReadBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Friday, February 23, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Miss Kaye
Monday, February 26, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Tuesday, February 27, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Wednesday, February 28, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Thursday, February 29, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Friday, March 1, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Miss Kaye
Monday, March 4, 2024Shooting Stars MagBook Review of Guess How Marion Feels
Tuesday, March 5, 2024Me Two BooksA Storytime Activity Paired with Guess How Marion Feels