The Underground Toy Society Helps Ellie Elephant

Written by Jessica D. Adams

Illustrated by Janelle and Janiece Adams

Janelle and Janiece are on a trip with their parents. Janiece is having so much fun. She forgets and leaves her stuffed elephant, Ellie on the swing. Now Ellie is a very smart stuffed elephant. She knows that the family will depart soon. Ellie desperately tries to run and jump up into the camper before anyone discovers her missing. To her dismay, she is not successful.

Ellie finds a chipmunk who says he can help. Chippy directs Ellie to a mole who tells her about The Underground Toy Society that helps reunites toys with their owners. Ellie discovers it’s not so easy to find Murry the Mole. Along the way, she meets a toy train and a bunny who also try to help her. Readers learn about the kindness of all these toy characters. Ellie wants to get home before Janiece discovers her missing because she does not want Ellie to feel sad. Ellie displays much love and concern for her owner.

Readers get the underlying message that children need to take good care of their toys and develop a sense of responsibility. There are a few wonderful child drawings to personalize this beginning chapter book for early readers.

As You Wish: After Dinner Conversation Short Story Series

Written by Tyler W. Kurt

This book is a charming, coffee table book that can be used to spark conversations with family or friends. An elderly woman dressed in retro fifties clothing discovers an old trunk in the attic. The stuffed animals that are trapped inside have been there since their former owner abandoned them. They are torn, soiled, and tattered. The old woman has the ability to communicate with the stuffed animals. She offers to repair them and make them new once more. Then one of them announces he doesn’t want to change the way he looks or feels.

At the end of this short story, there is a set of discussion questions for readers with open minds and open hearts. I would recommend the book for all ages.

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1123 Hard to Believe Facts

Written by Nayden Kostov

Illustrated by Yuliya Krumova

This book is an excellent choice for a coffee table book or a fun game at parties. Rather than list trivia questions to be answered, Kostov divides the questions by topics like People and Animals or Facts about the World. The author challenges the reader by presenting three choices for each question. Now the trick is to choose which of the answers is NOT correct. This approach makes the task of finding the correct answer formidable. I was surprised at how much more difficult this technique made the challenge.

I would recommend the book to readers age ten and older. It is highly educational and informative.

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This tour is hosted by the Children’s Book Review and sponsored by Justine Avery.

ABOUT THE BOOK

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Written by Justine Avery

Illustrated by Liuba Syrotiuk

Publisher’s Synopsis: For the artist, the free thinker, the uniquely inventive individual in each of us, Think Outside the Box unlocks the key to applying creativity to daily life and turning any problem or worry inside out.

Designed to define out-of-the-box thinking for the youngest of us, this fun and unique illustrative journey reminds us all how simple and practical it can be to apply a new perspective to even the most daunting challenges.

Think Outside the Box is an at-home library must-have for any future idealist, instigator, activist, maverick, or mover and shaker—and every individual.

Ages 4+ | Publisher: Suteki Creative | July 14, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1948124577

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/2UBSxdz

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK

Changing Things Up

Think Outside the Box

Written by Justine Avery

Illustrated by Liuba Syrotiuk

This delightful picture book invites children to explore innovative ways of thinking. It appeals to a wide audience because the illustrations allow young children to grasp the message, while a careful consideration of the message is just as appropriate for middle-grade readers.

Avery encourages her readers to go beyond following the rules. Children might also use their imagination to explore doing things differently. For example, why not examine a problem by standing in someone else’s shoes or looking at it from someone else’s point of view. Take things apart and put them together a new way, stop and wait for inspiration or be brave and do something you are scared to try.

Syotiuk’s unique, bold illustrations combine color and abstract design that align well with the message. I highly recommend this book for children ages four through twelve.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a Think Outside the Box prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of Think Outside the Box.
• A pair of Fire 7 Kids Edition Tablets.
• A Creative Thinking in a Jar set.

Ten (10) winners receive:

• A hardcover copy of Think Outside the Box.

Ten (10) winners receive:

• A paperback copy of Think Outside the Box.

Giveaway begins June 15, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends July 15, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

To Enter click on link below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282172

TOUR SCHEDULE

June 15	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
June 16	Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	Book Review	Pay
June 17	Life Is What It’s Called	http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/	Interview	No Pay
June 18	Over Coffee Conversations	https://www.gmarciano.blogspot.com	Giveaway	No Pay
June 19	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Book Review	Pay – Amazon Gift Card
June 22	Teacher Dance	https://www.teacherdance.org/	Book Review	Pay-Amazon Gift Card
June 23	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review	Pay-Amazon Gift Card
June 24	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review	Pay
June 25	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com/	Giveaway	Pay
June 26	Heart to Heart	https://tynea-lewis.com/	Book Review	Pay
June 29	Word Spelunking	http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/	Book Review	Pay
June 30	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review	Pay
July 1	Shooting Stars Mag	https://shootingstarsmag.net/	Book Review	Pay

Dragon Thunder (Dragon Dreamer Book 3)

Written by J.S. Burke

This book may be read as a solo sci-fi, fantasy adventure. I have been fortunate to read the first two books in this series and can fully appreciate the development and depth of the characters in Book Three.

The ice dragons fled their homeland due to a volcanic eruption. The golden dragons and creatures of the sea have all been forced to relocate. Drakor, leader of the ice dragons, is young and inexperienced. He is wary of Mardor who has already challenged him and lost. Now Drakor must gain the trust of the dragon colony who are wary of their leader.

There are two parallel stories. Readers follow Scree and Orm, the octopi who hunt the seas and ally themselves with the dragons. Arak leads the golden dragons who will need to decide whether to fight or trade with the ice dragons in the New World. There will be food shortages and new enemies like the Dwire, who become new threats to survival.

This book is a fascinating and intriguing combination of science fiction, fantasy, adventure, biology, environmental science and societal mores. Readers will experience many scenarios, war, peace, empathy, division, healing, and generational struggles.

A highly engaging read for middle-grade, young adult and adult readers.

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CHECK OUT OUR DISCUSSION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULT BOOK AUTHORS moderated by Draxtor Dupres

Nadine Kaadan

Margi Preus

Carole P. Roman

Barbara Ann Mojica aka LittleMissHISTORY

Kid Legends (True Tales of Childhood from the Books Kid Artists, Kid Athletes, Kid Presidents, and Kid Authors

Written by David Stabler

Illustrated by Doogie Horner

This book will inspire children to address their fears and reaffirm their aspirations. It is divided into three parts. The first part explores difficulties overcome by J.K. Rowling, Peyton Manning, and Charles Schultz before they became successful. The second part discusses the struggles of Pablo Picasso, Muhammed Ali, and Ulysses Grant during childhood and how they overcame their handicaps to achieve fame. Part Three examines the role that family life played in the early lives of Jeff Kinney, John F. Kennedy, and Gabby Douglas. Before closing, the author and illustrator reveal facts about themselves

The illustrations are rich in detail and humorous. They are fun to look at and read. This book is perfect for middle-grade readers who are dealing with the same type of issues, bullying, family and peer relationships, and self-esteem. The book also provides an opportunity for jump-starting group discussions.

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Witch Hearts the Discovery of Magic and Power

Angharad Thompson Rees

This is the first book in a fantasy series for young adults. Triplets Morganne Amara, and Fae despair because their mother appears to be nearing death. They live in a secluded cottage at the edge of Mystic Wood.

Desperate to find a cure for their mother’s mysterious illness, the sisters venture into the woods in search of a cure. Little do they realize their problems are just beginning. Something or someone appears to be following them.

Once captured, the girls are deemed to be witches. How will they be able to save their mother? Will they succeed in escaping or are they doomed to the pyre?

I was impressed with the writing. The author succeeds in creating the mood and getting the atmosphere right. For a book that is fewer than one hundred pages, the characters are remarkably well-developed. This is a clean read and would be appropriate for advanced middle-grade readers as well as teens and adults.

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As You Wish

Written by Tyler W. Kurt

This book is a charming, coffee table book that can be used to spark conversations with family or friends. An elderly woman dressed in retro fifties clothing discovers an old trunk in the attic. The stuffed animals that are trapped inside have been there since their former owner abandoned them. They are torn, soiled, and tattered. The old woman can communicate with the stuffed animals. She offers to repair them and make them new once more. Then one of them announces he doesn’t want to change the way he looks or feels.

At the end of this short story, there is a set of discussion questions for readers with open minds and open hearts. I would recommend the book for all ages.

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Playing with Hidden Treasures: Games and Activities for Children and Teens

Written by Karen Ward-Wilder

This book is a compilation of games and activities that parents can enjoy with children. It employs common household materials like vinegar, paper, pencils, photos, ribbon, paper plates, and water to develop and enhance skills.

The activities involve memory, communication, math skills, listening skills, spatial orientation, music, movement, personal hygiene, and sensory awareness. Here is one example, dancing, and singing to the music of different generations. Each player selects two or three songs and writes the names on paper. Mix up papers on the table. Each player selects dances and/or sings that song, receiving points for being able to do so. Adults and children learn about each other’s music.

Adults and older siblings may need to supervise younger children in some of these activities. This book offers many opportunities for family-sharing while staying inside during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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