The Adventures of Joy Sun Bear: The Blue Amber of Sumatra

Written by Blanca Carranza and John Lee

This is the first book in a series of adventures featuring a bear named Joy. Set in the tropical rainforest of Sumatra, readers are rapidly propelled into a nonstop fantasy adventure. Joy will learn a lot about himself and teach his readers about courage, bravery, and standing up for themselves and others. Joy meets an assortment of magical characters, an exotic bird, a magical frog, orangutans, and a trickster fox to name a few.

Joy teaches readers the importance of family relationships, stewardship of Mother Earth, and respect for creatures of other cultures. Readers are exposed to the good and bad of humans as well as the inner struggles faced within oneself. The color illustrations move the story along for younger readers and help to illuminate the hidden storylines. The chapter book runs close to two hundred pages so it might be a challenge for beginning readers who might want to approach it in several phases; it would make an excellent teacher read aloud book to discuss in the classroom. Recommended audience is for ages six through ten, though I would classify it more as a middle-grade selection. I am looking forward to reading the next tale and following Joy’s growth journey.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Fairies and Elves: Folktales from around the world (Bedtime stories, Fairy Tales for Kids ages 6-12)

Written by Teya Evans

This folktale collection consists of ten stories from around the world. They do not fit the mold of commonly repeated tales. Rather than centering on one part of the world, the author covers the globe and the continents. Featured tales originate in Iceland, South Africa, the United States, Japan, Brazil, Iran, Benin, and Wales. A human character interacts with magical spirits in each of the tales.

These nuggets of cultural traditions were passed down from generation to generation. They teach readers lessons about themselves, our relationships with the world around us, and how to honor and respect all forms of life both large and small. The advice to be truthful and to keep your promises is embedded throughout the stories.

The print is large and comfortable for young readers, although the passive voice is used frequently. I believe the stories might be even more interesting if a few illustrations were included. These are the reasons for my rating of three and a half stars. Recommended for readers in elementary and middle school.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

The Tyler Files #1: Smarty Pants

Written by Brian Rock

Illustrated by Joshua Dawson

Rock has created a clever chapter book that will keep readers chuckling and thinking long after they have finished reading it. Tyler is a fifth grader who experiences a unique problem. One day in school, his pants start talking to him. Tyler and his best friend, Paul, are mystified and neither can figure out how to solve the problem. As Tyler goes through his day at school, his pants’ chatter gets him in trouble at the library, in the gym, and how will he find the time to study for his math test? But his pants help him solve his problems with Rhino, the school bully, and allow him to impress Audrey, the girl he has a crush on. Will Tyler ever get his “smarty pants” to keep his mouth shut?

The author targets this book for readers in the seven to ten age range. It is a beginning chapter in the sense that the chapters are short and the font large. It also contains a few drawings done in Wimpy Kid style. The humor is infectious and appropriate to a fifth grader. I particularly enjoyed the extension activities at the end of the book. Rock asks what readers think about the characters and presents what-if scenarios to encourage further thinking about the plot. He includes fun facts and a few jokes to continue the fun.

I would recommend the book as a beginning chapter book for elementary school readers, but middle-grade students will also appreciate the quirky characters, humor, and coming of age sections of the plot.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED BUTTON in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

23 HALLOWEEN CRAFTS for KIDS: Halloween Costume Ideas and Spooky Décor

Compiled by Prime Publishing Décor

This book is an interesting read that can be shared by the whole family. Halloween costumes have become ridiculously expensive. There are some good ideas here for easy to make costumes from materials found around the house. Skeletons, monsters, knights, fairies, and superheroes are featured. Directions are included for luminaries, wreaths, pinecone owls and spooky spider webs. Monster snot is a meringue dessert that is sure to please.
Younger children can help with the simpler crafts and older children can get involved with paper mache, cutting and gluing materials. What a fun way for a family to share a chilly, Fall weekend afternoon or evening!
Recommended for siblings and families to share or a classroom project.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Rusty and the Circus of Doubt

Written by G. Russell Reynolds

Illustrated by Sherrie Molitor

Rusty The Elephant lives in the circus. As a young boy, Rusty believed that he was destined for greater things. The Circus Boss berates Rusty when he doesn’t act like a “normal” elephant. All the other animals bully him. Over time, Rusty begins to lose confidence in himself. One night he cries out for help. A monkey appears and informs Rusty that he has the key to Rusty’s freedom. This monkey works step by step to encourage self-confidence and independence in Rusty. Soon Rusty no longer cares what the other animals think of him. Will Rusty ever achieve his dreams?

This International Book Excellence winner contains beautiful illustrations and a message to encourage children who experience a lack of self-confidence and fear of not fitting in with the crowd. While the book is targeted at children in the six to nine-year-old age group, I feel it is appropriate for older children as well. Well-written and highly recommended for all ages.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED BUTTON in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13

Written by Barbara Roman

Illustrated by Vladimir Cebu

Ten-year-old Alicia is shopping with her mother for new lamps. Her mood is upbeat as she walks through Walker’s Furniture store two weeks before Christmas. Suddenly, she is mesmerized by a beautiful Christmas tree which appears in the middle of the floor. Alicia stares at its beautiful star and is whisked away to the 13th floor on an elevator that opens to a light bulb factory. She finds herself in a factory where light bulbs are retired after they stop working. Alicia meets Carelia, the fairy goddess who oversees the factory. Carelia informs Alicia that the light bulbs must pass a test to determine whether they might become stars and that she needs Alicia to help her. Alicia is confused and upset. She doesn’t understand why she is needed and how she wound up in a place where there is no past or tomorrow, but she will learn much about unique personalities, utilizing our talents, and working cooperatively. What is expected of her and why was she chosen? Will Alicia ever get back to her world? Did she ever leave it?

This book is a charming fantasy, mystery, and science fiction read. It might be considered both a chapter book or a short story. The fifty-page length makes it a good choice for reluctant readers. Cebu creates dazzling illustrations and the large font size make it a good choice for beginning readers, while the intricate plot and well-developed characters will appeal to middle-grade and young adult audiences.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED Button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

The Rocking Horse

Written by Karrie Loomis

I enjoyed reading this chapter book centering on Michaela and Sylvia, two ten and eight-year-old sisters who appear to have little in common. One day while playing in the backyard, they decide to take a walk and get lost. They encounter a ghostly, creepy house. Sylvia persuades her older sister to investigate and the adventure ensues.

While inside the girls discover a rocking horse. Upon riding it, a young ghost named Cindy taunts and threatens them. Michaela tries to calm her sister by spinning a tale, but both girls are afraid they will never see their parents and baby brother again. Throughout the ordeal, the sisters uncover little-known truths about themselves. Cindy reveals a compassionate side of herself and a lesson about strangers the girls will never forget.

This short chapter book of approximately one hundred pages has a powerful safety lesson for its young readers. It is most appropriate for children in the eight-to twelve-year-old age range but certainly an enjoyable read for any age.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/prnewswire/press_releases/Kentucky/2018/10/01/UN14952

We are proud to announce that the Little Miss HISTORY book  series won a Gold, Silver and Finalist designation in three separate children’s book categories

Press Releases > PR Newswire

Readers’ Favorite Announces Its 2018 International Book Award Contest Results

Readers’ Favorite is proud to announce the winners of their 2018 International Book Award Contest, which consisted of thousands of entries in over 150 genres from all over the world.

Oct 1, 2018, 2:00pm EDT

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 01, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Readers’ Favorite has become the fastest growing book review and award contest site on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

In addition to reviewing for some of the biggest names in the literary industry, as well as the first time independent author, they host a respected award contest which receives thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of their large submission numbers, they are able to break down their contest into 150+ genres, where each genre is judged separately, ensuring authors only compete against books in their specific genre for a fairer and more accurate competition.

Their contest attracts submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).

Over the years, Readers’ Favorite has caught the eye of industry leaders who have graciously offered to support their contest by providing services free of charge. Readers’ Favorite contestants have a chance for the opportunity to have their book made into a movie or TV show, to be published by a multi award-winning publisher, to be represented by a renowned publicist, and to be represented by a respected literary agency. In addition, all authors are automatically entered to win one of more than 200 prizes worth a combined total of $50,000 just by entering the Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest.

Please visit the 2018 Award Contest Winners page to view all of this year’s award-winning books. Each award winner features reviews and detailed information about the author, including contact information. Most authors offer free copies of their book to schools, libraries and charities.

SOURCE Readers’ Favorite

The information on this page is provided by PR Newswire. All rights reserved. Reproduction or redistribution of this content without prior written consent from PR Newswire is strictly prohibited. Louisville Business First is not responsible for this content. Learn more about this service.

Dragon Grammar Book: Grammar for Kids, Dragons, and the Whole Kingdom

Written by Diane Mae Robinson

I love the way this book makes it simple for children and adults to learn, review and refresh the rules of the English language. The author uses a chapter book approach to highlight parts of speech, sentence structure, modifiers, word agreement, punctuation, and confusing words. Robinson strives to leave no stone unturned. She even tackles ellipsis, brackets, braces, quotation marks, and em and en hyphens, which most readers of this book probably never knew existed.

Who doesn’t love a challenge? At the end of each section, the author provides a mini quiz to test comprehension. When the reader finally reaches the end of the book, there is a mastery test on the contents of the entire book. Robinson links her content to her children’s book series based on Princess Petra and her dragon friend. Illustrations spice up the lessons and make them fun. Readers are invited to sign up for a free coloring book.

I would highly recommend this book for ages nine through ninety-nine. Keep it on your shelf to sharpen your skills and make your writing sparkle.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Teamed up with Christine Calabrese to discuss

how to make your dream really happen.

If you enjoyed this post, please check out my other videos on youtube. You can find my book series at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com or on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or independent bookstores.

Here’s to your success!