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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Coloring the Rainbow: The Power of Connection

Written by Catherine Rose

Illustrated by Jeff Dale

Ages: 3-8 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press (2023) | ISBN: 9781643436371

Publisher’s Book Summary: Coloring the Rainbow: The Power of Connection tells a story of the magic created when the unique talents of a diverse group of children are shared in a colorful adventure.

The adventure begins when we see through a boy’s window to find a young trombonist pausing his practice to wonder if other musical voices exist. When an alluring treble note wafts through his window, he begins an excited quest to find the answer. Playing his horn through his neighborhood, the boy draws other curious children to play their unique instruments along with him.

Together, they played:
“Lend your voice, play your part!
Something grand is beginning―
join us for the start!”

The procession of music makers is touched with magic when their combined voices, raised in harmony, orchestrate a colorful miracle.

The ease of poetry and vibrant illustrations make this book a perfect keepsake for any gift-giver wishing to explore the values of diversity and inclusion with young, loved ones.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Rose is enjoying that time of life when one thinks of creating a legacy.  What are the lessons learned from living life’s adventure that would benefit generations to come?

As a pediatric nurse, she wrote therapeutic stories to help children cope masterfully with injury and illness.  Her present stories weave tales with similarly empowering messages to support children’s development of resilience, confidence and empathy. 

Rose writes from the back porch of her log home, inspired by the profile of Mount Jefferson in North Carolina. Married to her high school sweetheart, they now enjoy perpetual recess with their two grandchildren, whose favorite activity is to read a book written by Nana!

For more information, visit www.catherinerose-childauthor.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Jeff Dale’s foray into artistic design began when his boss at a printing shop asked him to design a logo for a client. While the logo was an impressive design, creating the art had an even more impressive effect on motivating a true passion for creative design.

Educated in the design world of Washington, DC, Jeff’s wide scope of interest and talent has inspired him to design, create, and build just about anything one can conceive of creating, including this debut as an illustrator of a children’s book. Jeff is the founder of Dale Design, situated in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he resides with his wife and two grown children.

His varied talent in artistic design can be appreciated by visiting his website: www.daledesign.com.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Coloring the Rainbow and a $100 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.

https://gleam.io/oYrzB/coloring-the-rainbow-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 23, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Tuesday, October 24, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Wednesday, October 25, 2023Pages for PaigeBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Thursday, October 26, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Friday, October 27, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Catherine Rose

Monday, October 30, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Tuesday, October 31, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Wednesday, November 1, 2023My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Catherine Rose

Thursday, November 2, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Friday, November 3, 2023Book Bug CABook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Monday, November 6, 2023Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Tuesday, November 7, 2023Me Two BooksA Book Activity Paired with Coloring the Rainbow

Wednesday, November 8, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Thursday, November 9, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of Coloring the Rainbow

Friday, November 10, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Monday, November 13, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow

Tuesday, November 14, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAn article by Catherine Rose

 

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

BEAUTY IN DIVERSITY

Coloring the Rainbow: A Story about the Power of Connection

Written by Catherine Rose

Illustrated by Jeffrey Dale

What a beautiful message for children in the primary grades but appropriate for any reader! This beautiful rhyming picture book features a young boy who enjoys playing his trombone. One day he ponders how much more enjoyable it might be if it were combined with the voices of other instruments. He walks through the streets searching for other children who play different musical instruments. Sounds high and low ring out from all parts of the world. What a beautiful symphony they create when blended. Just as music, the unique talents of each child combine to form a gorgeous tapestry creating harmony from individual differences.

Simple, soft colors in conjunction with crisp rhymes suggest this multicultural picture book to be a top choice on a parent or teacher’s bookshelf.

FISTON TELLS IT ALL

Fiston’s Secrets

Written and illustrated by Lieve Snellings

I was elated to receive book five in this author’s stunning picture book series about groundhogs, chipmunks, and squirrels. In this edition, adorable Fiston reveals the secrets of life as a chipmunk.

I love watching these adorable creatures prance around my backyard in the northeastern U.S. Snellings taught me how they eat, move, hibernate, raise their young, and protect themselves.

It is fascinating that these creatures can weigh only two to four ounces yet manage to collect as many as 165 acorns a day when preparing for hibernation! As a history buff, I was delighted to learn about the Iroquois myth connected to them and the analogy of their coloring to the uniforms of the Swiss Guards at the Vatican. The photography is spectacular. Children can visually understand and relate to the fascinating facts that Fiston reveals to his new friends.

I highly recommend adding this beautiful book both to a home or classroom library as a gem of knowledge and a beautiful piece of photography.

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Born in a Treacherous Time (Dawn of Humanity Book 1)

Written by Jacqui Murray

I read Jean Auel’s series and as other reviewers have mentioned, this series has a similar flavor.

The reader meets Lucy, a Homo Habilis creature, living in Africa 1.8 million years ago. She struggles each day to live to the next one. The author introduces a slew of characters. At the beginning of the book, it is difficult to sort them out, but they add depth to a plot that includes descriptions of ancient peoples struggles to communicate, to hunt and be hunted, and compete with an environment they did not know how to control.

This book is, of course, historical fiction. The amount of historical evidence is scant and much is left to our imagination. In my opinion, Murray does an excellent job of fitting the pieces together while adding compassion and empathy to soften the rough edges.

Recommended for readers ages ten and older who enjoy historical fiction, especially in the prehistory genre.

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This post is sponsored by Gregory G. Allen. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Written by Gregory G. Allen

Illustrated by Shelby Goodwin

Ages 7+ | 128 Pages

Publisher: ASD Publishing | ISBN-13: 9780996102940

Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Toby: a young monster who has skin like a fish, fur like a dog, and smells like cotton candy when he gets excited. He lives with his family in the basement of Marymount Mansion and once a year ventures out into the real world when everyone is dressed for Halloween. Toby becomes frustrated with hiding below ground and sets off on an all-important quest.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gregory G. Allen is an award-winning author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and actor. His children’s books include Chicken Boy: The Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut! He is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and The Dramatist Guild. The idea for his monster book goes back to the first musical he ever wrote, which was produced for the stage when he was 15, with the message that it’s okay to be different.

For more information, visit gregsimagination.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Shelby Goodwin is an illustrator, letterer, graphic designer, and all-around creative living in Hoboken, NJ. She is extremely passionate about children’s media and the power of art to romanticize the everyday. When she is not making things, she can be found with her spouse and three cats exploring new places, eating pastries, or cuddling up in her favorite reading chair.

For more information, visit heartonmysleevedesign.com.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion, a signed paperback copy of each of the author’s previous picture books** (Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy: A Superhero with Autism Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut!), and a $50 Amazon gift card to buy other books! **All books teach children not to fear those who are different and to be proud of themselves FOR those differences.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

– A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism

– A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: A Superhero Deals with Doctors and Dentists

– A signed paperback copy of Irving the Theater Nut

– A $50 Amazon Gift Card

Four (4) winners receive:

– A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/B1Uur/the-monsters-of-marymount-mansion-book-giveaway

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Celeste lives in an old mansion that has belonged to her family for years. She hides a secret. There are monsters living inside that no one else knows about. Toby is an eight-year-old who lives there with his younger sister and parents.

Most of the time it’s boring because he must hide whenever anyone visits the house. But this year Toby is excited because Halloween is coming an he is old enough to disguise himself among human trick or treaters on Halloween and venture outside the house.

This book contains adorable black and white illustrations that will captivate beginning readers. (as well as adults) Allen knows how to move the story along for beginning chapter readers. I appreciate the message that monsters (like humans) are unique and special. Children learn to appreciate our differences produce our strengths. Certainly, it’s what inside that counts.

As a parent and retired educator, I would recommend the book as a read aloud discussion for homeschool or classroom. Warning! Adults will enjoy this one as much as the kids.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 10, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Wednesday, October 11, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Thursday, October 12, 2023Me Two BooksBook Activity Paired with The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Friday, October 13, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Gregory G. Allen

Saturday, October 14, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Sunday, October 15, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Monday, October 16, 2023Froggy Teach ReadBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Tuesday, October 17, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion and Little Free Library Drop

Wednesday, October 18, 2023Twirling Book PrincessBook Giveaway of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Thursday, October 19, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Friday, October 20, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Monday, October 23, 2023My Reading GetawayAn Interview with Gregory G. Allen

Tuesday, October 24, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn Article Written by Gregory G. Allen

Wednesday, October 25, 2023Book Bug CABook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Thursday, October 26, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAn Interview with Gregory G. Allen

Friday, October 27, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Saturday, October 28, 2023Pages for PaigeBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Sunday, October 29, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

I Am an Amazing Asian Girl: A Book of Positive Affirmations

Written by Yobe Qiu

Illustrated by Jade Le

This book features an Asian-American girl as the narrator, but the story is strongly multicultural. Qui discusses adjectives that describe qualities of the character like being adaptable, appreciative, and assertive. She is also independent in her opinions, while also being very community oriented. She interacts with children of different cultures while pursuing her own interests and projects.

There are not too many books available with female Asian protagonists and this book is a good choice for primary grade children to encourage self-confidence and reinforce self-esteem.

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Adventure in Butrint National Park (Magilicious Journeys Book 1)

Written by Barbara Pinke

Illustrated by Tehreem Igbal

Siblings Simon and Olivia experience mixed emotions when waking up in a new house. They feel sadness at friends left behind but nervous anticipation of new adventures.

That anticipation is heightened when they discover a magical book hidden in the floorboards of Olivia’s room. They decide to visit Butrint National Park in Albania as they already possess a keepsake to activate their time travel. Soon they whisk readers off making a new acquaintance who serves as a tourist guide.

Not long after, tragedy strikes when a precious statue is stolen. The siblings must confront a band of pirates. Will Olivia and Simon find their way home safely? The answer is at the end of this first book in a series, perfect for new chapter book readers. The book is packed with information about Albania. There are a plethora of learning activities including mazes, puzzles, reading comprehension, and design activities which also appeal to middle-grade readers.

Highly recommend this series to parents and teachers of children ages eight and older.

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The Douglas Bastard: A Historical Novel

Written by J R Tomlin

An interesting choice for young adults and adults who enjoy medieval history. Narrated from the perspective of a nine year old boy, Archibald Douglas, who is orphaned in fourteenth century Scotland and exiled with the Scottish king to France.

It follows the career of Douglas as he passes through the stages of knighthood and eventually returns to Scotland to revenge the king. The author has a lot of experience with nonfiction so there is much attention to historical detail. The language with Scottish inflection is sometimes difficult to follow. Tomlin attempts to remedy that with an extensive glossary.

This book is part of a series. Readers who seek a satisfying ending may be disappointed. For readers who enjoy history with interesting characters and battle scenes, this series will fit the bill nicely.

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Phoenix Down: (The Naturalist Book 1)

Written by Brooke Hatchett

Remy is a quiet, introverted child who suffers from disfigurement. He spends most of his time reading and hanging around his adopted father, Clint’s shop. Clint holds lots of secrets and magic in a special room that keeps Remy intrigued. Remy has benefited from the knowledge gained from patrons visiting the shop.

As Remy grows older, and ventures outside into the world with Clint, he will discover danger in many forms. Interesting characters, mythical creatures like dragons, ice-horses, and Phoenix lie in wait at every turn to trap and ensnare them.

This is the first book in a series. The fact that this book is part of the Vella program is a bit disappointing for those readers who prefer to binge read a series.

Recommended for older middle school, young adult, and adult audiences, particularly in the fantasy and coming of age genres.

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How I Saved the Ants

Written by Joyothsna Raju

IIlustrated by Vijitha Senadeera

Cheeku is a mischievous boy who lives with his grandmother. He tries to avoid getting up for school but reluctantly rises and steals mangoes from the monkeys on his way. But the monkeys chase him and he falls into a tunnel where his adventure begins.

Cheeku meets an ant colony. The queen grants him magic powers to be both a boy and an ant. In the following days, Cheeku discovers the value of friendship, the meaning of forgiveness, and the definition of teamwork.

Can a naughty little boy learn a valuable lesson from these tiny creatures?

Colorful, expressive illustrations that evoke strong emotions link the story effectively to the lessons taught. A multicultural tale that teaches and entertains elementary school children.

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Math Dragon: fun fast-paced beginning chapter book series for kids 8-11 (Junkyard Adventures 10)

Written by Tevin Hansen

Book 10 in the Junkyard Adventures pits two angry dragons against each other.

When Eli and Grace arrive at Larry’s secondhand store, they cannot find Uncle Larry. Instead they discover Professor Harvard who is temporarily watching the store. Despite Larry’s absence, a new fantasy adventure involving a war between two diverse dragons, the Word Dragon and the Math Dragon erupts and the children find themselves in the middle of it. Must the siblings choose a side? Can they restore order and find a way back to the present to escape the turmoil?

Non-stop adventure and colorful characters continue to enthrall chapter book readers from ages eight up. A fascinating independent read or classroom read aloud.

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