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

Tweets by 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.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Written by Melanie Brazdzionis

Illustrated by Ning Loo

Ages 2+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Miranda Moose Publishers, LLC | ISBN-13: 9798988046004

Publisher’s Synopsis: Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice is a delightful tale about friendship, perseverance, and self-empowerment for ages 2-6. Follow Miranda as she embarks on an adventure to find her favorite drink! With the help of her farm animal friends, she discovers the power of self-reliance and realizes that what you need may only be as far as your own backyard! Filled with vivid illustrations and heartwarming rhymes, Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice will captivate your little ones and leave them with a valuable lesson.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a stay-at-home mother, Melanie Brazdzionis spent much of her time engaging, educating, and entertaining her two children.  

Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice was a result of those very efforts.

Prior to becoming a mother, Melanie wrote lyrics and music for her original rock band in the late 1980s. More recently, she launched a virtual assistant business to edit other people’s newsletters and websites. Her current focus is on creating and publishing stories to entertain other people’s children. 

When Melanie is not writing, she is practicing yoga, playing piano, studying French, hiking, or traveling. Melanie lives with her husband in Connecticut.

For more information, visit www.mrs-melanie.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Ning Loo has harbored a deep love for creating, sharing, admiring, and learning about art since childhood. Encouraged by her parents from a tender age, Ning’s early drawings, though crude, sparked admiration and encouragement from her family.

A graduate of the University of Edinburgh with a degree in biotechnology, Ning’s passion for drawing and painting has remained a constant throughout her life. She eagerly anticipates every opportunity to immerse herself in her beloved art supplies, finding solace and joy in the creative process.

When presented with the chance to illustrate Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice, Ning’s excitement knew no bounds; she couldn’t help but do a little dance right in the middle of her office! Her journey with MMLOJ has been nothing short of delightful. Collaborating with the gracious author, Ning brought to life cozy characters adorned in charming outfits, all the while discovering more about her unique art style.

Ning feels privileged to be a part of this enchanting book and hopes that her illustrations will bring comfort, wonder, and joy to readers of all ages, spreading the magic of Miranda Moose’s adventures far and wide.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

FRESHLY SQUEEZED

Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Written by Melanie Brazdzioni

Illustrated by Zing Loo

A charming picture book that teaches children the value of perseverance, empathy, and friendship.

Miranda possesses a rather eclectic taste for a moose. She enjoys things like jam, soda, and fruits, but she especially craves orange juice. One day, she wakes up to find that she is out of orange juice. When her local grocery store is out of stock, Miranda goes off to the farm hoping to find OJ. After interviewing several animals who cannot help her, Miranda gets a clue to point her in the right direction.

The rhymes are crisp and sharp, and the dialogue with animal friends spot on. This book should be read aloud to enjoy it fully. Toddler friends and toddlers will love meeting their favorite farm animal friends, and following the plight of Miranda as she refuses to give up.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for your chance to win a signed hardcover copy or a 25-book classroom set of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice!

Click on the link below to enter the giveaway

https://gleam.io/sVh8y/miranda-moose-loves-orange-juice-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, March 22, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off

Monday, March 25, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Tuesday, March 26, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Wednesday, March 27, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Thursday, March 28, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Friday, March 29, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Monday, April 1, 2024Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Tuesday, April 2, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Wednesday, April 3, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Thursday, April 4, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Friday, April 5, 2024Get Outside and ReadBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Monday, April 8, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Tuesday, April 9, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Wednesday, April 10, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Thursday, April 11, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Monday, April 15, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Author Melanie Brazdzionis

A Colorful Beginning

Written by Raven Howell

Illustrated by Carina Povarchik

An adorable picture book that features animal creatures getting ready for the first day of school. Each of the animals is associated with a different color The author uses vocabulary that stimulates interaction and even includes a bit of math to enhance the value of the book. When the animals arrive, they meet Mr. Mole, their teacher who assists them in painting a beautful work cooperatively that blends all their colors. Children learn to understand each has something important to contribute. Together, they create a beautiful tapestry.

This is an excellent book to read aloud to a preschooler or kindergarten child ready to begin school to allay their fears and teach them how each child is unique and special.

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Alphakazoo: Amazing Animal Adventures

Written by Edgar Garcia

Illustrated by Darya Shch

What a charming and whimsical book for toddlers and preschoolers! This learn the alphabet book features beautiful illustrations that draw the eye directly into the book. Garcia effectively uses alliteration that allows the rhymes to jump off the page. Young readers will laugh at the humorous situations created for the zany characters. Readers will not realize they are learning.

The book also enhances visual skills and interactivity because it invites the child to find hidden objects on its pages. Rollicking good fun for children and their adult teachers or parents who will have an enjoyable experience reading it aloud.

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Animal Antics: A Rhyming Book of Creatures Big and Small

Written and Illustrated by Tamar Tepper Kochen

A silly rhyming picture book, the first in a series about animals doing absurd things. A few examples are a deer with a rainbow ear, a ferret dressed as a carrot, and a flamingo who loved to play bingo.

The rhymes are short and easy to remember, the illustrations huge and vibrant. Children are encouraged to make up their own silly rhymes with several scenarios included at the end of the tale.

I think that preschoolers and primary grade children who enjoy books about animals and silly stories will especially enjoy this book. It’s fun as a read-aloud or a bedtime story.

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One Step Behind: A Sibling Story

Written by Sarah Immonen Ward

Illustrated by Andrea Brasier

A beautiful rhyming picture book illustrated in soft pastels. This book focuses on sibling relationships and parental love for the child who is born last. It is a perfect shower or newborn gift for such a family.

It stresses the advantages of being born last. These children are born to parents with experience in raising children and siblings who provide role models that shore up a child’s confidence and social emotional skills.

I strongly suggest it as a read aloud for a family to share with the youngest child who will surely grow with confidence as she achieves each of the milestones mentioned in the picture book.

Appropriate for any age but especially suggested for toddlers and preschoolers.

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My Friend Toothy: A Journey to Fairyland Book # 2

Written by Stacey Laviolette

Illustrated by Kateryna Rohotova and Sara Abbas

What a wonderful picture book series to teach dental hygiene to toddlers, preschoolers, and primary grade readers. This rhyming book features Piper and her brother, Colton. The book explains what happens to baby teeth after The Tooth Fairy collects them. Young readers see them nurtured to be special helpers that teach children how to brush, floss, and practice oral hygiene.

The colorful illustrations and crisp rhymes make the book fun to read as a bedtime story or beginning read aloud. The author includes diagrams and charts about how teeth grow, a few funny jokes, and fun activities.

A must for teaching and parent libraries. Highly recommended for young patients to read in a dentist waiting room.

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Have You Seen My Sock? A Fun Seek-and-Find Rhyming Children’s Book for Ages 3-7.

Written by Barbara B. Thompson

Illustrated by Remesh Ram

I loved this rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. A little boy becomes increasingly frustrated when he cannot find his favorite dinosaur sock. The repetitive lines encourage vocabulary retention and early reading skills. Bright illustrations draw children into the story. It teaches them the necessity of patience and the ability to be patient as they learn to logically follow a sequence of steps to solve a problem. This book encourages interactivity and helps parents and teachers to guide their young charges to follow through and remain on task.

I highly recommend it for a home or classroom bookshelf.

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Oh, How You Are Loved (A Keepsake Book for Mother and New Baby)

Written by Melanie Hawkins

This simple rhyming picture book tells the story of a mother’s love for her children. Written by a mother of seven, the simple illustrated rhymes portray animal mothers with their young accompanied by nature scenes.

It would make an excellent bedtime story or read aloud for a child of any age. Buyers should note that the book reflects a Christian outlook on motherhood. It might also be a gift for a first-time parent.

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Ruby Loves Halloween

Written by Steven Zollars

Ruby loves Halloween. In this short picture book, Ruby tells readers about some of her favorite costume choices, and the things she likes to do on Halloween with her friends.

The drawings are simple child-like creations. This book might be a good choice to introduce the Halloween holiday in a non-scary way to toddlers and preschoolers.

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