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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

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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.

NaMOOste: A Yoga Book to Develop Social-Emotional Skills

Written by Marlee Kostiner

Illustrated by Manvi Semalty

A very cute book for a parent or teacher who wants to introduce young children to yoga as a way to relax, become mindful, and deal with social emotional issues.

Thirteen basic yoga poses are presented by different animals portrayed in attractive watercolor illustrations. After trying out the poses, young readers can move on to the fourteen emotional skills in the glossary. The author explains the behavior in simple terms. The author also includes discussion questions based on the content in the book and a link to free resources like videos and free printables.

An excellent introduction to yoga for primary grade and elementary age students.

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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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This post is sponsored by Alysson Foti Bourque. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Written by Alysson Foti Bourque

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Pelican Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781455627790

Publisher’s Book Summary: It’s Sunday, the day before the school week begins, and Alycat is nervous. She just knows that Monday is going to be the Mondayest Monday ever! On the playground, Alycat realizes she isn’t the only one suffering from the Sunday Scaries. It’s hard to ride a bike. What if Kit falls? The treehouse is so high. Will Spotty make it safely back down? The kittens band together to overcome their fears, but can they turn the Sunday Scaries into a Sunday Funday? The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity toward problem-solving.

Fans of Alycat and her friends will enjoy spotting references to the kittens’ daily adventures within these pages. Tips for a successful lemonade stand are included!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alysson Bourque began her career as a teacher after graduating from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education and went on to earn a law degree from Southern University Law Center in 2007.

After practicing law for nearly eight years, it was time to trade in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books and collaborating with non-profits to support philanthropic initiatives such as Foster the Love with First Lady Donna Edwards, Lafayette Walk to Defeat ALS, The Family Tree, Operation Shower, Wild Cat Foundation, and Hayley’s Bracelet fundraiser to benefit Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Her series has won over 23 awards and has received glowing reviews.

Find Alyson and Alycat online at www.alycatseries.com.

https://www.facebook.com/thealycatseries

https://www.instagram.com/thealycatseries

Tweets by AlyssonFBourque

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheAlycatSeries

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

WE CAN DO IT!

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Written by Alysson Foti Bourque

Illustrated by Chiara Civati

Another delightful picture book in the Alycat series, which teaches young children how to overcome problems, work cooperatively, and create lasting friendships.

In this adventure, Alycat confides in her mother that although it is Sunday, she is already imagining a Monday full of her worst fears. Her mother urges her to enjoy her Sunday and play with her friends.

Alycat and her friends go bike riding but soon find that their friend Kit needs help and encouragement. After overcoming this problem, the friends encounter Spotty in trouble at his treehouse. What can they do to help?

The book series contains attractive easy to read text and bright illustrations. Most importantly, primary grade readers learn the value of developing strong friendships, teamwork, and ways to solve problems creatively and with compassion.

A highly recommended series for children ages four through eight.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of the book and three adorable Alycat plush toys!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/OTV8X/alycat-and-the-sunday-scaries-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 18, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Tuesday, March 19, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Wednesday, March 20, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Thursday, March 21, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAn Interview with Alysson Foti Bourque

Friday, March 22, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Monday, March 25, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Tuesday, March 26, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Wednesday, March 27, 2024The Growing Readers PodcastAn Interview with Alysson Foti Bourque

Wednesday, March 27, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Thursday, March 28, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Friday, March 29, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Monday, April 1, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Tuesday, April 2, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Wednesday, April 3, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Thursday, April 4, 2024My Reading GetawayBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Friday, April 5, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Monday, April 8, 2024Book Zone ReviewsBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Tuesday, April 9, 2024Twirling Book PrincessBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Wednesday, April 10, 2024Me Two BooksAn Interview with Alysson Foti Bourque

Thursday, April 11, 2024Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Friday, April 12, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

Monday, April 15, 2024Mrs. Makes Reading FunBook Review of Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

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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Get Out Your Paper

Written by Renee Hayes

Illustrated by Rochelle Steder

An illustrated rhyming book with a twist. The protagonist, a young boy who hates writing, gets a writing assignment in class. He daydreams about the many activities he would prefer. While, he is a good student, he just cannot decide on a writing topic. Desperate, he scribbles all his ideas on paper in random fashion. When lunchtime arrives, the teacher collects all the papers.

The boy assumes he will fail. What do you think will happen? The plot thickens.

I especially appreciated the multicultural illustrations which also include students with disabilities. All children can identify with the characters in this inspirational read for students in the six to ten age group.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Written by Sands Hetherington

Illustrated by Natalie Leininger

Ages 7+ | 156 Pages

Publisher: Dune Buggy Press | ISBN-13: 9780984741762

Publisher’s Book Summary: The iguanas are back to their stinky shenanigans. They’ve fitted out the flying school bus for real mischief and are marauding all over the Borough. They’ve really got it in for John and Crosley, who must sniff out their evildoings before it’s too late! Will they succeed? Join the Night Buddies in their racing blimp for this exciting new adventure!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sands Hetherington, creator of the Night Buddies series of chapter books, credits his son John for being his principal motivator. Sands and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take. They collaborated many nights on escapades starring John and Crosley until, eventually, it occurred to Sands why it was that Crosley was bright red. That was when the first book came together.

Sands majored in history at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and has an M.F.A. in creative writing and an M.A. in English from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

For more information, visit www.nightbuddiesadventures.com/

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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Natalie Leininger, illustrator of the 4th title in the Night Buddies series, grew up in New Jersey and has been drawing ever since she was young. She now lives in Nebraska and attends the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying the fine arts. She is in her third year at the university, primarily practicing oil painting, but spends time outside of the classroom working on a variety of projects. She has always enjoyed being with children, which made illustrating and working on Night Buddies such an enjoyable project!

Natalie strives to capture our world in bloom. Whether it be through the literal sense of a blooming flower or the simple act of sketching a character’s smile spreading across their face, her art is a place for all to engage in their own way.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Written by Sands Hetherington

Illustrated by Natalie Leininger

The fourth book in this zany adventure series for chapter book or middle-grade readers. John, a clever wise guy who does not hesitate to express his opinion, joins up once again with his red crocodile, Crosley, to combat the evil iguanas in their flying machine. These villains are determined to cause chaos and confusion throughout the area.

John, the indefatiguable boy hero, wisecracks his way through one wacky scenario after another, as he persists in overcoming his evil adversaries. The plot contains numerous twists and turns that readers cannot anticipate. Though the book contains less than one hundred fifty pages, young readers will not be able to stop turning those pages. Illustrations perfectly complement the zany characters and non-stop action.

The type of book that will especially attract reluctant readers.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for for your chance to win an autographed 4-book series, including Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare; Night Buddies and One Far-out Flying Machine; Night Buddies Go Sky High, and Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.

https://gleam.io/KVjSI/night-buddies-and-evil-school-bus-264-book-giveaway”

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 4, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Tuesday, March 5, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 6, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Thursday, March 7, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Friday, March 8, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Sunday, March 10, 2024It’s Free At LastBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 11, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAn Interview with Sands Hetherington

Tuesday, March 12, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 13, 2024Book Zone ReviewsAn Interview with Sands Hetherington

Thursday, March 14, 2024Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book BlogBook Spotlight of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Friday, March 15, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Author Sands Hetherington

Sunday, March 17, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 18, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAn Interview with Sands Hetherington

Tuesday, March 19, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Wednesday, March 20, 2024Because I Said SoBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Thursday, March 21, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

Monday, March 25, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Night Buddies and Evil School Bus #264

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.

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The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island

Written by Linda Marie Frank

Illustrated by Marianne Savage

I have read other books in this author’s middle-grade/YA mystery series, and I think this one is my favorite.

A group of eighth-grade children decide to raise money to buy toys for children in a homeless shelter in far-away New York City. When the money they have collected is stolen, they bond together to find the clues and catch the thief. Despite warnings from the adults who care about them, this unflappable group of stubborn friends refuse to withdraw from the challenge.

Set on an island originally inhabited by pirates, the setting exudes mystery. The 1940’s characters are colorful and fun, and the short book of under one hundred pages is definitely a page-turner.

An excellent choice for a reluctant reader, pre-teen or teen, but definitely one that can be enjoyed by adults as well.

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