IN PARNERSHIP WITH MICHAEL OKON

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dragged Down Deep

Written by Michael Okon

Ages: 15+ | 286 Pages

Publisher: Chelshire Inc (2024) | ISBN: 978-1-950080-14-4

Publisher’s Book Summary: Logan Osborne has spent his life chasing the shadows of the past.

As a child, he watched helplessly as his father was snatched from a fishing boat by what he swore was a mermaid. No one believed him then. No one believes him now.

Determined to prove that mythical creatures exist, Logan is drawn back to the small coastal town where his nightmares began after another mysterious disappearance stirs the waters.

Teaming up with his pragmatic colleague Elliot Sheppard and his fiercely loyal friend Penny Swanson, Logan dives headfirst into an adventure packed with danger and deception. As they dig deeper, the trio faces resistance at every turn—a secretive agency with its own agenda, a suspiciously unhelpful police force, and Logan’s old flame, who may know more than she’s letting on.

What they uncover is far darker and more terrifying than Logan ever imagined: the truth about his father, the secrets of Minatuck, and the horrifying reality of the Mermaid of the Hamptons.

Will Logan and his friends expose the lies that have haunted him for years, or will they be Dragged Down Deep into the swampy, secretive underbelly of a town that guards its mysteries with deadly intent?

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres, including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure, and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with an English degree and later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

For more information, visit www.michaelokon.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

Logan Osbourne struggles to recover from a childhood trauma. When his father was dragged from a small boat and drowned by what he insisted was a mermaid, no one believed the tale. Now an adult scientist, Logan is determined to prove that a mythological creature called The Thunderbird exists. Together with his partner Elliot and the support of his university, Logan sets off to prove that the Native legend is true.

No one in the small town seems willing to talk, and Aimee, a former girlfriend, is out to beat him to the punch in finding the creature. Deception and deceit lurk around every corner. Logan faces physical danger, mental anguish, and socal ridicule. Will he succeed in uncovering the mystery surrounding his father’s death and the secrets of Minatuk? Why is everyone afraid of the answers?

From the intriguing quotes that introduce the adventure to the final chapter, readers are drawn into the complex characters and the twists and turns of the thriller. Another wonderful tale by a talented author that does not disappoint.

GIVEAWAY

Readers who join us on this tour can enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a copy of Dragged Down Deep, signed by Michael Okon. The grand prize winner will also take home a $100 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/8Ziz3/dragged-down-deep-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, January 20, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, January 22, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Friday, January 24, 2025One More ExclamationBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Monday, January 27, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Wednesday, January 29, 2025Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Friday, January 31, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Monday, February 3, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbInterview with Michael Okon

Wednesday, February 5, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Friday, February 7, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Dragged Down Deep

Monday, February 10, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Wednesday, February 12, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Friday, February 14, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Dragged Down Deep

Leo the Elf Saves Christmas (The Guardian Elf)

Written by Bradley Doxon

The author targets this approximately 125 page book for readers ages eight through twelve but it can also serve as a read aloud or early beginning chapter book for younger children.

Santa and the elves are getting a nagging feeling that something is wrong. Sure enough, they soon discover that the Sorrow King has escaped and his mission is to destroy the Christmas spirit. Leo, one of the elder elves, decides to take on the nemesis. He teams up with a young, human girl named Ava.

This short book is a combination of fantasy and adventure. Can this dynamic duo banish the Sorrow King and restore the true Christmas spirit?

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Benjamin Impossible: The Helium Heist

Written by Timothy Root

Benjamin is blessed with a plethora of talents. He considers himself an intellectual genius, kung-fu master and jack-of-all trades, but Benjamin occasionally finds himself upstaged by his two-year-old brother.

The adventure begins when a mechanical robot steals the helium that powers the pirate airship Benjamin’s family calls home. That’s right, the setting grabs the middle-grade audience before the story starts. Benjamin promises to find the culprit. Along the way, each page presents new obstacles.

This book contains more than three hundred pages, divided into fairly short chapters that are introduced with a black and white drawing. Parents and teachers will be happy to hear there is no swearing or violence, just a sprinkling of potty humor and age-appropriate euphemisms.

The book reminded me of the Hardy Boys series popular when I was growing up; it could be likened to a modern-day Harry Potter series. As a bonus, readers are introduced to stem concepts in engineering and physics rolled into the adventure.

Recommended for ages ten and older, but a fun read for any age.

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A Videogame Stole My Sister: An Early Reader LitRPG Metaverse Legends Book 1

Written by Justin M. Stone

This book is targeted for an eight to twelve-year-old audience. Classified as a beginning reader, it would be an excellent choice for reluctant readers. I believe the plot especially appeals to tween boys, particularly those who have sibling rivalry with a sister.

Lucas is a tween boy who has a sister, Madison, who is one year older than he. Like many boys his age, Lucas loves video games. One day he is playing his favorite, when he gets distracted for a minute. Next thing he knows, his sister Madison is missing. You guessed it, she has been taken by the game.

The short chapters of the book alternate point of view with story being told by Lucas and Madison. The adventure is funny and humorous. One note of caution for parents and teachers. The book includes language like “piss” and mentions “running like hell.”

I think the book will appeal especially to the younger middle-grade audience and reluctant readers who prefer shorter chapters with less challenging vocabulary.

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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

Lola and Mia’s Adventures: The Desert Jitters

Written and Illustrated by Megan JL Dudley

This picture book is part of a series that features two sibling pups searching for adventure in new places. Lola is an experienced traveler, but her sister Mia longs to follow in her footsteps.

This time, the duo travels to the Arizona desert to view its beautiful sunsets. Along the way, the pair encounter snakes, reptiles, dust storms, cacti, and beautiful vistas. Young readers will enjoy the funny “dogisms” shared by the siblings and the illustrations that capture their rapidly changing emotions as they experience their adventure.

I would especially recommend the book to animal and nature lovers who are early elementary school age readers.

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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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In partnership with Page Street Kids. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Cloud in a Jar

Written by Aaron Lewis Krol

Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Pages Street Kids | ISBN-13: 9781645679936

Publisher’s Book Summary: It’s just after midnight on Walton Wharf West, but there’s no time for sleeping―adventure awaits! Get dressed, grab your oars, let’s not delay. Lou Dozens is here, and we’re sailing to Firelight Bay!

In this modern, young, bold, and inventive adventure, Lou drags her more cautious friend on a daring voyage across the sea. Though their destination is a glorious land of year-round summers, long slides, and picnics a hundred yards wide, the children there have never seen rain, even once.

The mission is simple: bring Firelight Bay a cloud in a jar. But the journey is anything but. Readers will delight in the story’s twists, turns, and unexpected solutions―from a sail of patchwork handkerchiefs to a net crafted from recycled cell phone chargers that saves a beached whale. It’ll take every knick-knack in Lou’s pockets and all the cleverness the pair can muster to safely deliver their gift.

With captivating illustrations and whimsical yet delightfully intricate rhyming text reminiscent of classic children’s poetry, this seafaring quest is one young readers will not soon forget.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron Lewis Krol lives with his family in Lowell, Massachusetts, where he writes about climate change science and solutions for the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative. Like many, his early education included many “invention challenges” where students were tasked with building structures from everyday materials, and he’s pretty sure that’s where the idea for Lou Dozens came from. A Cloud in a Jar is his first picture book.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Carlos Vélez Aguilera lived in the oceanside town of Puerto Vallarta for a time and drew from his memory of those beautiful landscapes and the sense of adventure they gave him while illustrating this book. He also poured in his general love of clouds, the sea, and whales. In addition to drawing, Carlos also likes to dance. He lives in Mexico City, Mexico, with his cat, Benito.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 2, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA Cloud in a Jar Book Tour Kick-Off

Tuesday, October 3, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Wednesday, October 4, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Aaron Lewis Kroll

Thursday, October 5, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review and Little Free Library Drop of A Cloud in a Jar

Friday, October 6, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Monday, October 9, 2023Heart to HeartAuthor Interview with Aaron Lewis Kroll

Tuesday, October 10, 2023Get Outside and ReadBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Wednesday, October 11, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Thursday, October 12, 2023My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Aaron Lewis Kroll

Friday, October 13, 2023Writer with WanderlustBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Monday, October 16, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Tuesday, October 17, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Wednesday, October 18, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Thursday, October 19, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Friday, October 20, 2023Me Two BooksBook Activity Paired with A Cloud in a Jar

Monday, October 23, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Tuesday, October 24, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Wednesday, October 25, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Thursday, October 26, 2023Froggy Teach ReadBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Friday, October 27, 2023Pages for PaigeBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Monday, October 30, 2023Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar

Tuesday, October 31, 2023Q&A with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Aaron Lewis Kroll

UP, UP, AND AWAY!

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

A Cloud in a Jar

Written by Aaron Lewis Krol

Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

Lou decides to bring her best friend on an adventure. She knocks on her friend’s window in Walton Wharf West to urge her to get up from her bed to sail away to Firelight Bay in her rowboat.

Their mission is to reach Firelight Bay where the residents enjoy endless summers and picnics all day long. Sounds wonderful, but one thing is missing. It never rains. The children can never dance in the rain or stomp in puddles. Lou decides to solve that problem by importing rain with a cloud she has trapped in a jar.

The journey seems doomed from the start as they face one mishap after another, but Lou has tricks up her sleeve. A beautiful sea creature appears when their boat breaks apart. Will the girlfriends reach safety? Can they achieve their mission?

Aquilera does a masterful job of creating bold, expressive illustrations that match the different moods of Krol’s poetic adventure. While the fantasy adventure book targets children ages four through eight, the advanced vocabulary might be more suitable as an independent read for middle grade readers.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win a hardcover copy of A Cloud in a Jar!

Two (2) winners receive:

A hardcover copy of A Cloud in a Jar

https://gleam.io/KcCkW/a-cloud-in-a-jar-book-giveaway

WORD DRAGON: ( A FUN & FAST-PACED CHAPTER BOOK SERIES FOR KIDS 8-11) JUNKYARD ADVENTURES 1

Word Dragon is the first book in an interesting adventure book series for elementary and middle-grade readers. When siblings, Eli and Grace visit an antique store owned by “Uncle Larry,” a nonstop fantasy adventure ensues.

Their dad is searching for a second-hand lawnmower. Eli and Grace meet the lovable but absent minded store owner who loves telling stories to children. Larry gives them a hubcap, a length of rope, and an old Scrabble game with a missing letter. He informs the children they they can use these to go on an adventure, but once begun they cannot return until they solve the mystery to find their way back.

Challenge accepted! The brother and sister head off. They will meet a Word Dragon and avoid fireballs thrown at them along the journey. I particularly enjoyed the word vocabulary list that encourages young readers to expand their vocabulary. Readers will definitely want to sign up for a return visit to Uncle Larry’s store.

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Adventures into the Heart, Book 2: Playful Stories About Family Love for Kids Ages 3-5

Written and illustrated by Eric Klassen

A rhyming picture book for preschool readers that explores the concept of beauty through an explanation of familiar objects in the ocean. Part of a book series featuring the characters of a bear and a fox.

Children learn through words and colorful graphics that when one has love in the heart its expression cannot be measured. A perfect bedtime or read aloud picture book for toddlers and preschoolers.

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