IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND RICHARD WAGNER

ABOUT THE BOOK

Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Written by Richard Wagner

Illustrated by Sydni Kruger

Ages 3+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781645437086

Publisher’s Synopsis: The world is not always a perfect place. Needles, a scraggly little tree, must endure criticism, laughter, and setbacks to realize his goal of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree.

This is a story of dreams, desires, hope, determination, and never giving up. It also offers the observation that what others think is beautiful may not really matter. Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder and paired with the spirit of Christmas, maybe we can make the world just a little more perfect!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Author’s Website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Wagner grew up in Southern California. When he was fourteen years old, a business friend of his father’s had a small Christmas tree delivered as a thank-you. Their family already had a large tree decorated in the house. Not being able to find anyone who needed a tree, that small Christmas tree stood outside by itself for the remainder of the Christmas holiday. Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree is a tribute to that little tree and what might have been, but more importantly, to all the beauty, goodness, and hope that Christmas brings to us all. Mr. Wagner continues to reside in Southern California with his wife and two children.

For more information, visit https://needlesthechristmastree.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

JUST PERFECT

Needles: The Forgotten Tree

Written by Richard Wagner

Illustrated by Sydni Kruger

What a perfect picture book to celebrate the meaning of the season! Needles is a short, scruffy evergreen tree growing on a Christmas tree farm. The adjoining trees make fun of him, but Needles firmly believes he will achieve his goal to become a beautiful Christmas tree in someone’s home.

The trees are cut down and brought to market but as day after day passes, Needle’s friends are chosen, while no one seems interested in him. When the owner of the lot, decides to gift Needles to a friend, Needles is elated. Now he will have a home! Will he achieve his dream to become a beautiful Christmas tree?

The story contains many twists and turns. Children (and the adults who read this story to them) remember that the promises of faith and hope are at the heart of the Christmas season. Even more important that sharing and caring for others is the true spirit of Christmas.

A perfect holiday choice for a bedtime story or read-aloud with elementary school children.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree, autographed by Richard Wagner.

One (1) winner receives:

– An autographed copy of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/u7VnN/needle-the-forgotten-christmas-tree-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, December 5, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Tuesday, December 6, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Wednesday, December 7, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Thursday, December 8, 2022Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Friday, December 9, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Monday, December 12, 2022Book Zone ReviewsAuthor Interview with Richard Wagner

Tuesday, December 13, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA guest article by Richard Wagner

Wednesday, December 14, 2022Heart to HeartAuthor Interview with Richard Wagner

Thursday, December 15, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Friday, December 16, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Monday, December 19, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Tuesday, December 20, 2022The Review WireA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Wednesday, December 21, 2022Chatty Patty’s PlaceA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

Thursday, December 22, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Needles, the Forgotten Christmas Tree

The Forgotten Horse – Book 1 in the Connemara Horse Adventure Series for Kids. The perfect gift for children age 8-12. (Connemara Adventures)

Written by Elaine Heney

This is Book 1 in a series. The author has trained thousands to develop and care for their horses. She also creates films featuring the human equestrian relationship.

Primarily intended for a middle-grade audience, Heney creates beautiful characters. Readers learn about a close-knit Irish farming family that faces hard times. Clodagh immediately falls in love with the grey pony that she names Ozzie. Clodagh knows one day she will work with horses.

The book is filled with issues that usually pop up for its target audience like bullying and learning to cope with school peers determined to look down on her. Throughout the book, Clodagh reveals her steadfast determination to overccome these obstacles and find a way to keep Ozzie.

Highly recommended for any reader who loves horses and down-to-earth family stories.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY SUNDAY AND WEDNESDAY.

Little Tough Guy

Written by T.L. Conner

It’s time for Judah’s jiu-Jitsu tournament but he is paralyzed by his fears. He is not afraid of losing but of the monsters. He sees them everywhere, even in the mirror in his bedroom.

When the lion monster pulls Judah into the mirror, he must confront the bully, but he is not alone. There are many children with similar fears.

How will Judah respond? Will he face his greatest fear? What will happen to the other children?

This multicultural picture book is well-written and beautifully illustrated. All children can see themselves and learn to face their fears.

Recommended to parents and teachers of children ages five through twelve.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

The Horrible Chocolate

Written by Jacob M. Ronsen

An action adventure that is full of quirky characters, imagination, twists, and turns.

Eleven-year-old Bobby loves chocolate and will eat it until he gets sick. He has a pesky sister and a rather ordinary family.

Bog is the school bully who torments everyone. Bobby dreams of revenge. His plans go awry when Bog banishes Bobby to the sewer. Here the readers meet all sorts of disgusting creatures.

The book is illustrated with color images that correspond with the humor and fantastic wordplays. That makes the book appealing to reluctant readers. Unpredictable twists and turns keep the plot moving along quickly. This book should appeal to boys and girls whether beginning or middle-grade readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Carole P. Roman.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Written by Carole P. Roman

Ages 8-18 | 243 Pages

Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. | ISBN-13: 9781950080434

Publisher’s Book Summary: Templeton Academy, the superhero high school, is finally open!

The prestigious academy is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive. Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully, Elwood Bledsoe is attending.

If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Audible

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.

Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.

She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.

Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.

Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.

She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.

Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.

For more information, visit http://www.caroleproman.com/.

https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

https://twitter.com/caroleproman?lang=en

Amazon Author Page

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Written by Carole P. Roman

What an interesting middle-grade novel. An interesting combination of genres and themes, coming of age, fantasy, adventure, peer, family, and school relationships. Whill and his best friend, Aarush, long to gain admission to an elite new school Templeton Academy, but Whill’s guardian is opposed. The Middleton Middle Schools bully Elwood torments Aarush who is autistic, Whill is often in trouble because he sticks up for his friend.

Despite the odds, Whill, Aarush, and Elwood all gain entrance to Templeton. Upon arrival, the students realize this is no ordinary place. Whisked away to a mysterious location, with no outside contact and communication, they learn that they must uncover the meaning of a codex inscribed on an obelisk. Their classes include subjects like subconscious thinking. What will Whill and Aarush learn about their past and their hidden superpowers? Will they succeed in their quest? This first book ends at the completion of year one.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an awesome Dooney Press Gift Pack of books and more fun goodies!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A signed copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Code

– A waxed canvas backpack

Nine (9) winners receive:

– A signed copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Code

CLINK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/F7c48/grady-whill-and-the-templeton-code-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, September 12, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Tuesday, September 13, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Wednesday, September 14, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Thursday, September 15, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Friday, September 16, 2022Writer with WanderlustA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Monday, September 19, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Tuesday, September 20, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Wednesday, September 21, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview with Carole P. Roman

Thursday, September 22, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Friday, September 23, 2022Lisa’s ReadingAn article by Carole P. RomanBlending the superhero genre with the classic school story

Monday, September 26, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Tuesday, September 27, 2022Book Zone ReviewsA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Wednesday, September 28, 2022Twirling Book PrincessAn article by Carole P. RomanSuperheroes and why they make good characters for kids books

Thursday, September 29, 2022Because I Said SoA book review of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex

Friday, September 30, 2022Shooting Stars MagAn interview with Carole P. Roman

What the Valley Knows

Written by Heather Christie

This novel is presented from three separate points of view. Ann, a mother, who moves into the town for a new start, her daughter, Molly, a high school senior, and Wade, the star football quarterback.

It is a coming-of-age story, touched by a budding romance, and the problems of bullying and adjusting to a new home. Each of the characters faces challenges and struggles. Drama is added with a mystery that needs to be solved.

The book will appeal particularly to young adult audiences. It is a pleasant change from the dark fantasy and paranormal often found on young adult reading shelves.

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Lilly May and the Ruby Shoes Blues

Written by Danielle Diestl

Illustrated by Fani Bela

When Lily May returns home from school in a bad mood, her mom knows just what to do.

What happened to put Lily May in such a foul mood? All her classmates made fun of her favorite ruby heels. The other children seem to favor dull brown flat shoes. Lily’s mom, her cat, and her favorite book are the magical ingredients to rescue Lily May from her funk.

She is reminded of just what a dull place the world would be if we all looked and behaved the same. By the end of the tale, Lily May is celebrating her uniqueness.

This book is written in crisp rhymes with adorable multicultural illustrations. I especially enjoyed the quick exercises that the offer includes for creating, brave, proud, respectful, empathetic, and mindful young readers. Parents and teachers will want to try them all. Highly recommended for primary grade children.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Where I Get My Super Power

Written by Ageno H. Monica

This is a different slant on the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah. In this picture book, Samson possesses exceptional strength which he uses to keep bullies at bay. Delilah is his best friend, but one-day local bullies offer her all kinds of riches and power if she could uncover the secret of his strength.

The bullies convince Delilah to sell out her best friend. Samson is strong mentally as well as physically. Will he continue to resist?

Cute illustrations and simple text make this book appealing to young children under the age of eight.

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

The New Kid: Surviving Middle School Is Tough

Written by Maureen Straka

Alex is dismayed that his best friend, Luke, is moving. The summer becomes a boring nightmare. When Alex wakes up late for the first day of school, he is certain it is an evil omen.

This book contains well-defined characters that will appeal to the middle-grade reader. So many familiar struggles. There are bullying, school and family relationship struggles, trust, and acceptance issues.

This book is a quick read, under one hundred pages, and a good choice for reluctant readers. I would recommend it for the eight through twelve age group.

LOOKING FOR MORE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES?

SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND LORI ADAMS

ABOUT THE BOOK

Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Written by Lori Adams

Ages 9-12 | 336 Pages

Publisher: Spyhop Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781737131205

Publisher’s Synopsis: When a young girl learns she is the Last Heir of the legendary pirate Davy Jones, she is whisked away to begin life aboard an enchanted schoolship for Pirate Heirs where danger and excitement awaits.

Contemporary kids who happen to be Heirs of the most villainous and celebrated pirates in history. Superstitions, mysteries, curses, secrets, strange ocean creatures, undead pirates, and seafaring legends will thrill middle-grade readers in this rollicking, globe-trotting adventure.

Avalina Jones, the Last Heir of the infamous pirate Davy Jones, has never heard of Sea Magic, flying dinghies, Pirate Heir schoolships, phantom islands, undead pirates, or creatures called Half Ones. And she has never understood her strange connection to water. But when a beautiful woman arrives in a swirling waterspout, Avalina’s life explodes with more adventures than she can possibly imagine. She takes her rightful place aboard a giant Pirate Heir schoolship teeming with Heirs of the world’s most nefarious pirates.

Raised as a Landlubber, Avalina quickly realizes bizarre and danger are normal aboard Pirate Heir schoolships-food fights back, school supplies giggle or explode in your face. And not everyone can be trusted.

When Avalina is accused of a terrible crime, she must prove her innocence or risk being banished from the schoolship forever-and this in the middle of a crucial Treasure Hunt!

Avalina races to unlock the secrets of the ship, and makes a dangerous discovery that threatens everyone aboard. With the help of her new friends Charlie, Pippa, and Bummy, Avalina draws closer to the truth, unaware that a deeper, darker fate awaits.

Author Lori Adams expertly delivers a story that is timeless, bringing together elements of sea lore, magic, and adventure. The first book in a seven-book series, Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm, is a romping tale for middle graders who are searching for the next enduring fantasy classic.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3FFMKZv

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781737131205

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LORI ADAMS is the author of the Avalina Jones series for middle-grade readers (Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm (#1) as well as two young adult series: The Kate March Mysteries: Speak Easy (#1) set in Hollywood during the Roaring Twenties, and the Soulkeepers Series: Forbidden, Awaken, and Unforgiven, a paranormal fantasy set in the quintessential but fictitious town of Haven Hurst, Connecticut and first published through Random House.

Lori was born and raised in Oklahoma but moved to Southern California where she lives with her family. She loves traipsing along SoCal’s wonderful beaches, watching Angel’s baseball, Cowboys’ football. Aside from writing, Lori loves reading and watching Classic Hollywood Movies.

For more information, visit https://loriadamsbooks.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Written by Lori Adams

Avalina has lived in an orphanage from the age of four. Soon after her tenth birthday, Avalina develops strange powers like breathing underwater. A mysterious, beautiful woman appears to her in a swirling waterspout and turns her life upside down.

This creature swoops her up in a magical dinghy to a phantom pirate ship. Avalina learns that she is the last surviving heir of Davy Jones. This ship is a school for pirate heirs divided into four houses that compete to decipher a pirate map and retrieve its treasure.

Avalina must prove that she is not guilty of an awful crime. There are thrills, adventures, secrets, and legends along the way. Through it all, Avalina is not afraid to stand up for rights, fight the bullies, and work hard. Middle-grade readers will love the wonderfully descriptive language of Sea Magic, ghost pirates, fantasy sea creatures, and strange places. Highly recommended for adventure seekers and fantasy lovers, especially those in the eight to twelve age range.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an Avalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm prize pack!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

An autographed copy of Avalina Jones: And the Eye of the Storm

An Avalina Jones quote tote

A Hands-Off Me Gigglin’ Grog mug

An Avalina Jones fridge magnet

An Avalina Jones bookmark

Two (2) winners receive:

An autographed copy of Avalina Jones: And the Eye of the Storm

An Avalina Jones bookmark

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.

https://gleam.io/NKlWV/avalina-jones-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, November 29, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Tuesday, November 30, 2021The Teacher BookwormA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the StormAn interview with Lori Adams

Wednesday, December 1, 2021The Momma SpotA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Thursday, December 2, 2021Twirling Book PrincessA book giveaway ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Friday, December 3, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Monday, December 6, 2021Lisa’s ReadingAn article by Lori Adams

Tuesday, December 7, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Wednesday, December 8, 2021Heart to HeartA book giveaway ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Thursday, December 9, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the StormAn interview with Lori Adams

Friday, December 10, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Monday, December 13, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Tuesday, December 14, 2021A Homeschooling MomA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Wednesday, December 15, 2021Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Thursday, December 16, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Friday, December 17, 2021Glass of Wine, Glass of MilkA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Monday, December 20, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm

Tuesday, December 21, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofAvalina Jones and the Eye of the Storm