In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Bunny Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lulu the Beaver

Written by Bethany Gano

Ages 5+ | 48 Pages

Publisher: Bunny Books | ISBN-13: 9781736147269

Publisher’s Book Summary: In a colony full of busy beavers, one bashful beaver is hiding a gigantic secret.

Lulu tries to be a typical beaver, but her dream of being an artist is getting out! Despite her friends’ encouragement, Lulu’s struggle with fear and self-doubt has led her into a pattern of destroying her artwork — until an unexpected encounter changes Lulu, and the forest, for good.

With funny asides, sound effects, and elements of comic-book style, this eye-opening tale urges kids to confront gloomy thinking and gives them the courage to bravely share their gifts.

“The idea of feeling…boxed in by others’ expectations…is a complicated subject to tackle, but Gano handles it deftly. Gano’s evocative text, combined with her dynamic and multihued mixed media illustrations, make for an immersive and atmospheric reading experience.”

—BookLife Review, Editor’s Pick

“[Lulu] loves the rhythms of the world and cherishes her forest neighbors — but she also dreams in color and yearns to chew stumps into shapes. Ebullience ferries this inspiring tale forward, and the revelation of Lulu’s beautiful differences is a triumphant moment for all.”

—Foreword Reviews (Starred Review)

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Author’s Website

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bethany Gano’s first large-scale work of art landed all over her parent’s kitchen floor — despite her witty, four-year-old attempt to give credit for the fine piece to her imaginary friends! She never stopped creating, though, and eventually learned the best places to display her artwork. Bethany has worked in the commercial arts for over twenty years and loves storytelling through art and design. She is extra fond of picture books — a place where art and words can’t survive without each other. Lulu the Beaver is her debut picture book.

Off the clock, you can find Bethany covered in paint, playing board games, swimming, daydreaming at the beach, and attempting to walk her dogs. She, her husband, three kids (and other furry and scaly family members) call Central Florida home.

For more information, visit: bethanygano.com.

https://www.instagram.com/bethanygano/

https://www.facebook.com/bethanyganoarts

Tweets by bethanyganoarts

https://www.luluthebeaver.com/

My Review of This Book

Lulu the Beaver

Written and illustrated by Bethany Gano

Lulu is a conscientious beaver. She loves the sounds of the forest and appreciates the work of her fellow beaver friends, but Lulu has one big problem. When she dreams, Lulu aspires to become an artist. She feels ridden with guilt because she should be doing a beaver’s work, yet she feels she could also utilize her other talents.

Children learn about the work of beavers, how they cooperate with friendship and hard work to get their necessary chores accomplished but also that there is an opportunity to reach out and follow one’s dreams.

The illustrations are colorful and whimsical. Life-lessons combined with a fanciful picture book tale make this book a worth-while choice for any elementary school-age reader.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one of three signed copies of Lulu the Beaver or one of two very awesome Lulu the Beaver prize packs: The Illustration Pack or The Blast-Off Pack.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

THE ILLUSTRATION PACK

A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver

A blank sketchbook

A set of four Blackwing Volumes pencils

A pack of metal pencil caps

One custom-painted illustration by Bethany of a name of your choosing (in Lulu’s forest lettering style shown, but the palette can be customized).

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

THE BLAST-OFF PACK

A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver

A copy of Lulu’s Activity Book

One “Dream On” patch

One “Lulu Blast” sticker

One “Lulu Blast” bookmark

Three (3) winners receive:

A signed, hardcover copy of Lulu the Beaver

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/8Jrv2/lulu-the-beaver-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

December 27	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
January 4	The Fairview Review	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
January 5	The Momma Spot	https://themommaspot.home.blog	Book Review
January 6	Me Two Books	https://www.metwobooks.com/blog	Book Activity
January 9	Twirling Book Princess	https://twirlingbookprincess.com/	Book Giveaway
January 10	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review
January 11	Cover Lover Book Review	https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com	Interview
January 12	JRs Book Reviews	https://jrsbookreviews.com/	Book Review
January 13	Confessions of a Book Addict	http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.com	Book Giveaway
January 16	My Reading Getaway	https://myreadinggetaway.blogspot.com	Guest Post
January 17	Life Is What It’s Called	lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com	Interview
January 18	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
January 19	Lisa’s Reading	https://lisasreading.com	Book Review
January 20	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	https://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Guest Post
January 23	The Review Wire	https://thereviewwire.com/	Book Review

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kathryn Kazoleas

ABOUT THE BOOK

Dog Park

Written by Kathryn Kazoleas

Ages 6+ | 116 Pages

Publisher: Kathryn Kazoleas | ISBN-13: 9781777426118

Publisher’s Book Summary: Gibson the Labradoodle is about to begin her first day of training to become a dog park ambassador, something she has been dreaming about her entire life. Dog park ambassadors hold a very high honor within the dog park community and have many important roles to make sure the dog park is a fun and safe place to be. She has so many great ideas and cannot wait to get started.

While Gibson is training alongside lead ambassador and trainer, Meistro the bulldog, things don’t go as planned. Gibson meets challenge after challenge and isn’t allowed to introduce any of her new ideas. Being a dog park ambassador isn’t what she thought it would be, so she starts to question whether the role is really for her. At the end of her very first training shift, and just as she’s about to give up and tell Meistro she isn’t cut out to be a dog park ambassador after all, there’s an emergency at the river. One of the dog park’s new puppies, Clover, has swum too far out and cannot get back to shore.

Gibson’s best friend and greatest supporter, Stretch the dachshund, convinces her she must help. Gibson springs into action, with Stretch at her side and encouraging her the entire time. Gibson saves the day…almost! Having been swept downstream and far away from the dog park, Gibson is forced to lead the trio back to safety. There’s only one way back through a dark forest with strange sounds and smells. The sun is starting to go down and everybody is tired and scared. But Gibson knows she has to get her friends back home, despite what or who gets in her way.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathryn Kazoleas is a Canadian author. Her furry roommates and copy-editors Keeva the cat, as well as Koa and Freddy the labradoodles, inspire her stories every day. The way they see and experience the world inspires her to dream up and express what she can only describe as fun, chaotic, and innocent adventures. Kathryn has been writing for many, many years, with her most recent work being the middle-grade chapter books “Dog Park” and its sequel “Dog Daycare”. Her short story “Just Be There” can also be found in Chicken Soup for the Soul’s “My Hilarious, Heroic, Human Dog”.

For more information, visit www.kathrynkazoleas.com, https://www.instagram.com/kathrynkazoleas/, and https://twitter.com/kkazoleaswriter.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Dog Park. It’s Not All Fun and Games

Written by Kathryn Kazoleas

A fun book that will delight animal lovers. Gibson and her canine friends are protagonists who personify the lovable canine kingdom.

Their adventure starts with Gibson and her human Tyler arriving at the dog park. Today is a special one for Gibson. She will have her first day of training as a dog ambassador whose job is to see that all dogs follow the rules and ensure things run smoothly so that the humans will continue to bring them to the park. Kazoleas playfully describes the dogs and their antics. Things go awry when a pup named Clover gets into trouble. Gibson begins to wonder if she has what it takes to assume the responsibilities of dog ambassador. As night falls before they can find their way back to the park and danger lurks all around them, it seems all hope is lost.

The book teaches children the value of rules, empathy, cooperation, and a sense of devotion to duty and responsibility. This chapter book does not contain illustrations and with a length of more than one hundred pages, it is suitable for experienced chapter book readers. It is the type of book suggested as a transition before moving on to longer middle grade reads.

I recommend it to teachers as a classroom read aloud as well as dog lovers who enjoy a fun adventure.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Dog Park and its sequel Dog Daycare!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A signed copy of Dog Park

A signed copy of Dog Daycare

Two (2) winners receive:

A signed copy of Dog Park

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/PQPnr/dog-park-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 5, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Friday, January 6, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Dog Park

Monday, January 9, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Dog Park

Tuesday, January 10, 2023Because I Said SoA book review of Dog Park

Wednesday, January 11, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review of Dog Park

Thursday, January 12, 2023Writer with WanderlustA book review of Dog Park

Friday, January 13, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Dog Park

Monday, January 16, 2023My Reading GetawayAn interview with Kathryn Kazoleas

Tuesday, January 17, 2023Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Dog Park

Wednesday, January 18, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAn interview with Kathryn Kazoleas

Thursday, January 19, 2023Twirling Book PrincessBook Giveaway of Dog Park

Friday, January 20, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Dog Park

Monday, January 23, 2023J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Dog Park

Tuesday, January 24, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Dog Park

Wednesday, January 25, 2023Book Zone ReviewsA book review of Dog Park

Thursday, January 26, 2023StorymamasA book review of Dog Park

Friday, January 27, 2023The Review WireAn interview with Kathryn Kazoleas

Wings to Fly

Written by Jarnell Stokes and Howard Flamm

Illustrated by Eunsoo Jeong

This book will go a long way to uplift the spirits of children who feel left out and unappreciated. Louisa is sad because she always seems to be the last one picked for the basketball team. She tells herself she is just as good as the other players. Her guardian angel, Jarnac, suddenly appears. He assures her that it does not matter whether you are chosen first or last. The most important thing is to have fun and treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Jarnac tells her stories of famous basketball players and assures her that having self-confidence and working hard is the key to success. When game time comes around, will Louisa be able to put his advice into practice?

This book is multicultural and richly illustrated. Readers will learn about teamwork, cooperation, and good sportsmanship. I would recommend it for elementary and middle-grade readers who enjoy sports, especially those who need motivation or a boost in their self-confidence.

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Check out all my educational opportunities at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Proudly presenting two more books that were finalists in the contest this year:

EASY READER CATEGORY

FRIENDS FINDING SOLUTIONS…

My Kite Is Stuck! And Other Stories

Written by Salina Yoon

 

All three stories feature the same three main characters, Little Duck, Big Duck and Porcupine. In the first story, Big Duck gets his kite stuck in the tree. His two friends try to help, but only make the problem worse. Children will laugh at the silly solutions the characters invent.

The second tale revolves around Porcupine making friends with a bug. Big Duck and Little Duck discuss the qualities needed in a friend and try to persuade Porcupine why he can’t be friends with a bug. There is a surprise ending.

In the third story, the three friends decide to build a lemonade stand. They model cooperation, patience and hard work. Of course, there are a few hiccups and lots of humor when the friends forget about the main ingredient needed for their success.

These stories employ speech balloons with dark text and brilliant digital illustrations that fill the page. I would recommend it to preschoolers and kindergarten beginning readers. Each story can be enjoyed separately for beginning readers with shorter attention spans.

EARLY CHAPTER BOOK CATEGORY:

SCIENCE, MAGIC, AND GIRL POWER…

Zoey And Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows

Written by Asia Citro

Illustrated by Marion Lindsay

 

What a charming way to combine science, a bit of magic and a strong female role model in an interesting story! Zoey is an inquisitive, intelligent, sweet girl. One day she discovers her mother holding a photograph that appears to be glowing. Her mother attempts to hide it, but when Zoey reveals that she can see the glowing creature, her scientist-mother reveals her secret.

As a child, her mother discovered a purple glowing frog that was severely injured. To her amazement, the frog named Pip began talking to her. Ever since that day, Zoey’s mom had been helping other magical creatures who needed assistance. She installed a hidden doorbell in the barn. Zoey’s mom thought she was the only one who had this ability, but now she understands that Zoey also has the gift.

When Zoey’s mom must travel to a scientific conference, Zoey hopes that she will receive a call for help from one of these magical creatures. Zoey studies her mom’s journals, notes, and photos. Sure enough, a few days later, she hears the bell and finds a small reptile near death in the barn. Zoey gets to work, but there is so much to learn. She sets forth a hypothesis and sets out her materials. Like a true scientist, she uses trial and error and controls in her experiments. Together with her cat, Sassafras, they work to save the creature. Who is this creature? Will Zoey be successful?

I found lots to like in this chapter book. Large print, beautiful black and white drawings, and a table of contents that lists the subject of each short chapter. Citro carefully crafts a multicultural, curious and hard-working female protagonist who is empathetic and appealing to young readers. Children quickly become engrossed with the plot, while hardly realizing they are learning about the scientific method and the reptile species. The glossary reinforces understanding of unfamiliar vocabulary. Highly recommended for beginning readers, but certainly challenging enough for middle-grade readers.

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The Stranger’s Secret: A Tale of Friendship Bog Book 5

Written by Gloria Repp

Illustrated by Michael Swaim

Photographs by Bill Beck

This chapter book is part of a series, but Book 5 is a first time read for me. I had no difficulty following the tale as a stand alone story. Pibbin is a rather small young frog excited to be going on a work party for the first time. They need to repair Uncle Dip’s Bridge. Before Pibbin can begin the journey he meets up with an unconscious large frog named Riff who is clinging to a branch. With a mighty effort, Pibbin is able to rescue Riff because “Bog Keepers are good at helping strangers.” Riff has a large bump on his head and is carrying a large sack, but he cannot remember anything about the accident. Now Pibbin is torn between his feelings of responsibility to take care of Riff and to be part of the work team repairing the bridge.

Readers meet lots of personified characters: a snake named Miss Green, squirrels, beaver, chipmunks and a clawed enemy named simply Cat. When the residents of Friendship Bog decided to exterminate the enemy, Pibbin and Riff fear they will never solve the mystery of his missing sister. It will turn out that lending a helping hand to friend or foe can be rewarded. Cooperation, moral support and friendship are the major themes tying the inhabitants of Friendship Bog together. Young readers learn the benefits of practicing these themes in everyday situations.

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CHILDREN’S BOOK:DIARY OF OSCAR RABBIT: FUNNY, ILLUSTRATED BED-TIME STORY- READ ALOUD……

Written and illustrated by Melinda Kinsman

New series of books featuring a young boy named Billy and his collection of stuffed toys who live on the top of the wardrobe in his bedroom and are affectionately referred to as The Top of the Wardrobe Gang. Previous rhyming books in the series have featured their adventures in writing books for kids, which they turned to as a diversion to pass the time of day when their owner Billy went to school. In this new series, members of the gang will allow readers a glimpse into their daily diary entries.

Oscar Rabbit narrates in the first adventure. He is upset that the gang’s writing schedule is going to be disrupted because a new swimming pool in town is about to open. Billy is really excited not only for himself, but especially for his cousin Ben because this new pool is accessible to the disabled. Ben is wheelchair bound.

The Top of the Wardrobe Gang are determined to swim in the pool with their human friends. Oscar knows that stuffed animals will sink, but his friends refuse to be dissuaded. He writes in his diary about how Billy’s grandmother makes them all bathing suits and brings them cookies. Finally, opening day arrives. What will happen to the Gang? They seem determined to ignore the truth.

This book is targeted for readers ages four through eight. Preschoolers will read through the clever illustrations. Beginning readers will enjoy story written in short paragraphs of text with just enough challenge, but not overwhelming for new readers. They will delight in the activities provided at the end: matching, mazes, simple math, and find the differences. An answer key is provided for self-checking. Wonderful value for the story entertainment and enrichment activities to extend learning. Highly recommended for young readers, teachers and parents.

Luna, The Night Butterfly +5 Bonus Stories

Written by Lily Lexington

Luna is an emerald green butterfly who was different from all the other butterflies. While they invited her to play, Luna felt dull and listless in the light, but in the night she glowed and came alive. A wise old owl tells her the reason why; Luna is not a butterfly but a beautiful moth. Luna decides that it is fun being different and special.

Five other stories about familiar children’s characters like pumpkins, mice, ponies, ducklings, and the tooth fairy, each in their special way teach children the values of cooperating, taking care of their health, self-confidence, and finding one’s own particular niche in life. Young children will learn, “It’s okay to be different,” and “Be the best that you can be.”

Targeted for preschoolers, some of stories are written in rhyme, and others in prose. All together totaling a little more than one hundred pages, the book is best read in sections as a bedtime story or as a circle time classroom discussion. Parents with children who are experiencing problems like the characters in the stories might choose and discuss one to help a child cope. I read this book on my kindle HD fire and did not experience the formatting problems that some reviewers mentioned. Recommended as a nice add on to a preschoolers library.

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HEARTWOOD

Written by Polyanna Darling

Illustrated by Kirsty Chalmers

Heartwood is a heartwarming story that takes places in The Linney, which is a magical forest filled with trees that are hundreds of years old. Four trees are featured characters: Seth, The Tully Tree, Kelsey, and Tuleah. Each of these trees is inhabited by a different type of creature. A family of thirteen squirrels live in the Seth tree. Magpies sip the nectar in the flowers of the Tully tree. Tiny fairies live in the Kelsey tree, while a single raven named Bella makes her home in Tuleah. All of these creatures had lived in their homes for many years, but sadly none of them spoke to each other.

One day the peace of the forest is broken by a horrible noise. The creatures recognize it as a machine that knocks down trees. They call the bulldozer a “Smashbuster.” Forest inhabitants are in a panic about what to do, until Bella calls them together and warns them to stop quarreling if they intend to save their home from destruction. Bella berates them for their indifference and selfishness. She develops an ingenious plan to save the forest, but they must all agree to cooperate and work side by side.

The author skillfully reveals the clever plan step by step. Both the forest creatures and the humans who operate the machines have a lot to learn. This book of approximately fifty-five pages is a perfect chapter book for readers in the seven to ten age group. That is not to say that older readers and even adults will enjoy it. The charming and delicate illustrations done by Chalmers add much to the character and mood of the book. They are really exquisite. I cannot find anything not to like in this offering. Story-line flows nicely, the characters are believable, the lessons carefully crafted , and the artistic touches so well executed.

Pick up a kindle or paperback copy and enjoy!

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Mao Mao and the Nian Monster

Written and Illustrated by Anna Zech

 

This book is a delightful interactive kindle picture book for young children seeking to explain some of the traditions of Chinese New Year,

Mao Mao is an adorable panda bear who lives in a bamboo forest. She loves to play with her human friends who live in the village nearby. But the inhabitants of the village were fearful of the Nian who came out after dark to plunder their livestock and food. Once the sun set, the entire village barricaded themselves inside their homes. When Mao Mao’s grandma gives him some books to read, he discovers that monsters are afraid of loud noise, bright lights, and the color red. So Mao and his friends outfit the village with all three of these elements. Mao and his friends come upon Nian while playing in the forest one day. They find out that Nian is more like them than they thought. Will the villages and the Nian find a way to coexist after all?

The simple text and beautifully done illustrations will assist preschoolers and primary school age children in understanding some of traditions involved in the celebrations of Chinese New Year. This book is an excellent choice for a teacher exploring multiculturalism or a parent’s bedtime story.

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Robby’s Quest :Ocean Bound

Written by D.C. Rush

Illustrated by Daniela Frongia

Robby’s Quest:Ocean Bound is the second book in the four book series featuring Robby as the protagonist and leader of a diverse flock of bird adventurers. I enjoyed this second chapter book even more than the first. It is more richly illustrated and the story flows seamlessly.

The fourteen feathered friends have arrived in Arizona to which they fled after a hurricane destroyed their winter home in Florida. Lately, the weather has been getting quite warm so the birds have a conference and eventually vote to migrate further west to San Diego where they can take advantage of the cool ocean breezes and plentiful food supply. Ruby has been there with her last flock; she offers to serve as a guide.

Less than a week later, the flock arrives in San Diego, where each group goes off to explore the sights. Two of the younger birds, a robin named Joy and her friend Josie, the sparrow, fly out to investigate a cruise ship, only to fall asleep and find themselves stranded at sea. Robby leads a group of six rescue birds in a search party. The reader follows the adventures of both groups. Will Joy and Josie ever rejoin their group of faithful friends?

This early chapter book story contains endearing story characters and a well integrated plot with just the right amount of challenge for an early elementary school reader. Color illustrations are simple but add interest to the story. Qualities like friendship, team work, bravery, cooperation and loyalty are seen as valuable traits. The ending to this adventure involves a new discussion among the birds as to future plans. Will the friends remain together or find new adventures on their own? Stay tuned.