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

Barnabee Believes (in Himself)

Written and Illustrated by Cazzy Zahursky

Another well-done book in the Barnabee series.

Barnabee loves to spell. He is thrilled when he learns his teacher has selected him to be in the spelling bee. He practices with Buster, another classmate.

Barnabee does not understand why every time he gets a word at practice, he freezes and cannot spell. Buster makes fun of him. Can Barnabee find the courage to be brave and perform when the big day arrives?

I enjoyed the clever puns, alliteration and on-spot analogies that add humor and make reading the story aloud fun. Not to mention children learn how to handle anxiety and cope with competition by turning it into friendship.

Recommended for elementary age readers.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

My Soul Treasure

Written by Kate Searle

Illustrated by Alison Mutton

Ages 4+ | 28 Pages

Publisher: Kate’s Soul Treasure (2022) | ISBN-13: 978-0645415421

Publisher’s Book Summary: My Soul Treasure is a beautifully illustrated children’s book designed to teach children how to connect with their inner selves and cultivate self-awareness and self-love. It follows the story of a young girl who goes on a journey beyond her mind, body, and heart to discover her own inner treasures. The story includes positive affirmations and visualization exercises to help children develop mindfulness and self-reflection skills.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

https://bookshop.org/p/books/my-soul-treasure-kate-searle/18192523?ean=9780645415407

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-soul-treasure-kate-searle/1140929713

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Searle is a geologist, wife, and mum who lives in the southwest of Australia. Becoming a mother sparked Kate’s love of storytelling. She has an innate passion for instilling in children a sense of personal empowerment. She has woven her love of gemstones into her debut book, My Soul Treasure, to teach children about the incredible powers of their own souls.

For more information, visit www.soultreasures.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/soultreasure_/

https://www.youtube.com/@soultreasure4756

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083179878213

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Alison Mutton is an illustrator from Perth, Western Australia, mainly working in the children’s and educational publishing fields. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Design & Illustration from Curtin University and has been a freelance illustrator for over ten years. When not illustrating, she likes to play the piano, needle felt, walk her dog, and swing dance.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

THE ANSWER LIES DEEP INSIDE YOU

My Soul Treasure (Kate’s Soul Treasure)

Written by Kate Searle

Illustrated by Alison Mutton

This rhyming picture book is a feast for the eyes and the ears. I would highly suggest reading it aloud because the crisp rhymes roll off the tongue. Each page features brilliant color images that are associated with a matching color gem. But the message is even more powerful. Young readers come to understand that each of us possesses unique qualities that lie deep within ourselves. These qualities allow us to share that uniqueness with others. Courage, compassion, creativity, confidence, imagination, and wisdom are possible examples. By teaching children to be mindful of these, the potential to develop them is enhanced.

I am confident that this book will become a favorite on the elementary reader’s bookshelf. The bonus song might just become a family favorite sing along.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure and a Kindle!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle

– A Kindle (2022 release)

Four (4) winners receive:

– A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/xcFCW/my-soul-treasure-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, June 19, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Tuesday, June 20, 2023Life is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

Wednesday, June 21, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Thursday, June 22, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

Friday, June 23, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of My Soul Treasure

Monday, June 26, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Tuesday, June 27, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Wednesday, June 28, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Thursday, June 29, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Friday, June 30, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of My Soul Treasure and Little Free Library Drop

Monday, July 3, 2023My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

Wednesday, July 5, 2023Get Outside and ReadBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Thursday, July 6, 2023Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

Friday, July 7, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Monday, July 10, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn Article by Kate Searle

Tuesday, July 11, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of My Soul Treasure

Wednesday, July 12, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Kate Searle

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

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Odette’s Alphabet

Written by Sandrine Marlier

Ages 5+ | 64 Pages

Publisher: Belle Isle Books | ISBN-13: 9781953021519

Publisher’s Book Summary: One day, Odette the ant wakes up feeling stressed. After realizing that all she does is work, Odette decides to leave her anthill in search of the freedom to create her own world. Along the way, she meets Marcus, a lost mouse, and together they discover simple ways to feel better. Inspired by her journey and this wonderful new friendship, Odette finds her way back home to the colony with a new sense of being.

Odette’s Alphabet is a mindful story that offers a map to handle big emotions with kindness, unity, and courage. Fun and easy activities support each of the chapters, along with letters of the alphabet to provide additional opportunities for learning while encouraging young readers to explore meditation practices.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sandrine Marlier woke up one day in her New York apartment feeling out of sorts. She realized that no matter how many trips she would take around the world, thanks to her modeling career, only a journey within could bring her peace. Eventually, she trained with world-renowned meditation teacher davidji. That training inspired this book, as she found herself drawing an ant and a sound: A, the beginning of all beginnings. Sandrine is a mother, meditation teacher, transformational coach, and Reiki practitioner. She shares free meditations about healing and empowerment on Instagram (@sandrinemarlier).

You can connect with her through her website, www.sandrinemarlier.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

FINDING ONESELF

Odette’s Alphabet

Written by Sandrine Miller

Illustrated by Leonardo Schiavina

An alphabet book like no other. Marlier provides her readers with an adventure story that teaches the value of friendship, love, courage, teamwork, and cooperation.

The protagonist, Odette, wakes up feeling stressed. Every day she works hard in the ant colony. Determined to take a break, Odette leaves the colony to find peace and rid herself of stress. Odette meets Marcus, a mouse who is lost. They set off to find his home.

Each part of their adventure features a letter of the alphabet paired with a word. On the bottom of each page, Marlier suggests a meditation or relaxation activity for children and/or adults to practice. Each of these facilitates a peaceful, stress-free state.

By the end of the adventure, children learn many valuable life lessons as well as practical steps to relieve stress and create empathetic community relationships. Simple colorful illustrations enhance the text.

Highly recommended for children ages three to eight but it could be a useful tool for anyone seeking to rid themselves of stress.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway below for the chance to win a paperback copy of Odette’s Alphabet and a $25 Amazon gift card!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A copy of Odette’s Alphabet

A $25 Amazon Gift Card

Two (2) winners receive:

A copy of Odette’s Alphabet

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/DySGV/odettes-alphabet-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, April 10, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Tuesday, April 11, 2023Writer with WanderlustA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Wednesday, April 12, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Thursday, April 13, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Friday, April 14, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of Odette’s Alphabet

Monday, April 17, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Tuesday, April 18, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Wednesday, April 19, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Thursday, April 20, 2023Shooting Stars MagA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Friday, April 21, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Monday, April 24, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Tuesday, April 25, 2023Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Wednesday, April 26, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity paired with Odette’s Alphabet

Thursday, April 27, 2023JoanasbookshelfA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Friday, April 28, 2023Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Monday, May 1, 2023Because I Said SoA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

Tuesday, May 2, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Odette’s Alphabet

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Bright Star: Empowering Children to Believe in Themselves and Follow Their Dreams

Written by Heather Dodge

Little Star is struggling to find her way in the world. Can she perform her job well? As she experiences failures and successes, Little Star discovers how to believe in herself and follow her dreams.

Children develop self-confidence and self-esteem, how to develop courage and resiliency. The questions and reflections prompt young readers to develop empathy for Little Star while building up the same skills within themselves. It enables readers to enjoy the adventures through the interactive experience.

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WANT MORE TEACHING RESOURCES? CHECK OUT LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM

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.

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Fatso Runs Away from Home: An easy reading adventure following a cat’s adventure

Written by Garth and Mo Reason

Illustrated by Harriet Kim Anh Rodis

Fatso is a spoiled cat. For many years he has lived a comfortable life in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reason.

One day a visitor to the home brings a dog named Maria to the home. Fatso wants to become friends but Maria is bossy and unwilling to share. So Fatso ventures out into the outside world he has never seen.

At first, Fatso sees his outing as an adventure. He meets a neighborhood cat, Sebastian. When Fatso gets lost, he becomes frightened until he meets up with Fluffy and her family.

Will Fatso survive in the outside world? Does he ever find his way back home?

This picture book uses a cat world view to teach children how to have courage, resilience, and empathy. The author includes activities to encourage young readers to think about what happened in the story and enhance reading comprehension skills.

I would suggest this book as a picture book for younger children or a beginning reading for older elementary school readers.

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Check out more fun at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

A Dreidel of Wonders: A whimsical Hanukkah story with a twist for kids

Written and Illustrated by Edith Naaman

This book combines a whimsical tale of the dreidel with an informative guide for teachers and parents. The first part of the story written in rhyme teaches children about Hanukkah and the role of the dreidel.

Each year when the holiday season passes, Nana packs the dreidel away. One year the dreidel objects and asks why it cannot remain on the shelf with the other toys. Nana accedes to his request.

The second part of the book reflects on the theory of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Program) which is a collection of research, practices, and ideas that assist children to connect with their abilities and other people. This section of the book shows how the dreidel prepares children to conquer pain, fear, and find the courage to try within themselves.

Children as young as three can enjoy the first part of the story, while the second part is a useful resource for caretakers and parents.

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You Got This: A Tale of Courage

Written by Wanda Carter Roush

Illustrated by Nataly Simmons

A little girl enjoys visiting the garden where her guardian angel stands behind her giving her the courage to share adventures and later to face challenges in school. As the girl grows older, she faces new challenges but the angel is always there to support and encourage her.

When the girl becomes an adult and moves away the angel is sad. Life has become difficult for both of them. Will the woman find the strength to move forward? Can the guardian angel find happiness once more?

The picture book contains beautiful illustrations and valuable life lessons. An uplifting story for any age.

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More learning opportunities at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Hope

Written and Illustrated by Kealy Connor Lonning

The author is an educator and parent of six. She shares the hopes that most parents have for their children. Courage, resilience, empathy, and kindness are a few of these. The short rhymes are easy for young children to remember. Illustrations are multicultural and include references to the author’s own family as revealed in the fun facts at the end of the story. Adults and children will enjoy learning about the symbolism of nature and the themes included in this book.

A delightful read-aloud or bedtime story for elementary age readers.

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