In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Riverlet Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

My Old Friend, Then

Written by Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Illustrated by Allie Daigle

Ages 4 and up | 40 Pages

Publisher: Riverlet Press LLC | ISBN-13: 9781737957607

Publisher’s Synopsis: A child ponders … who is her best, most loyal friend? Is it her constant companion, Then, who regales her with extravagant stories of their shared past and imagined future? Or is it precious, patient Now, with whom she sensitively explores each new moment that unfolds?

My Old Friend, Then explores mindfulness the same way that kids approach life: with curiosity, humor, and unspoiled sincerity. Pairing accessible and relatable language with vivid, quirky illustrations, this book invites readers to share in a young girl’s journey as she grapples with the trappings—and delights in the boundless potential—of her own brilliant mind.

PURCHASE LINK

https://amzn.to/36NEc6R

https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781737957607

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine Davis-Gibbon is a yoga teacher, a longtime practitioner of Vipassana meditation, and most importantly a mother of two. She is also the founder of Riverlet Press, a children’s book company for conscious parents raising mindful kids.

For more information, visit www.riverletpress.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Allie Daigle is an illustrator who strives to create immersive and expressive images that stimulate the imagination. Whether for a children’s book, a product label, or her original pieces, Daigle’s works implore the viewer to linger and explore the details within. Allie primarily works with traditional watercolor & ink as well as digital mediums.

For more information, visit www.alliedaigle.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

My Old Friend, Then

Written by Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Illustrated by Allie Daigle

This is a charming picture book written for preschoolers and primary grade children. A little girl reflects on her imaginary friend, Then. Then is a collection of her memories and her first imaginary friend. Now the little girl has also embraced a new friend, Now. This friend does not fear losing the girl or sharing her. She is confident and does not fear other friends.

The subtle pastel colors of the illustrations reflect the moods of the little girl. The faces of the imaginary friends are not filled in, allowing the reader to imagine what they look like. There are only a few lines of text with each illustration, but they are filled with emotion.

I would highly recommend this book as a bedtime story or read-aloud for children ages four through seven.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of My Old Friend, Then, along with a box of You’re Wonderful Thoughtfulls!

One (1) winner receives:

An autographed hardcover copy of My Old Friend, Then

A box of You’re Wonderful Thoughtfulls pop-open cards by Compendium Inc.

Three (3) winners receive:

An autographed hardcover copy of My Old Friend, Then

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/hgVTA/my-old-friend-then-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, April 4, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Tuesday, April 5, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Wednesday, April 6, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Katherine Davis-Gibbon

Thursday, April 7, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Friday, April 8, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Sunday, April 10, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Monday, April 11, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Tuesday, April 12, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewAn Instagram video book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Wednesday, April 13, 2022Ravenz ReviewsA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Thursday, April 14, 2022Twirling Book PrincessAn article by Katherine Davis-GibbonThe Importance of Teaching Kids Mindfulness

Tuesday, April 26, 2022Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofMy Old Friend, Then

Wednesday, April 27, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofMy Old Friend, Then

Thursday, April 28, 2022Me Two BooksAn article by Katherine Davis-GibbonMindfulness Activities with Your Kids

#oigetslost

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Bright Lights Books.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Oi Gets Lost

Written by Lorna Likiza

Illustrated by Yevheniia Melnyk

Ages 6+ | 124 Pages

Publisher: Bright Lights Books | ISBN-13: 9781739985318

Publisher’s Synopsis: Set in Kenya, Oi is a naughty kitten who lives with his Mummy and siblings in an outdoor shed. Despite Mummy’s warnings, Oi has a tendency of wandering off and exploring. But one day, after nearly being attacked by a dog, Oi ends up in an unfamiliar neighborhood. And this time, he’s not sure he’ll be able to find his way back home…

Oi’s adventure is sure to delight children and cat-lovers alike.

‘A brave and vivid adventure’ —Ijeoma Isichei

‘A sheer delight for all kids, a gem of a story’ —Okenna Nzelu

PURCHASE LINK

https://amzn.to/3qg4FRe

https://brightlightsbooks.com/ols/products/oi-gets-lost-the-oi-series

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lorna Likiza is a Kenyan writer, tutor of French, and Founder of the Heroe Book Fair. Oi Gets Lost is her first published book. She considers Literature as one of her passions and lives in Mombasa.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

LOST AND FOUND

Oi Gets Lost

Written by Lorna Likiza

Illustrated by YevheniaMelnyk

An adorable chapter book with beautiful color illustrations. Oi, an adorable kitten, who lives in an outdoor shed near a shopping center in Kenya, narrates this story.

Oi possesses an insatiable curiosity that befuddles his mother and fellow siblings. He particularly enjoys wandering off to the shopping center where he encounters wondrous sights and smells. One day he gets too ambitious and finds himself in a shop where he causes damage and gets into trouble. A patron decides to bring Oi home to kill outdoor rats. Oi wonders if he will ever find his way home.

After befriending his new owner’s housecat, they become friends and allies. But these two cats have lived in different worlds. Can either of them be happy in different circumstances?

Elementary and middle-grade readers will learn a bit about Kenyan culture and customs as well as animals in this beautifully illustrated and well-written multicultural tale. Recommended for beginning readers, reluctant readers, and cat lovers everywhere.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Oi Gets Lost!

Ten (10) winners receive:

A copy of Oi Gets Lost

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/f87IG/oi-gets-lost-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 31, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Thursday, March 31, 2022Afrikanah Book ClubInstagram Live with Lorna Likiza10:15 a.m. Central Standard Time (North America)

Friday, April 1, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Saturday, April 2, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Monday, April 4, 2022Writer with WanderlustAn interview withAuthor Lorna Likiza

Tuesday, April 5, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Wednesday, April 6, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Thursday, April 7, 2022James Murua’s Literature BlogA podcast episode withAuthor Lorna Likiza

Friday, April 8, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Saturday, April 9, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Tuesday, April 12, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Wednesday, April 13, 2022Because I Said SoA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Thursday, April 14, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Friday, April 15, 2022Me Two BooksA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Saturday, April 16, 2022A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofOi Gets Lost

Tuesday, April 19, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Lorna Likiza

WINTER’S CHILD

Written by J. S. Burke

J. S. Burke is the author of the award-winning Dragon Dreamer series. The marine biologist has applied her storytelling talents to a charming fairytale in verse. Bonus features include detailed directions on how to create beautiful snowflakes.

A young girl named Mariah lives in the frozen North. There are no children her age, so she becomes friends with the wind. Seeking to please her, The Wind fashions clouds, and later snowflakes into images to tell Mariah about the creatures and history of the past. Eventually, the Sun decides to join them creating colors and warmth. Soon the ice begins to melt, and the seasons reemerge.

Mariah possesses an insatiable curiosity about her world but also desperately wants friendship and companionship. Will she ever find her proper place in her world?

Burke provides her readers with beautiful verse and imagery, while, at the same time, enthralling them with tales of dragons, dolphins, hummingbirds, herons, and unicorns. She weaves fiction and nonfiction in a charming tale that will especially delight elementary and middle-grade readers, but one that a reader of any age can enjoy.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out tons more learning resources at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Lindy Nelson

ABOUT THE BOOK

This Is Clare

Written by Lindy Nelson

Illustrated by Ingrid Lefebvre

Ages 4+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 978-1643073606

Publisher’s Synopsis: Come follow a lady and her hound.

New adventures with new friends will abound.

Learn some English and verse with Lindy and Clare.

We’re in China; we hope to see you there!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XQA4io

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindy Nelson is an American who has spent most of her adult life teaching English in China after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She enjoys arts and crafts, funny memes, eating candy, and of course, spending time with her greyhound, Clarence.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

This is Clare is an adorable picture book about a lady named Lindy and her adventures with her greyhound named Clare. The author uses verbs that end in air and are to teach English vocabulary. The illustrations are adorable and the simple text will expand vocabulary for anyone learning English. It is a book that is fun to read aloud and will enrich the vocabulary of native English speakers as well.

The multicultural illustrations that feature Chinese culture will provide a springboard for discussion and further research. This book will delight all ages from preschool to adult English as a Second Language Learners. I am looking forward to more adventures with Lindy and Clare.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of This Is Clare, along with a virtual Questions and Answers session with the author!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A copy of This Is Clare

A virtual Questions and Answers session with the author via Skype

Nine (9) winners receive:

A copy of This Is Clare

The giveaway ends December 2, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/BSTcn/this-is-clare-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 3, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 4, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withLindy Nelson

Friday, November 5, 2021Tales of a Wanna-be Superhero MomA beyond-the-book activity forThis Is Clare

Monday, November 8, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThis Is Clare

Tuesday, November 9, 2020Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 10, 2021Book Bug CAA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 11, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThis Is Clare

Friday, November 12, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofThis Is Clare

Monday, November 15, 2021Me Two BooksA book review ofThis Is Clare

Tuesday, November 16, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 17, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 18, 2021The Momma SpotA book review ofThis Is Clare

One Big Heart: A Celebration of Being More Alike Than Different

Written by Linsey Davis

Illustrated by Lucy Fleming

This is a very short interactive book that parents or teachers may use to discuss diversity with preschool and primary grade children. The author presents the material from a Christian viewpoint. Some families who reject that concept will need to explain or eliminate those parts of the story.

Children are asked to study the pictures and relate how we are all alike, make friendship bracelets, draw faces with different skin tones, and share their favorite foods. The heart activity demonstrates the love we feel within for all.

The book is a good starting point on the topic of multiculturalism.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out a zillion learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Nyima and the Blue Bear: A Journey of Hope and Compassion

Written by Angela Castillo

Illustrated by Cher Jiang

Nyima and his yak, Yeshi, live in the Himalayas. While searching for goji berries, they hear the cries of a little blue bear who has been separated from his mother.

They retrace the cub’s steps and encounter many examples of native wildlife along their journey. When it begins to get dark, Nyima offers to take the cub home for the night. Will the cub and his mother ever find each other?

This multicultural folktale is beautifully illustrated and teaches young readers about the native wildlife. Young readers also discover lessons of compassion, empathy, and friendship. Highly recommended for elementary school readers.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

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

Pool Party (Dottie Dotts the Cat Books)

Written by Ashley Madden

Illustrated by Chariz Elaine

A very short picture book for preschoolers that teaches young readers not to be afraid to express themselves because their friends might think they are different.

The author uses the scenario of a cat named Dottie who is invited by her friend, Andy to come to a pool party. Dottie loves to swim, but aren’t cats supposed to be afraid of the water? She fears her other animal friends will judge her. How will Dottie solve her dilemma?

Simple, easy to read text and dialogue, accompanied by large colorful illustrations.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

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

The Big Adventures of a Little Tree: Tree Finds Friendship

Written by Nadja Springer

Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell

A little tree possesses an overwhelming urge to travel and see the world. But how can he move? His roots are deep and entrenched in the soil.

The tree has an idea. He recruits the birds of the forest to help him. Slowly, he advances forward. When he comes upon a group of children, he has the opportunity to create deep friendships. Seasons come and go. Will the little tree be able to sustain his dreams?

I like the ideas and concepts that are conveyed through the simple words and illustrations. Having read the kindle version, the size of font was small even when enlarged. That is a drawback for beginning readers who want to read the electronic version.

This book affords the opportunity to explore many topics such as immigration, nature, environment, and mindfulness. That is why I would recommend it for readers of all ages.

If you enjoyed reading this book, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS
FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

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

Sam the Speedy Sloth (Book 1)

Written by Matthew Ralph

Sam is an unusual sloth. Unlike the rest of his species, Sam does not enjoy sleeping or staying inactive. One day he searches the rainforest for a playmate.

He meets Tammy the Toucan, Amy the Armadillo, and Oscar the Otto. Each has a favorite game, but they do not share the same set of skills. Will they be able to find a game in which each can use their unique talent to excel?

This charmingly illustrated picture book teaches children about animals of the South American jungle. They also learn that individual differences are not a roadblock to friendship and shared activities.

This book is a good choice for preschoolers as well as primary grade readers. In addition to the tale, readers are challenged by interactive activities like finding the hidden fruits, spotting the differences in pictures, word scrambles, and a fun fact pages on each of the animals featured in the book.

If you enjoyed reading this book, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

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

This tour is hosted by the Children’s Book Review and sponsored by Zuroam Media.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Little Spark

Written by Chris Parsons

Illustrated by Mike Motz

Publisher’s Synopsis: When the survival of their hometown is threatened, two unlikely comrades join forces on a quest to defeat a dangerous enemy and bring back the only one who can save them all.

Beyond the frozen mountains there lies an oasis from the frigid cold and the howling winds. A place the animals call Lake Zuron. What a wonderful place, happy creatures of all kinds, living in harmony and warmth thanks to their very own fire-breathing dragon named Daniel.

But one day everything changed when the unthinkable happened. The Dragon fire goes out and immediately the air begins to chill. Things were not looking good but just when all hope was lost, an unlikely hero steps up. Join Spark the mouse on an adventure of a lifetime as he and his friends do their part to save their town from an icy demise.

With the magical power of Daniel, the Dragon there could be hope. But first, they must face and defeat a dangerous enemy, the vile beasts who own these mountains where nobody passes through.

Along this journey maybe you will discover that it’s that little Spark in each of us that really matters, and that a little Spark could save them from the coming cold. The story reminds us that we all need something in life every day to ignite our passion and spirit – to help the world be a “warmer” place and to look for ways to “Be That Spark.”

Ages 7+ | Publisher: Zuroam Media | October 1, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1735145501

About the Author

Chris Parsons grew up in the small fishing village of Flatrock, Newfoundland where he was surrounded by storytellers. When he became a father, he began creating his own children’s stories, and soon he was sharing them with a wider audience.

Over time, his audience grew up, but he continued to create his stories and colorful characters mostly for his own enjoyment. One day he had a flash of inspiration about a little mouse named Spark and began to create the world of A Little Spark.

Today, Chris lives in Dallas. He has left the high-tech world of innovation and business development behind and is focused on his real passion – to create new meaningful experiences for children centered around powerful and engaging stories like ” A little Spark.”

Together with his wife, Kathleen, daughter, Maggie, and son, Kealan, they share a love for all God’s creatures.

bethatspark.com | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

About the Illustrator

Mike Motz is a children’s book illustrator and publishing professional based out of Toronto, Canada. Motz has helped writers around the world fulfill their dreams of publishing their works. To date, Motz has been responsible for the creation of the artwork for over 300 self-published children’s books.

About the Narrator

Brandon McInnis is a voice actor and singer known primarily for his work on animation and video games. He voices Sir Nighteye in My Hero Academia, Ganos in Dragon Ball Super, Finral Roulacase in Black Clover, Asagiri Gen in Dr. Stone, Yuna D. Kaito in Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, Frodo Baggins in Lord of the Rings Online, Patrick Phelps in Black Butler, Sonosuke Izayoi in Danganronpa 3, Erlang Shen in SMITE, and many more.

With a deep love for music production and originally trained as an opera singer, Brandon also produces music for release on YouTube and Spotify. He can be followed on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram: @BranMci.

About the Music Producer

Bruce Faulconer is a musician, composer, and record producer based in Dallas, Texas. He is the owner and founder of Faulconer Productions Music, and CakeMix Recording Studio. Faulconer writes music for orchestra, various instrumental and choral groups, along with the music for feature films, and TV series, including the anime Dragon Ball Z. He recently completed twelve songs for A Little Spark, included in a new audiobook, an interactive children’s book, and an animated feature film in development. He resides in Dallas with his wife Lisa and is the father of two sons.

My Review of A LITTLE SPARK

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

A Little Spark

Written by Chris Parsons

Illustrated by Mike Motz

This interactive book is a valuable resource for young children’s minds on so many levels. It is innovative, inspiring, and entertaining.

The target audience range is a wide one. This book contains rich illustrations that could place it in the picture book category. But with a length of more than one hundred fifty pages, it also might be considered a chapter book or a middle-grade reader. What it delivers is a range of fascinating animal characters which are personified with a range of human emotions and aspirations. There are fire-breathing dragons, bears, mice, weasels, goats, cats, and raccoons. They live in Lake Zuron, an oasis on the edge of a frozen world. Their world survives only because of the warmth provided by Daniel, a fire-breathing dragon. Lake Zuron is not an ideal society. The “Supervisors” contain the stronger animals, a ruling class. Far below them, “The Streeters,” perform all the work.

One day, Daniel loses his ability to produce fire. Lake Zuron faces extinction. But Sparky, a tiny mouse, finds within himself the courage to make the perilous journey over the frozen wasteland of their enemies, the Scabes, to follow a rumor that another land survives on the other side of the mountain. He and Veen venture to the other side. Will they discover salvation or face extinction?

Young readers learn many lessons from the colorful cast of characters as the adventure unfolds. Hope, courage, friendship, equality, fairness, and responsibility are exemplified in the faces and actions of the characters, both large and small. But Parsons provides much more than an excellent book. Embedded within its pages are a collection of twelve songs, private video messages from the characters, the ability to take a photo with your favorite character, or an opportunity for readers to share their personal opinions on the interactive lesson pages at the end of the book.

I highly recommend this unique educational resource for readers age eight through eighty-eight.

PURCHASE LINK

Before October 1st, pre-order your copy, email the team at Zuroam Media, and they’ll give you the audiobook free so you can enjoy it while you wait for the book to arrive. You can find all the email address and links to your favorite bookstore here: https://bethatspark.com/shop/.

Click the link below to enter the GIVEAWAY

“http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3d5cb282179/“

Enter for a chance to win the A Little Spark prize pack.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A hardcover copy of A Little Spark, autographed by author Chris Parsons.
• A downloadable audiobook of A Little Spark.
• A Little Spark USB drive with the A Little Spark music album.
• One set of Apple AirPods Pro for listening to the outstanding audiobook and music!

Two (2) winners receive:

• A hardcover copy of A Little Spark, autographed by author Chris Parsons.
• A downloadable audiobook of A Little Spark.

Giveaway begins August 24, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends September 24, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

TOUR SCHEDULE

August 24	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Book Review
August 25	Jrsbookreviews	Http://www.jrsbookreviews.wordpress.com	Book Review
August 26	Over Coffee Conversations	https://gmarciano.blogspot.com	Giveaway
August 27	Heart to Heart	http://tynea-lewis.com/	Giveaway
August 28	The Children’s Book Review	https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/	Interview
August 30	Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog	https://bamauthor.me	Book Review
August 31	Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom	http://wannabesuperheromom.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 1	A Dream Within A Dream	http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.com	Book Review
September 3	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com	Guest Post
September 8	Fairview Elementary School (Library)	https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 9	icefairy’s Treasure Chest	http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/	Book Review
September 15	Library Lady’s Kid Lit	https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/	Intervie