Posts tagged ‘friendship’

ROOR-CHOO! – A VIRTUAL BOOK BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Roar-Choo!

Written by Charlotte Cheng

Illustrated by Dan Santat

Ages 4+ | 40 Pages

Publisher: Rocky Pond Books | ISBN-13: 9780593531754

Publisher’s Synopsis: Patient, peaceful Phoenix tries to take care of rambunctious and cold-ridden Dragon, which leads to hilarious and sweet results (with vibrant illustrations by the Caldecott Medal-winning creator of Beekle).

Everyone knows that dragons are fierce, capable of taking on the world!

But this dragon can’t stop sneezing long enough to get a roar out. Even with friendly Phoenix insisting that Dragon get some rest, this powerful creature refuses to stop for any orange ginger tea or a drop of bone broth soup.

It’s only when Dragon realizes Phoenix has caught the same cold that they are both able to take the break they so badly need. This tale of helping your friends and valuing differences is a sure-thing for story time.

PURCHASE LINK

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709128/roar-choo-by-charlotte-cheng-illustrated-by-dan-santat

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charlotte Cheng’s writing credits include Night Market Rescue, Explore China: A Mulan Discovery Book and BoBo Loves Dumplings, and she has illustrated the picture books Silly McGilly and A Moment in Time. In the field of education, she has written and illustrated K-12 curriculum for a variety of companies such as LeapFrog, Disney, and Wonder Workshop. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.

For more information, visit https://charlotte.art/.

https://www.facebook.com/charlottemakesbooks

https://www.instagram.com/charlottemakesbooks

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottechengdesigns

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Dan Santat is the National Book Award-winning, Caldecott Medal–winning and New York Times–bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and the middle grade graphic memoir A First Time for Everything. His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, including Dav Pilkey’s Ricky Ricotta series. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

HEAR MY ROAR

Roar-Choo!

Written by Charlotte Cheng

Illustrated by Dan Santat

The powerful dragon insists on spreading fear by letting out a blood-curdling roar. But what happens when this dragon is infected with a terrible cold? Dragon’s friend, Phoenix endeavors to take care of this affliction by resting, sipping tea, and imbibing bone broth soup. The situation reaches a climax when Phoenix suffers the same illness and can no longer take charge.

The tale of the Dragon and the Phoenix is a familiar one in Chinese mythology. It poses the opposing forces of strength and boldness versus gentleness and empathy. It teaches young readers about the value of friendship and moderation in all things.

The powerful images portray the character features accurately producing a feast for the eyes and the perfect mood for the plot.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a copy of Charlotte Cheng’s captivating book, Night Market Rescue, a $100 visa gift card, and a free 30 minute children’s book writing consultation.

CLINK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/rP9eg/roarchoo-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 25, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewVirtual Book Tour Kick-Off
Tuesday, March 26, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Wednesday, March 27, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Thursday, March 28, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Friday, March 29, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAn Interview with Charlotte Cheng
Monday, April 1, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Tuesday, April 2, 2024Mrs. Makes Reading FunBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Wednesday, April 3, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Thursday, April 4, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Friday, April 5, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Monday, April 8, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Tuesday, April 9, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of Roar-Choo!
Wednesday, April 10, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Thursday, April 11, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Monday, April 15, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Tuesday, April 16, 2024My Reading GetawayBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Wednesday, April 17, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Roar-Choo!
Thursday, April 18, 2024Q&A with Deborah KalbAn Interview with Charlotte Cheng
Friday, April 19, 2024Writer with WanderlustBook Review of Roar-Choo!

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

LEARNING TO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER

Saddlestone Connemara Pony Listening School: Sinead and Strawberry

Written by Elaine Heney

Sinead loves her pony, Strawberry. She experiences anquish when Strawberry throws her one day. Her parents want to get rid of the Connemara pony. Sinead cannot bear to be separated from her best friend.

They find a possible solution. Sinead and her poney are enrolled in a special training school. Strawberry learns how to understand human emotions, while Sinead learns to understand animal behavior, pyschology, and the proper equipment. Each must learn step by step to grow, change, and adapt to each other.

For readers who love animals, especially horses, this book provides a wonderful teaching resource. It is also a tender story of empathy, love, and responsibility. The book is an easy chapter book with short chapters, easy vocabulary, and a heartwarming plot.

Recommended especially for readers in the seven to ten age range, but enjoyable for any age group.

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MIRANDA MOOSE LOVES ORANGE JUICE – A VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Written by Melanie Brazdzionis

Illustrated by Ning Loo

Ages 2+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Miranda Moose Publishers, LLC | ISBN-13: 9798988046004

Publisher’s Synopsis: Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice is a delightful tale about friendship, perseverance, and self-empowerment for ages 2-6. Follow Miranda as she embarks on an adventure to find her favorite drink! With the help of her farm animal friends, she discovers the power of self-reliance and realizes that what you need may only be as far as your own backyard! Filled with vivid illustrations and heartwarming rhymes, Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice will captivate your little ones and leave them with a valuable lesson.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As a stay-at-home mother, Melanie Brazdzionis spent much of her time engaging, educating, and entertaining her two children.  

Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice was a result of those very efforts.

Prior to becoming a mother, Melanie wrote lyrics and music for her original rock band in the late 1980s. More recently, she launched a virtual assistant business to edit other people’s newsletters and websites. Her current focus is on creating and publishing stories to entertain other people’s children. 

When Melanie is not writing, she is practicing yoga, playing piano, studying French, hiking, or traveling. Melanie lives with her husband in Connecticut.

For more information, visit www.mrs-melanie.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Ning Loo has harbored a deep love for creating, sharing, admiring, and learning about art since childhood. Encouraged by her parents from a tender age, Ning’s early drawings, though crude, sparked admiration and encouragement from her family.

A graduate of the University of Edinburgh with a degree in biotechnology, Ning’s passion for drawing and painting has remained a constant throughout her life. She eagerly anticipates every opportunity to immerse herself in her beloved art supplies, finding solace and joy in the creative process.

When presented with the chance to illustrate Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice, Ning’s excitement knew no bounds; she couldn’t help but do a little dance right in the middle of her office! Her journey with MMLOJ has been nothing short of delightful. Collaborating with the gracious author, Ning brought to life cozy characters adorned in charming outfits, all the while discovering more about her unique art style.

Ning feels privileged to be a part of this enchanting book and hopes that her illustrations will bring comfort, wonder, and joy to readers of all ages, spreading the magic of Miranda Moose’s adventures far and wide.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

FRESHLY SQUEEZED

Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice

Written by Melanie Brazdzioni

Illustrated by Zing Loo

A charming picture book that teaches children the value of perseverance, empathy, and friendship.

Miranda possesses a rather eclectic taste for a moose. She enjoys things like jam, soda, and fruits, but she especially craves orange juice. One day, she wakes up to find that she is out of orange juice. When her local grocery store is out of stock, Miranda goes off to the farm hoping to find OJ. After interviewing several animals who cannot help her, Miranda gets a clue to point her in the right direction.

The rhymes are crisp and sharp, and the dialogue with animal friends spot on. This book should be read aloud to enjoy it fully. Toddler friends and toddlers will love meeting their favorite farm animal friends, and following the plight of Miranda as she refuses to give up.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for your chance to win a signed hardcover copy or a 25-book classroom set of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice!

Click on the link below to enter the giveaway

https://gleam.io/sVh8y/miranda-moose-loves-orange-juice-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, March 22, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off
Monday, March 25, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Tuesday, March 26, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Wednesday, March 27, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Thursday, March 28, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Friday, March 29, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Monday, April 1, 2024Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Tuesday, April 2, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Wednesday, April 3, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Thursday, April 4, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Friday, April 5, 2024Get Outside and ReadBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Monday, April 8, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Tuesday, April 9, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Wednesday, April 10, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Thursday, April 11, 2024Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Miranda Moose Loves Orange Juice
Monday, April 15, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Author Melanie Brazdzionis

A Story of Survival Made Real

Born in a Treacherous Time (Dawn of Humanity Book 1)

Written by Jacqui Murray

I read Jean Auel’s series and as other reviewers have mentioned, this series has a similar flavor.

The reader meets Lucy, a Homo Habilis creature, living in Africa 1.8 million years ago. She struggles each day to live to the next one. The author introduces a slew of characters. At the beginning of the book, it is difficult to sort them out, but they add depth to a plot that includes descriptions of ancient peoples struggles to communicate, to hunt and be hunted, and compete with an environment they did not know how to control.

This book is, of course, historical fiction. The amount of historical evidence is scant and much is left to our imagination. In my opinion, Murray does an excellent job of fitting the pieces together while adding compassion and empathy to soften the rough edges.

Recommended for readers ages ten and older who enjoy historical fiction, especially in the prehistory genre.

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A CLOUD IN A JAR – VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

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

A WIN FOR EVERYONE

Bakon is a great character who has multiple lessons for his fans.

In this picture book, Bakon is excited to be participating in the Tootsville Sock Hop. He and the Pork Choppers dancers really want to win. They will be competing against The Oink Angels and The Kickin’ Chickens.

Once the competition gets underway, something amazing happens. The primary grade reading audience learn lessons about friendship, competition, and good sportsmanship.

A fun bedtime story or read aloud with a winning message.

ANXIOUS MOMENTS

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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WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES

How I Saved the Ants

Written by Joyothsna Raju

IIlustrated by Vijitha Senadeera

Cheeku is a mischievous boy who lives with his grandmother. He tries to avoid getting up for school but reluctantly rises and steals mangoes from the monkeys on his way. But the monkeys chase him and he falls into a tunnel where his adventure begins.

Cheeku meets an ant colony. The queen grants him magic powers to be both a boy and an ant. In the following days, Cheeku discovers the value of friendship, the meaning of forgiveness, and the definition of teamwork.

Can a naughty little boy learn a valuable lesson from these tiny creatures?

Colorful, expressive illustrations that evoke strong emotions link the story effectively to the lessons taught. A multicultural tale that teaches and entertains elementary school children.

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TIME TRAVEL, FANTASY, AND MAGIC

The Wondercurrent: (Rella Pen Sword and The Red Notebooks Book 1)

Written by J.R. Parks

Rella’s parents belong to a secret group of storytellers. First, her mother disappears, eventually her father suffers the same fate. Rella must now flee her homeland. She finds herself in the land of Hleo, where she joins up with four other children. They encounter shapeshifters and mysterious animal guardians. Rella must find a way to defeat the plague ravishing the land and retrieve the red notebooks. Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy this adventure.

Some reviewers discuss errors in the manuscript but many of these appear to have been corrected in this rendition. The characters are interesting and the action fast-paced in the 300 page adventure.

I think younger middle-grade readers might find the read a bit difficult and would classify it more as a young adult read. A good discussion book for issues like friendship, inclusion, facing fears and cultivating humility.

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Chipper Sends Sunshine – a virtual blog tour and giveaway

This post is sponsored by Kimber Fox Morgan. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

From the Publisher:

Chipper Sends Sunshine  Written by Kimber Fox Morgan and Illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Creative, Simple Wonder Press | ISBN-13: 9781737038672

Publisher’s Synopsis: Chipper the Fox and his Arctic friends travel to summer camp for fun in the sun! After an amazing summer, how will they stay in touch with their new friends and keep their summer adventure going?

PURCHASE LINK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kimber Morgan is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kimber is a fun wife and imperfect mom of 3 crazy kiddos and two little lemon (problematic) dogs. She tries to live her strengths the best she can. Morgan is a homemade Halloween costume type of mom who lets her kids mix the Play-Doh. She bakes fun birthday cakes (cutely, but far from perfection) and loves a homemade Valentine and a school project.

Writing children’s books is an extension of her creative strength. She strives to create picture books that are beautiful, engaging, humorous, and with themes of acceptance and kindness. She hopes you love reading her works. Kimber is available for author visits and wants to connect with you.

Visit her on Instagram @kimbermorgan_writes and her website, kimberfoxmorgan.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

WARM WINTER WISHES

Chipper Sends Sunshine

Written by Kimber Fox Morgan

Illustrated by Kim Sponaugle

Chipper and his friends from the arctic region decide to go south on a camping vacation. When they arrive at Bright Stars Camp, they immediately forge new friendships. They engage in activities like archery, swimming, sunning on the beach, and racing competitions.

Alas, the time moves swiftly. How will they continue the bonds formed here over until seeing each other again next year.  Each of the arctic friends attempts to send gifts to their new friends, but none arrive safely. Finally, they discover the perfect gift. Can you guess what it is?

This charming rhyming, animal picture book contains illustrations that are delightful to look at and fun to read. I would suggest it as a bedtime story or group read aloud for preschool and primary grade children.

Enter for the chance to win a paperback copy of Chipper Sends Sunshine and an Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet! Good luck!

Enter for the chance to win a paperback copy of Chipper Sends Sunshine and an Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet! Good luck!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

  • A paperback copy of Chipper Sends Sunshine
  • An Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Tablet

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/JwK7Y/chipper-sends-sunshine-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE


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