A beautifully written rhyming picture book that captures the imagination of a child and the adult who reads. it.
A child views time through the days of the week, the months of the year, and its seasons. The lovely color pastels complement the mood of the text perfectly. While all of us never seem to have enough time, seeing the concept envisioned through the eyes of a child is refreshing and perceptive. After reading this tale, the mood felt is restful and calming just like the beautiful illustrations.
Recommended for a child of any age, but I feel adults will enjoy it just as much.
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Publisher’s Synopsis: Freedom for lobsters! The second in the Eudora Space Kid series: a hilariously funny, early reader sci-fi chapter book perfect for elementary-aged kids. Can Eudora and her best friend, Arnold, rescue her favorite lobsters from becoming the next meal at the spaceship’s New Year’s buffet?
Eudora is a normal third-grader who just happens to live on a 36 deck AstroLiner. In SPACE! As a math and science whiz who’s been adopted by what you might call . . . aliens, she has normal ambitions—like being the chief engineer on an AstroLiner. But when her favorite lobsters on board appear on the menu at Chef Franklin’s dinner buffet, Eudora and her best friend, Arnold, hatch a plan to break them out. Will they save their crustacean friends? Or will they end up locked in the ship’s brig? Again . . .
Brilliant for engaging emergent and early chapter book readers.
David Horn lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters, and a funny dog named Trixie. He is a huge science fiction fan and loves reading science fiction books from both the old and new greats. His daughters inherited his love of science fiction and love watching sci-fi shows like Star Trek, Babylon 5, Stargate, and Star Wars. The Eudora Space Kid early reader chapter book series started as funny stories he told his daughters at dinner to get milk to come out of their noses. He hopes your children love Eudora’s silly antics in space too and milk comes out of their noses too!
Eudora Jenkins is a third-grader who lives on a spaceship in the future. She is a math, science, and engineering genius. Her home, The Athena, is a space vessel protecting the Planetary Republic. Its crew consists of humans and space aliens.
This book is the second in the series but can easily be a stand-alone story. Readers quickly learn that Athena and her best friend, Arnold have a penchant for getting into trouble for their pranks and landing in the brig. At the beginning of the tale, they inject dancing music while the crew is engaged in a battle drill on the bridge. More trouble looms when they decide to rescue the lobsters doomed to be on the menu for a special buffet dinner. Eudora never runs out of clever ideas that get her into trouble. Will Eudora succeed? How long will the adults tolerate her schemes?
This sci-fi series contains humor, imagination, pranks, and clever characters. Perfect choice for elementary grade students learning to read chapter books. The black and white illustrations assist with attention retention and are enticing for reluctant readers. A bonus word search activity at the end continues the fun.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A little boy is afraid of thunder. He decides he must put his foot down and conquer this fear. He ventures off on a trip to the sky with helium balloons. Once there he meets all kinds of fascinating scenarios like a pirate ship and a family of dinosaurs who are eating their delicious pie.
Bonus extras include a yummy recipe for Berry Crumb pie. Children will lose their anxiety about thunder and enjoy a delightful rhyming picture book filled with imaginative pictures and verse. I particularly like the color enhancement of key vocabulary words and the font that is friendly for dyslexic readers.
Recommended for parents and teachers of children ages three through eight.
Looking for more learning opportunities for the family.
Publisher’s Synopsis: The newest Game On! Awesome Activities for Clever Kids title, this activity book has dozens of new and challenging brain games for ages 8 to 12. More than 100 colorful puzzles feature the excitement and adventure of the United States, including crosswords, secret codes, word scrambles, spot the differences, mazes, and much more. It’s the perfect book for at home or on the go, and the fun starts with just a pencil — no electricity or batteries needed! Complete solutions appear at the end of the book.
Patrick Merrell is a professional puzzlemaker, cartoonist, writer, illustrator, and graphic designer. He’s one of MAD magazine’s “Usual Gang of Idiots.” He’s created over 250 books, including 75 puzzle books, and written 81 crosswords for The New York Times (including 19 Sundays). Six of his Times crosswords appear in Will Shortz Picks His Favorite Puzzles, the most of any constructor. From 2009 to 2011, he wrote for Wordplay, the daily online crossword column for The New York Times. He’s also created puzzles for the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, People, Sports Illustrated, MAD, National Wildlife Foundation, Crayola, Scholastic, the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, the World Puzzle Championship, and many, many others.
MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK
IT’S A PUZZLEMENT…
Game On! USA! Awesome Activities for Clever Kids
Designed by Patrick Merrell
This is book three in the Game on series targeted for students in grades three to six or ages eight through twelve. It contains 144 pages of puzzles accompanied by coloring illustrations that cover a wide variety of subjects. While the focus is placed on the USA, the book’s puzzles develop visual acuity skills, math skills, vocabulary, and fine motor development.
I would use it as a go to on those rainy days when the children are bored or as a learning resource while traveling across country in the car or on the airplane. Some of the puzzles are easier and will appeal to younger children, while the coding and crosswords could be a shared activity among younger and older siblings.
Only a pencil and a good imagination are required. Ditch the electronics and go back to paper and pencil brain enrichment.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a set of three Game On! Awesome Activities for Kids books!
Three (3) winners receive:
A copy of Game On! Awesome Activities for Clever Kids
A copy of Game On! MORE Awesome Activities for Clever Kids
A copy of Game On! USA: Awesome Activities for Clever Kids
The giveaway begins May 31, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Publisher’s Synopsis: Join Itty Bitty Betty in this thrilling story as she tries to sneak a tasty treat without Mommy knowing!
Itty Bitty Betty was small as can be,
About as tall as her mom’s knee.
After a fun day out by the sea,
Itty Bitty wanted cookies for tea!
Buy the Book
A Note From the Author
Wishing you all continued blessings and love. I am a specimen of my experiences. I am a survivor, super mom, entrepreneur, author, and future civil rights attorney. I love sweets, travel and good hugs. I have a background in business and project management and enjoy a fun discussion about our economy. However, as a political child advocate and PTA president for 2 schools I fight for and with families against sexual trauma, personal and civil rights. I enjoy a good book, smiles on faces when I tickle them and the imagination a child’s mind can conjure. I pray my book open eyes, spark life and give you warm feelings. Thank you for visiting me here. Happy reading!
Betty is a tiny toddler who barely comes up to an adult’s knee. On the other hand, Betty possesses a big appetite and a tremendous amount of determination.
After spending a day at the sea, Betty comes into the kitchen and spies a jar of her mom’s delicious cookies on a high shelf. She enlists the aid of her cat and finds a ladder to assist her in her mission. Kerplunk! Betty lands on her bottom with a thud. Undeterred, she refuses to give up until she hears, her mother cry “FREEZE”
Betty is an adorable character with whom toddlers and preschoolers will readily empathize. Beautiful multicultural illustrations and expressive rhymes are sure to please the zero to five age audience.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win an Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A hardcover copy of Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies, autographed by Sandrian Nelson-Moon
A copy of Itty Bitty Betty & The Cookies: Activity And Coloring Book
A $25 Amazon gift card
A set of Limited Edition Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies bookmarks, a keychain, and stickers
Two (2) winners receive:
A paperback copy of Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies, autographed by Sandrian Nelson-Moon
A set of Limited Edition Itty Bitty Betty & the Cookies bookmarks, a keychain, and stickers
The giveaway begins April 12, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends May 12, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Publisher’s Synopsis: Wildly funny and inventive, this interactive book pulls you, the reader, into the action. Yes, YOU!
You wake up in the fictional land of Astorya, where stories from our world come to life. You’re a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil, you have the power to create: what you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story!
Only you can rescue Prince S. from the evil Queen Rulette. Aided by the Couriers–a French stoat with dangerous dance moves, a giant dung beetle, a fire ninja, a Pegasus-centaur-cowgirl and a super-intelligent femalien chameleon—you must write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure and prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword.
When the authors tell the reader that this book is like no other in the first sentence, they are not exaggerating. This interactive book places the reader in the driver’s seat; the only requirements are a pencil and an active imagination.
You, as the reader, become the protagonist. You wake up on a beach with no memory of who you are. Next, you find a piece of paper with a message from Prince S., pleading to be rescued. Then you discover a pencil in your pocket.
In this strange world pizzas fly around the sky, trees talk, and you meet a tiny rodent called a stoat named Manteau who speaks French. You find out that you are in the land of Astorya, where everything is a story. The stoat tells you that you must travel to rescue the prince. Along the way to the Fuschia Purple Palace where he is held captive, you will be chased by Rubots, Ninjas, bandits, meet pirates, and work your way through the land of Doodles.
You will be required to use that pencil to write your story. Readers are encouraged to fill in the blanks of scripts written inside this book. As a bonus, young readers can expand their vocabulary and creative writing skills. Andrews helps you to visualize the imaginary characters through his black and white illustrations.
I promise you an exciting journey with lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending. Attention readers ages eight though twelve, buckle your seat belts and sign up for the journey.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Alana Harrison and Drew Callander have spent their lives telling stories and cracking jokes. Alana graduated from The College of William and Mary with a degree in Comedic Writing and Performance. Drew graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Fiction Writing. Together they have created cartoons and short films with Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, John Oliver, and Kristen Schaal. Their work as writers and improv comedians has aired on Sirius XM Radio, NBC, and Comedy Central. Mightier Than the Sword is their first book series. They live with their two kids and one exquisitely talented cat (none of whom help with the dishes).
ABOUT THE IllUSTRATOR
Ryan Andrews lives in the Japanese countryside, with his wife, two kids, and their dog, Lucky. A friendly Kodama or two have been known to take up residence in the giant acorn tree that shades the house. Ryan often works at his drawing desk in the early-morning hours, to the sound of rummaging wild boar and badgers, who come from the surrounding forest seeking out shiitake mushrooms and fallen chestnuts.
Publisher’s Synopsis: A young child discovers the solution for falling asleep is not always quiet and silent, like counting slow, slimy snails. Sometimes, a room full of happy dances, shirts in a tie-dyed swirl, and mischief-making sheep are just the ticket!
Ages 3-8 | Publisher: Doodle and Peck Publishing | February 2, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1733717083
A little boy can’t get to sleep. He is distracted by the moonlight shining through his window. Rather than getting up to close the curtains, he decides to stay in his warm, cozy bed and count sheep instead.
The poor child has made a big mistake. The sheep decide to wreak havoc, they toss his toys around, echo animal sounds, play games, scribbled on the walls, and ate his snacks. When the next night comes, the boy changes his mind and counts snails instead. Will this poor child ever get a good night’s sleep?
The richly, illustrated picture book is written in rhyme with rich vocabulary. Barrow’s illustrations evoke a calm mood that contrasts well with the active nature of the mischievous sheep and snoring snails.
A delightful bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raven Howell is an award-winning children’s author and poet of nine picture books. She writes poetry for a variety of children’s magazines including Highlights, The School Magazine, Humpty Dumpty, and Cricket. Frequently sharing book presentations and writing workshops with children in schools and libraries, Raven also serves as Creative & Publishing Advisor with Red Clover Reader. Her family, long dawn hikes, being at the beach, and munching on warm butterscotch chocolate chip cookies straight out of the oven are all sources of writing inspiration. Visit her website: www.ravenhowell.com.
Enter for a chance to win a Raven Howell book prize pack!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A copy of A Flock of Fun autographed by Raven Howell
A copy of Glimmer autographed by Raven Howell
A copy of Shimmer autographed by Raven Howell
A copy of So You Want a Puppy? autographed by Raven Howell
A copy of Greetings! autographed by Raven Howell
A copy of My Community autographed by Raven Howell
A Flock of Fun throw pillow
A Flock of Fun jigsaw puzzle
A pair of sheep socks
Nineteen (19) winners receive:
A copy of A Flock of Fun autographed by Raven Howell
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are eighteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.
Doodle and Peck is responsible for prize fulfillment.
Publisher’s Synopsis: Away We Go Land is a picture book that launches kid’s imaginations to a carnival on the moon, where there are no tickets needed, and it’s fun for all.
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Austin is a schoolboy with a vivid imagination and a yen for travel. On this particular day, Austin is imagining that he is transported to Australia for the day. He takes his readers on many journeys including riding on a dirt bike, surfing, deep sea diving, and hiking as he traverses the continent. Austin meets a native friend named Alinga and explores with her. They discover indigenous creatures like koalas, kangaroos, sugar gliders and emus.
This book is richly illustrated with simple, bright images that invoke lots of details. The whole story is written in rhyme that works for the most part. Targeted for children in grades one through six, I feel it is particularly appropriate for grades two through four. It provides an introduction to life in Australia.
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February 19, 2023
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