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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Written by Kristina Tanso

Illustrated by Sofie Engstrom Von Alten

Ages 4+ | 36 Pages

Publisher: Life Unfiltered Books | ISBN-13: 9781738414000

Publisher’s Book Summary: Join Milo – an adorable French Bulldog – as he embarks on his very first adventure! Simply by clapping his little paws together and jumping on his magic skateboard, Milo takes flight and explores Europe! This fun, heart-warming adventure will charm children and adults alike, while exploring different iconic places and cultures!

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristina Tanso is an animal lover whose life changed the day she rescued Milo from the streets of Hong Kong in May 2019. Milo and His Magic Skateboard is inspired by the real-life adventures the duo have had since: prompted by Kristina’s affinity for travel, and Milo’s curious personality. Kristina is also the author of the critically acclaimed psychological thriller, Bad Things (2023); and is a producer on Searching/or Chinook, a documentary about the future survival of the last remaining Southern resident orcas, starring Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones).

An advocate for mental health and spiritual well-being, Kristina’s articles on the topic are regularly featured on Medium. Outside of writing, Kristina works at the University of Oxford, and serves as a guest professor at a university in Asia.

You can learn more about Kristina and her work at www.kristinatanso.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Written by Kristina Tanso

Illustrated by Sofie Engstrom Von Alten

I once had a cat named Milo. That’s why I immediately identified with Milo.

In this picture book adventure, Milo is a French Bulldog living in Milan with a yen for travel. He loves being home with his mistress but when she departs for work, Milo picks up his magic skateboard and cruises across the continent.

Milo transports his reader friends to Paris, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Spain, and Rome where they are treated to a whirlwind tour of the famous sites in each country. Milo enjoys his adventures, but soon realizes something is missing. He longs to cuddle beside his owner.

Milo teaches us the value of experiencing new places, but, in the end, we long for the safety and comfort of home and the people we love.

Illustrations are simple, colorful, and appealing to the targeted primary grade reader. Rhymes add to the appeal of reading this adventure out loud.  

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Milo and His Magic Skateboard and a customized sketch of Milo!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/nkYML/milo-and-his-magic-skateboard-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 25, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Tuesday, March 26, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Wednesday, March 27, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Kristina Tanso

Thursday, March 28, 2024Pages for PaigeBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Friday, March 29, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Kristina Tanso

Monday, April 1, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Tuesday, April 2, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Wednesday, April 3, 2024Froggy Read TeachBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Thursday, April 4, 2024Deliciously SavvyAuthor Article by Kristina Tanso

Friday, April 5, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Monday, April 8, 2024Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Tuesday, April 9, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Wednesday, April 10, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Thursday, April 11, 2024Q&A with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Kristina Tanso

Monday, April 15, 2024Me Two BooksA Book Activity to Pair with Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Tuesday, April 16, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAuthor Article by Kristina Tanso

Wednesday, April 17, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Written by Sherry Ellis

Ages 8+ | 104 Pages

Publisher: Dancing Lemur Press | ISBN-13: 9781939844989

Publisher’s Book Summary: Bubba and Squirt are back for another rousing quest as they travel through the mysterious vortex to Paris, France. It’s another wild adventure as they track down art thieves, encounter terrifying monsters, and discover the whereabouts of their missing father.

Will they make it out alive or join the rest of the skeletons in the City of Bones?

Coming Soon: The fourth book in the series, Bubba and Squirt’s Shield of Athena, will be released on May 7, 2024, and the final book, Bubba and Squirt’s Legend of the Lost Pearl, will be released in September 2024.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Bookshop.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis has previously published Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China; Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure; Don’t Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN; and That Mama is a Grouch. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information about her work, she invites you to visit her website at www.sherryellis.org.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

NO BONES ABOUT IT

Bubba and Squirt City of Bones (Book 3 in the series)

Written by Sherry Ellis

This is the third book in a series featuring siblings, Bubba, and his younger sister, Squirt. In their first adventure, they travel through time back to Xian, China and the second hurls them back to the Mayan Empire. Each journey leads to a mystery they must solve and the possibility of never returning to the present.

This third adventure finds the pair falling through a vortex to ancient catacombs in Paris where they will encounter lots of creepy skeletons and nefarious characters in their attempt to rescue their father. The author relates the story with each sibling taking turns narrating the tale chapter by chapter. Combining history, fantasy, and a mystery adventure with lots of twists and turns creates a winning combination for middle grade readers, though I must admit it holds the interest of adults as well. Ellis supplies a glossary of information and a recipe as bonus items.

I highly recommend this educational and entertaining read for anyone age eight and older.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an autographed copy of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones and a $50 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/SqDwK/bubba-and-squirts-city-of-bones-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, January 16, 2024The Children’s Book ReviewBook Tour Kick-Off

Wednesday, January 17, 2024icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, January 18, 2024The Momma SpotBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Friday, January 19, 2024Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

Monday, January 22, 2024Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Tuesday, January 23, 2024Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by Sherry Ellis

Wednesday, January 24, 2024Barbara Ann MojicaBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, January 24, 2024A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones and Little Free Library Drop

Friday, January 25, 2024One More ExclamationBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Monday, February 5, 2024The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Tuesday, February 6, 2024Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Wednesday, February 7, 2024Twirling Book PrincessBook Spotlight of Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones

Thursday, February 8, 2024My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

Friday, February 9, 2024Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Sherry Ellis

  

This post is sponsored by Maria Castellucci Moore. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Vivienne in Paris

Written by Maria Castellucci Moore

Illustrated by Emanuela Mannello

Ages 4+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 9781637551431

Publisher’s Book Summary: Vivienne in Paris follows a young Parisian girl on a journey through Paris to find what makes her tick. Join Vivienne as she discovers the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the city that make her feel alive. What better place to explore, observe, and delight in her senses than Paris?

This book tells a story of mindfulness and insight into how the surrounding world can really move you. It unites curiosity, wonder, and marvel to enlighten, surprise, and tickle your deepest spirit. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that bring you the greatest joy.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Bookshop.org

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Owner Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children. Maria Castellucci Moore strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures.

María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship, and later pursued studying at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, Maria founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts.

María resides in Saint Helena, California, with her husband and four young children. She enjoys writing; traveling; attending the opera, ballet, and symphony; flower arranging; winemaking; ballroom dancing; and playing tennis and the piano.

For more information, visit https://mariacastelluccimooreauthor.com/.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

PARIS REVEALED

Vivienne in Paris

Written by Maria Castellucci Moore

Illustrated by Emanuela Mannello

Come tour Paris through the eyes of a child. Vivienne takes the advice of her grandfather who counsels her to experience her favorite places by opening her mind and heart.

Vivienne sets off on her bicycle to revisit her favorite friends and places in Paris. This time she allows her senses to totally immerse her. She smells the food, the flowers, touches the fabrics, feels the wind, sees the beauty of its buildings, and hears its voices. Suddenly, ordinary surroundings flood her body and mind with rich imagery. Vivienne’s readers magically accompany her on a journey that feeds their imagination.

I appreciate the way Moore challenges her readers with new vocabulary, exciting verbs, and fanciful forms. The beautiful illustrations complement the text perfectly and entice elementary school age readers to travel to Paris on an armchair adventure they will want to repeat over and over.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Vivienne in Paris and a Kindle!

One (1) winner receives:

– A hardcover copy of Vivienne in Paris signed by Maria Castellucci Moore

– A Kindle (2022 release)

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/clKQG/vivienne-in-paris-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 2, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Wednesday, May 3, 2023The Momma SpotA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Thursday, May 4, 2023Me Two BooksA book activity paired with Vivienne in Paris

Friday, May 5, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor interview with Maria Castellucci Moore

Monday, May 8, 2023My Reading GetawayA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Tuesday, May 9, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Wednesday, May 10, 2023Barbara Ann MojicaA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Thursday, May 11, 2023Lisa’s ReadingA book activity paired with Vivienne in Paris

Friday, May 12, 2023Twirling Book PrincessAuthor interview with Maria Castellucci Moore

Monday, May 15, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Tuesday, May 16, 2023The Review WireA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Wednesday, May 17, 2023Heart to HeartAuthor interview with Maria Castellucci Moore

Thursday, May 18, 2023Crafty Moms ShareA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Friday, May 19, 2023The Fairview ReviewA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Monday, May 22, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Tuesday, May 23, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Wednesday, May 24, 2023Because I Said SoA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Thursday, May 25, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksA book review of Vivienne in Paris

Tuesday, May 30, 2023The Growing Readers PodcastAuthor interview with Maria Castellucci Moore

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

Harley James and the Trouble in Paris

Written by Leah Cupps

Another fun, fast read from the mystery adventure series that features Harley, an almost twelve-year-old cryptologist and official member of The Society for Mysterious Objects. She is the daughter of a famous, archaeologist, Russell James. Harley and her dog, Daisy are accompanying her father on a new job outside of Paris.

An announcement that an object has been stolen from the Louvre sets the plot in motion. Harley joins an educational group of young explorers and meets Veronica, her partner for this adventure. They feel duty-bound to explore the clues and solve the mystery. The setting of underground catacombs provides an eerie background for the middle-grade target audience but this fast-moving adventure will hold the interest of any age reader. Likeable characters, entertaining black and white illustrations, and short chapters appeal to beginning or reluctant readers. Each book of the series stands independently and apart from the rest.

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Nibolene Falls in a Doughnut Hole
by Maria Calanchini

 

This book is one of the collection of Goop tales based on 52 imaginary creatures called Goops who represent the bad habits of children. Does that make them horrible creatures? You will see that they are charming and adventurous as each of them finds a way to visit an exciting destination. They teach you new vocabulary words and introduce you to fun facts about foreign places. In this particular adventure, Nibolene is a little girl Goop who likes to eat too much.

The author introduces her in a poem:

 

Ah, Nibolene, Sweet Nibolene,
Was neat and spic and span and clean!
She told the truth, indeed, she did,
And always did as she was bid
Yet, she nibbled like a bull
And soon she felt far too full!

Nibolene’s favorite food  is doughnuts. One day while eating one, she fell into the doughnut hole and found herself in a French bakery shop. Reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. Here she meets Esmeralda, a little French dog who wears a beret and speaks with a French accent. Esmeralda tells Nibolene that she was named after a character in the Hunchback of Notre Dame story. She offers to show Nibolene the famous cathedral, but cautions her to beware of the gargoyles who can come to life if they see something that they don’t like. You might be able to guess what happens when Nibolene falls asleep in the cathedral. She has quite a scary adventure which allows the reader to experience more of the sights of Paris. Will Nibolene ever find her way back to the patisserie and climb back into the doughnut hole that will transport her back to Goop land?

Calanchini delights and entertains her readers, but also provides them with a glossary of French and English vocabulary to help them understand the language and culture. There are beautiful photographs of  Parisian foods and landmarks. Younger children will enjoy the silliness of the story, while and older child will appreciate learning about the language, culture and history of Paris, I feel the book would be appropriate for ages 5-12. Calanchini has a website GoopTales.com and a Facebook Goop Tales page. Children are encouraged to watch and listen to Goop Tales or download a partially finished tale and write their own ending. I heartily recommend this highly entertaining and informative series.