AS A BOOK REVIEWER FROM THE INCEPTION OF THIS EVENT, I AM PROUD TO SHARE TWO WONDERFUL NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK EXAMPLES WITH YOU.

📚 Join us for the 11th Multicultural Children’s Book Day on 1/25/24! https://shorturl.at/wG389 🌍 Founded by two book-loving moms, Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen, this non-profit initiative celebrates diverse books and authors. Let’s spread the joy of multicultural literature to young readers and educators. #MCBD2024 #ReadYourWorld 📖

It Is Not What You Think

Old Clothes for Dinner?

Written by Nathalie Alonso

Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro

This multicultural picture book is a delight for a young child’s eyes, ears, and taste buds. The book packs a ton of information as well as a delightful story of a Cuban family’s culture and homelife.

Magaly and her brother’s grandmother from Cuba have recently joined the family in America. They are delighted with the delicious native recipes she cooks for the family. One day, when Magaly asks what is for dinner, her “abuela” replies “ropa vieja.” That translates to old clothes in English. Magaly and her brother, Camilo, hurry to search for and hide their favorite clothes. Turns out the joke will be on them.

This book targets an audience of children ages four through eight, but it delighted this adult as well. In addition to the interesting tale, the author includes recipes from around the world including their history, facts about Cuba, and details on how to cook two of the Cuban recipes from the story.

THE TREASURE IS IN EVERYDAY THINGS

Treasure Hunt

Written by Stephanie Wildman

Illustrated by Estefanía Razo

When Luis sees a delivery person with a huge cardboard box, he at once thinks of his younger twin siblings, Roberto, and Flor. Luis asks the worker to leave the box behind.

Roberto and Flor return home from school expecting to watch TV and play video games, but Luis has a better idea. He asks them if they would like to go on a treasure hunt. The twins cannot hold their excitement. Roberto hides clues in the kitchen, the bedroom, and the living room.

Flor and Roberto are puzzled when they find and name the objects. Luis brings them to the backyard and the gigantic cardboard box. Immediately, the twins know exactly what to do with it.

This book displays a loving multicultural family with strong sibling relationships. Elementary grade readers will love this colorful picture book with endearing, curious, and intelligent characters. Wildman enriches its value by providing detailed instructions for readers to create their own treasure hunt complete with props.

I highly recommend this interactive book for primary grade boys and girls who seek opportunities for creativity and imaginative activities to engage in at home.

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The Legend of Creepy Hollow: Tales of the Lost and Found

Written by Shana Gorian

Noah and his sister Oakley are visiting the Murphy farm and orchard in upstate New York with their friend, Andre. They are enjoying learning about farm life but one thing troubles Noah. He has failed his history exam and his parents will ground him if he fails to pick up his grades. To make matters worse, his parents are history teachers! Noah’s teacher has given him an opportunity to make things right. She offered him coordinates to participate in a geocache. A geocache is a global treasure hunt game whose goal is to find a hidden treasure. Noah is not enthusiastic until Murphy’s granddaughter, Annalise, shows interest. Noah has developed a bad crush on her. The four teens decide they will embark the next day to explore the coordinates.

Once engaged on the hunt things get complicated. A nineteenth century ghost scouts the area. Strange sounds and events pop up. Will the foursome find the treasure? Can they survive their paranormal adventure?

The autumn setting and eerie feel contrast the peaceful nature of the farm with the threats that loom over them. The author skillfully weaves history within the plot teaching about the Harvest and Hunter’s Moon while revealing plot elements. Mystery, coming of age, detectives, and fear combine to entice middle grade readers to turn each page.

I received an advance copy of the book from the author and voluntarily chose to read and review with my honest opinions for no monetary compensation.

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The Spirit of Steel (The Morus Chronicles Book 2)

Written by J. R. Roper

This exciting adventure novel is the perfect read for middle grade and young adult readers who enjoy fantasy, magic, compelling characters, and a plot with lots of twists and turns. I did not read the first book of this series, but will probably go back to it to see the evolution of these fascinating characters.

Ethan is a thirteen year old boy who has pledged himself to serve the Light. The forces of the Dark Side constantly rail against and attempt to thwart his search for treasure. Mel presents readers with a strong, fiercely independent female role model.

I won’t give away the plot, but their journey consists of nonstop adventures and excitement, packed with a few surprises to keep readers guessing. I hope for more adventures in this series.

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Arnold and Luis. Gold Rush

Written by Harvey Storm

I read the Kindle edition of this book in French. It was a cute story as a read-aloud for young children. The illustrations are well executed and the colors are vibrant and appealing. I would also recommend the book as a beginning chapter book as the characters are well developed and promote sustained interest.

Arnold, the moose, live at the edge of the forest. He has always been a dreamer, longing to live in the south on the beach. One day his friend, Louis, the goose, suggests they go on an adventure to find lost treasure. Arnold jumps at the chance. Arnold has already done research on the internet, in old records, and letters, as well as digging into his search for riches.

Louis and Arnold team up with the help of other friends in the forest. They pack their gear and go on on an adventure. Along the way, they encounter many physical obstacles as well as dangers. One day they find the long-awaited treasure, but getting it home safely is a lot more difficult than they anticipate.

Will the two fearless friends be successful in finding a new life of luxury or will they discover that the virtues of honesty, decency and mutual respect matter more than monetary gain? Read the first book in this charming multilingual adventure series.

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The Hunt for the Well Hidden Treasure: K.I.D.S. Adventure Series

Written by Bob Sheard and Timothy Taylor

 

El Cazador, a Spanish pirate, has just stolen The King’s Cross, but his ship is surrounded by cannon fire. Desperate to escape, he slips over the side of his ship, deserting the rest of his crew. As he makes his way to shore, he knows that the Mexican revolutionaries will soon be after him. The captain decides to bury the heavy chest.

Almost two hundred years later on September 15, 2013, the town of Knightsbridge, California is going wild with the news that skeletal remains of a notorious pirate have been found by hikers in a cavern. His leather journal lay nearby containing the details that he was returning to find a hidden treasure. Professional organizations and local treasure hunters are already hard at work seeking to discover the chest.

Will and his father have recently moved to Knightsbridge; Will has few friends. He is intelligent and clever and immediately becomes interested in treasure-hunting. When Mikey discovers Will’s research notes, he cannot wait to share them with his two best friends, Evelyn and Susan. Fate and mutual curiosity will throw  all of them together into a partnership. The foursome will face challenges from international organizations, fellow students and entrepreneurs, but they will pool their intelligence, computer skills, and mechanical abilities to sort through all possibilities until they finally solve the mystery.

Will they find the treasure and become rich? Needless to say, the adventure leaves them determined to set up a detective agency to solve future mysteries and reward readers with lots of adventures. This book has a plot with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, the dialogue is authentic to middle grade students, and the characters appealing and well-developed. Targeted for ages eight through twelve, but written well enough for older teens as well. Detective story fans might just have a new series to follow.

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