Yearly Archives: 2023

May 25, 2023 · 7:00 am

Mishaps of Marvelouz Witch: Marvelouz Grows a Garden (The Mishaps of Marvelouz Witch Book 2) by Karen Fronterhouse (Book Review)


Marvelouz sees her sister’s beautiful garden and she immediately wants one of her own. Without any sort of research, she tries to create what her sister has and is surprised when it is not as easy as she thought it would be. Who is Cody at the local feed and seed? And where did that familiar-looking mushroom come from? Another lesson to be learned as a young witch hones her magic skills in the middle 1800s in Ricochet Forest.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

I didn’t read book one in The Mishaps of Marvelouz Witch series, but book two takes us on a wild journey as the young witch attempts to grow a beautiful garden like her older witch sister, Sparkleful. 

As the story begins, we catch up with Marvelouz, who was gifted a private dwelling for her thirteenth birthday. The customary “coming-out” gift allows a young witch to practice magic safely and privately. This present was perfect for Marvelouz since her spells tended to backfire. Her lack of magical control came into play as the story progressed. 

Marvelouz idolized her older sister, Sparkleful. Marvelouz wanted to do everything Sparkleful did for no other reason than to prove she could. When Marvelouz flew to her sister’s garden, her eyes became saucers. Before the witch stood the grandest garden she’d ever seen, and Marvelouz knew she had to create one herself. 

Marvelouz made several mistakes during the adventure. She should’ve taken her time and had patience with the process. She should’ve asked for assistance. Marvelouz wasn’t technically alone in the gardening fiasco. The witch had Pounce by her side. Ponce was a black cat and Marvelouz’s “pairing.” People who read paranormal/supernatural stories might recognize the word “familiar.” “Pairing” and “familiar” are (basically) the same thing. 

Pounce was a magical cat. He communicates with humans using puff messages. When Pounce has something to say, he sends the thought up in little clouds of smoke, and the picture forms to show it. The artistry of his thoughts was spectacular. Every illustration was well-crafted. 

Marvelouz and Pounce gardening skills need tweaking. While they managed to grow crops and flowers, her garden didn’t resemble the ones we’d see in our yards. Her garden became animated and not in a sweet, fairy tale way. Her plants were angry. They had eyes and fangs. Marvelouz’s spell backfired in epic proportions. She needed help and relied on a talking crow to forward her SOS to Sparkelful. 

Mishaps of Marvelouz Witch: Marvelouz Grows a Garden had humor, suspense, and action. Karen Fronterhouse created unique characters and a storyline that will fascinate elementary students. 

While the story had many great attributes, one being Julez the fanged blue mushroom, it also contained numerous editing mistakes. Despite the hiccups, I recommend the story to young readers who enjoy magic-infused reads. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I’ve always loved magic. I have spent my life working in accounting and being a single mom. The house, yard, job and all that goes with it. I love camping, fishing, gardening, dollhouses, Christmas and Halloween decorations. I laugh every day at my little dogs. They are my joy. Now that life is slowing down I’m taking the time to pursue my passion for writing fantasy fiction. I hope you all enjoy it and may you smile at least once.

A special thank you to Joe Camp, a master storyteller, for all his expert guidance, advice, and most of all his patience. It meant everything to me. Many thanks to my sister, who is also my best friend, for all the support and punctuation corrections and for reading the story over and over until it was complete. I’d be lost without you. Also thanks to my many Mountain friends who were so supportive and positive along the way.

Reedsy Author Link

 

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May 23, 2023 · 7:00 am

When Mom Travels for Work by Kristopher Goeden (Book Review)

WHEN MOM TRAVELS FOR WORKhelps kids understand why parents sometimes need to leave their loved ones when they travel for work. The story explains why parents work, what they do while they are gone, and how important their children are to them even when they’re away.

This picturesque child’s book explains mommy has to leave for work, but her love and thoughts are always with you.
In When Dad Travels for Work, we met a sweet boy whose father had to travel for his job. In When Mom Travels for Work, we meet a mom traveling down a curvy road while her daughter sleeps peacefully at home.

Sometimes dads must travel for work, and sometimes it is the mother. While a mom is away on business, the rest of the family must work as a team to tackle chores. They might not all be fun, but being kind, supportive, and helpful is important.

Thanks to technology, when a parent is away, you can see and talk to them with a few simple clicks. Facetime or Zoom calls bring families together when circumstances cause them to part.

When Mom Travels for Work explains to children that some parents must go away so they can provide for them. Their job pays for the food they eat, among other things. It also explains just because your mom is away on business, that doesn’t mean she isn’t thinking of you or missing you—quite the contrary. A parent’s love is constant no matter where they are resting their head at night. They count the minutes until they see you again.

The drawings were lovely again, like with When Dad Travels for Work. I love the warm tones and how they beautifully illustrate the love in this happy family.

**Remember to check out the illustrated maze before the title page or at the back of the book. It’s a fun mini game that children would adore navigating. Encourage them to start at “home” and travel down the winding roads to reach each destination on the map. Just watch out for motor vehicles!

If your 3 to 7-year-old has difficulty adjusting to mom working outside the home or with their parent having to go on a business trip, read them When Mom Travels for Work. It’s a story worth reading!

Book Details:

  • Beautifully illustrated in stunning detail.
  • An engaging and rhythmic read for adults to read to their children when a parent is away from home.
  • Meaningful reminders to children why they are so special written in rhyme and easy to remember.
  • A great conversation starter to discuss roles within the home and how the children can be helpful and contribute.
  • Includes a maze activity in the front and back cover for children to complete.
  • Great for bedtime, reading aloud, group discussion, and improving children’s own reading skills.
  • Includes a few challenging words which offer wonderful opportunities for vocabulary enrichment.
  • Ideal for children ages 2-10.
  • Makes a thoughtful gift.

Perfect for:

  • Traveling Parents
  • Emerging preschool and kindergarten readers
  • Gift for birthday, baby shower, business conference giveaways and any occasion
  • Fans of books about business, travel, and family life.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

In When Dad Travels for Work, we met a sweet boy whose father had to travel for his job. In When Mom Travels for Work, we meet a mom traveling down a curvy road while her daughter sleeps peacefully at home. 

Sometimes dads have to travel for work, and sometimes it is the mother. While a mom is away on business, the rest of the family must work as a team to tackle chores. They might not all be fun, but being kind, supportive, and helpful is important. 

Thanks to technology, when a parent is away, you can see and talk to them with a few simple clicks. Facetime or Zoom calls bring families together when circumstances cause them to part. 

When Mom Travels for Work explains to children that some parents have to go away so they can provide for them. Their job pays for the food they eat, among other things. It also explains just because your mom is away on business, that doesn’t mean she isn’t thinking of you or missing you—quite the contrary. A parent’s love is constant no matter where they are resting their head at night. They count the minutes until they see you again.

The drawings were again lovely, like with When Dad Travels for Work. I love the warm tones and how they beautifully illustrate the love in this happy family. I was pleased to see this book also featured the same maze as in When Dad Travels for Work.

If your 3 to 7-year-old has difficulty adjusting to mom working outside the home or with their parent having to go on a business trip, read them When Mom Travels for Work. This picturesque child’s book explains that mommy has to leave for work, but her love and thoughts are always with you. It’s a story worth reading! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Check out Kristopher Goeden’s website for free coloring pages and mazes! https://www.kristophergoeden.com/

 

 

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May 22, 2023 · 7:00 am

When Dad Travels for Work by Kristopher Goeden (Book Review)

WHEN DAD TRAVELS FOR WORK helps kids understand why parents sometimes need to leave their loved ones when they travel for work. The story explains why parents work, what they do while they are gone, and how important their children are to them even when they’re away.

For many parents, their job requires them to work outside the home. Sometimes, it even involves flying thousands of miles away. Often, they are gone for several days. When Dad Travels for Work by Kristopher James Goeden explains why parents work, what they do while they are gone, and how important their children are to them even when they’re away.

Parents must work to provide for their families: food, shelter, clothing, and more. While they are away, kids typically help out at home. The young boy in this picture book helped with everyday chores without complaint. He wheeled the trash bins to the road, mowed the grass, and made his bed. He did it with a smile on his face!

This charming story alerts children that a father misses his family dearly when he’s gone. Even though his body may be hundreds or thousands of miles away, his thoughts are with his family every second of every day.

When Dad Travels for Work shows a father’s love for his family and how this particular dad travels so he can provide for them. It shows the joy this loving family experiences when they are reunited. SWEET!

A parent’s need to travel for work can be challenging for little kids to adjust to. They may not understand why their parent must leave them. I encourage you to share this charming story with 2 to 8-year-olds who need help understanding a parent’s need to travel for work. It will also help a child realize their parent is missing them as much as they are missing their parent.

Remember to check out the illustrated maze before the title page or at the back of the book. It’s a fun mini game that children would adore navigating. Encourage them to start at “home” and travel down the winding roads to reach each destination on the map. Just watch out for motor vehicles!

Book Details:

  • Beautifully illustrated in stunning detail.
  • An engaging and rhythmic read for adults to read to their children when a parent is away from home.
  • Meaningful reminders to children why they are so special written in rhyme and easy to remember.
  • A great conversation starter to discuss roles within the home and how the children can be helpful and contribute.
  • Includes a maze activity in the front and back cover for children to complete.
  • Great for bedtime, reading aloud, group discussion, and improving children’s own reading skills.
  • Includes a few challenging words which offer wonderful opportunities for vocabulary enrichment.
  • Ideal for children ages 2-8.
  • Makes a thoughtful gift.

Perfect for:

  • Traveling Parents
  • Emerging preschool and kindergarten readers
  • Gift for birthday, baby shower, business conference giveaways and any occasion
  • Fans of books about business, travel, and family life.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

For many parents, their job requires them to work outside the home. Sometimes, it even involves flying thousands of miles away. Often, they are gone for several days. When Dad Travels for Work by Kristopher James Goeden explains why parents work, what they do while they are gone, and how important their children are to them even when they’re away.

Parents must work to provide for their families: food, shelter, clothing, and more. While they are away, kids typically help out at home. The young boy in this picture book helped with everyday chores without complaint. He wheeled the trash bins to the road, mowed the grass, and made his bed. He did it with a smile on his face! 

This charming story alerts children that a father misses his family dearly when he’s gone. Even though his body may be hundreds or thousands of miles away, his thoughts are with his family every second of every day. 

When Dad Travels for Work shows a father’s love for his family and how this particular dad travels so he can provide for them. It shows the joy this loving family experiences when they are reunited. SWEET!

A parent’s need to travel for work can be challenging for little kids to adjust to. They may not understand why their parent must leave them. I encourage you to share this charming story with 3 to 7-year-olds who need help understanding a parent’s need to travel for work. I’ll also help a child realize their parent is missing them as much as they are missing their parent. 

Remember to check Csilla Szegedi’s illustrated maze before the title page or at the back of the book. It’s a fun mini game that children would adore navigating. Encourage them to start at “home” and travel down the winding roads to reach each destination on the map. Just watch out for motor vehicles! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Check out Kristopher Goeden’s website for free coloring pages and mazes! https://www.kristophergoeden.com/

 

 

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May 18, 2023 · 7:00 am

Little Sammy Square Finds His Voice by Lisa R. Thomas, M.Ed (Book Review)

In a family of circles, Little Sammy Square struggles to fit in. He is very different from the rest of his family members. They are all circles, and he is a little square. Everyone in his circle family plays an instrument, but not Little Sammy Square. This makes Sammy feel very sad. He doesn’t like to feel different. He wishes he could be just like everyone else. Little Sammy will soon discover a special treasure. This treasure will help him to see that he doesn’t have to be just like everyone else to fit in. Will Little Sammy find his treasure before it’s too late?

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Little Sammy is a square who lives in a family of circles. Sammy wishes he could be round-shaped like them. He wishes he could play a musical instrument like them too. He wants to fit in. Period.

Sammy’s family loves to make music together. Each member excels with their instrument of choice. Macie plays the bass while the other sister, Tracie, tickles the ivories. Sammy’s dad harmonizes with his saxophone while mom adds the pounding beat of the drums. Sammy attempts to rock out with several instruments but can’t find his perfect match. The children’s book explains why Sammy couldn’t or wouldn’t play each musical device. 

Sammy was understandably sad when he tried unsuccessfully to “fit in.” It’s hard to feel like an outsider, especially in your own family. Many people can identify with Sammy’s mindset, young and old. 

As Sammy enjoyed a bubble bath, he went from humming a tune to belting out the lyrics. His family was surprised at his singing capabilities. They had no idea how the talent Sammy possessed, and neither did Sammy. 

Sammy found his musical instrument. In fact, he had it with him the entire time. 

Little Sammy Square Finds His Voice by Lisa Thomas teaches children that you don’t have to look like someone else to belong. Embrace your individuality! 

Amazon has Little Sammy Square Finds His Voice set for children between 5 and 9; however, preschoolers would also enjoy the story. The storyline is easy to follow, and the illustrations are big, bold, and fun. You could also share the book with toddlers to introduce instrument names.

This story would be perfect for a home or school setting. I would follow up on the book by having a jam session. Let your child or class pick their favorite musical instrument and rock out! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Lisa R. Thomas is a professional school counselor who works with grades PreK-8. She specializes in student advocacy, and the social/emotional development of young children. She writes books to give children strategies to live their best lives. In the end, she hopes her books make them smile.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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May 15, 2023 · 7:00 am

A Wretched Little Book of Poems: Remastered by Allen Isom (Book Review)

This Wretched Little Book is a must-read for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Where the Sidewalk Ends. It promises to leave you both delighted and frightened. Embark on a spine-tingling journey through the pages of this book, featuring 10 brand new poems and eerie illustrations crafted by artificial intelligence in this remastering of the original.

Explore the bone-chilling tales of the Man in the Mask, Squid Face Girl, and The Depths, as you immerse yourself in the haunting and poetic stories of this collection. With a perfect blend of macabre terror and spooky fun, these poems are bound to stay with you long after you finish reading.

So, beware of the Little Beasties and other malevolent entities that may be Waiting in the Woods. And, above all, never look Behind You! Each page is filled with dread and suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Get ready to uncover the horrors that lie within your closets and under your bed, and experience the thrill of this illustrated horror poetry.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

We’ve all heard the familiar statement, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I judged A Wretched Little Book of Poems: Remastered by its, and my assessment proved accurate. Every image would please horror, supernatural, paranormal, or occult fans. His poetry contained the right blend of suspense and horror, making me thirsty for more. 

My favorite selections revolved around the living dead. “The Deadwoods” was one of my favorite poems. I also enjoyed the horde of the “walking dead” image that followed “Zombie Town.” Each made me itch to watch a zombie flick. 

“Squid Face Girl” was hauntingly sad. Kali, the girl with tentacles on the lower half of her face, never felt love. She’s never been kissed. Kids were horrific towards her. Poor Kali was alone and only wanted someone to look past the squid face and see the beauty within. “Squid Face Girl” illustrates how the real monsters are the ones who look normal to the naked eye. 

“Dream Come True” was phenomenal. It gave readers a horrific twist on the power of a genie and how one should take great thought into stating a wish. The mother/monster image also scared the holy heck out of me! 

“Something Ate Me” gave me goosebumps, especially the line, “At least it cannot eat me twice.”

I’ll never look at my daughter’s rock collection after reading “Pet Rock.” NEVER! 

While many, MANY drawings sent shivers down my spine, one will definitely haunt my dreams tonight and many nights in the future. The severed head that accompanied “Old Severed Head” had a realness quality to it. It didn’t look like a creature straight from hell. It looked like an everyday man whose path crossed with the worst evil imaginable. Wait until you see the drawing…seriously, SHIVERS! Further into the book, the writer drew an axe-wielding man who reminded me of Jason from Friday the 13th. Again, images that show plausible monsters are the scariest (in my opinion). 

“What’s for Dinner” made me think of tall tales centering around “witches” capturing children to cook and eat them. The writer’s picture of the person sitting in the pot of boiling water made me shift nervously in my seat. His eyes seemed to stare at me, and I almost expected him to jump out of the book and grab me, bringing me into the bubbling cauldron with him. 

If you loathe bugs, you’ll want to avoid “Timmy’s Tummy,” “Creepy Crawlies,” and “Infestation.” The images are cringe-worthy! 

Allen Isom’s spine-tingling poetry book needs to be transformed into several 30-minute episodes. His creative mind designed drawings that any special effects artist (make-up and digital) would jump at the chance to bring to life. 

Poem after poem, drawing after drawing, each page is more haunting than the last. Evil lurks everywhere, even in space.  

Grab a copy of A Wretched Little Book of Poems: Remastered and step into the world of the strange, the frightening…YOUR worst nightmare!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

When Allen Isom isn’t conjuring up spine-tingling tales of terror, he can be found lurking in the shadows, cackling maniacally and muttering to himself. Born in a haunted house, Allen Isom has always had a fascination with the darker side of life. His writing is a twisted mix of horror and humor.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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