Monthly Archives: January 2024

Whiskers of Hope: Paws, Possibilities, & DISH by Cyndi Whatif (Book Review)

From Back Cover:

We like to believe we can control our lives, but sometimes things just get put in our path. Things we didn’t even know we really needed—like a little abandoned kitten. This Christmas kitty’s story is a journey into fate causing our lives to converge.

This crossroad caused the transformation of a feeble creature’s health and the author’s mental toughness to share her discovery with the world. It is a true story of events which I have used to introduce my readers to this mystery body system (DISH) which I believe we all have. I believe the effectiveness of DISH (Defensive Individual Shield Hypothesis) determines whether a person has the opportunity to be well.

Read this short memoir and see how my understanding of DISH was able to change the outcome of this kitten. May this memoir raise questions in you about the profound impact DISH could possibly have on the well-being of us all.

 

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

 

Animals have a special place in many of our hearts. Adults often refer to them as their children, while kids label them as siblings. How, why, and when our paths cross are fond memories we reflect on often. At the beginning of this chapter book, we are introduced to a young kitten that has been discarded. Due to the kitten’s severe injuries, the vet suspects the under-a-pound kitty was thrown from a vehicle. It broke my heart to see how they tossed her away as if she was meaningless. The rescue cat, Moxie, has lived a hard life and now facing a long road to recovery.

The family in the story always took in animals, but finally, the dad put his foot down and said they didn’t need another pet. The mom is all set to honor her husband’s wishes and give the poor injured feline to a neighbor, but fate (once again) intervenes. Daisy, the neighbor and possible new owner, was not home; therefore, the cat must remain with the family who found it. As you might guess, attachments grew, and the temporary home became the kitty’s permanent dwelling.  

While reading the paragraphs centering on cleaning the stray and listening to the vet’s remarks about the kitten’s health, I kept petting my own two furballs. I was thankful my cats came into my life, and I know Moxie (the abandoned kitty) will grow grateful for her new family. First, though, the kitty had to beat the odds. 

Signs of infection are expected to be treated with antibiotics. The author thought it was vital to introduce supplements into the female kitten’s body, too, since antibiotics are known to destroy and kill good bacteria in the gut. This method of healing is called DISH (Defensive Individual Shield Method). The introduction stated that the DISH is a straightforward concept, but implementing it can be tricky due to the many factors involved. This book is intended as a quick example of how the process could look and why it works.

DISH, AFTER ( Altering Fields to Enable Recovery), and Exit Ramps all have their purpose in helping this kitten beat the odds. All three are discussed in detail in the story. It’s about keeping the “Good Guys” and “Bad Guys” separated so the “Good Guys” can avoid the “Bad Guys” and exit the lymphatic system. Plus, this method targeted chronic inflammation and replenished vital nutrients. Read the story for more detailed information! 

Maybe fate was in full effect the day Moxie was found stranded, cold, and on the brink of death. Some might call this encounter a miracle since it happened a few days before Christmas. Others might agree that her recovery was a miracle as well. I believe fate stepped in and gave Moxie what they needed: a home. 

If you have a soft spot for animals, I encourage you to read this heartwarming story about a little kitten rescued and found their furever home. It’s an emotional read but a fantastic one as well. 

Like with us, recovering from injuries or infections does take time. Some individuals chose to rely on prescription meds. Others go the route of the homeopathic way. Meanwhile, others see the benefit of both. I am in the last category. I think it’s worth mentioning the author’s medical disclaimer: This book should never be a substitute for professional medical advice from healthcare professionals. It is my personal experience.  

I agree with the writer, always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatments!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Cyndi is a relentless seeker of knowledge. She has spent five years working on her hypothesis of a newly revealed body system and five more years testing it. She goes by the penname of Whatif because of the many questions she still has and the many possibilities this system may potentially impact.

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Popina & Slumberina by Irit Tal (Book Review)

Join Princess Popina on a magical adventure as she learns to let go of her trusty blanket, Slumberina.

With humor and warmth, this rhyming picture book takes young readers on a journey of growth and self-discovery.

When Popina starts her journey at preschool, she brings her beloved blanket, Slumberina, along but soon realizes it’s better not to do so. This realization challenges her courage and confidence as she learns to let go of her comforting companion.

Recommended by psychologists and featuring a ‘Note to the Parents’ “Letting Go with Princess Popina” is the ideal tool to help children successfully transition from using transitional objects.

 

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

 

Oh, what a joyous day it was in the kingdom of Nimbasoy. King Popee and Queen Mina were marking the arrival of their sweet baby, Princess Popina, with a huge celebration. Unicorns, clothes-wearing rabbits, Snow White and the seven dwarves, a giant, an elf, a dragon, and many more guests attended the festivities to meet the new addition to the royal family and to bring thoughtful gifts. Popina received many unusual presents you would not typically see at a baby’s party, such as snail shells and honey. And one magical gift that would only been feasible in a magical realm. Through the beautifully drawn illustrations, it was apparent Popina adored every gift; however, her favorite present was the lime green baby blanket. 

Many parents can empathize with a child’s attachment to a single object: a binkie, stuffed animal, or blanket. As you share this story with your children, I wouldn’t be surprised if they mention their favorite item to play with or carry around. They’ll probably have it close at hand. 

Popina’s blanket was special to her; she even named it Slumberina. To her, the blanket possessed magical powers. It offered comfort and happiness and was, in her opinion, her best friend. As Popina grew older, she faced a hard decision. She discovered that taking her friend to school with her was not in its best interest, but Popina didn’t want to be separated from the blankie either. The princess had to decide what was more important to her: her friend’s safety or her own happiness. Popina realized she could help her friend without minimizing her own happiness. 

Separation anxiety from a person or object can be difficult for kids. I encourage you to share the book with your child and let them see how Popina discovers her inner strength! 

I recommend the book to children three years and older. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Since the third grade, I’ve known I’d be an author. Then life happened and I became a lawyer, writing countless legal documents. But I felt a lack of purpose and lack of magic. Wanting to use words to make a positive impact, I returned to my first love—writing. Popina & Slumberina is my debut book.

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Mikey’s Treasure (Mikey’s Adventure) by Missy Moe Hap (Book Review)

Mikey is an uncut key;
He dreams of belonging to a lock that guards treasure.
His dream comes true,
But not how he expected.

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

 

Mikey was the smallest uncut key at the Green Moss corner shop with one repetitious daydream: he wanted to be the key to a treasure chest. One day, after a frightful encounter with a mechanical monster with sharp teeth, he danced joyfully to discover his daydream might actually come true. Before him was a real pirate, or so Mikey thought. When Mikey slid down into George’s pocket, or the pirate, as Mikey could call him, he quickly found he was not alone. I didn’t think giving ordinary keys a distinct personality was possible, but the illustrator made each key stand out. Pembroke looked adorable with his gray mustache, monocle, and black suit. He looked very British! Snobby’s shading to his head reminded me of a car tire, so I was not shocked to discover he was a car key. 

Pembroke, Snobby, and Dotty each knew their purpose for George, but what was Mikey’s? Patience is a virtue, but curiosity also killed the cat. Mikey’s lack of patience came with consequences. The tiny key didn’t want to wait and see what he unlocked, so he left the safe confines of a pocket and soon found himself captured in a magpie’s beak. However, luck proved to be on Mikey’s side, and everything worked out. 

Without giving away the touching ending, I will say that Mikey’s purpose, what important treasure he guarded, will touch many hearts—if not children, then definitely adults. Besides being a heartwarming story, it’s an interactive book, too. Once you finish the book, the writer asks for your help finding the 20 hidden keys. Admittedly, I was so impressed with the central illustrations and text that the hidden keys escaped my notice. Of course, knowing they were out there, I had to scan each page to locate each one. What a fun game! Kids will love the story and hunting for the 20 keys! 

I recommend this story for children three years and older. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Mother of two background in construction I gave a copy of the manuscript to my friends daughter. She loved the story but asked where’s the pictures. So I turned it into a book.

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Pookie and Tushka Find a Little Piano – 20th Anniversary Edition (Icelands) by Jorge Tello Aliaga (Book Review)

Over 1 million downloads and 5 Years in the Top Ten

Pookie and Tushka are back! Meet Pookie and Tushka, the proud winners of the “BEST NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR” award, with this heartwarming story.

A frozen little piano arrives on the shores of the Icelands, bringing Pookie the penguin and Tushka the polar bear an abundance of fun, excitement, and a valuable lesson about the essence of friendship.

This enchanting tale also includes educational facts about penguins, polar bears, Antarctica, and the Arctic.

Don’t miss out on “Pookie’s Song” by Jorge! Listen at Icelands.com and on popular platforms such as Spotify, Amazon, Apple, YouTube, and more!”

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20th Anniversary Edition includes:
• “Pookie’s Song” lyric video.
• New character profiles
• Deleted pages
• Sketches and work in progress
• 15 page preview of “Pookie and Tushka Become Friends”
• A letter from the author
And much, much more!

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Pookie and Tushka are back and celebrating twenty years of bringing joy to kids worldwide. Including in this edition, kids will enjoy bonus material such as new character profiles, deleted scenes, and a 15-page preview of Pookie and Tushka Become Friends. First, let me share my thoughts on today’s featured title, Pookie and Tushka Find a Little Piano.

 

Pookie, the penguin, loves to sing. Happy or sad, he let the words pour out. To his dismay, his songs carry so much ache. One day, while hanging out with his new friend Tushka, the polar bear, they spot a little blue piano in the sea. Pookie was excited to play the piano and happy songs for his best buddy. He tried with all his might, but only sad tunes surfaced. The little bear also tried to make music but failed as well. In his defense, he didn’t know what a piano was until Pookie informed him. That didn’t matter to the sweet bear; he was devastated he couldn’t play the piano and erupted in big tears. 

 

Pookie was more concerned for his friend’s feelings than his own. Determined to lift Tushka’s spirits, the penguin had a great idea: a wonderful gift for the small polar bear. Tushka discovered that playing the drum required practice, and Pookie found the key to playing happy tunes. (No spoilers. Read the story!)

 

Pookie and Tushka Find a Little Piano teaches children valuable lessons. 

1.) To be good at something requires practice. Yes, you’ll make mistakes, but you grow through these mistakes. Have patience, and keep trying!

2.) Thinking of ourselves is easy, but sometimes we must put others first. Helping others may be the ticket to your problem and lift your spirits. 

3.) Always be nice and ready to help your friends! 

 

I loved reading Pookie and Tushka’s adventure with the little blue piano. Tushka once again amused me with his vivid imagination. I would also be worried about a monster fish in the frigid waters, but a monster piano…hmm, not so much. The bear’s overboard response to everything touched my heart. After reading two books by Jorge, I can see why their series has been downloaded over a million times. These two will warm your heart and make you smile.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Jorge (or Jorge Antonio Tello Aliaga for short) is a writer and illustrator born and raised in Lima, Perú. He has created books, toys, and apps that have received several awards including a “Children’s Book of the Year” award. His experience includes having worked for Apple, Adobe, Cisco and Oracle.

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When Pookie Met Tushka by Jorge Tello Aliaga (Book Review)

Over 1 million downloads and 5 Years in the Top Ten – Pookie and Tushka are back!


* Features gorgeous watercolor illustrations and educational facts about penguins and polar bears.*

The famous penguin who played piano and his best polar bear friend are back. Literally, millions of children have grown up following Pookie and Tushka but not many know how their story began.

Finally, this story is told in “When Pookie Met Tushka – A Cool Tale of Polar Friendship”: Pookie, a penguin with big dreams, journeys to the magical Icelands, where an unexpected friendship with Tushka, a young polar bear, helps them conquer challenges and uncover the essence of true friendship.

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

 

In the wild, polar bears and penguins live in two different locations. Penguins live in the Antarctic (to the south), while polar bears call the Arctic (to the north) home. Their paths only cross in the fictional world, like in When Pookie Met Tushka. Pookie, a small penguin, wanted to become a great musician and bring joy to the world through his music. Where he lived, though, nobody seemed to understand his dream. Therefore, he decided to travel to Iceland, hoping to discover like-minded, creative animals. Pookie had the love and support of his family, which many people don’t have. He was one lucky penguin!

When Pookie arrived at his destination, things didn’t go as planned. An avalanche tossed him around; he lost his belongings in the mound of snow and felt defeated. That’s when his luck would change. I loved how the main character’s dialogue was in a particular color, so readers could always infer who was speaking. Pookie’s was in bright blue, and Tushka’s was in orange. Even Pookie’s mom had their own assigned dialogue color! Too bad Pookie’s father didn’t. It was bolded bright blue. Still, the others were a brilliant design idea!

Pookie left hoping to share his musical talents but found a friend in the new, strange land instead. He educated the young polar bear pup on what a penguin was and made the bear’s tears vanish over the disappearing stars. The bear helped the flightless bird with a poor sniffer find his belongings. Their kindness and helpfulness to one another created an instant bond, and a friendship blossomed between two unlikely pairings.

The book teaches children that friendship comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It promotes being kind and helpful to others, which is always a valuable lesson for young kids. After the story, there is also an avalanche of cool penguin and polar facts. I’m sure everyone will learn a thing or two in this section; I sure did!

I hope Pookie’s musical dream eventually comes true! I bet others will too!

I recommend the book to children 2-8.


Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤1/2

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Jorge (or Jorge Antonio Tello Aliaga for short) is a writer and illustrator born and raised in Lima, Perú. He has created books, toys, and apps that have received several awards including a “Children’s Book of the Year” award. His experience includes having worked for Apple, Adobe, Cisco and Oracle.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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