Yearly Archives: 2024

The Dad Who Had to Read a Bedtime Story by G.M. Reyes (Book Review)

A Rhyming Book About a Dad Who Had to Read a Bedtime Story

Dad just wants to play video games, or go to the gym, or just unwind. But there’s something in the way of his relaxing evening. His kids want him to read a bedtime story.

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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 a child’s eyes, their parents are superheroes—super strong, never tire, and have all the time in the world. They don’t understand that their parents need time to recharge their battery after working all day, or maybe they need or have to do something that doesn’t include small tag-a-longs. The two darlings in this sweet children’s book had one teeny tiny request: Dad, please read us a bedtime story. Dad tried to politely turn down their request, saying he was in a hurry, but they were persistent, which is 100% relatable to many adults reading this book to their kids. 

Despite his initial reluctance, the dad in this story caved and agreed to read only one story. Nestled in bed with his two kiddos, the dad did what many parents do once they noticed the book’s length—he skipped a few pages. When your child is a baby or toddler, you can absolutely get away with summarizing the story. However, as your child grows up, they become more observant and will call you on the sneakiness. The fictional kids demanded their dad read the story againproperly this time.

Their father did a smashing job the second time around. He used different voices and even rapped some lines. I adored the drawing of him wearing a witch’s hat and nose, fairy wings, and a princess crown. But the real showstopper was the image of him with his hat flipped backward, shades on, bling around his neck while rapping into the microphone. I would laugh until my sides hurt if I witnessed my spouse recreating this scene. 

The Dad Who Had to Read a Bedtime Story would make a great book to read at nap time or bedtime. It would also make a great Father’s Day gift. 

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age: baby to 8 years. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

A dad of two who wants to write stories that his kids will want to read and enjoy.

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A Migraine in the Light by Tony Peluso (Book Spotlight)

Tony Peluso began having migraines as a child but developed headaches every day in the year 2000, which have persisted to the present day. Living a life in and out of hospitals since he was a teenager. It is a life so surreal it is hard to imagine, and words are the only thing that can illuminate the invisible curse of chronic migraines, a disease for which the only diagnostic tool for any doctor will only ever be the patient’s voice. His disability covers the first quarter of the 21st century, and with it a unique Odyssey of failures, challenges, and changes in healthcare. It is a book that took him 14 years to write and is a path that has led him to a philosophy he calls The White Tower.

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Meet the Author

I’m 39 and I’ve been disabled with chronic migraines for 24 years. My disability started at 15 when the pain became daily. After a decade of daily headaches, I began writing and it took 14 years to finish. The disease is invisible and complex, and the only diagnostic tool is a patient’s voice.

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Quest For Different: Bucky’s Adventures by GD Sexton (Book Spotlight)

A Quest for Different – Bucky’s Adventures is a heartwarming children’s book that tells the tale of a rare piebald white-tailed deer named Bucky. Bucky embarks on a quest to find someone who is different like him. Along the way, he meets a little girl named Clara, who has and is equally special. The story beautifully illustrates the idea that being different is something to be celebrated and cherished. The vibrant illustrations enhance the storyline, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s library

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Meet the Author

GD Sexton is a musician, singer, songwriter and is half a duo along with JoAnn Durbin.
They are known as DoubleHearts of Doubleheartsmusic.com

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Wash Your “T” and Close Your Eyes: Skincare for BIPOC Children by Patrice Tartt Chappelle and Bron Echols (Book Review)

Skincare is not just for adults. It’s for children too, so Wash Your “T” and Close Your Eyes.

A young boy starts his school day with a morning routine of washing his face and brushing his teeth, but soon realizes that using generic soap and water and his mom’s lotion will not be enough for his adolescent skin. Visited by the Magical MelanFairy, Bron learns the importance of proper skincare, starting with washing the T-zone of his face. The MelanFairy comes to teach all children, primarily Black and brown children to love the skin that they have and how to take care of it, too.

Written by the co-founders of MelanBrand Skin, Patrice Tartt Chappelle and Bron Echols, Wash Your “T” and Close Your Eyes shows kids that taking care of their skin is important at every age, especially during the pre-teen years. The practical tips can help keep your child’s skin healthy and hydrated year-round.

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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.

 

Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? It’s true! That’s why good skin care is important at any age! Like our heart, lungs, and other vital organs, we must take steps to keep our skin healthy. Bron, the shining star of Wash Your “T” and Close Your Eyes: Skincare for BIPOC Children, demonstrates the importance of proper skin care all year long! 

Bron has a morning routine: brush, floss, wash his face, and then lotion up before getting dressed and heading downstairs for breakfast. Typically, his beauty regimen worked, but not today. His mom noticed her son’s face looking dry and attributed it to the winter weather. Many kids understand how the hot sun can affect their skin during the summer months but might not realize that cold months affect our skin, too. Kids will learn that skincare products are not universal. This means that what works for your parents, siblings, or friends might not work the best for you. Bron’s mother explains they need to find the right blend of products that effectively tones, cleanses, and moisturizes his particular skin. 

Bron didn’t have only his mother looking out for his skin’s needs; he also had a darling melanated fairy watching out for them. The Magical MelanFairy didn’t clearly explain what melanated means; they did state that melanated people came in different shades (skin tones). She announces “her mission as the Magical MeanFairy is to teach all children, primarily Black and brown children with melanated skin, to love the skin that they have and how to take care of it, too.” She says, “…we must adequately cleanse our face and ensure it is properly hydrated and moisturized.” This is what we refer to as healthy hygiene.

The Magical MelanFairy gives Bron Fresh Facial Cleanser from MelanBrand Skin, a natural skincare company for Black and brown people—a company Bron and his mother co-founded in real life! The fairy instructs the young boy to wash his T-zone, which is his forehead, nose, and chin. His magical guest gave Bron more than one skincare gift and also explained why each one should be used. Bron passed on his knowledge to his class during his Black History Month presentation. 

Bron and his mom provided step-by-step visual and written instructions on how to wash your “T.” The duo also included their web address, three images of their products, and a couple of paragraphs discussing the company’s mission. Bron, his mother, and the Magical MelanFairy want you and your family to have the best skin possible, and so do I. I recommend sharing this story with your family and checking out MelanBrand Skin’s product line! 

 

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

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Meet the Authors

Meet Bron Echols, the 13-year-old Co-CEO and co-founder of MelanBrand Skin, LLC. At the age of 11, Bron’s mother recognized the need for a more tailored skincare routine beyond basic soap and lotion for him. Despite regular use, Bron struggled with dryness and ineffectiveness, prompting his mother to take action.

In a pivotal moment before his 12th birthday, Bron’s mother diverted funds from a traditional celebration, investing $1,200 into kickstarting his skincare venture. She imparted the significance of building a lasting legacy and generational wealth. Bron embraced the opportunity, and thus began his journey.

Established in 2023, MelanKids Skin emerged as a testament to Bron’s vision. Offering an all-natural skincare range suitable for various skin types, it specifically caters to the unique needs of young melanated skin. MelanBrand products address sensitivities including eczema, psoriasis, and acne-prone skin.

Traditionally, discussions on hygiene with children often overlook the importance of a structured skincare routine. While oral care and bathing take precedence, facial skincare remains neglected. MelanBrand Skin seeks to change this narrative, providing a dedicated line for children with melanated skin, ensuring proper care from the very first glance.

MelanBrand Skin (Store Link)

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A Sweet Surprise by Brittany Smith (Book Review)

Do you like sugar as much as Sam does?

Follow Sam as he discovers many sweet treats and surprises throughout his day. A giraffe in purple pyjamas, chocolate crocodiles and some gummy snakes are only the start.

Is there ever a thing as too much sugar?

Join Sam throughout his day and see. 


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InHouse Bookstore
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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.

 

Kids love candy! They would eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if allowed. Sam, the shining star of this children’s book, has yet to meet a sugar-based treat he didn’t like. He wishes he could eat gumdrops, lollipops, cotton candy, ice cream, candy canes, candy apples, and more every day, whenever he wanted! Not a bad wish! If it weren’t for the potential for cavities, I would follow Sam’s lead and eat chocolate for breakfast, jelly beans for lunch, and gummy snakes for dinner, too. 

Sam does not have an off switch when it comes to sugary delights. The images show Sam hiding candy when a craving hits: under the couch, behind the bed, up the stairs, and even in his hair. Only a kid would eat candy covered in hair. The illustrator also shows empty, colorful wrappers scattered all over the floor. While Sam’s tastebuds were all for eating more candy, his stomach rejected the idea. Sam suffered the painful effects of overindulging in sweet treats—the dreaded bellyache. He also experienced a sugar crash. Parents and many young readers will empathize with Sam’s belly woes. His story paints a beautiful picture of why less is more. 

The author and their design team did a fantastic job constructing A Sweet Surprise. Families will love the playful and creative way the text is displayed. My two favorite pages are the upside-down words and the page where words are arranged to mimic a staircase. The brightly colored illustrations will activate everyone’s sweet tooth, even those who prefer savory over sweet! And the unicycle-riding giraffe wearing purple pajamas will tickle your funny bone! 

I recommend this wonderful and vibrant storybook to children ages two years and up. I also suggest a trip to the candy store, playing Candy Land, or both!

Join Sam as he shares his love for all things sugary! Don’t forget to bring your favorite sweet treat along the way! 

 

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

 

 

 

Meet the Author

 

If you think Sam has a sweet tooth you should meet Brittany. After experiencing the side effects of having too much sugar far too often. She decided this book would be a great way to help show people that candy is not always as fun as it seems.

Growing up on the East Coast of Canada. She has spent many years at summer camp discovering the best the tuck shop had to offer. Some might think she survives off apple juice and her hidden stashes of candy. Which only makes sense that she is a Pastry Chef in Sydney.

Kangaroo Cove Publishing

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