Yearly Archives: 2024

October 28, 2024 · 7:00 am

Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship by Hong Lee (Book Review)

Join Bob on an unexpected journey in Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure. One morning, his usual walk takes a heartwarming turn when he discovers a lost, shivering puppy in the bushes. Bob hears the puppy’s soft whimpering and decides not just to help but to embark on a quest to find the little one’s home.

Through their search:

  • Bob and the puppy visit various homes, hoping to find the puppy’s family each time.
  • They encounter friendly faces and not-so-perfect matches, but each stop brings them closer together.
  • When they realize the puppy’s family is nowhere to be found, Bob makes a heartfelt decision that changes both of their lives forever.

This simple yet moving story teaches the value of kindness, perseverance, and the joy of finding new friends in unexpected places.

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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.

 

Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship is a touching story of a boy with a big heart who helps a lost puppy find their furever home.

Bob walked the same checkered path through his neighborhood. He loved smelling the colorful wildflowers. As he rounded the bend, passing the big oak tree, he heard a soft whimper from the tall, leafy bushes. There lay a cold and hungry puppy. I’m not a dog breed expert, so I have no idea what kind was pictured. But I can safely say the white puppy was very cute with his white mustache! 

Big-hearted Bob knew he couldn’t leave the frightened and starving puppy alone, so he offered to take the pup home for warmth and food. Then, they would go in search of his family. Bob knocked on several doors, hoping the lost pup recognized someone as their family. As a proud cat owner, I laughed at the old lady with nine cats! One glance at each kitty, and you’ll know exactly how they feel about the dog encroaching on their turf. I particularly liked the crossed-eye cat playing with the red, round ball; they were in their own little world.  

The page of 11 doors was a creative touch. The line-up lets readers picture the small child and pup knocking on each one, growing sad with each door closing. I also liked the door designs. It’s a perfect stopping point for a teacher to ask students what their door looks like. They can even draw theirs for a lovely classroom wall display. 

Though Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship concludes with a happily ever after, the duo’s quest is filled with different emotions. We watch as two optimistic beings slowly lose hope before reaching the all-smiles final scenes.

Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship teaches the value of kindness, perseverance, and the joy of finding new friends in unexpected places. Share this story with your family and class. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-8 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Hong Lee’s passion for writing children’s books began when she started reading to her son. She is captivated by children’s picture books’ whimsical and imaginative nature. Beyond writing, Hong enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family. Her debut book, “Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Tale of Kindness and Friendship,” reflects her dedication to storytelling and her commitment to fostering strong morals in young readers. Hong currently resides in Oklahoma with her husband and son.

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October 25, 2024 · 7:00 am

There’s a Dinosaur in My Ear: An Ear Tube Surgery Book for Kids by Nat Gibson (Book Review)


There’s a dinosaur splashing around in Olivia’s ears.
And the only way to get it out is with special drains called Ear Tubes.

Young children and toddlers about to get ear tubes or grommets will gently learn what to expect through the fun imagination of a little girl – with the focus on catching a dinosaur, rather than surgery.

When Olivia learns her earaches are caused by a dinosaur splashing around in her ear, her imagination runs wild. Join her on an adventure as she prepares to meet the Dinosaur Catchers, who will give her ear tubes and capture that silly little dinosaur.

With just the right mix of information and humor, colorful illustrations, and a unique, kid-friendly concept, this fantasy story is designed to help parents guide their little ones through ear tube surgery and recovery in a playful, imaginative way.

For a touch of magic, have a small dinosaur ready for your child after surgery.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ear pain is no laughing matter for anyone, but more so for kids. In There’s a Dinosaur in My Ear, Nat Gibson found a creative and silly way to explain what is causing the little girl’s ear pain and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. 

Like many kids around the world, Olivia suffers from chronic ear pain. The doctor informs her she has A LOT of water in her ear. She questioned how water got in her ear. This is where the silliness begins. The doctor blames it on a little dinosaur, an EAR-O-SAURUS, who readers will see splashing around in an inflatable pool. Very cute drawing! Luckily for Olivia, the doctor will enlist the help of the Dinosaur Catchers, who will put tiny tubes in the child’s ears to drain the water and capture the dinosaur, so her ears will be pain-free. 

As Olivia slept, her world transformed into a wild, imaginative scene. Instead of a stuffy backdrop, Olivia is wadding through waters and peeking through bushes with wild animals nearby. Young readers will follow Olivia’s journey from admissions (getting a nature-inspired bracelet) to the comedic picture of her bending the “weigh station.” Dinosaurs in the ear add extra pounds! After vitals and a cute costume change, Olivia and the readers meet the Dinosaur Catchers. 

Anyone’s anxiety level will rise when they face surgery or a hospital stay, especially if it’s your first time. Like with Nat Gibson’s There’s a Stegosaurus in My Tonsils, the author takes the guesswork out of the procedure. Using simple text and highlighting keywords, the writer helps kids understand that they are in good hands with the Dino team (the doctors and nurses). And when Olivia woke up, the Ear-o-sarus was by her side, ready to have fun – outside Olivia’s ear, of course! 

While this story simplified the procedure and medical issue, it didn’t cover questions (I believe) readers will have. What do the tubes look like? How big are they? Can the tubes fall out? What the author presented was creative, funny, entertaining, and informative. I highly recommend sharing this book with your child before their procedure! 

Amazon has the story marked for children between 2-6 years of age.

That is an excellent age bracket! 


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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Nat Gibson lives in California with her husband and two children, both of whom had surgery before turning 4 years old. Her books are designed to help parents engage their child’s imagination as they go through new or difficult experiences.

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October 21, 2024 · 7:00 am

Mordokai Plants a Garden by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

This beautifully illustrated book introduces Planet Venesha and it’s inhabitants, most importantly, Mordokai

Mordokai and his friends capture the imaginations of readers young and old. Join them as they wander a colorful, thriving landscape inhabited by all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures.

“Believe in yourself and do not let anybody tell you that you cannot be great. Your life is an individual journey that will take you anywhere in the world or in outer space if you believe. Try hard and never give up and do not be afraid to challenge yourself.”

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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.

 

Mordokai lives on Venesha, the largest planet in the universe. Even though the planet’s terrain does not resemble Earth’s color scheme, Venesha still has mountains, rivers, oceans, swamps, deserts, and plains. This planet also contains wildlife, but again, the alien animals do not resemble ours. They have two-headed snakes, with each head sporting one eye. Birds possess three eyes. Then there are cute but odd-looking bunny-like creatures. Most fascinating was the black and pink animal with the features of a dragon and two tails. 

The wildlife wasn’t the only peculiar-looking being calling Venesha home. Mordokai had tiny wings on his head and a long tail. Even though his appearance was only something you see at cosplay or comic con events, he did have one thing in common with Earthlings: he needed substance. Instead of pizza or a juicy burger, Mordokai craved a carrot for not just today’s meal but every meal. Without the funds to buy the root vegetable, he decided to plant a garden. Planting a garden is an excellent outdoor activity for children. It teaches children responsibility, encourages them to eat more nutritious foods, and getting fresh air’s always a great idea. 

Mordokai gives young readers a brief overview of what they could plant, but there are many more options. I recommend you share Mordokai Plants A Garden with your child and start your own garden. Big. Small. Fruits. Vegetables. Herbs. Work together to build a garden that fits your family’s tastes and introduces new foods and spices into your child’s life. 

I recommend Mordokai Plants A Garden by Lamar Golden for children two years and older. It houses bright, beautiful illustrations (artist: Izzy Eban) and prompts children to put down their electronics, go outside, and get back to nature. 

Be sure to check out Mordokia Searches for Strawberries! 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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October 18, 2024 · 7:00 am

Mordokai Searches for Strawberries by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Mordokai and Friends go searching for strawberries in the wilderness of Planet Venesha and encounter danger during their search.

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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.

 

Mordokai is back; this time, he’s searching for strawberries on his home planet, Venesha. Venesha is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, from the purple mountains and lush green countryside to the colorful variety of trees and flowers. The animals and people inhabiting the wonderland are bursting with color and possess unique physical and magical traits. 

Mordokai discovered that his hair would change color depending on his mood and, over time, developed telepathic powers. Mordokai could also sense danger, which would be handy in any world. 

We all have food cravings, and Mordokai’s mind and stomach are hungering for wild strawberries. Since the journey to his desired fruit is dangerous, he’s requested three friends to come along: Naiya, Shia, and Ketab. Anytime you go on a trip, it’s good practice to pack the essentials! Making a checklist helps! Before the group set off, they reviewed what each had brought. Rope. Snacks. Emergency blanket. Water tablets for purifying water. Tools. First aid ointment. I initially thought each item might prove invaluable at some point in their journey; my gut instinct was wrong. The group’s list opens doors for discussing what else kids think the travelers should’ve brought or what they take with them on a camping trip, a hike, or a vacation. 

The four friends faced dense vegetation, buzzing insects, and bizarre-looking animals. The three-eyed, multi-colored mountain lion is one of them! Luckily, the lion turned tail and ran off. 

Naiya, Shia, Ketab, and Mordokai’s adventurous trip ended with them sharing multiple sacks of sweet, ripe strawberries among the villagers. Mordokai was wise and planted some berries in his garden for a future fruit pie. 

Mordokai Searches For Strawberries teaches children several valuable lessons. First, avoid wild animals. If you should stumble upon one, follow Mordokai’s example: be loud and back away slowly. Second, be supportive of your friends and help me if you can. Third, while sharing is caring, always ask an adult for permission to share food. I don’t know if food allergies exist on Venesha, but they do on Earth. Fourth, make sure you have all your supplies before heading on a trip. 

While the story was sweet, I wish we could’ve seen Mordokai’s power in play. His coloring-changing hair is supposed to alert him to danger, yet it didn’t when the group encountered the lion. It was a significant missed opportunity. 

Mordokai Searches For Strawberries was an okay read. The illustrations were top-notch, but the story needed to include what made the characters special: their unique magical powers. I still recommend the story to children 4-10, but I suggest Mordokai’s next adventure show us his powers at work. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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October 14, 2024 · 7:00 am

World’s Coolest Grandpa by Lamar Golden (Book Review)

A fun and enjoyable book celebrating the life of Masao Sawada, a grandpa enjoying a typical day in Japan. Watch as Masao goes through his day and interacts with lots of people everywhere he goes.

This book is for parents and small children aged 2 and older who enjoy reading together during the day or at night before bed.

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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.

 

Masao Sawada is 78 years old and is busting at the seams with energy. 

Masao wakes up early every morning and strolls to the convenience store, where he purchases his morning cup of coffee. 

Masao loves playing sudoku, driving around Tokyo City (Japan) in his yellow convertible, and talking to his granddaughter Liana on the telephone. It was adorable that the two chit-chatted for an hour as Liana ate her breakfast. I hope their interaction prompts more kids to take time out of their busy days to check in with their grandparents. 

World’s Coolest Grandpa walks readers through a day with Masao. It’s a typical day for many people: grocery shopping, talking with friends, playing golf, and dining at a favorite restaurant. I don’t know how many young readers from the States have eaten an eel before like Masao. Young readers will likely have an opinion on whether they would or would not eat one. 

World’s Coolest Grandpa did have positive attributes. It showed young readers that grandparents can live full and active lives. The short story allowed readers to step into a culture that might be foreign to them. 

World’s Coolest Grandpa did stumble in the presentation, though. Instead of having the duplicate images on two pages with new text under each, I would’ve combined the text under one picture. There were also issues with formatting and text placement. In general, this book could benefit from some fine-tuning. 

World’s Coolest Grandpa was a cute read that children would enjoy listening to. Many will remark on Masao’s cool yellow car, and I don’t blame them. It would catch my eye if I saw it zooming down the road. 

Amazon has the children’s book listed for 3-18. I would narrow that field down to 3-9. 

With or without the tweaking, I recommend sharing this book with your child or class. 

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

 

 

 

Meet the Author

I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Social Media Handles

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

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