A flash flood. Two kids in danger. A cry for help only a NOLO can hear.
Meet the NOLO.
Standing 82 feet tall and weighing 45 tons, Adam is a massive Desert NOLO. But even giants can get overwhelmed—especially when they live near five of the most popular national parks. Desperate for backup, he calls his friend Izzy.
In Flood in the Desert, the second book in the award-winning NOLO series, Izzy—a jungle NOLO—arrives eager to help. But just as she gets there, Adam rushes off to answer a distress call, leaving her alone in a strange, dry world.
Two days pass. Adam is still missing. Izzy, now lost and thirsty in the desert, is starting to panic. That’s when she hears it:
“NOOOOLLLOOOO!”
THUMP… thump, thump!
Can Izzy reach the children in time? Will she ever find Adam? Or is everything about to slip away?
Few things bring me more joy than settling down with a wonderful book, brimming with new worlds, characters, or knowledge waiting to be discovered. This joy for reading led to a new passion – telling stories.
In a jungle where sloths love to take it slow, Pogo stands out as the one who just can’t stop moving! While everyone else hangs around for lazy afternoon naps, this energetic sloth zooms through the trees, splashes through puddles, and turns the peaceful jungle into his personal racetrack! When Pogo meets someone who moves at a very different pace, he discovers that sometimes the greatest adventures happen when you slow down. Join Pogo on his heartwarming journey as he learns that true friendship isn’t about how fast you go, it’s about making room for everyone to belong just as they are.
Christopher Barnes is a Boston-based children’s author and science teacher. His stories celebrate self-acceptance, curiosity, and friendship, drawing inspiration from his children, students, and love for animals,
It was supposed to be a magical night… until a few mischievous kittens turned it into chaos. Can the tiniest voice save the day?
At Monster Scare Prep School, every monster is practicing their scariest roar. But when Meep tries, all that comes out is a squeaky little “meep.” The others laugh—until real trouble strikes, and Meep may be the only one who can save the day.
Will he find his roar—or discover that being himself is more than enough?
Funny, playful, and full of heart, Monsters Don’t Say Meep is a laugh-out-loud monster adventure about courage, individuality, and the magic of being yourself—reminding us that sometimes the smallest voice makes the biggest impact.
Perfect for bedtime, classrooms, and storytime, this book will have kids (and adults) cheering for their own true voices.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Halloween is quickly approaching, and as kids decide which costume to wear this year, the students at the Monster Scare Prep School are practicing their scariest roars for The Monsters’ Ball’s biggest roar contest. Every monster that took the stage gave their mightiest roar, but when it was Meep’s turn, all he could manage was to squeak out a “meep.” The two-horned, green monster’s failed attempt was met with laughter from its classmates, causing their shoulders to slump in embarrassment or humiliation. Many readers will empathize with Meep’s situation and reaction.
Meep faced laughter on more than one occasion over their weak roar. Each time, the mockery instantly dampened his spirits, but he vowed to find his roar in time for the ball. This determination and perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful message that will inspire and motivate young readers. But the million-dollar question is, did Meep find their roar? Did they win the contest? Those questions will be answered when you read the book, and I hope you decide to share it with your family or students!
Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a wonderful collection of colorful monsters. There were monsters with two eyes or one huge eye. Monsters with horns, spikes, or even both. There were monsters with bright, white teeth, as well as several that were toothless. There were a few surprise party crashers and a DJ duck spinning the turntable. Yes, you read that right…Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a duck for a DJ!
Monsters Don’t Say Meep did have a few design issues and one noticeable editing mistake; overall, though, it was a delightful story that discourages laughing at someone’s mistake while encouraging young listeners to keep trying. The creature’s laughter did hurt Meep’s feelings, but it didn’t deter them from their goal. This is a powerful lesson in empathy and understanding, and we should all follow Meep’s example: keep striving to reach your goal(s)!
Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches kids that it’s okay to be look or sound different, to embrace what makes you unique. This story had many endearing qualities. The scene featuring the monsters “polishing their fangs” and “fluffing their fur” was quite humorous. While the bat’s wings and nose were a bit off the mark, the animal was still adorable. I bet young viewers will giggle over Meep’s headpiece and his expulsion of air.
I recommend sharing the book with kids aged 3-8 years. Use this story as a lead-in to an art activity: designing a monster or a jack o’lantern. Make it a part of your classroom party! At school or at home, Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches important lessons to young listeners while entertaining them with its cute, colorful, Halloween-themed illustrations.
Help your kids find their voice by reading Monsters Don’t Say Meep!
Heart Rating System: 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) Score: ❤❤❤❤
Bridgetta Tomarchio is an author, ghostwriter, and PR powerhouse who has helped countless entrepreneurs and creatives bring their stories to life. Founder of Plot Twist Ink, she coaches writers from concept to bestseller, drawing on 20+ years of experience in media, publishing, and publicity. Her career spans actress, host, producer, and publicist for celebrities and high-profile clients, giving her an unmatched eye for storytelling that captivates both readers and the media. Bridgetta’s own writing blends raw honesty, empowerment, and heart—whether she’s crafting memoir, children’s adventures, or bold fiction. Her greatest inspiration is her 5-year-old son, Lucian, who fuels her imagination and serves as her enthusiastic “guinea pig” for children’s stories. With every project, Bridgetta weaves purpose, passion, and authenticity—helping others find their voice and transform their stories into legacies.
The Ashlands were never meant to be conquered. Ravaged by war and poisoned by time, this vast wasteland was the last stronghold of the machines—a relentless force threatening humanity’s survival. For the Pacific Union fleet, battered and weary from countless battles, there is no choice but to fight. Failure means extinction.
Akira Tanaka, Maile Kaulani, and Kento Mori have led their crews through impossible odds, dismantling the machines’ network node by node. But with every victory comes heavier losses, and the final push tests the limits of their strength, resolve, and unity. As they venture into the heart of the machines’ fortress, where every step could be their last, the cost of survival becomes painfully clear.
Set against a backdrop of steampunk-inspired technology, relentless action, and haunting landscapes, Steel Horizons is a gripping tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the unyielding human spirit. Will the fleet endure, or will the Ashlands claim their last hope?
Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
