April 11, 2025 · 7:00 am

Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest: Bobby the Bear, book 2 by Ryan O’Connor (Book Review)

Some things are hard, and they take time to do right. In the second book in the series by Ryan O’Connor, Bobby the Bear teaches his friend Ollie the Owl an important lesson on perseverance using the skills of patience and cooperation. Bobby the Bear books focus on the themes of kindness, respect, positivity, and helping your neighbors. In each story, Bobby guides his forest friends through life’s trials while learning some lessons of his own along the way.

Teachers will appreciate the available free activities and exercises that satisfy basic common core curriculum requirements in math, science, and English language arts.

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

 

We first met Bobby and his forest friends in Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise, book one in the adorable series. We watched animal friends band together to throw a surprise birthday party for their dear friend, Bobby. In Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest, book 2 in the series, Bobby returns the nice gesture and lends a helping paw to his crying friend – Ollie the owlet.

Ollie is in tears because he desperately wants to make a special nest for his sister, but his structions keep breaking. Bobby, being a good friend, offers his assistance. He has never built a nest before but is willing to learn. He understands how important the nest is to Ollie; it’s a thank-you gift to Olive for all the times she’d helped her sibling. Ah, what a sweet, loving gesture!

Bobby and Ollie’s first nest was not a success, which caused Ollie to break down in tears again. Bobby’s comforting words were perfect: “Never give up on something. Some things are hard to do and take many tries to get right.” He also mentioned how it took him five attempts to make it his first bed. Bobby’s correct; we should learn from our mistakes and try again. In the case of the nest, Bobby problem-solved on how to make the nest’s base sturdier. Of course, the two friends continued efforts led them to a secure nest that could hold Ollie and his sister. Success at last!

Happy smiles were all around after the big unveil, and Ollie realized the importance of never giving up. Kids will also learn the value of hard work and the feeling of accomplishment. Bobby the Bear Helps Build a Nest shows the power of kind gestures with its sweet storyline and illustrations. It’s also a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance and the rewards it can bring.

The synopsis states there are free activities and exercises. I didn’t have an opportunity to examine them (I received a free reviewer copy), but I still suggest taking advantage of the free resource material!

Extended activities: Nests are made of different materials. Have your family or class explore birds and the material each uses for their nests. Gather material and build a nest; see which nest can hold the most weight before its base collapses.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Award-winning author and teacher Ryan O’Connor hails from Kansas, where his passion for writing and education developed. Ryan has spent the past fifteen years teaching English to students of all ages in the United States and China. After spending a decade living abroad, Ryan calls Kansas City home.

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April 7, 2025 · 7:00 am

Gentle Hugs by Lily Guzmán (Book Review)

Alex treasures the time he spends with Nico, his loyal and curious dog, who is always by his side. Day by day, Alex confides in Nico about his mother’s health challenges, sharing his concerns and hopes. Despite her illness, Alex witnesses the unwavering depth of her love, a love that remains constant, though gentle. This story explores themes of resilience and the quiet strength of love.

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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.

 

Starting at a young age, kids pick up on cues that a friend or loved one isn’t feeling well. They make the connection between a cough or sneeze, which means a person is sick. That doesn’t mean they fully understand why mommy or daddy can’t play with them. In their eyes, parents are superheroes; nothing can keep them down for long. However, what happens when one day becomes two, two becomes three, and so on? Will their young mind understand why their parent isn’t getting better? Will their mood change? Kids are observant; they listen and see more than we realize. They catch whispered conversations. They notice a person is going to the doctor, sometimes a lot. They take notice of changed behavior and appearances. They may not fully grasp the root cause, but they know something isn’t right. That’s why we must include kids in the conversations and reassure them that they can talk to us about their feelings and that we’ll answer all their questions to the best of our ability.

Lily Guzmán beautifully explained what was happening to Alex’s mom and allowed us to view her “not-so-good days” through his eyes. When mom had a fever, Alex compared her body to the sun. A simile that kids of many ages can comprehend. When his mom was too tired to read a bedtime story, Alex explained to his best friend and dog, Nico, that he knew his mommy still loved them because she checked on them while they slept.

Love. Whether mom’s skin felt like it was being stung by a hundred ants or her legs felt like big balloons, Alex knew his mother loved him. Even when Alex couldn’t receive big bear hugs, he reassured himself and his furry companion that Mommy still loved them. Sickness can come in short-term bursts or long-hard battles. Our job is to share with our kid(s) what we believe they can handle at their age and reassure them that, through it all, they are loved. This story is an excellent demonstration of both.

Gentle Hugs is a touching picture book showing how love can be expressed, not only with words but also with our actions. The book is filled with lovely illustrations that vividly depict Alex’s journey and his mother’s battle with an illness. The heartwarming storyline moved me. I teared up at Alex’s observations and how he never once doubted his mother’s love. I recommend sharing this story with your child, especially if someone close to them is battling a health issue. It’s a beautifully crafted storybook that’ll leave a lasting impression on every reader, young or old.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
(rounded to 5 stars on Amazon and Goodreads)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Lily Guzmán is a physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, currently based in Puerto Rico. Born and raised on the island, she spent a formative period in Miami, Florida, where she trained to become a Rheumatologist. Her passion for medicine stems from a deep desire to improve the lives of her patients, particularly those living with chronic pain.

Outside of her medical practice, she cherishes time with her family and her beloved dog, Nico. It was the comfort and companionship she found in Nico, along with the resilience of her patients facing chronic pain, that inspired her to write Gentle Hugs. The book serves as a heartfelt reminder that empathy and compassion, like any other qualities, need daily care to thrive.

Through her writing, she hopes to offer comfort and support to families facing similar challenges, particularly those affected by chronic illness. Gentle Hugs helps children understand the emotional complexities of having a loved one who struggles with health issues, while also reminding readers of all ages that love, empathy, and care can endure even on tough days. Lily hopes the book encourages a deeper sense of kindness and compassion in everyone who reads it.

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April 3, 2025 · 7:00 am

Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise by Ryan O’Connor (Book Review)

Join Bobby the Bear in the forest for the surprise of a lifetime and a lesson in the importance of true friendship. With captivating art and a carefully crafted message, Bobby’s story is sure to delight children of all ages. Through his many stories, Bobby teaches his forest friends life lessons through kindness, respect, and positivity while learning some lessons of his own along the way.

Teachers will appreciate the available free activities and exercises that satisfy basic common core curriculum requirements in math, science, and English language arts.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

It’s Bobby the Bear’s birthday, and he is excited to spend the day at the lake with his friends: Owen (the owl) and his owlets, Mr. and Mrs. Butterfly, Rachel (the rabbit), Tanya (the tiger), Brian (the beaver), plus an additional one (pictured in group shot but not visited by Bobby). On his way to the lake, Bobby stopped at his friends’ homes, but they were all gone. Bobby was confused about where everyone was and wondered if they had already left for the lake.

The bear arrived at the lake and noticed no one was there either. He waited for his friends to arrive, but they never appeared. Did they forget his birthday? I’ve taken my children to birthday parties where they were the only attendees. It’s heartbreaking to watch a birthday kid run to the window when they hear a vehicle and see confusion and sadness sweep across their face when the car passes by their home. Bobby’s situation might resonate with some kids. It might make others rethink passing on invites, so their classmates never experience confusion and sadness, as Bobby did on his special day.

Bobby’s story ends with a surprise happy ending, which all parents want for their children on birthdays. It’s a heartwarming moment that will surely bring a smile to kids’ faces. The joyful conclusion reinforces the power of friendship while reminding kids that even in the face of disappointment, there’s always the potential for a happy ending.

Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise is a wonderful children’s book with big, bold illustrations. I loved Tanya the Tiger’s “out to lunch” sign. The paw prints were a cute touch. The cake was decorated so lovely that one would almost hate cutting into it. Not me, I love cake! The group shot of the partygoers perfectly ended the story. 

There were three items I would change, though. First, I would’ve included every animal’s name and home. The author didn’t name the orange and white animal in the group photo, and Bobby didn’t stop by their house either. Second, since most people read left to right, I would’ve swapped placements for the text on the grey background and words in the speech bubble. Lastly, I was surprised Bobby didn’t talk to the turtle at the lake. Ask if the tutle would like to celebrate his birthday with him. That would’ve made for a sweet, touching moment.

Even without those small additions mentioned above, Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise was a lovely read with adorable illustrations. It’s a storybook that parents can use to teach kids animal names and even their colors. With its simple word choices, Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise would make an excellent book for early readers. This book would make a great birthday gift, too!

The book’s info states, “Teachers will appreciate the available free activities and exercises that satisfy basic common core curriculum requirements in math, science, and English language arts.” I couldn’t access those from my reviewer’s copy, but I encourage parents and teachers to take full advantage of the free resource materials! 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
(I will round up to 4 on Amazon and Goodreads.)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Award-winning author and teacher Ryan O’Connor hails from Kansas, where his passion for writing and education developed. Ryan has spent the past fifteen years teaching English to students of all ages in the United States and China. After spending a decade living abroad, Ryan calls Kansas City home.

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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April 1, 2025 · 7:00 am

Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles: Dynamic Duos by Helene Hovanec (Book Review)

Unleash Your Inner Detective with Word Fun Riddles and Crisscross Puzzles!

Join Puzzle Pooch and puzzle master Helene Hovanec on a journey to solve puzzles and learn new words at the same time! Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles: Dynamic Duos contains 50 puzzles and two books in one:

  • Word fun riddles: Ridiculous riddles full of riddles and jokes. These puzzles are not only fun, but funny, too. Have fun with 25 word fun puzzles from “What do spiders eat with their hamburgers?” and “What would you get if you crossed a ghost and an elephant?” to “When is the ocean friendliest?” Every Word Fun puzzle is based on a ridiculous riddle. You’ll probably laugh [or groan] when you find the answer.

  • Crisscross puzzles: All you need to do is just figure out how to fit all the words listed on the page into the correct spaces in the diagram, based on length and crossing letters. Have fun with 25 crisscross puzzles from “Sew What?” and “Let’s Dance!” to “Exotic Colors” and “Summertime.” Crisscrosses have no clues or numbers. Instead you’ll need to figure out how to fit each word into its own unique space in the diagram.

Find clear instructions on how to complete puzzles, with helpful examples and tips from Puzzle Pooch. You’ll love the puzzles in this book because you can become a WORD DETECTIVE! So grab your pencil and get ready to have a blast!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Get ready to dive into a world of diverse puzzles that will keep you engaged and entertained. From 25-word fun riddles to 25 crisscross puzzles, there’s something for everyone in this book!

 

In the first section of Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles, the author challenges your power of observation by closely examining two words on each line and spotting which letter they do not have in common. For instance, when presented with tirade and tired, you would write down “a.” As gamers jot down the answers in order of descent, the letters will unlock the answers to riddles, like “What has two humps and is found at the North Pole?” or “How did the Vikings contact each other?” I was impressed by the variety of riddles in this first section. I was pleased to see the writer didn’t include ones we’ve heard countless times. Who wants more of the same anyway?! Not me, and I bet you won’t either! I knew a few without looking at the word clues, but I still worked them anyway because I loved solving the mini mysteries to unlock the bigger ones.

If you thought the word fun riddles was easy to solve, things might become more complicated as you enter the world of “Crisscross.” Before the first puzzle (“Supermarkets”), the adorable, oversized glasses-wearing Puzzle Pooch will walk you through how to work the games in Crisscross Puzzles. Players will notice the puzzles resemble crossword puzzles in design, but they are lacking crucial components that we have grown accustomed to: Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles has omitted numbered clues. NO numbers are signaling across or down answers. Instead, this version gives you a word bank, broken down by the number of letters per word, and supplies you with a few letters on the puzzle board to help you on your puzzle journey. “U.S. Cities,” “October 31,” words that contain the letters “ME,” plus 22 more games that will require more thought and time to figure out. If you love a good challenge, this section is for you!

Take Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles with you on a long commute or trip. Solve puzzles on your lunch break. Work the puzzles as you work on your tan. Take it into the bathroom instead of your phone. Solve the riddles and quiz your family; see who can solve the mystery without help.

Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles is an entertaining and educational activity book anyone can work on if they can read and spell. It’s perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, vacations, lunch breaks, and more. So, put down the electronics and sharpen your mind with 50 fun puzzles!

An answer key is included!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
(4.5 stars rounded to 5)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Helene Hovanec has been hooked on puzzles since she was six years old. She is a former elementary school teacher and is the author of more than 60 puzzle books. Helene is the creator of Dynamic DoubleCross and Plus One puzzles and the producer of Puzzles4Kids for King Features.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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March 28, 2025 · 7:00 am

Ben T. Finnigan’s Awesome ADHD Superpowers by May Morrissey (Book Review)

Do you feel the wiggles when you are told to sit still?

Does your brain buzz with unstoppable ideas?

What if those things you thought were challenges were actually superpowers?

Meet Ben T. Finnigan, a boy with ADHD who feels frustrated when he’s fidgety and his big emotions take over. But with a little help, Ben discovers that his boundless energy, endless curiosity, and creativity are what make him extraordinary. This uplifting story celebrates the magic of neurodivergence, encouraging kids to embrace their differences and uncover their inner superhero.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Ben Theodore Finnigan is an energetic little boy whose body is usually in high gear, earning him the title of “happy tornado” by his mother. Ben isn’t allowed to move at lightning speed at school, though. His teacher would like Ben to slow down in the classroom, but that is difficult for him. Why? Ben has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, for short). It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it challenging for individuals like Ben to stay focused or remain still. The author compared Ben’s brain to a race car, both moving quickly. Great comparison! In this book, we follow Ben’s journey as he learns to navigate his ADHD and discovers his unique superpowers.

ADHD has other symptoms, such as it can shrink one’s patience in waiting their turn. We saw that firsthand as Ben’s excitement caused him to cut the line to the paint table. His brain didn’t register how his action would upset others. It had one thought – get to the paints! A person with ADHD also tends to get distracted easily, and remaining perfectly still is nearly impossible. They often forget to do something and wiggle and fidget when calm bodies are needed. And, as we witnessed with Ben and bath time, their feelings can grow big, causing them to get easily frustrated and express their emotions loudly. I applaud the mom’s reaction to Ben’s outburst. She NEVER once yelled at him, but instead, she took a calmer approach. She waited for big feelings to subside, and when he was ready, she hugged him.

I loved the scene featuring Ben and his father discussing the day’s highs and lows – the happy and sad parts of the day. When Ben pointed out only the low parts, his father reminded his son of all his remarkable accomplishments this morning. We all make mistakes, and focusing only on the errors can dampen our moods and willingness to try again. We should all follow Ben’s dad’s example – help or remind our kids of everything they did good that day. Also, remember these five words – “I AM PROUD OF YOU”- can make all the difference in the world for a person!

One might think there is no upside to having ADHD, but we discover people with the condition have “superpowers.” No, you won’t run fast like The Flash, but the “High Energy Power” does keep you moving longer than the average person. Ben’s dad mentioned two other superpowers his son had, but mum’s the word on those. I encourage you to read the story to discover Ben’s other hidden powers. Ben’s mom points out superpowers we ALL have that can help us take life a bit slower or help raise our spirits. These, too, will be unveiled as you read the uplifting and loving story.

The technical term for ADHD can be tricky for children to say, but Ben’s story does a wonderful job explaining the symptoms behind the condition in terms a child can comprehend. The book shares positive aspects of the disorder—superpowers that can boost a child’s spirit about the diagnosis. The parents model good responses when their son is experiencing big feelings. It also offers coping strategies every reader can benefit from, leaving you feeling informed and knowledgeable about ADHD.

I highly recommend reading Ben T. Finnigan’s Awesome ADHD Superpowers. It is an uplifting story that explains ADHD in simple terms and reminds those with the condition to focus on the daily highs. It also features adorable illustrations that will make you smile, especially the ones containing Kojo the cat.

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

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

May Morrissey is a debut children’s picture book author, devoted mom, and nurse anesthetist by trade. Her writing journey began when her son was diagnosed with ADHD—a moment that forever changed the way she saw his world and how the world saw him. Fueled by a deep desire to make her son feel seen, heard, and valued, she set out to create stories that capture the energy, struggles, and superpowers of neurodivergent kids like him.

Inspired by real-life events in her family, May wrote Ben T. Finnigan’s Awesome ADHD Superpowers, a heartwarming and empowering story that highlights the challenges and triumphs of children with ADHD. Determined to ensure her son and kids like him felt understood and valued, she began crafting stories that bring to life the energy, challenges, and unique strengths of neurodivergent kids like him, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and brilliance that come with it. Through her books, she hopes to empower children, support parents, and create environments where neurodivergent kids can thrive.

May lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, their three children. When she’s not writing, she, loves indulging in a good dessert, enjoying a cozy cup of tea, and embracing the beautiful chaos of family life.

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