Pete and Suzie and the Party Penguins by Samantha Ahearne (Book Review)

In Hazy Bay, the big debate concerns who might be the greatest diver of all time, a pelican or a seagull.

Imagine the disruption to the pelican seagull debate when penguins arrive to dive!

How will the pelicans and seagulls react to the new competition?

Don’t judge a bird by it’s feathers.

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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.

 

The Hazy Bay newspaper’s headline read that the penguins were selected to dive this year at the Hazy Bay Sports Day. This revelation stunned the pelican and seagull community. The water birds had no idea what a penguin was and if they could perform better than them. They assumed penguins could fly, which young kids discover is false. The illustrations showing the birds looking up at the sky in search of the penguins were amusing. Readers will feel the birds’ confusion as they look left, right, and behind them without sighting these mysterious penguin guests flying toward them. The funny, illustrative scenes continue as we watch all three types of birds strike a yoga pose. Yes, you read that right—these birds practice yoga! And Puffy’s (the penguin) demonstration of how they got their name was adorable! Oh, and Puffy’s dance skills were quite the showstopper, too. I would love to see Puffy and Mumble (Happy Feet) engage in a dance-off!

The pelicans and seagulls made the mistake of judging the penguins without getting to know them. However, they learned a profound lesson as they watched the penguins perform their diving routine: you cannot judge a bird by looks alone. This lesson is not just for birds, but for all of us. It’s a gentle reminder not to form opinions based on appearances, but to take the time to get to know someone and then form an opinion based on how they treat you and others.

Pete and Suzie and the Party Penguins is a wonderful story that teaches kids to be kind to others, not judgy. It’s marked for children 4-8 years, but kids of all ages will love the comical illustrations and the penguin’s remarkable water performance. I recommend sharing this story with your family or students. Great message. Nice introduction to yoga and affirmations. Plus, funny illustrations that’ll have your little ones giggling.

 

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

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Meet the Author

Samantha Ahearne is an eternal optimist, who hopes to inspire kindness and acceptance through her story writing. She was born and raised in London, England and now lives in Houston, Texas.
 

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Daddy Needs a Beer by Greg Betz (Book Review)

Being a dad is hard. Laughing about it is mandatory!

Packed with laugh-out-loud honesty, Daddy Needs a Beer is the brutally funny, baby-told tribute to fatherhood that’s every bit exhausting, challenging, and the best gift dad never knew he needed.

Perfect for:

  • Dads who tell the worst jokes

  • Husbands who “supervise” bedtime

  • Father’s Day shoppers

Grab a copy, crack a beer, and give Dad what he really wants this year — a break and a good laugh.

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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.

 

Parenthood is exhausting. From the moment our little ones enter our lives, we are on the go, go, go. It’s a messy and (yes) stinky job. We are our child(ren)’s chef, bather, butt wiper, playmate, doctor, teacher, and much more. Is it no wonder so many parents are operating on fumes by the end of the day? And let’s be real here: many parents enjoy an alcoholic beverage at the end of the day if time permits it or you’re not too fatigued to enjoy it.

Daddy Needs a Beer is a delightfully humorous story from a baby’s perspective. From the morning the infant awakens till it’s time to say good night, the baby acknowledges everything their father does without complaint while also weaving in the topic of a beer into each daddy-baby moment. The dad’s reaction to changing a diaper, a task all parents can relate to, is a perfect example. His smile while holding the dirty diaper with two fingers is a scene that could easily be from any parent’s life, and it’s sure to bring a chuckle to your lips.

The adorable baby in Daddy Needs a Beer loves every moment spent with their father, as do numerous other children. They remark they have nothing to fear when their dad throws them up into the air while recognizing that babies are heavy so that the act will tire the parent’s muscles. Oh, how true that is! Babies and toddlers love to be picked up, but it takes a toll over time. Babies aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a nap. Though the child could not verbalize their appreciation in words, their laughter and smiling face spoke volumes. Every smile, giggle, and hug makes all the sore muscles and sleepless nights worth it.

Every father-child moment featured in Daddy Needs a Beer has happened or will happen with you and your little one. Remember these points for those who are iffy about reading a book where a child keeps putting dad and beer in the same thought. Kids are quite perceptive, so their mental thinking, “Daddy is earning that beer,” is probably more accurate than we think. Second, many parents drink cocktails, beer, wine, or spirits, so let’s not tip our noses to the comedic storyline. Lastly, the dad didn’t drink while the baby was awake. He waited until the child was asleep for the night. Again, this is a move many parents make every day.

Messes come in all sizes, and mealtime is high on that list with young children. I laughed at the prints along the floor and wall, in the father spoon-feeding his baby. That is a lesson to all parents: use a highchair next time so the child can’t crawl away. I love that the illustrator presented the father in a blue silhouette. It allows fathers reading the story to picture themselves as the central star.

Daddy Needs a Beer is a wonderful, amusing story that shows how hard parents work and, most importantly, the child’s appreciation for everything we do. Daddy Needs a Beer is perfect for soon-to-be fathers or as a Father’s Day gift. “Grab a copy, crack a beer, and give Dad what he really wants this year — a break and a good laugh.”

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I’m a first-time author sharing a lighthearted, heartfelt look at fatherhood. This playful, rhyming picture book captures the messy, funny, and loving moments that make parenting unforgettable—for kids and parents alike.
 

 

 

 

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Breaking from Dogma: A Story of You by Alexandra Collin de l’Hortet (Book Review)

A science-inspired children’s book about DNA, epigenetics, and the amazing power of being you!

Ever wondered how your body knows what to do, or why you’re different from everyone else, even though we all start with the same recipe book inside?
Breaking from Dogma takes young readers on a beautifully illustrated journey inside the human cell to explore the big ideas of DNA, genes, and epigenetics, all explained in a warm, playful, and empowering way.
From cooking book metaphors to magical sticky notes, this story helps kids (and grown-ups too!) understand that who we are is shaped not just by our genes, but also by our environment, experiences, and choices.

  • Perfect for curious kids ages 4–8
  • Introduces biology, genetics, and epigenetics
  • Encourages growth mindset and self-discovery
  • Great for classrooms, family who love science, STEM, or storytime

Because nature and nurture don’t compete, they dance together to help you shine!


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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.

 

Breaking from Dogma takes readers on an enlightening journey inside the human cell to explore DNA, genes, and epigenetic, all brought to life through engaging and captivating illustrations.

Have you ever wondered how your body knows what to do or why you’re different from everyone else? You can thank your cells for that! Breaking from Dogma informs readers that their body is comprised of trillions of cells, which make up everything, including your skin! Thanks to the artist, the audience will get a magnified look at muscle, fat, and skin cells. And, as the character looks through a microscope, we get an even closer look at a cell. In the enhanced photo, we learn what is and where you’ll find a cell’s nucleus and cytoplasm. Don’t worry if kids can’t recall their meaning; there is a glossary in the end credits for every scientific word in the story, plus several more that weren’t.

Every child’s capacity to learn, understand, and retain information varies. The book’s suggested reading age is 4-8. It’s evident the author put a lot of thought into explaining genes and the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: DNA, RNA, and proteins for this age range. The inclusion of silly, fun, and age-appropriate artwork, such as three smiling organs reading recipe books, was a nice touch. It was just what was needed to keep readers engaged.

The term “epigenetic inheritance” might sound complex, but Breaking from Dogma simplifies it beautifully. “It’s a kind of memory from our ancestors experiences. A whisper from the past, living in your cells.” While the term might be challenging for young minds to retain, they should be able to remember its meaning. Especially if shown the lovely image of the little girl holding onto an illuminated DNA as she stares in awe at her three ancestors above her head. So sweet.

Breaking from Dogma is a beautifully designed book that does a good job of breaking down how DNA and life experiences work hand in hand to shape who we are. While the illustrations are catered to 4-8-year-olds, kids in this age bracket might struggle to recall or pronounce some science terms. Therefore, I recommend reading the book more than once!

Breaking from Dogma is a must-have for elementary school classrooms, homeschoolers, and families who love science. Add the book to your curriculum. Read it for fun. Increase your science knowledge or use it to refresh your brain. (Yeah, adults, I am talkin’ to you!). Learn together that our genes do not just shape us, but so do our environment, experiences, and choices.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Alex Collin (Alexandra Collin de l’Hortet) is a biotech executive with over a decade of experience leading the development of innovative therapies in gene therapy. Raised in France and now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she brings a unique blend of international perspective, scientific expertise, and creative curiosity to everything she writes.

As a parent of two curious young children, Alex has experienced firsthand the power of storytelling to make sense of the world. She is passionate about transforming complex scientific ideas into playful, empowering stories that children can connect with and understand.

Drawing on both a deep love of storytelling and a career at the forefront of science, Alex writes to spark wonder, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of curious thinkers.

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Horrors of the Household by Rocky Leplin (Book Spotlight)

Are there monsters in your house that you didn’t know were there until you started reading Horrors of the Household? How about the Staircase Slug?


The Staircase Slug climbs up it

Leaving slimy trails 
Then laughs in glee as you slide down it
On your fingernails.

 

Oh, but that hasn’t happened to you–yet! Well, you may find a lot of things have changed in your abode when you start reading this book, like the Bogey in the Basement, the Closet Creep, the Toothbrush Twirler, and watch out for Window Warts, they’re very sharp! By the end you may be glad the Attic Fanatic throws you out the window! At least you’ll be out of your house!

Horrors of the Household is similar to the poetry of the great writer-illustrator Shel Silverstein, and its audience is the same upper elementary age group, and their parents, and their friends. It is a collaboration between the author, who wrote the rhymed verse epic novel Humphrey’s Long Journey Away From the Sea, and a boy who lives across the street, who is a graphic arts genius–as you will see for yourself. They both recommend that you read Horrors with the light on–but watch out for the Lampshade Lurker, or you may wind up on the ceiling.

In one sentence, Booklisp has summed up the effect this book can have on you, when they wrote, “Thith book almotht thscared uth to death!”

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Check out its sequel: The Darker Possibilities

 

 

Meet the Author

Rocky Leplin

Author of six books of rhymed verse, including the epic novel Humphrey’s Long Journey Away from the Sea.

His next publication is called Never Kiss a Crocodile, Never Slap a Skunk, a field guide to ominous animals.

In 2020 he was a winner of the Writers Digest Writing Competition for his story The Incredible Man-Eating Marshmallow.

In 2022 his wacky how-not-to manual A Psycho’s Guide to Animal Companionship— Instructions for the abnormal pet companion was a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

In 2023 he was a winner of the Writers Digest Writing Competition for his poem The Apartment Building Bore.

In 2024 he was a Finalist in the Humor category of the Next Generation Short Story Awards for his story The Tumultuous Tire Revolution.

He has written three novels, the musical The Purpose of the Moon and over 500 songs, many of which can be heard on this website.

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There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids: Surgery Books for Kids by Nat Gibson (Book Review)

Is your little one getting ready for adenoid surgery? Do they also have a dinosaur-sized imagination?

When Ollie’s snoring interrupts his (and his brother’s) sleep, he discovers that a mischievous dinosaur might be to blame! Join him as he experiences the surgery process in a special way at the Dinosaur Catchers’ Camp (hospital)—where he’ll:

  • Receive a unique bracelet (hospital wristband)

  • Go to the weigh station (weight measurement)

  • Get an arm hug (blood pressure reading)

  • Wear special pajamas (hospital gown)

  • Put on a magic mask (anesthesia)

  • And finally, meet the Dinosaur Catchers (doctors) who will remove his adenoids and capture that silly little dinosaur!

 

Created to help ease worries by turning a real medical procedure into an exciting dinosaur-catching adventure, this book uses a mix of information and fantasy to help parents guide young children and toddlers through adenoid removal surgery and recovery—in a way that feels magical rather than scary.

For extra fun, have a small dinosaur ready for your child after surgery.

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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.

 

Nat Gibson is back with another fabulous picture book; this time, they are tackling the annoying snore-a-saurus!

Do you have someone in your life that snores? Whose snores cause you to lose out on precious hours of rest? As There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids: An Adenoid Surgery Book for Kids begins, we find James feeling frustrated over his brother’s loud honkfewww, a common situation in many shared bedrooms. James tries to gently wake his slumbering brother before finally shouting, “I can’t sleep.” Sweet Ollie expresses his apologies, but he can’t help it. He said it felt like something was blocking his nose. It’s time for Ollie to visit a doctor to find out the cause of his noisy nose and how to fix it. During the doctor’s visit, it’s revealed that a dinosaur is the culprit behind Ollie’s woes. It’s hiding behind the adenoids, blocking the airflow. The author understands that adenoids will probably be a new term for many children; therefore, they have included an easy-to-understand explanation and a funny illustration showing the dino giving a one-arm hug to a tiny, squishy blob (adenoid). Kids might assume, like Ollie, that if the problem is inside their nose, they should be able to dislodge it themselves. A nice thought that is expressed through four cute drawings.

Unfortunately, Ollie’s loud schnoz can only be fixed by removing the dinosaur from its hiding spot. In other words, he needs an operation. Hospitals can be a scary place for kids. The enormous size, bright lights, and mounting fear of what’s to come can make youngsters panic, especially when they hear the word surgery or operating room. They often fear going to sleep and never waking back up. That’s where There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids comes in handy! In this adorable story, Ollie didn’t go to a big, scary, intimidating hospital. No, they went to Dinosaur Catcher’s Camp, where a dino helper gave him a special bracelet (hospital wristband) that instructed the Dino Catchers on where to look for the troublesome dino.

Next, Ollie headed to the weighing station (the scale), where the unexpected happened. (No spoilers.) This leads readers to remember one should not eat before surgery. Every step in the pre-op procedure was simplified using kid-friendly terms, such as instead of saying blood pressure reading, the writer said, “arm hug.” The writer and illustrator never strayed away from the dino theme, not in text or design. Kids will love Ollie’s special pajamas: blue clothing, red cape, and yellow hat. Parents, educators, and medical personnel will love how the creators of this wonderful book took a potentially overwhelming and frightening situation and made it look not so scary. The dino catchers (surgeon) and their helpers (nurses) reassured Ollie and kids facing similar situations that they would never be alone during the whole process. The nurse continues to explain the nice aroma in the “magic mask” allows the team to safely capture the dino as Ollie catches some zzzz. The staff member’s comforting words put Ollie at ease and hopefully their words will do the same for readers of this delightful storybook.

While children might initially feel trepidation about the surgical process, the book’s humorous illustrations quickly turn fear into laughter and smiles. The dino’s antics and the final image are sure to bring a smile to their faces. If the dino images don’t do the trick, the thought of the popsicle room (AKA recovery room) certainly will!

Is your child feeling apprehensive about an upcoming nasal surgery? Do they have a family or friend who’s about to undergo a dino (adenoid) removal procedure? If you answered yes, I’d recommend sharing There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids with your child. It’s a silly but informative story that eases fears regarding what will happen before, during, and after the surgery.

I adored the illustrations, the dino theme, the simple dialogue, and how keywords stood out, thanks to brightly colored shading. I highly suggest sharing this stupendous story with your family and counting down the days to a peaceful night’s sleep!

The recommended reading age is 2-7 years.

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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