Tag Archives: activity book

October 16, 2026 · 7:00 am

Halloween Search-and-Find Adventures: A Hunt Full of Tricks and Treats by Gus Morais (Book Spotlight)

Ready for a Halloween activity that’s more treat than trick? Halloween Search-and-Find Adventures keeps kids giggling, guessing, and glued to every page while secretly boosting their focus and observation skills. It’s the kind of screen-free fun they’ll beg to do “just one more time!”

Packed with vibrant, detailed illustrations, this playful book transforms Halloween into an unforgettable interactive experience for children and families alike. Each page features a bustling Halloween scene, complete with sneaky skeletons, creepy pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and more, all filled with your favorite Halloween characters.

With this search-and-find, you will:

  • Keep kids entertained for hours with engaging, screen-free Halloween fun
  • Strengthen observation skills as they hunt for cleverly hidden surprises
  • Build focus and patience through interactive, repeatable challenges
  • Spark imagination with playful ghosts, pumpkins, and whimsical spooky scenes
  • Turn quiet time into an exciting “I found it!” experience

From tricky pumpkins to mischievous monsters, every search is a new mini adventure bursting with color, charm, and just the right amount of spooky fun. Whether it’s for cozy fall nights or on-the-go entertainment, this is the Halloween activity book kids will reach for again and again.

Can your little monster spot them all?

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Take a peek inside….

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Meet the Author

Gus Morais is an award-winning Brazilian illustrator based in Madrid, Spain, known for his intricate and vibrant illustrations filled with joyful, densely populated scenes. With nearly 15 years of experience, Gus has created work for major international clients across editorial, publishing, advertising, and entertainment, including The Washington Post, Warner Bros Games, LEGO, DC Comics, LucasArts, Wizarding World, and AT&T. He is the long-time creator of The Washington Post’s annual Christmas search-and-find illustration, a reader favorite.

Beyond editorial and commercial projects, Gus has illustrated packaging, puzzles, children’s books, murals, large-scale posters, and digital campaigns. His recent collaboration with Frontify on the viral “Spot the Brand” campaign earned two Drum Awards, including Gold in the Illustration category. He is a three-time recipient of the Society for News Design’s prestigious Award of Excellence.

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July 3, 2025 · 7:00 am

Finding Calm in Chaos with Arya Bear: Stress Relief Puzzles & Doodles by Miranda Miller (Book Spotlight)

 

The Puzzle Book That Helps You Reset, Refocus, and Recharge

You do so much. You care, you give, and you push through. But when was the last time you took a real break?

Inspired by Arya Bear, a certified therapy dog and crisis response canine, this book is more than just puzzles—it’s a mental reset designed to help you unwind, focus, and recharge. The same calm Arya brings to hospitals, first responders, and those in need is now in your hands.

Inside, you’ll find 96 puzzles, 24 doodle prompts, and 24 therapy-dog-approved wellness tips to help you:

  • Reduce stress and clear mental clutter
  • Improve focus and sharpen your thinking
  • Unlock creativity and build a daily self-care habit

What’s Inside?

  • Word searches, crosswords, sudoku, and mazes that range from easy to expert, keeping your mind engaged while helping you relax
  • Doodle prompts designed to slow your thoughts and encourage creative expression
  • Therapy dog wellness tips—simple, proven techniques inspired by Arya’s work that bring instant calm

Why This Book?

  • Science-backed benefits – Puzzles help reduce stress, enhance memory, and improve mental clarity
  • Inspired by a real therapy dog – Arya Bear is known for bringing comfort and stability to those in high-stress environments
  • Designed for busy minds – Just a few minutes a day can help you reset and feel more in control
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This isn’t just a book—it’s a tool for self-care, a way to pause, reset, and recharge even in the middle of a busy life.

The best time to take care of yourself isn’t someday. It’s now!

Get your copy today and start your reset!

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CHECK OUT THESE SAMPLE PAGES!!

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Meet the Author

Miranda Miller is an Indigenous Alaskan (Yup’ik) author, entrepreneur, and mother who writes with heart, purpose, and deep cultural pride. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, she blends the warmth of her Yup’ik roots with the joy and wonder of storytelling, inspired by her own life, her son’s imagination, and her beloved therapy dog, Arya Bear.

Miranda’s stories aren’t just tales—they’re lived experiences. Her debut children’s book series, Arya Bear Adventures, celebrates emotional wellness, connection, and kindness—infused with real-life hospital visits, community heroes, and the healing magic of animals. Each character is thoughtfully based on someone from her real world, from nurses to her own family.

A passionate advocate for authenticity and Indigenous representation in children’s literature, Miranda is building a storytelling legacy that reflects the love, resilience, and imagination at the heart of her family and culture.

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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!

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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.

 

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)

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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.

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June 28, 2024 · 7:00 am

Early Reader Workbook by Andrea C. McLean (Book Spotlight)

Open a world of wonder for your little learner with this engaging Early Reader Workbook! Designed to spark a love for reading long before pen meets paper, this delightful book builds on your child’s existing vocabulary and uses familiar pictures to bridge the gap between spoken words and their written forms.

Through playful activities, your child will embark on a delightful journey filled with:

  • Connecting Names and Pictures: Familiar objects come alive as children learn to associate their everyday vocabulary with words written on the page. The child no longer just hears the word “car” but now sees and understands “C-A-R.”
  • Upper and Lowercase Adventures: Letter recognition takes center stage! Children embark on a quest to identify both uppercase and lowercase letters, laying the foundation for future reading fluency.
  • Sounds and Letters Unite: The magic of phonics unfolds as children discover how letters connect to form familiar sounds, weaving together the building blocks of words they already know.
  • Coloring and Cutting Fun: Learning extends beyond the page! Coloring vibrant illustrations and carefully cutting out letters not only enhances motor skills but also fosters creativity and color recognition.

This charming workbook is much more than just an alphabet primer. It’s an invitation to embark on a magical journey to discover the world of words. Watch your child’s face light up as they make the remarkable connection between spoken words and their written forms, taking their first step on the exciting path to becoming a lifelong reader.

So, grab your crayons, unleash your inner explorer, and prepare to be spellbound by the wonder of language with this interactive Early Reader Workbook!

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Meet the Author

Andrea C. McLean is a board-certified life, career, and executive coach. She is a global leadership coach and mentor focused on developing women leaders in corporate and university settings. Andrea has a spirit of encouragement and a passion for inspiring others on their journey toward achieving personal transformations. She can be reached at andrea@acmcoachinggroup.com and you can follow @andreacmclean on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more inspiration.
 
 
 

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February 5, 2024 · 7:00 am

Polar Animals Coloring Book by Jorge (Book Review)

Dive into the frosty wonders of the Icelands with our ‘Polar Animals Coloring Book for Kids Ages 4-8: Featuring Pookie the Penguin and Tushka the Polar Bear.’ This engaging book not only offers a delightful coloring experience but also provides fun educational facts and activities about Arctic Hares, Reindeer, Sea Otters, Arctic Wolves, and Wolverines.

What to expect inside:

• Enjoy 50 individual designs showcasing polar wonders.
• Designs are single-sided, featuring adorable characters like Pookie the Penguin and Tushka the Polar Bear against detailed Arctic backgrounds.
• Learn about polar animals with age-appropriate backgrounds, including icebergs, snowflakes, and igloos.
• Mazes, Shadow Matching, Freehand Drawing, and over 40 fun educational facts about the polar regions.
• Large paper size format tailored for small hands to explore and learn.

This isn’t just a coloring book; it’s an immersive Arctic adventure that enhances your child’s creativity and knowledge. The book includes inspirational messages about friendship and self-esteem, inspired by characters from the award-winning book ‘Pookie and Tushka find a little piano.’

Activities and educational facts about the polar regions and its unique inhabitants will captivate young minds, making this book a perfect gift for young explorers. Order your copy today and let the polar coloring and learning journey begin!

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

 

This coloring book differed from others on the market. The most significant difference I noticed was the cool facts accompanying almost every page. Ex. “Icebergs are like gloating mountains made of ice! Even though we see only a small part above the water, most of the iceberg is hidden below!” Here’s one more “cool fact”: “Arctic hares change the color of their fur from brown in the summer to white in the winter, helping them hide from predators like foxes and owls.”

The cool facts are found on nine get-to-know-the-character pages, such as Vale the Arctic Hare and Pookie the Penguin. They’ll located on the polar matching games, mazes, and drawing pages. Watch your kid get excited as they recognize scenes from the series! 

The 50 individual designs are a perfect activity for days when it’s too cold outside. There are large images with plenty of open space, which would be perfect for toddlers. There are smaller objects requiring precision and double-page coloring scenes. While a toddler could also scribble on these, these coloring pages would be ideal for three years and up. 

Need a break from the cold or screens? I recommend this coloring book and every reading book by their talented creator (Jorge). 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Jorge (or Jorge Antonio Tello Aliaga for short) is a writer and illustrator born and raised in Lima, Perú. He has created books, toys, and apps that have received several awards including a “Children’s Book of the Year” award. His experience includes having worked for Apple, Adobe, Cisco and Oracle.

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