Tag Archives: adventure

Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen (Book Review)

It was supposed to be a fun day at the beach.

In the middle of the ocean, Kris finds an island with beautiful, sandy beaches. The ideal place to go swimming! Once she can teach the biggest, strongest sailor not to be afraid of the water, that is.
The perfect day is interrupted when a bunch of pirates appear out of the jungle. They capture the crew and chase Kris through the jungle. Now the pirates are trying to steal the ship and leave Kris and the crew stranded on the island.

Can Kris escape the Pirates?
Can she rescue the crew?
Can they steal their own ship back and get home?

Kris & The Pirates is the next installment of The Adventures of Kris, where imagination and friendship can overcome any obstacle.

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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.

 

Have you been so engrossed in a book that you felt like living it? Could you picture the characters and the locations or even hear a foreign accent as dialogue is exchanged? Kris, the heroine, gave new meaning to being immersed in a good book! In the real world, she was a typical kid, complaining about not wanting to do something a parent, her dad, asked her to do. In this case, that would be attending a costume party in March. She understood dressing up for Halloween, but a costume party in March was stupid, according to her. Kris would rather get lost in a good book. Me too! 

When Kris cracked open her current read, she found herself smack dab in the thick of things. She felt the breeze on her face, watched in amazement as dolphins played, and moved around the ship as easily as she did her bedroom in the real world. Kris’s biggest problem was the captain’s annoying son, James. That soon quickly changed when they went ashore, and they were given an unfriendly welcome by several stranded pirates who were ready to leave.

As Kris searched for food, her path crossed with several talking animals. Stevie, the sloth, spoke as slowly as he moved. Sam, the snake, stretched out every “s” and gave kisses. Kris met Michael, king of monkeys, who was always in the mood to play a game. Other animals were present on the island—some who aided Kris and one particular animal that was just plain mean, like those awful pirates. 

Kris and The Pirates was two stories in one. In the pirate world, Kris seeks help from the multiple talking jungle animals she met while searching for food and a hiding spot! The real world was not as exciting as the island, but one encounter did cause her to scream in fright. How and why will only be unveiled if you read the book, and I highly recommend you read the book!

After I finished the story, I wondered if Kris’s time as a sailor was real or if it was just a person’s imagination gone wild. Whatever the answer is, I (again) recommend you read the book. Why? Because it’s that good! It has action, suspense, humor, and (let’s not forget) talking animals! 

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

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Meet the Author

Art Blegen is the author of imaginative chapter books for readers from 6 to 10 years old. He is an advocate for children to ensure they have a balance of positive examples in their lives. Wholesome stories and a healthy imagination can lay the foundation they will use for the rest of their lives.

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The Sunny Day Squad: The Quest for the Caringstone by Michael Panzner (Book Review)

Making the world a brighter place
 
Join The Sunny Day Squad – Ollie the monkey, Poppy the puppy, Daisy the rabbit, and Ted the horse – on a heroic journey from Gaggle Grove to find the fabled Caringstone, a magical gem that can make the saddest child smile. Using their unique talents, the four friends work together to overcome obstacles, solve problems, and spread joy. This heartwarming tale celebrates the power of friendship, bravery, and perseverance – a perfect story for bedtime…or anytime!
 

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

 

Under the sun of Gaggle Grove lives four close friends known as The Sunny Day Squad. Ollie the monkey, Poppy the puppy, Daisy the rabbit, and Ted the horse each possess a trait that will aid them in their adventure: assisting Captain Bravebutter in locating a remarkable gem that can make even the saddest child smile. The gem is better known as the Caringstone. 

During their important mission, Ollie the monkey swings branch to branch, leading the group through the forest. Music got a llama up and moving thanks to Daisy the rabbit’s musical talents. Poppy the puppy’s sweet disposition and Ollie’s monkeying around charmed three beavers into helping them cross a stream. 

Ted the horse’s ingenuity made climbing a cliff a breeze. 

Ted’s words rang true that day: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Captain Bravebutter also spoke the truth when he said they found the Caringstone because they showed bravery, clearness, teamwork, and determination. 

As the four friends reflected on the day, they acknowledged they only succeeded because they were there for each other. Plus, they made the most of their talents. I agree. When people cooperate, listen to one another, and work as a team, they’ll be stronger for it. These are great lessons to teach young children. 

I recommend sharing The Sunny Day Squad: The Quest for the Caringstone with children 3-8 years. The story teaches valuable lessons, and the illustrations are adorable as well. While every image had its charm, I particularly loved the smiling flowers and Ted, the glasses-wearing horse. So, very, very cute!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Michael Panzner is a long-time freelance writer who’s always been a child at heart. Inspired by the countless stories he’s shared with his children and grandchildren, Michael crafts tales designed to entertain, spark the imagination, and instill values like kindness, courage, empathy and perseverance. Having lived and worked in various locales, including the U.S. Northeast, North Carolina, and London, England, Michael now resides in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Catherine, and their loyal dog, Geoffrey.

For more about me, please visit michaelpanzner.com.

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Polly Mooney is a freelance illustrator based in the UK, with a BA (Hons) and MA in Illustration and Animation. Creating mostly digital art on her iPad, she enjoys bringing adorable characters, especially cute animals, to life.
 
Online, she shares her artistic journey through her YouTube channel, “Pollygone Illustration,” and extends her creativity to real-world products she designs, illustrates, and sells on her website.
 
 

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Zoe Home for the Holidays: A Merry Christmas Tale (Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog) by J. E. Brewer (Book Review)

Dashing Through the Snow in a One-Pup Crazy Way.

This is the second zany outing for Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog. Zoe is a whirlwind of a pup who helps people around town in unexpected ways during her daily walks with Edna. In Zoe Home for the Holidays, the duo turns winter into a wonderland and puts a whole new spin on dog walking. Edna lets Zoe take her for a wild ride to lend a helping paw to snow shovelers, skiers, skaters, ice sculptors, tree decorators, and even Santa himself, as only Zoe can. This is Book 2 of the Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog series.

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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.

 

I first met Zoe in the hilarious and unforgettable story Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog. The adorable canine was zooming across the pages and dragging their owner behind them, most of the time with their human counterpart (Edna) in mid-air. In Zoe Home for the Holidays, we witness another exhilarating walk where Edna’s feet barely touch the ground. 

Zoe’s case of the zoomies led Edna on a wild ride, but she was used to the 0 to 60 outdoor fun. Even the whole town knows what to expect when Zoe takes off. You’d think a fast-moving pooch would spell disaster, but their speed and quick movements prove quite helpful for the townspeople this holiday season. Zoe and Edna helped clear off the snowy sidewalks, assisted the children to the top of the ski hill, coordinated ice skaters, and created a stunning ice sculpture. As they flew past the enormous tree in the village’s center, they did a holiday job many people dread: untangle a mountain of blinking lights. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Zoe also had time and energy to help jolly St. Nick and his reindeer! 

Readers will find themselves giggling over the high-flying owner. The illustrations show her as a human toboggan, resting on the backend of a dog-shaped ice sculpture, passing over treetops, riding on the back of Santa’s sled, and much more. Edna’s final line, “Santa says Hi,” was a perfect ender. It demonstrated how she loved and accepted the craziness the walks bring. Every day was an adventure with her furry friend! 

Zoe Home for the Holidays is a wonderful book to share with your family this and every holiday season. Kids will love it, and so will their parents too! Based on the previous book in the series, the recommended reading age is 3-7 years. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

I grew up in a hardworking lobstering town on the coast of southern Maine. As a Physics major at the University of Maine, I won the state creative fiction competition. Today I live on Boston’s north shore with my wife, a pre-school teacher. We have two sons and a little white dog.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

 

 

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If I Had A Pet Baboon by David Dobbins (Book Review)

Join two young sisters on an imaginative adventure as they play pretend with their toy baboon to explore the wonders of their own world. From the playful antics of the baboon to the far-reaching wonders of the girls’ imaginations, this whimsical story will have readers both young and old transported to a world of surprise and delight. Follow the sisters as they discover the joys and surprises of a world that only exists in their imaginations.

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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.

 

My eyes were instantly drawn to the cover. I loved the cute, comical snapshot of the family and baboon taped against the bright blue backdrop. It was perfect, and so was the title. I couldn’t wait to dive into the story; kids will be excited to read it, too. 

Kids are always begging their parents for a family pet. Many go the traditional route: dog and cat. Then, we have children who prefer a pet who’s a smaller size or less vocal: fish, gecko, gerbil, hamster, guinea pig, and turtle. Of course, we must remember the daring children who ask for a pet snake, mouse, rat, hedgehog, or spider. There are more pets to choose from, but this is the first time I’ve heard of anyone who’d prefer a baboon as their companion. 

Max Hardison’s illustrations were cute as a button and made me smile. Their cartoon image outshined any real baboon I’ve seen at our zoo or on a nature show. The artist made the wild animal appear cuddly-worthy, whereas the real-life version is frightening. The baboon’s facial expression at the beauty parlor spoke a thousand words. They might not like their “hoighty-toighty hairdo,” but kids will like the drawing. Children might wish for a baboon to join their next tea party after reading the book. Whether the baboon was behind the wheel, playing the bassoon, partaking in a 5-course meal, or looking at the night sky from a hot air balloon basket, the two sisters made having a baboon for a pet a fun and great idea. 

This story captures the beauty of a child’s imagination. This book is perfect for 2–7-year-olds despite a few challenging words. 

School or home, this is a lively book that will get kids excited for story time! Get your copy today, and remember to ask your child their thoughts on the out-of-the-ordinary pet. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

 
I am a husband of a beautiful wife and two lovely daughter. Because I have these little ones there is ample opportunity to tell them stories and flex my child like imagination. I just recently published my first children’s picture book inspired by my family.

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Happy Holidays

 

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Bob Tales, Land of the Woody Warbles by Susan Sullivan (Book Review)

When a sad and hungry kitty is rescued from a garbaggy place by a loving family, only to lose them again, he sets out to find them. On his journey, he encounters many strange and wonderful creatures including a slithery snake, a frisky frog, a friendly fish, a laughable lemur, a marvelous mantis, a testy turtle, a babbling bee, a wee worm, and a wise old owl. Along the way, he learns that he is a bit different than most cats and the other creatures aren’t so nice about his unique qualities.

While struggling with his identity, and weakened from his journey, the cat becomes more and more lost. He faces perilous danger and nearly gives up all hope. But after digging deep to find trust, and a little help and teamwork from his new friends, he finds more than he was hoping for.

In this beautifully illustrated tale of a cat without a tail, our hero learns how to believe in himself, overcome his fears, and feel comfortable in his own fur – with lots of adventures along the way. An inspiring story of courage, teamwork, and the long journey home.

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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 World Animal Foundation claims that, shockingly, there are 480 million stray cats. Susan Sullivan focuses on one homeless kitty in Bob Tales, Land of the Woody Warbles. Before the black kitty met his owners, he lived on the streets. He feasted on rotten garbage, causing his coat to smell no better than the food he consumed. He was bullied, beaten, and understandably sad. All that changed the day the gentle man with shaggy hair scooped him up and promised to help him. The friendly human gave the lonesome, dirty, hungry cat a name (Bob). He made sure Bob was given medical care, a bath, a warm bed, and plenty of healthy food. Bob loved his new family, a blended home of cats and dogs. He felt safe. He felt loved. He felt like he belonged. 

Bob understood that sometimes his owners would leave for the day, but he also understood they eventually returned. However, one day, they didn’t, and Bob was consumed with worry. As pet owners, we see the joy in our furry friends when we return home. Kisses. Head butts. They show love in their own way. Bob loved his humans and was willing to brave the harsh outside world again for them. 

In every chapter, Bob meets new faces. He met some friendly animals and some rude animals. Art imitates life in this instance. No matter the reader’s age, you will encounter people who will lift you up and those who enjoy tearing you down. It’s important to remember the wise words of Oakley, the owl: “What others think doesn’t matter half as much as what you think.”

Bob did not have a tail, and many animals remarked about it, causing him to be ashamed of who he was and what he looked like. Bob didn’t know life with a tail, but these wild animals made him feel terrible about it. We see this type of behavior in humans. We focus on someone’s outward appearance and should be judging someone by their actions. Bob was a sweet, smart cat who loved his family with all his heart. He braved the turbulent waters, faced his fears, and never gave up looking for his “lost” humans. 

In the end, Bob was reunited with his family, and what a story he had to share with his furry brothers and sisters. He swam. He flew. He had an adventure that would widen any furry friend’s eyes with shock and disbelief. 

Bob Tales, Land of the Woody Warbles thirteen chapters are full of action, adventure, love, and gorgeous illustrations of animals and insects (artist: Lauren Reeves). I recommend sharing it with your child six years and older. Make it a part of your bedtime routine. 

Remember: adopt, don’t shop!

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

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Meet the Author

Susan Sullivan worked in Nuclear Medicine before teaching high school biology and anatomy for ten years. Bob, Susan’s tailless rescue cat, had wanderlust and his true adventures became the source of great stories. Susan enjoys being in nature and among animals, particularly when she is beekeeping.

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