Tag Archives: animals

Tail Tale Too by Christine Kessides (Book Spotlight)

Winner of 2025 Creative Child Book of the Year Award and Literary Titan Gold Award

Short Listed for 2026 Little Peeps Award (Chanticleer International Book Awards)

 

Wally is back, and this time he’s tackling life’s challenges with even more creativity and curiosity. From chores at home to camping in the great outdoors, Wally turns to the magical Tailor for tails to solve his problems. But with each new tail comes an unexpected lesson-and a reminder from his clever snake friend, Snoo, that some things are better done the human way.

Full of heart and humor, Tail Tale Too is a delightful sequel about embracing mistakes, helping others, and learning that true strength comes from being yourself.

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Meet the Author

Christine Kessides first imagined the tail stories when she was a student, but didn’t think to publish until her first grandson arrived—who, coincidentally, looks like Wally. Christine has also published “Magda, Standing”, an award-winning Young Adult historical novel.

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Pink Pink, You Stink! by Rick Simpson (Book Spotlight)

Pink Pink, You Stink! is a charming children’s picture book about feelings, designed for preschool and kindergarten readers. Through playful rhyme and farm animal humor, this story supports social-emotional learning by introducing themes of self-confidence, kindness, and acceptance.

Ideal for read-alouds, classroom discussions, and bedtime routines, this funny pig story engages young children while reinforcing positive messages about friendship and empathy. A delightful choice for parents, teachers, and grandparents seeking a warm, humorous picture book with heart.

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Check out my review on Reedsy!

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Meet the Author

Father & Grandfather. Taught my children to read by writing rhyming sentences for them to read. This book grew out of these rhyming sentences.

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How the Platypus Became by Jonny Parry (Book Spotlight)

A playful, beautifully illustrated picture book imagining how the world’s most extraordinary animal – the platypus- came to be.

Long ago, when the world was new, a cat, a fish, a duck and a frog each wished for the gifts the others had. Instead of letting jealousy get the better of them, they came together and set off to the Spark of Life, the place where every living thing began.

What they found changed everything. From its shining bill to its webbed feet, a brand-new animal emerged – one that was a little bit of everyone, and entirely itself.

How the Platypus Became is a fantastical picture book for children aged 4-8 about curiosity, friendship and finding your place in the world. Perfect for families, classrooms and anyone who has ever wondered how the platypus might have come to be.

For anyone who loves animal stories, imaginative adventures, or the magic of being yourself.

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Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

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Meet the Author

Jonny Parry is a children’s author who writes joyful stories about transformation, individuality and embracing who you are. He wrote his first book, How the Platypus Became, at the age of ten for his little sister. Now, decades later, he’s reimagined the story for curious young readers everywhere.

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Fox Who Can Wait by Kateryna Dronova (Book Spotlight)

Help little readers learn the beauty of patience with this animal rhyming story book!

A cooking contest is bubbling deep in the bright green forest, and Bear, Rabbit, Mole, and Fox are ready to impress the wise judge, Owl. Each animal brings their favorite food – sweet honey, crisp carrots, scrumptious roots, and juicy berries. Everyone is excited… maybe a little too excited! Soon, things get sticky, gooey, and runny for everyone, except for clever Fox. What did he do differently?

The Fox Who Can Wait is a heartwarming moral story that teaches patience, kindness, and cooperation, and the gentle wisdom and self-control that come from taking your time. Through the fun and chaos of a forest cooking contest, children will see that good things truly come to those who wait!

Inside this forest storybook, they’ll learn:

  • Why being patient can be hard, but worth it
  • What impatience can look (and taste!) like
  • How rushing can turn even the best plans into a sticky, gooey mess
  • Why a calm heart and steady hands lead to success
  • That success tastes more delicious when it’s shared with friends!

With lovable forest animals, playful rhyme, and a sweet moral at its heart, this kids’ book about patience is perfect whether you have an impatient little one(s) learning to slow down, or you’re simply looking for a fun storybook with a meaningful lesson!

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Meet the Author

Kateryna Dronova is a children’s writer who loves turning imagination into playful and heartfelt stories. Growing up surrounded by rich traditions and storytelling, she draws inspiration for her tales that nurture curiosity, courage, and kindness in young readers. Kateryna believes books can spark magic in every child—and she writes to share that wonder.


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The Cheeky Capybara by Kateryna Dronova (Book Review)

Have you ever seen or wondered about a capybara—the world’s largest, furriest rodent?

Meet Tito, a cheeky capybara with chubby cheeks and webbed toes. With his shiny fur and bold personality, Tito thinks he is king of the swamp. However, when a giant green crocodile slides into the swamp, it tests Tito’s confident personality. Beto, the wise heron, warns Tito to be careful. Even so, Tito doesn’t listen. Tito quickly learns that sometimes, listening is the best choice of all.
This engaging story, with expressive dialogue and playful humor, makes a delightful bedtime companion. The Cheeky Capybara, with lessons about friendship and humility, makes an excellent addition to a classroom library.

If your little one enjoys The Selfish Crocodile or Giraffes Can’t Dance, they’ll adore The Cheeky Capybara.

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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.

 

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and live near rivers, lakes, swamps, and marshes, as shared in the animal’s bio after the story’s conclusion. In The Cheeky Capybara, we meet one overconfident rodent who, after a close encounter with a crocodile, learned a valuable lesson: “Caution is wiser than too much confidence.”

Tito, the capybara, radiated confidence and appointed himself the king of the swamp. He pushed other animals around and loved looking adoringly at his reflection in the water. Beto, the heron, warned him that his behavior was dangerous, but the arrogant rodent didn’t heed the warning. That arrogance was tested when a crocodile visited their watering hole. All the other animals reacted smartly when the reptile appeared; they quickly exited. Tito’s sense of superiority led him to act recklessly, which, in turn, almost cost him his life.

Tito and the crocodile had comical interactions that were beautifully conveyed in the colorful illustrations. Young readers will laugh seeing the rodent on top of the reptile’s back. Kids will also be quick to understand and voice that the capybara was making bad choices throughout the story.

The Cheeky Capybara teaches lessons in humility, caution, and making smart choices. As kids watch Tito push the other animals around, his behavior might prompt them to share similar experiences they’ve endured.

This picture book offers suspense, humor, and lessons on proper behavior, including opportunities to discuss bullying, safety, and the importance of cautious decision-making with children. Though babies and toddlers will enjoy the colorful illustrations, such as the monkeys with very long, thin arms and legs, children aged 3-9 will comprehend the story’s purpose and its valuable lesson: “Caution is wiser than too much confidence.” Share this story with your family and/or students. Let Tito’s story inspire kids to make good choices!

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

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Meet the Author

Kateryna Dronova is a children’s writer who loves turning imagination into playful and heartfelt stories. Growing up surrounded by rich traditions and storytelling, she draws inspiration for her tales that nurture curiosity, courage, and kindness in young readers.

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