Tag Archives: animals

January 29, 2024 · 7:00 am

Whiskers of Hope: Paws, Possibilities, & DISH by Cyndi Whatif (Book Review)

From Back Cover:

We like to believe we can control our lives, but sometimes things just get put in our path. Things we didn’t even know we really needed—like a little abandoned kitten. This Christmas kitty’s story is a journey into fate causing our lives to converge.

This crossroad caused the transformation of a feeble creature’s health and the author’s mental toughness to share her discovery with the world. It is a true story of events which I have used to introduce my readers to this mystery body system (DISH) which I believe we all have. I believe the effectiveness of DISH (Defensive Individual Shield Hypothesis) determines whether a person has the opportunity to be well.

Read this short memoir and see how my understanding of DISH was able to change the outcome of this kitten. May this memoir raise questions in you about the profound impact DISH could possibly have on the well-being of us all.

 

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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.

 

Animals have a special place in many of our hearts. Adults often refer to them as their children, while kids label them as siblings. How, why, and when our paths cross are fond memories we reflect on often. At the beginning of this chapter book, we are introduced to a young kitten that has been discarded. Due to the kitten’s severe injuries, the vet suspects the under-a-pound kitty was thrown from a vehicle. It broke my heart to see how they tossed her away as if she was meaningless. The rescue cat, Moxie, has lived a hard life and now facing a long road to recovery.

The family in the story always took in animals, but finally, the dad put his foot down and said they didn’t need another pet. The mom is all set to honor her husband’s wishes and give the poor injured feline to a neighbor, but fate (once again) intervenes. Daisy, the neighbor and possible new owner, was not home; therefore, the cat must remain with the family who found it. As you might guess, attachments grew, and the temporary home became the kitty’s permanent dwelling.  

While reading the paragraphs centering on cleaning the stray and listening to the vet’s remarks about the kitten’s health, I kept petting my own two furballs. I was thankful my cats came into my life, and I know Moxie (the abandoned kitty) will grow grateful for her new family. First, though, the kitty had to beat the odds. 

Signs of infection are expected to be treated with antibiotics. The author thought it was vital to introduce supplements into the female kitten’s body, too, since antibiotics are known to destroy and kill good bacteria in the gut. This method of healing is called DISH (Defensive Individual Shield Method). The introduction stated that the DISH is a straightforward concept, but implementing it can be tricky due to the many factors involved. This book is intended as a quick example of how the process could look and why it works.

DISH, AFTER ( Altering Fields to Enable Recovery), and Exit Ramps all have their purpose in helping this kitten beat the odds. All three are discussed in detail in the story. It’s about keeping the “Good Guys” and “Bad Guys” separated so the “Good Guys” can avoid the “Bad Guys” and exit the lymphatic system. Plus, this method targeted chronic inflammation and replenished vital nutrients. Read the story for more detailed information! 

Maybe fate was in full effect the day Moxie was found stranded, cold, and on the brink of death. Some might call this encounter a miracle since it happened a few days before Christmas. Others might agree that her recovery was a miracle as well. I believe fate stepped in and gave Moxie what they needed: a home. 

If you have a soft spot for animals, I encourage you to read this heartwarming story about a little kitten rescued and found their furever home. It’s an emotional read but a fantastic one as well. 

Like with us, recovering from injuries or infections does take time. Some individuals chose to rely on prescription meds. Others go the route of the homeopathic way. Meanwhile, others see the benefit of both. I am in the last category. I think it’s worth mentioning the author’s medical disclaimer: This book should never be a substitute for professional medical advice from healthcare professionals. It is my personal experience.  

I agree with the writer, always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatments!

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Cyndi is a relentless seeker of knowledge. She has spent five years working on her hypothesis of a newly revealed body system and five more years testing it. She goes by the penname of Whatif because of the many questions she still has and the many possibilities this system may potentially impact.

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January 15, 2024 · 7:00 am

When Pookie Met Tushka by Jorge Tello Aliaga (Book Review)

Over 1 million downloads and 5 Years in the Top Ten – Pookie and Tushka are back!


* Features gorgeous watercolor illustrations and educational facts about penguins and polar bears.*

The famous penguin who played piano and his best polar bear friend are back. Literally, millions of children have grown up following Pookie and Tushka but not many know how their story began.

Finally, this story is told in “When Pookie Met Tushka – A Cool Tale of Polar Friendship”: Pookie, a penguin with big dreams, journeys to the magical Icelands, where an unexpected friendship with Tushka, a young polar bear, helps them conquer challenges and uncover the essence of true friendship.

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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.

 

In the wild, polar bears and penguins live in two different locations. Penguins live in the Antarctic (to the south), while polar bears call the Arctic (to the north) home. Their paths only cross in the fictional world, like in When Pookie Met Tushka. Pookie, a small penguin, wanted to become a great musician and bring joy to the world through his music. Where he lived, though, nobody seemed to understand his dream. Therefore, he decided to travel to Iceland, hoping to discover like-minded, creative animals. Pookie had the love and support of his family, which many people don’t have. He was one lucky penguin!

When Pookie arrived at his destination, things didn’t go as planned. An avalanche tossed him around; he lost his belongings in the mound of snow and felt defeated. That’s when his luck would change. I loved how the main character’s dialogue was in a particular color, so readers could always infer who was speaking. Pookie’s was in bright blue, and Tushka’s was in orange. Even Pookie’s mom had their own assigned dialogue color! Too bad Pookie’s father didn’t. It was bolded bright blue. Still, the others were a brilliant design idea!

Pookie left hoping to share his musical talents but found a friend in the new, strange land instead. He educated the young polar bear pup on what a penguin was and made the bear’s tears vanish over the disappearing stars. The bear helped the flightless bird with a poor sniffer find his belongings. Their kindness and helpfulness to one another created an instant bond, and a friendship blossomed between two unlikely pairings.

The book teaches children that friendship comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It promotes being kind and helpful to others, which is always a valuable lesson for young kids. After the story, there is also an avalanche of cool penguin and polar facts. I’m sure everyone will learn a thing or two in this section; I sure did!

I hope Pookie’s musical dream eventually comes true! I bet others will too!

I recommend the book to children 2-8.


Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

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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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January 1, 2024 · 7:00 am

So That’s How They Sleep by Rishi Oberoi (Book Review)

Immerse your little ones in a captivating bedtime adventure filled with soothing storytelling, gentle lullabies, and enchanting illustrations.

This magical book creates a serene atmosphere, ensuring peaceful nights and sweet dreams.

This picture book takes young readers on a delightful journey through a zoo, where they meet adorable animal characters preparing for bed. As you read aloud, you’ll discover the power of storytelling and lullabies in calming young minds and establishing a tranquil sleep routine.

Beyond a simple bedtime story, this book serves as a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers. It provides valuable insights into sleep training techniques and fostering healthy sleep habits for children. You’ll learn effective strategies to create a relaxing bedtime routine that strengthens the parent-child bond while promoting restful nights.

This book is written for:

  • Toddlers
  • Little children
  • Parents and caregivers who want to help their kids sleep

 

With its beautiful illustrations and engaging tales, this book captures children’s imaginations and invites them into a world of relaxation and comfort.

The charming animal characters and their bedtime rituals make it a perfect sleep aid for toddlers, setting the stage for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers will appreciate the serene atmosphere and positive messages embedded within the book. It not only fosters a calming bedtime routine but also instills values of empathy and kindness through the adventures of the animal characters.

This book combines storytelling and lullabies. Lullabies are scientifically proven to help babies sleep, stimulate language and cognitive development, and also strengthen the bond between a parent and child.

Order your copy now and join the bedtime adventure!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

People love to visit zoos because they love observing wild and exotic animals up close. It makes them feel a part of their world but under the protection of a wall, trench, or glass. Big or small creatures, adults or babies, we love watching them play, eat, sleep, swim, or enjoy the sun’s rays. When the animals look “happy,” our hearts burst with joy. When an animal is sick, sad, or hurt, our hearts break. One late night, North looked out her bedroom window and listened to the cries of the zoo babies. She wanted to help them, but how?

North had a secret, a special skill no one knew she possessed; she could speak to animals. What a fantastic talent, and one that kids will wish they had, too. Maybe even some adults! At each animal’s “home,” North sang them a lullaby. Her soothing rendition of “Rock-a-Bye Baby” helped the baby monkeys drift off to sleep. All five verses of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” was sung to the zesty zebras, which was phenomenal since most people, like myself, stop after the first verse. As North visited each baby animal, she lulled them to sleep with her loving tone. Calves, pups, chicks, infants, foals, and adults couldn’t keep their eyes open very long once North started singing.

North serenaded them with famous lullabies like “Row Row Row Your Boat” and “Hush Little Baby, Don’t Say a Word.” The little girl also introduced readers to unfamiliar rhymes and tunes like the ones shared with the elegant elephant and its calf, the beastly bears and their cubs, and the legendary lions and their cubs. 

So That’s How They Sleep is a sweet story that serves many purposes. First, caregivers can teach children the names of nine animals and their “baby name.” Second, it also incorporates songs and rhymes. Last but not least, it creates droopy eyes and causes yawns to appear. It’s the perfect nap time or bedtime story! 

The illustrated baby animals were so cute. This story, as a whole, was adorable. My only complaint was the ending. It led readers to believe that the little girl was the only one awake, yet the picture (before the final text) demonstrated the opposite. I would’ve moved the last line, “One little child…,” before the image of North sleeping. It would have given readers the impression that her soothing lullabies even lulled her to sleep. Despite that one confusing moment, I adored the children’s book and recommend sharing it with your baby, toddler, or preschooler. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Step into the enchanting world of Rishi Oberoi, a devoted father and an extraordinary children’s book author hailing from the captivating landscapes of California. With an innate passion for writing and an unyielding affection for children, Rishi masterfully weaves words into mesmerizing tales that capture the hearts of young readers and parents alike.

What sets Rishi apart from the rest is his remarkable ability to connect with his audience. He possesses an intuitive understanding of what makes young imaginations soar and what fuels their thirst for knowledge. Drawing from his own experiences as a loving father, his adventuresome travels, and his insatiable appetite for learning, Rishi crafts stories that are both fantastical and relatable.

Rishi’s books transcend the boundaries of entertainment as they kindle curiosity, ignite imagination, and instill a lifelong passion for reading. These captivating narratives serve as windows to a world of thought, gently guiding young minds to embrace the joy of discovery. For Rishi, the learning process is as cherished as the final destination, fostering growth, resilience, and unbounded creativity.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of his books, where storytelling takes flight, dreams soar, and the joy of learning knows no bounds. Join him on this remarkable journey as he continues to ignite young minds, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of children.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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December 14, 2023 · 7:00 am

As Maya Grows in the Natural World by Patricia Ambinder (Book Spotlight)

As Maya Grows in the Natural World” celebrates the joyful play of a young child and her friends as they discover the wonderful sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and textures in the natural world. Catch a falling leaf that waved goodbye to its tree, wiggling fingers in the squishy and lumpy earth, and dancing to the music of branches that sway as the wind plays are just a few of the book’s experiences for nurturing a child’s love and care for the environment.

Fun prompts and cues encourage outdoor exploration, enhanced by the whimsical and stunning illustrations and poetic phrases. Timeless quotations about nature and its profound impact on children are a wellspring of wisdom for adults to reflect on and share with the reader. The red lotus flower seek and find encourages attention to detail and instills a sense of accomplishment that brings a smile.

Feel the presence of nature’s calm and engage a child’s imagination as a listener, reader, and thinker through the book’s enchanting words and colors.

For budding nature explorers, ages 2-6.

Amazon Purchase Link

LINK to My Review

 

 

SAMPLE PAGE

Amazon Purchase Link

LINK to My Review

 

 

Meet the Author

A writer of poetry and prose, Patricia Ambinder is a passionate social justice advocate with an avid curiosity to understand the complexities of the human experience. She appreciates the concise eloquence of quotations to nurture imagination and challenge thinking.

For decades, Patricia held leadership positions on boards and councils, offering guidance and enhancing communications to strengthen community engagement on issues such as early childhood education, food security and peace and justice. She is an Honorary Life Member of the Board of Directors of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

Patricia and her husband cherish time with their four children and extended family. It was her adored granddaughter Maya’s fascination with leaves and delight in morning nature walks that inspired “As Maya Grows in the Natural World.” Patricia loves watching birds, hearing the rustle of sea grapes and simply being outdoors.

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

Happy Holidays!

 

 

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December 4, 2023 · 7:00 am

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:❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Happy Holidays

 

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