Tag Archives: animals

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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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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Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? by W. T. Kosmos (Book Review)

 Have to Scoop What? is the book series launch of Maya and Waggers!

For generations on Island Nation, the Puddin’ Heads have despised the Sweeties and lived without dogs. But after a shipload of dogs and puppies arrives, the Puddin’ Heads race to buy these creatures despite having no clue how to care for them. When the Union family can’t take their new puppy, Waggers, on a trip, Maya, her best friend Lily, and Waggers stay with Uncle Puddin’ Head. But Lily is a Sweetie, Maya refuses to scoop poop, and her uncle really, really cares about his new lawn. When Maya attempts to lead creative solutions in the strange neighbors’ yards, problems start piling up. For ages 8 and up.

Categories: Children’s Fiction Humor / Pets / Adventure

Themes: dogs, animals, pet care and responsibility, humor, courage, friendship, community and inclusion, critical thinking, growing up, social and environmental awareness

Great for readers who:

– love humorous adventure

– love dogs / pets / animals / nature

– are thinking about getting a dog

– wish their neighbors were more neighborly

– wish more owners would clean up their dog’s poop

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

The Sweeties and the Puddin’ Heads have been rivals for a very long time, all because some “numbskull” tricked them into despising one another. The same troublemaker even tricked the Sweeties into wearing blue and Puddin’ Heads red. If you considered yourself “true red Puddin’ Heads,” you didn’t just wear all red; you also only drove red vehicles like Maya’s Uncle Kal. As in present-day society, there will always be individuals who stand up against outdated rules. In this fictional children’s book, the “rebel” would be Maya.

Maya lived on Puddin’ Island, where she was expected to wear red and blue was 100% forbidden. Maya didn’t let anyone tell her what to wear. If she wanted to wear a rainbow-colored outfit, she would and made no apologies for it. She also didn’t judge others by where they lived. In fact, Maya’s best friend, Lily, was from Sweetie Island. 

As the chapter book plays out, Maya and Lily learn the hard way puppies are cute, but boy, do they poop a lot! I laughed out loud when Lily appeared genuinely floored that not only do dogs poop, but many other creatures do as well. Or when Lily questioned if Waggers would turn into something else, like a caterpillar. In her defense, Lily has never seen a dog before. Maya, either, until a shipload of them came to the island. 

I found elements of this story were comical because they were not happening to me. For instance, when Uncle Kal stepped on a poop patch and left a trail of brown footprints that ran up the sidewalk, across the porch, and into the house. Disgusting! I’m also thankful Maya was the one scooping the largest pile of dog poop known to mankind because the experience sounded gross. 

Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? uses humor to show the stinkier side of owning a dog. They are fun to play with and give pets to, but eventually, they will empty their colon somewhere. Maya and Lily had a great idea to avoid the clean-up process and to appease Maya’s Uncle Kal: have Waggers leave his piles on someone else’s lawn. Mayhem and hilarity ensue as the two girls visit each potential poop location. My favorite neighboring family was the Barkers. They were crazy!

Kids eight years and up will be giggling as they read about Maya’s poop dilemma. Many will relate if they have a canine companion at home and are required to pick up dog turds. If you’re like me, you’ll wish the author included more images, such as snow literally punching and kicking grass and a picture of MegaCorps’s newest invention: grass that fights back! 

Need a good laugh? Read this story!

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

W.T. Kosmos is a humorist author who dives into today’s social absurdities, the boundless depth of human potential, and the infinite wisdom and wonders of the evolving universe. He is the alter ego (pen name) of a life-long educator who has had the great privilege and joy of serving as a teacher and school administrator while collaborating with some of the most fabulous people in the world. W.T. Kosmos lives along the coast of Paradox, USA, Earth, Milky Way and enjoys reading, writing, walking the beach, wrestling with his dogs, and snorkeling with Regal the seahorse. However, his favorite pastime is training as a professional wrestler, which is also his backup plan for improving the world.

Website Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning by Callen Kropp (Book Review)

When was the last time you woke up on the wrong side of bed? In Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning, Ozzy Ox finds it’s not the best way to start out his day. In this second title in the Ozzy Ox series of children’s picture books, the young ox grumpily greets the morning with some choice words for his feline friend.

Finn Cat’s raucous response is a screech heard around the Land of Ox, summoning a startled menagerie of cagey neighbors hoping to help bring peace back to the community. 

But their good intentions clamorously fall apart, and Ozzy is soon in disbelief how quickly the neighborhood comes together while the day falls apart. Is he able to address the consequences of his moody morning? Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning resonates with a powerful message: that words and friendships matter!

Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning, by Callen Kropp, is one of four books in the Ozzy Ox series.  It is a 42-page rhyming picture book for children ages 3-8 that warmly embraces children and encourages them to make better choices. It shows children that acceptance and forgiveness are more likely when they admit their mistakes.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

We’ve all woke up on the wrong side of the bed. We may be dreading the first day back to school or work. Perhaps we didn’t sleep well or were feeling under the weather. Ozzy Ox woke up moody and didn’t waste a moment unleashing his crabbiness onto others. He screeched at Finn, scaring the cat to death and possibly knocking away one of his nine lives. Finn’s frightened, hair-rising illustrations were funny. His twitchy, spasming pose had me in stitches! 

Things turn disastrous when a cow jumps through the window and enters the house with the frame stuck around his head. More barnyard friends came to the rescue, only to make matters worse. The front door flew off its hinges, thanks to two horses! The drama-filled day is no fun for the animals, but kids will laugh loudly at the crazy scenes. Three cheers to the storyline (writer: Callen Kropp) and artwork (artist: Emily Hagen)! 

A steady stream of calamity befell the animals in the story, and Ozzy Ox realized everything started when he yelled at his friend. That show of anger caused a ripple event of fear and destruction. In the end, Ozzy realizes how his words and actions affect others. He vows, “To choose the words that launch each day In a much brighter, lighter way!”

Ozzy Oz learned several valuable lessons in Ozzy Ox: Moody Morning. One, treat others how you want to be treated. Two, choose your words carefully and realize how your words and actions might affect the day. Third, friends help friends in need. 

No one can be happy 24-7, 365 days a year; however, we can teach our children to think before they speak and treat others with kindness. Make better choices! 

I recommend the humorous, slightly under 40-page storybook to children ages 3-8. 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Callen Kropp is a North Dakota author whose family has raised bison for decades.  After a career in corporate communications, she pursued her lifelong dream of writing books.  Adventures with her family, including children and grandchildren, provide inspiration for her Ozzy Ox picture book series.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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

“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.

Reedsy Discovery Link

 

 

 

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

 

The author quotes Qwatsinas – Chief Edward Moody, Nuxalk Nation, saying, “We must protect the world for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish, and trees.” As Maya Grows in the Natural World shows readers all the beauty that is around them. Children will walk the beaches, feel the sand between their toes, listen to the waves, and smell the salty water. As they enjoy an exciting day at the park, they’ll see a rainbow light up the sky and hear the city come alive. 

Chirping birds. Purring cats. Colorful butterflies fluttering from flower to flower. A falling leaf that signals the changing of the seasons. Sprouting seeds. Apple picking. Jumping in leaves. Flying kites. Buzzing bees. As Maya Grows in the Natural World was an absolute joy to read. It highlights the fun to be had in nature using a diverse cast of characters and spectacular illustrations. 

As Maya Grows in the Natural World is advertised for children 2-6 years of age. The simplicity of the text and the illustrations fit this age group; however, the poetic phrases distract from the overall story. While the thoughtful insights are lovely, they interfere with the flow of the story and are best suited for older children, not toddlers and young preschoolers. 

 

This story encourages children to explore nature and help protect it. 

“If you like fruits, plant a tree,

If you like birds, plant a tree,

And if you care for others, plant many trees.”

– Unknown.

 

How We Learn states: “I will know problem-solving, self-exploration, decision-making, number relationship, structures, complex vocabulary, healthy living, cause and effect, creativity, imaginative thinking, and my natural world when I am big. Because I play outside when I am little.” Playtime has many health benefits: physical, emotional, and mental. It helps set the foundations for social interactions. Children learn cooperation as they learn empathy. This story spotlights these points while showing the importance of cherishing and protecting nature from tiny seeds, dolphins in the seas, our furry friends, and more. 

I recommend the book to elementary school children. 

 

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

Reedsy Discovery Link

 

 

Meet the Author

A writer of poetry and prose, Patti Ambinder is a passionate advocate for social justice. Drawn to the palette of words and the language of colors, she uses them to seek a deeper understanding of the human experience and its relationship with nature. Patti loves spending time outdoors.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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