Tag Archives: bird

Eat A Rainbow, Ellie: Colorful Snack Time for A Healthy Little Chick (Ellie The Chick Book 3) by Avery Smart (Book Review)

Meet Ellie, a spirited little chick with a big appetite for adventure and a secret for being strong and healthy.

In the quest for strength and health, Ellie and her mom create a vibrant rainbow meal together. As they cook up white pasta with broccoli, a purple cabbage salad, buttered corn, and roasted tomatoes and carrots, they sing their own cheerful Rainbow Food song.

This delightful tale not only introduces kids to the joy of healthy eating but also encourages them to embrace a colorful variety of foods for a strong and happy life, Ellie and her mom share the secret of a nutritious and tasty adventure.

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

 

If you have a child or care for young children for a living, you know that children will not always be receptive to eating their fruits and vegetables. They cry, lock their lips, or spit the food out as soon as it touches their tongue. Eat A Rainbow, Ellie shows that colorful food (rainbow food) made Ellie’s body strong and fit, and it can do the same for you! 

As Ellie demonstrated karate moves, the design team separated six food items under their corresponding colors. For example, under yellow, they had a block of cheese, corn, and four more food items. Under the purple header, the writer added eggplant, grapes, plus four more edible images. I loved how the illustrator matched Ellie’s karate sash and headband to the color on the page. 

I adored how the writer and designer made the color words stand out from the rest of the text. I also liked the mixture of familiar food items and some unrecognizable ones. However, the shading of some foods didn’t fully portray the color they represented. The pear looked more white than yellow. The spaghetti and meatballs image didn’t scream “white foods.” I would’ve sliced the pineapple open like the watermelon picture so kids could see the yellow interior, not the orange outer covering. In doing so, it would’ve made more sense for “yellow.” 

Extension activities: Have your family or class design a colorful plate using images from cooking-inspired magazines or by hand-drawing food items. Ask young readers if they can name foods that fall under the six colors represented in the story: red, yellow, orange, green, purple, and white. Make sure to check out the rainbow food song! Practice singing the lovely rainbow food tune! 

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age: kids six years and under. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Avery Smart, a vibrant author who resides in the heart of the lively family chaos with her three energetic kids. Nestled in the midst of parenting, she channels her passion for nurturing well-mannered children into delightful tales.

It is within this dynamic environment that she draws inspiration, transforming her deep-seated passion for fostering well-mannered children into captivating tales.

Avery’s writing becomes a heartfelt expression of her commitment to instilling values in the younger generation. Her three lively kids not only serve as a source of inspiration but also as eager test subjects for the lessons embedded in her stories.

Amazon Author Page Link

 

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Say Please, Ellie: Learning How To Say The Magic Word (Ellie The Chick Book 2) by Avery Smart (Book Review)

Ellie is a little chick who wants to do many things at once.

She often struggles with expressing her many wants politely. Can you lend a hand with her manners?

In this edition of Ellie the Little Chick series, the story walks us into essential moral lesson for young children who may struggle with courtesy. The emphasis is clear: always remember to say “please” before asking for something.

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

 

How could anyone resist reading Say Please, Ellie after viewing the cover!? Ellie is super cute with her little round body, big, bright blue eyes, and beak that appears to be smiling. The artist did a phenomenal job illustrating the chick in different situations and poses. I loved them all, but as a mother with a child who loves playing dress-up, my favorite was the chick dressed as a mini version of her mommy. What a fashionista! 

Cute illustrations aside, this book is on an important mission: to teach or remind children to say “please.” When a child speaks a few words, it’s important to introduce basic politeness terms into their vocabulary: please and thank you. As children grow, they should understand to add kind words to sentences. If we instill kindness and politeness at a young age, kids will grow up as kinder adults and then pass on the values/manners learned to their own children. Plus, asking instead of demanding makes a person sound nice, not rude.

 

Join Ellie as she scratches items off her to-do list:

  • Build a blanket fort
  • Make paper airplanes
  • Have a tea party
  • Go on a bug hunt.
  • Play dress-up.

Be sure to make your fun list, and don’t forget to say “please” and “thank you” as you carry out each activity! 

I recommend sharing  Say Please, Ellie with children six years and under. 

 

Words to ponder…

“Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back.” ⁠—Thomas Sowell.

“Good manners are just a way of showing other people that we have respect for them.” ⁠—Bill Kelly.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Avery Smart, a vibrant author who resides in the heart of the lively family chaos with her three energetic kids. Nestled in the midst of parenting, she channels her passion for nurturing well-mannered children into delightful tales.

It is within this dynamic environment that she draws inspiration, transforming her deep-seated passion for fostering well-mannered children into captivating tales.

Avery’s writing becomes a heartfelt expression of her commitment to instilling values in the younger generation. Her three lively kids not only serve as a source of inspiration but also as eager test subjects for the lessons embedded in her stories.

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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Detective Buster Cuffs: Catching the Treat Snatcher by Liana Somerset (Book Review)

Join Detective Buster Cuffs on a thrilling adventure as he faces his most challenging case yet in ‘Catching the Treat Snatcher’.

When the doggy treats mysteriously vanish in Pawchester, the clever canine detective sets out to unravel the puzzling crime. With his keen senses and tenacious spirit, Buster follows clues, questions suspects, and navigates hidden tunnels to uncover the truth. Will he be able to solve the mystery and restore peace to the town? Find out in this delightful tale of friendship, redemption, and the joy of sharing treats.

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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.

 

Detective Buster Cuffs uses his keen sense of smell, spectacular doggie intuition, and unbeatable observation skills to keep everyone in the small town of Pawchester safe. No case was too big or small for the dapper-looking dog dressed to the nines in an old-fashioned detective attire: suit, tie, and fedora. Today’s investigation leads him on the hunt for the doggy treat bandit. Detective Buster Cuffs takes readers with him as he sniffs out clues in the park, along the shore, and underwater. 

When Buster discovers paw prints, it sends him on the hunt for Trouble Whisker, a wide-eyed, black cat with a sweet tooth. Did the feline nab the canine’s yummy treats, or was the real culprit still on the loose? That’s a question for readers to solve as they work the case with Buster.

Detective Buster Cuffs: Catching the Treat Snatcher is a fun, interactive storybook with stupendous illustrations and unforgettable character names: Nutty Rascal, Inspector Frosty Bones, Gully Peeper, Flair White, and the ones already mentioned. I adored Trouble Whisker’s expressive face as they were caught with their scrumptious snacks. Inspector Frosty Bones was a handsome pooch in his dark blue trench coat and matching fedora. Gully Peeper stole the show with their adorable head tilt and smile. Nutty Rascal was also cute in his plaid shirt. 

Join Detective Buster Cuffs on a thrilling adventure as he sifts through clues to discover who stole the puppies’ treats. And stick around after the case’s conclusion for bonus material: a competition for all aspiring detectives with rules and three puzzle questions. Once your child figures out the puzzles and submits their answers (direct link or email), they will automatically be entered into the Detective Buster Cuffs’ Club with the chance to receive a free Top Secret Detective Kit. What a fantastic prize and incentive to carry on their sleuthing skills! Good luck to all that enter!

Detective Buster Cuffs: Catching the Treat Snatcher’s recommended reading age is 4-8.

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

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Meet the Author

Liana recently embarked on an exciting new journey as a writer, weaving imaginative tales that captivate young hearts. Her stories reflect her deep appreciation for the imaginative world of children. Liana is based in the UK and currently working on her new Detective Buster Cuffs series.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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How to Fix the Smile of a Crocodile: An ocean wide hunt for kindness! by Rebecca Kurien (Book Review)

Dive into the depths of the ocean and meet Barry, the saltwater crocodile who is in desperate need of help. With a toothache so terrible it won’t go away, Barry sets out on a journey to find the most talented sea creatures in the ocean for help. Along the way, he meets

  • An octopus with 8 helpful arms
  • A sperm whale, the loudest creature on earth
  • A sailfish, the fastest fish in the ocean
  • A blue whale, the biggest creature on earth
  • A great white shark, the fiercest in the ocean
  • An orca known for their extreme intelligence

Through this heart-warming and inspirational children’s book, your child will learn incredible facts about sea creatures woven into the plot of the story and discover the value of kindness and empathy.

 

Featuring beautiful illustrations, lovable characters and an awe-inspiring twist in the end, this book promises entertainment for your child. Perfect for children between the ages of 3 and 7, this book is a must-have in any collection.

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

 

At some point, everyone will require help from a friend, family member, or stranger. It could relate to work, schooling, a flat tire, sewing a tear in clothing, a scrape from a fall, or carrying a heavy or bulky object. Barry, the saltwater crocodile, required medical assistance. He, unfortunately, was dealing with a terrible toothache. He couldn’t eat or sleep. The pain was making him downright miserable.

Tooth pain is no laughing matter. While humans can call a dentist, Barry didn’t have that luxury. Even though Cleo, a little bird, swore she could help him, Barry rebuffed her help due to her small stature and species. Instead, he ventured into the ocean, where readers will meet the most extraordinary creatures in bright, beautiful colors. I was highly impressed with the underwater images. Every page was more stunning than the last. It was movie-quality artistry. (illustrator: Eduardo Paj)

Rebecca Kurien’s children’s book had a balanced collection of new and familiar water friends. For example, depending on age, kids should recognize the great white shark, but maybe not the sailfish. As Barry talked to the six ocean dwellers, he learned an interesting fact about each. In turn, your child will gain fun facts, too, such as an octopus does not have teeth.

While the crocodile’s toothy situation wasn’t fixed during his adventure under the sea, the trip proved worthwhile. He met and gained knowledge about new animals. He also learned a valuable lesson. We should never discount someone’s worth based on outward appearance. Also, if help is needed, be open to a person’s ideas or assistance. You never know who has the right tool for the job. Finally, we should teach kids to help others in need.

Children will fall in love with the vibrant colors, the many animals featured, and (of course) Barry’s mission to fix his achy tooth. Parents: Buy a copy for your house. Teachers: Include it in your themed lessons. Librarians: You’ll want multiple copies because I see the book flying off the shelves!

 

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

Booksirens.com
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Instagram Link 

 
 
 
 
Meet the Author 

Rebecca Kurien is an Indian-Australian writer, lawyer, musician and perhaps most importantly, a mother of two. She has lived between Oman and India in her childhood, before moving to New Zealand and then Australia.

Her debut book, ‘How to Fix the Smile of a Crocodile’ was inspired by her son’s fascination with the ocean and its wondrous creatures. She wanted to create a book for her children that was based on science and fact, while still leaning on the charm and magic of storytelling.

It is her dream to fill children’s lives with the richness and amazement of the world that we live in, by showing them that the journey to learning is never complete.

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Tilly and the Sleepyhead Sun by Emily Pray (Book Review)


Come along with Tilly the owl on the adventure of a lifetime as she tries to wake up a sleepyhead sun who forgot to rise with the morning. With funny, silly, and noisy efforts, will Tilly save the day?

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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 middle of a little village rested a tall clock tower, and at its tip lived a little brown owl named Tilly. Tilly maintained the clock. She polished the bell until it was shiny. The owl would sound the bell in the morning, alerting the villagers it was time to start their day. She had a significant role in making the day run smoothly, more than she ever realized.

One day, Tilly was sleepy and decided to stay in bed longer than usual. Little did she know, so did the sun. The village remained dark without the sun’s rays, and the residents stayed asleep. The town was quiet from everyone snoozing the day away. Even the birds weren’t singing. 

Tilly attempted to wake the sun in several different ways. The dear, sweet owl tried to coax the sun awake with delicious, smelling foods that might make readers’ mouths water. She used loud instruments and slipped on a pair of tap dancing shoes. Nothing worked! 

Tilly brainstormed ways to wake the sun, so the day could officially begin. Before you read how Tilly finally woke the sleeping sun, ask your young listeners what other ways might work. Get your child engaged in the story by having them grab maracas, pots and pans, party blowers, or any other loud instrument, and join Tilly as she tries to wake the sun using loud sounds. Have them get up and stomp or dance with Tilly. 

Tilly and the Sleepyhead Sun by Emily Pray is an interactive storybook with lovely illustrations. (Artist: Emma Slawson). It has silly moments and images that’ll appeal to any size audience: home or school. I particularly loved the snoring sun and the tap-dancing owl. 

I recommend Tilly and the Sleepyhead Sun to children from three to nine years of age. 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

My name is Emily Pray, and I’m the author of Tilly and the Sleepyhead Sun, my debut children’s story. I’m a therapist, mother, and artist living in Missoula MT with my family.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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