Tag Archives: children’s book

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Bennie’s Filter by W.B. Dale (Book Review)

OUT TODAY!

What if the thing that makes you different is the very thing that helps you discover who truly sees you?

When nine-year-old Bennie wakes up one morning with vitiligo, his world turns upside down as he goes from the most popular kid in school to feeling like an outcast overnight. But as Bennie learns to embrace his new reflection, he discovers the power of self-acceptance and the beauty of finding friends who love him for who he truly is.

Based on a true storyBennie’s Filter is a heartfelt journey of resilience, belonging, and unapologetic self-acceptance.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Based on a true story, Bennie’s Filter focuses on the struggles a child faces when his classmates discover Bennie’s brown skin has a white spot, a non-contagious condition called vitiligo.

Bennie was an outgoing child, the most popular kid in school, and friends with everyone. He loves school and begins and ends his day with a smile; however, that is all about to change when an itchy spot on his chin began to lose its pigmentation. Bennie’s mind is overflowing with questions, each one highlighting the worry and confusion he’s feeling. The most heartbreaking question he asked himself was “Will Mom and Dad still love me?”

Bennie’s condition is no laughing matter, but many kids at school are quick to mock him for it. Bennie’s Filter illustrated perfectly how cruel some people can be, how words can profoundly affect another person, and how an act of kindness can wash away tears and feelings of insecurity.

Bennie’s neighbor, Mrs. Ruby, helped the darling boy to understand that he was not alone with this condition. She also gave him great advice, using a coffee filter to symbolize keeping only worthwhile things in your life. Only allowing people in your life who value you for who you are. (I encourage you to read the story for more details on the clever analogy.)

We will all meet people who will find fault with us and not hesitate to share their opinion. Read Bennie’s Filter to your child(ren) and give them the power to accept themselves and the strength to filter out any negative voices.

Bennie’s struggle is real, and his emotional journey will touch the hearts of many. It will (hopefully) change how some kids treat others and promote a more loving classroom and community. My recommended reading age for Bennie’s Filter is 3-9 years. Let this touching, beautifully illustrated storybook show kids the importance of acceptance and loving yourself at an early age.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

W.B. Dale is a storyteller whose journey began at age nine, when he was diagnosed with vitiligo. Encouraged by his stepmother to see his condition as a “filter” rather than a limitation, and empowered by his parents’ belief in him, Dale embraced a positive outlook that helped him build confidence.

Reedsy Author Link
Instagram Link

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Kung-Fu Whiskers: Big dreams. Small paws. by Celia L Sadhu (Book Spotlight)

By day he naps in the sun. By night he trains.

With flying paws, daring jumps, and more confidence than sense, Jean-Luc brings heroic energy wherever he goes – whether anyone is ready for it or not.

Kung-Fu Whiskers is a playful early reader adventure filled with action, humor, and heart, perfect for children ages 4-7 who love animal stories, big imaginations, and laugh-out-loud fun.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I love babying my mango tree and gardening. The playful energy and unique personalities of the animals I share my life with also inspire me, whether it’s a cat’s adventurous spirit in the garden or the quirks of a timid pet. Through my writing, I hope to bring a bit of that joy and wonder to others.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures by Zeljka Marusic (Book Review)

Looking for a funny kids book that will make your child laugh out loud without crossing the line?

Meet Captain Poop, a brave and silly little hero who proves that even the stinkiest things can be surprisingly awesome.

This hilarious picture book for kids ages 3-8 is perfect for read-aloud fun. It is packed with goofy adventures, kid-approved Yucky Facts, and a positive message parents will appreciate.

When something starts to smell, Captain Poop hears the call.
From stinky cheese volcanoes to runaway smelly socks, he tackles every challenge with courage, curiosity, and a big smile.

Kids will laugh while learning that:
– gross things can be fascinating and funny
– composting helps the planet
– curiosity is a superpower
– every hero comes in unexpected shapes and sizes

Silly, not offensive. Parent-approved humor.
Perfect for bedtime read-alouds, preschool, and early elementary.
A hilarious gift for birthdays and holidays.

Includes real Yucky Facts kids adore, colorful illustrations, and a heartwarming eco-friendly twist.

Amazon Purchase Link

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

 

 

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

 

Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures was a real stinker, and that’s a good thing!

In Toilet Town, we meet Captain Poop, Smelly Cheese, and Old Smelly Sock, who didn’t smell the greatest. Let’s face it, they stunk, and because of their intense stench, the trio was ignored, discarded, or undervalued. The town soon realized how valuable stinky things can be.

At Stinkville Park, the smelly trio collided into one another, and after a quick outburst from each one, they started laughing. Why? Because they finally met someone who didn’t oppose their smell, didn’t run away, or toss them in the trash. They were accepted, which is a great feeling when you haven’t felt accepted before. A feeling many readers can relate to.

The Stinky Trio had one mission in mind: “We’ll travel the world together and show everyone that being different is amazing!” Their first stop was a compost pile. Are composts stinky? Yes. Are they helpful? Yes, again, and thanks to the Yucky Fact 4, readers will learn why. The book includes eight Yucky Facts, giving kids the inside scoop on stinky items, like how some cheeses are aged in caves for years to develop their unique smell and flavor.

Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures was an informative, entertaining read that combines humor and knowledge quite nicely. The glossary of yucky words was a nice addition. There were some inconsistencies in the artwork and one very noticeable editing error, but readers will like this book. Why? Most kids find stinky things funny, so I think they’ll chuckle when they see Captain Poop. Adults will enjoy how the book weaves in facts while also making young readers laugh. The book makes smelly science fun! It also encourages kids never to be ashamed of being different.

I recommend reading Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures to 3- to 9-year-olds, then exploring composting activities at home or in the classroom to reinforce the book’s message. Let kids experience the benefits of stinky things firsthand, like banana peels or coffee grounds. Sample stinky cheeses, too! For the socks, don’t sniff them; toss them in the wash.

The story combines humor and yucky facts to entertain and educate readers. It shows kids that smelly things have value, too! Get your copy today!

 

Review Note: The grammar error was sent to the author on February 9, 2026. The story might be fixed before this review goes live on here and Amazon. The review was submitted to Reedsy on (roughly) December 5, 2025. It has not been updated to reflect the (possible) change.)


Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:❤️❤️❤️❤️

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Living the life of my dreams – after 16 long years I am finally a mom of beautiful 3,5 year old boy. He is my inspiration and without him there would never been Captain Poop. We always have silly stories during the bedtime as we both love to laugh.

Reedsy Author Link
Instagram Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized