Tag Archives: children’s book

November 17, 2025 · 7:00 am

Can Pandas Be Koalas Too? by Jane Xu (Book Spotlight)

What if you are more than one thing…and exactly enough?

Pandy doesn’t quite fit into one world or the other. She’s both panda and koala—and neither—all at once. Pandy struggles with the comments of how others perceive her and who they think she is. It makes her doubt herself and she searches for answers. As she journeys through a world that tries to define her, Pandy discovers that true belonging isn’t something others can decide for you. It’s a story you create for yourself.

With stunning, fine-art inspired illustrations, Can Pandas Be Koalas Too? is an ideal offering for families and educators of young children looking to invite conversation around identity, diversity, and self-acceptance, particularly for those young readers from immigrant families, are third-culture kids, and children of mixed heritage. For children who see themselves in the story, it helps them navigate complex identities, while for others it is a wonderful tool to help raise thoughtful, global citizens, who can understand and empathize with their peers.

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Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Jane Xu is former lawyer whose global path has taken all around the world. Xu’s writing is inspired by her own journey through diverse cultures and the stories she wished she had growing up, ones that speak to identity, belonging, and the quiet strength of embracing who you truly are.


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November 14, 2025 · 7:00 am

Wander by Holly Valero (Book Review)

Wander begins with a dreaming bear waking from hibernation, and meanders along across the seasons, exploring the environment, encountering wildlife and sharing new experiences before returning to hibernation at the end of the year.

This story is told from the bear’s perspective – imagined via rich bearish glyphs representing the bear’s language. A full glossary of pictographs serves as a reference to check your understanding.

Wander illustrates the richness, complexity and validity of all life.

The Apple Books version includes tappable glyphs with short definitions.

Ages 9+

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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.

 

Wander is a wordless children’s book that allows readers to infer what is happening on each page using expressive illustrations and pictorial symbols along the side of each page. Readers might wonder what these symbols mean. How do they relate to the beautifully crafted illustrative pages? At first glance, some symbols can be confusing for kids and (possibly) adults. There are a few symbols that kids should be able to deduce their meaning without guidance, such as the flame representing a hot or warm day, and the wavy lines representing water. There are animal symbols, too, which should not stump the author’s target audience: 9+ years. However, with 72 symbols in total, the author realizes readers will need help, so they have thoughtfully included a glossary page for the glyphs. My advice: bookmark these pages because you will need them!

Wander, with or without glyphs, is a book that sparks the imagination of children of all ages. The bright, bold illustrated pages are perfect to catch a baby and toddler’s attention. For kids three and older, the illustrative story will undoubtedly be a source of joy and serve as a valuable tool for cognitive development, allowing them to express their thoughts and interpretations of the pages.

Wander is full of expressive imagery, where, as the saying goes, a photo really does say a thousand words. We watch as a bear emerges from hibernation during spring to greet the seasonal changes. His watchful expression is mirrored by the puffy-looking, but adorable, bubble bees. He greets a bright two-tone caterpillar who probably wishes the bear slept a bit longer. The bear’s exploration of the seasonal changes leads him to a stream where his path crosses with a reptile. As summer turns into fall, the sweet bear finds himself in a precarious situation. Young readers can infer the mood during the autumn months by looking at the characters’ eyes; no decoder needed for these pages! The animal’s journey in Wander comes full circle, beginning with a large, brown bear waking from hibernation and concluding with snowflakes signaling it’s time to hibernate once more.

Wander, a brightly colored pictograph storybook, is recommended by the author for children nine years and older. While the pictographs and in-depth conversation are suitable for this age group, the illustrations are timeless, making it a book that families can cherish for many years to come.

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

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Meet the Author

Born in Miami, Florida in the early 1960’s, Holly Valero grew up on a sheep farm in rural Pennsylvania. A life-long writer, artist and advocate for equality and social justice. Holly lives in Southern Maine with her partner, Janet McKenney.

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November 10, 2025 · 7:00 am

Through a Child’s Eyes: Eyes of Discovery by George L. Hayes (Book Spotlight)

Exploring the vast canvas of innocence, this narrative unfurls through the gaze of youth, where deep-seated curiosity blends with a profound sense of awareness. Here, a child’s untainted perspective reveals a realm beyond the tangible – an elusive symphony of peace and harmony felt within and echoed by natural splendor. It is a contemplation of existence within the folds of discovery, where meadows serve as sanctuaries and the boundless imagination transcends adversity.

Witness a journey where winds carry whispers of serenity, and chaos leaves deep imprints upon the soul. Through joys and tribulations, from familial bonds strained by absence to communities ravaged by nature’s fury, emerges a newfound gratitude and kinship. Grapple with the poignant question of being, as the keen innocence of a child ponders the heavenly and elemental intricacies of life itself. Join in this odyssey of growth, reflection, and the search for a harmonious convergence in the world’s vast tapestry.

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Check out my Reedsy review!!

 

 

 

Meet the Author

George Hayes, has devoted himself to educating and mentoring youth, guiding them toward personal growth and positive change. His dedication to shaping young minds is matched by his experience as a professional athlete in the sport of boxing.

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November 3, 2025 · 7:00 am

A Friend for Hope by Amie White (Book Review)

Zoe gazed into the dog’s warm, glossy eyes. Two quiet hearts beating the same.

Nine-year-old Zoe Meadows is the new kid in Ivy Creek. For homeschooled Zoe, every day starts the same: breakfast, then to the living room where Miss Ellis awaits. Only today, Zoe can’t focus—not when she notices neighborhood children playing outside, children she’s yet to meet.

Watching all this unfold, Zoe’s parents decide it’s time for a companion—the furry kind, to be precise. Everything changes when Zoe meets Hope at the dog shelter for the first time. The two girls form an inseparable bond over the following months and find in each other the one thing they both craved for a long, long time: a forever friend.

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

 

Homeschooling has its pros and cons, much like any other educational path. One potential downside for homeschoolers is a lack of daily social (peer) interaction. Zoe Meadows, a sweet homeschooled nine-year-old from Ivy Creek, is showing signs that they need a friend. Their mind wanders in class, and they are caught staring out the window, watching other kids having fun together, while they sit alone with the teacher. Now, one might wonder why Zoe doesn’t go outside and play with the neighborhood kids. Problem solved, right? That would solve the loneliness and social interaction issues, but it would ruin the plot —and we wouldn’t want that! A Friend for Hope is the sweet tale of a lonely, seemingly forgotten shelter dog who finally finds their forever home, and a little girl who finds her forever friend.

There are so many animals living their days out behind a caged door. Alone. Lonely. And ready to leave the confined space behind. When Zoe and her family entered the facility, the dogs welcomed them with happy, ear-splitting barks and wagging tails. Every dog wanted the people’s attention, except one; it was this dog that caught Zoe’s attention. Why? (Read the story to discover that answer.) Anyone who loves animals, especially dogs, will be moved by how long the fluffy, quiet canine has called the shelter “home.” Adults and children will be smiling when the older dog, now named Hope, finally leaves the caged world behind.

Puppies are cute, but we must not forget that older dogs need and want love and compassion, too. A Friend for Hope illustrates this fact and paints a perfect picture of what one might expect when bringing home a sheltered animal. They, like humans, need time to adjust, to learn how to trust, and to feel safe in their new surroundings and with their new family. My heart swelled as I watched Zoe read to her new friend, and the moment Hope knew she was safe and loved. A sweet, illustrated moment that readers may have personally experienced as well.

A Friend for Hope was textually sound; however, the artwork needed refinement when presenting side profiles. The shading on the noses could also use a bit of lightening to avoid the “red and bulbous” look. Despite these minor issues, the illustrations of the shelter dogs were excellent, and the bonding scenes featuring Zoe and Hope were superb!

Whether your child(ren) are homeschooled or not, whether you prefer dogs or cats, A Friend for Hope will touch your heart and have you smiling for the happy ending. Share this heartwarming story with your children and let it inspire you to consider adopting, not shopping, for your forever friend!

Amazon recommends A Friend for Hope for readers ages 4-6. This age range is ideal for children who are just starting to read independently and/or are beginning to understand the concept of adoption and the responsibilities that come with it.

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

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Meet the Author

Amie White doesn’t just think magic exists—she knows it does. And believes the most powerful kind always comes from within. When she’s not writing, Amie often finds herself enjoying a cosy café and people-watching on the busy streets of London. She loves crafting brave heroines through her writing, teaching readers that sometimes the greatest adventures begin with inner knowing.

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October 27, 2025 · 7:00 am

Polly, Stubby & Al by Donahue B. Silvis (Book Review)

BEN and SARA DONOVAN live in a small community called Wolfe Lake with their two daughters, six year old MEGAN and eight year old KATIE. They have two pets, Polly a multi-colored talking parrot and Stubby a tan colored, bowlegged bulldog. Ben owns a small landscaping business. Sara is a housewife and animal lover. One day Sara, Megan, Katie and Stubby are walking in the woods. They see an injured black crow lying on the ground. Sara picks up the crow, takes him home and nurse’s him back to health. When healed and turned loose the crow does not return to the wild. He chooses to remain with the family. They name him Al and he becomes one of their pets.

The family had become used to Polly’s chatter but a week later they’re amazed when Al speaks. Their everyday life, as they know it, is about to take an abrupt and hilarious change. From that day forward nothing is the same, in the Donovan household, as Al becomes a funny and mischievous character.

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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.

 

Polly, Stubby & Al will make you laugh, make you cry, and might prompt your children to ask for a pet crow and not just any ordinary crow, one with a split tongue. Why this particular kind of crow, you may ask. We quickly learn that a crow’s split tongue enables them to speak. This ability generated many humorous scenes with Al, the talking crow, as the main star. Al wasn’t the only chatterbox in the Donovan household; Polly, the parrot, also entertained the family with their words. The real, unexpected jaw-dropping moment was when the parrot altered their voice to sound like Mama Sara and AL. They used this talent to prank the crow and Stubby, the bowlegged bulldog. Too funny.

Many families have dogs as pets. Some homes might even have a parrot, but a crow isn’t your typical idea of a family pet. So, how did Al, the crow, find his way into their family? It was a chance encounter. Sara saw the bird injured and nursed it back to health. She intended for him to live out in the wild; however, Al had other plans, and the family soon discovered he was indeed a very special bird. Al enjoyed joining Megan and Katie at the lake as the young sisters fished. He came when Mama Sara called his name. The crow’s word choices and his mischievous antics were very entertaining to watch.

Al’s naughtiness will have you laughing. If the text doesn’t make you giggle, some of the colorful illustrations will. As I said in the introduction, this story will make you laugh, but it’ll also make some cry. The storm scene was very moving. I cried when Al cried out for “Mama.” I figured he would be saved, but the journey to their reunion and then the reunion itself had me reaching for tissues again and again. Maybe they will for you, as well. Even though I adored every funny and sad scene, there were unfortunately several editing mistakes. That said, I recommend another editing pass.

Though the story needed more TLC, it is still a remarkable chapter book. I recommend sharing with your children, ages 5-10.

 

Author’s note: “Polly, Stubby & Al is a true story. It’s about my grandparents and their two young daughters, who are my mother and aunt. It took place in the 1920s.”

 

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

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Meet the Author

I’m an alumnus of the renowned Pasadena Playhouse Drama School; then, I graduated from Florida Atlantic University. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, I worked in movies as an actor and screenwriter. I’ve also written seven novels, eight screenplays, and one illustrated children’s book.

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