Tag Archives: children’s book

Rocky’s Courageous Rescue by Michelle Krumenacher (Book Review)

Do you want to encourage your kids to be bold, brave, and courageous?

In Rocky’s Courageous Rescue, a small rock hyrax named Rocky is called on to help with an important task that only a small hyrax could complete. Read along as Rocky learns what matters most to God and how even a small hyrax can accomplish great things for God.

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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.

 

Have you ever heard of a rock hyrax? The rock hyrax, a unique and fascinating small mammal native to Africa and the Middle East, takes center stage in the captivating tale of Rocky’s Courageous Rescue.

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, we meet Rocky, a rock hyrax who wishes he could jump as far as his friends. But his short legs, which have failed him more than once, make him doubt his abilities. With the help of a friend, he finds the courage to leap off a rock. Rocky didn’t have the most graceful landing, causing him to feel emotions many of us feel when we fail in front of others: humiliation and embarrassment. This incident leads Rocky to question if he will always be the smallest hyrax. His mother’s response incorporates her/the author’s faith: “God doesn’t look at the outside; He looks at the heart.” Whether you believe in God or not, the underlying message applies to all. Size has no relevance to who you are; your heart and actions are what truly define you. During one rainy night, Rocky demonstrated he had a kind and generous heart.

Rocky displayed courage in this sweet, inspiring, and faith-infused children’s book. When fear surfaced, he turned to God, a common response among many people during times of difficulty or distress. Did God guide him across the gap to a friend in a precarious predicament? Those of faith would agree that someone was watching over the small but mighty rock hyrax, watching over all the animals.

Everyone has that one thing they’d love to change, including Rocky, the adorable gerbil-looking hero. In Rocky’s Courageous Rescue, kids learn that we are perfect just the way we are. Rocky hated being the smallest, but his short stature turned out to be the ideal fit for the touch job, saving Boulder’s life.

Rocky’s Courageous Rescue encourages us to love ourselves and embrace our uniqueness. For Christians, it reminds readers to lean on God in both good and troubled times. Whether you’re religious or not, Rocky’s Courageous Rescue is an uplifting and inspiring story about finding your courage and believing in yourself; it’s a tale that can resonate with a broad audience.

Amazon has the book set for children aged 3 to 8 years. Some words might be too advanced for pre-k listeners, but they will still enjoy the story and its darling illustrations. I recommend sharing Rocky’s journey with your kids and reading What is the Rock Hyrax?” In this informative section, we learn that these cute, gerbil-looking animals have roots in the Bible, they have a very interesting body structure, an unforgettable alarm sound, and much more.

Rocky’s Courageous Rescue is a remarkable story featuring an adorable and rarely utilized animal in a children’s book, the rock hyrax. Share this book with your kids or students and learn more about this fascinating creature. Watch as Rocky pushes his doubts and fears aside to become the story’s hero!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Michelle Krumenacher is an up-and-coming author. Her first book is a children’s book entitled Rocky’s Courageous Rescue. Michelle was inspired by her safari trip in Kenya to write a story about the not-so-well-known rock hyraxes, which her family fell in love with.

Michelle is married to the man of her dreams, and they homeschool their 3 boys. Michelle is passionate about Jesus, orphans, travel, and her family. Michelle and her family work with an organization called World Renewal Burundi. You can find out more HERE.

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Dingo Toad Joins the Rangers by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

A heartwarming adventure about friendship, inclusion, and finding your tribe.

Dingo and Penny do everything together—from games and homework to dreaming about exploring the great outdoors. So, when it’s time to join a local scouting group, they can’t wait to sign up… until they discover there’s no Girl Scouts troop in town.

Disappointed but determined, Dingo embarks on a mission to help his best friend chase her dream. What he discovers changes everything: a group called the Rangers—where boys and girls are welcome, diversity is celebrated, and adventures are just beginning.

 

In this gentle, empowering story, readers will follow Dingo and Penny as they:

  • Discover the power of friendship and loyalty
  • Learn how inclusive communities can open new doors
  • Join a diverse group of kids on their first big adventure

 

Dingo & Toad Join the Rangers is a fun, inclusive picture book for children ages 5–9 that encourages kids to embrace teamwork, outdoor exploration, and making space for everyone. It’s perfect for classrooms, families, and young readers who love scouting, camping, and stories with heart.

✨ Great for fans of:

  • The Berenstain Bears
  • Arthur
  • Scouts Honor

A perfect gift for budding adventurers and best friends everywhere.

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

 

Dingo Toad Joins the Rangers is an outstanding illustrated children’s book whose visual appeal perfectly complements the superb and relatable storyline.

 

Dingo and Penny, the alien best friends, are bursting with color and relatability! Despite their alienistic features, which set them apart from Earthlings (excluding cons and Halloween), their everyday activities are remarkably similar to ours. They love playing video games together, exploring, going on adventures, and just having fun. Their planet also has a Boy Scouts troop; unfortunately, they do not have a Girl Scouts one.

Scout organizations are a great way to learn new skills and make new friends, which is why they both wanted to join one. When one is not available, as in Penny’s case, the news can be very disappointing. This is why every community should have an all-inclusive scout group, like the Rangers, designed by the creative co-authors Lamar and Liana Golden.

As the besties meet their fellow troop members, the illustrator’s skills and imagination continue to shine. Tom McGrath’s alien creations were so adorable. I loved the purple bird with large eyes who wore tiny spectacles and the alien whose green eyestalks poked through their hat. Every creature, whether above ground or underwater, amazed me, and so did the vibrant scenery. Great color choices!

Dingo Toad Joins the Rangers is a spectacular book, from its storyline about the importance of inclusiveness, friendship, enjoying the outdoors, and learning new life skills to the bold, stunning illustrations. It’s the perfect gift idea for sci-fi fans, best friends, and those interested in or involved with scouting organizations.

Share Dingo Toad Joins the Rangers at your next troop meeting, with your students, and family. It’s a fun read for all ages, but the author’s target audience is children ages 5 to 9.

 

Be sure to check out Dingo Toad Helps a Friend and stay tuned for more details for the upcoming release, Dingo Toad Opens a Wormhole!

 

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

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Meet the Dynamic Duo! 

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

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Milo’s Pet Problem by Romona Norton (Book Spotlight)

One boy. Too many wild ideas. The hilarious search for the perfect pet begins!

Milo has trees to climb, rivers to splash in, and endless adventures-but he wants a pet.

His mom says no unless he can find one in the woods.

Challenge accepted!

From a prickly hedgehog to a stinky skunk, Milo’s search for the perfect pet goes hilariously wrong at every turn.

But when he’s ready to give up, a surprise arrives that’s just right.

Milo’s Pet Problem is a funny, feel-good story about curiosity, determination, and one unforgettable quest for the perfect companion.

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Check out my review on Reedsy!

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Romona Norton, born in Guyana, began writing in 2012 inspired by her daughters. She self-published two books and later founded Coconut Tree Books and the lifestyle brand Cari Capri. Her stories spark curiosity, laughter, and a love for reading.

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A Mysterious Christmas Visitor by Barbara Leary (Book Review and Kickstarter Campaign)

On a quiet farm on Christmas Eve, a young girl settles in by the fire with a good book—until a crash in the woods shatters the stillness. Accompanied her community of woodland animals, she steps bravely into the shadows to face whatever might be lurking in the dark, only to find a creature that needs her help. What follows is a funny, whimsical tale told in lyrical rhyme and vibrant illustrations—a story of unexpected encounters, connection, and the magic that can find you when you least expect it. With themes of courage, empathy, and understanding, it invites young readers to imagine a world where kindness leads the way.

The rhyme is a fresh take on “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” known popularly as “The Night before Christmas,” attributed to Clement Clark Moore.

The book includes four pages of fun facts about the awesome animals who power Santa’s sleigh, blending entertainment with a bit of education to satisfy the natural curiosity of young readers.

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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.

 

The holidays are fast approaching, and A Mysterious Christmas Visitor is the perfect book to get readers into the holiday spirit!

It was the night before Christmas, and a darling girl was nestled under a blanket, reading a book by firelight. Her house is filled with the lovely aroma of freshly baked cookies and piping hot stew. All is quiet inside the farmhouse, but outside, something is stirring in the darkness. The sweet young lady swallows her fear and ventures out into the cold winter’s night, but not without an axe. Brilliant idea, especially since she has no idea what awaits her in the dark woods.

The young girl, a beacon of bravery, ventured out alone into the snowy forest. When she spotted the ‘monstrous Thing’ and what she assumed was its glowing purple eye, she didn’t flee. Instead, she weighed her options: run, stay and fight, or offer them some of their delicious food? When the ‘monstrous Thing’ came into view and spoke, the child needed a moment to collect herself and allow her brain to register what was happening. For many readers, the instinct would’ve been to run back to the safety of the house. But she didn’t. And it’s a good thing she didn’t, because they were about to have a once-in-a-lifetime moment. 

The Christmastime character’s story of how they ended up in these woods was amusing. Their facial expression when offered the stew was a moment of pure comedy. Read the story to find out why, but don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the making of the stew!

A Mysterious Christmas Visitor is a wonderful story told through lyrical rhymes and beautiful illustrations. Some rhyme choices may require explanation to younger audiences, such as the use of “warily,” “altitude,” “barbarian,” and “adieu.” Some readers may also be unaware that “venison” refers to deer meat, a key element in understanding why the reindeer’s expression is so memorable in one scene.

Besides delivering a lovely Christmas story, the writer included a section on why reindeer are amazing. There, readers will discover interesting facts about these beautiful animals. For example, a reindeer’s eye color and hooves change depending on whether it’s winter or summer. They are also super-fast runners! Catch these fun facts, plus many more, in the final pages of this delightful children’s book.

Get in the holiday spirit and read A Mysterious Christmas Visitor to your little ones today! My recommended reading age is kids 9 years and younger.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

Kickstarter Campaign: To Fund a Spanish Edition of “A Mysterious Christmas Visitor”

 

 

 

Meet the Author
Join Their Kickstarter Campaign! 

Award-winning indie author Barbara Leary has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a Spanish-language edition of her latest picture book, A Mysterious Christmas VisitorTold in lyrical rhyme and brought to life by illustrator Marrieta Gal, this heartwarming holiday tale for ages 9 and under follows a young girl who discovers a frightened reindeer hiding in the shadows and learns that courage and kindness can lead to unexpected friendship. The book has already been released in English and includes a bonus section of fun reindeer facts for curious kids. With translation by Camila Larrea—one of Barbara’s former grad students—the Spanish edition aims to offer children from bilingual and Spanish-speaking families a story that feels like it was written just for them. 

 

Backers can choose rewards starting at $5 in either language, including beautifully illustrated e-book and print editions, sticker sheets, holiday cards, and digital goodies. Shipping is planned for November. You can check out the pre-launch page here: 

Kickstarter Campaign: To Fund a Spanish Edition of “A Mysterious Christmas Visitor”

 

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Molly and Potato by Dr Kelly Curtin and Molly Hallinan (Book Review)

Molly wished for a dog. But her mom; busy, tired, and not a “dog person,” always said no. Then came the cancer. As Molly’s mom begins her treatment and healing journey, Molly learns just how brave she can be. And when a scruffy shelter pup named Potato comes into their lives, everything begins to change.

Told in two voices—Molly & Potato: A (Human) Love Story and Potato & Molly: A (Canine) Love Tail—this heartfelt children’s book explores how love, loss, and rescue go both ways. Both Molly and Potato wrestle with confusing feelings: guilt over finding joy after hardship, and the realization that sadness and happiness can exist together.

Co-written by pediatrician and cancer survivor Dr. Kelly Curtin and her daughter Molly Hallinan, these mirrored stories gently show young readers that healing doesn’t mean pretending, and that it’s okay to be happy, sad, and everything in between. Through their love and support for each other, Molly and Potato learn that a sad past doesn’t stop them from finding happiness in the present.

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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.

 

Molly and Potato is a touching story, narrated first through the eyes of a little girl in A (Human) Love Story and then from the perspective of a sweet shelter dog in A (Canine) Love Tail. These moving tales are inspired by a real family and their real rescue pup during a time when the little girl was overwhelmed with feelings centering around her mother’s cancer diagnosis and the pup who longed for a home/family.

Cancer is a disease that strikes fear in the hearts of those with the diagnosis and also their family members. It can be difficult for people, especially children, to understand how cancer will affect their loved ones. If they’ve already lost someone to cancer, another loved one getting the diagnosis can make them wonder if this person will meet the same fate. Molly’s story falls into the latter category. The darling little girl lost her aunt to cancer and now fears that cancer will take her mom away too. Molly’s sadness, anger, and fears over the unfortunate situation are valid, and her family did offer reassuring words. However, Molly’s mother realized that her worried daughter needed more help coping with the terrible situation, so they visited the animal shelter, where Molly met her adopted friend, Potato.

Like Molly, Potato is also navigating a world of big emotions. He grapples with the question of why no one wants to adopt him because of his broken teeth. Despite the kind words from the vet and shelter volunteers, Potato doesn’t feel beautiful. He feels a mix of sadness and anger until one day, a family walks into the shelter. Then, his doggie dreams come true. Molly and Potato share hugs when one of them is sad. They lend an ear when the other needs to talk. They also both question the reason why they entered into each other’s lives, stirring up more conflicting feelings. (Read the story for more information.)

Was it fate that brought Molly and Potato together? Perhaps. Whether you believe in fate or not, what all readers will agree on is that these two changed each other’s lives for the better. I recommend sharing this touching story with any child dealing with intense feelings surrounding a medical diagnosis, considering adopting an animal, or who needs a reason to smile. While the story touched my heart, the illustrations fell short. There were inconsistencies in the coloring of the pooch’s face, and certain scenes and images have an AI-generated feel to them. That said, Potato’s crying image made me say, “Aww,” and the framed photo of Molly dressed as a princess holding Potato, who was wearing a tuxedo, was adorable. Love the bowtie!

Whether your child is wrestling with big feelings regarding an illness in the family, considering adopting a pet, or simply in need of a heartwarming story about kindness and healing, I recommend reading Molly & Potato. My suggested target audience is 3-8-year-olds.

 

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

Preorder: Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Molly and Potato was co-written by pediatrician and cancer survivor Dr. Kelly Curtin and her daughter Molly Hallinan. Scroll down to ‘meet’ Dr. Kelly Curtin.

Dr. Kelly Curtin, DO FAAP CHCQM is a pediatrician and writer whose work explores her illness, motherhood, and trauma. She brings clinical insight and personal experience to works that examine what it means to be heard, to survive, and to live without regret. She is a state and nationally recognized pediatrician for her work with children and oral health advocacy, as well as a mother to three amazing kids. She wrote this book to support kids facing Adverse Childhood Events, as she herself was one. Against all odds, she is a cancer survivor and she couldn’t feel more lucky.

Read her most recent essays “The Life You Save May Be Your Own” and “Luck of the Irish: A Parable of Inheritance, Illness, and Hope” on KevinMD.

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