Tag Archives: children’s book

Haunted House: Day & Night by Jaybie D (Book Review)

Embark on an enchanting journey with Mandy as she bravely confronts her fear of the dark during a thrilling family trip to a haunted house! In this captivating children’s picture book, readers join Mandy on an exclusive daytime behind-the-scenes tour, discovering the intricate inner workings of the haunting spectacle. Marvel at the meticulously placed, spine-chilling props that bring the eerie atmosphere to life. Peek behind the curtains to unveil the fascinating interplay of costumes, make-up, lighting, security, and electrical systems that add a touch of magic to the haunted house.

As night descends, a whole new level of enchantment unfolds. Mandy and her family immerse themselves in an extraordinary evening experience where the previously observed prop stages burst into vivid life. Prepare to be mesmerized by a symphony of special effects that will enchant your senses, casting an otherworldly glow over the surroundings. Vibrant colors dance in harmony with haunting melodies, amplifying the eerie atmosphere to its fullest.

Throughout the pages of this book, Mandy’s journey takes her into never-before-seen rooms that will captivate and ignite the reader’s imagination. It’s an unforgettable tale of bravery, imagination, and self-discovery as she discovers the transformative power of overcoming her fears.

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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.

 

Haunted House: Day & Night was a visual masterpiece! Jaybie D.’s graphic design skills knocked my socks off. Words glowed on the pages. Objects glowed as well, breathing life into unanimated objects. The lanterns, flashlights, twinkling lights, jack-o’-lanterns, moon, ghosts, the strange beast spitting fire, each illuminated object captured my attention, and it will capture your child’s too. They’ll be mesmerized by the swirling fluorescent orbs of lights, the sparkling night sky, and the fog that appears to be lifting off the pages so much they might forget there’s a story to read. Oh, they should read the story! 

Besides its enormous visual appeal, the book captures all the excitement and spookiness surrounding a haunted house. During the day, a behind-the-scenes view of a haunted house is quite remarkable. The author shows readers what it takes to pull off a scary night. Costumes, make-up applications, setting up props, scary sounds, display monitors, it’s quite the production. The house you just saw during the day takes on a new form when the sun sets. You must remind yourself that it’s all fake like Mandy did. 

If your family loves Halloween and haunted houses, you must read Haunted House: Day & Night. With radiating words, words written in wacky fonts, and wavy lines, young readers will love practicing their reading skills using this spooktacular story. Teachers and parents will love that the story blends beginning sight words and advanced text. Everyone will love the illustrations. 

Haunted House: Day & Night is a thrilling read for children five years and older. It’s the ideal book for October. If you have a child under five who understands monsters are not real, I would also share this book with them. It’s not scary, and I’m sure they love the pictures and storyline! Outstanding from beginning to end (family photo). 

 

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

It is a privilege to write and illustrate children’s picture books, encouraging them to explore their imagination! It fills my soul.

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Monsters Need Breaks Too! by Stacie Green (Book Review)

 

 

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

 

Children will always be afraid of monsters, whether they lurk in the shadows, the wilderness, or in the waters. Stacie Green (author and illustrator) presents a different side to “monsters.” She shows kids they have nothing to fear with the mythical, fictional, or supernatural beings in the storybook. Well, except for the Kraken, it seemed to sink ships for no reason at all. 

The “monsters” in the whimsical tale had feelings, just like you and me. For instance, the ghost worked hard to make their house the creepiest on the block, and they get upset when children trespass on it. It only scared away the neighboring children because they thought it was rude the children were coming onto their property uninvited. Little do the kids know, the ghost would rather listen to music than spend the night saying, “Boo.” Oh, and Poor Lock Ness Monster; it doesn’t want to dive deep into the water’s muddy floor. It has to, though, because they fear being discovered by humans. At least Nessie can wash the harrowing day away with a warm bath filled with bubbles and rubber duckies. 

Monsters Need Breaks Too! features seven “monsters” children won’t be so scared of once they read the book. They’ll realize that these “monsters” have feelings and struggle to deal with them. They also come to understand the importance of taking time for themselves and doing something that makes them happy. Children will laugh when the swamp monsters take a dance break or when Bigfoot stops for tea. Even the illustration of the Kraken will make kids smile! 

Monsters Need Breaks Too! is a fun, inventive story with humorous illustrations. I must acknowledge some editing mistakes, but they didn’t dampen the flow of the story. Amazon’s recommended age is four and older. That is the ideal age for children to embrace, and not fear, the monsters in the book. 

 

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

 

 

Meet the Author

Stacie Green, an illustrator living in Durham, North Carolina, is known for her whimsical and playful designs. Combining fabric patterns she designed with mediums like watercolor, colored pencil, oil pastel, and digital art, she creates colorful and fun illustrations that bring joy and laughter.

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The Wiggly, Woggly Lady by Debi K Fraser (Book Review)

A story of wiggly feelings and making friends.

Wiggling and woggling is a lot of fun, but it would be so much more fun to do with friends. Thinking about trying to find those friends makes the wiggly, woggly lady feel very nervous. But today she has decided to try!

Fun, read-out-loud rhyme, comes together with quirky and unique characters, to gently illustrate the wonderful things that can happen when our children just be themselves.

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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.

 

Debi K Fraser (the writer) couldn’t have asked for a better interpretation of her storyline; Stephen Stone’s illustrations were spectacular. The wavy objects and characters were fun to look at it, and the curvy text was a delight to read. Together, the dynamic duo developed a creative book that children won’t be able to resist. They wiggle in their seats as you read it. They’ll wiggle around the house. They will be the wiggly friends the wiggly woggly lady has been seeking from the start of the story.

The wiggly woggly lady is sad because she has no friends. She’s too shy to ask someone to wiggle woggle with her. Questions of self-doubt flood her thoughts. What if they run away? Asking for someone to hang out with you or to be your friend might seem like a simple task to some people, but shyness is a paralyzing condition. People of all ages become physically ill at the thought of talking to a stranger. The wiggly lady’s stomach felt strange due to her anxiety about the situation.

As the wiggly woggly lady gathered her courage to face her fears, she failed to hear a mouse (wearing a purple leotard and pink tutu) asking her to wiggle and woggle with her. The lady also missed out on other people and animals wiggling the day away around town.

“The Wiggly Woggly Lady (Stories with Heart)” teaches young readers to be themselves and that good things will come because of it. It also stresses that sometimes it takes a little bravery to make your wishes come true. Oh, and remember that friends come in all sizes.

“The Wiggly Woggly Lady (Stories with Heart)” is a fun and humorous story that’ll get your child up and wiggling around their home. I recommend this adorable picture book for children 2-7.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

As I grew up my love of stories and the characters within them led me to create my own. Now my imagination has no off switch.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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I Will Always be Me by Kristina Schoettle (Book Review)

This book is a reprint of “I Will Always be Me (Blue),” created for girls to enjoy. “I Will Always be Me” teaches children that God loves them more than they can ever begin to imagine.

The human being is single, unique, and unrepeatable. Someone thought of and chosen from eternity: Someone called and identified by name. -Pope Saint John Paul II

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

I Will Always be Me by Kristina Schoettle is a reprint of “I Will Always be Me (for boys),” created for girls to enjoy. The after credits say the first part of this book is an actual conversation between the author and her three-year-old son. After being assured of his unique and unchanging identity, he smiled sweetly and said, “I’ll always be me.” The synopsis states that the story was created for girls to enjoy, but the message isn’t limited to one gender. It lets all children know that God loves them just as they are. He’s with you at every point of your life. When you cry, he cries, and when you smile, he smiles too. 

The author quoted Pope Saint John Paul II: “The human being is single, unique, and unrepeatable. Someone thought of and chosen from eternity: Someone called and identified by name.” I agree; we possess unique talents or qualities that set us apart. Even if you are a twin, triplet, etc., there are some attributes that only you have. 

The little girl, the star of the story, was adorable. Her smile lit up the pages. Kids will not miss the illustrations. They’ll welcome seeing a little real child on the pages, having fun outside as they do. They might even remark that they have gone through a tunnel like that or have a similar swing in their yard. 

I Will Always be Me by Kristina Schoettle is a Christian-based children’s book that warms a person’s heart and fills a soul with love. At 24 pages, this sweet story is perfect for children with limited attention spans. It is ideal for religious homes, Sunday schools, or Christian schools. 

I recommend I Will Always be Me for readers up to 2-7. It’s a quick read that will bring endless hours of joy. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I am a Catholic homeschooling mother of seven. I love creating picture books with my family! My first book was illustrated by my husband, and my oldest son illustrated the next three. I wrote my most recent book, Journey by the Sea, while watching my children play on the coast of Cape San Blas.

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Beehive Secrets and the Rare Pollinators by Xanda Monteiro (Book Review)

 

Soar back into the enchanting world of BEEHIVE SECRETS with “Rare Pollinators,” the latest adventure featuring the brave bee Bella and her kind and helpful friend, Kaida the dragon. As their beloved meadow faces threats from disruptive human activities, our dynamic duo embarks on an exciting quest to uncover a mystical natural solution tucked away in the vast tapestry of nature. Will Kaida fulfil her promise to Bella? Join the fun in this whirlwind adventure, brimming with catchy rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and lovable characters. Along the way, learn about biodiversity, unity, and how every one of us can contribute to the preservation of our environment.

Are you ready to unlock the secret hidden within Bella and Kaida’s meadow? Then it’s time to spread your wings, pick up your copy of “Rare Pollinators” today, and dive headfirst into the world of bees and dragons. Get set for a buzz-worthy, fire-breathing escapade—it’s a magical journey you wouldn’t want to miss!

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

 

Kaida and Bella (bee) face a new problem in Beehive Secrets and the Rare Pollinators. The meadow is quiet…too quiet. The bees should be out and about, collecting pollen and making things sprout, but they aren’t. Something is amiss! Kaida and Bella set off to find the missing bees. 

During their hunt, we discover which bees make a nest in the hedges and why Bella is freaking out when she spots a farmer trimming one (hedge). Travesty strikes again at the farm, but the real learning moment comes when Mrs. Kee lands on a flower. Children will learn new terminology: pesticide. Children will watch and discover how the “sticky goo” affects insects/bugs. 

Pesticide is not the only new word that children will learn. Mycelium is explained in simple terms that preschoolers can quickly grasp. The writer did include other words that might need further explanation, depending on a reader’s age. (No glossary was included.)

In Beehive Secrets and the Magical Meadows, Bella was feeling green. This time, Kaida and Bella are on a mission to save the meadow! Beehive Secrets and the Rare Pollinators has stunning illustrations and would make a great addition to a science unit. 

After reading the story, ask students what other things might have bees and buggy friends. Please make a list of ways to protect our insects too. Teach them to respect our nature—our planet as a whole. 

Amazon recommends this book for ages 3-6.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Xanda was born in the small town of Beira on the East Coast of Mozambique, a place that holds a special place in my heart. It’s home to the magnificent Farol do Macuti, a lighthouse that has guided countless ships to safety over the years.

One of my fondest memories is the excitement my dad brought home with a new toy – the first Polaroid camera! I still remember the anticipation as we waited for the picture to develop on the square paper. To make the image last, we had to spread the fixer over the picture, which had a distinct smell that remains etched in my mind from childhood. It was an unnatural sharp, chemical and fruity sweet odour, but to us, it meant preserving memories that would last a lifetime.

But my childhood memories were not limited to photography. It was also with my dad that I experienced my first solar eclipse, an unforgettable sight that left me in awe of the natural world. Looking back, those memories of my childhood in Mozambique still fill me with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of life.

Growing up in Africa was an adventure in itself. I loved nothing more than exploring the vast landscape around me, always eager to discover new and exciting things. But with that excitement came a hint of danger. Some places and animals I encountered were quite hazardous, adding an extra layer of thrill to my explorations.

Today, I still hold a deep appreciation for the wonders of nature and the joy of exploration, and have added meditation and QiGong to my life as a way to continue that sense of wonder and connection to the world around me.

Author Website
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