Tag Archives: children’s book

August 25, 2025 · 7:00 am

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

(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: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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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August 22, 2025 · 7:00 am

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

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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August 13, 2025 · 7:00 am

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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 Visitor. Told 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”

 

Reedsy Author Link

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August 11, 2025 · 7:00 am

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.

Preorder: Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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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August 8, 2025 · 7:00 am

Will’s Dream World: a children’s guide to having fun dreams and mastering nightmares by Will Nel (Book Review)

In this beautifully illustrated rhyming adventure, young Will discovers the secret to taking control of his dreams.

From scary spiders to teasing bullies, each nighttime challenge becomes an opportunity for courage, creativity, and self-mastery.

Perfect for children aged 3–7, Will’s Dream World empowers kids to face their fears and shape their own dreamscapes with confidence and imagination.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Nightmares can disrupt our peaceful sleep, causing us to wake in fright, with our hearts racing and bodies shaking. Children, especially, can have a strong reaction to these unsettling dreams. They might seek comfort in their parents’ beds or delay bedtime, fearing what might come in their dreams. In Will’s Dream World, a young boy grapples with similar fears that many children can relate to. A spider lurks, and a uni-lion monster roars and gives chase. The suspenseful and frightening dream shifts, showing the child screaming in terror as an animal is chomping at the bit to grab it. The dream takes an unexpected turn, mirroring the emotional turmoil many children face with school bullies.

Will faced many “monsters” in Will’s Dream World, but through the fear, he found his inner strength. He recalled his father’s wise words, reminding the sweet boy that these were his dreams, just silly thoughts that filled his head, which meant Will did have the power to change his thoughts. Kids will watch in amazement as Will defeats the villains one by one, becoming the hero of the story!

Introduce Will’s Dream World, a captivating rhyming story, into your child’s bedtime routine. Show them that, like Will, there’s nothing to fear in dreamland, and remind them that they have the power to change their story! Overcoming the fear of nightmares may take time, but reading Will’s Dream World every night might just speed up the process!

Although I appreciated the muted colors that indicated negative emotions in many of the dream sequences, unfortunately, one image had a significant flaw: a fleeing bully had his head facing the wrong direction, which could potentially confuse the child and disrupt the flow of the story. Other than that, this was a delightful story that will (hopefully) generate more pleasant dreams for all kids who battle the bedtime woes.

This book is designed to entertain and comfort children, providing a gentle way to address their fears and empower them to manage their nightmares. It’s a perfect book for children learning the difference between reality and fantasy, dealing with nightmares, or fans of stories where kids are the heroes!

Recommended reading age is 3-7 years.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Will Nel grew up on a sheep farm in remote South Africa, far from neighbours and more than 100 km from the nearest town. With only a handful of people in his early world, he developed a vivid inner life shaped by solitude, dreams, and the wide, open land.

Sent to boarding school at age six, Will learned early how to navigate loneliness, unfamiliar faces, and the need to stand his ground. Though his professional path took him far from storytelling — earning a PhD in energy studies and building a career as an engineer — the stories from his early years never left him.

Those long-held memories — of conquering dreams, building contraptions, and backyard expeditions — have found new life in the imaginative stories Will now enjoys sharing with children. Will’s Dream World is his first published book, drawing on the quiet resilience and emotional adventures of a childhood lived far off the beaten path.

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