Tag Archives: children’s books

June 23, 2025 · 7:00 am

Storma’s Unexpected Adventure: The Tales of Storma by Gina Bayar (Book Review)

A magical journey through a desert of wonders, wildlife, and unexpected friendship.

 

When a dreamy young unicorn sets out in search of the sparkling ocean, she accidentally arrives in the vast, sun-drenched Gobi Desert instead. But what begins as a mistake quickly turns into an unforgettable adventure.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers journey with the unicorn as she meets the rare and wise Mazaalai (the critically endangered Gobi bear) and a kind Bactrian camel who becomes her gentle guide. Together, they explore golden dunes, singing sands, ancient dinosaur footprints, and hidden oases—discovering the wonders of one of the world’s most unique and underrepresented ecosystems.

Blending enchanting fantasy with rich, real-world educational content, The Unicorn and the Gobi Adventure introduces children to the beauty and biodiversity of the Gobi Desert, while nurturing curiosity, compassion, and the joy of discovery.

Perfect for readers aged 4–8, this story celebrates friendship, environmental awareness, and the magic of life’s unexpected paths.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Does your child love unicorns? Do they love stories involving magic or magical powers? Do they enjoy exploring new places and learning facts to share with friends or family? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child will want to read Storma’s Unexpected Adventure.

Storma loves living in the Enchanted Forest with her family, but she wants to see more of the world and visit the places from her parents’ stories. Storma didn’t have wings like Pegasus, but she did have a magical power that made traveling a breeze: She could travel to any location just by closing her eyes and picturing the destination. Now, that’s a magical trick I’d like to have, and I’m sure other readers will want it to!

Storma used her unique magical powers to whisk themselves to a “grand ocean.” Unfortunately, her destination didn’t have an ocean in sight. Did her powers fail her? Not exactly. Her timing was a little off, like a few million years. Storma’s Unexpected Adventure takes readers across the desert, where we meet interesting characters and discover facts about the desert and those who call it home, then and now. Kids are not the only ones who might learn a thing or two about the Gobi Desert. For instance, thanks to this beautifully told story, I found out the desert is home to the rarest bear in the world, and the wind makes music there too! How fascinating!

These are not the only two interesting tidbits you’ll learn as Storma and Polka (camel guide) go in search of the “ocean.” Read the story and discover the hidden gems of the Gobi Desert. Also, check out Did You Know? to learn more about the fascinating Gobi bear, the Mazaalai! It’s a great bonus feature of the book. It’s too bad the author didn’t include fun fact pages dedicated to the desert and camels. A glossary would also be a helper tool for young readers.

This children’s book beautifully captures the Gobi Desert’s unique wildlife. The sunset scene, in particular, is lovely. The vibrant colors against the different shades of sand create a mesmerizing visual. Each scene is reminiscent of the magnetic story activity play sets, with the sticker-quality plant and animal drawings looking like they could be plucked off the page and moved to different locations. It’s a testament to the illustrator’s skill and will captivate children and parents alike. (Special note: Gina Bayar is the book’s writer and illustrator.)

Storma’s Unexpected Adventure takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the Gobi Desert, where they learn there’s more to the landscape than initially seen. Share this story with kids aged eight and under. Ask them to share where they’d visit if they had Storma’s unique magical power. Expand your knowledge and look up what else calls the desert home, past and present. Also, be on the lookout for Storma’s next story, Storma’s Gift! (Release date TBD.)

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Gina Bayar is an author and illustrator of imaginative picture books that celebrate kindness, nature, and the magic of unexpected journeys. A lifelong dreamer and mom of two, she inspires young readers to explore, care for the planet, and believe in themselves.
 

 

 

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June 16, 2025 · 7:00 am

Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future With Bonds by Craig A Robinson (Book Review)

Bull and Bear are back with another exciting adventure that teaches young readers about the power of investing in bonds! At the advice of their trusted advisor and friend Piggy Banks, Bull & Bear visit Eagle, who manages the Moneyland Treasury, to learn about how bonds work to build new schools, parks, and roads and why they’re essential for making communities better. They also discover how bonds can help protect their savings while helping others. Through fun and engaging illustrations, this story shows kids how they can be part of building a brighter future by diversifying their investments. Perfect for young readers curious about money and how it helps create the world around them!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Bull and Bear return with another captivating adventure, this time delving into the educational world of investing in bonds.

Are you interested in teaching your kids or students about bonds, assets, diversifying, and other money-related terms but don’t know where to start or how to simplify the information? I recommend reading Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future with Bonds, starting with its dictionary. Understanding key terms like municipal (mun) bond, diversify, bear and bull market, stocks, and maturity will assist readers in understanding the story more. Yes, the writer did a fabulous job weaving money terms, such as principal and yield, into the story; however, reviewing the words in the glossary might clear up any confusion for younger audiences going forth in this creative and informative story.

After familiarizing yourself with the glossary, it’s time to embark on a journey with Bull, Bear, and their friends in Moneyland. Adding a city map with creatively named streets and landmarks, such as Shareholder Square and Bond, Risk and Reward River, provides a unique opportunity to expand your financial knowledge. These names can serve as talking points for families and classrooms, inspiring readers to delve deeper into the world of finance. Plus, the map was just plain cute. Especially seeing the two friends ride down Wall Street on their bikes. Nice red helmet, Bear!

As we follow Bull and Bear to Moneyland Treasury, Eagle breaks down how bonds help our community and are a stable investment in this topsy-turvy economy. Help your city while earning interest… it was a no-brainer for Bear and Bull. It was, in their words, the best thing to do.

While Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future with Bonds is designed for children aged 5-10, it offers a fun and engaging learning experience for readers of all ages. The delightful characters and rhyming sentences, courtesy of the talented Craig Robinson, make learning about bonds an enjoyable experience. Share this book with your family or students and consider adding bonds to your portfolio.

Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future with Bonds did have an extensive glossary; however, kids might be puzzled by the financial sphere, which was not listed in the book’s dictionary. Also, while fans should recall the Golden Rule, this term might be foreign to new readers; therefore, I suggest adding it to the dictionary. All in all, Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future with Bonds does what the other books in the series do: it educates through creative storytelling and likable characters!

Check out every Bull and Bear money-themed book; they are educational and fun!

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Author Craig A. Robinson has worked in the investment management industry for over twenty years, Craig has firsthand knowledge of our country’s lack of financial literacy and what it costs the average American. He wrote a children’s book to introduce the topic of financial literacy to children.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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June 13, 2025 · 7:00 am

Daddy Needs a Beer by Greg Betz (Book Review)

Being a dad is hard. Laughing about it is mandatory!

Packed with laugh-out-loud honesty, Daddy Needs a Beer is the brutally funny, baby-told tribute to fatherhood that’s every bit exhausting, challenging, and the best gift dad never knew he needed.

Perfect for:

  • Dads who tell the worst jokes

  • Husbands who “supervise” bedtime

  • Father’s Day shoppers

Grab a copy, crack a beer, and give Dad what he really wants this year — a break and a good laugh.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Parenthood is exhausting. From the moment our little ones enter our lives, we are on the go, go, go. It’s a messy and (yes) stinky job. We are our child(ren)’s chef, bather, butt wiper, playmate, doctor, teacher, and much more. Is it no wonder so many parents are operating on fumes by the end of the day? And let’s be real here: many parents enjoy an alcoholic beverage at the end of the day if time permits it or you’re not too fatigued to enjoy it.

Daddy Needs a Beer is a delightfully humorous story from a baby’s perspective. From the morning the infant awakens till it’s time to say good night, the baby acknowledges everything their father does without complaint while also weaving in the topic of a beer into each daddy-baby moment. The dad’s reaction to changing a diaper, a task all parents can relate to, is a perfect example. His smile while holding the dirty diaper with two fingers is a scene that could easily be from any parent’s life, and it’s sure to bring a chuckle to your lips.

The adorable baby in Daddy Needs a Beer loves every moment spent with their father, as do numerous other children. They remark they have nothing to fear when their dad throws them up into the air while recognizing that babies are heavy so that the act will tire the parent’s muscles. Oh, how true that is! Babies and toddlers love to be picked up, but it takes a toll over time. Babies aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a nap. Though the child could not verbalize their appreciation in words, their laughter and smiling face spoke volumes. Every smile, giggle, and hug makes all the sore muscles and sleepless nights worth it.

Every father-child moment featured in Daddy Needs a Beer has happened or will happen with you and your little one. Remember these points for those who are iffy about reading a book where a child keeps putting dad and beer in the same thought. Kids are quite perceptive, so their mental thinking, “Daddy is earning that beer,” is probably more accurate than we think. Second, many parents drink cocktails, beer, wine, or spirits, so let’s not tip our noses to the comedic storyline. Lastly, the dad didn’t drink while the baby was awake. He waited until the child was asleep for the night. Again, this is a move many parents make every day.

Messes come in all sizes, and mealtime is high on that list with young children. I laughed at the prints along the floor and wall, in the father spoon-feeding his baby. That is a lesson to all parents: use a highchair next time so the child can’t crawl away. I love that the illustrator presented the father in a blue silhouette. It allows fathers reading the story to picture themselves as the central star.

Daddy Needs a Beer is a wonderful, amusing story that shows how hard parents work and, most importantly, the child’s appreciation for everything we do. Daddy Needs a Beer is perfect for soon-to-be fathers or as a Father’s Day gift. “Grab a copy, crack a beer, and give Dad what he really wants this year — a break and a good laugh.”

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I’m a first-time author sharing a lighthearted, heartfelt look at fatherhood. This playful, rhyming picture book captures the messy, funny, and loving moments that make parenting unforgettable—for kids and parents alike.
 

 

 

 

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May 30, 2025 · 7:00 am

Daddy Needs a Beer by Greg Betz (Book Review)

Being a dad is hard. Laughing about it is mandatory!

Packed with laugh-out-loud honesty, Daddy Needs a Beer is the brutally funny, baby-told tribute to fatherhood that’s every bit exhausting, challenging, and the best gift dad never knew he needed.

Perfect for:

  • Dads who tell the worst jokes

  • Husbands who “supervise” bedtime

  • Father’s Day shoppers

Grab a copy, crack a beer, and give Dad what he really wants this year — a break and a good laugh.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Parenthood is exhausting. From the moment our little ones enter our lives, we are on the go, go, go. It’s a messy and (yes) stinky job. We are our child(ren)’s chef, bather, butt wiper, playmate, doctor, teacher, and much more. Is it no wonder so many parents are operating on fumes by the end of the day? And let’s be real here: many parents enjoy an alcoholic beverage at the end of the day if time permits it or you’re not too fatigued to enjoy it.

Daddy Needs a Beer is a delightfully humorous story from a baby’s perspective. From the morning the infant awakens till it’s time to say good night, the baby acknowledges everything their father does without complaint while also weaving in the topic of a beer into each daddy-baby moment. The dad’s reaction to changing a diaper, a task all parents can relate to, is a perfect example. His smile while holding the dirty diaper with two fingers is a scene that could easily be from any parent’s life, and it’s sure to bring a chuckle to your lips.

The adorable baby in Daddy Needs a Beer loves every moment spent with their father, as do numerous other children. They remark they have nothing to fear when their dad throws them up into the air while recognizing that babies are heavy so that the act will tire the parent’s muscles. Oh, how true that is! Babies and toddlers love to be picked up, but it takes a toll over time. Babies aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a nap. Though the child could not verbalize their appreciation in words, their laughter and smiling face spoke volumes. Every smile, giggle, and hug makes all the sore muscles and sleepless nights worth it.

Every father-child moment featured in Daddy Needs a Beer has happened or will happen with you and your little one. Remember these points for those who are iffy about reading a book where a child keeps putting dad and beer in the same thought. Kids are quite perceptive, so their mental thinking, “Daddy is earning that beer,” is probably more accurate than we think. Second, many parents drink cocktails, beer, wine, or spirits, so let’s not tip our noses to the comedic storyline. Lastly, the dad didn’t drink while the baby was awake. He waited until the child was asleep for the night. Again, this is a move many parents make every day.

Messes come in all sizes, and mealtime is high on that list with young children. I laughed at the prints along the floor and wall, in the father spoon-feeding his baby. That is a lesson to all parents: use a highchair next time so the child can’t crawl away. I love that the illustrator presented the father in a blue silhouette. It allows fathers reading the story to picture themselves as the central star.

Daddy Needs a Beer is a wonderful, amusing story that shows how hard parents work and, most importantly, the child’s appreciation for everything we do. Daddy Needs a Beer is perfect for soon-to-be fathers or as a Father’s Day gift. “Grab a copy, crack a beer, and give Dad what he really wants this year — a break and a good laugh.”

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I’m a first-time author sharing a lighthearted, heartfelt look at fatherhood. This playful, rhyming picture book captures the messy, funny, and loving moments that make parenting unforgettable—for kids and parents alike.
 

 

 

 

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May 6, 2025 · 7:00 am

Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors by Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors (Book Review)

Benji and Briana, a brother and sister duo, begin a magical journey to the fantastical hospital in Surgeryland, or “Surgiland,” to cure Briana’s sniffles. But the fairies have a surprise in store—they also have a remedy for Benji’s pesky nose problems!

In Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors, readers will join this sibling pair as they explore the silly, slimy, and surprisingly fun world of snot and sneezes.

Mascot Books Purchase Link

Amazon Purchase Link

Goodreads Link

 

 

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

 

Snot comes in multiple colors and consistency. It can continuously drip out our noses like a leaking faucet. It can fill up numerous tissues with no end in sight. It can indicate an illness or produced when you consume hot or spicy food or cry. Snot can form due to seasonal allergies. It can be thick like molasses or clear and sticky. Whatever reason excessive boogers are formed, most of us want it gone. We definitely do not want a snot explosion like the one Briana suffered from. The poor little girl sneezed, and snot coated her from head to toe. The images were grossly funny, and kids will love them. Parents, too!

Thankfully, Briana’s brother is close by with a grand idea to cure her booger woes— let’s visit the Boogie Doctors! Benji and Briana embark on a magical journey to the fantastical hospital in Surgeryland (or Surgiland, as the kids like to say). On the yellow road to the castle that doubles as a hospital, the duo meet a doctor overseeing all boogie surgeries in this fantabulous world. They shared Briana’s nasal woes and discovered a case of the sneezes could be related to the seasons. To be specific, “The season of the birds, the bees, and the big allergies …” according to the three colorful, winged rhyming fairies.

The Boogie Doctor and his adorable medical helpers, the fairies, looked inside Briana’s nose to spot the snot problem. Even Benji sits and allows Doctor Boogie to insert a surgical camera up his nostril. I can practically hear kids say, “Eww or yuck,” when they see the forest of boogers on the monitor. It was another hilariously gross image that I enjoyed.

Not every ENT (ear, nose, and throat) visit will result in surgery. Some snot issues can be cured with medicine as was the case with Briana. But, if is needed, kids will be more relaxed thanks to Benji and Briana’s bravery in Surgeryland. I recommend sharing Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors with children two years and up. Parents and kids will laugh at the snotty mess. Readers will notice and love how each mucus word is enlarged, bolded, and shaded bright green and how other words pop off the pages using different font styles, colors, and sizes.

Join the siblings on their wondrous, magical adventure in Surgeryland as they visit a doc to stop Briana’s snot!

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

Mascot Books Purchase Link

Amazon Purchase Link

Goodreads Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is an advocate, actress, physician and writer with a passion for storytelling that spans genres. Her work includes the heartwarming children’s book “Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors,” coming in spring 2025, and the deeply personal memoir “TOO MUCH,” which explores mental health challenges within the demanding fields of military and medicine.

​
Cindy’s artistic journey began in her childhood in Honolulu. She explored her love of performance through acting in commercials, theatre, and competing in pageants. She later pursued acting in Los Angeles, earning a degree in theater at the University of Southern California. Her path then took her to military medicine, where she served as a physician in the United States Army. Her research to reduce opioid prescriptions has garnered national recognition through publications, speaking engagements at national conferences, and awards.

Now retired from the Army, Cindy is pursuing her lifelong passion for writing. Her diverse background and experiences inform her unique voice and allow her to connect with readers of all ages.

​
TOO MUCH is available now everywhere books are sold online and in select retailers nationwide!

I wonder if it all started with a single impulsive decision: joining the U.S. Army for “free” medical school. But the reality of military medicine was far different. I found myself trapped in a system that values hierarchy, patriarchy, and conformity over compassion and care. My mental health deteriorated. Addictive habits became my crutch.

TOO MUCH is the story of my battle to reclaim my sanity and my voice. It’s a raw and honest look at the dark side of medicine and the challenges of mental illness. It’s a story that will remind you how a brighter future is possible, even when it feels like everything is broken.

This is my story.

But maybe it’s your story, too.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Let’s Connect…

Website Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

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