Tag Archives: contest

Monsters Don’t Say Meep: Even the tiniest roar can make the biggest difference by Bridgetta Tomarchio (Book Review)

It was supposed to be a magical night…
until a few mischievous kittens turned it into chaos.
Can the tiniest voice save the day?

At Monster Scare Prep School, every monster is practicing their scariest roar. But when Meep tries, all that comes out is a squeaky little “meep.” The others laugh—until real trouble strikes, and Meep may be the only one who can save the day.

Will he find his roar—or discover that being himself is more than enough?

Funny, playful, and full of heart, Monsters Don’t Say Meep is a laugh-out-loud monster adventure about courage, individuality, and the magic of being yourself—reminding us that sometimes the smallest voice makes the biggest impact.

Perfect for bedtime, classrooms, and storytime, this book will have kids (and adults) cheering for their own true voices.

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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.

 

Halloween is quickly approaching, and as kids decide which costume to wear this year, the students at the Monster Scare Prep School are practicing their scariest roars for The Monsters’ Ball’s biggest roar contest. Every monster that took the stage gave their mightiest roar, but when it was Meep’s turn, all he could manage was to squeak out a “meep.” The two-horned, green monster’s failed attempt was met with laughter from its classmates, causing their shoulders to slump in embarrassment or humiliation. Many readers will empathize with Meep’s situation and reaction.

Meep faced laughter on more than one occasion over their weak roar. Each time, the mockery instantly dampened his spirits, but he vowed to find his roar in time for the ball. This determination and perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful message that will inspire and motivate young readers. But the million-dollar question is, did Meep find their roar? Did they win the contest? Those questions will be answered when you read the book, and I hope you decide to share it with your family or students!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a wonderful collection of colorful monsters. There were monsters with two eyes or one huge eye. Monsters with horns, spikes, or even both. There were monsters with bright, white teeth, as well as several that were toothless. There were a few surprise party crashers and a DJ duck spinning the turntable. Yes, you read that right…Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a duck for a DJ!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep did have a few design issues and one noticeable editing mistake; overall, though, it was a delightful story that discourages laughing at someone’s mistake while encouraging young listeners to keep trying. The creature’s laughter did hurt Meep’s feelings, but it didn’t deter them from their goal. This is a powerful lesson in empathy and understanding, and we should all follow Meep’s example: keep striving to reach your goal(s)!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches kids that it’s okay to be look or sound different, to embrace what makes you unique. This story had many endearing qualities. The scene featuring the monsters “polishing their fangs” and “fluffing their fur” was quite humorous. While the bat’s wings and nose were a bit off the mark, the animal was still adorable. I bet young viewers will giggle over Meep’s headpiece and his expulsion of air.

I recommend sharing the book with kids aged 3-8 years. Use this story as a lead-in to an art activity: designing a monster or a jack o’lantern. Make it a part of your classroom party! At school or at home, Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches important lessons to young listeners while entertaining them with its cute, colorful, Halloween-themed illustrations.

Help your kids find their voice by reading Monsters Don’t Say Meep!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Bridgetta Tomarchio is an author, ghostwriter, and PR powerhouse who has helped countless entrepreneurs and creatives bring their stories to life. Founder of Plot Twist Ink, she coaches writers from concept to bestseller, drawing on 20+ years of experience in media, publishing, and publicity. Her career spans actress, host, producer, and publicist for celebrities and high-profile clients, giving her an unmatched eye for storytelling that captivates both readers and the media. Bridgetta’s own writing blends raw honesty, empowerment, and heart—whether she’s crafting memoir, children’s adventures, or bold fiction. Her greatest inspiration is her 5-year-old son, Lucian, who fuels her imagination and serves as her enthusiastic “guinea pig” for children’s stories. With every project, Bridgetta weaves purpose, passion, and authenticity—helping others find their voice and transform their stories into legacies.

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The Golden One: A Comedy by W.T. Kosmos (Play Review)

WANTED: A GOLDEN LEADER TO RESTORE THE MONARCHY

 

The Golden One is a one-act satirical comedy that lampoons loyalty to authoritarian figures, intolerance, and environmental mayhem. After the monarchy falls, the Lumberjack Leprechauns hold a costume contest to find their next golden leader.

For generations, the loyal Lumberjack Leprechauns have followed their king’s orders to find the great pot o’ gold buried underneath trees. But when President Leafhopper, an ally of the dreaded Tree Huggers, wins the first democratic election and enforces deforestation regulations, their world is turned upside down. With their leader Stumpsharp captured after a disastrous attempt to storm the castle, Axestorm, Chopwit, and Sawdunce devise an ingenious method for finding their next golden leader: a costume contest in the North Woods. Ingenious, that is, until eccentric contestants and a lively audience challenge their quest to restore the monarchy.

 

W.T. Kosmos, humorist author of the award-winning Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools, presents his debut play for teens and adults, designed for 6 to 15 actors and minimal props.


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

 

The Golden One is a one-act satirical comedy whose roles are not gender-specific, as the author states in the “Directing Notes.” The writer also states that this play is designed for six or more actors with minimal props needed.

Tis true, there are some props that many theater groups will have no trouble acquiring, such as the spoons and pan hat for Thumper or a robe for the Guide. I also suspect finding or making green goggles wouldn’t be hard. But the uniquely designed catapult? The writer does provide “notes” on it. I suspect many production companies would not want to rely on puppets or shadow play. They might want to tackle something more dynamic. I’m not sure how they’d bring the leprechaun catapult scene to life, but I’m sure any end product will amaze the audience. (Read the play to find out more about it.) Oh, and depending on the actors’ closets, they might have on-hand costumes the contestants wore in front of the judges: the Lumberjack Leprechauns.

Speaking of the leprechauns, they are holding a costume contest to find “The Golden One.” This chosen person will help them storm the castle, oust the prez, release their leader Stumpsharp, and restore the monarchy. Why? The lumberjacks want to chop down as many trees as much as they like, find the pot o’ gold, and end democracy. Hefty goals! Do they achieve their goals? You’ll find that out once you read the play!

Actors will undoubtedly have a blast playing any role in this comedic masterpiece. The audience will laugh as they listen to the judge’s bickering and watch as Pig and Sheep approach the judge’s table or listen to the Nurse whine about her thirst. They’ll especially get a kick out of Thumper’s battle gear. And Willow’s interaction with the judges will have viewers on the edge of their seats!

There is a lot of comedy in the one-act play. There is also political undertones. Mainly, what’s the point of democracy? Adults know the answer to that, but kids might not. President Leafhopper breaks it down as he attempts to prove why the judges should select him as the winner! Does he win the coveted prize? Read the play and find out!

While I enjoyed reading the play, certain scenes would only be fully appreciated if acted out on stage or screen. I’m not sure how the two versions of the storming of the castle would play out on a stage, but I would love a theatre company to give it a go. I would even watch a cartoon, live-action TV show, or cinema version. I’m not picky; someone, please make this happen!

 

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

Meet the Author

W.T. Kosmos is a humorist author and playwright whose works include the award-winning Blaze Union and the Puddin’ Head Schools, the Maya and Waggers series, and The Golden One. W.T. Kosmos is the wry alter ego (pen name) of a life-long educator.

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The Adventures of the World Patrol Kids by Ben Goldstein (Book Review)


Strange things are happening in town. Mysterious accidents are occurring at the Recycling Center and hazardous wastes are washing ashore on the beach. When the beaches are closed for the summer due to the dumping of medical waste, the “World Patrol Kids” decide to track down who is responsible.

“The Adventures of the World Patrol Kids” features a multi-ethnic, crime-solving, environmental kids singing and dancing group, (ages 10-14) that take on polluters, climate change, and traffickers in endangered species.

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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.

 

Six brave kids, fourteen years of age and younger, have taken it upon themselves to figure out who’s illegally dumping poisonous chemicals into the ocean. Their mission began after they saw plastic washing ashore during a day at the beach. The trash that flowed in the water and covered the beach was potentially hazardous. Ten-year-old Thoreau was unexpectedly cut by the dangerous plastic and needed medical assistance. 

During a town hall meeting, the citizens had the opportunity to let their voices be heard about the closure and how to fix the contaminated water and beach. Many were angry over the closure and thought fixing the problem was too costly. Some opted to burn the trash than recycle. They didn’t seem to mind that it would cause more harm to the environment. The World Patrol Kids did care, and with a handful of volunteers, they went to clean up the beach. It’s at this point that readers will learn a valuable lesson. Tracey tells her friends in the book and readers at home why you should always cut up the plastic ring supporting soda cans and bottles. After reading the story, I implore you to follow Tracey’s example! 

As the kids band together to find the culprits behind the illegal dumping, lives come into jeopardy: on land and under the sea. We see how far some people will go for money. 

I’m unsure how the team found time to write a song for the WW101 Earth Day Contest, but they did. The event enabled them to attend a special Earth Day Special in Kenya, Africa, where the plot went from pollution to poaching. Poaching is a tremendous problem, so I was glad to see this addressed. Children need to realize that humans are causing harm to the animal population under the sea and on land. Humans are also the only ones who can rectify the disastrous situation.

As your family reads The Adventures of the World Patrol Kids: Kids Can Change the World by Ben Goldstein, you’ll learn the importance of recycling and how the process works. You will see the importance of protecting all animals, endangered or not. Thanks to the World Patrol Kids, you’ll also experience many moments of suspense and learn a new catchy tune.

The messages behind the story are ones that every child should learn. I would recommend this book for elementary school age and older.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Ben Goldstein has written, produced, and directed, books, songs, films, and audio and video productions for such companies as Sesame Street, Jim Henson, Holt Rhinehart, Nelvana, CBS, and Scholastic. He has written for licensed characters, Clifford the Dog, Snuggle the Bear, and Rainbow Brite.

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Showcasing FOUR Super-Talented Children’s Book Authors!

 Today’s post is dedicated to children’s book authors, children, and their caregivers.

Below, you’ll discover several books on a variety of topics: cancer, cooking, baking, pirates, imagination, etc. I encourage you pick up one or more than one book and get lost in the wonderment of the written word. 

 

Author: Carola Schmidt 

* Writer in the BookAuthority list of “81 Best Leukemia Books of All Time” with “Chubby’s Tale: The true story of a teddy bear who beat cancer”
* Author of several scientific books on pediatric oncology by Springer Nature
* Children’s book author

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“Bald is Beautiful: A letter for a fabulous girl” is an inspiring and lovely illustrated letter for girls of any age who will go or already are bald. It’s a perfect gift to send love to a powerful girl who needs to be reminded of how beautiful and loved she is. It’s not a book that explains scientific conditions, disease, and treatment. It’s about love, beauty, happiness, and friendship when going through various changes in our lives.

Bald is Beautiful comes like a hug, and it’s the perfect gift for girls aged 4-100 years and up.

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‘Oh man! Go find someone to help you get better. Christmas is around the corner. You know… nobody buys toys after Christmas!’ said Superhero when Chubby — a teddy bear with a wool pullover and no pants — felt unwell. Chubby embarks on an adventure through a La La Land toy store, discovering cancer, leukemia, chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. He surprises us with a fun trip in a yellow toy Beetle, with friends, and his own Happy Ending. Carola Schmidt, the author, is a Pediatric Oncology Pharmacist, and author of pediatric oncology books by Springer Nature. Chubby is proud to be in the BookAuthority list of “81 Best Leukemia Books of All Time.”

Amazon Print Purchase Link

 

 

 

Author: Donna Glass

I’m a wife, mother of two kids, a lover of comic books, and a home cook. I believe in making mealtime an enjoyable experience through joint cooking and kid-friendly meals. I also believe kids that help with the cooking process are more likely to eat their meals, which leads to a happy, peaceful dining experience.

Website Link / Twitter Link

 

 

Age range: 1st grade and up

Be a Superhero in the Kitchen contains a detailed list of Superhero Cooking Tips and twenty, kid-friendly recipes: Super Chicken Tacos, Powerful Potato Cakes, Mega Mac and Cheese Pizza, Crime Fighter’s Cookie Fluff, Legendary Lemon Tarts, and many more!

Let your child try their hand with the recipes in this book. Every kid who becomes the superhero of suppertime is one who eats super well!

 

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VOTE for Be a Superhero in the Kitchen in allauthor’s June Cover Contest.

 

 

Author: Hoot N. Holler

Hoot N. Holler is the pen name for author Alex Bailey’s children’s books. Hoot N. Holler writes fantasy, mystery, and adventure stories.

Hoot N. Holler’s Twitter Link

Website Link

 

 

 

 
WILL THEY FIND THE HIDDEN TREASURE OR BE CAPTURED BY PIRATES?

When King Manuel of Oro announces his ten-year-old son’s crowning ceremony, Leo’s world crumbles. He doesn’t want to be a stuffy old prince! He wants to be free to roam the kingdom and spar with the crew of the royal navy.

Dreading his upcoming ceremony, Leo longs to have one final adventure before taking on his royal duties. His gets his wish when his ship is overtaken by pirates! And when he discovers his pesky younger sister, Nina has followed him and is also trapped on board, he is furious. But when a young pirate, Duke, who is just a boy Leo’s age, warns them to abandon ship before they are discovered, Leo persuades Duke to join them.

The kids escape to a nearby island, discover a treasure map, and set out to find their riches. They brave the dangers of the jungle and angry pirates on this wild and risky adventure seeking the island’s hidden treasure.

If you are looking for exciting action and adventure books for children ages 6 to 10, look no further! This action-packed adventure is also an inspiring family book, a treat for parents and little ones alike.

Perfect summer read for kids!

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Twelve-year-old friends, Sam and Rex live in a boring town. But then mysterious strangers arrive, and the boys’ humdrum summer vacation turns into the exciting adventure they’ve dreamed about.

When Sam and Rex accuse the strangers of being criminals, no one in the town believes them. The boys draft a plan to prove their suspicions are correct by uncovering the dangerous plot, which involves risking lives.

But will their plan work? Will the boys be able to stop the criminals in time? And whose lives will they be risking to expose the criminals?

For fans of the Hardy Boys, readers will enjoy this modern-day action and adventure, mystery detective book for children ages 9 to 12.

 

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Hoot N. Holler’s Twitter Link

 

 

 

Author: S. Jackson

Website Link

 

 

 

In ‘The Big Cheese Festival’, we meet Stubby Mouse and his family and friends. We learn that Stubby Mouse has a secret, that he is being bullied by another mouse, simply because his tail is short.Read how Stubby Mouse stood up for himself, and how he ended the bullying, in this delightful story for children.

Targeted at ages 4-8, the book is easy to read and perfect for home or classroom. Children learn how bad bullying is, and what they can do to help stop bullies! Stubby Stubby Mouse encourages children to take a stand against bullies, and always be kind to each other.

This story illustrates how everyone is different and unique, and it is a delightful read with adorable and eye catching cute illustrations for both children and adults. Take a stand against bullying today! 

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Author Showcase / BOOK GIVEAWAY – Beatrice DeSoprontu (Vices/Virtues)

If you love FREE BOOKS or books signed by the author, then you came to the right place.

Beatrice DeSoprontu is gifting A COPY of  Vices/Virtues.

If you reside in the continental United States, you are eligible to WIN a  SIGNED PRINT COPY of this naughty but nice tale.  

However, due to shipping costs, if you live outside the continental United States, you’ll be gifted  a kindle copy. 

To enter, all you have to do is leave Beatrice a comment or question on her  feature from NOW until FRIDAY (November 15th) 11:59 p.m., central time

On SATURDAY (November 16th), I will randomly select a winner, and their name will be announced on a comment. 

PLEASE FOLLOW the blog posting so you will receive a notification when I make the happy announcement.

The winner will have until November 21st to claim their prize. If a prize goes unclaimed, then another contestant will be selected. 

Scroll down to get a glimpse at the prize and remember….. ENTER TODAY

 

~ PRIZE ~

A sexy, erotic novel with heart, Vices/Virtues is a testament to the beauty of life, love and family.

Cristela was bred to be the perfect liar. By day, Cristela is a good-girl poster child. By night, Mistress Clara masters the hidden erotic realm of an S&M dungeon. With her knack for duplicity things should work smoothly except for one complication – friendship. The quirky array of fellow dominatrices at the dungeon are nothing like the stereotypes she expected. Divided between her affection for the girls at the dungeon and her desire to keep her fetish activities secret, Cristela fears her two worlds are colliding. Can Cristela break her history of deceit? In a world of vices and virtues, salvation isn’t something you find, it’s a path you make.

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* Excerpt from “Prudence” Chapter 2 of VICES/VIRTUES *

 

Until I became an adult, I was Cristela Maria Davila, the daughter of Alfredo and Griselda Davila, a Puerto Rican couple who lived in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights, in the borough of Queens, in the city of New York. Soon after marrying, the young couple set up house and Alfredo got a well-paid job as a construction worker. A year after their wedding, my older brother Alex was born. Two years after Alex, I came into the world. Sadly, shortly after my birth, Alfredo suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. I’ve always pictured the moment the heart attack came. Slumping over the pounding jackhammer he was holding, Alfredo lost his grip, causing both man and machine to tumble to the dusty ground.

All of it was a lie.

 

It was never my aspiration to work in a dungeon. I — real name Cristela, not Clara — already had a day job working at Winchester Court, a four-tower apartment complex on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The property boasts an indoor garage, sky deck, a fully equipped gym, sauna and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Most importantly, it has 1,477 separate apartments, which means that every month, over 100 units are either vacated or renewed. I worked as an apartment shower — a person who is kept on call to tour interested parties around the giant labyrinth. By the way, that’s “show-er” as in someone who shows off the apartment complex to prospective tenants, not “shower” the bathroom fixture. Unfortunately for my resume, both words are spelled the same…

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Beatrice De Soprontu began writing at the age of four, when she scribbled on the walls with a crayon. Now an adult, she mostly scribbles on her home computer surrounded by her noisy children and their less noisy father. Born and raised in New York City, (which includes: Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn, maybe even Staten Island – a.k.a. the real New York and not the tourist trap that is Manhattan), she enthusiastically travels the world on a budget whenever she gets the chance.

 

Website Link / Goodreads Link / Twitter Link 

 

 

 

Now that you’ve checked out the prize and met the author, don’t forget to 

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