Tag Archives: early readers

Elephants DO Forget: How Emory Found His Memory by P.E. Shadrick (Book Spotlight)

WITH THE HELP OF GOOD FRIENDS, YOU CAN FIND YOUR WAY HOME


Deep in the sun-dappled forest, Emory, a majestic but forgetful elephant, finds himself disoriented and lost. But just when he needs them most, two unlikely heroes swoop in – a parrot with a flair for the dramatic and a frog with a heart of pure gold. Together, they embark upon a thrilling quest, navigating twists and turns, and facing challenges that test their bravery and ingenuity. As they journey on, Emory’s new friends safely guide him home, proving that with kindness, support, and friends by your side, even the most confusing paths can lead to a brighter way.

This heartwarming tale puts a creative twist on the old adage “an elephant never forgets,” instead showcasing the resilience of friendship and support in the face of memory loss. Drawing inspiration from P.E. Shadrick’s father’s experience with dementia, this story whisks young readers away to a world of vibrant characters and lush landscapes, gently introducing them to the complexities of memory loss in a loved one.

Perfect for children aged 3-6 who love adventure, animals, and the magic of friendship.

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Check out my review on Reedsy!

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Meet the Author

From an early age, Atlanta, Georgia-born, P.E. Shadrick was surrounded by masterful storytellers. Carrying forward a shared love of boundless creativity, she pursued opportunities of artistic expression in design and writing, eventually settling into a career in marketing & communications.


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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.

 

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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.

 

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: 

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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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There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids: Surgery Books for Kids by Nat Gibson (Book Review)

Is your little one getting ready for adenoid surgery? Do they also have a dinosaur-sized imagination?

When Ollie’s snoring interrupts his (and his brother’s) sleep, he discovers that a mischievous dinosaur might be to blame! Join him as he experiences the surgery process in a special way at the Dinosaur Catchers’ Camp (hospital)—where he’ll:

  • Receive a unique bracelet (hospital wristband)

  • Go to the weigh station (weight measurement)

  • Get an arm hug (blood pressure reading)

  • Wear special pajamas (hospital gown)

  • Put on a magic mask (anesthesia)

  • And finally, meet the Dinosaur Catchers (doctors) who will remove his adenoids and capture that silly little dinosaur!

 

Created to help ease worries by turning a real medical procedure into an exciting dinosaur-catching adventure, this book uses a mix of information and fantasy to help parents guide young children and toddlers through adenoid removal surgery and recovery—in a way that feels magical rather than scary.

For extra fun, have a small dinosaur ready for your child after surgery.

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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.

 

Nat Gibson is back with another fabulous picture book; this time, they are tackling the annoying snore-a-saurus!

Do you have someone in your life that snores? Whose snores cause you to lose out on precious hours of rest? As There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids: An Adenoid Surgery Book for Kids begins, we find James feeling frustrated over his brother’s loud honkfewww, a common situation in many shared bedrooms. James tries to gently wake his slumbering brother before finally shouting, “I can’t sleep.” Sweet Ollie expresses his apologies, but he can’t help it. He said it felt like something was blocking his nose. It’s time for Ollie to visit a doctor to find out the cause of his noisy nose and how to fix it. During the doctor’s visit, it’s revealed that a dinosaur is the culprit behind Ollie’s woes. It’s hiding behind the adenoids, blocking the airflow. The author understands that adenoids will probably be a new term for many children; therefore, they have included an easy-to-understand explanation and a funny illustration showing the dino giving a one-arm hug to a tiny, squishy blob (adenoid). Kids might assume, like Ollie, that if the problem is inside their nose, they should be able to dislodge it themselves. A nice thought that is expressed through four cute drawings.

Unfortunately, Ollie’s loud schnoz can only be fixed by removing the dinosaur from its hiding spot. In other words, he needs an operation. Hospitals can be a scary place for kids. The enormous size, bright lights, and mounting fear of what’s to come can make youngsters panic, especially when they hear the word surgery or operating room. They often fear going to sleep and never waking back up. That’s where There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids comes in handy! In this adorable story, Ollie didn’t go to a big, scary, intimidating hospital. No, they went to Dinosaur Catcher’s Camp, where a dino helper gave him a special bracelet (hospital wristband) that instructed the Dino Catchers on where to look for the troublesome dino.

Next, Ollie headed to the weighing station (the scale), where the unexpected happened. (No spoilers.) This leads readers to remember one should not eat before surgery. Every step in the pre-op procedure was simplified using kid-friendly terms, such as instead of saying blood pressure reading, the writer said, “arm hug.” The writer and illustrator never strayed away from the dino theme, not in text or design. Kids will love Ollie’s special pajamas: blue clothing, red cape, and yellow hat. Parents, educators, and medical personnel will love how the creators of this wonderful book took a potentially overwhelming and frightening situation and made it look not so scary. The dino catchers (surgeon) and their helpers (nurses) reassured Ollie and kids facing similar situations that they would never be alone during the whole process. The nurse continues to explain the nice aroma in the “magic mask” allows the team to safely capture the dino as Ollie catches some zzzz. The staff member’s comforting words put Ollie at ease and hopefully their words will do the same for readers of this delightful storybook.

While children might initially feel trepidation about the surgical process, the book’s humorous illustrations quickly turn fear into laughter and smiles. The dino’s antics and the final image are sure to bring a smile to their faces. If the dino images don’t do the trick, the thought of the popsicle room (AKA recovery room) certainly will!

Is your child feeling apprehensive about an upcoming nasal surgery? Do they have a family or friend who’s about to undergo a dino (adenoid) removal procedure? If you answered yes, I’d recommend sharing There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids with your child. It’s a silly but informative story that eases fears regarding what will happen before, during, and after the surgery.

I adored the illustrations, the dino theme, the simple dialogue, and how keywords stood out, thanks to brightly colored shading. I highly suggest sharing this stupendous story with your family and counting down the days to a peaceful night’s sleep!

The recommended reading age is 2-7 years.

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

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Meet the Author

Nat Gibson lives in California with her husband and two children, both of whom had surgery before turning 4 years old. Her books are designed to help parents engage their child’s imagination as they go through new or difficult experiences.
 

 

 

 

 

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Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher by Ben P. Fisher (Book Review)

He’s sure that mistakes are always bad. Can he learn to take a deep breath and turn an oops into a ta-da?

Scribbaloo wants to do everything perfectly. So even though it’s amazing that everything he draws with his magic comes to life, the little creature is always worried about messing up. And he’s certain everyone will be angry when his frustration makes a monster that’s gobbling up all the colors and turning the world gray.

Joined by his upbeat best friend, Scribbaloo sets off on a daring journey to find the Golden Crayon to restore the rainbow. But every time they go around a corner, there’s a new mistake about to ruin their trip.

Will Scribbaloo give up, or keep trying until he figures out a way to win?

Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher is a wonder-filled picture book for kids ages three to eight. If you or your child like beautiful illustrations, using your imagination, and building self-esteem, then you’ll love Ben P. Fisher’s delightful adventure.

Buy Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher to paint the world wonderful today!

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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.

 

Everyone, regardless of age, will make mistakes; they are inevitable and come in all sizes. For kids, coloring outside the lines would equal a minor mistake. Shattering a window would equal a bigger mistake. While some mistakes might feel like the world is ending, they all amount to the same thing – a learning experience. Scribbaloo, a magical creature from Color Island, learns this valuable lesson in Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher.

Scribbaloo possesses a magnificent, magical ability; whatever they draw comes to life! That sounds amazing unless you are like Scribbaloo, an individual who gets easily frustrated when you make an error. Scribbaloo blew his stack when their design didn’t turn out precisely how they envisioned. His star-shaped friend Glittergleam tried calming him down and encouraged them to try again, but Scribbaloo was too angry to listen. He started angry drawing, and those dark, scribbly lines merged to create The Color Cruncher! This transformation was a powerful metaphor for how unchecked anger can lead to unintended consequences.

The Color Cruncher was weirdly adorable. It resembled a ball of steel wool or a large ball of dryer lint with arms, legs, googly eyes, and black felt for angry-looking eyebrows. While it was cute, its sinister mission was not. It planned to devour all colors, and there was only one way to stop it: Scribbaloo needed to fetch the Golden Crayon up on Crayon Peak. The quest required Scribbaloo to draw, but his drawings kept hitting a snag. He knew no good came from losing his temper, so he took a moment to collect himself and tried again. What a good example for kids to model!

I loved the story’s cute rhymes, particularly the word paired with “unlucky.” The illustrated page accompanying the surprise word, which I will keep vague for the sake of the surprise, was stupendous. I also liked how the artist brought the writer’s words to life. The Paintbrush Forest was simple but very creative. And when Scribbaloo started to cry, my heart went out to the little red creature.

I recommend Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher for households and classes with children ages three to eight. It is a wonderfully written and illustrated story that entertains and delivers a powerful message: It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are how we learn. So, the next time you mess up, take a calming breath and try again.


Special note: Scan the QR code in the end pages or visit the author’s site (BenPFisher.com) to download a FREE activity book!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Husband. Father. Cheese enthusiast.

While he enjoys all things cheese, Ben’s true joy comes from the blessing of his family. His two passionate and playful children remind him how tough it is to be in the “rough draft” stage of becoming an adult. His love for creativity and being a positive influence on others led him to a career in teaching and school leadership. Inspired by a need for stories that teach resilience and the value of learning from mistakes, Ben began writing children’s books. Through his stories, he hopes to encourage kids and adults to remember that love and acceptance don’t require perfection.

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The Adventures of MOOMOO: MooMoo’s Adventure to Remember by Joe Komara (Book Review)

 

Join MooMoo, the lovable HippoCatamus, as she embarks on a heartwarming adventure to remember who she is. After an accident leaves her memory a bit fuzzy, MooMoo sets off to find her family, meeting a cast of colorful characters along the way. From a lost monkey to a graceful gazelle, MooMoo wonders if she might be like them—until a sweet reunion with her parents reveals she’s perfectly unique. MooMoo’s Adventure to Remember celebrates self-discovery, kindness, and embracing what makes each of us special and unique.

Perfect for all readers young and old who adore animals and heartwarming adventures.

 

The Inspiration For MooMoo comes from my beloved kitty cat, Rue McCatahan, AKA MooMoo. Rescued from the Humane Society, Rue captured our hearts with her heavy-footed walk, floofy tail, and endearing clumsiness—earning her the nickname of “Hippocatamus.” MooMoo’s caring spirit is inspired by my niece Kennedy, whose heartfelt dedication to helping other children is a beautiful example of human generosity that will hopefully inspire your kiddo too!

Grab your copy and fall in love with MooMoo today!

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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 looked at your reflection and wondered, Who am I? Where do I belong? MooMoo has. MooMoo, a uniquely designed character, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Part cat, part hippo, and all purple except for its eyes, MooMoo’s features and coloring are not what we call ‘normal.’ As MooMoo tries to remember who they are and where their home is, she meets two animals whose coloring and/or shape are not typical of their species. First, MooMoo meets a sad pink monkey who’s lost and can’t find their family. MooMoo puts aside their personal quest and redirects their attention to help Miko, the young monkey, find their family. They next meet a multi-colored gazelle named Zala, whose body featured sharp lines that reminded me of geometrical art. Beautiful!

MooMoo doesn’t know her place in this brightly shaded world. Is she a monkey? A gazelle? A hippo? And, if she is a hippo, why does she have a cat face? MooMoo is understandably confused, not to mention still lost at this point in the story.

MooMoo, in her journey of self-discovery, was kind to the monkey, and their kindness inspired another animal to be kind to them. (The mysterious animal’s identity will be revealed after reading this sweet story.) It should be no surprise that MooMoo finds her parents and discovers who they are. MooMoo, the darling hippocatamus, began their journey unsure about their identity, but in the end, they could look at their reflection feeling proud of their unique self. This story does what we adults should do—inspire kids to embrace their uniqueness!

I loved the writer’s and artist’s imagination when it came to the storyline and character design. Both were out-of-the-box thinking and made for an excellent children’s book! There were a few words that might stump three-year-olds, the starting recommended reading age, according to Amazon. Overall, kids will be enchanted by the mysterious creature and be eager to read future adventures starring the hippocatamus or other colorful, blended animals.

As a fellow enthusiast of children’s literature, I agree with Amazon’s target audience: 3-9 years. This book is a perfect fit for young readers, offering a delightful and imaginative journey of self-discovery.

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

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Meet the Author

Joe Komara learned young how fulfilling it is to help kids stay healthy & creative, His books are inspired by his niece Kennedy and his floofy-tailed, charmingly clumsy cat, Rue (aka MooMoo). Joe is an actor and a Board-Certified Positive Psychology-Based Life & Well-Being Coach. NBC-HWC, ACC

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