Tag Archives: early readers

August 16, 2024 · 7:00 am

Children’s Book Author Showcase – Milt Lowe (Spotlighting 4 books!)

Hippos are famous for fighting and biting. But Kuno the hippo is unique. He refuses to fight even though he always gets teased.

“The Hippo Who Hated To Fight” is the sweet, fun, inspiring story of a hippo brave enough to be himself. Kuno leaves his family and friends to search for the love, kindness, and acceptance he is missing.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches them fun facts about hippos and elephants and that it’s cool to be different-you just need to find your herd.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Click HERE to read my review on Amazon!

Click HERE to read my review on Reedsy!

Buy now at Amazon.com!

 

 

Fartasaurus is a young T-Rex dinosaur who has to leave his loving family for one year— according to dinosaur tribal law—because of his constant, embarrassing farting. (He even farted out the candles on his birthday cake!) 

Sent to live in a deep, dark forest,  the fun-loving farting dinosaur meets a wild and wacky group of other dinosaur misfits that bond over their uniqueness and discovers the value of friendship.

Amazon Purchase Link

Click HERE to read my review on Amazon!

Click HERE to read my review on this site (8/9/24)!

 

 

 

Ants are usually a little boring. They’re hard workers but do the same thing all the time and follow the Queen’s rules. But not My ANT MARY.

My ANT Mary is the story of a fiercely independent ant who marches to her own drummer. When the Queen Ant demands that Mary conform and act like every other ant, Mary realizes she needs to leave to find where she truly belongs. She sets out on an amazing world adventure and discovers she’s happiest in a surprising place.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches the value of independence and finding your own path to happiness.

Ingramspark.com

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

In Milo and the Big Yawn, Milo Crenshaw is a mischievous boy with the annoying ability to make everyone yawn.

In other words, Milo is a bit of a brat.

He loves tormenting his sisters, teachers, classmates, police officers, and everyone else he sees. That is, until one day when Milo discovers the joy of being a hero instead. He learns that using his talent to deal with bullies and scary lions and helping kids and parents is a lot more fun and rewarding. Impossible to read without yawning in appreciation of the story, this humorous book makes the perfect bedtime reading.

Ingramspark.com

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.

Website Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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August 2, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Hippo Who Hated To Fight by Milt Lowe (Book Review)

Hippos are famous for fighting and biting. But Kuno the hippo is unique. He refuses to fight even though he always gets teased.

“The Hippo Who Hated To Fight” is the sweet, fun, inspiring story of a hippo brave enough to be himself. Kuno leaves his family and friends to search for the love, kindness, and acceptance he is missing.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches them fun facts about hippos and elephants and that it’s cool to be different-you just need to find your herd.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

An old saying states, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” One glimpse at the cover, mainly the hippo’s expressive eyes, and you know he is a troubled soul.

The author hit the nail on the head when they chose the title, The Hippo Who Hated To Fight. From day one, Kuno had no desire to bite and fight, which was very common hippo behavior. Since he didn’t participate in “normal” animal behavior, Kuno was teased mercilessly by his four older brothers. Kuno reacted to his siblings’ continuous mocking in the same manner a human would: they felt like they didn’t fit in, that no one loved or even liked them. 

Kuno left the toxic atmosphere, needing time to “figure things out.” It’s during this time of self-reflection that readers learn fascinating information about hippopotamuses. Where do most hippos live? How long can they hold their breath? Can they swim? Are they slow or fast walkers? How much do they typically weigh? As Kuno contemplates what he wants to do with his life, he almost runs into Zema, a 12,000-pound elephant. As the duo chat, readers discover how hearty an elephant’s appetite is, what they munch on, and who’s faster: an elephant or a hippopotamus. We also learn how elephants cool off, which is an illustration children will find funny. 

Readers of all ages will be touched by the heartwarming story of Kuno and Zema. It’s a tale that beautifully illustrates the importance of kindness, respect, and acceptance, regardless of our differences. 

If we want our children to grow up as kind individuals who lift others up instead of tearing them down, we must model these acts when they are young. I recommend sharing this lovely, heartfelt story with your family. 

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age of 4-9 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.

Website Link

Reedsy Author Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

 

 

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June 7, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Misses His Family by Andrea McLean (Book Review)

OUT TODAY!! 

In this enchanting story of The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Misses His Family, Ava’s family embarks on a weekend family trip. They leave their beloved dogs, Burnie and Chloe, in the care of the Camp Wag-A-Tail boarding facility. As the duo faces being away from home for the first time, Chloe’s bubbly spirit contrasts Burnie’s initial reluctance.

Camp Wag-A-Tail becomes a playground of emotions as Burnie grapples with homesickness, finding solace in a quiet corner. At the same time, Chloe tries to lift his spirits. A tale of determination and compassion unfolds as Chloe develops a plan to bring joy into Burnie’s world. With the help of their furry companions, the dogs engage in playful antics, turning the boarding facility into a haven of newfound friendships.

As the days pass, Chloe’s efforts work, and Burnie discovers the joy of making new friends and exploring the boarding facility. Join Burnie and Chloe on their unique journey of making friends and having fun in a new place.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

We love our canine companions, and they love us right back. We grow attached to them, and it stands to reason they grow just as attached to us. Leaving your beloved pet at home alone can be stressful. Dogs might express themselves through destructive behavior, vocalization, or soiling the inside of your home. Some owners take their pet(s) to a doggie daycare during work hours to avoid unfavorable behavior and to give them a play friend for the day. When a person will be gone multiple days, like in the case of Burnie and Chloe’s owners, they ‘board’ their pet(s). Most dogs embrace the new location; it’s a place to make new friends, sniff out new scents, or play with new toys. But not every dog welcomes their temporary home. The new sounds, smells, and faces frighten them. They miss their human(s) and wish they would come back. 

Burnie isn’t thrilled Ava dropped him off at Camp Wag-A-Tail. (Cute name, by the way!) His accommodations were pretty sweet compared to most boarding facilities I’ve seen, but as homey as they were and looked, they still weren’t his home. Burnie missed his human. Missed his home. On the other hand, Chloe wanted to explore the new area and meet the other dogs. She encouraged Burnie to have fun while they were there. Burnie’s mood didn’t change once the pair were outdoors, so Chloe did what any good friend would do in a similar situation—she devised a plan to cheer him up—make his frown turn upside down!  

I loved the image of the five dogs hiding behind trees, mimicking the game of hide-and-seek. I can see why Burnie couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. Chloe taught Burnie to embrace the change and see it as a new and fun adventure. After reading this delightful story, I hope readers will follow Chloe’s example and be open to new adventures. I also hope they will be there for their friends when their buddies are sad, lonely, scared, or anxious. 

As lovely as the story was, I noticed minor text placement/presentation issues. For example, on page 23, the hook in the two y’s in “yummy” touches the roof’s ridge, almost making the y’s look like u’s. I would move the block text up a smidge to avoid overlapping letters with the scenery. I loved the glow effect behind the text on page 32. It made the text pop off the pages. I recommend using the text effect on every page in the next book. 

I recommend you share this spectacular story with your family and/or class. 

 

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

 

 

Meet the Author

Andrea C. McLean is a champion of personal discovery. She is passionate about kindling diverse connections and watching the resultant magic unfold. When she’s not spinning captivating narratives, Andrea coaches individuals to uncover their superpowers and navigate life’s twists with resilience.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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June 3, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Chloe Gets Scared by Andrea McLean (Book Review)

New Release! 

Step into a day of excitement and unexpected turns with Burnie and Chloe as they anticipate a fun day playing with new toys. The duo faces a mysterious and frightening banging noise while Ava, their owner, is unexpectedly outside the house. Chloe’s fear clashes with Burnie’s determination to find Ava. Together, they navigate through the house, barking loudly and confronting the source of the disturbance.

Burnie’s bravery shines in this heartwarming tale as he leads the way into the unknown, eventually uncovering the surprising culprit behind the loud banging. As the story unfolds, friendship, courage, and loyalty take center stage, leaving readers with a delightful and comforting conclusion. Willing to face their fears head-on, Chloe and Burnie prove that sometimes, the scariest situations can lead to the most unexpected resolutions.

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Chloe Gets Scared, is a charming story that teaches young readers the importance of courage, friendship, and facing challenges together. Join Chloe and Burnie in this delightful, suspenseful story that will leave readers smiling at the outcome.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Dogs, like humans, have fears. These fears or phobias can manifest at any time or anywhere. When Chloe visits Burnie for a playdate, they both hear a loud banging noise. Burnie, being curious, wants to investigate the sound immediately, while Chloe prefers to wait for Ava, Burnie’s human, to return and help locate the source of the noise. 

Burnie asked Chloe more than once to join him in searching for the loud noise, but he couldn’t persuade her to come. Burnie’s curiosity led him to the noisy culprit in the laundry room. A washing machine can make quite the racket when it is overstuffed, has an unbalanced load, or is on uneven footing. I understand why the loud noise or shaking device can cause some pets to run for the doggie door. At least this washing machine wasn’t spewing white foam from its metaphoric mouth.  

The two canine buddies learned from Ava what caused the strange noise. Even though Burnie didn’t want to wait for an adult’s help, we should remind kids that it is perfectly okay to wait for backup. And there’s no shame in being afraid of anything! 

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Chloe Gets Scared is a delightful story encouraging readers to face their fears or challenges. While the story was cute, I would’ve liked consistency in how the text was displayed. Some pages had the words presented on a white, rectangular backdrop, while others had the text directly on the scenery. I also noticed the inconsistencies in the various clock times. A minor detail that other readers might overlook. 

This charming children’s book, The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Chloe Gets Scared, is specifically designed for children aged 1-8. Its engaging storyline, adorable characters, and simple text make it an ideal choice for independent readers. 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Andrea C. McLean is a champion of personal discovery. She is passionate about kindling diverse connections and watching the resultant magic unfold. When she’s not spinning captivating narratives, Andrea coaches individuals to uncover their superpowers and navigate life’s twists with resilience.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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May 21, 2024 · 7:00 am

Life Lessons of Lucy Lu: Book 1 – Lucy Lu Gets Adopted by Gwen Kelly (Book Review)

“Mama, wait! You forgot me! Please don’t go Mama! Please don’t leave me here!” Lucy Lu cried out. “Why are you leaving me?”

OH, NO! Even though Lucy Lu was an adorable, happy puppy who loved to be with people, her Mama abandoned her at an animal shelter! After a cold and scary night outside at the shelter, Lucy Lu was welcomed in by the nice lady that worked there, and she met a new dog friend that taught her how to be a good dog and get adopted. But Lucy Lu was still very afraid that she would have to live in a kennel forever… and she wouldn’t find a family to love and play with!

And then one beautiful day, finally, a happy, kind woman named Gracie visited Lucy Lu at the shelter…

Life Lessons of Lucy Lu is a beautifully illustrated dog book for kids and a great gift for any dog lover. This empowering book also teaches children to be caring of abandoned animals.

“Oh, Lucy Lu,” Gracie said. “You are perfect. You are the one. I would love to adopt you and be your new Mama. Would you like that?”

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

According to The Zebra’s website, “Every year, 6.5 million dogs, cats, and other former pets are abandoned or lost and enter shelters. But of all these animals, only 3.2 million are adopted and many see shelters again after less than a year of finding a new home.” The number of euthanized pets is staggering and saddening, too. Lucy Lu is one of many dogs abandoned at a shelter. Readers never learn why the American pit bull and Staffordshire terrier mix was left tied to the shelter’s doorknob. We do get a glimpse into the mind of the sweet puppy. Lucy Lu was confused, wondering why her Mama drove off without her. She pleaded for her Mama to please come back. Lucy Lu’s cries made me cry. My heart broke for her. 

Beth, the human who operates the shelter, wonders what kind of person would abandon a dog, especially one that can’t be more than four months old. I wondered as well. Beth brought Lucy Lu inside, fed her, and gave her a warm place to sleep. There, Lucy met another shelter dog named Sally, a border terrier mix. Beth explains to the veteran canine guest that Lucy Lu might not be adopted immediately. Unfortunately, it’s common for black mixed-breed dogs to get “overlooked.” Therefore, Lucy Lu needs all the love and kindness they can offer. 

Sally was all too familiar with being overlooked by prospective adopters. Over the years, she taught Lucy Lu to be a “good girl.” She taught Lucy Lu the importance of good manners, such as not jumping on people or getting into the garbage. As Lucy Lu watched pups getting adopted over her, she questioned what was wrong with her. Why didn’t anyone want her? Children in foster care often wonder the same thing. They believe there’s something about themselves that makes them unwanted and unlovable. Again, just thinking anyone (with or without fur) thinks this is heartbreaking. 

Sally and Lucy Lu did get their forever homes, but not every shelter animal is so lucky. If you are ready for the huge responsibility of owning a pet, I recommend you visit your local shelter today. Let’s give our animals what they want—a forever home! 

Lucy Lu’s story touched my heart, and I know it’ll touch yours too. I agree with the author’s recommended reading age: ages 4 to 9. 

**Statistic were obtained April 14, 2024; therefore, they will change as days – months – years go by.**

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

I am an award winning author who’s passionate about writing. I love to share stories. I’m always evolving to become the best fun version of myself. As I follow my path, I will continue to write stories, help shelter dogs find beautiful loving homes and aid individuals needing financial assistance to spay and neuter their pets.

My ultimate goal is to one day have a small farm called Sutherland’s Crossing Sanctuary for animals needing a place to be loved, to feel at peace and eventually die with dignity.

I have many stories still brewing in my head and will continue to write books in many genres – murder mystery, children’s book, historical true story, comedy book and whatever else formulates.

Please join me on my journey as I produce more books for you to enjoy and so together, we can continue to get lost in the world of words all while helping the animals!

Amazon Author Page Link

Author’s Website Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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