Tag Archives: elementary school

June 10, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Meets a Chipmunk by Andrea McLean (Book Review)

Join Burnie and Chloe, two playful dogs, on a delightful adventure as they embark on an unexpected quest to help a furry friend find its way back home. After a playful romp outside, Burnie and Chloe are ready to settle in for a cozy nap, however their plans take an unexpected turn when a curious chipmunk dashes into their house.

What follows is a heartwarming tale of friendship, determination, and teamwork as Burnie and Chloe embark on a spirited chase to help their newfound friend return safely to the outdoors. Along the way, they encounter surprises, challenges, and moments of joy that captivate readers of all ages.

Filled with humor, warmth, and gentle life lessons, “The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Meets a Chipmunk” is a charming story that celebrates the bonds of friendship and the magic of everyday adventures. As Burnie and Chloe navigate through the twists and turns of their escapade, they help the chipmunk and learn valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and the joy of lending a helping paw.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Burnie and Chloe are back, and this time, they’re joined by an unexpected and unwelcome visitor: a chipmunk. 

After playing outside, Burnie and Chloe are heading inside for a nap. As they walk inside, Chloe swears something zooms past them and into the house. Burnie thinks Chloe’s super sleepy state causes her to imagine a guest has followed them inside. Burnie quickly finds out that Chloe is right; a chipmunk is making itself at home in their house. 

Have you ever watched videos showing people trying desperately to get a rodent out of their home? How about ones where our beloved companions decide to help us in the extraction of the vermin? If you heart these videos, you will love The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Meets a Chipmunk. In it, two dogs work together to find and rid their home of an unwanted guest. Unlike the videos online or on TV, no humans were swinging brooms or nets. Nothing was struck, broken, or knocked over in pursuit of the chipmunk. Yes, the two dogs did chase the chipmunk upstairs and downstairs, but the chase ended almost as quickly as it began—the dogs besting the rodent. 

Chipmunks are cute when they are outside; inside, not so much. Thank goodness Ava and her dad had two brave dogs who showed the rodent the door—literally! Young kids will love watching the chipmunk evade Burnie and Chloe. Many readers will chuckle watching the chipmunk steal food from the dogs’ food bowls. Too cute! Yes, there were proportion issues between the canines and the furniture. However, what stood out for me the most was the illustrations on page 29; the dogs appear to be going up the staircase sideways. 

I enjoyed reading The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Meets a Chipmunk, and I know your family will, too. I recommend this book and every book in the Burnie and Chloe series! 


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

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 10, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Explores the Neighborhood by Andrea McLean (Book Review)

Join Chloe and Burnie in this heartwarming story of unexpected twists and loyalty. Chloe, visiting her friend Burnie, experiences an ordinary day that takes a sudden turn when a plumber arrives to fix a broken pipe. As the plumber forgets to close the door behind him, Burnie seizes the opportunity for an adventure outside, tempting Chloe to break the rules.

The story unfolds with Burnie venturing deep into the woods while Chloe, true to her sense of responsibility, raises the alarm. As their journey unfolds, readers will share the tension, worry, and eventual relief as Burnie navigates the woods and reunites with his worried owner, Ava.

The Adventures of Burnie and Chloe, Burnie Explores the Neighborhood, is a charming tale that celebrates the bonds of friendship and the importance of following rules. Will Burnie’s escapade teach him a valuable lesson about the importance of staying close to home, or will it strengthen the bond between him and Chloe? Find out in this enchanting story that captures the essence of true friendship.

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.

 

Animals are naturally curious, and their curiosity often leads them into hot water. While Burnie and Chloe were having another doggie playdate, a plumber arrived to fix a broken pipe in the kitchen. The dogs didn’t mind the repairman being there. In fact, they settled in to take a nap while he worked. It wasn’t until they heard the front door that their eyes sprung open. The workman stepped outside to grab a tool, leaving the front door wide open and unattended. 

If you have pets in your home, you can understand the need to keep all exit doors securely shut so your companion(s) don’t leave the safety of their home and get lost. Whether you have paws or hands and feet, becoming lost is scary. It’s common for people and animals to panic, not sure which way to turn. Burnie was lucky; he sniffed the proper path out of the woods, leading him one step closer to home. Understandably, Ava (his owner) was worried about her wandering pooch. While she was relieved to find him, she was not thrilled he broke the rules and told him he should never leave the house again without permission or an adult. That is sound advice to all children. 

Some pets, like Chloe, know better than to venture outside without their human. They might even try to talk their furry friends out of breaking the house rules, like Chloe tried to do in this cute children’s story. However, some animals are too drawn to the outdoors to listen to reason. While this is a story about two dogs, kids face similar situations. Should I obey the rules, break them, cave to peer pressure, or tell an adult about someone who made the wrong choice?

Everything worked out for Burnie, but his fate could’ve been worse. This story opens the door for parents and teachers to discuss the importance of following rules, asking for permission, and (of course) not traveling alone. 

With its bold, large text, The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Explores the Neighborhood  is a perfect choice for independent readers.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-7. 

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

Preorder: 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

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 6, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Makes a New Friend by Andrea McLean (Book Review)

In this heartwarming tale of “The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Makes a New Friend,” meet Burnie, an easygoing and happy dog accustomed to ruling his owners’ house with no other canines in sight. Enter Chloe, a bundle of energy and a speedy eater who disrupts Burnie’s peaceful existence during a family gathering.

As Burnie grapples with the presence of this spirited newcomer, a twist of fate leads to an unexpected friendship. When Burnie suffers a leg injury, Chloe becomes more than just a playful companion—she transforms into a source of inspiration and encouragement. Through patience and persistence, Chloe teaches Burnie a valuable lesson about overcoming challenges and embracing differences.

Follow Burnie’s journey of self-discovery as he learns that true friendship knows no boundaries. In a heartwarming revelation, Burnie realizes that friends can be different from you yet still be your greatest allies. “The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Makes a New Friend” is a touching story about acceptance, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that forms when two unlikely companions become the best of friends.

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.

 

“The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Makes a New Friend is a touching story about acceptance, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that forms when two unlikely companions become the best of friends.”

Burnie was an easygoing, happy dog who never had to share his space with another animal. While that pleased him, the solitude meant he never learned social skills; he never had to share food, owner’s attention, or toys. When Ava’s brother brought his canine companion, Chloe, over for a visit, Burnie learned that when it comes to dinnertime, one must eat fast if they don’t want another pup to help themselves to seconds. In other words, guard your food bowl!  

Chloe and Burnie’s first interaction together did not make them instant friends. Actually, Burnie avoided Chloe after the I can’t believe you ate all my food incident. Their second visit started rocky weeks later, but their relationship eventually blossomed into a beautiful friendship. All because Chloe encouraged Burnie to climb up the stairs– to conquer his fears that manifested after a tumble off the sofa. Through her kind actions, Burnie realized he had misjudged Chloe and looked forward to their next doggie playdate. 

The story states, “Burnie learned a big lesson. You can have friends who are different from you.” While this is true, the takeaway I got from the story was sometimes people (or animals, in this case) may not make the best first impression. They might not realize their words or actions have upset you. Besides teaching kids that friends come in all shapes and sizes, the story also teaches readers the importance of giving a person (or animal) a second chance. Be forgiving. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-8. Children younger than three might not understand the story’s underlying message, but they will love adorable dogs—even the four additional animals in Burnie’s thought bubble. 

 

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

Preorder: 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

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

April 8, 2024 · 7:00 am

Finding Figgins by Shayna Leib (Book Review)

Figgins is a lonely stuffed animal who feels forgotten by his human friend, Julian. Figgins has a rich, secret life unbeknownst to Julian in which he is a professor, a painter and scuba diver. But when Figgins goes missing, Julian has to venture beyond his comfort zone into an unusual magical world. By retracing Figgins’ steps Julian finds out just who Figgins really is, with a little help from Mrs. Zebrasky’s cats who know all that goes on in their neighborhood.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Unless a child is looking for a book featuring a movie or cartoon character, they’ll scan the covers and select a book that captures their eyes. That means designers must create a cover with bold text, written uniquely, and bright colors. Adding a bit of silliness to the design helps, too. The cover for Finding Figgins checks all three boxes. The hedge-shaped lettering was fun, creative, and definitely unique. The kitties were adorable and funny, especially the scuba diver. It took me a minute to notice the gingerbread cookie holding tight to a leaf. How quickly will others spot the cookie? 

The spectacular illustrations did not stop with the cover; every page spotlighted astounding artistry. Kids will get a kick out of the mouse squeezing hot sauce on a taco, the orange-striped cat chillin’ on the beach under a huge umbrella, and the flying penguins. Those are a small fraction of images that’ll delight readers. There are MANY more! 

As you can see, I was impressed with the artwork; the storyline DID NOT disappoint either. When Julian was a baby, he was gifted a stuffed bear named Figgins. For many years, they were inseparable— best friends. But, much like real children, Julian grew up, and his interests shifted. Figgins decided not to wait for Julian to find time for him, so the bear went out to make his own fun. When the child discovered Figgins had been gone far longer than usual, he went to look for him. Julian saw wondrous things on his adventure: orchards full of colorful crayons, enormous mice, flowers that towered over the boy, talking jack-o-lanterns, and a sugary house that Hansel and Gretel would love to sink their teeth into, etc. Through each stop, Julian learned interesting facts about his friend, Figgins. The revelations prompted Julian to reevaluate his priorities and to make time for his friend. 

Finding Figgins is an adventurous tale centering around a bond formed between a child and their best friend, a stuffed bear. It teaches children to appreciate their friends and make time for them. It was a delightful, adventurous read featuring a unique storyline and outstanding artwork. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-10 years.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Shayna Leib is a multi-media artist who has worked in glass, metal, and ceramic for 30 years. Her work has traveled the globe from the Middle East to Europe and America, and is found in numerous museums, public venues, and worldwide private collections. Having taught glassblowing, sculpture, and drawing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Cal Poly University, she is returning to her 2-dimensional roots with her first book, Finding Figgins which celebrates her affection for the magical, colorful and feline.

Amazon Author Page Link
Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

January 11, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Sleep Switch : How to help kids fall asleep fast by Laurie McMillan (Book Review)

Does your child find it hard to fall asleep? If they do, then The Sleep Switch is for you!

 

“The Sleep Switch” is a delightful children’s book that captivates young minds while teaching them valuable relaxation techniques. In this enchanting tale, different children discover their own sleep switch—their natural ability to calm their bodies and minds for a peaceful slumber. Through mindfulness, meditation, and gentle breathing practices, they embark on a whimsical journey that sooths every part of their being.

You will appreciate the soothing narrative that guides your little ones toward a restful night’s sleep. With every page, a different child learns to embrace relaxation, taking deep breaths and experiencing the sensations within their bodies. The story lovingly bids goodnight to each part of the body, encouraging a sense of gratitude and relaxation from head to toe.
This book, “The Sleep Switch” combines this age-old wisdom into an easy-to-follow book for children that could help them:

  • Get a better night’s sleep
  • Reduced stress or worry
  • Improve attention
  • Fall asleep faster
  • Establish a lifelong sleep routine
  • And more…

“The Sleep Switch” is not just a story; it’s an essential tool for parents to teach their children how to unwind and find serenity before bedtime. With its charming illustrations and calming words, this book is perfect for children aged 3 and above, helping them drift off into dreamland with ease.

Learning how to relax themselves to sleep will empower your child for a lifetime.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

School, work, chores, errands, sports, hobbies, work-outs, life keeps us moving, but that doesn’t always translate into falling asleep as soon as our head hits the pillow. For many of us, our minds and bodies didn’t get the memo it’s time to power down and recharge our metaphorical batteries. We toss. We turn. We count sheep. We stare at the ceiling or watch the clock in frustration. A child who can’t sleep equals a parent who can kiss sleep goodbye, too. 

The Sleep Switch is an illustrated children’s book, but adults can also benefit from the breathing and relaxation techniques. Breathe in through your nose and out your mouth, simple instructions that can make a big difference in your sleepy time routine. The writer introduced the idea of settling into a comfy sleep position and then saying good night to sixteen body parts, starting at your head and finishing with a “good night” to your toes. With every “good night” spoken, the day’s stresses and excitement get pushed further down until they disappear. A body becomes more relaxed; your head is at peace, and you are ready to enter dreamland. 

As an adult, I found reading this story during the daytime relaxing. The calming words and the illustrations of children resting did cause me to yawn. For that, I recommend including the book in your nap time routine. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is between 3-9 years. That is a perfect suggested age group. The rhyme scheme would make a fantastic story for independent readers. Everyone, kids and adults, will be amazed by the beautiful, colorful illustrations, especially the glowing string lights (artist: Wathmi de Zoysa). Most importantly, this story should make falling asleep a breeze. 

Read The Sleep Switch by Laurie McMillan and then enjoy the sweet sounds of your snoring child(ren). 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Laurie McMillan is a wife, a mom, a Yaya, inventor, and lifelong meditator.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,