Tag Archives: empathy

September 29, 2025 · 7:00 am

Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery by Michael S Lingo (Book Review)

Book #2 in the Bunny and Fawn Series

 

After moving to a new home in the forest, Bunny and Fawn quickly settle into a peaceful life with their new friend, Bear. Their days are filled with fun and adventure-until one night, Bunny hears something strange lurking in the dark. Determined to uncover the truth, Bunny leads Fawn and Bear on a thrilling quest to find out what’s prowling outside their home. But when they finally come face-to-face with the mysterious creature, they are more surprised than they ever imagined.

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Bunny – Inspired by Lulu

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

 

Bunny and Fawn are back, embarking on an exciting adventure to solve a great mystery: what creature lurks in the forest? Put your thinking caps on and join them on this thrilling journey!

The story begins by giving readers a recap of The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn, explaining how the friends came to live close to a brown bear named Bear. The three animals loved being neighbors. The drawing of Bear playfully tossing Bunny into the water was both cute and funny, and so was the one where Bear tossed the “creature” into the water, too.

The creature’s identity was a great mystery. I had an idea of what it was going to be before opening the book, but I was in for a surprise. Have your child or class guess its identity and see if their guess is correct. Ask your audience if they have heard of the mysterious creature’s name before, and then explain its meaning. It’s not a simple, common name like ‘Bunny’ and ‘Bear.’ (No spoilers.)

The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn beautifully illustrate why it is crucial not to make assumptions about someone. Instead of judging someone by how they look, take a moment to get to know them. You might learn something new or even make a new friend!

Join Bunny, Fawn, and Bear as they embark on a quest to discover who left the hoof prints, made the strange noises, and also had glowed like a flashlight in the night. Laugh as you watch Bear poke his head out from a fall-colored tree top and see Bunny holding tight to Fawn’s neck as they poke their heads out from the middle of a bush.

Great mystery. Funny illustrations. This story is sure to be a hit with family and educators. It did have a couple of hard-to-read spots, but other than that, it was picture-perfect and very entertaining.

Recommended reading age is 3 to 8 years.

 

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

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Check out book 1 in the bunny and fawn series!!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

I enjoy writing stories for awesome kids like you! I love making books about friendship and fun. When I’m not writing, I’m usually exploring with my wife, attending sporting events, and cooking on the grill.

Reedsy Author Link
Amazon Author Page Link
Website Link

 

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September 22, 2025 · 7:00 am

Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery by Michael S Lingo (Book Spotlight)

NEW RELEASE!!

Book #2 in the Bunny and Fawn Series

 

After moving to a new home in the forest, Bunny and Fawn quickly settle into a peaceful life with their new friend, Bear. Their days are filled with fun and adventure-until one night, Bunny hears something strange lurking in the dark. Determined to uncover the truth, Bunny leads Fawn and Bear on a thrilling quest to find out what’s prowling outside their home. But when they finally come face-to-face with the mysterious creature, they are more surprised than they ever imagined.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Peek Inside…

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Check out book 1 in the bunny and fawn series!!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

I enjoy writing stories for awesome kids like you! I love making books about friendship and fun. When I’m not writing, I’m usually exploring with my wife, attending sporting events, and cooking on the grill.

Reedsy Author Link
Amazon Author Page Link
Website Link

 

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April 22, 2024 · 7:00 am

Loris Opens Up His Heart: An Emotional Story For Kids (Courage Tales) by Dagmara Sitek (Book Review)

It takes courage to stand up for others. It takes even more to stand up for yourself.

When Loris is placed in a new foster home (again), his foster siblings just can’t make sense of him. He doesn’t play, joke, or laugh, and he certainly has no interest in the town’s charity race. But when things get tough, Loris amazes his newfound family with his hidden courage and resilience!

Join Loris and his newfound family on this journey of self-discovery and acceptance with this relatable children’s book perfect for home or the classroom.

“Loris Opens Up His Heart” by Dagmara Sitek is a testament to the power of empathy and compassion. It models positive interactions and helps kids put themselves in someone else’s shoes. More importantly, it encourages them to help one another through their grief and fears.

Children will learn that even though fears might be scary, facing them can lead to feelings of safety and love.

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 Let it Be Us (website), there are approximately 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. Fifteen percent live in institutions or group homes—also, 26,000 “age out” of the system each year. Most kids in foster care move from home to home, never knowing stability. Due to childhood trauma that led them to be in the foster care system, it’s common for them to have mental problems and trust issues. In addition to that, when a kid enters the system, they don’t remain in one home but get bounced around from place to place. This causes more trust issues and takes a toll on them mentally, even more so if their foster parents are unkind.  

Loris didn’t have the best home life before living with Cam, Inaya, and their foster mom. Because of this, he closed himself off from everyone. Loris couldn’t accept their kindness. He mentally and physically shut the door on them. Loris displayed behavior that is typical of a lot of kids in his situation. Thankfully, his new family didn’t give up on him. Cam and Inaya tried to include Loris in the charity run, offered to tutor him in math and thanked him when he helped them out of a sticky situation. 

Foster kids are like every other child in the world. They need security, to feel loved, to know they belong, and their family has their back 100%. Loris shared with his siblings about his anger issues: how it can be like hot lava. In time, Loris realized he had found everything he wanted: people who cared about him and would literally and figuratively give him the shirt off their back. 

The book’s synopsis states, “It beautifully illustrates that true bravery and strength can come from the simple act of opening up their hearts.” I absolutely agree with their assessment. Loris’s story is touching and depicts a child’s emotional journey in the system. I recommend sharing Loris’s journey with your foster family and not just telling them but showing your new family member that they are in a safe place and are wanted and loved. 

Amazon’s recommended reading is 5-10 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Dagmara Sitek is a Montreal-based mother of two, passionate about teaching children valuable social and emotional life lessons through her beautifully illustrated, and relatable books about children in foster care.

Amazon Author Page Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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September 21, 2023 · 7:00 am

Do I have Something on my Face? by D.L. DiBenedetto (Book Review)

Step into the heartwarming world of Michael, a young man with Down Syndrome, and experience a delightful story from his perspective that will connect with children of all ages. This beautifully illustrated children’s book is a must-read for any young person who has ever felt different or struggled to fit in.

With its uplifting message of self-acceptance and positivity, it is perfect for anyone who wants to teach their children about empathy, acceptance, and the power of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Whether your child has Down Syndrome, autism or other challenges, this book with inspire them to focus on their strengths and see the positive in every situation. Get your copy today and embark on an endearing journey of everyday life through Michael’s unique perspective.

Our motto is: we laugh (a lot), sometimes we cry, but most of all we try!

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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.

 

During those long months in the womb, our bodies grow and develop from zygote to baby. A fetus has no control of the process; they are just floating in the amniotic fluid, patiently waiting for the time they can greet the world. They do not select what color eyes they’ll have, how their limbs will form, how tall they’ll become, or decide if they’ll be born with 46 or 47 chromosomes. Michael was born with Down Syndrome; a genetic condition where a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21, meaning he has 47 chromosomes total. This extra chromosome affected how his brain and body developed but did not change who he was on the inside. 

Michael’s head and face structure may look differently than yours, but he still likes to do the same activities as you. He loves play video games, especially the dancing ones. He loves watching videos online and listening to music. He enjoys family trips, such as visiting the zoo or theme parks. Michael can not fly due to air pressure behind his eyes, but that’s okay. Many people avoid them due to a fear of flying. Moving floors are tricky, but I’ve seen people without Down Syndrome get tripped up by them. Michael has to adjust how he handles some obstacles, but don’t we all have something that is hard for us to do? I’ve known many children and adults without D.S. who find swallowing a pill impossible. I prefer liquid or powder over solid pills, too. 

Michael’s courageous story teaches children to treat others the way you want to be treated. Don’t stare unless you like being stared at. And, just because a person looks or sounds differently than you does not mean they are unintelligent. Judge people on how they act, not how they look or sound.

Michael’s story will inspire all children with Down Syndrome, autism, or other challenges to focus on their strengths and see the positive in every situation. I recommend this sweet, inspirational book for children 4-10. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I’m a software program/product manager juggling work while being a caregiver for my bedridden mother and my nephew, Michael, who has Down Syndrome. Michael’s experiences, and musings have inspired the creation of this book. He truly inspires, and challenges me every day to be a better person.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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