Tag Archives: exploration

Astro-pigs 1,2,3! by Michael Lawrence (Book Review)

Three bored pigs dream big when they look to the night sky! How far can these Astro-pig’s imaginations take them?
Astro-pigs 1,2,3! is an adventure story exploring the value of imagination and dreaming big. Bright colorful illustrations and a rhyming text take children along on an adventure to the moon, and back.

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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.

 

Parents can relate to kids complaining that they are bored and wishing for something fun to do. The three bored (not so little) pigs featured in this brightly colored story lay in a patch of mud, wishing they were Astro-pigs. With thoughts of space travel in their heads, they slept, dreaming about out-of-this-world adventures. And, when the piggies opened their eyes, they were suited up and ready to blast off. 

Like in real life, young readers will count from 10 to 1 as the rocket’s inhabitants prepare for departure. The audience will see the three oinkers tethered outside the rocket as they float about in space. Encourage your children or class to jump and bounce as if they are on the moon with the space pigs. Continue the imaginative pretend play as you drive a lunar rover over the rocky terrain of the moon. 

Astro-pigs 1,2,3! is an interactive, fun-filled storybook that encourages pretend play. Its rhyming words would be ideal for beginning readers. Out of every rhyming pair, I found one page where the rhyming word choice missed the mark: farm and warm. They are spelled nearly the same, but their end sounds do not rhyme. Unfortunately, I had to ding the book’s score for the rhyming error. 

Families and classrooms will love watching the three pigs suit up and explore space. This cute story encourages participation using numbers on more than one occasion. Whether your child knows only numbers 1, 2, and 3 or 1 through 10, they’ll love becoming a part of the adventure.  

I recommend sharing this Astro-pigs 1,2,3! with your family or classroom. The bold, colorful images should capture your baby’s eye. Toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary students will also love the illustrations. It would also make a phenomenal choice in reading material for beginning and advanced readers. 

Grab your copy today!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Early Childhood Educator with 30 plus years in the field of early education. Self-published first picture/storybook in 2006, 10 titles released to date. I get kids. I know what works in a story and what might not. Doesn’t mean I always get it right but my track record has been pretty good so far:)

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Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus by L.T. Caton (Book Review)

A group of young friends travel back in time to key periods in history in this new chapter book adventure series, making learning fun!

A normal day of hide-and-seek turns into a discovery of a lifetime when five young friends are transported back in time after finding a secret clubhouse at the top of a sycamore tree. Dubbing themselves the Tree House Club, Ashley, Emma, Keith, Aaron, and Harry learn that events of the past didn’t necessarily unfold the way they learned in school.

The treehouse has magical abilities that take Ashley and her friends to Guanahani in 1492, a time the kids requested to witness Christopher Columbus’s first arrival on his voyage to the New World. There, the friends—dubbed the Tree House Club—meet the kind and generous Taino Lukku-Cairo tribespeople who welcome their new visitors with food and gifts.

It isn’t long before the Taino chief, Tiburon, and the Tree House Club friends see three sailing ships approaching. With history on their side, the kids realize it is the famed explorer, Christopher Columbus, who quickly makes his claim for the Taino’s native land for the Queen of Spain. The kids soon learn that what their history books did not teach them was some of the lesser-known facts about Columbus, his greedy intentions in Guanahani—or San Salvador, as he named it—and his poor treatment of the humble Taino people. But the children’s friendships with the Taino put their own lives in danger from the European colonists. Will the treehouse save them in time?

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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.

 

Imagine, if you will, casually playing hide-and-seek with your best chums when the unexplainable, the imaginable, occur. One moment, you’re seeking a prime hiding spot; the next, a ladder appears out of nowhere, leading to an extraordinary treehouse. Five best friends entered the treehouse and noticed that the interior didn’t measure up to its exterior. Looks were truly deceiving. While that alone would boggle anyone’s mind, what happened next shook them— literally. As if the treehouse comprehended Harry’s question of who built this home, it answered him by transporting all five friends into the past. Floor shaking. Lights flashing. The experience was disorienting, but it didn’t negate they were, in fact, in the past. They were observers of the events unfolding, frozen and scared about what they witnessed. Their first trip to the past was short-lived, but they did manage to time travel again and again.

The group chose many points in history to visit. Their brief time at the Alamo in 1936 was frightening. War is never a pleasant experience for any age. But, a bright spot came out of the adventure; they met Davy Crockett. Since their second trip was quite jarring, they decided to do more research before they haphazardly asked the treehouse to work its magic. Great idea. Their next trip had them setting sail to the time of the infamous Christopher Columbus. Young readers will learn interesting information about the explorer as the group discloses what they learned during their research. 

Readers will enjoy how this journey differed from the other voyages. This time, the five friends were active participants in the past. They looked like they belonged. They walked around the village. They could smell the flowers and food. They had the fortunate opportunity to touch hand-crafted objects displayed in modern-day museums behind touchless glass. They also spoke to the Native Americans and bore witness to the arrival of Christopher Columbus. 

Many revere Christopher Columbus, but they shouldn’t. Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus shows the truth about the explorer. He did not respect the natives or their land. He devastated their land, destroyed the natives’ way of life, and was a brute. When the children revisited the Taino tribe, they were stunned by what Christopher Columbus and the colonists did to the tribespeople and their home. The children can’t fathom why we still celebrate this man, and I don’t either.

While the truth of Christoper Columbus and his mark on his history isn’t pleasant, children must know the truth about him and his actions. 

The story concludes with possible more journeys ahead, even to outer space. I can’t wait to read that one! 

I concur with Amazon’s recommended reading age of 6-11 years. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Children’s book author L.T. Caton knew early in her teaching career that she wanted to be a writer. When she was a young student, history was her least favorite subject. She found it boring and often questioned why the delivery of historical facts presented in school only provided one perspective.

As a teacher and writer, her goal is to provide students with an entertaining opportunity to learn about people in history who are often not mentioned in textbooks, and to explore the many conflicting versions of history that exist. She hopes to achieve this goal through her new chapter book series, Find Me in Time, a collection of chapter books covering significant events or periods in history.

L.T. thinks a great book has relatable characters, an engaging plot, and a lesson learned that can be applied to real life long after the book is closed. She hopes her books inspire a love of reading, and in particular, inspires children of color and young girls to learn about people in history who look like them.

Hailing from New York, when she’s not writing fascinating historical fiction stories for young readers, L.T. enjoys being near the ocean—fishing, walking on the beach, sailing, and cycling. She also enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, community service, and being with family and friends. Her family has been supportive in her professional journey, including her parents, sister, and late grandmother.

Find Me in Time’s debut title is Meeting Columbus, about the famed explorer’s first landing in the New World.

 

 

 

 

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Hector and Heloise in Paris by R. Janet Walraven (Book Review)

Sibling hedgehogs, Hector and Heloise, set out on a great adventure to explore the largest and most popular museum in the world, the Louvre in Paris, France. Their Uncle Ken has told them all about the amazing works of art ̶ paintings, sculptures, artifacts, beautiful architecture, and even mummies. Will hedgehogs be allowed in the museum? What is in that large package Hector is sneaking into the Louvre? Come along with Hector and Heloise on this miraculous adventure where you will discover their big secret.

Included are Internet links for virtual tours of the Louvre.

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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.

 

“Throughout the book, the focus is on five specific, famous art pieces by various artists. With each piece, a link is shared for readers to see the art as it appears in the Louvre. At the back of the book are links especially for children to take a virtual tour through the museum and links to explain the history and architecture of these famous buildings. Included in the back is a glossary of terms used in the story.” – Janet Walraven, Prologue.

The hedgehogs riding on an escalator were cute. Heloise’s red hair-bow was pretty, and Hector’s suit, red bowtie, and glasses will make you smile. 

Heloise and Hector were on a great trip to see the Louvre in Paris, France. Oh, how I wish to go there one day. To see famous works of art in person would be an unforgettable experience. 

I love the author doesn’t just state, “Hey, there’s The Mona Lisa.” No, the author gives valuable information regarding the masterpiece. The Great Sphinx of Tanis (granite sculpture of a sphinx) would be a wonderful sight to behold. If you’re unfamiliar with it, you should look it up! 

There were links provided in my ARC (pdf). I could not access them, but I’m sure that won’t be the case when Hector and Heloise in Paris is viewed on a kindle. You’ll have to manually type the URL on your phone, tablet, or desktop for print readers. 

There’s so much to see in the Louvre; two adorable hedgehogs give you a tiny glimpse of the historical treasures you’ll discover there. 

Hector and Heloise in Paris by R. Janet Walraven give readers plenty of items to look up for themselves or a research project. It’s advertised for ages 4-12, and I believe young people in that age group can find enjoyment in the story in different ways. I also think adults reading the book can learn a thing or two, such as I learned about the famous staircase called The Daru.

The hedgehogs came to the Louvre will a specific purpose in mind. Rest assured, they completed their mission! Barb Ruble, your illustrations were quite lovely. I loved your “Beautiful Watercolor” and “Dürer with Hedgehog.” Plus, we can’t forget to mention (again) how darling the hedgehogs looked. 

Review submitted to Reedsy on 8/20/22.

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

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Meet the Author

R. Janet Walraven, an award-winning writer, has written historical romance, teacher-mentor non-fiction, children’s book, and historical fiction. After living all over the USA, she now resides in New Mexico with her companion, Mal, who is her best critic. She loves to read, write, garden and travel.

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