Tag Archives: food

Pickle the Pig by Brenden Bott (Book Review)

Do you have a favourite food? Now imagine that your favourite food is also the most famous food in town—and your grandpa holds the secret of how it was invented. A secret that involves your great-great-grandmother … and a perilous pig.

In Pickle the Pig, we meet Emily—a girl who has a peculiar obsession with bacon-wrapped pickle bites. In this hilarious tale, we uncover the outrageous story of how these tasty treats came to be. It’s a delightful mix of disaster, suspense, and plenty of humour—perfect for the whole family!

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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 has a favorite food, and for Emily, it was a giant pickle wrapped in bacon. A weird combo food choice, but in their young mind, it was a delicious invention. Emily was curious how the town’s famous delicacy came to be, and her grandfather had the inside scoop. Oh, what a wild, strange, and humorous tale the grandfather shares, and it starts with a pig who craves pickles all the time.

Pickle the Pig loves to gobble up pickles, day and night. His hearty appetite doesn’t sit well with the townspeople, though, but they have bigger problems at the moment. A drought had struck the small town, then a tornado. Thankfully, the townspeople took refuge, and no one perished. The pickle-loving pig came out unscathed, too, but his girth was his salvation. Yup, the very, very round pig was too heavy for even a tornado to pick up. That tidbit, and its corresponding illustrations, made me smile. What came after the twister is a mind-bender but a chuckle inducer: food rains down from the sky, but how? The answer was unexpected and hilarious. Kids and adults will find themselves scratching their heads and laughing out loud.

Pickle the Pig was an enormous porker that greatly irritated the town; however, the community’s annoyed looks turned to smiles for one reason only. That reason will be unveiled once you read the story, and this is a book you’ll want to share with your family or class. The illustrations were extremely amusing (credited artist: Dong Hoon Kim), and the plot’s resolution was wonderfully ridiculous. I can’t wait to read more comedic stories by the imaginative author, and after you read the story, you’ll become instant fans of Brenden Bott, like me.

Amazon recommends this Pickle the Pig for ages three and up. I agree with this recommendation.

 

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

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Meet the Author

Brenden has worked in the field of education for over a decade, and he is more convinced than ever of the importance of telling stories to shape hearts and minds. Brenden is currently the Head of School at Westminster Classical Christian Academy in Toronto. He has a doctorate in theology from Wycliffe College, the University of Toronto, specializing in medieval and Reformation thought and theodicy.

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Meet the Illustrator

Dong Hoon began his career as a mechanical engineer but left this behind to become an artist. With over twenty years of experience, Dong Hoon has established himself as an unusually talented illustrator with a unique ability to add humour to his artistic creations.

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The Tooth-o-saurus by Nat Gibson (Book Review)

Brush every day to keep the dinosaurs away!

Noah loves to snack — but uh-oh, so do the silly dinosaurs hiding in his teeth! They’re chomping on every crumb they can find, and there’s only one team that can stop them: the Dinosaur Catchers.

Join Noah on a wild, laugh-out-loud trip to the dentist, where he’ll need courage, curiosity, and a little imagination to send those dinos packing. With X-rays, water jets, floss lassos, and dino-sized bravery, Noah discovers that visiting the dentist isn’t scary — it’s actually DINO-MITE!

Little readers will see Noah experience:

  • X-rays
  • Teeth counting
  • Polishing
  • Flossing
  • Water spraying
  • Suction
  • Fluoride

 

They’ll also learn which foods the dinosaurs like and don’t like, and the importance of brushing, flossing, and visiting the Dinosaur Catchers to keep the dinosaurs away.

Will Noah’s teeth be dino-free by the end of the visit? (Hint: Yes, they will!)

Perfect for preparing little dino-lovers for dental visits while making brushing and flossing fun!

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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.

 

The Dinosaur Catchers are back, this time alleviating Noah of pesky dinosaurs stuck on or in between his teeth.

Fear of the dentist is common among both children and adults. The bright lights, the sound of the drill, the scraping noises, and the possibility of a cavity are enough to send nerves through the roof. It can be an overwhelming, stressful experience and can amp up anxiety levels even before you step into the office. To help ease the worries of young children, Nat Gibson has crafted a sensational story that walks kids through what to expect in a routine cleaning. Before Noah sits through a dental visit, kids watch him enjoying some of his favorite foods and discover that it’s not only sugary treats that the dinosaur mouth invaders enjoy; it’s every food or beverage. Adults and children will laugh at the illustration featuring a Tooth-a-saurus eating Noah’s mac ‘n’ cheese leftovers, while the Smile-a-don slurps up orange juice. Kids will continue to giggle as they spot the Smile-a-don lounging on a lettuce leaf hammock while two prehistoric friends use food as pillows. Kids will even find humor in the cutesy dino names! Although the dinosaurs sound and appear funny, they represent a real problem: the need to clean our teeth properly and attend regular dental check-ups.

As Noah steps into the world of the Dinosaur Catchers, his world is transformed into a more outdoorsy location. Instead of a building, he waits with his mom in a giant tent. The staff, who are actually the Dinosaur Catchers, wear park ranger uniforms instead of the typical scrubs or white coats, making the dental visit feel more like an adventure. Although the atmosphere may appear different, the process of Noah’s visit and your child’s visit should be similar. Everything, from X-rays to ridding your mouth of dinos (tartar) away, is explored. The humor continues as Noah reclines in the dental chair, and the Dino Catcher slurps up a dinosaur and shoots into the Dinosaur Trap. What about any stubborn dino that won’t leave Noah’s teeth? Kids will see how Dinosaur Catchers deal with them, too. However, the most comical illustration highlighted the most dreaded and often overlooked dental procedure: flossing. The dental hygienist has superb lassoing skills! During a routine cleaning, kids will be seen by a dentist or, in the case of The Tooth-o-saurus, The Chief. Their job today is to make sure no dino stragglers are left, especially the worst dinosaur of all, the Cavity-saurus Rex.

The Tooth-o-saurus answers a lot of questions regarding what to expect during a six-month dental cleaning using rib-tickling drawings. Its mission is to calm nerves and make taking care of your teeth fun! Read The Tooth-o-saurus before your child’s first dental visit. Show them there’s nothing to fear while reminding them to brush and floss every day to keep the dinosaurs away!

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age of 2-8 years.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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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A Secret Hatch (Plaza Patatta Book 1) by Nanda Roep (Book Review)

The restaurant is called Plaza Patatta. Luna and Lisa are thrilled that their dad is building a kids’ restaurant in their giant new house. There’s just one problem: he can’t cook at all. While helping out, Luna and Lisa discover a mysterious hatch. Where could it lead?

Plaza Patatta is a fun and adventurous mystery for children aged 8 to 12, filled with humor and excitement. Perfect for fans of series like The Magic Tree HouseDiary of a Wimpy Kid, of Geronimo Stilton and ideal for both avid and reluctant readers. Plaza Patatta combines family, friendship, and a touch of suspense to keep young readers hooked from start to finish. After captivating young readers in The Netherlands, this delightful series is now available in English!

Perfect for readers aged 8 to 12, this beloved European series combines laugh-out-loud humor with page-turning mysteries. Plaza Patatta is loved by both reluctant readers and bookworms, making it a hit for kids of all reading levels.

Fans of The Boxcar Children, A Series of Unfortunate Events, or Goosebumps will love this action-packed series filled with fun surprises and unforgettable characters.

Looking for a perfect gift? Plaza Patatta combines entertainment with valuable life lessons about friendship, family, and curiosity. Ideal for long car rides, quiet afternoons, or bedtime reading!

Join Luna and Lisa as they turn their quirky family restaurant into the setting for endless adventures. Order your copy of Plaza Patatta today and discover why readers across Europe can’t get enough of this thrilling series!”


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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.

 

Luna, Lisa, and their two parents, Marian and Howard Richardson, have recently inherited a large farmhouse in Woodford from Howard’s great-aunt. Howard brainstorms what he will do with their “colossal” new home. I loved his reasoning for not wanting to raise dairy cows. I prefer not getting up early, either! A few more ideas were shared before Howard settled on opening a children’s restaurant. That idea would be brilliant if Howard could cook. Unfortunately, his kids do not think their dad’s cooking skills are remotely close to Wolfgang Punk’s or Gordon Ramsey’s. When Marian, the famous opera singer, is out of town, the girls and their dad fill their bellies with frozen pizza and instant meals unless Grandma comes over to cook. It’s noted that Grandma has an issue with her son staying home to care for the kids while his wife works. She believes a woman’s place is at home. That small-minded thinking is still present today, and her opinion is worth exploring during family or classroom discussions. That said, that whole section could’ve been omitted, and the story’s plot and events leading to the conclusion would not have suffered.

Ah, the plot line. The dad wants to open a restaurant, but his culinary skills are lacking. He admits that his specialty is throwing parties but vows to learn how to cook. Howard has a lot to learn about pairing flavors. Lasagna with peanut butter. Hot sandwich with salmon, broccoli, and ketchup. Pancake bread that sounded gross and harder to swallow than a mouth full of taffy. Oh my, they all sound disgusting, and the fictional kids agree. Ask listeners for their opinions on dad’s menu items. Encourage kids to share their wacky or unusual food pairings.

Lisa and Luna are concerned about the restaurant’s grand opening: Plaza Patatta, which means “the place where there are fries.” They are also concerned by the strange noises from a secret hatch hidden behind the staircase. What could be lurking under their new home: a ghost, wolves, or a tramp? The author’s use of “tramp” wouldn’t be my first pick for the possible noise maker, which is defined as “a homeless person who travels from place to place on foot.” The image depicted a “tramp” as a violent person, which is not the impression we should be teaching our kids.

The sisters’ discovery on the other side of the hatch was a complete surprise. It was an unexpected twist that could’ve been explored more. Maybe the author will revisit the hatch in other Plaza Patatta books. (No spoilers. Read the story for more details.) Many readers can guess that the dad’s culinary skills didn’t improve; however, what will amaze them is the restaurant’s unique, exciting, and creative design. The dad was right; he sure knew how to throw a party! Kids will be wishing they could visit the restaurant. Even adults will love the carefully thought-out design and food delivery system. Move over Check E. Cheese, Plaza Patatta is the place to be!

Plaza Patatta, the first story in the series, is an extraordinary tale full of excitement, adventure, and most importantly, humor. It invites you to guess what is down the hatch and at the end of the corridor, all while keeping you entertained with its witty narrative. The illustrations are phenomenal and highlight key moments of the story. I adored the unique chapter break-down. It was set up like a menu with chapter titles listed under appetizers, main courses, dessert, and side dishes. And the Who’s Who? was a brilliant way to introduce us to the cast (family).

Share this delightful and humorous story with kids ages 8-12 and check out the three delicious menu ideas, especially the Plaza Patattas (the fries.)

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Nanda Roep is a Dutch writer and publisher, known for her work in both children’s literature and adult fiction. Her feelgood novels, often with a sharp edge, are frequently compared to those of Liane Moriarty and Joël Dicker. As the driving force behind Uitgeverij Nanda, she is dedicated to bringing her stories and creative projects to life.

With a strong background in the cultural sector—including books, theater, and animation—she constantly explores new ways to tell stories, whether through picture books, cosy mysteries, or interactive projects. Currently, she is expanding her work to international markets with English translations and continues to develop fresh, innovative concepts for readers of all ages.

✨ Her stories weave together love, secrets, quiet strength — and the mysteries that shape us.

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Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains by Stacie Green (Book Review)

Kindle is OUT NOW!
Hardcover Releases March 5th!

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a journey into the heart of Appalachian folklore and childhood wonder. In this beautifully illustrated memoir, Stacie Green shares the stories passed down by her grandparents, filled with signs from nature, superstitions, and folklore of creatures that roam the woods. Perfect for young readers ages 7-12 and educators exploring regional culture. This book invites readers to discover the magic hidden in the everyday traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 Kindle is Out NOW – Hardcover Releases March 5, 2025

 

 

 

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

 

Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains is an educational story divided into sections, offering insight into the Appalachian people, food, weather predictions, omens and superstitions, deaths and traditions, paranormal encounters, language, and influences/heritage. The writer also included an index and vocabulary section, resource lists, and festivals. But, before they dived into the mountain’s rich history, we learn what or, better yet, who inspired this book’s creation.

The author wrote Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains as a tribute to their grandparent and to preserve the Appalachian history for future generations. In the introduction, readers will discover how far the Appalachian Mountains stretch, its highest point, and which river measures the same length as the mountain range. The author graciously provides a map of thirteen states and details about this wondrous Blue Ridge Mountains. They also share a bit about their maternal grandparents, Howard and Lucy, and parental grandparents, Treva and Raymond. They taught Stacie Green (the writer) about the rich history of the mountains, how to be self-sufficient, and the importance of appreciating the beauty and abundance of nature. You can feel the author’s love for her family and gratitude for their teachings. Love and respect continue to be felt on every page of Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

In Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll discover the magic hidden in the everyday traditions of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Uncover the full spectrum of information, starting with what cultures and animals call the mountains home and how people survive on the land. We learn how observing animals and insects signals rain is imminent, expect an early winter, snow is coming, or alerting us about upcoming bad weather. Read and store this section’s helpful info because it can be useful!

Though I enjoyed the list and explanations surrounding omens and superstitions, especially those focused on “death,” my favorite sections dealt with the paranormal world—the “otherworldly” creatures that also call the mountain home. The Wampus Cat, half human and half feline, was most fascinating. I had no idea of its theorized origin. The same goes for the Bell Witch Legend. While I wouldn’t like to cross paths with a Wendigo, Mothman, or Dogman, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Brown Mountain lights in North Carolina.

After we unravel the Appalachian language, the author steps back in time and gives us a history lesson on the native people. These factoids would make great conversation starters! For instance, did you know that the making of moonshine can be traced back to the 17th century? This is merely the tip of the iceberg of all the fascinating information you’ll learn and want to share with your family, friends, or students!

The text presentation hit a snag on a few occasions. The (sometimes) extra spacing between letters made a single world appear as two. Occasionally, it looked as if there was an attempt to erase a handwritten letter, but it didn’t entirely erase, leaving behind a wisp of lines. Those minor glitches aside, I highly recommend you read Monsters and Magic in the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll walk away from the story with a new appreciation for Appalachian culture, particularly the Blue Ridge Mountains, which the writer’s family and many others call home.

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

 Kindle is Out NOW – Hardcover Releases March 5, 2025

Reedsy’s Review Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Stacie Green is an author-illustrator based in North Carolina. She has written and illustrated several books featuring monsters including Monsters Need Breaks Too! and Monster Problems A to Z. Her illustrative style is richly colored, full of patterns, and brings nature and folklore together.

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B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet by Henrique Meyer (Book Review)

Embark on a sizzling alphabetical safari with B is for Barbecue! This delightful children’s book serves up a hearty helping of fun, combining the joy of learning letters with the excitement of barbecue and meats. Each letter of the alphabet is celebrated with a whimsical poem that introduces young readers to barbecue-related terms-from A for Angus to Z for Zebra. The vibrant two-page spread illustrations burst with color and flavor, capturing the imagination and taste buds alike.

Perfect for little foodies and aspiring grill masters, this book not only teaches the ABCs but also kindles a love for cooking and outdoor gatherings. The rhythmic poems and captivating artwork make each page turn a new experience, keeping children engaged and eager to learn. Whether read aloud at family cookouts or enjoyed during cozy bedtime routines, B is for Barbecue is sure to become a cherished favorite that brings smiles and appetites together.

 

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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.

 

Barbecue is a popular cuisine that involves cooking food over a live fire or smoke, typically outdoors. Barbecue, also known as BBQ and barbeque, can refer to the cooking method or a gathering of people where BBQ foods are the main course. B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet mainly focuses on meats you’d prepare using a grill or smoke, but it doesn’t limit itself to just those. The writer shares vegetables, like zucchini, can also be prepared on a grill. But for many of us, when we think of barbecuing, common foods spring to mind: steaks, burgers, ribs, and hot dogs. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet uses poetry to introduce readers to barbecue-related terms, beginning with A for Angus and ending with Z for Zucchini and Zebra. As I peered at the vibrant and charming cover, I asked myself what barbecue-themed foods or meats begin with N, U, X, and Y. Now I know! Thanks to the creative prose, I have a better understanding of two Japanese grilled foods, too. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is more than a book that teaches kids their ABCs. It’s a celebration of food, family, friends, and memories shared over a meal. The rhyming lines are cute as can be, but sometimes the flow is interrupted with a word kids might pronounce incorrectly or baffled at its meaning. Take “confit,” for instance. Kids might pronounce kän fit instead of känˈfē. Kids and adults might not know that confit is a French cooking technique that involves slowly cooking food in fat at a low temperature to preserve it. 

 

Amazon has the book listed for kids up to age 8, making it a versatile learning tool for a wide range of children. The bold, beautiful, colorful pages will delight babies and toddlers. Preschoolers and kindergarteners will also love the illustrations and creative ways of learning their letters. Kids between ages 6 and 8 can use this book to strengthen their reading skills. It’s a great mixture of easy and complex words, ensuring that it’s engaging and beneficial for all. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is perfect for any household that loves to cook or eat BBQ foods. The short poems and adorable artwork will enlighten and entertain kids and adults. Everyone will walk away learning at least one new fact centering on a specific meat or BBQ item. For me, it was yakitori. Read the book to gain insight into Japanese food.

 

Make reading this story a part of your next BBQ event! 

 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Henrique Meyer, born in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and raised in Florida, is a software engineer and technology consultant residing in Fort Lauderdale. Henrique enjoys spending time with his children, barbecuing, fishing, and traveling.

Reedsy Author Link

 

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