Tag Archives: friends

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.

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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.

 

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: ❤❤❤❤
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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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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

 

 

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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

 

 

 

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Ellie, The Treasure Hunter: The Hidden Treasures of My Own House (Ellie The Chick Book 4) by Avery Smart (Book Review)

Get ready for a super-duper adventure with Ellie and her best friend, Lola!

They had this epic camping plan, but rain decided to crash the party. No biggie! Ellie’s mom had an even cooler idea— a treasure hunt!

So, Ellie and Lola jump into action with a treasure map in hand. Each room at home turns into a treasure trove of shapes, clues, and letters that lead to the grand prize. With your help, they will tackle challenges like champs.

Join Ellie and Lola in this thrilling hunt filled with surprises, shapes, and a whole lot of love.

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

 

Ellie, a chick, and Lola, a bunny, are best friends. Rain or shine, they love spending time with one another. The youngsters’ outdoor plans were spoiled one-day thanks to heavy rain. Luckily, Mom knows just what to do to lift their spirits. She’s created a treasure map, designating rooms in specific colors and shapes: yellow rectangle for the living room, blue square for the study room, red circle for the bathroom, and green triangle for the playroom. As they move from room to room, they are asked to seek out hidden clues, which we learn are letters left behind by Mom. Once all four letters are retrieved, they have one final job: arrange the letters to discover the greatest treasure of all. 

There are NUMEROUS learning books on the market. Ellie, The Treasure Hunter differs from them because it is not just a point-and-be-done book. Yes, children point out items that match the room’s shape, but they are also asked to find hidden clues. When the writer stated that children needed to discover the hidden clues, I assumed the clues would be visible somewhere in the illustrated room. That was not the case. The writer missed an excellent opportunity to extend the hands-on learning experience. 

That aside, families will enjoy this book. I also foresee many children asking to go on a treasure hunt. 

I recommend sharing the activity book with kids between 2 and 6. Help them learn four basic shapes and colors. Have them name objects in their own home. Hide letters and have your child find them. Basically, don’t let the fun end with the closing of the kid’s picture book.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤1/2

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Avery Smart, a vibrant author who resides in the heart of the lively family chaos with her three energetic kids. Nestled in the midst of parenting, she channels her passion for nurturing well-mannered children into delightful tales.

It is within this dynamic environment that she draws inspiration, transforming her deep-seated passion for fostering well-mannered children into captivating tales.

Avery’s writing becomes a heartfelt expression of her commitment to instilling values in the younger generation. Her three lively kids not only serve as a source of inspiration but also as eager test subjects for the lessons embedded in her stories.

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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.

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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.

 

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.

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