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Mom Wombat Says Make War No More by Phyllis Schwartz (Book Review)

In another beautifully illustrated collaboration by author Phyllis Schwartz and artist Siski Kalla, we meet Mom Wombat, known as Mombat to her kids.

Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship.

Try to get along and don’t keep score.
It doesn’t matter who has more toys.
Just have fun, my girls and boys.
Don’t YOU be a bully, not even now and then,
not even to a foe or friend.

The wise Mombat shares plenty of ideas on how to get along with others, whether it’s across the street or across the sea.

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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.

 

Mom Wombat declares, “Make war no more! No more fighting in or outside my door!” “Fighting can hurt your heart and head. Why not make peace instead?” She also states that we should not do or say anything that would cause tempers to get hot. She advises you to use your words and speak through your feelings. We should make friendships, not foes! 

Mom Wombat uses the animals in the forest to illustrate what is bad behavior. The unruly animalistic actions she pointed out can apply to human children, such as don’t pull someone’s hair. It’s never wise to tease or bully or say hurtful things. Mom Wombat also points out creative ways that form positive bonds: invent a cool game, ride bikes with a friend, play music, write a silly song, and share your toys. 

War is happening right now. We can see the impact it’s having worldwide. It affects us on many levels. We must teach children to use words instead of weaponry to communicate their points. Educate them on the proper way to handle conflicts and emotions. If we want a world of peace, then adults must also follow the lessons of Mom Wombat as well. 

“Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship.” It’s a story that I recommend 100%! 

Share Mom Wombat Says Make War No More! with your youngster and help make the world a peaceful place for future generations! Also, try “Mombat’s Soothing, Sharing Shake.” It’s a refreshing, healthy drink with four ingredients, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or (really) any time of the day! It’s also the perfect cooling beverage for parents and children on those hot summer days! 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Phyllis Schwartz is a married mother of two, who, after a highly successful career in the TV news business, finally has the time to indulge in and focus on her “civilian” writing. Even as a kid, she kept a diary and wrote little stories and poems, a creative release that continued well into adulthood. She wrote news by day and poetry by night. And despite battling three different types of cancer over more than three decades, she is still filled with energy, joy, and optimism, and she looks forward to writing much more poetry and children’s books in the future. Her writing often centers on what she observes daily: including her friends, husband, and two children, as well as her garden and her beautiful beach town residence in dreamy Encinitas, all providing continued inspiration for her verse.

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Coming Soon

A delightful picture book that teaches kids 15 Spanish, Yiddish, & Japanese words as Yoshi crafts a poem about what bothers them the most!

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

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The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau by Henrique Meyer (Book Review)

Join the Big Bad Wolf in this delightfully twisted take on the classic story of the three little pigs. The Big Bad Wolf is hosting a luau, and with his sights set on the piggies as the main course, he huffs and puffs his way through their homes, collecting the piggies for his feast. This playful, humor-filled tale teaches children about creativity, resilience, and the power of clever thinking. Perfect for young readers who enjoy a fun twist on fairy tales and parents looking for a new favorite bedtime story. With charming illustrations and rhymes, this book is a deliciously fun adventure 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.

 

“The Three Little Pigs” is a classic fable about three pigs who built their homes with different materials. One day, a wolf came along and quickly blew down the first two houses made from straw and sticks. The third house, however, proved impossible to knock over thanks to its sturdy construction. No matter how many times the wolf huffs and puffs, the brick house remains erect. The moral of the tale is to illustrate the importance of patience and hard work.

Over the years, there have been variations to the famed story; in every tale I have read, the pigs always prevail victorious. But have you ever wondered what would happen if they didn’t? If this big, bad wolf finally caught their prize? The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau took key elements from the famous, original story and put a dark yet funny spin on it. The three pigs in this rhyming story do build their homes out of straw, sticks, and bricks. The wolf huffs and puffs with one goal: destroy the homes and capture the oinkers. Like the original fable, the straw and stick houses fell quickly, while the brick home proved impossible to topple. Not to be deterred, this wolf had a plan B. You might recognize the cunning idea (somewhat) resembles a plan enacted by the big, bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood.

Have you ever rooted for Wile E. Coyote to catch the Roadrunner? For Tom to best Jerry? For Sylvester to catch and eat Tweety Bird? If so, you’ll be pleased by this story’s outcome. Yes, the storyline is darker than the original; however, the illustrations kept the mood light. The wolf looked cute in his bright green Hawaiian shirt and apron. All the luau guests looked rather darling in their floral prints. I loved the image showing the predators dancing into the night after filling their bellies with a smorgasbord of meats. They looked so happy!

The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau is a delightful, twisted take on a classic tale. With its charming illustrations and rhymes, the dark humor adventure book is ideal for children aged 3-8 years.

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

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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.

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Spot Problems: Amelia & Paco by Stefanie Gamarra (Book Spotlight)

Amelia, a six-year-old girl, has an unusual best friend: Paco, a grumpy, talking polar bear.
 
During a game of hide-and-seek in the backyard, they discover a ladybug without any spots. They start a well-intentioned mission to “fix” their spot-free friend, causing chaos among the other garden creatures.
 
After a near-disastrous turn of events, they come to understand what’s been hiding in plain sight.

In this latest adventure from the Amelia & Paco series, your child will once again discover the joy of outdoor play and the power of imagination. Through the misadventures of two unlikely friends, they’ll learn that the best solutions often come from seeing the world through a different lens.


Plus, it’s a great way to spark fun conv
ersations with your kids about bugs, habitats, and all the cool things they can find right in their own backyard or neighborhood.


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PREVIEW

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Meet the Author

I’m a full-time project manager, part-time marshmallow tree cultivator and have officially added ‘children’s book author’ to my LinkedIn titles. While born in Germany, I now call the US home and peppered my debut children’s book series “Amelia & Paco” with a blend of transatlantic charm and humor.

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Bear’s Sick Day: A Story of Caring and Friendship by Hong Lee (Book Spotlight)

Winner of the 2024 Golden Wizard Book Prize

 

In Bear’s Sick Day, we explore the comforting power of friendship through Bunny’s visit to her friend Bear, who isn’t feeling well. Despite Bear’s reluctance, fearing Bunny might also fall ill, the day unfolds with gentle care and shared joy:

  • Bunny makes warm tea to soothe Bear’s aches.
  • Together, they read a story, listen to uplifting music, and play Bear’s favorite game of Jenga.
  • Laughter and fun ensue, proving that a little compassion goes a long way.

A simple yet touching story, this book illuminates the importance of caring for others and the positive impact it can have.

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Praise for Bear’s Sick Day

“This charming narrative encourages children to understand the importance of empathy and kindness, reminding them that sometimes simply being there for someone in need can make all the difference. Hong Lee perfectly presents this message in a way that children will understand, with adorable animal characters and an engaging story. The colorful illustrations will grab children’s attention and draw them into the story. The words are enclosed in text boxes, making them easy to read and accessible to youngsters with reading difficulties.”

– Readers’ Favorite 5-Star Review

 

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Meet the Author

Hong Lee’s passion for writing children’s books began when she started reading to her son. She is captivated by children’s picture books’ whimsical and imaginative nature. Beyond writing, Hong enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family. Her debut book, “Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Tale of Kindness and Friendship,” reflects her dedication to storytelling and her commitment to fostering strong morals in young readers. Hong currently resides in Oklahoma with her husband and son.

 

 

 

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Sunny’s First Day by Dr. Julissa Artiles (Book Review)

Come along with Sunny, an endearing young giraffe, on her first day of school in this heart-warming tale of bravery and friendship. Sunny is excited and anxious about her first day of school. Struggling with anxiety and self-confidence, she finds herself unsure of what to expect. With the help of mama giraffe and a good friend, Bailey the elephant, Sunny faces her fears and learns to overcome her challenges while also making new friends. This beautifully illustrated book gently addresses themes of anxiety, self-confidence and resilience. Through Sunny’s journey, children learn the importance of developing meaningful connections, kindness, support, and the power of facing their fears with a little help from friends. Perfect for young readers navigating their own struggles with new experiences, this story is a celebration of courage and the joy of new beginnings. Discover how Sunny manages to turn her first day of school into an experience of growth and friendship.

 

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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.

 

“Come along with Sunny, an endearing young giraffe, on her first day of school in this heart-warming tale of bravery and friendship.”

Several occasions might cause a child to be anxious, worried, or scared: first day at a new school, taking a test, public speaking, or speaking to new people, to name just a few. When you’re feeling any or all of these unpleasant feelings, it’s common for your body to react much like Sunny’s did. Sunny, a very cutely illustrated giraffe, has a very common reaction to the first day of school: their belly feels jumpy, and their hooves sweat. While we don’t have hooves, our human body has areas that might break out in a sweat. Mama Giraffe did not dismiss her calf’s fears; she reassured them that what they were experiencing was normal. Mama Giraffe also mentioned that when we feel anxious, our hearts can feel like they are running a race. Mama had a special breathing technique to quieten nervous bellies and pounding hearts. “Just breathe in slowly, like when you’re smelling the daisies out in the garden. Then, breathe out through your mouth, like when you’re blowing out the candles on your birthday cake.” This breathing technique comes in handy when Sunny has to stand up to a classroom bully. 

Bullies are present in every school, and often, the less-than-friendly classmate(s) target kids on their very first day or week of school. A bully can make it difficult for children to participate in class and interact with others on the playground. The negative attention can make a kid dread school days and can affect a kid’s mental and physical health. Sunny had the misfortune of being on a bully’s radar on their first day of school. Basher the bull’s name-calling and mocking of Sunny’s spots caused the giraffe to run out of the room in tears. 

Basher felt zero guilt or remorse when Sunny cried. He didn’t learn his lesson after spending time in the “calm corner,” either. However, Basher’s attitude drastically changed when Sunny stood up for herself, and he was the one no one wanted to play with on the playground. 

Sunny’s First Day shows the profound effect negative words can have on a person. The illustrated storybook shows the proper way to handle a bully. Sunny did not stoop to Basher’s level and call him names. Instead, she took the advice of Bailey (the elephant) and stood up to Basher; she informed him what he was doing and showed him that she would not let him stop her from having fun with the other animals. Before she stood hoof to hoof with the bull, she first needed to quiet her nerves and racing heart using her mom’s breathing technique. (Breathing techniques and positive affirmations are visited after the story’s conclusion.) 

While not every bully may change like Basher, Sunny’s inspiring handling of the situation and her ability to calm her nerves are valuable lessons for children. I strongly recommend sharing this book with your elementary students to help create a more peaceful and healthy environment for them to grow and learn. 

I loved the storyline and animal illustrations very much, but I couldn’t overlook the editing errors. I would recommend another editing pass. 

Amazon’s suggested reading age is 5-9 years. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Born and raised in Miami, FL, I am a licensed clinical psychologist, wife, and mother of two wonderful children. I love spending quality time with family and friends and reading bedtime stories to my kids. Writing a children’s book was a dream come true and I’ve loved using my creativity and psychological insights to help children face new experiences with courage and confidence.

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