Tag Archives: fun and games

July 21, 2025 · 7:00 am

A Fantastic Birthday (Plaza Patatta) by Nanda Roep (Book Review)

Lisa is turning 10! Her family throws a big party, complete with a scavenger hunt. But when the kids head into the woods, things don’t go as planned…

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 House, Diary 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.

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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.

 

It’s never a dull day in the Richardson household. Join them as they celebrate Lisa turning ten with a big party and scavenger hunt. Fair warning: this isn’t your typical birthday bash. There’s sabotage, mysterious events unfolding in the forest, and oodles of suspense. There’s a showdown between Momma Richardson and unwanted guests that’ll leave you laughing. There are challenges and brain teasers to solve, as well as a guide on recreating Dad’s special birthday cake! And let’s not forget the visit from the local P.D. Sounds exciting, right?! Oh, it is!

Howard (dad) loves throwing parties and this party will be hard to top. It all started in preparation for the big event and continued well into the night of the party. Lisa wanted a scavenger hunt/survivalist-themed party beyond the “Walking Path” in the forest, but she got more than she ever expected. There’s the weird car parked across from their house. The vanishing red ribbons dad and daughter used to mark the trail in the forest. Plus, there’s a mysterious white van with men carrying “spears” and a tarp. The events in the forest are a prime example of how one’s wild imagination and assumptions can read a situation all wrong, spiraling into scenes that’ll entertain readers.

Plaza Patatta: A Fantastic Birthday is a humorous book with a ton of action and humor in its twelve chapters. I love the black/gray illustrations, but I wished there was a pop of color here and there. For example, I wanted a visual image of Dad’s unique lighting system: no spoilers, but that invention needed to be displayed for the viewing audience. A group photo featuring the party guests in Marian’s famous costumes would’ve been sublime. The drawings shared were fantastic and quite humorous, such as Dad doing a little freak-out dance over a large anthill as numerous ants climbed drastically close to his shoe, and one found its way up his pants leg. In summation, I liked what I saw but just wanted more.

Reading Plaza Patatta: A Fantastic Birthday is eating a single chip. You can’t stop with just one. Luckily for you, there are more books in the series. Check out this and every book featuring this hilarious and exciting family.

The recommended reading age is 8-12.

 

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

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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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April 1, 2025 · 7:00 am

Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles: Dynamic Duos by Helene Hovanec (Book Review)

Unleash Your Inner Detective with Word Fun Riddles and Crisscross Puzzles!

Join Puzzle Pooch and puzzle master Helene Hovanec on a journey to solve puzzles and learn new words at the same time! Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles: Dynamic Duos contains 50 puzzles and two books in one:

  • Word fun riddles: Ridiculous riddles full of riddles and jokes. These puzzles are not only fun, but funny, too. Have fun with 25 word fun puzzles from “What do spiders eat with their hamburgers?” and “What would you get if you crossed a ghost and an elephant?” to “When is the ocean friendliest?” Every Word Fun puzzle is based on a ridiculous riddle. You’ll probably laugh [or groan] when you find the answer.

  • Crisscross puzzles: All you need to do is just figure out how to fit all the words listed on the page into the correct spaces in the diagram, based on length and crossing letters. Have fun with 25 crisscross puzzles from “Sew What?” and “Let’s Dance!” to “Exotic Colors” and “Summertime.” Crisscrosses have no clues or numbers. Instead you’ll need to figure out how to fit each word into its own unique space in the diagram.

Find clear instructions on how to complete puzzles, with helpful examples and tips from Puzzle Pooch. You’ll love the puzzles in this book because you can become a WORD DETECTIVE! So grab your pencil and get ready to have a blast!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Get ready to dive into a world of diverse puzzles that will keep you engaged and entertained. From 25-word fun riddles to 25 crisscross puzzles, there’s something for everyone in this book!

 

In the first section of Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles, the author challenges your power of observation by closely examining two words on each line and spotting which letter they do not have in common. For instance, when presented with tirade and tired, you would write down “a.” As gamers jot down the answers in order of descent, the letters will unlock the answers to riddles, like “What has two humps and is found at the North Pole?” or “How did the Vikings contact each other?” I was impressed by the variety of riddles in this first section. I was pleased to see the writer didn’t include ones we’ve heard countless times. Who wants more of the same anyway?! Not me, and I bet you won’t either! I knew a few without looking at the word clues, but I still worked them anyway because I loved solving the mini mysteries to unlock the bigger ones.

If you thought the word fun riddles was easy to solve, things might become more complicated as you enter the world of “Crisscross.” Before the first puzzle (“Supermarkets”), the adorable, oversized glasses-wearing Puzzle Pooch will walk you through how to work the games in Crisscross Puzzles. Players will notice the puzzles resemble crossword puzzles in design, but they are lacking crucial components that we have grown accustomed to: Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles has omitted numbered clues. NO numbers are signaling across or down answers. Instead, this version gives you a word bank, broken down by the number of letters per word, and supplies you with a few letters on the puzzle board to help you on your puzzle journey. “U.S. Cities,” “October 31,” words that contain the letters “ME,” plus 22 more games that will require more thought and time to figure out. If you love a good challenge, this section is for you!

Take Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles with you on a long commute or trip. Solve puzzles on your lunch break. Work the puzzles as you work on your tan. Take it into the bathroom instead of your phone. Solve the riddles and quiz your family; see who can solve the mystery without help.

Word Fun Riddles & Crisscross Puzzles is an entertaining and educational activity book anyone can work on if they can read and spell. It’s perfect for car rides, waiting rooms, vacations, lunch breaks, and more. So, put down the electronics and sharpen your mind with 50 fun puzzles!

An answer key is included!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
(4.5 stars rounded to 5)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Helene Hovanec has been hooked on puzzles since she was six years old. She is a former elementary school teacher and is the author of more than 60 puzzle books. Helene is the creator of Dynamic DoubleCross and Plus One puzzles and the producer of Puzzles4Kids for King Features.

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December 9, 2024 · 7:00 am

Cavie’s Magical Wish by Julie Huetsch (Book Review)

Join Cavie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue dog, on an adventure with his friends, Finley the frog, and Rory, the rabbit. Their journey takes a surprising turn when they meet Hummer, a tiny hummingbird needing help. When Cavie’s brave act earns him a magical wish, he has to decide what to wish for. With surprising moments and a big decision to make, Cavie uses his wish to bring hope and happiness to dogs in need.

Cavie’s Magical Wish highlights the values of kindness, compassion, and dog rescue and adoption. These messages are positive for young readers, their families, and dog lovers everywhere! The heartwarming tale is sure to inspire and delight!

Author Julie Huetsch is thrilled to introduce her new children’s book, Cavie’s Magical Wish, the first of her Cavie Tales™ series. Drawing from her personal experiences with dog rescue and her love for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julie’s heartfelt connection to these themes shines through in her writing with sincerity and warmth.

Julie is dedicated to making a difference. A portion of her book sales support The Cavalier Rescue, which helps dogs needing rescue and rehabilitation.

Siski Kalla’s illustrations are enchanting with their vibrant colors and striking details. Each scene is beautifully created, capturing the charm and personality of the animal characters. Her artwork adds an extra layer of magic and warmth to the entire reading experience.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Cavie’s Magical Wish is a touching children’s picture book showing how one dog’s thoughtfulness changed many puppies’ lives. 

Cavie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is bursting with energy and ready to play with his friends. Not just any games but games that young readers play at recess. Cavie and Finley, the frog, enjoyed a round of tag while Cavie and Rory, the rabbit, played hopscotch. During the hopscotch game, Cavie’s impeccable hearing caught a chirping sound. Curious, Cavie followed the sound and walked upon a sad and troubling scene; a poor hummingbird had been caught in the silken strands of a spider’s web. For those with arachnophobia (fear of spiders), rest assured that the illustrator graciously left the 8-legged arachnid out of the book. PHEW! 

Cavie lends Hummer, the hummingbird, a paw and sets them free from the web. At this point, Hummer lets Cavie and readers in on a little secret: the tiny bird is magical! Hummer offers Cavie a single wish as thanks for the life-saving good deed. You might guess two of the three illustrated wishes. Here’s a hint for the third: think about what power Krypto and Underdog have in common. 

As Cavie ponders his choices, he recalls his time in a puppy mill: a place no dog deserves to be. Cavie mentions that for several years, he lived in a dog crate, a small cage, and was never allowed to go outside. He didn’t have a family to take care of him either. But now, he has a soft bed, delicious food, and a loving family. Being rescued was the happiest moment in his life, and he wanted all his old friends to feel loved and happy, like him. 

Readers of all ages will fall in love with the dog with a heart of gold. I recommend sharing this moving story with your family and consider giving a dog (or cat, if you prefer felines) their forever home! Also, ask your child what they’d wish for. Maybe it can become a reality like Cavie’s beautiful wish.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 2-8 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Julie Huetsch is thrilled to introduce her new children’s book, Cavie’s Magical Wish, the first of her Cavie Tales™ series. Drawing from her personal experiences with dog rescue and her love for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julie’s heartfelt connection to these themes shines through in her writing with sincerity and warmth.

Julie shares her heart and home with two wonderful Cavaliers, Granger and Sophie. Granger’s inspiring rescue journey, saved from a puppy mill by The Cavalier Rescue and adopted into Julie’s family, initiated her passion for writing Cavie’s Magical Wish. Despite his challenges of having a heart condition, hearing loss, and separation anxiety, Granger has become a cherished family member and claims the title of king of their castle! Meanwhile, Sophie is on her own special mission, training to be a touch therapy dog. She will soon be spreading joy to children in hospitals—a role that is perfect for sweet Sophie!

Cavie’s Magical Wish highlights the values of kindness, compassion, and dog rescue and adoption. These are positive messages for young readers, their families, and dog lovers everywhere! This heartwarming tale is sure to inspire and delight.

Julie is dedicated to making a difference. A portion of her book sales support The Cavalier Rescue, which helps dogs needing rescue and rehabilitation.

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April 18, 2024 · 7:00 am

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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