Tag Archives: inclusiveness

Dingo Toad Joins the Rangers by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

A heartwarming adventure about friendship, inclusion, and finding your tribe.

Dingo and Penny do everything together—from games and homework to dreaming about exploring the great outdoors. So, when it’s time to join a local scouting group, they can’t wait to sign up… until they discover there’s no Girl Scouts troop in town.

Disappointed but determined, Dingo embarks on a mission to help his best friend chase her dream. What he discovers changes everything: a group called the Rangers—where boys and girls are welcome, diversity is celebrated, and adventures are just beginning.

 

In this gentle, empowering story, readers will follow Dingo and Penny as they:

  • Discover the power of friendship and loyalty
  • Learn how inclusive communities can open new doors
  • Join a diverse group of kids on their first big adventure

 

Dingo & Toad Join the Rangers is a fun, inclusive picture book for children ages 5–9 that encourages kids to embrace teamwork, outdoor exploration, and making space for everyone. It’s perfect for classrooms, families, and young readers who love scouting, camping, and stories with heart.

✨ Great for fans of:

  • The Berenstain Bears
  • Arthur
  • Scouts Honor

A perfect gift for budding adventurers and best friends everywhere.

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

 

Dingo Toad Joins the Rangers is an outstanding illustrated children’s book whose visual appeal perfectly complements the superb and relatable storyline.

 

Dingo and Penny, the alien best friends, are bursting with color and relatability! Despite their alienistic features, which set them apart from Earthlings (excluding cons and Halloween), their everyday activities are remarkably similar to ours. They love playing video games together, exploring, going on adventures, and just having fun. Their planet also has a Boy Scouts troop; unfortunately, they do not have a Girl Scouts one.

Scout organizations are a great way to learn new skills and make new friends, which is why they both wanted to join one. When one is not available, as in Penny’s case, the news can be very disappointing. This is why every community should have an all-inclusive scout group, like the Rangers, designed by the creative co-authors Lamar and Liana Golden.

As the besties meet their fellow troop members, the illustrator’s skills and imagination continue to shine. Tom McGrath’s alien creations were so adorable. I loved the purple bird with large eyes who wore tiny spectacles and the alien whose green eyestalks poked through their hat. Every creature, whether above ground or underwater, amazed me, and so did the vibrant scenery. Great color choices!

Dingo Toad Joins the Rangers is a spectacular book, from its storyline about the importance of inclusiveness, friendship, enjoying the outdoors, and learning new life skills to the bold, stunning illustrations. It’s the perfect gift idea for sci-fi fans, best friends, and those interested in or involved with scouting organizations.

Share Dingo Toad Joins the Rangers at your next troop meeting, with your students, and family. It’s a fun read for all ages, but the author’s target audience is children ages 5 to 9.

 

Be sure to check out Dingo Toad Helps a Friend and stay tuned for more details for the upcoming release, Dingo Toad Opens a Wormhole!

 

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

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Meet the Dynamic Duo! 

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.
 
For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.
 
Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.
 
Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.
 
You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden
 

Reedsy Author Link

 

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Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by MJ Murray (Book Review)

Dylan and Emily are back in book #3 of this series. This time, someone took the Camp Leaf trophy. Can they track down the prize in time for the camp games?

Dylan and his little sister, Emily, don’t go anywhere without Dylan’s detective kit. Their trusty dog, Theodore, is always by their sides, ready to lend a helping paw. While the kids are away at camp, the Camp Leaf games trophy goes missing. Together with some old friends and a few new ones, Dylan and Emily set off to track down the trophy.

 

Parents & Educators:

For reluctant readers or newly independent readers, books in this series can be read in any order and are packed full of reading-level appropriate text, interesting content, and fast moving plots. This story includes 20+ illustrations to keep readers engaged.

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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.

 

Every summer, parents send their kids to camp or take their family camping. Whether you pitch a tent, camp out in an RV, or hunker down in a cabin, fun is the object of any camping adventure. Dylan was having none of it. The rain was not letting up for the first three days of his vacation, and the only fun activity he participated in (so far) was roasting marshmallows. Okay, bugs and no Wi-Fi would be terrible, but s’mores for lunch? Count me in! 

Dylan was bummed he hadn’t gone swimming yet, and the camp games hadn’t started yet either. What he needed to scare away his boredom was a mystery, and you don’t have to be Sherlock to deduce that is precisely what occurred. When the rain clouds parted, the campground owner (Mrs. Fan) was ready to get the show on the road. In other words, let the camp games begin! However, the campers would have to put their fun on hold for a little longer because someone nabbed the prize. Mrs. Fan said the games would commence once the trophy was found or returned to the winner’s stand.

With his The Young Sleuths detective kit, Dylan volunteered to lead the investigation. His sister, Emily, offered her services as his helper. And Theodore, the family pet, was along for the ride as a cute distraction. Besides his two sidekicks, Mrs. Fan said her granddaughter Paige would join Dylan to ensure he didn’t upset any campers. As the investigation unfolded, Dylan’s sleuthing team gained another member, making them a team of 4 kids and one adorable dog. They weren’t chasing ghosts like a famous detective team, but they did focus their attention on illuminating objects. It’s a good thing Dylan’s detective kit came with a UV flashlight.

As the mystery plays out, Dylan’s suspect list continues to grow. Can you solve the mystery of who swapped the trophy for a moss-covered rock before Dylan and his helpers? Can you figure out the thief’s motive? Encourage your kids to create their own suspect list and see if they can solve the crime before the culprit confesses.

Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf is a 10-chapter storybook that will hook your young reader until the thief is unveiled. And everyone will say. “Aw,” when the reason behind the theft is disclosed. 

With its diverse cast and sweet resolution, this is a mystery book you’ll want to share with your family or class! 

Bonus Material: There are TWO QR codes. The first redirects you to a newsletter sign-up form where fans get advance notice of free educational resources, subscriber-exclusive print giveaways, and new releases. The second code offers free downloadable ELA/Math book companion resources. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

MJ Murray is a California-based writer whose first book, Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail, is available online wherever books are sold. She is often found with a dog in her lap, even though she tells people she isn’t an animal person.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

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Quest For Different: Bucky’s Adventures by GD Sexton (Book Spotlight)

A Quest for Different – Bucky’s Adventures is a heartwarming children’s book that tells the tale of a rare piebald white-tailed deer named Bucky. Bucky embarks on a quest to find someone who is different like him. Along the way, he meets a little girl named Clara, who has and is equally special. The story beautifully illustrates the idea that being different is something to be celebrated and cherished. The vibrant illustrations enhance the storyline, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s library

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Meet the Author

GD Sexton is a musician, singer, songwriter and is half a duo along with JoAnn Durbin.
They are known as DoubleHearts of Doubleheartsmusic.com

Reedsy Author Link

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A Little Something About Me by Karlene Y Murray (Book Review)

Dreamers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ability levels. Children have different abilities and face different challenges. Some may have obstacles that limit them a little or a lot, but ALL can be empowered.

The children featured in A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT ME offer empowering stories of hope and inclusion that emphasize the importance of having choices, taking risks, being supported and listened to, thinking and speaking positively, and treasuring happy moments.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Karlene Murray brings together a diverse cast in her children’s book, A Little Something About Me. First, we’re introduced to Julia, a young girl with Down Syndrome. Julia may learn slower than others, but that’s okay. What really matters is how she treats others, and it’s with kindness.

Jae-won explains that he’s adopted; his biological parents gave him up for a better life. The decision to give up your child is never an easy choice, but it’s a reality many parents face. Jae-won felt what others would face in similar scenarios: nervousness and fear of the unknown. However, they reassured young readers walking a similar path that, with time, those negative emotions will be replaced with joy and love. Plus, a family isn’t defined by shared DNA. It’s about the people you can count on and who make you happy. 

Children will read about Lisa, who longs for the day they are cancer-free. They want to stress that while they have Leukemia, it does not define them. Their positive attitude is inspiring! While many children might’ve heard of cancer, dwarfism or achondroplasia might be a foreign terminology. The illustration did a decent job showing the genetic condition; however, a child might walk away assuming people with dwarfism only have enlarged heads.

As the book continues, we meet Kimmy, who’s more comfortable with fictional people. Then there’s Marcos, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I was happy to see Taylor representing the hearing-impaired community and Jiyaan, a paraplegic boy who doesn’t let his physical limitations keep him from doing what he loves. His ball-playing and chair-maneuvering skills were impressive! I’m sure he’ll reach his goal: medaling in the Paralympic Games. 

Children reading this book might see themselves (physically or mentally) among the thirteen characters. Maybe for the first time! 

I recommend sharing this informative and diverse book with your family and school. Also, utilize the links featured on the “Additional Information” page and expand your knowledge regarding every topic shared in the mini-stories. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Karlene Murray is the author of Best of Both Parents. She is an avid lover of reading, travel and cooking. It has been a dream for a very long time to write and publish a children’s book and that dream has finally come true.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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Heart-Dreamer: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams-No Matter What (SECOND EDITION) by Cheryl Melody Baskin (Book Review)

 
HEART DREAMER: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams-No Matter What (SECOND EDITION)
 
 
Nurture your body, mind and spirit and gain insight about your unlimited potential.

User-friendly and inspirational, it is designed for anyone who has always been a dreamer, forgot their dreams along the way, or never knew how to dream. It is also dedicated to readers who want to heal and grow from inside-out and live life with more lightness, balance and joy.

By sharing my struggles and vulnerabilities, you will see that you’re not alone with your own doubts, fears and insecurities … and the abundance of self-healing and self-discovery activities sprinkled throughout each chapter will serve to guide and transform your personal journey.

Heart-Dreamer also contains the voices of wisdom from people all over the world who share their life lessons with you in one inspiring community of love.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
Heart-Dreamer: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams-No Matter What (SECOND EDITION) by Cheryl Melody Baskin is an enlightening self-help book that I think many people will find helpful in their everyday lives. It contains mental exercises that you can do alone or with a group. She states that when you complete specific activities, don’t seek perfection. “Just allow your creative spirit to flow out of you without self-judgment, overthinking, and overanalyzing.”  
 
Cheryl Melody Baskin includes ways to cope with anxiety, which she admits to having when it comes to public speaking.


She encourages starting each day with an open mind and open heart. 


Be patient. Be compassionate. Be optimistic. I agree with her completely! Each day is a new chapter in your life. Enter it with your eyes and heart wide open. 


As with Peace Dreamer: A Journey of Hope in Bad Times and Good, Cheryl included testimonials from the “Shift of Heart” community. Mary-Jane and Karen’s story touched my heart the most. Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself, your life, with me (us, the readers). 


Once again, Cheryl shared lyrics with her readers. Lovely! 


There were also several quotes, but one stood out more than the others. “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world.” I agree that without using our imagination, there would be no art, no music, no theatre, and much more. These mediums can heal, soothe and bring joy to themselves and those around them. 


Journaling and positive-driven relationships can help someone live a more peaceful life. But Cheryl does state a truth…No matter how nice you express your feelings – someone might not be receptive. It is like what my mom always told me and what I tell my kids all the time, “You can’t please everyone. Stay away from those who make you feel bad about yourself. Surround yourself with good people.” 


Cheryl spoke about using sounds to heal ourselves. I also believe in the power of sound. I use music to clear my mind and to lift my spirits. 


I agree that nature walks, mediation, being grateful, and getting lost in another world help achieve inner peace. Books are my mental sanctuary! 


To Cheryl, I’m sorry that you dealt with childhood bullying. I did, too, and so have my children. No one deserves to be bullied. Ever. Thank you for sharing your story, tips, exercises, and everything else I didn’t mention. <3
 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤
 
Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads
 
 
 
Meet the Author:

 
Cheryl Melody Baskin is an award-winning author. Her motivational self-help books include “Peace Dreamer: A Journey of Hope in Bad Times and Good,” “Heart-Dreamer: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams – No Matter What” (an International Silver Medal Winner from Readers Favorite), and “Shift of Heart: Paths to Healing and Love.” She is also a recording artist, performing artist, spirituality and peace educator, sound healer, intuitive life coach, and facilitator and founder of the FB community, Shift of Heart. She recently received a Life Achievement Award from The Visioneers International Network.
 
 
connect with the author: website ~ facebook goodreads
 
 
 
 
 
 

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