Tag Archives: nature

Olivia’s Passport Plates: One Brave Bite in Japan (Book Spotlight)

Ready to take your child on a magical adventure through Japan — one delicious bite at a time?

If your little one loves curious adventures, playful storytelling, and discovering new foods and cultures, then Olivia’s Passport Plates: One Brave Bite in Japan is the perfect journey to begin together.

Olivia notices everything.
The flowers on the walk home. The people in line at the bright yellow food truck. The strange triangle-shaped snacks wrapped in dark seaweed.

But trying something new?
That part feels a little harder.

Then one night, a glowing lantern appears at Olivia’s window… and suddenly she’s swept away to Kyoto, Japan, where she meets a boy named Kenji and his grandmother. Together, they cook, laugh, and create delicious onigiri while Olivia discovers that sometimes the bravest adventures begin with just one small bite.

A heartwarming picture book about:

• Trying new foods and experiences
• Exploring Japanese culture through food
• Friendship, family, and belonging
• Building courage and curiosity
• Celebrating cultural connection in a child-friendly way

Complete with:

• An interactive onigiri recipe kids can make at home
• A helpful Japanese glossary
• A gentle introduction to Japanese traditions and food culture

Perfect for curious kids, picky eaters, classrooms, libraries, and families who love stories filled with warmth, wonder, and delicious discovery.

Open the book. Take the first bite. Discover a whole new world together.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

After exploring 55+ countries and cuisines around the world, Rhonda created Olivia’s Passport Plates — a series that invites children to discover every country in the world with curiosity, courage, and one brave bite at a time.

Reedsy Author Link

 

Tip Jar Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Mason Catches the Sky by Laliy Jerez (Book Spotlight)

Mason thinks being sick is boring… until Mami shows him that adventure is just outside the window.

Together, they spy dancing trees, sleepy chimneys, and birds ready for flight. With a little imagination, Mason discovers that even a sick day can be full of wonder-and that when you dream big enough, you can catch the whole sky.

A tender, joy-filled story celebrating creativity, family, and finding magic in everyday moments.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

A storyteller inspired by my two amazing nephews, whose imagination and laughter turn everyday moments into magic. I wrote this book to celebrate Latino children, so they can see themselves as the heroes of the stories they love.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Tip Jar Link

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Let’s Look, Not Touch by Kateryna Dronova (Book Review)

Wherever Mom and her boy go—beach, park, or brook—the curious child loves to stop and look. From frogs that leap to turtles that clutch, Mom always smiles and says, “Let’s Look, Not Touch.”

But when a birthday surprise pops up just right, will Mom’s rule change on this special night?

Let’s Look, Not Touch is a rhythmic read-aloud picture book for kids that celebrates a child’s curiosity, teaches respect for wildlife, and shares the gentle lessons of patience and care. With its repetitive refrain and heartwarming message, this book makes learning about nature and animals an adventure—and builds a love of wildlife that lasts a lifetime.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Kids are inquisitive, and how they learn about the world changes over time. Babies and toddlers explore through touch. Their brain sends a signal instructing them to touch and feel everything. While some objects are safe to touch, others are not. Let’s Look, Not Touch is a rhythmic story that follows a mom and her little boy as they explore different locations, discovering new friends in nature, and learning to observe without touching. The beautiful story teaches young kids to respect nature and be kind to all living things, important lessons to begin learning at a young age.

Join the mom and son as they observe a starfish that has washed up on the beach. Teach kids to be mindful of snakes and spiders, especially when you don’t know whether they are poisonous. Take this engaging book to the park and feed the birds like the characters do in the story. Reminding kids to follow the book’s mantra: “Let’s look, not touch.” Listen to the frogs’ croak and watch as fireflies light up the night sky. Again, helping kids remember these four words: “Let’s look, not touch.” There is so much more to see and explore in this wonderful tale. The mom prompts the child to keep their hands away from certain animals and bugs, but there’s one animal the mom says yes they can touch. Read the story to find out what it is!

Kids do learn by touching objects, but they also learn through repetition. Repeating “Let’s look, not touch” in daily routines reinforces understanding of what is safe to touch and what should only be observed. I recommend sharing Let’s Look, Not Touch with your baby and/or toddler, especially before heading outside, to help instill respectful exploration habits early on. It’s beautifully written and illustrated. I even found the spider cute, and that is an amazing, artistic feat! My only small change, in the overall great story, would be the presentation of text. Placing the text on a solid color or less busy section of each page would make the words pop more. It was still a great read, though, and deserves four stars!

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Kateryna Dronova is a children’s writer who loves turning imagination into playful and heartfelt stories. Growing up surrounded by rich traditions and storytelling, she draws inspiration for her tales that nurture curiosity, courage, and kindness in young readers. Kateryna believes books can spark magic in every child—and she writes to share that wonder.


Amazon Author Page Link
Instagram Link
Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Aloe Vera’s Special Gift by Jeanette Gil (Book Review)

Discover the Healing Power of Being YOU! 🌿

A heartwarming picture book about self-worth, kindness, and the hidden magic of aloe vera.

When Aloe Vera looks around the garden, she sees brilliant blossoms and dazzling petals—while she feels plain and prickly in comparison. No one seems to notice her… until a summer day brings sunburns, scrapes, and rashes—and Aloe steps in to help.

As Aloe uses her soothing gel to heal her garden friends, she begins to understand something powerful: what makes her different also makes her extraordinary.

“Aloe Vera’s Special Gift” is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that gently weaves together themes of self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and the real-life benefits of aloe vera plants. Perfect for ages 3–8, this uplifting story helps young readers recognize their own unique value—and reminds us all that true beauty isn’t always what we see on the surface.

Kids will learn:

  • Everyone has unique gifts that matter
  • Kindness and empathy make us strong
  • Nature is full of healing wonders
  • Being different is something to celebrate

Whether read at bedtime, in a classroom, or during a SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) circle, this book is a gentle reminder to bloom exactly as you are—and to see the beauty in every leaf, petal, and person.

Ideal for:

  • Children ages 3–8
  • Nature lovers and little gardeners
  • SEL and mindfulness programs
  • Classrooms, therapy sessions, and home libraries
  • Fans of “The Invisible String” and “What If Everybody Did That?”

🌸 Plant the seeds of self-love and healing—add “Aloe Vera’s Special Gift” to your bookshelf today!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Aloe Vera is a thick, prickly plant that, from the outside, may look ordinary, but on the inside, it possesses extraordinary healing powers. Sunburns. Itchy skin. Chapped areas. Aloe can soothe skin issues caused by the changing seasons. Aloe learns this amazing fact after wishing she were more like the pretty and pleasantly fragrant neighboring flowers.

Aloe Vera wished she had bright pets like Rose and smelled as lovely as Lavender. Perhaps then the birds and insects would visit her, and she wouldn’t feel so lonely. No longer feel unseen. As the story progresses, Aloe and the viewing audience learn that true beauty comes from within through kindness and compassion.

Aloe didn’t always feel beautiful or special, but they soon discover just how special they are thanks to a rabbit with a not-so-lucky foot. Bunny wasn’t the only animal in need of Aloe’s amazing, cool, soothing gel. Read the story to discover who else stops by for Aloe’s help. See what happens to the garden flowers when the seasons change. Watch a lonely plant find its smile as it embarks on a transformative journey, coming to understand what is more important in life: not how you look, but who you are on the inside.

Aloe Vera’s Special Gift is an uplifting picture book that encourages kids to embrace who they are, focus on their inner beauty, and spread kindness with its heartwarming storyline and vibrant illustrations. Share this touching story with your family or students and let them see the marvelous, real-life benefits of aloe vera plants. Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-8. This is an excellent age bracket for story comprehension and discussions. Even though babies and toddlers won’t understand the dialogue, they’ll love looking at all the flowers, insects, and animals, making this a story kids will enjoy for years.

Order your copy today and share the beauty of aloe vera!

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Jeanette Gil is a passionate Cuban American storyteller with a deep love for nature and the power of healing. As a devoted advocate for kindness, self-care, and personal growth, Jeanette enjoys writing stories that inspire young minds to embrace compassion and empathy. Jeanette brings a unique perspective to children’s literature, creating stories that resonate with both children and parents alike.

Most importantly, Jeanette is a proud grandmother to two amazing babies, who inspire her every day. Her garden in Miami, where a particular aloe plant hosts a sunbathing lizard each afternoon, sparked the inspiration for this debut book. When not writing, she enjoys tending to her plants, reading, spending time at the beach, relaxing in the sun, and engaging in family and community activities.

Aloe Vera’s Special Gift is Jeanette’s first children’s book, reflecting her commitment to nurturing young hearts with messages of love, care, and healing. She finds endless inspiration in the simple beauty of life and the joy of connecting with loved ones.

Amazon Author Page Link
Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Happy Bumble Bee by Ngoc K. Schmidt (Book Review)

Have you ever wondered what a day of a bumble bee is like?

He wakes up from his nice long sleep, he takes a shower (maybe?), and he flies out of his cozy nest to look for flowers.

On the way, he also meets many friends. If it rains, he will find shelter so his little wings can stay dry.

He works hard all day as a pollinator, bringing lives and happiness to all the plants, crops, animals and people.

This is a happy and colorful book about a round little bumble bee and his joyful, hardworking day that will bring a smile on your face.

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

Are you curious about how a bee spends their day? If so, Ngoc K. Schmidt has crafted a beautifully illustrated storybook that entertains and educates. It provides kids with an inside look into the daily life of bumble bees, making it a valuable and informative addition to any young reader’s library.

We first say hello to the insect as they show us their home, a hive hanging firmly from a tree branch. Next, we are amazed to discover a bee takes a shower every day. Who knew?! The illustration featuring the bee washing up was extremely adorable. I loved the addition of a rubber duckie. Kids will, too, since many have a similar toy in their tub. I also liked their water source. Nice use of nature!

As the insect goes about their day, it says hi to new friends. These two pages mark a great spot to stop and ask your toddler to name what they see. Sunny weather. Thunderstorms. The busy bee’s day is not over until he finds nectar to make honey, and the moon lights the sky. Bees are not the only pollinators featured in the book. In Happy Bumble Bee, the humble bee mentioned a beautiful winged co-worker who helps them bring life and smiles. (Read the book to discover the answer.)

I loved every colorful page, especially the scene featuring the tired bee napping on a flower. Kids will be excited to see the bee has a snuggle toy. They’ll probably announce what toy or other item they can’t sleep without. As a cat owner, I smiled at the black and white cat, closely watching the snoozing bee. It reminded me of my indoor cats, who love watching and jumping at anything that rests or flies near the windows. Kids will have fun helping the bee hunt for flowers. They’ll laugh as the bee’s powerful sneeze causes a small caterpillar to fly off the purple flower and soar across the page. It was adorable!

Happy Bumble Bee is ideal for babies to five-year-olds. The large, bright drawings will capture the attention of babies and toddlers. Parents can use this book as an educational tool to teach toddlers their colors and practice counting by adding up the flowers and bees. Three- to five-year-olds will also love the images but understand the text more—mainly everything on the “Benefits of Bumble Bee” page. The limited words per page make this a great story to start kids on the independent reading journey.

My love for the story is overflowing, but one item kept nagging at me… Where are the periods? We see commas, exclamation points, quotation marks, and ellipses, but not one period is used at the end of a sentence. I don’t know if this was an oversight or a design choice. However, this minor issue does not detract from the book’s overall readability.

Rain or shine. Bumble bees are hard at work, from the sun’s first light to the moon alerting them it’s night-night time. I recommend reading Happy Bumble Bee and teaching children that we should be thankful for every buzzing bee!

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Ngoc K. Schmidt is a self-taught illustrator/author who has great love for animals and nature. Her style of art is always considered to be digital color pencil and full of joys and colors. Besides drawing, she is also a polymerclay artist.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized