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Monsters Don’t Say Meep: Even the tiniest roar can make the biggest difference by Bridgetta Tomarchio (Book Review)

It was supposed to be a magical night…
until a few mischievous kittens turned it into chaos.
Can the tiniest voice save the day?

At Monster Scare Prep School, every monster is practicing their scariest roar. But when Meep tries, all that comes out is a squeaky little “meep.” The others laugh—until real trouble strikes, and Meep may be the only one who can save the day.

Will he find his roar—or discover that being himself is more than enough?

Funny, playful, and full of heart, Monsters Don’t Say Meep is a laugh-out-loud monster adventure about courage, individuality, and the magic of being yourself—reminding us that sometimes the smallest voice makes the biggest impact.

Perfect for bedtime, classrooms, and storytime, this book will have kids (and adults) cheering for their own true voices.

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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.

 

Halloween is quickly approaching, and as kids decide which costume to wear this year, the students at the Monster Scare Prep School are practicing their scariest roars for The Monsters’ Ball’s biggest roar contest. Every monster that took the stage gave their mightiest roar, but when it was Meep’s turn, all he could manage was to squeak out a “meep.” The two-horned, green monster’s failed attempt was met with laughter from its classmates, causing their shoulders to slump in embarrassment or humiliation. Many readers will empathize with Meep’s situation and reaction.

Meep faced laughter on more than one occasion over their weak roar. Each time, the mockery instantly dampened his spirits, but he vowed to find his roar in time for the ball. This determination and perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful message that will inspire and motivate young readers. But the million-dollar question is, did Meep find their roar? Did they win the contest? Those questions will be answered when you read the book, and I hope you decide to share it with your family or students!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a wonderful collection of colorful monsters. There were monsters with two eyes or one huge eye. Monsters with horns, spikes, or even both. There were monsters with bright, white teeth, as well as several that were toothless. There were a few surprise party crashers and a DJ duck spinning the turntable. Yes, you read that right…Monsters Don’t Say Meep had a duck for a DJ!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep did have a few design issues and one noticeable editing mistake; overall, though, it was a delightful story that discourages laughing at someone’s mistake while encouraging young listeners to keep trying. The creature’s laughter did hurt Meep’s feelings, but it didn’t deter them from their goal. This is a powerful lesson in empathy and understanding, and we should all follow Meep’s example: keep striving to reach your goal(s)!

Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches kids that it’s okay to be look or sound different, to embrace what makes you unique. This story had many endearing qualities. The scene featuring the monsters “polishing their fangs” and “fluffing their fur” was quite humorous. While the bat’s wings and nose were a bit off the mark, the animal was still adorable. I bet young viewers will giggle over Meep’s headpiece and his expulsion of air.

I recommend sharing the book with kids aged 3-8 years. Use this story as a lead-in to an art activity: designing a monster or a jack o’lantern. Make it a part of your classroom party! At school or at home, Monsters Don’t Say Meep teaches important lessons to young listeners while entertaining them with its cute, colorful, Halloween-themed illustrations.

Help your kids find their voice by reading Monsters Don’t Say Meep!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Bridgetta Tomarchio is an author, ghostwriter, and PR powerhouse who has helped countless entrepreneurs and creatives bring their stories to life. Founder of Plot Twist Ink, she coaches writers from concept to bestseller, drawing on 20+ years of experience in media, publishing, and publicity. Her career spans actress, host, producer, and publicist for celebrities and high-profile clients, giving her an unmatched eye for storytelling that captivates both readers and the media. Bridgetta’s own writing blends raw honesty, empowerment, and heart—whether she’s crafting memoir, children’s adventures, or bold fiction. Her greatest inspiration is her 5-year-old son, Lucian, who fuels her imagination and serves as her enthusiastic “guinea pig” for children’s stories. With every project, Bridgetta weaves purpose, passion, and authenticity—helping others find their voice and transform their stories into legacies.

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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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Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise by Ryan O’Connor (Book Review)

Join Bobby the Bear in the forest for the surprise of a lifetime and a lesson in the importance of true friendship. With captivating art and a carefully crafted message, Bobby’s story is sure to delight children of all ages. Through his many stories, Bobby teaches his forest friends life lessons through kindness, respect, and positivity while learning some lessons of his own along the way.

Teachers will appreciate the available free activities and exercises that satisfy basic common core curriculum requirements in math, science, and English language arts.

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

 

It’s Bobby the Bear’s birthday, and he is excited to spend the day at the lake with his friends: Owen (the owl) and his owlets, Mr. and Mrs. Butterfly, Rachel (the rabbit), Tanya (the tiger), Brian (the beaver), plus an additional one (pictured in group shot but not visited by Bobby). On his way to the lake, Bobby stopped at his friends’ homes, but they were all gone. Bobby was confused about where everyone was and wondered if they had already left for the lake.

The bear arrived at the lake and noticed no one was there either. He waited for his friends to arrive, but they never appeared. Did they forget his birthday? I’ve taken my children to birthday parties where they were the only attendees. It’s heartbreaking to watch a birthday kid run to the window when they hear a vehicle and see confusion and sadness sweep across their face when the car passes by their home. Bobby’s situation might resonate with some kids. It might make others rethink passing on invites, so their classmates never experience confusion and sadness, as Bobby did on his special day.

Bobby’s story ends with a surprise happy ending, which all parents want for their children on birthdays. It’s a heartwarming moment that will surely bring a smile to kids’ faces. The joyful conclusion reinforces the power of friendship while reminding kids that even in the face of disappointment, there’s always the potential for a happy ending.

Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise is a wonderful children’s book with big, bold illustrations. I loved Tanya the Tiger’s “out to lunch” sign. The paw prints were a cute touch. The cake was decorated so lovely that one would almost hate cutting into it. Not me, I love cake! The group shot of the partygoers perfectly ended the story. 

There were three items I would change, though. First, I would’ve included every animal’s name and home. The author didn’t name the orange and white animal in the group photo, and Bobby didn’t stop by their house either. Second, since most people read left to right, I would’ve swapped placements for the text on the grey background and words in the speech bubble. Lastly, I was surprised Bobby didn’t talk to the turtle at the lake. Ask if the tutle would like to celebrate his birthday with him. That would’ve made for a sweet, touching moment.

Even without those small additions mentioned above, Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise was a lovely read with adorable illustrations. It’s a storybook that parents can use to teach kids animal names and even their colors. With its simple word choices, Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise would make an excellent book for early readers. This book would make a great birthday gift, too!

The book’s info states, “Teachers will appreciate the available free activities and exercises that satisfy basic common core curriculum requirements in math, science, and English language arts.” I couldn’t access those from my reviewer’s copy, but I encourage parents and teachers to take full advantage of the free resource materials! 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 1/2
(I will round up to 4 on Amazon and Goodreads.)

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Meet the Author

Award-winning author and teacher Ryan O’Connor hails from Kansas, where his passion for writing and education developed. Ryan has spent the past fifteen years teaching English to students of all ages in the United States and China. After spending a decade living abroad, Ryan calls Kansas City home.

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Time Telling Ted by Julian Hilton (Book Review)


This teddy bear is no ordinary bear, he is Time Telling Ted!

 

Ted lives his life by his watch and loves to tell the time.
With his own birthday party today, will he realize it’s time to get things ready, before it’s too late?

A timely story with teddies.
Can you find all the clocks and tell the time with Ted?

From the Reader’s Favorite award finalist, author of the popular Jumbo Giant Sausages and The Button and the Bean, comes a third ‘read-and-learn’ story that spans a whole day told on clocks and watches.

Read and learn stories tell a great tale, while giving you the chance to learn something too!

Perfect for those practicing how to tell the time, although you don’t need to learn in order to love this story.

With a great resource section on telling the time at the back of the book, plus clocks and other fun things to find, this book is a great addition to any library or classroom.

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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.

 

Time Telling Ted is an outstanding interactive children’s book that teaches young viewers the concept of time.

Ted is an adorable bear that loves to tell time. He sleeps next to an old-fashioned twin-bell alarm clock on his nightstand—a vintage device kids might not recognize, but their parents will. As the hands on the analog clock reach eight o’clock, it loudly rings for Ted to wake up and start his day. Readers will notice that every mention of a time, such as a quarter till nine, will be presented in enlarged yellow text. The hands on the clocks will always match the stated time, too. Breakfast at nine, shopping at 10:30, nap at five to one, every point of Ted’s busy day is referenced to a particular time, making this a perfect book for children learning to tell time.

Today is a very special day for our adorable bear, Ted; it’s his birthday! With so much to do, he relies on his wristwatch and other clocks to keep him on track. There are party supplies to gather, a room to decorate, food to purchase, music to select, lunch to prepare, and (of course) a not-so-quick nap to recharge Ted’s (figurative) battery. Will Ted be mindful of the time and complete each item on his birthday party to-do list? Read the creative story where Ted’s most valuable asset is the timepieces and discover the answer for yourself!

Speaking of timepieces, Julian Hilton (the author) has crafted multiple fun and engaging activities requiring kids to seek out hidden items and characters in the various scenes. They ask you to find every clock or watch and see if kids can recognize the time. Children will also hunt for the “two naughty sausages” while seeking out Button and the Bean. Kids are encouraged to find Ted’s birthday cards, too. But wait! That’s not all! The author has included more time-based games and activities: “What’s the time, Mr. Wolf?” and “Do you know what time it is?” In the last one, the writer does a magnificent job teaching kids what time it is when the “long hand” points to a number on or in between two numbers. There are more helpful time tips, so I recommend picking up a copy today and sharing it with your family or class! See if they can recognize the timepieces and their featured time! Encourage young listeners to share what time device they or their family use.

I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age of 3-8 years for Time Telling Ted. This book is a great resource for kids learning or mastering their time-telling skills. The sweet artwork revolving around a toy bear, a toy most kids have, was adorable. I’m sure children within this age range will love Ted bear-y much!

(Review submitted to Reedsy on January 26, 2025.)

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

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Meet the Author

Julian Hilton lives beside the seaside in the magical county of Devon, England. Born in Liverpool in 1969, England, the same week Get Back was in the charts, Doesn’t write songs. Likes writing children’s stories, draws a bit. Loves possibilities.

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Ivy’s Dinosaur Tea Party by Carrie A. Buck (Book Review)

Ivy is very excited! Today her dinosaur friends will be coming over for tea. She has lots to do from setting the table with teacups and plates, to preparing delicious scones and pastries. When Susan Stegosaurus, Tina T-rex and Tammie Triceratops all arrive, they roar in delight as they greet each other. But they soon run into some unforeseen obstacles. Tina T-rex is unable to reach the pastries with her tiny arms, the others don’t have hands to hold the teacups, and each feels self-conscious about themselves in some way, whether it’s a squeaky voice, slow moving feet, or the eyeglasses they wear. With kindness and compassion, the friends reassure each other that they are special in their own way. The tea party is a huge success!

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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.

 

Kids love dinosaurs. They also love tea parties. Put them together, and you get— one sensational, rhyming children’s book! 

Ivy’s Dinosaur Tea Party begins with Ivy waking up in a fabulous mood. Today, all her dinosaur friends are coming over for a tea party! Readers get a first glimpse at the party’s invitees as Ivy prepares the yummy cookies and pies. Tina T-rex, Susan Stegosaurus, and Tammie Triceratops looked very adorable! I loved the artist’s choice of color combinations for the three dinos. I also liked that the artist gave Susan glasses. Very cute! Tina looked stylish in her exercise accessories: a headband and matching wristbands! So retro! 

When the dinos arrived at Ivy’s house, they all flashed smiles; however, smiles quickly turned to frowns because Ivy didn’t anticipate the dinos’ dilemmas that would arise. How could T-rex reach for the food with their little arms? How could Tammie pick up the teacup when she had no hands to hold it? Readers won’t witness Susan having trouble drinking or eating; instead, the stegosaurus problem surfaces during the dance portion of the party. As Ivy addresses Susan’s sadness over their slipping glasses, the other dinosaurs mention the hardships they face. Being a good friend and kind person, Ivy reassures her chums that they are all perfect just the way they are. And when Ivy mentions she’s extremely shy and is often afraid to speak higher than a whisper, Tina is right by her side, parroting the words Ivy said to them moments ago. 

Insecurities can grow in children and adults. They can affect our daily lives and dampen our spirits. So when you are feeling blue, please remember the writer’s beautiful message and smile: we are all special in our own way. 

My recommended reading age is one to seven years.

 

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

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Meet the Author

I’m a later in life author that took inspiration from my granddaughter to write my first book. It’s something I always dreamed of doing, but thought I’d write an adult novel. After a few unsuccessful attempts I found my true calling with children’s picture book.

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