Tag Archives: picture book

July 11, 2025 · 7:00 am

Sugar Bee the Fairy by Camie Putchaven (Book Review)

Sugar Bee the Fairy is a gentle and magical journey where kindness grows with every flower. Sugar Bee is no ordinary fairy with a mission to teach children the power of respect and kindness. Whether it’s showing love to buzzing bees, being gentle with forest friends, or caring for the Earth beneath their feet. Sugar Bee sprinkles lessons of compassion and harmony wherever she goes. Kindle includes two crafts to make at the end of the book!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Sugar Bee the Fairy is a heartwarming tale about a sweet fairy who spreads kindness wherever they go. Their home is a beautiful place, surrounded by lush woods, fragrant wildflowers, and cute wildlife. The artist, Moran Reudor, has done a remarkable job in bringing this world to life with their detailed illustrations. From the red mushroom’s gills to the squirrels’ bushy tails, and especially Sugar Bee, every page is a visual delight. Readers of all ages will be captivated by the beautiful illustrations and Sugar Bee’s stylish honey bee inspired outfit.

Have you heard this saying, “One’s man trash is another man’s treasure?” Sugar Bee embraces that phrase, exploring and collecting “lost treasures that no one wants anymore.” Besides spreading kindness around the neighborhood, she enjoys recycling old items into new creations. Nice use of the empty plastic bottles! Very creative! (Read the book to view how the fairy reused the recycled items.)

Besides showing the world love by reusing discarded items, Sugar Bee helps restore peace between two raccoons tussling over a sweet treat. Her quick thinking simmered tempers and left the raccoons happy. The forest animals learned a valuable lesson that day. Kids, too. Be kind to one another. Instead of fighting or arguing with someone, stop and think about what you can do to have a peaceful outcome. The solution might be easier than you think.

Sugar Bee the Fairy by Camie Putchaven is a beautiful children’s book that promotes peace, kindness, and recycling or reusing items. Share this lovely story with your children 3-8 years. Encourage your family or class to think of ways to reuse items around their homes instead of tossing them away. Teach kids the importance of respecting and caring for others and our planet. Give to others what you’d want in return: respect and kindness.

Special note: The book’s synopsis states the Kindle version possesses two craft projects, found at the end of the book. My ARC did not have them, but if your family loves crafting, you’ll want to check them out!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Camie Putchaven is a registered veterinary technician, mobile pet care business owner, and now a children’s book author! Inspired by her love of animals, nature, writing, and nurturing young minds, she created Sugar Bee the Fairy.
 

 

 

 

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July 7, 2025 · 7:00 am

Elephants DO Forget: How Emory Found His Memory by P.E. Shadrick (Book Spotlight)

WITH THE HELP OF GOOD FRIENDS, YOU CAN FIND YOUR WAY HOME


Deep in the sun-dappled forest, Emory, a majestic but forgetful elephant, finds himself disoriented and lost. But just when he needs them most, two unlikely heroes swoop in – a parrot with a flair for the dramatic and a frog with a heart of pure gold. Together, they embark upon a thrilling quest, navigating twists and turns, and facing challenges that test their bravery and ingenuity. As they journey on, Emory’s new friends safely guide him home, proving that with kindness, support, and friends by your side, even the most confusing paths can lead to a brighter way.

This heartwarming tale puts a creative twist on the old adage “an elephant never forgets,” instead showcasing the resilience of friendship and support in the face of memory loss. Drawing inspiration from P.E. Shadrick’s father’s experience with dementia, this story whisks young readers away to a world of vibrant characters and lush landscapes, gently introducing them to the complexities of memory loss in a loved one.

Perfect for children aged 3-6 who love adventure, animals, and the magic of friendship.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Check out my review on Reedsy!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

From an early age, Atlanta, Georgia-born, P.E. Shadrick was surrounded by masterful storytellers. Carrying forward a shared love of boundless creativity, she pursued opportunities of artistic expression in design and writing, eventually settling into a career in marketing & communications.


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July 2, 2025 · 7:00 am

Sugar Bee the Fairy by Camie Putchaven (Book Review)

Sugar Bee the Fairy is a gentle and magical journey where kindness grows with every flower. Sugar Bee is no ordinary fairy with a mission to teach children the power of respect and kindness. Whether it’s showing love to buzzing bees, being gentle with forest friends, or caring for the Earth beneath their feet. Sugar Bee sprinkles lessons of compassion and harmony wherever she goes. Kindle includes two crafts to make at the end of the book!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Sugar Bee the Fairy is a heartwarming tale about a sweet fairy who spreads kindness wherever they go. Their home is a beautiful place, surrounded by lush woods, fragrant wildflowers, and cute wildlife. The artist, Moran Reudor, has done a remarkable job in bringing this world to life with their detailed illustrations. From the red mushroom’s gills to the squirrels’ bushy tails, and especially Sugar Bee, every page is a visual delight. Readers of all ages will be captivated by the beautiful illustrations and Sugar Bee’s stylish honey bee inspired outfit.

Have you heard this saying, “One’s man trash is another man’s treasure?” Sugar Bee embraces that phrase, exploring and collecting “lost treasures that no one wants anymore.” Besides spreading kindness around the neighborhood, she enjoys recycling old items into new creations. Nice use of the empty plastic bottles! Very creative! (Read the book to view how the fairy reused the recycled items.)

Besides showing the world love by reusing discarded items, Sugar Bee helps restore peace between two raccoons tussling over a sweet treat. Her quick thinking simmered tempers and left the raccoons happy. The forest animals learned a valuable lesson that day. Kids, too. Be kind to one another. Instead of fighting or arguing with someone, stop and think about what you can do to have a peaceful outcome. The solution might be easier than you think.

Sugar Bee the Fairy by Camie Putchaven is a beautiful children’s book that promotes peace, kindness, and recycling or reusing items. Share this lovely story with your children 3-8 years. Encourage your family or class to think of ways to reuse items around their homes instead of tossing them away. Teach kids the importance of respecting and caring for others and our planet. Give to others what you’d want in return: respect and kindness.

Special note: The book’s synopsis states the Kindle version possesses two craft projects, found at the end of the book. My ARC did not have them, but if your family loves crafting, you’ll want to check them out!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Camie Putchaven is a registered veterinary technician, mobile pet care business owner, and now a children’s book author! Inspired by her love of animals, nature, writing, and nurturing young minds, she created Sugar Bee the Fairy.
 

 

 

 

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July 1, 2025 · 7:00 am

Good Job, Arya! by Miranda Miller and P.J. (Book Review)

BOOM! The doors swing open—and here comes Arya Bear.

She’s not here to do tricks.

She’s not here to talk.

She’s here to help—just by being exactly who she is.

With her pink bow, wild hair, and a tail that wags 100 miles per hour, Arya brings joy, calm, and just the right kind of chaos to the people who need it most.

Inspired by real-life visits, Arya Bear Adventures: Good Job, Arya! follows a registered therapy dog as she comforts kids and families during her hospital work. This gentle, heartwarming story helps young readers understand the powerful role therapy dogs play—just by showing up and being themselves.

Written by Yup’ik author Miranda Miller and her 4-year-old co-author, P.J., this book brings real moments to life through the eyes of a young child and his best furry friend. Perfect for ages 3–5, dog lovers, classrooms, and anyone who’s ever felt better just because a dog was there.


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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.

 

What is a therapy dog, and how does it differ from a service dog? Service dogs are trained to help one person with specific tasks, like guiding a blind person or alerting someone with diabetes when their blood sugar is high or low. On the other hand, therapy dogs help many people by providing comfort and companionship. These canine caretakers visit hospitals, schools, and nursing homes to help people feel calm, happy, and safe. Arya is an energetic therapy pooch who loves their job. Her tail moves at lightning speed, eager to help those in need. With a shake of her head, the pink ribbon falls, their hair poofs up, and many patients’ low spirits are instantly lifted. And if Arya’s wild fur and pink leg warmers don’t cause you to smile, wait until she presents her belly and rolls back and forth. No one can resist the silly dog. Or can they? Has Arya finally met someone whose mood can’t be lifted?

Arya notices a boy sitting all by themselves outside a hospital room. No tears. No smile. The therapy dog calmly approaches the quiet child and waits to see how the boy responds to them. Therapy animals enjoy making people feel better, so I imagine other canines would be just as confused as Arya when their presence and tricks appear to have no effect on the darling child. However, Arya’s patience and dedication are unwavering. Her efforts were celebrated with smiles, laughter, and hugs, proving that patience is oftentimes the key to success and inspiring us all with her resilience.

Arya’s visits play a vital role in a patient’s recovery. Arya and other therapy dogs’ visits can help lower stress, anxiety, and blood pressure while raising spirits. They, like doctors and nurses, are medical superheroes!

Good Job, Arya! is a cute, heartwarming story demonstrating service dogs’ remarkable impact on a patient’s emotional and physical health and even their visitors’ state of mind. This story is perfect for dog owners or canine fans, medical waiting rooms, or anyone who needs a reason to smile today.

My recommended reading age is 2-7 years.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Authors

Miranda Miller and Arya.

Miranda Miranda is an Indigenous Alaskan (Yup’ik) author, entrepreneur, and mother who writes with heart, purpose, and deep cultural pride. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, she blends the warmth of her Yup’ik roots with the joy and wonder of storytelling, inspired by her own life, her son’s imagination, and her beloved therapy dog, Arya Bear.

Miranda’s stories aren’t just tales—they’re lived experiences. Her debut children’s book series, Arya Bear Adventures, celebrates emotional wellness, connection, and kindness—infused with real-life hospital visits, community heroes, and the healing magic of animals. Each character is thoughtfully based on someone from her real world, from nurses to her own family.

A passionate advocate for authenticity and Indigenous representation in children’s literature, Miranda is building a storytelling legacy that reflects the love, resilience, and imagination at the heart of her family and culture.

 

 

 

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June 23, 2025 · 7:00 am

Storma’s Unexpected Adventure: The Tales of Storma by Gina Bayar (Book Review)

A magical journey through a desert of wonders, wildlife, and unexpected friendship.

 

When a dreamy young unicorn sets out in search of the sparkling ocean, she accidentally arrives in the vast, sun-drenched Gobi Desert instead. But what begins as a mistake quickly turns into an unforgettable adventure.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers journey with the unicorn as she meets the rare and wise Mazaalai (the critically endangered Gobi bear) and a kind Bactrian camel who becomes her gentle guide. Together, they explore golden dunes, singing sands, ancient dinosaur footprints, and hidden oases—discovering the wonders of one of the world’s most unique and underrepresented ecosystems.

Blending enchanting fantasy with rich, real-world educational content, The Unicorn and the Gobi Adventure introduces children to the beauty and biodiversity of the Gobi Desert, while nurturing curiosity, compassion, and the joy of discovery.

Perfect for readers aged 4–8, this story celebrates friendship, environmental awareness, and the magic of life’s unexpected paths.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Does your child love unicorns? Do they love stories involving magic or magical powers? Do they enjoy exploring new places and learning facts to share with friends or family? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child will want to read Storma’s Unexpected Adventure.

Storma loves living in the Enchanted Forest with her family, but she wants to see more of the world and visit the places from her parents’ stories. Storma didn’t have wings like Pegasus, but she did have a magical power that made traveling a breeze: She could travel to any location just by closing her eyes and picturing the destination. Now, that’s a magical trick I’d like to have, and I’m sure other readers will want it to!

Storma used her unique magical powers to whisk themselves to a “grand ocean.” Unfortunately, her destination didn’t have an ocean in sight. Did her powers fail her? Not exactly. Her timing was a little off, like a few million years. Storma’s Unexpected Adventure takes readers across the desert, where we meet interesting characters and discover facts about the desert and those who call it home, then and now. Kids are not the only ones who might learn a thing or two about the Gobi Desert. For instance, thanks to this beautifully told story, I found out the desert is home to the rarest bear in the world, and the wind makes music there too! How fascinating!

These are not the only two interesting tidbits you’ll learn as Storma and Polka (camel guide) go in search of the “ocean.” Read the story and discover the hidden gems of the Gobi Desert. Also, check out Did You Know? to learn more about the fascinating Gobi bear, the Mazaalai! It’s a great bonus feature of the book. It’s too bad the author didn’t include fun fact pages dedicated to the desert and camels. A glossary would also be a helper tool for young readers.

This children’s book beautifully captures the Gobi Desert’s unique wildlife. The sunset scene, in particular, is lovely. The vibrant colors against the different shades of sand create a mesmerizing visual. Each scene is reminiscent of the magnetic story activity play sets, with the sticker-quality plant and animal drawings looking like they could be plucked off the page and moved to different locations. It’s a testament to the illustrator’s skill and will captivate children and parents alike. (Special note: Gina Bayar is the book’s writer and illustrator.)

Storma’s Unexpected Adventure takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the Gobi Desert, where they learn there’s more to the landscape than initially seen. Share this story with kids aged eight and under. Ask them to share where they’d visit if they had Storma’s unique magical power. Expand your knowledge and look up what else calls the desert home, past and present. Also, be on the lookout for Storma’s next story, Storma’s Gift! (Release date TBD.)

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Gina Bayar is an author and illustrator of imaginative picture books that celebrate kindness, nature, and the magic of unexpected journeys. A lifelong dreamer and mom of two, she inspires young readers to explore, care for the planet, and believe in themselves.
 

 

 

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