Tag Archives: picture book

August 13, 2025 · 7:00 am

A Mysterious Christmas Visitor by Barbara Leary (Book Review and Kickstarter Campaign)

On a quiet farm on Christmas Eve, a young girl settles in by the fire with a good book—until a crash in the woods shatters the stillness. Accompanied her community of woodland animals, she steps bravely into the shadows to face whatever might be lurking in the dark, only to find a creature that needs her help. What follows is a funny, whimsical tale told in lyrical rhyme and vibrant illustrations—a story of unexpected encounters, connection, and the magic that can find you when you least expect it. With themes of courage, empathy, and understanding, it invites young readers to imagine a world where kindness leads the way.

The rhyme is a fresh take on “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” known popularly as “The Night before Christmas,” attributed to Clement Clark Moore.

The book includes four pages of fun facts about the awesome animals who power Santa’s sleigh, blending entertainment with a bit of education to satisfy the natural curiosity of young readers.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

The holidays are fast approaching, and A Mysterious Christmas Visitor is the perfect book to get readers into the holiday spirit!

It was the night before Christmas, and a darling girl was nestled under a blanket, reading a book by firelight. Her house is filled with the lovely aroma of freshly baked cookies and piping hot stew. All is quiet inside the farmhouse, but outside, something is stirring in the darkness. The sweet young lady swallows her fear and ventures out into the cold winter’s night, but not without an axe. Brilliant idea, especially since she has no idea what awaits her in the dark woods.

The young girl, a beacon of bravery, ventured out alone into the snowy forest. When she spotted the ‘monstrous Thing’ and what she assumed was its glowing purple eye, she didn’t flee. Instead, she weighed her options: run, stay and fight, or offer them some of their delicious food? When the ‘monstrous Thing’ came into view and spoke, the child needed a moment to collect herself and allow her brain to register what was happening. For many readers, the instinct would’ve been to run back to the safety of the house. But she didn’t. And it’s a good thing she didn’t, because they were about to have a once-in-a-lifetime moment. 

The Christmastime character’s story of how they ended up in these woods was amusing. Their facial expression when offered the stew was a moment of pure comedy. Read the story to find out why, but don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the making of the stew!

A Mysterious Christmas Visitor is a wonderful story told through lyrical rhymes and beautiful illustrations. Some rhyme choices may require explanation to younger audiences, such as the use of “warily,” “altitude,” “barbarian,” and “adieu.” Some readers may also be unaware that “venison” refers to deer meat, a key element in understanding why the reindeer’s expression is so memorable in one scene.

Besides delivering a lovely Christmas story, the writer included a section on why reindeer are amazing. There, readers will discover interesting facts about these beautiful animals. For example, a reindeer’s eye color and hooves change depending on whether it’s winter or summer. They are also super-fast runners! Catch these fun facts, plus many more, in the final pages of this delightful children’s book.

Get in the holiday spirit and read A Mysterious Christmas Visitor to your little ones today! My recommended reading age is kids 9 years and younger.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

Kickstarter Campaign: To Fund a Spanish Edition of “A Mysterious Christmas Visitor”

 

 

 

Meet the Author
Join Their Kickstarter Campaign! 

Award-winning indie author Barbara Leary has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a Spanish-language edition of her latest picture book, A Mysterious Christmas Visitor. Told in lyrical rhyme and brought to life by illustrator Marrieta Gal, this heartwarming holiday tale for ages 9 and under follows a young girl who discovers a frightened reindeer hiding in the shadows and learns that courage and kindness can lead to unexpected friendship. The book has already been released in English and includes a bonus section of fun reindeer facts for curious kids. With translation by Camila Larrea—one of Barbara’s former grad students—the Spanish edition aims to offer children from bilingual and Spanish-speaking families a story that feels like it was written just for them. 

 

Backers can choose rewards starting at $5 in either language, including beautifully illustrated e-book and print editions, sticker sheets, holiday cards, and digital goodies. Shipping is planned for November. You can check out the pre-launch page here: 

Kickstarter Campaign: To Fund a Spanish Edition of “A Mysterious Christmas Visitor”

 

Reedsy Author Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

August 11, 2025 · 7:00 am

Molly and Potato by Dr Kelly Curtin and Molly Hallinan (Book Review)

Molly wished for a dog. But her mom; busy, tired, and not a “dog person,” always said no. Then came the cancer. As Molly’s mom begins her treatment and healing journey, Molly learns just how brave she can be. And when a scruffy shelter pup named Potato comes into their lives, everything begins to change.

Told in two voices—Molly & Potato: A (Human) Love Story and Potato & Molly: A (Canine) Love Tail—this heartfelt children’s book explores how love, loss, and rescue go both ways. Both Molly and Potato wrestle with confusing feelings: guilt over finding joy after hardship, and the realization that sadness and happiness can exist together.

Co-written by pediatrician and cancer survivor Dr. Kelly Curtin and her daughter Molly Hallinan, these mirrored stories gently show young readers that healing doesn’t mean pretending, and that it’s okay to be happy, sad, and everything in between. Through their love and support for each other, Molly and Potato learn that a sad past doesn’t stop them from finding happiness in the present.

Preorder: Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Molly and Potato is a touching story, narrated first through the eyes of a little girl in A (Human) Love Story and then from the perspective of a sweet shelter dog in A (Canine) Love Tail. These moving tales are inspired by a real family and their real rescue pup during a time when the little girl was overwhelmed with feelings centering around her mother’s cancer diagnosis and the pup who longed for a home/family.

Cancer is a disease that strikes fear in the hearts of those with the diagnosis and also their family members. It can be difficult for people, especially children, to understand how cancer will affect their loved ones. If they’ve already lost someone to cancer, another loved one getting the diagnosis can make them wonder if this person will meet the same fate. Molly’s story falls into the latter category. The darling little girl lost her aunt to cancer and now fears that cancer will take her mom away too. Molly’s sadness, anger, and fears over the unfortunate situation are valid, and her family did offer reassuring words. However, Molly’s mother realized that her worried daughter needed more help coping with the terrible situation, so they visited the animal shelter, where Molly met her adopted friend, Potato.

Like Molly, Potato is also navigating a world of big emotions. He grapples with the question of why no one wants to adopt him because of his broken teeth. Despite the kind words from the vet and shelter volunteers, Potato doesn’t feel beautiful. He feels a mix of sadness and anger until one day, a family walks into the shelter. Then, his doggie dreams come true. Molly and Potato share hugs when one of them is sad. They lend an ear when the other needs to talk. They also both question the reason why they entered into each other’s lives, stirring up more conflicting feelings. (Read the story for more information.)

Was it fate that brought Molly and Potato together? Perhaps. Whether you believe in fate or not, what all readers will agree on is that these two changed each other’s lives for the better. I recommend sharing this touching story with any child dealing with intense feelings surrounding a medical diagnosis, considering adopting an animal, or who needs a reason to smile. While the story touched my heart, the illustrations fell short. There were inconsistencies in the coloring of the pooch’s face, and certain scenes and images have an AI-generated feel to them. That said, Potato’s crying image made me say, “Aww,” and the framed photo of Molly dressed as a princess holding Potato, who was wearing a tuxedo, was adorable. Love the bowtie!

Whether your child is wrestling with big feelings regarding an illness in the family, considering adopting a pet, or simply in need of a heartwarming story about kindness and healing, I recommend reading Molly & Potato. My suggested target audience is 3-8-year-olds.

 

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

Preorder: Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Molly and Potato was co-written by pediatrician and cancer survivor Dr. Kelly Curtin and her daughter Molly Hallinan. Scroll down to ‘meet’ Dr. Kelly Curtin.

Dr. Kelly Curtin, DO FAAP CHCQM is a pediatrician and writer whose work explores her illness, motherhood, and trauma. She brings clinical insight and personal experience to works that examine what it means to be heard, to survive, and to live without regret. She is a state and nationally recognized pediatrician for her work with children and oral health advocacy, as well as a mother to three amazing kids. She wrote this book to support kids facing Adverse Childhood Events, as she herself was one. Against all odds, she is a cancer survivor and she couldn’t feel more lucky.

Read her most recent essays “The Life You Save May Be Your Own” and “Luck of the Irish: A Parable of Inheritance, Illness, and Hope” on KevinMD.

Amazon Author Page Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

August 8, 2025 · 7:00 am

Will’s Dream World: a children’s guide to having fun dreams and mastering nightmares by Will Nel (Book Review)

In this beautifully illustrated rhyming adventure, young Will discovers the secret to taking control of his dreams.

From scary spiders to teasing bullies, each nighttime challenge becomes an opportunity for courage, creativity, and self-mastery.

Perfect for children aged 3–7, Will’s Dream World empowers kids to face their fears and shape their own dreamscapes with confidence and imagination.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Nightmares can disrupt our peaceful sleep, causing us to wake in fright, with our hearts racing and bodies shaking. Children, especially, can have a strong reaction to these unsettling dreams. They might seek comfort in their parents’ beds or delay bedtime, fearing what might come in their dreams. In Will’s Dream World, a young boy grapples with similar fears that many children can relate to. A spider lurks, and a uni-lion monster roars and gives chase. The suspenseful and frightening dream shifts, showing the child screaming in terror as an animal is chomping at the bit to grab it. The dream takes an unexpected turn, mirroring the emotional turmoil many children face with school bullies.

Will faced many “monsters” in Will’s Dream World, but through the fear, he found his inner strength. He recalled his father’s wise words, reminding the sweet boy that these were his dreams, just silly thoughts that filled his head, which meant Will did have the power to change his thoughts. Kids will watch in amazement as Will defeats the villains one by one, becoming the hero of the story!

Introduce Will’s Dream World, a captivating rhyming story, into your child’s bedtime routine. Show them that, like Will, there’s nothing to fear in dreamland, and remind them that they have the power to change their story! Overcoming the fear of nightmares may take time, but reading Will’s Dream World every night might just speed up the process!

Although I appreciated the muted colors that indicated negative emotions in many of the dream sequences, unfortunately, one image had a significant flaw: a fleeing bully had his head facing the wrong direction, which could potentially confuse the child and disrupt the flow of the story. Other than that, this was a delightful story that will (hopefully) generate more pleasant dreams for all kids who battle the bedtime woes.

This book is designed to entertain and comfort children, providing a gentle way to address their fears and empower them to manage their nightmares. It’s a perfect book for children learning the difference between reality and fantasy, dealing with nightmares, or fans of stories where kids are the heroes!

Recommended reading age is 3-7 years.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Will Nel grew up on a sheep farm in remote South Africa, far from neighbours and more than 100 km from the nearest town. With only a handful of people in his early world, he developed a vivid inner life shaped by solitude, dreams, and the wide, open land.

Sent to boarding school at age six, Will learned early how to navigate loneliness, unfamiliar faces, and the need to stand his ground. Though his professional path took him far from storytelling — earning a PhD in energy studies and building a career as an engineer — the stories from his early years never left him.

Those long-held memories — of conquering dreams, building contraptions, and backyard expeditions — have found new life in the imaginative stories Will now enjoys sharing with children. Will’s Dream World is his first published book, drawing on the quiet resilience and emotional adventures of a childhood lived far off the beaten path.

Amazon Author Page Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 31, 2025 · 7:00 am

What Would You Do? by CK Willie (Book Review)

This beautifully illustrated book with easy-to-read whimsical rhyme reaches out to children, or anyone of any age, to show them how to make their dreams come true. Whether they want to be an astronaut, a dragon tamer, build robots or ride in a hot air balloon, anything is possible if you believe in you!

No matter who you are or where you live, everyone has the same thing in common…dreams, dreams that may seem impossible. “What Would You Do?” shows that they are possible as long as you’re willing to believe in yourself. Our fears hold us back but one thing is true, our happiness lies just outside our comfort zone. So keep dreaming, believe in you and make those dreams come true!

So many things
in the world to try.
If you’re afraid
they may pass you by.
The pages of this book
will show you the way
to overcome your fears
so start reading 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.

 

Neophobia (fear of new things) can limit us from embracing new experiences and adventures. Yet, when we conquer our fears, the world becomes our playground. In this captivating children’s picture book, beautifully brought to life with vibrant illustrations, readers are prompted to ponder, “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” Imagine the possibilities. Where would you venture? What would you accomplish?

The children in this adventurous tale, spoken in rhyme, demonstrate incredible bravery as they climb the highest mountain and travel across the blue seas. They explore outer space, become robotic, and go toe-to-toe with a massive multi-colored dragon. We watch as a stylishly dressed Luchadores (Spanish for wrestler) gets the upper hand against their crocodile opponent. Great wrestling attire, especially the máscaras (Spanish for masks)! So pretty! Superhero kiddos make an appearance, too, while another child couldn’t resist monkeying around. I laughed at the kitten peeking out the shuttle door as a block of cheese and a kid astronaut floated close to the moon. The feline’s expression screamed, no amount of cheese in this galaxy will get me to step a paw outside this shuttle.

There’s so much more to explore in What Would You Do?, transforming the impossible into possible. Kids will love and laugh at the silly illustrations, such as the lion who loves to sing or the zebra who’s not thrilled to give out rides. They’ll cheer for the brave knight who rode to face the dragon in a wheelchair instead of a mighty stead. Readers will say, aw, as the boy reads his new pet dragon a bedtime story. No matter where the journey takes these kids, the writer’s mission is to encourage kids to believe in themselves and not allow fear to hold them back. So, take the author’s advice and repeat these four powerful words, “I believe in me,” and then go out and slay dragons!

While Amazon’s target audience for this book is 3-8-year-olds, the charming illustrations and diverse characters will captivate readers of all ages.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

CK Willie lives in sunny Arizona and originally wanted to be a writer, though not necessarily a poet. However, her writing naturally rhymed, leading her to embrace poetry. She found delight in expressing feelings of doubt, insecurity and self-belief in playful and relatable ways for children. As a mother of four, a grandmother of nine and a great grandmother of two, she feels the greatest gift we can give children is confidence, believing in who they are and what they can do. The world is waiting for them! When she’s not writing, she is on the court playing pickleball and is learning to play Mahjongg.

Amazon Author Page Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 25, 2025 · 7:00 am

At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride by Freya Novak (Book Review)

Introducing Dallas Dingo, the quintessential “jack of all trades” at the Ragtag Hotel.

On a sweltering, sticky afternoon, Dallas cheerfully navigates the hotel’s elevator, zipping residents up and down with a bright smile.

In this lively community, you’ll meet a diverse array of captivating residents: a cheerful capybara flashing a toothy grin, a poised ostrich strutting with grace, a faint-prone quokka, a diminutive tarsier with large, soulful eyes, a whimsical armadillo rolling around playfully, and a worried okapi anxious about fitting into the elevator.

The atmosphere brims with anticipation as more animals squeeze in. Will they all manage to fit into the crowded, bustling elevator, or will someone be left behind? And what adventures await on the mysterious fourteenth floor?

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride is Freya Novak’s first children’s book, and I suspect readers like me hope there’s more to come soon. Here’s why…

Back in the day, elevator operators were a standard fixture in hotels. They added a level of sophistication to the building. While the job is becoming obsolete, you can still find operators in historic establishments. As the doors to the Ragtag Hotel open, we meet Dallas Dingo, their elevator operator extraordinaire. Kids might wonder why riders needed a special person to push their floor number. That question could lead to a discussion of the evolution of the elevator and those who maintained it. For this story, the author kept it simple. Listen for the ping and wait for which animal is set to board the container next. No previous knowledge of elevator attendants is needed. Just sit back and enjoy the comedic ride.

On a scorching day, the animals in the storybook are all heading to the same floor, 14. Colin Capybara is the first to join Dallas Dingo on the elevator, greeting him with a ‘Hola,’ which is ‘Hello’ in Spanish. This greeting and others in the story are translated for readers, enhancing their understanding of different languages without distracting them from the main dialogue or scenery. The consistent use of dark blue for the greetings and their translations is a fantastic feature that allows readers to learn simple greetings in multiple languages, adding an educational element to the story.

This particular contraption was the clown car of the elevators. When you think no more animals could possibly fit, the machine rings, signaling a new rider is about to board. I loved the variety of animal riders. The author chose animals rarely seen in many children’s picture books. Oona Ostrich, Queenie Quokka, Tiny Tarsier, Ami Armadillo, and Oma Okapi accompanied Colin Capybara and Dallas Dingo on the lift as they climbed to level 14. Why to level 14? What awaits the six passengers there? It has a lot to do with the sweltering heat outside. As temperatures rise for many of us, readers might guess what’s on every animal’s mind to beat this blistering heatwave. (Read the story to see if your guess is correct!)

At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride was filled to the brim with positive qualities.It featured a variety of animals that readers, young and old, may not recognize. Yeah, that includes me with the okapi. What a delightful and unique-looking animal that shares characteristics with giraffes and zebras. This story also enlightened viewers on how other ethnicities greet one another, hopefully generating interest to learn more words from the languages presented: Spanish, Swahili, Lingala, and Filipino. And the icing on the cake was the comedic aspect. I didn’t think Oona Ostrich would fit on the elevator with their large body, but they did. I really didn’t believe Oma Okapi would squeeze their striped backside into the lift, but they proved me wrong, too. The hilarity hit the mark when the elevator finally began climbing to the 14th floor with all seven animals on board (six riders plus the operator). Their facial expressions spoke volumes! Would they make it, or would their combined weight break the box? READ the story and find out.

Looking to beat the heat this summer? Seeking a book that’ll have your kids LOL? Read At the Ragtag Hotel: The Elevator Ride and then consider cooling off like the animals in this fantastic tale!

My recommended reading age is 6 years and up.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

 
Freya Novak’s passion for reading began at a young age when she discovered Enid Blyton’s “The Magic Faraway Tree.” This experience ignited her imagination and inspired her to become a writer. For her debut children’s book, Freya chose to use a pseudonym.

Reedsy Author Link

 
 
 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , ,