Tag Archives: picture book

May 16, 2024 · 7:00 am

Doggie Detectives (The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws Book 8) by Papa Paws (Book Review)

Today, Molly Paws and her sisters discover another dog toy is missing. Their toy box is empty, so they put on their detective hats and work together to find clues to solve the mystery. Will they ever see their toys again? Will they find out who did this?

Children’s picture book about a sweet little doggie named Molly Paws and her family.

  • Created by a dog dad, every story is based on a real-life event.
  • Toddlers and preschoolers ages 0-5(ish) will enjoy the cute illustrations of the dogs.
  • Moms, dads, and grandparents will love reading the heartwarming stories.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Doggie Detectives (The Everyday Adventures of Papa and Paws) is based on an actual event, which makes this story more relatable in the eyes of young readers. Children will think of their canine companions and be eager to help solve the mystery of the missing toys! 

Toys bring hours of joy and comfort to young children. They grow incredibly attached to certain ones, and to lose one breaks their hearts. Molly Paws and her sisters did not lose just one toy; they lost FIVE in a week. This news is devastating; they must find them. I adored the doggies wearing detective hats illustrations, and so will kids. And who can resist a dog with a heart-shaped nose? No one!  

Molly Paws and her sisters work together to sniff out clues. The clues were not hard to uncover, so children as young as two could join the investigation. Papa Paws illustrated five missing toys. Adding a suspect list would’ve been a nice touch. It would help young minds wager a guess who snatched the missing toys. As you continue reading, ask your young listener who they think stole the toys. Ask if they agree with one dog’s suspicion that Mama the butler did it. 

I’m not an expert on dog breeds, so I can’t pinpoint which breed made which comments in the story. But I agree with the tiny dog with the pink bow that I’m surprised they didn’t question any kitty cats.

Without disclosing who did it, I will say the culprit learned a valuable lesson after they were found with the loot— It is more fun to share and play with friends.

Doggie Detectives (The Everyday Adventures of Papa and Paws) is a fun, interactive storybook with charming illustrations. I recommend sharing the story with children two years and older. 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author 

Nicholas J. Nawroth is Papa Paws. He is a dog lover and artist. At age 9, he created his first comic book featuring his dog, Woody, and has been drawing ever since. He has never lost touch with his childlike wonder and love of dogs, which he shares in his stories. In his free time, he enjoys snuggling up on the couch with the family to watch movies.

Amazon Author Page Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

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

May 15, 2024 · 7:00 am

Ellie Wants to Draw: A Doodle Dilemma (Ellie The Chick Book 5) by Avery Smart (Book Review)

Meet Ellie, the creative little artist chick with a passion for drawing!

From houses to tall trees, flowers, and flying butterflies, Ellie’s artistic spirit knows no bounds. Her imagination soars as she sketches rainbows, the sun, rockets to Mars, boats sailing on the sea, and even castles guarded by mighty dragons.

A little bit here and a little bit there, it’s not going to hurt anyone when you are drawing quietly alone, right?

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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


Whether scribbling on a piece of paper or drawing masterpieces, drawing has many health benefits. It allows the artist to express their feelings. It’s a stress-releaser. It improves motor skills. It activates a person’s imagination and creative side. 

Ellie, the cute chick, loves to draw. However, she makes a mistake that many children make every day: she uses walls as her canvas. Crayola gives children washable art instruments: crayons, markers, pencils, and paints. This means the days of repainting walls, using stain lifters on clothes, and scrubbing skin are long gone!

Even though many washable options are on the market, not all parents will be thrilled with kids decorating the walls. Also, even though they have washable materials at home, their friend’s house or school might not. Therefore, teaching children the appropriate places to create their masterpieces is best. Despite all our efforts to keep walls clean, most children accidentally or purposely color a wall.

Ellie got more than one little mark on the wall. She had an entire scene with a tree, rainbow, sun, kite, rocket, and much more. When Ellie’s mom saw the kite’s tail streaking across multiple walls, she immediately told Ellie to stop. Ellie could’ve placed the blame on others. She could’ve refused to clean up her mess. But, since she knew right from wrong, she owned up to her mistake and began scrubbing the mess away.

From a design point of view, I would’ve put the text regarding what the chick loves to draw before the drawing action shots. Other than that, I couldn’t find a single item not to love.

Ellie’s story teaches children to take responsibility for their mistakes. It also opens a dialogue for parents to explain or remind kids what surfaces are for coloring and which are not.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is baby-6 years.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Avery Smart, a vibrant author who resides in the heart of the lively family chaos with her three energetic kids. Nestled in the midst of parenting, she channels her passion for nurturing well-mannered children into delightful tales.

It is within this dynamic environment that she draws inspiration, transforming her deep-seated passion for fostering well-mannered children into captivating tales.

Avery’s writing becomes a heartfelt expression of her commitment to instilling values in the younger generation. Her three lively kids not only serve as a source of inspiration but also as eager test subjects for the lessons embedded in her stories.

Amazon Author Page Link

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

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

May 10, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Explores the Neighborhood by Andrea McLean (Book Review)

Join Chloe and Burnie in this heartwarming story of unexpected twists and loyalty. Chloe, visiting her friend Burnie, experiences an ordinary day that takes a sudden turn when a plumber arrives to fix a broken pipe. As the plumber forgets to close the door behind him, Burnie seizes the opportunity for an adventure outside, tempting Chloe to break the rules.

The story unfolds with Burnie venturing deep into the woods while Chloe, true to her sense of responsibility, raises the alarm. As their journey unfolds, readers will share the tension, worry, and eventual relief as Burnie navigates the woods and reunites with his worried owner, Ava.

The Adventures of Burnie and Chloe, Burnie Explores the Neighborhood, is a charming tale that celebrates the bonds of friendship and the importance of following rules. Will Burnie’s escapade teach him a valuable lesson about the importance of staying close to home, or will it strengthen the bond between him and Chloe? Find out in this enchanting story that captures the essence of true friendship.

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.

 

Animals are naturally curious, and their curiosity often leads them into hot water. While Burnie and Chloe were having another doggie playdate, a plumber arrived to fix a broken pipe in the kitchen. The dogs didn’t mind the repairman being there. In fact, they settled in to take a nap while he worked. It wasn’t until they heard the front door that their eyes sprung open. The workman stepped outside to grab a tool, leaving the front door wide open and unattended. 

If you have pets in your home, you can understand the need to keep all exit doors securely shut so your companion(s) don’t leave the safety of their home and get lost. Whether you have paws or hands and feet, becoming lost is scary. It’s common for people and animals to panic, not sure which way to turn. Burnie was lucky; he sniffed the proper path out of the woods, leading him one step closer to home. Understandably, Ava (his owner) was worried about her wandering pooch. While she was relieved to find him, she was not thrilled he broke the rules and told him he should never leave the house again without permission or an adult. That is sound advice to all children. 

Some pets, like Chloe, know better than to venture outside without their human. They might even try to talk their furry friends out of breaking the house rules, like Chloe tried to do in this cute children’s story. However, some animals are too drawn to the outdoors to listen to reason. While this is a story about two dogs, kids face similar situations. Should I obey the rules, break them, cave to peer pressure, or tell an adult about someone who made the wrong choice?

Everything worked out for Burnie, but his fate could’ve been worse. This story opens the door for parents and teachers to discuss the importance of following rules, asking for permission, and (of course) not traveling alone. 

With its bold, large text, The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Explores the Neighborhood  is a perfect choice for independent readers.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-7. 

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

Preorder: Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Andrea C. McLean is a champion of personal discovery. She is passionate about kindling diverse connections and watching the resultant magic unfold. When she’s not spinning captivating narratives, Andrea coaches individuals to uncover their superpowers and navigate life’s twists with resilience.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

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

May 6, 2024 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe: Burnie Makes a New Friend by Andrea McLean (Book Review)

In this heartwarming tale of “The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Makes a New Friend,” meet Burnie, an easygoing and happy dog accustomed to ruling his owners’ house with no other canines in sight. Enter Chloe, a bundle of energy and a speedy eater who disrupts Burnie’s peaceful existence during a family gathering.

As Burnie grapples with the presence of this spirited newcomer, a twist of fate leads to an unexpected friendship. When Burnie suffers a leg injury, Chloe becomes more than just a playful companion—she transforms into a source of inspiration and encouragement. Through patience and persistence, Chloe teaches Burnie a valuable lesson about overcoming challenges and embracing differences.

Follow Burnie’s journey of self-discovery as he learns that true friendship knows no boundaries. In a heartwarming revelation, Burnie realizes that friends can be different from you yet still be your greatest allies. “The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Makes a New Friend” is a touching story about acceptance, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that forms when two unlikely companions become the best of friends.

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.

 

“The Adventures of Burnie & Chloe, Burnie Makes a New Friend is a touching story about acceptance, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that forms when two unlikely companions become the best of friends.”

Burnie was an easygoing, happy dog who never had to share his space with another animal. While that pleased him, the solitude meant he never learned social skills; he never had to share food, owner’s attention, or toys. When Ava’s brother brought his canine companion, Chloe, over for a visit, Burnie learned that when it comes to dinnertime, one must eat fast if they don’t want another pup to help themselves to seconds. In other words, guard your food bowl!  

Chloe and Burnie’s first interaction together did not make them instant friends. Actually, Burnie avoided Chloe after the I can’t believe you ate all my food incident. Their second visit started rocky weeks later, but their relationship eventually blossomed into a beautiful friendship. All because Chloe encouraged Burnie to climb up the stairs– to conquer his fears that manifested after a tumble off the sofa. Through her kind actions, Burnie realized he had misjudged Chloe and looked forward to their next doggie playdate. 

The story states, “Burnie learned a big lesson. You can have friends who are different from you.” While this is true, the takeaway I got from the story was sometimes people (or animals, in this case) may not make the best first impression. They might not realize their words or actions have upset you. Besides teaching kids that friends come in all shapes and sizes, the story also teaches readers the importance of giving a person (or animal) a second chance. Be forgiving. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-8. Children younger than three might not understand the story’s underlying message, but they will love adorable dogs—even the four additional animals in Burnie’s thought bubble. 

 

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

Preorder: Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Andrea C. McLean is a champion of personal discovery. She is passionate about kindling diverse connections and watching the resultant magic unfold. When she’s not spinning captivating narratives, Andrea coaches individuals to uncover their superpowers and navigate life’s twists with resilience.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

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

April 26, 2024 · 7:00 am

Astro-pigs 1,2,3! by Michael Lawrence (Book Review)

Three bored pigs dream big when they look to the night sky! How far can these Astro-pig’s imaginations take them?
Astro-pigs 1,2,3! is an adventure story exploring the value of imagination and dreaming big. Bright colorful illustrations and a rhyming text take children along on an adventure to the moon, and back.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Parents can relate to kids complaining that they are bored and wishing for something fun to do. The three bored (not so little) pigs featured in this brightly colored story lay in a patch of mud, wishing they were Astro-pigs. With thoughts of space travel in their heads, they slept, dreaming about out-of-this-world adventures. And, when the piggies opened their eyes, they were suited up and ready to blast off. 

Like in real life, young readers will count from 10 to 1 as the rocket’s inhabitants prepare for departure. The audience will see the three oinkers tethered outside the rocket as they float about in space. Encourage your children or class to jump and bounce as if they are on the moon with the space pigs. Continue the imaginative pretend play as you drive a lunar rover over the rocky terrain of the moon. 

Astro-pigs 1,2,3! is an interactive, fun-filled storybook that encourages pretend play. Its rhyming words would be ideal for beginning readers. Out of every rhyming pair, I found one page where the rhyming word choice missed the mark: farm and warm. They are spelled nearly the same, but their end sounds do not rhyme. Unfortunately, I had to ding the book’s score for the rhyming error. 

Families and classrooms will love watching the three pigs suit up and explore space. This cute story encourages participation using numbers on more than one occasion. Whether your child knows only numbers 1, 2, and 3 or 1 through 10, they’ll love becoming a part of the adventure.  

I recommend sharing this Astro-pigs 1,2,3! with your family or classroom. The bold, colorful images should capture your baby’s eye. Toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary students will also love the illustrations. It would also make a phenomenal choice in reading material for beginning and advanced readers. 

Grab your copy today!

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Early Childhood Educator with 30 plus years in the field of early education. Self-published first picture/storybook in 2006, 10 titles released to date. I get kids. I know what works in a story and what might not. Doesn’t mean I always get it right but my track record has been pretty good so far:)

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

2 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

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