Tag Archives: picture book

November 8, 2024 · 7:00 am

Rika Saves A Cat by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

A story of two sisters from Planet Venesha playing hide and seek in the woods when they hear a strange sound and go to investigate.
They look and find a cat who appears to be all alone and wait for its mother to return.

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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.

 

Rika and her little sister, Jari, live in the northern forest region of the largest planet of the universe: Venesha. Its appearance is vastly different from ours from a distance, but it does possess qualities found in our world: oceans, swamps, rivers, mountains, deserts, and plains. The two children (Jari and Rika) look slightly different from Earthlings, but each play as typical children do. They climb trees, play hide-and-seek, and are curious about the world around them. 

While playing outside with Jari, Rika heard a strange sound, went to investigate, and discovered a scared baby kitten inside a hollowed-out log. Children will love the adorable uni-kitty (orange kitten with yellow horn). They’ll probably yell they want a unicorn-kitty too. I know I wouldn’t mind adopting one! 

Rika and Jari could’ve left the animal to fend for itself, but they didn’t. Instead, they nestled together on the forest floor, waiting patiently for the sweet furbaby’s mother to return. Their patience and kind hearts paid off; momma cat and her baby were reunited, and momma cat was just as cute as her baby! 

Rika Saves a Cat by Lamar and Liana Golden is a sweet, quick read that children will want to read often. The main story is less than 30 pages, with simple text and adorable illustrations. As a family of Star Wars fans, I liked Rika’s Princess Leia hairstyle and her pointy ears (Artist: Veronica Guarino.) 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is baby-10 years. The color palette will capture a baby’s eye; kids of all ages will adore the pictures, while the text will appeal to older children. This short story is perfect for children who are practicing reading alone. 

I encourage you to check out Rika Saves a Cat and the author’s other works. Their stories are wildly creative, with out-of-this-world designs and engaging storylines. 

 

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

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Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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November 1, 2024 · 7:00 am

Nortis Goes Swimming by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Everybody needs a new friend – even in other worlds!

Dive into the enchanting world of “Nortis Goes Swimming,” where science fiction meets fantasy in this delightful children’s story book about making friends!

Join Nortis, a young explorer from the distant planet Venessa, as he embarks on a thrilling school field trip to a sparkling swimming pool.

In this captivating tale, young readers aged 2-6 will be transported to the far reaches of outer space, where lovable creatures much like our world on earth are faced with making new friends. As Nortis and his friends splash and play, they’ll discover the true meaning of friendship and cooperation, making this sci-fi adventure a heartwarming journey for both children and parents alike.

With charming illustrations and a whimsical storyline, Parents will love sharing this imaginative tale with their little ones, using Nortis’ adventures to teach valuable lessons about inclusivity and the importance of making new friends.

So pack your bags and join Nortis on this unforgettable school field trip to the stars!

With “Nortis Goes Swimming,” the magic of friendship shines brighter than ever before.

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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.

 

Far, far away in outer space lies the largest planet of the universe – Venesha. This alien planet has rivers, oceans, mountains, swamps, and forests like Earth; however, the inhabitants are not Earth-like in appearance, and they possess special powers too. 

Up in the high glacier region of Venesha lived Nortis. He was orange, with three large eyes, four fingers, and pointy ears. His day began like a typical child’s day: eat, dress, brush teeth, and head off to school. His day differed from ours via the mode of transportation and how the students looked. Kids will love the vast collection of aliens at the bus stop and on the flying yellow bus. Classmates varied in shape and coloring. One eye, Eight eyes. Each alien was unique and beautifully drawn!

Today was an exciting day for Nortis and his friends. Instead of the bus dropping them off at school, it was flying them to the local swimming pool for a field trip. Field trip days are usually the highlight of a school year, so if your child has been on one, they will probably voice which one was their favorite. 

While everyone was frolicking in the water, Nortis saw a classmate sitting alone. He did the right thing and asked Jun, who resembled a blue, one-eyed rabbit, to play with him. Nortis’s kindness brightened Jun’s face for the rest of their day. 

Nortis Goes Swimming teaches children to be kind to one another, be accepting, and be open to new friendships. Remember, one small act of kindness might seem insignificant to you, but it could be life-changing to the recipient! 

I adored the artwork by Patrick Girouard. I also loved the message and the overall creativeness of Nortis Goes Swimming by co-authors Lamar Golden and Liana Golden. I wish there were some elaboration on Nortis’s “magical powers.” 

Nortis Goes Swimming is a short read, perfect for children with short attention spans. It is also a prime choice for kids learning to read independently. I recommend this book for children 2 to 10 years of age. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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October 28, 2024 · 7:00 am

Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship by Hong Lee (Book Review)

Join Bob on an unexpected journey in Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure. One morning, his usual walk takes a heartwarming turn when he discovers a lost, shivering puppy in the bushes. Bob hears the puppy’s soft whimpering and decides not just to help but to embark on a quest to find the little one’s home.

Through their search:

  • Bob and the puppy visit various homes, hoping to find the puppy’s family each time.
  • They encounter friendly faces and not-so-perfect matches, but each stop brings them closer together.
  • When they realize the puppy’s family is nowhere to be found, Bob makes a heartfelt decision that changes both of their lives forever.

This simple yet moving story teaches the value of kindness, perseverance, and the joy of finding new friends in unexpected places.

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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.

 

Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship is a touching story of a boy with a big heart who helps a lost puppy find their furever home.

Bob walked the same checkered path through his neighborhood. He loved smelling the colorful wildflowers. As he rounded the bend, passing the big oak tree, he heard a soft whimper from the tall, leafy bushes. There lay a cold and hungry puppy. I’m not a dog breed expert, so I have no idea what kind was pictured. But I can safely say the white puppy was very cute with his white mustache! 

Big-hearted Bob knew he couldn’t leave the frightened and starving puppy alone, so he offered to take the pup home for warmth and food. Then, they would go in search of his family. Bob knocked on several doors, hoping the lost pup recognized someone as their family. As a proud cat owner, I laughed at the old lady with nine cats! One glance at each kitty, and you’ll know exactly how they feel about the dog encroaching on their turf. I particularly liked the crossed-eye cat playing with the red, round ball; they were in their own little world.  

The page of 11 doors was a creative touch. The line-up lets readers picture the small child and pup knocking on each one, growing sad with each door closing. I also liked the door designs. It’s a perfect stopping point for a teacher to ask students what their door looks like. They can even draw theirs for a lovely classroom wall display. 

Though Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship concludes with a happily ever after, the duo’s quest is filled with different emotions. We watch as two optimistic beings slowly lose hope before reaching the all-smiles final scenes.

Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Story of Kindness and Friendship teaches the value of kindness, perseverance, and the joy of finding new friends in unexpected places. Share this story with your family and class. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-8 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Hong Lee’s passion for writing children’s books began when she started reading to her son. She is captivated by children’s picture books’ whimsical and imaginative nature. Beyond writing, Hong enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family. Her debut book, “Bob and Fluffy’s First Adventure: A Tale of Kindness and Friendship,” reflects her dedication to storytelling and her commitment to fostering strong morals in young readers. Hong currently resides in Oklahoma with her husband and son.

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October 25, 2024 · 7:00 am

There’s a Dinosaur in My Ear: An Ear Tube Surgery Book for Kids by Nat Gibson (Book Review)


There’s a dinosaur splashing around in Olivia’s ears.
And the only way to get it out is with special drains called Ear Tubes.

Young children and toddlers about to get ear tubes or grommets will gently learn what to expect through the fun imagination of a little girl – with the focus on catching a dinosaur, rather than surgery.

When Olivia learns her earaches are caused by a dinosaur splashing around in her ear, her imagination runs wild. Join her on an adventure as she prepares to meet the Dinosaur Catchers, who will give her ear tubes and capture that silly little dinosaur.

With just the right mix of information and humor, colorful illustrations, and a unique, kid-friendly concept, this fantasy story is designed to help parents guide their little ones through ear tube surgery and recovery in a playful, imaginative way.

For a touch of magic, have a small dinosaur ready for your child after surgery.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

 

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

 

Ear pain is no laughing matter for anyone, but more so for kids. In There’s a Dinosaur in My Ear, Nat Gibson found a creative and silly way to explain what is causing the little girl’s ear pain and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. 

Like many kids around the world, Olivia suffers from chronic ear pain. The doctor informs her she has A LOT of water in her ear. She questioned how water got in her ear. This is where the silliness begins. The doctor blames it on a little dinosaur, an EAR-O-SAURUS, who readers will see splashing around in an inflatable pool. Very cute drawing! Luckily for Olivia, the doctor will enlist the help of the Dinosaur Catchers, who will put tiny tubes in the child’s ears to drain the water and capture the dinosaur, so her ears will be pain-free. 

As Olivia slept, her world transformed into a wild, imaginative scene. Instead of a stuffy backdrop, Olivia is wadding through waters and peeking through bushes with wild animals nearby. Young readers will follow Olivia’s journey from admissions (getting a nature-inspired bracelet) to the comedic picture of her bending the “weigh station.” Dinosaurs in the ear add extra pounds! After vitals and a cute costume change, Olivia and the readers meet the Dinosaur Catchers. 

Anyone’s anxiety level will rise when they face surgery or a hospital stay, especially if it’s your first time. Like with Nat Gibson’s There’s a Stegosaurus in My Tonsils, the author takes the guesswork out of the procedure. Using simple text and highlighting keywords, the writer helps kids understand that they are in good hands with the Dino team (the doctors and nurses). And when Olivia woke up, the Ear-o-sarus was by her side, ready to have fun – outside Olivia’s ear, of course! 

While this story simplified the procedure and medical issue, it didn’t cover questions (I believe) readers will have. What do the tubes look like? How big are they? Can the tubes fall out? What the author presented was creative, funny, entertaining, and informative. I highly recommend sharing this book with your child before their procedure! 

Amazon has the story marked for children between 2-6 years of age.

That is an excellent age bracket! 


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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Nat Gibson lives in California with her husband and two children, both of whom had surgery before turning 4 years old. Her books are designed to help parents engage their child’s imagination as they go through new or difficult experiences.

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October 14, 2024 · 7:00 am

World’s Coolest Grandpa by Lamar Golden (Book Review)

A fun and enjoyable book celebrating the life of Masao Sawada, a grandpa enjoying a typical day in Japan. Watch as Masao goes through his day and interacts with lots of people everywhere he goes.

This book is for parents and small children aged 2 and older who enjoy reading together during the day or at night before bed.

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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.

 

Masao Sawada is 78 years old and is busting at the seams with energy. 

Masao wakes up early every morning and strolls to the convenience store, where he purchases his morning cup of coffee. 

Masao loves playing sudoku, driving around Tokyo City (Japan) in his yellow convertible, and talking to his granddaughter Liana on the telephone. It was adorable that the two chit-chatted for an hour as Liana ate her breakfast. I hope their interaction prompts more kids to take time out of their busy days to check in with their grandparents. 

World’s Coolest Grandpa walks readers through a day with Masao. It’s a typical day for many people: grocery shopping, talking with friends, playing golf, and dining at a favorite restaurant. I don’t know how many young readers from the States have eaten an eel before like Masao. Young readers will likely have an opinion on whether they would or would not eat one. 

World’s Coolest Grandpa did have positive attributes. It showed young readers that grandparents can live full and active lives. The short story allowed readers to step into a culture that might be foreign to them. 

World’s Coolest Grandpa did stumble in the presentation, though. Instead of having the duplicate images on two pages with new text under each, I would’ve combined the text under one picture. There were also issues with formatting and text placement. In general, this book could benefit from some fine-tuning. 

World’s Coolest Grandpa was a cute read that children would enjoy listening to. Many will remark on Masao’s cool yellow car, and I don’t blame them. It would catch my eye if I saw it zooming down the road. 

Amazon has the children’s book listed for 3-18. I would narrow that field down to 3-9. 

With or without the tweaking, I recommend sharing this book with your child or class. 

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

 

 

 

Meet the Author

I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Social Media Handles

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

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