Tag Archives: picture book

The Land of Nod by Jimmy Vee (Book Review)

A rhyming bedtime book that keeps bad dreams at bay.

In the hushed Land of Nod, where moonbeams peek and shadows creep, lives a secret group of sleepy helpers known as Nodlings.

Each night the Nodlings wake, stretch their wings, and fly from their hidden land into children’s rooms everywhere.

Their mission is simple. Chase away bad dreams and make sweet dreams come true.

But there are rules the Nodlings must follow. They must stay out of sight. They must stay quiet. And most of all, they must be back in their beds before sunrise.

Have you seen a Nodling?

Visit the author’s site for purchasing information.

 

 

 

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

 

In the Land of Nod, you will find everyone and everything catching some zzz’s, and most are wearing adorable nightcaps. As the clock passes midnight, the Nodlings wake up, still sleepy but on a mission to bring sweet dreams to the kids in the village. The magical Nodlings had an important task to do every night, and they did it in style. Their caps and onesies were adorable, and the Nodling wearing the blue onesie with white polka-dots made me smile the most. He didn’t speak because that was against the Land of Nod rules. It was all the late-night snacks he had in his hand or falling out of his satchel. Even his artwork featured food.

The Land of Nod was a peaceful, magical land where Nodlings entered our world through a magical portal. (Read the story to discover what linked their world to ours.) The fairy-like characters with very large ears had to follow 5 rules. They were essential to protect their world, themselves. (Read the story to see the list.) There was an amusing illustration of them having to quickly hide from a child who was up past their bedtime. Again, it was the polka-dotted Nodling who stole the show!

The Nodling used special means to keep the children asleep while they chased away their bad dreams and thoughts. They used funny means to tell Nodlings where to land, and the jester-looking Nodling was quite the cut-up in one scene. I loved his facial artwork on the sleeping child and wondered if it will disappear at the dawn of a new day. Oh, and the polka-dot pajama-wearing Nodling…well, he made me chuckle again thanks to the comical illustration of him in a hairy situation.

The Nodlings’ mission is to chase away the bad dreams and replace them with good thoughts, ensuring a peace’s night’s sleep. They succeeded in their mission, but did they do it in time before sunrise? Read the story and see if they broke this rule or not.

I recommend The Land of Nod to all kids 3 years and older. It is a fun, amusing rhyming story, perfect for bedtime.

 

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

(4.5 rounded to 5 stars)

Visit the author’s site for purchasing information.

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Jimmy was a creative kid who was always building, tinkering, and rigging up something around the house. These days, his kids say he just makes stuff up for a living—they’re right. As the owner of a creative marketing agency, Jimmy really does “make stuff up all day” for businesses and entrepreneurs.

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Bennie’s Filter by W.B. Dale (Book Review)

OUT TODAY!

What if the thing that makes you different is the very thing that helps you discover who truly sees you?

When nine-year-old Bennie wakes up one morning with vitiligo, his world turns upside down as he goes from the most popular kid in school to feeling like an outcast overnight. But as Bennie learns to embrace his new reflection, he discovers the power of self-acceptance and the beauty of finding friends who love him for who he truly is.

Based on a true story, Bennie’s Filter is a heartfelt journey of resilience, belonging, and unapologetic self-acceptance.

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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.

 

Based on a true story, Bennie’s Filter focuses on the struggles a child faces when his classmates discover Bennie’s brown skin has a white spot, a non-contagious condition called vitiligo.

Bennie was an outgoing child, the most popular kid in school, and friends with everyone. He loves school and begins and ends his day with a smile; however, that is all about to change when an itchy spot on his chin began to lose its pigmentation. Bennie’s mind is overflowing with questions, each one highlighting the worry and confusion he’s feeling. The most heartbreaking question he asked himself was “Will Mom and Dad still love me?”

Bennie’s condition is no laughing matter, but many kids at school are quick to mock him for it. Bennie’s Filter illustrated perfectly how cruel some people can be, how words can profoundly affect another person, and how an act of kindness can wash away tears and feelings of insecurity.

Bennie’s neighbor, Mrs. Ruby, helped the darling boy to understand that he was not alone with this condition. She also gave him great advice, using a coffee filter to symbolize keeping only worthwhile things in your life. Only allowing people in your life who value you for who you are. (I encourage you to read the story for more details on the clever analogy.)

We will all meet people who will find fault with us and not hesitate to share their opinion. Read Bennie’s Filter to your child(ren) and give them the power to accept themselves and the strength to filter out any negative voices.

Bennie’s struggle is real, and his emotional journey will touch the hearts of many. It will (hopefully) change how some kids treat others and promote a more loving classroom and community. My recommended reading age for Bennie’s Filter is 3-9 years. Let this touching, beautifully illustrated storybook show kids the importance of acceptance and loving yourself at an early age.

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

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Meet the Author

W.B. Dale is a storyteller whose journey began at age nine, when he was diagnosed with vitiligo. Encouraged by his stepmother to see his condition as a “filter” rather than a limitation, and empowered by his parents’ belief in him, Dale embraced a positive outlook that helped him build confidence.

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Kung-Fu Whiskers: Big dreams. Small paws. by Celia L Sadhu (Book Spotlight)

By day he naps in the sun. By night he trains.

With flying paws, daring jumps, and more confidence than sense, Jean-Luc brings heroic energy wherever he goes – whether anyone is ready for it or not.

Kung-Fu Whiskers is a playful early reader adventure filled with action, humor, and heart, perfect for children ages 4-7 who love animal stories, big imaginations, and laugh-out-loud fun.

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Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

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Meet the Author

I love babying my mango tree and gardening. The playful energy and unique personalities of the animals I share my life with also inspire me, whether it’s a cat’s adventurous spirit in the garden or the quirks of a timid pet. Through my writing, I hope to bring a bit of that joy and wonder to others.

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How the Platypus Became by Jonny Parry (Book Spotlight)

A playful, beautifully illustrated picture book imagining how the world’s most extraordinary animal – the platypus- came to be.

Long ago, when the world was new, a cat, a fish, a duck and a frog each wished for the gifts the others had. Instead of letting jealousy get the better of them, they came together and set off to the Spark of Life, the place where every living thing began.

What they found changed everything. From its shining bill to its webbed feet, a brand-new animal emerged – one that was a little bit of everyone, and entirely itself.

How the Platypus Became is a fantastical picture book for children aged 4-8 about curiosity, friendship and finding your place in the world. Perfect for families, classrooms and anyone who has ever wondered how the platypus might have come to be.

For anyone who loves animal stories, imaginative adventures, or the magic of being yourself.

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Meet the Author

Jonny Parry is a children’s author who writes joyful stories about transformation, individuality and embracing who you are. He wrote his first book, How the Platypus Became, at the age of ten for his little sister. Now, decades later, he’s reimagined the story for curious young readers everywhere.

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Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures by Zeljka Marusic (Book Review)

Looking for a funny kids book that will make your child laugh out loud without crossing the line?

Meet Captain Poop, a brave and silly little hero who proves that even the stinkiest things can be surprisingly awesome.

This hilarious picture book for kids ages 3-8 is perfect for read-aloud fun. It is packed with goofy adventures, kid-approved Yucky Facts, and a positive message parents will appreciate.

When something starts to smell, Captain Poop hears the call.
From stinky cheese volcanoes to runaway smelly socks, he tackles every challenge with courage, curiosity, and a big smile.

Kids will laugh while learning that:
– gross things can be fascinating and funny
– composting helps the planet
– curiosity is a superpower
– every hero comes in unexpected shapes and sizes

Silly, not offensive. Parent-approved humor.
Perfect for bedtime read-alouds, preschool, and early elementary.
A hilarious gift for birthdays and holidays.

Includes real Yucky Facts kids adore, colorful illustrations, and a heartwarming eco-friendly twist.

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Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

 

 

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

 

Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures was a real stinker, and that’s a good thing!

In Toilet Town, we meet Captain Poop, Smelly Cheese, and Old Smelly Sock, who didn’t smell the greatest. Let’s face it, they stunk, and because of their intense stench, the trio was ignored, discarded, or undervalued. The town soon realized how valuable stinky things can be.

At Stinkville Park, the smelly trio collided into one another, and after a quick outburst from each one, they started laughing. Why? Because they finally met someone who didn’t oppose their smell, didn’t run away, or toss them in the trash. They were accepted, which is a great feeling when you haven’t felt accepted before. A feeling many readers can relate to.

The Stinky Trio had one mission in mind: “We’ll travel the world together and show everyone that being different is amazing!” Their first stop was a compost pile. Are composts stinky? Yes. Are they helpful? Yes, again, and thanks to the Yucky Fact 4, readers will learn why. The book includes eight Yucky Facts, giving kids the inside scoop on stinky items, like how some cheeses are aged in caves for years to develop their unique smell and flavor.

Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures was an informative, entertaining read that combines humor and knowledge quite nicely. The glossary of yucky words was a nice addition. There were some inconsistencies in the artwork and one very noticeable editing error, but readers will like this book. Why? Most kids find stinky things funny, so I think they’ll chuckle when they see Captain Poop. Adults will enjoy how the book weaves in facts while also making young readers laugh. The book makes smelly science fun! It also encourages kids never to be ashamed of being different.

I recommend reading Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures to 3- to 9-year-olds, then exploring composting activities at home or in the classroom to reinforce the book’s message. Let kids experience the benefits of stinky things firsthand, like banana peels or coffee grounds. Sample stinky cheeses, too! For the socks, don’t sniff them; toss them in the wash.

The story combines humor and yucky facts to entertain and educate readers. It shows kids that smelly things have value, too! Get your copy today!

 

Review Note: The grammar error was sent to the author on February 9, 2026. The story might be fixed before this review goes live on here and Amazon. The review was submitted to Reedsy on (roughly) December 5, 2025. It has not been updated to reflect the (possible) change.)


Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:❤️❤️❤️❤️

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Living the life of my dreams – after 16 long years I am finally a mom of beautiful 3,5 year old boy. He is my inspiration and without him there would never been Captain Poop. We always have silly stories during the bedtime as we both love to laugh.

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