Tag Archives: presents

Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe by Aloha Pickles (Book Review)

The Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook is a beautifully designed notebook that celebrates the unique bond between stepfathers and their loved ones. It features a heartfelt message on the interior page, wishing him a Happy Fathers Day and saying “I love you” on the back in the beautiful Hawaiian language of love, Aloha wau ia’oe. The notebook is handmade and features a durable cover that ensures it will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Highlights:
This notebook is a handmade paperback and features a beautiful design that celebrates the unique bond between stepfathers and their loved ones. It has lined pages with small illustrations accenting the pages of a Hawaiian Dancer and a Hawaiian Dog both with a bright yellow hibiscus flower. The greetings Aloha and Mahalo are on the top and bottom of each page and the right corner features an image of a Paniolo Cowboy.

Usage:
The Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook is a versatile notebook that can be used for daily writing, journaling, capturing memories, expressing gratitude, and documenting aspirations.

Give him the Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook Let him know you love him in the beautiful Hawaiian language of love, Aloha wau ia’oe.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

“Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe” is dedicated to fathers, biological or not. It’s filled with (roughly) eighty-lined pages, offering fathers ample opportunity to journal their thoughts and feelings, chronicle their life’s journey, write down their goals and aspirations, or keep miscellaneous notes. Gift givers could also use the pages to write a message to their father, listing how they impacted their lives. Share favorite memories. The touching sentiment will brighten any recipient’s day.

Buyers will discover three images on the writing pages: a Hawaiian dancer surrounded by flowers, a Paniolo cowboy, and a Hawaiian dog sitting next to a bright yellow hibiscus flower. There’s also “aloha” and “mahalo.” at the start and end of each page. This format is the perfect incentive to write a (paper) letter—revive a dying art form.

While I did like the artwork, the notebook could’ve benefited from more images. Hawaii has much to offer in wildlife, plants, flowers, and scenery, and the artist missed the opportunity to make each page or group of pages stand out from the next. To repeat, what was presented was very lovely.

“Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe” (Happy Father’s Day Notebook: I love you) is a lovely present idea for any holiday or when you want to say “I love you” or show your dad that you appreciate everything they’ve done for you. Its durable cover ensures it will be a cherished keepsake for many years.

If you want a handmade gift for your dad, give him the” Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook.” Express your love using the Hawaiian language: Aloha wau ia’oe. While the book’s intention was explicitly for fathers, anyone can use the lined pages for daily writing, journaling, capturing memories, expressing gratitude, personalized letters, and documenting aspirations.

Check out Pixie Publishing House’s other journals if you like this notebook. You’ll find a gift for every occasion!

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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The Littlest Dinosaur’s First Christmas by Steven Kothlow and Bryce Raffle (Book Review)

The Littlest Dinosaur is excited to play in the snow for the first time. He wishes he could play in the snow forever, but Christmas is a busy time of year, and Mama Tyrannosaur has plans for those presents under the tree!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from R&R Book Tours.
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I don’t recall playing with dinosaurs as a child, but I am a huge dinosaur fan as an adult. They are fascinating creatures. 

The Littlest Dinosaur’s First Christmas had the most adorable illustrations. I loved the snow globe and wish it was real and for sale! Ty the Tyrannosaur was cute with his sock hat, scarf, and ice skates. He looked so relaxed, gliding across the ice. You almost forget he’s a carnivore and supposed to be feared. 

After the dinosaurs went home, they were too excited to sleep. Visions of presents under the tree kept them awake. Kids and parents will relate to this predicament. 

Christmas morning, the family went to deliver gifts to others. What a generous idea! It was then we met a Baryonyx. The name might not be familiar to some people, but if you watch Jurassic World, you’d recognize it. 

Christmas is more than just getting gifts; it’s about giving and helping those around you have a happy holiday. This sweet children’s story should inspire kids to spread Christmas cheer. 

Merry Christmas! 

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

 

 

Meet the Authors

Authors with dinos

Bryce Raffle was the lead writer for the video game studio Ironclad Games. He also writes stories for young adults and designs book covers.

Steven Kothlow is making his debut as a children’s book writer. He hopes to tell many more stories that help spread a message of diversity and inclusion especially in children’s literature.

Tessa Verplancke is a sound designer by day and an illustrator by night. She lives to tell stories through as many mediums as possible.

 

 

 

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Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard (Book Review)

BENTLEY'S BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! by Claire Eckard
 
 
Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever!

Bentley is back, and it’s his birthday! Bentley is excited to share his special day with his new friends, but they are nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Bentley meets Bella, a lost dog whose family has recently moved to Bentley’s neighborhood. Tia, Bentley’s Fairy Dogmother, and the Dog Pack have a BIG secret! They are planning a surprise birthday party for Bentley, and when Tia is around there is always some magic. Wait till you see Bentley’s reaction to his surprise party, and especially to the special guest that Tia brings!

This book once again highlights Bentley’s kind nature, and also shows that moving to a new neighborhood can be fun! Beautifully illustrated by Anne York, Bentley fans will not be disappointed as they follow Bentley’s latest adventure. 

 
 
Buy the Book:
Claire Eckard
Amazon B&N ~ IndieBound
add to goodreads
 
 
 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
You can tell by the cover that Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! by Claire Eckard will be a fun read. I loved the expression on Bentley’s face, and the cake looked cute, too, with its dog bone candles and color scheme


Well done, Anne York (the illustrator)!!


The cuteness did not stop with the cover. The entire story and illustrations were adorable. If you’ve read Bentley and the Magic Sticks!, you’ll recognize familiar faces from that story. If you haven’t read it, no worries. You’ll still adore watching Tia, Fairy Dogmother, and many of Bentley’s friends work together to give him the best dog party ever! If you love the color pink, you’ll flip for Anne York’s drawing of Rachel. She’s hard to miss. 😉


Everything about Bentley’s Best Birthday Ever! screams fun. 


There was a couple of sad moments, but, in the end, every dog had a massive smile on their face. 


After the story, there’s a “Bentley’s Fun Page.” It contains “special Bentley words” and “how many” questions. Perfect bonus features for at-home or in-class school setting. 


Great job, Claire Eckard, on creating an incredible story with lovable characters and a sweet plot. 

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

 

 

Meet the Author:

Author Claire Eckard
Claire Eckard is an animal lover and believes in volunteering to give back to her community, especially to the homeless animals that need to find their forever homes. Her animals often inspire her writing, weaving their way into the stories that she writes, blending reality and fiction to entertain, teach, enlighten, and share the joy that animals bring to our lives! Claire is an author, poet, songwriter, wife, mother and grandmother! She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between her home in Yuma, Arizona and her ranch in the mountains of Prescott. Claire has three dogs, eight horses, and a miniature mule!
 
connect with the author: 
website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub
 
 
 

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Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman (Book Review)

CINDI'S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE by Beverley Reichman
Cindi isn’t sure about this holiday called Valentine’s Day, but after her people pair dress her up like a flamingo and take her for a walk in front of her friends, and her handsome new neighbor dog, Chip, she doesn’t like it at all! She and her BFF, Pitty Pat, have been watching Chip ever since he moved next door. She wants to meet him, but not like this! Have you ever changed your mind about something? In this outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest last summer.  As you can imagine, their ‘people families’ are beyond excited about their pets being part of the story.  They had over 750 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, hedgehogs, and even a chicken, goat, donkey and monkey enter the contest!   

 
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
BookBaby

18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds is
donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.

Picture

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
Special note:
As with most children’s books I review, I share them with my daughter. This review and rating is a joint effort by the two of us. 🙂

We thought it was cute how Cindi and Pitty Pat experienced embarrassment over what their owners wanted them to wear. As humans, many of us can relate to outfits our parents made us wear that were not cool, hip, or whatever words kids are using now. 🙂

We also liked the diversity in animals. My daughter’s favorite canine was the dog with two different colored eyes. She told me that was very rare. She thought it was nice to see a dog with one eye and two dogs using walkers. I agree; it was nice to see the variety of animals.

While some illustrations were a hit, others struck out with us. My daughter pointed out Pitty Pat’s arm, pointing at the calendar, and remarked it looked odd. She also asked me why the older woman had a mustache and goatee like her dad. Okay, truth be told, I laughed at her question. I can see what she means. I have to explain those are wrinkle lines.

The colorful note from Chocolate ‘Chip’ was lovely, and so was the heart-shaped dog-bone.
 

Final Note: 
Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman is listed for children ages 3-7. While young children will enjoy the pictures and storyline, I think the text will be too complex for them to read unassisted. 

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

Amazon ~ B&N
BookBaby

18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds is
donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.

Picture
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author:

Author Beverly Reichman

Beverley Reichman is a devoted mom, retired elementary school teacher and author. She co-authored her first book, Justice and Honor for My Sister: The Story of Margie Grey in 2018 and published her first children’s book, Kevin Can, in 2019. The second book in her Kevin series, Kevin is a Smart Cookie, and the first book in her popular Cindi the Teenie Chiweenie series were published in 2020. Her delightful and beautifully illustrated Cindi book series include: Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine, Cindi and Sparkles Howl-oween Ghoulfriends and Cindi’s Christmas Kitten Surprise, which earned a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite review.

Beverley teaches, tutors, and mentors children and shares with them her passion for learning, literature, living in faith, and experiencing life to its fullest. Beverley currently resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

 

connect with the author: 
website facebook ~ instagram goodreads

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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The Living Christmas Tree by Kristin Sponaugle (Book Review)

THE LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE by Kristin Sponaugle

2021 Family Choice Award Winner

 

During the day, the Miller family’s Christmas tree stands tall in their living room, sparkling with lights and ornaments. Little does the family know that their Christmas tree is anything but ordinary. Each evening, the magic of Christmas brings their tree to life—much to the delight of Hannah and William Miller. Follow along as Hannah and William experience the magic of Christmas in a whole new way.
 
 
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~  Barnes and Noble ~ Target
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 I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
Christmas is a magical time of year. The days, and especially the night before it, are filled with excitement for young children. They dream about Santa leaving them toys, gobbling up the cookies, and drinking the milk. Kristin Sponaugle made the holiday even more magical by bringing ornaments to life in The Living Christmas Tree. As you know from the success of the Toy Story franchise, kids love when their favorite items become “real” and interactive. 


Every child, young in body or heart, will adore the beautiful ornaments illustrated by Agus Prajogo. We loved every single one! They were cute, fun to watch at play, and brought a smile to our faces. 


My youngest doesn’t believe in Santa anymore, but we agreed you don’t have to believe in Christmas magic to enjoy The Living Christmas Tree


Imagination has no age limit. We sat and discussed what ornaments on our tree we’d like to see come to life. Since my youngest wants superhero ornaments on the tree this year, she picked those to become active at night. 🙂


Great story. 


Beautiful illustrations. 


A marvelous addition to any home, school, or library. 

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author:
Author Kristin Sponaugle

 
Kristin Sponaugle was born in Butler, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Duquesne University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in health sciences and her master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Kristin had always dreamed of becoming an author, and made that dream a reality with her two published children’s books, The Princess Puppy and The Living Christmas Tree. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and playing with her Maltese dog, Rosie. Kristin lives with her husband, daughter, and Rosie, and resides wherever the Air Force sends them.
 
 
Connect with the Author: website ~ facebook instagram
 
 

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