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Olivia’s Passport Plates: One Brave Bite in Japan (Book Spotlight)

Ready to take your child on a magical adventure through Japan — one delicious bite at a time?

If your little one loves curious adventures, playful storytelling, and discovering new foods and cultures, then Olivia’s Passport Plates: One Brave Bite in Japan is the perfect journey to begin together.

Olivia notices everything.
The flowers on the walk home. The people in line at the bright yellow food truck. The strange triangle-shaped snacks wrapped in dark seaweed.

But trying something new?
That part feels a little harder.

Then one night, a glowing lantern appears at Olivia’s window… and suddenly she’s swept away to Kyoto, Japan, where she meets a boy named Kenji and his grandmother. Together, they cook, laugh, and create delicious onigiri while Olivia discovers that sometimes the bravest adventures begin with just one small bite.

A heartwarming picture book about:

• Trying new foods and experiences
• Exploring Japanese culture through food
• Friendship, family, and belonging
• Building courage and curiosity
• Celebrating cultural connection in a child-friendly way

Complete with:

• An interactive onigiri recipe kids can make at home
• A helpful Japanese glossary
• A gentle introduction to Japanese traditions and food culture

Perfect for curious kids, picky eaters, classrooms, libraries, and families who love stories filled with warmth, wonder, and delicious discovery.

Open the book. Take the first bite. Discover a whole new world together.

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Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

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Meet the Author

After exploring 55+ countries and cuisines around the world, Rhonda created Olivia’s Passport Plates — a series that invites children to discover every country in the world with curiosity, courage, and one brave bite at a time.

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Mom Wombat Says Make War No More by Phyllis Schwartz (Book Review)

In another beautifully illustrated collaboration by author Phyllis Schwartz and artist Siski Kalla, we meet Mom Wombat, known as Mombat to her kids.

Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship.

Try to get along and don’t keep score.
It doesn’t matter who has more toys.
Just have fun, my girls and boys.
Don’t YOU be a bully, not even now and then,
not even to a foe or friend.

The wise Mombat shares plenty of ideas on how to get along with others, whether it’s across the street or across the sea.

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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.

 

Mom Wombat declares, “Make war no more! No more fighting in or outside my door!” “Fighting can hurt your heart and head. Why not make peace instead?” She also states that we should not do or say anything that would cause tempers to get hot. She advises you to use your words and speak through your feelings. We should make friendships, not foes! 

Mom Wombat uses the animals in the forest to illustrate what is bad behavior. The unruly animalistic actions she pointed out can apply to human children, such as don’t pull someone’s hair. It’s never wise to tease or bully or say hurtful things. Mom Wombat also points out creative ways that form positive bonds: invent a cool game, ride bikes with a friend, play music, write a silly song, and share your toys. 

War is happening right now. We can see the impact it’s having worldwide. It affects us on many levels. We must teach children to use words instead of weaponry to communicate their points. Educate them on the proper way to handle conflicts and emotions. If we want a world of peace, then adults must also follow the lessons of Mom Wombat as well. 

“Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship.” It’s a story that I recommend 100%! 

Share Mom Wombat Says Make War No More! with your youngster and help make the world a peaceful place for future generations! Also, try “Mombat’s Soothing, Sharing Shake.” It’s a refreshing, healthy drink with four ingredients, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or (really) any time of the day! It’s also the perfect cooling beverage for parents and children on those hot summer days! 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Phyllis Schwartz is a married mother of two, who, after a highly successful career in the TV news business, finally has the time to indulge in and focus on her “civilian” writing. Even as a kid, she kept a diary and wrote little stories and poems, a creative release that continued well into adulthood. She wrote news by day and poetry by night. And despite battling three different types of cancer over more than three decades, she is still filled with energy, joy, and optimism, and she looks forward to writing much more poetry and children’s books in the future. Her writing often centers on what she observes daily: including her friends, husband, and two children, as well as her garden and her beautiful beach town residence in dreamy Encinitas, all providing continued inspiration for her verse.

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FB/Insta: phyllischwartz_author

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Coming Soon

A delightful picture book that teaches kids 15 Spanish, Yiddish, & Japanese words as Yoshi crafts a poem about what bothers them the most!

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

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