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Momo Has a Bad Day by Papa Paws (Book Review)

Everyone has bad days – even little puppies! When Momo can’t find a playmate and gets caught in the rain, her spirits are as damp as her fur. But big sister Molly Paws knows just what to do to help turn those storm clouds into sunshine.

This tender tale shows young readers that it’s okay to feel down sometimes, and that family is there to help make things better. Through gentle storytelling and heartwarming illustrations, children will learn that even the gloomiest days can brighten up with a little love and care from those who matter most.

Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers ages 0-5, this comforting story helps little ones understand their emotions and discover that bad days don’t last forever – especially with family by your side.

Each book in The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws® series features:

  • Charming illustrations that capture every emotional moment
  • Age-appropriate storytelling perfect for ages 0-5
  • Real-life situations that children instantly relate to
  • Gentle life lessons woven naturally into each tale
  • True stories that make the messages even more meaningful
  • Opportunities for family bonding and discussion

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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.

 

Have you ever woken up with bad luck appearing to follow you with each step? Has your mood ever soured over unfavorable events or circumstances? This is the case for Momo. The day began with Momo, the cute brown and tan dog, heading outside to play with Robbie the Cardinal, only to find the redbird flying off, too preoccupied to play today. Next, Momo visited Timmy the Squirrel and discovered a sign saying their pal was off looking for nuts. Momo’s bad luck would continue to plague them as rain drenched them from head to paw. The illustration of Momo standing outside the window, watching their sisters sleep soundly in their warm dog’s bed, was so sad. Your heart goes out to the poor, sopping-wet, lonely pup. However, it’s hard to stay sad long when you see both sister pups tucked in with a blanket and stuffed toy. Very cute illustrative pages!

Momo did not stay sad for long, thanks to Molly Paws and their humans. Molly Paws suggested tips and activities to make Momo feel better on bad days. These suggestions are not limited to canines either. They are universal and can be applied by anyone, regardless of age or species. When feeling down, I recommend selecting one or more tips courtesy of Molly Paws. Eat your favorite. Soak in a bubble bath (be cautious of UTIs and delicate skin). Focus on happy thoughts and activities. Snuggle up and take a nap. Play with family or friends. Take deep, calming breaths and let the bad day vibes float away. 

Teachers, ask your students to share ideas or tips on making bad moods vanish. Your class can make a colorful chart like Molly Paws. Parents, read this story with your child(ren) and show them that everyone has bad days, and that’s okay. Encourage them to utilize Molly Paws coping mechanisms or make their own “how to feel better on a bad day” poster board. 

I recommend sharing Momo Has a Bad Day with children up to age 5. 

 

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

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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.

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Midnight of the Soul by Nicholas Nawroth (Book Review)

The hours between dreams & death.

The chill of my own grave seeped into my bones as I awake.

Time stands still in this liminal space, a twilight hour of eternity where I find myself suspended between realms of the living and the dead, my past a mystery waiting to be unraveled.

A cryptic raven at one shoulder, an enigmatic angel at the other as a malevolent darkness closes in. Together, they guide me through dangers and dreams, but their secrets cast shadows of doubt in my mind.

With each step, I descend deeper into the labyrinth of the midnight of my soul. To reclaim my life and uncover the truth, I must unlock the powerful magic that lies dormant within me.

But I have to wonder if it’s already too late.

Am I trapped in an endless dream, or am already dead?

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

 

Imagine waking in a grave with no recollection of how you got here, no memories of your past, with only your name fresh on your mind. Anna faced such a fate. She snapped free of a troublesome dream and bolted upright, causing a coin to fall from her “good” eye. A silver coin with strange markings that Anna couldn’t decipher yet and that changes to fit Anna’s dire needs. She questions if she is dead. Readers will ponder this question, too. In the city of the dead, she is not alone. Anna will meet Raven, a mysterious creature who converses with her and becomes her companion as she tries to evade the Darkness Within—an entity that will devour Anna’s soul and drain her of her life, one agonizing molecule at a time, if given the chance.

When we meet the Raven, we are first introduced to auras. Auras play a significant factor in Midnight of the Soul, and, thankfully, the author defined aura and clarified what each color represents—also mentioning that aura colors can intermingle for complex feelings. Besides “reading” people’s auras, Anna relied heavily on her “dead” eye. It didn’t see the world as we did but tingled or burned hot when danger was close or closing in on her. Her “dead” eye would be a commanding tool in her mission to complete her task. 

Each chapter represents an hour Anna spends facing challenges with the Darkness Within inching closer, hell-bent on wiping Anna out of existence. But why? This question will be answered during the twelve-hour journey. But until then, readers will travel with Anna, Raven, and Angel through the depths of purgatory. We will sail on the Ferryman’s vessel and witness what dwells in the water. We will march on the shore and watch in horror as skeleton armies’ arms reach out to rip away Anna’s soul on their way to damnation. We will question who sent Raven and Angel to Anna. Are they friends or foes? Who is “she” that keeps getting referenced? What of Anna’s family?

From the start, I wondered why Anna, who lost all her memories, wasn’t freaked out that she could understand the Raven and converse with it like she would with another human. Why wasn’t she more unnerved by the fact she woke up in a cemetery with one good eye and another that she (from the beginning) labeled as “dead.” I had more questions but voicing them would reveal moments and exchanges that would spoil the story.

Midnight of the Soul featured locations and circumstances that would be phenomenal to see on a big screen, especially the scene where Anna dips her hand into the river Styx. The final showdown between the Darkness Within and Anna would be spectacular to see as well as certain moments featuring Angel and Raven. (Staying vague on purpose). I’m fascinated how the cinematic world would recreate the characters and the kaleidoscope of colors following their every move. The book did lag in several spots, but a key event during each hour kept me turning the page. I was hooked! Plus, I had to know if my suspicions were correct on who “she” was. 

Is Anna locked in a nightmare? Is she dead? Is she stuck in purgatory? Read the novella and prepare to walk through fire AND more as Anna braves the unknown and danger is constantly nipping at her heels. Midnight of the Soul is a twelve-hour journey into the depths of the unknown, facing lost souls, finding the path home, and vowing never to give up while also weaving in elements of mythology. Under 150 pages, this book is perfect for both teens and adults, offering a thrilling adventure for all readers. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
(rounding to four on Amazon and Goodreads)

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Meet the Author

Drawing from his lifelong fascination with mythology and dreams, Nicholas J. Nawroth weaves a mesmerizing tale that explores the shadows of the human psyche and the otherworldly beings that dwell within. His visual storytelling skills, honed since childhood, breathe life into the ethereal creatures and haunting landscapes that populate his dark fantasy world.

When he’s not crafting stories or art, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and their beloved doggies, who inspired his children’s picture book series, The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws®. 

www.nicholasjnawroth.com

www.papaandpaws.com

 

 

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The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau by Henrique Meyer (Book Review)

Join the Big Bad Wolf in this delightfully twisted take on the classic story of the three little pigs. The Big Bad Wolf is hosting a luau, and with his sights set on the piggies as the main course, he huffs and puffs his way through their homes, collecting the piggies for his feast. This playful, humor-filled tale teaches children about creativity, resilience, and the power of clever thinking. Perfect for young readers who enjoy a fun twist on fairy tales and parents looking for a new favorite bedtime story. With charming illustrations and rhymes, this book is a deliciously fun adventure for the whole family!

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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.

 

“The Three Little Pigs” is a classic fable about three pigs who built their homes with different materials. One day, a wolf came along and quickly blew down the first two houses made from straw and sticks. The third house, however, proved impossible to knock over thanks to its sturdy construction. No matter how many times the wolf huffs and puffs, the brick house remains erect. The moral of the tale is to illustrate the importance of patience and hard work.

Over the years, there have been variations to the famed story; in every tale I have read, the pigs always prevail victorious. But have you ever wondered what would happen if they didn’t? If this big, bad wolf finally caught their prize? The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau took key elements from the famous, original story and put a dark yet funny spin on it. The three pigs in this rhyming story do build their homes out of straw, sticks, and bricks. The wolf huffs and puffs with one goal: destroy the homes and capture the oinkers. Like the original fable, the straw and stick houses fell quickly, while the brick home proved impossible to topple. Not to be deterred, this wolf had a plan B. You might recognize the cunning idea (somewhat) resembles a plan enacted by the big, bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood.

Have you ever rooted for Wile E. Coyote to catch the Roadrunner? For Tom to best Jerry? For Sylvester to catch and eat Tweety Bird? If so, you’ll be pleased by this story’s outcome. Yes, the storyline is darker than the original; however, the illustrations kept the mood light. The wolf looked cute in his bright green Hawaiian shirt and apron. All the luau guests looked rather darling in their floral prints. I loved the image showing the predators dancing into the night after filling their bellies with a smorgasbord of meats. They looked so happy!

The Three Little Piggies and The Big Bad Wolf’s Wonderful Luau is a delightful, twisted take on a classic tale. With its charming illustrations and rhymes, the dark humor adventure book is ideal for children aged 3-8 years.

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

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Meet the Author

Henrique Meyer, born in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and raised in Florida, is a software engineer and technology consultant residing in Fort Lauderdale. Henrique enjoys spending time with his children, barbecuing, fishing, and traveling.

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Leaves on the Loose ~ A Whirlwind of Wonder by Glenn Romans (Book Spotlight)

Step into the whimsical world of fall where leaves take on a life of their own!

Leaves on the Loose is a delightful picture book that takes young readers on a colorful journey through autumn. As the wind sweeps through the trees, leaves flutter, twirl, and dance in a whirlwind of red, orange, and gold.

This playful and vibrant story captures the magic of fall, encouraging children to embrace the changing seasons and the joy of nature.

Perfect for kids aged 3-7, this book will spark imagination and curiosity, making every leaf pile an adventure waiting to be explored!

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PREVIEW

 

Reedsy’s Review Link

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Meet the Author

I am dedicated to inspiring kids to be brave, kind, and true to themselves. To stand up for what’s right, embrace their uniqueness, and spread kindness wherever they go. I believe every child has the power to change the world—one small, courageous act at a time.

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Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate by Melissa Robinson (Book Review)

You might not believe me… but my Grandma is MAGICAL!

Mel has always known that Grandma Marjorie was special, but one sunny summer day she learns just how MARVELOUS she really is! What begins as an ordinary day of baking brownies transforms into an extraordinary adventure.

Mel’s safe and cozy world turns into a whirlwind of excitement as she, Grandma, and Grandma’s parrot, Misty, embark on an action-packed journey through Mystic, CT.

Unexpected perils lie in wait and Mel discovers that Grandma has more surprises in store than she ever imagined.

A fun adventure story for younger readers celebrating the relationship between grandmother & granddaughter.

In the spirit of classics like Pippi Longstocking, Matilda, and Mary Poppins, this book will create shared cherished, magical memories that last a lifetime!

For Children Ages 3-12 years old and their parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles but especially Grandmas!

This book includes a Read-Along Audio Flipbook AND Coming Soon: A Descriptive Audiobook and Videobook with ASL Transcription.

 

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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.

 

“In the spirit of classics like Pippi Longstocking, Matilda, and Mary Poppins, this book will create shared cherished, magical memories that last a lifetime!”

 

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word grandma? Did you picture a little old lady with gray hair who moves at a snail’s pace? A purse containing butterscotch candies? An endless stream of tissues coming from her sleeve? Did you suddenly smell a batch of fresh-baked cookies or the cream for her aching body? These are stereotypical descriptions of a grandma. These do not describe Mel’s grandma, Marjorie Fish! 

At a young age, Marjorie Fish vowed never to grow up, and she kept that promise. Grandma’s outer form resembled an older adult, but inside, she had the spirit and energy of a young kid. I was most impressed that she could juggle and play the piano simultaneously! Amazing!

Mel discovered her grandma differed from other kids’ grandparents. Having a parrot is not such an out-of-the-box idea for a pet. Having a parrot that towers over an adult because the humans have magically shrunk is! Grandma and Mel soared around town on the back of Grandma’s feathery sidekick, Misty Morning Crimson Sunset (Misty, for short). They first landed on a lighthouse where trouble awaited in the form of seagulls. Seagulls are notorious for stealing people’s belongings, but Grandma wasn’t giving up the goods without a fight. You’ll have to read the book to discover how she bested the annoying birds. 

Grandma’s energy didn’t waver once during the adventurous ride. She soared through the skies, took on a flock of seagulls, nosedived off Misty, and still had the energy to make brownies. Phew. I hope I have an eighth of her energy when I reach her age! 

Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate celebrate grandmas worldwide and the joy and fun they bring us—evident in the entertaining storyline and rib-tickling illustrations. I recommend reading it the next time you visit your grandma! 

The synopsis states the book is intended for children 3-12. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

I’ve loved books since before I could read. My stories are inspired by real-life adventures, infused with a healthy dose of whimsy. I aspire to cultivate a unique storytelling voice that is both relatable and enchanting and to produce books that bring loved ones together.

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