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Space Elves Defend Their Planet by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure.

In this captivating sci-fi tale, perfect for kids aged 6-9 who love space books, readers will be transported to the far reaches of the cosmos, where brave space elves face an epic battle for freedom and survival.

As fiction books go, “Space Elves Defend Their Planet” by Lamar and Liana Golden is sure to capture the imagination and hearts of young readers with its thrilling storyline and unforgettable characters.

Join Lord Ruffles and his fellow elves of Planet Rain as they stand united against the formidable Lord Droxy of Planet Doom.

With high-stakes battles, daring escapes, and heartwarming moments of camaraderie, this captivating sci-fi adventure is guaranteed to keep young readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

As the elves of Planet Rain learn valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the power of hope, readers will be swept away on a journey through the cosmos unlike any other. Whether they’re seasoned space enthusiasts or new to the genre, kids aged 6-9 will delight in the excitement and wonder of this enthralling tale.

“Space Elves Defend Their Planet” is a must-read for any young adventurer seeking an epic sci-fi experience.

So grab your space helmet and join the adventure today!


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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.

 

War has affected many generations. Innocent people did not ask to be a part of the conflict, but many face its cruelty, the destruction it brings, the lives lost because of it, and the mental or physical harm it leaves behind. Space Elves Defend Their Planet‘s message is this: “War is never an answer to solve problems. People can disagree and argue but fighting only makes things worse. Spend time working together to find solutions that can benefit all life on the planet because war will destroy everything.”

Lord Droxy, the elf leader on Planet Doom, wanted to expand his reign, setting his sights on Planet Rain. The power-hungry elf gave Lord Ruffles 6 days to surrender and become part of Planet Doom, or else there would be war. This ultimatum is not unheard of and is the root of many wars, past and present. Lord Ruffles, the elf ruler of Planet Rain, knew that if he couldn’t reason with the tyrant, his planet would have to fight for their freedom. Lord Droxy reacted in true dictator form – it’s either his way or prepare to face his wrath. 

Lord Ruffles knew this was a battle his planet couldn’t face alone; they needed reinforcements and help from neighboring planets. I loved the inclusion of the Space Federation. It gave me Star Trek vibes! 

The Space Federation’s council acted in the same manner NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Its fundamental goal is to safeguard the members’ (countries’) freedom and security by political and military means. The council, like the space one in the sci-fi story, votes on whether or not to offer aid to those not a part of the organization. Did the Space Federation provide military assistance to Lord Ruffles and Planet? Read the story and find out! 

Though Space Elves Defend Their Planet is a purely fictional read, there are elements that people in the real world face daily. Homes lost, lives lost, relocating to a safer country, and things we cherish are buried under rumble or turned to ash. I agree with the author’s plea: “Let’s all work together to find a peaceful solution and end all wars.”

The wonderfully written and illustrative sci-fi book accurately demonstrates war’s ripple effect on the world, so let’s encourage children to use their words instead of fists or other weaponry. 

I recommend Space Elves Defend Their Planet to children ages 5-10.

 

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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Jack’s Noisy Day: A Raucous Romp Through The Alphabet by Sarah Tinney (Book Review)

Jack’s Noisy Day is an engaging and interactive children’s book that takes readers on a lively journey through the alphabet. Follow Jack as he embarks on a noisy adventure, making uproarious sounds for every letter from A to Z. From “Ahem!” to “Zap,” each page is filled with fun and excitement, captivating young readers and encouraging interactive learning.

Key Features:

  • Vibrant illustrations that bring the alphabet to life
  • Engaging storyline that encourages active participation
  • Interactive sound effects for each letter of the alphabet
  • Perfect for children ages 0-7 years old
  • Ideal for story time sessions, classrooms, and bedtime reads

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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.

 

Jack is like many other kids—he loves to make noise! Awake or asleep, this little boy makes sure you know where he is and what he is doing at all times. The author has readers follow Jack on his noisy adventure, learning their ABCs along the way. For starters, if he doesn’t have your attention, he is quick with the “Ahem,” which has the “A” standing out in bright red shading.

Each page centers on ONE noisy moment. Kids will laugh at the child frightening someone, causing them to say, “Eek!” Kids can be quite the pranksters! Readers and young listeners will find the “Fart” and the white gas cloud quite humorous! Superhero fans will adore Jack’s super costume choice.

Jack found joy in pretending to be animals and various human characters. He was so cute trying to be ferocious in his lion costume. I loved his purple beret on the artist’s page; however, “Ooh aah!” didn’t fit the scenario as well as the other pages, such as “Pew pew” in the outer space scene. 

The author beautifully points out how exciting and tiring a day can be for a child. If your child is anything like Jack, you’ll be smiling and nodding in agreement that even in sleep, they like to be noisy: “Zzzzz!”

Jack’s Noisy Day uses familiar words and actions to teach children the alphabet. I agree with Amazon’s recommended reading age, baby to 7 years. Babies will love all the wonderful colors. Toddlers can increase their vocabulary by saying what they see happening or naming objects on a page. Preschoolers can use this book to learn their letters. This would make a great first-level reading book for independent readers (kindergarteners and first graders). 

With something for multiple ages, this is a book your child will love for many years.

 

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

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Meet the Author

I am a pharmacist working in rural Australia. I love music, crochet, nature, cats and being creative. I recently gave birth to my son Jack and was inspired to create a story sharing his playfulness and cheekiness with the world.

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My ANT Mary by Milt Lowe (Book Review)

Ants are usually a little boring. They’re hard workers but do the same thing all the time and follow the Queen’s rules. But not My ANT MARY.

My ANT Mary is the story of a fiercely independent ant who marches to her own drummer. When the Queen Ant demands that Mary conform and act like every other ant, Mary realizes she needs to leave to find where she truly belongs. She sets out on an amazing world adventure and discovers she’s happiest in a surprising place.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches the value of independence and finding your own path to happiness.

Ingramspark.com

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

 

Ant Mary doesn’t behave like a “normal” ant, which makes them interesting (in my opinion). As the narrator (ANTony) states on the opening page, they are worried about their best friend because some of the wacky stuff Mary does could land her in trouble. “Could” is the key word here since no harm came to the insect.

Ant Mary’s “wacky stuff” would make perfect questions for the “Would you rather” game. Would you rather climb a tree like ANT MARY or enjoy a lovely picnic? Would you rather live alone in a stinky sneaker or with millions of other people? Would you rather take a nap or go to work? The fun question-and-answer game could continue as readers follow Ant Mary as she scopes out potential new living quarters. For example, would you rather live near a pond filled with chomping alligators or in a zoo with roaring crocodiles?

Ant Mary was not pleased with how the queen dictated how she should act and where she should live. Instead of calmly voicing her concerns, Mary ran away. This story opens a line of communication on the importance of facing your problems and talking things out. It also points out the dangers one might face if they run away. I applaud Mary for Ant Mary thinking of a compromise that made them both happy(ish).  

The artist did the impossible; they made ants cute. I adored Ant Mary’s blue hat with the pretty white flower. I also loved the elderly ant in the wheelchair enjoying a cup of tea (or possibly coffee).    

One small note: The text on the page where we first meet the queen of ants got lost in the colorful and busy scenery. My eyes wanted to focus on the beautiful artwork, not the white text.

I liked the addition of the ant fact. (Read the story for more information.).I would’ve liked a page dedicated to more ant facts. Help expand kids’ knowledge about the impressive insect—just a thought.

My recommended reading age is 3-9 years.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤1/2
(Will be rounded to five on Amazon and Goodreads)

Ingramspark.com

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Meet the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.

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Milo and the Big Yawn by Milt Lowe (Book Review)

In Milo and the Big Yawn, Milo Crenshaw is a mischievous boy with the annoying ability to make everyone yawn.

In other words, Milo is a bit of a brat.

He loves tormenting his sisters, teachers, classmates, police officers, and everyone else he sees. That is, until one day when Milo discovers the joy of being a hero instead. He learns that using his talent to deal with bullies and scary lions and helping kids and parents is a lot more fun and rewarding. Impossible to read without yawning in appreciation of the story, this humorous book makes the perfect bedtime reading.

Ingramspark.com

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

 

Everyone is different to some degree. Your uniqueness might stem from a physical trait, talent, hobby, skill, life choices, etc. For Milo Crenshaw, nobody could yawn bigger than him.

Have you ever found yourself yawning just because someone near you did? I have, and the people occupying space near Milo couldn’t help but succumb to the need to stretch their faces and deliver one large yawn, too. Some individuals who witnessed Milo’s superpower didn’t just yawn once and go about their day. No, many people yawned and fell asleep like the principal and soccer players.  

You’ve heard the infamous line, “With great power comes great responsibility.” In the case of the two bullies, Milo used his superpower, aka his infectious yawns, to put the brother/bullies asleep. Nice move! His yawns also had a surprising effect on a zoo animal. (Identity withheld on purpose. Read the story to learn more.)

Milo became famous for his superpower. Parents called him, asking if he would use his power to get their kids to sleep at night.

If Milo’s power was present in the real world, he could’ve made a fortune working his sleepy time magic on all the world’s children!

Adult insomniacs would definitely utilize his power to get some much-needed zzzz’s.

I had mixed feelings regarding the illustrations. The zoo animal was cute. Bullies catching some zzz’s was funny. I didn’t care for the long and large round faces of the non-yawning people. Kids will likely find them humorous. On a separate note, I didn’t understand why Milo’s yawns didn’t affect every parent in the group yawn image (17). I would’ve also moved the text fully onto the purple background for easy visibility. Maybe even bump up font size on every page. (I am mentioning these suggestions because I had to enlarge the text on the PDF.)

Milo and the Big Yawn was a cute, funny, quick read that will induce yawns. The perfect time to read this book is at naptime or bedtime.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 4-9 years.

 

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

Ingramspark.com

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards -including Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival – and has written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age. Milt has written four children’s books so far.

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The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane by D.L Richards (Book Spotlight)

 

The town of Dolton, surely voted the country’s most mundane. The townsfolk herded about their days, lives cemented in tradition and a rigid social hierarchy – in which the top tier could be defined in a word: ostentatious. Their importance did not permit the acknowledgement of plebeians, who they generally agreed were more animal than civilised. Until the arrival of Mr Denton, that is. His barbaric display at the Dolton Women’s Club ignites Miss Jane’s long-dormant rebellious spirit – while utterly humiliating the avaricious widow Ms Greer.

Will his questionable behaviour lead to an uprising – or leave Dolton devastated.

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Her eyes settled on a newspaper left on a nearby side table. The headline had been the talk of the town.

‘Such an audacious plan,’ Miss Jane baited.

Raising an eyebrow, he paused his treatment.

‘Pardon, Miss?’

‘The two thieves caught with close to ten thousand pounds from the Dolton Bank,’ Miss Jane nodded at the newspaper.

‘Audacious?’ Mr Adams grinned. ‘In my opinion, a remarkably overcomplicated heist for so little a prize.’

‘A rather dubious response. Have you experience in theft, Mr Adams? You believe one can casually rob a bank by walking in and out?’

‘Does this look like the face of a felon?’ he teased with a smile. ‘I’m afraid my life rather dull for such adventures. Though I believe it would make for an exhilarating career.’

‘Career? I fail to see how felony could be classed as an occupation or considered exhilarating, Mr Adams. Though were it your chosen career, I have no doubt it would be rather fleeting.’

‘You offend me, Miss Jane. The most straightforward ideas are often the best. And do not tell me you have never been tempted to pocket an item secretly while perusing a store or market.’

‘Perhaps as a child, Mr Adams. As an adult and a law-abiding citizen, I am perfectly able to obtain items through legal means. Might I add, I believe one finds greater happiness from the satisfaction of exercising self-control than succumbing to temptation.’

‘Must one not first taste temptation in order to induce self-control?’

 ‘A fool’s reply.’

‘Then a fool stands before you.’

 

Click HERE to read the review on Kam’s Place! (Date shared: 9/11/23)

Check out my review on Reedsy. 

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Meet the Author

When not deftly dodging venomous spiders or outwitting the cunning drop bear, D.L. Richards can be found escaping reality through short story crafting. Residing in the mythical land of Australia, where kangaroos casually hop down the streets, D.L draws endless inspiration from the whimsical world that surrounds him. His debut novelette, The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane, was published in 2023.

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