Tag Archives: science

March 13, 2026 · 7:00 am

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

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.

Reedsy Author Link
Instagram Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

February 9, 2026 · 7:00 am

Captain Poop and Stinky Adventures by Željka Marušić (Book Spotlight)

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.

Amazon Purchase Link

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

 

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.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

May 26, 2025 · 7:00 am

Breaking from Dogma: A Story of You by Alexandra Collin de l’Hortet (Book Review)

A science-inspired children’s book about DNA, epigenetics, and the amazing power of being you!

Ever wondered how your body knows what to do, or why you’re different from everyone else, even though we all start with the same recipe book inside?
Breaking from Dogma takes young readers on a beautifully illustrated journey inside the human cell to explore the big ideas of DNA, genes, and epigenetics, all explained in a warm, playful, and empowering way.
From cooking book metaphors to magical sticky notes, this story helps kids (and grown-ups too!) understand that who we are is shaped not just by our genes, but also by our environment, experiences, and choices.

  • Perfect for curious kids ages 4–8
  • Introduces biology, genetics, and epigenetics
  • Encourages growth mindset and self-discovery
  • Great for classrooms, family who love science, STEM, or storytime

Because nature and nurture don’t compete, they dance together to help you shine!


Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Breaking from Dogma takes readers on an enlightening journey inside the human cell to explore DNA, genes, and epigenetic, all brought to life through engaging and captivating illustrations.

Have you ever wondered how your body knows what to do or why you’re different from everyone else? You can thank your cells for that! Breaking from Dogma informs readers that their body is comprised of trillions of cells, which make up everything, including your skin! Thanks to the artist, the audience will get a magnified look at muscle, fat, and skin cells. And, as the character looks through a microscope, we get an even closer look at a cell. In the enhanced photo, we learn what is and where you’ll find a cell’s nucleus and cytoplasm. Don’t worry if kids can’t recall their meaning; there is a glossary in the end credits for every scientific word in the story, plus several more that weren’t.

Every child’s capacity to learn, understand, and retain information varies. The book’s suggested reading age is 4-8. It’s evident the author put a lot of thought into explaining genes and the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology: DNA, RNA, and proteins for this age range. The inclusion of silly, fun, and age-appropriate artwork, such as three smiling organs reading recipe books, was a nice touch. It was just what was needed to keep readers engaged.

The term “epigenetic inheritance” might sound complex, but Breaking from Dogma simplifies it beautifully. “It’s a kind of memory from our ancestors experiences. A whisper from the past, living in your cells.” While the term might be challenging for young minds to retain, they should be able to remember its meaning. Especially if shown the lovely image of the little girl holding onto an illuminated DNA as she stares in awe at her three ancestors above her head. So sweet.

Breaking from Dogma is a beautifully designed book that does a good job of breaking down how DNA and life experiences work hand in hand to shape who we are. While the illustrations are catered to 4-8-year-olds, kids in this age bracket might struggle to recall or pronounce some science terms. Therefore, I recommend reading the book more than once!

Breaking from Dogma is a must-have for elementary school classrooms, homeschoolers, and families who love science. Add the book to your curriculum. Read it for fun. Increase your science knowledge or use it to refresh your brain. (Yeah, adults, I am talkin’ to you!). Learn together that our genes do not just shape us, but so do our environment, experiences, and choices.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Alex Collin (Alexandra Collin de l’Hortet) is a biotech executive with over a decade of experience leading the development of innovative therapies in gene therapy. Raised in France and now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she brings a unique blend of international perspective, scientific expertise, and creative curiosity to everything she writes.

As a parent of two curious young children, Alex has experienced firsthand the power of storytelling to make sense of the world. She is passionate about transforming complex scientific ideas into playful, empowering stories that children can connect with and understand.

Drawing on both a deep love of storytelling and a career at the forefront of science, Alex writes to spark wonder, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of curious thinkers.

Amazon Author Page Link
Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

April 18, 2025 · 7:00 am

Your Friend, Brainy by Natalie Izzi (Book Review)

Meet your new friend, Brainy! Brainy is a fun-loving brain who’s excited to guide you on a journey to explore how your brain works, why we experience big emotions, and how we can support our brain when those feelings arise.

This playful and insightful book empowers children to better understand their brains and gives them simple, easy ways to regulate their emotions using neuroscience. Come along with Brainy for an adventure into the science of feelings!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Watch the book trailer!

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

Our brain is a complex organ with many working parts. Think of it as a supercomputer for your body. It regulates everything your body does thanks to a specific section or part of it. Your brain controls your emotions and movement, tells your heart to beat, stores your memories, and so much more. In Your Friend, Brainy, readers step inside Brainy’s house to learn about three important parts of their brain: the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus.

The first stop on the tour is the amygdala. Before kids learn its function, they discover how to pronounce this strange word: UH-MIG-DUH-LUH. Since the word appears many times in the story, I would mark the page in case young readers forget how to say this “super big word.” On the tour, Brainy teaches readers more than how to say the word. We discover which nut it’s shaped like and how it’s responsible for our feelings, especially the BIG ones.

Brainy informs kids that even though our brains have many parts with designated functions, they must and do help each other out. This leads kids into the next room of the brain tour, the prefrontal cortex, two big words that the author made learning about fun. It’s not every day you see a big brain wearing sunglasses and sneakers while chillin’ out in a cat cafe. This harmonious place was also called the Zen den and the chill grill, so choose which area your prefrontal cortex would visit to help calm the emotions created by the amygdala. Share those with the class!

Like in the last room, aka the amygdala, the author carefully and expertly explains how the prefrontal cortex can calm down those BIG feelings and quiet the internal blaring alarm, and it all starts with you and taking a deep breath. Yes, kids will become active participants in the story, helping them retain the information and (hopefully) recall it when needed. Brainy points out that controlling your breathing is not the only way to calm yourself down. There was a lovely picture collage featuring kids doing what makes them happy, such as talking to someone they love or watching a show that makes them smile. Happy faces on, we enter the last room on the brain tour: the hippocampus. I loved the wordplay and illustration, playfully acknowledging that despite its name, no, a hippo isn’t walking around on your brain. However, this part of your brain is responsible for learning and remembering. It also helps with feelings and memories.

Each part of the brain is remarkable, but they rely on each other every day. Through Your Friend, Brainy, kids learn that even our brains need the power of teamwork to work properly. I recommend adding this delightful and entertaining story to your SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) curriculum. Help kids ages 4 years and up understand how fantastic our brains are and the vital work the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus do through easy-to-understand text brought to them by a humorous and wonderful host, Brainy.

Brainy wrote a sweet thank you letter to readers. Please take a moment to read it and carry out their small request. (Read the story for more info.)

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
(4.5 stars rounded to 5)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Author Natalie Izzi has a Masters in Education and brings 12 years of experience in teaching children and adults the art of self-regulation through a unique blend of neuroscience, mindfulness, and restorative practices.

She founded and led The Enlightened Schools Project, a professional development company dedicated to bringing her program to a variety of districts, universities, classrooms, and homes.

Currently, Natalie continues her work in public education, where she teaches Kindergarten and leads social-emotional learning initiatives for her district in Phoenixville, PA.

This is her debut children’s book, which integrates many of the most effective strategies she’s discovered for helping children develop the skills to self-regulate.

Website Link

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

April 3, 2025 · 7:00 am

Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise by Ryan O’Connor (Book Review)

Join Bobby the Bear in the forest for the surprise of a lifetime and a lesson in the importance of true friendship. With captivating art and a carefully crafted message, Bobby’s story is sure to delight children of all ages. Through his many stories, Bobby teaches his forest friends life lessons through kindness, respect, and positivity while learning some lessons of his own along the way.

Teachers will appreciate the available free activities and exercises that satisfy basic common core curriculum requirements in math, science, and English language arts.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

It’s Bobby the Bear’s birthday, and he is excited to spend the day at the lake with his friends: Owen (the owl) and his owlets, Mr. and Mrs. Butterfly, Rachel (the rabbit), Tanya (the tiger), Brian (the beaver), plus an additional one (pictured in group shot but not visited by Bobby). On his way to the lake, Bobby stopped at his friends’ homes, but they were all gone. Bobby was confused about where everyone was and wondered if they had already left for the lake.

The bear arrived at the lake and noticed no one was there either. He waited for his friends to arrive, but they never appeared. Did they forget his birthday? I’ve taken my children to birthday parties where they were the only attendees. It’s heartbreaking to watch a birthday kid run to the window when they hear a vehicle and see confusion and sadness sweep across their face when the car passes by their home. Bobby’s situation might resonate with some kids. It might make others rethink passing on invites, so their classmates never experience confusion and sadness, as Bobby did on his special day.

Bobby’s story ends with a surprise happy ending, which all parents want for their children on birthdays. It’s a heartwarming moment that will surely bring a smile to kids’ faces. The joyful conclusion reinforces the power of friendship while reminding kids that even in the face of disappointment, there’s always the potential for a happy ending.

Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise is a wonderful children’s book with big, bold illustrations. I loved Tanya the Tiger’s “out to lunch” sign. The paw prints were a cute touch. The cake was decorated so lovely that one would almost hate cutting into it. Not me, I love cake! The group shot of the partygoers perfectly ended the story. 

There were three items I would change, though. First, I would’ve included every animal’s name and home. The author didn’t name the orange and white animal in the group photo, and Bobby didn’t stop by their house either. Second, since most people read left to right, I would’ve swapped placements for the text on the grey background and words in the speech bubble. Lastly, I was surprised Bobby didn’t talk to the turtle at the lake. Ask if the tutle would like to celebrate his birthday with him. That would’ve made for a sweet, touching moment.

Even without those small additions mentioned above, Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise was a lovely read with adorable illustrations. It’s a storybook that parents can use to teach kids animal names and even their colors. With its simple word choices, Bobby the Bear and His Big Surprise would make an excellent book for early readers. This book would make a great birthday gift, too!

The book’s info states, “Teachers will appreciate the available free activities and exercises that satisfy basic common core curriculum requirements in math, science, and English language arts.” I couldn’t access those from my reviewer’s copy, but I encourage parents and teachers to take full advantage of the free resource materials! 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤1/2
(I will round up to 4 on Amazon and Goodreads.)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Award-winning author and teacher Ryan O’Connor hails from Kansas, where his passion for writing and education developed. Ryan has spent the past fifteen years teaching English to students of all ages in the United States and China. After spending a decade living abroad, Ryan calls Kansas City home.

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,