Tag Archives: siblings

Finding Common Ground: A Story of Brotherly Friendship: Growing up together, even when growing apart by Dr. Charan Surisetty (Book Review)


Finding Common Ground is a heartwarming and relatable story about the unbreakable bond between two brothers, Alex and Max. As they grow up, they discover that despite their differences, they always find common ground and stand strong together through the ups and downs of life. This beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of sibling love, and a reminder of the joy and comfort that comes from having a lifelong friend and supporter. With engaging storytelling and a touching message, this is a book that both children and parents will cherish.

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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.

 

Finding Common Ground is a heartwarming and relatable story about the unbreakable bond between two brothers. Alex and Max discover that despite their differences, they always find common ground and stand strong together through the ups and downs of life. 

As the brothers age, their interests begin to divide them. Space forms between them, literally and figuratively. They still love each other, but they lose their connection along the way. Instead of laughing with one another, they yell at each other. Fights brew, temps flare, and harsh words are spoken. Friends behave like enemies. 

Finding Common Ground focuses on siblings’ bond, but this story could’ve applied to any form of relationship. As people age, their interests change. Their viewpoints change as well. Most of us have said things in the heat of the moment that we regret. Alex and Max demonstrate that what’s broken can be fixed. Talk calmly. Listen. Apologize for mistakes. Learn from your mistakes. It won’t be easy, but a shattered relationship can be fixed if both parties are willing to try. 

I adored watching the brothers make up and sharing their interests with one another. Through storytelling, children learn to have an open mind regarding new experiences. It shows two brothers being there for one another during the most important moments of their life and helping each other through tough situations. Life will get hard, but they know (deep down) they can always count on the other to be by their side. 

As a mother, I teach my children to cherish their family and friends. I tell them to be apologetic when they’ve done wrong and accept a heartfelt apology in return. Again, this picture book is centered around two brothers, but the lessons conveyed pertain to any relationship. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 6-12. I would also recommend this book to four- and five-year-olds. They could follow the story and understand the beautiful message. The story was lovely, and so were the illustrations! 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Charan Surisetty: children’s book author capturing the bond between siblings. Inspired by my boys, my characters embark on fun adventures and learn life lessons. Join us on this journey of discovery and imagination! Check out my books on Amazon.

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Grandma’s Kitchen by Tricia Gardella (Book Review)

 

 


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

 

Most grandchildren share a similar memory of working alongside a grandparent in the kitchen. In Grandma’s Kitchen by Tricia Gardella, Grandma’s oldest granddaughter had been quite the helper during past canning seasons, but now it’s time to include her little sister, Monica. The older sister is reluctant to have Monica join them. She believes her baby sister is too little. Oh boy, Monica proved her older sister wrong!

Through beautiful illustrations, we watch the two young girls and their grandmother pick a few buckets of tomatoes from the garden. We watch them separate them into two piles and learn the reasoning behind the step. After the sorting, it’s time to prepare the tomatoes for their new home: glass jars. You can expect to get a little messy whether you are canning tomatoes whole or making jars of tomato sauce. My advice, goggles! I’m sure Monica will ask for a pair before next year’s canning season. While the process is messy and hard work, it can be loads of fun too. For instance, my kids find turning the crank fun and love watching the crushed tomatoes ooze out at the end. The sisters in the educational picture book did as well! 

Grandma makes the whole process an exciting event. She is calm and patient with them, allows them to taste the fruit of their labor (tomato juice), and even finds the energy to dance a jig. Wow, their grandmother has more energy than me. 

The fabulous thing about canning is that you don’t need a humungous kitchen. All you need is a garden item(s) to can (purchase or grow your own), cans (glass jars), and a few kitchen staples, such as pots, strainers, and pantry items. Grandma’s are optional, but an adult is necessary due to potential hazards to little hands: hot stove and boiling water. 

With grandma’s guidance, children will learn how to can tomatoes: picking, sorting, seasoning, cooking the fruit, washing, and storing the cans. This book will encourage children to try canning fruit and other items.  

I recommend this story to 4 years of age and older. 

 

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

 
 
 
Meet the Author

Tricia’s books are influenced by ranch, animals and family life. She has tried it all, and almost mastered some: canning, cooking, knitting, fiber arts, rug-making, gardening. She has a BA in Ancient History and lots of grand children, giving her much food for thought. She lives in California.
 
 
 
 

 

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Superheroes Don’t Babysit by Amber Hendricks (Children’s Book Showcase)

Kyle Reed (Illustrator)

Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Hardcover: 32 pages

Superheroes leap buildings, chase bad guys, and save the city from the evil Emperor Zog. Superheroes DON’T babysit. Except when their dad asks them to. In an epic battle of sibling rivalry, will this superhero finally meet her match? Or will she find exactly what she’s been missing all along?

In Superheroes Don’t Babysit, author Amber Hendricks tells a story full of humor and heart, and illustrator Kyle Reed’s superpowered illustrations pack a punch with their bold colors and sharp lines. This book is fun to look at and to read with siblings who consider themselves rivals or friends, or maybe something in between.

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~Art from inside Superheroes Don’t Babysit~

 

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About the Author: 


Amber Hendricks grew up reading everything she could get her hands on—including the morning cereal boxes. In addition to Superheroes Don’t Babysit, Amber is the author of Sophie and Little Star and two forthcoming picture books. She lives in Missouri with her husband and two children.

Websitehttps://thisjustread.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @ashayhen

Facebook: Amber Hendricks

 

About the Illustrator: 


Kyle Reed is an illustrator whose work has appeared in children’s books, magazines, animation and advertising. He lives in Ontario, Canada.

Website: http://cutdrawglue.com/

Twitter: @CutDrawGlue

Instagram: @cutdrawglue

 

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