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The Fancy Schmancy Lifeguard: A Tale of Bravery by Gilda Boram (Book Review)

The Playful Tale of a Persistent Puppy!


Buddy really, REALLY wants to be a lifeguard.

There’s only one problem … he’s just a teeny weeny, fluffy puffy toy poodle!

Meet Buddy, an adorable pocket-sized puppy who will stop at nothing to become a lifeguard. He practices hard every day … swimming, diving, rescuing … but no matter how hard he tries, nobody thinks he can do the job. His heart is full of hope, but when the family move from beachside Sydney all the way to chilly London, this determined little dog’s efforts to chase his dreams don’t go to plan at all!

Can he find a way to prove his bravery and show everyone there’s more to him than meets the eye?

 

Buddy will steal your heart, and his spirit-lifting journey will inspire every reader to follow their dreams.


Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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

 

The Fancy Schmancy Lifeguard: A Tale of Bravery by Gilda Boram is a story about Buddy, a black toy poodle who longs to become a lifeguard. His dream wasn’t fulfilled very quickly or easily. He was met with skepticism, ridicule, and laughter on more than one occasion.

Poor Buddy’s feelings were understandable hurt.

When you and your child witness Buddy’s dropped head, sad face, when others laugh at him, it’ll break your heart. Julian Boram, the illustrator, did a fantastic job with every image. He made us feel what Buddy, the toy poodle, felt: sadness, joy, pride, etc.

My daughter and I really enjoyed this story and the images. We clapped when Buddy became the hero. We laughed when he was riding the waves and jet ski.

Gilda and Julian Boram created a book I know many kids will love as much as my child did. Parents will love it too because it teaches children to chase their dreams, as Buddy chased after his dream of becoming a lifeguard.

I agree with the author’s suggested reading age (2 – 6 years) and grade level (preschool – 3). The text was simple. I think the only word that might confuse some readers is rip (as in tide), depending on where they live. They can pronounce it but may confuse it with rip, as in tear.

One last thing!
BE sure and read the end credits where you’ll learn a “Fun Fact.”

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Gilda was born and raised in Australia. Her lifelong love of poodles began one day after school when her mum told her to take a peek inside her handbag. There she found a teeny weeny, fluffy puffy, black toy poodle puppy. It was love at first sight.

 

Reedsy Link
Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

 

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Pen Pal Gals: Friends Forever by Julie Thiessen (Book Review)

PEN PAL GALS: FRIENDS FOREVER by Julie Thiessen
 
​Meet Reese and Addie―two girls, one great friendship. It’s summer break! Reese is on her way to vacation at Camp Lake Shore with her family. When Reese meets a new friend, Addie, the two immediately connect and form a lasting friendship. Swimming, boating, laughing, and soaking up the sun are just a few highlights of their summer vacation. The girls become best friends. When their vacation comes to an end, Reese realizes she may never see Addie again. Determined to stay in touch forever, can Reese and Addie find a way to continue their friendship and share their adventures?
 
 
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Walmart
BAM ~ Target Mascot
 
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
Since my daughter fell into the targeted demographic (ages 8-12), I included her opinion on specific components of the story and design. 


Plot: On the last day of school, kids stare at the clock. They are eager to hear the bell ring for the final time and start their summer vacation. Julie Thiessen expressed the joy of a summer vacation perfectly. Whether you’re sleeping in a tent, RV, or cabin, camping can be fun. For my kids and me, we love cabins; they are comfier and have fewer critters to worry about. 🙂


No matter where you go on vacation, kids tend to miss their friends as Reese did in Pen Pal Gals: Friends Forever. However, sometimes, they can make new friends too. 


I love the idea of writing letters to friends. Of course, I’m old-school. Kids nowadays prefer texting. Maybe Pen Pal Gals: Friends Forever will encourage children to step away from their phones and write a letter instead. We both loved the stationery. Super cute!! 


BTW: My daughter wanted me to mention that she loves dolphins too! 


 
Characters (illustrations): This area is where my daughter became more vocal with her opinions. 😀    She thought the illustrators, Vanessa Alexandre and Julie Thiessen, made the girls look like Barbie dolls. She said their feet looked funny because their toes were hard to see. 


There was a page where the family was facing the water; my daughter said they looked like siblings – not mom, dad, and daughter. Yeah, I agree with her. 


 
Summary: I think becoming a pen pal is a great idea; however, I’m unsure if the younger crowd will keep up with it like the girls in the story. This is based on my daughter saying she had no desire to become one. 🙁


But, if your child likes the idea, go for it!  


Daughter’s score – 3
My score – 4
Average score – 3.5

 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤1/2
 
 
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author:
Author Julie Thiessen

 
​Julie Thiessen always had a passion for creativity, design, and adventure, but above all, she values her lifelong friendships. With her bachelor’s degree in graphic design and the inspiration of her daughter Reese, she created and branded Pen Pal Gals for all to share the gift of an everlasting friendship. Thiessen lives along the beautiful Central Coast of California with her husband, two daughters, and son.
 
connect with the author: website ~ facebook instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Rambee Boo’s Lake Vacation by Reena Korde Pagnoni (Book Review)

Rambee Boo's Lake Vacation by Reena Korde Pagnoni

Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  24 pages

 
The Rambee Boo Crew take a summer vacation to the Lake. Rock and Rambee are having so much fun that they don’t realize that Rambee Boo keeps dropping his Sock. Will Sock make it home with the duo at the end of the trip?
 
Buy the Book
Amazon ~ Waman Books
 
 
 
 I received a complimentary copy of this book from
iRead Book Tours.
I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
Frances Rose Español really brought Rambee Boo’s Lake Vacation to life with the stupendous, brightly-colored illustrations. Rambee Boo is mischievous and adorable. He’s your typical puppy. You know, always on the go and ready for the next adventure. 


Hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, Rambee Boo is up for everything Rock, his human friend, wants to do as long as he has his favorite Sock with him. Luckily for Rambee Boo, the (human) mom always makes sure he has it nearby for his next adventure. 


After reading Rambee Boo’s Lake Vacation, follow the directions on the back cover and see if your child can remember every place Rambee Boo left Sock. Once done, I’d suggest heading over to Reena Korde Pagnoni’s website, where she has many activities that’ll entertain and delight your child, such as coloring pages, word searches, and designing cards. Unfortunately, unless you have a printer, you won’t be able to print them. However, these pages would be helpful in a daycare or school setting. 


No matter if you use the bonus activities or not, Rambee Boo’s Lake Vacation will soon become a favorite book in many households. 

 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
 
Reena Korde Pagnoni
Author Reena Korde Pagnoni

 
I began writing THE RAMBEE BOO SERIES after we added a fur baby to our family, during the Covid-19 pandemic quarantine. The characters in the series are based off my youngest son Rocky (aka Rock), and our rambunctious puppy Rambo (aka Rambee Boo). Whenever there’s trouble, these two are usually at the center of it! I graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High school in 2000 and went on to get my B.A. from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. I currently live in New Jersey with my husband, my three children and of course…my Rambee Boo! I’ve always had a great love for children’s books and started collecting them in college. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to write my own series to add to our collection. I hope these books will continue to grow and foster children’s love for reading. I can only hope that my readers enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them!

connect with the author: website facebook instagram goodreads

 
 
 

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