Tag Archives: traveling

October 21, 2025 · 7:00 am

Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story by Peggy Dudarchik (Book Review)

A young girl from Nazareth named Miriam and her best friend, a goat named Naomi, become traveling companions to the village carpenter, Joseph, and his pregnant wife, Mary, as they travel to Bethlehem. The daughter of the soon-to-be parents’ neighbors, Miriam is a kind and generous girl who takes great care of her beloved goat and is always thinking of others, and she is excited for the adventure of helping Mary.

On the long and difficult journey, Miriam shows many kindnesses to Mary, often sacrificing her own comfort to make sure the expectant woman is cared for. Her benevolence does not go unnoticed when, on the day Mary gives birth, the girl is praised by an angel who arrives to welcome Jesus, the baby who will grow up to share his love and compassion with the world.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

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


Each year, during Christmastime, people celebrate and retell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary, a virgin and soon-to-be mother, and her husband Joseph leave Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem, where they take shelter in a stable because the inn is full. There, Mary gave birth to Jesus and was soon afterward visited by three wise men. Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story is a lovely story that has some elements from the famed traditional tale, but adds unique elements such as the inclusion of a young girl, Miriam, and her goat, Naomi. In this rendition, Joseph and Mary take Miriam and Naomi with them to Bethlehem to be “counted.” They were to be Mary’s aides. Miriam’s mom worried for her young child taking this trip, but the child’s father had a dream that their child should go. Many religious individuals make life choices based on dreams or visions, so Miriam’s father foreseeing his daughter’s trip was religiously plausible. She might be young, but she and her goat proved very helpful on the journey, especially when they reached their destination: Bethlehem.

No wise men followed a bright star, leading them to the manager. However, the stars led Joseph, Mary, and Miriam to the outskirts of the city. In this story, the travelers also found no available rooms, so, like the famous religious tale, the innkeeper said they could stay in the stables. In this story, the innkeeper offered to send his sister to assist with the delivery. A beautiful baby was born and placed in a manager, where a biblical visitor visited them. Again, not a wiseman.

The illustrations in Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story are truly captivating. Each scene is a visual masterpiece, making readers feel like they are walking alongside the characters through the Jordan River Valley and across the rocky terrain or staring down at the city lights. The city lights were a lovely touch, bringing so much life to the scene. The newborn baby and its visitor, bathed in glowing light, were also quite lovely.

Amazon’s suggested reading age for Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story is 3-8 years. While some words (ex., Micah’s prophecy, Ephrathah, and roused) might need explaining to preschoolers, kids of all ages can love the illustrations. Naomi, the helpful goat, was adorable and quite the show stealer!

Share the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ with your family or class this holiday season! Show how one small child and her beloved goat took great care of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Encourage your kids and class to lend a helping hand to others.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Children’s author Peggy Dudarchik has always loved to write but it was a spiritual retreat that inspired her to write her debut picture book. Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story is a unique telling of the well-known journey of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.

On the spiritual retreat Peggy was asked to visualize Mary and Joseph on the ninety-mile journey to Bethlehem. This was the spark that led Peggy to research what that ten-day trip would have looked like for the parents of Jesus based on the geography and archaeology of Israel at that time, how families lived, and the architecture and clothing. These accuracies are integrated into Peggy’s story about a young girl, Miriam, and her beloved goat, Naomi, who assisted the parents-to-be during their trek.

Peggy believes a great book is one about good people who are faced with a challenge and overcome obstacles to achieve a goal. She hopes her young readers come away from her story with an appreciation for this difficult historical journey and a love of the characters and reading that stays with them long after the book is closed.

When she isn’t writing, Peggy enjoys reading, cooking, and entertaining friends and family. Her love of children’s books was stoked after her now adult son was born, with countless trips to the library and a bedtime reading ritual bringing them both a joy that she later carried into her own writing. Peggy’s picture book experience has been a family affair, with valuable input coming from her husband, son, and daughter-in-law. She lives in Manlius, New York, with her husband and their crazy Cairn Terrier, Izzy.

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Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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August 23, 2024 · 7:00 am

Dear Darwin by Jime Wimmer (Book Review)

Dear Darwin does love a good cup of tea while writing in his journals. One night, a late knock at his door catches Darwin by surprise. Soon he will begin his adventure across his beautiful island home, Muridae Isle.

Dear Darwin is an illustrated children’s book about a quiet, gentleman mouse who loves tea, flowers and mountain adventures…this is a book for fans of classic tales and hand drawn illustrations.

Written, Illustrated and Designed by Jime Wimmer with Wimmer Studios and self published through a successful Kickstarter Campaign combined with Darwin’s Tea.

Visit Wimmer Studios for Order Information

 

 

 

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

 

Meet Darwin, a hardworking little mouse who has a thirst for adventure and a thirst for tea. In the intro, we learn that his favorite tea blend uses vanilla, which comes from a distinct exotic place he visits only once a year. But after the adventure concludes, his tastebuds might favor lavender over vanilla. 

Darwin enjoys picking berries, picking flowers to spruce up his home, and sketching wildflowers. While most people would put flowers in a vase for decoration, Darwin has another use, particularly violets. Darwin likes to put them on his biscuits and cookies to make them appear more festive. If you’ve watched any cooking show, you’ve seen chefs adding a pop of color with edible flowers. It can make a dish or dessert go from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Darwin’s friends knew of his appreciation for flowers. One night, as Darwin was sitting at his writing desk, his good pal Elderon delivered a letter explaining that they saw the most beautiful lavender fields during one of their flights. They’ve drawn a map leading Darwin to its location. Much like the adorable mouse, kids might wonder what color lavender is. What is it good for? Readers will find out both answers as they listen to the story unfold. 

As Darwin sets off on his grand adventure, he bumps into Squirrel Newton, who has no helpful information regarding lavender. Still, he does advise who the mouse should talk to and gives him a parting gift: acorns, a squirrel’s favorite snack. The cute illustrations keep coming along as Darwin heads to the pier. Darwin’s passport was adorable, and I loved the crane’s hat and pocket watch. But the real showstopper was Darwin’s mode of transportation, the Windboat. Imagine a hot air balloon with a glider attached to its base. Very creative and beautifully drawn. 

When Darwin’s aircraft lands on Muridae Isle, the real adventure begins. He has to avoid poisonous mushrooms while crossing Webcap Creek and gain permission to pass through the Lunar Silk Forest. How and to whom grants his request will stay a secret until YOU read the story! 

Darwin’s travels take him to the Highlands, where he meets a very large animal (no spoilers). Lucky for the mouse, this creature’s dinner preference lies with snow rabbits. Darwin was also fortunate that this animal gave him a landmark to look for that would lead him to Lavender Valley.

Darwin’s journey was long, and his body grew weary with each step, but it was worth it in the end, reinforcing the famous quote, “Good things come to those who wait.” The fields gave off a lovely aroma, delighting the mouse’s senses. Darwin was thrilled to see lavender matched his favorite violets, too. 

After you read the story, ask your child or class if they have a favorite flower, color, sweet treat, snack, or drink. Teachers can make this a “get to know me” project. Another learning project would be to ask your child or students to list the landmarks in the order the mouse traveled or create their own map and legend focusing on their city or state. 

I was impressed the writer also did the illustrations. That’s not something I see every day. Darwin looked dapper in his long-sleeved white shirt, green vest, and round glasses. I loved his writing desk and how the illustrator chose a quill for the mouse’s writing instrument—very fancy! Darwin’s bookshelf was a beauty, too. I loved the addition of a sliding ladder, a feature all home or public libraries should possess. I had mixed feelings on the map, though. I would’ve liked the symbols to be a different color or even liven up the map with one or more colors. It was too dark and drab, a stark contrast to the other illustrations. I also would’ve eliminated the highlight on the compass. It didn’t elevate the image. It made my eyes focus on it instead of the compass direction. 

I enjoyed reading about Darwin’s journey to Lavender Valley. I recommend sharing it with children three years and up. 

 

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

Visit Wimmer Studios for Order Information

 

 

Meet the Author

I’m a passionate Illustrator and Storyteller. I am also a full time ​Professor at The Savannah College of Art and Design. My MFA is in Illustration and I have a BS in Art Education. I share an art studio with my husband, Mike Wimmer here in Savannah, GA.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

Wimmer Studios

 

 

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May 23, 2023 · 7:00 am

When Mom Travels for Work by Kristopher Goeden (Book Review)

WHEN MOM TRAVELS FOR WORKhelps kids understand why parents sometimes need to leave their loved ones when they travel for work. The story explains why parents work, what they do while they are gone, and how important their children are to them even when they’re away.

This picturesque child’s book explains mommy has to leave for work, but her love and thoughts are always with you.
In When Dad Travels for Work, we met a sweet boy whose father had to travel for his job. In When Mom Travels for Work, we meet a mom traveling down a curvy road while her daughter sleeps peacefully at home.

Sometimes dads must travel for work, and sometimes it is the mother. While a mom is away on business, the rest of the family must work as a team to tackle chores. They might not all be fun, but being kind, supportive, and helpful is important.

Thanks to technology, when a parent is away, you can see and talk to them with a few simple clicks. Facetime or Zoom calls bring families together when circumstances cause them to part.

When Mom Travels for Work explains to children that some parents must go away so they can provide for them. Their job pays for the food they eat, among other things. It also explains just because your mom is away on business, that doesn’t mean she isn’t thinking of you or missing you—quite the contrary. A parent’s love is constant no matter where they are resting their head at night. They count the minutes until they see you again.

The drawings were lovely again, like with When Dad Travels for Work. I love the warm tones and how they beautifully illustrate the love in this happy family.

**Remember to check out the illustrated maze before the title page or at the back of the book. It’s a fun mini game that children would adore navigating. Encourage them to start at “home” and travel down the winding roads to reach each destination on the map. Just watch out for motor vehicles!

If your 3 to 7-year-old has difficulty adjusting to mom working outside the home or with their parent having to go on a business trip, read them When Mom Travels for Work. It’s a story worth reading!

Book Details:

  • Beautifully illustrated in stunning detail.
  • An engaging and rhythmic read for adults to read to their children when a parent is away from home.
  • Meaningful reminders to children why they are so special written in rhyme and easy to remember.
  • A great conversation starter to discuss roles within the home and how the children can be helpful and contribute.
  • Includes a maze activity in the front and back cover for children to complete.
  • Great for bedtime, reading aloud, group discussion, and improving children’s own reading skills.
  • Includes a few challenging words which offer wonderful opportunities for vocabulary enrichment.
  • Ideal for children ages 2-10.
  • Makes a thoughtful gift.

Perfect for:

  • Traveling Parents
  • Emerging preschool and kindergarten readers
  • Gift for birthday, baby shower, business conference giveaways and any occasion
  • Fans of books about business, travel, and family life.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

In When Dad Travels for Work, we met a sweet boy whose father had to travel for his job. In When Mom Travels for Work, we meet a mom traveling down a curvy road while her daughter sleeps peacefully at home. 

Sometimes dads have to travel for work, and sometimes it is the mother. While a mom is away on business, the rest of the family must work as a team to tackle chores. They might not all be fun, but being kind, supportive, and helpful is important. 

Thanks to technology, when a parent is away, you can see and talk to them with a few simple clicks. Facetime or Zoom calls bring families together when circumstances cause them to part. 

When Mom Travels for Work explains to children that some parents have to go away so they can provide for them. Their job pays for the food they eat, among other things. It also explains just because your mom is away on business, that doesn’t mean she isn’t thinking of you or missing you—quite the contrary. A parent’s love is constant no matter where they are resting their head at night. They count the minutes until they see you again.

The drawings were again lovely, like with When Dad Travels for Work. I love the warm tones and how they beautifully illustrate the love in this happy family. I was pleased to see this book also featured the same maze as in When Dad Travels for Work.

If your 3 to 7-year-old has difficulty adjusting to mom working outside the home or with their parent having to go on a business trip, read them When Mom Travels for Work. This picturesque child’s book explains that mommy has to leave for work, but her love and thoughts are always with you. It’s a story worth reading! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Check out Kristopher Goeden’s website for free coloring pages and mazes! https://www.kristophergoeden.com/

 

 

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May 22, 2023 · 7:00 am

When Dad Travels for Work by Kristopher Goeden (Book Review)

WHEN DAD TRAVELS FOR WORK helps kids understand why parents sometimes need to leave their loved ones when they travel for work. The story explains why parents work, what they do while they are gone, and how important their children are to them even when they’re away.

For many parents, their job requires them to work outside the home. Sometimes, it even involves flying thousands of miles away. Often, they are gone for several days. When Dad Travels for Work by Kristopher James Goeden explains why parents work, what they do while they are gone, and how important their children are to them even when they’re away.

Parents must work to provide for their families: food, shelter, clothing, and more. While they are away, kids typically help out at home. The young boy in this picture book helped with everyday chores without complaint. He wheeled the trash bins to the road, mowed the grass, and made his bed. He did it with a smile on his face!

This charming story alerts children that a father misses his family dearly when he’s gone. Even though his body may be hundreds or thousands of miles away, his thoughts are with his family every second of every day.

When Dad Travels for Work shows a father’s love for his family and how this particular dad travels so he can provide for them. It shows the joy this loving family experiences when they are reunited. SWEET!

A parent’s need to travel for work can be challenging for little kids to adjust to. They may not understand why their parent must leave them. I encourage you to share this charming story with 2 to 8-year-olds who need help understanding a parent’s need to travel for work. It will also help a child realize their parent is missing them as much as they are missing their parent.

Remember to check out the illustrated maze before the title page or at the back of the book. It’s a fun mini game that children would adore navigating. Encourage them to start at “home” and travel down the winding roads to reach each destination on the map. Just watch out for motor vehicles!

Book Details:

  • Beautifully illustrated in stunning detail.
  • An engaging and rhythmic read for adults to read to their children when a parent is away from home.
  • Meaningful reminders to children why they are so special written in rhyme and easy to remember.
  • A great conversation starter to discuss roles within the home and how the children can be helpful and contribute.
  • Includes a maze activity in the front and back cover for children to complete.
  • Great for bedtime, reading aloud, group discussion, and improving children’s own reading skills.
  • Includes a few challenging words which offer wonderful opportunities for vocabulary enrichment.
  • Ideal for children ages 2-8.
  • Makes a thoughtful gift.

Perfect for:

  • Traveling Parents
  • Emerging preschool and kindergarten readers
  • Gift for birthday, baby shower, business conference giveaways and any occasion
  • Fans of books about business, travel, and family life.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 


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

 

For many parents, their job requires them to work outside the home. Sometimes, it even involves flying thousands of miles away. Often, they are gone for several days. When Dad Travels for Work by Kristopher James Goeden explains why parents work, what they do while they are gone, and how important their children are to them even when they’re away.

Parents must work to provide for their families: food, shelter, clothing, and more. While they are away, kids typically help out at home. The young boy in this picture book helped with everyday chores without complaint. He wheeled the trash bins to the road, mowed the grass, and made his bed. He did it with a smile on his face! 

This charming story alerts children that a father misses his family dearly when he’s gone. Even though his body may be hundreds or thousands of miles away, his thoughts are with his family every second of every day. 

When Dad Travels for Work shows a father’s love for his family and how this particular dad travels so he can provide for them. It shows the joy this loving family experiences when they are reunited. SWEET!

A parent’s need to travel for work can be challenging for little kids to adjust to. They may not understand why their parent must leave them. I encourage you to share this charming story with 3 to 7-year-olds who need help understanding a parent’s need to travel for work. I’ll also help a child realize their parent is missing them as much as they are missing their parent. 

Remember to check Csilla Szegedi’s illustrated maze before the title page or at the back of the book. It’s a fun mini game that children would adore navigating. Encourage them to start at “home” and travel down the winding roads to reach each destination on the map. Just watch out for motor vehicles! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Check out Kristopher Goeden’s website for free coloring pages and mazes! https://www.kristophergoeden.com/

 

 

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July 26, 2022 · 7:00 am

The Adventures of DC Lee: A Story of Adventure for Fathers and Children by Andrew Britton (Book Review)

 

This book is designed for fathers, by a father, and its purpose is to give fathers and their children a chance to learn about each other and the world, and to grow closer together in the process.

Being a father is both a joy and a challenge. You work hard, sometimes over 12 hours a day, to come home to a sleeping family. Fathers take care of their children, stepchildren, the neighbor’s children and scores of youth sports leagues, budding scientists and scouts. Sometimes our fathers were terrible role models, or absent role models, leaving us with no positive training on manhood and fatherhood. It’s not easy being a father, but with a strong connection to your children it can be amazingly rewarding.

This book is dedicated to fathers, of all types: stepfathers, birth fathers, fathers by adoption, grandfathers, chosen fathers, accidental fathers, mother-fathers, guardians, caregivers, fathers by association and all those in between and beyond. This is written by a father to provide a story that you and your child can read together. Throughout the story, you will have many opportunities to explain what things are to your child. In this way, you have an opportunity to do what all fathers want to do: teach their children. At the end of the book will be a series of questions that your child can ask you. These questions relate to the story and will give your child a chance to learn about you. This will help, I hope, give you what is so important to fathers: a chance for your child to learn about who you are, and to respect you for it.

Fatherhood is a gift that the world desperately needs. By taking time with your children to read this, or any, book – you will be making a positive difference in the life of your child, and they will have a chance to know you and love you. I hope you take this chance, and many others, to show a child what a real father can be; change the world for your children and therein change the world for us all.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

First, I would like to commend Andrew Britton for his spectacular drawings. They resemble paintings. Seriously, I am blown away by your talent! 

Second, My daughter giggled every time we read, “Beep beep boop boop beep boop.” Anything that makes her laugh or smile is a win in my book! 

Third, she was amazed at how many places she had visited. This added a level of excitement for her. For instance, she’s been to Chicago several times and loves the Shedd Aquarium, which was mentioned in The Adventures of DC Lee. Unfortunately, she couldn’t eat an authentic Chicago-style pizza due to allergies, but she did find a pretzel vendor and gobbled that up. If you haven’t been to Chicago, I encourage you to visit the free zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo); it’s incredible. Oh, and don’t forget to ride on the Centennial Wheel (Ferris wheel) on Navy Pier.

There were many locations we hadn’t visited yet, so we put them on our vacation destination board. Yes, my family has maps marked with places we’ve been and places we want to see. Thank you for giving my daughter new places to dream about. With the way technology advances in space aviation/exploration, I think she’ll have a good chance of visiting other planets one day. If nothing else, she told me she plans to win it big on the lottery, buy a ticket, and travel into space for a few minutes like the other people we watched on tv. This made me chuckle. Everyone has their goals in life, right?! 

Having a child whose parent used to travel a lot before the pandemic, I could relate to the section where a child wonders if the parent misses them when they are gone. As difficult as it is for us to leave them at any time, it’s hard for children to watch us go. The chat between the child and Dad in the story was (pretty much) the same conversation my child had with their father in real life. Sweet! 

I highly recommend others share this story with their youngsters. 

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 7-12 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Andrew Britton is a father, artist, engineer, author, goofball, and diabolical conqueror of naps and pizza. As an author, his work focuses on bringing a little grace to the difficulties of navigating childhood and fatherhood – times when things happen to us much more than we happen to them.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

 

 

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