Tag Archives: young readers

March 8, 2024 · 7:00 am

Tippie-Doo Mama Always Has The Last Laugh by Nyx Nightshade (Book Review)

With TIPPIE, everything is always an “ADVENTURE.”
He’s a funny little DONKEY that LOVES playing TRICKS and is
always very CURIOUS.
Tippie and Daisy try to play a trick on MAMA this time, but…. things don’t go quite as planned!
Read more inside…

Based on a true story.

In The Adventures Of Tippie-Doo, a silly little donkey discovers the world around him. This is a true story about mischievous donkeys who like to play tricks on their mama.

Sharing and thinking of others are key life lessons taught in the book.

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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.

 

Tippie (Tippie-Doo) and her siblings are mischievous donkeys who love to play tricks on their (human) mom. Tippie-Doo Mama Always Has The Last Laugh is a true account of the one instance when Tippie’s prank didn’t go as planned. 

Carrots are a favorite snack item for donkeys, so when Daisy-Doo and Tippie-Doo saw Mama carrying a bag of carrots, they had the same idea: get the bag and hide the loot! Tippie-Doo’s mental blueprint plan reminded me of classic Looney Tune cartoons. The drawn-out plan looks sound, but you know it’s doomed to fail at some point. And when it does, you’ll be laughing!

Readers will giggle as Daisy-Doo zooms across the pen, a lunch bag dangling from her mouth, as their Mama chases after them. They might also snicker watching the human and donkey play tug of war with the sandwich. I bet readers will pick a side in the food battle: Team Donkey or Team Mama! Whichever side they choose to win, young listeners might be shocked to discover it was all for naught. While Daisy and Tippie were playing a trick on their Mama, behind-the-scene trickery was also happening to them. Before reading the conclusion, ask your child or class who they believe nabbed the carrots from Daisy and Tippie. 

Through comedic text and imagery, Tippie-Doo Mama Always Has The Last Laugh teaches children that not everyone loves being tricked, and sometimes, a trick can backfire on you. It also stresses the importance of sharing and having patience. 

Pictures, storyline, plot, and resolution: Every aspect blended and complimented each other quite nicely. However, the last line didn’t read like a finale to a story. I read it over multiple times, and it still felt off. I wanted the donkeys to say “I love you” back. Other than that, I found no issues with the laugh-out-loud book and highly recommend you to share it with your own trickster.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 4-10 years. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

An authority in the cosmetics industry, Nyx Nightshade is a savvy business leader with over three decades of entrepreneurial experience. As the CEO of a global cosmetics distribution company, Nyx brings a wealth of expertise in corporate leadership and international business. Her talent for cultivating partnerships and spearheading innovative initiatives has been instrumental to her company’s growth and success. With an impressive career spanning over 32 years, Nyx has grown into a role in problem-solving, customer relations, strategic thinking, and passion for the beauty industry that will continue to drive her company forward.

Gifted with innate intuition and healing abilities from a young age, Nyx felt a natural calling to care for and rehabilitate horses. In 2016, she welcomed her first rescue horse, Willow, into her home, marking the beginning of a profound journey. Since then, Nyx’s herd has grown to include two Ponies, one Standardbred, two Thoroughbreds, four charming Donkeys, and one spirited  Miniature Horse. Spending quality time studying their mannerisms and bonding with each animal has fully allowed Nyx to appreciate their distinct personalities and quirks.

Nyx welcomed new residents into her heart when she introduced Tippie, Nala, and Jackson to the existing family. Immediately upon meeting the charismatic Tippie, Nyx recognized his star quality. She dedicated countless hours to ensuring the newcomer’s smooth transition, tenderly cradling Tippie and Nala as she read bedtime tales. Little did Nyx know, she would soon begin crafting bedtime stories starring her beloved creatures. Tippie’s curious personality distinguished him from the other animals. He embodied a free soul, a courageous rebel, unafraid of taking chances. Tippie-Doo doesn’t care who you are. He wants to tell you who he is!

As Nyx observed Tippie’s growth over two years, she could envision the antics and adventures awaiting them. Her mind overflowed with possibilities for bringing their stories to life. She could picture all the silly things he did and what they could do in her mind.

Nyx gladly put her heart and soul into her writing. The Adventures Of Tippie-Doo is a passion project she is excited to share with the world. Just like Tippie, “There’s NOTHING you can’t do!”

 

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February 28, 2024 · 7:00 am

Roofus the Rooster Shouted Cock-A-Doodle-Do All Day Long by JoAnn Hazeldene (Book Review)

Is Roofus’s love for crowing annoying to others?

Young children will enjoy and identify with Roofus the rooster. Roofus struggles with how others perceive him. He demonstrates emotional intelligence byidentifying and managing his own emotions as well as recognizing the emotions of others.This book encourages children to empathize with others and to compromise while maintaining a positive self-concept.

This easy-reader draws in the audience using repetition and language patterns, within a fun and interactive sing-song poem. The story introduces literary concepts such as plot, onomatopoeias, syntax, and prepositional phases. Children will not only interact with the print but actively participate in the story. The animal sounds are color coded for easy prereader participation. Parents and teachers will want to act out the story using movement and sounds.

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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.

 

Roofus the Rooster Shouted Cock-a-doodle-do All Day Long is a silly storybook encouraging viewer participation. 

If you live on a farm or have visited one, you know that some animals are very vocal. Roosters, for instance, love to greet the day, but their cock-a-doodle-doos do not stop when the sun is at its highest point. Like in real life, the rooster in the story shouted hello at first light and several other points in the day. 

First, the rooster woke the farmer, who told the bird, “Shhh!” Then, it moved to the fenced-in area where the rooster’s bellowing hello scared four horses. The rooster also startled several birds on a electrical line and annoyed a fluffy white cat. The rooster visited other animals, each having similar facial expressions to the loud cock-a doodle-doo. While the rooster didn’t think twice about his loud vocals, others did not appreciate his loud squawking. 

Readers will see a reaction written in bold, colorful letters at each pitstop. These reactions will repeat, in order, at the next location. For example, when the farmer said, “Shhh,” the word was repeated on stop two under the new sound: “Bang clang, shhh.” The story structure promotes child involvement, prediction, and memorization. The simple, repetitive text makes this story perfect for beginning readers. 

Roofus the Rooster Shouted Cock-a-doodle-do All Day Long is a wonderful book with humorous illustrations and predictable text. Parents and educators can use the book to teach toddlers their animal names or sounds. It can used as a starter book for young readers. 

Adult readers might notice the drawings looked pixelated. Children six years and younger will not notice or care about the graininess. The text was crystal clear, though!

 I recommend Roofus the Rooster Shouted Cock-a-doodle-do All Day Long to babies-first grade.  

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I am an elementary school teacher turned author. I love to read books to children, and I have an appreciation of what makes for a good read-a-loud story. I love sharing stories with children that are fun and intriguing.

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December 20, 2023 · 7:00 am

Zoe Home for the Holidays: A Merry Christmas Tale (Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog) by J. E. Brewer (Book Review)

Dashing Through the Snow in a One-Pup Crazy Way.

This is the second zany outing for Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog. Zoe is a whirlwind of a pup who helps people around town in unexpected ways during her daily walks with Edna. In Zoe Home for the Holidays, the duo turns winter into a wonderland and puts a whole new spin on dog walking. Edna lets Zoe take her for a wild ride to lend a helping paw to snow shovelers, skiers, skaters, ice sculptors, tree decorators, and even Santa himself, as only Zoe can. This is Book 2 of the Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog series.

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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.

 

I first met Zoe in the hilarious and unforgettable story Zoe the Pull-Leash Dog. The adorable canine was zooming across the pages and dragging their owner behind them, most of the time with their human counterpart (Edna) in mid-air. In Zoe Home for the Holidays, we witness another exhilarating walk where Edna’s feet barely touch the ground. 

Zoe’s case of the zoomies led Edna on a wild ride, but she was used to the 0 to 60 outdoor fun. Even the whole town knows what to expect when Zoe takes off. You’d think a fast-moving pooch would spell disaster, but their speed and quick movements prove quite helpful for the townspeople this holiday season. Zoe and Edna helped clear off the snowy sidewalks, assisted the children to the top of the ski hill, coordinated ice skaters, and created a stunning ice sculpture. As they flew past the enormous tree in the village’s center, they did a holiday job many people dread: untangle a mountain of blinking lights. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Zoe also had time and energy to help jolly St. Nick and his reindeer! 

Readers will find themselves giggling over the high-flying owner. The illustrations show her as a human toboggan, resting on the backend of a dog-shaped ice sculpture, passing over treetops, riding on the back of Santa’s sled, and much more. Edna’s final line, “Santa says Hi,” was a perfect ender. It demonstrated how she loved and accepted the craziness the walks bring. Every day was an adventure with her furry friend! 

Zoe Home for the Holidays is a wonderful book to share with your family this and every holiday season. Kids will love it, and so will their parents too! Based on the previous book in the series, the recommended reading age is 3-7 years. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I grew up in a hardworking lobstering town on the coast of southern Maine. As a Physics major at the University of Maine, I won the state creative fiction competition. Today I live on Boston’s north shore with my wife, a pre-school teacher. We have two sons and a little white dog.

Reedsy Author Link
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

 

 

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October 26, 2023 · 7:00 am

Bob Tales, Land of the Woody Warbles by Susan Sullivan (Book Review)

When a sad and hungry kitty is rescued from a garbaggy place by a loving family, only to lose them again, he sets out to find them. On his journey, he encounters many strange and wonderful creatures including a slithery snake, a frisky frog, a friendly fish, a laughable lemur, a marvelous mantis, a testy turtle, a babbling bee, a wee worm, and a wise old owl. Along the way, he learns that he is a bit different than most cats and the other creatures aren’t so nice about his unique qualities.

While struggling with his identity, and weakened from his journey, the cat becomes more and more lost. He faces perilous danger and nearly gives up all hope. But after digging deep to find trust, and a little help and teamwork from his new friends, he finds more than he was hoping for.

In this beautifully illustrated tale of a cat without a tail, our hero learns how to believe in himself, overcome his fears, and feel comfortable in his own fur – with lots of adventures along the way. An inspiring story of courage, teamwork, and the long journey home.

Author Website
Reedsy Author Link
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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.

 

The World Animal Foundation claims that, shockingly, there are 480 million stray cats. Susan Sullivan focuses on one homeless kitty in Bob Tales, Land of the Woody Warbles. Before the black kitty met his owners, he lived on the streets. He feasted on rotten garbage, causing his coat to smell no better than the food he consumed. He was bullied, beaten, and understandably sad. All that changed the day the gentle man with shaggy hair scooped him up and promised to help him. The friendly human gave the lonesome, dirty, hungry cat a name (Bob). He made sure Bob was given medical care, a bath, a warm bed, and plenty of healthy food. Bob loved his new family, a blended home of cats and dogs. He felt safe. He felt loved. He felt like he belonged. 

Bob understood that sometimes his owners would leave for the day, but he also understood they eventually returned. However, one day, they didn’t, and Bob was consumed with worry. As pet owners, we see the joy in our furry friends when we return home. Kisses. Head butts. They show love in their own way. Bob loved his humans and was willing to brave the harsh outside world again for them. 

In every chapter, Bob meets new faces. He met some friendly animals and some rude animals. Art imitates life in this instance. No matter the reader’s age, you will encounter people who will lift you up and those who enjoy tearing you down. It’s important to remember the wise words of Oakley, the owl: “What others think doesn’t matter half as much as what you think.”

Bob did not have a tail, and many animals remarked about it, causing him to be ashamed of who he was and what he looked like. Bob didn’t know life with a tail, but these wild animals made him feel terrible about it. We see this type of behavior in humans. We focus on someone’s outward appearance and should be judging someone by their actions. Bob was a sweet, smart cat who loved his family with all his heart. He braved the turbulent waters, faced his fears, and never gave up looking for his “lost” humans. 

In the end, Bob was reunited with his family, and what a story he had to share with his furry brothers and sisters. He swam. He flew. He had an adventure that would widen any furry friend’s eyes with shock and disbelief. 

Bob Tales, Land of the Woody Warbles thirteen chapters are full of action, adventure, love, and gorgeous illustrations of animals and insects (artist: Lauren Reeves). I recommend sharing it with your child six years and older. Make it a part of your bedtime routine. 

Remember: adopt, don’t shop!

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

Author Website
Reedsy Author Link
Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Susan Sullivan worked in Nuclear Medicine before teaching high school biology and anatomy for ten years. Bob, Susan’s tailless rescue cat, had wanderlust and his true adventures became the source of great stories. Susan enjoys being in nature and among animals, particularly when she is beekeeping.

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September 15, 2023 · 7:00 am

Shinning Bright A Journey of Dreams by Kiana Frederick (Book Review)

This book tells the story of Maya, a little black girl with big dreams. Maya loves to dance and dreams of performing on a stage, inspiring others with her talent. One day, she meets a wise old tree who encourages her to believe in herself and trust her heart. With newfound courage, Maya practices tirelessly and catches the attention of a famous dance crew who invites her to join them. Her story spreads far and wide, inspiring other little black girls to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Maya’s journey teaches the importance of determination, self-belief, and the power to inspire others. The book encourages young black girls to dream big, knowing that they are capable of achieving greatness and making a positive impact in the world.

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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.

 

Maya loved to dance and aspired to dance across a stage one day. She wanted to inspire others with her movements, which was a beautiful dream. One day, Maya met a wise old tree who whispered, “Believe in yourself.” The wise tree did precisely what every adult, friend, and family member should do, encouraging our youth to follow their heart. 

Maya found her courage and determination to practice. And with each step, each twirl, she became closer to achieving her dream. Maya leaped across the stage and into my heart. She was a shining role model and beautifully demonstrated what one can achieve. 

Maya’s talent caught the eye of a famous dance crew, and with that, the young star’s life’s goal was achieved: Maya danced across the stage and inspired little black girls to follow their passions. 

Doctor. Artist. Astronaut. World leader. Pilot. Shinning Bright A Journey of Dreams proudly proclaims, “No dream is too big, no goal is too high, with determination and love, they’ll reach for the sky.” What a wonderful message! We should all support children wherever life takes them, whether they want to be stay-at-home parents, musicians, teachers, scientists, etc. 

Kiana Frederick wrote an inspirational story that children and adults would love to read together. It encourages young black girls to dream big, knowing they can achieve greatness and make a positive impact in the world. Every child has the capacity for greatness, and Maya’s story can motivate every gender, every color, and every child to believe in themselves, trust their heart, and follow their dreams. 

With the storybook’s lovely message and artwork, I recommend Shinning Bright A Journey of Dreams to children 3-9. Speaking of the paintings, I appreciated the children were not cartoon-looking. Their realness only heightens the story’s profound message and helps readers connect more with Maya’s journey. 

Share this book with your child and help them reach for the stars! 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

As a young woman and first-time children’s book author, found my inspiration after welcoming my daughter into the world. With love as my guiding force, I have embarked on a journey to create a magical and heartwarming story that would captivate young minds and celebrate joy.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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