Tag Archives: young readers

December 1, 2021 · 7:00 am

Bruce the Spruce: A New York City Fairytale About the True Meaning of Christmas Trees by A. A. Cristi (Book Review)

SPRUCE THE BRUCE: A New York City Fairytale about the true meaning of Christmas Trees by A.A. Cristi

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Bruce the Spruce has Christmas all wrong.
Thanks to his fancy decorations and adoring admirers, this artificial spruce tree doesn’t just wear a star at Christmas, he IS the star. But when his longtime family gets a new tree, it sends Bruce on a holiday adventure through New York City.
From a party in Brooklyn, to a run-in with rats, to a revelatory visit to Rockefeller Center, Bruce the Spruce takes an unforgettable journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas trees!
 
Buy Links:
Amazon ~  Barnes and Noble
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
I’d first like to praise Pablo Andreeta for your spectacular artwork. The facial impressions on Bruce made my youngster smile, gasp, and even get sad. They felt every emotion Bruce felt, and that’s great. We loved the Christmas lights streamed across the top and bottom of several pages. 


Bruce the Spruce: A New York City Fairytale About the True Meaning of Christmas Trees’ cover was also superbly designed. It’s eye-catching!!!


The context (plot, dialogue, etc.) was fantastic as well. We loved ALL the decorations Bruce adorned in the various celebrations he found himself in. Well, maybe not the rats. Rats are just GROSS! 


It’s apparent how much A. A. Cristi loves New York City. One day I hope to visit there and see the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree for myself; I heard it’s a spectacular sight to behold. 


I don’t want to ruin the overall message behind Bruce the Spruce: A New York City Fairytale About the True Meaning of Christmas Trees by A. A. Cristi; I’ll let you read that on the closing page.


I know this book will become a staple in many homes during the holiday season. It’s a perfect story to read, before or after you’ve decorated your tree. 


As with most children’s books we read in my home, I like to introduce art activities that go hand-in-hand with whatever we read. We’ll be making ornaments, stockings, Christmas tree cookies, and creating our own “Bruce the Spruce” using paints or another medium. I can’t wait to get started! 


Happy holidays! 

 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
Meet the Author:
Author A.A. Cristi

 
A.A. Cristi was born and raised in the world capital of Christmas trees and musicals – New York City. By no small miracle, she has managed to make a living writing about both topics. When she is not dreaming up fantastic adventures for inanimate objects, she is covering the Broadway industry as a journalist and editor at BroadwayWorld.com. Though writing is her calling, her true passion is playing mother to a neurotic wiener dog named Jack and Aunt Rah Rah to two truly remarkable kids.
 
 
Connect with the Author:  
Author’s Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
 
 
 

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November 28, 2021 · 7:00 am

Lion in Your Heart by R.C. Chizhov (Book Review)

 

Dennis has moved to a new home and is scared to sleep alone in his room. Mommy tells him that there is a friendly and dependable lion in his heart, always there to protect him. But Dennis is confused and curious:

Where is the lion, if he can’t see it?
Will the lion be with him all the time and everywhere he goes?
Does Mommy have a lion in her heart?

Dennis learns that there will always be times when we are frightened or nervous: at school or when we try something for the first time…or when we are orbiting to space! But the brave lion is inside all of our hearts, giving us the courage to conquer our fears.

“The Lion in Your Heart” book makes a thoughtful gift for ages 3,4,5,6,7 and up. Great for bedtime, read-aloud, confidence building, classroom discussions and improving children’s reading skills.

Kindle Purchase Link

Print Purchase Link

 

 

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

 

Story: The world can be a scary place. Kids will experience fear inside and outside of their homes at some point. Whether they are scared of strange noises, the dark, or something else, R.C. Chizhov shows young readers how to defeat their fear. R.C. Chizhov tells them they all have a lion inside them who’s strong and brave. If they embrace their inner lion, the child will become brave and strong too. I can practically hear many young children roaring each time the lion is shown. 

Illustrations:  I wasn’t too keen on the people’s faces; they came across as long and flat. However, I don’t think children will care or notice. Overall, Anil Yap did a marvelous job bringing life into the story. As a parent with a child who loves space, I can already guess which adventure will be her favorite to read. 🙂

I would recommend this book for anyone with young children. 

 

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

Kindle Purchase Link
Print Purchase Link

 

 

 

About R.C. Chizhov

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Children’s book author R.C. Chizhov grew up in India, moved to New York in 2005, and spent sixteen years in the financial services industry, before pursuing her childhood dream of publishing a book: her new picture book release, The Lion in Your Heart. 

R.C. thinks a good story is one that remains with the reader long after the book has closed and stays with them throughout their life. She hopes her young readers come away from her book understanding that everyone has fears, even adults, but that we are stronger than our fears and our hearts have enough courage to overcome them.

Inspired to write her story by her five-year-old son and his difficulty in sleeping in his bedroom alone, R.C. wanted to pen a tale that would show children that their bravery is always deep within them.

R.C. lives with her husband and son and when she isn’t writing heartwarming and poignant stories for children, she enjoys reading, traveling, dancing, solving jigsaw puzzles, and spending lots of time with family and friends. R.C. also loves anything math and numbers related. The Lion in Your Heart is her debut children’s book.

 

 
 

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November 26, 2021 · 7:00 am

The Christmas Blanket by Ed Damiano (Book Review)

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What is the meaning of Christmas? That’s what eight-year-old EJ wants to know. The other kids say it’s about getting toys‚ but is it, really?
​One evening, EJ’s mother takes him to the Rockefeller Center to see the lighting of the most magical tree in the world, and EJ meets someone who teaches him what Christmas is truly all about.
 
 
Buy the Book
Amazon
​Mascot Books 
 
 
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
As a parent, it’s so nice to see the kids excited about Christmas. Everything about the holiday is magical and full of wonder. However, Christmas can bring out the greed in some. They forget and need to be reminded Christmas is not just about the presents. In The Christmas Blanket by Ed Damiano, this misgiving is brought up between two characters (EJ and Tommy). 


EJ asked his mom, “What was Christmas really about?” but she just laughed. That response, in my opinion, was not the optimal way to handle a sad child who is pondering an important question. 


Soon enough, EJ met a man who helped him understand the true meaning of Christmas, and, not, it was no Saint Nick.


While it’s lovely to receive presents on Christmas, it’s also essential to understand the rewards of giving to others. This vital lesson should be taught to young children. During this holiday season, encourage your child to help others. Donate toys, blankets, jackets, etc. Make cards for residents at your local nursing home. Teach them that doing for others is the true joy of the holiday season. 


I want to wrap up my review, talking briefly about the illustrations. Life on the streets is hard, and the elements show no mercy. Jeff Vernon’s drawings captured the harshness of living outside and the gratitude an individual feels when they are shown a bit of kindness. 


In a world where you can be anything, be kind! 

 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
 
 
Meet the Author:
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Born in Newark, New Jersey, Damiano has a passion for creativity, and his stories always contain a positive message. He also wrote The Christmas Blanket, which earned him a Mom’s Choice Award. In The Christmas Blanket, his character EJ realizes the true meaning of Christmas, which is not about getting presents, but about giving back to others.
 
Connect with the Author:  ​goodreads
 
 

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October 25, 2021 · 7:00 am

Twin Tales: Alike and Different by Brielle and Nadia Dupervil (Book Review)

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​Imagine having someone that is just like you in the world. Or what if there were not just like you, but everyone thought they were? Twin sisters Alexia and Denise might look alike on the outside, but they are very different on the inside. Join the sisters as they reveal what makes them unique. An enduring story of siblings who share a strong bond that parents will appreciate, and children will love.
 
 
Buy the Book
Amazon Purchase Link
 
 
 
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
First and foremost, I would like to commend Brielle and Nadia Dupervil on writing a book. They are the youngest author(s) I’ve read. Most authors wait years to get a book published, and they have achieved it at a mere four years of age. Their family and friends must be so proud of them! 


While most twins look alike, these two adorable youngsters showed us exactly how different they are. For example: “Alexia loves to watch movies, but Denise likes shorter shows.” The differences continued to vary from clothing to food choices and much more, which I won’t spoil for the readers. 


While they differed on many day-to-day things, they did agree on two crucial facts — they love ice cream and their family. 🙂

No matter if you’re a twin or not, Twin Tales: Alike and Different will provide many discussion points such as “How do you like your sandwich?”


Using the cute illustrations by Folksnfables, you could always play “Spot the differences.” Allow kids to list everything from colors, clothing types, facial expressions, and so on.


Twin Tales: Alike and Different would make an excellent addition to any home, school, or public library. 

 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤
 
 
 
 
 
Meet the Authors:
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​Brielle has a bold and bubbly personality and never meets a stranger. You can call her the life of the party because there is never a dull moment when she is around. Brielle is a curious conversationalist who will talk to anyone who will listen.

Nadia is a soft spoken, articulate, gentle spirit. Initially she is reserved, but once comfortable she will win you over with her contagious laughter and the silly jokes she keeps in her back pocket for the right time. Nadia is caring and always does what she can to help others feel better. She is very in tune with her emotions and very direct when expressing them.

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Connect with the Author:  ​Website ~ facebook ~ instagram
 

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August 10, 2021 · 7:00 am

The Red Fence by Ed Damiano (Book Review)

THE RED FENCE by Ed Damiano

(Ages 3-7),  38 pages

 
In the uniform town of Vanderloo,

Everyone, everywhere has the same view.
What happens when Astred, tiny Todd, and Ned
Decide to paint their white fence red?
Children’s author and Mom’s Choice Award winner Ed Damiano delivers a poignant message about community and creativity in The Red Fence.

 

 

Mascot Books
Amazon ~ B&N
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
 
 
The Red Fence by Ed Damiano reminds me of the Dr. Seuss books, from its illustrations (characters and color spectrum) to its catchy rhymes. I’m sure at first glance many parents will come to the same conclusion. As for children 3-8, the intended age group, they won’t recognize the similar style. What they will remark on are the cute characters and all the newly painted fences. These painted fences will reinforce color recognition for non-readers. 


Shout out to Jenn Polk, whose artistry brought the wonderful town of Vanderloo to life! 


Parents, teachers, and librarians will adore reading this story. It promotes inclusion and community togetherness. In a world where division is still prominent in every walk of life, we need to stress to young children it’s okay to look different. Looking different DOES NOT reflect who you are on the inside. What’s important is YOU BE YOU and support others. 
 

Remember –> You can’t spell community without unity! 

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

Author Ed Damiano
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Damiano has a passion for creativity, and his stories always contain a positive message. He also wrote The Christmas Blanket, which earned him a Mom’s Choice Award. In The Christmas Blanket, his character EJ realizes the true meaning of Christmas, which is not about getting presents, but about giving back to others.

connect with the author: goodreads

 

 

 

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