Tag Archives: young readers

June 16, 2025 · 7:00 am

Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future With Bonds by Craig A Robinson (Book Review)

Bull and Bear are back with another exciting adventure that teaches young readers about the power of investing in bonds! At the advice of their trusted advisor and friend Piggy Banks, Bull & Bear visit Eagle, who manages the Moneyland Treasury, to learn about how bonds work to build new schools, parks, and roads and why they’re essential for making communities better. They also discover how bonds can help protect their savings while helping others. Through fun and engaging illustrations, this story shows kids how they can be part of building a brighter future by diversifying their investments. Perfect for young readers curious about money and how it helps create the world around them!

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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.

 

Bull and Bear return with another captivating adventure, this time delving into the educational world of investing in bonds.

Are you interested in teaching your kids or students about bonds, assets, diversifying, and other money-related terms but don’t know where to start or how to simplify the information? I recommend reading Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future with Bonds, starting with its dictionary. Understanding key terms like municipal (mun) bond, diversify, bear and bull market, stocks, and maturity will assist readers in understanding the story more. Yes, the writer did a fabulous job weaving money terms, such as principal and yield, into the story; however, reviewing the words in the glossary might clear up any confusion for younger audiences going forth in this creative and informative story.

After familiarizing yourself with the glossary, it’s time to embark on a journey with Bull, Bear, and their friends in Moneyland. Adding a city map with creatively named streets and landmarks, such as Shareholder Square and Bond, Risk and Reward River, provides a unique opportunity to expand your financial knowledge. These names can serve as talking points for families and classrooms, inspiring readers to delve deeper into the world of finance. Plus, the map was just plain cute. Especially seeing the two friends ride down Wall Street on their bikes. Nice red helmet, Bear!

As we follow Bull and Bear to Moneyland Treasury, Eagle breaks down how bonds help our community and are a stable investment in this topsy-turvy economy. Help your city while earning interest… it was a no-brainer for Bear and Bull. It was, in their words, the best thing to do.

While Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future with Bonds is designed for children aged 5-10, it offers a fun and engaging learning experience for readers of all ages. The delightful characters and rhyming sentences, courtesy of the talented Craig Robinson, make learning about bonds an enjoyable experience. Share this book with your family or students and consider adding bonds to your portfolio.

Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future with Bonds did have an extensive glossary; however, kids might be puzzled by the financial sphere, which was not listed in the book’s dictionary. Also, while fans should recall the Golden Rule, this term might be foreign to new readers; therefore, I suggest adding it to the dictionary. All in all, Bull & Bear Build a Bright Future with Bonds does what the other books in the series do: it educates through creative storytelling and likable characters!

Check out every Bull and Bear money-themed book; they are educational and fun!

 

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

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Meet the Author

Author Craig A. Robinson has worked in the investment management industry for over twenty years, Craig has firsthand knowledge of our country’s lack of financial literacy and what it costs the average American. He wrote a children’s book to introduce the topic of financial literacy to children.

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June 6, 2025 · 7:00 am

Pete and Suzie by Samantha Ahearne (Book Review)

Pelicans and Seagulls are diving rivals and have been enemies for as long as anyone can remember. Pelicans and Seagulls are not alike. That is until Pete the Pelican and Suzie Seagull meet at morning yoga. Can these two very different birds become friends or will Suzie Seagull be eaten by a Pelican?

A heartwarming story about friendship and kindness.

Don’t judge a bird by it’s feathers!

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

 

Pete and Suzie is a fun read, showing how feathered enemies overcame differences and put aside a long-standing feud to become friends. 

 

The Pelicans and Seagulls have been enemies for as long as any feathered animal can remember. How or when the rivalry started is unknown; however, one incident cemented the dislike between the diving rivals: the fish nab at the (bird) Olympics. Oh, how I wish the pages dedicated to the “incident” were animated. I can’t be the only one who wants to watch various birds compete in synchronized swimming. I’d also like to see Sully the Seagull swoop down and relieve the Pelican of their fish. I can practically hear the gasps of horror from the Pelicans. The big-beaked birds never saw him (aka Sully) coming! 

The transition from this swimming scene to the present situation was not smooth. It almost felt like two different stories. As readers focus on the here and now, they quickly learn the birds may have similar physical characteristics but are not alike in many ways. Pelicans are quiet and love practicing in a neat line. Why? I have no idea. Seagulls are loud birds, which many young readers know from the animated film Nemo. The illustrator did a marvelous job showing readers how energic and “loud” seagulls can be. The up-close, squawking bird images deserve two thumbs up! 

The two water birds distanced themselves from one another until one sunny Saturday when Suzie Seagull’s brother double-dared her to talk to the Pelicans. Suzie didn’t bat an eye; she accepted his dare. If Suzie was scared, she never showed it. Her bravery was inspiring! As an introvert, I am not sure I could’ve spoken with the strangers without my anxiety levels rising. It’s good that she’s a brave bird because she (and we) learned so much from them. For example, we discovered what chakras are and what the seven colored chakras represent. Suzie’s visit also taught readers how to do a couple of yoga poses and breathing techniques that anyone can use to calm and center their mind. 

Of course, a tale of feuding birds wouldn’t be complete without a good old-fashioned misunderstanding. Without spoiling the fun, let’s just say that feathers were ruffled for no good reason. And the illustrations that bring this chaotic scene to life? They’re downright hilarious, especially when it comes to Suzie’s brother. What a drama king! 

Did the bird foes become friends? They sure did. I loved the scenes showcasing how they were not so different after all and the author’s adorable name choice for who made the birds’ beverages. Read the story for more details! 

Pete and Suzie is more than just a story about birds. It’s a lesson in empathy and understanding. It teaches us not to judge people without getting to know them, to be open to new friendships and experiences, and to put aside grudges and misunderstandings. It’s a call to kindness and unity, a reminder that we should build friendships, not walls.

Recommended reading age is 3-8 years.

 

Side note: “Seagulls” and Pelicans” were capitalized in the review to mimic how it was presented in the story.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Samantha Ahearne is an eternal optimist, who hopes to inspire kindness and acceptance through her story writing. She was born and raised in London, England and now lives in Houston, Texas.
 

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

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June 3, 2025 · 7:00 am

Pete and Suzie and the Party Penguins by Samantha Ahearne (Book Review)

In Hazy Bay, the big debate concerns who might be the greatest diver of all time, a pelican or a seagull.

Imagine the disruption to the pelican seagull debate when penguins arrive to dive!

How will the pelicans and seagulls react to the new competition?

Don’t judge a bird by it’s feathers.

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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 Hazy Bay newspaper’s headline read that the penguins were selected to dive this year at the Hazy Bay Sports Day. This revelation stunned the pelican and seagull community. The water birds had no idea what a penguin was and if they could perform better than them. They assumed penguins could fly, which young kids discover is false. The illustrations showing the birds looking up at the sky in search of the penguins were amusing. Readers will feel the birds’ confusion as they look left, right, and behind them without sighting these mysterious penguin guests flying toward them. The funny, illustrative scenes continue as we watch all three types of birds strike a yoga pose. Yes, you read that right—these birds practice yoga! And Puffy’s (the penguin) demonstration of how they got their name was adorable! Oh, and Puffy’s dance skills were quite the showstopper, too. I would love to see Puffy and Mumble (Happy Feet) engage in a dance-off!

The pelicans and seagulls made the mistake of judging the penguins without getting to know them. However, they learned a profound lesson as they watched the penguins perform their diving routine: you cannot judge a bird by looks alone. This lesson is not just for birds, but for all of us. It’s a gentle reminder not to form opinions based on appearances, but to take the time to get to know someone and then form an opinion based on how they treat you and others.

Pete and Suzie and the Party Penguins is a wonderful story that teaches kids to be kind to others, not judgy. It’s marked for children 4-8 years, but kids of all ages will love the comical illustrations and the penguin’s remarkable water performance. I recommend sharing this story with your family or students. Great message. Nice introduction to yoga and affirmations. Plus, funny illustrations that’ll have your little ones giggling.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Samantha Ahearne is an eternal optimist, who hopes to inspire kindness and acceptance through her story writing. She was born and raised in London, England and now lives in Houston, Texas.
 

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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April 21, 2025 · 7:00 am

Never Kiss a Crocodile Never Slap a Skunk: A field guide to ominous animals by Rocky Leplin (Book Review)

Don’t be afraid of a book! Just the animals in this one! Never Kiss a Crocodile, Never Slap a Skunk is a stimulating way to introduce young people to some of the perils of the natural world—and why they command respect. With full color photos, and a fun fact about each one, Crocodile is a series of humorous rhymed verse poems about 24 animals:

  • RISKY REPTILES — rattlesnakes, pythons, crocodiles
  • FEARSOME FISH AND FRIENDS — sawfish, stingrays, electric eels, piranhas, man-eating clams, Portuguese man o’ wars, stonefish, and great white sharks
  • BAD NEWS BIRD — vultures
  • AGONIZING ARACHNIDS — tarantulas, black widow spiders and scorpions
  • IRRITATING INSECTS — killer bees, driver ants
  • MUTINOUS MAMMALS — porcupines, rhinos, grizzly bears, tigers, vampire bats, and skunks

Never Kiss a Crocodile is the sixth book of rhymed verse poetry, most of them about mythical and imaginary creatures, by Rocky Leplin. But it’s the first that is non-fiction, though with Leplin’s signature semi-eccentric edge.

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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.

 

Never Kiss a Crocodile, Never Slap a Skunk is a thrilling guide that uses photography, catchy titles, fun facts, and “humorous rhymed verse poetry” to educate and entertain readers about 24 animals in the following categories: “Risky Reptiles,” “Fearsome Fish and Friends,” “Bad News Bird,” “Agonizing Arachnids,” “Irritating Insects,” and “Mutinous Mammals.” The exhilarating adventure begins with the notorious rattlesnake who, fun fact, the writer states won’t attack unless you try and pick one up. Let’s all agree not to test that theory! Two more reptilians make up the first category before readers move on to the second category, which is also the largest: “Fearsome Fish and Friends.”

Most adults and some kids have seen or at least heard of a sawfish before; however, they might not know the fish are ovoviviparous. The writer didn’t add a punctuation key for the tongue-twisted word or define it, which was an overlooked key element! The author provided numerous facts about the remaining eight creatures under the sea. For example, I discovered piranhas can bark. I also learned the length of a blue-ringed octopus’s arms and how long a Portuguese man o’ war tentacle can be! Oh, readers will find out which fish can roll their eyes! And, thanks to a brilliantly crafted poem, which underwater doesn’t mind eating hair, and which one looks like coral but is definitely not coral.

The book discusses ONE “Bad New Bird” before entering the world of arachnids and insects. Visually, these were my least favorite sections. I liked the facts, though! The poems were okay; they were less engaging and entertaining than the reptiles’. But that is just my opinion; read each section and vote for your favorite!

Finally, book lovers are treated to “Mutinous Animals,” featuring porcupines, rhinos, grizzly bears, tigers, vampire bats, and skunks. Did you know experts theorize that even skunks hate their defensive odor? What about this one: bats can jump? More tantalizing tidbits are ready to discover along the pages of Never Kiss a Crocodile, Never Slap a Skunk. I recommend reading it even if poetry isn’t your favorite literary genre. The fun factoids are worth the read!

There were a few editing mistakes, and I didn’t see the point of the marble image and its grizzly-themed poem. It was unnecessary and hindered the flow of the story. Overall, Never Kiss a Crocodile, Never Slap a Skunk is a wonderful resource book that I suggest sharing with your family or class. I also recommend checking out Rocky Leplin’s other books of rhymed verse!

Amazon’s suggested reading age is 10-16 years. Younger audiences would also enjoy the photos, fun facts, and (maybe) some or all the poems.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Rocky Leplin graduated from the UCLA Film School, and has a Master’s in Music. He is the author of nine books, 500 songs, and two musicals. Two of his MG short stories have won awards, and his zany “manual” A Psycho’s Guide to Animal Companionship, was a Finalist in the 2023 Indie Book Awards.

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March 28, 2025 · 7:00 am

Ben T. Finnigan’s Awesome ADHD Superpowers by May Morrissey (Book Review)

Do you feel the wiggles when you are told to sit still?

Does your brain buzz with unstoppable ideas?

What if those things you thought were challenges were actually superpowers?

Meet Ben T. Finnigan, a boy with ADHD who feels frustrated when he’s fidgety and his big emotions take over. But with a little help, Ben discovers that his boundless energy, endless curiosity, and creativity are what make him extraordinary. This uplifting story celebrates the magic of neurodivergence, encouraging kids to embrace their differences and uncover their inner superhero.

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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.

 

Ben Theodore Finnigan is an energetic little boy whose body is usually in high gear, earning him the title of “happy tornado” by his mother. Ben isn’t allowed to move at lightning speed at school, though. His teacher would like Ben to slow down in the classroom, but that is difficult for him. Why? Ben has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, for short). It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that makes it challenging for individuals like Ben to stay focused or remain still. The author compared Ben’s brain to a race car, both moving quickly. Great comparison! In this book, we follow Ben’s journey as he learns to navigate his ADHD and discovers his unique superpowers.

ADHD has other symptoms, such as it can shrink one’s patience in waiting their turn. We saw that firsthand as Ben’s excitement caused him to cut the line to the paint table. His brain didn’t register how his action would upset others. It had one thought – get to the paints! A person with ADHD also tends to get distracted easily, and remaining perfectly still is nearly impossible. They often forget to do something and wiggle and fidget when calm bodies are needed. And, as we witnessed with Ben and bath time, their feelings can grow big, causing them to get easily frustrated and express their emotions loudly. I applaud the mom’s reaction to Ben’s outburst. She NEVER once yelled at him, but instead, she took a calmer approach. She waited for big feelings to subside, and when he was ready, she hugged him.

I loved the scene featuring Ben and his father discussing the day’s highs and lows – the happy and sad parts of the day. When Ben pointed out only the low parts, his father reminded his son of all his remarkable accomplishments this morning. We all make mistakes, and focusing only on the errors can dampen our moods and willingness to try again. We should all follow Ben’s dad’s example – help or remind our kids of everything they did good that day. Also, remember these five words – “I AM PROUD OF YOU”- can make all the difference in the world for a person!

One might think there is no upside to having ADHD, but we discover people with the condition have “superpowers.” No, you won’t run fast like The Flash, but the “High Energy Power” does keep you moving longer than the average person. Ben’s dad mentioned two other superpowers his son had, but mum’s the word on those. I encourage you to read the story to discover Ben’s other hidden powers. Ben’s mom points out superpowers we ALL have that can help us take life a bit slower or help raise our spirits. These, too, will be unveiled as you read the uplifting and loving story.

The technical term for ADHD can be tricky for children to say, but Ben’s story does a wonderful job explaining the symptoms behind the condition in terms a child can comprehend. The book shares positive aspects of the disorder—superpowers that can boost a child’s spirit about the diagnosis. The parents model good responses when their son is experiencing big feelings. It also offers coping strategies every reader can benefit from, leaving you feeling informed and knowledgeable about ADHD.

I highly recommend reading Ben T. Finnigan’s Awesome ADHD Superpowers. It is an uplifting story that explains ADHD in simple terms and reminds those with the condition to focus on the daily highs. It also features adorable illustrations that will make you smile, especially the ones containing Kojo the cat.

Amazon’s recommended reading age is 3-8 years.

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

May Morrissey is a debut children’s picture book author, devoted mom, and nurse anesthetist by trade. Her writing journey began when her son was diagnosed with ADHD—a moment that forever changed the way she saw his world and how the world saw him. Fueled by a deep desire to make her son feel seen, heard, and valued, she set out to create stories that capture the energy, struggles, and superpowers of neurodivergent kids like him.

Inspired by real-life events in her family, May wrote Ben T. Finnigan’s Awesome ADHD Superpowers, a heartwarming and empowering story that highlights the challenges and triumphs of children with ADHD. Determined to ensure her son and kids like him felt understood and valued, she began crafting stories that bring to life the energy, challenges, and unique strengths of neurodivergent kids like him, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and brilliance that come with it. Through her books, she hopes to empower children, support parents, and create environments where neurodivergent kids can thrive.

May lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, their three children. When she’s not writing, she, loves indulging in a good dessert, enjoying a cozy cup of tea, and embracing the beautiful chaos of family life.

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