Tag Archives: young readers

Momo Has a Bad Day by Papa Paws (Book Review)

Everyone has bad days – even little puppies! When Momo can’t find a playmate and gets caught in the rain, her spirits are as damp as her fur. But big sister Molly Paws knows just what to do to help turn those storm clouds into sunshine.

This tender tale shows young readers that it’s okay to feel down sometimes, and that family is there to help make things better. Through gentle storytelling and heartwarming illustrations, children will learn that even the gloomiest days can brighten up with a little love and care from those who matter most.

Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers ages 0-5, this comforting story helps little ones understand their emotions and discover that bad days don’t last forever – especially with family by your side.

Each book in The Everyday Adventures of Papa & Paws® series features:

  • Charming illustrations that capture every emotional moment
  • Age-appropriate storytelling perfect for ages 0-5
  • Real-life situations that children instantly relate to
  • Gentle life lessons woven naturally into each tale
  • True stories that make the messages even more meaningful
  • Opportunities for family bonding and discussion

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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.

 

Have you ever woken up with bad luck appearing to follow you with each step? Has your mood ever soured over unfavorable events or circumstances? This is the case for Momo. The day began with Momo, the cute brown and tan dog, heading outside to play with Robbie the Cardinal, only to find the redbird flying off, too preoccupied to play today. Next, Momo visited Timmy the Squirrel and discovered a sign saying their pal was off looking for nuts. Momo’s bad luck would continue to plague them as rain drenched them from head to paw. The illustration of Momo standing outside the window, watching their sisters sleep soundly in their warm dog’s bed, was so sad. Your heart goes out to the poor, sopping-wet, lonely pup. However, it’s hard to stay sad long when you see both sister pups tucked in with a blanket and stuffed toy. Very cute illustrative pages!

Momo did not stay sad for long, thanks to Molly Paws and their humans. Molly Paws suggested tips and activities to make Momo feel better on bad days. These suggestions are not limited to canines either. They are universal and can be applied by anyone, regardless of age or species. When feeling down, I recommend selecting one or more tips courtesy of Molly Paws. Eat your favorite. Soak in a bubble bath (be cautious of UTIs and delicate skin). Focus on happy thoughts and activities. Snuggle up and take a nap. Play with family or friends. Take deep, calming breaths and let the bad day vibes float away. 

Teachers, ask your students to share ideas or tips on making bad moods vanish. Your class can make a colorful chart like Molly Paws. Parents, read this story with your child(ren) and show them that everyone has bad days, and that’s okay. Encourage them to utilize Molly Paws coping mechanisms or make their own “how to feel better on a bad day” poster board. 

I recommend sharing Momo Has a Bad Day with children up to age 5. 

 

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

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Meet the Author

Nicholas J. Nawroth is Papa Paws. He is a dog lover and artist. At age 9, he created his first comic book featuring his dog, Woody, and has been drawing ever since. He has never lost touch with his childlike wonder and love of dogs, which he shares in his stories. In his free time, he enjoys snuggling up on the couch with the family to watch movies.

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B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet by Henrique Meyer (Book Review)

Embark on a sizzling alphabetical safari with B is for Barbecue! This delightful children’s book serves up a hearty helping of fun, combining the joy of learning letters with the excitement of barbecue and meats. Each letter of the alphabet is celebrated with a whimsical poem that introduces young readers to barbecue-related terms-from A for Angus to Z for Zebra. The vibrant two-page spread illustrations burst with color and flavor, capturing the imagination and taste buds alike.

Perfect for little foodies and aspiring grill masters, this book not only teaches the ABCs but also kindles a love for cooking and outdoor gatherings. The rhythmic poems and captivating artwork make each page turn a new experience, keeping children engaged and eager to learn. Whether read aloud at family cookouts or enjoyed during cozy bedtime routines, B is for Barbecue is sure to become a cherished favorite that brings smiles and appetites together.

 

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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.

 

Barbecue is a popular cuisine that involves cooking food over a live fire or smoke, typically outdoors. Barbecue, also known as BBQ and barbeque, can refer to the cooking method or a gathering of people where BBQ foods are the main course. B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet mainly focuses on meats you’d prepare using a grill or smoke, but it doesn’t limit itself to just those. The writer shares vegetables, like zucchini, can also be prepared on a grill. But for many of us, when we think of barbecuing, common foods spring to mind: steaks, burgers, ribs, and hot dogs. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet uses poetry to introduce readers to barbecue-related terms, beginning with A for Angus and ending with Z for Zucchini and Zebra. As I peered at the vibrant and charming cover, I asked myself what barbecue-themed foods or meats begin with N, U, X, and Y. Now I know! Thanks to the creative prose, I have a better understanding of two Japanese grilled foods, too. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is more than a book that teaches kids their ABCs. It’s a celebration of food, family, friends, and memories shared over a meal. The rhyming lines are cute as can be, but sometimes the flow is interrupted with a word kids might pronounce incorrectly or baffled at its meaning. Take “confit,” for instance. Kids might pronounce kän fit instead of känˈfē. Kids and adults might not know that confit is a French cooking technique that involves slowly cooking food in fat at a low temperature to preserve it. 

 

Amazon has the book listed for kids up to age 8, making it a versatile learning tool for a wide range of children. The bold, beautiful, colorful pages will delight babies and toddlers. Preschoolers and kindergarteners will also love the illustrations and creative ways of learning their letters. Kids between ages 6 and 8 can use this book to strengthen their reading skills. It’s a great mixture of easy and complex words, ensuring that it’s engaging and beneficial for all. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is perfect for any household that loves to cook or eat BBQ foods. The short poems and adorable artwork will enlighten and entertain kids and adults. Everyone will walk away learning at least one new fact centering on a specific meat or BBQ item. For me, it was yakitori. Read the book to gain insight into Japanese food.

 

Make reading this story a part of your next BBQ event! 

 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Henrique Meyer, born in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and raised in Florida, is a software engineer and technology consultant residing in Fort Lauderdale. Henrique enjoys spending time with his children, barbecuing, fishing, and traveling.

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When Mom Feels Great Then We Do Too! by Phyllis Schwartz (Book Review)

When Mom, one day, came home and said, “I think I better get in bed,”

it was up to us to get together as a team so she’d feel better.

We came up with all sorts of things to do.

Because “when mom feels great then we do too!”

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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.

 

Growing up, I don’t recall my mother being sick very often. However, when she was under the weather, the entire house jumped on board to help out. I learned to appreciate everything my mom did in and out of the house at a young age. As a parent, I do my best not to get ill. When it happens, I have an excellent support team who do their best to make me feel better. 

My husband reminds the kids to use their library voice while indoors. They make sure I always have a drink nearby. My youngest also brings me a stuffed toy that is supposed to “chase the sick germs away.” 

When someone, anyone, in your home is feeling under the weather, band together like the family did in When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too! by Phyllis Schwartz. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine!

At the story’s start, Phyllis Schwartz mentions the dad helping the kiddos make mom’s favorite dish, wieners and asparagus. Be prepared for your child to giggle when they hear “wieners.” Mine did. 

My kiddos are not a fan of asparagus or hot dogs, but if your kids are, I have great news for you—the author included the recipe for mom’s favorite dish. They even included suggested sides: rice and corn (kernel or on the cob). FYI: It “serves 2 adults and multiple kids.”

When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too! by Phyllis Schwartz was a charming story. It did have some words that will need exploring, depending on your audience’s age: Motown music. Also, I’m no fashionista, so “Frida Kahlo” went right over my head. 

 Siski Kalla did a lovely job on the illustrations. They were all very nice.

I will recommend When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too! to family and friends. 

Recommended reading age is 4-10.

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Phyllis Schwartz is a married mother of two, who, after a highly successful career in the TV news business, finally has the time to indulge in and focus on her “civilian” writing. Even as a kid, she kept a diary and wrote little stories and poems, a creative release that continued well into adulthood. She wrote news by day and poetry by night. And despite battling three different types of cancer over more than three decades, she is still filled with energy, joy, and optimism, and she looks forward to writing much more poetry and children’s books in the future. Her writing often centers on what she observes daily: including her friends, husband, and two children, as well as her garden and her beautiful beach town residence in dreamy Encinitas, all providing continued inspiration for her verse.

Website Link

FB/Insta: phyllischwartz_author

LinkedIn Link

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Coming Soon

A delightful picture book that teaches kids 15 Spanish, Yiddish, & Japanese words as Yoshi crafts a poem about what bothers them the most!

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

Preview Page

 

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Spot Problems: Amelia & Paco by Stefanie Gamarra (Book Spotlight)

Amelia, a six-year-old girl, has an unusual best friend: Paco, a grumpy, talking polar bear.
 
During a game of hide-and-seek in the backyard, they discover a ladybug without any spots. They start a well-intentioned mission to “fix” their spot-free friend, causing chaos among the other garden creatures.
 
After a near-disastrous turn of events, they come to understand what’s been hiding in plain sight.

In this latest adventure from the Amelia & Paco series, your child will once again discover the joy of outdoor play and the power of imagination. Through the misadventures of two unlikely friends, they’ll learn that the best solutions often come from seeing the world through a different lens.


Plus, it’s a great way to spark fun conv
ersations with your kids about bugs, habitats, and all the cool things they can find right in their own backyard or neighborhood.


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PREVIEW

Reedsy’s Review Link

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Meet the Author

I’m a full-time project manager, part-time marshmallow tree cultivator and have officially added ‘children’s book author’ to my LinkedIn titles. While born in Germany, I now call the US home and peppered my debut children’s book series “Amelia & Paco” with a blend of transatlantic charm and humor.

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The Adventures of Bronx by Heidi Brooks (Book Review)

Welcome to The Adventures of Bronx,
a wonderful little boy with Down Syndrome…

Through his story, you’ll see that children like Bronx are just like everyone else—full of love, laughter, and dreams. This book celebrates the power of inclusion and reminds us that our differences are what make us unique.

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

 

Bronx is a happy, energetic little boy who enjoys playing dress-up, having fun outside, watching movies, dancing to his favorite tunes, and spending time with his family. Bronx loves bringing smiles to others and offering one back. The pictures of Bronx smiling without his front teeth were cute!

Bronx has one thing that makes him unique: he has Down Syndrome. Kids might wonder what Down Syndrome is. The author (Heidi Brooks) gives an overview of the genetic condition, stating most babies have 46 chromosomes, but children born with Down Syndrome have an extra one. The writer notifies young readers that chromosomes are “one of the things that makes us who we are.” The informative page also shares a strain of DNA and a developing baby.

Bronx has short, chubby fingers and extra wide feet, but that’s just part of his outer shell charm. It might take him a bit longer to learn new things, but we all struggle now and then. Deep down, he is like any other person. When he’s sad, he needs hugs. When he’s happy, he dazzles the world with his beautiful, infectious smile. 

I encourage you to share The Adventure of Bronx with your family or classroom. Teach children to be kind to others and include everyone in  game time. When you see someone with Down Syndrome, take Heidi’s advice and say “hi” to them. If you’re at the park or recess, invite them to play with you. Remember, people with Down Syndrome have feelings just like you, so treat them how you want people to treat you: with kindness and respect.

I loved getting to know Bronx. He was an adorable child who made me want to smile. Well, every photo except for his “I’m sorry,” portrait. That one made me want to hug the darling boy. I liked the inclusion of the real-life snap sort of Gammy and Bronx hugging. (That’s Bronxy to her.) You can tell there is a lot of love in his family! 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Heidi Brooks is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose delightful experiences with her grandchildren fuel her passion for writing. With a lifelong love for children’s literature, Heidi is particularly inspired by the whimsical worlds of Shel Silverstein, Dr. Seuss, and Roald Dahl.

Her keen sense of humor allows her to find joy in the everyday antics of her grandchildren, often turning their adventures into tales featuring brave heroes and heroines.

When she’s not writing, Heidi cherishes spending quality time with her family, embarking on countless adventures that spark laughter and inspire her next story. Through her writing, she hopes to capture the magic of childhood and share it with young readers everywhere.

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