Posted in 4 paws, Children, nonfiction, Review on December 22, 2020

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Freedom Speakz and her friends have a fun filled day in the park, as she recounts the story of how her infamous “Generations” speech came to be. In this true tale, she relives the moments from where it all began. As a tribute to Mrs. Coretta Scott King it was on that day she stood and proclaimed FREEDOM for all to see. No one could have ever imagined that the voice of this little girl in a pink dress would forever change the world!

 

 

Amazon  * B&N

 

 

Review

 

Freedom recounts her experience speaking about Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King Jr’s wife, in an annual event held in Atlanta. She was chosen from her classmates at the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy. The story is told to her classmates and despite having heard the story several times, they ask her to share her experience as if they had never heard what happened that day. Freedom obliges and weaves the tale and teaches us all a little bit about the woman behind the man that called for change.

Her strength and confidence jump off the page and despite being a little nervous, Freedom was thrilled with the opportunity to share information about Mrs. King and everything she did in her life and to support her husband. I learned from this book that Mrs. King was also a singer and an author.

The illustrations are colorful and depict the Kings and Freedom throughout the book which adds dimension to the story.

This book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom of young readers for them to learn a little more about this time in our history.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Authors

 

Freedom Speakz, born Freedom Jah’an Archie, is the petite but larger than life, multi-talented artist and Atlanta, Georgia native. She is a seventh-grader currently attending Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

As her name suggests, Freedom Speakz is a free-spirited young lady, who never misses an opportunity to fascinate audiences both big and small.

Freedom’s love for the arts parallels her love of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). At just twelve years old, she is young yet fierce and confident.

 

Chizelle’ T. Archie, is a native of Mobile, Alabama. She bursts on the literary scene in 2010 when she penned her debut novel, “The Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Diamond, in which the sequel shortly followed. “His Grace, His Blood, His Mercy! ”Chizelle’ is a mother to the joy of her life Freedom Jah’an A.K.A. Freedom Speakz, as well as a Registered Nurse. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Freedom Speakz Facebook * Chizelle’ T. Archie FacebookWebsite

 

Posted in Children, Giveaway, Interview, Texas on December 12, 2020

 

 

CLEO CAN TIE A BOW

 

A Rabbit and Fox Story

 

by

 

Sybrina Durant

 

 

Genre: Children’s Activity Book / Picture Book

Publisher: Self-Published

Date of Publication: September 25, 2020

Number of Pages: 39 pages

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Cleo loves bows. She wears her hair in a bow and decorates her room with bows. Cleo is bow crazy. Learning to tie a bow is very difficult for some people but Cleo remembers how to do it from a cute story she once heard. It is about a little rabbit with very long ears and a very helpful fox who shows her what to do to keep them clean. This is the story of how Cleo learns to tie a “bunny ear” bow. Exercises in manual dexterity build self-esteem in children. Knowing how to tie shoestrings, scarves and more into a bow is a useful and rewarding skill. Teach a child a useful skill. Build confidence and self-esteem that lasts a lifetime. Other books in the Learn To Tie With The Rabbit and the Fox series are the book with that name in English, Spanish, and Tagalog plus Nellie Knows How To Knot A Neck Scarf and Ned Knows How To Knot A Necktie.

 

 

 

 

Sybrina Publishing │ Amazon

 

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Author Sybrina Durant’s Favorite Cartoon Girls

 

(With Bows)

 

 

 

 

1: BETTY BOOP – 1930s – Everyone loved Betty Boop. She was a star of Talkertoons. Her first film was Dizzy Dishes, where she actually looked more like a dog than a human.  You might not remember that, but I bet you remember her in Boop-Oop-a-Doop where she was a lion tamer and a tightrope walker. Betty Boop is still a cartoon favorite today.

2: Blossom – PowerPuff Girl – 1998 – Blossom was the “everything nice” girl of her superpower gang. She was also the most level-headed of all the Powerpuff Girls. She could literally freeze objects with her breath; so to keep her happy and you “freeze free,” it might be best to give her a candy bar when she starts to get cranky.  Sugar is known to calm her way down.

3: Betty Rubble – Flintstones – 1960 – Betty was the best friend of Wilma Flintstone, and she was the adoptive mother of Bamm-Bamm. Remember that little tyke, along with Fred and Wilma’s daughter, Pebbles? These cave people may have lived in the prehistoric town of Bedrock, but they had some amazing alternatives to our modern conveniences like telephones, automobiles, and washing machines.

4: Judy Jetson – The Jetsons – 1962 – This was my very favorite cartoon, growing up.  I really thought we’d be living their futuristic lifestyle by now. At least, I thought I’d have a flying car. Judy was George and Jane Jetson’s sixteen-year-old daughter. Anyone remember her floating robotic diary, named, “DiDi”?

5: Nancy (and Sluggo) – 1938 – Nancy was an 8-year-old child who lived with her Aunt Fritzi Ritz in Three Rocks, Tennessee. Her best friend was an orphan named Sluggo Smith, whom she was always trying to improve. The Nancy comic strip was so popular that it inspired a game called 5-card Nancy. Have you ever played that game?

6: Helga G. Pataki – Hey Arnold – 1996 – Poor Helga…she loved Arnold so much that she literally made multiple shrines dedicated to him. Too bad she didn’t know that bullying someone was not conducive to getting them to love you back. An angry, rude girl is kind of a strange main character for a kid’s show, but it worked for this one. It thrived on the airwaves from October 7, 1996, to June 8, 2004.

7: Little Audrey – 1947 – Little Audrey was a variation of another cartoon character known as Little Lulu.  Little Audrey was drawn in a blue colored theme while Little Lulu’s color palette was red. Sadly, Little Audrey was the butt of a lot of mean jokes, but nothing could get her down.  No matter what catastrophe occurred, “Li’l Audrey just laughed and laughed.” Her first film appearance was in Noveltoon’s Santa’s Surprise.

8: Susie Carmichael – Rugrats – 1993 – Susie is one of the toddlers (thus the term “rugrats”) in a series of imaginative adventures that mainly revolved around Angelica and Tommy Pickles. The kind and fun-loving Susie was introduced to the show as a foil to the mean-spirited Angelica. Susie was easy to love, while Angelica – not so much.

9: Abby Hatcher – 2019 – Abby Hatcher is a Canadian animated cartoon series about a 7-year-old child of American and Chinese descent with professional detective skills and tools to rival those of Inspector Gadget. She and her best friend, Bozzly, an aquamarine rabbit-like Fuzzly, go on wild adventures together.

10: Maggie Simpson – The Simpsons – 1989 – The Simpsons is one of the longest running cartoons in history.  There have been 690 episodes and counting. Most everyone knows who innocent baby Maggie is. In all these years, she has never learned to talk or walk very well but she is still adorable, just the same. Did you know that the word “simp” is short for “simpleton” and that is where the family name is derived?

 

I loved this list and it sent me down quite the rabbit hole wondering if there were other characters that might have made my top ten list.  I have to say, some that I thought had bows did not, like Olive Oyl or any of the Peanuts characters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sybrina Durant is the author of some fanciful and some factual books.  Her writings have inspired several online entrepreneurial ventures. Two of those are the Rabbit and Fox Bookstore and the Girls Love Bows Gift Shop.  Spend some time browsing both for some interesting and surprising gift ideas for yourself and others

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12/7/2020 Book Trailer The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
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12/8/2020 Review Chapter Break Book Blog
12/9/2020 Author Interview Jennie Reads
12/10/2020 Review Forgotten Winds
12/11/2020 Review Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
12/12/2020 Top Ten StoreyBook Reviews
12/13/2020 Guest Post Book Fidelity
12/14/2020 Review The Page Unbound
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Posted in 5 paws, Children, Historical, Review on December 4, 2020

 

 

Synopsis

 

Inspired by family stories.

Ming wishes for three things at Christmas. First, to sing in the school Christmas choir. Second, to have a Christmas tree like the one in the department store window. And third, to feel she belongs somewhere.

As a daughter of immigrants in 1930s California, Ming is often treated differently than other children at school. She’s pointedly not invited to sing in the Christmas choir. At home, when Ming lobbies her parents for a Christmas tree, her mother scolds her for trying to be American. Ming doesn’t seem to fit in anywhere: she’s not quite American enough at school, not quite Chinese enough at home.

Seeing his daughter’s unhappiness, Pop takes her into the mountains to visit a wise old friend. Always happy for an adventure with her kind father, Ming hopes to persuade Pop to bring home a mountain pine to be their Christmas tree. But he has something else in mind, something that will help Ming draw strength from nature, from their Chinese heritage, and from deep and enduring family ties.

 

 

 

 

Review

 

I love stories that are aimed towards children to teach them about history but end up teaching adults something as well.

This story is set in the 1930s and features Ming, a Chinese girl, set in a town in California. She doesn’t fit in and has very few wishes, but what she wants more than anything is to sing in the choir at school and have a Christmas tree. However, Mom says no, and Dad agrees with her. But what Ming doesn’t expect is to take a trip with her dad to meet some friends of her grandfather and learn about her heritage. There is even a surprise for Ming at the end of the journey.

The story is educational and inspirational as we follow Ming throughout her day.

Let’s talk about the illustrations. The illustrator does an amazing job of portraying Ming’s story and the 1930s. I like that the inside front cover reflects the town of Merced City, California, where this story is set. There are even key landmarks of what the town looked like in those days.  The back inside cover shows the route that Ming and her father take to visit the family friends in Mariposa Grove.  Each picture that graces the pages of the story is full of life and color. There is one page that depicts intricate carvings in the cabin at Mariposa Grove.

This is a wonderful story to educate young minds about other cultures and history.  We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Susan L. Gong is a former teacher of Mandarin Chinese. She holds a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing. She and her family have lived in Asia, Europe, and North America.

 

About the Illustrator

 

Mashario Tateishi is a professional artist who specializes in digital and traditional painting and illustration. He also does calligraphy, graphic design, and mural painting. He was born and raised in Sasebo, Japan, next to a beautiful mountain and waterway. He lives in Fukoka, Japan.

 

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram

 

 

Posted in 5 paws, Children, Giveaway, Review on November 19, 2020

 

 

Mia and Nattie:

 

One Great Team!

 

by

 

Marlene M. Bell

 

 

Genre: Children’s Picture Book (K-3rd Grade) / Farm Animals

Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing

Date of Publication: October 4, 2020

Number of Pages: 34 pages

 

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

Nattie’s mouth was a little crooked. Her legs were a bit shorter than usual, and one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s horn.

But Mia thought Nattie was perfect.

On a visit to her grandma’s farm, eight-year-old Mia discovers a newborn, orphaned lamb outside in the cold and takes her to the laundry room, naming her Nattie. As she tries to nurse the lamb back to health, Mia discovers that Nattie is different from the other lambs and struggles to fit in with them like Mia does with other kids her age.

When her grandmother says she will sell Nattie to a neighbor, Mia must come up with a plan to keep her friend around — one that will show the family just how special Nattie truly is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This book is the perfect example of what happens when someone (or something) is abandoned and how others step in to assist and take care of that someone. It teaches a very timely lesson to children (and adults) that all things, big and small, are important no matter what they look like or how they came to into this world.  Sometimes great things come in small packages.

Mia is a wise young lady and recognizes that Nattie needs some help. Nattie has been abandoned by her mother and Mia sets out to take care of her to make sure she endures. Mia is determined that Nattie finds her place in the world and on the farm. Mia doesn’t let the possibility of Nattie leaving the farm to chance, she sets out to prove that everyone and everything has a purpose and value. I love that she doesn’t give up and proves to her grandmother that Nattie has a purpose on the farm and should not be sold just because she is lacking in certain areas.

I loved the illustrations, they are realistic, colorful, and whimsical and will be sure to delight any reader.

One additional bonus, this is based on a true story of a lamb named Natalie that the author raised much like Mia and Nattie. I enjoyed reading Natalie’s story and how this book came to be, it is a sweet story and one you should read, if not to your child, then at least to yourself.

This book will make the perfect gift and there is a bonus that there is a stuffed lamb that looks just like Nattie that would make a great addition.

We give this book 5 paws up and recommend it to anyone with a young child. I can’t wait to share this book with my great-niece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARLENE M. BELL is an award-winning writer, artist, and crazy sheep lady who resides in beautiful East Texas. Her renown sheep photographs grace the covers of many livestock magazines where she also writes newsy articles about raising sheep from her hands-on experience.

Based on true events from the Bell’s ranch, Marlene offers the first of her children’s picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! It’s a touching story of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb. Marlene is also the author of the award-winning Annalisse international mystery series, with the third book, Calico Raven to be released in 2021.

Marlene shares her life with her husband and dreadfully spoiled horned Dorset sheep: a large Maremma guard dog named Tia, and cats, Hollywood, Leo, and Squeaks. The cats believe they rule the household—and do.

 

 

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 THREE WINNERS

 

GRANDPRIZE (US only):

 

Signed copy of Mia and Nattie, Nattie Plush, Nattie Mousepad, and a Nattie pendant

 

 

2ND PRIZE (US only): Signed copy of Mia and Nattie

 

3RD PRIZE  (US only): Signed copy of Mia and Nattie

 

Giveaway ends at midnight, CST, 11/25/2020

 

 

 

 

 

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Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

 

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

 

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11/16/2020 Review That’s What She’s Reading
11/16/2020 Character Spotlight Book Fidelity
11/16/2020 Review Jennifer Silverwood
11/16/2020 BONUS Promo Hall Ways Blog
11/17/2020 Review Forgotten Winds
11/17/2020 Sneak Peek The Clueless Gent
11/17/2020 Review Momma on the Rocks
11/18/2020 Review Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
11/18/2020 Top 5 List All the Ups and Downs
11/18/2020 Review Missus Gonzo
11/19/2020 Review Book Bustle
11/19/2020 Excerpt Max Knight
11/19/2020 Review StoreyBook Reviews
11/20/2020 Review Chapter Break Book Blog
11/20/2020 Character Interview Sybrina’s Book Blog
11/20/2020 Review The Adventures of a Travelers Wife

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Children, Giveaway, Political on September 4, 2020

 

 

A VOTE IS A POWERFUL THING

 

By CATHERINE STIER

 

Illustrated by Courtney Dawson

 

Children’s Picture Book / American Historical Fiction / Elections and Voting

Ages 4-7

Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company

Date of Publication: September 1, 2020

Number of Pages: 32

 

 

Scroll down for the giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Callie knows there’s a presidential election coming up, and people will soon vote to decide the country’s leader.

Her class is having an election too, about an issue that affects them all–the class field trip. Should they choose the cookie factory or the wilderness park?

Join Callie as she campaigns for the wilderness park she loves and learns how people have organized, marched, and protested for the right to vote. And find out how a vote–even just one vote–can make a difference!

 

 

 

 

The Twig Book Shop ║ IndieBound

 

 

Barnes and Noble ║ Amazon

 

 

Praise

 

“Gets the job done.” ―Kirkus Reviews

 

“A galvanizing read for children interested in politics or parents who hope to instill such interests.” ―Publishers Weekly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catherine Stier is the author of several awarding-winning children’s books. Her titles include If I Were PresidentIf I Ran for PresidentIf I Were a Park Ranger, and the A Dog’s Day chapter-book series. In grade school, Catherine ran a class campaign for student council with handmade signs, and, although she didn’t win, she found the process exciting! She went on to earn an MA in reading and literacy from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has conducted children’s literature research. She now resides with her husband in San Antonio and volunteers at a local wilderness park.

 

 

 

 

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ONE WINNER: Copies of each of the three election-series books;

patriotic socks, button, and pencils; plus a $15 gift card to The Twig Book Shop. 

 

September 4-10, 2020 

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Children, Review on August 31, 2020

 

 

Synopsis

 

Masks On is the fifth book in this series.

Mommy goes shopping and comes home with a surprise for Aleksa and Ari – their very own facemasks. As the girls learn how to wear masks, they also learn how their world is changing and how they will see facemasks in many more places as they go to school this fall.

 

 

 

 

Review

 

This book is geared towards younger children to share the importance of wearing a mask in these times and why it is important. It also deals with the fears of children wondering if their friends will know who they are and if their teachers will know they are smiling.

It also explores that some career fields wear masks on a regular basis and that this is designed to help slow down the spread of virus germs.

I thought this was written at a level that any young child will understand the importance of masks and to not be afraid of the masks. The illustrations are colorful and depict the story being told. I think this would make a good book to be read to young children while discussing masks and germs.

We give it 5 paws up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Crystal Broj has been telling stories to her siblings, daughters, and nieces and nephews forever.

Motherhood and career kept the stories only as tales at bedtime or special events, but as her own daughters grew up and had careers of their own, Crystal began thinking about writing some stories down.

Her first series, Aleksa and Ari’s Adventures, brings together her storytelling and her love for art into whimsical characters for young readers.

 

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Posted in 4 paws, Children, Giveaway, Review on June 26, 2020

 

 

 

 

Book Title: Yummy Me Feels So Good by Lion I Am

 

Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 36 pages

 

Publisher: Funny Bird Production

 

Release date: January, 2020

 

 

Synopsis

 

Yummy Me Feels So Good isn’t just another storybook. It is something you can use with your kids and grandkids for many years. Simple and childlike, kids identify with the gentle creatures within. Absolutely beautiful, Yummy Me is a genius way of helping children immediately connect with the world of emotions through enchanting animal friends. The images and words are so simple and therefore can be grasped by children and adults of all ages. The book can easily open up space for a dialogue about emotions between an adult and a child, all the while being playfully disguised as animal talk. Children laugh and grimace as they flip through the pages, mirroring the emotions they feel on the pages. Yummy Me is a great doorway to explore the sometimes difficult arena of emotions, both for children, teachers, and parents.

Rather than labeling certain emotions as “good” or “bad”, these emotions simply get space to be as they are and encourage the reader to remember that they too will pass. The final message of the book that we are in fact “none of these” me’s is a loving reminder that at any moment we can start our day again from joy. “I have seen firsthand how taking out this book can transform a child’s tantrum into a smile and eventually bursts of laughter.

 

 

 

Praise

 

“Lion I AM validates and assists children to experience emotions in a conscious manner — essential to learning and gaining self-knowledge. Scientific research has demonstrated that even more than IQ, your emotional awareness and abilities to handle feelings will determine your success and happiness in all walks of life, including family relationships. Yummy Me Feels So Good will help you and your child learn to be “Lions of Love,” to consciously choose and express effectively what you are feeling. Being watchful and strong like the Lion brings acceptance and maturity in the ever changing world of feelings. Then everyone can share this “feeling of magic” and joy with others.” – Harold H Bloomfield MD, N.Y. Times bestselling author 

 

 

Review

 

I enjoy reading children’s books now and then because a hidden message can almost always be found that is teaching children something but in a fun and colorful way.  This book achieves that goal.  This book teaches children about feelings and emotions and that it is ok to have different feelings and emotions throughout the day.  All people feel different emotions at different times depending on the situation, their surroundings, and how they feel that day. I think this book could open up some dialogues about how kids are feeling at different times.

The illustrations in this book sum up the various emotions nicely.  A smiley face for a happy me, a pufferfish for a grumpy me, and a bear for a fuzzy me.  The illustrations are colorful and some appear to have been drawn by a child while other drawings are a little more advanced.  But all of the illustrations fit the accompanying text.

I think this book would be a great addition to any child’s library and allow the parents to read the book with the child especially in different emotional states.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

The author Lion I Am lives on a beautiful island with lots of trees and animals. He likes quiet spaces in nature just like his animal friends. He enjoys talking to the turtles, dolphins, and whales when they’re around. Like the Lion, he enjoys relaxing in nature and listening to the sounds of the birds and animals and that of the wind in the trees and bamboos. He especially loves the beach and the ocean surf. One of his favorite things is swimming in the strong waves in the ocean. He loves playing with children and animals. They help him laugh at all his passing Me’s and his funny moods. The children and animals remind him to be grateful for life here on this beautiful Earth. ​ Lion I Am loves to visit with teachers and children who read the Lion I Am books together and share their feelings and playfulness together. The Funny Bird Productions mop top birds sing “All there is Love, Love is all there is. Love is all there is, All you need is Love” They know the important things in life.

 

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Giveaway

 

Win 1 of 10 copies of YUMMY ME FEELS SO GOOD (USA only) (10 winners) (ends July 10)

 

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Posted in Book Release, Children, Giveaway on May 14, 2020

 

 

THANK YOU, GARDEN

 

By LIZ GARTON SCANLON

 

Illustrated by Simone Shin

 

Children’s Picture Book / Poetry / Environment / Ages 3-7

Publisher: Beach Lane Books / Simon & Schuster

Date of Publication: March 3, 2020

Number of Pages: 32

 

 

 

A community garden unites neighbors in this celebration of all the things that grow there, from flowers and fruits, to friendships!

 

This ode to working together for a better world will have young readers wanting to plant gardens of their own!

 

 

 

 

 

BookPeople ║ IndieBound

 

Barnes and Noble ║ Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of many beloved books for kids, including the brand new Thank You, Garden, as well as the Caldecott Honor book All the World and others, including several co-authored with her pal Audrey Vernick. Scanlon also wrote the middle grade novel The Great Good Summer and is published in numerous poetry anthologies. She serves on the faculty of the Vermont Faculty of Fine Arts and is a frequent and popular presenter at conferences and festivals. Find more about her life and work at www.LizGartonScanlon.com

 

 

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Follow illustrator Simone Shin on Instagram!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THANK YOU, GARDEN and ANOTHER WAY TO CLIMB A TREE

 

MAY 14-21, 2020

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Children, Craft, Giveaway, Review on April 10, 2020

 

 

 

Author: Stephanie Ward

Illustrator: Shaney Hyde

Age Range: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

 

Synopsis

 

Arabella is a beloved only child who has everything a little girl could want. That is, until her brother, Avery, the master of mayhem, comes along. While she certainly loves him, she finds that it’s sometimes very hard to like him. So she spends her days creating marvelous, magnificent things with her magic pencil, and trying to ignore him. But when he spoils her perfectly proper tea party, she decides drastic action is required and she erases him from her life. Oops! But things aren’t the same without him — can she get him back?

Arabella and the Magic Pencil is a charming story, which will appeal to any child coming to terms with a new sibling and to caregivers who are supporting changing family dynamics, as well as those who love fantasy and engaging alliterative language.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound * EKBooks

 

 

Review

This book is perfect for anyone that has a child and is expecting another or recently had another child. Or really for any family with siblings.  I was the oldest of five, so I remember not wanting younger siblings especially my youngest sister that born close to my birthday.  Thankfully, that was just when I was younger and I have the best relationship with all of my siblings.

Arabella is an only child and you might say she is a bit spoiled.  That is until her new brother, Avery, comes along.  She quickly learns that having a younger sibling isn’t always calm and peaceful until they aren’t around anymore.

This book is magical and will draw young children into a world of make-believe.  I can only imagine what children could come up with if they had their own magic pencil that would bring whatever they drew to life.  It also teaches them to have patience with a younger sibling.

I really enjoyed the illustrations.  They are colorful, whimsical, and depict the story very well.  They help bring the story to life.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

Activities to do in conjunction with the book

 

Teaching Notes

 

Magic Pencil CraftPaper Doll CraftColoring Pages

 

About the Author

 

Stephanie Ward is the author of Arabella and the Magic Pencil. Her next picture book is due for release in 2020, but it’s all under wraps at the moment so stay tuned for details! After many years in marketing, Stephanie now spends her time writing sweet, silly and side-splitting stories for children. Originally from Spokane, Washington, Stephanie currently lives in London, England with her husband and young son.

 

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About the Illustrator

 

Shaney Hyde is an Early Childhood Teacher from Melbourne who runs art workshops for children and draws inspiration from her own playful childhood. Arabella and the Magic Pencil is the first book Shaney has illustrated, fulfilling a long-held dream.

 

 

Giveaway

 

Enter to win a copy of this book – open anywhere Amazon will deliver.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Children, Giveaway, Review on March 23, 2020

 

 

 

 

Book Title: Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday

by Alysson Foti Bourque

Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Publisher: Mascot Books

Release date: March 17, 2020

 

Synopsis

 

A “Mom’s Choice Award Winner”! Alycat’s brother, Bugsy, is playing in a golf tournament with some of his friends, and wants to use his lucky ball to win the game. But when Alycat forgets his lucky ball at home, Bugsy learns what luck is really all about. Can Bugsy win the tournament without his lucky ball? Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday is part of the Alycat Series.

 

 

 

 

Trailer

 

 

 

Review

 

Children’s books can be so much fun to read especially when there is a lesson hidden within the story.

I have not read any of the books in this series outside of this one, but I can see where a younger child might really enjoy these books.  The text is simple to understand, the illustrations are colorful, and the book is just long enough to teach the lesson and keep the reader engaged.

This particular book is based on Bugsy’s belief that a certain golf ball is what helps him play well.  His superstition of using the golf ball with a star on it overtakes his practice and hard work to become better at the game.  When Aly grabs the wrong ball, she has to think fast so that Bugsy doesn’t panic and think he won’t do well.  It isn’t until the last hole does he realize that this wasn’t his “lucky” ball and his dad reinforces that it is his hard work leading up to the tournament that is really why he did well.

I enjoyed this story and the golfing terms at the end of the book.  I am not a golfer and while golf terms are not used in the book, they would be helpful to teach children in case they ever expressed an interest in the sport.

Overall this is a delightful book and one you should add to your children’s library.  Perhaps even the whole series!  We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

About the Author

Alysson Foti Bourque is the author of the award-winning Alycat series. Alysson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Juris Doctor degree from the Southern University Law Center.

 

After practicing law for six years, she traded in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books. Alysson enjoys public speaking opportunities at schools, conferences, and festivals nationwide. She hopes to inspire people of all ages to follow their dreams and believe in themselves wholeheartedly.

 

AWARDS & HONORS

 

The Alycat Series has won several prestigious awards including:
Three Mom’s Choice Awards®
Benjamin Franklin Digital Award, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
Best Book Award Finalist
NY Big Book Award
Reviewed by Midwest Book Review
Southern Festival of Books Panelist
Louisiana Book Festival Featured Author

 

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Giveaway

 

Prizes: ​ Win 1 of 2 autographed copies Alysson Foti Bourque’s ALYCAT AND THE TOURNAMENT TUESDAY (USA only) (2 winners) (ends Apr 13)

 

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