Posted in 4 paws, Book Release, Children, Review on January 17, 2020

 

Synopsis

If Goldilocks had known about the six simple machines (these are taught in every basic earth science class) she would have had a much better time at the Three Bears’ house. In this version, Goldilocks does know how to use these simple machines and she leaves the Three Bears’ house better than she found it.

 

 

 

Review

The first thing I noticed about this book was the title on the cover. There are parts of six simple machines that make up several of the vowels which tie the subject of the story to the graphics.

This is a retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears but with a scientific approach.  Goldilocks doesn’t just eat the porridge, she fixes things around their house and makes things better.  As she says in the book, she likes to leave things better than she found them and that is what she does with the kitchen table, baby bear’s chair, and the flagpole.  It is a great way to introduce science in an understandable way to children.

The only thing I didn’t like was the graphics.  I felt they were too amateurish especially compared to her other books.

Overall we give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

About the Author

Lois Wickstrom earned her BA in biology with Chemistry and English minors. She is the creator of the Imagenie videos on YouTube and “Starting With Safety” available from the American Chemical Society. She also co-authored the Nessie’s Grotto Books with Jean Lorrah, and the Orange Forest Rabbit books with Lucrecia Darling.

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Posted in 5 paws, Book Release, Children, Review on December 1, 2019

 

Synopsis

The wolf huffed and he puffed.

But the pigs had built wolf-proof houses.

The pigs couldn’t go out. The wolf-couldn’t get in.

They were all hungry.

The pigs knew that a problem can be a solution

out-of-place.

Could they make good

use of all that

huffing

and

puffing?

A problem can contain its own solution. Enemies can become good neighbors.

 

 

 

Review

I have enjoyed the children’s books by this author.  She takes common children’s stories but then adds STEM components and kindness into each one.

This book is the three little pigs and the big bad wolf but with a few twists.  The pigs have studied architecture in school and build strong solid homes that withstand the huffing and puffing by the wolf.  They are also smart as they escape out the back door while the wolf is occupied and run to their fellow pig brother’s home.  Now, you can’t blame the wolf for wanting to eat the pigs, he was hungry (and bacon is quite tasty) but the pigs have something else in mind and perhaps they can convince the wolf to become an ally vs an adversary.

This book was cute, made me chuckle (the pigs are named Stella, Hal, and Brad), and even gave me something to think about when it comes to people in our lives that are like the wolf.  This could be a very educational book for children in both STEM and kindness to our neighbors.  The illustrations are effective in the book and certain words on each page are highlighted with a different and bold font to make them stand out from the others.  If you read this book to your children, it gives you the opportunity to talk about those words from a STEM perspective and even a kindness perspective.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

About the Author

Lois Wickstrom earned her BA in biology with Chemistry and English minors. She is the creator of the Imagenie videos on YouTube and “Starting With Safety” available from the American Chemical Society. She also co-authored the Nessie’s Grotto Books with Jean Lorrah, and the Orange Forest Rabbit books with Lucrecia Darling.

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Posted in 5 paws, Children, Review on October 17, 2019

 

 

Synopsis

No monster wants you to read this book. The more you know about monsters, the more you will know how to defeat them.

Little kids have big fears, which they often imagine to be scary creatures, like monsters. But this book helps explain how knowing “Monster Facts” can help kids outwit them.

Want to avoid monsters?

Fact: Monsters love dirt and grime, so when faced with two kids, the monster will choose the dirty one every time.

And if toys and clothes are all over the floor, you may get ambushed by a mess-loving monster.

Survival Tip: Take baths and keep your room clean.

Smarter Than a Monster will arm young readers with practical advice in this innovative and imaginative parenting tool that teaches common sense and positive and healthy habits.

 

 

IndieBound * Amazon * B&N

BAM * Walmart * Deseret Book

 

Review

I loved this book!  It is written to engage children in combatting their fears of monsters but at the same time encouraging them to be clean and tidy to keep the monsters away.  Genius!

This would be a great book to read together at bedtime and makes me wish I had a little one to read to at night.

I love the illustrations.  The monsters and other characters are very colorful and make for a rich feeling book.

We give this book 5 paws up and recommend it to anyone with a young child especially if they are afraid of monsters.  This book might just help them overcome that fear.

 

 

About the Author

Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his four children and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.

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Posted in 4 paws, Book Release, Children, Review on September 20, 2019

 

Synopsis

Dinopotamus watches the children. He tries to do what they do. He follows them to school. He doesn’t fit through the door, so he climbs in the window. The children count their toes. They have 5 on each foot. He has three. The children see that he wants to learn, just like they do. They all learn together.

 

 

Review

This is a fun book to read to children and while a fun story and it teaches children to learn how to count (at least how to start), there is also a message to share with young children that everyone is different and to embrace the differences. While Dinopotamus tried to do everything the children did, there were some things that were different about him compared to the children – such as only 3 toes, not able to speak, not having ears, and not able to fit through the door.  But the teacher and children are kind to the dinopotamus and teach him different ways to communicate and bring him into their games and lessons.

The book has colorful illustrations that depict what is happening throughout the story and encourages more conversations about school and would be great for a child preparing to attend school for the first time.

We give this 4 paws up.

 

About the Author

Lois Wickstrom earned her BA in biology with Chemistry and English minors. She is the creator of the Imagenie videos on YouTube and “Starting With Safety” available from the American Chemical Society. She also co-authored the Nessie’s Grotto Books with Jean Lorrah, and the Orange Forest Rabbit books with Lucrecia Darling.

Website * Twitter * YouTube * Facebook

 

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Posted in Children, Giveaway, Spotlight, Trailer, Western on August 28, 2019

 

 

Book Title: Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West by The Gagnon Family
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7)
Genre: Children’s book
Publisher: JPV Press

 

Synopsis

Cowboy Joel and Blackbeard find themselves face to face with El Maton, the most feared desperado in the West. When El Maton mocks him for the way he looks, Joel must confront his biggest fear; a tongue-slingin’ with the outlaw. Can Blackbeard convince Joel to do it? Will Joel find the courage? Note to Mom and Dad: Cowboy Joel will teach your child that it’s not always about punching the bully. It’s about being confident in who God made them to be, and using those truths to fight the battle in their mind.

 

 

 

Trailer

About the Authors

The Gagnon family is an atypical, hodgepodge mix of humanity. The entire family enjoyed writing this book, with each one contributing their own input. Every child in the family has their own special story, and each one faces their own unique challenges. Stacey, the mom of this bunch, also has a blog called Ransom for Israel. She presents an honest assessment of the orphan crisis and the desperate need for families willing to adopt. After the adoption of their youngest daughter, the Gagnons started a non-profit called Lost Sparrows. Lost Sparrows is dedicated to improving the lives of orphans and those with special needs through education, proper medical care, and adoption. Their current focus is in areas of Eastern Europe and Bulgaria.

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram

Giveaway

Win 1 hardback copy of Cowboy Joel and the Wild Wild West (USA only) (one winner)

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Posted in 5 paws, Book Release, Children, Review on August 15, 2019

 

Synopsis

Sir Isaac Newton and Chicken Little did the same thing. Chicken Little would have figured it out if she had investigated. In this version, she does, and in the process saves herself and her friends from Foxy Woxy.

 

Review

This is another great STEM book that introduces physics in a simple yet fun way.  An acorn falls on Chicken Little’s head and this leads to figuring out what fell by comparing it to other objects.  The sound that falling objects make is different from character to character, so off to the king to have him make a final declaration.  They are adventures for Chicken Little and the whole gang including Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, and Turkey Lurkey.  There is deception awaiting them from Foxy Woxy, but the other animals use their new information in defeating him.

The illustrations in this book depict the characters and scenes nicely.  I also like how the words on each page are not just text on a page, the words feel interactive.  I feel like this book will spur the imagination of any child and perhaps have them start thinking more about STEM areas without even realizing it.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

About the Author

Lois Wickstrom earned her BA in biology with Chemistry and English minors. She is the creator of the Imagenie videos on YouTube and “Starting With Safety” available from the American Chemical Society. She also co-authored the Nessie’s Grotto Books with Jean Lorrah, and the Orange Forest Rabbit books with Lucrecia Darling.

Website * Twitter * YouTube * Facebook

 

The artist, Francie Mion, received a degree in fine art, then included fine art again into her life after a long career in therapeutic massage.

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Posted in 5 paws, Book Release, Children, Giveaway, Review on June 11, 2019

 

MAX … ATTACKS

by

KATHI APPELT

illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan

Children’s Picture Book / Humor / Stories in Verse

Publisher: Atheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Date of Publication: June 11, 2019

Number of Pages: 40

Scroll down for the giveaway!

 

 

 

Fish and birds and lizards and socks…is there anything Max won’t attack? 

Watch your ankles and find out in this clever, rhyming picture book about a very naughty kitty cat.

Max is a cat. He attacks. From socks to strings to many a fish, attacking, for Max, is most de-lish. But how many of these things can he actually catch? Well, let’s just say it’s no even match.

 

 

 

Max Attacks is such a fun book and I wish I had a kid to read it to right now!  I enjoyed Max’s antics because, well, he’s a cat and he does what cats do all day long – get into mischief.

The colors are bright and are perfect to hold the attention of a little one. The images also demonstrate action in Max’s daily escapades.

This is a story in verse which teaches children language and sounds and exposes them to poetry with simpler words and images they can understand.

This book would be perfect for any young child and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

Kathi Appelt is the author of the Newbery Honoree, National Book Award finalist, PEN USA Literary Award–winning, and bestselling The Underneath as well as the National Book Award finalist The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, Maybe a Fox (with Alison McGhee), Keeper, and many picture books including Counting Crows and Max … Attacks.

She has two grown children and lives in College Station, Texas, with her husband and their six cats. She serves as a faculty member at Vermont College of Fine Arts in their MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program.

Twitter ║ Facebook ║ Instagram ║ Pinterest

Goodreads ║  BookBub ║  Website

Amazon Author Page

 

 

Penelope Dullaghan is an award-winning illustrator whose work includes illustrations for ad campaigns, book publishers, magazines, newspapers, products, videos and most recently, children. Max … Attacks is her debut picture book.

Penelope works from her home studio in Indianapolis, Indiana where she also home schools her daughter, plays in the river behind her house, and tends to her front-yard garden.

She is especially interested in collaborating with brands that support sustainability, simplicity, and wellness. Connect with Penelope on her Website.

 

 

 

The real Max was neither blue, nor did he have a switchy tail. In fact, he didn’t have a tail at all. He was an American Bobtail, almost fire red, and in his prime he weighed in at over twenty pounds. For seventeen years, he served as best friend and roommate to the author’s oldest son Jacob Appelt, who adopted Max from the local animal shelter. Together they wrote music, traveled, entertained friends and family, and kept an eye on the neighborhood parrots. Even though Max was famous for attacking anything that moved, he was, and always will be, the biggest, sweetest cat ever!

And many thanks to Jacob for the line: “a mighty nap attacked our Max.” Best line in the book!

————————————-

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THREE SIGNED COPIES OF MAX … ATTACKS

June 11-22, 2019

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Posted in Children, Fantasy, Giveaway, Playlist, Texas, Western on June 3, 2019

HITCHIN’ POST

and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration

by

JULIE BARKER

illustrated by Carolyn Altman

  Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Western / Fantasy

Publisher: BookBaby

Date of Publication: September 28, 2018

Number of Pages: 50

Scroll down for giveaway!

 

 

 

Hitchin’ Post, the cowboy jackrabbit, is back with an all new adventure on the 6Bs Ranch. 

Hitch’s brothers come to visit for the annual 4th of July rodeo and dance, but they get much more than a long-awaited visit with their brother. When a giant tornado threatens to cut their Independence Day celebration short, Hitchin’ Post, his brothers, and the rest of the cowboys have to work hard to save the ranch and the celebration. Hitchin’ Post shows that even though he is just a small jackrabbit, he has the courage it takes to bring everyone together to rebuild what the tornado destroyed. Because of old Hitch being a great leader, the 6Bs’ 4th of July celebration will go on!

This is the second book in the Hitchin’ Post series by Julie Barker, where Julie once again collaborates with her mother, artist Carolyn Altman, who provides the illustrations in this romping, stomping cowboy adventure!

Amazon   Barnes & Noble  BookBaby

PURCHASE SIGNED COPIES

Praise

Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration is a brilliantly woven story with a strong plot that will easily entertain anyone. The illustrations by Carolyn Altman are fun and engaging, complementing the story. I love how Barker has written an interesting story that will teach kids how working together as a team makes the hard work a whole lot lighter and much more rewarding. – Readers’ Favorite, 5 STARS

 

 

Enjoy a little western swing to get you in the mood to read the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series.  You’re in for a twistin’ turnin’ ride!

Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys

  1. San Antonio Rose
  2. Ida Red
  3. Stay All Night
  4. Take Me Back to Tulsa
  5. Corinne, Corrina
  6. The Star Spangled Banner by The Charlie Daniels Band on the album Land That I love (Songs for America)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Barker is the author of Hitchin’ Post, her debut children’s storybook. With inspiration from her West Texas roots and being surrounded by the ranching heritage, Julie is fulfilling her dream of becoming a children’s author. Along with the encouragement and beautiful illustrations from her mother and artist, Carolyn Altman, the story of Hitchin’ Post the cowboy jackrabbit was born and is now officially a series. The second book, Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration, was released September 2018.

Website  ┃  Facebook  ┃  Goodreads

Twitter  ┃  Amazon Author Page

 

 

Carolyn Altman is an artist and the illustrator of the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series, in which she collaborated with her daughter, Julie Barker, the author. Carolyn resides in Vernon, Texas, with her husband Stanley. They have two daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. “Touch the Heart with Original Art” is Carolyn’s slogan, which she has used for the past 40 years as she creates lighthearted and inspiring art with subjects such as wildlife, horses, cattle, and cowboys, in hopes of helping to preserve this way of life for many years to come.

The beginning of her art career consisted of using mostly oil and acrylic mediums, then Carolyn began creating baby memory books in which she incorporates her art into each page. Each baby memory book is personalized and truly a work of art in itself. Carolyn believes that her experiences throughout her life are what inspires her art.

She has spent her life in West Texas surrounded by wide open spaces and the beauty of the farming and ranching heritage, and that way of life will always show up in her paintings and illustrations. Her latest creations include a series of angel paintings depicting what she deems most important in her life — her faith.

 

Website  ┃  Instagram  ┃  Etsy

Twitter  ┃  Pinterest  ┃  Facebook

—————————————–

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GRAND PRIZE:

Author & Illustrator Signed Copy of Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration

+ $50 gift certificate to CarolynAltmanArt.com; 

TWO WINNERS:  Signed Copy of the Book.

May 29-June 7, 2019

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

5/29/19 Sneak Peek Texas Book Lover
5/29/19 BONUS Post Hall Ways Blog
5/30/19 Review Reading by Moonlight
5/31/19 Review That’s What She’s Reading
6/1/19 Review All the Ups and Downs
6/2/19 Review Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
6/3/19 Playlist StoreyBook Reviews
6/4/19 Review Missus Gonzo
6/5/19 Review Books and Broomsticks
6/6/19 Review Book Fidelity
6/7/19 Review Chapter Break Book Blog

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Posted in 5 paws, Children, Review on March 15, 2019

Synopsis

Magic runs in the women of Carrie’s family. Her grandmother, her father’s mother, was the last magical member of the family. Now, because of her love for Grandma, Carrie is developing her magic and learning to use the wondrous treasures that have been passed down through her family. In this book, she learns to fly with the starlings in order to visit her grandma at her new home. This series has three other books, each exploring one of the gifts. The wandas are female wands. The fascinator is a magical hat. The dowsing rods truly search out value. Most of all Carrie has family as her top priority. The magic works to strengthen her connection to her grandmother.

 

Review

This book takes a young girl’s mind and love for science to a new level. Carrie loves birds and has spent some time watching them with her grandmother. Turns out, there might be another reason why they have this attraction to birds – a set of wings that lets Carrie fly with the Starlings.

This book will encourage children to investigate science, birds, and nature. It will also fuel their imagination and fill them with wonder about how birds are able to fly.

The interaction between Carrie and her grandmother is sweet and shows the strength of their bond.  While they may not live close by, they chat via computer which is a testament to the family bond.

The illustrations are beautiful and while I have a Kindle Oasis everything was black and white, I can imagine on an eReader or computer that the colors would be very vivid and draw a young child into the story even more.

There is also a write up about Starlings at the end of the book that was educational.

We give this 5 paws up.

 

About the Author

Lois Wickstrom earned her BA in biology with Chemistry and English minors. She is the creator of the Imagenie videos on YouTube and “Starting With Safety” available from the American Chemical Society. She also co-authored the Nessie’s Grotto Books with Jean Lorrah, and the Orange Forest Rabbit books with Lucrecia Darling.

Website * Twitter * YouTube * Facebook

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Children, Giveaway, Review on January 10, 2019

HEART OF THE OAK

by

J.L. NOVINSKY

Genre: Children’s / Nature / Life Cycle

Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing

Publication Date: November 15, 2017

Number of Pages: 36 pages

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY! 

Heart of the Oak is a sweet story of the life of an old oak tree.

He’s old and weathered; his skin is rough and knotty.  But he has memories of joy, of love, and of tragedy.  He has endured many years and felt the sorrow of so much loss.  But his greatest joy is just ahead!

Amazon ┃ Barnes & Noble ┃ iTunes

Praise for HEART OF THE OAK from Amazon reviewers!

“Such a great book with a heartfelt story!”

“My children and I LOVE this book. We had a wonderful and insightful conversation after we read it.”

This may be a book geared toward children, but anyone who reads this book will capture the message within the pages – that love is there for everyone and that everyone (and everything) has a purpose in this life.

This book shares the life cycle with the reader. From birth and all through life, the ups and the downs that we all experience at different times. If I look at the focus of the book, a mighty oak, it reminded of the many trees I have seen over the course of my life and the good times climbing up high, picking the fruit, taking shelter from the sun or rain, or just sitting underneath them while enjoying a book. Some of those trees are no more and some continue to thrive and grow and provide enjoyment to others.

I am not afraid to say that this book had me teary-eyed near the end of the story as the tree is feeling despair but all of a sudden new life comes to his little corner of the planet and the tree received quite the surprise when people come to see the tree. I don’t want to spoil any surprises so go pick up this book and read it quickly!

We give this 5 paws up and I will be sharing this with my great-niece and nephew so that they can also learn the moral of this story.

J.L. (Joan) Novinsky was born just outside of Chicago, but she got to Texas as fast as she could! Joan started college at age 55, and while taking a Creative Writing class, she wrote her first story, Heart of the Oak. Joan has now written a second children’s book, Horace and Giselle, available for on-line purchase January 2019. She was married to Bob in 1992, had a son, Stephen, in 1998, then in 2001, she and her husband took on the challenge and excitement of adopting a boy from St. Petersburg, Russia. Andrei joined the family in 2002, and the family resides just north of Dallas with their various and numerous pets.

 

║ Website ║ Facebook ║ Goodreads ║

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First Prize: Signed Copy + Bookmark + $25 Amazon GC;

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Third Prize: Signed Copy + Bookmark

JANUARY 3-12, 2019

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Check out the other great blogs on this tour

1/3/19 Book Trailer Reading by Moonlight
1/4/19 Review All the Ups and Downs
1/5/19 Review Missus Gonzo
1/6/19 Guest Post Rainy Days with Amanda
1/7/19 Review That’s What She’s Reading
1/8/19 Sneak Peek The Clueless Gent
1/9/19 Character Interview Forgotten Winds
1/10/19 Review StoreyBook Reviews
1/11/19 Notable Quotable Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
1/12/19 Review The Page Unbound

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