Blog Archives
Exceptionally Ezra and the Tattle Tale
Exceptionally Ezra and the Tattle Tale is a delightful and energetic tale about two brothers, Ezra and Oliver, navigating the ups and downs of teamwork in the kitchen. The story begins with Ezra’s ambitious plan to bake “cosmic cookies,” but little Oliver wants to help. Chaos quickly ensues as their attempts to bake spiral into a flour-filled disaster. With Mom’s guidance, the brothers reconcile, work together, and ultimately create something truly sweet.
I loved how the story captured the messy reality of sibling relationships. Ezra’s frustration felt so relatable, especially when Oliver’s attempts to “help” ended in splattered batter and kitchen mayhem. It’s hard not to laugh at the chaos while also sympathizing with Ezra’s need for order.
The emotional depth surprised me, too. Ezra and Oliver’s argument hit close to home, showing how easily little conflicts can grow when feelings aren’t acknowledged. Oliver’s pouty “Me help, me mix! Cookies, I’m told!” made me feel for him—just wanting to be included. And Ezra’s eventual apology, “I’m sorry, little bro, for losing my cool,” added a heartfelt layer. It’s a touching reminder of how apologies and teamwork can turn things around.
The illustrations brought the whole thing to life. Frances Rose Español’s vibrant artwork perfectly captured the whirlwind energy of the story. My favorite illustration was when Oliver scattered colorful cereal all over the floor. It was cute and showed just how messy Oliver can be.
This children’s book is a great pick for families with young kids who love baking or simply enjoy a good laugh. It’s also a lovely reminder for parents and kids alike about the importance of patience and teamwork. I’d recommend this picture book for bedtime stories or as a fun read before a family baking session. It’s one of those books that leaves you smiling, and maybe craving cookies.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0DN3GX5LF
The Mountain of Gold
In The Mountain of Gold, Fred Fisher presents a unique children’s book set in ancient Japan. The story, enriched with cultural references and artwork, begins with Kaeri’s ordinary life being disrupted by the raven, who tempts him with unimaginable wealth. As they delve into the mountains, the story evolves into a thrilling adventure, culminating in a lesson about the true worth of wealth and happiness.
Fisher’s writing skillfully interlaces a rich tapestry of cultural references and vivid imagery, bringing each scene to life. The dialogue is engaging and filled with wit and a sense of foreboding that keeps the reader engrossed. One standout moment is the eerie encounter with Akabo, the Alchemist, whose pursuit of transforming things into gold encapsulates the timeless human folly of greed. The moral, subtly woven throughout the adventure, resonates deeply without being moralistic.
Stephanie Cotta’s illustrations in The Mountain of Gold are not just visual aids but integral parts of the storytelling. Her artwork, reminiscent of Japanese woodblock prints, enhances the narrative and grounds the story in its cultural context. Each illustration is meticulously crafted, enhancing the mood and tone of the story.
The Mountain of Gold is an excellent picture book for children’s libraries. Its enchanting narrative and charming visuals will likely captivate children and adults alike. Schools and parents looking to enrich their storytelling sessions with tales that entertain and impart significant life lessons will find this book a valuable resource.
Pages: 47 | ASIN : B0CW2RNYRY
Those Aren’t Eye Boogies
Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs follows a young puppy who has magical abilities to protect children as they dream and give them only happy dreams. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration to write Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs came from my my daughter’s Great Pyrenees pup, Luke. (My grandboy). Great Pyrenees were bred to be guard dogs, so they are inherently protective. Their instinct is to be kind to and patient with all vulnerable animals. Lukey has certainly lived up to his heritage and he takes great pride in protecting his flock (our family). One morning, as I was cleaning the ‘sleepies’ from Lukey’s eyes, I referred to them as ‘eye boogies’. My son, who was there, immediately said, “Mom, those aren’t eye boogies, those are dream crumbs.” And so Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs was born from there. And since children are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, who better to watch over and protect them, than Good Boy Lukey, ultimate guardian of the night.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Not only was Good Boy Lukey written for dog lovers (especially those who have Great Pyrenees), but for children who may have trouble falling asleep or who may need a little protection. Children can awaken and actually see the ‘dream crumbs’ (kind of like Santa’s disappearing cookies on Christmas morning.) This can hopefully give them the confidence to go to sleep again that night, knowing Good Boy Lukey is there magically protecting them.
I felt this story was very well written. What’s your experience as a writer?
I have no experience as a writer, and this was my first attempt at writing, illustrating and self-publishing a book. I’m a Director in Human Resources (Benefits) at a local university, where I’ve worked for the last 13 years.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
The is the only book so far, but my kids are encouraging me to continue the Good Boy Lukey story in a series, so we’ll see…….
Author links: GoodReads | Facebook | TikTok | Website
Within the pages of Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs, an endearing story unfolds—a tale of Lukey, a special puppy with magical powers, dedicated to safeguarding the dreams of children everywhere. From the creator of bedtime joy to the defender against nightmares, Lukey emerges as the ultimate guardian of the night.
As Lukey grows from a pup to a loyal companion, his mission becomes clear: to ensure every child’s sleep is filled with comfort and happiness. From watching over baby Grace to gently sprinkling dream crumbs over slumbering children’s eyes, Lukey’s presence guarantees a night of uninterrupted dreams.
Unlock the world of imagination and security for your little ones. Get your copy today and Embrace Lukey’s magical essence and make every bedtime a cherished memory filled with smiles, giggles, and dreams that come true.
Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs
Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs is an enchanting tale written by Linda Beck that masterfully blends the magical with the comforting. In this heartwarming narrative, we are introduced to Lukey, a remarkable dog bestowed with extraordinary powers. Lukey’s unique ability to sprinkle dream crumbs over children’s eyes, ensuring they slumber peacefully with only the happiest of dreams–a delightful twist on the traditional Sandman lore.
Beck’s narrative style is eloquently simple, yet captivating, making it an ideal choice for early readers. The book’s illustrations are a joy to behold, depicting Lukey in a charming superhero cape – an element that will resonate with young readers, especially those who have pets. The imagery of Lukey, consistently portrayed with an expression of joy, adds an extra layer of warmth and relatability to the story. This story takes readers on a gentle journey into a world where kindness and protection reign supreme, led by Lukey’s endearing character. This makes it a splendid read for young audiences, particularly as a calming bedtime story. The book not only offers an engaging narrative but also inspires young minds to view their own pets in a new, heroic light.
I highly recommend Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs to young readers and their parents. It’s a beautifully crafted tale that turns bedtime reading into a magical experience, celebrating the special bond between children and their pets. This book is not just a story; it’s a nightly ritual that could make any pet feel like a superhero in the eyes of a child.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0CJH4CG8P
Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times
Nursery rhymes are an excellent way to teach rhyming words, word families, and rhythm in the English language. For decades, nursery rhymes have served as a way of introducing the youngest of emerging readers to the characteristics of text, story elements, and basic sight words. Pam Gittleman, author of Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times, has taken nursery rhymes to a new level by incorporating social and emotional learning into her new and refreshing versions of age-old rhymes we will all recognize. Gittleman’s rhymes range from “Three Kind Mice” to “Baa Baa Bright Sheep.”
Social and emotional learning is key to cultivating relationships and creating a stable and caring learning environment in classrooms. Nursery Rhymes for Kinder Times, by Pam Gittleman, is a bright spot in literature for young readers in that it delivers important lessons in becoming aware of one’s own feelings. Gittleman’s versions of classic rhymes are relevant and relatable and will quickly catch the interest of young readers, whether they are shared as read-aloud or read independently. The author has done a beautiful job of incorporating feelings into each rhyme in a way little ones will find comforting. The use of emojis at the conclusion of each rhyme really serves to bring the entire book full circle.
I have missed the presence of nursery rhymes in early elementary classrooms. Their benefits are many and desperately needed with regard to literacy. Gittleman knocks it out of the park with her renditions of classic rhymes. I look forward to seeing her work become commonplace in elementary classrooms and guidance curricula.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 1637558015
Blue Is the Only Color in the Rainbow
Jasmine favorite color is blue. Everything that she has is blue. But when she’s given a red monkey as a gift for her birthday she embarks on a dreamy adventure to a colorful land called Prisma where she learns all the colors are beautiful.
Deanna Hart’s brilliant children’s book tells the tale of a young girl who finds herself entranced by a single color and finds it challenging to embrace other colors in the spectrum. As a parent, I found this story relatable, as it’s common for our little ones to develop intense affection for one color, often overlooking the charm of others. This narrative serves as an exceptional instrument to encourage children to appreciate the vibrant array of colors in our world while still cherishing their personal favorites.
This is a richly colored kid’s book. One of my favorite features of Blue Is the Only Color in the Rainbow is the progression of hues from an all-blue start to a dazzling mix of rainbow colors later in the story. Illustrator Chrish Vindhy has done a commendable job in translating Jasmine’s journey into colorful visuals. Jasmine’s shifting emotions are vividly portrayed, making it easy for young readers to connect with her journey.
Blue Is the Only Color in the Rainbow is a wonderfully educational picture book that guides young minds to understand that venturing beyond our comfort zones can open up a fascinating new world. A must-read for the little explorers in our lives!
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0C2JPF18F
The Little, Big Rescue
Brenda is a beautiful blue whale, one of the biggest in her part of the ocean. She has a unique color that makes her stand out from all the other whales too. Everyone in the ocean wants to be friends with Brenda, especially a little crab named Rimmy. Rimmy is a sand crab, compared to Brenda, plain and small. She insults him when he tries to make friends with her, saying he has nothing to offer her. However, one day Brenda gets caught in a fishing net and is trapped; none of her friends can help her escape. Can the little sand crab she insulted and brushed off be the one to save the day?
The Little, Big Rescue by Ashley Marie is a heartwarming picture book that teaches children about kindness and diversity. Written in simple language that toddlers can understand and illustrated with beautiful color images, this story will grab the attention of young readers and help them understand the concepts in an age-appropriate manner. Teaching the value of diversity can be challenging, but the author has shown how a whale and a crab, two creatures that look incredibly different, can help one another. Children learn that what you look like does not dictate who you are inside, and your physical size or appearance has no bearing on how big your heart and compassion are. Another important message this book highlights is the one of self-appreciation. Learning to love yourself no matter what others think of you is important, and Rimmy illustrates this by not letting himself believe he has nothing to offer Brenda and ends up being a big help in the end.
Teaching children to value themselves and diversity, among others, begins early in life. The Little, Big Rescue is a well-written picture book that shares these ideas in a child-friendly manner and is entertaining and engaging. Children will love following along under the sea with Brenda and Rimmy as they learn about friendship.
Pages: 19 | ASIN : B0872XJVTL
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers
When a sweet old teacher stands in her schoolhouse, she realizes she is all alone; her students have long since grown up. There was a breeze of magic that flowed through her schoolhouse, and all the numbers suddenly came to life around her. She once more had a class to teach!
All the numbers one to nine dance around and introduce themselves. When zero comes out, he is worried that no one wants him around, but Mrs. Wiggles and the rest of the numbers all show zero just how valuable and needed he is in the number world.
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Counting Book for Children, Math Read Aloud Picture Book is a whimsical and entertaining children’s book that will delight preschoolers through early elementary level kids. The lyrical prose in the story is told in makes it fun to read out loud, and the illustrations will keep everyone giggling. Each page has its number represented with items; for example, number two has two rubber duckies floating in the sink. Children will have fun searching each page to find the item that represents the number on the page.
Aside from teaching children about counting and numbers, this picture book has a wonderful lesson about how everyone has value and is important. There is a strong message of friendship and helping each other on these pages.
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers is a well-written and illustrated picture book for children ages baby to seven years old. It would make a wonderful addition to a classroom or home library.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0BRHNLL69
LITERARY TITAN 