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I Can Do Bad All by Myzelf (Happy Tails)
I Can Do Bad All by Myzelf presents an imaginative twist on a classic holiday theme. The story follows Myz, an elf who feels slighted for not being chosen as one of Santa Claus’s helpers. He and his penguin friend Nogol embark on a mischievous adventure in Santa’s toy distribution center. Their antics include mislabeling gifts, tampering with the naughty and nice lists, and even inadvertently causing conflict between the Lord’s angels and humanity. Myz’s journey of chaos culminates in a moment of reflection and remorse, leading him to strive to rectify his actions.
In this engaging young adult novel, readers are invited into a world that blends the enchantment of the holiday season with meaningful life lessons. Suitable for avid young readers who are comfortable with chapter books, this story delves into the dynamics of behavior and its ripple effects on others. It thoughtfully illustrates how positive and negative actions influence how people interact with each other. A notable aspect of the book is its portrayal of Santa, who recognizes the potential for positive change in Myz, a character initially driven by negative behaviors.
This narrative arc is a powerful reminder that seeking attention through adverse actions often leads to unintended consequences, a lesson that resonates well with the intended audience. The book’s illustrations are a standout feature, boasting a modern, video-game-like aesthetic that is likely to appeal to young readers. These contemporary visuals complement the story and enhance its appeal, making the book a captivating read for the young adult demographic. Michele L. Sayre’s use of rhyming infuses her writing style with a delightful charm, creating a rhythmic and engaging reading experience.
I Can Do Bad All By Myzelf is a compelling blend of holiday magic and insightful life lessons, making it a valuable addition to any young reader’s collection. The story’s exploration of behavior and its impact, combined with its visually striking illustrations, ensures it is an enjoyable read and an important tool for understanding the nuances of human interactions. This book is an excellent choice for young adults looking to immerse themselves in a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Pages: 75 | ASIN : B0CQQTVZM7
The Sloth Who Didn’t Want to Be King
Lazy, the Prince of All Sloths, is the main character of The Sloth Who Didn’t Want to Be King, a charming and whimsical adventure by Guy Finkelstein. This delightful story takes us on a journey of self-discovery with Prince Lazy, who is not so lazy after all. In a kingdom where a relaxed pace and minimal effort are encouraged, Prince Lazy finds himself a royal misfit, an overachiever in a land where apathy reigns supreme. However, when he befriends Digdigdig, an adorable hedgehog, he decides to explore the world and discovers that true friendship may be the key to finding what truly matters.
As a reader, I appreciated the reversal of the traditional hero’s journey in this book, where the protagonist must overcome their inner slothfulness to save the day. In contrast, Prince Lazy’s desire to work and create new things is the main challenge in a realm where apathy is everything. This is a refreshing and unique take on the genre, which I found captivating.
The characters in this book are endearing, and I particularly enjoyed the charming and lovable Digdigdig, who adds a charismatic touch to the story. Prince Lazy and Digdigdig’s adventures are nothing short of enchanting. They traverse many lands, each as unique and exciting as the last. The world-building in this book is top-notch, and I found myself transported to the magical lands along with the protagonists.
What makes this book truly special is Finkelstein’s storytelling. She has masterfully woven the story, creating a heartwarming and inspirational tale that is both magical and captivating. The book’s penultimate chapter is especially poignant, bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. I was left with a sense of wonder and fulfillment upon finishing the book. The book is a testament to Finkelstein’s ability to pack so much adventure and excitement into mere hundred-or-so pages. The story will surely capture the hearts of readers who enjoy exploring far-off magical worlds and experiencing fantastic adventures.
Overall, The Sloth Who Didn’t Want to Be King is a beautiful and engaging read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves magical fairy-tale settings and classical storytelling at its finest.
Pages: 90 | ISBN : 1602804923
SOS Champion Captain
There isn’t much Nora can’t do–and do well. She’s her school’s captain, and if there is a prize offered or medal to be won, she has claimed it for her own. So when she and her classmates find out about the newest competition to build a model pirate ship, she just knows this will be another easy win for her. However, Nora soon learns this is to be a group project, something she is not comfortable with, as she is not the one in control of everything. So will this be the one competition Nora actually can’t win? Or will she be able to pull it together for the sake of her group members?
SOS Champion Captain, by children’s author Cameron Stelzer, is one in a series of the School of Scallywags books. Nora, champion of virtually everything, is the main character and is in for a difficult lesson on how to treat others. She is used to being recognized as the best in all she does, and when things don’t go her way, and she loses her temper, the group project suffers. Nora must learn about acceptance, tolerance, and unity in order for her group to be able to finish building the pirate ship. This is a common issue for many children, they feel their worth is tied to their achievements. Learning teamwork is hard and this entertaining book teaches kids the value of working together.
My third graders are going to love this book–our class theme is pirates, and Nora and her crew fit right in! I love that Nora and the other characters struggle with some of the same issues as my students–the strong love of hot chips and the stress of group projects. Stelzer’s characters are undoubtedly relatable for young readers, and the fantasy setting of the School of Scallywags is sure to draw readers in from the first pages.
SOS Champion Captain is a captivating children’s book for those kids in the second to fifth-grade reading levels. Nora and the other members of the School of Scallywags will delight readers with their relatable feelings and life lessons. This book will make a great addition to both school and classroom libraries.
Pages: 98 | ISBN : 0645133132
The Intra-Earth Chronicles: Book I: The Two Sisters
The Two Sisters, by author Kara Jacobson, is the first book in the Intra-Earth Chronicles series. The story follows the path of two sisters, Adrianne and Sasha, who endure a nuclear fallout in the distant future and are forced apart when the ground splits open and seemingly swallows Adrianne into an abyss.
Although Sasha does not know if Adrianne is dead or alive, we know Adrianne is somewhere deep within Earth and is on the run. The Two Sisters is action-packed and very fast-paced as it takes the reader on a journey into a deep and unknown part of the Earth. Little do we know that this story also takes us on a ride into exploring the unique bond that is sisterhood.
This fantastic book was a very quick read and each chapter ended with an invisible lure pulling you to the next page. I found it difficult to put the book down and thoroughly enjoyed following both sisters as they embark on their own unique missions. It was also easy to imagine each character’s personality even without much description, which is something I find difficult for authors to do.
This heartwarming story focuses on the bond between two sisters. Even separated and not knowing if the other is alive they fight to find them. Sasha refuses to give up on her sister and is willing to take any journey necessary to find her in the ravine.
The only thing I felt that was missing in this entertaining book is more character development. This could be due to the fact this is going to be a series of books and the author was just introducing characters to readers with plans to develop them further in other books.
The Two Sisters, book one of The Intra-Earth Chronicles, is an exciting and fast-paced sword and sorcery novel for middle-grade children. The action and adventure that the characters experience will keep children engaged and waiting to see what happens next.
Pages: 88 | ASIN : B09R6ZZHRM
What is a Gnome?
The One Great Gnome follows an 11-year-old girl that discovers a magical garden gnome that shows her a world she never knew existed. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
When I was 11 I moved from the Bronx to Connecticut so I experienced the same feelings that Sarah had when the story opens. The story was my idea of what I would have wanted to find the first day I woke up in a strange new state without my friends around.
What was your favorite character to write for and why?
I loved writing about Vesper. I wanted to change people’s thoughts on what a Gnome could be. He is kind and brave and loves to cook! What a fun character to write for!
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, I felt very satisfied. After several rewrites, I felt the story ended exactly where it should have and all the characters had a nice way to end their stories and their relationship to Sarah.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have an idea for a sequel to this book! We will see what happens!
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Website
Eleven-year-old Sarah moves with her family from New York City to rural Hadley, Connecticut. She’s eager to explore her new home and meet new friends, but she never expected to befriend an old garden gnome.
Readers join Sarah as she is drawn into a secret world under our feet. Sarah uses her instincts to calm old rivalries and help the underworld elves, gnomes, and more join her in the upperworld.
The One Great Gnome
The One Great Gnome follows eleven-year-old Sarah who has recently moved from the busy city of Manhattan, 100 miles away in a contrastingly calm, mundane rural Hadley, Connecticut. Sarah lives with her parents and her cat Smokey. She is a bookworm that loves escaping into the world of her books. Her dream is to work in a book store and read all the books she could get her hands on, understandably so, as her mother works in the library. This gives Sarah a beautifully open mind and vivid imagination.
Author Jeff Dinardo starts the story as Sarah’s family has just moved to their new home in the country. This gives Sarah a chance to explore things she could not when living in the city. Every little detail is explored from the perspective of an eleven-year-old, which makes the book interesting for children. It is during one of these adventures that Sarah comes across the garden gnome, Vesper of Oglinoth. Vesper introduces Sarah to a world she never knew existed outside of her books. She joins Vesper on his quest to save all the gnomes.
Very similar to the magical world of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, in Sarah’s world, nothing is impossible. Sarah is friendly, curious, and empathetic. Sarah is creative and uses that imagination to help out her new friend, and provides a fresh and broad perspective on various issues.
Scattered throughout this imaginative novel are black and white drawings illustrated by Jhon Ortiz. He has given readers a striking visual of some of the characters and the creatures that come alive in this creative book. They really give readers an idea of the creatures Sarah meets and their personalities.
Dinardo has created an engaging and relatable character in Sarah. Her curious personality will appeal to readers that are getting started with chapter books but are not quite ready for books like Harry Potter or the Percy Jackson & the Olympians.
The One Great Gnome is a captivating children’s fantasy adventure book that is filled with action. This is a fantastic beginning chapter book that will inspire the imagination of older elementary kids.
Pages: 128 | ASIN : B08C9NRTWG
ITz Little BeWitchMents
![ITz Little BeWitchMents : The Bag of Worries and The Magic of Faith by [Eva Heather Kerr]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517zUxKb03L.jpg)
Eva Heather Kerr’s “ITz Little Bewitchments” is a children’s book, classic story about great friendships, loyalty, magic, love of nature, discovering and faith.
It follows the life of two friends, Eve and Suzie as they navigate life in a witch training academy. While they are two of the most loved students in the school, the book also explores the little mischievous and curious side of their personalities.
Like all children, they never turn down any opportunity for adventure, discovering and making new friends. At the beginning of the book, they even follow something into the courtyard of the academy, a venture that will literally, land them in the academy’s laboratory and a spot of bother. Ultimately, their characters depict what it means to be curious and wise.
Like all good children books, ITz Little Bewitchments has a strong antagonist – Miss Dingbat. She is the academy’s inspector, very determined to get the girls expelled. She follows them around and keeps constant tabs on them, by using her dedicated magpie, Mr Mag to spy and follow the girls everywhere. She keeps reporting the girls to the headmistress, Miss Butterscotch.
Fortunately, the headmistress knows only too well why Miss Dingbat is so determined to see both girls expelled from the academy. Knowing the truth behind the wicked lies of the Inspector, Miss Butterscotch always supports the girls, encouraging them to excel. Ultimately, the support of the Grand Wizard Bruadarach, Miss Butterscotch and many others and the powerful friendships, keep Eve and Suzie winning over many adversities. Time and time again, we see them gracefully face many difficult situations and come out safe with lessons learned.
As we turn the pages of this wonderful book, it is clear that the author’s intent is on communicating and educating about the great importance of friendship and in having strong faith. Believing in oneself, in magic and always following your dreams. As such, the book becomes a great friend and a guide through adversities allowing one to fully grasp the power and importance of friendship, trust, loyalty and truth.
Another thing this book does well is illustrating its scenes. The illustrations are colourful, engaging, and awe-inspiring – things that make them attractive to children. Moreover, it uses colourful descriptive language that inspires imagination.
ITz Little BeWitchMents is a fun, light, magical and educative book that will inspire children to explore, learn and discover.
*Screenplay of the book’s adaptation is currently in the preproduction stage, film featuring over 20 songs.
Pages: 156 | ASIN: B09DJFKTJ8
The One Eyed Pug
It’s important to share messages of acceptance with children, but it can be difficult if you don’t take into consideration their level of understanding. What a child can understand is vastly different than an adult. The One Eyed Pug by Deborah Hunt is a cute little story about a pug puppy that has a slightly difficult life waiting for her. She has to go through the anxiety of being separated from her birth parents and then living with a stranger. While she does her best to adapt to her new life, change is right around the corner as her ‘mother’ ends up being unable to care for her and gives her to another family. Our little pug now has to deal with the uncertainty of a new home with new people without understanding why she was given up in the first place. Things seem to start going better for our pug until the introduction of a new friend and the terrible accident that follows close behind.
Using animals as a way to deliver important messages and teach important lessons to children is something that is not easily done, but delivered well in this story. Children seem to be able to listen carefully and understand difficult lessons when taught through an animal that can speak. Hunt uses the story of the pug to show children that change is not always bad. She also teaches them that while bad things may happen, there are good outcomes as well. Our pug has only lived for a short time yet she’s met with various changes and has to face the anxiety of the unknown each time. This story can also teach children compassion. Compassion for those who are different than us and compassion for those who are struggling.
There are several drawings throughout the book which can give the readers a nice interruption to the waves of text. It is important to keep children engaged as well as entertained. The drawings give more information on what the characters look like which helps the readers connect more to the story. The language in the story is very easy for new readers to understand. While this isn’t a first step book, it is definitely suitable for a child who has experience reading books with little pictures. The language might be too young for older readers, even though the message it sends is positive.
Deborah Hunt takes us on a trip to learn compassion and acceptance with The One Eyed Pug. This tale allows children to connect their own feelings of anxiety and uncertainty with things like change to the life of the protagonist, the little pug. It also allows children to see that dogs and other pets have feelings as well, even if we can’t always understand what they’re trying to tell us. Even when our little pug goes through a life changing situation, she comes out strong because she has the support of those who love her around her. This is an important thing for children to understand as well: we are all stronger thanks to the people who support us. This would be a great book for any avid young reader.
Pages: 80 | ISBN: 1945175788
LITERARY TITAN 