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The Charms of US Farms

When I finished The Charms of US Farms I sat back and smiled because the whole story feels like a warm class trip rolled into a picture book. It follows a group of kids as they head out to visit two farms where they learn about crops, animals, tractors, corn, cotton, and even how baseball connects to farming. The kids ask playful questions, the farmers share fun facts, and the day ends with everyone realizing just how much of their everyday life comes from the work done on farms.

I enjoyed the easy way the book explains big ideas. It feels light and friendly. Nothing ever gets bogged down. I also loved the characters and the way the kids react to everything. Billy starts out bored and grumbly. Then he slowly wakes up to how cool farming actually is. The writing made me feel like I was tagging along with the class. The artwork is bright, detailed, and reflects the charming nature of the story.

I also had a soft spot for the little moments that sneak up with charm. Ms. Della serving date cake. Farmer Dole casually pulling a baseball from his pocket like some kind of farm magician. The cow named Bessie leaning into scratches. These details gave the story a cozy feeling that stuck with me. The ideas in the book go beyond farms. They nudge kids to wonder where things come from. Paper. Crayons. Milk. Even clothes. I like that the book makes learning feel natural. You pick up facts without ever noticing you are learning them.

I would say this children’s book is great for kids who like field trips, animals, or anything hands-on. It would also be fun for any young reader who enjoys stories that mix real facts with friendly characters. Parents and teachers could use it to spark conversations about food, work, nature, or even history. I’d happily recommend it to early elementary kids and to grown-ups looking for a cheerful read-aloud.

Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0G1CK9BN8

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Fun, Unusual, and Silly

Natalie McCurry and Cadie McCurry Author Interview

Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog follows a lovable German Shepherd adopted from a rescue shelter who joins her family on a trip to the zoo and spends the day learning about the animals. What was the inspiration for your story?

The inspiration was my niece who was a zookeeper and continues to work with animals in her current job. In addition, my love for animals!

In your story you packed in a lot of educational information, but still made it feel organic and not like reading a fact sheet. What was your thought process on deciding what facts to include?

I tried to include ‘fun’, unusual, and silly facts to make it fun for the reader- while learning- and not be boring!

The colorful artwork is dynamic and charming, especially the representation of Cadie. What was it like to work with Chris Schwink?

I absolutely love working with Chris. He really is talented in how he brings my stories- and visions- to light. Most people use digital illustrations where I like the raw talent of hand drawn ones, and Chris does an amazing job!​

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

This is our 3rd book of the Adventures With Cadie Kids Book series and it just was released in December 2025. I have ideas for the next one already, with some outlines but unsure of when it will be finished at this time!

Author Links: Instagram | GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Step into the wild with Cadie―a spirited rescue pup whose journey from hardship to happiness continues in this heartwarming zoo adventure!
In her latest escapade, Cadie explores a bustling zoo with the help of a kind zookeeper who introduces her to a parade of fascinating animals―from towering giraffes to mischievous monkeys. Join Cadie as she discovers new friends and finds joy in every pawstep!
Along the way, young readers will follow a colorful zoo map, answer playful questions, and learn fun animal facts without even realizing they’re learning. With vibrant illustrations, interactive elements, and Cadie’s lovable charm, this story is perfect for families who cherish animals, adventure, and stories that spark curiosity.
Whether read aloud at bedtime or explored independently, “Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog” invites children to laugh, learn, and believe in second chances.



Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny

Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny by Jon Kaczka centers on Mari-chan, a fearless six-year-old whose life shifts dramatically after her adventurous father vanishes during a climb in Antarctica. Guided by her magical companion, Roboto Bunny, Mari-chan discovers a hidden passage inside her closet. It leads to a vibrant Underworld packed with playful obstacles and mysterious doors. Progress comes at a surprising cost. To move forward, Mari-chan must transform into a baby, reinforcing a powerful idea: bravery has nothing to do with size.

The story’s greatest strength lies in its boundless imagination. Every challenge feels intentional. Animal encounters bring warmth and humor. Whimsical trials unfold through clever riddles rather than danger. Kaczka layers the narrative with lighthearted song parodies and charming jokes, easing tension and maintaining a joyful tone. Even stressful moments feel safe. The scenes where constellations spring to life stand out most, adding a surreal, dreamlike quality that lingers.

Chapter-opening illustrations elevate the reading experience. Each image offers a visual pause, inviting readers further into the Underworld. These snapshots support the narrative without overwhelming it. Younger readers gain clarity. The world feels tangible, cozy, and inviting.

Mari-chan and Roboto Bunny deliver a warm, uplifting adventure rooted in perseverance and love. It blends fantasy with emotional sincerity. The message resonates without feeling heavy. This book comes highly recommended for families and young readers drawn to imaginative journeys, gentle humor, and stories that celebrate courage in even the smallest heroes.

Pages: 82 | ASIN : B0FWZ82XWF

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HAIKU FOR YOU A collection of simple haikus for early readers.

Poetry and poetics often take a back seat in books for young readers. That is a missed opportunity. When children encounter poetry early, appreciation tends to grow naturally over time. This effect becomes even stronger when the focus is clear and approachable. Haiku, with its compact form and playful precision, is an ideal place to begin.

This book introduces young readers to haiku in a way that feels inviting rather than instructional. Children explore the form through a delightful collection of poems centered on penguins bursting with personality. Each poem feels lively and expressive. The result is a charming blend of structure and storytelling. Narrative skills are quietly reinforced, and vocabulary expands along the way, all while readers spend time with these curious, endearing birds.

Haiku for You by Anthony J. D’Amato is a children’s book devoted entirely to haiku. It is especially well-suited for ages three to seven, given the tone and subject matter. Still, anyone interested in a quick and enjoyable introduction to haiku will find something to enjoy here.

Haikus are sometimes seen as intimidating due to their strict rules. Yet those same constraints are what give the form its striking elegance. This collection makes that point clearly. Many of the poems are lighthearted, even silly at times, but they remain beautifully crafted. The contrast works well and keeps the reading experience fresh.

This is very much a learn-as-you-read book. Educational value is woven throughout, never feeling forced. Just as important, the author’s enjoyment of language is evident on every page. That sense of fun is contagious. It recalls the spirit of Dr. Seuss, where playful experimentation lifts the entire experience. The joy behind these haikus becomes clearer the longer you linger with them.

Both children and adults will enjoy watching this penguin cast move through their world in neat, poetic lines. There is warmth here, along with wit and imagination.

Haiku for You offers knowledge, creativity, and visual appeal in equal measure. The engaging illustrations and D’Amato’s confident command of haiku make this a pleasure to read. It has all the makings of a bedtime favorite, one that families return to again and again.

Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0F4PXF1CZ

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Mog: The Littlest Pirate

Mog the Littlest Pirate by Laura Mitchell and illustrated by Marta Maszkiewicz, delivers a warm, buoyant tale centered on the most endearing pirate imaginable. From the first page, readers encounter Mog, fierce in spirit, confident in skill, and unmatched in her ability to swing a sword, scale a rope, or spot a threat on the horizon. Yet one obstacle shadows her brilliance: her size. The crew dismisses her, laughing off her abilities and insisting she isn’t a “real pirate.”

Everything shifts the moment a band of tiny pirates storms the ship. While the larger crew mocks the newcomers, Mog reacts instantly, intercepting the attack and revealing strength and resolve that no one thought to credit her with. Her bravery transforms not only the battle’s outcome but her standing aboard the vessel. From that day forward, she earns her title: Mog, the most piratey pirate of all.

The story’s emotional core struck me immediately. It offers encouragement to any child who has felt overlooked, underestimated, or told their voice doesn’t carry weight. Mog radiates grit and heart, and young readers will quickly recognize a reflection of themselves in her bold determination. What lingers most is how gracefully the narrative balances playful seafaring adventure with a message about trusting one’s own abilities, especially when others fail to see them.

Beyond confidence, the book gently folds in a lesson on empathy. Mog defends her crewmates even though they have not always treated her fairly. She reassures the tiny pirates that friends can falter yet still be worthy of forgiveness, and that kindness outshines size or strength. Through her actions, children are introduced to ideas of fairness, respect, and choosing to see the good in others.

The language remains accessible without losing emotional depth, allowing young readers to follow Mog’s journey with ease. Maszkiewicz’s illustrations elevate every moment, bright, expressive scenes brim with personality and movement. Each page draws children directly into the heartbeat of the ship, the bustle of the crew, and the thrill of adventure.

In every way, this book shines as a joyful read for families and young children. It is imaginative, uplifting, and full of warmth. Mog the Littlest Pirate reminds readers that courage arrives in all sizes and that being small never means being insignificant.

Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0FT5R88PT

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Gracie and Aero’s Wallet

Gracie and Aero Brown are two spirited youngsters stepping into the early world of finance. Last summer’s yard sale funded their ice-cream dreams and delivered a handful of valuable lessons. Now they’re ready for something bigger. A telescope has captured their imaginations, yet its price tag sits far beyond their current savings. Undeterred, the siblings map out a plan: another yard sale, extra chores, whatever honest work will help them inch toward their goal. Readers join them as they navigate each step of their budding financial journey.

Gracie and Aero’s Wallet, written by Rachel Gregory, is a brightly illustrated children’s book suited to elementary and early middle-school readers. Its concise length and colorful artwork bring the siblings’ world to life, portraying their small discoveries and everyday encounters with warmth and charm.

Although designed for young readers, the book clearly aims higher than simple entertainment. Gregory uses the siblings’ mission to demonstrate real-life financial principles, earning, saving, and the early roots of budgeting. As Gracie and Aero calculate the cost of the telescope and estimate how many chores or sales they need to reach it, they begin internalizing concepts that will serve them long after childhood.

Despite its practical lessons, the book never loses its sense of fun. The illustrations are lively enough to draw a child’s eye, and the protagonists themselves are irresistibly endearing. A helpful budgeting chart appears toward the end, along with age-appropriate ideas for earning a bit of extra money.

Gregory offers a story that blends adventure with genuine, useful guidance. Parents seeking a way to introduce responsibility and foundational financial skills will find this book an excellent companion as their children take early steps toward independence.

Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1637653433

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Gracie & Aero Wallet Business Venture

Gracie and Aero dive into summer with big dreams and even bigger plans. What starts as a simple idea tossed around the dinner table turns into a full-blown neighborhood market. The kids hustle through chores, save up their capital, map out a business plan, create crafts and snacks, and even offer telescope views. Their front yard becomes a lively space market filled with kids, laughter, and stargazing. By the end, the whole community has come together to celebrate the siblings’ creativity, teamwork, and growing business skills.

I found myself smiling at how warm and upbeat the writing feels. It has this easy flow that pulled me along like I was tagging behind Gracie and Aero as they dashed from one idea to the next. The simple explanations of words like capital and invest made me feel like the book was giving kids a gentle pat on the back and saying you can learn this too. I loved that the story never talked down to the reader. It just kept everything bright and hopeful, and it felt like a real family cheering on their kids.

I also enjoyed the whole vibe of the story because it made starting a business feel fun instead of scary. I kept thinking about how much joy the kids put into every small task. The flyers, the lemonade, the decorations, the telescope. It all felt so full of heart. The illustrations helped a lot, too. They are colorful and playful, and they made the market scenes burst with energy. I felt a little proud of the kids when the neighborhood showed up, and everything came together. It was sweet and kind of uplifting in a way I didn’t expect.

All in all, I think this children’s book is a great fit for kids who love hands-on projects, kids who get excited about making things, or kids who just enjoy stories about families working as a team. It would also be awesome for classrooms or parents who want to sneak in early lessons about money and entrepreneurship without making it feel like homework. It is cheerful, encouraging, and packed with ideas that spark curiosity. I would definitely recommend Gracie & Aero Wallet Business Venture to young readers who dream big and love adventures that start right in their own backyard.

Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0DJ4SWZJD

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Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog

Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog, written by Natalie McCurry and Cadie McCurry and brought to life through Chris Shwink’s vivid illustrations, delivers a delightful blend of learning and laughter. The story follows Cadie, a lovable German Shepherd adopted from a rescue shelter, as she joins her family on a lively outing to the M.D. Zoo, a teaching zoo brimming with unusual and captivating species. With guidance from Miss Melissa and her assistant, Sadie, Cadie ushers readers from exhibit to exhibit, introducing everything from zebras and lions to kangaroos and macaws. Each stop includes fun facts, pronunciation tips, and playful sketches. The design feels bright and interactive, and a thoughtfully included zoo map helps children visualize the journey as it unfolds.

The charm of the book rests heavily on its warm narration. Cadie’s voice feels friendly and inviting, almost conversational, as though she’s chatting directly with the reader. The writing stays accessible while still nudging children to think, speak, and participate. Because the M.D. Zoo emphasizes hands-on learning; the educational elements appear naturally, never heavy-handed. Pronunciation guides, in particular, are a welcome touch that builds confidence as kids encounter unfamiliar names. I especially appreciated the appearance of animals rarely seen in children’s books, such as the Binturong, which keeps the experience fresh for adults sharing the story.

Every page delivers small bursts of information that feel lively rather than encyclopedic. Cadie outlines how each creature lives, eats, and behaves, all in a tone that remains upbeat and curious. The teaching-zoo setting subtly reinforces ideas surrounding conservation, responsible animal care, and exploration-driven learning. Underneath the fun lies a gentle message about compassion: Cadie’s own rescue story serves as a reminder of the joy that comes from giving a home to an animal in need. The activity page at the end, “Cadie’s Notes, invites children to draw their favorite animal, offering a simple but meaningful moment of creativity and reflection.

Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog stands out as a wonderful choice for young readers and the families who read alongside them. It pulls children away from screens and into a world of discovery, curiosity, and kindness. Wholesome, spirited, and full of imaginative energy, it deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.

Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0FY4PDQHG

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