Blog Archives
Let’s go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy
Let’s go Backer and Backer! The Playful Puppy is a heartwarming and rhythmic tale that is a beautiful celebration of love, kindness, and community. The story follows a young girl who adopts a playful puppy she cherishes with all her heart. What makes the narrative especially meaningful is the way it traces the puppy’s journey backward, from the moment the girl meets her new best friend, to the compassion of strangers who first rescued the puppy, and the care of shelter staff and veterinarians along the way. With each repeated refrain, children are reminded of the many hands and hearts that contribute to one happy ending.
The cumulative storytelling style is both engaging and educational. The repetition encourages children to anticipate what comes next, supporting memory and sequencing skills, while also giving the book a delightful rhythm that makes it perfect for reading aloud. Alongside the text, the illustrations are a joy to look at, bright, expressive, and full of warmth; they bring every step of the puppy’s journey vividly to life. The artwork not only complements the story but also deepens the emotional connection children will feel as they follow along.
Beyond the narrative, the book delivers valuable lessons. It naturally teaches empathy and kindness, showing young readers how compassion and teamwork can make a real difference. It introduces the idea of pet adoption in a gentle, approachable way, fostering both a love of animals and a sense of responsibility. Parents will also appreciate the interactive opportunities the story provides, from discussing the roles of different characters (like the veterinarian or rescuers) to connecting the tale to real-life experiences with pets and community kindness.
Let’s go Backer and Backer!: The Playful Puppy is a celebration of the caring connections that make such bonds possible. With its rhythmic text, memorable structure, and delightful illustrations, it’s a book children will want to hear again and again, and one that parents will be glad to share. A perfect choice for fostering empathy, sparking conversations about community, and, of course, for any family that loves dogs.
Pages: 24 | ASIN : B0FM8JGFZX
The Boy Who Wanted to Fly
In The Boy Who Wanted to Fly, Farial English introduces us to Max, a young boy in a wheelchair who dreams of soaring among the clouds. Day after day, he gazes from his bedroom window, captivated by birds darting gracefully between the buildings. One afternoon, while Max is lost in thought, his sister Maya bursts in with thrilling news: the family will spend spring break at the beach. Excitement fills the house. For Max, however, the trip is more than a getaway; it is a chance to bring his dream to life. He quickly begins planning, determined to construct something that might carry him skyward. The question lingers: will Max find a way to fly?
This story shines for many reasons. At its heart lies a celebration of inclusivity. Max’s wheelchair never sets him apart from his sister; the two share the same joy, mischief, and determination. English resists the temptation to dwell on limitations, instead allowing Max’s ingenuity and creativity to take center stage. Children reading the story learn not to fixate on disability but to focus on the imagination and resilience that define Max’s character.
Equally compelling is the portrayal of family. The anticipation of a simple beach trip brims with warmth, highlighting that what truly matters is time together rather than the destination. English weaves this theme seamlessly, reminding readers that life’s simplest pleasures often create the richest memories.
A delightful surprise awaits readers as well: ten colorful kites are cleverly hidden throughout the book. This treasure-hunt element adds an interactive twist, turning storytime into an engaging game for children and parents alike. The illustrations by Max Rambaldi deserve special mention. Each full-page artwork is meticulously detailed, with muted tones that perfectly echo the gentle, heartfelt narrative.
The Boy Who Wanted to Fly is more than a children’s story; it is a celebration of imagination, inclusivity, and family. With its heartfelt message, engaging storytelling, and stunning illustrations, it is a book that resonates with readers of all ages. Highly recommended.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0FLF3H3MY
Oliver the Oyster Saves Santa
On Christmas Eve in Cape Cod, a group of friends gathers for a sleepover. Oliver the Oyster, Miriah the Mermaid, and Cathy the Crab are far too excited to rest, each wishing for the perfect gift. But when an unusual sound draws them outside, they stumble upon something astonishing: Santa himself, stranded with his elves. His sleigh, damaged during a delivery to Mayo Beach, has left the holiday in jeopardy. Without hesitation, Oliver and his companions realize they must step in. Together, they craft a clever plan and throw themselves into action, determined to ensure every present reaches its rightful home.
Oliver the Oyster Saves Santa, written by J.B. Auchter, delivers a charming holiday tale brimming with whimsy and warmth. The narrative moves briskly, propelled by playful wordplay and a lively cast of characters. The premise may call to mind the enchanting style of Dr. Seuss, where fantastical figures arrive unexpectedly and transform the world around them.
Auchter’s ear for dialogue shines throughout. Exchanges between Oliver, his friends, Santa, and the elves sparkle with wit and buoyancy, their banter both cheeky and spirited. The momentum never lags, and while the stakes are clear, the tone remains lighthearted. Younger readers will find plenty of excitement without ever feeling frightened, a testament to the author’s choice to favor levity over tension.
Oliver the Oyster Saves Santa keeps readers engaged with the delightful journey it takes to get there. By the final pages, every character has shared in an uplifting adventure, and every reader has joined them in the fun. Whether read during the holiday season or at bedtime, it’s a tale children will want to revisit again and again.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0DH1XX5KX
Sweet Rescue
Sweet Rescue follows Hungry Joe, a caterpillar with a never-ending appetite who wakes up desperate for a snack. His search leads him to a golden berry pie at a picnic. In his excitement, he dives right in but quickly gets stuck in the sticky mess. His sister Becky Butterfly races to save him, rallying all the park creatures to help. There’s a near miss with the menacing Sir Raven, some clever teamwork, and even a human interruption before Joe is finally pulled free.
I had a lot of fun with this children’s book. The writing is playful and silly in the best way, and I found myself smiling at Joe’s constant “I’m soooo hungry!” It reminded me of a kid who can’t think about anything else until they’ve had a snack. The rhythm is light and bouncy, and the “somebuggy” line made me laugh. I also really liked how Becky was so quick to protect her brother. It gave the story heart while keeping it fun.
The ideas behind the story are sweet, too. It’s about family, about thinking fast in tough moments, and about how teamwork can make even the trickiest rescue possible. I liked that it wasn’t just Becky saving Joe. Every bug had a part to play. The tension with Sir Raven gave it a little edge, which made the happy ending feel earned. The pie scene was messy and funny, and the mix of danger and silliness kept my children turning pages with a smile. The artwork is super charming and imaginative. I love the quirky cast of characters; they all feel so distinct and full of personality. The warm, vibrant colors give it a really cheerful and friendly vibe, making you feel right at home in this world.
I’d say this picture book is perfect for little kids who love funny animal stories, especially ones with a touch of mischief. It would be a hit for story time, since the words beg to be read aloud in a dramatic way. I’d also recommend it to families who enjoy books with strong sibling bonds and gentle lessons about teamwork.
Pages: 26 | ISBN : 0881442704
How Flowers Got Their Colors
How Flowers Got Their Colors follows a young shepherd living in a quiet valley where the world is stuck in just three colors. Everything is green, blue, or yellow, and the flowers are plain white. One day, he sees a rainbow after a storm and dreams of capturing those colors to brighten the meadow. After many failed attempts, a bit of clever thinking, and some patience, he finally gathers the rainbow’s magic in his bucket. He pours it into the stream, and suddenly the flowers and everything around him burst into color. It’s simple, whimsical, and full of wonder.
I found myself smiling at how childlike and hopeful the shepherd felt. The writing isn’t complicated, and I like that. It’s a fun bedtime story. The repetition of him trying and failing before finally figuring out how to “sneak up” on the rainbow made me laugh. It carries a sweet message about patience and persistence without ever hammering the point too hard.
The idea of color spilling out into the world and changing everything, even the shepherd’s coat, is delightful. That moment is the kind of payoff kids love because it feels magical and surprising. I also enjoyed how the story leaned into imagination more than logic. Catching colors in a bucket is such a playful idea, and that’s exactly what makes it charming. It made me think of those times as a kid when I’d stare at a rainbow and wonder if I could touch it. The artwork in this picture book is eye-catching. The artwork is full of details that make the valley and the rainbow come alive. I especially liked how the white world transformed into a burst of colors.
I’d recommend this charming children’s book to parents who love reading short, cozy stories with their kids at night. It’s also a great fit for little ones who enjoy whimsical tales with a bit of magic and a happy ending. It feels like a story you’d remember long after because of its gentle charm.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0FC1XT5BS
Just the Way I Am: A Sam the School Bus Story
In Just the Way I Am, readers meet Sabrina, a brand-new school bus brimming with anticipation for her very first day on the job. Determined to win the children’s approval, she devises an ambitious plan, each day she will dress in a different theme. One morning, she’s a rockstar, the next a carpenter. By the end of the week, though, Sabrina discovers the truth: trying to reinvent herself daily is exhausting, and ultimately unnecessary. The children don’t admire her costumes, they cherish her for who she truly is.
Sabrina’s nerves mirror the feelings of countless children at the start of a school year. Will she fit in? Will she be liked? Even with her schedule memorized, uncertainty gnaws at her confidence. This gentle parallel captures the universal anxieties of children stepping into new environments.
The core of Sabrina’s journey lies in her belief that she must mold herself into what others expect. She polishes, prepares, and imagines every possible way to impress, only to realize that such efforts deepen her self-doubt. The book delivers a meaningful metaphor: striving too hard to conform often distances us from our authentic selves.
With the warm support of her friends Sam and Gupta, Sabrina learns that friendship does not demand perfection or performance. It blossoms when we are genuine. The message is timeless, reassuring children who may feel pressured to change just to be accepted.
Beyond its moral, the book layers in delightful educational touches. The days of the week appear in vibrant illustrations, while playful rhymes and colorful word art immerse young readers further. Orange for “carpenter,” shimmering blue for “jewel,” these choices create a multisensory experience that reinforces early learning. Parents and caregivers will find Sabrina’s story a natural springboard for conversations about friendship, nerves, and individuality.
Warm, uplifting, and filled with heart, Just the Way I Am resonates with both children and adults. It reminds us all that the truest friendships and deepest confidence emerge not from who we pretend to be, but from embracing who we already are. Whether shared at bedtime or read before the first day of school, Sabrina’s story offers comfort, courage, and joy.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0FKSKTRH1
Oh No There’s Poo On My Shoe
A quiet moment between mother and son takes an unexpected turn when the little boy makes a startling announcement: there’s poo on his shoe. Hardly a tragedy, yet to him, it feels like the end of the world. His mother, calm and resourceful, seizes the moment to offer perspective. Through playful rhymes, she reminds him that life holds far greater misfortunes, and this small mishap is nothing he can’t handle.
Oh No, There’s Poo on My Shoe, written by Lisa Rita, delivers its message with humor, charm, and a touch of whimsy. The story is paired with lively, colorful illustrations that spark a child’s imagination, reminiscent of the spirited style of Dr. Seuss.
The book is brisk in length and perfectly pitched for its intended audience: younger children who delight in rhyme and rhythm. While older readers may quickly outgrow it, the target group will find both fun and comfort in its cheerful verses. The tone remains lighthearted throughout, with no gloom or peril, just a warm reminder that not every problem is worth despair.
At its core, the lesson is a timeless one. Life will present spills, stumbles, and yes, even the occasional step in something unpleasant. But resilience comes from perspective, recognizing that difficulties, however messy, are rarely insurmountable. Rita conveys this idea in a way that feels effortless, never heavy-handed, and entirely accessible to young readers.
Oh No There’s Poo On My Shoe is both a diversion and a gentle guidepost. It entertains with humor while planting an early seed of optimism. Parents looking for a story that combines laughter with a valuable outlook on life will find this a delightful addition to any child’s library.
Pages: 15 | ASIN : B0CPT9N73W
Where’s My Wabby Dabby
Where’s My Wabby Dabby? is a sweet little tale about a young girl named Ava who adores her father, whom she affectionately calls her “wabby dabby.” One day, her Papa has to leave for a trip to ask “the man on the moon a question,” and Ava, confused and missing him, goes on a playful search around her yard. She asks the bird, the squirrel, the ant, her cat Daisy, and finally her dog Poppy Seed where her wabby dabby went. Each animal has a quirky way of responding, but it’s Poppy Seed who helps her remember what Papa told her, that he’d be back soon. By bedtime, she’s comforted by the thought of her father’s return and his loving words.
I loved how the book captures the world from a child’s point of view. Ava’s questions to the animals felt authentic, innocent, direct, and tinged with longing. I smiled at the scene with Mr. Ant, where Ava lays down on the ground just to talk to him. It’s such a small detail, but it really shows how children see no limits when they’re trying to make sense of their world. The repetition of “he’s my wabby dabby” made the story feel like a chant, almost like something a child would say over and over to reassure themselves.
At the same time, I found the character of Daisy, the cat, especially funny and surprising. Her silly answer about maybe eating Papa actually made me laugh out loud. It added a little spark of humor in the middle of Ava’s sadness, which gave the story a nice balance. Kids would probably love that absurd twist, and I can imagine them giggling as Ava rolls her eyes and walks away. It’s a reminder of how pets often act as comic relief in real family life.
What really stood out most to me, though, was the emotional thread running underneath the playfulness. Ava misses her father deeply, and even though the animals’ answers are silly or confusing, her sadness feels very real. I felt my heart tighten when she clutched her stuffed animal and whispered that her wabby dabby never leaves her. That moment gave the story some weight and made the joyful ending, when Poppy Seed reminds her of Papa’s words, all the more satisfying. It’s simple but it hits an emotional chord.
Where’s My Wabby Dabby? is a tender and whimsical story that would be perfect for young children who enjoy animal characters and a bit of silliness wrapped around a heartfelt message. It’s a story about love, memory, and reassurance, and I think it would be especially comforting for kids who deal with parents being away for work or travel. It made me smile, laugh, and feel a little tug in my chest, and that’s a lovely mix in a children’s book.
Pages: 22 | ASIN : B0F523T67G
LITERARY TITAN 