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
Choo Choo Dino Crew
Choo Choo Dino Crew takes young readers on a delightful and imaginative journey filled with adventure, learning, and heartwarming lessons. Stark and Vivi set out to meet fascinating prehistoric creatures like the spiky stegosaurus and the towering and elegant brachiosaurus. Through their interactions, Stark and Vivi discover not only the uniqueness of their dino friends but also valuable lessons about friendship, diversity, and embracing their individuality.
The story stands out with its rhythmic and playful rhyming scheme, which captures the attention of young readers while subtly teaching them about the art of rhyme. This engaging children’s book is more than just an adventure, it’s an educational dive into the prehistoric era. Stark and Vivi’s encounters introduce children to a variety of dinosaur species and their distinctive traits, fostering curiosity and a love for learning about nature and history. For example, young readers will marvel at the spiky armor of the stegosaurus or the long neck of the brachiosaurus, all while appreciating how every dinosaur’s unique features make them special.
Beyond its scientific tidbits, this kid’s book excels in delivering universal messages about kindness, compassion, and open-mindedness. Stark and Vivi model these values as they celebrate the differences among their new friends, teaching children the importance of seeing beauty in diversity. These lessons are seamlessly woven into the storyline, making them easy for young readers to grasp and apply in their own lives.
The vibrant illustrations add another layer of enchantment to the picture book. Each page is a visual feast, full of bold colors and charming details that bring the prehistoric world to life. These illustrations invite young readers to linger on each page, sparking conversations and inspiring questions that parents can explore with their children. By combining the excitement of a train adventure with the wonders of the dinosaur world, the book offers an irresistible package for curious young minds.
Choo Choo Dino Crew is a gem of a children’s book. Its engaging storytelling, lyrical rhymes, and valuable life lessons make it a standout choice for young readers. Whether your child loves dinosaurs, trains, or tales about friendship, this book promises to entertain, educate, and inspire.
Pages: 18 | ISBN : 1962202968
Soft Hugs for Mommy
Soft Hugs for Mommy is a heartfelt exploration of living with fibromyalgia, wrapped in a narrative that combines raw vulnerability and an educational touch. Through poignant anecdotes and empathetic storytelling, the book brings to light the realities of chronic illness. It’s more than just a guide; it’s an emotional support system, a conversation with a friend who truly understands. From explaining the “invisible” nature of pain to depicting the strain on family and relationships, it’s a deeply personal yet universally relatable read.
The writing is what struck me first because it’s conversational and deeply honest. The section where the author, Mandy Farmer, describes the metaphor of “soft hugs” as gentle comfort for a hurting body was incredibly moving. The imagery was simple but hit home. At times, though, the casual tone made some sections feel a bit repetitive, like the book was circling back to the same ideas. That said, these repetitions felt less like oversights and more like reminders of the ongoing, cyclical nature of chronic illness—a clever, intentional choice. I loved how the author took time to focus on family dynamics, especially the chapter where a child tries to understand why “mommy can’t always play.” That scene brought tears to my eyes. The way children’s innocence clashed with the parent’s frustration and guilt was beautifully handled. It reminded me of how illness doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it affects everyone in its orbit. The final chapters, which encourage readers to open up and share their struggles, resonated deeply. The emphasis on community and solidarity gave the book a hopeful note, even in the midst of heavy topics. The inclusion of Melissa’s own story (featured toward the end) tied everything together beautifully. It’s rare to read something so intimate that also feels empowering.
Soft Hugs for Mommy is a touching read for anyone grappling with chronic pain or supporting someone who is. It’s perfect for parents, partners, and friends looking for insight into what it’s like to live with fibromyalgia. Its emotional depth and gentle honesty make it worth picking up. If you need a book that feels like a comforting chat over tea, this one’s for you.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0D7SGSJ48
Sydney’s Kidney Adventure
Sydney is a bright and optimistic young girl who lights up every room she enters. Yet, when she begins noticing her mother’s persistent fatigue and sadness, worry takes root in her heart. Determined to bring back her mom’s smile, Sydney tries everything to cheer her up. One evening, her father pulls her aside to share a difficult truth—her mom needs a kidney transplant. Later, under the night sky, Sydney makes a heartfelt wish upon a star for a donor to save her mother. What follows is the start of Sydney’s Kidney Adventure, a journey of hope, action, and self-discovery. With unwavering determination, Sydney takes matters into her own hands. Alongside her dad, she learns about organ donation, creates flyers, and spreads the word throughout her neighborhood, her school, and other community spots. Through each step, Sydney grows, facing challenges with resilience while learning invaluable lessons about life, love, and perseverance.
Risa Simon expertly crafts a story that is as uplifting as it is poignant. Her writing is accessible for children, skillfully balancing a serious topic with warmth and understanding. The illustrations are equally remarkable, exuding comfort and charm in every scene. Beyond the story, the book includes a wealth of resources for further learning and action, as well as a thoughtful coloring section. This addition reinforces the story’s central messages of embracing hope, exploring possibilities, and asking for help when needed, all distilled into powerful and child-friendly phrases.
The subject matter is inherently somber, and the pacing might feel deliberate for some young readers but the realism and emotional depth make it deeply impactful. Sydney’s journey is authentic, showcasing her courage as she explores alternatives, even bravely sharing her wish with her classmates. The narrative naturally introduces information about organ donation, weaving it seamlessly into Sydney’s mission to save her mom.
Sydney’s Kidney Adventure is a heartwarming tale of love, determination, and the extraordinary strength found in helping others. It inspires readers of all ages with its touching portrayal of hope and community, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Pages: 75 | ASIN : B0D1STKRPJ
Ella’s Letter To Santa
In Ella’s Letter to Santa, Ashley Hohmann delivers a charming and heartfelt story that blends childhood innocence with a valuable lesson in patience and love. The tale begins with Ella, a young girl filled with hope, writing a letter to Santa in May. Her request? A baby sister. As weeks passed with no reply, her excitement turned into worry. Did Santa even receive her letter? When Ella finally hears the news she’s been waiting for, she discovers she will be a big sibling. But there’s a twist: the baby isn’t a sister; it’s a brother. Disappointment washes over Ella as she grapples with unmet expectations, but her parents gently explain that some things, even with Santa’s magic, are beyond control. The story takes a delightful turn as Ella welcomes her baby brother, quickly forgetting her initial wish. Her love for him blossoms, proving that the greatest gifts often surprise us.
Hohmann’s storytelling shines with its delicate balance of humor, emotion, and relatability. The book’s visual elements are just as captivating as its narrative. From whimsical illustrations to endearing details like hearts dotting the “i’s” in the text and Ella’s handwritten letter, the book exudes charm, drawing young readers into Ella’s world. This delightful story teaches patience and embraces the unexpected joys that come from opening our hearts. Hohmann gently reminds readers that while we can wish for specific outcomes, life often gifts us with what we truly need, not just what we want. The book beautifully conveys that believing in magic, especially during the holiday season, is what keeps the spirit of Christmas alive. The ending of the story took an unexpected twist that left me chuckling in surprise.
Perfectly suited for young audiences, Ella’s Letter to Santa is more than a story; it’s an experience. Its warmth and playful details make it an engaging read for children while offering a meaningful takeaway for families. Hohmann’s work is sure to become a beloved addition to any child’s bookshelf, celebrating the magic of love, family, and embracing life’s surprises.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0D9JGSYTW
Ezra’s Day Off
Ezra the earthworm decides to take a break from his daily underground duties and ventures into the garden for an adventure. He meets a variety of garden creatures like Abeja the bumblebee, Nya the ladybug, Matteen the ant, and Dante the roly-poly, each with their own jobs and unique personalities. As Ezra explores, he learns about the interconnected roles every creature plays in maintaining the garden’s health. By the end of his journey, Ezra realizes the importance of his own work and returns to his underground home with a newfound appreciation for his role.
I loved how this children’s book managed to pack so much charm and personality into each character. Ezra’s curiosity is so relatable, especially when he marvels at the colorful flowers and buzzing bees. His interactions with Abeja are something I love about this book. Her brisk but kind personality balanced Ezra’s more laid-back vibe. Their exchange about Ezra’s dangerous exposure to the robin felt like a little life lesson tucked in there about knowing your limits and the risks of venturing into the unknown.
The writing was playful and sprinkled with fun facts, which I thought was a brilliant touch for kids and curious adults like me. I learned that earthworm castings are just fancy worm poop, and I was weirdly fascinated by the fact that bumblebees flap their wings 200 times a second. These bits of trivia didn’t feel forced but rather added to the whimsy of the story. It made me feel like I was learning alongside Ezra.
The illustrations are fantastic. Every page felt vibrant and the details really brought the garden to life. Ezra marveling at the huge watermelon was one of my favorite moments. But more than the visuals, it’s the story’s heart that shines. Ezra’s fainting spell from being out of his element was funny but also drove home how important it is to appreciate one’s role, even when it feels mundane.
This wonderful picture book left me with a warm feeling and a deeper appreciation for the tiny things that keep our world running. I’d recommend Ezra’s Day Off to parents looking for a fun and educational read for kids, especially those who are curious about nature.
Pages: 25 | ASIN : B0DJNL1QFC
Emotions are Natural
The Emotions Volcano: Sid the Super Happy Kid and Laura the Emotions Explorer follow sibling superheroes as they help the children in a small mountain village who are nervous about an upcoming math test deal with their big emotions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I thought that a story about emotions as a volcano and that they build up and can overflow just like a volcano would be fun and exciting. I thought it would be really nice if the volcanoes could be different colors representing the different zones of behavioral regulations. I also like talking about problems and stress that kids face as well as ways to help calm our emotions.
Laura and Sid are wonderful characters that children can relate to. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I was learning things like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, emotional intelligence and I thought it would be great that Sid and Laura also teach these things to children.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the biggest ideas that I like to share with my books for young kids like myself is that we feel better when we learn to manage our emotions. I also like to share that emotions are natural so being angry, sad, happy, worried, are all normal.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I am working on The Critical Critters as the next book in the emotional intelligence series with Sid and Laura. I think the readers will like that book because it will be a futuristic space and rodeo adventure and involve cowboys and cowgirls. My dad is working on the illustrations but I completed the story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
2024 Readers’ Favorite Five Stars Seal
Emotional intelligence isn’t just a vital skill: It’s a superpower!
For many children and their families, it’s the difference between a life of reactive stress, versus calm contentment.
Laura and Sid are superheroes with a twist. Their special powers allow them to find, name, transform, and manage BIG emotions and Big Feelings. But when a new hotspot flashes on their map, the brother-sister team face a fiery emergency. In a small mountain village, kids are going back to school and have a math test that has left a classroom of kids simmering with nerves and frustration. Nearby, the Rage Peaks begin to sputter and rumble…Can our heroes gain control of the eruption—and their own fears, anger, anxiety, and frustration—before the situation turns molten?
The Emotions Volcano is an adventurous picture book for kids aged 3 to 7. Written by seven-year-old Jomo Jesus, a multi-published author, the story includes English and Spanish references, plus useful tools to recognize and cope with emotions in useful ways.
Miles Ahead – A Journey in Math and Engineering
Miles Ahead follows the journey of a young boy named Miles, who discovers a passion for math early in life and follows this love all the way into a career as a professional engineer. From grade school to college and finally into the working world, this children’s book gives readers a full view of Miles’ progression, highlighting the excitement of academic competitions, the trials of balancing school and extracurriculars, and the ultimate triumph of earning his Professional Engineer license. It’s an inspiring and educational story aimed at sparking interest in math and engineering for young readers.
The writing is straightforward, which makes it endearing and easily understood by children. The story of Miles is relatable and genuinely motivating. Take, for example, the moment when Miles eagerly raises his hand to solve a tricky math problem and beams with pride when the teacher praises him. The excitement Miles has for math radiates off the page, and it made me remember my own early love for certain school subjects.
In middle and high school, Miles faces bigger challenges, and I appreciated how the book didn’t sugarcoat the realities of hard work. When he doesn’t win the MATHCOUNTS competition but comes away with lessons on teamwork, it feels authentic. It’s not just about the glory of winning but about the grind of getting better. The author does a great job showing how small setbacks are just stepping stones.
What really gave the book heart is Miles’ family. The author sprinkles in moments where you can sense the love and support he has at home. When he finally passes the PE Exam, the celebration scene is touching. His family’s pride and the acknowledgment of their role in his success made me emotional. Grandpa’s story about Miles counting stars as a child is one of those small but powerful details that make you smile. It’s a feel-good children’s book but it doesn’t shy away from showing how crucial a strong support system is.
Miles Ahead – A Journey in Math and Engineering is a great read for any young person who is curious about math and engineering or just wants to be inspired. I’d recommend it to anyone who dreams of building something great and making a difference. Even if you aren’t passionate about numbers or engineering, the book serves as a reminder that hard work, love, and a bit of curiosity can take you far.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0DG329DZR
LITERARY TITAN 