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Coco Goes Skating

Coco and her mother love spending time together at their neighborhood park. During one of these visits, Coco notices another girl gliding across the pavement on shoes with wheels, roller skates. Curious, she asks her mom about them, and the answer sparks immediate excitement. Watching the girl zip around with ease, Coco longs to try it herself. Before long, her parents are guiding her through her very first skating lesson. Yet, as Coco quickly learns, roller skating isn’t as effortless as it looks. Will she master her balance and discover the joy of rolling forward, or will she decide it’s not for her?

This charming story introduces young readers to the world of roller skating, a sport both playful and challenging. Children unfamiliar with skates get to see what they look like and experience, through Coco’s eyes, what it takes to learn. For adult readers, the book carries a sense of nostalgia, bringing back memories of childhood afternoons spent wobbling on skates before finally gliding with confidence. Dr. Lewis skillfully eases readers into the concept, making the process approachable and fun.

What stood out most, however, was the emphasis on family connection. Coco’s journey is not a solitary one; her parents are right there beside her, patient and encouraging. The story highlights the value of parents and children learning something new together, transforming a simple skill into a memory of love and laughter. The promise of future family outings to the skating rink underscores the author’s message that shared experiences away from screens matter deeply.

The illustrations elevate the story further. Bright, full-page artwork fills every spread, drawing young readers into Coco’s world. Each picture brims with energy and color, perfectly mirroring the excitement and determination of learning something new. These visuals not only engage children but also enrich the narrative for older readers who appreciate the artistry.

Coco Goes Skating is a delightful read-aloud for families and a joyful introduction to roller skating for children. It promotes wellness, celebrates family bonds, and reminds us that learning together creates lasting connections. Engaging, colorful, and heartwarming, it’s a book that will resonate with readers across generations.

Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0FJNQ22LY

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Charli’s Pawsome Park: An Architectural Adventure

Charli’s Pawsome Park is about a curious girl who meets a landscape architect and instantly starts wondering what it would be like to design parks herself. The spark grows into a full-blown daydream where she imagines creating a dog park in her town. With her friends, some trial-and-error problem solving, and plenty of imagination, she sketches, models, and pitches her idea to the town council. In the end, her vision comes to life, and she learns that with creativity and teamwork, anything is possible.

I really enjoyed how this children’s book made a big idea like architecture feel fun and doable for kids. The writing has an easy rhythm, and the dialogue feels natural, like real kids talking to each other. I liked that Charli wasn’t perfect. She hit bumps, like realizing bushes blocked views or that a tunnel led dogs straight into a mess. Those little “oops” moments made the story feel alive. It didn’t read like a lecture on STEM. It felt like a playful adventure with just enough detail to spark interest without bogging kids down.

The theme of dreaming big hit me the most. I liked how Charli’s curiosity spun into action, and the story showed the whole process, from idea to fixing mistakes to presenting in front of grown-ups. It felt empowering, like a nudge saying kids’ ideas can matter too. The dog park concept itself was adorable, and the splash pad ending made me smile. The pictures also carried a lot of charm, like a Disney Channel cartoon. They pulled me into Charli’s world and made me want to cheer for her.

I think this picture book is a great pick for kids who love animals, enjoy drawing, or are just curious about how the world is built. It would be a fun read-aloud in classrooms, especially if teachers want to spark interest in STEM without making it feel heavy. Parents who want their kids to see that girls can design big, bold things will find it extra special.

Pages: 91 | ISBN: 978-1-964845-04-3

I’m Happy I’m Me!

Zeke thinks he’s stuck in a terrible day where nothing goes right. Then, to his astonishment, one of his socks begins speaking. The sock confesses envy; imagine being forced to endure the stench of feet all day. Soon, a cotton swab joins the chorus, admitting it, too, would prefer life as a boy. One by one, other household objects, baby wipes, toilet paper, and more, offer their own complaints. By the time they finish, Zeke begins to see his situation differently. Perhaps his life isn’t so bad after all.

I’m Happy I’m Me by Marsi Danielsen is a short, illustrated children’s book that recalls the playful, whimsical spirit of certain Dr. Seuss classics. Much like those stories, it begins with a child dissatisfied with life and evolves into a gentle lesson about perspective.

Parents will recognize the familiar challenge of a bored or unhappy child. Danielson captures that sense of restlessness through Zeke’s voice. Children often feel frustrated with who they are or what they have, and many adults wrestle with the same truth for years. The book’s charm lies in its message: learning to appreciate oneself is both difficult and deeply rewarding. Delivered with humor, sometimes silly, sometimes a touch gross, the story highlights that no matter how imperfect life feels, others may have it harder.

The use of inanimate objects as storytellers gives the book its delightful quirk. Combined with bright, colorful illustrations, the lesson becomes vivid and memorable. Although the book’s simplicity may not resonate with older children, younger readers will likely find it entertaining and meaningful. Ideally, they’ll finish the story feeling more comfortable in their own skin, with a new perspective on gratitude that may stay with them as they grow.

I’m Happy I’m Me succeeds as both an entertaining story and a gentle reminder about gratitude. Its playful premise and cheerful illustrations make it engaging for children, while its underlying message carries lasting value. Parents seeking a lighthearted yet meaningful read-aloud will find this book a worthwhile addition to their collection.

Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0FCYM18GK

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Humans are awesome!

Humans Are Awesome: A Kid’s Guide to Staying Smarter Than AI is a lively and colorful children’s book that sets out to explain the difference between human abilities and artificial intelligence in a way that feels both playful and empowering. The story starts with simple tools like fire and bikes, then moves into “computer brains” (AI), showing kids how these tools can help but also where their limits are. From there, the book unfolds into a celebration of human “superpowers” like empathy, imagination, intuition, adaptability, and conscience. It mixes humor, interactive challenges, and bold illustrations to keep the pace quick and fun, while slipping in lessons about safety, responsibility, and the joy of being human.

I really enjoyed how the book balances silliness with seriousness. One page might have a goofy idea like a bubble-breathing dragon on roller skates, then the next grounds the child in an important safety rule about keeping personal information private. That swing between giggles and grounding works surprisingly well. The language feels natural, almost like a friend explaining things in the playground, and I could see it making sense to a wide range of ages. I also appreciated that the authors didn’t make AI sound scary, but instead framed it as a tool that needs rules and guidance, just like riding a bike. That choice makes the book feel hopeful rather than heavy. The interactive sections, like asking kids to point out devices in their home that use AI, were my favorite parts. They make the book feel less like a lecture and more like a game, which is perfect for this kind of teaching.

Humans Are Awesome feels like a book I’d recommend to families who want to start conversations about technology without making it intimidating. It’s especially good for kids in elementary school, maybe ages six to ten, though I think even younger kids would enjoy the pictures and playful tone. Parents will probably appreciate the author’s note too, since it frames the whole project as a partnership between grown-ups and kids. I’d call it a warm, thoughtful, and fun resource for any family navigating the wild mix of screens, apps, and gadgets in daily life.

Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0CWDWZKZX

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Brownie’s Stormy Night Adventure

Brownie, a small brown bunny with a soft, fluffy coat, begins his story in the most heartbreaking way, alone in a parking lot, trembling under a car. When he dashes into the arms of a stranger, hope flickers. The kind man does the right thing and returns Brownie to his owners, but the reunion is far from joyful. We soon learn Brownie is blind in one eye, and his family has decided they no longer want him.

The bunny’s journey takes him to a pet store, where he waits with quiet determination, still clinging to the belief that his family might return. Days pass. Loneliness grows. What he truly longs for is not his neglectful owners, but the warmth of the stranger who once made him feel safe. In time, his wish comes true: Brownie is reunited with the rescuer who first found him in the parking lot. Slowly, he begins to trust his new family, embracing both his differences and his future.

Hilary Taylorson weaves this tale with tenderness and insight. The opening chapters are filled with sadness, yet the resolution brings deep relief and joy as Brownie finds a home where he is valued. Through subtle but clear storytelling, the author illustrates how neglect can wound, while compassion can heal. Brownie emerges resilient, learning not only to accept his blindness but also to flourish despite it.

Though I found myself wishing for more illustrations of Brownie’s mischief and adventures around the house, the story stands strong without them. It’s a touching narrative that carries an important message: animals, like people, deserve love and care regardless of their challenges. Hilary also balances emotion with humor; moments such as Brownie stomping his foot at his rescuer to assert his tiny authority add a delightful charm.

Brownie’s Stormy Night Adventure is a moving, gentle story perfect for young readers. It encourages empathy, responsibility, and kindness, lessons that linger long after the last page is turned.

Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0F4D2S1Y9

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Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest: Dr. K’s Portal Through Time

Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest is a creative blend of historical biography, time-travel adventure, and science primer for curious young readers. Through the eyes of siblings Jennifer and Daniel, who travel with Dr. K through her magical portal, we get to witness the life, struggles, and triumphs of Marie Curie. From her early days in Paris to the discovery of radium and polonium, her groundbreaking Nobel Prizes, and her wartime work with mobile X-ray units, the book manages to cover both the sweep of her achievements and the personal grit behind them.

What I enjoyed most was how the story balanced real history with an almost playful sense of wonder. Curie describes the grueling, years-long process of isolating radium from pitchblende. The children’s questions bring an immediacy to the narrative, transforming what might otherwise seem like abstract science into a vivid account of perseverance and conviction. When Curie explains that discovery is rarely linear but instead filled with challenges and unexpected turns, the insight resonates deeply. It is a lesson that holds equal weight for adults as it does for younger readers.

I also liked how the book made science approachable without dumbing it down. In Chapter One, when Dr. K explains radioactivity, she compares unstable atoms to restless kids who can’t sit still and then to bubbles that “pop” to release energy. I was struck by the moment when Daniel exclaimed, “Pop? Like popcorn?” The lighthearted exchange underscores how effectively the book employs humor to make complex scientific concepts more accessible. It’s clever, and it makes concepts that would usually be intimidating feel relatable. The writing is clear, warm, and often funny; it kept me turning the pages even in parts I already knew from history.

Another standout for me was the way the book handled Marie Curie’s resilience as a woman in science. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the difficulties she faced, whether it’s being shut out of higher education in Poland or the immense skepticism she encountered in France. The moment when she becomes the first female professor at the Sorbonne felt huge, and it was powerful to see Jennifer draw strength from that as a young girl dreaming of her own future in science.

Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest left me with a real sense of admiration, not just for Curie, but for how stories like this can inspire curiosity in kids. The mix of adventure, history, and hands-on science makes it a great pick for classrooms, families, or anyone who wants to introduce children to one of the most remarkable figures in science. If you’ve got a young reader who asks “why?” a lot or if you’re an adult who still remembers the magic of discovery, this book is for you.

Pages: 116 | ASIN : B0F6M4MVX4

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Seeing Their Own Potential

CK Willie Author Interview

Through a series of rhyming questions and whimsical illustrations, What Would You Do? encourages kids to dream big, take chances, and believe in themselves. What was the inspiration for your story?

I have always had a problem with confidence which led me to have a very difficult time growing up. When I write, I am really talking to myself and I know a LOT of kids deal with the same feelings. I want to help them overcome their lack of self-esteem and believe in what they are capable of. Children are amazing and have so much potential! They just need to see that in themselves and believe they can be anything they want to be!! It’s literally painful to grow up with feelings of insecurity and you end up hiding in a shell and never really being the person you’re capable of being. They miss so much joy and enthusiasm for your dreams. I want to help them instill in themselves belief in who they can be.

Your childrens book shows kids that their dreams are possible to achieve as long as they are willing to believe in themself. What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I intentionally created the diversity of the characters in the book to show that no matter who you are, where you live or what your circumstances, there are other children throughout the world that have the same feelings. Knowing that can sometimes help a child to not feel different and have a comfort in knowing that they’re not alone in their feelings. A lack of confidence makes a child feel very lonely and want to keep to themselves. By creating a “universal” story, it will hopefully open their eyes to see that other children have the same feelings which, though it may be long distance, it creates a feeling of community. 

What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?

I love the scene with the dragon and the boy fighting from the wheelchair, rather than on a white steed, and then taking the dragon home for a pet! Again, it shows no matter what your circumstances, anything is possible if you believe in yourself!  

What story are you currently in the middle of writing?

I actually have several that I’m working on. I keep getting different ideas so I have to stop what I’m working on to write down a new idea that popped in my head. They all approach the same subject but each with its own unique storyline. What Will You Do? will probably always be my favorite because it helped me overcome my fears “of not being good enough.” I pushed past my doubts and looked in the mirror and said “I believe in me!” It’s a GREAT feeling and I want every child that reads my books to experience that same feeling! 

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

This beautifully illustrated book with easy-to-read whimsical rhyme reaches out to children, or anyone of any age, to show them how to make their dreams come true. Whether they want to be an astronaut, a dragon tamer, build robots or ride in a hot air balloon, anything is possible if you believe in you!

No matter who you are or where you live, everyone has the same thing in common…dreams, dreams that may seem impossible. “What Would You Do?” shows that they are possible as long as you’re willing to believe in yourself. Our fears hold us back but one thing is true, our happiness lies just outside our comfort zone. So keep dreaming, believe in you and make those dreams come true!
So many things
in the world to try.
If you’re afraid
they may pass you by.
The pages of this book
will show you the way
to overcome your fears
so start reading today!

Charli’s Turtle Triumph: A Marine Biology Adventure

Charli’s adventure begins with a field trip to the aquarium, where she meets Dr. Grace, a marine biologist who rescues sea turtles. Inspired by the work, Charli imagines herself diving into the ocean, helping animals, and making a difference. That daydream becomes all too real when she stumbles upon a stranded turtle on the beach. With the help of her friends, she saves the turtle, names him Bristol, and soon launches a beach cleanup campaign to protect more turtles from the dangers of plastic. The story builds to a joyful release of Bristol back into the sea, ending with Charli realizing that her dreams of being a marine biologist might not be so far-fetched after all.

What really struck me about this children’s book was how it wrapped serious issues in such a hopeful package. The writing feels approachable and warm, never too heavy, even when it talks about endangered species or pollution. I found myself rooting for Charli not just as a character but as a voice for her community. The author managed to balance imagination and reality, and I loved that blend. The daydream sequences gave the story a magical pull, yet the lessons about conservation felt grounded and urgent.

The ideas in this picture book feel both practical and inspiring. I appreciated how it didn’t just point fingers at problems but showed kids and adults what small actions can do. Switching to less plastic, cleaning beaches, and working together. These are simple things, but they were presented with an energy that made me want to pitch in too. I also thought the friendship between Charli, Emma, and Molly added a nice touch. It reminded me that no big change ever happens alone.

I’d recommend Charli’s Turtle Triumph to kids around 7 to 9, especially those who love animals or dream about science. It’s also a great choice for parents and teachers who want to spark conversations about the environment in a way that’s uplifting. The story is heartfelt, the message is powerful, and the illustrations, which appear on every page, carry a lot of charm. It left me hopeful, and I think it would do the same for just about anyone who picks it up.

Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0FFWGD3HP

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