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The Best Summer Guest
Jonty’s parents are going away on a trip without him, so he gets to spend the summer with his Grandma Gladys. He is unsure about spending the summer with his grandma and is worried about missing his parents. So his parents drop him off with his suitcase of clothes and a bag of electronic toys for entertainment. Grandma Gladys promptly puts the electronics away in the closet, saying he won’t need them for the stay, but Jonty is not so sure. What ends up happening is a magical summer vacation full of new and old experiences and making memories that he will never forget.
The Best Summer Guest by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Milena Radeva is a beautifully written and simple story that left me with a feeling of nostalgia and reminiscing about my summer vacations with my grandparents. In an age where children are constantly looking for the next new shiny thing or the latest video craze, Tuula Pere’s story about simple pleasures like tossing pine cones, learning to tie knots, and baking treats will show children there is still magic and wonder in the world. The fun of swimming in a lake and fishing, or enjoying the morning air as you wake up and start the day, is portrayed with wonder and a beauty that is forgotten today.
Beyond the pleasures of enjoying the simplicity in life is the message of family. Spending time and appreciating relatives while they are with you is essential. Jonty goes from being unsure of spending time with his Grandmother to realizing how valuable this time is and how much he loves this chance to be with her at the lake cottage.
The Best Summer Guest is a heartwarming children’s book about family, simple pleasures in life, and appreciating the things we have. The whimsical drawing adds to the warm feelings the message of the book imparts. This is a beautiful book for families to have and pass through the generations, a reminder to cherish our times together.
Pages: 22 | ASIN : B07HYCYSS3
I Can Do What Mommy Can Do
Four-year-old Tess wants to try all the different things that her mother does throughout the day. Together, they fold the laundry, go shopping, build a business, and pray, among a variety of other daily activities. Tess and her mother have a fun-filled day together and we learn that Tess sure can do what her mother does.
This is an inspirational children’s book that shows that, with a little encouragement, young children can do the things that adults do. Readers are taken through various task that Tess’s mother has to complete for the day, and at each one we either learn why it’s important or what might be challenging for Tess. Her mother is wonderfully encouraging at every activity.
This wonderful picture book provides plenty of encouragement for young kids to try things. We should be letting kids try things, so they learn how to do them, and we let them know we’ll be there to help them. I also loved how Tess and her mother are shown growing a business. This adds a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit to the book that many children’s books often lack.
I can Do What Mommy Can Do is a charming picture book that will motivate young readers to try things and to do what their parents do. This kid’s book provides a lot of great bonding experiences, teaching moments, and fun all in one book.
Pages: 23 | ASIN: B08B4YJSY3
Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly
Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly, written by Tuula Pere and Francesco Orazzini, is a sweet story about two circus companions, one young and agile, the other old and wise, that make the perfect team. Rolly, fresh and eager to learn the tricks of the trade, pick up the acts quickly and becomes beloved by their child audience in no time. Roscoe, the more seasoned actor of the duo, is Rolly’s mentor, but he is growing older and playing a less active role in the show. Leaving Roscoe struggling to find purpose in the show that, as he sees it, is doing just fine without him. When disaster strikes, Roscoe proves he still has one more trick up his sleeve, and only he can save the day.
This is a beautifully written story of two friends who, although at different stages of their lives, show compassion, understanding, and strength for one another. The authors do a remarkable job of highlighting the importance of realizing your strengths and never giving up in life. Along with the charming illustrations, this is the perfect story for young readers because it is easy to follow, and the message is evident throughout. It is incredibly vital to instill perseverance and self-confidence no matter the circumstance, and these delightfully lovable characters succeed in allowing this message to shine through.
Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly, written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Francesco Orazzini, is a heartwarming picturebook about appreciating everyone is different and has different skills and abilities. This wonderful children’s story shows kids that everyone has value in life and can make a difference positively.
Pages: 20 | ASIN : B07HYYWBL2
Oliver the Oyster and the Pearl Gifts
The ocean is filled with so many beautiful and mysterious things and is still over 80% unexplored, unknown, and unmapped. In Oliver the Oyster and the Pearl Gifts, written by J.B Auchter, we are taken on an incredible journey through different parts of the ocean, meeting new friends and learning some of the known mysteries of the ocean.
We begin at Mayo Beach, a popular and majestic beach where we meet Oliver the Oyster, who has lived in the mudflats his entire life. He hears people speak about how special oysters are in this area, but he doesn’t understand what they mean. Finally, Oliver’s curiosity is piqued and leads him on an adventure to answer the egging question, what could make oysters special?
This is such a charming story of what can be gained when we work together and be kind to one another. It’s an important message to display to children making this book a fantastic vessel to navigate the conversation of kindness, friendship, and selflessness. I feel this early reader chapter book would be perfect for children just starting out with chapter books and lovers of the ocean as it is loaded with information and facts about this and its creatures.
Oliver the Oyster and the Pearl Gifts is an entertaining and educational children’s story that even adults may learn a few things from as they go on this adventure. The lessons of kindness and friendship are mixed in with facts about the ocean and the wildlife that lives in it. Families and classes will enjoy reading this heartwarming story together and using it to open up discussions on spreading kindness to all.
Pages: 61 | ASIN : B0B61VY6ZM
Jodie’s Adventure on Driftwood Island
Young Jodie and her best friend Sarah look forward to adventures in nature on magical Driftwood Island. With beautiful rainforests, intriguing shipwrecks, and historic sacred places, the possibilities are truly endless on this protected island close to Australia. But as the holiday progresses, Jodie finds more twists and turns than she ever could have imagined. And when disaster strikes, Jodie must act quickly to save the wildlife of Driftwood Island from a sinister plot.
The best books are stories that not only have incredible characters and wonderful plot developments but also something new for the reader to learn. Jodie’s Adventure on Driftwood Island by Diane Fagan ticks all the boxes. I immensely enjoyed spending an afternoon learning all about national parks in Australia alongside Jodie and her friends. Courageous Jodie, who struggles with grief and bullying, is a girl I immediately connected with. I loved seeing the story unfold as Jodie’s path intersects with many others on mysterious Driftwood Island. Reminding me of many happy childhood hours spent reading Nancy Drew mysteries, this third entry in the series is an instant favorite.
The overall story of acceptance, healing, and protecting the environment is a well-written tale of hope. Though there are themes of grief and mortality, these themes are presented gently with the goal of finding peace in a world that can be difficult to understand while making a positive difference in the lives of others in need.
Suitable for ages ten and up and all who love a middle-grade mystery on a wintry afternoon. This engaging children’s book has excellent plot development and a meaningful story. I simply can’t wait to see more from this promising author as Jodie’s adventures continue to unfold. Jodie’s Adventure on Driftwood Island is a perfect addition to any home library, a story of hope and healing, of harmony and love.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B099MQHZ1D
Raina’s Rainbow Lemonade
Every Saturday, young Raina heads to her Grandmother’s house to spend the day. While there, they set up a lemonade stand, but not just any lemonade stand; this one is special. Raina has created rainbow lemonade to sell to her community. Each colored glass of lemonade is custom-made for each customer. Raina loves this time she gets to spend with her Grandmother and with her community doing something she enjoys.
Raina’s Rainbow Lemonade is a heartwarming picture book that teaches the value of community, family, and some color theory as well. Author Shawndrea Magee shares with children a story about serving one’s community and the importance of spending time with family. Mixed into these important messages is a recipe for homemade lemonade and the instruction on blending food coloring to make rainbow colors. Children will love following along and learning how to make the fun colors Raina serves her customers. The illustrations by Ayan Mansoori will entice kids to want to make their own rainbow lemonade as they follow along with the story.
At the end of the story, the author includes a list of discussion questions that children and their families or classmates can discuss. This is a great way to introduce the concept of business and money to young children. Teachers could use this picture book in preschool and kindergarten classes for an entire unit, covering social studies, math, science, and art. It is the perfect childrens book to engage children and have fun while learning.
Pages: 47 | ASIN : B0BHFCNHCP
The Adventures of Lefty and Righty: The Windy City
The Adventures of Lefty and Righty by Lori Orlinsky is a charming and educational read. Readers follow Lefty and Righty as they make a mad dash from the dryer and head out on an adventure with the intention to be back home before mom finds out. After finding a White Sox ticket in dad’s jean pocket, Lefty and Righty have a destination in mind. Readers follow this pair’s educational adventure as they explore historical places and landmarks throughout Chicago, Illinois but one must ask, will they make it back in time before Mom realizes they are gone?
Author Lori Orlinsky has provided young readers with a creative tale of two socks all while educating children on the city of Chicago. We have all wondered what happens to our socks when they disappear from the dryer and this engaging read will have your young one’s imagination running wild.
I thought it was cute when Lefty got himself covered in mustard while eating a hot dog and my initial thought was, “oh no, mom will definitely find out now,” which made me laugh. Another amusing part in the story is when I realized that the socks thought the White Sox were actual white socks, and not the sports team, which plays into the innocence of young readers.
The rhyming scheme in the story is a fun treat that pairs well with the comic-style artwork. At the end of the story the author includes background information on the places in Chicago, which I thought to be helpful because I was not aware that the Bean is actually named the Cloud Gate.
I enjoyed following Lefty and Righty throughout their fun-filled exploration of Chicago. This is a perfect children’s book for parents to read to their young ones as an educational experience or to prepare them to travel to Chicago.
Pages: 38 | ISBN: 1637554273
Novo the Space Robot: How to Solve the Mystery of Crying
Novo The Space Robot: How to Solve the Mystery of Crying, written by Charly Froh, is a whimsical story about a robot named Novo that lives on planet Infinita. It is a usual Monday morning when he goes about shopping and when he arrives home, his beautiful venus-bot flowers are ruined by a storm. Novo is so upset he begins to cry and cannot make the tears stop flowing, which makes matters even worse for Novo. So what will Novo do to make the tears stop before he rusts?
This charming children’s book is incredibly sweet from front to back. The illustrations are incredibly captivating and playful. The story is written with young readers in mind, given the simplicity of the verbiage, and is easy to follow along. I loved the message of expressing one’s emotions and being able to verbalize them as well, especially to our friends or family. It shows the importance of communication and how healing it can be. Demonstrating talking our feelings out is the best remedy. There is also a message of having confidantes and being a part of a community that comes together to help one another through difficult times.
Novo The Space Robot: How to Solve the Mystery of Crying is a well-written children’s book with fun characters and a meaningful message. I believe this would make an excellent addition to any reader’s library, especially families with young kids learning about emotions and how to express themselves positively.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0BNVKL6KQ
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