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The Leading Role
The Leading Role, by Tuula Pere, is a heartwarming children’s book that really understands how big childhood projects can feel. Emma’s idea of turning her attic into a little theater is instantly charming, and the story does a nice job of showing how excitement, creativity, and teamwork can turn an ordinary space into something magical. I liked that the book doesn’t just focus on performing, but on all the different jobs that go into putting on a play. That gives the story an inclusive feel, as if every child reading it can imagine a place for themselves in the Attic Theater.
What makes the story especially engaging is the way it shifts from Emma’s confident leadership to Lily’s quieter journey. Lily begins as someone who would rather stay out of the spotlight, helping from the side as a prompter, and that makes her eventual moment of courage feel earned rather than forced. Anthony’s lost voice creates the perfect bit of drama before the premiere, and the resolution is both satisfying and encouraging. The message comes through clearly without feeling heavy-handed: sometimes the person least eager for the leading role is exactly the one who can rise to it.
The illustrations are a big part of the book’s appeal. Illustrator Dane D’Angeli gives the attic scenes a cozy, theatrical glow, especially in the spreads with the curtain, stage lights, and warm reds and golds. I liked how the artwork makes the attic feel both homemade and magical at the same time. The characters have expressive faces and simple, child-friendly designs that make their emotions easy to read, and the stage scenes in particular have a dramatic, storybook quality that fits the theme perfectly. The illustrations truly sell the excitement of rehearsal and performance.
Pere’s book is a lovely conversational read-aloud for kids who enjoy pretend play, theater, or stories about finding hidden confidence. It’s gentle, positive, and easy to follow, with a message about cooperation and bravery that feels genuine. I’d recommend it especially for younger readers who may see a bit of themselves in Emma’s enthusiasm or Lily’s shyness. The Leading Role feels like a celebration of creativity and the idea that every child has something important to bring to the stage.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-9528202523
Readora From BookTropolis, The Literary Superhero, ABCs in Sports
Readora From BookTropolis is a lively alphabet book that introduces children to sports from archery to zorb through brief haiku-style verses, framed by the larger fantasy of Readora, a reading superhero from the story-filled world of BookTropolis. The book opens by casting reading itself as a kind of magic, with Readora gaining her powers through words and then using them to spark curiosity in children. From there, it moves through the alphabet one sport at a time, pairing simple, rhythmic descriptions with bright illustrations and a cheerful sense of movement. It’s part concept book, part sports sampler, and part literacy pep talk, all filtered through an upbeat, child-friendly imagination.
What I responded to most was the book’s sincerity. It really wants children to feel that reading and play belong together, and that idea gives the whole thing a warm, encouraging pulse. I liked the way it doesn’t stay with only the most familiar choices. Baseball, football, soccer, and tennis are here, of course, but the inclusion of orienteering, quad skating, cross-country skiing, and zorb gives the book a slightly wider horizon. It tells a child that the world is bigger than the handful of sports they already know, and that discovery can be playful rather than intimidating. I also found BookTropolis itself rather charming. It adds a storybook glow that keeps the book from feeling purely instructional.
I admired the attempt to carry the whole alphabet in haiku form, because that constraint gives the book a distinct texture and a gentle musicality. Some of the lines land neatly, especially when they capture a sport in one swift image, like the football pass into the end zone or the tactile sequence in volleyball of bump, set, and spike. The book makes language memorable, not merely functional, and for a young reader that instinct has real value. The illustrations help carry that intention beautifully, keeping the pages animated, diverse, and inviting.
This is a generous, good-hearted children’s book with an imaginative core and a clear belief in what words can do. It has genuine charm, and its combination of literacy, motion, and encouragement gives it a sweetness that feels earned. I’d especially recommend it for young children who are learning letters, beginning to read independently, or already obsessed with sports and action-filled picture books. It would also work well for parents, teachers, and librarians who want something a little more spirited than a standard alphabet book. Overall, I found it earnest, colorful, and easy to like.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 978-1665785839
Truly See
Luna’s Colour Quest follows a little fox who receives a vintage camera and a simple challenge from her grandmother, who discovers that the most beautiful moments aren’t always captured on film, but felt with the heart. What inspired you to create Luna’s story?
I was inspired to create the story of Luna when I would daydream about spending time with my daughter, and wanted to create something that I could share with her when she gets older.
The story explores the difference between looking and truly seeing. Why was that important to you?
I believe that to “truly see” is to allow yourself to be present in a moment, which can sometimes get lost in the noise of technology today, so making that distinction was very important to me.
The watercolour illustrations are very soft and nostalgic. What did you want children to feel when they open the book?
I wanted the world of Willowbrook to feel “lived-in,” so when a child opens the book, they’re dropping straight into Luna’s life, as it’s happening, and they feel a sense of anticipation and excitement along with Luna.
Will Luna return in future adventures?
I honestly thought of this being a one-off story, since I’m a first-time author, but after finishing, I’ve been motivated to explore future stories for Luna.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Luna receives a beautiful old film camera from her Grandma Fox, she’s given a simple challenge: “Look closely at the world around you.”
As Luna sets off on a colourful picture-taking adventure, she soon discovers that seeing is just as important as capturing.
Luna’s Colour Quest is a heartwarming picture book and the beginning of a gentle adventure about curiosity, creativity, and learning to slow down and notice the magic in everyday moments.
Perfect for children ages 3 – 7, this story celebrates imagination, colour, and the loving bond between grandparents and grandchildren, reminding young readers that some memories are best captured with the heart.
Captain Smiley: The Adventure of the Bouncy Frisbee
Kerry Phillips’ Captain Smiley: The Adventure of the Bouncing Frisbee reads like a warm nod to the superhero comics many of us grew up with. It delivers that bold, comic-book rush. At the same time, it carries a fresh, modern spark that fits comfortably with today’s young readers. The themes feel thoughtful. The representation feels timely. Nothing comes across as dated.
The story begins with a small problem that feels enormous in a child’s world: Ace’s favorite frisbee is lodged at the very top of a tree. A simple playground mishap turns into a real adventure once the kids call on Captain Smiley. He doesn’t arrive with instant fixes or flashy shortcuts. He listens first. He invites ideas. He helps the children work through the challenge together. The rescue is lively and fun, capped by an even more exciting bouncing frisbee, yet the real highlight is the way the journey unfolds.
Under the action sits a steady emotional message. Ace is upset, and that frustration is taken seriously. It isn’t brushed aside. Captain Smiley nudges the children toward naming what they feel, using their words, and supporting one another while they think it through. For young readers learning how to manage big feelings in small bodies, that approach matters.
The artwork lifts the entire book. The illustrations are vibrant, expressive, and full of joy. They capture the comic-book spirit with ease. Every character feels distinct and animated, which keeps the pages visually engaging from start to finish. The representation also lands with real significance. Seeing a superhero who reflects children of color will mean a great deal to many readers. It feels natural and empowering, woven into the story instead of presented as a separate lesson.
The final pages add extra value with activities like word searches and reflection questions, extending the experience beyond the last scene. That makes the book a strong fit for classrooms, family read-alouds, or independent reading time.
Overall, it blends humor, heart, and meaningful representation in a way that stays accessible and genuinely engaging. Captain Smiley is the kind of hero kids will want to return to. Families will appreciate the positive messages tucked neatly inside the adventure.
O Tubarão Que Queria Surfar / The Shark Who Wanted To Surf
The Shark Who Wanted to Surf by Isabel Ricardo is a fun, fact-filled story about a blue shark named Carmel who dreams of surfing like the “two-legged creatures” on the surface. Each time he swims close enough to learn, the humans panic and flee. Carmel is left disappointed. Still, he refuses to let fear or doubt wash away his goal. That persistence gives the book a heartfelt, encouraging tone.
Ricardo introduces a variety of sea creatures who become part of Carmel’s world. Along the way, readers pick up engaging facts about anatomy and behavior. Those details deepen the underwater setting while also tracking Carmel’s emotional journey. Some animals dismiss his dream as silly. That response may feel familiar to young readers who have ever been discouraged for wanting something different. Others respond with warmth. Fizz the dolphin and Tentaclaude the octopus stand out as steady sources of support. Their kindness shows how far encouragement can go when someone is learning, growing, or trying something new.
A standout feature is that the book is bilingual, which adds an extra layer of value to the reading experience. Seeing the story presented in two languages supports vocabulary growth and language confidence without interrupting the flow. It also invites shared reading between children and adults who may be stronger in one language than the other. In a story centered on reaching across differences and refusing to give up, the bilingual format feels especially fitting. It widens the audience, strengthens comprehension, and makes rereading even more rewarding.
The backgrounds are detailed and adorable. The underwater scenes feel lively and full of personality. The color and small visual touches make the setting welcoming, even when Carmel hits setbacks. The illustrations also strengthen the emotional moments, especially when Carmel feels hopeful and determined because his friends believe in him.
I would recommend The Shark Who Wanted to Surf to young readers who enjoy ocean adventures, and especially to anyone who needs a reminder that dreams are worth chasing. Even when others disagree. It’s a gentle, uplifting story about friendship, courage, and self-belief.
Pages: 109 | ISBN : 978-1962185783
Imagination and Inspiration
The Grand Adventures: A Secret Unveiled follows a group of cousins who stumble into a magical sleigh that kind of works like a time machine, taking them to witness important moments in Biblical history. What was the inspiration for your story?
When covid locked down the country, I bought a Santa outfit for my husband and made a Mrs. Claus dress for me. Our volunteer fire department got a list of all the kids and addresses, raised funds, bought and wrapped presents, and devised a plan to distribute throughout town. On our little trailer behind the command truck with the 2 big fire engines behind it all began. Social distancing went out the window with the first little boy and his sister about knocking Santa off the trailer, and us getting the best hugs ever. Ever since we give to whoever asks for Santa and Mrs. Claus. When we shared with our grandkids they loved it and they wanted to share with the world that their grandparents were in fact the real Santa and Mrs. Mary Claus. So, grandma’s storytelling and the imagination of the 10 grandkids, the story emerged. It inspired our oldest grandson, who is now working as the lead writer on the 2nd story for the series.
How did you decide which biblical moments to include?
It was rather easy for us as we were at Thanksgiving but Christmas was just a month away. We gathered together and talked, I just listened. There are so many to choose from, but most decided on these 2.
How did you approach writing emotional faith moments for kids?
The grandkids were the inspiration. Asking what would you say, think, do, or feel in these situations?
Do you plan to continue the cousins’ adventures?
Yes, very much so, the adventure is continuing with our 16-year-old grandson, William, who has taken the lead in writing book 2. I am so very proud of him and each of my grandkids. The hardest is trying to get all 10 grandkids together to decide what to do, where to go, and how to fulfill the adventure.
Author links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
The Grand Adventure: A Secret Unveiled
The Grand Adventures: A Secret Revealed is a wild, sweet, faith-filled story about a huge bunch of cousins who stumble into a magical sleigh that works kind of like a time machine. One minute, they are surrounded by animals and chores on the Triple M Ranch, and the next, they are standing at the Red Sea watching Moses part the waters. Then they go see the birth of Jesus. After that, they learn their grandparents are actually Santa and Mrs. Claus, and everything spirals into more excitement, worry, and love. The story is packed with big moments. Huge awe-filled scenes. Family chaos and magic all mixed together.
When I started reading, I got sucked right into the voice of the kids. It felt like hearing a family member telling me what happened. Just pure excitement and confusion and humor. The poop jokes cracked me up because they are exactly the kind of jokes kids never let go of. The parting of the Red Sea scenes were my favorite. The kids staring at the giant water walls felt so real and honest. The writing had this warm, homemade feel. Like someone sitting at a table telling their grandkids a story and laughing and maybe tearing up a little. I liked that about it a lot. It felt personal. What also felt personal were the hand-drawn images throughout the book. There are also some wonderful graphic artwork pieces throughout that show biblical times in wonderful detail.
I also loved how the story blends faith with adventure. Seeing baby Jesus through the kids’ eyes was emotionally stirring. The moment where Jonathan tears up talking about Jesus growing up and dying on the cross was so tender. I really felt that scene. And then there is the Santa reveal, which is honestly hilarious and sweet at the same time. The writing shines most when it leans into the kids’ emotions. The panic. The joy. The wonder. The fear. The whole section where Samantha and Baby Artie accidentally launch the sleigh gave me that little stomach drop. The one you get when you know the kids messed up big time and now everyone is in for it.
I had fun with this children’s book. It gave me warm feelings. It made me smile. It surprised me with a few emotional moments that really landed. I think this book is perfect for kids who love adventure and families who enjoy reading faith-based stories together. It would also be great for grandparents to read with their grandkids. Anyone who likes Christmas magic, Bible stories, and wholesome chaos would have a great time with it.
Pages: 85 | ASIN : B0DYQ3Z3JX
Charli’s Dorsal Device: An Engineering Adventure
Charli’s Dorsal Device is about a girl named Charli who goes to Career Day and hears an engineer, Ms. Robin, talk about making mobile devices with GPS. Charli drifts into a big daydream where she is a grown engineer, teaming up with her friends Molly and Emma to design a tracking gadget called DUG that clips to a dolphin’s dorsal fin so Dr. Grace at the aquarium can follow the rescued dolphin after it is released back into the ocean. They brainstorm, design the case, write the code, test it on their dogs, fix mistakes, and finally help that dolphin swim free while its movements appear on a computer screen. Then Charli snaps back to the school assembly and realizes she might want to be an engineer for real.
I really loved how the writing makes engineering feel like play instead of homework. The scenes where Charli hides her shoe in the auditorium or chases the moving dots around the park felt fun and goofy and still showed how the tech works. The author keeps the language super clear. Words like GPS, CAD, and programming pop up, but the book explains them in such a simple way that I never felt lost. It felt like a friend saying, “Look, it is just a map, some satellites, and a little gadget that listens to them.” That mix of everyday stuff and science made me kind of giddy. I caught myself thinking, “Wait, kids could actually do things like this.”
The idea of helping a hurt animal heal and then using a tiny device to keep an eye on it after it swims will show readers that positive things can come from technology. The testing scenes at the dog park and the beach made me laugh, but they also showed that real projects mess up and need fixes. Water leaks in. Dots disappear. Dogs chase seagulls. The girls do not give up. They tweak the design, add waterproofing, try again, and celebrate when it finally works. It sends a powerful message that mistakes are normal and that girls belong in labs, offices, and workshops where big, world-changing ideas are born. The colorful art backs that up, with bright faces, messy splash pads, and that proud little moment when the seagull flies away, and everyone knows the device is ready.
The artwork throughout the book is clear and cute, with bright colors that pop off the page. The kids, the animals, even the little background details all have this fun, cartoonish energy that pulled me in. It reminds me of The Magic School Bus, with that same mix of science stuff and playful visuals.
I think this children’s book is a sweet and energizing pick for kids who like animals, gadgets, or just asking “How does that work?” It would be great for early elementary readers, classrooms doing STEM units, or any family that wants to nudge their kids, especially girls, toward science and engineering without it feeling like a lecture. If you want a story that mixes dolphins, friendship, problem-solving, and a big, hopeful line like “Anything is possible,” this one totally fits the bill.
Pages: 91
