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If I Knew You
If I Knew You is a stirring poem about parenthood, growing up, and family that is paired with beautiful watercolor artwork to create an emotional picture book that will be impactful to both kids and adults.
Although the book is short, it conveys the emotions and thoughts expectant parents usually have. I thought at first the poem would be about a mother wondering about the first few years of their child’s life, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the poem goes much further than that and explores the many different phases of life, and parenthood. The last few pages certainly touched my heart as I reflected on the same times I had with my children, and those times that are yet to come.
The poem is easy to follow, and lyrical, which will make it perfect for beginning readers. Young children will be glued to the pages as their parents read this wonderful poem to them as the mix of watercolor and graphic art makes for a vibrant picture book that is eye-catching. There are both boys and girls, men and women, all throughout the story so the book will speak to anyone, no matter their age.
If I Knew You is a memorable and evocative picture book that is a perfect gift for expecting parents, or as a book to read to children as it will inspire them to think about their life ahead.
Pages: 41 | ASIN: B0BQNZM7V6
FastFlight 540: Stuart Bump
Fast Flight 540: Stuart Bump (Book 2) by M. M. Mesldorf is an exhilarating fantasy book that continues the story in book 1. Filled with surprising twists and turns, this lively fantasy story is sure to satiate any young reader’s appetite for adventure. Mesldorf’s writing style is simple but keeps the reader engaged throughout. The illustrations that accompany the story inspire the imagination and invite curiosity into the characters’ lives. The story begins with a brief overview of past happenings. I found the prologue to be a great refresher of book 1 and it helped to connect the events of past and present conditions. This will also help any readers who didn’t read book 1 first.
Stuart’s character tries to find a way to stand out from everyone when in reality he is a curious child who seems misunderstood by the people around him. As the story progressed I started to understand Stuart’s character better and he grew on me. The mother, Anslie, is an enchanting character and I enjoyed reading about her as well. In all, readers will find each character unique and intriguing in their own way.
The story seemed episodic, with chapters that connect the events and actions that take place. This fun adventurous tale is perfect for young readers as it is filled with action, fun mischief, and tricks that will keep you hooked until the very end. The story takes place in two fascinating worlds, the world of dreams and reality. I felt that the book had a slow start but the ending of the book made up for it all. The build-up, when connected, created a beautiful climax in the story.
FastFlight 540 (Book 2) takes readers on a spirited adventure that will make them fall in love with the characters all over again. I recommend this book to young readers and teen readers as they will surely enjoy the inherent adventure and wild turn of events faced by the characters in the story.
Pages: 337 | ASIN: B0BQ9JB4NC
Dream Knights
Have you ever had a lucid dream? Dream Knights: The Network by E. Barron is like that but even better! This book takes you on a dreamy adventure where Grant and Zahra can travel while they sleep. As both children learn how to exist in the real world and travel in their dreams, they begin to the realize that they have special powers and that the adults around them need their help. Grant and Zahra live on opposite sides of the country, but their connection within the dream world allows them to meet for the first time, where they begin a quest to save the adults in their lives and take down the Network.
This book was fun to read, and the author brings lucid dreaming to life in a spectacular, entertaining way. The storyline is exciting, and the children are brave, taking on a quest with potentially frightening consequences. I enjoyed their courage and how the story progressed, with well-described time frames and fantastic narration throughout the book. The first-person point of view gave me the sense of experiencing everything through the characters, which enhanced the thrilling nature of the book.
The characters were great. I got a sense of both Grant and Zahra. Grant was a cautious character, while Zahra was very bold. Ava, shy, reserved, and analytical, was a great supporting character, and their dog, Romeo, was a great addition. It’s an adventurous read that I would highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of the fantasy genre.
Dream Knights: The Network is a great book for young readers. It’s an inspiring, imaginative book that will keep you reading from beginning to end.
Pages 269 | ASIN: B09VNWGLSM
A Sense Of Value and Accomplishment
I Can Do What Daddy Can Do follows a young boy who helps his father with chores and has a great time doing it. Why was this an important lesson for you to share with children?
I find that when kids learn things early, it helps them to appreciate things more and gives them a sense of value and accomplishment. It also helps them to be productive.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
Oh goodness they all were fun, but I’ll say when Logan and his dad takes a break and plays basketball. It shows that hard work has its rewards and you can still have a fun time with a parent.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into this book?
I did lots of chores as a kid with my grandparents and even though some were hard, there was always a reward on Saturday mornings. So I actually looked forward to completing my assignments and offering a helping hand when I didn’t have anything else to do.
Do you have more children’s books planned that feature Logan and Tess?
I actually thought about it, but haven’t started writing just yet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The Moon Child
One night, a baby is left outside a doorway. The parents kiss their child goodbye, leave a note, and say goodbye. The Moon takes great interest in the child and asks the Sun for help. She is watched over by the Sun and the Moon throughout her life and is connected to her birth parents through them.
Author Geraldine Moran shares a personal story with readers with her heartfelt children’s book, The Moon Child. This is an imaginative story that bring the Sun and the Moon to life and gives hope to any child that is adopted and might feel disconnected from their birth parents. It inspires hope and tells a stirring story that feels like a folktale.
The gorgeous artwork by illustrator Daniella Banco reflects the warm and sincere tone of the story. Each page contains beautiful watercolor artwork that will capture the attention of any young child as their parents or teachers read this story to them. I especially loved the image where the baby’s parents stood under the tree at night.
The Moon Child is a stirring and uplifting children’s book that will touch the hearts of readers. I would highly recommend this wonderful book to children who are struggling with adoption, or to anyone who feels out of place.
Pages: 24 | ASIN: B0BN5LL69R
Noah’s Wild Birthday
Noah likes animals. He especially loves lizards. He knows all about them and hopes to own a Leopard Gecko one day. Noah sets off to show his mother that he can be more responsible, and with his birthday just around the corner, he’ll be older too. Will he get the Leopard Gecko he’s been hoping for?
Author Christina Champion has turned her family stories into a wonderfully educational children’s book. This vibrant picture book follows a cheerful little boy that knows a great deal about lizards. He shares his knowledge with readers and gives interesting facts about a variety of lizards throughout the story.
Every page includes a cute illustration that fits the story well. I especially loved the page where the Leopard Gecko was drawn and the anatomy was pointed out in a way that a child will be able to relate to. I also enjoyed how the narration and dialogue bubbles worked seamlessly together to tell a cohesive, engaging, and fun story.
This is a great kid’s book for early readers as the language used throughout is perfect for young elementary school children. Younger children will also be glued to the pages as their parents read the story to them as there are a variety of cute animals throughout the book that they’ll adore. Noah’s Wild Birthday is a humorous, entertaining and educational children’s book that I would highly recommend to parents and teachers.
Pages: 31 | ASIN: B0BSG342M2
Jack Mathias and the Boonetown Bandits
Seventh-grader Jack Mathias is an adventurer at heart. Mercilessly pranking all those around him and always eager to find the next mountain to climb, life is full of endless possibilities. But when a harsh reality check enters Jack’s carefree world, he and his best friend Gene seek to find a way to enjoy the last few days of freedom before the dreaded Summer School begins. After discovering a mysterious message from the olden days of Boonetown, the two boys and their friend Edgar embark on a dangerous journey. With high hopes of finding a life-changing secret, the Boonetown Bandits begin an adventure like no other, with endless twists and turns along the way.
Jack Mathias and the Boonetown Bandits by G.M. Savage is a high-stakes adventure story with plenty of action to go around. Each step of the boys’ journey is fraught with peril, as unexpected dangers lurk around every corner. The characters are real and memorable, growing and developing their friendship as the quest continues. Jack, the lovable rogue; Gene, the scholar; and Edgar, the gentle giant, all learn more about each other and themselves as they travel into the wilds near the raging Gauley River.
This action story is engaging and has a lot of positive energy. The author perfectly portrays the mind and behavior of middle school kids making this a relatable read for young readers. This thrilling read about Jack’s journey involves many adventures, from camping in the wild to whitewater rafting on rapids allowing young readers to dare to be adventurous. I found myself daydreaming of these adventures as I was reading.
A good romp about friendship and the joy of the journey, Jack Mathias and the Boonetown Bandits is a middle-grade action adventure novel that will entertain preteens and teens alike. This is an exciting story about three friends and their quest for hidden secrets; this captivating narrative is perfect for a lazy afternoon of reading fun.
Pages: 203 | ASIN : B0BCM56KBV
My Sister Wants an Elephant
My Sister Wants an Elephant follows two siblings who fall in love with animals. Randy adores llamas, especially a soft and gentle one named Timba, and young Jerica adores elephants. They beg and plead with their mother to get them these animals as pets, but there is just no room for them. The siblings prepare their best pout and get ready for one last attempt to convince their mother, but just then their mom comes up with a compromise.
This is a humorous and educational children’s book that follows two kids who are persistent and follow their dreams. This book does a fantastic job of showing how, when you are passionate about something, you have to come up with a plan to accomplish your goals. Randy is a lively character and the story is told from his point of view. This adds a relatable angle to the book as most kids will be able to relate to his thoughts and will find his reactions entertaining.
I thought this story was going to end with the children getting their animals. Well, they do, but not in the way that I expected, and it was fantastic. Their mother comes up with a crafty compromise that fulfills all their needs. It was surprising but sensible, and I think this is an important lesson to teach children; to come up with sensible solutions to problems.
My Sister Wants an Elephant tells a true story in a way that is a bit whimsical and fun but still conveys a useful message to young readers. This is perfect for readers in kindergarten through third grade as the words are easy to read. Elementary school children will love reading this down-to-earth and charming picture book.
Pages: 35 | ASIN: B0BR4J4S1H
LITERARY TITAN 