Blog Archives

A Fairy On My Sleeve

Mari Sherkin’s A Fairy on My Sleeve offers a delightful exploration of imagination and attentiveness, wrapped in a narrative that appeals to the child in all of us. The book centers on a young girl, inspired by her childhood readings about fairies and toadstools, who finds solace in her make-believe world of gentle creatures. As an adult, she grapples with the line between fantasy and reality when she encounters a fairy while reading under a tree. This encounter prompts a thoughtful reflection on belief and the magic of the ordinary.

Sherkin’s tale serves as a charming reminder that magic can be found in everyday life if only one takes the time to look closely. It encourages young readers—and perhaps adults too—to pause and observe the world with wonder, suggesting that even the most familiar environments, like a backyard or a local park, hold unseen treasures. The illustrations by David Gnass enrich this enchanting story, turning each page into a visual delight that pulls the reader deeper into the narrative. The depiction of the fairy is particularly striking, leaving readers to ponder whether those fleeting glimmers in the twilight could indeed be more than mere tricks of light.

A Fairy on My Sleeve is perfectly pitched for young readers while also offering a whimsical escape for adults. It encourages a slower, more observant approach to our fast-paced world and is a refreshing read for anyone open to finding a bit of magic in the mundane. This book is a delightful addition to any reader’s collection, promising to inspire a renewed appreciation for the power of imagination.

Pages: 38 | ISBN : 1645434354

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The Snow Child: A Winter Miracle

In The Snow Child: A Winter Miracle, young siblings James and Clara find themselves in the midst of a snowy diversion as their father is away at war, leaving their hearts heavy with longing. Seeking refuge from their loneliness, the siblings embark on an imaginative journey, fashioning a lifelike snow boy, complete with the most striking blue marble eyes. Within the realms of their young hearts, this ephemeral creation takes on a profound reality, and they devote themselves to nurturing it until the arrival of spring. Little do they anticipate the enchanting and miraculous reunion that awaits them.

This narrative, both heartwarming and emotionally resonant, possesses the potential to enrich the emotional intelligence of young readers. What truly captivates the reader is its ability to beautifully encapsulate the innocence and fortitude inherent in childhood. In the face of adversity and separation, James and Clara’s decision to craft a snow child serves as a poignant testament to the solace that can be found in unexpected corners of our lives. The snow child becomes a symbol of their unity, a symbol of hope amidst a world overshadowed by the turmoil of war and an uncertain future. Without delving into the intricacies of the plot, I must emphasize that the manner in which the snow child finds his way back into the lives of James and Clara is nothing short of enchanting and heartwarming.

With a vocabulary that includes terms like “sentinel” and “semblance,” this narrative transcends the realm of early readers. Its prose and writing style, I think, are most suitable for readers aged 9 or 10 and beyond. Moreover, the story unfolds beautifully when shared aloud, making it an ideal choice for storytelling sessions or bedtime tales. The Snow Child: A Winter Miracle stands as a humble yet captivating fairy tale set against the backdrop of a very real and challenging historical period. It is a concise, endearing, and meticulously crafted tale that resonates with readers of all ages.

Pages: 33 | ASIN : B0CKS3LLLP

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Susie & Johnny Grilled Cheese Take An Out of this World Adventure

Susie and Johnny are headed off on another exciting adventure, this time into space! They get their own unique space suites and a super fast rocket. This allows them to travel to a space restaurant on Mars, then head out to explore the planet before zipping off to Pluto. Together they learn fascinating facts about the planets they visit, make unforgettable memories together, and make new friends.

Susie & Johnny Grilled Cheese Take An Out of this World Adventure is a fun-filled adventure story for young readers in preschool through early elementary grade levels. Author Erin Jones truly captures the magic and wonder children feel and appeal to their interests, especially with food. I laughed as Susie and Johnny talked about their food and could easily imagine young children having this conversation and relating to the characters.

While mixing fiction and facts, children will learn about the planets of Mars and Pluto in this picture book. The artwork by Baginda Adriansyah brings the story to life. The full-color pages and adorable aliens make this book a pleasure to read. Children will learn not just about the planets but about the importance of imagination and creative thinking. Did Susie and Johnny dream the adventure, or did they really travel into space together?

Susie & Johnny Grilled Cheese Take An Out of this World Adventure is a magical picture book that takes young readers on an adventure in space and teaches them fun facts about Mars and Pluto. This book is part of a thrilling series that shows children the value of imagination and exploration, encouraging their curiosity about the world around them. I can not wait for the next installment in the Susie and Johnny Grilled Cheese adventure series.

Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0BW6MJ24N

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Book of Leprechauns

Leprechauns are not only magical beings, as people often believe. In fact, they are beings who gather knowledge. For them, art reflects the essence of things, which is why they are guardians of stories. Furthermore, they have had to learn to protect everything they consider valuable, which is why they are cunning and resourceful. However, their life is not so simple because they have serious responsibilities to fulfill. Book of Leprechauns: The Lore Gatherers follows Molly, a young leprechaun who has lost the gold she was entrusted with. Alongside her father, Shaun, and her friend Dorker, they embark on a thrilling journey to ancient Rome and the realm of Caesar. Through this adventure, Molly learns more about her family, the responsibilities of being a lore gatherer, and the true magic that lies within her.

Author Jonathan Uffelman demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, crafting charismatic and engaging characters. Molly is a relatable protagonist who strives to excel while her father, Shaun, grapples with striking the right balance between guidance and independence. I loved reading about Molly’s relationship with her father and found it heartwarming. The vivid descriptions of the settings, particularly ancient Rome, are enriched with historical details, immersing the reader in the adventure. The narrative is further enhanced by including short tales discovered throughout the journey. The detailed descriptions and footnotes throughout the story add remarkable depth and richness to the narrative. The creative footnotes provide an authentic touch, effortlessly immersing the reader in the enchanting world of leprechauns.

Book of Leprechauns: The Lore Gatherers is an entertaining, thrilling, and unique middle-grade fantasy story. This novel is filled with adventure, exciting myths, and folk tales. This is a must-read for fans of sword and sorcery stories.

Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0BLY73KV8

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Bellerophon and Pegasus

Bellerophon and Pegasus follow the Greek mythological story of Bellerophon, who had the rare gift of connecting with and healing horses, seeks help from Pegasus in a time of need. As the word of her talents spread across the land, she is asked to join the battle against the mythical beast plaguing the people, bringing destruction and death in his path. As a talented healer, she finds herself conflicted about how to help defeat it, and meeting what she perceives as a homeless man, she confides in him her struggles. The man, a light sorcerer, instructs her to sleep outside of Athenas to ask for help to bridle Pegasus to help defeat the beast “Chimera.”

Author Kim Slamka’s writing stands out amongst many other Greek Mythology stories I have read. The author has clearly done her research, and it shines through her flawless storytelling. The character development is one to commend as Bellerophon is a person that many can look up to as she is strong but also noble. I also enjoyed reading a story that contains a strong yet kind female protagonist. This is the significant difference in the retelling from the Greek tale of Bellerophon.

The book contains beautiful illustrations of the scenes taking place, and I was immediately captivated as they tell a story all on their own. The artwork looks like a painting and really gives readers an immersive experience when reading this awe-inspiring work. Even though this is a short read, this is one book you can read over and over while enjoying the marvelous art.

Bellerophon and Pegasus is a captivating read with a twist on Greek mythology. I highly recommend this beautifully written story to those who are looking to escape a few hours of their day to a mythical world. This would make a great introduction to Greek mythology for teachers as well.

Pages: 60 | ASIN : B09KYDQDQV

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