Blog Archives
Welcome to the Zoo
In Welcome to the Zoo, author Paul Smith, drawing on his background as a registered nurse with a fondness for dogs, skillfully crafts a collection of 30 engaging stories. These narratives transport readers on a captivating journey, introducing a rich tapestry of characters. From the majestic King Leo and the elegant Queen Vera to Gwendolyn, a sheep who bravely discovers her identity, and Quackie, a duckling learning to overcome his fear of water. The soothing songs of serenading frogs and the nighttime melodies of the Big Owl enrich the story, creating a beloved array of animal characters.
Smith’s vibrant storytelling brings the Animal Kingdom to life with exciting adventures, festive celebrations, games, egg hunts, and concerts, all brimming with laughter and warm conversations. The stories celebrate diverse festivals like Passover and Ramadan and tackle themes ranging from anti-bullying to embracing diversity, including the experiences of transgender animals.
At its heart, Welcome to the Zoo shares a touching message of love, respect, and kindness, reminiscent of Aesop’s fables but with a contemporary twist. It offers valuable moral lessons wrapped in delightful animal tales, appealing to both adults and young readers alike.
I enjoyed the simplicity and comforting rhythm of the narratives. Fans of animal tales and moral fiction will find much to appreciate in this book. This charming children’s book portrays transgender animals as well, adding a unique dimension to this children’s book that I think parents should take note of.
Welcome to the Zoo is a delightful exploration of empathy, wisdom, and compassion set against the magical backdrop of the animal kingdom. It promises an enjoyable read for children and adults who appreciate heartwarming animal stories with meaningful lessons.
Pages: 337 | ASIN : B0CH27X9L3
Inspire Curiosity
Snoodles in Space follows a group of extraterrestrial visitors to Earth who are in dire need of help to save their leader and their ship. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was reading a news story about how we are producing less scientists, and I had the thought about a planet that had no scientists left because everyone was discouraged to become one. So, I wanted to write a story about discouragement but also put a light on the effect of encouragement as well.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to inspire curiosity, and taking on complex problems and having fun at the same time. Every Snoodles book also has to have a museum built. This book has a museum on space exploration. The last book had an art museum. There will be an aquarium in the next book. Kids should be excited about going to a museum, even more so these days.
The art in this book is fantastic, giving the story a comic-book quality. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Andy Case?
It was amazing and the most fun. I did the story blocks describing what I have in my head and Andy always amplified everything in his drawings. After he did the book, I flew to England just to visit Andy in Nottingham. I plan a second trip in January. I can’t thank him enough. We talk on Zoom and I have to hold back breaking down to cry because he has moved me so much!
Do you have more stories planned about the Snoodles? If so, what can your fans expect in the next story and when will it be available?
Yes! Snoodles in Space, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back! I introduce Grumpy Grimy Groodleman, and the Groodle powered by stinky Grool! I do a revision of sorts on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Story. I make the kids who didn’t do too well and probably were shamed because of the negative publicity, and turn them into the heroes in the book.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
In this follow-up book, when the Zoodle Kidoodles from the planet Zoodle abduct Norman Noodle and Sally Stroodle, the Zoodle Kidoodles threaten to take all of Earth’s noodles— unless they perform the necessary brain operation on their grand leader, Cloodle the Grand Roodle, and fix their spaceship’s failing engines.
The one problem? Norman Noodle and Sally Stroodle are simple bakers. Sour Croodleman’s Prickly Peppered Purple Propulsion Powered Pickle invention is their only hope, but will he unite with Herbie Snoodleman to save the planet?
The answer is here, in this Wackadoodle Tale from Outer Space!
Snoodles in Space: A Snoodle, the Zoodle Kidoodles, and One Happy Schmoodle
Dive into an entertaining cosmic escapade with Snoodles in Space by Steven Joseph. This captivating tale catapults us into a futuristic realm where brilliant inventors shine, introducing us to characters like Herbie Snoodleman, the mastermind behind the noodle-fueled Snoodlemobile, and Sour Croodleman, the imaginative force behind the zany Prickly Peppered Purple Propulsion Powered Pickle.
But even amidst the astonishing technological marvels, a hiccup arises in the form of the Zoodle Kidoodles, extraterrestrial visitors with an unusual request. Their leader, the illustrious Cloodle the Grand Roodle, requires a critical brain operation, and their spaceship’s engines are in dire need of repair. A humorous twist of fate lands a pair of bakers in their clutches, setting the stage for a quirky adventure.
What truly captivated me about Snoodles in Space are the clever wordplay elements that infuse the story. Not only do they provide an entertaining puzzle for young readers, but they also foster smoother reading skills. Steven Joseph’s narrative is brimming with wit, underscored by a wildly inventive storyline where the rules of a noodle-powered world bring about delightful surprises at every turn.
The journey commences on Earth, a vivid backdrop that sets an exuberant tone and establishes the characters in a playful palette of colors. This vibrant start seamlessly transitions into an interstellar odyssey, where the fantastical flourishes and takes on new dimensions. The book’s visual allure is heightened by its vibrant illustrations, bringing to life the technological wonders and the story’s unique charm.
With its comic-style format, Snoodles in Space is tailor-made for fledgling readers taking their first steps into the world of literature. However, the abundance of character and invention names might pose a challenge for some young minds. I recommend this gem to elementary school children who have embarked on their reading journey and gained some familiarity with it.
Snoodles in Space strikes a beautiful balance, making it an ideal tool to kindle a passion for reading. Its approachable text length offers comfort to young readers while the ongoing wordplay sustains their curiosity. This narrative adventure is enthralling and promises an enjoyable reading experience that young minds will treasure.
Pages: 59 | ASIN : B0BV5S8HL5
The Freeze
In the year 2064, humanity is reeling from the devastating effects of a deadly virus that has ravaged the global population. Despite valiant efforts by scientists to develop vaccines, the virus continues to take its toll, and the government is forced to take drastic action. With nearly a third of London’s citizens dead, the government divides the city into four zones and asserts that a naturally occurring temporal anomaly causes certain areas to freeze at specific intervals.
In this world of chaos and uncertainty, James is a young man trying to make sense of the new reality. His life changes when he meets Sasha, a passionate advocate for an organization called “The Thaw,” which seeks to free citizens and allow them to leave the confines of the city walls. Convinced that the government is behind the temporal freezes, James joins Sasha and the organization in their mission to overthrow the system. But can a group of teenagers really take on the might of the government and emerge victorious?
R. D. Steven’s fast-paced writing style immediately drew me into the story. Unlike many young adult dystopian novels that focus on the scenery, the author skillfully delves into James’ traumatized mind, creating a unique and emotionally engaging experience. The description of James’ feelings is relatable and realistic, making his character all the more compelling. As the story progresses, the latter half of the book focuses on James’ mental growth as he transforms from a broken and worn-down character to a stronger, more resilient person. Witnessing this transformation was deeply satisfying, and it gave me hope for the future of the world in the story. The novel’s conclusion is hopeful, leaving the reader with a sense of closure and the belief that change is possible. This book is a great read, with a storyline that feels eerily possible in our current global situation. It made me reflect on the lengths to which governments might go to contain a pandemic and the importance of individual agency in shaping the future.
The Freeze is an excellent young adult dystopian novel that expertly blends action, suspense, and emotional depth. The story’s plausibility and relevance to contemporary issues regarding disease control and government intervention serve as a warning about the potential consequences of government overreach. In short, this is a fantastic novel that will leave readers thoroughly entranced.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0BSH74BJY
The Jediran Quest
Pre-teen Braven of Delta Colony looks forward to the class field trip on the planet of Jedira. Alongside his mother, chief botanist of the colony, Braven plans to explore and catalog the flora of the mysterious Towers, one of the few places on Jedira where plant life truly flourishes. But when an unexpected problem prevents Braven’s mother from accompanying him, the field trip begins to go sideways. Arriving at the Towers, Braven and his classmates are soon thrown into an epic quest, as the serenity of Jedira is shattered by an unimaginable threat. Together, Braven and his companions must work together to overcome the odds if they have any hope of survival.
The Jediran Quest by Cal Davis is an exceptional tale of teamwork in the face of danger. Thrown into deadly survival situations with no guidance and few supplies, Braven and his cohorts must use every ounce of wisdom they possess in order to overcome the challenges they face. A story of travel and ingenuity, friendship, and endurance, this incredible science fiction narrative contains echoes of prehistory as the preteens’ journey on Jedira continues.
This highly engaging story has perfect pacing, with the preteens facing regular challenges without the narrative becoming cluttered. The characters are each unique and lend their own abilities to the team. Stalwart Braven, wise Jauris, shy Whisper, brave Khara, steady Zhan, and roguish twins Dirk and Kirk all have a part to play as the quest develops. There are moments of laughter and serious intensity as the story weaves together, leading this remarkable quest to a satisfying conclusion.
This captivating story is a well-crafted tale that shines brightly like the two moons of Jedira. With its action-packed narrative, exceptional depth, and plot that resonates with themes of friendship and survival, The Jediran Quest is a must-read for science fiction fans. It is suitable for middle-grade readers and above who enjoy a thrilling and exciting adventure. Author Cal Davis provides readers with excellent storytelling, perfect pacing, and compelling characters.
Pages: 168 | ASIN : B0B3V7PDZ6
The Visitors
The Visitors by Andrew Cahill-Lloyd is the charming story of two aliens from the planet Aeon, Bjorn, and Zorn, who are tasked to observe Earth. The pair watches as the religious wars on the planet lead it to destroy itself. They are soon charged with the task of going back in time to try to save Earth from itself by revealing proof of alien existence to humans to prove there are bigger things out there. Teaming up with animals from around the world, they set their plan in motion to save man. Will their endeavors be fruitful in enlightening mankind, or have they caused bigger problems?
This was a sweet read that was out of this world. It was fun seeing the misadventures these aliens and animals get themselves into, and I feel kids would enjoy its wacky cast of characters. I love a good romp through time and space, and this filled that niche perfectly. This piece had good heartwarming messages I think a lot of people need to hear in this day and age. The humor in this book balanced out the heavier topics and made this an enjoyable rescue mission that didn’t take itself too seriously. I mean, who doesn’t love a well-placed fart joke when you’re trying to save the world.
I did feel the flow of the book needed some work. I felt it was too fast-paced, and you really didn’t have time to marinate on each revelation before you raced off to the next one. I wished the descriptions had been fleshed out a little bit more in some areas; I couldn’t get a good image in my head at times. The character’s personalities, however, shone through and kept me smiling and laughing.
The Visitors is a gripping children’s science fiction novel filled with aliens and animals. I highly recommend this book if you love a good adventure through time and space. Its fun characters, heartwarming messages, and humor make this an entertaining story.
Pages: 206 | ISBN : 1398490334
