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Shogologo Babies
The story follows Auntie Miisher, who wakes up each morning with a sign that she will have a baby by dusk. Each day of the week brings a new child, and each baby is tied to the cultural significance of being born on a particular day. Their names, traits, and destinies reflect the traditions of West African day naming. The rhythm builds as we meet Kwesi, Ajua, Kobina, Ekuba, Aba, Kofi, Amba, and more, until Auntie Miisher finally decides she has had enough babies. Alongside the story are playful rhymes, interactive activities, and bright illustrations that capture both humor and heritage.
Reading this felt whimsical and rhythmic. I liked the way the repetition pulled me along, almost like a song, with each new baby bringing a fresh description and name. There’s something very charming about how each baby is tied to nature and elements like breezes, sunsets, waves, and trees. It felt magical and grounding at the same time. The writing has a sing-song quality that would work well when read aloud, especially to young children.
What really stood out to me was how the book weaves in culture without being heavy-handed. The idea of day names and their meanings is not only explained but also celebrated through the babies’ personalities. It’s educational without feeling like a lesson. The trilingual presentation (English, French, and Ga) adds another layer, making it both inclusive and rich.
This is a joyful, vibrant children’s book best suited for young children and families who enjoy storytelling traditions. It would be especially meaningful for readers with connections to West African culture, but honestly, any child could find delight in the rhyme and repetition. I’d recommend it to parents who like to read aloud with energy and to classrooms that want to celebrate diversity and language in an engaging way.
Pages: 100 | ISBN : B0FRYJV96C
Dylan’s Dilemma (Dylan’s Dog Squad Book 1)
Dylan’s Dilemma is a sweet, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking story about a cocker spaniel named Dylan who starts his life in a cramped crate in South Korea and winds up on a wild adventure that brings him all the way to sunny Southern California. The book follows Dylan’s ups and downs as he finds freedom with his first owner, Aiden, faces abandonment when Aiden can no longer keep him, and eventually struggles to find a place in a new family with a boy named Casey and his no-nonsense mother. Written mostly from Dylan’s point of view, the book brings readers right into the mind of a lovable, mischievous pup who’s just trying to figure out where he belongs.
What really struck me about this book was how real Dylan’s emotions felt. Kathleen Troy doesn’t just tell you Dylan is happy or scared; she makes you feel it. When Dylan thinks, “My lungs are shrinking. I can’t breathe,” after Aiden gives him up, my heart physically hurt. Troy’s writing captures Dylan’s innocence perfectly, especially in moments like when he tries to “help” in Casey’s mom’s office by turning her important project into a shredded hamster collage. I found myself laughing aloud, though it was a bittersweet kind of laughter, recognizing that the little dog was simply trying his best.
The pacing of the story kept me locked in, too. One minute, I was giggling over Dylan’s craft skills (destroying cords, baseboards, and tables like a tiny wrecking ball), and the next, I was genuinely nervous when he was sent off in a crate across the ocean. The humor balances out the emotional gut punches really well. Plus, Casey’s character is just the right mix of loyal and goofy. His determination to keep Dylan, even when his mom is dead set against it, made me root for them both so hard. Their bond is simple but strong, like when Casey calls Dylan “Little Buddy,” giving him a sense of belonging again after losing Aiden.
One thing I noticed is that some of the adult characters are written with a playful exaggeration, especially Casey’s mom, who shifts from grumpy to affectionate with the speed of a light switch. It actually adds to the lively, slightly cartoonish tone of the story (particularly during hilarious moments like Eddie-the-Whiner’s antics at dog training). The vibrant style suits the book’s mission: to entertain first, warm the heart second, and sprinkle in seriousness just where it’s needed.
Dylan’s Dilemma is a real charmer. It’s perfect for anyone who loves dogs, funny misadventures, and heart-tugging stories about finding your forever home. I’d especially recommend it for middle-grade readers or adults who just want a sweet escape for a few hours.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B09RQCDPG5
LITERARY TITAN 