Ghosters by Diana Corbitt - Book Review

Ghosters by Diana Corbitt

Synopsis:

One day, Theresa’s mom dies.

The next, money problems force her family out of their home.

Life has definitely taken a downward turn for the twelve-year-old. But then she meets Kerry, and their friendship quickly grows.

Although obsessed with the paranormal, Kerry has never seen a real ghost. But when she hears how the powdered sugar Theresa had been combing the kitchen to find just magically flopped out of the cupboard she’d already looked in three times, she proposes they solve both their problems by entering the Ghosters video contest.

And why not?

Kerry has the ghost hunting equipment, and after seeing the dining room curtains close in front of them, Theresa and her autistic brother, Joey, know their new house is definitely haunted.

So, we’ve got three kids exploring a creepy old mansion. What could happen?

A lot.

That’s just the beginning of this paranormal mystery series.

Review:

Ghosters by Diana Corbitt is an entertaining, suspenseful, creepy and engaging mystery and ghost story that children will revel in and, be unable to put down. The story follows a young girl, Theresa, whose mother has recently passed away. Along with her autistic brother, Joey, they are forced to move into their deceased grandparent’s ancient, huge and boring house. The neighbors believe the house to be haunted, but the kids don’t believe in ghosts. They are disheartened by their situation. That is until, things take a turn when Theresa meets a new friend, Kerry. And, Kerry does believe in ghosts, and has accumulated much ghost hunting equipment. When creepy unsound occurrences begin to happen in the old house, the kids decide to enter the Ghosters video contest. That’s when they start to discover that this old house is not that boring and could really be haunted after all. What ensues is a suspenseful, chilling and eye-opening adventure for these three kids.

Ghosters by Diana Corbitt is a fantastic, suspenseful read for children that love the paranormal and ghosts. It is well written, easy to read and flows nicely. It explores the hardships of losing a parent, childhood struggles, the difficulties, beauty and importance of friendship and autism. This book is intended for children ages 9-12 and grades 4-7, but as an adult, I found it to be fun, engrossing and overwhelmingly entertaining.

Ghosters is thought provoking, humorous and captivating, as well. With surprises around every corner, these three kids are on quite a journey and adventure. It is an exciting tale about ghosts, mystery, friendship and adventure. There are family secrets to be discovered, along with self-discovery. This book held me mesmerized from the first chapter to the very satisfying end that has a shocking twist. I was always intrigued and wanting to know what I would discover next. What would happen next? What would the children find next? What will happen to them? Ghosters by Diana Corbitt is definitely one of the best children’s mystery, suspense and paranormal books I have ever read. It is so much more than just a ghost story. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends it. Children will love it. Get your child a copy, you won’t be disappointed and they will certainly be delighted.

Purchase Ghosters by Diana Corbitt today!

A Special Day: The Day Eid Met Christmas by Mahmoud Elzein

A Special Day: The Day Eid Met Christmas by Mahmoud Elzein (Author), Rania Hasan (Illustrator)

Do you believe in magic, the magic of kindness?
One special year, Christmas and Eid fell on the same day. And on that special day, two girls, Eva and Aya, discovered a magical friendship through the spirit of giving. Their generous acts of kindness inspire children to think of others regardless of social backgrounds and beliefs.

Book Review

A Special Day by Mahmoud Elzein is an exciting and magical story about two young girls who are each celebrating two very different, very joyful and special holidays: Christmas and Eid (which happen to fall on the same day this year!) The girls cross paths while shopping for gifts.  It is in a special quiet moment in a broken elevator when they realize that the wonderful holiday season finds them both encompassing the blissful spirit of love and kindness. Eva’s heart is overwhelmed with joy, and Aya feels such happiness when the girls decide to give their gifts to less fortunate orphans who won’t be receiving any presents for the holiday season! What a wonderful and generous idea they have! The girls’ mothers are so proud of them and their acts of kindness! 

This lovely, heartwarming book delivers a sweet and inspiring story that is sure to touch the hearts and minds of every child! I read this book to my own elementary aged children and they absolutely loved and adored the newly budding friendship between the two girls, Eva and Aya. They were captivated by the vivid and colorful illustrations that sparkle bright and show such magnificent detail and care on every big and bold page.

A Special Day by Mahmoud Elzein is a perfect celebration and example of the soul’s eagerness and sense of contentment that is found when performing charitable acts of good deeds and kindness to others in need.  I highly recommend this delightful book to every one of all ages looking for a splendid story about the magic of giving and the wonderment of making new friendships that will last a lifetime! A Special Day by is a wonderful must read book for every child and a perfect addition to every family’s book collection! Kids Lit Book Café highly recommends A Special Day: The Day Eid Met Christmas by Mahmoud Elzein. Book reviewed  by Beatrix Bloom for Kids Lit Book Café.

 Buy A Special Day: The Day Eid Met Christmas by Mahmoud Elzein today!!

The Winds of Happiness by Teresa Fiedler-Buss

The Winds of Happiness: Irie’s Adventures by Teresa Fiedler-Buss – Illustrated by Bailey Traxler

Synopsis:

Welcome to this crazy world called life!

Have you ever wanted to go on an adventure? Do you like taking selfies?

How attached are you to your electronics or tablet? Do you like robots and drones more?

Would you rather dance and have fun with bubbles? Or would you rather go out for pizza and a movie?

If you answered yes to one of these questions, then you will LOVE this book!

The Winds of Happiness will engage children in a fun and current way to learn important life lessons.

Your child/student’s values start developing with what is taught and learned in social and personal situations.
If you are a parent, guardian or teacher wanting to assist in making a difference in today’s society, this book is for you.

This book includes children discussions, interactive pages and teacher lesson plans which will help with
Common Core State Standard (CCSS) & Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

Review:

The Winds of Happiness: Irie’s Adventures by Teresa Fiedler-Buss is a cute and colorful narrative about an adventurous and laid back, but lively spirited dog named Irie, and her cheerful and energetic bunch of friends. This is a delightful must-read book for every child in your life.

Irie’s friends are always reminding her to be creative, make her own fun but most importantly always be herself! Irie goes on all sorts of fantastic adventures in The Winds of Happiness! One being an incredible day at a splash pad with a DJ and bubbles! Irie learns she doesn’t need technology to have a good time, she can create her own awesome day with musical inspiration and perseverance to “make it happen!”  Another adventure tells of Irie’s birthday at the movies and pizza with her friends Max and Bubba. Throughout the day, Max has issues with social anxiety and uses his tablet to comfort himself and keep his mind off crowded situations. But what he doesn’t realize is his actions start to affect the people and mechanics around him! Being the empathetic friend Irie is, she helps Max get through this troublesome situation with kindness and apprehension. A wonderful reminder to have patience with others and to try to see through someone else’s eyes. And how true friends always help each other out.

The Winds of Happiness touches on many different common and important themes to help a child with emotional growth and development. Such as; learning about coping with life changes, having goals and dreams, important lessons in manners and following rules correctly and responsibly. It gives clear instruction and details with a helpful outline guide that shows key points to be made while reading and how to integrate this book into a lesson plan. Which makes it the perfect book for all types of unit studies in the classroom and for homeschoolers.

I absolutely adored this lovable and wholesome children’s book that made my kids and I smile nonstop from the beginning to the end! Bailey Traxler’s bright and expressive illustrations went along with the story and told it perfectly. Giving it a vivid pizzazz no other children’s book has ever done with such a cool style.

With its unique cast of characters and an entertaining storyline I would greatly recommend The Winds of Happiness: Irie’s Adventures by Teresa Fiedler-Buss to all parents of kids looking for a feel good story full of positive vibes and undeniable contagious good energy!! This one has a permanent spot in our kid’s lit corner at our home!!
Reviewed by Beatrix Bloom for Chick Lit Cafe.

Buy The Winds of Happiness: Irie's Adventures by Teresa Fielder-Buss Today!

Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk: Picture Book about a Spunky Vehicle for Children age 2 – 6 by Nadishka Aloysius

Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk: Picture Book about a Spunky Vehicle for Children age 2 – 6 by Nadishka Aloysius

Synopsis:

If you and your family love CULTURAL DIVERSITY and TRAVEL then this is the book for you

Roo is a little Tuk Tuk. Join Roo as he recalls the many ups and downs of his life on the roads of Colombo (the commercial capital of Sri Lanka). From road races, to Polo tournaments, to animal rescues, this little vehicle has lived life to its fullest. Experience the joys and perils of Tuk Tuks on the streets, and learn many life lessons along the way with this courageous Tuk Tuk who is always ready to lend a helping hand and spread some cheer. You are never too little to make a difference…

Also known as tri-shaws or three wheelers, Tuk Tuks are a common sight in the eastern world. All foreign visitors are encouraged to ride a Tuk Tuk at least once when they visit Sri Lanka: but the recommendation also goes with a warning to HOLD ON TIGHT! 

All the incidents in this book are adapted from news stories and Facebook posts of real life Tuk Tuk drivers who are unafraid to be more than just a means of transportation. So, (I’d say ‘buckle your seatbelt’ but there are no seatbelts in Tuk Tuks…!), enjoy some of the sights and sounds of beautiful Colombo and its wonderful people as you read this book that also teaches you – you are never too little to make a difference!

*** Includes a JIGSAW PUZZLE for you to print and play*** 

Review:

Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk by Nadishka Aloysius is a delightful story about an adorable little Tuk Tuk vehicle who reminisces about his life filled with adventure, excitement, fun and service through his love for helping others.

This is such a unique and charming picture book for young children. Before I read this wonderful book, I had the notion that “Tuk Tuk” was a cute word the author, Nadishka Aloysius cleverly came up with for the book in order to make it extra special and appealing to kids. I was amazed to discover that it is an actual vehicle used in Colombo, Sri Lanka to transport people. What a nice and surprising experience for children to enjoy a story filled with fun and adventure while learning something new. Roo is a little Tuk Tuk who has had an exciting and meaningful life full of interesting and fun experiences. Giving people rides and hauling books to help for charity are just some of the many important things Roo has had the pleasure of doing in his little Tuk Tuk life. Roo is red, sweet, kind and loves to help others. Now he is older and ready to rest and retire. What will become of Roo the little red Tuk Tuk who has spent a lifetime of service, whizzing around while helping and caring about others? Children will be delighted at the happy ending of this endearing, lovable and original picture book. Nadishka Aloysius has done a remarkable job of creating a wonderful imaginative story. She has written it so very young children will understand the meaningful narrative, and be thrilled with the storyline. The pictures, created by Illustrator, Privanka Fonseka are lively, vivid and captivating. I read Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk to my young granddaughters, ages 2, 3 and 5. They were excited and thrilled by all of the action, adventure, bright colors – and the sweet and engaging story of little Roo. They delighted in the colorful pictures, and loved all the many different sounds that Roo made while he buzzed around the city. Now, they want it read to them often, and this book has helped to further teach them the meaning and importance of caring about, and helping others.

Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk is a must read book and story for all young children, and I am certain they will love totally love it! It is so special, adventuresome and delightful! Artisan Book Reviews recommends Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk: Picture Book about a Spunky Vehicle for Children age 2 – 6 by Nadishka Aloysius to all parents, grandparents and caregivers for those special little ones in your life. And don’t forget, it comes with a cute jig saw puzzle for kids to have fun and play with, as well.

Purchase Roo, The Little Red Tuk Tuk: Picture Book about a Spunky Vehicle for Children age 2 – 6 by Nadishka Aloysius today!

Wobbles by Leah Venegas - Book Review

Wobbles by Leah Venegas

Synopsis:

**WINNER OF A 2018 MOONBEAM CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD***

Wobbles is a young leapfrog who has trouble learning to leap. He gets teased in school and feels alone. One day, a new student befriends Wobbles and tells him that her father, who is a champion leaper, had the same problem. With the help of his new friend and her father, Wobbles takes his first successful leap.

As the end of the school year arrives, Wobbles must conquer his fear and succeed in the leaping competition. Will he be able to show the students who bullied him that he is no longer afraid of them?

This book is about perseverance, endurance, and success from working hard and facing your fears.

Review:

Wobbles by Leah Venegas is an adorable children’s book about a little humble leapfrog that is trying to learn to leap. On his first day back to school, he tells his father he doesn’t want to go because he can’t leap yet. He is afraid. His father gently encourages him and he goes on to leaping school.

On his first attempt to leap, he fails and the other little frogs laugh at him. Then, a little girl frog makes friends with him and encourages him. She tells Wobbles that her father was a slow learner too. But, he overcame his fear and went on to be a champion leaper. Her father agrees to help little Wobbles learn to leap. He tells him that he needs to overcome his fear and leap with his whole heart. After much practice, Wobbles learns to leap from one lily pad to another. He wins the contest at school and is inspired to help other little frogs learn to leap too.

Wobbles by Leah Venegas is an exciting adventure that young children will be delighted in. It teaches children several important lessons about learning new things. Little Wobbles had a lot of fear of failing and being laughed at. But, he overcame his fear and learned to do things with his whole heart. He practiced and practiced.

This book will be a favorite among children everywhere. It relates to young children that the feeling of embarrassment is normal and so is being fearful. However, by practicing with determination, they can do the very things that they are unsure of. Although a child may have a weakness in an area, he/she can still succeed. Bullying and self-esteem are important lessons in this book.

This book is delightful and captivating. The illustrations are enchanting and will surely bring the child much joy. The storyline and plot are easy to understand and written in a way that young children will be able to follow along and comprehend. I read it to my little grandchildren and they loved it. They have had me read it to them over and over again. It packs a nice important message inside while visually engaging the reader. It is a cute story filled with excitement and emotion. Leah Venegasis an excellent children’s author. I highly recommend Wobbles for all young children.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Café

Purchase Wobbles @Amazon Here

Santa's Dog by Joann Sky - Book Review

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky

Synopsis:

Sometimes the best gifts choose YOU!

Follow the adventures of Santa’s best dog, Lance, when he falls from the sleigh one Christmas Eve. He’s taken in by the animal shelter then brought home by a military family who needs some help as Dad is called to serve his country. When Christmas Eve comes ’round the next year, Lance must decide whether to return to the North Pole with his friend Santa or stay with his new family.

If you love dogs, if you have family in the military, or if you believe in Santa, you will be touched by this heartwarming tale for youngsters and the young-at-heart!

Review:

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky is a charming one of a kind Christmas story. At the North Pole, Santa has a secret that no one knows about, he has one hundred dogs, and he loves each one of them the same. However, one special dog named Lance, gets to sleep on Santa’s bed every night. Lance and Santa have been friends forever and they are never far apart from one another. But then something terrible happens and Lance falls out of Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. He gets lost but is quickly picked up by a local animal shelter (thank goodness for animal shelters.) A very nice family adopts him and he soon becomes a part of the family and is dearly loved and appreciated. He misses Santa and Santa misses Lance. For the whole next year Lance is busy making his new family happy and he loves each one of them. What will happen when Santa returns to see him next Christmas Eve? Will Lance stay with his new family that needs him desperately, or will he return to the North Pole with his dear old friend Santa Claus?

Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky is an entertaining story for young children to love and cherish. It has a unique storyline and premise. It is fast paced and has easy to understand words for the young child. Parents will love this splendid tale as well.

It’s an amusing rhyming story that children will delight in and enjoy. It pulls you in and yanks at your heartstrings and won’t let go. It has a fabulous moral and nice subtle messages throughout. It is about love and finding one’s life purpose. The illustrations are lovely and playful, perfect for children to love and appreciate.

I thought it was a great idea to include the importance of adopting shelter dogs. And how many times, a shelter dog is the perfect addition to any family that wants a loyal companion to love and care for. Also, the little family that adopts Lance is a military family with their father gone from home in active duty. It shows how the perfect shelter dog can fill a void in the hearts of the entire family.

I read Santa’s Dog to my little grandchildren and they totally adored it. They became emotional several times during the story. They’ve had me read it to them over and over again and were excited every time. I highly recommend this original Christmas story to all families with young children and early readers. Buy it now in time for the holidays. Your children will love Santa’s Dog by Joann Sky.

Chick Lit Cafe recommends Santa’s Dog to all children everywhere

Purchase Santa’s Dog @Amazon Here

Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul by Yossi Lapid

Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul by Yossi Lapid

Books for Kids: Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul (Rhyming Picture Book about Mother’s Day and Earth Day), Beginner Readers, Bedtime stories. (Snowman Paul Book Series, vol. 9)

Summary:

The best mother on earth!

From the author of the award-winning Snowman Paul series, comes this life-affirming volume which celebrates mothers, Mother Nature and the nurturing instinct we all share. The heartwarming, rhyming text is perfectly matched with gorgeous watercolor illustrations which show the timeless love between a mother and her child. The book honors Mother’s Day while it teaches that everyone on earth is part of one big family..

Dan and Snowman Paul are getting ready to celebrate Mother’s Day in grand style! But who is Snowman Paul’s mother and how can they both celebrate Mother’s Day together? Join Snowman Paul and Dan in this charming new adventure where they explore the meaning of Mother’s Day and Earth Day and in the process they learn new things about how families and nature work.

 Mother’s Day is around the corner.

Review:

Snowman Paul declares to Dan that he has the coolest mother of all. “She holds you when you need a hug/She heals you when you catch a bug/She’s nourished you with love since birth/She is the best mother on earth”. Dan agrees but then he asks Paul: “What about your mother, Paul? Who is your mother?” Snowman Paul’s answer is both wonderful and instructive. Then Paul recounts the day when Dan made him into a snowman, after the big snow storm. Paul adds that he is part of the family of Mother Nature and that we are all a part of the family of Mother Nature. And that there are many mothers of many kinds, and all are important.

Yossi Lapid has hit it out of the park with Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul, a special tribute to mothers everywhere. Dan thinks about how special his own mother is and how she nurtures him by doing several motherly things. This really hit home with me as a mother and grandmother. It will help young children to reflect on how special and important their own mother is-just in time for their own Mother’s Day celebration. It shows children that they should appreciate, love and respect their own mother for who she is and what she does for them.

But awarding winning author, Yossi Lapid, doesn’t stop there. He magically adds in the importance of how we are all connected, like brothers and sisters, by Mother Nature. And how Mother Nature is the mother of all things on our beautiful planet.

The whimsical rhyming, large fonts and simple short sentences makes this book perfect for young children and early readers. It is written in a way that will hold the child’s attention and give them another important and valuable lesson in life. All of Yossi Lapid’s delightful books for children have valuable heartfelt easy to understand themes and lessons to them. His books are charming and enchanting and this one, Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul, is especially compelling and special.

We can’t read a story by Yossi Lapid without recognizing the beautiful fanciful watercolor illustrations by Joanna Pasek which gives the entire book a very special theme with a delightful visionary appeal, that children will and do love.

If you haven’t discovered Yossi Lapid’s children’s books, then now is your chance to get one and read it to your child and find out how enchanting and special they are. Once again I read this book to my own grandchildren and as usual they loved it and had me read it over and over. We are gaining quite a collection of all of Yossi Lapid’s Snowman Paul series books. The children never tire of them. They are unique, heartfelt and essential for children to learn important lessons in life, written in a simple easy to understand style.

I highly recommend Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul to all young children and early readers everywhere.

Purchase Mother’s Day with Snowman Paul @Amazon

Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

Teacher’s Comments: Vervain has made satisfactory progress and has achieved an average level in most subjects.

What do you think, Diary? Yes, I know it’s not a BAD report but words like SATISFACTORY and AVERAGE just don’t feel like me. I’ve looked up ‘average’ in the dictionary. It says: a middle place between two extremes, usual, normal.

I don’t want to be NORMAL, I want to be spectacular! I feel special inside. Does everyone feel special? Maybe it’s just normal to feel special and I’m not actually special at all.

Diary, do you think I can be average and special at the same time?

Vervain isn’t the smartest, the most stylish or the best at flying and magic – she’s just an average fairy. But when the magical kingdom is threatened by evil, she finds herself central to its safety. Through her anything-but-average adventures, Vervain learns that true friendship is precious and that ordinary folk can do the most extraordinary things.

Vervain shares these exciting adventures with her diary and confides her thoughts and feelings. She struggles with difficult emotions – fear, anger, envy, sadness, grief, yet infects us with her determination, her delight of simple pleasures, and her exhilaration at overcoming obstacles.

The author M.M. Hillman is a practicing therapist. Using a language of emotion that children understand, she invites us into a world of mythical creatures who are just like you and me. Amusing and sometimes very moving – a tale that neither children nor adults will forget.

Review:

Vervain is an average fairy who is barely tall enough to make it into Fairy School, but she does. She reluctantly begins Fairy School with a squeamish stomach and all. So she takes out her piece of rainbow, her secret weapon to cheer herself up. It fills the room with color – yellow, reds, greens and blues that dazzle so much. It calms her down. She writes in her diary daily. In it she shares her innermost feelings. She loves the simple pleasures that life holds for her.  In her diary, she talks about her exciting adventures and experiences. But she is just an average fairy, although she does feel spectacular and very special.

But soon the magical kingdom is in peril, and Vervain finds herself in the middle and able to help. She engages in adventures that are anything but normal.  She learns that friends are important and that, although she is average, she can do anything she puts her mind to. She is brave and helps to free the kingdom of the tyranny of Magowr.

Diary of an Average Fairy is anything but average. It is a fabulous tale about an average normal fairy that does great things to help the fairy kingdom. It has a message to middle grade and teen kids that it’s alright to be just average. And that being average doesn’t limit them from doing great things. Vervain expresses her many feelings of fear, anger and sadness in her diary. Her diary tells of her many experiences, good and bad, at school and during her free time.

I know that children will really relate to Diary of an Average Fairy. It touches, extensively, on all the issues and problems that middle grade and teens go through. It is exciting and entertaining with creatures, fairies and foes. The way that author M M Hillman describes things like the magical kingdom, the fairies, the creatures and the surroundings, is lush and rich. A true delight for the imagination and the senses. It is a splendid, beautiful place that any child will marvel in, and want to visit in this book.

Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman is engaging, even for me as an adult. I loved it and I can see how any child, young or older, will love it. They will totally relate to it. The characters will remind them of themselves and their friends and even those that give them a hard time. They will relate to the various scenarios too. It will speak to their self-consciousness and to their insecurities. It will encourage them to be brave and show them that their feelings are normal.

The characters are great. They are genuine, well developed and have fun personalities with strengths and weaknesses. Children will see themselves in and relate to the various characters.

It is written extremely well. It is smart and easy to read. It is written in the form of a diary – Vervain’s diary. It completely works and is composed with skill and creativity. I love it when I read a book that is written so well in every aspect. It’s important that kids read books that are written and edited well. This one hits a home run in that area.

Diary of an Average Fairy is unique and beautiful fantasy tale. Its premise is original and authentic.

It has a positive message that kids will glean from. It truly is splendid with gorgeous descriptions and with a very entertaining delightful storyline. I recommend that parents get a copy of this book for their kids. They will really love, and enjoy, it. They will learn from it. Parents can rest assured that it will be very appropriate and fitting for their child.

Overall, Diary of an Average Fairy is a glorious, charming and delightful story that captivates the reader and causes them to see vivid scenery and fairies, to feel various emotions and to enjoy a story well told.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

Purchase Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman @Amazon

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Sally the Crab by Lauren Dragon

Sally the Crab by Lauren Dragon

Sally the Crab was a Finalist in the National book Competition, Best Book Awards by American Book Fest.A tale of adventure and fun that delves into the themes of friendship and courage. Sally is a hermit crab with a beautiful shell that is admired by many. However, Molly is her best friend. Unfortunately, though one day Molly has to move away and shortly thereafter Sally outgrows her shell. She then goes on a quest to search for another one, but realizes looking for a new home is not as easy for a crab as one might think. Even when Sally could have been frustrated or upset, this crab stays true to herself and is nice to the other creatures she meets. What kind of encounters will Sally come across along her journey and exactly what kind of home will she end up with? Follow this graceful crab on her marvelous adventure!

5 Big Stars for Sally the Crab – Reading with your Kids Podcast.

Review:
Sally the hermit crab is happy, outgoing and popular. She lives in a beautiful colorful shell. Everyone admires her shell. Sally has a best friend named Molly. They have fun together every day. But, then Molly has to move to another reef. They are both sad as they say goodbye forever.

Soon, Sally begins to outgrow her shell, so she goes on a journey to search for a new one. She kindly gives away her beautiful shell to another crab in need.

On her adventure to find a new shell, Sally comes across many different sea creatures. She meets a turtle, a blue crab, a stingray, and some funny clown fish. No matter how she tries, she just can’t find the perfect shell to live in. Some other hermit crabs feel sorry for her because she can’t find a suitable shell. She isn’t looking for a beautiful one, just a comfortable one. But none of the shells that the hermit crabs have are the right fit for Sally.

Then one day her friend Molly arrives with a surprise for Sally. It’s a big shell for Sally to live in. “But, it’s too big,” Sally tells Molly. Molly says that it is for both of them to live in together. No one wants to live alone. So best friends, Sally and Molly, got to live happily together.

Sally the Crab is a fabulous little story for young children and readers. It is full of lessons for children. Sally has to cope with the loss of a best friend and the change and challenge of finding a new home. Which teaches children about change, determination and hard work. It also touches on the importance of friendship and kindness, as the many sea creatures try to help Sally, and when Sally kindly gives away her own beautiful shell, she does it humbly and without regret.

I loved the way our author, Lauren Dragon, portrays Sally. Throughout the entire story, Sally never complains or has a bad attitude. She just keeps on trying to find a new shell for her home and is kind to everyone she meets. Sally could have been upset and overly frustrated but she chose to have a good attitude. Great lesson for children.

In Sally the Crab, children are introduced to various types of colorful sea animals and their own habitats. She even touches on the personalities of the creatures, like the grumpy blue crab.

In the end, children learn that life is good and full of unexpected surprises, when Molly, Sally’s best friend, returns home with a shell made for the two of them. Sally was rewarded for her patience, kindness and hard work.

Sally the Crab by Lauren Dragon is a beautiful heartwarming, adventurous children’s book. The illustrations are colorful, whimsical and vivid. I read Sally the Crab to my little granddaughters and they loved it. It held their attention and thrilled them as we turned each page. They loved learning about the sea creatures and they loved Molly.

At the end of the book there are a few special pages where children can color and draw each character – a special added bonus that my grandchildren loved. I just ordered another Sally the Crab book, because they don’t want to share just the one. Also, there is an informative section describing how to own and care for your own little hermit crabs. Those extra added pages make the Sally the Crab book extra special.

Sally the Crab is Lauren Dragon’s first children’s book. It is excellent in every way. We hope to see more books written for children by this exceptional new children’s book author.

Chick Lit Cafe fully recommends Sally the Crab by Lauren Dragon to young children and readers.

Purchase Sally the Crab @Amazon Today

The Bridge Monster by Michael J DiPinto

The Bridge Monster Michael J DiPinto

What is living under the bridge? A monster you say? He will not eat you, he is only curious, little mischievous and shy. He is looking for a friend, someone to help put a smile on his face

Review:

The bridge monster lives under the bridge. He is a nice monster and would do no harm to anyone.

He is smart, shy, and curious, and just a little bit of a rascal.  No one has seen the bridge monster, but all know he’s there. When the cars drive over, he growls. He sometimes tries to grab the tires of the cars passing over and tries to shake the car. Sometimes he growls loud and shakes the bridge really hard. The boaters look up to see if they can see him when their passing under the bridge. He won’t relent, he’s always trying to get attention. He is smart because he knows when the bridge tender is going to raise the bridge. He is brave and feisty and will ride up as the bridge is rising to sneak a peek at the cars and people. He just wants to make friends and wave at the passersby.

The Bridge Monster by Michael J DiPinto is a sweet short story for young children. It teaches kids not to be afraid of riding over bridges in the car. That the noises are nothing to be afraid of and the rattling is not going to hurt them. Most young children are afraid of things like riding over bridges. The sounds and rattling scares them. Some may literally think there is a monster under the bridge. Their minds are young and they don’t comprehend what is happening.

So, Michael J DiPinto has composed a cute story about a good and kind monster that lives under the bridge. One that is playful and curious about the kids in the cars. The fact that the monster is nice and loving helps kids to realize that they don’t have to worry about such things that shake and rattle loud.

The Bridge Monster is a perfect story for young children who tend to be afraid of such things. It is perfect for all young readers too. The words are short and easy to read. The book isn’t too long, which helps with young children and readers that have short attention spans. The illustrations are charming and simple. I love the pictures. They remind me of yesteryear, being a little old fashioned in appearance. It’s just a charming all around book and story.

I read The Bridge Monster to my granddaughters and they were so intrigued. They are young and are afraid of things like the vacuum cleaner. I could see their little minds ticking away and thinking about the story and plot. “He’s a good monster and the bridge is fun,” my granddaughter said. They were delighted to know that there are good monsters too. This book really had a good influence and meaning to them. They laughed and pointed at the pictures. They loved it!

The Bridge Monster by Michael J DiPinto is a wonderful engaging children’s book. My children loved it and I’m sure yours will too.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends The Bridge Monster.

Purchase The Bridge Monster @Amazon Today

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Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream by Yossi Lapid

Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream by Yossi Lapid

Kate dreams of skating at the Winter Olympics, and Snowman Paul and Dan are determined to help her reach her dream. Does Kate have what it takes to shine at the Winter Games? This book teaches your kids the valuable life lessons of perseverance, teamwork and being true to yourself.

“Wow!” cried out Paul as he watched Kate,

“You surely do know how to skate!”

“Do I?” asked Kate with a big grin –

“Paul, can you teach me how to win?”

“Oh yes!” said Paul “A tip or two,

Will make a winner out of you!…

Fast paced and stunningly illustrated with 42 full-page watercolors, this book is perfect for cold winter days and warm summer times. Children and parents alike will enjoy this fun rhyming story. It is a great bedtime story, and it is ideal for beginner readers. It makes a beautiful gift, and it will show you how much fun winter can be if you embrace your imagination.

Are you ready to experience the Olympic thrill?

Review:

Kate is practicing her ice skating moves when Snowman Paul notices how good she really is, and he tells her so. Kate asks Snowman Paul if he would please help her to train for the Winter Olympics.

Paul happily agrees and he asks his friend Dan to help out too. Dan reluctantly agrees after Snowman Paul tells Dan that he will help him with his chess game after they help Kate.

So, they work together as a team to help Kate achieve her Olympic dream. She works on her jumps, she works on her speed, but she thinks that she isn’t good enough and wants to quit. Snowman Paul and Dan tell her that she can do it, and they encourage her to follow through with her dream. At the Olympics Kate did a splendid job. Snowman Paul was proud of Kate and told her that she did well because she followed through with her Olympic Dream. He told her that she scored a big success by achieving her goal. Then, they happily helped Dan improve on his chess game.

I am speechless when it comes to the Snowman Paul series by Yossi Lapid. They are filled with such wonderful lessons, for young children ages 3-8, to learn. There are many morals and lessons for children to learn from the Snowman Paul series.

In Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream the lesson is about not giving up, finishing what you start and following through. Kate followed through with her Olympic dream and Snowman Paul followed through with training Kate and then helping Dan to improve on his chess game.

It also teaches children the importance of being a good friend to one another. The hard work that Kate put into her training and the help that Paul and Dan gave her shows that hard work is what it takes to be successful.

Yossi Lapid has created a fast paced story with just enough words to hold young children and young reader’s attention. The fanciful illustrations done by Joanna Pasek are beautiful and delightful. I love the color combinations and the softness of the pictures. The rather large characters are perfect for young children, as they are a visual delight.

I have been reading the Snowman Paul series by Yossi Lapid to my granddaughters and they love each one of them. Each time I bring a new one over to read to them, they squeal with delight and clap their hands.

With the valuable lessons, the whimsical illustrations and the fast paced easy to read story, the Snowman Paul series is a real winner. They are a real cut above the rest.

Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream by Yossi Lapid is one of my favorites in the series. However, all the books in the series are exceptional. Pick up a copy and read it to the children in your life. They will be delighted and ask for more.

A big 5 stars for Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream by Yossi Lapid.

Purchase Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream @Amazon Today

Connect with Author Yossi Lapid

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