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FastFlight 540: Bump in the Night (Book 1)
M. M. Mesldorf
2023 Finalist
316 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
FastFlight 540 is the first book of the Bump in the Night series by M.M. Mesldorf. Wishing to help her friend Tucker Sullivan escape the cruel misery of Whippoorwill Children's Home, Anslie Dawn takes over his identity and arrives at the ancient orphanage of Nocturnan. On her very first night at her new home, she meets Xander Bump, the mysterious leader of a group of boys named the Mighty Men. The Mighty Men have a fierce rivalry with the Nighthawks, with whom they play the Garden Game for control over the nine gardens of Nocturnan. Anslie soon realizes that there is more to Xander than meets the eye when he disappears one day to fight in the Shadow Wars after his father's death. In the absence of Xander, can Anslie rise up and help the orphans of Nocturnan?
A fantasy adventure tale for children and young adults alike, FastFlight 540 is a stellar start to the Bump in the Night series. Author M.M. Mesldorf's novel follows the story of Anslie Dawn, a young girl who must navigate the bittersweet realities of her life amidst circumstances beyond her control. Full of heart, humor, and heroics, the narrative pulls you in from the first page, and you struggle to put it down until you've finished reading the book. Anslie and Xander have undeniable chemistry, and Anslie's scenes with the Mighty Men were some of my favorites from the novel. If you're itching for an exciting fantasy adventure tale, FastFlight 540 is the book for you.
FastFlight 540 is the first book of the Bump in the Night series by M.M. Mesldorf. Wishing to help her friend Tucker Sullivan escape the cruel misery of Whippoorwill Children's Home, Anslie Dawn takes over his identity and arrives at the ancient orphanage of Nocturnan. On her very first night at her new home, she meets Xander Bump, the mysterious leader of a group of boys named the Mighty Men. The Mighty Men have a fierce rivalry with the Nighthawks, with whom they play the Garden Game for control over the nine gardens of Nocturnan. Anslie soon realizes that there is more to Xander than meets the eye when he disappears one day to fight in the Shadow Wars after his father's death. In the absence of Xander, can Anslie rise up and help the orphans of Nocturnan?
A fantasy adventure tale for children and young adults alike, FastFlight 540 is a stellar start to the Bump in the Night series. Author M.M. Mesldorf's novel follows the story of Anslie Dawn, a young girl who must navigate the bittersweet realities of her life amidst circumstances beyond her control. Full of heart, humor, and heroics, the narrative pulls you in from the first page, and you struggle to put it down until you've finished reading the book. Anslie and Xander have undeniable chemistry, and Anslie's scenes with the Mighty Men were some of my favorites from the novel. If you're itching for an exciting fantasy adventure tale, FastFlight 540 is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
Under the Blue Comet
Book 1 The Comet Kid Chronicles
Tom Hoffman
2023 Honorable Mention
365 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Under the Blue Comet by Tom Hoffman is the first book in The Comet Kid Chronicles, a well-crafted story for fourth to sixth graders. It is filled with adventure and magic. Eleven-year-old Max Underwood’s life changes on his birthday when he becomes conscious of his incredible powers. His parents are not who he has believed them to be, a realization that is eye-opening and disturbing for him. But there is no time to process the mysterious happenings in his life as he and his sister, Grace, are kidnapped by an alien and transported to a dying, dystopian world through a wormhole. The android known as Crystal Father controls this world. Max and his sister are faced with numerous challenges, from the harsh environment to deadly creatures, to aliens, and unforgiving bandits. As they unravel the mystery of the blue comet, they also create friendships with Sophie and Zeus, an eccentric robot. Ultimately, the fate of Earth is in their hands as they mount a standoff against powerful forces.
This is a sweet story, as adventurous as it is entertaining. Max is well-developed, a boy born under a blue comet, who must figure out his mission and who he is while exploring an uncharted alien world with his sister. While the novel is written for young readers, it was a gorgeous read for me, exciting and filled with fun. Tom Hoffman explores themes of adventure, family, friendship, courage, and inclusion in a grand style, showing readers that differences are not an obstacle to finding common ground and working together. There are lessons of teamwork and the message that collaboration with others brings bigger success comes out clearly in the story. The prose is beautiful. The world the author creates is imaginative and exciting to explore. Character development is stellar, and the plot points are equally strong. The humor is plentiful in the story. I enjoyed every bit of Under the Blue Comet, and this is a story with some entertainment for a wider audience than sixth graders.
Under the Blue Comet by Tom Hoffman is the first book in The Comet Kid Chronicles, a well-crafted story for fourth to sixth graders. It is filled with adventure and magic. Eleven-year-old Max Underwood’s life changes on his birthday when he becomes conscious of his incredible powers. His parents are not who he has believed them to be, a realization that is eye-opening and disturbing for him. But there is no time to process the mysterious happenings in his life as he and his sister, Grace, are kidnapped by an alien and transported to a dying, dystopian world through a wormhole. The android known as Crystal Father controls this world. Max and his sister are faced with numerous challenges, from the harsh environment to deadly creatures, to aliens, and unforgiving bandits. As they unravel the mystery of the blue comet, they also create friendships with Sophie and Zeus, an eccentric robot. Ultimately, the fate of Earth is in their hands as they mount a standoff against powerful forces.
This is a sweet story, as adventurous as it is entertaining. Max is well-developed, a boy born under a blue comet, who must figure out his mission and who he is while exploring an uncharted alien world with his sister. While the novel is written for young readers, it was a gorgeous read for me, exciting and filled with fun. Tom Hoffman explores themes of adventure, family, friendship, courage, and inclusion in a grand style, showing readers that differences are not an obstacle to finding common ground and working together. There are lessons of teamwork and the message that collaboration with others brings bigger success comes out clearly in the story. The prose is beautiful. The world the author creates is imaginative and exciting to explore. Character development is stellar, and the plot points are equally strong. The humor is plentiful in the story. I enjoyed every bit of Under the Blue Comet, and this is a story with some entertainment for a wider audience than sixth graders.
Recommend this book:
The Great Cold Queen
A Poppenohna Land Adventure
Carrie Turley, Lara Law
2023 Bronze Medal
324 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Gail H. Scoates for Readers' Favorite
The Great Cold Queen: A Poppenohna Land Adventure by Carrie Turley is the whimsical adventure of Apple Blossom and Murray. Having left their village over forty years ago, these friendly little gnomes find themselves on quite an escapade. The lure of the apples draws them into a glade, just outside Poppenohna, and to the Tickletoes River. Once there, they embark on a mission to save the glade. Meeting talking animals along the way, they find new friends who assist them. They meet Button, Roxie, and Rue, the butterfly fairies. They meet talking beavers, squirrels, and mischievous raccoons, as well as workers from the underground in the form of Loden, Eckil, and Gwendolyn who are assigned to grow and protect the forest and glade.
The Great Cold Queen is an engaging and fanciful story of looking for adventure and meeting fascinating characters on the journey. Bits of The Hobbit, Narnia, and other fantasy stories are rolled into Carrie Turley’s lovely book. For those of us who love fantasies, it’s a tale you won’t want to put down. Being an animal lover, I enjoyed the funny and delightful conversations between the talking creatures. It continued to engage me on every page. The illustrations by Lara Law provide delightful images of the characters in the story. The journey is a familiar one, where helping others is a good thing, and the courage to keep moving toward the light is a mutual goal. I highly recommend this book to young and old who love an adventure where good prevails.
The Great Cold Queen: A Poppenohna Land Adventure by Carrie Turley is the whimsical adventure of Apple Blossom and Murray. Having left their village over forty years ago, these friendly little gnomes find themselves on quite an escapade. The lure of the apples draws them into a glade, just outside Poppenohna, and to the Tickletoes River. Once there, they embark on a mission to save the glade. Meeting talking animals along the way, they find new friends who assist them. They meet Button, Roxie, and Rue, the butterfly fairies. They meet talking beavers, squirrels, and mischievous raccoons, as well as workers from the underground in the form of Loden, Eckil, and Gwendolyn who are assigned to grow and protect the forest and glade.
The Great Cold Queen is an engaging and fanciful story of looking for adventure and meeting fascinating characters on the journey. Bits of The Hobbit, Narnia, and other fantasy stories are rolled into Carrie Turley’s lovely book. For those of us who love fantasies, it’s a tale you won’t want to put down. Being an animal lover, I enjoyed the funny and delightful conversations between the talking creatures. It continued to engage me on every page. The illustrations by Lara Law provide delightful images of the characters in the story. The journey is a familiar one, where helping others is a good thing, and the courage to keep moving toward the light is a mutual goal. I highly recommend this book to young and old who love an adventure where good prevails.
Recommend this book:
Olly & The Spores of Oak Hill
Glenn John Somodi
2023 Silver Medal
273 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
The death of Oren Appleton was puzzling to all. How could he die from a hit-and-run on an uphill road? Why did someone place clover leaves around his head instead of informing anyone about the accident? Soon afterward, Oren’s beloved grandson, Olly, moves to Littleton with his parents. He immediately becomes friends with Ember but also makes himself a target of the school bullies. Olly discovers that Oak Hill has a closely guarded secret that cannot be divulged to the world. With Henry Dalton trying to acquire Oak Hill to develop a shopping mall, Olly and Ember realize they must protect this place at all costs. Will they succeed in their mission? Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill by Glenn John Somodi will answer that question.
Although primarily geared at tweens, this story could be equally enjoyed by readers of all ages. I loved Olly’s character and rooted for him the entire time. A self-proclaimed geek, he embraced his so-called ‘geekiness’ and reveled in his achievements. While he was wary of the bullies and avoided unnecessary altercations, he nevertheless held his own in a fight. I admired his love for nature and animals, which was also the principal theme of this novel. Through Dalton’s character, Glenn John Somodi showed how greed and corruption could alienate us from nature. However, Olly, Ember, and their special friends devise ingenious ways to protect their homestead, making this novel full of fun adventures. Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill is a promising start to a brand-new and engaging series.
The death of Oren Appleton was puzzling to all. How could he die from a hit-and-run on an uphill road? Why did someone place clover leaves around his head instead of informing anyone about the accident? Soon afterward, Oren’s beloved grandson, Olly, moves to Littleton with his parents. He immediately becomes friends with Ember but also makes himself a target of the school bullies. Olly discovers that Oak Hill has a closely guarded secret that cannot be divulged to the world. With Henry Dalton trying to acquire Oak Hill to develop a shopping mall, Olly and Ember realize they must protect this place at all costs. Will they succeed in their mission? Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill by Glenn John Somodi will answer that question.
Although primarily geared at tweens, this story could be equally enjoyed by readers of all ages. I loved Olly’s character and rooted for him the entire time. A self-proclaimed geek, he embraced his so-called ‘geekiness’ and reveled in his achievements. While he was wary of the bullies and avoided unnecessary altercations, he nevertheless held his own in a fight. I admired his love for nature and animals, which was also the principal theme of this novel. Through Dalton’s character, Glenn John Somodi showed how greed and corruption could alienate us from nature. However, Olly, Ember, and their special friends devise ingenious ways to protect their homestead, making this novel full of fun adventures. Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill is a promising start to a brand-new and engaging series.
Recommend this book:
Novo the Space Robot
How To Shrink the Doubt Monsters
Charly Froh
2023 Gold Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
Novo the Space Robot: How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters by Charly Froh is about an anthropomorphic robot from the planet Infinita. The robot and his planet have a big problem because “doubt monsters” have arrived from the planet Worria, causing residents to develop self-doubt. For example, the inhabitants of Infinita now no longer believe they could win robo-races. Some even thought their dog-like friends, called zogs, didn’t love them anymore. Novo was determined that he was going to help his planet. He headed to Earth to find assistance but was followed by the doubt monsters. At first the Earth children Novo contacts don’t respond to his plea to fight the doubt monsters, but later they unite against them. There’s a twist before the monsters get defeated, and even Novo was surprised at how it’s done.
Novo the Space Robot is a charming children’s picture book. One aspect that I especially liked was that the children in the book are much like typical Earth children, making it easy for young readers to identify with them. The book is far more than merely entertaining as it includes an invaluable lesson. Every child, and even their parents and grandparents who read the book to them, can identify with the book’s central premise, which is that it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt. The twist, which provides the ideal way to fight back, helps young readers see that there’s a way to triumph over the plague of self-doubt. Every child deserves to read this book and learn about the power of believing in oneself. Charly Froh wrote a creative, delightful book with a powerful lesson. The artwork by Zuzana Svobodova adds to this enjoyable and enchanting book.
Novo the Space Robot: How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters by Charly Froh is about an anthropomorphic robot from the planet Infinita. The robot and his planet have a big problem because “doubt monsters” have arrived from the planet Worria, causing residents to develop self-doubt. For example, the inhabitants of Infinita now no longer believe they could win robo-races. Some even thought their dog-like friends, called zogs, didn’t love them anymore. Novo was determined that he was going to help his planet. He headed to Earth to find assistance but was followed by the doubt monsters. At first the Earth children Novo contacts don’t respond to his plea to fight the doubt monsters, but later they unite against them. There’s a twist before the monsters get defeated, and even Novo was surprised at how it’s done.
Novo the Space Robot is a charming children’s picture book. One aspect that I especially liked was that the children in the book are much like typical Earth children, making it easy for young readers to identify with them. The book is far more than merely entertaining as it includes an invaluable lesson. Every child, and even their parents and grandparents who read the book to them, can identify with the book’s central premise, which is that it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt. The twist, which provides the ideal way to fight back, helps young readers see that there’s a way to triumph over the plague of self-doubt. Every child deserves to read this book and learn about the power of believing in oneself. Charly Froh wrote a creative, delightful book with a powerful lesson. The artwork by Zuzana Svobodova adds to this enjoyable and enchanting book.
Recommend this book:
Brooklyn Beaver ALMOST Builds a Dam
A Book on Persistence
Florenza Denise Lee
2022 Finalist
45 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Have you heard the one about the beaver who arrives to build a dam but has given all of her supplies away? Such is the story of a beaver named Brooklyn in Brooklyn Beaver Almost Builds a Dam: A Book on Persistence by Florenza Denise Lee and illustrated by Eduardo Paj. Against her better judgment, Brooklyn has agreed to haul a cart full of supplies needed to build a dam by herself. She is on her way to meet Bryceson Beaver who is going to assist with the building. Struggling to move the heavy barrow, Brooklyn is approached by one helpful neighbor after another, who offer the lighten the load and make the journey simpler by taking what they need to complete their own building projects. The trouble is when Brooklyn arrives at Bryceson's, it appears that she has given away everything they need.
The world needs some good modern children's stories with the themes previously employed by classic literature such as Aesop's fables, but in a tone and tenor that contemporary kids will connect with. Florenza Denise Lee takes fulfilling this need a step further by giving readers a theme they might not have read about before in describing how when we give away all we have to those in need, the universe often ends up giving us back more in return. What is wonderful about Brooklyn Beaver Almost Builds a Dam is that Brooklyn generously gives away her supplies without the expectation of anything in return. Eduardo Paj's distinct artistry creates illustrations that ooze color and texture. My daughter stretched out a tiny hand because it looked like Brooklyn's coat of fur could be stroked, and her fingers lingered as she took it in. Lee and Paj are now on our permanent radar for our next favorite read and I am excited to see what is to come from this dream team.
Have you heard the one about the beaver who arrives to build a dam but has given all of her supplies away? Such is the story of a beaver named Brooklyn in Brooklyn Beaver Almost Builds a Dam: A Book on Persistence by Florenza Denise Lee and illustrated by Eduardo Paj. Against her better judgment, Brooklyn has agreed to haul a cart full of supplies needed to build a dam by herself. She is on her way to meet Bryceson Beaver who is going to assist with the building. Struggling to move the heavy barrow, Brooklyn is approached by one helpful neighbor after another, who offer the lighten the load and make the journey simpler by taking what they need to complete their own building projects. The trouble is when Brooklyn arrives at Bryceson's, it appears that she has given away everything they need.
The world needs some good modern children's stories with the themes previously employed by classic literature such as Aesop's fables, but in a tone and tenor that contemporary kids will connect with. Florenza Denise Lee takes fulfilling this need a step further by giving readers a theme they might not have read about before in describing how when we give away all we have to those in need, the universe often ends up giving us back more in return. What is wonderful about Brooklyn Beaver Almost Builds a Dam is that Brooklyn generously gives away her supplies without the expectation of anything in return. Eduardo Paj's distinct artistry creates illustrations that ooze color and texture. My daughter stretched out a tiny hand because it looked like Brooklyn's coat of fur could be stroked, and her fingers lingered as she took it in. Lee and Paj are now on our permanent radar for our next favorite read and I am excited to see what is to come from this dream team.
Recommend this book:
Zark
Kevin Eisenbaum, Masha Klot
2022 Honorable Mention
36 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
Zark by Kevin Eisenbaum is an adventurous picture book for young children. A young boy is eager to learn his older brother's secret. The secret lies behind his brother's door and he wastes no time in finding out more. The young boy begs and begs his brother to tell him the secret, leading the brother to accidentally slip up and mention a potentially dangerous place called Zark. Unable to get more information out of his brother, the young boy sets out on a mission to prove his worth. The boy goes to some seriously smelly lengths to find out what he wants to know, and in the end, it pays off! His brother finally agrees to tell him everything and allows him to visit Zark. His brother prepares him for the journey, and before they know it, they've arrived!
What exactly is in Zark and what makes it so dangerous? Find out in this highly entertaining story.
Zark is an extremely amusing book. It is jam-packed with adventure and intrigue from the start and will have you hooked on every page. Kevin Eisenbaum has created the perfect book for children that will entertain them the whole way through. His imagination knows no bounds, which is what makes him a great children's author. His writing talent shines through every word he has written. The author has collaborated with artist Masha Klot to create epic illustrations that complement his talents even more. The two make a great team and should work together in the future. I can't wait to see more!
Zark by Kevin Eisenbaum is an adventurous picture book for young children. A young boy is eager to learn his older brother's secret. The secret lies behind his brother's door and he wastes no time in finding out more. The young boy begs and begs his brother to tell him the secret, leading the brother to accidentally slip up and mention a potentially dangerous place called Zark. Unable to get more information out of his brother, the young boy sets out on a mission to prove his worth. The boy goes to some seriously smelly lengths to find out what he wants to know, and in the end, it pays off! His brother finally agrees to tell him everything and allows him to visit Zark. His brother prepares him for the journey, and before they know it, they've arrived!
What exactly is in Zark and what makes it so dangerous? Find out in this highly entertaining story.
Zark is an extremely amusing book. It is jam-packed with adventure and intrigue from the start and will have you hooked on every page. Kevin Eisenbaum has created the perfect book for children that will entertain them the whole way through. His imagination knows no bounds, which is what makes him a great children's author. His writing talent shines through every word he has written. The author has collaborated with artist Masha Klot to create epic illustrations that complement his talents even more. The two make a great team and should work together in the future. I can't wait to see more!
Recommend this book:
ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters
J Bean Palmer
2022 Silver Medal
196 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Samantha Gregory for Readers' Favorite
ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters by J Bean Palmer is the story of a young witch called ElsBeth, who lives in the human world. She goes to a human school and must hide what she can do from everyone around her. As well as dealing with schoolwork, bullies and the perils of being a witch, ElsBeth also has to contend with Ms. Finch, her horrible teacher. She constantly picks on ElsBeth and embarrasses her in class when she gets an answer wrong. She faces a new threat when she goes on a school trip and one of her classmates is kidnapped. ElsBeth sets out to rescue him along with the help of a ghost - Captain Thomas Jacques. ElsBeth must use everything she has learned from her witch grandmother to save the day.
J Bean Palmer has written an engaging and entertaining story with ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters Cape Cod Witch Series. This is the second book in the series and ElsBeth has been on quite an adventure in book 1. ElsBeth is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her. She may not be the most skilled witch, but she is always eager to help those in need. I liked how the author worked in a few lessons along the way like a math question. It's a fun way for kids to learn without realizing they are. The story moved at a good pace and I think that kids would enjoy reading this book. I would recommend it.
ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters by J Bean Palmer is the story of a young witch called ElsBeth, who lives in the human world. She goes to a human school and must hide what she can do from everyone around her. As well as dealing with schoolwork, bullies and the perils of being a witch, ElsBeth also has to contend with Ms. Finch, her horrible teacher. She constantly picks on ElsBeth and embarrasses her in class when she gets an answer wrong. She faces a new threat when she goes on a school trip and one of her classmates is kidnapped. ElsBeth sets out to rescue him along with the help of a ghost - Captain Thomas Jacques. ElsBeth must use everything she has learned from her witch grandmother to save the day.
J Bean Palmer has written an engaging and entertaining story with ElsBeth and the Freedom Fighters Cape Cod Witch Series. This is the second book in the series and ElsBeth has been on quite an adventure in book 1. ElsBeth is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her. She may not be the most skilled witch, but she is always eager to help those in need. I liked how the author worked in a few lessons along the way like a math question. It's a fun way for kids to learn without realizing they are. The story moved at a good pace and I think that kids would enjoy reading this book. I would recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Unlegendary Dragon
The Magical Kids of Lore
R.L. Ullman
2022 Gold Medal
223 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Unlegendary Dragon is the first book of The Magical Kids of Lore series by R.L. Ullman. Twelve-year-old Connor Pendridge is particularly miffed when he and his mother move to the remote island town of Lore off the coast of New England. After enrolling in Lore Middle School as a sixth-grader, Connor is plagued with visions of out-worldly creatures. He soon befriends two best friends, Gabriella Silva (Gabby), a major jock, and Wade Albert, a computer whiz kid. When Gabby invites Connor to the Camelot Renaissance Faire, he meets the enigmatic Merlin, who warns him of Morgan le Fay, an evil witch who seeks to rule both the Mortal and Avalon Realms. With the dragon amulet at his disposal, Connor must now embrace his destiny and defeat Morgan le Fay and her Cursed Army.
For kids and young adults alike, Unlegendary Dragon from The Magical Kids of Lore series is a fantasy adventure you don't want to miss. Author R.L. Ullman spins a captivating fantasy yarn drenched in magic, lore, and mystery, using some familiar mythical personalities that make the story all the more engaging and entertaining. Moving at a brisk pace, the plot traverses multiple twists and turns to keep your eyes glued to the pages. The characters are full of life, with colorful personas that make for plenty of fun-filled moments. Connor is an immensely likable kid you can't help rooting for. I thoroughly enjoyed his scenes with Aunt Agnes, Merlin, Gabby, and Wade. Recommended to readers who love fantasy adventure stories.
Unlegendary Dragon is the first book of The Magical Kids of Lore series by R.L. Ullman. Twelve-year-old Connor Pendridge is particularly miffed when he and his mother move to the remote island town of Lore off the coast of New England. After enrolling in Lore Middle School as a sixth-grader, Connor is plagued with visions of out-worldly creatures. He soon befriends two best friends, Gabriella Silva (Gabby), a major jock, and Wade Albert, a computer whiz kid. When Gabby invites Connor to the Camelot Renaissance Faire, he meets the enigmatic Merlin, who warns him of Morgan le Fay, an evil witch who seeks to rule both the Mortal and Avalon Realms. With the dragon amulet at his disposal, Connor must now embrace his destiny and defeat Morgan le Fay and her Cursed Army.
For kids and young adults alike, Unlegendary Dragon from The Magical Kids of Lore series is a fantasy adventure you don't want to miss. Author R.L. Ullman spins a captivating fantasy yarn drenched in magic, lore, and mystery, using some familiar mythical personalities that make the story all the more engaging and entertaining. Moving at a brisk pace, the plot traverses multiple twists and turns to keep your eyes glued to the pages. The characters are full of life, with colorful personas that make for plenty of fun-filled moments. Connor is an immensely likable kid you can't help rooting for. I thoroughly enjoyed his scenes with Aunt Agnes, Merlin, Gabby, and Wade. Recommended to readers who love fantasy adventure stories.
Recommend this book:
. She has no problem with leaving the flowers alone and not digging in the yard, but when a b...){kind=link}
Why So Many Rules?
Kathleen Gorman
2021 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
It’s rule number 5 that gets Kiwi: “Stay in your yard.” Kiwi is a mini-Aussie puppy, full of energy and curiosity. The list of rules is posted on her doghouse. She agrees with them all, only she has a short memory like most puppies (and children, too). She has no problem with leaving the flowers alone and not digging in the yard, but when a butterfly attracts her attention and flies away over the fence and out of the yard, what’s a curious little puppy supposed to do? She doesn’t dig her way under the fence. Well, not really. But she does get out and she’s sure she knows where she’s going and how to get home again. She knows she’s forgetting something and all the five’s she passes on her jaunt to catch the butterfly fail to remind her of one very important rule!
Kathleen Gorman’s picture book story, Why So Many Rules?, is a sweet story about a puppy who doesn’t like rules. What puppy, or child for that matter, does like rules. Kiwi thinks there are too many rules, but there are only five and it’s the number 5 rule that she conveniently forgets. The plot follows Kiwi’s adventures after she’s read and agreed with the list of rules. The young reader will be chuckling along as Kiwi gets further and further away from the safety of her own backyard. With colorful illustrations and lots of excitement, including lots of five’s to teach young readers some numbers, this story will be a favorite to read along with a grownup or read all by oneself. Great lessons are being taught, especially the importance of staying where Mom and Dad can find you: in your own backyard!
It’s rule number 5 that gets Kiwi: “Stay in your yard.” Kiwi is a mini-Aussie puppy, full of energy and curiosity. The list of rules is posted on her doghouse. She agrees with them all, only she has a short memory like most puppies (and children, too). She has no problem with leaving the flowers alone and not digging in the yard, but when a butterfly attracts her attention and flies away over the fence and out of the yard, what’s a curious little puppy supposed to do? She doesn’t dig her way under the fence. Well, not really. But she does get out and she’s sure she knows where she’s going and how to get home again. She knows she’s forgetting something and all the five’s she passes on her jaunt to catch the butterfly fail to remind her of one very important rule!
Kathleen Gorman’s picture book story, Why So Many Rules?, is a sweet story about a puppy who doesn’t like rules. What puppy, or child for that matter, does like rules. Kiwi thinks there are too many rules, but there are only five and it’s the number 5 rule that she conveniently forgets. The plot follows Kiwi’s adventures after she’s read and agreed with the list of rules. The young reader will be chuckling along as Kiwi gets further and further away from the safety of her own backyard. With colorful illustrations and lots of excitement, including lots of five’s to teach young readers some numbers, this story will be a favorite to read along with a grownup or read all by oneself. Great lessons are being taught, especially the importance of staying where Mom and Dad can find you: in your own backyard!
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