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Recommend this book:
Double Trouble on the Comarca
Jane E. Ruth, Nadezhda Goretovskaya
2026 Finalist
72 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth is a charming children's story that takes place in the vibrant rainforest of Panama. It’s about Maritza, a spunky ten-year-old Ngäbe girl, and her pet iguana, Yimy. Her heart tells her that the only way to keep her companion safe is to take him to school inside her backpack and away from her teasing siblings and other dangers in their jungle home. She embarks on an adventurous day with her school friends, encountering surprising twists and turns and learning valuable life lessons along the way. Maritza always wears a special, good luck bracelet handmade by her grandmother, a reminder of the family bonds and traditions that guide her. With various escapades and snippets of cultural details, the book offers a glimpse into Ngäbe traditions and the rainforest environment, making it an engaging read for those interested in animal stories and new cultures.
Reading Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth was truly enjoyable, especially since the main character shares a name with my friend, Maritza. That connection instantly drew me to the story. I loved seeing how her adventurous spirit was shown from the very beginning when she decided to bring her iguana to school, knowing it probably wouldn’t be okay. I can somewhat relate. I wish I could do the same with my cat, but I know it would be frowned upon. The illustrations by Nadezhda Goretovskaya scattered throughout are wonderful, capturing the lush rainforest and the characters' emotions with warmth and vivid detail. As an educator, I can envision various activities to extend it in a classroom setting. The book is filled with teachable moments about responsibility, empathy, and cultural diversity. It offers the perfect opportunity for discussions on animal care, community, and making thoughtful decisions. It’s not only entertaining but also meaningful, offering young readers a lively adventure with lessons that linger long after the last page.
Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth is a charming children's story that takes place in the vibrant rainforest of Panama. It’s about Maritza, a spunky ten-year-old Ngäbe girl, and her pet iguana, Yimy. Her heart tells her that the only way to keep her companion safe is to take him to school inside her backpack and away from her teasing siblings and other dangers in their jungle home. She embarks on an adventurous day with her school friends, encountering surprising twists and turns and learning valuable life lessons along the way. Maritza always wears a special, good luck bracelet handmade by her grandmother, a reminder of the family bonds and traditions that guide her. With various escapades and snippets of cultural details, the book offers a glimpse into Ngäbe traditions and the rainforest environment, making it an engaging read for those interested in animal stories and new cultures.
Reading Double Trouble on the Comarca by Jane E. Ruth was truly enjoyable, especially since the main character shares a name with my friend, Maritza. That connection instantly drew me to the story. I loved seeing how her adventurous spirit was shown from the very beginning when she decided to bring her iguana to school, knowing it probably wouldn’t be okay. I can somewhat relate. I wish I could do the same with my cat, but I know it would be frowned upon. The illustrations by Nadezhda Goretovskaya scattered throughout are wonderful, capturing the lush rainforest and the characters' emotions with warmth and vivid detail. As an educator, I can envision various activities to extend it in a classroom setting. The book is filled with teachable moments about responsibility, empathy, and cultural diversity. It offers the perfect opportunity for discussions on animal care, community, and making thoughtful decisions. It’s not only entertaining but also meaningful, offering young readers a lively adventure with lessons that linger long after the last page.
Recommend this book:
The Junkyard
Bryan Reilly
2026 Honorable Mention
198 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In The Junkyard by Bryan Reilly, after escaping a dog-fighting ring run by a violent junkyard owner named Mr. Fergusen, a battered pit bull called Ninja is taken into a hidden settlement beneath piles of wrecked cars where abandoned dogs survive under the leadership of a German Shepherd named Dodge. Ninja hopes to leave fighting behind, but the junkyard is divided between Dodge’s northern yard and a rival Rottweiler named Saab, whose growing power threatens the fragile order keeping the dogs alive. While tension spreads through the junkyard, a gray wolf named Canis begins hunting Dodge for reasons tied to the death of his father near the fence line. As rivalries close in from the forest and from inside the junkyard itself, Ninja finds herself pulled toward a fight far larger than the one she escaped.
Bryan Reilly’s The Junkyard is an animal-driven novel told from the point of view of the abandoned dogs living inside a sprawling scrapyard ruled by violence and underground dog fighting. For all the horrors of what goes on in the junkyard, there are some genuinely heartening moments. Dogs that are injured and can't fight are exterminated, and knowing this, Ninja secretly convinces another fighter, Sumo, to fake a match so both animals might survive another night. I love the Labrador Ruby, who risks severe punishment to feed a starving Sumo. All of Reilly's characters are fully fleshed out. Maytag combines battlefield instincts with heartbreak after a kidnapping by Canis, and the antagonist Saab turns every darn moment into a power contest. Reilly's settings are pure cinema, from the junkyard itself and its southern yard, built from filthy passenger rail cars, to the sweltering garage full of chains and blood stains. Well written, gritty, and wholly entertaining, this is perfect for strong young readers and the young at heart. Very, very highly recommended.
In The Junkyard by Bryan Reilly, after escaping a dog-fighting ring run by a violent junkyard owner named Mr. Fergusen, a battered pit bull called Ninja is taken into a hidden settlement beneath piles of wrecked cars where abandoned dogs survive under the leadership of a German Shepherd named Dodge. Ninja hopes to leave fighting behind, but the junkyard is divided between Dodge’s northern yard and a rival Rottweiler named Saab, whose growing power threatens the fragile order keeping the dogs alive. While tension spreads through the junkyard, a gray wolf named Canis begins hunting Dodge for reasons tied to the death of his father near the fence line. As rivalries close in from the forest and from inside the junkyard itself, Ninja finds herself pulled toward a fight far larger than the one she escaped.
Bryan Reilly’s The Junkyard is an animal-driven novel told from the point of view of the abandoned dogs living inside a sprawling scrapyard ruled by violence and underground dog fighting. For all the horrors of what goes on in the junkyard, there are some genuinely heartening moments. Dogs that are injured and can't fight are exterminated, and knowing this, Ninja secretly convinces another fighter, Sumo, to fake a match so both animals might survive another night. I love the Labrador Ruby, who risks severe punishment to feed a starving Sumo. All of Reilly's characters are fully fleshed out. Maytag combines battlefield instincts with heartbreak after a kidnapping by Canis, and the antagonist Saab turns every darn moment into a power contest. Reilly's settings are pure cinema, from the junkyard itself and its southern yard, built from filthy passenger rail cars, to the sweltering garage full of chains and blood stains. Well written, gritty, and wholly entertaining, this is perfect for strong young readers and the young at heart. Very, very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
 and does a roll call. The group is made up of superhero animals, each packing their own special powers and gear. Clyde leads the crew. He’s strong, shar...){kind=link}
The Amazing Critter Rescue Crew
Comic Adventures Vol. 1
Brandon Detwiler
2026 Bronze Medal
41 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
The Amazing Critter Rescue Crew by Brandon Detwiler is a children’s comic book that introduces readers to Clyde and his crew. Clyde calls for a meeting of the Amazing Critter Rescue Crew (ACRC) and does a roll call. The group is made up of superhero animals, each packing their own special powers and gear. Clyde leads the crew. He’s strong, sharp, and always on the lookout for trouble. Mack is the brains in the lab, whipping up wild gadgets for the team. Then there’s Fritz—tiny, but don’t let that fool you. He can freeze time or even jump through it. Everleigh is still figuring out how to master the wind, but she’s out there stopping thieves after dark. Lemmy also slips through the city, quietly blocking vandals before they can strike. They’re not just heroes—they’re a tight team, watching out for other animals, using their own strengths, and saving the day whenever things go wrong.
The Amazing Critter Rescue Crew is a fun, lively read that really shows how courage, teamwork, and everyone’s unique skills matter. Every crew member steps up and bravely faces danger with creativity. Brandon Detwiler introduces these characters in this volume and hints at future books filled with adventure and heroic moments. Children will have fun getting to know them and fall in love with their unique personalities. There is something for everyone, as kids who like science will be drawn to Mack, and those who love action will like Lemmy. The illustrations by Justin Dunn bring each scene to life. The action sounds and hilarious scenes add an engaging touch to the book. With reflective questions sprinkled in, kids get to see themselves in their own crew—thinking about what it means to help others and dream a little about being heroes too. This is a wonderful read that will bring you joy and encourage you to do good and be helpful to others. Great work.
The Amazing Critter Rescue Crew by Brandon Detwiler is a children’s comic book that introduces readers to Clyde and his crew. Clyde calls for a meeting of the Amazing Critter Rescue Crew (ACRC) and does a roll call. The group is made up of superhero animals, each packing their own special powers and gear. Clyde leads the crew. He’s strong, sharp, and always on the lookout for trouble. Mack is the brains in the lab, whipping up wild gadgets for the team. Then there’s Fritz—tiny, but don’t let that fool you. He can freeze time or even jump through it. Everleigh is still figuring out how to master the wind, but she’s out there stopping thieves after dark. Lemmy also slips through the city, quietly blocking vandals before they can strike. They’re not just heroes—they’re a tight team, watching out for other animals, using their own strengths, and saving the day whenever things go wrong.
The Amazing Critter Rescue Crew is a fun, lively read that really shows how courage, teamwork, and everyone’s unique skills matter. Every crew member steps up and bravely faces danger with creativity. Brandon Detwiler introduces these characters in this volume and hints at future books filled with adventure and heroic moments. Children will have fun getting to know them and fall in love with their unique personalities. There is something for everyone, as kids who like science will be drawn to Mack, and those who love action will like Lemmy. The illustrations by Justin Dunn bring each scene to life. The action sounds and hilarious scenes add an engaging touch to the book. With reflective questions sprinkled in, kids get to see themselves in their own crew—thinking about what it means to help others and dream a little about being heroes too. This is a wonderful read that will bring you joy and encourage you to do good and be helpful to others. Great work.
Recommend this book:
The Incredible Adventures of Casper The Cat Who Got Lost in Africa
Book 1 - The Pangolins
Jennifer Ussi
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: The Pangolins is the first book in a series by Jennifer Ussi. Casper is a clever cat with different colored eyes and heart-shaped markings. She lives in the city, but after an action-filled day of rescue, she falls asleep and wakes up in Africa. Everything is so much bigger, and Casper is scared, until she meets Junior, a young pangolin who shows her how wild African animals survive; Felicity, a bat-eared fox with super hearing; Gary the Go-Away bird; and Uncle Pencil. When Junior’s family is threatened by poachers, Casper joins in the fight to free them and stop the poachers from harming other animals. But Casper needs to get back home, and Obonye the owl is her only chance. Can she make it back to the city?
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa by Jennifer Ussi is an imaginative and educational story with wonderful illustrations by Lekshmi Bose. While enjoying a fun adventure story, kids will learn about African wildlife and how each animal survives. Casper is a courageous, honest character, and the story is told with plenty of humor and descriptions that transport you right into it. While they enjoy the lively story, kids will also learn about friendship, courage, and protecting nature, while being introduced to the subject of poaching, particularly pangolins, in a way that they can learn and understand without being overwhelmed by it. Kids will also love the educational facts at the end of the book about the animals Casper encountered. This is a unique book with wonderful characters and an optimistic, hopeful message – they should learn about conservation and protection to ensure the future of this planet. It’s a delightful story with a meaningful message, and both kids and adults will love reading it.
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: The Pangolins is the first book in a series by Jennifer Ussi. Casper is a clever cat with different colored eyes and heart-shaped markings. She lives in the city, but after an action-filled day of rescue, she falls asleep and wakes up in Africa. Everything is so much bigger, and Casper is scared, until she meets Junior, a young pangolin who shows her how wild African animals survive; Felicity, a bat-eared fox with super hearing; Gary the Go-Away bird; and Uncle Pencil. When Junior’s family is threatened by poachers, Casper joins in the fight to free them and stop the poachers from harming other animals. But Casper needs to get back home, and Obonye the owl is her only chance. Can she make it back to the city?
The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa by Jennifer Ussi is an imaginative and educational story with wonderful illustrations by Lekshmi Bose. While enjoying a fun adventure story, kids will learn about African wildlife and how each animal survives. Casper is a courageous, honest character, and the story is told with plenty of humor and descriptions that transport you right into it. While they enjoy the lively story, kids will also learn about friendship, courage, and protecting nature, while being introduced to the subject of poaching, particularly pangolins, in a way that they can learn and understand without being overwhelmed by it. Kids will also love the educational facts at the end of the book about the animals Casper encountered. This is a unique book with wonderful characters and an optimistic, hopeful message – they should learn about conservation and protection to ensure the future of this planet. It’s a delightful story with a meaningful message, and both kids and adults will love reading it.
Recommend this book:
Trading Card Hero
Quest for the Olympian Cards
R.L. Ullman
2026 Gold Medal
154 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Trading Card Hero by R.L. Ullman tells the adventure of the 'Quest for the Olympian Cards.' Tobey Henderson isn’t very popular at school, but when it comes to playing the trading card game Clash of the Olympians, no one can beat him. The day he got a new card, things changed. A card with the soul of Apollo in it suddenly brings the game to life. Apollo claims that the gods of Olympus are trapped in the cards—12 gods, 12 very rare cards—and it’s Tobey’s job to find them all. Those who hold the cards can bring creatures from the game into real life, and Tobey is up against some who are using the cards for evil purposes. Tobey must learn to fight real duels and face real danger. Can he succeed outside the game? If he can’t collect all the cards, he stands to lose much more.
Trading Card Hero by R.L. Ullman is a great book for young readers, especially those who love trading card games. The card depictions with each chapter are a nice touch, helping kids feel more involved with the story. This is a fast-paced story with plenty of action and a lot of humor along the way. I loved the characters, all well developed, personable, and fun to get to know. It’s written in the present tense from the perspective of the story’s hero, Tobey Henderson. It’s easy to follow and so very easy to get drawn into the plot. The writing is aimed perfectly at its target audience, and it’s compelling; you’ll be drawn in right from the first page, and at the end, you’ll find the rules of the game and a trading card checklist. This is a really fun book, and I’m sure kids of all ages will love it. It’s a great way to get kids to part from their screens for a while and get back into reading. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Trading Card Hero by R.L. Ullman tells the adventure of the 'Quest for the Olympian Cards.' Tobey Henderson isn’t very popular at school, but when it comes to playing the trading card game Clash of the Olympians, no one can beat him. The day he got a new card, things changed. A card with the soul of Apollo in it suddenly brings the game to life. Apollo claims that the gods of Olympus are trapped in the cards—12 gods, 12 very rare cards—and it’s Tobey’s job to find them all. Those who hold the cards can bring creatures from the game into real life, and Tobey is up against some who are using the cards for evil purposes. Tobey must learn to fight real duels and face real danger. Can he succeed outside the game? If he can’t collect all the cards, he stands to lose much more.
Trading Card Hero by R.L. Ullman is a great book for young readers, especially those who love trading card games. The card depictions with each chapter are a nice touch, helping kids feel more involved with the story. This is a fast-paced story with plenty of action and a lot of humor along the way. I loved the characters, all well developed, personable, and fun to get to know. It’s written in the present tense from the perspective of the story’s hero, Tobey Henderson. It’s easy to follow and so very easy to get drawn into the plot. The writing is aimed perfectly at its target audience, and it’s compelling; you’ll be drawn in right from the first page, and at the end, you’ll find the rules of the game and a trading card checklist. This is a really fun book, and I’m sure kids of all ages will love it. It’s a great way to get kids to part from their screens for a while and get back into reading. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Recommend this book:
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions
When Lightning Strikes Heroes Are Born
MSV Walker
2025 Finalist
260 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is a children's fantasy novel by MSV Walker. Mica Powers is already thirteen years old, but his powers as a Spinical have yet to show. He is still haunted by the memories of when his mother was taken away from him by the leader of the Dreads, Deedra. Alongside his friends, the twins Kevin and Kelly, Mica attends the Domain Arizona School of Spinical Studies, where youngsters learn to manifest and use their Imperia. Estee Bradford, an orphan, is the new girl in school, and Mica discovers he and Estee are the only two Wildcards in their class. Meanwhile, the Dreads are searching for a powerful weapon, and Mica is the only one who can stop them. How will Mica and his friends fare against a face-off with the Dreads?
Filled with magic, mystery, and intrigue, Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is an action-packed fantasy ride you don't want to end. If you're a fan of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, this book will be right up your alley. Author MSV Walker has built a wondrous and imaginative fantasy world featuring a magic system that is distinctly authentic and intriguing. Walker provides bits and pieces of lore about the world organically throughout the story, and it makes the setting very immersive for the reader. The characters are likable and easy to root for. Mica, Estee, the twins, and Moonshadow were my favorite characters of the bunch. I also thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Mica and his friends and their humorous interactions. In conclusion, I heartily recommend this book to both preteen and young adult readers.
Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is a children's fantasy novel by MSV Walker. Mica Powers is already thirteen years old, but his powers as a Spinical have yet to show. He is still haunted by the memories of when his mother was taken away from him by the leader of the Dreads, Deedra. Alongside his friends, the twins Kevin and Kelly, Mica attends the Domain Arizona School of Spinical Studies, where youngsters learn to manifest and use their Imperia. Estee Bradford, an orphan, is the new girl in school, and Mica discovers he and Estee are the only two Wildcards in their class. Meanwhile, the Dreads are searching for a powerful weapon, and Mica is the only one who can stop them. How will Mica and his friends fare against a face-off with the Dreads?
Filled with magic, mystery, and intrigue, Mica Powers and the Legend of the Superstitions is an action-packed fantasy ride you don't want to end. If you're a fan of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, this book will be right up your alley. Author MSV Walker has built a wondrous and imaginative fantasy world featuring a magic system that is distinctly authentic and intriguing. Walker provides bits and pieces of lore about the world organically throughout the story, and it makes the setting very immersive for the reader. The characters are likable and easy to root for. Mica, Estee, the twins, and Moonshadow were my favorite characters of the bunch. I also thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Mica and his friends and their humorous interactions. In conclusion, I heartily recommend this book to both preteen and young adult readers.
Recommend this book:
The Roll-Away Snowman
Junia Wonders
2025 Honorable Mention
46 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
The Roll-Away Snowman is a children's picture book written by Junia Wonders with illustrations by Daniela Volpari. The story follows Marla Little, a young girl who builds a snowman. Just as she is about to dress him up, a mischievous wind sprite blows her snowman away. Determined to bring him back, Marla chases after him. The snowman rolls away from her home and heads toward the town stores, where he encounters various shopkeepers who offer festive items to help dress him up. Marla expresses her gratitude to each shopkeeper but continues her pursuit of her beloved snowman. When he finally comes to a stop, Marla catches up to him and is thrilled to see his new look, adorned with buttons, a hat, a scarf, a carrot nose, and stick arms. Filled with joy, she makes a wish that makes her winter dreams come true.
The Roll-Away Snowman is a delightful story that will warm your heart. It is the second book in Junia Wonders' The Roll-Away series and offers a whimsical tale about winter adventures. Young readers will learn how to decorate a snowman and the importance of teamwork. Marla is an endearing character who shows appreciation to everyone who helps transform her snowman, and her beautiful wish reflects her compassionate nature. The book also includes educational elements, featuring a glossary of different words, mainly focusing on occupations and the names of shops mentioned in the narrative. One of the highlights of this book is the vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life. They possess a magical quality that aligns perfectly with the enchanting ambiance of winter. The sparkling lights, the swirling wind filled with soft whispers, and the unique snowflakes floating in the air collectively create a captivating atmosphere that draws readers into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend adding it to your family's holiday reading list.
The Roll-Away Snowman is a children's picture book written by Junia Wonders with illustrations by Daniela Volpari. The story follows Marla Little, a young girl who builds a snowman. Just as she is about to dress him up, a mischievous wind sprite blows her snowman away. Determined to bring him back, Marla chases after him. The snowman rolls away from her home and heads toward the town stores, where he encounters various shopkeepers who offer festive items to help dress him up. Marla expresses her gratitude to each shopkeeper but continues her pursuit of her beloved snowman. When he finally comes to a stop, Marla catches up to him and is thrilled to see his new look, adorned with buttons, a hat, a scarf, a carrot nose, and stick arms. Filled with joy, she makes a wish that makes her winter dreams come true.
The Roll-Away Snowman is a delightful story that will warm your heart. It is the second book in Junia Wonders' The Roll-Away series and offers a whimsical tale about winter adventures. Young readers will learn how to decorate a snowman and the importance of teamwork. Marla is an endearing character who shows appreciation to everyone who helps transform her snowman, and her beautiful wish reflects her compassionate nature. The book also includes educational elements, featuring a glossary of different words, mainly focusing on occupations and the names of shops mentioned in the narrative. One of the highlights of this book is the vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life. They possess a magical quality that aligns perfectly with the enchanting ambiance of winter. The sparkling lights, the swirling wind filled with soft whispers, and the unique snowflakes floating in the air collectively create a captivating atmosphere that draws readers into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend adding it to your family's holiday reading list.
Recommend this book:
Polar Post
An Erutuf National Park Novel
Kathy Arnold Cherry
2025 Bronze Medal
156 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Polar Post by Kathy Arnold Cherry is an adventurous and imaginative children’s novel that transports readers to the magical Erutuf National Park. The story follows siblings Reese and Dean, along with their dog Tutu, as they are whisked away to a park in the Arctic region. The novel masterfully combines excitement and education, featuring interactive elements like Junior Ranger activities that encourage kids to engage with the natural world. Reese’s love of math and Dean’s constant humor bring a unique dynamic to their sibling relationship. Tutu’s newfound ability to talk adds more fun to the story with her humorous comments about treats and adventures. The children navigate ice mazes, meet a magic-performing polar bear named Ty, and encounter virtual reality experiences.
Kathy Arnold Cherry's writing is lively and eloquently captures the spirit of childhood exploration. The interactions with the park’s magical inhabitants, such as talking animals, add excitement and fun, while the story’s educational aspects encourage young readers to consider the importance of conservation. The curiosity, bravery, and teamwork themes make it an entertaining and valuable read. Polar Post offers a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and learning, making it ideal for young readers who enjoy fantastical stories with some elements of reality. It entertains and inspires children to explore and appreciate the world around them. Cherry’s inclusion of fun facts and discussion questions make Polar Post an excellent addition to elementary classrooms, as students can learn about the country’s national parks in an engaging way. It's a great learning tool for parents and caregivers, too!
Polar Post by Kathy Arnold Cherry is an adventurous and imaginative children’s novel that transports readers to the magical Erutuf National Park. The story follows siblings Reese and Dean, along with their dog Tutu, as they are whisked away to a park in the Arctic region. The novel masterfully combines excitement and education, featuring interactive elements like Junior Ranger activities that encourage kids to engage with the natural world. Reese’s love of math and Dean’s constant humor bring a unique dynamic to their sibling relationship. Tutu’s newfound ability to talk adds more fun to the story with her humorous comments about treats and adventures. The children navigate ice mazes, meet a magic-performing polar bear named Ty, and encounter virtual reality experiences.
Kathy Arnold Cherry's writing is lively and eloquently captures the spirit of childhood exploration. The interactions with the park’s magical inhabitants, such as talking animals, add excitement and fun, while the story’s educational aspects encourage young readers to consider the importance of conservation. The curiosity, bravery, and teamwork themes make it an entertaining and valuable read. Polar Post offers a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and learning, making it ideal for young readers who enjoy fantastical stories with some elements of reality. It entertains and inspires children to explore and appreciate the world around them. Cherry’s inclusion of fun facts and discussion questions make Polar Post an excellent addition to elementary classrooms, as students can learn about the country’s national parks in an engaging way. It's a great learning tool for parents and caregivers, too!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/potato-man&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71U+9YOMaXL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Potato Man: The Living Potato Superhero - Part I is a children's book written by 12-year-old author Arya Arun. The story begins with an ambitious scientist who experiments to grow the world’s strongest potato. He is surprised to find that his potato talks and calls him "Dad." Not only does the potato speak, but it also has dreams, ambitions, and ...){kind=link}
Potato Man
The Living Potato Superhero - Part I
Arya Arun
2025 Silver Medal
69 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Cherubimaris Casino for Readers' Favorite
Potato Man: The Living Potato Superhero - Part I is a children's book written by 12-year-old author Arya Arun. The story begins with an ambitious scientist who experiments to grow the world’s strongest potato. He is surprised to find that his potato talks and calls him "Dad." Not only does the potato speak, but it also has dreams, ambitions, and feelings, becoming the extraordinary Potato Man. This spud-turned-superhero battles the mischievous Tomanator, a tomato-based villain with a flair for chaos. The story is set in a world where vegetables wield remarkable powers. Potato Man navigates hilarious challenges, from dodging Tomanator’s juicy schemes to uncovering secrets in a landfill-bound sack of potatoes. With a colorful cast, including Water Melon and the enigmatic Chief Bob, this is a fast-paced, action-packed tale filled with clever Easter eggs hinting at deeper mysteries for future stories.
This book had me laughing from the first page! Arya Arun’s youthful creativity shines, delivering a story that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly layered with intriguing clues for eagle-eyed readers. Dimas Yuli’s vivid illustrations accommodate Arun’s imaginative storytelling, bringing this veggie-fueled adventure to life. The characters are endearing, with Potato Man’s earnest heroism and Tomanator’s cheeky villainy stealing the show. The Easter eggs add a thrilling scavenger hunt element, making it endlessly re-readable. As a debut, it’s impressive how Arun balances humor, heart, and suspense, all while crafting a unique universe. Perfect for comic lovers of all ages, this book is a joyful, mash-up adventure that leaves you hungry for the next one! Potato Man is a vibrant comic book brimming with humor and unique characters. I can't wait to read Part II!
Potato Man: The Living Potato Superhero - Part I is a children's book written by 12-year-old author Arya Arun. The story begins with an ambitious scientist who experiments to grow the world’s strongest potato. He is surprised to find that his potato talks and calls him "Dad." Not only does the potato speak, but it also has dreams, ambitions, and feelings, becoming the extraordinary Potato Man. This spud-turned-superhero battles the mischievous Tomanator, a tomato-based villain with a flair for chaos. The story is set in a world where vegetables wield remarkable powers. Potato Man navigates hilarious challenges, from dodging Tomanator’s juicy schemes to uncovering secrets in a landfill-bound sack of potatoes. With a colorful cast, including Water Melon and the enigmatic Chief Bob, this is a fast-paced, action-packed tale filled with clever Easter eggs hinting at deeper mysteries for future stories.
This book had me laughing from the first page! Arya Arun’s youthful creativity shines, delivering a story that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly layered with intriguing clues for eagle-eyed readers. Dimas Yuli’s vivid illustrations accommodate Arun’s imaginative storytelling, bringing this veggie-fueled adventure to life. The characters are endearing, with Potato Man’s earnest heroism and Tomanator’s cheeky villainy stealing the show. The Easter eggs add a thrilling scavenger hunt element, making it endlessly re-readable. As a debut, it’s impressive how Arun balances humor, heart, and suspense, all while crafting a unique universe. Perfect for comic lovers of all ages, this book is a joyful, mash-up adventure that leaves you hungry for the next one! Potato Man is a vibrant comic book brimming with humor and unique characters. I can't wait to read Part II!
Recommend this book:
 patience. The story follows a curious child who, instead of finishing her dinner, bombards her mom with a series of hilariously bizarre "what if" questions, from having a piano for a mouth to sharks tha...){kind=link}
Would It Be Weird?
Edgar Garcia
2025 Gold Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Would it Be Weird? by Edgar Garcia is a bedtime story that celebrates a child’s vivid imagination and a parent’s loving (if slightly exhausted) patience. The story follows a curious child who, instead of finishing her dinner, bombards her mom with a series of hilariously bizarre "what if" questions, from having a piano for a mouth to sharks that challenge her to an epic dance battle, helping Viking cows defeat giant chicken pirates, and getting alien makeovers that turn the family into rock stars. The wild ideas just keep coming, but Mom always has an answer. While she insists, “Yes, that would be weird,” she joins in each fantasy scenario, until even she finally gives in: “GO TO BED!”
What makes Edgar Garcia’s work stand out is that it captures the familiar rhythm of family life, where children attempt to delay bedtime or dinner with never-ending questions, and turns it into a creative showcase of absurd humor and heart. The dialogue is very playful, with the child's curiosity balanced perfectly by the mom’s blend of sarcasm, imagination, and love. Each colorful scene escalates into silliness while maintaining a cozy parent-child dynamic that balances the child’s fantasy. Mariano Epelbaum’s illustrations bring each wacky situation to life with vibrant, animated visuals and a cartoonish charm that matches the story’s energy. From dinosaur school buses to mummified mishaps, the details on each page are as imaginative as the questions themselves, giving readers something new to spot each time. This fun story is ideal for ages 4–8. Would it Be Weird? is a wonderful pick for children with big imaginations and parents who understand the magic of playing along, even when they’re just trying to get through dinner. This book is “weird” in all the right ways.
Would it Be Weird? by Edgar Garcia is a bedtime story that celebrates a child’s vivid imagination and a parent’s loving (if slightly exhausted) patience. The story follows a curious child who, instead of finishing her dinner, bombards her mom with a series of hilariously bizarre "what if" questions, from having a piano for a mouth to sharks that challenge her to an epic dance battle, helping Viking cows defeat giant chicken pirates, and getting alien makeovers that turn the family into rock stars. The wild ideas just keep coming, but Mom always has an answer. While she insists, “Yes, that would be weird,” she joins in each fantasy scenario, until even she finally gives in: “GO TO BED!”
What makes Edgar Garcia’s work stand out is that it captures the familiar rhythm of family life, where children attempt to delay bedtime or dinner with never-ending questions, and turns it into a creative showcase of absurd humor and heart. The dialogue is very playful, with the child's curiosity balanced perfectly by the mom’s blend of sarcasm, imagination, and love. Each colorful scene escalates into silliness while maintaining a cozy parent-child dynamic that balances the child’s fantasy. Mariano Epelbaum’s illustrations bring each wacky situation to life with vibrant, animated visuals and a cartoonish charm that matches the story’s energy. From dinosaur school buses to mummified mishaps, the details on each page are as imaginative as the questions themselves, giving readers something new to spot each time. This fun story is ideal for ages 4–8. Would it Be Weird? is a wonderful pick for children with big imaginations and parents who understand the magic of playing along, even when they’re just trying to get through dinner. This book is “weird” in all the right ways.
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