BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
When the Sky Turned to Dust
They fought for their land, their family, and their lives
Catherine Matthias
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
When the Sky Turned to Dust by Catherine Matthias is an engrossing MG novel that takes the reader into the life of a family fighting to survive the dust storms affecting their home in Kansas. It follows 12-year-old Caroline, who, along with her 9-year-old brother, tries to help their family navigate the frequent damage to their farm caused by drought, dust, and violent winds. With almost every dust storm, tragedy strikes: some people lose their crops, animals, or even their lives; thus, many families decide to move away. Unfortunately, even Caroline's parents are forced to make a hard decision. However, after surviving many violent dust storms, the worst storm ever recorded hits their farm and threatens their lives. Will the Dolan family keep fighting the dust storms? What other hardships will strike them?
When the Sky Turned to Dust by Catherine Matthias is a heart-wrenching yet extraordinary and inspiring middle-grade historical novel. Told through the eyes of a young girl determined to fight for her family, home, and life, this book is impeccably crafted and well-written, exploring themes of strength, resilience, loss, grief, family, and survival. It's a must-read about living through the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, wonderfully depicting in great detail the terror and disaster caused by drought, heat, cold, dust, and storms that affected many people and also one family's ability to ensure their survival and hold on to their hope, strength, happiness, and even their farm in a time when many families lost theirs.
When the Sky Turned to Dust by Catherine Matthias is an engrossing MG novel that takes the reader into the life of a family fighting to survive the dust storms affecting their home in Kansas. It follows 12-year-old Caroline, who, along with her 9-year-old brother, tries to help their family navigate the frequent damage to their farm caused by drought, dust, and violent winds. With almost every dust storm, tragedy strikes: some people lose their crops, animals, or even their lives; thus, many families decide to move away. Unfortunately, even Caroline's parents are forced to make a hard decision. However, after surviving many violent dust storms, the worst storm ever recorded hits their farm and threatens their lives. Will the Dolan family keep fighting the dust storms? What other hardships will strike them?
When the Sky Turned to Dust by Catherine Matthias is a heart-wrenching yet extraordinary and inspiring middle-grade historical novel. Told through the eyes of a young girl determined to fight for her family, home, and life, this book is impeccably crafted and well-written, exploring themes of strength, resilience, loss, grief, family, and survival. It's a must-read about living through the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, wonderfully depicting in great detail the terror and disaster caused by drought, heat, cold, dust, and storms that affected many people and also one family's ability to ensure their survival and hold on to their hope, strength, happiness, and even their farm in a time when many families lost theirs.
Recommend this book:
The Day I Had a Fire Truck
Ashley Wall, Vaughan Duck
2026 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Day I Had a Fire Truck is a children’s adventure by Ashley Wall. Luke is surprised to see Fire Chief Dave’s shiny red fire truck in his driveway with a note attached to it. Chief Dave and the other firemen are taking the day off to explore the slide at the new water park and want Luke to manage the fire station. An excited Luke drives the fire truck to get his crew, Noah, Mikey, and Emma. Emma turns on the lights and the siren as soon as they receive a radio call that Mrs. Lola’s cat, Fefe, is stuck in a tree. Noah gets into the aerial that reaches high places with the team's help and rescues Fefe. After leaving, Emma encourages Mikey to drive the fire truck slowly after he knocks down a fire hydrant. The tired team returns to the station for lunch but is soon alerted to a fire at Mr. Popsicle’s ice-cream shop and responds quickly. They see smoke coming from the shop. Will Luke and his team be able to save the ice-cream shop?
The Day I Had a Fire Truck is a cute adventure story for children by Ashley Wall. Do you think that you can manage a fire station like Luke? I think Luke and his friends did a great job responding to the emergencies they had. It’s the reason why Fire Chief Dave and his team were able to take the day off to explore the new water park. The friends worked well as a team and did not panic when they had emergencies to deal with. Noah knew the functions of the fire truck equipment because he had read many books, while Emma offered helpful suggestions. The expressive illustrations by Vaughan Duck complement the creative writing. Children will adore reading this book.
The Day I Had a Fire Truck is a children’s adventure by Ashley Wall. Luke is surprised to see Fire Chief Dave’s shiny red fire truck in his driveway with a note attached to it. Chief Dave and the other firemen are taking the day off to explore the slide at the new water park and want Luke to manage the fire station. An excited Luke drives the fire truck to get his crew, Noah, Mikey, and Emma. Emma turns on the lights and the siren as soon as they receive a radio call that Mrs. Lola’s cat, Fefe, is stuck in a tree. Noah gets into the aerial that reaches high places with the team's help and rescues Fefe. After leaving, Emma encourages Mikey to drive the fire truck slowly after he knocks down a fire hydrant. The tired team returns to the station for lunch but is soon alerted to a fire at Mr. Popsicle’s ice-cream shop and responds quickly. They see smoke coming from the shop. Will Luke and his team be able to save the ice-cream shop?
The Day I Had a Fire Truck is a cute adventure story for children by Ashley Wall. Do you think that you can manage a fire station like Luke? I think Luke and his friends did a great job responding to the emergencies they had. It’s the reason why Fire Chief Dave and his team were able to take the day off to explore the new water park. The friends worked well as a team and did not panic when they had emergencies to deal with. Noah knew the functions of the fire truck equipment because he had read many books, while Emma offered helpful suggestions. The expressive illustrations by Vaughan Duck complement the creative writing. Children will adore reading this book.
Recommend this book:
Mouse Visits Yosemite National Park
Tricia Gardella
2026 Bronze Medal
40 Pages
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Mouse Visits Yosemite National Park is a children’s adventure picture book written by Tricia Gardella, featuring illustrations by Ginger Nielson. It follows a small mouse who wonders about the views at Yosemite National Park. He taps a few keys on his magical keyboard and—boom—he’s suddenly in Yosemite. Mouse goes on a hike, running into a critter named Pika, a flying squirrel, and a friendly deer mouse named Slim, and spends a night in the park. The next morning, Mouse keeps exploring. He jumps on a tram, joins a bunch of hikers, and checks out all kinds of amazing sights, seeing the famous Yosemite waterfalls and wildlife popping up around every corner. Follow Mouse as he dives into Yosemite’s wild heart and stumbles into all sorts of adventure.
Mouse Visits Yosemite National Park is a fun and educational read that will take you to one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. The story is not only about observing nature but is also a reminder of the importance of conservation, protecting our natural environment, and saving our planet. Tricia Gardella has included factual information about Yosemite’s geography, wildlife, and history in her adventure story. The balance is well done, making sure readers equally learn and enjoy the story. The realistic illustrations transport the reader to Yosemite Park, showing the lush greenery, hiking trails, animals, and beautiful waterfalls. The author has included the names of tourist favorite spots like the Half Dome, El Capitan mountain, and Horsetail Falls, which normally dries up in summer. The book also has questions that you can ask your kids to test them on what they learned from the story. This is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to learn about Yosemite National Park.
Mouse Visits Yosemite National Park is a children’s adventure picture book written by Tricia Gardella, featuring illustrations by Ginger Nielson. It follows a small mouse who wonders about the views at Yosemite National Park. He taps a few keys on his magical keyboard and—boom—he’s suddenly in Yosemite. Mouse goes on a hike, running into a critter named Pika, a flying squirrel, and a friendly deer mouse named Slim, and spends a night in the park. The next morning, Mouse keeps exploring. He jumps on a tram, joins a bunch of hikers, and checks out all kinds of amazing sights, seeing the famous Yosemite waterfalls and wildlife popping up around every corner. Follow Mouse as he dives into Yosemite’s wild heart and stumbles into all sorts of adventure.
Mouse Visits Yosemite National Park is a fun and educational read that will take you to one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. The story is not only about observing nature but is also a reminder of the importance of conservation, protecting our natural environment, and saving our planet. Tricia Gardella has included factual information about Yosemite’s geography, wildlife, and history in her adventure story. The balance is well done, making sure readers equally learn and enjoy the story. The realistic illustrations transport the reader to Yosemite Park, showing the lush greenery, hiking trails, animals, and beautiful waterfalls. The author has included the names of tourist favorite spots like the Half Dome, El Capitan mountain, and Horsetail Falls, which normally dries up in summer. The book also has questions that you can ask your kids to test them on what they learned from the story. This is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to learn about Yosemite National Park.
Recommend this book:
 by Gregory English is a heartwarming story about Denali, a young wolverine who lives in the cold wilderness of the Alaska Range. Wolverines have a reputation for being tough and picking on other animals. So when Denali and his brother Kusko are born, everyone just assumes they’ll be the same—loud, p...){kind=link}
The Legend of Denali
A Wolverine with Heart
Gregory English
2026 Bronze Medal
61 Pages
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
The Legend of Denali (A Wolverine with Heart) by Gregory English is a heartwarming story about Denali, a young wolverine who lives in the cold wilderness of the Alaska Range. Wolverines have a reputation for being tough and picking on other animals. So when Denali and his brother Kusko are born, everyone just assumes they’ll be the same—loud, pushy, always looking for trouble. However, Denali proves everyone wrong; he chooses kindness and friendship over solitude. He befriends Bruno the bear, Gus the moose, Rangle the caribou, and Koyukon the eagle, teaching them where to find food and learning from them about the dangerous pack of wolves and the humans that inhabit the region. Denali continues to be kind to others and curious about humans, in spite of his family's disapproval. His kind deeds result in a miraculous rescue that not only saves one of his friends but also secures his legendary status.
The Legend of Denali isn’t just a sweet story about kindness and friendship—it actually pulls you right into the wilds of Alaska. You’re not just tagging along with the characters; you’re learning real stuff about the land, the animals, and the history that makes the place unique. Gregory English doesn’t just describe the scenery; he really brings it to life, showing you how wolverines live, hunt, and raise their young. It covers seasonal changes and animal migration. Denali's journey is vital because it reminds us not to follow what others expect us to be but to be more compassionate individuals and not judge others before we get to know them. The people in the story, the native Athabaskan Indians, show a deep respect for nature and wildlife. Their way of living encourages readers to think about preserving the world around us. Their tribe passes on teachings across generations about protecting nature through stories like that of Denali. I loved the narrative because it is engaging, with simple language that children can easily understand. This is a great choice for anyone interested in reading about wildlife in Alaska and who would enjoy an inspirational animal story about kindness.
The Legend of Denali (A Wolverine with Heart) by Gregory English is a heartwarming story about Denali, a young wolverine who lives in the cold wilderness of the Alaska Range. Wolverines have a reputation for being tough and picking on other animals. So when Denali and his brother Kusko are born, everyone just assumes they’ll be the same—loud, pushy, always looking for trouble. However, Denali proves everyone wrong; he chooses kindness and friendship over solitude. He befriends Bruno the bear, Gus the moose, Rangle the caribou, and Koyukon the eagle, teaching them where to find food and learning from them about the dangerous pack of wolves and the humans that inhabit the region. Denali continues to be kind to others and curious about humans, in spite of his family's disapproval. His kind deeds result in a miraculous rescue that not only saves one of his friends but also secures his legendary status.
The Legend of Denali isn’t just a sweet story about kindness and friendship—it actually pulls you right into the wilds of Alaska. You’re not just tagging along with the characters; you’re learning real stuff about the land, the animals, and the history that makes the place unique. Gregory English doesn’t just describe the scenery; he really brings it to life, showing you how wolverines live, hunt, and raise their young. It covers seasonal changes and animal migration. Denali's journey is vital because it reminds us not to follow what others expect us to be but to be more compassionate individuals and not judge others before we get to know them. The people in the story, the native Athabaskan Indians, show a deep respect for nature and wildlife. Their way of living encourages readers to think about preserving the world around us. Their tribe passes on teachings across generations about protecting nature through stories like that of Denali. I loved the narrative because it is engaging, with simple language that children can easily understand. This is a great choice for anyone interested in reading about wildlife in Alaska and who would enjoy an inspirational animal story about kindness.
Recommend this book:
Where's Winnie?
Beth Nicole Hynes
2026 Silver Medal
36 Pages
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
One summer holiday, Beth found a puppy, Winnie, and Winnie found Beth. They had a beautiful bond. All summer, they did everything together—eating, playing, sleeping. Then school resumed, and Beth left for school that morning. Winnie waited, called, and searched for Beth, but there was no Beth, not in the cupboard nor in their usual playing spots. After a while, Winnie assumed Beth was lost and set out to find her. Outside the house, Winnie asked a couple of animals if they had seen Beth, and soon, Winnie walked into the woods, looking for Beth. Beth came home, excited to tell Winnie about her adventures on the first day of school, but alas, there was no Winnie. Beth searched and called for Winnie, but to no avail. So, Beth set out to search for Winnie. Where’s Winnie? by Beth Nicole Hynes is a lighthearted story about Beth and Winnie’s journey to finding each other again.
I loved everything about Where’s Winnie?, from the story to the beautiful illustrations. The story was simple yet heartfelt and exciting, even thrilling, because of Winnie’s experiences in the wild. I loved the bond between Beth and Winnie, and I liked how the story unfolded from both their perspectives. I especially loved the illustrations; the drawings by Polya Bulba were very colorful and expressive. This story is based on the author’s experience, and the reality of it made me realize that pets must be awfully confused when their owners leave them, especially for the first time. I empathize with them. I enjoyed this beautiful picture book by Beth Nicole Hynes, and I recommend it.
One summer holiday, Beth found a puppy, Winnie, and Winnie found Beth. They had a beautiful bond. All summer, they did everything together—eating, playing, sleeping. Then school resumed, and Beth left for school that morning. Winnie waited, called, and searched for Beth, but there was no Beth, not in the cupboard nor in their usual playing spots. After a while, Winnie assumed Beth was lost and set out to find her. Outside the house, Winnie asked a couple of animals if they had seen Beth, and soon, Winnie walked into the woods, looking for Beth. Beth came home, excited to tell Winnie about her adventures on the first day of school, but alas, there was no Winnie. Beth searched and called for Winnie, but to no avail. So, Beth set out to search for Winnie. Where’s Winnie? by Beth Nicole Hynes is a lighthearted story about Beth and Winnie’s journey to finding each other again.
I loved everything about Where’s Winnie?, from the story to the beautiful illustrations. The story was simple yet heartfelt and exciting, even thrilling, because of Winnie’s experiences in the wild. I loved the bond between Beth and Winnie, and I liked how the story unfolded from both their perspectives. I especially loved the illustrations; the drawings by Polya Bulba were very colorful and expressive. This story is based on the author’s experience, and the reality of it made me realize that pets must be awfully confused when their owners leave them, especially for the first time. I empathize with them. I enjoyed this beautiful picture book by Beth Nicole Hynes, and I recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave
Dogfish Tales
Rita Reed
2026 Silver Medal
40 Pages
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
In Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave, Rita Reed entices children with a setting in the sun-soaked shores of Maui. Dogfish swims off enthusiastically to see cousin Milo in Maui, and discovers a magical summer filled with dancing, giggles, and the delightful company of Hula, Milo’s beloved pet hermit crab wearing a swish-swishy shell. But when Hula crosses the "rainbow bridge" beneath silver moonlight, Milo’s happy world is suddenly filled with sorrow. Milo is unwilling to play. Dogfish helps his cousin understand grief in this difficult moment with wisdom and patience. Together, they build a memory box filled with love notes and puka shells, bring together ocean friends for a special ceremony under the rainbow skies, and tell beautiful stories to celebrate Hula’s silly wiggles. But Hula leaves a surprise behind.
Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave is beautifully illustrated with soothing colors in Craig Cartwright’s cinematic artwork. The book is filled with joyful notes. Grief comes with lessons for children, and the most important is that “Aloha means hello … and goodbye, you know.” This book also has great moments for adults. When Milo is distraught and sad, Dogfish reminds him that it takes “gentle strength to let tears fall.” And I smiled reading this, because it demonstrates that letting tears fall isn’t a weakness. Rita Reed introduces bereavement for children in an age-appropriate manner. The lilting, rhyming verses were delightful, and I enjoyed how the Hawaiian cultural concepts (ohana, aloha, mahalo) added texture to the story. Young readers will learn that creating tangible memorials can help honor relationships. The Create Your Own Memory Box guide made the book even more engaging and interactive. A perfect gift for children.
In Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave, Rita Reed entices children with a setting in the sun-soaked shores of Maui. Dogfish swims off enthusiastically to see cousin Milo in Maui, and discovers a magical summer filled with dancing, giggles, and the delightful company of Hula, Milo’s beloved pet hermit crab wearing a swish-swishy shell. But when Hula crosses the "rainbow bridge" beneath silver moonlight, Milo’s happy world is suddenly filled with sorrow. Milo is unwilling to play. Dogfish helps his cousin understand grief in this difficult moment with wisdom and patience. Together, they build a memory box filled with love notes and puka shells, bring together ocean friends for a special ceremony under the rainbow skies, and tell beautiful stories to celebrate Hula’s silly wiggles. But Hula leaves a surprise behind.
Dogfish and the Goodbye Wave is beautifully illustrated with soothing colors in Craig Cartwright’s cinematic artwork. The book is filled with joyful notes. Grief comes with lessons for children, and the most important is that “Aloha means hello … and goodbye, you know.” This book also has great moments for adults. When Milo is distraught and sad, Dogfish reminds him that it takes “gentle strength to let tears fall.” And I smiled reading this, because it demonstrates that letting tears fall isn’t a weakness. Rita Reed introduces bereavement for children in an age-appropriate manner. The lilting, rhyming verses were delightful, and I enjoyed how the Hawaiian cultural concepts (ohana, aloha, mahalo) added texture to the story. Young readers will learn that creating tangible memorials can help honor relationships. The Create Your Own Memory Box guide made the book even more engaging and interactive. A perfect gift for children.
Recommend this book:
Holly and the Magic Bunny
Kateryna Dronova, Dara Karei
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Stewart Brian for Readers' Favorite
Holly and the Magic Bunny by Kateryna Dronova is a well-written book that enlightens young readers on the importance of being helpful and kind to others. Holly refuses to help her grandma during the winter. While trying to sleep, Holly encounters Toby, a talking bunny, outside the window. She dashes out and runs after Toby, deep into the forest. Holly soon discovers she is lost and cannot find her way back to her grandma’s house. In an attempt to help Holly find her way, Toby introduces her to Squeaky, a talking squirrel who is busy gathering supplies for the winter storm. After the events in the forest, Holly learns the value of kindness and helpfulness.
This book was amazing and contains morally sound lessons that have a profoundly positive impact on children. The story has well-developed characters that children could easily relate to. I also loved the visually appealing font style and the illustrations by Dara Karei, which make the story more engaging for kids. The writing is simple and clear, well-paced, straightforward, and easy to comprehend. This book features themes of teamwork, courage, kindness, friendship, and more. I found this story entertaining, and it is a reminder that small acts of kindness can go a long way to improving the lives of others. I am certain this book would make an intriguing bedtime story for kids and introduce them to children's literature. I recommend Holly and the Magic Bunny by Kateryna Dronova to all young readers.
Holly and the Magic Bunny by Kateryna Dronova is a well-written book that enlightens young readers on the importance of being helpful and kind to others. Holly refuses to help her grandma during the winter. While trying to sleep, Holly encounters Toby, a talking bunny, outside the window. She dashes out and runs after Toby, deep into the forest. Holly soon discovers she is lost and cannot find her way back to her grandma’s house. In an attempt to help Holly find her way, Toby introduces her to Squeaky, a talking squirrel who is busy gathering supplies for the winter storm. After the events in the forest, Holly learns the value of kindness and helpfulness.
This book was amazing and contains morally sound lessons that have a profoundly positive impact on children. The story has well-developed characters that children could easily relate to. I also loved the visually appealing font style and the illustrations by Dara Karei, which make the story more engaging for kids. The writing is simple and clear, well-paced, straightforward, and easy to comprehend. This book features themes of teamwork, courage, kindness, friendship, and more. I found this story entertaining, and it is a reminder that small acts of kindness can go a long way to improving the lives of others. I am certain this book would make an intriguing bedtime story for kids and introduce them to children's literature. I recommend Holly and the Magic Bunny by Kateryna Dronova to all young readers.
Recommend this book:
The Magical World of Rosie & Rainn
The ZooZoo Cookies
Sydnie Suskind
2025 Finalist
178 Pages
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Magical World of Rosie & Rainn: The ZooZoo Cookies by Sydnie Suskind, with illustrations by João Francisco, is a wildly imaginative adventure that blends sibling dynamics, magical mishaps, and heartfelt lessons into one enchanting tale. The story follows twelve-year-old twins Rosie and Rainn, who couldn't be more different. Rosie is impulsive, creative, and often messy, while Rainn is logical, studious, and organized. Despite their differences, the two team up for the summer to run a magical day camp for local kids, hoping to earn enough money to buy the coveted Adventure Bike 6000. The story begins with Rosie practicing low-level spells (often to the dismay of her family and their pet dragon lizard, Niko) and soon pivots into the zany world of enchanted sweets, mood-reading headbands, and the delightfully unpredictable Flip Flap Floo store.
Rosie’s first-person perspective radiates energy, effectively portraying the humor, warmth, and chaos of growing up in a magical world. The pacing is brisk, and the world-building is engaging, with scenes laden with sensory details and snappy dialogue. The camp activities are a joy to read, merging whimsy with gentle teachings about patience, cooperation, and understanding consequences. What truly stands out is Sydnie Suskind’s ability to capture the spirit of childhood exploration and creativity, complemented by João Francisco’s illustrations that infuse charm and motion into each scene. This narrative celebrates curiosity and bravery, all wrapped in a delightful, giggle-filled package that will thrill children dreaming of casting spells or simply riding the coolest bike in the neighborhood. After reading The Magical World of Rosie & Rainn: The ZooZoo Cookies, you'll scream for more. This series' debut is sure to be a literary classic.
The Magical World of Rosie & Rainn: The ZooZoo Cookies by Sydnie Suskind, with illustrations by João Francisco, is a wildly imaginative adventure that blends sibling dynamics, magical mishaps, and heartfelt lessons into one enchanting tale. The story follows twelve-year-old twins Rosie and Rainn, who couldn't be more different. Rosie is impulsive, creative, and often messy, while Rainn is logical, studious, and organized. Despite their differences, the two team up for the summer to run a magical day camp for local kids, hoping to earn enough money to buy the coveted Adventure Bike 6000. The story begins with Rosie practicing low-level spells (often to the dismay of her family and their pet dragon lizard, Niko) and soon pivots into the zany world of enchanted sweets, mood-reading headbands, and the delightfully unpredictable Flip Flap Floo store.
Rosie’s first-person perspective radiates energy, effectively portraying the humor, warmth, and chaos of growing up in a magical world. The pacing is brisk, and the world-building is engaging, with scenes laden with sensory details and snappy dialogue. The camp activities are a joy to read, merging whimsy with gentle teachings about patience, cooperation, and understanding consequences. What truly stands out is Sydnie Suskind’s ability to capture the spirit of childhood exploration and creativity, complemented by João Francisco’s illustrations that infuse charm and motion into each scene. This narrative celebrates curiosity and bravery, all wrapped in a delightful, giggle-filled package that will thrill children dreaming of casting spells or simply riding the coolest bike in the neighborhood. After reading The Magical World of Rosie & Rainn: The ZooZoo Cookies, you'll scream for more. This series' debut is sure to be a literary classic.
Recommend this book:
Exploring is NOT for Me!
George & Gemma Series
Nancy Jean, Lucy Shin
2025 Honorable Mention
36 Pages
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Mimie Odigwe for Readers' Favorite
In Exploring Is NOT For Me, written by Nancy Jean and illustrated by Lucy Shin, George does not want to go on an adventure. He would rather stay at home all day than explore. When he is made to go camping with Gemma, George grumbles and groans throughout the ride. Nothing Gemma does or says can brighten his mood, even when she sings or dances. At the park, George is miserable. The ride was extra bumpy, and he couldn’t make his blankets comfortable. When asked to go treasure hunting with other dogs, birds, and even squirrels, George refuses. His answer is always the same: “Exploring is NOT for me.” Can Gemma convince George to let loose and have fun at the park?
Gemma is an exemplary character. She tries her best to ensure George enjoys his stay, yet she doesn’t let his mood affect hers. George is a relatable character—many young children have things they dislike or fear, and they will quickly identify with George. Exploring Is NOT For Me teaches children to step out of their comfort zone and make sacrifices for those they care about. It’s clear that George cares for Gemma and tries his best to make her happy. Author Nancy Jean also adds an insightful lesson on eiderdowns and how These are made. Her words are simple and appropriate for the target audience, while Lucy Shin’s illustrations complement the story well. This book is an excellent recommendation for teachers and parents looking for engaging and relatable stories to introduce to children.
In Exploring Is NOT For Me, written by Nancy Jean and illustrated by Lucy Shin, George does not want to go on an adventure. He would rather stay at home all day than explore. When he is made to go camping with Gemma, George grumbles and groans throughout the ride. Nothing Gemma does or says can brighten his mood, even when she sings or dances. At the park, George is miserable. The ride was extra bumpy, and he couldn’t make his blankets comfortable. When asked to go treasure hunting with other dogs, birds, and even squirrels, George refuses. His answer is always the same: “Exploring is NOT for me.” Can Gemma convince George to let loose and have fun at the park?
Gemma is an exemplary character. She tries her best to ensure George enjoys his stay, yet she doesn’t let his mood affect hers. George is a relatable character—many young children have things they dislike or fear, and they will quickly identify with George. Exploring Is NOT For Me teaches children to step out of their comfort zone and make sacrifices for those they care about. It’s clear that George cares for Gemma and tries his best to make her happy. Author Nancy Jean also adds an insightful lesson on eiderdowns and how These are made. Her words are simple and appropriate for the target audience, while Lucy Shin’s illustrations complement the story well. This book is an excellent recommendation for teachers and parents looking for engaging and relatable stories to introduce to children.
Recommend this book:
Adele and the Whispering Garden
Adele and the Whispering Garden Series Book 1
Polly Richards
2025 Bronze Medal
49 Pages
Check current price
Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
In Adele and the Whispering Garden, Polly Richards invites children to discover a love of gardening and magic. Adele is a curious girl with a big heart. Upon moving into her new home, she decides to explore. In her backyard, she finds the entrance to an abandoned garden, where a gnome statue is hidden among neglected plants. Seeing the state of the place, she wishes to restore the garden to its former beauty. This desire awakens Albert, the gnome, who tells her that she has been chosen by his pure heart to restore splendor to this environment. However, the process requires patience, dedication, and learning about nature. Albert becomes her guide, teaching her everything from composting to planting new flowers and vegetables.
I loved Polly Richards' writing because it is fun and educational. She teaches a sense of responsibility, demonstrating that a garden requires consistency and attention. By adding a touch of magic, she encourages children's imagination and curiosity. The narration is entertaining and filled with detailed descriptions of nature and plants, which immerses you in the garden. The information is useful to bring children closer to the world of gardening. Even at the end, there is a section on how to make compost to allow children to get more involved. The images are also wonderful. They present a realistic touch with black and white backgrounds, while some elements stand out in vibrant colors, which enhances their magical aspect. Adele and the Whispering Garden is a great story that will teach children the value of hard work and perseverance.
In Adele and the Whispering Garden, Polly Richards invites children to discover a love of gardening and magic. Adele is a curious girl with a big heart. Upon moving into her new home, she decides to explore. In her backyard, she finds the entrance to an abandoned garden, where a gnome statue is hidden among neglected plants. Seeing the state of the place, she wishes to restore the garden to its former beauty. This desire awakens Albert, the gnome, who tells her that she has been chosen by his pure heart to restore splendor to this environment. However, the process requires patience, dedication, and learning about nature. Albert becomes her guide, teaching her everything from composting to planting new flowers and vegetables.
I loved Polly Richards' writing because it is fun and educational. She teaches a sense of responsibility, demonstrating that a garden requires consistency and attention. By adding a touch of magic, she encourages children's imagination and curiosity. The narration is entertaining and filled with detailed descriptions of nature and plants, which immerses you in the garden. The information is useful to bring children closer to the world of gardening. Even at the end, there is a section on how to make compost to allow children to get more involved. The images are also wonderful. They present a realistic touch with black and white backgrounds, while some elements stand out in vibrant colors, which enhances their magical aspect. Adele and the Whispering Garden is a great story that will teach children the value of hard work and perseverance.
Contact Author -
