Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Talon, Come Fly with Me: The Talon Series, Book 1 is a preteen and young adult adventure novel written by Gigi Sedlmayer. Being nearly ten years old and having the body of a two-year-old has not been without its challenges for Matica, especially since the Indians in the little village of Pucara in Peru, where she and her family live, are not at all comfortable with her and have forbidden their children to play with her. While she was born in Australia, she’s been living there with her missionary parents and her younger brother, Aikon, since she was four years old. Matica loves the village, but she wishes she could have friends like her little brother does. Her interest in birds leads her to admire the Andean condors who have decided to stay in the nearby mountains. She goes out to her special place to see them every day and even takes a dead lizard, when she or Aikon can find one, to toss up to the big male condor. Then one day he lands in a nearby tree to meet her. It is a momentous experience for both Matica and the huge, intelligent bird who almost seems to understand what she says -- a life-changing one.

Gigi Sedlmayer's young adult coming of age novel, Talon, Come Fly with Me: The Talon Series, Book 1, is a moving and unforgettable story about a lonely girl's friendship with an Andean condor. The author does a fabulous job of recreating the little village of Pucara and the surrounding natural areas for her readers, and her characters are finely drawn and authentic. Matica is a grand main character and watching as she summons up the courage to meet her Tamo, the adult male condor she befriends, is a remarkable thing indeed. I could feel her fear and apprehension as she devises plans to foil the intentions of the animal smugglers who are determined to steal the condor pair's egg, and cheered along with her as she finally sees a benefit to her special stature. Talon, Come Fly with Me: The Talon Series, Book 1 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite

Serendipity Mystery (Diary of a Snoopy Cat) by R.F. Christi is a fun children's book about a cat named Inca, who runs a detective agency. Inca and her family are vacationing in Sri Lanka, enjoying the sun and making new friends. But then a valuable sword goes missing from a museum, and so Inca and Company, the detective agency, sets out to solve the mystery with help from their new friends, a sea turtle and an elephant. With lots of fun adventures, the book takes the reader on a journey through Sri Lanka, but will Inca be able to solve the crime?

I really enjoyed reading Serendipity Mystery (Diary of a Snoopy Cat) by R.F. Christi. The book is well written, and I liked that it was written like a diary from the perspective of a cat. I enjoyed that the book wasn't totally focused on the mystery, and that the characters go on side adventures as well. Readers will like that it is about a cat. It was cool that the cats thought like humans. The book is interesting and I didn't want to put it down. It is a very fun and enjoyable read with some very well written characters that readers will love. Young readers will be inspired by Inca, and perhaps will want to become detectives. I appreciated that the book introduced the characters before the story began, which meant that it would make more sense to people who hadn't read the whole series. I loved the images, as they are well drawn and adorable, and they help to depict the story. I would definitely recommend this book to readers.

Reviewed by Alysha Allen for Readers' Favorite

Joe, Jemima, Charlie, and Max have opened the large Shadows From The Past book again! Join the children and Max on another fantastic time-traveling adventure in The Shadow of The Minotaur by Wendy Leighton-Porter. Joe and Jemima Lancelot have recently discovered that their time-traveling parents are lost in the past. Their only hope lies in the children finding them and bringing them a special key that takes them home. With their friend Charlie and talking Tonkinese cat Max at their sides, Joe and Jemima bravely step into the past. As the children and Max search for the missing Lancelots, they experience history in ways never imagined. This adventure sends them to ancient Knossos. It's a race against time as Joe, Jemima, Charlie and Max help Prince Theseus to kill the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as a Minotaur. With the assistance of a lovely young princess, the children and Max find a way to get into the labyrinth where the gruesome beast feasts on humans so as to aid the young prince. Only, once in the Minotaur’s dangerous lair, they find themselves trapped with no hope of escape. With the children locked deep within the Minotaur's labyrinth and their only help now a hostage in the palace, one special hero tries to save the day. Can he get help before it's too late? Will the children suffer the same fate as the twins' parents and be forever lost in time? Or worse, be eaten by the mighty Minotaur?

Another wonderful book by master story-weaver, Wendy Leighton Porter! The Shadow of The Minotaur is the second book in the Shadows From The Past series. This book is action packed and filled with adventure around every corner. The reader, young or old, won't be able to put the book down to the last page. I loved that it came with a helpful pronunciation key to help the less experienced reader. I love the Shadows From The Past series. The author has an extraordinary ability to combine history with fiction in such a realistic manner. It gives the reader the feeling of being there, next to her characters. She then explains in detail what is history and what is fiction so that the reader won't become confused. Although this book is rather gory in parts, I didn't find it offensive. Contrarily, the goriness only added to the intensity and believability of the story. This is a must-read for any youngster. I recommend this book to children ages 7-10, but I believe anyone would enjoy it. I certainly did!

Reviewed by Mary T. Kincaid for Readers' Favorite

Shadow of Atlantis by Wendy Leighton-Porter is about three children and a cat named Max, traveling back in time to the island of Atlantis. They arrive in Atlantis right before the volcanic eruption that destroyed the island and sank it into the Mediterranean Sea. An Atlantean family befriends them and they are able to tell them about the impending danger to Atlantis. The reader meets twins Jemima and Joe, Charlie, their friend, and Max, an extraordinarily large cat. In Atlantis, they learn about the disappearance of their parents who are lost in time, because they began their time travel without the key they needed to return through the portal of an old book: Shadows From the Past. This book opens the portal that allows them to travel to the past. It is opened with a key that Jemima wears on a chain. In the box with the book was a pouch of gold owl charms which allow the children to understand the language of the land, and to understand Max, their Tonkinese cat.

This is a wonderful story of adventure back into mythical history. It is a fun read, well developed and executed. The descriptions and characters are appropriate for the age intended. Children looking for adventure will enjoy this one. They will enjoy the speculation that Atlantis was in the Mediterranean Sea. The culture, customs, and society are covered by the introduction to the family of Medon, the fisherman. The high priests of Poseidon decide that the tales of Atlantis’s destruction are sent by the spies of Athena, and try to cause trouble, but Max figures out a way to rescue them. I give this book a five out of five stars and recommend it for all history buffs and adventure lovers.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea: Vols. I-III is 3-volume collection of humorous adventure stories for young readers written by S.D. Moore and illustrated by Bobbi Switzer. PJ was the smallest kid in his class, and he sometimes got teased about that by his classmates. His dad was also away quite a bit lately for business, which had been getting PJ down, but PJ’s mom had the perfect idea for making her little guy smile again. They were going to Mr. Peppy’s Pet Store to pick out a pet for him, and he would be able to choose whatever type of pet he’d like. Once they got there, his mom and Mr. Peppy started talking, and PJ wandered around the store considering who he would take home. A goldfish? Nah, you can’t really do much playing outdoors with a fish, and a guinea pig was an awful lot like a rat which his mom hates. A dog would be kind of cool, but PJ remembered what his mom said about the responsibilities involved in taking care of a dog. Then PJ heard a voice call his name -- it was a parrot. Mr. Peppy explained that his name was Split Pea, a name the bird earned both for his coloring and the split in his wing feathers from having been caught out in a storm. PJ knew almost instantly that Split Pea was the perfect pet and best friend for him. They left Mr. Peppy’s together and proceeded to go off on adventures.

S.D. Moore’s collection of humorous adventure stories for early readers, The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea: Vols. I-III, is a grand selection for early readers, but it’s also one of those books that you’re going to want to share with younger children at story time. It might even spur some reluctant readers to start trying reading books on their own. Moore’s stories are silly and fun, filled with the kinds of things that get kids, and some adults, giggling, such as using stinky socks to cover up the gaps in Split Pea’s wings (which didn’t work) and following as PJ tries to borrow false teeth for his class photo. Bobbi Switzer’s illustrations are awesome and give these stories a graphic novel feel. They’re brightly colored, hilarious and beautifully showcase the growing friendship between PJ and Split Pea. Moore includes a Bonus Activity Book at the end of the stories which includes a word search, pages from the stories to color, and a maze. The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea: Vols. I-III is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Barbara Fanson for Readers' Favorite

The purple hands on the front cover intrigued me so I had to read That Curious Sign on Aisle Nine, written by Kyle Morey with Laren Bright. And of course, when I read the sign on page 8, I also wanted to know what was behind the sign. But, what happens if you touch him? This book is a real page-turner that will have both children and adults curious as to what happens next. What a surprising twist right at the end! You’ve just got to read That Curious Sign on Aisle Nine.

The illustrations by Dwayne Bruce in That Curious Sign on Aisle Nine are excellent! Lots of color tones, the big, bold illustrations jump off the pages and add so much to the story. I like the rounded, feathered edges of the artwork and how sometimes a foot steps out. We can see the fear in the curious boy’s face, as the artwork demonstrates the story accurately. Authors Kyle Morey and Laren Bright have written a best-seller; That Curious Sign on Aisle Nine is a rhyming adventure full of mystery that will have children and their parents wondering what happens next. From start to finish, children will be entertained with words that sing from the page. That Curious Sign on Aisle Nine has a winning combination of an intriguing and entertaining story, sprinkled with the right amount of fear, and wonderful illustrations—an absolute joy to read again and again. That Curious Sign on Aisle Nine is a must-have picture book for every child’s bookshelf.

Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite

Rocket-bye by Carole P. Roman is an enjoyable picture book that takes young readers on an exciting journey. It is about two people in outer space. They soar above trees and see cities look small. They see stars make up constellations, and soar past each planet. They visit Mercury, and then romp past Venus, and then later ride the rings of Saturn, and they dart past Uranus. They have a splendid journey exploring outer space. But how will this fun adventure come to an end?

I absolutely loved Rocket-bye by Carole P. Roman. The book rhymes perfectly, and has a nice rhythm to it. It's a fun, enjoyable book and is perfect for a bedtime story. The pictures by illustrator Mateya Arkova are simple and beautiful, and depict the story very well. The pictures also show real constellations behind the characters, which helps if someone wanted to learn about the constellations. The book is also a great way to learn about space, as the characters visit the planets in order, as well as mentioning the names of some constellations and stars. Carole P. Roman clearly put a lot of time into writing the book as it is well developed and planned out. I liked how the author described what everything looked like when the characters were on the rocket. I also liked how the story seemed to include the reader. Rocket-bye is a stunning book that is perfect for all children. I would recommend this for young readers.

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

Twelve-year-old Will Burns knows there is no such thing as Father Christmas, but he loves the holiday season for all the other wonderful things it represents. In Fraud at Snowfields by Daniel Klock, Will is amazed the day after Christmas, though, when a surprise guest presents him with an invitation to attend Snowfields – the renowned training school for the highly secret White Christmas Organization, the WCO. Hidden from the rest of the world, Snowfields becomes Will’s home as he and a group of other first-year students learn all about making, storing and distributing Christmas presents and trouble-shooting any problems that would lead to a child’s disappointment. Due to his keen observations and quick thinking, Will stumbles upon a mystery at school that has far reaching effects. Sworn to secrecy, Will helps a task force try to track down the source of illegal magic until everything begins to go wrong on Christmas Eve. Even with everyone helping, can Will and his teachers solve the mystery and prevent the ruin of this Christmas holiday?

For a delightful and entertaining story fit for children who no longer believe in Father Christmas but hold the magic of the holidays in their hearts, Fraud at Snowfields by Daniel Klock is as perfect as the best cookies and hot cocoa. It is easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit as the clever boys and girls go about their lessons and work to make the holiday they love perfect for all children and adults around the world. This book is a delightful mixture of Polar Express and Hogwarts, with plenty of action and a wonderful main character who is clever but not full of himself. It feels like there could be a sequel and I'm sure that it would be well received! This book is truly worth reading, not only for the great story, but for the lessons about generosity, kindness, and dedication to a higher purpose. Well done and thoroughly enjoyable!

Reviewed by Stephen Fisher for Readers' Favorite

The FunGkins: The Battle For Halladon by C. Raymond Gray is a fantastical tale about FunGkins. This is a magical race of beings that for centuries were enslaved by the evil Leprechauns and forced to mine gold, and suffered many hardships, until they were able to escape. Many of them found their way to America by disguising themselves as rats on board the Mayflower. The story begins with Clara and her family in Pirate's Cove. After picking mushrooms in the forest, Clara's father found a really big one and the FunGkins send Jack One, and Jack Two to retrieve it. It is a special mushroom that contains powerful magic the FunGkins need to supply the magic necessary to maintain their realm. As a reward for helping them, Clara and Aunt Tilly get a tour of the Mushroom Valley. Everything seems wonderful until a tall, dark stranger overhears a tale of little people. When he appears on the Gooday's doorstep, they invite him in. Our heroine, Clara, calls her Aunt Tilly. When Clara spies on him with her magic telescope, she becomes terrified, and sends out a warning to the FunGkins.

The author does an amazing job of describing everything in this tale so vividly that you, as the reader, can picture in your mind as if you are actually there. With all of the splendor, magic and wonder that could put Oz to shame, C. Raymond Gray's story telling reminded me instantly of the great J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. What I really liked was how when our villain appears the writing style became lyrical. By the story's end, you are left hanging in suspense for the next installment. The FunGkins is a wondrous, captivating book that can be enjoyed by all ages. All I can say is ... Wow!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Sir Princess Petra's Mission: The Pen Pieyu Adventures, Book 3 is an epic fantasy and adventure novel for children written by Diane Mae Robinson and illustrated by Michael Bermundo. When Princess Petra is summoned to the royal throne room to appear before her father, the King, she quickly got the idea that the newly enlarged Royal Rule Book and the grin on her father’s face meant she had trouble. Indeed, there was a new royal seal-of-approval mission that she must complete under pain of losing not only her knighthood, but that of Bograt, the bog witch who had been knighted after an earlier royal mission. She is, at least, able to wrest a legal concession from her father on the part of the order that mandates that she travel unaccompanied to the hitherto unexplored land of the Boogy Gobees by citing a previous sealed rule that a knight’s steed and any other knights of the realm would accompany a questing knight on any mission. So, accompanied by Bograt and her dragon friend and steed, Snarls, Sir Petra sets out for unknown parts to capture and bring back a car-panther.

Diane Mae Robinson’s epic fantasy and adventure tale for children, Sir Princess Petra's Mission, is the third book in this original and highly acclaimed series about a princess who’d really rather be a knight. However, readers new to the series will find enough background information in the accompanying synopses of Books One and Two to enable them to enjoy this book on its own. I’d be somewhat surprised, however, if those new readers don’t find themselves planning to read the previous books after finishing this one. Sir Princess Petra is a brilliant role model for both girls and boys who may feel somewhat out of the mainstream with their goals, attitudes and ambitions, and she fulfills that function marvelously. Robinson’s series is also a perfect introduction to epic fantasy for children that is never patronizing and always filled with the imagination, action and adventure that make epic fantasy work so well. Michael Bermundo’s illustrations bring Petra and Snarls to life so well. I loved seeing the variety of expressions on both their faces in the illustrations presented throughout the book. Sir Princess Petra's Mission: The Pen Pieyu Adventures, Book 3 is most highly recommended.