Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

The year is 2075 and library cards allow school children to travel through time to witness important historical events firsthand. Young Jodie Broom has a predilection for finding and collecting real books (banned in favor of eReaders) and for using her library card creatively, much to the chagrin of her nemesis, the evil librarian Ms. Noble. In the process of exploring various eras and significant events - including World War II, the sinking of the Titanic, and the Carnation Revolution in Portugal - Jodie learns some of the pitfalls of time travel, solves some formidable problems with the help of her friends Pacman and Kai, and meets a few new friends who help her to find a way to cope with what might well turn out to be the End of the World. The hows, whys, and wheres wait for eager young readers to discover all this in a thrilling adventure that they most assuredly will not be able to put down.

Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson is a highly imaginative, utterly enchanting fantasy for “tween” readers. Jodie’s adventures teach important values, morals, and personal accountability in a painless and thoroughly engaging way. Julie Hodgson has drawn finely detailed and richly layered characters, so real that they seem to pop right off the page. Jodie’s futuristic world and her firsthand encounters with history will enthrall, educate, and entertain readers of all ages in ways few modern writers have mastered.

Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson is a consummate page-turning adventure, replete with all of the requisite hair-raising moments and plot twists characteristic of the finest classic children’s literature. Jodie Bloom is a perfectly conceived and impeccably crafted heroine for young readers longing to sort out their own place in a complicated and rapidly changing world. This is a must-read fantasy for young readers, offering real-world wisdom and ideal opportunities for meaningful discussions about important life skills and life lessons.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Sophie and Scottie's Adventures of the Monarch Mystery: The Adventures of Sophie and Scottie - Volume 1 by Cindy C Murray is a fascinating story that revolves around the adventures of Sophie and Scottie. The 10,000 acre Shear Heaven Ranch is an ideal place for Sophie and Scottie to grow up. It's summertime now and they are hoping it's going to be fun and exciting. Scottie has a feeling that this holiday is going to be different from others. It begins with Aunt Jill's special gift that tells them that it will show them many new places. Will Sophie and Scottie decide to jump into the magical crystal frame and travel to another land?

This story, filled with mystery and adventure, will enthrall kids and tell them about the Mexican culture and places. The excitement of the two girls while eagerly opening their gift and watching the changes in the frame is palpable to readers. All the characters woven into the story line, along with Scottie and Sophie, are exciting. The book has everything that will attract young readers - action, mystery, adventure, and lots of interesting facts about Mexico. The narration is detailed and vivid and it also teaches children to believe in themselves, have perseverance, and how to take care of the environment. It's a fun read with good pace and movement. The teamwork of Sophie and Scottie will encourage many children to work as a team. The story is magical and enchanting and that's what makes it appealing to readers.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Circulus de Potentia is a magical children’s fantasy adventure written by Jim West, and it forms book two of the Magicae Mathematica series. In a world where magic is derived from the archaic patterns and symbols of Latin and Mathematics, our young hero Alex has already been through plenty of adventures with the great Archimedes (see book one, Libellus de Numeros). Now, a terrifying new challenge awaits as Alex witnesses the Circulus de Potentia in use, an incredible golden band which gives its wearer unbeatable powers. Amid a fantasy world filled with labyrinths, deadly creatures and dark woods, Alex must meet a brand new wizard – the inimitable Pythagoras – in order to solve the riddle and put a stop to the chaos all around her.

Author Jim West has taken an incredibly brave risk to base a story for children on the complex principles of ancient Greek mathematics, but it really pays off in Circulus de Potentia. The vivid depiction of philosophers and forward thinkers as real characters in a visceral fantasy world makes all the difference as readers watch their incredible minds figuring out the problems that lie ahead. Alex tips this balance perfectly as a quirky youngster who is keen to learn the answers and put them to practical use, realising that their principles are what stops the whole world falling apart. Overall, this short novel packs a huge wallop of content with brilliant description, stellar character development and a highly unique and educational plot line for readers of all ages.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

A Wild Ride: The Adventures of Misty and Moxie Wyoming by Niki Danforth centers on Moxie Wyoming who is turning ten. She had always wanted to be like Granny Rose and imagined herself barrel racing and winning first prize, just as Granny Rose had done long ago. On her birthday she got a horse, but Misty was not what she expected. Misty had a sway back, was more than thirty years old, and reigned as the queen of the herd. In her day she would always be out front, leading the herd back to the corral, but now she was retired from the Darwin Ranch near Jackson. One day Moxie and her best friend, Pickle, heard about some wild Mustangs in the surrounding areas. She and Pickle embarked on an adventure to find out more about these wild Mustangs. In the meantime, Moxie began to learn more about Misty. One day she discovered that Misty is no ordinary horse; she has magical powers. Misty, Moxie and Pickle decide to work together to see how they can help free the wild Mustangs ... and the adventure begins.

A Wild Ride: The Adventures of Misty and Moxie Wyoming by Niki Danforth is a great children’s book because it takes you to another world, from ranch life to Misty the magical horse. I also like how Niki provided some illustrations to help tell the story. These illustrations help you to better visualize the essence of A Wild Ride. This book is ideal for those readers who also want to learn more about some of the elements of ranching.

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

Baffin’s Desire for Fire is another wonderful book in the Dragonasaurus Tales by Josephine Young. Uncle Max is cooking his sausage by blowing fire on it through his nose, and Baffin wants his marshmallow toasted. Grouchy Uncle Max refuses and tells Baffin to do it himself. Baffin tries, but his nose only blows smoke. He packs a bag and heads off to Fire Mountain to see a magic bird who will fix his nose. But danger looms as he approaches Trembly Woods. It’s the home of the grotesque Grong. This foul, smelly monster has the head of a wolf and the feet of a chicken. Baffin doesn’t know about the monster and continues his journey. He is ambushed by the Grong who thinks Baffin will make a fine meal. Baffin wants to escape, but can he overpower the Grong who is bigger than him?

I read Baffin’s Desire for Fire to a child and he loved the story! The book is from a terrific series called Dragonasaurus Tales by Josephine Young. Baffin is half dragon, half dinosaur, hence the name “Dragonasaurus.” It just shows how imaginative the author can be, and how talented she is. This is the second book in the series I have read and I love the story which is written in an amusing rhyming format. You really get good visuals from the story as it is is very descriptive. The characters came to life, and the lovely illustrations enhanced the plot. I recommend this great series for kids.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Sir Sydney Dinkum is a full colour illustrated children’s book by Marc Reilly and Martha Gold. It follows the adventures of Sydney, a wily koala bear who dreams of being the next great hero of the world. Sydney is able to communicate with all animals, including humans, and it is his fondest dream to become an armour-clad Koala Knight. Along with a wombat squire named Sancho and his noble steed, a deaf camel called Rosie, Sydney sets out on an epic and hilarious quest aimed at readers of the 4th to 6th grades (US). Along with its not-so-hidden messages about the preservation of koalas in the real world, Sydney Dinkum is portrayed as a lovable yet flawed hero with tremendous heart and a cool factor that’s off the scale.

As a child who was obsessed with Crocodile Dundee, I found myself sucked back into my past as soon as I opened Sir Sydney Dinkum. The spectacular illustrations accompany a delightful and hilarious story, in which writers Marc Reilly and Martha Gold really bring Australian culture to life. Sydney’s story is funny, straightforward and highly suitable for its intended age range, yet its charm and depth will certainly appeal to parents wanting to read their child something fun before bed too. I, for one, found myself smiling all the way through the delightful plot, and wishing I’d had stories like this one to entertain me when I was a child. Overall, a marvellous adventure with fabulous illustrations and a story that never gets old or unfunny. Bravo.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

In Kobee Manatee: A Wild Weather Adventure by Robert Scott Thayer, Kobee and his pals are anticipating a rough journey on the Atlantic Ocean as they plan to surprise Kobee Manatee's sister Kim for her birthday. Kim lives in the Bahamas and their journey is during the hurricane season. Will Kobee and his friends Tess, the sea horse, and Pablo, the hermit crab, travel safely and reach Nassau in the Bahamas three hundred miles away where Kim lives?

It's a storybook filled with an exciting adventure and Kobee's fun facts are very useful, informative and educational for young readers. The story also connects readers beautifully with the ocean and teaches them a few things about the weather. The illustrations are colorful and lively and add to the appeal of the storybook. They also add pace and movement to the story. Each scene has something to do with the ocean and the weather, and the fun facts give clarity to the author's words. The book will make a good bedtime storybook and it can also be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries.

The author does an excellent job of weaving educational matter and story together to give children an adventurous storybook that sees them going on an exciting trip with Kobee, Tess and Pablo. The different moods of the sea are indeed very interesting to read as the trio travels to the Bahamas. It's definitely worth having in one's personal collection as the fun facts can be read again for reference.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Baja Brody and the Birthday Surprise: Baja Brody Adventures is a children’s picture book written by Christina Willis and illustrated by Ralph Thomas. In his imagination, young Baja Brody is an extraordinary racing car driver whose exploits in the desert on his dune buggy are the stuff of legend. His co-pilot and faithful companion, Doodles, is always right there along with him on all of his adventures. The magic stops, however, when his mom calls Brody in for lunch and a nap. After lunch, Brody and Doodles are settled in for a nap and Brody’s starting to dream about racing when he realizes that he’s forgotten something very important. It’s Doodles’ third birthday today, and Brody has hidden something very special for him, but he needs his keys to get to it. The big problem now is where are those keys?

Christina Willis’ children’s picture book, Baja Brody and the Birthday Surprise, is great fun for adults and kids alike. Willis’ story is fast-paced and entertaining, and the rhyme schemes make it read quite nicely. She’s also an intuitive master at sharing with the reader the breadth and power of a kid’s imagination. Ralph Thomas’ illustrations work perfectly with the story. Each panel is brightly colored and filled with action and detail. I especially like the shadowy images that appear in some panels that seem to bridge the world of the imagination with the duller one where most adults reside. Baja Brody and the Birthday Surprise is perfect for story time sessions, but it's also an excellent choice for new readers. It’s highly recommended.