Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Dragon Grammar Book: Grammar for Kids, Dragons, and the Whole Kingdom is a nonfiction educational book for children written by Diane Mae Robinson. Robinson is the author of The Pen Pieyu Adventures, a children’s adventure series starring Sir Princess Petra. She’s also a writing instructor who still finds it necessary, from time to time, to double-check those grammar rules. In this book, Robinson presents basic grammar rules in an accessible manner that is geared for young readers, and she does so using the characters and story line of her Pen Pieyu series. She begins with a glossary of grammar terms, and then proceeds to demystify confusing and often misused words and phrases, such as affect/effect and between/among and the deadliest of them all -- lie/lay. She then tackles verb agreement, punctuation and other aspects of syntax and sentence structure, employing examples that are filled with dragons, castles and, of course, Sir Princess Petra herself. Robinson includes spot quizzes at the ends of many chapters, and she also provides two levels of Dragon Grammar Skill Tests with answers at the end of the book.

I love dragons and grammar! So my eyes lit up when I saw Diane Mae Robinson’s nonfiction educational book for children, The Dragon Grammar Book: Grammar for Kids, Dragons, and the Whole Kingdom. I’m also a big fan of Sir Princess Petra, whose adventures have admirably shown kids that it’s cool to be both a princess and a knight or a prince who likes to cook. And while I’ve read any number of dry, tolerable and even enjoyable books on grammar, I’ve rarely come across as well presented and entertaining an approach to what can be an intimidating subject, particularly for a young audience or for adults learning English as a second language. Robinson gets to the heart of the really puzzling aspects of grammar and offers them up in a format designed to make learning grammar more fun. The chapter quizzes are enjoyable ways to make sure you’ve gotten all the rules down, and the Skill Tests are also quite useful for spotlighting areas that need more review. And unlike many of the classic grammar texts, her grammar recommendations are oriented toward pragmatic, real-world usage. The Dragon Grammar Book: Grammar for Kids, Dragons, and the Whole Kingdom is a great resource for kids, their teachers and anyone else who’d like to know a bit more about language and how to use it. It’s most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Follow Max, Jemima, Joe, and Charlie on another adventure of a lifetime in The Shadow of the Pyramid by Wendy Leighton-Porter. Max, their Tonkinese cat, is terrified when the children announce that they will be traveling back to Ancient Egypt. What with the horrifying mummy nightmares he's been having, poor Max is reluctant to join his mistress Jemima on another trip back in time. Only he doesn't have a choice. Before he can explain his misgivings, Max is dragged back in time on a mission to help save a young Pharaoh that is in danger. When they arrive, Max and the children are thrown into the midst of an evil plot. Even worse, the victims are unaware that they are the targets. Being in ancient Egypt, Max wonders if his nightmares will come true? Can Max and the children protect the young Pharaoh before it's too late? Or will they be discovered before they can help the royal couple?

I was again impressed with the fascinating story that the author wove. Shadow of The Pyramid is the fourth book in the Shadows From The Past Series. I feel it is just as good as the other books in the series that I have had the pleasure of reading. I loved the rich descriptions of ancient Egypt and how the author explained the way the hieroglyphs were read. The book was filled with history, interesting characters, and humorous incidents that kept me laughing. I also am ashamed to admit that I cried when they cried. I felt so connected to the characters; I felt their triumphs and their losses. I love that the author takes the time to tell her readers what parts of her book are fiction and what parts are fact. This is another awesome read from Wendy Leighton-Porter. I would suggest these books for children ages 7-10, but anyone who enjoys a historical novel might enjoy the Shadows From The Past series.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Crooked Granny Grunt Please Drink Your Milk is a children's conceptual picture book written by Rhonda Fischer and illustrated by Adam Allen Berry. Oliver loves his Granny Grunt, but he wishes he could get her to drink her milk. She hated milk when she was small and not drinking it left her small and crooked now that she is old. Her doctor tells her to drink her milk for her bones, but Granny would rather drink soda than milk. Oliver worries about her, and he hates it when he sees her with the soda pop. He thinks maybe he could get a milking cow so she can have fresh milk every day. But until he can do so, he's going to try to make sure she drinks at least this one glass. He's got a plan all figured out. He'll get Granny Grunt to go to bed and then bring her a snack and a glass of milk. Will she drink it? He doesn't know what will happen when he goes into her room, but he's determined to get her to take at least one sip.

Rhonda Fischer's conceptual picture book for children, Crooked Granny Grunt Please Drink Your Milk, employs a humorous plot and tone to impart an important nutritional message. Lots of kids are reluctant to drink milk and may, like Granny Grunt, much prefer to drink soda. It may not seem to affect their health now, but it will when they are older. Fischer's tale is lyrical and humorous. Oliver's love and concern for his granny are real and tangible, and these two appealing characters make the story come alive. The story is told in rhymes that flow nicely without feeling sing-songish or repetitive. Adam Allen Berry's illustrations are superb. They have a classic feel to them that reminded me of the work of some of the great cartoonists of the mid-twentieth century as Granny skips, flips, and eats her way through the story in a succession of brightly colored and whimsical drawings. Crooked Granny Grunt Please Drink Your Milk entertains as it educates, and it's a fine choice for story time. New readers will find it fun and a bit challenging at times, which is a good thing. Crooked Granny Grunt Please Drink Your Milk is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

In¡HOLA! Let's Learn Spanish: Visit New Pages and Make New Friends by Judy Martialay, Pete the Pilot takes kids on a new adventure aboard his magic plane, and this time the destination is Mexico. He has a lot in store for kids. They will learn about Mexico, about the interesting Mexican culture, the children of Mexico and, most importantly, they will learn Spanish. As they follow the exciting story of Panchito the jumping bean and his adventures, kids will have a chance to learn about life in Mexico with helpful tools to help them understand and memorize Spanish words and phrases they will come across throughout the story.

¡HOLA! Let's Learn Spanish: Visit New Pages and Make New Friends by Judy Martialay is a children's language book unlike any other. It is an easy, fun, and exciting way to give kids a head start in Spanish or widen their already existing vocabulary. The book also teaches kids other important social values like making new friends and how to introduce themselves to new people. The style in which the book is written sets the agenda from the very start by using both English and Spanish right from the table of contents. By introducing just a few Spanish words at a time and blending them into the story, Judy Martialay ensures that kids are allowed time to internalize these words without hindering the flow of the story, thereby keeping it fun. The book also includes several useful and exciting tools to help kids memorize, understand, and put into practice the new words and phrases so far learned.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

Author Carole P Roman is back again with an engrossing book for young readers - If You Were Me and Lived In... the Mayan Empire: An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time (If You Were Me and Lived In...Historical). This is a beautiful children’s book depicting the Mayan culture, from the foods they ate to their passage into adulthood at the age of fifteen. Carole P Roman offers children everything that they would need to become knowledgeable about life in the year 572. Children will be in awe as they discover that the Mayan people lived within the Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Belize and Guatemala areas, and this informative children's book offers a tremendous geographical and historical view of the world back then. If You Were Me and Lived In... the Mayan Empire also describes how the Mayan people and cultures settled in specific areas and survived.

I truly enjoyed the history lesson, and viewing the images and photos while learning the various words and terms associated with the Mayan culture by reading If You Were Me and Lived In... the Mayan Empire by Carole P Roman. As in other cultures, women had no power, marriages were prearranged, and extended families were the norm. For me, Carole P Roman has taken a simple idea and has translated it into a historical wonder for young readers by giving us a brief lesson of how life would be if…

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

Do you know what it's like to live on Mars? If You Were Me and Lived on...Mars by Carole P. Roman is an excellent children’s book about life on Mars. As your child reads on, they will not only see beautifully illustrated images about life on Mars, but will come away fundamentally educated on Mars, the solar system, and obtain an idea of what life would be like. Children will also learn various planetary terms, from orbit and elliptical to gravity. An added bonus in If You Were Me and Lived on...Mars is the Pronunciation Guide where your child will learn about words like Deimos and Phobos. Your child will not only learn how to phonetically sound out the words, but learn their meaning. If You Were Me and Lived on...Mars is a book that children will want to read over and over, not only to learn about the Red Planet (Mars) but become excited for the future.

Reading this book took me back to my childhood. There were some things that I had forgotten, with one being that Mars is called the “Red Planet.” Mars was named after the Greek and Roman god of war. Mars was given this name because of its appearance in the sky, but in actuality it's the dust from the Martian rocks that gives it the red hue. Once your child reads If You Were Me and Lived on...Mars, they will continually look up at the sky and yearn to know more about Mars, its environment, and what it would be like if they lived on Mars. This knowledge is something that they can use for a lifetime.

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

In A Pickle Over Pandas is probably the most NECESSARY book I've reviewed this year and I've reviewed quite a few. I think it is a must-read for anyone with children. The PANDAS in this children’s story is not describing our furry black and white friends from China, but a very frightening disease that I had never even heard of. Trust me, parents, when I say you want to read this book because the symptoms can easily be misdiagnosed and the longer that happens the more serious the effects on your child. Melanie S. Weiss is a Registered Nurse who wrote this book from the first person point of view of a child going through this illness so as to explain what’s happening to children with the disease without frightening them. This is as noble a reason to write a book as any I have ever heard. I certainly learned a lot, and I want to repeat that every parent should read it because diagnosis is tricky, and this is one of the things you want to eliminate first from the list of what might be wrong with your child.

Melanie S. Weiss has written an elegant, simple and straight to the point book with appropriate pictures and vocabulary. There are a lot of needed explanations that are simple enough for children and their parents to understand. If you love children and if you have children, you can’t lose by buying and reading In A Pickle Over PANDAS as part of the proceeds go toward PANDAS/PANS research. PANDAS is the acronym for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Jewel is both excited and very nervous. It's her first day in a new school in a new town. It's not the first time she's had to start a new school. In fact, it happens more often than she would like. Her father is in the military and the family gets moved around from one post to another. The excitement is in the anticipation of making new friends and having a fresh new start. But nerves generate from the tension at home. Her father, whom she loves very much, has just returned from combat missions overseas. He's alive and not physically injured, but he suffers from violent nightmares, both day and night. Jewel's father has PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jewel's first day goes better than expected. She makes a new friend, Brittany, who promises to drop by after school. When the doorbell rings at Jewel's house, her father answers. Before Brittany even gets inside, Jewel's father is yelling at her to get off his property. Brittany runs off in fear. Jewel's second day at school, consequently, is a real life nightmare.

PTSD is, sadly, a misunderstood and certainly a very under-diagnosed condition that affects not only military personnel, but anyone working in the capacity of a protector of the peace - a police officer and even a paramedic can suffer from PTSD. Angela Kohout, Madeline Murillo, and Elizabeth Sagi have written a beautiful story that really touches the heart and helps its readers understand the far-reaching effects of PTSD. Their book, Daddy's Heart - My Heart - The Purple Heart, although written for young readers, is a powerful story that helps us all understand the traumatic effects of living with a loved one suffering from PTSD, and points out that the most important ingredients in treating this disease are compassion, understanding, and patience. Very well done! Beautifully presented.

Reviewed by Lucinda Weeks for Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins! is created by Roe De Pinto. An adorable baby seal pup named Zealy is born. Zealy is a beautiful baby, covered with white fur. Zealy opens her eyes for the first time to discover her adoring parents. Her parents could not stop smiling when they saw Zealy. They spoiled their beautiful new daughter with lots of hugs and kisses. Like new babies do, she cuddled with her mother, drank her fill of warm milk, and drifted off into a deep slumber. Zealy awakens and discovers a new friend, Whubba. Whubba is a baby orca whale. Whubba is a good friend who watches over Zealy and protects her.

De Pinto has created a very beautiful story that readers are bound to fall in love with. This story is filled with vibrant and colorful pictures. The characters are an adorable seal family with mom, dad and new pup Zealy, who are joined by the baby orca whale. Young children and parents alike are certain to be fascinated by these characters. This heartwarming story is one that all new parents can identify with. As a mother of three, I was reminded how joyous it was to welcome my new babies into the world. I would have liked to see more depth to this story, which is why I am eagerly awaiting the next title in this series. I am looking forward to seeing how this series unfolds. I recommend The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins! as an entertaining story to be shared with all young children.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

Wow! That's exactly what I thought when I finished reading Mayflower, the first book in debut author Linda Smigaj's Fly on the Wall series. This was simply a fantastic read; fun, adventurous and rooted in history with quite an interesting protagonist, a cheese fly named Anna. Anna has traveled to England with a family fleeing Holland, and then she takes the Mayflower to the New World. With lots of historically accurate illustrations showing how the ship was organized, as well as facts and information presented in an absolutely wonderful way, this book will keep children entertained as they are being educated...a dream for any parent or teacher for sure!

I so, so enjoyed Mayflower. Author Linda Smigaj has done a completely wonderful job in writing an engaging and delightful story with a great deal of educational merit. Her use of a fly as the narrator is both surprising and delightful - the old saying of "I wish I could be a fly on the wall..." comes true in this book! This book does an excellent job in relaying true life facts and experiences about the Mayflower and those who journeyed to the New World on her, but does so in such a way that kids might not even know that they are being educated, they'll be having too much fun. I highly recommend Mayflower to any child looking for a good book, or parent for a unique book that their child will love. I look forward to reading more from Linda Smigaj's entertaining new Fly on the Wall series, and hope that the author is already hard at work on the next installment!