Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Real Farmer in The Dell is a children’s adventure picture book written by Sandra Sutter and illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne. While we all know the nursery rhyme about the farmer in the dell, the real story is quite a bit different than those familiar lyrics. It wasn’t a farmer, and it wasn’t even a dell. The farmer was actually a rancher who lived on, of course, a ranch. The farmer didn’t take a wife, because...the farmer was a woman. She took a husband. So how do we know all these new facts? Because there was a witness to all of the goings-on at that ranch. The mouse was there the whole time, and has decided to go public with the real story.

That very obliging mouse and the author, Sandra Sutter, have done a marvelous job of modernizing the old nursery rhyme in this clever and very entertaining children’s picture book, The Real Farmer in The Dell. While traditionalists may insist on adhering to the original version of the story, I found the mouse’s tale to contain more adventure and excitement, plus it makes a lot more sense -- especially the ending. Sutter’s story will resonate with those kids whose parents and caregivers have made efforts to eliminate gender-assigned roles, and it’s a good introduction to the changing reality of life for kids from more traditional backgrounds. Who says a rancher has to be a man? Or a doctor? Or an astronaut? The possibilities are endless for kids of both genders. This story sets the stage for productive discussions about careers and what kids want to be when they grow up. Artists, Chantelle and Burgen Thorne, bring the mouse’s corrected version to life beautifully. I loved seeing the desert scenery and the rodeo action through their eyes. Their artwork is filled with action and detail, making each panel a joy to study closely. The Real Farmer in The Dell is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Zach's Journey from Selfish to Elfish is a story book for children, grades K-3, written by Collette Ryan. Zach wasn’t at all happy with his dog Alice’s behavior. She kept on trying to wake him up. Alice wanted to play ball, but Zach just wanted to lie there under the covers and think about all the cool toys that were at the mall. Luckily for Alice, Zach’s elf showed up, and he helped her get Zach out of bed and outdoors. Zach was always aware of what his elf wanted him to do, because elves have a lot to say about any toys kids may be getting. But something unexpected happened when he listened to his elf and Alice. Zach was amazed to see how happy Alice was from just going out and playing with him. She didn’t need anything else. Later that night, Zach’s elf discussed the difference between being selfish and elfish. Now Zach didn’t know what being elfish was all about, but he was about to find out

Collette Ryan’s story book for children, grades K-3, Zach's Journey from Selfish to Elfish, is a sweet and disarming fable that shows kids how being aware of, and caring for, others can actually enrich their lives -- much more so than the newest toy they’ve discovered at the mall. The reader follows Zach as he begins to realize the impact he can make on others’ lives, starting with a simple game of catch with his dog, Alice. Ryan’s ELFISH guidelines are fun and simple to follow, and her story illustrates how easy it is to work just a few changes into one’s life. The illustrations that accompany the text are eloquent and amusing, and the vocabulary used in the story makes it an excellent text for early readers to try on their own as well as enjoying during story time. Zach's Journey from Selfish to Elfish is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Collapsing Kingdom: The Land Without Color, Book 3 is a fantasy/adventure novel for children and preteens written by Benjamin Ellefson and illustrated by Kevin Cannon. Something awful was happening in Brandon’s home town, and it seemed that there was no one in charge who could do anything about it. The exact degree of awfulness hit home to Brandon as he surveyed the deep abyss that had just swallowed up Grandpa Alvin. Was he still alive? Brandon considered going down after him, but figured he’d drop something down first to assess the depth of the impenetrable darkness. The can of peppers flashed briefly as it fell, but Brandon never heard the answering impact. He realized that he had to leave his grandfather’s house -- and quickly -- when he saw that a dull gray color was spreading out over everything he saw, all the normal colors one takes for granted turning gray and getting closer and closer to his feet. As he dashed up the basement stairs and out of the house, he looked back and saw that the whole house and yard had turned gray. Then, he watched horror-struck as the house and yard collapsed and fell into the pit. He and Grandpa Alvin knew who was responsible for this and, with Grandpa gone, Brandon realized that he had a lot of work to do and not much time in which to do it.

Benjamin Ellefson’s fantasy/adventure novel, The Collapsing Kingdom: The Land Without Color, Book 3, is a fast-paced and exciting romp as Brandon races against time to halt the destruction of his town and the surrounding countryside. This is the third book in Ellefson’s Land Without Color series, and it can be read on its own, but I’d strongly recommend that you read the books in order to get the full impact of this imaginative and compelling story -- which also gives young readers some rather novel ideas on why fruits and vegetables are much better for eating and growing as crops than, say, ice cream or chocolate. While I’m fully on board with the importance of a healthy diet, I still couldn’t resist a sigh as I beheld the mint ice cream plants -- surely they could be considered of some value as a treat after the salad? The real highlight of this series for me is watching as Brandon comes of age, which he really does in this third book. He’s resourceful, fast-thinking and courageous as he navigates the obstacles, which seem never-ending, in his quest to bring color back to the kingdom and its citizens. Kevin Cannon’s illustrations work perfectly with the story and add dimension and impact. The Collapsing Kingdom: The Land Without Color, Book 3 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Junah is a very special black and white cat. He was brought to life by three sisters: Sister Sara who was the planner who played the guitar, Sister Laka who watered the plants and sang, and Sister Duma who didn’t say very much, but when she did her voice boomed with resonance and purpose. The three sisters lived in a little house with a well-maintained garden. When they first brought Junah home, they explained to him that he had to explore the garden and find the secret of the garden. They didn’t give him any clues. Over time, Junah met and made many friends in the garden, including the plants. And he learned valuable lessons from each new friend and each new experience. Life is all about learning and absorbing all that knowledge so that it allows us to grow. Each new lesson was a purr for Junah.

M.R. Neer has written a charming children’s fantasy story in Secret of the Garden. This story would appeal to young readers and it provides valuable lessons on life and living, things like “Life is more than we can see” and “Outer depends on inner.” The stories follow the learning curve of one very smart cat, Junah, who makes friends everywhere he goes, even with a mouse. Each chapter has a new adventure, a new friend, a new lesson to learn and some valuable advice. Each chapter concludes with Junah’s purr, the lesson learned. There are pen-and-ink drawings to accompany each chapter, providing a visual of the adventure to follow. This is an excellent tool to teach young people the power of life, learning and growing, all through understanding the principles of Outer and Inner science.

Reviewed by Jackie Ferrell for Readers' Favorite

A little boy and a folding circus tent is the focus of The Travelling Circus – a new children’s book by Mark Watson. As the little boy begins to have fun folding and unfolding his perfect gift of a circus tent, an imaginative story begins to take shape. The vibrant red and white circus tent visually grabs and holds the attention of young readers as Mark Watson uses his creative genius of rhyme and prose to create a new and magical book. From the description of the circus animals to the aromatic imagery of food, we are taken back in time to the circuses of old. With fairies in flight, to a beautifully detailed carousel horse and, finally, to the image of a curious, unusual and somewhat scary ringmaster, there is an energy that propels us through this story while we listen to the clever words of the ringmaster describing to the little boy what awaits him. As the ringmaster gently guides the little boy to the front of the circus tent, there is a curiosity and mystery about what just might come next.

With bold, delightful and spellbinding images by Drew Geraci, The Travelling Circus by Mark Watson brings to children a brand new story just perfect for bedtime reading. I wondered, as I read this adorable book, if this story actually took place in a small child's decorated bedroom, or was it the incredible imagination of a little boy’s dream brought to life by the perfect gift of a folding circus tent. I think children will be incredibly engaged and captivated by The Travelling Circus while parents discover that this latest children’s book by Mark Watson is a perfect, one-of-a-kind bedtime read.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Maria and the Magic of the Rainbow by Suzanna L Royse is an inspiring and beautiful story with manifold lessons for both young and adult readers. Maria is a pre-teen butterfly who is accidentally blown away as she hurries to warn her parents of an impending storm. She is captured and made to slave under a cruel and unforgiving fire ant, El Jefe. She is forced to sing and do things she’s never dreamt about doing in her short life span.

The reader won’t miss the commands of El Jefe, reminding her of where she belongs: “The most important thing you need to learn is that your place is here—to sing and clean! Don’t forget how lucky you are. I’m the one who rescued you—you the orphan with only one wing.” But Maria escapes and makes a wonderful adventure that will bring both joy and pain to her heart as she discovers the beauty of friendship and the tragedy of loss.

Maria and the Magic of the Rainbow is a well-crafted story that brilliantly showcases the themes of self-confidence, freedom, bullying, family, and the wonderful sense of tolerance that assures inner freedom. Maria is a character that many young readers will relate to—I was able to connect with her as well as did my twelve-year-old granddaughter. The writing is poetic and evocative and it features great poetry in the form of Maria’s songs. For instance, the soul and spirit of youthfulness is captured in the following lines:

“Every day I keep asking why,
Like why the river runs and clouds play in the sky.
So many things to learn and know,
But what can I do? Where can I go?
Who’s out there?
Who can teach me to do
Everything I need to learn
To make my dreams come true?”

The illustrations are very telling and entertaining in themselves. It will be impossible for young readers not to identify with Maria’s curiosity, her problem with bullies, and her desire to be able to experience real freedom. This is also a story about friendship and forgiveness, a story with values that kids need to learn. Suzanna L Royse’s work will encourage, inspire, educate, and remain engraved in the hearts of young readers long after they have read them.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Great Sugar War is an adventure fantasy novel for children and preteens written by Benjamin Ellefson and illustrated by Kevin Cannon. Brandon wasn't crazy about school; he was able to do his assignments and get good grades without too much effort, but he'd much rather be outside playing with his friends. Today was no exception; he had been preoccupied watching a squirrel running through the grass outside the classroom window when Miss Carter called his name. As it was time for their history lesson, Miss Carter asked the class if anyone could tell her the cause of the Great Grayness. Those two words galvanized Brandon right out of his lethargy. His Grandpa Alvin had been instrumental in overcoming the snakes that ran the Color Factory, which had been the root cause of the situation. Miss Carter angrily interrupted him. She was tired of his fanciful imagination. Everyone knew that the goblins from beyond the Crimson Mountains caused the Great Grayness. When Brandon countered that the story of the triumph of the Crimson Guards over the goblin king was a lie told by the king, he got in big trouble. After all, you could go to prison for calling the king a liar, Miss Carter retorted. She sent him off to see the principal and said his parents would be notified to pick him up there. Brandon hated being sent to see the principal. He was a terrifying man who blustered and bullied. Brandon suddenly had an idea -- he'd go to Grandpa Alvin's house and get him to speak to Miss Carter. Surely she'd believe Grandpa Alvin. But when he got to his grandfather's house, no one answered the door.

What is truth? Why do kings and other leaders lie, and how is a child raised to tell the truth to comprehend the inconsistency between official pronouncements and reality? The Great Sugar War raises some troubling questions about politics, ethics and even the treatment of children in today's schools. I was aghast when the truant officer binds Brandon's wrists and ankles with nylon restraints, criminalizing, in effect, a child for truancy, but I've also seen accounts of far more egregious treatment of children in schools by the police officers who are now a common sight in some school systems. As to Brandon's confusion over the willing disbelief of his teacher and fellow students of the truth, the account of Colonel Droww to Brandon’s ancestor, Otto, exposes it rather clearly, if not entirely satisfactorily. Later on, when the great war between the Kingdom of Shapes and the Kingdom of Colors is revealed for the sham it truly was, Droww continues: “During a war, people are consumed by their own fear and anger. They follow anything their leaders tell them. War is not about defeating an enemy. War is about controlling your own people.” Heady stuff for a children's book, but sadly relevant in today's world.

Ethics aside, The Great Sugar War is a rousing action and adventure story that features Brandon's Great-Great-Grandfather Otto and the role he plays as Colonel Droww's assistant during The Great Sugar War. This is the second in Ellefson's original and compelling fantasy series, following his novel, The Land Without Color. The author gives enough background for the new reader to enjoy this book on its own, but I strongly recommend reading the first one as well. Both books are thoughtful, exciting and a lot of fun to read -- and they most eloquently warn against the dangers of eating sugar and junk food. The Great Sugar War is most highly recommended for children, preteens and those adults who still hunger for a bit of thought-provoking fantasy.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

The Frog Prince: A Brothers Grimm Story Told as a Novella is a children’s fable of years gone by written by Mike Klaassen. As Prince Gerit of Krickenheim goes to a pond in order to satisfy his craving for frogs’ legs for dinner, his feet become stuck in the mud. An old crone, Wibke, frees him from a watery death in exchange for lavish rewards. Once freed, however, the prince reneges on their agreement. As punishment, Wibke turns Gerit into a frog. The only way to break the spell is for Gerit to be kissed three times. Gerit narrowly avoids death from predators, and makes his way to the nearest township, ruled by King Torsten, Queen Ingeborg, and their very spoiled daughter, Princess Anneliese. Knowing that the princess is his only hope of being transformed back into a prince, he does all he can to win her heart, but with Fluffy, the royal cat, eyeing his every move, Gerit soon resigns himself to remaining a frog for the rest of his days ... until he is faced with losing Anneliese forever.

While I have never read the original Brothers Grimm tale of The Frog Prince, I found Mike Klaassen’s adaptation to be rather extraordinary. Initially, the tale shows Prince Gerit (in his human form) to be deceptive, dishonest, spoiled, and showing complete disregard for other creatures. His hard lesson, being transformed into a frog, teaches the prince how difficult life can be for others, as he is surrounded by predators both in and out of the water. The Frog Prince, as written by Mike Klaassen, is both captivating and enchanting, teaching readers that your word is the most important thing you can give, aside from your own heart when you are in love. It also teaches the importance of disciplining your children and teaching them proper values, rather than giving in to their every whim until they become spoiled, unruly and unmanageable. Princess Anneliese found comfort in having frog-Gerit as a companion, regardless of whether to simply read to or play with, and it forged an unbreakable friendship between the two. I wholeheartedly enjoyed The Frog Prince: A Brothers Grimm Story Told as a Novella, and am excited to read my next Mike Klaassen tale in the future.

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

The Grumpface by B.C.R. Fegan is a fun, rhyming children's book about a man who has been cursed to live as a Grumpface, and a young inventor, Dan, who is in love with a girl named Bella. One day, Dan goes into the Forest of Ho, looking for a rose for Bella. The forest, however, is in the domain of the Grumpface, and Dan soon gets stuck in one of the Grumpface's many traps. The Grumpface tells him that he can go free if he can complete one of three challenges. He has to either catch a glowing bird, walk across a tiny bridge, or walk through a cave full of dangers. Dan believes he has an invention for each of the challenges. Will he complete a challenge? Or will he never get to see Bella again?

I really enjoyed reading The Grumpface by B.C.R. Fegan. The book is very well written and the rhyming is very well done. The rhyming gives the book a fun rhythm that children will enjoy. The book has many funny parts and is full of action and suspense. The characters are very likeable, especially Dan, because he's kindhearted, and very silly. The book shows that anyone can change. The pictures by D. Frongia are very well drawn and clearly depict each scene. Children will really enjoy reading this story and will want to read it again and again. The story is well developed and well thought out. I would definitely recommend this to all children.

Reviewed by Hilary Hawkes for Readers' Favorite

Melissa King’s The Bee and Me is a delightful and colorful picture book story with a special message. Written in a rhyming style, it is the story of Mama Bee living in her house full of old fashioned things, like underfloor heating, cord telephones, and box size TVs. A little girl, to whom Mama Bee is much like a grandmother, visits and wonders at all these old things – surely old things have no use and should be thrown out. So should Mama Bee be discarded too? The little girl ultimately realizes that the value of things is not based on how new they are, and that it is not necessary to constantly replace things simply because something more modern has come along.

The story is told from first person point of view with the little girl recounting her dream-like visit to Bee’s house. I love children’s books written in rhyme and this one has a varied rhyming style. The language level is suitable for young readers able to tackle short books independently, to read for themselves too. There are some amusing moments when she discovers a telephone attached to a long wire and a huge box for a television:

“Is this really a TV?” I said to the Bee. I laughed and said, “Oh, that’s so funny to me! They have them now that are flat and go on the wall! That is the oldest TV I ever saw!”

Bee’s response to the little girl’s amazement at discovering all these ‘old’ things is a wise: “Do you think because it’s old I should throw it away out into the cold?”

So a lovely mixture of fun and humor with a question to ponder. I loved the colorful and detailed illustrations by Ana Lyn Abello especially the family ‘photos’ on the walls of Bee’s house – a charming touch. The message about waste and consumption weaves its way through the story as the little girl learns a valuable lesson about focusing on the more important things in life. Bee is loving and welcoming and her home is warm and comfortable – and a home filled with love and security is more important than a house full of the most up to date items. A special story to share with a child or group of children, and one that will prompt discussion about values and our throw-away society. Melissa King's The Bee and Me is a worthy addition to any child’s home or class library.