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Recommend this book:
The Magic Tree
Michal Y. Noah Ph.D.
2016 Finalist
38 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Magic Tree is an inspirational children's book written by Michal Y. Noah, Ph.D. and illustrated by Chrissy Fanslau. Magic is a young tree who's smaller than his dad and not as leafy as his mom, but he's quite happy with who he is. He's got lots of friends who keep him company: birds, squirrels, butterflies and other living things. They all enjoy the sun's warmth and the joys of spring and summer. When fall comes around, Magic wonders why he can't run or fly away with his friends, and his parents explain how everyone is different and special. Magic, they explain, is extremely special and is perfect just as he is. When the winter cold blows in, Magic is unhappy and misses his friends, but then some winter pals come around and things don't seem so bad. And then it's spring again.
Michal Y. Noah's inspirational children's book, The Magic Tree, is beautifully written and Chrissy Fanslau's illustrations make this magical and positive book glow. The book is filled with bright and colorful pictures of Magic, his parents and his friends. Noah's message comes through on every page, and it's the best possible message both for the children it's written for, and for anyone else fortunate enough to come across this book. Magic's parents share their positive and loving outlook on life with their son and help him to understand how perfect he is right at each particular moment, and how his joy and love for others will resonate back to him. This is a perfect primer for a young reader and a marvelous read-aloud story for bedtime. The Magic Tree is highly recommended.
The Magic Tree is an inspirational children's book written by Michal Y. Noah, Ph.D. and illustrated by Chrissy Fanslau. Magic is a young tree who's smaller than his dad and not as leafy as his mom, but he's quite happy with who he is. He's got lots of friends who keep him company: birds, squirrels, butterflies and other living things. They all enjoy the sun's warmth and the joys of spring and summer. When fall comes around, Magic wonders why he can't run or fly away with his friends, and his parents explain how everyone is different and special. Magic, they explain, is extremely special and is perfect just as he is. When the winter cold blows in, Magic is unhappy and misses his friends, but then some winter pals come around and things don't seem so bad. And then it's spring again.
Michal Y. Noah's inspirational children's book, The Magic Tree, is beautifully written and Chrissy Fanslau's illustrations make this magical and positive book glow. The book is filled with bright and colorful pictures of Magic, his parents and his friends. Noah's message comes through on every page, and it's the best possible message both for the children it's written for, and for anyone else fortunate enough to come across this book. Magic's parents share their positive and loving outlook on life with their son and help him to understand how perfect he is right at each particular moment, and how his joy and love for others will resonate back to him. This is a perfect primer for a young reader and a marvelous read-aloud story for bedtime. The Magic Tree is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Atalanta
Early Myths: Greek Myths for Children
Dr Simon Spence
2016 Finalist
36 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Atalanta - Early Myths: Greek Myths for Children by Simon Spence is an engaging book that will introduce children to Greek mythology. In this book they learn the story of Atalanta whose father wanted her to grow up as a perfect princess, but Atalanta wanted to have adventures and fun. She learned to use a bow and even beat the boys in her skill with it. Her father was scared, wondering if he would be able to find a suitable prince for his daughter if she was always roaming in the fields and the forests. He sent her to the forest, asking her to return only when she changes. In the forest, Atalanta grows up to become strong and fast, and becomes the greatest huntress in the land. Will she finally be able to make her father's dreams come true and will any man marry her?
The story is fascinating, like any other story in Greek mythology. The characters are larger than life and Atalanta's strength and courage will motivate and inspire any young reader. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and they also breathe life into the scenes and characters and give clarity to the author's words. The book can be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries and is also a good bedtime storybook.
These kinds of storybooks are good for children to teach them about legendary and mythological characters in a simple manner. The book is informative, educational, and also teaches readers a lot of new things, vocabulary, and happenings related to Greek mythology. A good book for children about the story of a character from Greek mythology.
Atalanta - Early Myths: Greek Myths for Children by Simon Spence is an engaging book that will introduce children to Greek mythology. In this book they learn the story of Atalanta whose father wanted her to grow up as a perfect princess, but Atalanta wanted to have adventures and fun. She learned to use a bow and even beat the boys in her skill with it. Her father was scared, wondering if he would be able to find a suitable prince for his daughter if she was always roaming in the fields and the forests. He sent her to the forest, asking her to return only when she changes. In the forest, Atalanta grows up to become strong and fast, and becomes the greatest huntress in the land. Will she finally be able to make her father's dreams come true and will any man marry her?
The story is fascinating, like any other story in Greek mythology. The characters are larger than life and Atalanta's strength and courage will motivate and inspire any young reader. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and they also breathe life into the scenes and characters and give clarity to the author's words. The book can be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries and is also a good bedtime storybook.
These kinds of storybooks are good for children to teach them about legendary and mythological characters in a simple manner. The book is informative, educational, and also teaches readers a lot of new things, vocabulary, and happenings related to Greek mythology. A good book for children about the story of a character from Greek mythology.
Recommend this book:
Ice Dream's Wish
A Story for Children and Inner Children
Nasrin Mottahedeh
2016 Honorable Mention
40 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
Ice Dream's Wish by Nasrin Mottahedeh tells a tale of the snowman known as Ice Dream. When Ice Dream was created, he was given special gifts which consisted of two sparkly marbles for eyes, a red rose bud for a heart, and a big yellow apple for a brain. With these special gifts, Ice Dream came to life and loved to play with the children, but he was easily bored when they were at school because he did not have legs and could not move from where he stood outside. Ice Dream is visited by Angel Cloud, an angel who grants him his wish to be able to move. Ice Dream questions how the angel had known his strongest wish and is told that angels live inside your heart and know what you wish for. Angel Cloud warns Ice Dream that he must use his special gifts – his eyes, heart, and brain – if he is given the power to move. During Ice Dream’s first journey, he feels so inspired to help others that he gives up his nose, his gloves, his scarf, and the beads on his front which look like the buttons of a jacket. Unrecognizable to his creators, they are amazed to find their special gifts in the snow at the school yard, looking absolutely radiant as they had been touched by love.
I found this tale to be absolutely extraordinary. Ice Dream’s Wish is a book that teaches so many lessons in life – lessons about kindness, friendship, helping others, being unselfish, and daring to dream. Due to Ice Dream’s kindness to strangers, human and animal alike, he made their awful day turn around and shine. Many people could learn from this delightful children’s tale of love and of thinking about others’ needs before their own. Nasrin Mottahedeh’s story makes me smile, giving hope for a better future. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Ice Dream's Wish by Nasrin Mottahedeh tells a tale of the snowman known as Ice Dream. When Ice Dream was created, he was given special gifts which consisted of two sparkly marbles for eyes, a red rose bud for a heart, and a big yellow apple for a brain. With these special gifts, Ice Dream came to life and loved to play with the children, but he was easily bored when they were at school because he did not have legs and could not move from where he stood outside. Ice Dream is visited by Angel Cloud, an angel who grants him his wish to be able to move. Ice Dream questions how the angel had known his strongest wish and is told that angels live inside your heart and know what you wish for. Angel Cloud warns Ice Dream that he must use his special gifts – his eyes, heart, and brain – if he is given the power to move. During Ice Dream’s first journey, he feels so inspired to help others that he gives up his nose, his gloves, his scarf, and the beads on his front which look like the buttons of a jacket. Unrecognizable to his creators, they are amazed to find their special gifts in the snow at the school yard, looking absolutely radiant as they had been touched by love.
I found this tale to be absolutely extraordinary. Ice Dream’s Wish is a book that teaches so many lessons in life – lessons about kindness, friendship, helping others, being unselfish, and daring to dream. Due to Ice Dream’s kindness to strangers, human and animal alike, he made their awful day turn around and shine. Many people could learn from this delightful children’s tale of love and of thinking about others’ needs before their own. Nasrin Mottahedeh’s story makes me smile, giving hope for a better future. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Recommend this book:
Olga
Ted Kelsey
2016 Honorable Mention
192 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Olga is a children’s and preteen adventure fantasy novel written by Ted Kelsey and illustrated by Dillon Samuelson. Nothing ever happened in Chilton. It was a pretty boring place for a kid to grow up in, so much so, as Sally liked to tell her cousin who lived in New York City, that Sally’s backyard actually borders a beet farm. Still, on late summer afternoons as twilight closes in, there are plenty of kids around to play Ghosts in the Graveyard, which is somewhat like hide-’n-seek only backwards. This time around Sally’s friend, Jack, is it, and it’s getting close to the last few minutes before parents start getting angry about missed dinners. Jack’s never been quite the same as the other kids, however; he likes to cut up and doesn’t seem to have to follow as many rules as Sally and the other kids do. No one can find Jack in this last game of the day, but Sally gets the feeling he’s hiding on the grounds of the Terror House, a wrecked and decaying house that might be haunted and is on the forbidden-to-enter list of every kid. When Sally enters the grounds to find Jack, she’s transfixed by an odd sight in the field that has obviously caught Jack’s eye. It’s a shambling, dancing thing with a big head and short stubby legs, and Jack is determined to figure out just what it is.
Ted Kelsey’s adventure fantasy for children and preteens, Olga, is a wildly imaginative and thought-provoking variant of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale. Jack and Sally are consummate adventurers who’ve even designed a code of light flash messaging to communicate to each other in case of emergencies. The two of them are marvelous characters, filled with pluck, determination and loyalty, and I’m hoping to see them again in future works by this author. Kelsey’s giants are a hoot! They are alternately horrible, humorous and just plain ridiculous, and Dillon Samuelson’s inspired illustrations bring every nasty feature they possess out in riotous detail. Olga is a fast-paced story that blends the preteen fantasy and coming of age genres as Jack, Sally and Olga confront life-changing challenges and discoveries. Olga is highly recommended.
Olga is a children’s and preteen adventure fantasy novel written by Ted Kelsey and illustrated by Dillon Samuelson. Nothing ever happened in Chilton. It was a pretty boring place for a kid to grow up in, so much so, as Sally liked to tell her cousin who lived in New York City, that Sally’s backyard actually borders a beet farm. Still, on late summer afternoons as twilight closes in, there are plenty of kids around to play Ghosts in the Graveyard, which is somewhat like hide-’n-seek only backwards. This time around Sally’s friend, Jack, is it, and it’s getting close to the last few minutes before parents start getting angry about missed dinners. Jack’s never been quite the same as the other kids, however; he likes to cut up and doesn’t seem to have to follow as many rules as Sally and the other kids do. No one can find Jack in this last game of the day, but Sally gets the feeling he’s hiding on the grounds of the Terror House, a wrecked and decaying house that might be haunted and is on the forbidden-to-enter list of every kid. When Sally enters the grounds to find Jack, she’s transfixed by an odd sight in the field that has obviously caught Jack’s eye. It’s a shambling, dancing thing with a big head and short stubby legs, and Jack is determined to figure out just what it is.
Ted Kelsey’s adventure fantasy for children and preteens, Olga, is a wildly imaginative and thought-provoking variant of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale. Jack and Sally are consummate adventurers who’ve even designed a code of light flash messaging to communicate to each other in case of emergencies. The two of them are marvelous characters, filled with pluck, determination and loyalty, and I’m hoping to see them again in future works by this author. Kelsey’s giants are a hoot! They are alternately horrible, humorous and just plain ridiculous, and Dillon Samuelson’s inspired illustrations bring every nasty feature they possess out in riotous detail. Olga is a fast-paced story that blends the preteen fantasy and coming of age genres as Jack, Sally and Olga confront life-changing challenges and discoveries. Olga is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Tales For Your Monkey's Mind
Steve Michael Reedy
2016 Bronze Medal
138 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Ryan Jordan for Readers' Favorite
Tales For Your Monkey's Mind by Steve Michael Reedy is a collection of short stories for children about growing up and having to face real life. The running theme through the novel is that simply growing up and acting like everybody else isn't a great way to live. The first story shows a child who loves to play with toys, but when he turns thirteen he is supposed to grow up and work in the toy factory. When he visits the factory the day before he turns thirteen he learns a terrible secret. Many of the stories have themes about growing up, and all of them are punctuated by excellent drawings scattered throughout.
These are the highlight of the work. The stories themselves are well-written, although a little heavy-handed, but the artwork is spot on for bringing these stories to life. There is a clever end to each story that presents the next character and adds continuity. My favorite story was the one where everyone grows up and dresses like a clown because it has a very positive message for little girls, especially that they are beautiful exactly as they are and don't need to look like a 'clown' just to fit in. Tales For Your Monkey's Mind by Steve Michael Reedy is a true win that parents can enjoy with their children and one that will help spread positive messages. Really excellent book! I enjoyed reading it.
Tales For Your Monkey's Mind by Steve Michael Reedy is a collection of short stories for children about growing up and having to face real life. The running theme through the novel is that simply growing up and acting like everybody else isn't a great way to live. The first story shows a child who loves to play with toys, but when he turns thirteen he is supposed to grow up and work in the toy factory. When he visits the factory the day before he turns thirteen he learns a terrible secret. Many of the stories have themes about growing up, and all of them are punctuated by excellent drawings scattered throughout.
These are the highlight of the work. The stories themselves are well-written, although a little heavy-handed, but the artwork is spot on for bringing these stories to life. There is a clever end to each story that presents the next character and adds continuity. My favorite story was the one where everyone grows up and dresses like a clown because it has a very positive message for little girls, especially that they are beautiful exactly as they are and don't need to look like a 'clown' just to fit in. Tales For Your Monkey's Mind by Steve Michael Reedy is a true win that parents can enjoy with their children and one that will help spread positive messages. Really excellent book! I enjoyed reading it.
Recommend this book:
The Land Without Color
Benjamin Ellefson
2016 Silver Medal
168 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite
In a fun, funny and adventurous new story targeting children in later elementary grades, The Land Without Color is the first book in a new series by the same name written by author Benjamin Ellefson. This book will engage its readers from the very beginning and will keep them reading all the way through until the very end. Follow the story of protagonist 12-year-old Alvin, a boy who finds himself in quite a predicament. After floating through the air with the aid of a huge gum bubble, he lands in a world unlike any other he's seen before, a land without color. Everything there is gray, and no one is quite sure why. Alvin meets some new friends that are set on helping him, as well as solving the mystery of the colorless landscape that surrounds them. Will they succeed, and will Alvin find his way home? You'll have to read the book to find out!
I loved The Land Without Color. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Well, it's definitely how I felt about this lovely book for older children. Author Benjamin Ellefson has done a wonderful job in creating a story line that will entertain its readers and please their parents with its message and tone. This book contains elements of fantasy, fairy tale, action and adventure, is fast paced, and is simply a fun read! Any child, but especially those between fourth and sixth grades, would enjoy this book, and their parents should absolutely buy it for them. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to seeing more in this promising series by author Benjamin Ellefson, hopefully in the very near future!
In a fun, funny and adventurous new story targeting children in later elementary grades, The Land Without Color is the first book in a new series by the same name written by author Benjamin Ellefson. This book will engage its readers from the very beginning and will keep them reading all the way through until the very end. Follow the story of protagonist 12-year-old Alvin, a boy who finds himself in quite a predicament. After floating through the air with the aid of a huge gum bubble, he lands in a world unlike any other he's seen before, a land without color. Everything there is gray, and no one is quite sure why. Alvin meets some new friends that are set on helping him, as well as solving the mystery of the colorless landscape that surrounds them. Will they succeed, and will Alvin find his way home? You'll have to read the book to find out!
I loved The Land Without Color. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Well, it's definitely how I felt about this lovely book for older children. Author Benjamin Ellefson has done a wonderful job in creating a story line that will entertain its readers and please their parents with its message and tone. This book contains elements of fantasy, fairy tale, action and adventure, is fast paced, and is simply a fun read! Any child, but especially those between fourth and sixth grades, would enjoy this book, and their parents should absolutely buy it for them. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to seeing more in this promising series by author Benjamin Ellefson, hopefully in the very near future!
Recommend this book:
A Story of Becoming
An Inspiring Fantasy Fable
Ayn Cates Sullivan
2016 Gold Medal
83 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite
Unseen, unaware, a seed lies deep within the soil. A Story of Becoming by Ayn Cates Sullivan PhD is a seed’s journey of self-discovery. The seed reaches toward the light and breaks the surface into a beautiful majestic world of wonder. Observing the world creates times of self reflection and transformation. As the seedling grows and matures, she becomes more in tune with her surroundings, finding harmony in nature. However, as she continues to develop, she questions her purpose in the meadow. Why was she created? What is she becoming? When the storms of life alter the world as she knows it, she gains further understanding of her future and destiny. Renewed, refreshed and full of life, she gives of herself generously, multiplying her goodness for generations to come.
Ayn Cates Sullivan's A Story of Becoming reveals the miracle of life. This allegorical narrative may be diminutive in pages, but it is extensive in meaning. Elements of truth buried beneath the surface of the narrative resemble the nutrients held within the soil that nourishes nature’s fauna. I read it several times, discovering hidden gems of understanding each time. Sullivan’s writing style is sensory, simplistic, and eloquently imaginative. Belle Crow DuCray’s artwork illustrates the story beautifully, bringing depth and animation to Sullivan’s words. The fantasy fable’s theme echoes the unique purpose of life. Its mood is magical; nuances of awe, child-like innocence, and the wonderment of creation meld together masterfully. Sullivan creates balance in the narrative by portraying the challenges of life with the fortitude to overcome by becoming who you are destined to be. A Story of Becoming will inspire both young and mature with its timeless message.
Unseen, unaware, a seed lies deep within the soil. A Story of Becoming by Ayn Cates Sullivan PhD is a seed’s journey of self-discovery. The seed reaches toward the light and breaks the surface into a beautiful majestic world of wonder. Observing the world creates times of self reflection and transformation. As the seedling grows and matures, she becomes more in tune with her surroundings, finding harmony in nature. However, as she continues to develop, she questions her purpose in the meadow. Why was she created? What is she becoming? When the storms of life alter the world as she knows it, she gains further understanding of her future and destiny. Renewed, refreshed and full of life, she gives of herself generously, multiplying her goodness for generations to come.
Ayn Cates Sullivan's A Story of Becoming reveals the miracle of life. This allegorical narrative may be diminutive in pages, but it is extensive in meaning. Elements of truth buried beneath the surface of the narrative resemble the nutrients held within the soil that nourishes nature’s fauna. I read it several times, discovering hidden gems of understanding each time. Sullivan’s writing style is sensory, simplistic, and eloquently imaginative. Belle Crow DuCray’s artwork illustrates the story beautifully, bringing depth and animation to Sullivan’s words. The fantasy fable’s theme echoes the unique purpose of life. Its mood is magical; nuances of awe, child-like innocence, and the wonderment of creation meld together masterfully. Sullivan creates balance in the narrative by portraying the challenges of life with the fortitude to overcome by becoming who you are destined to be. A Story of Becoming will inspire both young and mature with its timeless message.
Recommend this book:
 by J.W. Zulauf is a story about Princess Scarlet who lives in the underground kingdom, Balderdash, under Ashcroft village’s graveyard. Scarlet dreams of falling in love and living happily ever after, but her father, King Hurlock, find her wish nonsensical as they are ...){kind=link}
The Balderdash Saga
The Underground Princess, Book 1 of Lower Grade Adventure
J. W. Zulauf
2015 Finalist
114 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
The Underground Princess (The Balderdash Saga, Book 1 of Lower Grade Adventure) by J.W. Zulauf is a story about Princess Scarlet who lives in the underground kingdom, Balderdash, under Ashcroft village’s graveyard. Scarlet dreams of falling in love and living happily ever after, but her father, King Hurlock, find her wish nonsensical as they are not humans anymore but resurrected corpses. He worries about her safety a lot, especially when his enemy Maleer constantly tries to dethrone him. However, it seems that Scarlet might get her wish. A prince has died in a hunting accident and will be buried in the Ashcroft graveyard. King Hurlock sees this as an answer to Scarlet’s yearning, where the prince can possibly be her one true love. Unfortunately, Maleer initiates his evil plan and Scarlet has to act quickly to save the kingdom.
The ensemble cast is quirky and compelling, a fantastical depiction of what the existence between life and death would likely be. With a touch of the macabre, The Underground Princess is entertaining and fast-paced; it’s perfect for bedtime reading. It’s also a great book and series to entice reluctant young readers. The cover art and illustrations by Luke Spooner are simply grand. They really complement the story well. While this series may be aimed at 6 to 12-year-olds, it’s no stretch to imagine older readers getting a kick out of the story as well. The Balderdash Saga is unique and stands out from the rest. Simply put, this is an excellent work from Zulauf.
The Underground Princess (The Balderdash Saga, Book 1 of Lower Grade Adventure) by J.W. Zulauf is a story about Princess Scarlet who lives in the underground kingdom, Balderdash, under Ashcroft village’s graveyard. Scarlet dreams of falling in love and living happily ever after, but her father, King Hurlock, find her wish nonsensical as they are not humans anymore but resurrected corpses. He worries about her safety a lot, especially when his enemy Maleer constantly tries to dethrone him. However, it seems that Scarlet might get her wish. A prince has died in a hunting accident and will be buried in the Ashcroft graveyard. King Hurlock sees this as an answer to Scarlet’s yearning, where the prince can possibly be her one true love. Unfortunately, Maleer initiates his evil plan and Scarlet has to act quickly to save the kingdom.
The ensemble cast is quirky and compelling, a fantastical depiction of what the existence between life and death would likely be. With a touch of the macabre, The Underground Princess is entertaining and fast-paced; it’s perfect for bedtime reading. It’s also a great book and series to entice reluctant young readers. The cover art and illustrations by Luke Spooner are simply grand. They really complement the story well. While this series may be aimed at 6 to 12-year-olds, it’s no stretch to imagine older readers getting a kick out of the story as well. The Balderdash Saga is unique and stands out from the rest. Simply put, this is an excellent work from Zulauf.
Recommend this book:
Cinderella's Secret Slipper
Alinka Rutkowska
2015 Honorable Mention
34 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Cinderella's Secret Slipper is a children's picture book written by Alinka Rutkowska and illustrated by Konrad Checinski. Cinderella and Prince Charming have a son, Junior, whose fourth birthday is approaching. They want to do something special for him and the prince suggests a royal gala celebration. He asks Cinderella to wear the glass slippers that she was wearing when they met. She's got them safely stowed away in a box in her closet, but when she opens the box, she only finds one slipper. Junior found them and is smashing a mosquito with the other glass slipper. Cinderella only has one slipper now, and she must find a way to get the broken one fixed.
Alinka Rutkowska's children's picture book, Cinderella's Secret Slipper, is a clever and entertaining extension of the classic fairy tale. It also has a bit of suspense as Cinderella needs to get that slipper fixed. Checinski's illustrations are marvelous! They're bold and brightly colored and fit the dialogue to a tee. This is a great first reader book or bedtime read-aloud for parents or care-givers. Rutkowska adds discussion questions at the end of the story as well as a version of the original fairy tale, which could be a perfect prelude or follow-up for a read-aloud session. I liked the mood of Cinderella's Secret Slipper and enjoyed seeing how Cinderella resolved her problem. While I'm familiar with this author's excellent Maya & Filippo series, this is the first of her fairy tale retelling series that I've read. Cinderella's Secret Slipper is quite impressive and it's highly recommended.
Cinderella's Secret Slipper is a children's picture book written by Alinka Rutkowska and illustrated by Konrad Checinski. Cinderella and Prince Charming have a son, Junior, whose fourth birthday is approaching. They want to do something special for him and the prince suggests a royal gala celebration. He asks Cinderella to wear the glass slippers that she was wearing when they met. She's got them safely stowed away in a box in her closet, but when she opens the box, she only finds one slipper. Junior found them and is smashing a mosquito with the other glass slipper. Cinderella only has one slipper now, and she must find a way to get the broken one fixed.
Alinka Rutkowska's children's picture book, Cinderella's Secret Slipper, is a clever and entertaining extension of the classic fairy tale. It also has a bit of suspense as Cinderella needs to get that slipper fixed. Checinski's illustrations are marvelous! They're bold and brightly colored and fit the dialogue to a tee. This is a great first reader book or bedtime read-aloud for parents or care-givers. Rutkowska adds discussion questions at the end of the story as well as a version of the original fairy tale, which could be a perfect prelude or follow-up for a read-aloud session. I liked the mood of Cinderella's Secret Slipper and enjoyed seeing how Cinderella resolved her problem. While I'm familiar with this author's excellent Maya & Filippo series, this is the first of her fairy tale retelling series that I've read. Cinderella's Secret Slipper is quite impressive and it's highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Little Seahorse
Sheri Fink
2015 Bronze Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Jane Finch for Readers' Favorite
The Little Seahorse, written by Sheri Fink and illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam, is the story of a little seahorse who finds a shining orb on the sea floor and wants to take it as a present for his mother. The problem is how to move it, as he is so little. He makes friends with two pipefish and asks for their help. He is very nervous about asking for help because he is quite shy. However, the pipefish think it is a lovely idea to give the orb as a gift to his mother, and they agree to help. As they devise a way to take the gift to the home of Little Seahorse, other creatures of the sea gather around to watch and some offer help as well. When they finally arrive home with the gift, his mother is delighted.
This is a charming story which encompasses so many elements. The idea of finding something special as a gift for his mother; overcoming shyness to ask for help; making new friends; and never giving up to do something special for someone else. It’s a great lesson in giving. The author, Sheri Fink, has created an interesting story with a gentle message that any child will enjoy. The illustrations are beautiful and colourful and really enhance the story. This would be an ideal book for a parent to read to a child where they can discuss some of the elements of the story that might be appropriate, for example, if a child finds difficulty in making friends. The little seahorse overcame his shyness because he was thinking of others rather than himself. This would also be a lovely addition to a kindergarten class.
The Little Seahorse, written by Sheri Fink and illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam, is the story of a little seahorse who finds a shining orb on the sea floor and wants to take it as a present for his mother. The problem is how to move it, as he is so little. He makes friends with two pipefish and asks for their help. He is very nervous about asking for help because he is quite shy. However, the pipefish think it is a lovely idea to give the orb as a gift to his mother, and they agree to help. As they devise a way to take the gift to the home of Little Seahorse, other creatures of the sea gather around to watch and some offer help as well. When they finally arrive home with the gift, his mother is delighted.
This is a charming story which encompasses so many elements. The idea of finding something special as a gift for his mother; overcoming shyness to ask for help; making new friends; and never giving up to do something special for someone else. It’s a great lesson in giving. The author, Sheri Fink, has created an interesting story with a gentle message that any child will enjoy. The illustrations are beautiful and colourful and really enhance the story. This would be an ideal book for a parent to read to a child where they can discuss some of the elements of the story that might be appropriate, for example, if a child finds difficulty in making friends. The little seahorse overcame his shyness because he was thinking of others rather than himself. This would also be a lovely addition to a kindergarten class.
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