Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Order of Time by Scott P. Southall is an engaging children's fantasy with believable characters and strong hints of adventure. It follows Anastasia and Edward Upston, eleven-year-old twins who attend the elite Blake Academy and who love exploring the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. When they have a run-in with a weird, freaky character, a person who looks like he belonged to another time, the twins eventually unearth a more disturbing truth: their friend and mentor, Dr. Alfred Gregorian (Dr. G.), the curator of the Smithsonian, a wrinkly man who radiates kindness, belongs to a Secret Society known as the Order of Time. A disruption has occurred in the past and it threatens the present, so Anastasia and her brother must travel back in time and try to fix it. But ancient Egypt is filled with danger and enemies—assassins, unforgiving gods, corrupt high priests, and more. Can they succeed and make their way back to the present?

This is a fantastic tale that will appeal to fans of adventure, time travel, and fantasy, and a story that is well-written for young readers. The twins make a wonderful pair, and while they have their unique personalities, they share a powerful bond that is deftly explored in the narrative. Scott P. Southall writes in prose that is enchanting and accessible and weaves powerful descriptions in the story. The journey to the past is an exciting one and while I marveled at the excitement that accompanies the two lead characters, I also worried about their fate as they move from one danger to the next. The concept of time is skillfully developed, and time appears to be like a character in the story. The Order of Time is fast-paced, featuring compelling characters, a great setting, and a cleverly written plot. It is a delightful read for fans of young adult fantasy and time travel.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Escape To Fairy Kingdom by Cazzy Zahursky is a colorful book for children that captures the realities of a child’s world while offering beautiful lessons. May has always been the center of her family, the only princess that gets all the attention, and that is until June happened. Now, she has to share her treats and she gets upset with June for copying everything she does, even if her mother says June does so because she loves May. So one day when June accidentally tears her favorite bear, May storms out in anger and retreats to her room, wishing she could be “on my own, on my very own kingdom’s throne.” It is then that her dream becomes a reality: a fairy kingdom appears through her window in the distance, and then a unicorn that offers to take her far away.

Escape To Fairy Kingdom by Cazzy Zahursky follows May as she revels in the wonderful treats of fairies and a magical world where the inhabitants do everything to make her happy and even beg for her to be their ruler. But there is a void that she experiences in her heart; no one understands what is lacking. But she startles them when she says: “It’s my sister’s LOVE.” I loved this story and it is one that reflects the jealousy most of us experienced when that little brother or sister stole the attention of parents from us. Filled with magical realism, it will undoubtedly transport young readers to fairyland with the stunning illustrations and the exciting adventure. But it also teaches a timeless lesson. There is nothing that brings fulfillment better than brotherly or sisterly love. May’s journey to self-discovery is brilliantly developed and readers will love the way the message is communicated. Cazzy Zahursky comes across as one of the best entertainers for young readers.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Mariko and the Magic Mirror by Kristi Shimada is a child’s fairytale story. Mariko’s mother is dying and, as her legacy, she gave Mariko a magic mirror. Saddened by her mother’s death, Mariko looks into the mirror and she sees a white owl. The owl transports her to a magical place where anything is possible, a place that only she can visit when she wants to remember her mother. Why don’t you join Mariko on her visit to this beautiful, unknown place, one where spirit animals and spirit guides reside in perfect harmony?

Mariko and the Magic Mirror by Kristi Shimada is a fabulous story and credit must be given to Eko Setiawan for the amazing illustrations. This is an easy book to follow, very well written and in simple language. There are some fabulous characters and an exciting story, one that teaches so much. This story will teach children about dying and death, that it isn’t something to be feared. It teaches them about accepting what happens and that there is always hope for another life. The illustrations really help bring this beautiful story to life, brilliantly colored, yet exuding peace and calm. It’s an original story, a great way of dealing with death in a light and magical way while keeping it real. Even without the illustrations, the descriptive writing transports you to this wonderful afterlife, crossing the Rainbow River on the Rainbow Bridge. Beautifully written and illustrated, this story will wrench a whole range of emotions out of you, regardless of your age.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Remember to give your princess a rose on St George's Day. What is the reason? St George and the Dragon: The Legend of St. George and the Dragon, written by Mark Watson and illustrated by Richard Caine, is the story of St George, the bravest and finest in the land. He is returning home from crusading with a shield and a lance at hand. As George reaches closer to the shore, he sees that the harbor is no more and the town is ravaged and torn. He sees his castle on the mountain top, bathed in a ray of light. A frightful sound comes from the pit beside the castle and a dragon rises from the gorge. He sees George and asks him if he is all alone. George says that he has no army and he will either fight and win or fight and die. The dragon flicks George off the bridge where they are standing but George is pulled in by his castle's soldiers. George makes a plan to defeat the dragon while recovering slowly. Will he succeed in his mission?

The story is informative and tells young readers about the valor and courage of George who slays the dragon. The illustrations are vibrant and vivid and they bring the story alive for readers and help them understand the reason for giving roses to their princesses on St George's Day and why St George's Day is celebrated all over. The narration is simple and is easy for children to read and learn about the legendary tale of St George and the dragon. It is a good book to help children understand the importance of St George's Day and tutors and educators can use it in classrooms and school libraries for read aloud and story telling sessions. It is a good book to gift to youngsters as the story will teach children about St George and his bravery.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Guinevere: The Legend is the concluding entry in the Guinevere trilogy by Cheryl Carpinello, a compelling Arthurian tale with strong characters and a story that explores the themes of friendship and loyalty against the backdrop of a society rocked by a crisis. The little children have been kidnapped, and Cedwyn is with them. Guinevere has made a vow to rescue Cedwyn and she leaves home without telling her father, an act that fills her with guilt. But she doesn’t know her bravery might put Cedwyn in harm’s way. She is just fifteen. And eleven-year-old Cedwyn trusts her absolutely, considering her as his queen. He is certain that she’s coming for him and the children. Can she save them from the renegades who hold the children captive? Traveling across the dark waters to the land beyond, Gaul, is perilous. In spite of the grim tales she’s heard from the old wizard Merlyn, will she continue?

This is a beautifully written story with fascinating characters, set in medieval England, and featuring characters of legend like King Arthur and Merlyn. In this novel, the author deftly develops a tale of adventure that revolves around Guinevere as a young girl and her loyalty to those she loves. The reader encounters her at the very start of the story, poised and on the go, determined to save her friend. Cedwyn is a richly developed young character as well and I enjoyed the way the author develops his friendship and devotion to the protagonist. The writing is filled with strong imagery, including elements of the setting like the rugged landscapes. The author’s unique ability to unveil the strong emotions of the characters and to keep the story realistic is a great addition to the strengths of the novel. The medieval era is reflected in the unique style of conversation and in the beliefs of the characters. Guinevere: The Legend is a gripping tale that keeps the reader turning the pages until the very last one.

Reviewed by Karen Hesson for Readers' Favorite

Princess Pumpkin Patch is a darling children’s story written by Andi Cann. Princess Sassina, Sassi for short, ruled the Pumpkin Patch Kingdom with joy and kindness. She lived in a beautiful butterfly castle and cared for her square pumpkins. She loved her life, but soon came to ask the question that we all ask ourselves, “Am I enough?” Sassina’s curiosity about the world and her role in it grew and grew. Sassina then embarked on an adventure to find the answer to her question. She found joy on her journey and made a new discovery that filled her with light.

Princess Pumpkin Patch is written in a clear and easy-to-understand way, as Andi Cann speaks to children right on their level. The illustrations are colorful and inviting as well. Cann shares a beautiful and valuable message for kids and adults alike. We each have unique gifts to offer the world, and we are all “enough.” It’s easy to forget that message when life gets you down. As a parent of two young boys and a former preschool teacher, I can say that this is a story that children will love. It’s filled with adventure, discovery, and a message that will stay in their hearts. This sweet little story was a good reminder for me as well to ask questions, seek answers, and be aware of the light that we all add to the world. This message will stick with me, and I look forward to reading more from Andi Cann.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Fire Breath: The Golden Promise by Natalya V. D. Brock is a gorgeous treat for fans of epic fantasy and readers who enjoy mythical creatures as characters. This story gave me the same effect I had while reading Christopher Paolini’s The Inheritance Cycle. According to the Golden Promise, the four dragonets of peace that Acorn has been raising are the only hope of defeating the evil dragons, Mamba and Magenta. But things go horribly wrong when they are kidnapped from their treehouse and imprisoned in the dungeons of Secretscales Camp, under awful conditions. They are forced to free someone they thought was a friend and experience betrayal. Conflict escalates when Moonstone disappears. Can they live up to the hope of the promise when everything seem to be going wrong?

Natalya V. D. Brock takes young readers on a spellbinding adventure, taking them to exotic places and making them witnesses to dragon fire and the fiery conflict between good and evil. The characters are infused with human sentiments and they come across as great companions in the fight against evil. The sense of pathos is strong in this narrative and readers will become engrossed in the story right away, wanting to know what happens to Acorn and the dragonets. Fire Breath: The Golden Promise is well written, featuring strong plot points and an imaginative setting. The prose is elegant and the action pulsating. This is a novel with a strong appeal for young readers and fans of epic fantasy; it is balanced and filled with breathtaking action.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Poseidon's Storm Blaster (The Legend of Pineapple Cove #1) by Marina J. Bowman is a fantastical adventure story that will take young readers to Pineapple Cove, a town of secrets, monsters, and magic. It was on an island in the middle of the sea, a place where kids loved to explore and have adventures. The book begins with Kai collecting clams on the beach. He did not like it because it was hard work. Kai was envious of the school kids who were having fun as they darted across the beach, joking and kicking up the sand. He saw them pointing to Delphi and laughing. Delphi was different and her only family was her adoptive Aunt Cora. They heard the bell clanging three times from the town square. They ran to the town square where the mayor was reading out a message on the stage in front of the town hall. It was a message delivered by Carl from one of the ships at sea and it spoke about a giant monster that attacked their ship. Everyone was scared because all their houses were on the water. Would Kai and Delphi be able to help and save their town from the sea monster?

This story is about friendship, kindness, bravery, team work, and adventure. Children will love reading about the hurdles and challenges Delphi and Kai encounter while they go in search of the Storm Blaster, which is the only thing that can help them save Pineapple Cove. The illustrations by Nathan Moncao are colorful and lively, and they make the story even more appealing and captivating to young readers. The nautical theme, the adventures, and the whimsical narration make it an exciting story and I am sure that, like me, young readers are eagerly waiting for the next volume. All the characters are well portrayed and both Kai and Delphi are endearing children who convey good messages to readers through their conduct and behavior. It is a fun read that will encourage children to explore. The hidden pineapple game in the story is a bonus and makes the book interactive and interesting.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Princess Mermaid and the Missing Sea Shells is a fairy tale for children written by Michael J. DiPinto and illustrated by Bobbie Marsh. There once was a beautiful mermaid princess who loved to spread seashells over the beaches at night for visitors to find the next day. Her name was Princess Nicole. She was busily adding shells to a beach one foggy summer night when a horde of unruly Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish quietly floated alongside her. They were pirates, and their captain, Captain J. Lee Fish, snatched the bag of shells that she carried and ordered his crew to take her hostage. No one knew what had happened to the princess until seagulls found her empty shell bag on the sandy shore along with a ransom note -- Princess Nicole would only be released upon payment of all the kingdom’s sand dollars. The mermaids instantly sprang into action. They were determined to both get their princess back and keep their sand dollars. Would they be able to thwart the will of Captain J. Lee Fish and free Princess Nicole?

On his dedication page, DiPinto recounts how he would make up stories for his son and daughter, who not only wanted him to read a book at bedtime, but also demanded a story that he made up. Reading The Princess Mermaid and the Missing Sea Shells provides ample evidence of their wisdom in insisting on having their father utilize his storytelling skills. His plot is exciting and filled with twists and turns, and illustrator Bobbie Marsh’s brilliant and colorful artwork offers a mesmerizing look into that other world under the sea. The minute I saw the grumpy and mean looks on the faces of those man o’ war pirates, I knew I was in for a treat, but each page seemed to offer even more than its predecessor.

And while it is a fairy tale, the story is a marvelous introduction to marine biology for both children and the caregivers reading the story. The beach scenes had me wistfully wishing I were there on the beach, and the underwater scenes are brimming with all manner of fishes, sharks, whales and lush coral reefs. Each picture is worth framing and hanging on a child’s wall. I also loved the fact that the illustrations allowed me to consider what was going to happen on the next page -- this interactive feature will have kids getting even more involved in this compelling tale. The Princess Mermaid and the Missing Sea Shells is a maritime adventure everyone will get excited about -- it’s most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Fractured: Dereck Dillinger and the Crystal Ball is a children’s adventure fantasy novel written by Eddie McPherson. Dereck had been about to go for an afternoon of fun at the fair with his friends when his mom called to say she’d been held up at work. So, instead of fooling around with the guys and going on rides, he was stuck watching his little sister, Jessie, as she rode on the merry-go-round. He tried to ignore the jeers of some boys who were making fun of his babysitting, but it wasn’t easy. Suddenly, he heard the booms and sizzles of fireworks going off overhead. He found that odd as they normally didn’t set them off until dark, but still he found it impossible not to watch as they erupted overhead in a blaze of light and color. He became even more confused when he noticed the fireworks were spelling out messages for him -- one even addressed him by name. When he excitedly tried to show a passerby the messages, they seemed confused at best and walked away. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain, and looking at the carousel, he realized that Jessie was gone. She had vanished, seemingly into thin air. Where was she? How would he find her, and how could he face his mother?

Eddie McPherson’s adventure fantasy novel for children, Fractured: Dereck Dillinger and the Crystal Ball, is a grand action and adventure frolic as Dereck finds himself in an entirely different world while he’s searching for his little sister. As with his previous adventure in Oz, Dereck must solve mysteries and answer riddles based upon fairy tales and nursery rhymes if he’s to survive his adventure and rescue Jessie. The reader also has plenty of challenges to master to help Dereck along the way and revisiting those rhymes and fairy tales is a lot of fun for readers of all ages. McPherson’s plot is twisty and fun, and his characters fairly leap from the pages. Fractured: Dereck Dillinger and the Crystal Ball is highly recommended.