Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney is charming, fun, and witty. It has lots of heart and personality. The main character is Jeff, who tells how he can't relate to his parents. They tell him one thing and then something different. He feels he's being stifled and misunderstood because he only wants to hang out with his friends. After all, his parents keep telling him to be happy. His personality really shines, and he has a sharp mind and is scientifically inclined, so this is how he deals with life as it comes up. But it doesn't seem to help with the problems he has with his parents, especially his mother. He is grounded, as many kids are, and he tries to sort out how to avoid this so he can go to GamerCon with his best friends. He receives help from the teacher in his science club, and he thinks an instruction manual on how to raise parents would be helpful.

This easy-to-read book will have you engaged from the first few pages. Jeff is an endearing, real, and well-rounded character, from his sometimes-irreverent attitude to his quirky ideas. This is a boy most kids can relate to. Kids often wonder why they can't communicate with their parents at times, and they want to branch out and have fun away from them, but they don’t like getting into trouble. This book would be perfect for a classroom, for parents to buy for their kids, or for kids to buy for their parents. An original gem for any tween-ager. Overall, a delightful story! If you want something fun and adventurous, treat yourself to Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

The Mysterious Pool by Charlene McIver is a delightful story about a group of kids and their scary and fantastic adventures at a creepy mansion. Cosmo, Leigh, and Tara are visiting Cosmo's grandmother's house during a strange night with wind and fog. On their way, they notice a developer's notice board at the front of the property and hear a little mouse talking. Once there, Cosmo's grandma tells them that some pesky developers are trying to buy her beautiful historic property. Shortly after, the children discover a secret room. When their dog starts to speak, Grandma tells them it is because of the hidden pool. The mysterious pool contains a special elixir that gives animals the power to communicate with humans. Yet, this special elixir must remain a secret, as in the wrong hands it may cause harm and mischief to all animals. Thus, the children's mission is to protect Grandma's property and its amazing secret.

Charlene McIver combines beautiful writing, mystery, adventure, magic, and superb black and white and color illustrations by Zoe Saunders in this thrilling story. The Mysterious Pool is engaging, educational, and sometimes chilling. It inspires kids and adults to help and protect our planet. This tale will especially thrill every kid who dreams of understanding and speaking with animals. Through a magic elixir and a special book, children will learn that all animals should be respected and live free from man's restraint. This fantastic story features courageous talking animals and magical elements that will fascinate young minds while fostering a love for animals and Mother Earth.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

ElsBeth and the Call of the Castle Ghosties by J Bean Palmer and Chris Palmer is the third book of this series which takes young readers on an adventure to another world. ElsBeth Amelia Thistle is the youngest witch on Cape Cod and that particular day, as she heads toward the sea with her friends Veronica and Lisa Lee, she is gripped with a sense of uneasiness that doesn't seem natural. Once there, they bump into Robert Hillman Jones and his friends. The boys were planning to take Uncle Preston's yacht and sail around the islands. They find themselves caught in the middle of a storm where no one is able to control the yacht. What follows is a series of unexpected events, mystery, and adventure.

The plot has many layers to it which makes it a compelling read. The illustrations are good and they do complement the scenes nicely. The portrayal of all the characters is good and ElsBeth stands for responsibility, fun and intrigue as the story progresses. The narration is detailed and there is something very charming and mysterious about nautical themed stories. As the plot progresses, readers get to know about ElsBeth's cat obsession, being transported to Greenland where she is informed about the plight of polar bears, and also an encounter with porpoises who tell ElsBeth about selkies. The book has a lot of adventure and mystery for readers that will leave them excited and enthralled as they go on the trip with ElsBeth and her friends.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

We often hear the words: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” Sage advice, but what if the odds were stacked against us and the mountain we wanted to climb was too tall or too steep? What if we’re born with a physical defect, malformed legs that required multiple surgeries, and lots of scarring? Can we face those that cringe at the sight of our wounds? Told we could never walk, can we train for the unthinkable and become a champion rhythm gymnast? In Lotti and the Impossible Dream, Charly Froh tells readers that Lotti believes she can. She’s one determined young middle schooler who firmly believes that she is more than her scars. “My scar is just a history of what I’ve been through, not a guarantee that I can’t do something!” Confronted by the bullies in gym class, she’s determined to prove that she is who and what she wants to be, which is a lot more than the scarred skin on her legs. Heartened by the support of her parents and her older brother, she knows she is a superhero, and she can do anything she sets her mind to. Her mother’s words of wisdom bolster her resolve. When we fall we get up and try again.

Based on a true story, Charly Froh’s middle-grade novel Lotti and the Impossible Dream will have readers of all ages laughing, crying, and cheering all at once. Told in the first person narrative, this almost reads like a memoir or personal essay. The author invites the reader into the depth of feelings and emotions of a young girl with a whole lot of heart and determination. It’s most empowering. There is lots of dialogue and descriptive narrative, and the story moves along at a quick pace. Each chapter begins with an intriguing title and a dragon-inspired drawing, both of which suggest the plot development to follow and the angst young Lotti must face to achieve her goal. Insightful, thought-provoking, compassionate, inspiring, brilliant, funny, and brave, this is a great gift for readers of all ages, but especially the young and the young at heart.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

Jake is a Bichon Frisé that Rose and Chris found when he was a pup. He had been bathed in a golden shimmer--the Shine--and Rosie believes he is one of the Sculptor’s “wise ones”. Jake does not believe he is anything more than an ordinary dog who has been through his share of love and loss. One day, like a fairytale, his poor life is transformed by the grace of the King of Gorseland. The King took an interest in him and just like that, Jake’s life is changed forever. He has a new family that loves him and a happy and warm environment to grow up in. One day, while the Royal Family was out, they come across a sorcerer and his raven. Most people and even the royal family’s dogs are drawn to this mysterious sorcerer, except the queen and Jake. Little do they know that their suspicion and association with the sorcerer Beezeldorn and his raven would bring nothing but harm. Will Jake be able to protect his family from this threat? Read Ray Petrolino’s A Leap Into Darkness and find out!

A Leap Into Darkness was a charming fantastical tale that features sorcerers, anthropomorphic animals, a beautiful kingdom, and a sweet familial storyline. Ray Petrolino has crafted a warm-hearted tale with unique twists that kept me flipping through the pages. I was fascinated by the distinctive characters who leave an impression just from their interactions. Jake was a sweet, loyal dog that would bravely do all he can to protect the ones he loved. It took a special person to see who he was and Rose was one of those special people. Her care, love, and sacrifice for Jake left a deep impression on me. I was hooked by this story from the very first chapter. A Leap Into Darkness is a tale woven with care and love. It is a tale of betrayal, trust, family, love, loyalty, friendship, and adventure! The deeper I got into the story the harder it was to put the book down! The map at the start and the illustrations of the characters whenever they were newly introduced into the story made it easier to visualize the story and how everything played out. Overall, this was an extraordinary tale I could see myself reading again in the future. Outstanding work!

Reviewed by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favorite

Soldiers, Temples, and Crystals is the first book in The Newton Chronicles series by Terry Overton. Luke is spending another church service on his phone, as usual, until the mention of Isaac Newton piques his interest. His father disappeared two years ago, and Luke has a suspicion that his father was studying some of Isaac Newton’s work. Determined to delve deeper into his father’s disappearance, he enlists the help of Nathan, the preacher’s son who has a wide knowledge of the Bible, and Lydia, his neighbor who has learned many languages through her travels with her parents around the globe. On their first day of summer vacation and the start of their official investigation, the teenagers activate an ancient artifact and transport themselves back and forth through the spacetime continuum. The artifact takes them to various times and locations where they encounter God’s chosen people – the Israelites. Luke, Nathan, and Lydia experience historical events we can only read of and imagine, but being hurtled through space has its drawbacks. Can these adventurers find their way back to the present time, and more importantly can they find Luke’s dad?

Terry Overton has written a fast-paced adventure novel full of biblical and historical events. Luke, Nathan, and Lydia navigate the turbulent time that the early Israelites had to endure and even experienced their plight. It gives them new insight into the Bible and the many stories contained therein. As a Christian, seeing what the kids saw would also bring me to tears, and I wish I could experience the beauty they did. Soldiers, Temples, and Crystals is a wonderful retelling of famous biblical stories with more adventure that would be easy and interesting for children to read. Terry has a gift for translating God’s word into a beautiful and fun children’s novel.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Mayhem in the Moongarden, by E. L. Seer, is a magical, mysterious children's book for 4th-6th graders, and even the young at heart will enjoy it. Filled with interesting characters and a compelling plot, this story has all the bells and whistles that attract young imaginations. The plot begins with wedding plans, and involves Grubner Trowel, a dwarf who yearns for bigger responsibility and admiration from Mildred Moongarden, his mentor, but does he have what it takes? He finds out when Mildred leaves on business and he has to watch over Moongarden. The Ravishers bring mayhem, since the Moon Orchard feeds everyone, and it's up to Grubner to deal with the threat before Mildred comes back home to total destruction.

Seer is really two authors, and they definitely have their finger on the pulse of what makes young readers happy. Such imagination and cleverness are at play in this story about Caretakers and intelligent beings. The alien-like plant life comes alive in this intriguing world Seer has built. The story is full of rich detail, vivid imagery, and an even pace that will have children flipping through the pages. There are valuable lessons embedded in the story, but aren't really overt unless you're looking for them. It's generally an entertaining book with likeable characters and a plot of conflict and urgency. The writing is lyrical and fanciful, but still grounded in some reality, which makes it a personal and relatable story. The sense of humor will be well-appreciated, and the classic good against evil theme is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle. What I like about this book is the variety of personalities in the characters, which come across as identifiable without being cliched.

The illustrations help bring the story to life, and, with all the activity going on with the characters, you may think this would be a difficult book for young readers to follow, but it turns out to be a breezy read that should hold most young attention spans. Readers will appreciate the introduction of the characters in the beginning of the story, as it helps lay the groundwork for the plot that follows. If you or a child you know has ever imagined the secret lives of gardens, plants, and otherworldly creatures, Mayhem in the Moongarden, by E. L. Seer, is one book to satisfy your curiosity.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

The Munchkins is a children's book written by Candice Zee. How many times did your parents tell you never to talk to strangers? I know mine did a lot. Perhaps the adoptive father of thirteen extraordinary children should have told them as well. When a new neighbor moves in and threatens the children, harassing them repeatedly, CC (as the children refer to their adoptive father) is concerned and tries valiantly to stand up to this man who calls himself Big Boss. This stranger knows too much, like the children’s names and their mysterious special powers. And he wants their powers for his own nefarious intentions. The drama intensifies as Big Boss infiltrates the unusual family in ways they never anticipated, and for which they were not prepared.

Candice Zee’s middle-grade novel The Munchkins is a Harry Potter-type fantasy that will keep young readers enraptured from beginning to end. Told mainly in the first-person narrative from Capricorn’s perspective (she’s one of the thirteen children), it reads like a memoir in many respects because she’s telling her story and that of her siblings from her direct perspective. At the same time, she’s imprisoned by this evil Big Boss. As the personal narrative unfolds, the story incorporates lots of dialogue typical of this age group (the children have all reached the age of 10 and are no longer aging). The narrative, dialogue, and descriptive passages are engaging and make young readers feel like they are part of the story. The good-versus-evil conflict is evident, and the importance of a strong family bond shines through. And why are they called the Munchkins? Well, that’s an interesting story in itself and adds to the overall flavor of the plot—a great read.

Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite

When opportunity comes knocking at your door, do you jump with both feet or do you settle for another boring summer? Joseph receives an invitation from Professor Benjamin Thessit to test out a new video game on an all-expenses-paid trip to the Murean Islands. Thinking that it’s a scam, he drags his best friend Eric along for the ride. However, everything is not as it seems and the secrets of this world are revealed. With the scatterbrained Professor and their hometown bully on the island, their summer is about to be anything but boring! Join Joseph and Eric in Erift’s Journey, book one in J.T. Tenera’s Secrets of the Sealed Forest, in their adventure into a world of magic.

First things first, I loved how J.T. Tenera's style made Secrets of the Sealed Forest: Erift’s Journey their own. With many children’s books exploring the world of magic, we are used to the same incantations in a sense. However, in Erift’s Journey, the notion of magic is a lost language, with its own alphabet consisting of symbols. The world-building was beautifully developed and allows readers to follow along. It’s a great book for children of all ages and echoes the tales of Camelot and Atlantis. This is a dream come true for those who wish we had magical powers. J.T. Tenera’s writing, by way of the “nutty Professor”, focuses on the fact that we all have a little magic in us. I think that is a beautiful message to be sending out, especially to children who are easily influenced by what they come across online. Can’t wait for the next book!

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Hop-About: The Adventures of Benny the Bunny and Mr. Rabbit by Colin Krainin follows two wawas, stuffed animals, as they enjoy their ordinary yet fastidious lives in the Upper West Side of New York City. Mr. Rabbit is a handsome stuffed rabbit with large feet; he loves walking in Central Park. Mr. Rabbit lives with his best friend, Benny the Bunny, and his other friend, Dr. Ursa, a large stuffed brown bear. While doing their routine in the evening, Mr. Rabbit and Benny the Bunny receive an unexpected visitor. Mr. Rabbit's old childhood friend, the shockingly orange and bountifully bombastic wawa, Custerd the cat, the one Mr. Rabbit told stories about, is at their door, and he wants something from them. They don't know it yet, but they're about to go on an adventurous long-distance journey that will unexpectedly enrich everyone's lives.

I was mesmerized by this heartwarming children's book that revolves around some interesting animals. Hop-About: The Adventures of Benny the Bunny and Mr. Rabbit by Colin Krainin is my type of book. The writing is exquisite, and the story is rich in description, fabulous and loyal characters, dazzling dialogue, and unique adventures. I loved it and will definitely miss Mr. Rabbit and Benny the Bunny's eccentric chats. Colin Krainin succeeded in crafting an extraordinary story that charmed me from page one. I would give Hop-About more than five stars if it were possible. I firmly believe that this cozy book that contains pretty illustrations can charm every little reader; it can help them boost their vocabulary and teach them the true meaning of loyalty, love, and friendship.