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Recommend this book:
Mumageddon! And the Food Magician
Sonya Anise
2025 Finalist
96 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Mumageddon! And the Food Magician by Sonya Anise is the chaotic, comical, and heart-warming book you didn’t know you needed. This brilliantly crafted rhyming tale is a mischievous masterpiece that will have readers of all ages laughing, gasping, and occasionally cringing in delight. The story follows a young boy whose stepmother bans him from the kitchen and sends him to a boarding school in Scotland. Armed with nothing but his food magic, he’s determined to make the most of his unfortunate circumstances while causing as much chaos as he can. What crazy concoctions will he brew up? You’ll have to read and find out.
Mumageddon! And the Food Magician by Sonya Anise is a fun and rambunctious book with silliness reminiscent of some of Roald Dahl's works. The playful verses, coupled with vibrant illustrations, make this book an absolute joy to read, even for an adult. It’s the kind of story that begs to be read over and over again, with each read bringing new laughs and insights to discover. Sonya's journey to bring this tale to life is nothing short of inspiring, and I think it’s a testament to the power of following your passion that she was able to publish this 25 years after having written the book. Overall, this is the kind of book that will make children, parents, and hopefully even stepmothers laugh. I think it’s a great book for any family to own and one that can be enjoyed no matter the age range of the reader.
Mumageddon! And the Food Magician by Sonya Anise is the chaotic, comical, and heart-warming book you didn’t know you needed. This brilliantly crafted rhyming tale is a mischievous masterpiece that will have readers of all ages laughing, gasping, and occasionally cringing in delight. The story follows a young boy whose stepmother bans him from the kitchen and sends him to a boarding school in Scotland. Armed with nothing but his food magic, he’s determined to make the most of his unfortunate circumstances while causing as much chaos as he can. What crazy concoctions will he brew up? You’ll have to read and find out.
Mumageddon! And the Food Magician by Sonya Anise is a fun and rambunctious book with silliness reminiscent of some of Roald Dahl's works. The playful verses, coupled with vibrant illustrations, make this book an absolute joy to read, even for an adult. It’s the kind of story that begs to be read over and over again, with each read bringing new laughs and insights to discover. Sonya's journey to bring this tale to life is nothing short of inspiring, and I think it’s a testament to the power of following your passion that she was able to publish this 25 years after having written the book. Overall, this is the kind of book that will make children, parents, and hopefully even stepmothers laugh. I think it’s a great book for any family to own and one that can be enjoyed no matter the age range of the reader.
Recommend this book:
Sophia and the Dragon-Eye Charms: The Secret of Okaas
Beth Christopherson
2025 Honorable Mention
231 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Sophia and the Dragon-Eye Charms: The Secret of Okaas is a children's fantasy novel by Beth Christopherson. Sophia is drawn into a magical adventure three years after the death of her brother, Seth. Gifted with powerful heart magic born from her compassion, she’s chosen by nature spirits to wield the green dragon-eye charm, which holds the essence of love. As parasitic creatures called Buhkranks threaten both humans and nature, Sophia must master her newfound powers and confront a tough decision that could risk the very essence of love itself. With the help of fairies, elves, and other magical beings, she faces a race against time to save the world.
Author Beth Christopherson crafts a rich, imaginative world filled with magical creatures, drawing readers into a captivating fantasy universe that feels instantly warm and welcoming. There’s something so inclusive and enthusiastic about every facet of this work, from the sensitively penned dialogue to the uplifting descriptions of people and places that Sophia encounters on her journey. The novel expertly balances heartfelt themes of grief, love, and determination to heal and survive, making Sophia’s emotional journey intensely touching and empowering. The vibrant cast of ensemble characters is utterly charming, offering whimsical and meaningful nuggets of advice and wisdom that will stay with readers long after they’ve set the book down. The plot is packed with interesting twists that are never too sensationalized, and always have a sincere core message. Overall, Sophia and the Dragon-Eye Charms is a captivating work of fantasy fiction that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a wholesome and empowering family-friendly adventure.
Sophia and the Dragon-Eye Charms: The Secret of Okaas is a children's fantasy novel by Beth Christopherson. Sophia is drawn into a magical adventure three years after the death of her brother, Seth. Gifted with powerful heart magic born from her compassion, she’s chosen by nature spirits to wield the green dragon-eye charm, which holds the essence of love. As parasitic creatures called Buhkranks threaten both humans and nature, Sophia must master her newfound powers and confront a tough decision that could risk the very essence of love itself. With the help of fairies, elves, and other magical beings, she faces a race against time to save the world.
Author Beth Christopherson crafts a rich, imaginative world filled with magical creatures, drawing readers into a captivating fantasy universe that feels instantly warm and welcoming. There’s something so inclusive and enthusiastic about every facet of this work, from the sensitively penned dialogue to the uplifting descriptions of people and places that Sophia encounters on her journey. The novel expertly balances heartfelt themes of grief, love, and determination to heal and survive, making Sophia’s emotional journey intensely touching and empowering. The vibrant cast of ensemble characters is utterly charming, offering whimsical and meaningful nuggets of advice and wisdom that will stay with readers long after they’ve set the book down. The plot is packed with interesting twists that are never too sensationalized, and always have a sincere core message. Overall, Sophia and the Dragon-Eye Charms is a captivating work of fantasy fiction that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a wholesome and empowering family-friendly adventure.
Recommend this book:
Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats
Jeffrey H Hope, Dr. Maria Cahill
2025 Bronze Medal
214 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats by Jeffrey Hope is a heartfelt, humorous, and charming ode to childhood adventure. The story follows two brothers, John and Sam, who live in a quiet coastal town in Maine. They spend their summer on imaginative adventures inspired by their love of James Bond. Their lives change when their outboard motor, Evin, is destroyed by the Johnson boys, who run it without oil. The boys are devastated but receive a smaller outboard motor from their Aunt Susan for Christmas. Despite its slower speed, they continue their adventures and learn valuable lessons about resilience, friendship, and the importance of taking care of what matters to them. The story is filled with humor, sibling dynamics, and the joys and challenges of growing up in small-town America.
This is an engaging tale of youth’s creativity and resilience. Jeffrey Hope expertly captures his young protagonists’ humor, innocence, and determination. Through their misadventures, the boys learn teamwork, perseverance, and the value of looking out for one another, even as they argue over who gets to be James Bond for the day. Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats is a fun book for young adults and anyone who grew up in the pre-technology era when playing outside was a part of everyday life. The nostalgia is deeply ingrained and will bring back pleasant childhood memories. It’s a reminder of the power of imagination and the joy of finding summer-day adventures. Hope rekindles the carefree days of childhood with engaging prose and laugh-out-loud moments. Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats is a book you’ll want to read again and again. I know I will.
Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats by Jeffrey Hope is a heartfelt, humorous, and charming ode to childhood adventure. The story follows two brothers, John and Sam, who live in a quiet coastal town in Maine. They spend their summer on imaginative adventures inspired by their love of James Bond. Their lives change when their outboard motor, Evin, is destroyed by the Johnson boys, who run it without oil. The boys are devastated but receive a smaller outboard motor from their Aunt Susan for Christmas. Despite its slower speed, they continue their adventures and learn valuable lessons about resilience, friendship, and the importance of taking care of what matters to them. The story is filled with humor, sibling dynamics, and the joys and challenges of growing up in small-town America.
This is an engaging tale of youth’s creativity and resilience. Jeffrey Hope expertly captures his young protagonists’ humor, innocence, and determination. Through their misadventures, the boys learn teamwork, perseverance, and the value of looking out for one another, even as they argue over who gets to be James Bond for the day. Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats is a fun book for young adults and anyone who grew up in the pre-technology era when playing outside was a part of everyday life. The nostalgia is deeply ingrained and will bring back pleasant childhood memories. It’s a reminder of the power of imagination and the joy of finding summer-day adventures. Hope rekindles the carefree days of childhood with engaging prose and laugh-out-loud moments. Real Spies Don’t Use Rowboats is a book you’ll want to read again and again. I know I will.
Recommend this book:
Armando and the Amazing Animal Race
Diana Schaffter
2025 Gold Medal
350 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Armando and the Amazing Animal Race by Diana Schaffter is a wonderfully crafted middle-grade read with a touching story and compelling environmental message. Central to the narrative is Armando, a twelve-year-old boy, who sets off on an exciting journey across continents with his eccentric grandmother to capture photographs of endangered species in just 70 days. This race has significant value—bringing families together, exposing individuals to different cultures, and fostering a genuine passion for environmental protection. Schaffter tackles critical issues like environmental justice and climate change in a way that young readers can understand, inspiring them to consider their part in safeguarding our planet. The intergenerational bond between Armando and his grandmother adds a delightful dimension to the narrative, illustrating how relationships can flourish through shared experiences and mutual respect for nature.
Diana Schaffter’s writing effortlessly weaves elements of adventure, mystery, and humor, making the book both entertaining and educational. As readers follow Armando's journey, they are introduced to exotic locations and fascinating wildlife facts seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the story without overwhelming it. Armando and the Amazing Animal Race’s descriptive imagery transports readers across the globe. Each chapter pushes the story forward and deepens the connection to the characters and their mission, making it hard to put the book down. This book is excellent for youngsters who are apprehensive readers as it mixes suspense, adventure, laughs, and learning to hold their attention. The images throughout add fun and educational value. The story highlights the importance of family, friendship, and the need to act as earth stewards. It's an excellent resource for classroom reading and discussion. I highly recommend it to middle-grade readers and adults.
Armando and the Amazing Animal Race by Diana Schaffter is a wonderfully crafted middle-grade read with a touching story and compelling environmental message. Central to the narrative is Armando, a twelve-year-old boy, who sets off on an exciting journey across continents with his eccentric grandmother to capture photographs of endangered species in just 70 days. This race has significant value—bringing families together, exposing individuals to different cultures, and fostering a genuine passion for environmental protection. Schaffter tackles critical issues like environmental justice and climate change in a way that young readers can understand, inspiring them to consider their part in safeguarding our planet. The intergenerational bond between Armando and his grandmother adds a delightful dimension to the narrative, illustrating how relationships can flourish through shared experiences and mutual respect for nature.
Diana Schaffter’s writing effortlessly weaves elements of adventure, mystery, and humor, making the book both entertaining and educational. As readers follow Armando's journey, they are introduced to exotic locations and fascinating wildlife facts seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the story without overwhelming it. Armando and the Amazing Animal Race’s descriptive imagery transports readers across the globe. Each chapter pushes the story forward and deepens the connection to the characters and their mission, making it hard to put the book down. This book is excellent for youngsters who are apprehensive readers as it mixes suspense, adventure, laughs, and learning to hold their attention. The images throughout add fun and educational value. The story highlights the importance of family, friendship, and the need to act as earth stewards. It's an excellent resource for classroom reading and discussion. I highly recommend it to middle-grade readers and adults.
Recommend this book:
Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm
Brave Girls Collection
Kimberly Behre Kenna
2024 Finalist
173 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Afifa Raisa for Readers' Favorite
Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm by Kimberly Behre Kenna is the story of Jett, a traumatized sixth-grader who is tired of the noises inside and around her. She desperately seeks peace, but nothing seems to work out for this troubled girl. Her life takes a different turn the day she unexpectedly meets Sister Gia, a nun with an interesting personality. Sensing Jett’s struggles, Sister Gia recommends a book that Jett may find helpful. Jett decides to get her hands on the book, only to discover that all the copies have disappeared. To make things worse, everyone in her town seems to be reluctant to talk about it. The attempts to silence the author’s voice disturb Jett deeply, and she decides to do what it takes to free it.
Kimberly Behre Kenna’s Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm is a breathtaking book that immediately earned my sympathy for the protagonist. I loved how Kimberly effectively dealt with serious issues like sexual assault and censorship while keeping the book suitable for young readers. I also appreciated the use of symbolism and metaphors which added depth as well as beauty. Right from the beginning, I felt that Kimberly had put her heart and soul into the story, so I was not surprised at all when I learned from the About the Author section that she was inspired by her own experiences to write the story. I would recommend the book to middle-graders as well as older readers.
Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm by Kimberly Behre Kenna is the story of Jett, a traumatized sixth-grader who is tired of the noises inside and around her. She desperately seeks peace, but nothing seems to work out for this troubled girl. Her life takes a different turn the day she unexpectedly meets Sister Gia, a nun with an interesting personality. Sensing Jett’s struggles, Sister Gia recommends a book that Jett may find helpful. Jett decides to get her hands on the book, only to discover that all the copies have disappeared. To make things worse, everyone in her town seems to be reluctant to talk about it. The attempts to silence the author’s voice disturb Jett deeply, and she decides to do what it takes to free it.
Kimberly Behre Kenna’s Jett Jamison and the Secret Storm is a breathtaking book that immediately earned my sympathy for the protagonist. I loved how Kimberly effectively dealt with serious issues like sexual assault and censorship while keeping the book suitable for young readers. I also appreciated the use of symbolism and metaphors which added depth as well as beauty. Right from the beginning, I felt that Kimberly had put her heart and soul into the story, so I was not surprised at all when I learned from the About the Author section that she was inspired by her own experiences to write the story. I would recommend the book to middle-graders as well as older readers.
Recommend this book:
The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol
Jeremy Sherr
2024 Bronze Medal
251 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
There aren't many feelings in the world more scary than having someone with really bad intentions relentlessly follow you for sport. When a gang of bullies nearly catches 11-year-olds Beryl and Carol, they bolt into the last place in the world anyone would want to be—the Forbidden Forest. In February 1982, Tim Marston took a hike into the forest and never came back. Search parties combed through the woods for months, but no one could find a trace of Tim. Since then, no one dared go beyond the forest's tree line except today when Beryl and Carol did. But as circumstances edge the two best friends deeper and deeper into the dark woods, they come to a large, magical clearing. The girls agree to keep the garden a secret, to visit only when no one's looking their way. But something terrible threatens to turn their lovely little village into a ghost town in a few months. When Beryl and Carol discover a buried rusty tobacco tin with a letter from Tim Marston inside, mentioning a treasure hidden somewhere in the forest, the two young minds hope there might be a chance to save their homes. Is there a lost treasure sitting in the woods? What happened to Tim? Dive into Jeremy Sherr's The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol to find out.
Whether you're 10 or 80, this award-winning story will enthrall you to the last word. It's a real page-turner! The plot is fast-paced, and the author did a fantastic job of coordinating the non-stop action and suspense. Sherr's apt descriptions and lively dialogues transport you into the unfolding narrative, where you can almost sense the decaying forest floor and hear the river bubbling in the distance. The characters are marvelous. I rooted for Beryl and Carol. These two BFFs have been together forever. They are fearless in protecting each other, quite resilient in their tactics against adversity, and smart with their minds always swirling with ideas and possibilities. The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol is a special find in which a dangerous turn into uncharted depths becomes the luckiest of events. You'll really enjoy this adventure!
There aren't many feelings in the world more scary than having someone with really bad intentions relentlessly follow you for sport. When a gang of bullies nearly catches 11-year-olds Beryl and Carol, they bolt into the last place in the world anyone would want to be—the Forbidden Forest. In February 1982, Tim Marston took a hike into the forest and never came back. Search parties combed through the woods for months, but no one could find a trace of Tim. Since then, no one dared go beyond the forest's tree line except today when Beryl and Carol did. But as circumstances edge the two best friends deeper and deeper into the dark woods, they come to a large, magical clearing. The girls agree to keep the garden a secret, to visit only when no one's looking their way. But something terrible threatens to turn their lovely little village into a ghost town in a few months. When Beryl and Carol discover a buried rusty tobacco tin with a letter from Tim Marston inside, mentioning a treasure hidden somewhere in the forest, the two young minds hope there might be a chance to save their homes. Is there a lost treasure sitting in the woods? What happened to Tim? Dive into Jeremy Sherr's The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol to find out.
Whether you're 10 or 80, this award-winning story will enthrall you to the last word. It's a real page-turner! The plot is fast-paced, and the author did a fantastic job of coordinating the non-stop action and suspense. Sherr's apt descriptions and lively dialogues transport you into the unfolding narrative, where you can almost sense the decaying forest floor and hear the river bubbling in the distance. The characters are marvelous. I rooted for Beryl and Carol. These two BFFs have been together forever. They are fearless in protecting each other, quite resilient in their tactics against adversity, and smart with their minds always swirling with ideas and possibilities. The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol is a special find in which a dangerous turn into uncharted depths becomes the luckiest of events. You'll really enjoy this adventure!
Recommend this book:
Just Like Click
Sandy Grubb
2024 Silver Medal
188 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Afifa Raisa for Readers' Favorite
Just Like Click by Sandy Grubb is the story of Nick, an eleven-year-old obsessed with superheroes. Nick's parents want him to ace tests, be a star player, and make friends his age. Nick prefers to stay on his own and work on his creation, The Adventure of Click, a superhero comic. When a series of lumber thefts makes his father lose his job, they are forced to leave Black Butte Ranch, the place Nick has always called home. With just a week left before relocating, Nick sneaks out every night to help people and animals, just like Click, his superhero. He has other concerns, however. If he leaves the ranch, there will be no one to look after the old people he helps, and he is clueless about what to do with the money Great-Gramp has left behind with him. He also longs for his parents' approval. While working on others’ problems, can he solve his own?
Sandy Grubb’s Just Like Click is a reminder that not all heroes wear a cape. Nick has a heart of gold, and I love this character. The way he always prioritizes the welfare of others despite being so young is mind-blowing. I also like how Great-Gramp remains present in Nick’s thoughts throughout the story despite not being alive; this clearly shows the depth of the bond these two characters shared in the past. Sandy did a good job with the portrayal of the conflict between Nick’s passions and the expectations of his parents, and I think many readers will be able to relate to it. I would recommend this book to children aged 8–10.
Just Like Click by Sandy Grubb is the story of Nick, an eleven-year-old obsessed with superheroes. Nick's parents want him to ace tests, be a star player, and make friends his age. Nick prefers to stay on his own and work on his creation, The Adventure of Click, a superhero comic. When a series of lumber thefts makes his father lose his job, they are forced to leave Black Butte Ranch, the place Nick has always called home. With just a week left before relocating, Nick sneaks out every night to help people and animals, just like Click, his superhero. He has other concerns, however. If he leaves the ranch, there will be no one to look after the old people he helps, and he is clueless about what to do with the money Great-Gramp has left behind with him. He also longs for his parents' approval. While working on others’ problems, can he solve his own?
Sandy Grubb’s Just Like Click is a reminder that not all heroes wear a cape. Nick has a heart of gold, and I love this character. The way he always prioritizes the welfare of others despite being so young is mind-blowing. I also like how Great-Gramp remains present in Nick’s thoughts throughout the story despite not being alive; this clearly shows the depth of the bond these two characters shared in the past. Sandy did a good job with the portrayal of the conflict between Nick’s passions and the expectations of his parents, and I think many readers will be able to relate to it. I would recommend this book to children aged 8–10.
Recommend this book:
The Phantom Firefighter
First Responder
J.W. Jarvis
2024 Gold Medal
200 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
The Phantom Firefighter: First Responder is a middle-grade novel by J.W. Jarvis. Noah loves video games and spending time with his father. After eating out one night, Noah and his father stumble across a bookstore they hadn’t noticed previously. Noah selects a children’s book with an unconventional cover, and he and his father read it at home. As their interest in the story grows, they find themselves mentally and physically immersed in the world of Zach, a firefighter whose adventures lead him into dangerous situations. Noah assumes Zach’s role and his father is a phantom who watches over him. Noah and his father think that their experience is a dream, but Noah finds evidence that Zach and his team are real, and the decisions made in the book seem to affect the outcomes of the incidents. When Noah shares the book with a friend at school, an unexpected turn of events causes a critical situation.
J.W. Jarvis has a knack for providing intellectually stimulating facts throughout this work. From Australian phrases to the degree of detail in his rescue scenes, it’s apparent that the author either drew on his wealth of knowledge or researched the subject extensively. Readers will be engrossed in this magically realistic story as they move along with the fast-paced plot, and the end leaves room for a sequel. With themes of friendship, family, bullying, tenacity, altruism, and humor, The Phantom Firefighter is a book readers won’t want to put down. Even though the protagonist is a preteen, the story would appeal to young adults and more mature audiences as well. Jarvis donates three percent of this book's sales to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which provides funding for children whose parents are first responders who died while on duty.
The Phantom Firefighter: First Responder is a middle-grade novel by J.W. Jarvis. Noah loves video games and spending time with his father. After eating out one night, Noah and his father stumble across a bookstore they hadn’t noticed previously. Noah selects a children’s book with an unconventional cover, and he and his father read it at home. As their interest in the story grows, they find themselves mentally and physically immersed in the world of Zach, a firefighter whose adventures lead him into dangerous situations. Noah assumes Zach’s role and his father is a phantom who watches over him. Noah and his father think that their experience is a dream, but Noah finds evidence that Zach and his team are real, and the decisions made in the book seem to affect the outcomes of the incidents. When Noah shares the book with a friend at school, an unexpected turn of events causes a critical situation.
J.W. Jarvis has a knack for providing intellectually stimulating facts throughout this work. From Australian phrases to the degree of detail in his rescue scenes, it’s apparent that the author either drew on his wealth of knowledge or researched the subject extensively. Readers will be engrossed in this magically realistic story as they move along with the fast-paced plot, and the end leaves room for a sequel. With themes of friendship, family, bullying, tenacity, altruism, and humor, The Phantom Firefighter is a book readers won’t want to put down. Even though the protagonist is a preteen, the story would appeal to young adults and more mature audiences as well. Jarvis donates three percent of this book's sales to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which provides funding for children whose parents are first responders who died while on duty.
Recommend this book:
Jeff Pennant's Field Guide to Raising Happy Parents
Kelli McKinney
2023 Finalist
266 Pages
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Children - Preteen
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.
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.
Recommend this book:
The Mysterious Pool
Charlene McIver, Zoe Saunders
2023 Honorable Mention
80 Pages
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Children - Preteen
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.
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.
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