Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

N. Reece Ho-Sheffield’s collection of children stories, Reece's Vintage Tales, carries inspiring lessons for any reader. The stories feature colorful characters, fascinating scenes, and powerful insights. In the story, “The Prince of Vanity,” a pompous and vain prince is eventually humbled when he realizes his looks and talents alone will not get him the lady of his dreams. Another delightful story is loosely based on the tale, Little Red Riding Hood. “Little Green Riding Hood and the Vegetarian Wolf” veers off from the original story through the addition of some modern touches and a few surprising twists. Each tale has a unique story to tell. Though some are familiar, N. Reece Ho-Sheffield still manages to surprise by applying creativity.

Most of the stories in Reece's Vintage Tales by N. Reece Ho-Sheffield offer hope to anyone who feels that they are not good enough or have been the object of scorn and ridicule. The tales also warn against pride, materialism, and vanity. The characters are captivating in their diversity and differences in points of view. In some stories, characters are human while in others they are animals. The stories are comical and this is accentuated by the deftly created illustrations which add color and depth to the tales. The combination of modern and traditional elements as well as the inclusion of different genres such as science fiction, suspense, and the inspirational genre makes the collection diverse and hence even more engaging. Reece's Vintage Tales by N. Reece Ho-Sheffield is a delightful and heart-warming collection for children and adults alike.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Surprise, I Have 3 Eyes! by Jenine Lori is an enchanting story about Joey who would go out to play and come back home to speak about his journeys away. His friends had beautiful wings like the colors of May and some of them were fabulous creatures with big eyes and some had big warts. His friends were all different shapes and sizes and they would dance in parades, bounce, and fly. Though his friends had hidden places where they would stay, Joey always knew where to find them. He could always play with them, even when he was sick. None of his friends believed him and he could not understand why he was the only one who could see these creatures.

The story introduces young readers to the concept of the third eye and how to look at things differently. It makes them more creative and imaginative and the rhyming verses are fun and lyrical to read. The illustrations are magical and they enhance the whimsical part of the story beautifully. The aesthetic presentation and the beautiful message make this book a must-read and a must-have at home and school. The story is about being different, imagination and acceptance, and this visual treat will help readers of all age groups understand the concept of the third eye and the way they perceive everything. The topic is unique and fresh and the author tackles it in a very creative way, making the subject fascinating to readers. The presentation is as magical and enthralling as the illustrations and words.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Happy Tears & Rainbow Babies by Natasha Melissa Carlow is a heartwarming story in which young readers learn about rainbow babies and happy tears along with Rosie and Capi. The story tackles the subject of loss, pain, and miscarriage. Mommy and Daddy take Rosie and Capi for a walk and they soon reach their favorite pond. Mommy sets down the blanket and suddenly Rosie spots a rainbow. Mommy and Daddy look at the rainbow and smile at each other. A tiny tear rolls down Mommy's cheek. Daddy tells them that when there is a lot of happiness inside it can spill out as tears. Rosie is curious to know why they love rainbows so much. How do Mommy and Daddy explain to Rosie and Capi about the symbolism of rainbows?

The story is beautiful and the author approaches a difficult topic with finesse and elegance. The illustrations by Keevyn Mohammed and Kyle Stephen are bright and as colorful as the rainbow and its beauty. It is informative for readers to learn about the symbolism of the rainbow and what it represents. The book also captures family bonding along with how to bring up the topic of miscarriage and saying goodbye to babies before they are born. It is a good story for all parents and children, and the author's perception of the spiritual beliefs that exist in families has been knitted into it deftly. This is not a topic that is usually spoken about in children's books and that makes the story unique and fresh.

Reviewed by Barbara Fanson for Readers' Favorite

Saint Tamika and Josh: My Journey Home features Saint Tamika and Josh in a short story of life after death, which comforts and convinces us that there is nothing to fear. The series of books was created with children in mind, but parents will find them interesting, too. Author Bidenia Hudson describes the journey after death, reassuring us that there is room for everyone in the vast, well-lit God’s Holy City. Her inspiring words are comforting, descriptive, and provide consolation to those who may be experiencing a loss or people who just want to know more of life beyond. Saint Tamika and Josh: My Journey Home provides a deeper understanding and thought-provoking perspectives that many will find interesting. What do you think you will experience? I think the only thing I will take on my next journey are the memories of the wonderful people I have met, the exciting adventures I have had, and the many blessings I have felt.

Saint Tamika and Josh: My Journey Home may be especially helpful after losing a family member or pet to help children and their parents understand the journey beyond their earthly existence. Author Bidenia Hudson paints a beautiful picture with words and provides comforting thoughts about the continuing journey. Children and their parents may choose to read this book together and to share their thoughts on the topic. This book is a thought-provoking interpretation that will introduce discussion and opinions amongst family members and friends. But, it’s not just for children; adults too will find the book interesting and intriguing. Visual branding specialist Lauren Varlack provides pencil crayon illustrations to help visualize the story. What is your interpretation?

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

Baby Boy, Little King, written for young children, is a delightful rendition of the Christmas story. Written by Jim Hargrove and illustrated by Jamie Cosley, Baby Boy, Little King details the first Christmas in an enchanting way. By the author using rhyming text, young children will want to hear the story over and over again. Soon, they will be chanting the story along with the parents, as it is easy to remember and fun to repeat. The lovely illustrations will also enchant young children and their parents. The inclusion of animals, shepherds and the three kings demonstrates how all people are affected by this baby boy.

Artist Jamie Cosley also uses such items as patches on the Holy Family’s clothing and the gift of a loaf of bread from a young boy to demonstrate how the baby touches the impoverished. Likewise, Jamie Cosley shows the riches of the three kings. The joy of all is beautifully depicted, and the author highlights how this joy remains in current times with the last two lines of the book: "And we can do the same as they, And worship Him this very day."

In this unique presentation of the Christmas story, the use of rhyming poetry will certainly captivate the imagination of young readers. Author Jim Hargrove, and illustrator Jamie Cosley have skillfully developed an engaging children’s version in Baby Boy, Little King. The poetry and the drawings create an exciting and joyful atmosphere. Every child will be able to visualize the scene and feel a part of the unfolding drama. This is a beautiful book!

Reviewed by Gail Kamer for Readers' Favorite

Jesus for Children by Jayne D’Alessandro-Cox contains a trilogy of religious stories. The first two stories are told through rhyming verse. The last story is shared through prose from Mary’s point of view. In “A Miracle in Bethlehem,” a hyena captures two bunnies but the glow of a star attracts them to a stable where a precious newborn then captures the hyena’s heart. In “A Passover Blessing,” the story of twelve-year-old Jesus getting lost and being found in the temple is told. All the stories are familiar to children, but told with a twist that gives them an extra connection.

The artwork in Jesus for Children by Jayne D’Alessandro-Cox is simply beautiful. From the black and white illustrations to the pictures left for children to color themselves, they draw the reader and listener in. Because the stories are best shared between an adult or independent reader and a child, a special bond between them will be created. Great conversation about Jesus and His life will develop into lasting memories, especially the story written from Mary’s point of view.

D’Alessandro-Cox includes personal accounts about how she wrote each story, which adds a personal touch and assists the user in knowing that God is involved in their personal life, thus encouraging the reader/listener to include God in their daily life. I recommend this book for any family collection and for home school libraries. Not only are the religious themes significant, but connections to the life and times of Jesus, as well as animal habitats can be researched in a home school setting.

Reviewed by Darin Godby for Readers' Favorite

Fifo Gets Ready For Christmas by Hayley Rose is a funny and entertaining Christmas story. The reader will take a journey with Fifo as he meets with various individuals in helping him prepare for Christmas. Whether it’s baking, decorating, sending out Christmas cards or one of many other things that Fifo is involved in, the reader will enjoy his many different friends that help him. Fifo enjoys being able to share in this festive season with so many of his friends as he accomplishes the tasks before him. The most interesting part is at the end of the story where author Haley Rose writes: “Fifo spends time with loved ones. What’s your favorite part about Christmas?” This enables the reader to ask the child they may be sharing the book with to open up and tell them what they enjoy the most.

This can easily be a fun interactive book that will involve both the reader and those youngsters being read to. Illustrator Mark Sean Wilson creates wonderful works of art, allowing the reader to feel a part of the story with the colorful images. This is a lovely seasonal book that reaches out to many different types of readers who are interested in exploring Christmas and the various ways that a person could get ready to enjoy it. Hayley Rose allows the flow and purpose of the story to conclude in a very significant way to enable deeper communication between the reader and those being read to. This is a very enjoyable book!