Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

Ricky's Reflection by Kerry Jankowski packs a powerful message into its 32 pages: we are mirrors for those who bully us. Author Kerry Jankowski states in the closing notes that she believes in empowering children to direct negative energy away from ourselves. This powerful message from the teachings of Louise Hay is especially relevant and timely for children in today's world of social media abuses and rampant bullying in schools, despite active campaigns to discourage such negative behaviors. In the most simple and straightforward language imaginable, Kerry Jankowski offers children on both sides of the equation an honest look at the truth behind the bullying and some food for thought as well. In addition, the illustrations by her son Trey Jankowski offer a wonderful child's perspective on the events of the story as they unfold.

Trey, a young boy from a loving family, is being bullied at school by an insecure, angry fellow student named Ricky. After Trey tells his mother about the situation, she gives him a powerful strategy and a practical tool to remind Ricky that he is only speaking of himself when he loudly proclaims how much he dislikes others. As is the case with most bullies, Ricky's bravado crumbles when he is faced with the truth.

Sometimes, the simplest, most earnest messages can be the most powerful. Appropriately timed and sensitively reinforced, the message contained in Ricky's Reflection by Kerry Jankowski could bring about positive change and perhaps even save young lives. Ricky's Reflection by Kerry Jankowski would be an ideal teaching tool for classrooms and youth groups, and a powerful springboard for discussion at home - it is an important book that should not be missed.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Gabbie Flowers and the Key to the Universe is a children and preteens' book written by Dianne Caplin. Gabbie seems like a normal, everyday eleven-year-old kid by day. She lives with her grandmother, Nana Alice, and her older sister, Victoria, in a brownstone in New York City. By night, however, she astral projects in the company of her spirit guide, Samuel, and they visit with Gabbie's mother, Katherine, at the Hall of Reconnection. Katherine died when Gabbie was only 4, but the two still get to spend their night times together. Gabbie is excited about the art competition at school. The winner gets to paint a mural on a large wall in the hallway, but Gabbie still can't visualize her master work. Samuel takes Gabbie to the Temple of Artistic Endeavors to learn from great artists from the past for inspiration.

Dianne Caplin's children and preteens' book, Gabbie Flowers and the Key to the Universe, is marvelous on so many levels. My favorite part has to be where Gabbie visits with Van Gogh and the other artists in the Temple of Artistic Endeavors, and works with their guidance on her idea for a mural. Caplin also addresses the very serious issue of bullying and the profound impact it can have on children and adults' lives. Caplin's characters are well-defined and personable, except for the mean and somewhat awful bully, Melissa. The illustrations that appear throughout the text are fabulous, especially the very spooky one of Gabbie at the gate of St. Anne's reform school with her very scary escorts. I had a lot of fun reading Gabbie Flowers and the Key to the Universe and am looking forward to reading about her further adventures. Gabbie Flowers and the Key to the Universe is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Dinosaur's New Shoes (Teddy T-Rex) by James S. Martinez is a delightfully uplifting storybook for children. The hero in this story is Teddy T-Rex, a young dinosaur who is excited about going to school. He wants to show off his new shoes to his friends. He has a good day at school. He remembers the names of many of his new friends, especially Bruno the Bully. Teddy T-Rex is not like others who are scared of a bully. He voices his opinion to Coach Long, who decides to speak to Bruno. It's a beautiful story of reaching out, and being compassionate and caring to everyone.

The book is informative and teaches kids how to respond to bullying and also how to confront bullies. The illustrations are bright and colorful and they breathe life not only into the characters, but also into the story. Teddy T-Rex is a lovable character to whom kids can relate. The book is useful to teachers, educators, parents and children as it helps them to know more about bullying and bullies. It's also a good bedtime storybook for children and can be used for interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries.

This is a must-have in any parent's personal collection as it has tips on how to identify a bully and how to understand if one is being bullied. It's a very inspiring and upbeat storybook for kids. The author handles a relevant topic masterfully and with elan, reaching out to young readers in a good way.

Reviewed by Janelle Alex, Ph.D. for Readers' Favorite

Lee Jordan has come up with an interesting story in One Creepy Street: The Spider on the Web to teach children about the dangers of child predators on the Internet. Jordan uses an adorable young teenage girl as the main character. Creating a humorously spooky setting to grab the reader's attention, the author and illustrator achieved that goal beautifully. Annica, the red-headed thirteen-year-old witch, loves playing online and making friends. Her pet bat, Murray, has concerns about her decision to meet up with a new friend she met online, and her mother apparently has not been paying attention to Annica's online activities. As expected, Annica opts to meet her new friend without telling her mother she was leaving the house and without leaving a note. The new spider friend is actually one of the child predators that many innocent children succumb to. Annica's mother discovers she is missing from her room and phones the police for help. Can Officer Tate save the day and Annica?

One Creepy Street: The Spider on the Web is very colorful and eye catching - if not a bit spooky. But, it covers a very frightening and serious topic in a softer way. The story expresses how many children are not saved. Going forward, Annica's mother and her pet bat, Murray, will mentor her on best practices for being online. There is a great lesson for both children and their parents within the pages of Jordan's tale. It may be a bit young for tweens and teens, but even so the message is deeply important. And, to top it off, Jordan has written it in rhythmical poetic style. Fun, cute, colorful, spooky and powerful! Good job!

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Iwogs Adventures in Bully Blues by Susan Marie Murdoch is a story that speaks about the relevant topic of bullying and makes young readers more aware of the issue. The Iwogs live within the roots of the great cypress tree, deep beneath Sweetwater pond. Corky goes in search of his friends, Jazz, Tripod and Biz. Corky senses that something is just not right with Biz. Corky understands that Biz is scared of Snip and Snap, who are bullies. They decide to do something to resolve the issue and go in search of the other Iwogs to discuss the problem of bullying by the turtle brothers. Will they be able to find a solution to the problem, and will they be able to stop Snip and Snap from bullying them?

The story, apart from speaking about bullying, also teaches readers the values of kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Readers are inspired to learn from the behavior of the Iwogs. The illustrations complement the story and breathe life into the characters and the scenes, giving the book a good pace. The story is excellent material for bedtime storytelling, and it is also suitable for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries.

The concept and the message in the story are beneficial for young readers. Books that convey a concept, moral or a good message are perfect to introduce to kids when they start reading as it helps them understand things in a better way. The author's views are insightful and the book is a must-read for all kids.