Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Arnold and Louis: Gold Rush is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Harvey Storm. Arnold was a moose who lived in a house by the edge of a swamp, and who had big dreams. He dreamed of finding treasure and living a life of luxury in beautiful and warm lands. He searched for keys to finding that treasure through the internet, old books, and any ancient maps that he could find, but to no avail. Arnold shared his house with Louis, a goose who had escaped from a goose farm and lived on Arnold’s roof. Louis pretended to be a stork and had a nice business delivering babies, but business was slow. He thought maybe he and Arnold could find treasure as a team. Arnold loved the idea, and the two partners immediately got to work preparing for their adventure.

Who doesn’t dream of finding treasure? Harvey Storm’s heroes, Arnold and Louis, are no exception. Their adventure into the desert is fun and exciting, but don’t gloss over the preparations they complete before they leave Arnold’s house. Every page in this entertaining and whimsical book is worth settling down and taking a good look at. I loved watching as Louis gets the tools and provisions they would need, and laughed as Arnold hires a meerkat security team to keep them safe. Along with the adventure, Storm includes a puzzle for kids to help Louis and Arnold find the treasure, and kids will also encounter just a wee bit of arithmetic as they follow our heroes. Storm’s illustrations are a masterful combination of whimsy and elegance. I loved the classic cartoon feeling I got as I read along and enjoyed each panel. I’m looking forward to Arnold and Louis’ future adventures. Arnold and Louis: Gold Rush is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Collapsing Kingdom: The Land Without Color, Book 3 is a fantasy/adventure novel for children and preteens written by Benjamin Ellefson and illustrated by Kevin Cannon. Something awful was happening in Brandon’s home town, and it seemed that there was no one in charge who could do anything about it. The exact degree of awfulness hit home to Brandon as he surveyed the deep abyss that had just swallowed up Grandpa Alvin. Was he still alive? Brandon considered going down after him, but figured he’d drop something down first to assess the depth of the impenetrable darkness. The can of peppers flashed briefly as it fell, but Brandon never heard the answering impact. He realized that he had to leave his grandfather’s house -- and quickly -- when he saw that a dull gray color was spreading out over everything he saw, all the normal colors one takes for granted turning gray and getting closer and closer to his feet. As he dashed up the basement stairs and out of the house, he looked back and saw that the whole house and yard had turned gray. Then, he watched horror-struck as the house and yard collapsed and fell into the pit. He and Grandpa Alvin knew who was responsible for this and, with Grandpa gone, Brandon realized that he had a lot of work to do and not much time in which to do it.

Benjamin Ellefson’s fantasy/adventure novel, The Collapsing Kingdom: The Land Without Color, Book 3, is a fast-paced and exciting romp as Brandon races against time to halt the destruction of his town and the surrounding countryside. This is the third book in Ellefson’s Land Without Color series, and it can be read on its own, but I’d strongly recommend that you read the books in order to get the full impact of this imaginative and compelling story -- which also gives young readers some rather novel ideas on why fruits and vegetables are much better for eating and growing as crops than, say, ice cream or chocolate. While I’m fully on board with the importance of a healthy diet, I still couldn’t resist a sigh as I beheld the mint ice cream plants -- surely they could be considered of some value as a treat after the salad? The real highlight of this series for me is watching as Brandon comes of age, which he really does in this third book. He’s resourceful, fast-thinking and courageous as he navigates the obstacles, which seem never-ending, in his quest to bring color back to the kingdom and its citizens. Kevin Cannon’s illustrations work perfectly with the story and add dimension and impact. The Collapsing Kingdom: The Land Without Color, Book 3 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Sid the Sasquatch by Wendy Elliott is a beautiful, inspiring, and poetic story about friendship, love, and acceptance, a story that every child in this generation should read. Growing up, Sid was taught by his mother to stay away from humans, so no wonder that his kind only goes out at night when humans are asleep. But the little Sasquatch with a broad smile and an exuberant nature is destined to meet humans and this happens in a very curious way. He is walking fast one day when:
“He falls to the ground, hitting hard with a smack,
Then looks up to see a young boy staring back.”

Ollie couldn’t help but offer his hand to help Sid up, and thus the friendship that “begins with a swing” mirrors the beautiful world of children; easy to connect, ready to share, and enthusiastic about meeting new friends. It is only the beginning of an enjoyable adventure.

Wendy Elliott’s book is wonderful and it paints a beautiful world for kids. I read this book with my five-year-old son, and he now talks about Sid and Ollie as if they lived next door. He was amazed by the pictures. Now he’s learned that it is rewarding to include the stranger, to reach out to others in friendship, and to share one’s joy. The illustrations are very appealing, and the poetry rings through the ears like soothing music. At a time when there is a lot of racism, prejudices against other races, and exclusion of minorities, our kids need to rediscover the beauty of friendship and service, and Sid the Sasquatch is one of the great tools they’d need. An inspiring story about friendship and acceptance.

Reviewed by Barbara Fanson for Readers' Favorite

Like many of us, Buddy the teddy bear has dreams of belonging to a loving family and traveling to faraway lands. From the lonely top shelf of a toy store, to the inside of a box, to the inside of an airplane, finally the box opens and Buddy can see light again. Buddy the Soldier Bear has seen and done quite a bit; he’s flown in helicopters, parachuted from planes, gone on long trips, and seen some things he’d rather not see. Travel along as Buddy becomes part of a loving military family and shares in their experiences. And watch as Buddy’s dreams come true. Author Marie Joy takes on an adventure with a bear that accompanies a soldier on duty in another country.

The Stencil font on the front cover was an excellent choice for a book about a soldier bear. The illustrations by Brandon Pollard are very well done and clearly demonstrate the scene and set the mood for the book. Their rich, dramatic tones place us in the adventure. Buddy the Soldier Bear is an easy-to-read book, which many families can relate to. Parents and children will enjoy reading about the exciting trip of Buddy and his military friends. Author Marie Joy has written a wonderful, imaginative story about a bear that has dreams and achieves them. Buddy the Soldier Bear is a feel-good story with a happy ending. If you were traveling, which toy would you take and what would it see?

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Amazing Snowman Duel: Snowman Paul Book Series, Volume 5 is a children's picture book written by Yossi Lapid and illustrated by Joanna Pasek. There's a new snowman in town, and he means trouble. Bill was pretty proud to show off his new friend, Snowman Nick, to Paul and his friends. Nick was much bigger than Paul and muscular as well, plus he had a stick. Bill cheerily announced that Nick was challenging Paul to a duel that night, while his giant snowman posed menacingly behind him. Surprisingly, Paul didn't seem all that worried about the challenge or that evening's battle. And when Bill taunted them about not backing out, Paul assured him that the bout would take place, but under Snowman Land rules, which did make Nick pause and think a bit. Everyone knew about the midnight bout; there was even a plane flying a banner to announce it. There in the snowy clearing, a boxing ring was all laid out, and Nick was there at midnight, looking ferocious, armed and ready -- but where was Snowman Paul and could he really survive this fight?

Yossi Lapid's children's picture book, The Amazing Snowman Duel: Snowman Paul Book Series, Volume 5, blends action and atmosphere as the tension mounts before Snowman Paul’s bout with Snowman Nick. Challenges are something all children run into at some point or other, either in the schoolyard or during playtime, and Lapid's Snowman Paul's response to Nick defuses the situation beautifully. The author and illustrator, Joanna Pasek, have created an exciting, action-packed story that works so very well. Pasek's watercolors are masterful. She imparts depth, atmosphere, and a sense of wonder in each winter-themed panel. You can feel the frosty air, sense the weak sun as it tries to warm the snowy hillsides, and watch as the day passes and the shadows lengthen into the nighttime setting for the duel. The facial expressions on her people, snowmen, and the animals who arrive for the duel are spot on. Prepare to spend some time with this book; the story addresses an issue that really matters to kids, and each picture is a delight to peruse and immersed yourself in. The Amazing Snowman Duel: Snowman Paul Book Series, Volume 5 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

In a fun, funny and adventurous new story targeting children in later elementary grades, The Land Without Color is the first book in a new series by the same name written by author Benjamin Ellefson. This book will engage its readers from the very beginning and will keep them reading all the way through until the very end. Follow the story of protagonist 12-year-old Alvin, a boy who finds himself in quite a predicament. After floating through the air with the aid of a huge gum bubble, he lands in a world unlike any other he's seen before, a land without color. Everything there is gray, and no one is quite sure why. Alvin meets some new friends that are set on helping him, as well as solving the mystery of the colorless landscape that surrounds them. Will they succeed, and will Alvin find his way home? You'll have to read the book to find out!

I loved The Land Without Color. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Well, it's definitely how I felt about this lovely book for older children. Author Benjamin Ellefson has done a wonderful job in creating a story line that will entertain its readers and please their parents with its message and tone. This book contains elements of fantasy, fairy tale, action and adventure, is fast paced, and is simply a fun read! Any child, but especially those between fourth and sixth grades, would enjoy this book, and their parents should absolutely buy it for them. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to seeing more in this promising series by author Benjamin Ellefson, hopefully in the very near future!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Benjamin Birdie's First Flight is a children's picture book written by Michael Dotsikas and illustrated by Morgan Spicer. Benjamin Birdie lives high in a tree with his mother. He's been watching all the birds soaring and flying in the sky around him, and he wants to start flying as well. His mother tells him that he's not ready yet, but he will soon be. When she goes off to find food for him, however, Benjamin decides to try out his wings. At first, he's doing pretty well. He flaps harder and harder and then he's flying. At least for a while, then Benjamin falls all the way down to the ground far below. He has no idea how to get back to his nest until he sees a friendly elephant who thinks he can help. When the elephant gets Benjamin as high as he can reach, the next friendly animal steps up to the task of returning the young bird to his nest.

Michael Dotsikas' children's animal picture book, Benjamin Birdie's First Flight, is a playful and entertaining book that teaches as it entertains. The author's story is set in rhyme that's natural and never forced or singsong, and the vocabulary selection is geared toward beginning readers. Morgan Spicer's illustrations are marvelous! Each panel is brightly colored and carefully inked, and the animals' faces are expressive and lively. Benjamin's rescue story also introduces a wide variety of animals. The Meet the Tree Dwellers section and Glossary are excellent resources for both young readers and adults who are sharing the book with younger children. Benjamin Birdie's First Flight is a most impressive children's book, and it's most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite

Have you ever met someone that looked totally different from the way you thought a person should look? Was there something unique about them that made them very different from you or others you know? Freddy, a half shark, half octopus, found that his classmates at his new school thought this way. It made him feel very sad and not like himself very much. But when they all found out that he had special talents for swimming to go along with his different looks, they began to change their way of thinking. They cheered him on all the way to the championship swim meet against the barracudas, where Freddy receives the MVP award. Freddy is then no longer sad about his differences, but thanks Jesus in a prayer for making him different and blessing him with new friends at his new school.

Fast Freddy by Lee Ann Mancini is a delightful pictorial and early reader book, introducing young readers to the concepts of acceptance, differences, uniqueness, bullying, and friendship. Children are often drawn to animals and sea creatures, and by using sea creatures as the characters the author has made the story more relatable and comfortable for its audience. Too many times, at a young age, children don't get taught about the importance of accepting others for who they are and not what they look like on the outside. Name calling and laughing at someone who is different is morally wrong and unacceptable. The author brings that life lesson to the fore within the story plot when Freddy is laughed at for looking different. But when his classmates realize the individual talent Freddy has, they begin to like him and realize they were wrong.

Lee Ann Mancini includes within the text a few indications that this book is meant for a Christian reading audience. Those who don't share that belief may not enjoy certain parts, but can still enjoy the overall story. With its very vibrant and eye-catching pictures and important life lesson within the text, Fast Freddy is a book for readers of all ages to enjoy.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

What A Bragger by Lee Ann Mancini is an adorable story about Melissa who loves to brag. She brags about anything and everything. Melissa has more sand toys than anyone who is playing with her, her ham sandwich is the biggest, she can swim the fastest and climb the highest, and she has the best of everything when compared to all her friends. Her friend Corey finds her crying one day. Melissa had broken her sand shovel and Corey is surprised to learn about Melissa's broken home. Corey says a small prayer to God, thanking Him for all that she has. Corey feels bad for Melissa and has a plan. She decides to ask all the Sea Kids to chip in treasure coins to buy a nice gift for Melissa for her birthday.

It's a beautiful story of love and friendship and the incident also opens Melissa's eyes to true love and friendship and helps her understand the meaning of friendship and the value of friends. The story has a lovely message for young readers. The illustrations are bright and colorful and they complement the story very well. The pictures also breathe life into the characters and give pace and movement to the scenes. The storybook is perfect for read aloud sessions in classrooms and libraries. It can also be used as a bedtime storybook for kids. The message conveyed is touching and heartfelt. It teaches kids to believe in God and be grateful for those people around them who love them and take care of them.

Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

Spring-Heel’d Jack, a shadowy, daemon-like figure with red eyes, metallic claws and breath like blue fire, terrorized Londoners and was immortalized in the penny dreadfuls of the Victorian era. In Spring-Heel’d Jack by E.J. Hagadorn and wickedly gifted Gorey-esque illustrator Sophie Lees, ol’ Spring-Heel is revivified in a sinister and seemingly gleeful incarnation as the dark hero of a cautionary tale for children. In a series of clever and macabre quatrains, Hagadorn relates the probable fate of a wide-eyed young Victorian lass who scorns her governess’s admonitions to tuck in for a good night’s sleep. Spring-Heel’d Jack is on the prowl, she is warned, and children who do not go to bed when they are told are just begging for him to pay a call. The text is equal parts charming and terrifying; accompanied by Lees' playful, gothic black and white illustrations, the overall effect is the stuff of the most delicious nightmares that ever compelled a child to behave.

In our politically correct, modern world where virtually every shred of content for children is sanitized, watered down or compromised by maudlin platitudes, it may well be time for an unvarnished, unabashedly evil ne'er-do-well like Spring-Heel’d Jack to make a re-entry into the collective consciousness of our children. If childhood education does not include a frame of reference for real dangers, the world becomes an even more dangerous place. There could hardly be a more delightful or eloquent way to encourage a healthy respect for villains than E.J. Hagadorn’s Spring-Heel’d Jack. Like the Victorian era from which this classic character has been so masterfully resurrected, Hagadorn and Lees’ work bespeaks an elegant but unforgiving code of rules for survival that modern children would do well to revisit.