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Wicca: What's the Real Deal?
Breaking Through the Misconceptions
Dayna Winters
2012 Bronze Medal
173 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Brenda Ballard for Readers' Favorite
Debunking the myths about Wicca, Magick and all of the related misnomers of the religion, authors Dayna Winters, Patricia Gardner and Angela Kaufman go to great lengths to explain in terms that are easily understood. From the earliest times to present, the reader is guided through traditions, taboos, rituals, spiritual communication, healing and more.
Illustrations aid in visualizing the information being conveyed. Witches, the reader will find, are found in all walks of life; they are professionals, students, members of the family, friends.
The point is made throughout the chapters that Wicca is a religion that many open minded people have embraced and follow; at the same time, many face intolerance and even discrimination. Because of this, a number have chosen to keep their beliefs to themselves to avoid ridicule and even, in some rare cases, hatred from those who do not understand.
The end of the book is filled with great information on additional reading material, an informative glossary, end notes and bibliography. To complete the lesson, the authors have each created a page telling the reader about themselves...quite an impressive trio of biographies, indeed!
What first caught my eye was the beautiful cover art. I found myself focused on each piece of the cover (it is that thought-provoking).
Having zero interaction (to the best of my knowledge, anyway) with the Wicca religion, I found each chapter interesting and educational. My favorite part was the myths and truths. It was fascinating to read the different perspectives, followed by the in depth explanations.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the religion or perhaps even just curious.
Debunking the myths about Wicca, Magick and all of the related misnomers of the religion, authors Dayna Winters, Patricia Gardner and Angela Kaufman go to great lengths to explain in terms that are easily understood. From the earliest times to present, the reader is guided through traditions, taboos, rituals, spiritual communication, healing and more.
Illustrations aid in visualizing the information being conveyed. Witches, the reader will find, are found in all walks of life; they are professionals, students, members of the family, friends.
The point is made throughout the chapters that Wicca is a religion that many open minded people have embraced and follow; at the same time, many face intolerance and even discrimination. Because of this, a number have chosen to keep their beliefs to themselves to avoid ridicule and even, in some rare cases, hatred from those who do not understand.
The end of the book is filled with great information on additional reading material, an informative glossary, end notes and bibliography. To complete the lesson, the authors have each created a page telling the reader about themselves...quite an impressive trio of biographies, indeed!
What first caught my eye was the beautiful cover art. I found myself focused on each piece of the cover (it is that thought-provoking).
Having zero interaction (to the best of my knowledge, anyway) with the Wicca religion, I found each chapter interesting and educational. My favorite part was the myths and truths. It was fascinating to read the different perspectives, followed by the in depth explanations.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the religion or perhaps even just curious.
Recommend this book:
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The story is presented so wonderfully as it describes a typical household of two sisters who each wants to play something different and when one doesn't get her ...){kind=link}
The Day No One Played Together
A Story About Compromise
Donalisa Helsley
2012 Bronze Medal
26 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Lori M for Readers' Favorite
It's nice to see diversity represented in a children's book, with illustrations of children in color and names that aren't your basic Mary and John. Good job, Donalisa Helsley (author).
The story is presented so wonderfully as it describes a typical household of two sisters who each wants to play something different and when one doesn't get her way, the girls separate to play alone. But as we all know, playing alone isn't nearly as much fun as having someone to play with.
That's where the mom enters the story and teaches the girls the meaning of the word "compromise," and asks them to think of ways that each sister could get what she wants while they played together. Voila! Jadyn and Genesis, the sisters, find a way to make each of them happy by incorporating each of their desires into a new play theme . . . in other words, they compromised.
In these days where our children are becoming more and more computer and technology literate at the expense of social interaction, it's good to see a book for children that teaches them how to compromise to get along. It's an especially important message for little girls because they don't get the team sports experience as much as little boys do and girls sometimes have a harder time learning to get along and share.
It's a cute little book that can be read to a child or that a child would read by himself.
It's nice to see diversity represented in a children's book, with illustrations of children in color and names that aren't your basic Mary and John. Good job, Donalisa Helsley (author).
The story is presented so wonderfully as it describes a typical household of two sisters who each wants to play something different and when one doesn't get her way, the girls separate to play alone. But as we all know, playing alone isn't nearly as much fun as having someone to play with.
That's where the mom enters the story and teaches the girls the meaning of the word "compromise," and asks them to think of ways that each sister could get what she wants while they played together. Voila! Jadyn and Genesis, the sisters, find a way to make each of them happy by incorporating each of their desires into a new play theme . . . in other words, they compromised.
In these days where our children are becoming more and more computer and technology literate at the expense of social interaction, it's good to see a book for children that teaches them how to compromise to get along. It's an especially important message for little girls because they don't get the team sports experience as much as little boys do and girls sometimes have a harder time learning to get along and share.
It's a cute little book that can be read to a child or that a child would read by himself.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-colors-of-myself&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51n3g1NcM-L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description='The Colors of Myself' by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot is written in poetry prose form of illustrations of a four-year-old child in which his illustrations are painted to represent the thoughts in his mind. The words relate to the child's feelings during the time he is painting; for example, "the shimmering yellow rays of the sun and I am happy and wa...){kind=link}
The Colors of Myself
Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot and Sameon Clay Klanot
2012 Finalist
20 Pages
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Children - Preschool
Reviewed by Lisa Miller for Readers' Favorite
'The Colors of Myself' by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot is written in poetry prose form of illustrations of a four-year-old child in which his illustrations are painted to represent the thoughts in his mind. The words relate to the child's feelings during the time he is painting; for example, "the shimmering yellow rays of the sun and I am happy and warm". As with poetry, this book is well written and graphically illustrated to let the mind create a variance of feelings towards the paintings of many colors. As for the illustrations of the paintings in the story, the child has used the colors to demonstrate feelings of self and the environment.
I think this is a cute book of imagination and feelings. I enjoyed reading the analogy of the many colors in relation to the illustrator's feelings. As I read the prose poetry I would replace the child's feelings with my own feelings, for example, when I think of the different colors of nature. I imagined the colors of black and white, with the color of black representing fear as well as extinction and of course dark and death. Also, the color white can mean a peaceful death. I like the words that the author chose to relate to the feelings of the child. Such words have been used for the color green which represent the planting of garden seeds, the giant oak trees and the gentle spring breeze, which relate to the child's feelings of excitement and joy.
'The Colors of Myself' by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot is written in poetry prose form of illustrations of a four-year-old child in which his illustrations are painted to represent the thoughts in his mind. The words relate to the child's feelings during the time he is painting; for example, "the shimmering yellow rays of the sun and I am happy and warm". As with poetry, this book is well written and graphically illustrated to let the mind create a variance of feelings towards the paintings of many colors. As for the illustrations of the paintings in the story, the child has used the colors to demonstrate feelings of self and the environment.
I think this is a cute book of imagination and feelings. I enjoyed reading the analogy of the many colors in relation to the illustrator's feelings. As I read the prose poetry I would replace the child's feelings with my own feelings, for example, when I think of the different colors of nature. I imagined the colors of black and white, with the color of black representing fear as well as extinction and of course dark and death. Also, the color white can mean a peaceful death. I like the words that the author chose to relate to the feelings of the child. Such words have been used for the color green which represent the planting of garden seeds, the giant oak trees and the gentle spring breeze, which relate to the child's feelings of excitement and joy.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-little-rose&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DnSsGXhhL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Little Rose" is a beautiful story written by Sheri Fink and illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam. Little Rose was surrounded by weeds and never felt as if she fit in with them. Little Rose was teased, called names and treated poorly by those around her. Suddenly one day a Lady noticed Little Rose and came back the next day and transplanted her i...){kind=link}
The Little Rose
Sheri Fink
2012 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
"The Little Rose" is a beautiful story written by Sheri Fink and illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam. Little Rose was surrounded by weeds and never felt as if she fit in with them. Little Rose was teased, called names and treated poorly by those around her. Suddenly one day a Lady noticed Little Rose and came back the next day and transplanted her into a flower bed at her home. Being in a new environment where she is cared for and treated nicely, Little Rose thrives and enjoys life.
This is a beautiful story illustrating how people, adults and children alike, respond to those around them and their environments. Just as Little Rose was miserable, stayed small and felt bad about herself in a bed of weeds, so will people who are surrounded by others who do not treat them well. In order to be happy and live up to one's potential, one must be surrounded by others who treat one another with kindness and is given an opportunity to be one's self and grow. This is a good and important lesson for children and a reminder for adults. The story is easy to read as it flows well, is easily understood and is geared toward children and would be a great resource for parents, teachers and counselors. I think this book will be appreciated by people of all ages as it is a timeless lesson that is beautifully illustrated both verbally and visually.
"The Little Rose" is a beautiful story written by Sheri Fink and illustrated by Mary Erikson Washam. Little Rose was surrounded by weeds and never felt as if she fit in with them. Little Rose was teased, called names and treated poorly by those around her. Suddenly one day a Lady noticed Little Rose and came back the next day and transplanted her into a flower bed at her home. Being in a new environment where she is cared for and treated nicely, Little Rose thrives and enjoys life.
This is a beautiful story illustrating how people, adults and children alike, respond to those around them and their environments. Just as Little Rose was miserable, stayed small and felt bad about herself in a bed of weeds, so will people who are surrounded by others who do not treat them well. In order to be happy and live up to one's potential, one must be surrounded by others who treat one another with kindness and is given an opportunity to be one's self and grow. This is a good and important lesson for children and a reminder for adults. The story is easy to read as it flows well, is easily understood and is geared toward children and would be a great resource for parents, teachers and counselors. I think this book will be appreciated by people of all ages as it is a timeless lesson that is beautifully illustrated both verbally and visually.
Recommend this book:
The Dragonfly Prophecy
Jacquelyn Castle
2012 Gold Medal
290 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Tara T for Readers' Favorite
The Dragonfly Prophecy by Jacquelyn Castle is a wonderful book for young adults that takes you on a journey to another universe! As we begin the book and meet Lexi we are taken on an adventure into another dimension. As we get to know Lexi, her friends and her loves, we are taken through the mystery of why and how to travel to this unknown place. Lexi is torn between two mystery men. Who really knows what is best for her? We are rooting for Lexi to make the right choice in boyfriends and to become a superhero with her "gifts." We get to know all sorts of "heroes" with special gifts.
Ms. Castle has written a very tasteful adventure for young adults. The main character is very likeable and realistic. I liked the fact that the reader is brought into Lexi's world and we learn as Lexi learns about her "gifts" and what this alternate universe is all about. I felt as though I were watching a movie. Ms. Castle did a great job of mixing mystery and adventure into her book. I appreciate that Ms. Castle kept the characters honorable. Teens and preteens need role models that can be respected and Ms. Castle does a fine job of making these characters respectable and likeable. I would have enjoyed this book as a young adult and would feel comfortable recommending it to the young adults I know. I can see it as part of a future series of books with Lexi being the star of many future adventures.
The Dragonfly Prophecy by Jacquelyn Castle is a wonderful book for young adults that takes you on a journey to another universe! As we begin the book and meet Lexi we are taken on an adventure into another dimension. As we get to know Lexi, her friends and her loves, we are taken through the mystery of why and how to travel to this unknown place. Lexi is torn between two mystery men. Who really knows what is best for her? We are rooting for Lexi to make the right choice in boyfriends and to become a superhero with her "gifts." We get to know all sorts of "heroes" with special gifts.
Ms. Castle has written a very tasteful adventure for young adults. The main character is very likeable and realistic. I liked the fact that the reader is brought into Lexi's world and we learn as Lexi learns about her "gifts" and what this alternate universe is all about. I felt as though I were watching a movie. Ms. Castle did a great job of mixing mystery and adventure into her book. I appreciate that Ms. Castle kept the characters honorable. Teens and preteens need role models that can be respected and Ms. Castle does a fine job of making these characters respectable and likeable. I would have enjoyed this book as a young adult and would feel comfortable recommending it to the young adults I know. I can see it as part of a future series of books with Lexi being the star of many future adventures.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-sad-mad-glad-christian&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ZOSaXyJVL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Sad Mad Glad Christian: The Anatomy of Your Faith" is an inspiring book written by Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn. Faith is believing in something you cannot see physically, but believing that there is a greater purpose at work. With many verses quoted from the books of John, Hebrews, Romans, Psalms, Exodus, Genesis, Matthew and Luke, the authors ...){kind=link}
The Sad Mad Glad Christian
The Anatomy of Your Faith
Chuck Stump, Jim Strawn, Nancy Wallace and Karen Reddick
2012 Gold Medal
100 Pages
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Christian - Devotion/Study
Reviewed by Rita Vetsch for Readers' Favorite
"The Sad Mad Glad Christian: The Anatomy of Your Faith" is an inspiring book written by Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn. Faith is believing in something you cannot see physically, but believing that there is a greater purpose at work. With many verses quoted from the books of John, Hebrews, Romans, Psalms, Exodus, Genesis, Matthew and Luke, the authors have written a good book in simple language so that children can understand and learn about God and Christianity in a creative and informative way. With vivid photos that bring the verses alive, many lessons from God are explained in simple terms, including Creation, celebrating Christmas, Apostles, Disciples, Sacrifice and more. There are many symbols of our faith including rainbows, doves and water, which remind us that God loves us. We all as individuals must try to do one random act of kindness each day where we can lend a helping hand selflessly.
Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn have teamed up to co-author a very meaningful book that is packed full of spiritual messages and written on a level that children will be able to easily comprehend. The beautiful photos and the colored text bring the book to life and compliment the wording perfectly. I absolutely loved the spiritual messages and was able to easily read this book with my eight year old daughter. She loved the questions at the bottom of the pages as they prompted her to think about her own experiences of Christianity and God. This book is a great addition to any Sunday school or home school curriculum and goes hand-in-hand with the teachings of the Lord. It is a book that every Christian child should have in their hands because it is much more than a book, for it truly is something they can take away and apply in their own lives.
"The Sad Mad Glad Christian: The Anatomy of Your Faith" is an inspiring book written by Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn. Faith is believing in something you cannot see physically, but believing that there is a greater purpose at work. With many verses quoted from the books of John, Hebrews, Romans, Psalms, Exodus, Genesis, Matthew and Luke, the authors have written a good book in simple language so that children can understand and learn about God and Christianity in a creative and informative way. With vivid photos that bring the verses alive, many lessons from God are explained in simple terms, including Creation, celebrating Christmas, Apostles, Disciples, Sacrifice and more. There are many symbols of our faith including rainbows, doves and water, which remind us that God loves us. We all as individuals must try to do one random act of kindness each day where we can lend a helping hand selflessly.
Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn have teamed up to co-author a very meaningful book that is packed full of spiritual messages and written on a level that children will be able to easily comprehend. The beautiful photos and the colored text bring the book to life and compliment the wording perfectly. I absolutely loved the spiritual messages and was able to easily read this book with my eight year old daughter. She loved the questions at the bottom of the pages as they prompted her to think about her own experiences of Christianity and God. This book is a great addition to any Sunday school or home school curriculum and goes hand-in-hand with the teachings of the Lord. It is a book that every Christian child should have in their hands because it is much more than a book, for it truly is something they can take away and apply in their own lives.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/chrystallia-and-the-source-of-light&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51W4MUGa4fL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Chrystallia" by P.M. Glaser was a pleasure to read and review. Glaser has created a magical world brought to life through beautiful illustrations and brilliant writing.
Siblings Maggie and Jesse were facing a family crisis; their home was being repossessed and their mother was dying. Like many siblings the two rarely got along. Maggie is the e...){kind=link}
Chrystallia and the Source of Light
P.M. Glaser
2012 Silver Medal
296 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Readers' Favorite
"Chrystallia" by P.M. Glaser was a pleasure to read and review. Glaser has created a magical world brought to life through beautiful illustrations and brilliant writing.
Siblings Maggie and Jesse were facing a family crisis; their home was being repossessed and their mother was dying. Like many siblings the two rarely got along. Maggie is the elder of the two siblings; she is also pouty and immature. The tale begins with the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. When the tree is located Jesse does not want it cut down. Somehow he knows it is a special tree.
Much like Alice in the famous tale, the siblings fall down a hole in the tree. They land in a strange world filled with crystals and stones. When Jesse turns on his flashlight the crystals come to life. They transform into crystalline people that crave light. There are kings, queens, princes, princesses and imaginative creatures, each with their own personality and voice.
But as in life, there are also evil crystalline people who want the life giving light of the flashlight for themselves. Maggie and Jesse are quickly caught up in an adventure that will test their wits and love for each other. Author P.M. Glaser successfully weaves the threads of this multidimensional plot into an exciting adventure with a deep message.
While this book is written for younger readers, adults will find this tale enchanting as well. It would be remiss of me not to mention the beautiful art work in this book. I repeatedly reviewed the magnificent illustrations of the characters. Kudos to artist Dave Zaboski.
I love this book. I quickly became a part of the fast paced adventure and was drawn in by the mystery and fear of the unknown with Maggie and Jesse. I hope this continues into a series and even finds its way onto the silver screen. I highly recommend this book and expect it to become a young adult classic.
"Chrystallia" by P.M. Glaser was a pleasure to read and review. Glaser has created a magical world brought to life through beautiful illustrations and brilliant writing.
Siblings Maggie and Jesse were facing a family crisis; their home was being repossessed and their mother was dying. Like many siblings the two rarely got along. Maggie is the elder of the two siblings; she is also pouty and immature. The tale begins with the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. When the tree is located Jesse does not want it cut down. Somehow he knows it is a special tree.
Much like Alice in the famous tale, the siblings fall down a hole in the tree. They land in a strange world filled with crystals and stones. When Jesse turns on his flashlight the crystals come to life. They transform into crystalline people that crave light. There are kings, queens, princes, princesses and imaginative creatures, each with their own personality and voice.
But as in life, there are also evil crystalline people who want the life giving light of the flashlight for themselves. Maggie and Jesse are quickly caught up in an adventure that will test their wits and love for each other. Author P.M. Glaser successfully weaves the threads of this multidimensional plot into an exciting adventure with a deep message.
While this book is written for younger readers, adults will find this tale enchanting as well. It would be remiss of me not to mention the beautiful art work in this book. I repeatedly reviewed the magnificent illustrations of the characters. Kudos to artist Dave Zaboski.
I love this book. I quickly became a part of the fast paced adventure and was drawn in by the mystery and fear of the unknown with Maggie and Jesse. I hope this continues into a series and even finds its way onto the silver screen. I highly recommend this book and expect it to become a young adult classic.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-price-of-guilt&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61uZclb8yoL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Patrick M. Garry poses a powerful ethical dilemma in "The Price of Guilt". At age 13, Thomas Walsh plays a small role in a prank that goes horribly wrong, leaving a classmate blinded and orphaned. Now, with his daughter away at college and his marriage crumbling, he attends his 25th high school reunion. After dinner, the senior class president read...){kind=link}
The Price of Guilt
Patrick M Garry
2013 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Intrigue
Reviewed by Janet Jensen for Readers' Favorite
Patrick M. Garry poses a powerful ethical dilemma in "The Price of Guilt". At age 13, Thomas Walsh plays a small role in a prank that goes horribly wrong, leaving a classmate blinded and orphaned. Now, with his daughter away at college and his marriage crumbling, he attends his 25th high school reunion. After dinner, the senior class president reads a letter from Donavon Killerman, in which Donavan says he is sorry he couldn’t be there, as his blindness limits travel and his business is in trouble, but he wishes all of his fellow classmates well. This is enough to rekindle the guilt Thomas has always felt. Under an assumed name, Thomas checks in to Donavon’s run-down fishing resort and soon becomes tangled in the legal affairs of Donavon and two of his employees. As an attorney, Thomas can help each of them, and finds great satisfaction as he plays savior. Soon, with the best of intentions, he becomes an actor in a plot that turns criminal, and he is caught within its complex web.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a turn-pager. Though not action-packed and fast-paced, as most legal thrillers tend to be, this book is psychologically intriguing. The reader is methodically pulled into the moral questions posed in the story, just as Thomas is, and we wonder who really is the blind man.
The plot is methodically revealed and the action moves seamlessly from the present to the past and back. The deceptively simple story slowly leads the reader to its conclusion, but we have known that since the first chapter. It is the “how did it happen?” internal question that keeps the reader intrigued. Layer after layer, Garry seduces the reader, building the story with great skill. I will definitely read more books by Patrick Garry.
Patrick M. Garry poses a powerful ethical dilemma in "The Price of Guilt". At age 13, Thomas Walsh plays a small role in a prank that goes horribly wrong, leaving a classmate blinded and orphaned. Now, with his daughter away at college and his marriage crumbling, he attends his 25th high school reunion. After dinner, the senior class president reads a letter from Donavon Killerman, in which Donavan says he is sorry he couldn’t be there, as his blindness limits travel and his business is in trouble, but he wishes all of his fellow classmates well. This is enough to rekindle the guilt Thomas has always felt. Under an assumed name, Thomas checks in to Donavon’s run-down fishing resort and soon becomes tangled in the legal affairs of Donavon and two of his employees. As an attorney, Thomas can help each of them, and finds great satisfaction as he plays savior. Soon, with the best of intentions, he becomes an actor in a plot that turns criminal, and he is caught within its complex web.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a turn-pager. Though not action-packed and fast-paced, as most legal thrillers tend to be, this book is psychologically intriguing. The reader is methodically pulled into the moral questions posed in the story, just as Thomas is, and we wonder who really is the blind man.
The plot is methodically revealed and the action moves seamlessly from the present to the past and back. The deceptively simple story slowly leads the reader to its conclusion, but we have known that since the first chapter. It is the “how did it happen?” internal question that keeps the reader intrigued. Layer after layer, Garry seduces the reader, building the story with great skill. I will definitely read more books by Patrick Garry.
Recommend this book:
The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump
Mandi Tillotson Williams
2012 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - General
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite
Mortimer wasn’t sure about a monster the bird was telling him about, but Boo Woolly turned out to be a nice monster, taking him to a wonderful colorful place full of fun and candy. Mortimer really liked Boo Woolly and wanted to be his friend, but then Boo Woolly was kidnapped. Poor Mortimer, what do you think happened to him? Well, he was very sad and confused because he didn’t know what was going on. And you can read the whole of Mortimer's story in this wonderful book and find out just what happened to him.
What a wonderful and colorful book for any public, private or school library! This rhyming tale of friendship between Mortimer and Boo Woolly is full of yummy delicious food, including a chocolate commode; what a fun that is! Wouldn’t this do wonders for potty training! And I love the crayon coloring style of illustrations, going along with the carnival and candy theme, bringing the story more to life for children. I especially like that the young reader can relate to the coloring book style pictures colored with the crayons. Between the illustrations and the candy land theme, this book will surely captivate children of all ages. Well, to be honest, it captured my heart and attention, and I am far from being a child. And lastly, this book teaches small children that there are nice monsters like Boo Woolly and they don’t need to be afraid.
I highly recommend this book for all libraries and for children of all ages. It is a book they can’t go wrong with because it will surely become one of their favorite books.
Mortimer wasn’t sure about a monster the bird was telling him about, but Boo Woolly turned out to be a nice monster, taking him to a wonderful colorful place full of fun and candy. Mortimer really liked Boo Woolly and wanted to be his friend, but then Boo Woolly was kidnapped. Poor Mortimer, what do you think happened to him? Well, he was very sad and confused because he didn’t know what was going on. And you can read the whole of Mortimer's story in this wonderful book and find out just what happened to him.
What a wonderful and colorful book for any public, private or school library! This rhyming tale of friendship between Mortimer and Boo Woolly is full of yummy delicious food, including a chocolate commode; what a fun that is! Wouldn’t this do wonders for potty training! And I love the crayon coloring style of illustrations, going along with the carnival and candy theme, bringing the story more to life for children. I especially like that the young reader can relate to the coloring book style pictures colored with the crayons. Between the illustrations and the candy land theme, this book will surely captivate children of all ages. Well, to be honest, it captured my heart and attention, and I am far from being a child. And lastly, this book teaches small children that there are nice monsters like Boo Woolly and they don’t need to be afraid.
I highly recommend this book for all libraries and for children of all ages. It is a book they can’t go wrong with because it will surely become one of their favorite books.
Recommend this book:
The Best Worst Thing
Kristen K. Brown
2012 Finalist
304 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Brenda Ballard for Readers' Favorite
Todd and Kristen met, dated, fell in love and became the closest two people can be. They traveled, laughed, snuggled and enjoyed each other as individuals. Their wedding was memorable and beautiful as it should be. Brooke came along nine months after they began considering having a child. She was the love of their life and the mark of a change in dynamics for the couple. Struggling to regain what once was there, Kristen is at her wit's end and behaves badly for a while. Then, just when she realized the error in her ways, her beloved Todd suddenly and unexpectedly dies of a heart attack in the night of her sister's wedding. Everyone whose heart Todd touched is in total shock.
This book is one woman's journey from anger and disbelief, through the gamut of grief, to survival and moving forward. A gut-wrenching journey of loss so great that the heart might not stand it but somehow Kristen finds her inner strength not just to carry on but to share with others.
Two women I went to school with became widows around the same age as Kristen. As I read "The Best Worst Thing", I thought often of those families and the struggles they went through and will face in the future. This is a book of truth, sorrow, joy, and empowerment. I believe that anybody who has a hole left in their heart, the remnants of their loved one passing, will identify with Kristen and her journey. Fair warning: Do not read unless you have tissues nearby!
Todd and Kristen met, dated, fell in love and became the closest two people can be. They traveled, laughed, snuggled and enjoyed each other as individuals. Their wedding was memorable and beautiful as it should be. Brooke came along nine months after they began considering having a child. She was the love of their life and the mark of a change in dynamics for the couple. Struggling to regain what once was there, Kristen is at her wit's end and behaves badly for a while. Then, just when she realized the error in her ways, her beloved Todd suddenly and unexpectedly dies of a heart attack in the night of her sister's wedding. Everyone whose heart Todd touched is in total shock.
This book is one woman's journey from anger and disbelief, through the gamut of grief, to survival and moving forward. A gut-wrenching journey of loss so great that the heart might not stand it but somehow Kristen finds her inner strength not just to carry on but to share with others.
Two women I went to school with became widows around the same age as Kristen. As I read "The Best Worst Thing", I thought often of those families and the struggles they went through and will face in the future. This is a book of truth, sorrow, joy, and empowerment. I believe that anybody who has a hole left in their heart, the remnants of their loved one passing, will identify with Kristen and her journey. Fair warning: Do not read unless you have tissues nearby!
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