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Cruising through the Teens Easier Than It Seems
Jerry Schaefer
2022 Illustration Award
84 Pages
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Young Adult
Reviewed by Trisha Dawn for Readers' Favorite
Jerry Schaefer's Cruising through the Teens, Easier Than It Seems is an educational book that offers brilliant ideas to help young adults experiencing struggles in their lives. Some young adults tend to think way more than necessary about situations that have happened already, such as troubling conversations they had in the past. Some also love to think about things that have not even happened yet. They have a habit of dwelling in the past or the future more than they should, which creates struggles that weren’t even there in the first place. However, beyond this struggle, there’s this hidden part inside you, and that is your true identity. Your true identity is something beyond suffering. You are unaware of this because of the constant thoughts that run in your head. Read this encouraging book and learn how to uncover that hidden part of you that could positively change your teen years!
Cruising through the Teens, Easier Than It Seems is inspiring and well-written. The situations mentioned were relatable, and this made me wish I had read this book when I was still in my teenage years. It would have truly helped with several of my struggles from those younger years. The ideas presented here were easy to understand and helped me to gain a different view of life. Jerry Schaefer has written something enlightening, and the meaningful but straightforward illustrations were delightful and helped get the message across. Such thoughtful pictures made reading more enjoyable for me. This was truly an insightful read. Great work!
Jerry Schaefer's Cruising through the Teens, Easier Than It Seems is an educational book that offers brilliant ideas to help young adults experiencing struggles in their lives. Some young adults tend to think way more than necessary about situations that have happened already, such as troubling conversations they had in the past. Some also love to think about things that have not even happened yet. They have a habit of dwelling in the past or the future more than they should, which creates struggles that weren’t even there in the first place. However, beyond this struggle, there’s this hidden part inside you, and that is your true identity. Your true identity is something beyond suffering. You are unaware of this because of the constant thoughts that run in your head. Read this encouraging book and learn how to uncover that hidden part of you that could positively change your teen years!
Cruising through the Teens, Easier Than It Seems is inspiring and well-written. The situations mentioned were relatable, and this made me wish I had read this book when I was still in my teenage years. It would have truly helped with several of my struggles from those younger years. The ideas presented here were easy to understand and helped me to gain a different view of life. Jerry Schaefer has written something enlightening, and the meaningful but straightforward illustrations were delightful and helped get the message across. Such thoughtful pictures made reading more enjoyable for me. This was truly an insightful read. Great work!
Recommend this book:
Novo the Space Robot
How To Shrink the Doubt Monsters
Charly Froh
2023 Gold Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
Novo the Space Robot: How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters by Charly Froh is about an anthropomorphic robot from the planet Infinita. The robot and his planet have a big problem because “doubt monsters” have arrived from the planet Worria, causing residents to develop self-doubt. For example, the inhabitants of Infinita now no longer believe they could win robo-races. Some even thought their dog-like friends, called zogs, didn’t love them anymore. Novo was determined that he was going to help his planet. He headed to Earth to find assistance but was followed by the doubt monsters. At first the Earth children Novo contacts don’t respond to his plea to fight the doubt monsters, but later they unite against them. There’s a twist before the monsters get defeated, and even Novo was surprised at how it’s done.
Novo the Space Robot is a charming children’s picture book. One aspect that I especially liked was that the children in the book are much like typical Earth children, making it easy for young readers to identify with them. The book is far more than merely entertaining as it includes an invaluable lesson. Every child, and even their parents and grandparents who read the book to them, can identify with the book’s central premise, which is that it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt. The twist, which provides the ideal way to fight back, helps young readers see that there’s a way to triumph over the plague of self-doubt. Every child deserves to read this book and learn about the power of believing in oneself. Charly Froh wrote a creative, delightful book with a powerful lesson. The artwork by Zuzana Svobodova adds to this enjoyable and enchanting book.
Novo the Space Robot: How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters by Charly Froh is about an anthropomorphic robot from the planet Infinita. The robot and his planet have a big problem because “doubt monsters” have arrived from the planet Worria, causing residents to develop self-doubt. For example, the inhabitants of Infinita now no longer believe they could win robo-races. Some even thought their dog-like friends, called zogs, didn’t love them anymore. Novo was determined that he was going to help his planet. He headed to Earth to find assistance but was followed by the doubt monsters. At first the Earth children Novo contacts don’t respond to his plea to fight the doubt monsters, but later they unite against them. There’s a twist before the monsters get defeated, and even Novo was surprised at how it’s done.
Novo the Space Robot is a charming children’s picture book. One aspect that I especially liked was that the children in the book are much like typical Earth children, making it easy for young readers to identify with them. The book is far more than merely entertaining as it includes an invaluable lesson. Every child, and even their parents and grandparents who read the book to them, can identify with the book’s central premise, which is that it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt. The twist, which provides the ideal way to fight back, helps young readers see that there’s a way to triumph over the plague of self-doubt. Every child deserves to read this book and learn about the power of believing in oneself. Charly Froh wrote a creative, delightful book with a powerful lesson. The artwork by Zuzana Svobodova adds to this enjoyable and enchanting book.
Recommend this book:
Olly & The Spores of Oak Hill
Glenn John Somodi
2023 Silver Medal
273 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
The death of Oren Appleton was puzzling to all. How could he die from a hit-and-run on an uphill road? Why did someone place clover leaves around his head instead of informing anyone about the accident? Soon afterward, Oren’s beloved grandson, Olly, moves to Littleton with his parents. He immediately becomes friends with Ember but also makes himself a target of the school bullies. Olly discovers that Oak Hill has a closely guarded secret that cannot be divulged to the world. With Henry Dalton trying to acquire Oak Hill to develop a shopping mall, Olly and Ember realize they must protect this place at all costs. Will they succeed in their mission? Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill by Glenn John Somodi will answer that question.
Although primarily geared at tweens, this story could be equally enjoyed by readers of all ages. I loved Olly’s character and rooted for him the entire time. A self-proclaimed geek, he embraced his so-called ‘geekiness’ and reveled in his achievements. While he was wary of the bullies and avoided unnecessary altercations, he nevertheless held his own in a fight. I admired his love for nature and animals, which was also the principal theme of this novel. Through Dalton’s character, Glenn John Somodi showed how greed and corruption could alienate us from nature. However, Olly, Ember, and their special friends devise ingenious ways to protect their homestead, making this novel full of fun adventures. Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill is a promising start to a brand-new and engaging series.
The death of Oren Appleton was puzzling to all. How could he die from a hit-and-run on an uphill road? Why did someone place clover leaves around his head instead of informing anyone about the accident? Soon afterward, Oren’s beloved grandson, Olly, moves to Littleton with his parents. He immediately becomes friends with Ember but also makes himself a target of the school bullies. Olly discovers that Oak Hill has a closely guarded secret that cannot be divulged to the world. With Henry Dalton trying to acquire Oak Hill to develop a shopping mall, Olly and Ember realize they must protect this place at all costs. Will they succeed in their mission? Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill by Glenn John Somodi will answer that question.
Although primarily geared at tweens, this story could be equally enjoyed by readers of all ages. I loved Olly’s character and rooted for him the entire time. A self-proclaimed geek, he embraced his so-called ‘geekiness’ and reveled in his achievements. While he was wary of the bullies and avoided unnecessary altercations, he nevertheless held his own in a fight. I admired his love for nature and animals, which was also the principal theme of this novel. Through Dalton’s character, Glenn John Somodi showed how greed and corruption could alienate us from nature. However, Olly, Ember, and their special friends devise ingenious ways to protect their homestead, making this novel full of fun adventures. Olly and the Spores of Oak Hill is a promising start to a brand-new and engaging series.
Recommend this book:
The Great Cold Queen
A Poppenohna Land Adventure
Carrie Turley, Lara Law
2023 Bronze Medal
324 Pages
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Gail H. Scoates for Readers' Favorite
The Great Cold Queen: A Poppenohna Land Adventure by Carrie Turley is the whimsical adventure of Apple Blossom and Murray. Having left their village over forty years ago, these friendly little gnomes find themselves on quite an escapade. The lure of the apples draws them into a glade, just outside Poppenohna, and to the Tickletoes River. Once there, they embark on a mission to save the glade. Meeting talking animals along the way, they find new friends who assist them. They meet Button, Roxie, and Rue, the butterfly fairies. They meet talking beavers, squirrels, and mischievous raccoons, as well as workers from the underground in the form of Loden, Eckil, and Gwendolyn who are assigned to grow and protect the forest and glade.
The Great Cold Queen is an engaging and fanciful story of looking for adventure and meeting fascinating characters on the journey. Bits of The Hobbit, Narnia, and other fantasy stories are rolled into Carrie Turley’s lovely book. For those of us who love fantasies, it’s a tale you won’t want to put down. Being an animal lover, I enjoyed the funny and delightful conversations between the talking creatures. It continued to engage me on every page. The illustrations by Lara Law provide delightful images of the characters in the story. The journey is a familiar one, where helping others is a good thing, and the courage to keep moving toward the light is a mutual goal. I highly recommend this book to young and old who love an adventure where good prevails.
The Great Cold Queen: A Poppenohna Land Adventure by Carrie Turley is the whimsical adventure of Apple Blossom and Murray. Having left their village over forty years ago, these friendly little gnomes find themselves on quite an escapade. The lure of the apples draws them into a glade, just outside Poppenohna, and to the Tickletoes River. Once there, they embark on a mission to save the glade. Meeting talking animals along the way, they find new friends who assist them. They meet Button, Roxie, and Rue, the butterfly fairies. They meet talking beavers, squirrels, and mischievous raccoons, as well as workers from the underground in the form of Loden, Eckil, and Gwendolyn who are assigned to grow and protect the forest and glade.
The Great Cold Queen is an engaging and fanciful story of looking for adventure and meeting fascinating characters on the journey. Bits of The Hobbit, Narnia, and other fantasy stories are rolled into Carrie Turley’s lovely book. For those of us who love fantasies, it’s a tale you won’t want to put down. Being an animal lover, I enjoyed the funny and delightful conversations between the talking creatures. It continued to engage me on every page. The illustrations by Lara Law provide delightful images of the characters in the story. The journey is a familiar one, where helping others is a good thing, and the courage to keep moving toward the light is a mutual goal. I highly recommend this book to young and old who love an adventure where good prevails.
Recommend this book:
Under the Blue Comet
Book 1 The Comet Kid Chronicles
Tom Hoffman
2023 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Under the Blue Comet by Tom Hoffman is the first book in The Comet Kid Chronicles, a well-crafted story for fourth to sixth graders. It is filled with adventure and magic. Eleven-year-old Max Underwood’s life changes on his birthday when he becomes conscious of his incredible powers. His parents are not who he has believed them to be, a realization that is eye-opening and disturbing for him. But there is no time to process the mysterious happenings in his life as he and his sister, Grace, are kidnapped by an alien and transported to a dying, dystopian world through a wormhole. The android known as Crystal Father controls this world. Max and his sister are faced with numerous challenges, from the harsh environment to deadly creatures, to aliens, and unforgiving bandits. As they unravel the mystery of the blue comet, they also create friendships with Sophie and Zeus, an eccentric robot. Ultimately, the fate of Earth is in their hands as they mount a standoff against powerful forces.
This is a sweet story, as adventurous as it is entertaining. Max is well-developed, a boy born under a blue comet, who must figure out his mission and who he is while exploring an uncharted alien world with his sister. While the novel is written for young readers, it was a gorgeous read for me, exciting and filled with fun. Tom Hoffman explores themes of adventure, family, friendship, courage, and inclusion in a grand style, showing readers that differences are not an obstacle to finding common ground and working together. There are lessons of teamwork and the message that collaboration with others brings bigger success comes out clearly in the story. The prose is beautiful. The world the author creates is imaginative and exciting to explore. Character development is stellar, and the plot points are equally strong. The humor is plentiful in the story. I enjoyed every bit of Under the Blue Comet, and this is a story with some entertainment for a wider audience than sixth graders.
Under the Blue Comet by Tom Hoffman is the first book in The Comet Kid Chronicles, a well-crafted story for fourth to sixth graders. It is filled with adventure and magic. Eleven-year-old Max Underwood’s life changes on his birthday when he becomes conscious of his incredible powers. His parents are not who he has believed them to be, a realization that is eye-opening and disturbing for him. But there is no time to process the mysterious happenings in his life as he and his sister, Grace, are kidnapped by an alien and transported to a dying, dystopian world through a wormhole. The android known as Crystal Father controls this world. Max and his sister are faced with numerous challenges, from the harsh environment to deadly creatures, to aliens, and unforgiving bandits. As they unravel the mystery of the blue comet, they also create friendships with Sophie and Zeus, an eccentric robot. Ultimately, the fate of Earth is in their hands as they mount a standoff against powerful forces.
This is a sweet story, as adventurous as it is entertaining. Max is well-developed, a boy born under a blue comet, who must figure out his mission and who he is while exploring an uncharted alien world with his sister. While the novel is written for young readers, it was a gorgeous read for me, exciting and filled with fun. Tom Hoffman explores themes of adventure, family, friendship, courage, and inclusion in a grand style, showing readers that differences are not an obstacle to finding common ground and working together. There are lessons of teamwork and the message that collaboration with others brings bigger success comes out clearly in the story. The prose is beautiful. The world the author creates is imaginative and exciting to explore. Character development is stellar, and the plot points are equally strong. The humor is plentiful in the story. I enjoyed every bit of Under the Blue Comet, and this is a story with some entertainment for a wider audience than sixth graders.
Recommend this book:
FastFlight 540: Bump in the Night (Book 1)
M. M. Mesldorf
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Action
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
FastFlight 540 is the first book of the Bump in the Night series by M.M. Mesldorf. Wishing to help her friend Tucker Sullivan escape the cruel misery of Whippoorwill Children's Home, Anslie Dawn takes over his identity and arrives at the ancient orphanage of Nocturnan. On her very first night at her new home, she meets Xander Bump, the mysterious leader of a group of boys named the Mighty Men. The Mighty Men have a fierce rivalry with the Nighthawks, with whom they play the Garden Game for control over the nine gardens of Nocturnan. Anslie soon realizes that there is more to Xander than meets the eye when he disappears one day to fight in the Shadow Wars after his father's death. In the absence of Xander, can Anslie rise up and help the orphans of Nocturnan?
A fantasy adventure tale for children and young adults alike, FastFlight 540 is a stellar start to the Bump in the Night series. Author M.M. Mesldorf's novel follows the story of Anslie Dawn, a young girl who must navigate the bittersweet realities of her life amidst circumstances beyond her control. Full of heart, humor, and heroics, the narrative pulls you in from the first page, and you struggle to put it down until you've finished reading the book. Anslie and Xander have undeniable chemistry, and Anslie's scenes with the Mighty Men were some of my favorites from the novel. If you're itching for an exciting fantasy adventure tale, FastFlight 540 is the book for you.
FastFlight 540 is the first book of the Bump in the Night series by M.M. Mesldorf. Wishing to help her friend Tucker Sullivan escape the cruel misery of Whippoorwill Children's Home, Anslie Dawn takes over his identity and arrives at the ancient orphanage of Nocturnan. On her very first night at her new home, she meets Xander Bump, the mysterious leader of a group of boys named the Mighty Men. The Mighty Men have a fierce rivalry with the Nighthawks, with whom they play the Garden Game for control over the nine gardens of Nocturnan. Anslie soon realizes that there is more to Xander than meets the eye when he disappears one day to fight in the Shadow Wars after his father's death. In the absence of Xander, can Anslie rise up and help the orphans of Nocturnan?
A fantasy adventure tale for children and young adults alike, FastFlight 540 is a stellar start to the Bump in the Night series. Author M.M. Mesldorf's novel follows the story of Anslie Dawn, a young girl who must navigate the bittersweet realities of her life amidst circumstances beyond her control. Full of heart, humor, and heroics, the narrative pulls you in from the first page, and you struggle to put it down until you've finished reading the book. Anslie and Xander have undeniable chemistry, and Anslie's scenes with the Mighty Men were some of my favorites from the novel. If you're itching for an exciting fantasy adventure tale, FastFlight 540 is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
Aboard the Time Line
Bastian Gregory
2023 Gold Medal
162 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
Aboard the Time Line by Bastian Gregory concerns Pete, a young boy who begins his adventures in the classroom. At first, he felt so bored that he believed time was standing still. When he discovered that everything had indeed stopped, he decided to investigate. This was the beginning of a series of fantastic events. He met a dinosaur named Reginald Raptor, and together they embarked on a journey through the Time Line, but with a difference. It was an ancient railway system that made it possible to travel between various locations and across timelines, so they could visit places like ancient Greece or Victorian London. Along the way, Pete made new friends whom he helped as he attempted to resolve his situation. He must also confront the fearsome demons of a world he is just getting to know.
Aboard the Time Line is a fantasy with many historical references. Young readers will be entertained and find the story educational. Bastian Gregory has a creative mind, describing settings in detail as well as all kinds of different creatures. I admired Pete because he represents the virtue of friendship. Even when he is concerned that he can't solve a problem, he does everything he can to help others and never gives up. He moves from one adventure to another, providing fascinating reading. In some parts, the events seem to flow too quickly, but the story remains easy to follow. The book has simple but imaginative illustrations that help you participate in a journey where everything is possible.
Aboard the Time Line by Bastian Gregory concerns Pete, a young boy who begins his adventures in the classroom. At first, he felt so bored that he believed time was standing still. When he discovered that everything had indeed stopped, he decided to investigate. This was the beginning of a series of fantastic events. He met a dinosaur named Reginald Raptor, and together they embarked on a journey through the Time Line, but with a difference. It was an ancient railway system that made it possible to travel between various locations and across timelines, so they could visit places like ancient Greece or Victorian London. Along the way, Pete made new friends whom he helped as he attempted to resolve his situation. He must also confront the fearsome demons of a world he is just getting to know.
Aboard the Time Line is a fantasy with many historical references. Young readers will be entertained and find the story educational. Bastian Gregory has a creative mind, describing settings in detail as well as all kinds of different creatures. I admired Pete because he represents the virtue of friendship. Even when he is concerned that he can't solve a problem, he does everything he can to help others and never gives up. He moves from one adventure to another, providing fascinating reading. In some parts, the events seem to flow too quickly, but the story remains easy to follow. The book has simple but imaginative illustrations that help you participate in a journey where everything is possible.
Recommend this book:
Pack of the Lost
The Uninviting Forest
Nikita Kapoor
2023 Honorable Mention
179 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
The Uninviting Forest by Nikita Kapoor is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series. Living within a small, crooked mountain is a pack of majestic wolves facing the collapse of the cave they call home. The loss of their home separates the pack with two of them - Daffodil and Jasper - becoming lost in the dangerous forest. The two wolves are determined to stay together but when the forest separates them, they embark on adventures that bring them up against many dangers and even shocking betrayals from those they once trusted. As they work to survive the dangers of the forest, they make a surprising discovery when they find a mysterious amulet that connects to their ancestors and Daffodil faces inner darkness.
The dangerous forest is the setting with many dangers that serve as obstacles for the two wolves to overcome. Perseverance is an important theme within their journey in how each wolf keeps moving forward, regardless of the threats they face. A central element in their journey is the concept of starting over. Daffodil is slowly learning responsibility and what a leader does, but this lesson comes with an internal conflict as she’s facing a growing darkness within.
A poignant undertone is incorporated into the story in the phrasing of dialogue such as waiting for the leaders that await us and letting your worries become raindrops that fall away. Magic is underneath the journey, starting with the discovery of an amulet that connects them to their ancestors which in turn connects them to their past. Nikita Kapoor’s style is poetic in how the perspectives of these animals are captured and create a story that is appealing to all ages. The writing is stunning with visuals that capture the reality the wolves are facing. The Uninviting Forest comes to life with beautiful writing that weaves a story about facing inner darkness, survival, leadership, betrayal, and strength.
The Uninviting Forest by Nikita Kapoor is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series. Living within a small, crooked mountain is a pack of majestic wolves facing the collapse of the cave they call home. The loss of their home separates the pack with two of them - Daffodil and Jasper - becoming lost in the dangerous forest. The two wolves are determined to stay together but when the forest separates them, they embark on adventures that bring them up against many dangers and even shocking betrayals from those they once trusted. As they work to survive the dangers of the forest, they make a surprising discovery when they find a mysterious amulet that connects to their ancestors and Daffodil faces inner darkness.
The dangerous forest is the setting with many dangers that serve as obstacles for the two wolves to overcome. Perseverance is an important theme within their journey in how each wolf keeps moving forward, regardless of the threats they face. A central element in their journey is the concept of starting over. Daffodil is slowly learning responsibility and what a leader does, but this lesson comes with an internal conflict as she’s facing a growing darkness within.
A poignant undertone is incorporated into the story in the phrasing of dialogue such as waiting for the leaders that await us and letting your worries become raindrops that fall away. Magic is underneath the journey, starting with the discovery of an amulet that connects them to their ancestors which in turn connects them to their past. Nikita Kapoor’s style is poetic in how the perspectives of these animals are captured and create a story that is appealing to all ages. The writing is stunning with visuals that capture the reality the wolves are facing. The Uninviting Forest comes to life with beautiful writing that weaves a story about facing inner darkness, survival, leadership, betrayal, and strength.
Recommend this book:
The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars
Barbara Pinke
2023 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
“You become what you believe.” - Oprah Winfrey. The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a children’s picture book by Barbara Pinke. Pesho the Fish was fascinated with the twinkling stars at nighttime. He told his friends that he wanted to dance with the stars, but everyone except Seaya laughed at him. She encouraged him to believe in himself. Pesho went home even more determined to make his dream a reality. That night, Pesho left home and swam as close as he could get to the surface. A shooting star flew fast across the sky and Pesho wondered if it didn’t want to dance with him. He went home feeling sad and his mother offered advice that helped Pesho overcome the fear and negativity because others had mocked him.
“Nothing is impossible if you make up your mind to do something.” The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a motivational picture book about a fish who had big dreams to become friends with the stars and dance with them. Pesho’s friends laughed at his aspirations, saying it would never happen. Barbara Pinke’s cute story encourages children never to give up, even if others laugh at them. Maybe the ones who laugh also wish they could be as brave as Pesho for wanting to step out of his comfort zone, to explore and try something different. I adored the very bright illustrations and the colors used. I highly recommend this book for children, Never give up!
“You become what you believe.” - Oprah Winfrey. The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a children’s picture book by Barbara Pinke. Pesho the Fish was fascinated with the twinkling stars at nighttime. He told his friends that he wanted to dance with the stars, but everyone except Seaya laughed at him. She encouraged him to believe in himself. Pesho went home even more determined to make his dream a reality. That night, Pesho left home and swam as close as he could get to the surface. A shooting star flew fast across the sky and Pesho wondered if it didn’t want to dance with him. He went home feeling sad and his mother offered advice that helped Pesho overcome the fear and negativity because others had mocked him.
“Nothing is impossible if you make up your mind to do something.” The Fish Who Wanted to Dance With the Stars is a motivational picture book about a fish who had big dreams to become friends with the stars and dance with them. Pesho’s friends laughed at his aspirations, saying it would never happen. Barbara Pinke’s cute story encourages children never to give up, even if others laugh at them. Maybe the ones who laugh also wish they could be as brave as Pesho for wanting to step out of his comfort zone, to explore and try something different. I adored the very bright illustrations and the colors used. I highly recommend this book for children, Never give up!
Recommend this book:
Pistachio the Owl
Kristi Shimada
2023 Bronze Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite
Pistachio the Owl by Kristi Shimada is a sweet story about an owl family. Pistachio is the oldest of the siblings, his sister is Macadamia, and the youngest is Cashew. They are burrowing owls, so instead of living in trees, their homes are in the ground. The three siblings are full of questions and enjoy playing games and exploring. However, because they are still so young, they can only get around by walking. So one day, they decide to venture down to the water even though they've been warned to stay away. What will happen to the young owls? Will they learn a lesson? There are additional facts about burrowing owls at the end and some coloring pages.
Owls are fascinating birds, and kids will enjoy learning more about burrowing owls as they read Pistachio the Owl. I love the owls being named after nuts; what a fun twist. Kristi Shimada's rhyming verses add a nice flow to the story. The illustrations by Eko Setiawan are saturated with color and bring the story to life, especially with those big expressive eyes. The three owlets are subtly different, with a flower for Macadamia and a wayward cowlick for Cashew. Kristi Shimada has smoothly included a moral lesson about honesty in this charming tale. It would be fun to pair Pistachio the Owl with Martin Waddell's Owl Babies, another story about three owlets, for an owl storytime. Owl lovers will enjoy hooting along too.
Pistachio the Owl by Kristi Shimada is a sweet story about an owl family. Pistachio is the oldest of the siblings, his sister is Macadamia, and the youngest is Cashew. They are burrowing owls, so instead of living in trees, their homes are in the ground. The three siblings are full of questions and enjoy playing games and exploring. However, because they are still so young, they can only get around by walking. So one day, they decide to venture down to the water even though they've been warned to stay away. What will happen to the young owls? Will they learn a lesson? There are additional facts about burrowing owls at the end and some coloring pages.
Owls are fascinating birds, and kids will enjoy learning more about burrowing owls as they read Pistachio the Owl. I love the owls being named after nuts; what a fun twist. Kristi Shimada's rhyming verses add a nice flow to the story. The illustrations by Eko Setiawan are saturated with color and bring the story to life, especially with those big expressive eyes. The three owlets are subtly different, with a flower for Macadamia and a wayward cowlick for Cashew. Kristi Shimada has smoothly included a moral lesson about honesty in this charming tale. It would be fun to pair Pistachio the Owl with Martin Waddell's Owl Babies, another story about three owlets, for an owl storytime. Owl lovers will enjoy hooting along too.
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