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Recommend this book:
The Fish and his Puffy Temper
Barbara Pinke
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Fish and His Puffy Temper is a children's picture book written by Barbara Pinke, with illustrations by Alvin Adhi. The story follows Puffy, an angry fish trying to make new friends. Unfortunately, the moment he arrives at the sea playground, he gets angry, puffs up, and scares away the other fish. Puffy soon realizes that it is no fun playing alone and becomes sad. Seassy, a seahorse, confronts him about his behavior and discovers why Puffy gets angry and that he is willing to make friends. The unlikely pair decides to find solutions to help Puffy control his anger. They visit different fish that face intense situations daily and learn from them how they stay calm and let go of their anger.
The Fish and His Puffy Temper is a heartwarming and relatable tale that teaches children the importance of self-control and empathy. Young readers will learn that making friends requires understanding and patience. The message is delivered gently and engagingly, making it an excellent read for children to learn about emotional intelligence and social skills. Barbara Pinke uses simple words and a calming tone to narrate the story, making it easy for readers to understand and fitting perfectly with the story's theme. The vibrant and colorful illustrations bring the sea world to life with intricate details that transport readers to an underwater world. The inclusion of small details like underwater plants, bubbles, and other subtle elements adds depth and texture to the art, making the story even more fun to read. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children or students to teach them to control their emotions.
The Fish and His Puffy Temper is a children's picture book written by Barbara Pinke, with illustrations by Alvin Adhi. The story follows Puffy, an angry fish trying to make new friends. Unfortunately, the moment he arrives at the sea playground, he gets angry, puffs up, and scares away the other fish. Puffy soon realizes that it is no fun playing alone and becomes sad. Seassy, a seahorse, confronts him about his behavior and discovers why Puffy gets angry and that he is willing to make friends. The unlikely pair decides to find solutions to help Puffy control his anger. They visit different fish that face intense situations daily and learn from them how they stay calm and let go of their anger.
The Fish and His Puffy Temper is a heartwarming and relatable tale that teaches children the importance of self-control and empathy. Young readers will learn that making friends requires understanding and patience. The message is delivered gently and engagingly, making it an excellent read for children to learn about emotional intelligence and social skills. Barbara Pinke uses simple words and a calming tone to narrate the story, making it easy for readers to understand and fitting perfectly with the story's theme. The vibrant and colorful illustrations bring the sea world to life with intricate details that transport readers to an underwater world. The inclusion of small details like underwater plants, bubbles, and other subtle elements adds depth and texture to the art, making the story even more fun to read. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children or students to teach them to control their emotions.
Recommend this book:
Lou the Big Horned Rhino
A Funny Rhyming Children's Book About Positive Self-Esteem
Papa Moose
2024 Honorable Mention
31 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Gabriella Harrison for Readers' Favorite
Lou the Big Horned Rhino: A Funny Rhyming Children's Book About Positive Self-Esteem by Papa Moose is a great book to teach children to appreciate and love themselves as they are. Lou is famous because of his big horn, which allows him to defeat all his opponents during The Rhino Games, but he feels insecure about the size of his horn. He feels it is too big and wants to have a smaller horn and be like all the other rhinos. One day, Lou sees a poster about a doctor who claims he can fix any imperfection and eagerly schedules an appointment with the doctor. However, Lou reconsiders his options when he meets a zebra who regrets his wish to become a horse.
I love how Lou the Big Horned Rhino teaches relevant life lessons in an engaging way with lovely illustrations by William Velasco. Through Lou, we learn that sometimes the things we’re ashamed of are what make us unique and are valuable to who we are. Lou also teaches that it’s good to stand up for friends when they are bullied by defending his zebra friend from lions. Children will also learn the importance of complimenting people, as it might just be what they need to stop feeling insecure. I also love the attention to detail in the illustrations. I felt this enhanced the storytelling, such as when Lou defeats Bruce, another rhino, during the games, and the look of astonishment on the face of Bruce’s supporter is evident. There is also a nice coloring activity at the end of the book. I recommend this book to preteen readers.
Lou the Big Horned Rhino: A Funny Rhyming Children's Book About Positive Self-Esteem by Papa Moose is a great book to teach children to appreciate and love themselves as they are. Lou is famous because of his big horn, which allows him to defeat all his opponents during The Rhino Games, but he feels insecure about the size of his horn. He feels it is too big and wants to have a smaller horn and be like all the other rhinos. One day, Lou sees a poster about a doctor who claims he can fix any imperfection and eagerly schedules an appointment with the doctor. However, Lou reconsiders his options when he meets a zebra who regrets his wish to become a horse.
I love how Lou the Big Horned Rhino teaches relevant life lessons in an engaging way with lovely illustrations by William Velasco. Through Lou, we learn that sometimes the things we’re ashamed of are what make us unique and are valuable to who we are. Lou also teaches that it’s good to stand up for friends when they are bullied by defending his zebra friend from lions. Children will also learn the importance of complimenting people, as it might just be what they need to stop feeling insecure. I also love the attention to detail in the illustrations. I felt this enhanced the storytelling, such as when Lou defeats Bruce, another rhino, during the games, and the look of astonishment on the face of Bruce’s supporter is evident. There is also a nice coloring activity at the end of the book. I recommend this book to preteen readers.
Recommend this book:
Fish in the Desert
The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish
Adalgisa and David Nico
2024 Finalist
31 Pages
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Children - Animals
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Discover fascinating facts about the unique pupfish and other animals in the delightful children’s story, Fish in the Desert: The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish by Adalgisa and David Nico. Though she is still recovering from a sports injury, Adele is excited to visit Death Valley with her family and see the amazing animals that live in this harsh habitat. The family first stops at the Badwater Basin, a huge salt flat that was once a lake. Adele is excited to discover fish living in the hot climate. Marjorie, who is Death Valley’s aquatic ecologist, explains where the Salt Creek pupfish and other species of pupfish live and how they survive as the seasons change. Adele is inspired by their resilience and captivated by other animals they encounter.
This is a wonderful story that overflows with educational detail and useful lessons that will empower young readers. Adele is an engaging main character who learns lessons about resilience and adapting that will resonate with young and adult readers. Having never heard of the pupfish species before, I was especially thrilled by the different types there are and loved learning about their various habitats. Young readers will enjoy the activities included that involve learning about the wildlife in the story. There are important discussions about how to help preserve pupfish and reduce climate change which are accompanied by practical suggestions about how children can get involved. The brilliant illustrations enliven the work and help portray the animals in the story. The glossary and the map of the areas visited were also helpful. Fish in the Desert by Adalgisa and David Nico is an outstanding children’s work with enthralling adventures and facts. It is an unforgettable read for young and adult readers and all nature lovers.
Discover fascinating facts about the unique pupfish and other animals in the delightful children’s story, Fish in the Desert: The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish by Adalgisa and David Nico. Though she is still recovering from a sports injury, Adele is excited to visit Death Valley with her family and see the amazing animals that live in this harsh habitat. The family first stops at the Badwater Basin, a huge salt flat that was once a lake. Adele is excited to discover fish living in the hot climate. Marjorie, who is Death Valley’s aquatic ecologist, explains where the Salt Creek pupfish and other species of pupfish live and how they survive as the seasons change. Adele is inspired by their resilience and captivated by other animals they encounter.
This is a wonderful story that overflows with educational detail and useful lessons that will empower young readers. Adele is an engaging main character who learns lessons about resilience and adapting that will resonate with young and adult readers. Having never heard of the pupfish species before, I was especially thrilled by the different types there are and loved learning about their various habitats. Young readers will enjoy the activities included that involve learning about the wildlife in the story. There are important discussions about how to help preserve pupfish and reduce climate change which are accompanied by practical suggestions about how children can get involved. The brilliant illustrations enliven the work and help portray the animals in the story. The glossary and the map of the areas visited were also helpful. Fish in the Desert by Adalgisa and David Nico is an outstanding children’s work with enthralling adventures and facts. It is an unforgettable read for young and adult readers and all nature lovers.
Recommend this book:
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur
The Adventures of Ella Rose La Fleur, Book 1
Lori Schneider, MD
2024 Gold Medal
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur by Lori Schneider MD is a story about a young girl named Ella Rose in verse or poetry form and is specially written for children. It's a collection of poems and each talks about the most significant things in Ella Rose's life as a 6-year-old. It is divided into eight general chapters with topics that tell us about herself (Chapter 1, Ella Rose), her mother (Chapter 2, Mom), her 4-legged companions (Chapter 3, Pets), her best pals (Chapter 4, Friends), her talents and interests (Chapter 5, Arts and Sciences), dressing for school and lessons to learn (Chapter 6, School), visiting different places (Chapter 7, Travel), and the last being about her family life (Chapter 8, Family). The story's fascinating content is intriguing, with themes that are positive and uplifting for young readers. It is not only about having fun but also about kindness, understanding, handling sadness, love, resilience, and encouraging children to voice their feelings.
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur themes are boosted and intensified with its audiobook version. Hannah Dere's narration catches its essence and brings it to life. The narrator convincingly captures Ella Rose's personality and the dialect and accent of each character. The authenticity grabs the listener's attention and keeps them engaged. The audiobook has top-notch technical quality for both the use of sound effects and music to enhance and complement the content. Regardless of a student's reading level, the audio format can counterbalance or compensate for what students with varying abilities and skills need to easily access and appreciate Ella Rose's adventures and imagine living her life through her eyes. Not only is the audiobook wonderful for bedtime stories, but it is also appropriate for classroom use as an exercise for students to develop good listening skills or help teachers introduce poetry to learners.
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur by Lori Schneider MD is a story about a young girl named Ella Rose in verse or poetry form and is specially written for children. It's a collection of poems and each talks about the most significant things in Ella Rose's life as a 6-year-old. It is divided into eight general chapters with topics that tell us about herself (Chapter 1, Ella Rose), her mother (Chapter 2, Mom), her 4-legged companions (Chapter 3, Pets), her best pals (Chapter 4, Friends), her talents and interests (Chapter 5, Arts and Sciences), dressing for school and lessons to learn (Chapter 6, School), visiting different places (Chapter 7, Travel), and the last being about her family life (Chapter 8, Family). The story's fascinating content is intriguing, with themes that are positive and uplifting for young readers. It is not only about having fun but also about kindness, understanding, handling sadness, love, resilience, and encouraging children to voice their feelings.
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur themes are boosted and intensified with its audiobook version. Hannah Dere's narration catches its essence and brings it to life. The narrator convincingly captures Ella Rose's personality and the dialect and accent of each character. The authenticity grabs the listener's attention and keeps them engaged. The audiobook has top-notch technical quality for both the use of sound effects and music to enhance and complement the content. Regardless of a student's reading level, the audio format can counterbalance or compensate for what students with varying abilities and skills need to easily access and appreciate Ella Rose's adventures and imagine living her life through her eyes. Not only is the audiobook wonderful for bedtime stories, but it is also appropriate for classroom use as an exercise for students to develop good listening skills or help teachers introduce poetry to learners.
Recommend this book:
The Last Storyteller
The Pearls of Wisdom Series
Catherine Ann Russell, Jeffrey Machado, Basketful Relief Project
2024 Silver Medal
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
In a distant kingdom ruled by the Great Mouse-King, life is as great as it can be. The kingdom is blessed with a special tree that provides abundant food and a wise king who leads all the creatures with love and kindness. One day, the king’s beloved daughter Journee and her friends set out on a midnight exploration of the orchard where a special Zoe-Chai tree is planted, against the Mouse-King’s wish. In the orchard, they have a strange encounter that leaves them distressed and racing to the king for help. Meanwhile, the king receives more distressing news from Mr. Badger, who lives on the outskirts; an army of alien bats has invaded the kingdom, and the last words Mr. Badger heard from their vicious commander were, “Take me to the tree!” The Last Storyteller by Catherine Ann Russell is a story about love, courage, and unity.
Some books call for your attention when you’re away from them; this book was one of those. I was hooked from beginning to end. The story was filled with expectations and disappointments, and it unfolded interestingly from two directions, which heightened the suspense. The characters had distinct personalities, and their conversations were engaging. This book exceeded my expectations. Although The Last Storyteller is the final book in the Pearl of Wisdom series by Catherine Ann Russell, it can be read as a standalone.
The narration of this audiobook was by Jeffrey Machado, and he did an excellent job. The narration captured all the emotions and characters, and it was flawless. I was especially impressed with how the narrator could imitate all the animals’ sounds and maintain dialogue while sounding like each animal. This is supposed to be a children’s book, but I recommend it to anyone who likes a good adventure story.
In a distant kingdom ruled by the Great Mouse-King, life is as great as it can be. The kingdom is blessed with a special tree that provides abundant food and a wise king who leads all the creatures with love and kindness. One day, the king’s beloved daughter Journee and her friends set out on a midnight exploration of the orchard where a special Zoe-Chai tree is planted, against the Mouse-King’s wish. In the orchard, they have a strange encounter that leaves them distressed and racing to the king for help. Meanwhile, the king receives more distressing news from Mr. Badger, who lives on the outskirts; an army of alien bats has invaded the kingdom, and the last words Mr. Badger heard from their vicious commander were, “Take me to the tree!” The Last Storyteller by Catherine Ann Russell is a story about love, courage, and unity.
Some books call for your attention when you’re away from them; this book was one of those. I was hooked from beginning to end. The story was filled with expectations and disappointments, and it unfolded interestingly from two directions, which heightened the suspense. The characters had distinct personalities, and their conversations were engaging. This book exceeded my expectations. Although The Last Storyteller is the final book in the Pearl of Wisdom series by Catherine Ann Russell, it can be read as a standalone.
The narration of this audiobook was by Jeffrey Machado, and he did an excellent job. The narration captured all the emotions and characters, and it was flawless. I was especially impressed with how the narrator could imitate all the animals’ sounds and maintain dialogue while sounding like each animal. This is supposed to be a children’s book, but I recommend it to anyone who likes a good adventure story.
Recommend this book:
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show (Audiobook)
Anders Roseberg
2024 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show is a descriptive musical audiobook for young listeners. The show just came into town, and it features the most extravagant displays and performers. Sandle has such super strength that he can chop logs with his bare hands, but his hobbies are crocheting and collecting porcelain. There is a group of monkey jockeys riding on horses; the last place wins a gold medal, and the first place wins a banana! Among other thrilling acts, there is a bear doing a somersault, an elephant brass band, and a boy on top of a boy on top of pots on top of feet.
I wish I could sing this review to reflect this sensational musical story, but even if I could, I doubt my voice would be as sonorous as Anders Roseberg’s, the singer and producer of this book. This tale was harmonized with beautiful music by Kevin Macleod. The soundtracks (music and narration) transported me right into the show; I could visualize the acts and scenery as I listened, and I felt the excitement in the atmosphere. I loved how the music would change from upbeat to adventurous to mellow, matching the mood of each performance. This was a refreshing and entertaining 12-minute experience.
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show by Anders Roseberg is an ingenious creation, and I enjoyed every bit of it, from the plot to the presentation. It is a humorous and lighthearted listening experience, and I eagerly recommend it. It does require careful attention for you to make out some wording in the story, but every moment is worth it. I’d be delighted to join The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show again.
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show is a descriptive musical audiobook for young listeners. The show just came into town, and it features the most extravagant displays and performers. Sandle has such super strength that he can chop logs with his bare hands, but his hobbies are crocheting and collecting porcelain. There is a group of monkey jockeys riding on horses; the last place wins a gold medal, and the first place wins a banana! Among other thrilling acts, there is a bear doing a somersault, an elephant brass band, and a boy on top of a boy on top of pots on top of feet.
I wish I could sing this review to reflect this sensational musical story, but even if I could, I doubt my voice would be as sonorous as Anders Roseberg’s, the singer and producer of this book. This tale was harmonized with beautiful music by Kevin Macleod. The soundtracks (music and narration) transported me right into the show; I could visualize the acts and scenery as I listened, and I felt the excitement in the atmosphere. I loved how the music would change from upbeat to adventurous to mellow, matching the mood of each performance. This was a refreshing and entertaining 12-minute experience.
The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show by Anders Roseberg is an ingenious creation, and I enjoyed every bit of it, from the plot to the presentation. It is a humorous and lighthearted listening experience, and I eagerly recommend it. It does require careful attention for you to make out some wording in the story, but every moment is worth it. I’d be delighted to join The Wondrous Wandering Acrobat Show again.
Recommend this book:
The Serpent's Spell
Rae St. Clair Bridgman
2024 Honorable Mention
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Serpent's Spell is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres, and is the opening novel in the MiddleGate series. It is intended for middle-grade and young adult readers to enjoy, penned by author Rae St. Clair Bridgman and narrated in this audiobook version by Larissa Thompson. Readers are invited to follow the journey of Wil Wychwood, a ten-year-old whose life is upended by a suspicious fire. Left with only a snake named Esme, a mysterious black medallion, and a gold ring, Wil discovers a magical portal leading to the hidden city of MiddleGate. There, he uncovers family secrets and becomes embroiled in a case of serpicide in the ancient caves of Narcisse. Alongside his cousin Sophie, Wil must harness the power of shadows to unravel the mystery of the medallion and save the snakes.
Author Rae St. Clair Bridgman has crafted a superb opening to an enthralling fantasy series where adventure waits around every corner. I found the character development to be a particular triumph of the work, crafting in both Sophie and Wil some very endearing figures whom young readers can look up to, but also relate to for their vulnerabilities and uncertainty in the face of tough challenges. The narrative is highly descriptive, with gorgeous imagery and clever wordplay to bring the action to life in a fully multisensory fashion.
Listening to Larissa Thompson's narration was a delightful experience that enhanced the magical and adventurous atmosphere of the story. Thompson's expressive delivery brings the characters to life, and her ability to capture distinctive voices and make it clear who’s speaking is a great asset for the target audience. Bridgman's intricate storytelling and Thompson's narration come together beautifully to weave a captivating tale that transports the audience into the enchanting realms of MiddleGate, and I cannot wait to hear more. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Serpent's Spell to the young and young at heart who love compelling and endearing fantasy fiction.
The Serpent's Spell is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres, and is the opening novel in the MiddleGate series. It is intended for middle-grade and young adult readers to enjoy, penned by author Rae St. Clair Bridgman and narrated in this audiobook version by Larissa Thompson. Readers are invited to follow the journey of Wil Wychwood, a ten-year-old whose life is upended by a suspicious fire. Left with only a snake named Esme, a mysterious black medallion, and a gold ring, Wil discovers a magical portal leading to the hidden city of MiddleGate. There, he uncovers family secrets and becomes embroiled in a case of serpicide in the ancient caves of Narcisse. Alongside his cousin Sophie, Wil must harness the power of shadows to unravel the mystery of the medallion and save the snakes.
Author Rae St. Clair Bridgman has crafted a superb opening to an enthralling fantasy series where adventure waits around every corner. I found the character development to be a particular triumph of the work, crafting in both Sophie and Wil some very endearing figures whom young readers can look up to, but also relate to for their vulnerabilities and uncertainty in the face of tough challenges. The narrative is highly descriptive, with gorgeous imagery and clever wordplay to bring the action to life in a fully multisensory fashion.
Listening to Larissa Thompson's narration was a delightful experience that enhanced the magical and adventurous atmosphere of the story. Thompson's expressive delivery brings the characters to life, and her ability to capture distinctive voices and make it clear who’s speaking is a great asset for the target audience. Bridgman's intricate storytelling and Thompson's narration come together beautifully to weave a captivating tale that transports the audience into the enchanting realms of MiddleGate, and I cannot wait to hear more. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Serpent's Spell to the young and young at heart who love compelling and endearing fantasy fiction.
Recommend this book:
The Kingdom of Trolls
Rae St. Clair Bridgman
2024 Finalist
Audio Book
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Children - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Kingdom of Trolls by author Rae St. Clair Bridgman is the fourth novel in the Middlegate saga. This engaging installment takes middle-grade listeners on a thrilling journey with cousins Sophie and Wil as they navigate unexpected challenges. From the disappearance of a priceless manuscript to Aunt Vi's fortune-telling business facing competition, Sophie and Wil are embroiled in a whirlwind of events. When they accompany Aunt Violet on a prize trip to Iceland, sponsored by Perfect Products, they encounter danger and magic, facing trolls and the ancient secret society, the Serpent's Chain. As they uncover the truth behind the Chain's sinister plans, Sophie and Wil must summon all their courage to confront the forces threatening their lives and unravel the mysteries hidden in the Icelandic landscape.
Author Rae St. Clair Bridgman has crafted another exhilarating adventure filled with mystery, magic, and heart-pounding suspense. Bridgman's vivid storytelling transported me back to a world of atmospheric locations and magical hijinks, and I loved how the feel of each setting matched the various tonal shifts of the storyline. As the cousins faced myriad challenges, there was close attention to detail in their emotional narration and dialogue choices that felt realistic and deeply nuanced, and I found myself completely immersed in their journey from beginning to end.
In terms of its audiobook presentation, the narrative quality, editing, and incidental sounds were all beautifully crisp and clear. The narration by Larissa Thompson adds a huge variety of characters and personalities to the story, utilizing all of Thompson’s skill and nuance to pitch the emotional highs and lows with great intensity. Overall, The Kingdom of Trolls is a captivating tale that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, and I enjoyed it just as much as the rest of the saga, perhaps even more so.
The Kingdom of Trolls by author Rae St. Clair Bridgman is the fourth novel in the Middlegate saga. This engaging installment takes middle-grade listeners on a thrilling journey with cousins Sophie and Wil as they navigate unexpected challenges. From the disappearance of a priceless manuscript to Aunt Vi's fortune-telling business facing competition, Sophie and Wil are embroiled in a whirlwind of events. When they accompany Aunt Violet on a prize trip to Iceland, sponsored by Perfect Products, they encounter danger and magic, facing trolls and the ancient secret society, the Serpent's Chain. As they uncover the truth behind the Chain's sinister plans, Sophie and Wil must summon all their courage to confront the forces threatening their lives and unravel the mysteries hidden in the Icelandic landscape.
Author Rae St. Clair Bridgman has crafted another exhilarating adventure filled with mystery, magic, and heart-pounding suspense. Bridgman's vivid storytelling transported me back to a world of atmospheric locations and magical hijinks, and I loved how the feel of each setting matched the various tonal shifts of the storyline. As the cousins faced myriad challenges, there was close attention to detail in their emotional narration and dialogue choices that felt realistic and deeply nuanced, and I found myself completely immersed in their journey from beginning to end.
In terms of its audiobook presentation, the narrative quality, editing, and incidental sounds were all beautifully crisp and clear. The narration by Larissa Thompson adds a huge variety of characters and personalities to the story, utilizing all of Thompson’s skill and nuance to pitch the emotional highs and lows with great intensity. Overall, The Kingdom of Trolls is a captivating tale that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, and I enjoyed it just as much as the rest of the saga, perhaps even more so.
Recommend this book:
The Journey
The Underground Book Readers Book 5
Terry Overton
2024 Gold Medal
191 Pages
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Children - Christian
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
In The Journey by Terry Overton, the Underground Book Readers face mounting challenges as they escape the oppressive control of the World Force. They navigate the treacherous landscape of a dystopian Virginia while being pursued by soldiers and military machinery. Joined by Charlie's grandmother and Howard, a defected Force soldier, the group is determined to reach free land, clinging to their faith and the hope that knowledge—the books they cherish—will ultimately lead them to safety and freedom. As they traverse the land, they meet new allies, learn about their loved ones who left clues in their path, and acquire survival skills. The children confront external threats and grapple with their fears and the profound loss they have experienced, making their quest a poignant exploration of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of belief.
The Journey is the fifth book in The Underground Book Readers series. It depicts a world where adults are taken away from the kids, Christianity is suppressed, and books are prohibited. Terry Overton does a great job of introducing the characters, making it easy for readers who have never read the previous books to follow the story. Readers will walk The Journey alongside the courageous young protagonists, experiencing their struggles and triumphs as they fight against a regime that stifles faith and intellectual freedom. The narrative intricately weaves themes of hope, friendship, and the transformative power of literature, compelling readers to reflect on the importance of knowledge and community in overcoming adversity. Each character has a unique personality, and I couldn't help rooting for them. The children's fascination whenever they learn about things of old, like libraries, a healthy breakfast, or family, is heartwarming and makes you appreciate the things we take for granted. This is great work, and I hope to read more from this author and series.
In The Journey by Terry Overton, the Underground Book Readers face mounting challenges as they escape the oppressive control of the World Force. They navigate the treacherous landscape of a dystopian Virginia while being pursued by soldiers and military machinery. Joined by Charlie's grandmother and Howard, a defected Force soldier, the group is determined to reach free land, clinging to their faith and the hope that knowledge—the books they cherish—will ultimately lead them to safety and freedom. As they traverse the land, they meet new allies, learn about their loved ones who left clues in their path, and acquire survival skills. The children confront external threats and grapple with their fears and the profound loss they have experienced, making their quest a poignant exploration of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of belief.
The Journey is the fifth book in The Underground Book Readers series. It depicts a world where adults are taken away from the kids, Christianity is suppressed, and books are prohibited. Terry Overton does a great job of introducing the characters, making it easy for readers who have never read the previous books to follow the story. Readers will walk The Journey alongside the courageous young protagonists, experiencing their struggles and triumphs as they fight against a regime that stifles faith and intellectual freedom. The narrative intricately weaves themes of hope, friendship, and the transformative power of literature, compelling readers to reflect on the importance of knowledge and community in overcoming adversity. Each character has a unique personality, and I couldn't help rooting for them. The children's fascination whenever they learn about things of old, like libraries, a healthy breakfast, or family, is heartwarming and makes you appreciate the things we take for granted. This is great work, and I hope to read more from this author and series.
Recommend this book:
Samah the Seed
Sarah Gowayed
2024 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Christian
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Samah the Seed is a children's picture book by Sarah Gowayed. Living inside a half-open pea pod, Samah, a little pea, wants to grow into a big pea plant just like her Baba so she can also produce lots of delicious peas to feed animals and people. But to do that, she must be planted in the soil. When a howling wind blows her away from the pod and she lands in the soil near Baba, Samah believes it's time for her to grow. To her disappointment, however, she continues to be a little pea. She breathes in the air, bathes in rainwater, and embraces the sunlight, yet she doesn't grow. Finally, she listens to Baba's advice and prays to God, and soon, Samah becomes what she has always wanted to be.
Sarah Gowayed intertwines religion and science to tell a beautiful story about growing up. Samah the Seed is a children's tale that integrates botany and faith into the narrative, and it makes for a tale unlike any other. The story doesn't directly relate to any one specific religion. Instead, it showcases how God has a hand in creating and nurturing all that is living, even plants that live on air, water, and sunlight. I think this is an entertaining and ingenious way to introduce the concept of faith to young children. Samah is someone to whom kids will find it easy to relate. The illustrations by Amanda Letcher are the icing on the cake, as they enhance Gowayed's storytelling. This is a heartwarming story that I will gladly recommend to young readers.
Samah the Seed is a children's picture book by Sarah Gowayed. Living inside a half-open pea pod, Samah, a little pea, wants to grow into a big pea plant just like her Baba so she can also produce lots of delicious peas to feed animals and people. But to do that, she must be planted in the soil. When a howling wind blows her away from the pod and she lands in the soil near Baba, Samah believes it's time for her to grow. To her disappointment, however, she continues to be a little pea. She breathes in the air, bathes in rainwater, and embraces the sunlight, yet she doesn't grow. Finally, she listens to Baba's advice and prays to God, and soon, Samah becomes what she has always wanted to be.
Sarah Gowayed intertwines religion and science to tell a beautiful story about growing up. Samah the Seed is a children's tale that integrates botany and faith into the narrative, and it makes for a tale unlike any other. The story doesn't directly relate to any one specific religion. Instead, it showcases how God has a hand in creating and nurturing all that is living, even plants that live on air, water, and sunlight. I think this is an entertaining and ingenious way to introduce the concept of faith to young children. Samah is someone to whom kids will find it easy to relate. The illustrations by Amanda Letcher are the icing on the cake, as they enhance Gowayed's storytelling. This is a heartwarming story that I will gladly recommend to young readers.
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