Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite

Ruth Maille's series The Power Of returns with a new entry, The Power of Respect: Forever Friends. Orbit, a walking, talking earth, is the guide in this tale. He visits two girls who have been friends for a decade and asks them for help. They have learned many lessons about how respect makes for a solid friendship. Respect for others is valuable, but so is self-respect, and both are covered. The girls share several examples of respect from their friendship, like supporting each other, sharing, and most importantly, communicating their feelings to one another. Equally as important is the ability to be kind and caring to yourself. A list of activities that caregivers can do with children follows the story.

Ruth Maille does an excellent job of explaining values to a young audience engagingly and genuinely. The Power of Respect: Forever Friends is a perfect choice for educators to read to classes at the start of the school year. The examples the girls share will be relatable to a wide audience. Ruth understands children. I appreciated the acknowledgment that mistakes happen and feelings get hurt, but kids can learn from them. The illustrations by Remesh Ram are polished, colorful, and engaging. Orbit is a recognizable character with his white shoes and gloves and the band-aids on his head, which is explained in the introduction. The Power of Respect: Forever Friends is an outstanding addition to the Power Of series! Orbit is a positive and appealing guide on the path to learning values.

Reviewed by Julia Schemmer for Readers' Favorite

Emotions are part of what it means to be human - they ebb and flow, they show us what our emotional temperature is, and they help us make decisions. Teaching kids the difference between our emotions can help create a more emotionally resilient and healthy generation, understanding that each emotion has a valid circumstance. In Misty and the Magical Emotions Tree by author Adriana E, readers meet a curious bunny named Misty. She is determined to visit the Magical Emotions Tree, an enchanted tree with color-changing leaves that represent the different emotions. Not only is the book a valuable tool for helping children process and name their emotions, but it is also a great learning tool for memorizing the colors. This book encourages children to reflect on moments when they experience anger, sadness, and joy healthily and validates each emotion by showing that it is okay to feel those things. By normalizing the ebb and flow of each emotion, and what it can teach us in the moment, children can better communicate how they are feeling and what support they need.

Misty and the Magical Emotions Tree by Adriana E takes readers on a journey to the Magical Emotions Tree, where they can learn about their different feelings in a fun, positive way. The book has captivating watercolor illustrations that bring the reader into their world and show them that each emotion is healthy and normal to experience. I thought this was a great learning tool to teach children about their feelings, while also encouraging them to reflect on an experience and why it made them feel a certain way. This level of reflection is so crucial in developing their emotional intelligence, and it was done charmingly. Misty is an adorable bunny rabbit that children will love, and it’s a great story that families can read together.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion is a children’s picture book written by Rita Reed, with illustrations by Craig Cartwright. The story follows Dogfish, who has been invited to celebrate his friend Wally the Whale Shark’s birthday in Los Cabos, Mexico. Excited about the invitation, Dogfish joyfully swims south to Mexico with his close friend Elly, who wears earmuffs due to her sensitivity to sound. The two friends are eager to meet their other classmates, each of whom is special and unique. They include Angelfish, who uses a hearing aid; Shark, who wears shades because he is blind; and Tilly Turtle, who has a missing limb. Amidst the excitement of their reunion, Dogfish notices that Ollie, a shy and nervous octopus who is new in town, is missing and probably hiding from everyone. Dogfish understands that without Ollie, the party won't be as enjoyable, as they will be missing a vital member of the group. Join Dogfish and his friends as they devise ways to encourage Ollie to come out of his hiding place and join the fun.

Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion is a heartwarming story that teaches children about kindness and inclusivity. It emphasizes the value of embracing differences and ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Rita Reed skillfully raises awareness about various disabilities through this narrative, promoting acceptance and genuine friendship. Dogfish is a lovable character who embodies kindness and compassion. His determination to include the shy newcomer, Ollie the Octopus, highlights the central message that a community is only complete when everyone is present and valued. This narrative effectively uses linguistic elements, such as bold keywords and Latino lingo, to create an engaging story that fosters reading skills and promotes cultural understanding and appreciation. This book is a visual delight, with vibrant illustrations that depict the colorful aquatic friends in their beautiful environment. I highly recommend sharing it with your children to teach them the importance of inclusivity and embracing one another's differences.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Dax to the Max: Blah Blah Blobs vs. Power Pods by Scott Feld is a captivating children’s chapter book that embarks on a journey with Dax, a young boy grappling with self-doubt and fear. Through imaginative storytelling and lively characters, Dax confronts his “stinky blobs” of negative self-talk and discovers his inner superpower, providing young readers with an important lesson about the strength of positive thinking and self-belief. Dax’s struggles mirror children’s everyday challenges, making the lessons learned motivating. Feld’s use of playful language and creative scenarios crafts a fun and educational read that is both enjoyable and insightful.

The illustrations by Kezzia Crossley complement the story with vibrant visuals that capture the essence of Dax’s adventures. These images enhance the connection between young readers and the story, making the themes of courage and self-confidence more impactful. This is an excellent tool for parents and educators to discuss the importance of overcoming fears and the impact of positive versus negative thoughts. Dax to the Max encourages children to engage actively with their inner dialogue and to recognize their capacity to influence their feelings and actions through positive thinking. Scott Feld offers a story that is educational and entertaining. It’s a resource that can help children navigate their feelings and fears, making it a valuable book for anyone looking to empower young minds to face challenges confidently and positively. It’s also a good book for story time at school, as it can prompt interesting discussions about positive thinking and overcoming fears.

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

In The Fin-Tastic Cleanup, author Laura Mancuso introduces young readers to three spirited mermaids, Sara, Alix, and Lucy, who live in a cheerful undersea village. Their joyful world takes a serious turn when they discover pollution harming their ocean home. From a cracked bottle injuring a fish to a seal nearly choking on a plastic bag, the mermaids witness firsthand the dangers of marine debris. Moved to action, they team up with a group of children on land, forming a unique cleanup crew that works together to protect the sea. With rhyming text and Jenna Guidi’s colorful illustrations, the story blends fantasy and real-world urgency, helping children understand environmental responsibility in an engaging, age-appropriate way. The book ends with a powerful real-life summary of global ocean cleanup efforts and resources for getting involved.

Laura Mancuso’s The Fin-Tastic Cleanup is more than just charming; it’s an excellent educational tool. As an educator, I appreciate how it introduces complex environmental issues in a way that empowers rather than overwhelms young readers. The teamwork between the mermaids and the children offers a hopeful model for change, while the rhymes and vibrant images keep early learners engaged. Mancuso’s inclusion of facts, statistics, and trusted organizations at the end turns this picture book into a springboard for classroom discussions, Earth Day activities, or home projects. It’s ideal for sparking early environmental awareness and giving kids a sense of agency. The Fin-Tastic Cleanup is a heartfelt and accessible story that promotes empathy, collaboration, and care for our planet, qualities every educator hopes to nurture.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D. R. Berlin is a suspenseful thriller. Sophie Allard is about to graduate top of her flight class, but she goes against orders to save a life. Believing she is about to be expelled, she is shocked to learn that an explosion at her childhood home has killed her father. Sophie is grief-stricken – he was the only family she had left – but she agrees to help with the investigation. As she digs deeper, it becomes clear to her that her father might not be dead, but getting to the truth means disobeying orders once more. A secret organization called The Third Estate holds the key but it’s down to Sophie to determine the truth. The organization could be her salvation, or it could be the end of her, but one thing is for sure – the race is on to find her father, and time is running out.

The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D. R. Berlin is masterfully written. The story starts on a strong footing and it just gets better from there, growing in intrigue and suspense as the action heats up. The characters are well-developed, with the main protagonist being a very strong, smart woman who is determined to fight for what is right. She is entirely believable, a real person with real flaws and one you can easily relate to. The plot twists and turns its way to the end, leading you down dead ends and on a rollercoaster journey before the truth is finally revealed. This is a highly enjoyable thriller, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good story with a complex, suspenseful plot.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Contender from Delos by Leo Carrington is a wonderfully nuanced story of the struggling journey of a young wrestling champion from the poorest area of Rome, who dreams of achieving the ultimate reward: a gold laurel presented by none other than Caesar himself. Alexander is the son of a former Roman soldier-turned-carpenter and his beautiful Greek wife, whom he had met and married when stationed on the Greek island of Delos. For now, Alexander is forced to wrestle in underground, illegal matches where his earnings are determined by the cut-throat gangs who run and control the betting on the outcomes. Alexander dreams of training with the best at one of Rome’s exclusive palaestras under a true champion coach. Fortunately for Alexander, his father has a plan to make that happen, but it will change Alexander's and his mother’s lives forever and send him in a new direction. 

The Contender from Delos is a wonderfully crafted story that perfectly encapsulates the philosophy and lifestyle of the Roman Empire, where differing cultures and religions were tolerated under overarching Roman rule and protection. Leo Carrington has created an endearing character in Alexander, the product of a Roman father and a Greek mother, caught between two worlds, two sets of gods, and two philosophies. Through wrestling and his trainers' teachings, he found his place in society. I particularly enjoy historical novels that use story arcs to educate the reader on aspects of the culture of the time. I loved the focus on Greek philosophy, in general, and stoicism, in particular. The idea that the world is ordered and it is not what happens to us but how we react to it that determines our place in society is one that resonates with me, as does the overarching theme of gratitude, which is seamlessly woven into the narrative. It was fascinating to see both Roman and Greek religions operating virtually side by side in an attitude of tolerance and grace, although the new religion sweeping the region, that of Kyrios (or Jesus), perhaps not so much. The relationships, the honor, and the camaraderie between the wrestlers, even those who were bitter opponents or stood in the way of success, shone through in these characters. The idea of not just living but living with honor, love, and family was redolent throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating tale and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Heroes of the Empire Book 3: The Emperor by Israh Azizi is a continuation of the fantasy adventure series that creates a realm of four kingdoms; Ayleth, Devorin, Ondalar, and Verin. Honzio Hortinza is the Crown Prince of the Empire but finds himself imprisoned within his own castle. To escape his captors, Honzio must ally himself with a Savorian warrior, Svorgin, and his sworn enemy, a usurper to his crown, Draven. Honzio’s sister, Natassa Hortinza, has been abducted by a Savagelander by the name of Yalnos. Natassa, a Shadow Manos with special abilities to bend a person to their will and to see the past present, and future, escapes from the Savagelanders and seeks refuge with a group known as The Elders. Velamir has to choose between searching for his great love, Natassa, or for his best friend, Jax. He decides to follow Natassa’s trail to rescue her. Ultimately the battle is on for control of the Empire and to banish the shadows back to the spirit world where they belong. 

The Emperor is a stirring, non-stop roller-coaster of allegiances, battles, love, loss, and heroism, reminiscent of Game of Thrones, minus the dragons. Author Israh Azizi has created a multi-faceted world with a vast array of complex characters all engaged in a series of overlapping story arcs. I was impressed with the author’s ability to run so many sub-plots and disparate characters but still manage to coherently link them together. Although I haven’t read Books 1 and 2 in this series, I would recommend doing so before reading Book 3. Although the story does stand alone and can be read separately, it will take readers unfamiliar with the characters and settings a little time to understand the scenario the characters are facing. That said, once settled into the story and the different perspectives, readers are in for a wild and emotional ride. I appreciated the author’s foresight in adding a pronunciation chart, as well as an important locations and terms table at the beginning. These certainly enhanced my reading. This journey is not yet complete, so I, along with other fans of this talented author, eagerly anticipate Book 4. This is an excellent adventure that I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Mary Clarke for Readers' Favorite

Miri and The Honeybee by NJ Lujan is a heartfelt tale of a Yorkshire Terrier used as a breeding dog in a backyard puppy mill. She suffered for a long time at the hands of a cruel owner, Wayne. But things were not the same when the latest litter of her puppies was taken away. Miri couldn't let her babies leave, so she bravely escaped to find them. Along the way, she came across a caring woman called Georgia and her friend Dottie, who were both hell-bent on helping her, exposing Wayne's operation, and uncovering the truth. With a determined attorney's help, the case against Wayne went through, shedding light on the tragic harshness of backyard puppy mills.

During all this time, Miri had an unlikely companion and best friend, a honeybee called Queenie. Their friendship was special; it is a reminder of how beautiful things can arise even from the darkest moments. Miri's story shows the great strength of dogs in facing adversities and the necessity of love and justice for all life, be it animal or human. NJ Lujan's writing style was seamless. The courtroom scene where Miri faces off with her abuser stands out—it is written with such raw power and tension that it left me breathless. The characters' development is excellent and flows nicely. Miri and The Honeybee is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply moving, impactful, and beautifully written story. Dog lovers will also appreciate this book.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Malcolm Pinsent and his son Carter are in the middle of an archaeological dig near Meydum, a community in the Libyan Desert, when Sir Robert Ottley, a famous explorer, and his daughter approach them with an unusual proposition. He wants to use Malcolm Pinsent's men to excavate a sarcophagus with a remarkable history. The expedition takes a deadly turn when Ottley is gruesomely wounded in the encounter, yet he offers to buy the Pinsent's silence concerning his expedition. They have no idea that their cooperation in the matter will drag them into a puzzling conspiracy to verify the authenticity of a two-thousand-year-old prophecy, complete with its accompanying curse. With the odds against their fathers, the onus rests on Carter and May to resolve the situation. Only time will tell if they will survive the consequences of their actions in C.W. James's The Tomb Of Ptahmes.

The action is nonstop in The Tomb Of Ptahmes. The plot is a masterful fusion of mystery and suspense, deeply rooted in beautifully rendered Egyptian mythology. C.W. James dives right into the action from the first page, offering the reader the origins of both the Pinsents and the Ottleys with such fluidity that there is no doubt that a one-of-a-kind adventure is in the offing. The character development is pristine. Despite their shaky alliance based on shared interests, the similarities between Carter's and May's early childhood suggest a possible meeting of the minds. The dialogue between the characters maintains the British perspective while adding a healthy dose of that quintessential British humor in vibrant verbal sparring. James has found the perfect formula for crafting a riveting narrative with a unique storytelling approach and breakneck pacing in The Tomb Of Ptahmes.