Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

Daniel the Draw-er by S.J. Henderson is a magical children’s tale about Daniel and his magic pencil. Daniel is your average nine-year-old boy and he loves to draw. His mom is concerned about him and wants him to go out and find more friends. “Daniel, Annie is a nice girl, but it’s not healthy to have only one friend.” Daniel likes Annie and he considers her his best friend. With Annie, Daniel feels that he does not need any other friends because of the adventures they share. One day Daniel does find other friends by the stroke of his magical pencil. Come along with Daniel in Daniel the Draw-er by S.J. Henderson and meet Whiskers, Pi-zzabot, Macaroni and a cast of other magical characters.

Daniel the Draw-er by S.J. Henderson is an ideal book for children. It is full of adventure as seen through the eyes of a child. S.J. Henderson takes the reader on a journey of imagination and fantasy with not only Daniel but Annie as he begins to share his magical pencil with her. Who could have imagined that with a pencil, eraser and paper a whole world opens up for a child? Daniel the Draw-er by S.J. Henderson shows us how vivid the imagination is of a child. If you are looking for a fun, adventurous and magical book to read to your child, consider Daniel the Draw-er by S.J. Henderson.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Nickerbacher: The Funniest Dragon is a fantasy for children, grades K-3, written by Terry John Barto and illustrated by Kim Sponaugle. Nickerbacher was a young dragon who didn’t feel that his job of guarding Princess Gwendolyn in her tower was what he should be doing with his life. He really liked to tell jokes, which he did all of the time, and he wanted to be a stand-up comedian. Gwendolyn liked his jokes and thought he should follow his dreams and become a comic, but Nickerbacher was worried about what his father would think. His father believed that all dragons should guard princesses, and he placed Gwendolyn under Nickerbacher’s care. When a young prince rode up to see the princess, Nickerbacher knew he was supposed to scare him away, but Nickerbacher really only wanted to tell him jokes.

Terry John Barto’s children’s fantasy picture book, Nickerbacher: The Funniest Dragon, features a very unusual dragon who sees humor and wit as his weapons, and who wants to do stand-up comedy. He has to find the courage to first tell his very frightening father what he wants to do with his life, and then to appear before an audience as a stand-up comic for the first time. The positive and inspiring message of this story is driven home in a hilarious way through the young dragon’s inability to do anything else but make jokes. Kim Sponaugle’s pen and ink drawings have gloriously colorful washes that make this story larger than life, a fitting thing indeed for a tale about dragons. The characters’ expressions are fabulous, especially Nickerbacher, whose bushy eyebrows are exceptional. Adults will have a marvelous time reading this story and sharing the pictures during storytelling sessions, but it’s also a great book for young readers. Nickerbacher: The Funniest Dragon is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Amazing Book of No by M.K. Mathias is an interesting book that speaks about the concept of the 'no' word. The book tells the story of two mothers who are different in their approach to handling kids. One mother says 'no' and other does not. Billy does not like it when his mother says 'no' but when he visits the dentist his teeth are perfect, whereas Jane, whose mother never says 'no' to anything, has cavities. As the story progresses, we see the difference in upbringing between Billy and Jane. Billy realizes that parents have to say 'no' at times and that doesn't mean they do not love them.

The author makes the concept of the 'no' word exciting for young readers. The illustrations are bright and colorful and they lend pace and movement to the story and identity to the characters. It's a good bedtime storybook and can also be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The story puts forth the concept very gently and subtly, making the 'no' word seem less harsh. It's a story that many children can relate to.

Storybooks with a concept, moral, and message are good for children to help them understand the thoughts with more clarity. In this story, the author conveys the advantages and disadvantages of 'no' through simple examples which are relatable and explain how it is appropriate to say 'no' at times. The story is a must-read for all kids and it is also helpful to parents when it comes to teaching their kids.

Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

The Miracle Mitzvah Moose by Dawn Wynne is a beautifully written story about a young girl named Abbey, who feels out of place and out of sorts after moving to a new home. Abbey has no friends and she is feeling down and alone when her mother suggests she unpack the Menorah. It is the first night of Hanukkah and the Menorah is a special reminder of Abbey's grandfather. When Abbey accidentally breaks off part of the treasured heirloom, she is dejected and she begins to stare out the window. She spots a moose that seems intrigued with the lonesome child. When an antler of the moose's rack becomes illuminated by the light of the moon, Abbey immediately feels a connection to the animal and she begins to look for the animal nightly.

Gloria Pineiro has beautifully illustrated The Miracle Mitzvah Moose so that children will remained enthralled as the words are read to them. It almost seems that as the moose appears and the meaning of Hanukkah is understood, Abbey begins to believe in the possibility of her new life. She wants to help others and, when she does that, she wants to then give even more of herself to others. When she gives, she receives in return and she eventually understands that transitions give opportunity for new and rewarding experiences. I liked the simple way that Wynne told her story. The story itself is filled with meaning for children of any religion and one which will stay with them for years to come.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Baby Sea Turtle is a children's book written by S.A. Mahan and illustrated by Deborah Mahan. A mother turtle leaves the sea one night to lay her eggs, which she covers with sand to keep them safe. One day, the baby turtles hatch and they make their way to the sea. One baby was slow to hatch, and when he does, he's all alone. He's excited by the wonders of the world he's found himself in, but he ends up walking away from the sea instead of towards it. He gets scared when he reaches a busy road. Then a boy finds the terrified baby turtle and brings him back to the sea.

I've read S.A. Mahan's children's book, The Baby Sea Turtle, three times already and I'll probably read it a few times more. It's that good. S.A. Mahan's story is inspired and Deborah Mahan's illustrations are marvelous. There are pictures of the mother turtle leaving the ocean and her lumbering up the shore to bury her eggs, and pictures of the baby turtles as they hatch and head for the sea. Each picture is distinct and original, and the colors are bright or muted depending on the theme for that page. S.A. Mahan's verse is a blend of rhyme and free verse that is never sing-song or stilted, and there's an audio version of The Baby Sea Turtle included with the book. This is a wonderful first reader for a child or a highly enjoyable book for an adult to share at bedtime. The Baby Sea Turtle is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Kristine Hall for Readers' Favorite

Thirteen-year-old Jackson Sheppard would like nothing more than to live under the radar, spending time with his best friend, Andie, and adding to his chewed gum collection. His aspirations seem easy enough, but the truth is he has some powers that he can't very easily control and they can empty a room and end friendships pretty fast. When Jax, Andie, and Jax's little brother Sebastian sneak out for a late night swim at the local pool, disaster strikes when Sebastian dies, and Jax is thrown into the mysterious world of the Kaptropoten -- a mirror that has been broken into seven pieces, each giving an extraordinary power to the possessor. When Jax learns that all seven fragments together can even resurrect the dead, he goes on an epic journey that takes him around the world and beyond, where he learns who he really is, and aims to set things right by bringing back his brother. Along the way, Jax makes new friends and finds he has evil enemies, discovers fantastic creatures and magnificent places, and finds that he must rely not only on the strength he has from his powers, but an inner strength that he isn't sure he has. In Sharon Warchol's Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors, readers will travel to a parallel, mystical world of danger and deception where things are often not what they seem.

When I agreed to read this book, I scheduled myself to read it about ten days after I received it. I downloaded it and decided to take a quick peek at it -- and ended up reading it straight through! That's how Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors rolls. In it, author Sharon Warchol gives readers just enough background and introduction to get a feel for our protagonist and his life, but then she immerses readers right into the story. One endearing quality about Jax is his humor and how it squeaks out of him at even the most inappropriate of times. Sharon Warchol masterfully wrote very real characters, despite some of their fantastic outward appearances, whose unique styles and personalities will resonate with readers. And Warchol has a real gift for writing imaginative scenarios and uses figurative language to make descriptions even richer. For example: “. . . and darn it if a sneaky, nasty guilt didn’t creep up my leg and around my torso. It snaked over my shoulder and into my ear, poisoning my brain with its venom.” Even the titles of the chapter sub-headings are cleverly written.

Jax Sheppard and the Seven Mirrors has twists and turns and a steady stream of hints to create a satisfying ending that also leaves readers begging for more. I highly recommend this book for tweens and teens, and reluctant readers of all ages.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Red Sun: Legends of Orkney by Alane Adams is a book that will take children on a roller coaster ride of adventure and fantasy where whimsical and menacing creatures and witches will enthrall readers. Twelve-year-old Sam Baron meets a dwarf in the garage and he learns that his substitute English teacher, Ms. Endera, who is filling in for Ms. Platz, is a witch. Truths about his past became clearer when he travels to the magical world of Orkney through a stone fire. Sam finds out that his mother is a witch and his father is a descendant of the Norse god, Odin. Sam finds himself followed by the cursed Red Sun which can destroy his friends and all of Orkney. Will Mavery, the young witch girl, be able to save him?

This is the sort of adventure story that will keep children glued to the book. The references to Norse mythology are exciting and the author has woven a great adventure tale with a lot of twists and turns. The story also has a lot of fun, mystery, witchcraft, humor and whimsy. The narration is detailed and the precision with which the characters and the scenes are laid out makes the story very real. The land of Orkney is really fascinating and exciting, with magical creatures and adventures that will enchant young readers. It is a perfect adventure story for kids and I really am looking forward to the sequel, The Moon Pearl, for more action and excitement.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Dinosaur's New Shoes (Teddy T-Rex) by James S. Martinez is a delightfully uplifting storybook for children. The hero in this story is Teddy T-Rex, a young dinosaur who is excited about going to school. He wants to show off his new shoes to his friends. He has a good day at school. He remembers the names of many of his new friends, especially Bruno the Bully. Teddy T-Rex is not like others who are scared of a bully. He voices his opinion to Coach Long, who decides to speak to Bruno. It's a beautiful story of reaching out, and being compassionate and caring to everyone.

The book is informative and teaches kids how to respond to bullying and also how to confront bullies. The illustrations are bright and colorful and they breathe life not only into the characters, but also into the story. Teddy T-Rex is a lovable character to whom kids can relate. The book is useful to teachers, educators, parents and children as it helps them to know more about bullying and bullies. It's also a good bedtime storybook for children and can be used for interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries.

This is a must-have in any parent's personal collection as it has tips on how to identify a bully and how to understand if one is being bullied. It's a very inspiring and upbeat storybook for kids. The author handles a relevant topic masterfully and with elan, reaching out to young readers in a good way.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Gabbie Flowers and the Key to the Universe is a children and preteens' book written by Dianne Caplin. Gabbie seems like a normal, everyday eleven-year-old kid by day. She lives with her grandmother, Nana Alice, and her older sister, Victoria, in a brownstone in New York City. By night, however, she astral projects in the company of her spirit guide, Samuel, and they visit with Gabbie's mother, Katherine, at the Hall of Reconnection. Katherine died when Gabbie was only 4, but the two still get to spend their night times together. Gabbie is excited about the art competition at school. The winner gets to paint a mural on a large wall in the hallway, but Gabbie still can't visualize her master work. Samuel takes Gabbie to the Temple of Artistic Endeavors to learn from great artists from the past for inspiration.

Dianne Caplin's children and preteens' book, Gabbie Flowers and the Key to the Universe, is marvelous on so many levels. My favorite part has to be where Gabbie visits with Van Gogh and the other artists in the Temple of Artistic Endeavors, and works with their guidance on her idea for a mural. Caplin also addresses the very serious issue of bullying and the profound impact it can have on children and adults' lives. Caplin's characters are well-defined and personable, except for the mean and somewhat awful bully, Melissa. The illustrations that appear throughout the text are fabulous, especially the very spooky one of Gabbie at the gate of St. Anne's reform school with her very scary escorts. I had a lot of fun reading Gabbie Flowers and the Key to the Universe and am looking forward to reading about her further adventures. Gabbie Flowers and the Key to the Universe is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Our story begins in the fairy realm where at great sacrifice to themselves, the council members join together to banish the powerful and evil Brigara from the realm of Fionia. However, Brigara manages to enter the realm of humans where she waited 300 gams ploting her revenge. When Jake and his family moved to Middlefield he expected a normal quiet, boring life; he was wrong. Ms. Bridget the science teacher assigned the students to groups and sent them to Vasona Park to gather bits of elements. Jake, Conner, Seneca, and Shayna were gathering moss when without knowing it, they walked through a portal and entered the realm of Fionia. Unfortunately, the portal closed and they could not go back the way they came. Both adventure and danger lay ahead of them. There were odd creatures in the fairy realm and the four teens are forced to do the biding of an evil old Druid.

C. Toni Graham is the author of Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals. I was quickly caught up in this amazing tale. The author has created remarkable characters like Celestia Swan of Fionia, the guardian spirit of Gaelons Lake. One of my favorites was Keene Ardara, the Cipher Fairy who lived with very strange chairs. I was not familiar with this author and I’m very pleased to say she is now at the top of my fantasy author list. While this book is appropriate for middle school, both young and old will enjoy journeying alongside Jake, Seneca, Shayna and Conner as they search for a way home.