Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Golden Rule is a children's concept picture book written by Sherrill S. Cannon and illustrated by Kalpart. Robert wants to see if he can find the ruler his mom was talking about. She said it was old, but, better yet, that it was gold. He thinks that if he and his sister can find it, they can sell it. They decide to go looking for it and end up searching all through the classrooms at their school. After finding nothing but an old plastic ruler, Kait, his sister, wondered if the ruler was something they couldn't see, and Robert starting thinking. Maybe it wasn't a ruler their mom was talking about but a rule -- one that would show you how to treat others, like the other kids at school and your friends.

Sherrill S. Cannon's concept picture book for children, The Golden Rule, is entertaining and fun while it also presents guidelines for kids to follow in their interactions with others. Cannon's rhyming verse is clever and brims with enthusiasm, and Kalpart's brightly colored illustrations fit the storyline perfectly. I was pleased to see that the story covered so many important social issues facing children, especially the problem of bullies and how to react to them and get help from an adult, sharing, and giving freely to others in need. She even includes one of my own favorite golden rules, paying it forward, in this delightful and instructive work. The Golden Rule is a perfect story time selection for reading aloud as well as an excellent choice for children who have outgrown their first primers. The Golden Rule is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Secret Lives of Monsters and Legends is a children's book of short tales suitable for young readers ages six through eight. It is written by Sunny Basra and illustrated by Ben Muircroft. Bigfoot is the story of a young adventurer who is determined to solve the mystery of Bigfoot. While he's a bit nervous about what he might discover in the woods, he understands that it's good to face your fears. What he finds in the forest is a huge surprise. Dracula lives alone in his castle, and Sienna's mother said she should never go near the castle. Sienna sees a figure looking out the castle window one night and can't help but go to see who lives there. George is an exceedingly grumpy knight who protects the people in his town from dragons, but he also has a secret. And a young boy named Matt gets to see if Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, really exists.

Sunny Basra's collection of tales for children is both fun and enlightening. Mixed within the humorous, inventive and witty renditions of these legendary monster tales are lessons such as facing fears, accepting others who are different, and not being judgmental. Basra's tales are fun to read, and while geared towards slightly more advanced readers, are perfect for storytime sessions with younger readers as well. Muircroft's illustrations are brightly colored and filled with detail, and they are a huge part of what makes these stories work as well as they do. The Secret Lives of Monsters and Legends is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Lucinda Weeks for Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins! is created by Roe De Pinto. An adorable baby seal pup named Zealy is born. Zealy is a beautiful baby, covered with white fur. Zealy opens her eyes for the first time to discover her adoring parents. Her parents could not stop smiling when they saw Zealy. They spoiled their beautiful new daughter with lots of hugs and kisses. Like new babies do, she cuddled with her mother, drank her fill of warm milk, and drifted off into a deep slumber. Zealy awakens and discovers a new friend, Whubba. Whubba is a baby orca whale. Whubba is a good friend who watches over Zealy and protects her.

De Pinto has created a very beautiful story that readers are bound to fall in love with. This story is filled with vibrant and colorful pictures. The characters are an adorable seal family with mom, dad and new pup Zealy, who are joined by the baby orca whale. Young children and parents alike are certain to be fascinated by these characters. This heartwarming story is one that all new parents can identify with. As a mother of three, I was reminded how joyous it was to welcome my new babies into the world. I would have liked to see more depth to this story, which is why I am eagerly awaiting the next title in this series. I am looking forward to seeing how this series unfolds. I recommend The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins! as an entertaining story to be shared with all young children.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

In a fun, funny and adventurous new story targeting children in later elementary grades, The Land Without Color is the first book in a new series by the same name written by author Benjamin Ellefson. This book will engage its readers from the very beginning and will keep them reading all the way through until the very end. Follow the story of protagonist 12-year-old Alvin, a boy who finds himself in quite a predicament. After floating through the air with the aid of a huge gum bubble, he lands in a world unlike any other he's seen before, a land without color. Everything there is gray, and no one is quite sure why. Alvin meets some new friends that are set on helping him, as well as solving the mystery of the colorless landscape that surrounds them. Will they succeed, and will Alvin find his way home? You'll have to read the book to find out!

I loved The Land Without Color. Loved. It. How's that for a review? Well, it's definitely how I felt about this lovely book for older children. Author Benjamin Ellefson has done a wonderful job in creating a story line that will entertain its readers and please their parents with its message and tone. This book contains elements of fantasy, fairy tale, action and adventure, is fast paced, and is simply a fun read! Any child, but especially those between fourth and sixth grades, would enjoy this book, and their parents should absolutely buy it for them. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to seeing more in this promising series by author Benjamin Ellefson, hopefully in the very near future!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Magic Tree is an inspirational children's book written by Michal Y. Noah, Ph.D. and illustrated by Chrissy Fanslau. Magic is a young tree who's smaller than his dad and not as leafy as his mom, but he's quite happy with who he is. He's got lots of friends who keep him company: birds, squirrels, butterflies and other living things. They all enjoy the sun's warmth and the joys of spring and summer. When fall comes around, Magic wonders why he can't run or fly away with his friends, and his parents explain how everyone is different and special. Magic, they explain, is extremely special and is perfect just as he is. When the winter cold blows in, Magic is unhappy and misses his friends, but then some winter pals come around and things don't seem so bad. And then it's spring again.

Michal Y. Noah's inspirational children's book, The Magic Tree, is beautifully written and Chrissy Fanslau's illustrations make this magical and positive book glow. The book is filled with bright and colorful pictures of Magic, his parents and his friends. Noah's message comes through on every page, and it's the best possible message both for the children it's written for, and for anyone else fortunate enough to come across this book. Magic's parents share their positive and loving outlook on life with their son and help him to understand how perfect he is right at each particular moment, and how his joy and love for others will resonate back to him. This is a perfect primer for a young reader and a marvelous read-aloud story for bedtime. The Magic Tree is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Hilary Hawkes for Readers' Favorite

Melissa King’s The Bee and Me is a delightful and colorful picture book story with a special message. Written in a rhyming style, it is the story of Mama Bee living in her house full of old fashioned things, like underfloor heating, cord telephones, and box size TVs. A little girl, to whom Mama Bee is much like a grandmother, visits and wonders at all these old things – surely old things have no use and should be thrown out. So should Mama Bee be discarded too? The little girl ultimately realizes that the value of things is not based on how new they are, and that it is not necessary to constantly replace things simply because something more modern has come along.

The story is told from first person point of view with the little girl recounting her dream-like visit to Bee’s house. I love children’s books written in rhyme and this one has a varied rhyming style. The language level is suitable for young readers able to tackle short books independently, to read for themselves too. There are some amusing moments when she discovers a telephone attached to a long wire and a huge box for a television:

“Is this really a TV?” I said to the Bee. I laughed and said, “Oh, that’s so funny to me! They have them now that are flat and go on the wall! That is the oldest TV I ever saw!”

Bee’s response to the little girl’s amazement at discovering all these ‘old’ things is a wise: “Do you think because it’s old I should throw it away out into the cold?”

So a lovely mixture of fun and humor with a question to ponder. I loved the colorful and detailed illustrations by Ana Lyn Abello especially the family ‘photos’ on the walls of Bee’s house – a charming touch. The message about waste and consumption weaves its way through the story as the little girl learns a valuable lesson about focusing on the more important things in life. Bee is loving and welcoming and her home is warm and comfortable – and a home filled with love and security is more important than a house full of the most up to date items. A special story to share with a child or group of children, and one that will prompt discussion about values and our throw-away society. Melissa King's The Bee and Me is a worthy addition to any child’s home or class library.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

The Gallery of Wonders (Magora Book 1) by Marc Remus is a fantasy novel that centers around 11-year-old Holly O’Flanigan. Holly lives with her foster family, the Smoralls, who are uncaring to the point of being abusive towards her. Her only true relationship is with her grandfather, Nikolas O’Flanigan, who has always inspired rumours around town because of his strange and eccentric ways. In reality, as we come to discover, magic is in the air. When a fire ravages the town, Holly is devastated by her grandfather’s death as she looks up to him and wants to be an artist like he was. But to her surprise, soon after, she discovers an unusual, “magical” canvas and paintbrush left to her by her grandfather, which leads to a whole new world. In this world, Holly, along with her friends, can bring anything to life by painting it. As Holly enters this new world, enrolls in an art school, and helps to solve a mystery about stolen paintings, she also learns to love herself and find herself in the process. In that sense, this is a beautiful coming-into-your-own story.

The Gallery of Wonders (Magora Book 1) by Marc Remus is a nicely written fantasy novel. Its theme of magic and creating life through art and painting is unique and appealing. I could almost imagine the vivid colors, brushstrokes, and paintings brought to life as I was reading this book. More importantly, this is a book about courage and about finding oneself through adversity. Holly’s character is well drawn and is universally appealing. The supporting cast of characters and plot make this an exciting and fun read. I would recommend this book for children and teenagers alike.

Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite

The Bigfoot Paradox by Rebecca Coyte will change everything you know —or think you know — about Bigfoot. J.T. is shy and doesn’t have many friends at school, but he does have a fascination with Bigfoot. It’s no wonder. In the town of Onion Weed, Bigfoot is a big deal. With Bigfoot sightings, the once quiet town goes berserk, and noted Bigfoot hunter Billy Matrix makes his presence known in the town in a big way. Soon, J.T. has to deal with Billy Matrix and his associates, a bunch of Sasquatch enthusiasts with personalities almost as huge as Billy Matrix himself. The hunt for Bigfoot is on with crews of people, fancy equipment, and an insatiable desire to find Bigfoot in the woods of Onion Weed. But nobody sees the truth coming, and J.T. is surprised at what is revealed to him about Onion Weed and its connection to the Bigfoot myth.

I loved the story and, overall, The Bigfoot Paradox is a fun, imaginative read that looks into the heart of Bigfoot myths and legends. Author Rebecca Coyte doesn't just give us a typical Bigfoot story; she includes the current reality TV hype and the ridiculous personalities of people who publicly hunt for legendary creatures. Then she adds a bit of a twist that might explain what is really going on, and reveals that through J.T. as he travels with Billy Matrix and crew. J.T. is a great young character, but he is overshadowed at times by the adults in the Bigfoot hunt, especially at the end of the book. Still, he learns a secret, learns a lesson, and perhaps comes out of the adventure with a story to tell and more knowledge than he had before. The Bigfoot Paradox asks us: What is the true story behind Bigfoot?

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

The Spirit of Steel is Book Two of The Morus Chronicles, a children’s fantasy by J.R. Roper. Thirteen-year-old Ethan Morus, who possesses treasure hunting instincts, is closely watched by sorcerers from the Light and Dark. They need Ethan’s talents to locate another legendary ancient treasure containing special powers. The Light are protectors and doers of good while the Dark is ruled by malicious Lord Dehdric. Ethan’s friend and mentor from the Light, Eldorian, warns him to be cautious, especially in the company of girls. He is concerned that the Dark has gained more followers and might lure Ethan to join them as unknown persons watch from the woods. Ethan ignores his advice and is suddenly thrust into deadly danger, both on land and under water, while realizing that those closest to him are really his enemies.

If you missed the opportunity to read Book One from The Morus Chronicles, do your best to grab a copy and catch up on Ethan’s exciting adventure, which continues in The Spirit of Steel. I thought Chapter One had a captivating beginning with a character named Mel, who made me curious to know what she was up to. The story is very well developed with characters that are charismatic and unforgettable, especially those who were also portrayed in Book One. Ethan is a bit stubborn, but daring, while his sister, Destry, is spunky and mischievous. J.R. Roper writes an enchanting fantasy teens will enjoy. The Spirit of Steel, Book Two from The Morus Chronicles is recommended.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Reading Promise by Troy Kent is an adorable story of Daniel and his mother, Katherine, who used all her money to buy food and clothes for the baby. She felt sad knowing she could not buy any fancy clothes and toys for her son. Katherine joined a public library and she made a promise to Daniel that she would read aloud to him every day. When Daniel grew up, he loved reading more than anything else. Daniel became an adult, lost his mother, got married, and had a child of his own. He found the first book that his mother had read out to him and he did the same thing his mother did to him; he began reading books aloud to his little daughter.

It's a heartwarming story that shows a special bond between Katherine and Daniel, and how she weaves into his mind the importance of reading books and how the circle of life continues when Daniel has a daughter. The illustrations are lively, vivid, and give a good pace and movement to the story. It will make an excellent bedtime storybook and can be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The book captures the struggles and financial hardships of a mother beautifully and also the importance of spending quality time together, and a mother's love and devotion. This story will touch the hearts of readers and this story will encourage children to enjoy the reading experience.