Reviewed by Anna del C. Dye for Readers' Favorite

The first thing that I liked about this book was the Affirmations for Wealth Building found on the first pages. I know them to be true, for I have used them in my life. They are powerful views of the changes we can implement in our lives.

The other things I like are the different homework exercise sprinkled around throughout the book so you can learn hands on.

We all have a reason why we used money the way we do. I know what it is to be hungry so my pantry has a year's supply of food, because I don't want ever to run out. A person who never had new shoes in his or her early life will have shoes coming out of their ears and spend a lot of their money on shoes.

Julie shows us the many faces of why we use money the way we do. She has demonstrated that we need to manage our finances according to our own circumstances. My case will be different than yours therefore the result or application of the principles will also be varied.

Julie wrote a great book in how to understand your reasoning about money and show you the different things you can benefit from no matter what your life's path. I found that Building Wealth from the Inside Out is a well-written easy book that could change your life's outlook forever. I recommended this book to everyone, it is clear, enlightening and fun to read.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

The Many Colors of Friendship by Rita Kaye Vetsch is a delightful book. It tells the story of Katherine, a first grade student. There was a new student in her class whose name was Luis. She wanted to talk to him; but she didn't know how to talk to someone so different, so she ignored him. That night Katherine had a vivid dream. She was in a bright colored jungle. A snake called Sanjay pulled her out of quicksand with his tail. Sanjay didn't look like any other snake Katherine had ever seen. He was brightly colored and friendly. Along her journey she met other creatures, all brightly colored and very different from any she'd ever seen before. The panda, toucan, and sloth taught Katherine a lesson: We should never be afraid of someone just because they look different. People come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The next day Katherine and Luis became friends.

We live in a diverse society. Too often we are afraid of what we do not understand. We are afraid of different. The Many Colors of Friendship will be an excellent tool for opening the dialogue between parents and children.

The story is written in simple terms making it easy for children to understand. The illustrations bring the text to life; they are brightly colored and eye-catching. I love this book and the message it proclaims. This book will make an excellent book for children in Kindergarten through third grade. I can hardly wait to share this book with my grandson.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"The Chest of Visions: Secrets of Caperston" by Tim Ferguson is the story of Caperston as told by Mattpaul. Caperston is a planet much smaller than our own and its sun is much smaller than ours. Time is measured by generations that pass rather than years. Their ability to communicate with us is due to Strings technology. Ferguson has chosen the perfect format for this tale. The text reads much like email messages. Each one is dated. On May 2, Mattpaul shares information about Chihaysu. The man told the people about God who oversees the world, treats everyone equally and hears when people pray to him. Chihaysu also told the people stories like the one about a man who needed help, but many people would not stop. Rumors were circulating that Chihaysu prayed for a little girl and she was healed. I found it heartwarming that as Mattpaul shared information about Chihaysu, the Earthlings reading Tim’s blog began to ask questions. Those familiar with scripture and with the life of Jesus Christ will quickly see the parallel between Jesus and Chihaysu.

I find the plot of this book very realistic, for God is bigger than my imagination and who am I to say he did not place life on other planets? Ferguson deftly demonstrates how one person can share the word of God with another and it spreads like dandelions. One seed creates a plant with a thousand seeds and each seed creates another plant with another thousand seeds. This story was written for young adults; however, I enjoyed it very much. Tim Ferguson is very creative and has found a wonderful way to reach youth. Appendix I explains String Theory. Appendix II shares the options for using this book with a youth group and Appendix III shares 8 lessons that correspond with the chapters. I can easily see this book as Sunday School literature or Youth Group literature. Mattpaul has written it in a simple easy to read and understand easily. Ferguson’s light shines in this book. I look forward to more books by Tim Ferguson.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

JB Michaels captures the spirit of Christmas in The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secret Snowball. Ever wonder what is happening inside your Christmas tree? What is nestled within the pine branches? What wonders are hiding behind the ornaments and lights? Hidden tiny elves, known as the Tannenbaum Tailors, that’s what! These little, but powerful creatures are hard at work checking the spirit levels of each home. Tailoring and keeping safe every tree. However, the Christmas of 1987 is one the Tannenbaum Tailors will never forget. During that fateful season, Christmas was almost destroyed forever. Captain Brendan and his faithful Tailor Team fight to keep the spirit of Christmas alive. They must protect the Snowball at all costs! They must save Christmas!

JB Michaels’ love for children and family is reflected in his writing. The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secret Snowball depicts childhood lessons regarding the consequence of actions and self sacrifice. It also portrays the importance of family, responsibility, and challenges experienced when coming of age. The narrative is imaginative and magical, and filled with tons of adventurous action. The short, yet captivating chapters are perfect for young readers. The story includes Christmas theme gadgets: glimmer goggles, gift box cars, Icicle ships, magical snowballs, and a small fantastical civilization within the known real world. These extraordinary tidbits create a whimsical setting that releases the imagination. As the classic conflict of good versus evil heightens, it is sure to keep the hearts of young readers pounding with anticipation. The ending holds true to the spirit of Christmas; peace on earth, goodwill towards men. Yet, you sense a deeper resolve in the characters, and you are well aware that more adventures are out there waiting for the Tannenbaum Tailors.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Topaz and the Green Fairies by Pat Frayne is a whimsical story that takes readers into the world of fairies, magic, and adventure. A storm is threatening to destroy Cottersdamp Island and the green fairies living there, and it is Bozel the green fairy’s job now to save his species. As the book progresses, readers get to see Bozel’s journey to save the green fairies before the island is completely consumed by the Slewnecky River. He wants to go to a place where they will be welcome and where there were no great rivers like the Slewnecky River. Sezel, the old fisherman, suggests the Land of Knownotten, but he knows that now they have a new ruler. Will Bozel and his friends be able to save the green fairies before Cottersdamp Island is completely ravaged by the waters of the Slewnecky River?

The book is filled with adventure, fantasy, and whimsical characters that will captivate young readers and keep them glued to the story, eager to learn where Bozel goes and the interesting characters he meets on his way. The author’s narration is detailed and vivid, bringing the scenes and characters alive for readers. The black and white sketches in the book add to the charm of the story and, apart from the sense of adventure, the story also captures the friendship between the characters effectively. The story also introduces readers to some interesting characters and animals like Topaz, the cat with magical powers. The underlying message of helping each other, facing dangers and overcoming them has been woven deftly into the plot. The author’s depth of imagination is evident in the characters she has created, and the adventure and fantasy make it entertaining and enthralling for young readers. For all those who love magic, whimsy, adventure, and fantasy, this book is a must-read!

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

JB Michaels' sequel, The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Brethren of the Saints, builds upon the previous story, taking the characters to a new level of adventure. Relishing the victory of saving Santa’s magical Snowball, Captain Brendan’s Tannenbaum Tailors crew enjoys Christmas Day with Jack. Yet, Brendan is uneasy, something feels wrong. As the team watches Jack play with his miniature bullet train, unwelcome guests fly from the train - termites! Yikes! While conducting an investigation of the train, Brendan suddenly vanishes. The team searches for answers – what is the connection between the termites and Brendan’s disappearance? Among the branches of Jack’s tree the Spiritless lurk, setting traps for the crew. This is just the beginning of a race against time. The crew repeatedly finds themselves facing desperate and impossible situations. Seeds of doubt are planted, their hope is challenged – could the Spiritless really be hiding among them? The Spiritless are relentless. They have a plan, a wicked strategy to invade and conquer the North Pole. Led by a mysterious black-bearded man, they will not stop until they have destroyed Christmas forever.

Mysterious and magical, JB Michaels tailors his narrative with the same meticulousness the Tailors use to care for their trees. Each word is thoughtfully chosen, each chapter builds upon the other, creating a glimmering story of adventure. “Year Zero” provides an enticing narrative hook. It is a mystifying and auspicious beginning that propels a lasting promise of hope later revealed in the story’s plot. Michaels is beyond imaginative; he takes the reader into a realm of marvel and wonder. The story is spunky, witty, humorous and filled with endless action. There is never a dull moment. It contains surprising, precisely timed turns of events which heighten the suspense. Furthermore, inspiring truths are woven into the fabric of the plot; forgiveness, the power of love to conquer evil, the resolve to fight when all seems lost, the true meaning of family and the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifice of others. As a firm believer of keeping Christ in Christmas, I admired the referencing of the biblical message and the depiction of prayer by the characters. The explosion of light piercing the darkness and releasing healing leaves an unforgettable and lingering impression. Miracles do happen. After all, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper: The Chronicles of the Stone, Book 3 is an action and adventure novel for children and young adults written by Fiona Ingram and illustrated by Lori Bentley. Adam, Justin and Kim knew they’d be questing for the third Stone of Power when Aunt Isabel made the arrangements for their travel documentation, but she and archaeologist James Kinnaird had wanted to keep their actual destination a surprise. The three kids were thrilled to discover that they’d be searching for a lost Mayan city buried deep within the Lacandon jungle. They had no idea, however, that the carefully planned expedition would take a sudden turn towards the unexpected when an afternoon’s flyover of the jungle with James piloting their leased plane ended in disaster.

The Cessna had malfunctioned and crashed into a canopy of trees, leaving the three kids hanging upside down from their safety belts and James bleeding and unconscious. Their first priority was to get out of the wrecked plane, which was a matter of some urgency as the fumes that filled the cabin made them increasingly nervous. The trio did make it down to the jungle floor, with a bit of maneuvering, and they were considering how they would get James out of the plane when they realized that they were not alone. Adam couldn’t believe it -- here they were lost in the middle of a vast jungle, one filled with snakes, venomous insects and jaguars, which James had described as apex predators. Even more discomforting, however, were the distinctly humanoid eyes gazing at them from behind a large grove of bushes. Suddenly, tribesmen appeared, garbed in loincloths and adorned with tribal face paint, tattoos and scarring. They were carrying spears, which they didn’t hesitate to use to block Justin when he attempted to stop them from climbing up to where James was still lying in the wrecked plane. The three young teens wondered at the natives who seemed to be ignoring them as they worked to free James and then began to carry him off. Seeing no option other than to follow them, Kim, Adam and Justin decided they’d probably be better off going along with the natives rather than staying alone and without supplies in the jungle. At least, they hoped so.

Fiona Ingram’s action and adventure novel for young adults and preteens drops the reader, along with Justin, Kim and Adam, right into the thick of the action, and I can’t think of a better place for a reader to find himself in. I’ve read the preceding books in this series and find myself more and more impressed with each subsequent volume. While you can read this one on its own, don’t do it. There’s an underlying thread that connects these books that shines out brilliantly as you follow the three adventurers as they meet each challenge and master it. Aunt Isabel and James Kinnaird are marvelous guides and mentors and, under their tutelage, each of the three young characters is seen as they face fears, develop new skills and learn how effective they can be as a team. I was thrilled to learn that this third quest would take place in the Lacandon jungle and that the team would be searching for a lost Mayan city, but I had no idea how detailed and informative this book would be. I especially enjoyed meeting the uncontacted tribe along with Adam, Kim and Justin, and seeing how they interacted with the three marooned kids.

Ingram’s story educates as it entertains. That description might initially put off some prospective readers, but don’t let it. It’s not nearly as ominous as it sounds at first. Each of the books in this series is a learning experience involving interaction with different cultures, history and, yes, adventure -- lots of adventure! Following the tradition of classic adventure writers such as H. Rider Haggard, Jules Verne and Robert Louis Stevenson, Ingram makes the varied locales in which she sets her stories come alive so fully and vibrantly. Seeing her three young heroes grow as they learn, explore and solve the succession of challenges, setbacks and puzzles that come their way, in those far-flung locales, is a grand experience indeed. In The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper, Adam, Justin and Kim find their own individual strengths, and they each come of age in unique and special ways. They complement each other so very well and are truly a team worth watching -- especially in this book where they are, for the most part, on their own. Ingram’s work also highlights the plight of the uncontacted tribes in this area of the world, where commercial and agricultural interests are destroying ages-old cultures and communities.

Looking for a grand adventure series for a child or young adult? Do consider Ingram’s The Chronicles of the Stone series, but bear in mind that these books are grand and illuminating entertainment for adventurers of all ages, including those fortunate adults who still thirst for adventure and the thrill of the undiscovered. I’m so pleased that Ingram’s series revolves around seven Stones of Power and I’m looking forward to books 4 through 7. The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper: The Chronicles of the Stone, Book 3 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea: Vols. I-III is 3-volume collection of humorous adventure stories for young readers written by S.D. Moore and illustrated by Bobbi Switzer. PJ was the smallest kid in his class, and he sometimes got teased about that by his classmates. His dad was also away quite a bit lately for business, which had been getting PJ down, but PJ’s mom had the perfect idea for making her little guy smile again. They were going to Mr. Peppy’s Pet Store to pick out a pet for him, and he would be able to choose whatever type of pet he’d like. Once they got there, his mom and Mr. Peppy started talking, and PJ wandered around the store considering who he would take home. A goldfish? Nah, you can’t really do much playing outdoors with a fish, and a guinea pig was an awful lot like a rat which his mom hates. A dog would be kind of cool, but PJ remembered what his mom said about the responsibilities involved in taking care of a dog. Then PJ heard a voice call his name -- it was a parrot. Mr. Peppy explained that his name was Split Pea, a name the bird earned both for his coloring and the split in his wing feathers from having been caught out in a storm. PJ knew almost instantly that Split Pea was the perfect pet and best friend for him. They left Mr. Peppy’s together and proceeded to go off on adventures.

S.D. Moore’s collection of humorous adventure stories for early readers, The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea: Vols. I-III, is a grand selection for early readers, but it’s also one of those books that you’re going to want to share with younger children at story time. It might even spur some reluctant readers to start trying reading books on their own. Moore’s stories are silly and fun, filled with the kinds of things that get kids, and some adults, giggling, such as using stinky socks to cover up the gaps in Split Pea’s wings (which didn’t work) and following as PJ tries to borrow false teeth for his class photo. Bobbi Switzer’s illustrations are awesome and give these stories a graphic novel feel. They’re brightly colored, hilarious and beautifully showcase the growing friendship between PJ and Split Pea. Moore includes a Bonus Activity Book at the end of the stories which includes a word search, pages from the stories to color, and a maze. The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea: Vols. I-III is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mary T. Kincaid for Readers' Favorite

Shadow of Atlantis by Wendy Leighton-Porter is about three children and a cat named Max, traveling back in time to the island of Atlantis. They arrive in Atlantis right before the volcanic eruption that destroyed the island and sank it into the Mediterranean Sea. An Atlantean family befriends them and they are able to tell them about the impending danger to Atlantis. The reader meets twins Jemima and Joe, Charlie, their friend, and Max, an extraordinarily large cat. In Atlantis, they learn about the disappearance of their parents who are lost in time, because they began their time travel without the key they needed to return through the portal of an old book: Shadows From the Past. This book opens the portal that allows them to travel to the past. It is opened with a key that Jemima wears on a chain. In the box with the book was a pouch of gold owl charms which allow the children to understand the language of the land, and to understand Max, their Tonkinese cat.

This is a wonderful story of adventure back into mythical history. It is a fun read, well developed and executed. The descriptions and characters are appropriate for the age intended. Children looking for adventure will enjoy this one. They will enjoy the speculation that Atlantis was in the Mediterranean Sea. The culture, customs, and society are covered by the introduction to the family of Medon, the fisherman. The high priests of Poseidon decide that the tales of Atlantis’s destruction are sent by the spies of Athena, and try to cause trouble, but Max figures out a way to rescue them. I give this book a five out of five stars and recommend it for all history buffs and adventure lovers.

Reviewed by Alysha Allen for Readers' Favorite

Joe, Jemima, Charlie, and Max have opened the large Shadows From The Past book again! Join the children and Max on another fantastic time-traveling adventure in The Shadow of The Minotaur by Wendy Leighton-Porter. Joe and Jemima Lancelot have recently discovered that their time-traveling parents are lost in the past. Their only hope lies in the children finding them and bringing them a special key that takes them home. With their friend Charlie and talking Tonkinese cat Max at their sides, Joe and Jemima bravely step into the past. As the children and Max search for the missing Lancelots, they experience history in ways never imagined. This adventure sends them to ancient Knossos. It's a race against time as Joe, Jemima, Charlie and Max help Prince Theseus to kill the fearsome half-man, half-bull creature known as a Minotaur. With the assistance of a lovely young princess, the children and Max find a way to get into the labyrinth where the gruesome beast feasts on humans so as to aid the young prince. Only, once in the Minotaur’s dangerous lair, they find themselves trapped with no hope of escape. With the children locked deep within the Minotaur's labyrinth and their only help now a hostage in the palace, one special hero tries to save the day. Can he get help before it's too late? Will the children suffer the same fate as the twins' parents and be forever lost in time? Or worse, be eaten by the mighty Minotaur?

Another wonderful book by master story-weaver, Wendy Leighton Porter! The Shadow of The Minotaur is the second book in the Shadows From The Past series. This book is action packed and filled with adventure around every corner. The reader, young or old, won't be able to put the book down to the last page. I loved that it came with a helpful pronunciation key to help the less experienced reader. I love the Shadows From The Past series. The author has an extraordinary ability to combine history with fiction in such a realistic manner. It gives the reader the feeling of being there, next to her characters. She then explains in detail what is history and what is fiction so that the reader won't become confused. Although this book is rather gory in parts, I didn't find it offensive. Contrarily, the goriness only added to the intensity and believability of the story. This is a must-read for any youngster. I recommend this book to children ages 7-10, but I believe anyone would enjoy it. I certainly did!