Reviewed by Jackie Ferrell for Readers' Favorite

A little boy and a folding circus tent is the focus of The Travelling Circus – a new children’s book by Mark Watson. As the little boy begins to have fun folding and unfolding his perfect gift of a circus tent, an imaginative story begins to take shape. The vibrant red and white circus tent visually grabs and holds the attention of young readers as Mark Watson uses his creative genius of rhyme and prose to create a new and magical book. From the description of the circus animals to the aromatic imagery of food, we are taken back in time to the circuses of old. With fairies in flight, to a beautifully detailed carousel horse and, finally, to the image of a curious, unusual and somewhat scary ringmaster, there is an energy that propels us through this story while we listen to the clever words of the ringmaster describing to the little boy what awaits him. As the ringmaster gently guides the little boy to the front of the circus tent, there is a curiosity and mystery about what just might come next.

With bold, delightful and spellbinding images by Drew Geraci, The Travelling Circus by Mark Watson brings to children a brand new story just perfect for bedtime reading. I wondered, as I read this adorable book, if this story actually took place in a small child's decorated bedroom, or was it the incredible imagination of a little boy’s dream brought to life by the perfect gift of a folding circus tent. I think children will be incredibly engaged and captivated by The Travelling Circus while parents discover that this latest children’s book by Mark Watson is a perfect, one-of-a-kind bedtime read.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Maria and the Magic of the Rainbow by Suzanna L Royse is an inspiring and beautiful story with manifold lessons for both young and adult readers. Maria is a pre-teen butterfly who is accidentally blown away as she hurries to warn her parents of an impending storm. She is captured and made to slave under a cruel and unforgiving fire ant, El Jefe. She is forced to sing and do things she’s never dreamt about doing in her short life span.

The reader won’t miss the commands of El Jefe, reminding her of where she belongs: “The most important thing you need to learn is that your place is here—to sing and clean! Don’t forget how lucky you are. I’m the one who rescued you—you the orphan with only one wing.” But Maria escapes and makes a wonderful adventure that will bring both joy and pain to her heart as she discovers the beauty of friendship and the tragedy of loss.

Maria and the Magic of the Rainbow is a well-crafted story that brilliantly showcases the themes of self-confidence, freedom, bullying, family, and the wonderful sense of tolerance that assures inner freedom. Maria is a character that many young readers will relate to—I was able to connect with her as well as did my twelve-year-old granddaughter. The writing is poetic and evocative and it features great poetry in the form of Maria’s songs. For instance, the soul and spirit of youthfulness is captured in the following lines:

“Every day I keep asking why,
Like why the river runs and clouds play in the sky.
So many things to learn and know,
But what can I do? Where can I go?
Who’s out there?
Who can teach me to do
Everything I need to learn
To make my dreams come true?”

The illustrations are very telling and entertaining in themselves. It will be impossible for young readers not to identify with Maria’s curiosity, her problem with bullies, and her desire to be able to experience real freedom. This is also a story about friendship and forgiveness, a story with values that kids need to learn. Suzanna L Royse’s work will encourage, inspire, educate, and remain engraved in the hearts of young readers long after they have read them.

Reviewed by Carol Coetzee for Readers' Favorite

The Death of Death by K.N. Parker deals with the upcoming death of twelve-year-old Tabitha Wilkinson, who is visited by a death guide to be told she will be moving on to the next realm two days from then. Tabitha is curious about the guide and asks many questions that the guide is unable to answer. She is simply a guide, with no before, no after, no name, only now. Tabitha asks her guide to find out who she was before she became a guide; what her name was; how she died; and how she came to be a death guide. These are unusual and unexpected questions, which leave the guide perplexed. The guide returns to her home, and begins a quest for answers. A surprising answer awaits her.

In The Death of Death, a short story by K.N. Parker, we venture into a strange and unknown world. We all have questions regarding death, what becomes of us, and of those we will be leaving behind. This tale explores one possible outcome for those who pass from this world to the next. A death guide seems like a comforting way to go, knowing that there is someone there beside you as you take your final breath, someone to guide you to the next realm. A sad, yet heartwarming tale of a young girl and her death guide, and the story they share. An interesting tale that will leave you wondering about what happens when we die.

Reviewed by Marta Tandori for Readers' Favorite

Magora: The Golden Maple Tree by talented author Marc Remus is the second book in the Magora children’s fantasy series and is, quite frankly, utterly magical. Twelve-year-old Holly O’Flanigan alternates between ‘the real world’ of Donkleywood, where she lives in a mansion with her foster parents, the Smoralls, and the alternate magical world of Magora, via a very special fantasy painting that had been created by her Grandpa Nikolas. In Magora, Holly and her three friends - Rufus, Brian and Amanda - had attended Cliffony, Academy of the Arts, where they had learned to paint with the help of magic. Now Holly and her friends are heading back for their second year at Cliffony – but the only problem is that Holly’s friend, Ileana, is very sick. She is suffering from a disease that dissolves her blood and the only cure for her illness lies in the leaves of the Golden Maple Tree. Holly and her friends set out on a quest to find the mystical maple tree, but things become very complicated when Rufus is kidnapped.

As mentioned earlier, this book is the second in the Magora series and should be read in order to fully appreciate the turn of events and to learn the back stories for each of the characters. Reading the books out of sequence doesn’t mean you won’t understand the story – it may simply take you a little longer to figure out the who, what, where, when and whys. Remus’ story is charming and full of vibrant imagery, much like a beautifully painted canvas. From interesting creatures/beings called Hisslers and Chandrills to funny and creative names like Villa Nonesuch, Papplewick Street and Wrinkle Dimple Skin Care Shop, each adds an element of creativity that will fuel the imaginations of its readers as they excitedly follow Holly and her friends on their quest to find the mystical Golden Maple Tree that will save their friend. The pages of the story are chock full of adventure, excitement and wonderment. If you liked the wizarding world of Harry Potter, you’ll love the magical world of Magora in all her vibrant splendor. Marc Remus, like J.K. Rowling, gives his readers a wonderful and magical place to escape!

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

J.T. Meeks, a 13-year-old outsider in his school, does not subscribe to the popular belief that Bigfoots are creatures to fear. While there are reports that large, hairy beasts are stalking the forests, capturing hikers and hunters, J.T. has a different experience of these non-violent and loving beings. Author Rebecca Coyte presents an intriguing tale in The Bigfoot Rebellion (The Bigfoot Paradox Book 2). Other interesting characters, with varying motivations, are also described. There is Billy Matrix, an eccentric fellow who is relentless in his pursuit of these creatures. Add to the mix a new reality television show, with egocentric, ratings-obsessed Ophelia Everheart. Many other characters round out the cast, as J.T. and others are determined to prove the Sasquatch (the proper name for the Bigfoots) are motivated by good intentions for the earth’s environment.

Although this book is geared towards the juvenile/young adult group, it is enlightening and entertaining for the adult reader too. The author has strong writing skills, tying together many characters, scenes, and both realistic and supernatural elements. She moves between two areas of the country, Tennessee and Washington, as well as from this world to the other world, with great ease. Details are sprinkled throughout the text which add to the mystique and drama of the story. How J.T. is able to navigate between these two worlds is also a very interesting perspective. There are many appealing elements in The Bigfoot Rebellion (The Bigfoot Paradox Book 2) by Rebecca Coyte.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

When eight-year-old Marjorie Beatrice Weaver (Jorie) arrived at her great-aunt's grand residence in Dunham, she had mixed feeling. She was happy to be away from the awful boarding school and excited about living in a place with such a rich history, but she was not sure whether she was going to enjoy a full summer cooped up inside the huge mansion with just her elderly and strict auntie and the maid. If only she had known the adventure that awaited her! On the very night of her arrival, Jorie discovered a mysterious ancient book hidden beneath the floorboards under her bed. With her curiosity and sense of adventure now at an all-time high, Jorie, with the help of her new friend Rufus, is ready to explore the seemingly mythical possibilities suggested on the pages of the mysterious book. Unknown to her, however, others in far away lands have been eagerly watching for her arrival for she is foretold to be the Atir - the Chosen One, the Child with Hair of Fire - who is to play a central role in securing the safety of all the worlds. If only the kids knew the depth of the mystery they had dipped their little hands into. Their adventure begins with a trip to another world and the ensuing quest to recover the sacred magic stones. But the adventure will not be all fun and games as others, far more powerful, more conniving and ruthless, are desperately searching for the same stones.

Jorie and the Magic Stones by A. Richardson is an amazing fantasy tale that will be enjoyed by kids across several age groups and adults too. The pivotal character is fresh and engaging, and she will draw you into her world with her infectious prying ways, sense of adventure, and positive energy. Jorie is inquisitive, brave, and wise beyond her years, and yet still a child at heart; A. Richardson struck this balance perfectly. A. Richardson also effortlessly captured the atmosphere and style to create a setting with a good balance between cold and inviting, and gloom and light. It was also quite refreshing to read such a story with a girl taking the pivotal role, and rightfully so; she is everything a heroine should be - quick-witted and brave. All this, coupled with a one of a kind plot and an exceptional setting, brought to life an amazing fantasy tale.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Delilah Dillard is a happy little red-headed girl with freckles. She lives with her grandparents in a small town and walks to school every day with her best friend and body guard, Diesel, a rowdy red-headed rooster, tagging along. There were two mean bullies at school, brothers Richard and Jimmy. They were always calling Delilah mean names. She wished they would stop. When a new girl moves to town and joins her class, Delilah instantly makes friends and decides to take action against the bullies. You see, this new girl is also a red-head, but she also wears glasses and braces. You can well imagine the mean names the boys call her. A chance encounter at a favorite pond teaches the boys a lesson; at least the girls hope it does. With Diesel along, they know that they are safe.

Cindy L. Shirley’s colorful picture book story, Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed!, is a wonderful teaching story about friends, differences, getting along and dealing with bullies. Children and adults alike need to have this lesson reinforced many times as this world is constantly presenting us with so many differences. We all have to learn to accept each other for what’s inside, not what people look like. And name calling is just plain mean! Cleoward Sy’s wonderful illustrations help carry this story along as two girls with red hair and their trusty partner, a rooster, develop a friendship and a bond as they learn to not only combat bullies, but also to show forgiveness when apologies are offered. A wonderful story with many good and valuable lessons.

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 Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Laurie is a very active little girl. She loves school, but she has to keep busy all the time or she starts to fidget. She loves playing soccer and she’s even the captain of her soccer team. So when Laurie suddenly lacks energy and her cheeks lose their rosy glow, her parents are understandably worried. They take her to see the family doctor and he runs a bunch of tests. The results are not happy news. Laurie has leukemia. She has to be hospitalized immediately and the only visitors allowed are her parents and they have to be thoroughly sanitized and gowned before they can visit her. Laurie becomes very despondent and sad. When her class sends her a big card with lots of messages and a special Sami Bear to keep her company, things start to improve and, with Sami Bear’s help, Laurie is determined to fight her battle with leukemia.

It is difficult for children being sick; it is also difficult for children watching other children who are sick. Any child who has had a friend fighting a life-threatening disease like leukemia knows just how difficult it is. Children aren’t supposed to get sick; they’re not supposed to die. But it does happen, sadly. Murielle Bourdon’s picture book story, Sami the Magic Bear: A Trip to the Hospital!, book 3 in the Sami the Magic Bear series, is an informative and helpful story for both children who are very sick and their friends who wait for them to get healthy again. The story is told simply, but with compassion and just enough information for a child to understand the seriousness of an illness like leukemia. Sami the Magic Bear is off on another very important mission and his presence and importance in the lives of the children he touches is significant. Well done!

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson is the hilarious story of Timmy, who wants to be part of the hockey team, but thinks he is not that good at playing the game. Little Fart encourages and supports him. With all the morale boosting he has received from Fart and his mom, Timmy goes to try out for the hockey team. Timmy does not want Fart to follow him as he will be known as the stinky kid, and asks him not to come. But Fart wants to support his friend and follows him. When Timmy gets there and goes onto the ice, he sees Fart has followed him. How does Fart help Timmy and will he be able to help Timmy make it onto the team?

The story, apart from being funny, also conveys the messages of friendship, teamwork, and relationships. The illustrations are bright and colorful, giving the story good pace and movement, and breathing life into the characters. It's a good bedtime storybook for parents and grandparents to read out to kids. The book can also be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. Children understand concepts, ideas, and messages more easily when these are conveyed through stories and pictures. Timmy and Fart will capture the hearts of young readers with their display of teamwork and friendship.