Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Buzzy and Thomas Move Into the President’s House by Vicki Tashman revolves around adorable Buzzy who enjoys living in her big farm, Monticello, with her owner, Thomas Jefferson. She had good friends; Caractacus the horse, Bull the farm dog, and Dickie the farm bird. Buzzy had a lot of things in common with her owner. She loved lying at Thomas’s feet while he wrote his letters and they both liked to go for long walks. On one of their walks, Thomas tells Buzzy that he is going to be the president soon and they will be moving into their new home which is just for presidents. Buzzy is sad and confused. She does not want to leave her friends, Caractacus, Bull, and Dickie; at the same time she wants to go with Thomas and be with him all the time. Will Buzzy be happy in this new home?

The story is delightful and what makes it more appealing is the fact that Thomas Jefferson, who became the President of the United States, had a dog named Buzzy, a horse named Caractacus, another dog named Bull, and a mockingbird called Dickie. The illustrations are lively and colorful and they breathe life into the characters and give the story a good pace and movement. The book is informative and educational as it tells readers a bit about the history of the United States and teaches them new words. The book is a good bedtime storybook for parents and grandparents and can be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. Buzzy’s fear of moving to a new place and missing her friends is palpable and readers can connect well with those emotions.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

The Dusenbury Curse is the second adventure book in the Crime Cats series, written and illustrated by Wolfgang Parker. Eight-year-old Jonas Shurmann has a special gift: he can converse with cats. As Orville Dusenbury agrees to board two superheroes, CatBob and Neil Higgins, at the Dusenbury Mansion, things start to go awry. Orville is not happy that he constantly has to clean up CatBob’s pee, but little does he realize that the feline is marking the Dusenbury Mansion to keep it safe from the evil forces at work in the form of the White Phantom and the Phoenix. When CatBob is found unconscious on the streets by Jonas, Jonas and Orville make their way to the old amusement park nearby, but what they find chills them to the very core.

Wolfgang Parker’s incredible tale of deceit, mystery and action is perfectly balanced in this second installment of the Crime Cats series. Each of the character plots is clearly set out, showing their relationship to all the others in the story. I could not help but chuckle each time new cats heard Jonas speak for the very first time, utterly shocked and in disbelief that any human could understand them, let alone be understood. The curse, which goes back over 100 years, is well-written and quite believable, not to mention hysterically funny in all the right places. As evidence of the curse unravels, the reader is also taken on an educated journey about felines, their behavior and beliefs, and how they interact with humans. Not only does The Dusenbury Curse deal with humor, love, hatred and superstitions, but it also teaches some valuable lessons about trust. I very much enjoyed Wolfgang Parker’s delightful tale, and recommend The Dusenbury Curse to readers aged 7-12 who enjoy their adventurous animal tales of mystery and intrigue with a side order of pure hilarity.

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

The Pandora Device: Camp Hawthorne, Book One is a children’s science fiction story by Joyce McPherson. Sixth grader Stella Harski, who lives with her grandmother, gets the opportunity to go to Camp Hawthorne, the same camp her parents attended. She hopes to find information about them while there, but receives an anonymous note telling her not to do so. Camp Hawthorne accepts kids who are gifted with telepathy and other superpowers, but Stella doesn’t know if she has powers. When mysterious things occur and a historic site is vandalized, Stella and her camp-mates realize someone is searching for a specific item. Stella tries to heed the warnings of an old woman, but finds herself becoming more immersed in a mystery that merges the past and future together.

Joyce McPherson’s novel, The Pandora Device, is a fascinating story for children as well as adults. It is the first in the Camp Hawthorne series and is an engaging science fiction and adventure book. The plot is very interesting and educational because the author based it on famous authors: Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mark Twain, Henry Longfellow and Louisa May Alcott. She included verses from a couple of their books that are now on my reading list. I think the story is original and like the mind reading skills, visions and other skills the young campers possess. There is strong character development, good dialogue and continuous adventure. The Camp Hawthorne series has caught my attention and I’m sure readers will also like these lovely books from Joyce McPherson.

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

The Secret of Bald Rock Island (Kare Kids Adventure #1) by Charles A. Salter is an exciting children's adventure about a young girl determined to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance. Ten-year-old Kelcie Oglethorpe has always been curious and ready for adventure. Mr. Bartelby, the town's well-known and much-loved writer, is always willing to tell the children a story. When Mr. Bartelby tells the children of a mysterious creature that inhabits Bald Rock, Kelcie decides that it is time to solve the peculiar puzzle concerning her father's disappearance and discover if Mr. Bartelby's extraordinary story holds truth. Doing some research, Kelcie finds little to help her solve her dad's disappearance until she reads an article written by Mr. Bartelby. As things start to come together in Kelcie's head, she realizes what she must do. Only, she has been warned that it could be too dangerous. Can Kelcie solve the mystery of the strange creature and find her father? Will her determination prove to be deadly?

The Secret of Bald Rock Island (Kare Kids Adventure #1) by Charles A. Salter is a children's mystery story taking place on a small Maine island. I enjoyed reading this story and, although it is short, it is well thought out. The characters are entertaining, and the storyline isn't overly complicated. With a good portion of the inhabitants being of Scottish descent, this book is also educational. I believe that this book is perfect for the child just beginning to read chapter books as it isn't too long, and contains easily understood concepts. It is a well-rounded mystery with intriguing characters and a fascinating monster. Being the first story in a series, it will be interesting to see what other mysteries happen on Bald Rock Island in the next story. I would recommend this book to children aged eight to ten.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Imagine living hundreds of years ago in the ancient African country of Mali. Imagine the clothes you’d wear, the house you’d live in, the family you’d have, the food you’d eat. Imagine being grown up at the age of twelve, and, if you were a girl, you’d be ready for marriage. Imagine seeing the king and listening to your grandfather recite some great stories about the Malian kings, their great military adventures, things that made the country great and prosperous.

Carole P. Roman presents a story in second person narrative, asking you to imagine that you are her, living in a time long ago and a place far away. If You Were Me and Lived In…. the Ancient Mali Empire is a very educational story that places the young reader in the footsteps of a young child, a girl child, hundreds of years ago. Accompanied by pastel colored illustrations which give the presentation a sense of character, the story progresses well with detailed descriptions of the life, the people and the culture of Mali somewhere around the time of the fourteenth century. The story and the illustrations present a town in Mali as it would appear today and as it would have appeared seven hundred years ago. The young reader learns a lot about Mali through this association with the main character, this little girl, who could be you. This is a well thought out presentation of geography and history, portrayed in a storytelling fashion that will appeal to young readers as well as educate them. Very well done.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey: A Horse Valley Adventure (Book 1) by Liana-Melissa Allen is a children’s picture book loosely based upon the classic story of The Three Little Pigs. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and is part of the Horse Valley Adventure series. Liana-Melissa Allen has taken a children’s fable and turned it into this wonderful tale that children will enjoy as they learn about bullying, independence and sharing. When the home that the three little horses shared burned down, they each had to make a new life decision. Collectively the three little horses were strong against the bullying Donkey, but individually they were not. Children will not only enjoy reading The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey, but will learn a lot about life lessons, choices and decisions that make a difference in their lives and the effect on them.

Sometimes life can seem unfair. It can cause us to make decisions about various things and sometimes the decisions are made quickly. The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey is that type of story where survival of the fittest does matter. Big Bully Donkey had no problems terrorizing the forest, but even he eventually saw that there are some that will stand up to him. I enjoyed the life lesson reminders in The Three Little Horses and the Big Bully Donkey by Liana-Melissa Allen. There are so many people being affected by bullying and it must stop; this is the book to show readers how things can be turned around.

Reviewed by JB McPherson for Readers' Favorite

Beautifully illustrated, The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear - Book 1: Summer revels in the imagination and the marvels of childhood. The narrative is by C.S. O’Kelly and illustrations are by Jordy Farrell. Together they create a delightful book. Gracie and MonkeyBear (her dog) share adventures sparked by places in her backyard. A mound of dirt becomes a dinosaur excavation site, a tree becomes a landing site for an alien, and the kiddie pool becomes the habitat of a mother whale trying to save her child from an ensnaring net. Gracie and MonkeyBear rise to every occasion, even freeing a live dinosaur and speaking to an alien (in alien language!). Only when the sun sets do they hear Grandma’s voice calling them home for dinner.

The magic of The Adventures of Gracie and MonkeyBear resides in the clever combination of text and illustrations. Often the illustration picks up where the story pauses, and vice versa. This element allows the child reader to supply the imagination to fuel the narrative. The creators dedicate the book thus: “For all the girls in all the worlds: May you feel strength with your first breath, realize your unlimited potential for greatness on your second, and follow your dreams on your third.”

Despite the girl protagonist and dedication, this book will appeal to boys as well. MonkeyBear the dog provides humorous moments when his enigmatic barks are completely understood by Gracie. All children will relate to the need to include snacks in any invention, and brushes with dinosaurs and aliens draw everyone into the excitement. O’Kelly and Farrell have created a rollicking adventure of imagination! A wonderful book!

Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen for Readers' Favorite

Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter is a fun children's book about a penguin named Tovi. Tovi and his friends are visiting the city of Paris, when Tovi notices a poster of the Mona Lisa, and falls deeply in love with her. Tovi's friends decide to make a treasure hunt for Tovi to help him find the Mona Lisa. The treasure hunt takes Tovi all over Paris. Tovi sees many well-known landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, but will Tovi ever see the Mona Lisa in person?

I really enjoyed Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter. The book has some funny parts. People will enjoy trying to solve the clues with Tovi. The book is relatable, as many people have visited Paris. I liked that Paris in the book is very similar to Paris in real life, with the illustrations showing the finest details. The illustrations are very well done and depict each scene vividly. Also the pictures really look like places in Paris. The book is very well-written and descriptive. I liked how the clues for the treasure hunt rhymed. Tovi is a really likeable character, because he can be kind of funny. The book is a fun way to learn about Paris, because it teaches about French culture, and about important landmarks. I would recommend Tovi the Penguin Goes on a Treasure Hunt in Paris by Janina Rossiter to all young readers.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Friendship Bench is a children's picture book written by Whitney Dineen and illustrated by the students of Fir Grove and Oak Grove Elementary Schools in Albany, Oregon. Ella thought second grade was just perfect. Her teacher, Mrs. Fancy, was a fun and enthusiastic teacher who made learning an adventure. And, best of all, Bella, Ella's best friend, was in the same class, and they even got to sit next to each other. They enjoyed learning in class, and had loads of fun playing outside and exploring the schoolyard for fairy hideouts. One day, Ella was worried when Bella came to school with tears in her eyes. Bella had the saddest news for the two friends. Her family was moving away to Chicago. They wouldn't get to play and sit together in class anymore. When Bella left, Ella felt so alone without her friend, but Mrs. Fancy had an idea that would help put a smile on Ella's face again.

Whitney Dineen's children's picture book, The Friendship Bench, illustrates how kindness and caring can make a huge difference in a child's school-time experience. The idea for a Friendship Bench that Mrs. Fancy comes up with is marvelous. I was thrilled to read that both Oak Grove and Fir Grove Elementary Schools have actually added Friendship Benches to their playgrounds, and hope that the idea spreads to many other schools. I love this story and the spirit in which it's written, but the true stars of The Friendship Bench are the illustrators. There are dozens of original art works by children in kindergarten through fifth grade levels contained in this book. And while the pictures range according to the skill sets and ages of the artists, they are all brilliant and worth looking at quite carefully -- every single one. The artists chose colors that complement the themes of their work, and many pictures display the artist’s instinctive grasp of perspective and shading as well as the ability to convey motion. Plan on spending some time enjoying the artwork, and there's a lot of it, and then hand out the construction paper and crayons after story time is over. This book will inspire new artists whenever and wherever it's read. The Friendship Bench is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Amazing Snowman Duel: Snowman Paul Book Series, Volume 5 is a children's picture book written by Yossi Lapid and illustrated by Joanna Pasek. There's a new snowman in town, and he means trouble. Bill was pretty proud to show off his new friend, Snowman Nick, to Paul and his friends. Nick was much bigger than Paul and muscular as well, plus he had a stick. Bill cheerily announced that Nick was challenging Paul to a duel that night, while his giant snowman posed menacingly behind him. Surprisingly, Paul didn't seem all that worried about the challenge or that evening's battle. And when Bill taunted them about not backing out, Paul assured him that the bout would take place, but under Snowman Land rules, which did make Nick pause and think a bit. Everyone knew about the midnight bout; there was even a plane flying a banner to announce it. There in the snowy clearing, a boxing ring was all laid out, and Nick was there at midnight, looking ferocious, armed and ready -- but where was Snowman Paul and could he really survive this fight?

Yossi Lapid's children's picture book, The Amazing Snowman Duel: Snowman Paul Book Series, Volume 5, blends action and atmosphere as the tension mounts before Snowman Paul’s bout with Snowman Nick. Challenges are something all children run into at some point or other, either in the schoolyard or during playtime, and Lapid's Snowman Paul's response to Nick defuses the situation beautifully. The author and illustrator, Joanna Pasek, have created an exciting, action-packed story that works so very well. Pasek's watercolors are masterful. She imparts depth, atmosphere, and a sense of wonder in each winter-themed panel. You can feel the frosty air, sense the weak sun as it tries to warm the snowy hillsides, and watch as the day passes and the shadows lengthen into the nighttime setting for the duel. The facial expressions on her people, snowmen, and the animals who arrive for the duel are spot on. Prepare to spend some time with this book; the story addresses an issue that really matters to kids, and each picture is a delight to peruse and immersed yourself in. The Amazing Snowman Duel: Snowman Paul Book Series, Volume 5 is most highly recommended.