Don't Splash Grandpa by Julie Gonzalez #review # childrensbooks #summer

About the book:

While one grumpy-looking grandpa chaperones a pool party, a group of friends enjoy racing, basketball, pool games, and cannonball contests. As the day progresses, the excitement grows, and the splashes get closer and closer to an unamused grandpa. And what happens if he–KERSPLASH–gets soaked? Don't Splash Grandpa is the perfect summer repeat read-aloud for any fun-loving grandchild or grandpa, or anyone who loves a pool day!

My review:

Grandpa, with his strawberry hat, lawn chair, and book, take his plethora of grandchildren to the pool. There he sits as the kids play but the one rule, do not splash him, such the title of the book. 

Written in rhyme, I got a kick out of everything the kids do in the pool, all summertime fun. I also got a little giggle of how they tried not to break the one rule, including a cute page where they are measuring a pool water puddle so close to grandpa! Everything is going great until...(spoiler) a shark attack! What happens next is just plain funny and totally unexpected, even more than a shark in a pool. Of course, I can't tell you and you will have to read the book, but I guarantee, you will be surprised.

I loved this book with the multitude and multi-cultural kids in tow and grandpa being well, grumpy. There are a few characters and loads more kids that show up at the pool for a fun read. The illustrations of them are adorable and as splashy as the book itself. The fact the book rhymes is simply a sunshine-ing plus!

5 stars.

Disclosure: This book was given to me by the publicist. The views here are 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:

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Mama, I Got A Dollar & If Shapes Could Talk by Rella B. #giveaway #kidfinances #kidlit #spotlight

 

 

A bite sized introduction to finances that will begin a dialogue about money with your little ones.

 Join the adventure of learning valuable money lessons from family members. With delightful storytelling and playful illustrations, it's a must-have for teaching financial basics to kids in an enjoyable way. Get ready for a delightful journey into the world of money!"

**Only .99cents!**

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A gentle reminder that even though our lives are all different there are things we can appreciate and be thankful for.

 Join young readers on a delightful journey into the world of shapes and families. In this heartwarming tale, Rhombus learns the importance of family, love, and gratitude. With engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations, this book teaches kids about acceptance and the joy of being unique. Order now to share this valuable lesson with your child and celebrate the beauty of love and diversity in families!"

**Only .99cents!**

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Becoming Rella B was a journey from chasing adulthood's conventional goals to embracing my passion for children's education. With backgrounds in education, business, and tech, I've come full circle, blending my love for writing and self-development.

My books consist of very relatable characters and storylines; ranging from being different at school, peer pressure or learning the fundamentals of money. I pride myself on creating books that will foster conversations within families. Most of my books are accompanied by coloring pages, stickers, bookmarks, and a workbook that coincides with the topic. I hope to provide a vast amount of educational value and endless smiles within the 'Rella B Books' community.

My mission? To inspire self-love, self-confidence, and self-expression in the next generation. 'Rella B' is here to encourage kids to think outside the box and relish their youth. I want to help them enjoy being little and explore the world through learning and play! 

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#Review: If You Were Me and Lived In... Australia/Peru/Israel/Kenya/Cuba by Carole P. Roman #bookseries #childrensnonfiction #CarolePRoman #multicultural #Diversebooks

 

I love the "If You Were Me and Lived In..." series of books by Carole P. Roman. I am privileged to have almost the entire collection from around the world. This conglomerate of a review is for five more books in the series: Australia, Peru, Israel, Kenya, and Cuba.

As with all of her books from this series, she follows a general format which includes: city capital, name for parents, names for children, money used,foods eaten, places to visit, school name, holidays, and glossary of terms in the back.

Check out below the summary for each and what I have to say about each of these award winning books. Each of these books are 5 star books to me.

Disclosure: I received these books in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Australia

Although I already knew this, one of the interesting tidbits about Australia is that it is not only a country but a continent. I did not remember however, that its capital is Canberra. You can swim in the Great Barrier Reef. 

Peru

Peru is home to many different climates and old civilizations. Machu Picchu is one of the more famous places that many people from around the world visit. Potatoes are a main staple and there are 4000 varieties.

Israel

Israel is home to several religious sects. It is considered a Holy place and visited by many.It goes by two other names. (Find those in book page two.) Just one of the many places to visit would be the Dead Sea. It is also interesting to not know how things are written and read.

Kenya

In Kenya, people visit wildlife reserves. There is a famous one on page 12 in the book. The game of cricket is a favorite pastime. Other countries enjoy this game too. (See other reviews in the series.) Carnival is another similarity.

Cuba

The city of Havanna is one of the oldest in Cuba. It is a major port city.Games are important to the country and many strive to be good at some kind. Carrnival is also is a well loved celebration.

This is one of the special things about this series of books. Information like this helps children to learn but also extend their learning. The consistency with each book is awesome as well as the glossary of terms in each. This author's series is invaluable and highly recommended. 5 stars+

#Review: When I Grow Up I Want To Be... A Good Person #Kidsbooks #bookseries

Synopsis:

Blake and Brendan would do almost anything to get out of going to Mr. Becket’s funeral. It will be boring and sad—and dead people are scary! There might even be ghosts! But Mom and Dad insist. Mr. Becket was a good person, and it is right to gather with his family and friends to remember him and all the good things he did.

My Review:

I have read and reviewed a few of these books now. This one like the others has cartoon characters juxtaposed with real photos. I am not at all thrilled with this but have overlooked it as this is a kid's book.

This book, as the synopsis says features two boys who must go to a funeral even though they really do not want to go. The funeral is of a person (the good person) who was kind to many of the town's people. As the boys recognize different people they know, they learn about how good a person the man was.

Overall, I liked the concept this book in the series was trying to portray. However, it was almost too over the top. Really! "Mr. Becket" seemed to be the all around good guy with no faults of his own. I think that might set kids up to fail in such a way that could be detrimental. Still, I like this book.

I do recommend this one, just maybe with conversation on what a good person is to each child.

3 stars.

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#Review: Love Is Love by Michael Genhart #families #childrensbooks

This book follows along a boy who wears a rainbow heart shirt and talks to friends about his family that has two gay fathers. The boy finds out through a series of discussions with other children, that his family is not that much different and that his should be celebrated for the family they are.

The book and illustrations are sweet and I like that it celebrates all different families. In the end pages, the families are all together and wearing the same shirt. The point of course being that love comes in all forms and that it is okay. 

The book is a good starter to discuss same-sex families in particular but I would recommend this not as a sole book for the topic. However, in the back of the book, there is an extensive resource to utilize that asks pertinent questions and gives other resources to use. For that, it is great!

I give the book 3 stars.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

About the author:

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Michael Genhart, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco and Mill Valley, California. He lives with his family in Marin County.

He received his BA in psychology from the University of California, San Diego and his PhD in clinical and community psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park.

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Review: The Golden Rule Coloring Book by Sherrill S. Cannon #coloringbooks #childrensbooks

The Golden Rule Coloring book is the second version to the author's original book of the same name. This version was transferred into black and white making it effectively just what it is, a coloring book. The only exception to that is her books which are colorfully highlighted throughout. This is a signature for the author who's illustrator, Kalpart, has been with her from the beginning.

I read the original book but do not recall if I ever actually reviewed it so, I am thrilled to be getting a second chance. The book begins with two cartooned children looking for the "golden ruler". The look high and low for this ruler, even thinking that maybe it is actually a king!

Eventually, they find out the the Golden Rule is not a thing but an idea. An idea of how we would want to be treated and to treat other as such. I remember this as a child. Do you?

"If you want to make friends,

you must be polite

And Treat them the way

that you know you would like."...

~Sherrill S. Cannon

The author, poetically, raises this theme throughout the book by demonstrating how this can be accomplished. Kalpart's illustrations are paired perfectly and as with her other books is a great combination. This is certainly a feel good and great coloring book to get.

If you want more proof, the book has won a Book Excellence Award Gold Medal, eLit Gold, Reviewers Choice Silver, Children's Literary Classics Silver plus Seal of Approval, Mom's Choice Silver, Readers Favorite Finalist Award, IAN Book of the Year Finalist and Pinnacle Achievement Award.  

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views here, however, are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

About the author:

I am a mother of four and a grandmother of ten, and I am also a Multi-Award-Winning Best-Selling Author! My books have received ninety-eight 2011-22 National and International awards. 

Review: Challenging Math Riddles For Kids by Patricia Barnes

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rockridge Press (March 1, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 84 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1638073872
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1638073871
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 4

Recently, I was asked to review this Math Riddle book for kids. My grandson is of the right age and loves math. He is also an analytical thinker so, I thought it would be perfect for him.

One of the things I like about this book begins right at the table of contents. The book is divided into levels of difficulty. Since this is a book that spans from ages 8-12, it totally makes sense. The book also has warm up pages which helps to get into the heart of the book.

One of the more fun things in this book, at least to me, are the lead up pages to each chapter that either features a historical riddle or some sort of fact about riddles in general. This certainly appealed to my historical nature. However, with someone like my grandson who loves facts, this is cool for him too.

Overall, there are 175 riddles in the book and are fun to try. The book includes an answer key in the back. I could see teachers using this in their classrooms as supplemental lessons or even challenges. This is also perfect for the home school classes as well.

This is surely a winner of a book and one I recommend to pick up. 

Riddle me this: What book gets 5 stars from me?

Disclosure:

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

 About the author:

Patricia has worked with almost very age group, from toddler to adult learners and every learning type - from kids who struggle in traditional classrooms to those who are more organized, clever, and insightful than she can ever hope to be.

With over fifteen years experience writing for websites, Patricia is excited for this, her first foray into the world of physical books.

Having taught in schools, university, adult education establishments, and corporate boardrooms, Patricia's biggest teaching challenge has been homeschooling her kids. With five children, of varying abilities, some of whom are exceptionally reluctant learners, Patricia has constantly sought new ways to share her love of learning.

She hopes to inspire that same love of learning in others, even if her own kids are stubbornly resisting.

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Maxwell by Jeremy C. Gredone #spotlight #childrensbooks #kidlit

 

Children's Book

Date Published: October 5, 2021

Publisher: Mascot Books

Maxwell is a unique children's book that celebrates the power of imagination and dreams. It’s a story about transcendence, and the extraordinary blossoming out of the ordinary. It is about the timeless and ever-expanding bond between parent and child, and the priceless lessons of love they hold for each other. While Maxwell is primarily created for children, parents will be delighted at the extras designed with them in mind. Truly something for all ages to enjoy!

- 40-page children’s book with vibrant and layered illustrations that will encourage many a reading to discover all the hidden magic within.

- Children will become part of this interactive story themselves as they are invited to take part in the “imaginative process,” creating new roles and adventures for “The Amazing Maxwell!”

- Includes a separately bound 28-page “True Story of Maxwell + Time Capsule” attached in back pocket of the book–Read the true story of Maxwell (a wild spider) as the author experienced it AND take part in your very own “Time Capsule” between you and your children–the making of a keepsake that can be handed down for generations!

Purchase Link

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Review: A-Z Mysteries: The Haunted House by Ron Roy #Halloween #KidMysteries #series

Summary:
H is for Haunted . . . There s a ghost in Green Lawn! Strange sounds and even stranger sights are terrifying guests at the Shangri-la Hotel. More and more people are being scared away. Will Green Lawn turn into a ghost town? Or can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose stop this spook?

My review:
This is a cute chapter book that tells the tale of three children who set out to find a mysterious ghost that is haunting their towns hotel. Although this is supposed to be a spooky book for this age group, I thought it might be too mild. Kids do like to be spooked even at a young age. The book is a bit predictable but it is targeted toward 2nd-3rd graders so, that is forgivable.

Overall, I think the book is okay and does remove the gore factor which I would not like, but still needs a little more boo.

This book is part of an alphabet mystery series of stand along books. I would like to read some more from this author.

3 stars.

#Review: The Snowbelly Family of Chillyville Inn by Cheryl Hawkinson/Illustrator Mike Esberg #HallmarkBooks

Summary:
"It's holiday time at the Chillyville Inn, and the Snowbelly family is in quite a spin..." Every year the Snowbelly family open their inn to frosty holiday travelers. This spirited story tells how their bustling preparations this season go a little differently than planned...

My review:
This is a cute little rhyming book that tells the tale of a snowman family. Who doesn't like a snowman tale after all? I love how they are doing what many families do when getting ready for the holidays. This family is also getting ready to greet guest as they are the owners of an inn.

I found it humorous to see what the Snowbelly children and their pets get into when they go to help Grandma. Of course, I cannot tell you that or it would give most of the book away. Trust me, it is what ends up making this book cute.

The rhyming in the book is ok, but the illustrations are awesome. With colorful pinks and blues, and of Christmas-y colors throughout, this makes for the perfect companion to a cold night and a cup of hot chocolate.

Oh, and one more thing, this book is from the Hallmark series of books, so you and I can be assured it is a book that is wholesome enough for the whole family to enjoy.

I give the book 4 stars and a brrrr.

Disclosure: I bought a copy of this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:
Goodreads

#Review: Milly and the Macy's Parade by Shana Corey/ Illustrated by Brett Helquist #Thanksgiving #kidsbooks

Summary:
It's 1924 and the holidays are approaching. Milly lives in NYC with her Polish family and frolics daily in holiday displays at the Macy's store under the watchful eye of Mr. Macy. But Milly's family misses their homeland and traditions. In an effort to cheer people up, Milly convinces Mr. Macy to combine old country traditions with new American heritage in a celebration for all to enjoy. Everyone agrees that the resulting parade will become a wonderful new tradition. This heartwarming story beautifully captures the creation of a uniquely American event.

My review:
I have watched the Macy's Day parade since I was a child. I wait all year long to watch the parade, just like I waited all year long to review this book. Oh, yes, I did! What better time than on parade day itself.

The book begins before the parade was created with the main character, Milly, an immigrant, whose father works for Mr. Macy. She enjoys everything about Macy's department store as the first couple of pages attest to when she 'reviews' the store for the reader. The book carries through the first parade which is an idea made up by Milly to celebrate the holidays as her family and friends did in their old countries.

In the back of the book, the author notes the similarities and differences within the book and real life. Notably, that no one knows who actually gave the idea for starting the parade, but it was made up of Macy's immigrant workers. The parade ended at the Macy's department store.

Mr. Macy was never involved in any of the parades as he died prior to the first parade ever taking place. However, since it was the employees that created the parade and were loyal to the Macy's store, they named it after him. Of course, we know today that the name stuck and the rest is history!

The book is written on one side and a large picture that sprawls over two pages. The pictures are bold with darker browns, tans, and a splotch or two of muted colors.

To say that I love this book is an actually an understatement. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this book and it will be a family go to for a long time. 5 Stars!

Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own collections. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon


Where to find the author:

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Review: A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman/ Illustrated by Jeff Shelly #Thanksgiving #kidsbooks

Summary:
Turkeys around Squawk Valley just don't jump into pots anymore -- they are way too smart for that. So the townspeople hatch a clever plan. They host a turkey-themed arts and crafts fair and lure a vain bird into town by advertising for an artist's model. Peter the Turkey, proud of his well-stuffed form, takes the bait but doesn't fall for the trap.

My review:
What is a town to do when they can't find a turkey to eat? Well, hire or trick one. The only problem is, turkeys are clever and so is this book!

I had a little chuckle watching the town's folk do a bunch of art using the model of one very smart turkey. I had hoped that the turkey would win out but did he? Well, that my friends are to be determined when you read the book.

The rhyming was well done by the author while the illustrations were great. All the pictures were done in "Thanksgiving-y" and Fall colors. They were large and humorous. On the first couple of pages the turkeys were cleverly hidden within the picture, a fun hide and seek.

A cute book that would make any family around the Thanksgiving dinner table chuckle.
5 stars!

Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

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#Review: The Notebook of Doom:Pop of the Bumpy Mummy by Troy Cummings #kidsbooks, #Scholastic

Summary:
A creepy mummy monster is on the loose in Stermont!


Alexander's class goes on a field trip to the history museum. The students have been learning about the legend of the bumpy mummy in class. But then Alexander thinks he sees the REAL bumpy mummy walking around! The famous Ruby Scorpion gets stolen from the museum, too! And what are those strange popping noises?! Alexander and his friends will have to work fast to stop Stermont's latest monster!

My review:
This is the first chapter book in an entire series that I have read, this is book number six. I can tell from this one that the books are stand alone but do refer to previous books and events of the characters.

I love a good mystery type book and I know that any budding sleuth is going to love this one. The book is aimed at first through third-grade students. It is written in such a way to help emerging students read what they like but to read well.

I like the illustrations are on every page but only enhance the reading and not clutter the pages. I also like that the book is written in bolder type so that children can see clearly the words that are written on the pages. A unique feature of the book is that it is totally in black and white which gives the whole idea of a "notebook." Did I happen to mention that the author is also the illustrator?

The characters themselves are a small group with quirky mannerism. They have formed this small club-like that seeks out monsters. The "notebook" keeps their thought processes as well as monsters they find in kid-like drawings and information.

All in all, I loved this book and cannot wait to get my hands on more of this series.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:
Troy Cummings has written/illustrated a truckload of books, including THE NOTEBOOK OF DOOM, a series about a town full of monsters, and GIDDY-UP, DADDY! the story of a man who's mistaken for a horse.

He has also illustrated LITTLE RED GLIDING HOOD by Tara Lazar, MIGHTY TRUCK by Chris Barton, and MORE BEARS! by Kenn Nesbitt.

In addition to books, Troy's illustrations have appeared on:

> Animated backdrops for an opera
> A package of fish sticks
> Jigsaw puzzles
> iPad pop-up books
> A poster warning people about germs
> A poster warning people about a film festival
> A cookbook for dogs
> A thing for the humane society
> A card game about hiking
> Newspapers, magazines and greeting cards

Troy Cummings lives in Greencastle, Indiana with his nice family and mean cat.

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#Review: My Babysitter Is A Monster by A.J. Cosmo #Kidsbooks, #monsters

Summary:
Sean's babysitter insists that he stay in his room, but there's a monster under his bed! What can Sean do? 

My Review:
As a kid I had a babysitter that I absolutely could not stand. I hated when my Mom would have her babysit. Was she a real monster? No, but my brothers and I kind of saw her that way. She made us do this and that and we simply didn't like it.

Here in essence is what the author brings to the table, an awful babysitter who does not believe in her charge until one fateful evening. Then all of a sudden in a twist of plot the babysitter whom he hated is now one he loves and looks very much like a...

Well, you figure it out when you read the book.  It is an enjoyable and fun read for kids of all ages.

Terrific book and I give it 4 stars.

Disclosure: I bought a Kindle copy of this book for my own collection. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

  Amazon
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#Review: Zero the Hero by Joan Holub/ Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld #kidsbooks

Summary:
Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. That's what all the other numbers think of Zero. He doesn't add anything in addition. He's of no use in division. And don't even ask what he does in multiplication. (Hint: Poof!) But Zero knows he's worth a lot, and when the other numbers get into trouble, he swoops in to prove that his talents are innumerable.

My review:
I admittedly hate math with a passion. So, it was with pure reluctance that I even read this book. However, I like the author and so I gave it a go. I was not disappointed.

Zero simply gets a bad rap through the entire book. No one likes him. He thinks himself a hero from the very first pages, this includes the cape and mask and is only out to prove himself. What is a hero to do. Well...nothing?

That is where the book gets to be fun! I loved that each number had a different personality and is illustrated in cartoon form. This was brilliant on the part of the illustrator and the genius of the author.

Of course math does play into this book but in a subtle way that the reader gets it but is not bogged down with it. Win! Does Zero save the day? Read the book and find out.

I give this book 5+Zero the SUPER Hero stars!

Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Joan Holub is co-author of the best-selling Goddess Girls series, the Grimmtastic Girls series, and the Heroes in Training series. Her picture book Little Red Writing received three starred reviews and has been named to many Best-of lists. Her mighty cool dad inspired the creation of the picture book, Mighty Dads. 

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#Review: When I Grow Up I Want To Be...in the U.S. Army!: Jake Learns about the U.S. Army #Kidsbooks

Summary:

When Jake’s teacher assigns a “career” project, Jake decides he wants to be a soldier in the United States Army. Jake and his father visit an Army surplus store to find items he can use to present his project. As they search the store, each item makes the history and proud spirit of the U.S. Army come to life for Jake and readers alike. Through Jake’s discoveries, readers are introduced to the history of the U.S. Army, what soldiers’ duties include, and the equipment they use.

 My Review:

I am happy to have received the opportunity to review another book from Wigu. Two of my brothers have been in the Army, one is currently serving. I have had other family members that served in the Army as well. It is with great pride that they have and I am glad that Wigu is show casing this branch as they have with the other branches.

I liked the fact that Jake was taken to a Army Surplus store to learn about the different insignia, uniforms, and jobs. It was nice for me to learn terminology because I do not always have a clue when my brother uses certain terms.  The author included a glossary in the back which is also very helpful.

I would have liked to have seen some Army base photos but maybe for security reasons, that was not possible. Still, the real life photos that were presented in the book was a nice juxtapose to the cartoon characters. I really do not like the drawings for the most part but as I have said before, I can overlook that aspect since this is a children's book.

There was a little history interspersed among the pages and even the "Soldier's Creed" was in the front of the book.  I enjoyed seeing that information, it is what makes the U.S. Army great! The overall theme of the book is that it takes thousand of men and women to protect our country. They are brave, as are all military personnel, they keep us safe, and we should be grateful for their service.

I recommend for 8+

5 Stars!

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Side note: Wigu worked directly with the U.S. Army and retired Army soldiers to give correct information for this book.They noted the "Wounded Warriors Project" and I ask you to support their effort if you can do so.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours. ~Naila Moon

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