Review: The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston #childrensfiction # dictionaries #animals #funny #words

 Synopsis: 

Dictionary is filled with all the words that ever existed, but can she find a way to bring them to life?

My review:

As a reviewer, I read tons of stories and books.  I grew up with a dictionary at the ready to look up words I did not know. Of course now, we have Google but a dictionary can be just as valuable, which is why I picked up this book. The title intrigued me.

The story is about a dictionary. I suppose that is a no brainier since it is in the title and the synopsis. However, in this case, dictionary wanted more out of her life. Side note: I did not know dictionaries were "hers" but good to know. As her pages begin with "A" you expect to see things in alphabetical order. SPOILER ALERT: You do!

That is where it begins as dictionary is thinking about how to have a story like the other books. Essentially, she is bored, but that is in "B" so I am getting ahead of myself here. Anyway, alligator gets hungry and that is where the story truly begins. His pursuit of food causes all sorts of chaos. What is a dictionary to do?

I chortled (a good "C" word) as everything came to life and the alphabet and dictionary herself became one big mess. Oh, did she really want this? Well, no.

The story did go right on through "Z" but got straightened out in the end. Funny how it all happened but of course, I cannot reveal that. Read her! 

If I was to say anything to the authors that helped the dictionary tell her story, I would say, maybe she should have used the "T" word "tape" and things would have been okay. 

This book gets a big 5 "S" word "STARS" from me!

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this from my local "L" library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the authors:

AMAZON

The Cat's Museum by Viviana Maria Falleti #Review #childrensbooks #cats #animals #museums

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Catherine the Great, in 1766, recruited stray cats to protect her beloved Hermitage Museum from rodents. Generations later, to this day, cats are still working there, protecting the artwork and doing their zany mischief…tune in for a splash of fun!

MY REVIEW:

I am an animal lover and to read a semi-true story about them is so fun. Why do I say "semi?" Well, the story here begins in a museum,which I also love, where a  bunch of cats are taken in to eradicate a at problem within a real museum. The cats who live in the museum to this day, still guard the museums property and are taken care of by the curators of the museum. How cool is that! The cat now roam within the museum for all to adore.

This is what is true. What was not true within the book, was a secondary story that tells of the cats enjoying a yearly romp that included the cats dressing up to party and have a dance. This was fun and made the cats seem more "human" with their gratitude of the yearly feast (which is true).

I enjoyed everything about this book including the descriptive personalities of certain cats and the fact they still live within the museum. Oh would it be great to visit and see them!

The illustrations were large, bold, and colorful. Most of the pages were in different shades of blue and I feel that might have been intentional to describe the museum's colors.

Side note: As I was so enamored with this idea, I did further investigation of the museum. If you would want to read about the cats too, go HERE.

I give this book 5 cats meows.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Viviana Maria Falleti is a woman of faith, an insightful children’s storyteller, a lover of all things cats, and an aficionado of splendidly-illustrated books. She aims to produce only the highest quality books, containing wholesome and engaging stories every child is sure to love. The talented world-famous artists she employs bring her wondrous books to life even more. 

Viviana created Little Feather Press for the parent who is ‘hungry for wholesome’. Every book ordered from Little Feather Press can be presented to a child with the assurance that the child’s innocence and the beauty of childhood are respected. The stories entertain in the magical world of a child’s mind, without any corrupting influences.

In her childhood in Germany, Viviana would never tire of listening to storybooks that her mother lovingly read to her. She draws inspiration from those memories. 

Viviana was born in Germany but has lived most of her adult life in America. She has a lovely daughter Ashley and son-in-law Brent, two wonderful nieces Maria and Maria Luisa, and a suave Italian husband Gino. Her current residence is in Southwest Florida. 

Contact Links

Website: https://littlefeatherpress.com/

Purchase Link

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SWEXjg

Boomer The Curious Bunny by Diann Floyd Boehm #spotlight #childrensbooks #animals

Boomer the Curious Bunny

by Diann Floyd Boehm

Genre: Children's Animal Picture Book 

What will Boomer find?

Boomer is a curious bunny who loves excitement. Staying home doesn’t offer him the same fun it gives his brothers and sisters, so he hops off to see what he can see. When he does, what do you think awaits him?

Join this adorable furry rabbit as he heads off into the city where he meets a range of characters and goes on a variety of adventures. Will his discoveries be the joyful experiences he expects?

***
Written for children ages 3 to 9. This is a delightful tale for parents to read with their kids or for young readers to enjoy.

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Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning, bestselling author. Her books inspire not only imagination but also self-empowerment, kindness, and inclusion. As a humanitarian, Diann has traveled extensively, meeting many people, and experiencing many cultures. She believes in sharing the joy of diversity, the beauty of individuality, and blessings of community with her readers.

Diann is the co-host with Dr. Jacalyn on USAGLOBALTV . Together, the duo brings entertaining topics alive, aspiring to spread global knowledge, awareness, and hope. They welcome various guests to discuss relevant issues to modern living, including everything from books to business.

Another wonderful endeavor of this amazing lady is Story Garden. Being a professional educator, Diann understands the importance of literacy.  She knows reading aloud has a vital impact on oral and written communication skills . Therefore, she coordinates a program for authors to read books online for kids and adults alike to enjoy!

Diann is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoys quilting and singing. In addition to spending time with her loved ones, she treasures the opportunity to meet new people and experience new things.

Website * Amazon *

The Whiskered Witness by Laura Ball #giveaway #spotlight #bookseries #animals #cozymysteries #CoundowntoHalloween2023

 

Olivia Swann is at it again in the second book in the Whiskers & Tails Mysteries series. 

In this whodunnit where nothing is what it seems, 

Olivia faces challenges and twists and turns she can’t seem to figure out.

Olivia Swann is at it again in the second book in the Whiskers & Tails Mysteries series. Olivia loves to help people and her patients, but when a stranger asks for her help with a mystery, she can't resist! With the help of local newspaper reporter Randy Seaver, Olivia delves into finding a mystery that is decades in the making and uncovers more than she bargained for. In this whodunnit where nothing is what it seems, Olivia faces challenges and twists and turns she can’t seem to figure out.

Tom Barnaby and her herd of animals are back to help Olivia and protect her from harm when she gets too close to the truth. Will Olivia be able to solve the stranger’s mystery? Will she uncover a possible killer during her search? Will she find love amongst the chaos and danger? Olivia is more determined than ever to uncover the truth no matter what. But will the cost of learning the truth be too high a price to pay in the end for her and her friends?

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Whiskers in Trouble

A Whiskers & Tails Mystery #1

Olivia Swann has returned to her hometown after college and realized her dream of opening an animal hospital - the Whiskers and Tails Vet and Boarding Hospital. When she hires a friend at her college reunion to join as partner at the hospital, things take a dangerous turn as suspicions of stolen cats begin to emerge. More than just her business is threatened when her new partner begins to ask questions about the wealthiest and most well-known family in the county. Are cats really being stolen from their owners and sold to other owners for a high profit? Olivia has a mystery on her hands while she deals with her loveable parents and a smitten love interest she doesn't quite know how to handle. With the help of her friends--her two cats, Fiona and Wilson, an old Beagle named Barnabus and his owner Tom Barnaby--Olivia must try to solve a mystery that hits a little too close to home.

Olivia is a reluctant heroine in this whodunnit as she is determined to find her friend’s killer no matter the cost. How will she juggle work, crime solving and an admirer all at one time? Find out in this fun and fast-paced mystery from Laura Ball.

Laura Ball is a life-long Ohio native who found her love for writing at a young age. Since she was a young child, she has enjoyed writing stories and has had several poems published over the years in poetry anthologies. She hopes to bring to life characters that are relatable and storylines that keep a reader’s attention and stay in their thoughts long after they’ve put the book down. She has a two-year old Cavapoo named Eddie who provides plenty of inspiration!

Website  

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Review: Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes #multicultural #CountdowntoHalloween2023 #animals #childrensbooks #picture books

 

This larger than life picture book for children tells the tale of all the spooks that come out for a huge Halloween party. The book starts off with black cats who screech. The ending is fun and unexpected as all these creatures come from all over. But who is it that breaks up the party?

The book is written in full rhyme. Each page features large pictures with all of the colors that one would expect at Halloween. The illustrator did a fantastic job of this. That in itself is awesome, but what makes this book even more cool is that it is in English and Spanish to describe all of the characters. A glossary in the back is a nice addition to help those whose first language is not Spanish.

I seriously love this book and it would be a good edition for the Halloween season shelf. Don't believe me? This book was given an award for excellence.

I give this book 5 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book to read and review from my local library. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network