#Review In the Nick of Time Too by Deedee Cummings #Christmas #Santa #multicultural

Book Details:
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 28 pages
Genre:  Children/ Holiday
Publisher:  Make A Way Media
Release date:  November 2019
Content Rating: G. Children's Holiday Book.

Book Description:

Nick Saint and his best friend, Cooper, reunite in this warm holiday story about the magic of Christmas. A surprise visit leads to a journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the true meaning of the holiday spirit.
Nick and Cooper receive a charge to spread kindness and hope in their everyday lives. Will Cooper listen to his friend and help Nick save the day again? Will you also be moved to action and accept Santa's challenge to spread kindness wherever you go?

Amazon
Goodreads

My Review:

In this follow-up, to her original book (my review found here), I have to first mention the cover. I generally don't mention covers too much but this one opened my eyes. It prominently features a Black Santa which I think is fantastic! The author, writing for her own child, wanted her son to see himself in the books she writes. She accomplished that before I opened the book and I am here for it! Kudos!

Now, the story...

One of the best lines out of this story, "...love comes in all shapes and colors...Santa always looks like love." This quote came nearer to the end of the book and truly sums up the whole book.

The two character boys, are best friends who do everything together. However, Cooper, the white boy,on one Christmas Eve, learns that not everything is his color or celebration but that with acceptance, friendships can grow and that learning about others should never stop.

My review can't even do justice to the above message. It is beautiful from cover to story. It is a beautiful message that if truly listened to by the world, it would be a better place.

I will just leave it simply at that. Purchase this book for your kiddos, it is worthy of the 5 stars I am giving it.

BONUS:In the back of the book, there is a recipe for Nickydoodles. Don't know what that is? Well, my dear readers, but the book and find out!

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

About the author:

Deedee Cummings believes in love and hope. Even when love and hope are hard to find. Young readers who see themselves in a book, and see what is possible, will develop stronger self-esteem, increased empathy, and an excitement for their future. These are the beliefs that drive Cummings to keep writing. As a mom, therapist, attorney, CEO of Make A Way Media, and award-winning author of more than fifteen diverse books, Deedee Cummings has a passion for making the world a better place. Her children’s books are not only fun for kids and adults to read, but they also work to teach therapeutic coping skills, reinforce the universal message of love, encourage mindfulness, and facilitate inclusion for all. Cummings is also the founder and creator of the Louisville Book Festival; a national literacy-based celebration that will occur every year in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Humbug Day by Gitte Tamar #Childrensbooks #picturebooks #Christmas

 Children's Fiction, Picture Books, Christmas, Children's Picture Books

Date Published: Nov. 6, 2022

Join a child through a series of whimsical illustrations as their views on Santa shift upon realizing their best friend, Jimmy, does not receive equal treatment at Christmas.

Brigitte, "Gitte," Tamar was born in a small rural Oregon town. Growing up, she was enthralled by scary tales featuring poetic tones and consistently gravitated towards writing darkened narratives. In the different storylines, Brigitte explores the harsh realities of social issues faced by today's generations. This includes the dark outcomes brought on by peer pressure, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, childhood trauma, and abuse. She feels it is essential to share narratives that refrain from sugarcoating the topics society tends to shy away from.

Brigitte, "Gitte," Tamar was born in a small rural Oregon town. Growing up, she was enthralled by scary tales featuring poetic tones and consistently gravitated towards writing darkened narratives. In the different storylines, Brigitte explores the harsh realities of social issues faced by today's generations. This includes the dark outcomes brought on by peer pressure, addiction, homelessness, mental illness, childhood trauma, and abuse. She feels it is essential to share narratives that refrain from sugarcoating the topics society tends to shy away from.

Contact Links

Website: https://www.brigittetamar.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22065458.Gitte_Tamar

Purchase Link

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLL77LGS

Review: Don't Fart In the Pool by Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence #picturebook #NationalPictureBookMonth

About the book:

A small mistake could potentially haunt your for years to come, and one little 'slip' could be what haunts Stan for the rest of his life.

My review:

It seems that I should have reviewed this on taco Tuesday because that is where all the trouble began in this book. I mean, who doesn't like taco Tuesday? That is unless it is Wednesday and you have now done what Stan, the main character,has done! The title of the book gives a huge hint.

Being a former teacher, farts in the classroom or inevitable and kids tend to giggle (and sometimes teachers too). Usually, it "passes" and life goes on but as I read about Stan, I felt sorry for this kid. I mean there is no giggle here. We all get embarrassed of course, but poor Stan...well, he has to live with it forever!

Such a cute book to illustrate something that happens and the embarrassment that can follow. 

The illustrations were minimum for what is meant to be a picture book and not a wow factor at all. However, for young readers the sentences are complex and of course, quite funny. The story itself gets a high five.

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

Find the author:

Amazon

What Am I? by Tina Koopersmith #picturebooks #NationalPictureBookMonth

Illustrated by Isabella Smith

Children's / School and Social Issues

Date Published: July 1, 2022

Publisher: MindStir Media

Understanding yourself, Understanding your kids.

I wish I had learned about our 4 bodies before I embarked on motherhood.

Motherhood, to me, means total acceptance and unconditional love. Understanding our four bodies and how they vary in different individuals can help us notice and celebrate our uniqueness.

Dr. Tina Koopersmith, MD, REI, FACOG, BAIHM, is a board-certified OBGYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) as well as a board-certified practitioner of Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Koopersmith is a graduate of Duke University and Duke University Medical School.

Tina Koopersmith MD is MORE than a physician, she is also a life and relationship coach, a mom and a perpetual student. She is dedicated to modifying our health care system from one focused on illness and sickness to one devoted to prevention and wellness. For 30 years as a fertility specialist, she focused on bringing life to her patients and now her focus is on bringing her patients to life.

Links

Website: https://tinakoopersmith.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-Am-I-Tina-Koopersmith/dp/1958729086

#Spotlight: Little Tree Ask Me, A Fable About Miss Able, and The Carefree Tumbleweed by Kim Pollock McGrath #giveaway #picturebooks #NationalPictureBookMonth

 

Little Tree, Ask Me!

By Kim Pollack McGrath

Genre: Children's Picture Book 

Little Tree is thirsty from the hot summer sun.

Throughout the day various prairie animals pass his way, but no one has any water for the Little Tree.

Will Little Tree ever get a drink?

Amazon * Goodreads

A Fable About Miss Able

Based on the Survival of the First Monkey Into Outer Space

By Kim Pollack McGrath

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Miss Able lives in a castle with other monkeys in Independence, Kansas. Miss Able sees a baseball that was hit by Mantle fly above her and she thinks it is a shooting star. She becomes fascinated by that shooting star and dreams of going into space and being a shooting star. One day some men from NASA came and selected Miss Able to be placed into a rocket to see if anything alive can survive in outer space. Miss Able couldn't believe it! Her dream had come true. Read all about Miss Able’s adventure in this fun and educational story, A Fable about Miss Able.

Amazon

The Carefree Tumbleweed

By Kim Pollack McGrath

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Little Tumbleweed is so excited to start his journey. He doesn't CARE who he meets or what he sees, as long as he's rollin' FREE with the breeze. He encounters animals that don't want anything to do with him. So he keeps rollin', rollin', rollin' until he meets that one special friend. Read about Little Tumbleweed's adventure from beginning to end with his new happy, carefree friend.

Amazon 

Kim Pollock McGrath lives in Kansas and Texas. She has 3 children, one granddaughter, and two dogs. She loves hiking, exploring for little treasures, and rock hounding. Her number one passion was basketball until she discovered her love for creating. Sharing her passion for reading and story time with her students, has led Kim to become an author.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon

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Grandma Is Acting Funny by Lori Aden & Sheila Parsley #Giveaway #spotlight #Alzheimers #Childrensbooks

 

Grandma Is Acting Funny: The Beginning Stage

A Children's View of Alzheimer's

by Lori Aden & Sheila Parsley

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Alzheimer's 

Little Dreya has been noticing that her grandma is starting to act funny, but she doesn’t know why. Her family explains that all these new funny and strange behaviors are a result of an illness called Alzheimer’s. In this first book, Dreya notices that Grandma forgets her name, loses track of things, and asks questions over and over again. Join Dreya and her whimsical family as she shares a heartwarming story of her memories with Grandma before Alzheimer's along with the new behaviors she is noticing in the beginning stage of this disease.

Get it HERE!

Grandma Is Acting Funny: The Middle Stage

A Children's View of Alzheimer's

  Little Dreya's grandma is still acting funny and strange. She learns that her grandma is now moving into the Middle Stage of Alzheimer's. In this second book of the series, Dreya shares some of these behaviors, such as how her grandma got lost one day, doesn't want to take baths and doesn't like to eat her broccoli anymore. Join Dreya and her whimsical family as she explains how she feels when she notices these unusual behaviors.

Get it HERE!

Grandma Is Acting Funny: The Late Stage

A Children's View of Alzheimer's

Little Dreya’s grandma is now in the Late Stage of Alzheimer’s and her funny and strange behavior continues. In this third and final book of the series, Dreya shares how her grandma puts her clothes on backwards, forgets simple tasks like how to eat, and doesn’t talk clearly anymore. Join Dreya as she shares these and other behaviors about the Late Stage of Alzheimer’s.

Get it HERE!

Dr. Lori Aden is an educator by trade with over 30 years of experience in K12 and higher education. With a master's degree in Education Technology and a doctorate in Teacher Leadership, Lori used her education experience to research Alzheimer's caregiving from many different perspectives while caring for her mother. Lori successfully completed the EssentialALZ@ Alzheimer's Association Training and Certification program to become a more knowledgeable advocate for Alzheimer's caregiving and education. She works full-time as a program coordinator for one of the largest education service centers in Texas and part-time as an adjunct instructor for a community college. However, her proudest roles are wife, sister, mom, and nana. Most importantly, she is the devoted daughter of Marylin, who is the inspiration behind this book series and her first book, "I Remember Me - The Mom Chronicles."

Sheila Parsley, sister of co-author Lori, earned a master's degree in Counseling and has worked in the mental health field for over 23 years. Sheila successfully completed the EssentialALZ@ Alzheimer's Association Training and Certification program. When she is not working, she can be found reading or in the kitchen baking for family and friends with her Texas Cottage Bakery business called "Treasured Treats and Trinkets." She loves all things dragons and was the inspiration behind using a whimsical dragon family for this book series. Sheila was an integral part of the caregiving for her mother, Marylin. She would drive to Dallas every other weekend for over six years to spend valuable time with her mom and give her sister and brother-in-law respite breaks.

Website * Lori's Amazon * Sheila's Amazon

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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#Review & #giveaway: Chipper Makes Merry by Kimber Fox Morgan #childrenspicturebook #animals @kimbermorgan_writes @iReadBookTours

 

Category: Children's Fictions (Ages 3-7)

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publisher:  Simple Wonder Press, 34 pages

Release date:  October 2021

About the book:

Tip toe, tip toe, crackle, crunch!

​Chipper the Fox sneaks through the forest to spread cheer to his weary friends. Will his merry making be a success? Or will a smelly fish disaster and a log pile tumble ruin his plans?

“Chipper Makes Merry” takes you on Chipper’s arctic quest filled with lessons of love, kindness and determination.

My review:

Children are invited to follow along with Chipper the Fox as he tries to cheer up his friends. All of his friends are having a bad winter and Chipper tries but fails. Eventually, they come together and make each other happy.

I love that this sweet children's picture book is all about being kind to everyone. It shows children that you can do that by yourself or have the help of friends. The end (tiny spoiler) encourages kids to be just like them and be kind too.

The story was written poetically and repetitive enough for young children to enjoy along with the wonderful illustrations. The illustrations are bold and show the movement of the animals which pairs perfectly with the poetry.

Great first book from this author. Don't believe me? The author won "Mom's Choice Award" for 2021.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received a book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

Where to find the author:

Morgan is a fun wife, and imperfect mom of 3 crazy kiddos and 2 little lemon (problematic) dogs. She tries to live her strengths the best she can. She likes to say she is creative, not crafty. Morgan is a homemade Halloween costume type of mom. She lets her kids mix the play doh. She bakes fun birthday cakes (cutely, but far from perfection). She loves a homemade valentine and a school project. Chipper the Fox is an extension of Morgan's creative strength. Originally designed as character to create merry during the holiday season, Chipper has grown and developed into a story of determination and love.

Amazon  Website

Giveaway:

CHIPPER MAKES MERRY Book Tour Giveaway

#Review: Otis and the Scarecrow by Loren Long #picture books

 

My review:

Otis is a sweet old tractor that seemingly gets along with everyone. He plays games with the farm animals when all is quiet on the farm. They all like the game "silence" to see who can be silent the longest. Otis always wins.

However, one day a scarecrow shows up out in the pumpkin patch. He never talks to anyone and is always got a mean face and just stares. Everybody leaves him alone.

Nobody seems to like him until Otis decides to befriend him with the same game he plays with the animals. Hmm...I wonder who wins this time?

As picture books go, this one is illustrated wonderfully. The Fall colors of oranges. yellows, reds and browns are prevalent throughout. The pictures are bold and the reader can certainly insert themselves on a pumpkin farm.

Like many picture books though, the sentences are repetitive. This may throw off an older reading child as this is targeted for reading ages 3-7 but is clearly for preschoolers up to 4-5. The story is not overly as wonderful as the illustrations are but I think young kids would love it. 

I would love to see the story expanded a bit maybe even by some magic of Fall the scarecrow comes alive and befriends them all.  

For the reasons I stated above, I give this book three pumpkins.

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

About the author:

I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky in the 1970’s. We had no artists of any kind in the family. We didn’t know any artists. I liked sports, especially baseball. My mother read to me a lot. But I have to admit, my favorite subject in school was gym class. I also liked to draw. My parents encouraged me to keep drawing.

website

http://www.lorenlong.com/

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A Child Called You by JD Wise #review #giveaway #picturebook

 

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Winner of a Mom’s Choice Award

This book is about you! That’s righttt, it is about YOU! You can love others for who they are by showing them kindness without judgement. The first book in the Kindness is for Everyone series, this book will teach you that celebrating our differences is the true expression of kindness the world needs.

Add to Goodreads

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JD Wise is a West Virginian-born author who believes that the world can be changed for the better, by one person, one time, doing the right thing.

“Just think what would happen if we all did that,” said Wise.

Wise is happily married to the love of his life. Together, they have four wonderful children, who are the true inspiration for the book.

MY REVIEW HERE

$10 Amazon giftcard,

Print Copy of A Child Called You

- 1 winner each!

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#Review: A Child Called You by JD Wise #series #inclusive #picturebook

Synopsis:

This book is about you! That’s right, it is about YOU! You can love others for who they are by showing them kindness without judgement. The first book in the Kindness is for Everyone series, this book will teach you that celebrating our differences is the true expression of kindness the world needs.

My review:

This is a sweet rhyming book that is completely inclusive of other cultures and abilities. It is a refreshing take on how if we work together we can make a better world. 

I enjoyed the illustrations by artist Rachel Novel who brought bold and colorful pictures to make the book in its completion. I had to laugh at the page where a Mom is upset with her daughter. The hair flaring everywhere I could totally relate to.

There is a page that is "political" in nature and children reading the book would not understand the illustration for it at all. However, any adult who might be reading the book to a child would certainly get the message. This was by far intentional but could have been something else too.

Another page had children playing under a rainbow parachute. Again something I can relate to from my childhood. However, the message to adults is loud and clear. It adds to the overall message of inclusiveness and kindness which is what the books is ultimately about.

If I could mention one thing, it would have been to add more "abilities" to the book other than the "token" person in a wheel chair. There are many people, including myself, that have different "abilities." What about the deaf child? The blind child? An autistic child? It would have been nice to see one of these children playing with the other kids.

Overall, I truly liked this book and will be interested to read other books that are to come in this series. 

4 stars.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100& my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

About the author:

JD Wise is a West Virginian-born author who believes that the world can be changed for the better, by one person, one time, doing the right thing.

“Just think what would happen if we all did that,” said Wise.

Wise is happily married to the love of his life. Together, they have four wonderful children, who are the true inspiration for the book.

Cleo Can Tie A Bow by Sybrina Durant #childrenfiction #childhoodskills #picturebooks

Synopsis:

Cleo loves bows. She wears her hair in a bow and decorates her room with bows. Cleo is bow crazy.
Learning to tie a bow is very difficult for some people but Cleo remembers how to do it from a cute story she once heard. It is about a little rabbit with very long ears and a very helpful fox who shows her what to do to keep them clean. This is the story of how Cleo learns to tie a “bunny ear” bow.

My review:

This is one of those books that I have gone back and forth on. I do like this book and how it is very interactive. In a nut shell, it teaches children how to tie a bow. The premise is essentially for children to learn to tie their shoes. That in itself is a good thing and a skill all children need.

I did however, have a couple of problems with the book. The first was a very scary looking fox that looks like he will eat the bunny, but turns out to be friendly to all animals. That right there is confusing enough. Then the fox teaches a bunny how to tie her ears up.   The author in the back of the book tells this is not a good idea in real life and may hurt a real bunny. Children often imitate what they see and in spite of a warning, they could very well try to do on any animal with long ears. It might have been better not to include this or at least a different way.

My second problem was this book is extremely "girly".  Stereotypes are running rapid throughout the whole book. Everything with pink colors, dresses, long hair, bows, butterflies and adorable stuffed animals is completely throughout this book.   I cannot see a male child or even a child that does not look like her relating at all.

The pluses to this book though are the premise that I spoke above about. On the back cover, it states that children can work on their dexterity which is also correct with this new learned skill. I also liked that the book shows how ones imagination can turn into something extremely positive. For example, the fox and bunny are stuffed animals that Cleo has in her room.

I also like the large illustrations with few words, which makes this a picture book aimed at younger children. I think a child older than 6 would need more but yet, if they are learning to tie their shoes, it is a good resources and easily understood.

This book is a solid 3 stars for me.

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

Where to find the author:

Amazon

Goodreads