Children's Books

The Bundu Bunch get to Write their Names

Allan Low (Bundu Bunch Publishing)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

The Bundu Bunch Get to Write Their Names by Allan Low is a captivating children's book that follows the journey of four orphans – Sipho, Jabu, Monica, and Jacob – as they navigate life on the outskirts of a valley in Africa. Despite facing challenges such as collecting water for their community and enduring taunts for their inability to write, the quartet finds solace and unity in their newfound friendship and collective identity as the Bundu Bunch. Low's book brilliantly portrays the characters' struggles, vividly depicting their daily li...

Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically By The Elemental Dragons

Sybrina Durant (Sybrina Publishing)

| Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo

Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically by The Elemental Dragons by Sybrina Durant offers a delightful and educational journey through the world of chemistry, blending fantasy and science in an entertaining and informative way. Aimed at tweens, teens, and anyone interested in chemistry, this unique alphabet book introduces 26 magical elements through the fascinating lens of elemental dragons. Each member of the Elemental Dragon Clan is associated with a specific element and possesses magical powers based on the propertie...

This Day I Hold Dear

Ellissa Schwartz (Author Ellissa Schwartz)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

This Day I Hold Dear by Ellissa Schwartz is an enchanting journey through the seasons of parenthood, beautifully encapsulating the profound emotions and timeless moments shared between parent and child. With tender rhymes and heartfelt messages, Schwartz eloquently expresses the universal experience of watching children grow amidst the ever-passing time. Through poignant verses, the author invites readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of childhood, urging time to slow down so every cherished moment can be savored indefinitely. Each poe...

The Secrets of the Shallows

Gloria Barnett (Footprint to the Future)

| Reviewed by Jane Riley

The Secrets of the Shallows by Gloria Barnett is an enthralling addition to the Lucy Morgan Adventure Series, tailored for readers aged 8-13. Barnett, a real-life ocean explorer and educator, weaves an engaging narrative that not only captivates young readers with its adventurous plot but also imparts valuable lessons about environmental conservation. The story follows 12-year-old Lucy Morgan, who, after settling on Pontus Island in the Caribbean, explores her newfound diving skills alongside friends, Jack and Solomon. Trusted to assist at the...

Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What?

W.T. Kosmos (Wise Wit Press, LLC)

| Reviewed by Jane Riley

Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? by W.T. Kosmos is an entertainingly fresh story that captures the beauty of childhood adventures, friendship, and the responsibilities that come with owning a puppy. This book is a delightful read for children aged 8 and above, packed with humor and lessons about life. The story takes place on Island Nation, where the Puddin’ Heads and Sweeties have a history of not getting along. However, this changes when a shipload of dogs and puppies arrives, and the Puddin' Heads, including Maya's family, rush to own...

Jeremy and the Beetle Takedown

Sallana Brown (SunGate Publishing)

| Reviewed by Kim Calderon

Jeremy and the Beetle Takedown by Sallana Brown is a delightful children's book that combines adventure, education, and environmental awareness in a captivating story. The book follows Jeremy and his friends as they embark on a mission to save the ash trees in a nearby forest from the invasive Emerald Ash Borer Beetles. The story begins with the children in science class, where they are introduced to the fascinating world of entomology—the study of insects. The author does an excellent job of making science engaging and relatable for young read...

Out of Time

Mark Golding (Olympia Publishers)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

Mark Golding's Out of Time is a delightful romp through the realms of time and space, blending time travel, sleuthing, and adventure into a captivating tale for young and adult readers. At the story's heart is twelve-year-old Joe Jackson, a spirited adventurer with an insatiable curiosity. The narrative kicks off when Joe stumbles upon an old WWII bomb site, setting the stage for a series of extraordinary events. What makes Out of Time truly stand out is its imaginative fusion of time travel and quirky characters. Golding weaves a narrative tha...

Anna Belle Cook and The Boy Who Talked to Dogs

Bill Schweitzer (Black Rose Writing)

| Reviewed by Daniel Rhodes

Anna Belle Cook and The Boy Who Talked to Dogs by Bill Schweitzer features characters from the author's engrossing Doves in a Tempest: The Valley of Horror. This is a wonderfully crafted book for kids and one that transports them into a fantasy world where dogs can talk — and kids will love the dogs in this book, starting from Sam. The setting is in Austin, Texas in 1958. Bobby is a six-year-old boy who grew up with a brain impairment that makes speech difficult for him. He learns to talk to dogs. So, when Anna Belle Cook and her friends come i...

Flying Circus Takes to the Skies

Leona Cobham (Cobham Wings)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

Flying Circus Takes to the Skies by Leona Cobham is a well-crafted, action-packed story that will entice children — adults will find delight in the richly imagined characters as well. Four airplanes, four friends, each of them unique and vested with singular skills! F-14 Tomcat has the extraordinary ability to break sound barrier. F-15 Eagle tricks him and he forgets to refuel, hence ruining his dream of winning the race to Australia. Tom gets help from the most unlikely airplane, Woody. Woody suffers from low self-esteem and believes every oth...

Hudson's Piratey Summer

Mason Bell (Two Turkey Publishing, LLC)

| Reviewed by Franklin Bauer

It is still summer and Hudson Boone travels to his grandmother's town for the holidays. His grandfather has just recently disappeared. The house he comes into is anything but normal — a nautical theme, strange voices, and forbidden rooms. When a whirlwind transports him into the past and by a pirate's ship, he joins the crew of pirates, under Net, a young pirate. While there are many dangers that await them, Hudsen is particularly targeted by mermaids who hold a very long grudge against his ancestry. Marilla, their leader is determined to crush...

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