Riley Carson and the Quest for Justice Book Review

Riley Carson is back in an all new adventure in Riley Carson and the Quest for Justice by Megan Wargula.  Riley is so excited that her family has decided to adopt a new dog.  Not just any dog, but one of the dogs she rescued from an underground puppy mill.

Buster may be a small Yorkie, but he is mighty!  The petite pooch is afraid of men and has never even seen grass before.  Riley certainly has her work cut out for her as she takes charge in training her new furry friend.

Meanwhile, Finn is hot on the trail of a new mystery when he discovers a system of tunnels underneath the city that were used during the Civil War.  Hoping to discover artifacts for his class presentation, he soon finds more than he had bargained for. 

Strange things begin to happen each time he enters the tunnels.  Riley senses a sinister presence that could put the pair in grave danger.  Will the dynamic duo be able to outsmart the spirited specter?

As if Riley doesn’t have enough on her plate, her new neighbor, Hawk, may end up losing his dog.  Lennox, Hawk’s service dog, is a Pit bull trained to help the military veteran with his symptoms of PTSD.  When the city passes new Breed Specific Legislation, Hawk faces relinquishing the best friend he’s ever known.  Can Riley convince the city that they are making a huge mistake before Lennox’s time runs out?

I greatly enjoyed reading the second installment in the Riley Carson series!  Full of mystery and suspense, I was hooked from the first chapter.  I love to see how much Riley’s character has grown since the first book.  She is truly blossoming into a passionate animal advocate who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in.

This book packs a powerful punch dealing with such a timely and polarized topic as BSL.  There is such a stigma surrounding Pit bulls.  These beautiful creatures are no more harmful than any other breed of dog.  Due to misconceptions, many cities and states have passed BSL laws that have cost many “bully breeds” their lives.  Wargula faces the issue head on through the empowered character of Riley.

This story is a great read for animal lovers ages 8 and up.  I can’t wait to read about Riley’s next adventure!

Exclusive Book Cover Reveal!

Today, The Furever Home Friends is revealing the cover for their new book, Just Me, Wrigley! See the cover below!

Wrigley loves to dance. She can shake her tail all over the animal shelter. But for some people, Wrigley’s rhythm isn’t enough. Wrigley is a mutt; she doesn’t know what breed she is. While others come to the shelter looking for schnauzers, labs, and Dalmatians, Wrigley wonders when it will be her turn. Can Wrigley find the confidence to stay true to herself and dance her way into a forever home?

Like with all Furever Home Friends books, 10% of this book’s profits will benefit no-kill animal shelters!

Just Me, Wrigley is currently available for preorder on fureverhomefriends.com, and will officially release on Amazon on Saturday, August 11!

What do you think of the cover? Let me know in the comments below!

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog Book Review

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp tells the tale of one girl's journey to become a better reader.  Madeline hates to read.  Book, magazines, menus on ice cream trucks.  She wants no part of the reading scene.

Ms. Finn has a secret.  She has trouble reading.  Words become a jumbled mess on the page.  Her mouth traps sentences like flies in a frog's tongue.  She stutters and stumbles doing her very best.  Still, her classmates laugh at her.

All Madeline wants is the coveted gold star from her teacher.  But the Keep Trying hearts are piling up fast.  One Saturday, her mom takes her to the worst place ever:  the library.  Mrs. Dimple, the librarian, has a trick up her sleeve that might just change the way Madeline reads forever.

I love this book!  The story is full of compassion and heart.  While I never struggled with reading, one of the elementary students I mentored while in high school did.  He tried so hard to get the words right, but his lisp and speech impediment made it difficult.  I wish Bonnie could have visited him.

Being the owner of a certified therapy dog, this story definitely has a special place in my heart.  While we have not yet tried the reading program, I know how much children love dogs and open up to them with free hearts and minds.  My dog and I visited a kids' club that had an Autistic little boy.  The club workers were shocked when he ran over to my dog and not only touched her but spoke to me.  They then informed me that that was the first time they had ever heard the boy speak.

The story shows just how amazing dogs truly are.  They make no judgments and place no blame.  Dogs only love unconditionally and hope to have their affections returned.  They are the perfect companion and reading buddy.

Papp's illustrations are gorgeous.  They remind me of the original artwork from the A.A. Milne Winnie-the-Pooh books.  I especially love the colorful cast of canine characters.  I also like how the illustration styles are different on every page.  Some are single page spreads, others are doubles, some feature vignettes, and more.  This really captured my attention and made me pause to enjoy each one.

This is a fabulous story for (especially struggling) readers ages  4-8.  I could definitely see this book also being used in therapy dog programs throughout the country.

Alice's Magic Garden Book Review

Alice's Magic Garden by Henry Herz introduces readers to Alice long before she ever went to Wonderland or Through the Looking Glass.  Alice is miserable living in a stuffy, grey boarding house.  The food is terrible and none of the girls like her.

One day, Alice finds a secret garden hidden on the grounds of the boarding house.  She delights in tending to the garden every day.  Little does she know that her small acts of kindness are about to change her life in big and colorful ways.

This book is a magically fun read, especially for those who are already in love with Lewis Carroll's cast of creative characters.  I enjoyed getting to see Alice's character blossom, much like her enchanted garden.  Once mild and meek, she emerges as a bold and confident young lady.

I also liked seeing the White Rabbit and Caterpillar take on a more serious and mindful role.  Instead of being absent minded and silly, they are totally present in the moment and even show signs of being thoughtful and caring instead of cantankerous.  To me, this gives the characters more depth as well as a more prominent purpose for being in the story.

Natalie Hoopes' illustrations are stunning.  I love how the illustrations have a Wizard of Oz feel to them.  Before Alice finds the garden, her world is black, white, and grey.  After continuously tending the garden, only her world bursts into color.  This is a great visualization of how her world is to change even further once she finds the Rabbit's hole.

I love Hoopes' artistic style.  She puts so much detail into every page.  Her color palate is remarkable.  The cool blues coupled with the pink and purple pastels really pop against the lush greenery of the garden.

Readers of all ages will delight in this magical prequel.  Children will especially be captivated by the gorgeous illustrations and hilarious characters.  Parents will also enjoy hunting for literary Easter eggs from Carroll's original classic hidden throughout the book.

Sterling, Best Dog Ever Book Review

Sterling, Best Dog Ever by Aidan Cassie follows the adventures of one very confused Dachshund.  Sterling hasn't had very good luck in finding a forever home.  His owners seem to always lose interest, sending him back to the streets.

One night, Sterling notices a sign at the Butlery Cutlery Company.  Their utensils are being shipped to "all the best homes."  He decides to hide in one of the boxes where he waits to be delivered to his perfect home. 

The Gilberts are surprised to see the pup inside their box of forks.  Yet, Sterling has a plan.  He won't just be any fork; he's going to be the best fork ever!  But when his plan starts to unravel, will he find the courage to be what the family really needs?

I absolutely adore this book!  This is definitely one of my favorite picture books of all time.  Sterling's character is beyond adorable.  He reminds me of my own dachshund, Hope.  Young and old alike will relate to his struggle of feeling like he needs to be something other than himself.

This story is full of emotion and heart.  I loved watching Sterling's silly antics, yet my heart broke when he kept trying to be what he thought everyone wanted.  I definitely shed tears at the end.

The character of the little girl reminds me of myself.  I noticed that her bedroom wall is covered in dog posters and drawings.  She also has numerous stuffed dogs tucked away under her night stand.  I can totally relate to her passion for pooches (especially dachshunds). 

I also love that this story sheds light on the importance of animal adoption.  As the proud pet parent to five rescue dogs, I know that many of them have a story similar to Sterling's.  They were loved for a time, yet dumped when the owners became "bored" with them.  This book would be a great addition to the humane education curriculum at animal shelters and rescue groups across the country.

Cassie's illustrations are truly stunning.  Sterling's expressions are priceless.  I was in love with his character the moment I saw the book cover.  I also love the spotlight illustrations at the beginning of the book that show Sterling trying to imitate numerous items.  My favorite was the curling iron (my husband favored the jackhammer).

This book is a fantastic read for animal lovers of all ages.  Readers will cheer Sterling on in his quest to find his true purpose.  I hope to see more books featuring the best dog ever. 

Toot & Puddle: I'll Be Home For Christmas Book Review

Toot and Puddle are back in a brand new adventure in I'll Be Home for Christmas by Holly Hobbie.  Toot is in Edinburgh at a family reunion.  His Great-Great Aunt Peg has just turned 100 years old!  Christmas is just days away, but he has promised Puddle that he will be home in time to share the holiday.

Back in Woodcock Pocket, Puddle eagerly prepares for Christmas and Toot's arrival.  With the assistance of his feathery friend, Tulip, the pair have pulled out all the stops to celebrate in style.  The only thing that's missing is Toot.

Suddenly, a dangerous ice storm hits Edinburgh.  All flights are delayed.  Will Toot miss spending Christmas with his best friend?

I adore this book!  Hobbie's story is full of cheer and heart.  Her classic Toot and Puddle characters truly shine in this heartwarming tale.  I absolutely love the humor that is sprinkled throughout the story.  From calling Great-Great Aunt Peg an "ancient aunt" to the gift of a "lucky nut," I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading.

Another aspect of the story that I love is how the story toggles between Toot's journey homeward and Puddle's Christmas preparations.  Starting off the book with a postcard is such a fun and unique idea.  I also like how Hobbie leaves room for the imagination.  I don't want to give anything away, but pay close attention to the ending.   

Hobbie's illustrations are gorgeous.  Toot and Puddle could not be any cuter.  She really makes the scenes come alive with the use of warm colors for Puddle's story and cool colors for Toot's story.  Hobbie also keeps things fresh by alternating between sing page illustrations, multiple vignettes, and double page spreads.

This is a fantastic, festive book for readers of all ages.

Wolf in the Snow Book Review

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell, follows one little girl on her journey home from school.  A blizzard is suddenly upon her.  She does her best to move in the direction of her house, but is blinded by the snow.

At the same time, a young wolf pup is having difficulty keeping up with his pack.  They are much older than he is and are used to the harsh weather.  The pup struggles to keep his feet moving as the snow continues to pile up around him.

Suddenly, the girl and pup meet.  She can see that he is scared and lonely.  Picking him up, the girl attempts to send him on his way, but the snow has become too deep.  The pup simply sinks.

The girl is now faced with a difficult dilemma.  Should she help reunite the pup with his pack or continue her treacherous trek home?

This is one of my all-time favorite children's books!  Being a nearly wordless picture book, this story relies heavily on illustrations.  Cordell knocks it out of the park with stunning hand drawn images that will leave the reader speechless.

Each turn of the page conveys strong emotions.  Empathy, fear, and courage are on display in Cordell's story.  Children will delight at the detailed illustrations and will fall in love with the characters.

This is a wonderful book for readers of all ages.  I could definitely see this being used for humane education classes at local shelters and rescue groups.

The Nocturnals Early Reader #2: The Slithery Shakedown Book Review

The Nocturnal Brigade is back in an all new adventure!  In the second installment of the Nocturnals Easy Reader Series, The Slithery Shakedown, Bismark has a problem.  His friends are late for their nightly rendezvous.

When Dawn and Tobin finally arrive, they see that they are not alone.  A blue bellied snake has slithered his way into the group.  He is not interested in making friends.  Instead, he wants to have Bismark as a snack!

Will Tobin and Dawn be able to save Bismark?  Has the spunky sugar glider finally met his match?

I absolutely love The Nocturnals series!  Whether early reader or chapter book, the stories are always original and the characters are unforgettable.  Bismark's attitude makes me laugh every time.  His facial expressions are simply hilarious.

I also love that in addition to teaching a moral lesson, the stories are also packed with educational facts.  I find myself learning something new with each book that I read.

This is a wonderful story for children ages 5-7.

Harriet Gets Carried Away Book Review

Harriet loves wearing costumes.  Whether she is going to the store, the park or the dentist, Harriet has the perfect costume for every occasion.  The day of her dress-up birthday party has arrived.  Her dads ask her to get ready to go to the grocery store in preparation.

Donning her penguin costume, Harriet heads to the store.  Her dads go to the deli and Harriet waddles off in search of party hats.  On her way to the party aisle, she sees a group of penguins getting bags of ice in the frozen section!

Curious Harriet follows the penguin pack to a group of hot air balloons waiting outside.  The penguins quickly accept her as one of their own and begin to head back to the arctic.  Will Harriet be able to find her way back home?  Will she miss her own birthday party?

I absolutely love this book!  Harriet is a delightful character full of spunk and heart.  I love that Harriet expresses herself through costumes.  She doesn't appear to care what others think of her.  Harriet is unique and she owns it!

I also love that Sima embraces different family units.  Harriet has two dads, unlike your typical children's picture book.  I am reminded of a similar family dynamic in the picture book Honey and Leon.  Children definitely need to be exposed to the ever expanding family types and Sima conveys this beautifully through her illustrations and text.

Sima's illustrations are simply stunning.  The cool color palate gives off a chilly vibe, perfect for reading about penguins.  Children will fall in love with Harriet and her tuxedo clad friends.

I greatly admire Sima's attention to detail along with hints of foreshadowing in her illustrations.  I love that Harriet's dog enjoys playing dress-up too.  If you look closely, you will see that Harriet has a poster of Kelp, the unicorn turned narwhal from Sima's first picture book, Not Quite Narwhal. See what other things you and your child can find as you read together!

I had the great honor of meeting Jessie Sima at the book release event for this book at The Novel Neighbor in Webster Groves, Missouri.  Sima is extremely down to earth and one of the friendliest people on the planet.  I cannot wait to see what she works on next.

This is a fantastic read for children ages 4-8. 

Jessie Sima Author Event

I screamed when I read my Facebook notification.  My favorite children's picture book author/illustrator, Jessie Sima, would be coming to The Novel Neighbor in Webster Groves, Missouri!  She would be celebrating the release of her second book Harriet Gets Carried Away.

My fingers could not dial the phone fast enough.  I immediately called and asked my mom to come along.  We decided to leave early on the day of the event to avoid any rush hour traffic.  What we were not expecting was the freak and sudden snow storm that we encountered the further we drove into Missouri.

We reached The Novel Neighbor and I excitedly exited the car.  I could not believe that I was about to meet Jessie Sima!  Of course, mom and I turned out to be the first ones there.  Better early than late, we always say.

Jessie was still setting up.  My heart raced as we entered the room. 

"Hi, guys!  Welcome and thank you for coming!" she greeted.

I immediately had a fan out moment.  I gushed and told her that Not Quite Narwhal is my favorite children's book of all time. 

"Aww!  Thank you so much!" Jessie said.

She stopped setting up and posed for selfies, autographed my copy of Not Quite Narwhal that I snuck in and graciously accepted the copy of Priceless Penny that I handed to her.

Selfie time with Jessie Sima!

"This is for me?" she asked.  "Thank you so much!  I love it!"

Mom then returned with two copies of Sima's newest book, Harriet Gets Carried Away.  Jessie happily autographed both books and then took the time to speak with my mother about her career as an elementary school teacher.

Love this autograph from Jessie!

I am beyond touched that Jessie liked Priceless Penny!

Jessie was beyond down to earth.  Speaking with her was like being with an old friend.  I am glad that she didn't think my fanning out was too crazy.

The event was great fun.  Jessie read Not Quite Narwhal and Harriet Gets Carried Away aloud.  She then drew a narwhal for the children in attendance to color.  Jessie also answered any questions that the children (and their parents) had.

This was truly one of the best days of my life.  I hope that Jessie will come back to Missouri for future book releases.  To learn more about this amazing author/illustrator, visit her official website at:  jessiesima.com.

Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise Book Review

In Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamillo, Mrs. Watson has a wonderful idea.  She wants Mercy to dress up and go trick-or-treating on Halloween.  Mr. Watson agrees and offers his opinions about what costume Mercy should wear.

That is when Mrs. Watson announces the Mercy will be a princess.  Mrs. Watson works tirelessly on creating the perfect princess dress.  There is just one problem.  Mercy is refusing to wear the costume.

Will Mercy's stubbornness cause her to miss out on the fun of Halloween?  Can a pig really become a princess?

I absolutely love this book!  Halloween stories are my favorite and this one definitely delivers.  DiCamillo has created a cast of humorously quirky and memorable characters.  Mercy's spunky spirit is can be seen in everything that she does.  Children will cheer Mercy on in her quest to become the first trick-or-treating pig.

Chris Van Dusen's illustrations are fantastic.  The colors are vibrant and bold, which will certainly captivate young readers.  Each scene had me chuckling while Mercy got into more and more mischief. 

This is a wonderful Halloween read for children ages 5-8.  I cannot wait to read more books in the Mercy Watson series.

Owly and Wormy Bright Lights and Starry Nights! Book Review

Owly and Wormy Bright Lights and Starry Nights! is a stunning wordless picture book by author/illustrator Andy Runton.  Owly and his friend Wormy cannot wait to use their telescope to see the stars.  No matter how hard they try, they cannot seem to find anything in the night sky.

Owly decides that in order to see stars, they should go camping.  The pair soon get stuck in a rain storm and must take cover in a spooky, dark cave.  Strange noises are coming from the back of the cave and Wormy does not want to stick around to see who or what it could be.

Racing from the cave, Owly accidentally drops his telescope in the forest.  Will he be able to recover it in time to show Wormy the stars?  Have Owly and Wormy truly escaped the cave monster?

This is a stunning book from start to finish.  Children will fall in love with Runton's adorable characters.  Instead of words, Runton makes use of speech bubbles that communicate Owly and Wormy's thoughts.  The story reads like a comic book which children will absolutely enjoy.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.  I cannot wait to read more of Owly and Wormy's adventures.

A Different Pond Book Review

A Different Pond by Bao Phi introduces the reader to a young, nameless boy.  His father wakes him up early every Saturday to fish in a nearby pond.  The boy loves getting to spend time with his father.

The pond has become like a second home to the boy.  He has made many friends who also come to fish in the early morning.  As the boy and his father fish, he learns about his homeland of Vietnam.

I found this to be a touching story with a focus on family.  I love that the story is told from the little boy's point of view.  Also, I like the fact that the boy remains nameless.  This could be the story of any young boy whose family has moved to the United States from Vietnam.

Additionally, I love how descriptive and beautiful Phi's text is.  With such lines as "...my dad's English sounds like a thick, dirty river" to "...to me his English sounds like gentle rain."  I really get an in depth sense of the father's character.  His description of minnows as "...silver arrows" in another stunning line.  Children will definitely be drawn to the exquisite language of the story.

Thi Bui's illustrations are wonderful.  Most of the story takes place during very early morning while it is still dark outside.  The illustrations are saturated in deep, dark colors without being overly done or completely pitch back.  I love how each illustration depicts multiple things going on at once.

Overall, this is a wonderful story about immigrants trying to create a new life for their families in the United States.  Readers ages 4-8 will enjoy this book.

Bulldozer Helps Out Book Review

In Bulldozer Helps Out by Candance Fleming, Bulldozer would give anything to help out on the construction site.  Cement Mixer was stirring; Crane Truck was lifting.  Even Digger Truck was scooping.  What was Bulldozer doing?  Watching.

He asked his fellow trucks what he could do to be part of the project.  Dump Truck told him he was too little to help.  The other trucks agreed that construction work is only for rough and tough trucks.

Feeling sorry for Bulldozer, Crane gives him a special task.  He must clear away a pile of rubble and flatten out a new construction site.  Will Bulldozer be able to prove that he has what it takes to get the job done?

I think this is a wonderful story that is full of action and heart.  Children will definitely be able to relate to Bulldozer and his passion for helping others.

Additionally, Eric Rohmann's illustrations are outstanding.  Each character is large and vibrant and will certainly capture the reader's attention.  I also love the subtle details that provide clues as to what will happen next in the story.

This is a fantastic read for children ages 4-7. 

Hubble Bubble: The Super-Spooky Fright Night Book Review

Hubble Bubble:  The Super-Spooky Fright Night! by Tracey Corderoy is the first installment in the Hubble Bubble series and includes three stories.  Pandora is a young witch who spends a lot of time with Granny Crow.  Granny is also a witch and loves to use her magic to help.  However, her spells do not always go as planned.

In The Super-Spooky Fright Night, Granny Crow and Granny Podmore are helping Pandora create a Halloween party to remember.  Granny Podmore is prime and proper while Granny Crow is more free-spirited.  Neither granny can agree on how the party should be run.  Could Granny Crow's magic be just what the party needs?

In Teddy Trouble, Granny Crow accompanies Pandora to her friend Nellie's birthday party at Fluffy Friends.  Everyone is having a wonderful time creating their own stuffed bears.  But when it's Pandora's turn to get her bear stuffed, the machine stops working.  Will she ever get to make her own fluffy friend?

In Granny Makes a Splash, Granny Crow assists Pandora's class with their swimming lessons.  While on their way to the pool, the bus gets a flat tire.  Granny knows just what to do!  A little magic is surly the answer, right?  The shenanigans continue when the children reach the pool and discover that Granny's magic may be running amok.  Can Granny reign in the spells before it's too late?

I absolutely love this book!  I was surprised to see three wonderful stories in one amazing collection.  Granny Crow's character is reminiscent of the classic Amelia Bedelia.  She also reminds me of bumbling Aunt Clara from one of my favorite television shows, Bewitched.  Granny means well, but she has not yet mastered the art of magic. 

I also love the names of the characters:  Pandora, Granny Crow, Moonbeam (Pandora's mother).  Each name evokes a sense of magic and definitely makes me think of Halloween.  The layout of the book is stunning and makes heavy use of the color orange (my favorite!).  The words literally pop off of the page.  Additionally, I love the intricate details that can be seen throughout the book, such as the tiny spider that hides on every other page corner.  This would be a great opportunity for a counting game to see how many spiders the reader can find.

Joe Berger's illustrations are outstanding.  From the spiders on Pandora's dress to the orange flower earrings that Granny Crow wears, these subtle details make all the difference.  Some pages are even illustrated with a black background and white text that add to the spookiness of the illustrations and story.

This is a fantastic read for magic lovers of all ages.  Children will laugh at Granny Crow and all of her magical mishaps.  I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful series.

Ella and Owen The Evil Pumpkin Pie Fight Book Review

Ella and Owen The Evil Pumpkin Pie Fight by Jaden Kent follows twin dragons Ella and Owen on an adventure of spooky proportions.  The dragons tricked two sneaky trolls out of treasure and are now stuck in Terror Swamp.  Running for their lives, the pair unknowingly enter the home of the great Pumpkin King.

The king captures the twins and refuses to release them unless they defeat the evil witch who has stolen his body.  Accepting the challenge, Ella and Owen head deeper into Terror Swamp.  Ghosts, ghouls and goblins await at every turn.

Will Ella and Owen be able to conquer the clever witch and maintain their freedom?  Will they ever get back to Dragon Patch?

While I love Halloween stories, this book didn't quite deliver.  I felt that Ella and Owen's characters were poorly developed.  Neither one had his/her own characteristics that made him/her unique.  The content of the story mostly consisted of the twins arguing.  I would have liked to have seen more character development in addition to the twins actually working together to regain their freedom.

I also found the other characters to be a bit flat.  I would have loved for the characters to have more original names than "Pumpkin King" and "Rainbow Sparkles."  It appears that Kent was attempting to be humorous, but I feel that the story doesn't hit the mark.

The plot was not very gripping nor spooky.  I feel that the story comes to a conclusion quickly with very haphazard resolutions to all of the characters' issues.  What I like the least about this book is the fact that it ends on a cliffhanger.  I purchased the book because I love Halloween stories, however, this is apparently the fourth book in the series and you cannot read them out of order.

Since I have not read any of the other books, I have no idea how the twins came to leave Dragon Patch and become stuck in Terror Swamp.  The ending of this story forces the reader to buy subsequent books to find the true conclusion to the story.  I feel that this is a poor way to write a series.  If the books need to be read in chronological order, the book cover or the introductory page should state this so that new readers to the series are not caught off guard.

I did enjoy Iryna Bodnaruk's comical illustrations.  Ella and Owen and their ghastly new friends are humerously drawn with fine detail.  I also loved the comic book style vignettes featured on several pages.

Overall, this is a lighthearted read that is suitable for children ages 6-9.

Here's Hank: A Short Tale About a Log Dog Book Review

Here's Hank:  A Short Tale About a Long Dog by Henry Winkler sets Hank on his most important mission yet:  to get a dog of his own.  He knows that his grades are not the best, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to make his dog dreams a reality.

Entering into a deal with his dad, Hank must improve all of his grades in order to earn a trip to the animal shelter.  He is definitely up for the challenge!  From studying to creating interactive book reports, Hank is determined to make his grades soar.

When his latest report card falls short, Hank fears that he will never be able to adopt a furry friend.  Can he prove to his father that he is responsible enough to handle the challenges of owning a pet?  Will he be able to raise his grades and sharpen his focus?

I love this story!  I was surprised to discover that the book is written in a font called Dyslexie.  This font was created specifically for dyslexic readers by a Dutch graphic designer, Christian Boer, who himself is dyslexic.  I found the font very easy to read.  I feel that it compliments the story well and looks like a font that a child would have created.  This discrete font change will also help dyslexic children read with confidence.

I also found the character of Hank to be charming and hilarious.  He mentions to the reader numerous times that he has trouble focusing.  I feel like many children (as well as adults) will be able to relate to Hank and his focusing issues.  I especially feel that children with ADD and ADHD will gravitate toward Hank and cheer him on in his quest for good grades.

This story also touches my heart because it sheds light on the importance of adopting animals from local shelters.  All of my dogs and cats are rescues that have come from various rescue groups and animal shelters.  One of my dogs is also Dachshund, so I can definitely relate to Hank's heart-melting moment the day he met Cheerio.

Overall, this is a wonderful read for animal lovers of all ages.  I would highly recommend gifting this book to any child who is in the process of adopting a dog.

White Fur Flying Book Review

White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan, introduces the reader to a young girl named Zoe.  Zoe's family loves to rescue dogs.  Great Pyrenees dogs to be exact.  It seems that Mama always has new dogs coming in to be fostered.

Zoe's Daddy is a veterinarian.  He loves caring for animals.  Even if it means bringing an abandoned, talkative bird home, temporarily of course. 

One day, Zoe and her sister, Alice, notice new neighbors moving into the house down the road.  They soon discover that the woman's name is Mrs. Croft and that she is caring for her nephew, Phillip.  The girls are thrilled to have a new playmate for the summer but there is one problem.  Phillip doesn't talk.  An even bigger problem?  Mrs. Croft doesn't like dogs.

During a terrible storm several days later, both Phillip and Jack (Mama's newest foster dog) go missing.  Will Phillip break his silence to call for the help that he desperately needs?  Will Zoe be able to solve the mystery of their disappearance before it's too late?  Can Mrs. Croft learn to love the animal that she fears most?   

I absolutely love this book!  Being a former foster parent, I can totally relate to Mama's struggle to place her foster dogs in forever homes.  I too, wanted to keep every dog that we fostered.  I love that this story sheds light on the importance of fostering as well as volunteer animal transporters.  I am a volunteer transporter with All American Dachshund Rescue.  Without the help of these incredible volunteers, many of these amazing dogs would still be stuck in the pound or worse, killed due to lack of space.

The characters in this story are rich and vibrant.  I love Alice's no-holds-bar personality.  She says exactly what she feels and loves being the comedian.  Zoe is clever and very observant but is not as sure of herself as Alice.  The two make a fascinating pair.  Phillip's character is very complex and always keeps the reader guessing.

This story beautifully highlights the special bond that dogs have with their humans.  Dogs seem to sense the way that humans are feeling long before the tears fall from our eyes or the cries of joy emit from our lips.  They seek only to make us happy and love us unconditionally.  This bond is truly priceless and deserves to be celebrated.

Overall, this is a fantastic read for animal lovers of all ages.  This book would also make a wonderful gift for the shelter/rescue worker/volunteer in your life.

WriteOnCon 2018

As an aspiring picture book author, I am always looking for writing conferences to attend.  Improving my craft is very important to me.  I hope to author books that will truly change the way that people view and think about the world around them.

I discovered WriteOnCon while checking my Twitter feed.  Intrigued, I went to their website to learn more.  WriteOnCon is a three-day online children's book conference for writers and illustrators of picture books, middle grade, young adult, as well as new adult. 

I absolutely love online conferences!  I don't have to worry about packing, travel arrangements or, (most importantly) leaving my fabulous fur babies.  I attended my first online conference, Picture Book Summit, in 2017 and was hooked.

As with all conferences,  there is a price for admission.  For all access to the conference, I paid $37.00.  That's right!  Just $37.00!  The best part?  This included a manuscript critique by Clarissa Wong, Editor at Harper Collins Children's Books. 

The conference started bright and early on Friday, February 9th.  I had a stack of empty notebooks waiting to be filled with knowledge.  Extra pencils and a large eraser were positioned for easy access.  The clock struck 7:30 a.m. and the conference was on!

The day consisted of live events, (including a query critique session with an actual literary agent), recorded podcast interviews with industry experts, panel discussions with some of today's best selling authors, and blog articles providing tips and tricks for honing the writing craft. 

By the end of day one, I thought that my brain was going to explode.  I was learning so much from some of the best in the business.  The presenters were extremely nice and carefully considered each question that was asked.

I created a binder to keep all of my new knowledge organized!

Saturday and Sunday were just as epic.  One of my favorite events was a live workshop on picture book beat sheets.  Another was a live panel discussion with picture book authors.  I was beyond thrilled to see Marcie Colleen in attendance.  I definitely had a fan girl moment!

I loved the enthusiasm that the presenters exuded, especially Alexa Donne.  Everyone was happy to share their knowledge and personal experiences.  The literary agents, editors, and authors were down to earth.  It almost felt like having a conversation with my girlfriends.

I have to admit, I was sad when the conference concluded on Sunday evening.  I was exhausted but I wanted to keep learning.  One of my notebooks is now completely full.  A single pencil spent beyond sharpening.

I would highly recommend this conference to anyone who is interested in writing for the kid lit community.  WriteOnCon has certainly gained a new attendee for life!  I cannot wait to see what the 2019 conference has to offer.

To learn more about WriteOnCon, visit their website at:  www.writeoncon.org.

The Nocturnals: The Moonlight Meeting Book Review

Tobin the pangolin awakens one evening to the smell of a sweet pomelo.  Following the scent, he reaches the golden fruit and prepares to take a bite.  The pangolin soon realizes that he is not alone.

A strange creature leaps down from the trees above claiming that Tobin is a thief.  Feeling threatened, Tobin  releases a smelly gas.  The two begin to quarrel when the bushes suddenly start to rustle.  Could the pair be in even bigger trouble than they thought?

I love this first installment in The Nocturnals Grow and Read Early Readers Program series.  Tracey Hecht and Rumur Dowling's characters are enchanting.  I especially love how each character has his/her own distinct personality.  I definitely felt a wide arrange of emotions while reading this story.  My heart ached for poor Tobin.  I laughed at Bismark and I could totally relate to Dawn's serenity and wisdom.

Waymond Singleton's illustrations are truly captivating.  Each creature is beyond adorable and has his/her own specific facial expressions.  While the story takes place at night, Singleton makes wonderful use of white space and does not make the illustrations too dark.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 5-9.  They will fall in love with the kindly characters and the mysteriousness of a nighttime setting.  I cannot wait to read the next book in The Nocturnals series.

Don't Forget Dexter! Book Review

Dexter T. Rexter is the coolest dinosaur around.  He lives with his best friend, Jack.  One day, the pair go to the doctor for a check-up.

Dexter was so into his coloring that he did not see Jack leave.  He tries everything he can to get Jack to come back.  Panic sets in as Dexter worries that he may be left at the doctor's office forever! 

What if Jack left Dexter behind on purpose?  What if he is being replaced by other toys?  Will Dexter spend the rest of his days alone?

I absolutely adore this book!  I fell in love with Dexter on page one.  I love how expressive his eyes and eyebrows are.  I truly connected with the plot as well.  When I was young, I had a stuffed bear named Curly that literally went everywhere with me.  My heart would have broken if he had gone missing.

I think that showing the bond between a child and toy through the eyes of the toy is especially gripping.  I was crying right along with Dexter.  I believe that adult readers will also resonate with the theme of feeling forgotten.

Ward's illustrations are simplistic yet powerful.  Dexter is simply adorable!  Not to mention that he is my favorite color, orange.   I also love the subtle details such as Dexter's tummy and claws looking like sheets of notebook paper that a child would draw on.

This is a fantastic book for readers of all ages.  Children will love snuggling up with their favorite toy as they cheer Dexter on in his quest to find his best friend. 

Not Quite Narwhal Book Review

Kelp has always known that he is different from the other narwhals.  His tusk is not as glorious as his friend's.  And he still has not mastered the art of swimming.

One day, a swift current carries Kelp far from home.  He surfaces and sees an animal in the distance that looks just like him!  Stepping onto land for the first time, Kelp begins his search for the magical creature.

He emerges from the forest to find a meadow filled with what must be land narwhals.  Kelp is then informed that the creatures are actually unicorns and is told that he is one too!  How will his underwater friends take this shocking news?  Should Kelp remain on land with his unicorn kin forever?

This is one of my absolute favorite children's picture books of all time!  I love everything about the story.  I can totally relate to Kelp and his feelings of being torn between two worlds.  I think that everyone will be able to relate with Kelp and his journey to find out who (and what) he really is.

Sima's illustrations are adorably fantastic!  I fell in love with Kelp the moment I saw him in the clam shell.  Sima is a master of facial expressions and I love the diverse color palette that she uses which can be seen throughout the book.

Readers of all ages will adore Kelp and cheer him on in his quest to find his true identity.  This book is sure to become a children's classic and will delight readers for years to come.  I hope that Kelp will return to share more of his adventures with the world.