Book Review: Worm’s Lost & Found

Blurb

Worm runs one of the best lost and found offices in the world. He has a rare ability to find things. Lost umbrella? Missing keys? Misplaced toy? If it is lost, then Worm can find it. But then the unthinkable happens: Worm can’t find his hat!

Worm’s absent-minded friend Seal is always losing things. But can she help Worm find his beloved hat? Seal has the perfect solution: look left, look right, then . . . make pancakes? Can Seal’s silly solution actually help Worm find his favorite cap?

In Jule Wellerdiek’s first book with NorthSouth she finds a humorous way to deal with things that are lost, and celebrates the joy that comes with finding things when you least expect it.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

Worm’s Lost & Found is a cute picture book with a fun story. I loved the soft colors and adorable characters. They all made reading the book enjoyable and entertaining.

There really isn’t a life lesson to be learned from the book. Except for maybe that some lost items will turn up eventually when we least expect them.

And since I’m a sucker for seek and find activities in any book, Worm’s Lost & Found has a seek and find game that will challenge any preschooler to find objects within the pages of the book. Five fun stars.

I received a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: Wish You Were Here

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books
• Publication Date: September 10, 2024
• Author: Bernadette Watts
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 40

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Blurb

While strolling through the park, Franz Kafka hears the cry of a young girl named Saskia sitting with her mother. When Franz learns that the child has lost her beloved doll, Christiana, Franz reassures her that her doll is traveling the world. Upon their next fortuitous meetings, Franz presents Saskia and her mother with postcards from the lost doll—one from Paris, another from Venice, and finally one from Egypt. When Saskia insists that her doll Christiana come home from her travels, Franz is distraught until he finds a vintage doll in a secondhand shop. Saskia is skeptical—the doll looks old. But when Franz reminds her that we all age from our amazing journeys through life, her heart bursts with joy at their being reunited.

Inspired by a famous story, this moving account of generosity highlights the power of imagination and offers a window into the enigmatic life of one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

Wish You Were Here is a cute and heartwarming picture book perfect for a bedtime story. The illustrations reflect a muted color scheme that will have a calming effect after an activity filled day.

The story evokes lessons revolving around kindness and generosity that will provide an ideal teaching opportunity. The story is sweet, but I didn’t get the ending. Did Franz pass away or move? But I guess that will be up to the reader to decide and explain to the young ones. Four stars.

I was invited to read a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: Wacky Witches and Their Peculiar Familiars

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books
• Publication Date: September 10, 2024
• Author: April Suddendorf
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 48

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Blurb

Every witch needs a pet by her side. But if you’re picturing black cats or toads, think again. Because in Wacky Witches and Their Peculiar Familiars the animal companions are just as original and likable as their witches: a little monkey helps his pink-haired witch cut her locks, while a parrot helps his tarot card-reading witch answer the phone.

In her picture book debut, German author–illustrator April Suddendorf plays with a cliché: witches are not evil, old, or scary, but modern, versatile women from all over the world. Joyful magic unfolds through clever rhymes as each witch, and her animal friend, is introduced. Readers, discover what kind of witch you want to be!

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My Thoughts & Opinions

Wacky Witches and Their Peculiar Familiars is a cute rhyming picture book. I liked the illustrations, but the colors to me were a little drab. It could use more eye popping colors in my opinion.

As for the characters, there were a number of familiar animals mentioned. But one in particular threw me — a pangolin. Pretty exotic for a children’s picture book. I think that sticking with the tried and true and familiar animals would have been more acceptable, but that’s just me.

Overall, however, Wacky Witches and Their Peculiar Familiars is more than suitable for preschoolers as a storytime book. Three stars.

I was invited to read a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: Picture Day at Dino Play

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books
• Publication Date: September 10, 2024
• Author: Sean Julian
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 32

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blurb

Today is picture day at the dino daycare. Freda is excited to wear her favorite hat for the photo. After playing outside with her Cretaceous friends, Freda’s hat is missing! Her teacher Miss Beak and the other students help her search until they discover the hat in the most unlikely of places: a bird has used the hat to make a nest! At first Freda wants the hat back, but then she feels that the bird needs her favorite hat more than she does. Miss Beak has a clever solution that makes the class photo picture perfect: arts-and-crafts hats for all the dinosaurs!

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My Thoughts & Opinions

Picture Day at Dino Play is such a cute story. It’s the perfect book to teach the young ones that sharing is caring. It’s the second book in the dino adventure series and it’s just as good as the first.

The illustrations continue to be colorful and adorable. And all of the characters just come alive on each page. I had fun reading it and it will be a great book for preschoolers and toddlers anytime — bedtime or story time. Five stars

I was invited to read a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: Big Sister, Long Coat

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books
• Publication Date: March 5, 2024
• Author: Nelly Buchet
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 40

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

My Thoughts & Opinions

Big Sister, Long Coat is a cute story about sisterhood. It wasn’t a fun read, and it was pretty solemn. I’m not sure if that’s how it was supposed to be — somewhat serious, without rhymes, and humorless.

The illustrations were a little amateurish and could use some bright and fun colors to liven up the atmosphere. As it stands, the illustrations were a little depressing in my opinion.

Overall, Big Sister, Long Coat was a sweet story, but not something that I would want to read to my granddaughters or daughters. Three stars.

I was invited to read a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: The Mud Monster

• Publisher: BooksGoSocial
• Publication Date: September 23, 2023
• Authors: Jay Allen, Bill Taylor
• Genre: Children’s Fiction | Parenting & Families
• Page Count: 36

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blurb

Imagine you are alone in the woods searching for a lost ball, with rumors of a Mud Monster lurking in large mud holes around you.

In the adventurous and funny children’s book, The Mud Monster, Bullwrinkle the young Shar Pei finds himself in a sticky situation.

And what about The Mud Monster himself? Is he real or created in someone’s overactive imagination?

But as Bullwrinkle goes against his mother’s rules by entering the woods alone, he discovers the muddy consequences of his actions.

Your kids will laugh out loud at Bullwrinkle’s hilarious antics to find the lost ball, while they learn the importance of following family rules.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

The Mud Monster is a cute and education story geared towards children ages 3 – 8. In it, your child will learn two “grown up” words such as imagination and stubborn. And what better way to instill learning new vocabulary than with adorable illustrations and a story that also teaches family values such as respect and honor.

The characters are fun and are portrayed by family friendly pets like a Newfoundland, Labrador Retriever, and of course the star — a Shar Pei named Bullwrinkle.

A wonderful, fun and entertaining read, The Mud Monster is sure to please any pre-schooler. Five adorable stars.

I received a DRC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: Rumi — Poet of Joy and Love

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books
• Publication Date: March 5, 2024
• Author: Rashin Kheiriyeh
• Genre: Children’s Fiction | Children’s Nonfiction | Multicultural Interest
• Page Count: 40

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Review

I loved the beautiful illustrations in the book. The story, not so much. I expected more poetry or philosophical phrases that could be instilled in the young ones, but there wasn’t much.

Although I appreciated the history of Rumi as outlined in the book, I don’t think children would value it as much. And I got the sense that some things got lost in translation since the writing was a little haphazard.

Overall, I found Rumi to be a likable read. Five stars for the illustrations. Two stars for the story, for a three star average.

I received a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: There are No Dragons in this Book

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books
• Publication Date: March 5, 2024
• Author: Donna Lambo-Weidner
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 32

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Blurb

In this book you are guaranteed not to find any dragons. . . .

A clever interactive picture book—sure to keep kids laughing as they look for dragons.

There are no dragons in this book! Wait, is that really true? There was one right here, wasn’t there? Was he hiding in the attic? What do you mean, he’s not alone? Come on, let’s give the book a good shake and see what happens!

Set in a community home with an ensemble of characters–both children and adults–Donna Lambo-Weidner’s debut picture book filled with humor (and dragons) encourages close observation and discovery. Carla Haslbauer’s cheeky, scurrying illustrations are chock-full of funny details and metafictional allusions.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

There are No Dragons in this Book is a cute and colorful picture book. I liked the illustrations, and it was fun to spot the different parts of a dragon among the various pages. However, I was somehow expecting more of a “Where’s Waldo” type book where the dragon would be hidden within the environment, and the reader would have to find them.

I didn’t find the story that entertaining. And the flow was a bit scattered. Perhaps I was expecting a rhyming narrative. So, I didn’t quite enjoy the book as much as I thought I would.

Overall, There are No Dragons in this Book is a satisfactory read that will delight some preschoolers with its pastel colors and whimsical illustrations. Three stars.

I received a DRC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street

• Publisher: ViaNova Productions
• Publication Date: October 2, 2023
• Author: Sarah Sparks
• Genre: Children’s Fiction | Health, Mind & Body | Parenting & Families
• Page Count: 32

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Review

The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street is yet another installment in the cute Monsters on Mill Street series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The rhymes made it so fun and entertaining, that when read aloud to the young ones, it can really be a time with loads of laughs, snickers, and giggles. The illustrations like always are so adorable and full of personality.

The main character in this particular book is Becks who is more fidgety and hyperactive than anyone else she knows. Becks can’t sit still for the life of her. Until one day things get way out of hand and Becks is forced to reckon with the aftermath of her actions.

Like the other books in the Monster series, there is a subtle life learning moment built in. It is sure to resonate with parents and children alike…That it’s good to take some time out to relax and have some quiet moments. That actions do have consequences.

The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street is a perfect book for pre-schoolers who are at the age where social interactions demand acceptable behaviors. Five fun stars.

I received a DRC from ViaNova Productions through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: The Angriest Monster on Mill Street

• Publisher: ViaNova Productions
• Publication Date: October 2, 2023
• Author: Sarah Sparks
• Genre: Children’s Fiction | Health, Mind & Body | Parenting & Families
• Page Count: 34

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Blurb

Meet Albie, a small but fiercely temperamental monster, whose oversized emotions set off a chain of disastrous events, including earthquakes, tornadoes, and flooding that engulfs the entire street! Join in the adventure as monsters scurry for cover and Albie attempts to quell the mounting chaos. Will life on Mill Street ever be the same?

With lively illustrations and playful rhymes, each book in the Monsters on Mill Street series follows an energetic and lovable monster on an adventure filled with chaos and unexpected challenges. Every child will recognize a piece of themselves in Albie and the colorful cast of characters on Mill Street.

But wait, there’s more! Because the Monsters on Mill Street series is specifically designed to assist children in developing executive functioning and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills , it’s a treasure trove for parents, grandparents, and educators who are looking to inspire young readers and empower them to overcome life’s challenges.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

The Angriest Monster on Mill Street is another installment in the Mill Street Monsters series. I didn’t care for it as much as the author’s other book, The Messiest Monster on Mill Street, as I thought it could be a little scary for some preschoolers. However, the story does convey an important lesson on controlling emotions — that seeking help with issues is sometimes necessary and good for one’s wellbeing.

As with the other books in the series, the illustrations are cute and colorful. I loved how the emotions were illustrated. Though it got a little scary at times.

The rhyming wasn’t as distinct in this book. So I didn’t find it quite as fun to read. But I suppose it had a lot to do with the subject matter.

Overall, The Angriest Monster on Mill Street was a cute rhyming book that is sure to convey some important lessons in anger management to the young ones. Four stars.

I received a DRC from ViaNova Productions through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: The Messiest Monster on Mill Street

• Publisher: ViaNova Productions
• Publication Date: October 2, 2023
• Author: Sarah Sparks
• Genre: Children’s Fiction | Parenting & Families | Self-Help
• Page Count: 32

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blurb

Max’s messes are legendary-paint on the walls, spills on the floor, crumbs in his fur, and toys scattered everywhere. Max never intended to be messy; there was simply too much to do and too much fun to be had. That is until one day when his mess becomes an uncontrollable monster of its own!

With lively illustrations and playful rhymes, each book in the Monsters on Mill Street series follows an energetic and lovable monster on an adventure filled with chaos and unexpected challenges. Every child will recognize a piece of themselves in Max and the colorful cast of characters on Mill Street.

But wait, there’s more! Because the Monsters on Mill Street series is specifically designed to assist children in developing executive functioning and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills , it’s a treasure trove for parents, grandparents, and educators who are looking to inspire young readers and empower them to overcome life’s challenges.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

The Messiest Monster on Mill Street was such a fun and entertaining read. I loved how everything rhymed with a sing-song rhythm. Reading the story aloud just drew big smiles and lots of giggles.

With cute illustrations, the story came to life in such a delightful way. The colors perfectly showcased the main character Max as well as his mountains of messes. I just had a grand time reading the storybook.

Not only is the story fun and entertaining, the book is educational as well. Life skills are taught in a very thoughtful, non-threatening and amusing way.

Overall, I am very pleased with the book — storywise as well as illustrative-wise. Highly recommend it for both parents and grandparents, alike. I certainly intend to get a few copies as Halloween stuffers for the grands. Five outstanding stars.

I received a DRC from ViaNova Productions through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Book Review: Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures

• Publisher: Independently Published
• Publication Date: July 3, 2023
• Author: Igor Shnayder
• Genre: Childrens Fiction
• Page Count: 27

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blurb

This is the tale of a brave little cat named Mur, who becomes a knight in a magical realm of animals. He extends a helping paw to those in distress, rescues a rare plant, finds common ground with a dragon, and even attends a royal ball. Through his actions, Mur demonstrates that true strength is not just physical might, but also encompasses kindness, wisdom, honesty, and the ability to empathize. Upon returning home, he shares his adventures and the lessons he has learned with his friends and family, teaching young readers about the importance of friendship and kindness.

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My Thoughts & Opinions

It’s the gorgeous cover and illustrations that drew me in. Expecting the narrative to match the stunning graphics, I was not disappointed

The book consists of eleven short stories. Each story provides some life lessons in a highly entertaining way. Some of those life lessons focused on generosity, honesty, determination, and teamwork. All of which are attributes that children should learn and practice.

I found Mur, the Kitty-Knight Adventures to be a wonderful read for preschoolers who are just learning to socialize with others their same age. It’s a must have book to instill the young ones with character virtues in a thoughtful and fun way. Five solid stars.

I received a digital copy of the book from author Igor Shnayder. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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ARC Review: Davy in the Snow

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books
• Publication Date: September 12, 2023
• Author: Brigitte Weninger
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 32

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Review

Davy in the Snow is a cute story about brother and sister rabbits who get lost in a snowstorm. And how Davy protects his younger sister, Mia, from the elements.

The illustrations in the book are adorable! Using muted pastel colors render the book a perfect read for bedtime.

I suppose there’s a life lesson in the book, but it’s very subtle. I gathered that the teachable moment had to do with caring and compassion, especially toward the younger siblings.

Overall, a cute and short read that is sure to please preschoolers. Three cute stars.

I received a digital ARC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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ARC Review: Jitterbug

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books, Inc.
• Publication Date: April 4, 2023
• Author: Kai Lüftner
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 32

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Review

I loved everything about this picture book! Adorable and colorful illustrations with a cute and funny story. A great read aloud book for the young ones — especially if you add in some sound effects and animation in telling the tale. I would certainly have my air guitar handy for this story — playing the role of Lady B. Marie riffing my guitar!

But there is more than laughs and giggles. Behind all of the fun, there is a lesson. Don’t let critics and naysayers get in the way of your passions.

Jitterbug was a blast to read and I’m sure that the littles in your life will have a great time as well. Who knows? Jitterbug may just be the spark that ignites that budding musician in the family. Five outstanding stars.

I received a digital ARC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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ARC Review: The House of Lily and Milo

• Publisher: Clavis Publishing
• Publication Date: July 19, 2022
• Author: Pauline Oud
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 32

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Description and Review

Lily and Milo are moving into their new home. The house has everything that they could want. But where will they place their belongings? We’ll find out as we help Lily and Milo store away their things

The House of Lily and Milo is the perfect book for instilling where things belong. The book is both educational and entertaining — providing life lessons in an interactive way.

The illustrations are colorful and adorable making for an excellent book to read to a toddler at story time. Five stars.

I received a digital ARC from Clavis Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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ARC Review: Little White Fish and the Strange Thing

• Publisher: Clavis Publishing
• Publication Date: July 19, 2022
• Author: Guido Van Genechten
• Genre: Children’s Fiction (Board Book)
• Page Count: 24

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blurb

One morning Little White Fish discovers something extraordinary. It smells strange, it feels strange, and it doesn’t taste very good . . . Together with his friends, Little White Fish tries to figure out what this strange thing is.

A story with activities that stimulate the senses. For curious little fish ages 2.5 years and up.

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My Thoughts and Opinions

I just loved Little White Fish and the Strange Thing! Not only are the illustrations adorable and colorful, there’s a cute story to match.

Little White Fish is the perfect board book that will introduce the young ones to different sea creatures and plant life. An added bonus are the fun and engaging games at the end that promote an open dialogue. Five amazing stars.

I received a digital ARC from Clavis Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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