The Adventures of Max and Levi: The Alpha League Series by Portia Smith and Michael Johnson Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two young boys discover the power of friendship, understanding, and hope in the face of bullying in authors Portia Smith and Michael Johnsonโ€™s โ€œThe Adventures of Max and Leviโ€, the first in the Alpha League series.

The Synopsis

The heroic โ€œThe Alpha Leagueโ€ book series follows five unlikely kids who become friends and heroes in their community. In the first book of the series, โ€œThe Adventures of Max and Levi,โ€ Max learns an intriguing technique to handle a bully in school. This book will help kids build the confidence they need to deal with bullies and encourages children to react when they see their friends being bullied.

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The Review

A fantastic and creative read for children and parents alike! The authors did a brilliant job of crafting a relatable and educational read. The characters Max and Levi felt like characters that children would be able to relate to, and the theme of friendship and overcoming bullying were well illustrated in the narrative.

Although a quick read, this childrenโ€™s book felt like a great balance of theme and artwork that spoke to the reader. The way the book illustrated a cast of characters that were primarily people of color was great to see, as it allowed a wider audience to relate to children around the world, and emphasized the theme of standing up to bullying a great deal. 

The Verdict

A heartfelt, expertly crafted, and engaging childrenโ€™s story, authors Portia Smith and Michael Johnsonโ€™s โ€œThe Adventures of Max and Leviโ€ is a must-read childrenโ€™s book and a great start to the authors Alpha League series. The inspiring messages and warmth found in the characters and the artwork will create a bonding experience with parents and their children and is not to be missed. If you havenโ€™t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this book today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Johnson is an author, artist, public service worker, and devoted father. Michael was born and raised in Fort Valley, GA. Michael is a graduate of Peach County High School, where he accelerated in honors literature. Michael attended Fort Valley State University, where he would continue to write and tutor other students on writing essays. Michael never considered writing professionally until 2020, when he teamed up with his friend and now business partner Portia Smith to form PSMJ books.  The pair recognized the need for relatable literature for minority kids and wrote The Adventures of Max and Levi, the first installment of the Alpha League book series. When Michael is not writing books, he’s writing and producing songs. Michael is the Ceo of Iyah Wise Music LLC, which he founded in 2020.

Website:ย https://psmjmichaeljohnson.square.site/

Wiggers The Well-Dressed Wombat by Jenna Greene (Illustrated by Emily Zieroth) Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Acclaimed author Jenna Greene and artist Emily Zieroth take you children and parents on a journey with new literary character and fashion icon Wiggers as he gives out dressing suggestions in the childrenโ€™s book, โ€œWiggers the Well-Dressed Wombatโ€. 

The Synopsis

Wiggers the Wombat loves to share what he knows, how to clothe all his friends wherever he goes.

Take a fun little journey with Wiggers to see, all the dressing suggestions he gives out for free.

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The Review

The author does an incredible job of crafting a cute and thoughtful narrative for parents and children alike. The tone and beautiful illustrations did a fantastic job of presenting lovable characters and simple yet profound messages throughout the narrative. 

What stood out immediately in this short yet entertaining read was the powerful messages that the author wove through the narrative. Messages and themes of self-acceptance, living your best life, and treating others with kindness and courtesy lead to a fulfilling and memorable life. 

The Verdict

A heartfelt, captivating, and family-friendly childrenโ€™s book, author Jenna Greene and illustrator Emily Zierothโ€™s โ€œWiggers The Well-Dressed Wombatโ€ is a must-read book for parents and children everywhere. The warmth and vibrant imagery along with a memorable and thoughtful story from an incredible writer will leave parents and their children feeling a great sense of bonding after finishing this book. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jenna Greene is an elementary school teacher. When she isn’t teaching or writing, she is co-hosting “Quill and Ink: A Podcast for Book Lovers” with Miranda Oh. Jenna lives with her husband, daughter, and their cat, Thomas.

https://www.jennagreene.ca/

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About the Illustrator 

Hi! I’m Emily!

For well over 6 years, I have been a freelancing illustrator and graphic designer. Each and every day I am improving my style and technique in hopes to better myself and satisfy every client who hires me. I would say that my style is mostly cartoon, and deeply inspired by Disney animation. But, I am not just limited to cartoony things. I have also been experimenting in semi-realism, professional ads for businesses, and more! I have done well over 80 books in my career, and I have been recently working on t-shirt designs based off things I love. You can also check that out at MrsSocks on Redbubble. I will be sure to add a button link to the T-shirt tab that so you can check out it out for yourself!

What about myself though? Well, I am Canadian and currently married to a military man, which means my line of work is perfect for our lifestyle. I love Disney (as if I couldn’t mention it enough and show it off), and have been going there every year for over 2 decades! I also love baking, and dogs. Although I can be a tad shy in person, when I work, I am friendly, outgoing, and make every job enjoyable and easy going. Hmm, I think that is all I can think of for this, so, check out my works, and contact me if you are interested in working alongside me

https://emzieroth.wixsite.com/emilysworks

Kids Grew In My Garden: Vol 1 by J. Traveler Pelton Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The concept of peaceful living comes full circle in a series of non-fiction stories for children and the adults in their lives in author J. Traveler Peltonโ€™s โ€œKids Grew In My Garden: Vol 1โ€.

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The Synopsis

Kids Grew in My Garden is a collection of non-fiction, Christian, read-to-me stories for parents, aunts, uncles, or grandparents. Some are funny, some sad, but all teach a principle of peaceful living. Your child will not want to stop with just one, but they are short enough you can read a couple without infringing on bedtime too much! Reading to your children has been shown to improve communication, increase school success, grow trust, and bond your childrenโ€™s hearts to you. A simple act of love, reading to your child, can reap big rewards for your family.

The Review

This was a well-written, relatable, and engaging story for parents and children alike. The authors do a remarkable job of blending memoir-style nonfiction writing with the heart and educational flair of any good parable or fairytale. The thing that makes this childrenโ€™s book that families can enjoy so unique is the balance the author found between sharing life lessons from their own shared experiences and the teachings that their faith has shown them over the years. 

Everything that any child could hope to learn in life can be found through these experiences and stories, from communication and its importance to relationships, to consider how our actions will affect others and the consequences those actions will bring. The imagery and emotion that the author brought out in this writing really allowed the reader to feel connected to the authorโ€™s experiences, and to visualize the events as they were happening in this amazing read.

The Verdict

A heartfelt, thought-provoking and faithful read, author J. Traveler Peltonโ€™s โ€œKids Grew In My Garden: Vol 1โ€ is a must-read book for any families who hold religion as a component of their daily lives and are looking for family-friendly reads to help teach valuable lessons to their children. A refreshingly new take on family-driven books, readers will be engaged deeply with this authorโ€™s stories. If you havenโ€™t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J. Traveler Pelton was born in West Virginia in the last century. She is active in her home church; enjoys having theological disputes with her friends, loves to cook a big meal and then takes a walk, discussing the ideas of what her friends/family are studying. She was the Nationโ€™s Mother for her tribe for several years: she is still wife to Dan after 45 years, mother of six adults, a grandmother of eight, a Clinically Licensed Independent Social worker, a retired adjunct professor of social work at her local university and an avid reader. She is a cancer survivor. She studies science, technology, Biblical studies and human behavior. She is quick to draw parallels between different fields of thought and weave the ideas into a cohesive ideology that is at once practical, usable and thoughtful. Her books are the result of blending her life experiences with bureaucracy, studying science and nature, counseling and faith. She greatly enjoys the intersection of fantasy and possibility and hopes you enjoy it as well. We will see you on the other side of the imagination tree.

Her co-author of the fantasy series is her grandson T-bear. T Bear Pelton is a self-proclaimed gamer, a student of Kenpo, a Christian active in his home church, a Native American, a storyteller and a novice blacksmith. He lives with his grandparents, his Amazon parrot, and four Siamese on a small alpaca farm while working full time and dreaming of times when magic still existed and wishes sometimes actually came true. Enjoy this fantasy with him and for just a little while, suspend daily life for a dream of dragons and wizards, beautiful ladies and knights, magic and faith. Travel then with us to another time, another place and another dimension. Come to the future, after the War, when tech and magic combine with faith and fear.

Their farm, Springhaven Croft, is home to alpacas, dogs, Siamese cats, canaries, an eclectic group of chickens and an irascible Amazon Parrot named Gizmo. Traveler’s webpage is travelerpelton.com; she also has a FB page called Traveler Pelton. Come visit real soon!

The Day the Pirates Went Mad by Trevor Atkins Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young girl must face impossible odds when she is the only one who stands in the way of a pirate curse taking over her entire shipโ€™s crew in the Golden Age of Piracy in author Trevor Atkinsโ€™ novel, โ€œThe Day the Pirates Went Madโ€.

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The Synopsis

In 1701, orphanage runaway Emma Sharpe changed the direction of her life when she stowed away aboard the New Adventure. A year later, sheโ€™s rated an able seaman and is an important part of the crew. Just how important becomes clear during her next voyage to the West Indies when the crew recovers an abandoned pirate treasure. As tempers fray and unusual arguments become more frequent, Emma starts to believe there might really be a curse on the gold they took. With the help of cabin boy Jack Randall, Emma dares to confront the growing threat of violence amongst the formerly close-knit crew. Will they save everyone in time? Can they save themselves?

THE DAY THE PIRATES WENT MAD takes place at the turn of the 18th century and the Golden Age of Piracy is just around the corner. Follow the adventures of eleven-year-old Emma Sharpe as she learns to sail the sea, bonds with her shipmates, and then must save them all from a cursed pirate treasure before itโ€™s too late!

[Warning: Some readers may find the descriptions of discovered deceased pirates disturbing.]

======

THE DAY THE PIRATES WENT MAD is an entertaining โ€˜cozyโ€™ historical fiction that also conveys a โ€˜boatloadโ€™ of learning about the life and times of those sailing the seas 300 years ago, during the Age of Sail.

Intended for grades 5-7, this story can also be suitable for sharing with younger grades when supported by an adult. You know your kids best! 

The Review

A truly fantastic and engaging historical fiction read. The author not only finds a means of balancing the historical aspect of this narrative but writes the protagonists and the novel in a way that allows for children ages 10-12 to learn and discover life in the 18th century on the high seas. The authorโ€™s attention to detail in terms of language and terminology amongst the sailors and the era the narrative took place in was amazing, and the theme of how wealth and power can influence the mind, whether you believe it to be a curse or not, was really fascinating to see unfold here.

What stood out the most however was the incredible character growth and development here. Emma is a fantastic school-aged heroine for the age of pirates. An orphan who became a sailor and part of a crew and family makes for such a gripping tale, and the evolution of her character as she makes her way up the ladder of the shipโ€™s crew and finds the adventure she has always sought was truly a great means of investing in this story.

The Verdict

A marvelous, entertaining, and educational read, author Trevor Atkinsโ€™s โ€œThe Day the Pirates Went Madโ€ was a must-read historical fiction and middle-age level narrative. The way the author writes really brought out the imagery and tone of what life on the high seas must have been like, and the swashbuckling adventure that the crew found themselves on as they traded treasure for trust made this a masterful story to get lost in. If you havenโ€™t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Trevor Atkins lives with his family on the west coast of Canada. He has been working with words for much of his life, but has only recently pursued historical fiction. A storyteller and role-player of detailed characters, Trevor finds it natural to weave together many intertwining plot threads when writing. His bane is the perfecting effort of revisionโ€Œโ€”thereโ€™s always something more that can be tweaked and improved. But then comes the day when enough is enough, and the story must be set free for others to read!

Inspired by R. L. Stevensonโ€™s novel โ€œTreasure Islandโ€ and Y. E. Allisonโ€™s poem โ€œDerelictโ€, THE DAY THE PIRATES WENT MAD was originally intended as a short story for my daughter, peppered with nuggets of knowledge about real life during the Age of Sail and the Golden Age of Piracy in particular. As I found myself diving down one research rabbit hole after another, the tale grew into the novel it is today.

Follow Trevor on Facebook atย https://www.facebook.com/trevor.atkins.authorย and check outย https://emmasharpesadventures.comย for “behind-the-scenes” and additional materials meant to deepen the educational aspects of Emma’s adventures.

Want More Pirates?

Trevor also designs educational tabletop games. โ€œPirate Pursuit โ€“ The Spanish Treasure Fleetโ€ is a game of cat-and-mouse on the high seas where 3โ€“5 players must use their knowledge of real pirate lore to catch the crafty pirate before they plunder the Spanish treasure fleet! Visit http://silverpath.com for moreโ€ฆ

ย E-book:ย https://www.amazon.com/Day-Pirates-Went-Mad-ebook/dp/B091JMKVG3/

ยทย ย ย ย ย ย ย Paperback:ย https://www.amazon.com/Day-Pirates-Went-Mad/dp/1989459021/ย ย 

Poohlicious: Oh, The Wonder of Me by Mary Elizabeth Jackson and Thornton Cline Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A heartwarming look into the awkward moments and funny parts of childhood that allow children to grow takes center stage in authors Mary Elizabeth Jackson and Thornton Clineโ€™s โ€œPoohlicious: Oh, the Wonder of Meโ€, the third book in the Poohlicious childrenโ€™s book series.

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The Synopsis 

In the third installment of Mary E Jackson’s Poohlicious books, perfectly precious is a little boy and it’s wonderful! children are so susceptible to what we think and to see them as wonderful is one step to building up happy healthy children.

Book Three in the Poohlicious series is carrying on the tradition of seeing the wonderfulness in each child. Oh, the Wonder of Me, shares both the funny parts of children and the things that make them different teaching them that they are okay no matter what. Having different shaped ears, hair that won’t behave, and doing things in their own style is what childhood is full of.

Join us with your Poohlicious, as we journey through the funny and sometimes awkward parts of childhood while learning empowering, I AM statements to carry with them as they grow. Wonderful for ages four through seven. Let’s get them started early on a road to self-belief and empowerment. 

The Review

A wonderfully crafted and easy-to-read childrenโ€™s story, the authors here have brought to life a heartwarming story that focuses not on some grand adventure, but instead on the everyday adventures of growing up. The simple discoveries or even humorous mistakes often make for memorable moments in our childhood. 

From wearing oneโ€™s shirt inside out to being able to pull oneโ€™s ears out and letting our imaginations run wild with dreams of using them to fly around, the authors and the illustrator, (Alice Antimie), really did a great job of highlighting the heartfelt and unique quality of childhood so many of us often forget. The utilization of โ€œIโ€ statements really helped to build an educational and identifiable nature to the writing for children who read this book with their parents.

The Verdict

A memorable, heartfelt, and engaging childrenโ€™s read, authors Mary Elizabeth Jackson and Thornton Clineโ€™s โ€œPoohlicious: Oh, the Wonder of Meโ€ is a fantastic addition to this growing childrenโ€™s book series. The blend of simple yet thoughtful storytelling layered with fantastic messages and an inviting style of illustration makes this book shine brightly. Be sure to grab your copies today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Mary Elizabeth Jackson is the award-winning author of the childrenโ€™s book series Perfectly Precious Poohlicious and Poohlicious Look at Me, (Tuscany Bay Books), the third book releasing June 1, 2021, Poohlicious Oh the Wonder of Me, (Tuscany Bay Books). Cheers from Heaven, a mid-grade reader releases in 2021, (Tuscany Bay Books), with co-writer Thornton Cline. Jackson focuses on writing empowering books for kids and is working on an eight-book series with Cline for children as well as books for the special needโ€™s community and a motivational book for adults. Jackson is also a ghostwriter, book collaborator and the voice for the Sports2gether App.

Jackson is the co- founder and co- hosts of Writers Corner Live TV Show and Special Needs TV Shows on Amazon Live, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Writers Corner Live features author interviews from debut authors to New York Times bestsellers and everything about writing all the way to getting published. Special Needs TV features interviews and resources for parents, families, and caregivers. Jackson is an ambassador advocate for AutismTn.

Mrs. Jackson has been featured and interviewed on national and international radio shows including Sirius XM and iheart radio as well as numerous Podcasts and TV shows.

Jackson is starting a YouTube channel and an Amazon Live show dedicated to childrenโ€™s book reviews with her son who inspired her series, and an education show for kids of all needs.

Mrs. Jackson is a very busy mom and wife. She loves nature, being creative, anything funny, and inspiring others to believe in themselves. She lives with her hubby, three kids, and dog in the Nashville area. -Cherish every moment of life.

https://www.maryejackson.com/

Ever since his mother signed him up for piano lessons at age five, Thornton Cline has been writing non-stop.
With over 1,000 published songs, 150 recorded songs, 32 traditionally published adult, childrenโ€™s and young adult books published.ย 
Thornton Cline has been nominated multiple times for Grammy and Dove Awards. In 2017, Cline won a first-place
Maxy Literary Award for โ€œBest Childrenโ€™s Young Adult Bookโ€.

Thornton Clineโ€™s books have appeared at the top of the Amazon bestselling charts. Cline has been honored with โ€œSongwriter of the Yearโ€ twice-in-a row and has received a platinum award for certified sales of over one million units in Europe. Cline continues to mentor, speak, teach, and inspire aspiring authors and songwriters around the world.
When Cline isn’t writing, he is teaching at Welch College in Middle Tennessee.
He resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee with his wife, Audrey and their cat, Kiki.
You can follow all the latest updates on his books and songs at his website, ThorntonCline.com; Thornton Douglas Cline on Facebook, @ClineThornton on Twitter, and @ThorntonCline on Instragram.ย Mrs P: Your Hairโ€™s On Fireย is Thornton Clineโ€™s debut book with INtense Publishing.
Love to hear from You
Get in Touch Belowย 

Contact Linksย Website:ย ย 
http://www.thorntonCline.com

Twitter:ย http://www.twitter.com/thorntoncline

Instagram:ย https://www.instagram.com/thorntoncline/?hl=en

LinkedIn:ย https://www.linkedin.com/in/thornton-cline-bb103713/

BookBub: Thornton Clineย 

Goodreads:ย Thornton Cline

Alice Antimie was born in Anaheim, California. She spent a decade of her childhood on the sandy shores of the west coast before her family moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Alice’s passion for art started at an early age and led her to pursue a degree and career in the fine arts. She is a Commission Artist, Children’s Book Author and Illustrator. Alice has also taught Visual Arts, K-12.

http://www.aliceantimie.com/

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal by Ryan Cowan Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young boy learning to hone his unique magical abilities must stop a powerful evil witch on Halloween Night before the human world is forever changed in author Ryan Cowanโ€™s novel โ€œMr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal.โ€

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The Synopsis

Elliott attends his third-grade class like any other boy, except that Elliott isnโ€™t like any other boy. Endowed with magical powers, Elliott belongs to a secret world called Moonstone โ€“ and trouble is brewing. When the evil witch Noir steals The Halloween Crystal, itโ€™s up to Elliott and his third-grade teacher, Mr. Moonbeam, to stop Noir from invading the non-magical world on Halloween night. But can Elliott learn to master his powers in time?

Moonbeam Childrenโ€™s Book Award for Pre-Teen Fiction, Ebook (Bronze) 2019

The Review

A truly engaging and magical read, author Ryan Cowan has crafted a masterful tale of magic, mythology, and wonder in this brand new fantasy-driven childrenโ€™s book. The story really shines through in this tale, giving readers new mythology between the world of magic and the world of humanity that brings all of the supernatural and magical creatures of lore into the forefront. 

Rather than having a human falling into the world of magic and crafting a tale of discovery, the author does a great job of exploring a cast of characters well versed in the world of magic. What really stood out however was the authorโ€™s ability to create a narrative that highlighted the in-class relationship between a teacher and a student as the teacher attempts to impart knowledge that will help the student grow into the roles they were meant to be in life. 

The Verdict

This was a fast-paced, easy to read tale of supernatural entities, a clash between evil witches and good witches, and the impact magic has on two worlds as a rising witch discovers his unique abilities while a seasoned witch must find a way to stop an impending apocalypse. If you havenโ€™t yet, grab your copy of author Ryan Cowanโ€™s โ€œMr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystalโ€ today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ryan Cowan grew up in a small town called Middleport, Ohio. He currently lives in Hawthorne, CA. As a teacher with almost 20 years of experience, Ryan has taught all grades from K-6th. He currently works as an assistant principal for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal is his first children’s book. A magical story with complex themes, Mr. Moonbeam and the Halloween Crystal highlights the difficulties of teaching while also chronicling the important problem solving relationship between a teacher and his student. A sequel is currently in the works.

Ryan has degrees and/or credentials in education from the following universities: Marshall University (BFA Music Theory), UCLA (M.Ed. Urban Education), California State University Los Angeles (Multiple Subject Teaching Credential), and California State University Dominguez Hills (Administrative Services Credential).

Take A Hike! A Donkey-Donk Story (Book 3) by Ellen F. Feld Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A feel good childrenโ€™s picture book series enters a third novel into the story in author Ellen F. Feldโ€™s Take A Hike! A Donkey-Donk Story (Book 3)โ€. 

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The Synopsis

Donkey-Donk wants to hike Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Before she can hike the mountain, however, she must get in shape by lifting weights and working out on her treadmill. Then itโ€™s off to New Hampshire and the White Mountains, where Mount Washington awaits. Follow along with Donk as she hikes this amazing mountain and enjoy the incredible scenery that she discovers.

Over 20 beautiful, professional photographs of Donk as she prepares for, and then hikes, Mt. Washington.

The Review

In such a short read, the author does a great job of establishing a connection between the reader and the protagonist through not only great photography but artful storytelling. The book brings the story of this miniature donkey to life brilliantly, making the story flow at a reasonable pace for younger readers. 

The use of photography over artwork was an inspired choice, as it allowed for more personal touches to the story than artwork may have. The story itself showcases the narrative that with hard work, training, and perseverance anyone can achieve their goals, including hiking and climbing Mount Washington for Donkey-Donk in this tale. 

The Verdict

A well written, short yet impactful read, this is the perfect read for anyone who enjoys picture books and childrenโ€™s narratives. Full of heart, joy and creativity, author Ellen F. Feldโ€™s โ€œTake A Hike! A Donkey-Donk Story (Book 3)โ€ is a must-read childrenโ€™s story that stands out on its own while fitting into the overall series of stories expertly. Grab your own copy of this book on May 07th, 2020. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Award-winning author Ellen Feld began writing about horses more than 20 years ago. At first she wrote for small, regional magazines, but within a few short years, her work began to appear regularly in large, national publications. In 2001, while waiting for her next assignment, Ms. Feld wrote a short story about a Morgan. That tale became the first chapter of Blackjack: Dreaming of a Morgan Horse. The book went on to win a coveted Children’s Choices award (as did the second book in the series, Frosty), an honor bestowed jointly by the International Reading Association and the Children’s Book Council. The book was also picked up by Breyer Animal Creations to be sold with a model of the star of the story, Blackjack. To date, Ms. Feld has authored fourteen horse books, including seven in the Morgan Horse series. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children, twelve horses, and assorted other pets.

http://www.willowbendpublishing.com/shop/take-a-hike-a-donkey-donk-story

Surviving Cougar Mountain (Kids vs Nature Book 4) by Karl Steam Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The stakes have never been higher as the group of young kids who have survived three separate missions in the wild are faced with their most dangerous challenge yet in author Karl Steamโ€™s novel โ€œSurviving Cougar Mountainโ€. 

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The Synopsis

Another day, another wilderness mission. Thatโ€™s life for these sixth graders. The first three missions werenโ€™t easy, but mission number four is about to crank up the intensity and challenge them in ways they didnโ€™t think possible.

Surviving Cougar Mountain is book 4 of the Kids vs. Nature series, continuing a story that has captivated fans of the wilderness survival genre.

The Review

The four young kids are put in even more dire situations this time around. The fourth novel in the Kids vs Nature series from author Karl Steam, the author does a great job of showcasing the dangers of survival and the importance of teamwork in the face of that danger. 

Witnessing the power of nature and the beauty yet dangerous aspect of the creatures who call the outdoors their home was felt in every chapter of this book. While a quick read, the author does a great job of drawing the reader into the narrative and creating characters that are relatable and worth caring about, making the lessons the kids learn along the way more impactful as well. 

The Verdict

A well written, powerful and overall great book, the author continues to establish this middle school level read is a great series that not only entertains but educates young people on the beauty and danger of the great outdoors, and the tools theyโ€™ll need to survive out there. With memorable characters and important life lessons, this is not a book to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy of โ€œSurviving Cougar Mountainโ€ by Karl Steam today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Karl Steam is a children’s author and illustrator. Some of his works include Purple Pup, How Santa Changed, and the Kids vs. Nature series. He resides in the Lakes Region of the Upper Midwest with his wife and four children. Karl enjoys fishing, camping, and traveling. Oh yeah, he likes writing too.

Learn more at KarlSteam.com


Want to keep up to date on the latest book reviews on author Anthony Avinaโ€™s website, as well as other book related news? Sign up now for the monthly newsletter and receive a free short story when you subscribe!

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The U.S. Piggy Bank by Karl Steam Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A new book for children to learn about the financial system of the United States and the current workings of it all has come to life in author Karl Steamโ€™s book โ€œThe U.S. Piggy Bankโ€. 

The Synopsis

What is debt and how big is a trillion? These questions are explored as readers learn about the size of the nation’s debt. Despite all the negative numbers, this book manages to spin a positive message. It introduces a topic that normally causes division and uses it to promote hope and unityโ€”two American values that have served the nation well over the years.

Its hard not to gasp when a trillion is put into perspective. Fun size comparisons will captivate audiences just as they do in โ€œHow Much Is a Millionโ€ by Steven Kellogg and David M. Schwartz. The U.S. Piggy Bank does not stop there though. It introduces a topic that effects every U.S. citizen, allowing readers to feel a personal connection with the story.

Learning extensions are abundant with this book. Lesson ideas for math, social studies, and language arts are listed in the back, making it a great resource for classrooms and home learning environments. If youโ€™re looking for a gift that a teacher will use year after year, this is it.

The Review

This is a well researched, well written and enlightening read for young readers. Exploring the financial situation of the United States and presenting a positive spin on the future and a path forward, the author does a great job of laying out the facts about the current debt situation in our nation, how the system works, and how people can come together to make a stronger path into the future. 

Explaining the value of a trillion dollars, showing off the math and logistics of a number that size, and delving into the historical, mathematical and language arts studies of this subject, the author has presented a book that young people can read on their own or be presented to in a classroom setting. The book even includes lessons and practices that can be used to further teach students the importance and honest truth of the financial system today. 

The Verdict

This is a great read that educates people on an important subject and should be valued greatly. In an age where debt is expanding and the future of the nationโ€™s financial system is in the hands of young people today, it is important to find ways to educate and explore this subject in a way children will relate to, and the author has done that expertly. If you havenโ€™t yet grab your copy of โ€œThe U.S. Piggy Bankโ€ by Karl Steam today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Karl Steam is a children’s author and illustrator. Some of his works include Purple Pup, How Santa Changed, and the Kids vs. Nature series. He resides in the Lakes Region of the Upper Midwest with his wife and four children. Karl enjoys fishing, camping, and traveling. Oh yeah, he likes writing too.

Learn more at KarlSteam.com