Tag: children’s story

Let’s Go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy by Maureen Devlin Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Readers are shown how a young girl and her puppy came together in author Maureen Devlin’s “Let’s Go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

In this heartwarming, rhythmic tale, a young girl adopts a playful puppy she loves with all her heart. Starting from the kindness of strangers who rescued the puppy, to the caring staff and veterinarian at the shelter, each page takes readers one step further back in the story. With each repeated refrain, children see the chain of compassion and care that brought the girl and her puppy together. From puppy park adventures to the puppy’s safe arrival at the shelter, this cumulative story celebrates love, community, and the joy of adoption.

Why This Book Benefits Children

  • Teaches empathy and kindness – By tracing the puppy’s journey from rescue to adoption, children learn how many caring people play a role in helping animals.
  • Builds sequencing and memory skills – The repetitive, cumulative structure helps children anticipate what comes next, reinforcing comprehension and recall.
  • Encourages a sense of community – The story shows how teamwork and compassion create happy endings.
  • Fosters a love of animals – It naturally introduces the concepts of pet adoption and responsible pet care in a gentle, engaging way.

How Parents Can Use This Book

  • Read aloud for rhythm and repetition – The patterned text invites children to join in, making reading interactive and fun.
  • Discuss each role in the story – Ask questions like, “What did the veterinarian do?” or “Who found the puppy first?” to build understanding of cause and effect.
  • Connect to real-life experiences – If you have a pet, talk about its adoption story, or consider visiting a local animal shelter together.
  • Encourage kindness projects – Use the story as a starting point for discussing ways to help animals or people in need in your community.

The Review

This was a fast-paced yet engaging children’s book. The author did an incredible job of utilizing bright and colorful imagery with heartfelt and sentimental storytelling. The writing speaks to young children and parents alike, and creates an emotional connection between the two that makes for a unique reading experience.

What stood out to me was the theme and story behind The Playful Puppy. The author did an incredible job of walking readers through the process of what puppies go through when they are adopted, from the discovery of the puppy by good Samaritans to the vets and custodians who care for the puppy and their environment in the shelter, and finally, the person who gives them a forever home. The backwards style of storytelling, going back in time essentially to show this process, was very creative as well. 

Shop Finejewelers.com's Gift Finder Today & Be Ready for Every Holiday and Birthday Celebration!

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and thoughtfully curated, author Maureen Devlin’s “Let’s Go Backer and Backer: The Playful Puppy” is a must-read children’s book. The heart and passion for pet adoption this story brings to life, and the way the book’s imagery and emotional connection bring parents and children together will keep readers coming back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Maureen Devlin is a Seattle-based author. She is a former lawyer and social worker and a forever Mom, Aunt, and Grand-Aunt. Her mission now is to spread the joy of reading and learning to young children. She strives to provide factual information to young minds in fun and fresh ways. When her own twins were small, she spent countless hours curled up on the couch with them, reading and talking about what they read. These “book fests” prompted seemingly endless questions about the origins of everyday things. Thus, the idea of going “backer and backer” to find the origins was born.

https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/

https://amzn.to/4gyYlgQ

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado (Navigating Natural Disasters Book Two) by Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A boy and his family explore how to prepare and face the dangers of a tornado in authors Chrissy Hobbs and Ben Jackson’s “Oliver and the Twisting Tornado”, the second book in the Navigating Natural Disasters book series. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

“It’s time to go to the shelter. Now!” As their radio buzzes a tornado warning and sirens wail in the distance, Oliver, his sister Emma, and their parents move quickly to find shelter from an approaching tornado.

The family has been getting ready for hours as storm clouds gather and the skies turn a creepy green and gray. Despite his fear, Oliver knows they have done all they can to protect their home, property, and the animals on their small family farm. Now, it’s time to take shelter as a large funnel cloud roars across the fields towards their home.

Oliver is afraid that his home could be blown away. He’s concerned that everything he knows and loves could be damaged or destroyed by the rampaging storm. When his parents tell him it’s time to evacuate to their emergency storm shelter, Max wonders if his world will ever feel safe again.

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado explores the natural fears of a child facing a life-changing storm that can hit with little or no warning. Tornadoes can cause widespread damage, both physical and emotional. As Max and his family, friends, and neighbors come together, they show us the power of community working together in the face of a major natural disaster.

Oliver and the Twisting Tornado emphasizes thoughtful preparation, family connection, and community support, making it a timely and helpful resource for parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone teaching tornado safety and working to build resilience among young people. Oliver and the Twisting Tornado supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) by helping children manage storm-related anxiety, understand tornado alerts, and feel confident in taking action.

The Review

This was yet another stellar children’s read from both authors. The book continues the essential lessons and rich storytelling that the first book in this series established, crafting believable and relatable characters that both children and parents can identify with while educating young readers. The muted yet engaging illustrations by Tanya Zeinalova brought the characters and the realities of life in an area prone to tornadoes to life perfectly, keeping the reader invested in the narrative.

The calm and detailed way the authors lay out storm preparedness and showcase the emotional family and community connections at the same time was a big draw for this book. The clear and concise way the steps needed to prepare for a storm are laid out for readers help drive home the importance of being prepared for such a storm, while the way the family and the community band together in the storm’s wake is an uplifting and inspiring way to instill that sense of belonging and caring that children should have at that early an age.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, authors Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs’s “Oliver and the Twisting Tornado” is an excellent entry in the authors’ series on natural disasters and a must-read children’s book. The fast-paced story and relatability of the narrative will stay with readers, keeping them eager for more in this growing children’s series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Authors

Ben is the owner and writer for Author Services Australia, while also working at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben owns and manages a self-publishing company, Author Services Australia, which helps Australian authors self-publish their books. 

Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles. They have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart, Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.

Chrissy Hobbs, also known as Sam Lawrence, is a bestselling author of the My Little Fart and Hockey Wars series. Since 2015, she has been writing books with her husband, bringing humor and heartfelt stories to readers worldwide. Before her writing career, Chrissy spent seven years as a police dispatcher, a role that profoundly influenced her passion for emergency management. Recently, she has returned to her education, expanding her knowledge in emergency management as she plans to step back into the field.

While pursuing her studies, Chrissy noticed a significant gap in children’s literature—books that help kids navigate the emotional and physical challenges of natural disasters. Having witnessed the devastation of recent global disasters, Chrissy felt called to create stories that inform and empower children during these challenging times.

Her Navigating Natural Disasters series is designed to help kids understand what happens during disasters, how to prepare, and, most importantly, how to process their emotions and find strength in their community. Through relatable stories of resilience and hope, Chrissy aims to provide children around the world with the tools to face life’s storms with courage and confidence.

Home

Oh, Tal! Not Today. By Tal Anderson (Illustrated by Michael Richey White) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Tal Anderson shares the joys of celebrating our differences in the children’s book “Oh, Tal! Not Today.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Oh, Tal! Not Today is the delightful first book in the “OH, TAL!” series, created by autistic actor Tal Anderson and Hollywood artist Michael Richey White. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, we meet Tal and her loyal cat, Winnie. Though Tal doesn’t speak much and has a unique way of doing things, vibrant imagination, creativity, and independence shine through.

As Tal’s parents learn that things aren’t always what they seem, true intentions come to light. Perfect for young readers, parents, and educators, this heartwarming story celebrates being different and doing things your own way!

The Review

What a thoughtful and kind read. The author did an excellent job of creating a story that felt both relatable and engaging for both children and parents alike, especially for the community the book represents so eloquently. The beautiful artwork also speaks to both the whimsy of the narrative and the childlike wonder with which Tal approaches life in every scene of the book. 

The theme of communication and understanding for parents and visibility for children, such as Tal, is extensively showcased in this fast-paced children’s book. How the autistic community is showcased in a heartfelt, understanding way while also delving into how parents can learn to understand how their child’s way of thinking may differ from others, and in doing so, give their child the free space to be themselves, makes this such a special and even emotional book for readers to hold onto.

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Tal Anderson and artist Michael Richey White’s “Oh, Tal! Not Today” is a must-read children’s book. The ease with which readers will be able to connect with Tal the writer and Tal as a character, and the heartfelt message that underscores the importance of understanding and communication with children from all walks of life, made this one book parents won’t want to put down for their children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

TAL ANDERSON is a professional actor, filmmaker, and writer. She is an advocate for change, using her voice and unique platform as an autistic actor to support inclusion and authentic representation in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood. She is best known for her work in the Netflix series “Atypical” as Sid, but can also be seen and heard in many other productions including, guest-starring in Season 5 of “Magnum P.I.” on NBC, and as the English voice of Tina in the Disney Plus series, “Team Chocolate.” Tal has always been a storyteller, and as a child could be seen constantly using her FLIP video camera, or one of several hand-held voice-recorders to record every day life, or her daily performances of stories/scripts she had made up or written. It is this love of imagination that led her to acting and filmmaking as an adult. “Oh, Tal! – Not Today,” is Tal’s first book. She lives in Los Angeles with her cat Winifred, where they can both live their best lives and be their true selves.

https://www.thetalanderson.com/

MICHAEL RICHEY WHITE is an illustrator and graphic artist working in television and film. He has created artwork for many different shows including the art for the character, Sam, on the Netflix series, “Atypical,” and has been self-taught, drawing and painting most of his life. He wrote and illustrated the book “Little Hipsters” and continues to illustrate all of the guests for the podcast, “And the Writer Is.” He tries to make the time to draw something daily, even if it’s just a little doodle on scrap paper. He is autistic and uses his powers mostly for good. A quote by Walt Stanchfield has stuck with him over the years: “We all have 10,000 bad drawings in us. The sooner we get them out the better,” but from Michael’s own experience, he’s rephrased it to, “It takes 100,000 drawings before you make your first good one.” Michael lives in Los Angeles with his wife and youngest daughter.

https://michaelricheywhite.com/

Interview with Author Melanie Lane Durham

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I have always loved writing since I was a young girl. I would get lost in books, and would spend hours pretending to be the characters in my favorite stories. I was very drawn to writing poetry and short stories as a kid, and knew I wanted to write something some day!

Advertisements

2) What inspired you to write your book?

My family and I had just moved into a new house, it was a big move for us and I was constantly telling my two small children how magical everything was going to be when we got settled in. Unfortunately, the house ended up making me very ill. I was stuck in bed all the time and wracked with guilt for life not living up to this magical promise I had made. I was looking for a way to communicate this to my older daughter, and in that, the first draft of Every Day Magic was born. I wrote it as a note in my phone and asked if I could read her a “book with no pictures”, and explained to her that it would help her understand how life could still be full of magic even while Mommy was sick. She ended up loving it, and that inspired me to pursue publishing! 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I really hope that all readers of my book, young and young at heart, come to realize that the magic in life is what’s happening while we’re out there searching for it. We as a society, as parents, as partners, as friends, tend to put so much pressure on how things look and less on how they feel — and often we miss what’s right in front of us. Those small, quiet moments filled with beauty, that’s where the magic lies!

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I never planned to write a children’s book, but having kids can definitely give you the courage to do things you never thought you were capable of before!

Advertisements

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’d love to ask the main character, Edie, how she plans to include the baby in the book in some of her rituals. The characters are all based on my own family, and with my youngest walking and talking now, I’d love to see how her role in the story may change!

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Unfortunately, social media hasn’t been a huge help to me. I’m sure it’s just user error! I have loved sharing my book within my community, as a small business owner my current clients and customers have become my biggest fans!

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Just start. If you wait for it to be perfect, you’ll never be ready. Jump in, learn as you go, and believe in yourself!

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

As for now, I’m still learning how to adjust to selling, marketing, and managing the one book on top of my business and raising two small children. I really hope to write more in the future, and hopefully get some good footing navigating the landscape that is children’s books! It’s been an incredible ride so far.

Advertisements

About the Author

Hi, I’m Melanie, and I’m so grateful you’re here! As a small business owner, mom of two small children, and lover of magic and mindfulness — the opportunity to share my book with the world is a dream come true. I have loved to write since I was a young girl and I hope getting my words out there shows readers, young and old, that it’s never too late to follow your dreams! When I am not writing or working in my business, you can find me chasing my two littles (and the dog!) around my Northern California backyard or spending time with family friends.

My Story: I believe in the power of life’s little wonders. Born out of a personal journey, Everyday Magic is one of those wonders! In 2023 I was met with the sudden onset of a chronic illness caused by unforeseen circumstances with roots going back to my early childhood. What felt like overnight, I found myself going from an active entrepreneur to a woman often stuck in bed.

I began dreaming up ways to engage with my kids and make meaningful memories, even when my energy was low. These ideas became the heart of this book, a story crafted with love, imagination, and the belief that magic isn’t something we find; it’s something we create! I believe every single one of us has the power within to bring that magic to life.

I hope this story sparks wonder, connection, and a little bit of magic for you and your family- just as it has for mine!

https://a.co/fGhcEpp

Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey by Linda Herron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Linda Herron shares the heartfelt lesson found in teamwork and positive thinking in the book “Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Inspire your child to try their best and never give up with this inspiring tale about fostering good sportsmanship!

Twins Mac & Madi are the youngest players on their team, and they’re always ready to give their best! But sometimes, the game doesn’t go their way. With the help of their wise coach, the twins learn that success isn’t just about the score… it’s about playing your best and always supporting your team through thick and thin!

Celebrate the joys of sports and embark on a memorable adventure with twins Mac & Madi as they discover essential lessons about teamwork, playing fair, and good sportsmanship! With an inspiring message about always trying your best, even when victory seems impossible, young readers ages 3-8 will adore discovering this colorful tale and developing a positive attitude toward sports.

Book details:

  • Features a Beautiful Rhyming Story With Unforgettable Characters & a Real-World Setting That Helps Children Absorb Positive Messages
  • Promotes Valuable Lessons About Being Good Sports, Playing Fair, Overcoming Setbacks With Grace, & Always Supporting Your Teammates With Lots of Cheering & Enthusiasm!
  • Helps Kids Manage Feelings of Frustration & Keep Their Spirits High, Even When The Game Isn’t Going Their Way
  • Makes a Brilliant Bedtime Story Or Teaching Tool For Parents & Educators Who Want To Instil Good Sportsmanship & Attitudes In Children
  • And Much More…

If you have a child who loves to play sports, or if you want to equip the next generation with a desire to practice good sportsmanship, Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to help kids foster resilience and overcome defeats or setbacks without ever giving up.

Are you ready to empower your child with sportsmanship lessons that will stick with them for a lifetime? Then scroll up and grab your copy today!

The Review

What a fun and engaging children’s book. The author brought an incredible story to life on the page, with artwork from Marie Delon giving cool color schemes and eye-catching artwork to draw young readers in. The story’s fast pace will keep children invested and give parents the time to connect with their children throughout the narrative.

The strong themes of teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive thinking motivated and taught younger readers in this book. The ability to hold one’s head up high and face the troubles facing one, be it in a game like field hockey or life, is such a powerful tool and technique to learn, and the author perfectly brought this to life in this story.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Linda Herron’s Twins Mac & Madi Play Field Hockey is a must-read children’s book. Readers will connect with these characters, and the story’s relatability will create an intense reading experience for parents and children alike. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Linda Herron is a children’s author, proud Rhode Islander, and identical twin who loves crafting heartwarming tales about siblings’ magical bonds. With first-hand experience of the joys and struggles of being an identical twin, Linda was inspired to write a series of fun children’s stories to help kids embrace their differences and cherish their special relationship with their sister or brother.

As a seasoned financial expert by day, when Linda isn’t dreaming up new children’s stories to delight and entertain her readers, she’s writing business articles and blogs. Her financial expertise has been featured in major media outlets, including American Express, LendingTree, and Daily Business News. Currently, Linda enjoys the sunny weather in California but often returns to Rhode Island to spend time with her beloved family.

Please visit her at www.lherron.com

www.instagram.com/lherronauthor/

www.facebook.com/twinsmacandmadi

Max and the Mighty Hurricane by Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

In the children’s book “Max and the Mighty Hurricane” by authors Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs, a young boy learns the essential things that matter when facing a deadly storm.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

A hurricane is barreling toward Max’s coastal home. Max is scared. What will happen to his family and friends and home as this monster storm roars in?

Max knows about hurricanes. Over the years, some have hit his coastal town. The locals talk about ferocious winds, heavy rain, and flooding. His mom and dad are worried about the hurricane, which is getting stronger by the hour.

Max worries his home could be blown away. He’s nervous as his dad helps them gather the supplies they will need. When his parents tell him it’s time to evacuate to an emergency shelter, Max wonders if his world will ever feel safe again.

Max and the Mighty Hurricane explores the natural fears of a young boy who is forced to face the possible loss of his life, his home, and the people he loves. As Max and his family, friends, and neighbors come together, they show us the power of community in the face of a major natural disaster.

Max and the Mighty Hurricane is an engaging resource for parents, grandparents, and educators to help young people understand and accept our natural fears of extreme weather events and plan ahead to survive them. Included are checklists for emergency supplies, links for online resources, and an Award of Merit for young weather heroes.

AudiobooksNow

The Review

This was equal parts educational and engaging. The authors did an excellent job of crafting a narrative that felt realistic and informative while also providing illustrations with rich tones and powerful images that spoke volumes about the nature of hurricanes and life in towns within a hurricane’s path.

What stood out about the book was how relatable the characters were to readers and the balance the authors struck in the terrifying reality of storms such as hurricanes and the essential things in life. While the fear that can come with dealing with powerful storms like the one found in this book is very relatable, the struggle with the destruction and loss of property is equally relatable, and not without its merits. However, the authors do a great job of showing how important it is to remember that no matter how devastating property loss can be, keeping our families safe is far more important than things, a lesson that younger children could easily adapt to now.

Try The World – Father’s Day 20% Off Promo

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and educational, authors Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs’s “Max and the Mighty Hurricane” is a must-read children’s book. The information and the passion the authors poured into this book, as well as the connection readers will make with the characters and their struggles, will surely bring parents and children together, especially when facing a crisis of their own. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Authors

Ben is the owner and writer for Author Services Australia, while also working at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben owns and manages a self-publishing company, Author Services Australia, which helps Australian authors self-publish their books. 

Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles. They have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart, Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.

Chrissy Hobbs, also known as Sam Lawrence, is a bestselling author of the My Little Fart and Hockey Wars series. Since 2015, she has been writing books with her husband, bringing humor and heartfelt stories to readers worldwide. Before her writing career, Chrissy spent seven years as a police dispatcher, a role that profoundly influenced her passion for emergency management. Recently, she has returned to her education, expanding her knowledge in emergency management as she plans to step back into the field.

While pursuing her studies, Chrissy noticed a significant gap in children’s literature—books that help kids navigate the emotional and physical challenges of natural disasters. Having witnessed the devastation of recent global disasters, Chrissy felt called to create stories that inform and empower children during these challenging times.

Her Navigating Natural Disasters series is designed to help kids understand what happens during disasters, how to prepare, and, most importantly, how to process their emotions and find strength in their community. Through relatable stories of resilience and hope, Chrissy aims to provide children around the world with the tools to face life’s storms with courage and confidence.

Home

The Hungry Bear: A Story of Courage and Compassion by Ronnie J.C. Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A bear learns the power of self-love and acceptance in author Ronnie J.C.’s children’s book, “The Hungry Bear.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Version 1.0.0

A very hungry bear searched the forest for something to eat when he bumped into a few mean critters along the way. Bear’s spirit was broken after he was called a few mean things. He tried to hide in his cave until his friends came to cheer him up and gave him some advice. Bear learns a valuable lesson in courage and self love thanks to the power of friendship.

The Review

What a moving and heartfelt read. The author perfectly captures the trials and hardships that so many children face in their formative years, allowing younger readers to easily see themselves in the main character’s life. The powerful imagery (both the warmth of the illustrations and the symbolic nature of the book’s themes) allowed the reader to engage with the story while allowing parents to have honest conversations with these young readers simultaneously.

The theme of self-love and acceptance is widely felt throughout this book. The author showcases how cruelty and meanness can seep into everyone and anyone’s life at any turn, but having the courage and strength to rise above their words and embrace what makes a person special and unique will ultimately pay off and make life much more enjoyable. 

Advertisements

The Verdict

Author Ronnie J.C.’s “The Hungry Bear” is a must-read children’s book. Its heartfelt, thoughtful, engaging themes, strong imagery, and fun and relatable nature will speak to modern audiences and keep parents and children alike engaged. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Every Day Magic by Melanie Lane Durham Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

In Melanie Lane Durham’s children’s book Every Day Magic, a young girl learns the power of ritual in everyday life.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Edie is tired of her days all feeling the same.

Luckily, with the help of her Mother,

she soon realizes that she had the power

to make every day feel magical all along!

The Review

This was such a fun and powerful children’s story. The author did a remarkable job of captivating readers with thoughtful and relatable characters that children and parents could connect with. The story also helped illustrate the importance of teaching children to appreciate the small moments of everyday life that people often take for granted.

As someone who regularly investigates and talks about the paranormal community, I found it refreshing to see a children’s book that delved into holistic and magical elements of the story. The word ritual became a powerful theme in the book, often misconstrued as something “evil” by certain groups. Still, in reality, it speaks to the everyday moments that become part of everyone’s routines. I appreciated this approach to the idea and concept of both ritual and magic as a whole and its connection to the natural world. 

The Verdict

Fun, engaging, and thoughtful in its approach, author Melanie Lane Durham’s “Every Day Magic” is a must-read children’s book. The heart and passion the author poured into the story and the rich themes that readers will instantly connect with made this such a compelling children’s story to get lost in. If I am ever lucky enough to have children someday, I would want this to be a book I read to them nightly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Hi, I’m Melanie, and I’m so grateful you’re here! As a small business owner, mom of two small children, and lover of magic and mindfulness — the opportunity to share my book with the world is a dream come true. I have loved to write since I was a young girl and I hope getting my words out there shows readers, young and old, that it’s never too late to follow your dreams! When I am not writing or working in my business, you can find me chasing my two littles (and the dog!) around my Northern California backyard or spending time with family friends.

My Story: I believe in the power of life’s little wonders. Born out of a personal journey, Everyday Magic is one of those wonders! In 2023 I was met with the sudden onset of a chronic illness caused by unforeseen circumstances with roots going back to my early childhood. What felt like overnight, I found myself going from an active entrepreneur to a woman often stuck in bed.

I began dreaming up ways to engage with my kids and make meaningful memories, even when my energy was low. These ideas became the heart of this book, a story crafted with love, imagination, and the belief that magic isn’t something we find; it’s something we create! I believe every single one of us has the power within to bring that magic to life.

I hope this story sparks wonder, connection, and a little bit of magic for you and your family- just as it has for mine!

Abella and the Haunted House by Zane Carson Carruth Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Two young fairies must work together to save a local haunted house from being torn down in author Zane Carson Carruth’s “Abella and the Haunted House.”

The Synopsis

Abella and Darcie befriend a haunted house and the ghost that lives there. Thanks to Abella’s quick thinking and determined nature, they save the big, haunted house from being torn down. And in the process, make new friends in the weirdest places! Never underestimate the can-do spirit of these two little fairies.

The Review

What a fun and magical read! The author does a wonderful job of capturing the wonder and heart of a magical realm filled with fairy tales while also bringing a unique twist to the haunted house story for children. The warmth of the imagery and the bright splashes of color are a great juxtaposition to the idea of a classic haunted house story, typically underscored by dark undertones.

The idea of a haunted house and its ghosts was uniquely presented here. The house is haunted and alive while also housing its ghosts and creatures, but presented in a non-scary way, allowing the reader to dispel any fear other stories bring to this type of haunting. The narrative of preserving and saving such a house enables young readers to see the importance of maintaining and respecting the past and the memories that bring houses like this to life.

The Verdict

Memorable, fun, and engaging author Zane Carson Carruth’s “Abella and the Haunted House” is a must-read children’s book. The story’s twists and turns and the critical theme of preserving the past and honoring the homes that families built will stay with both parents and children alike. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Zane Carson Carruth is an award-winning international author for young readers, a certified business etiquette and protocol professional, and sits on numerous non-profit boards in Houston, TX, as well as the Vice President of the Carruth Foundation. Zane serves on the SPCA board of directors, Discovery Green Conservatory, as well as Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS).

She’s one of the many inspirational children’s authors. As an award-winning children’s book author, she has won numerous awards, such as the Story Monsters Seal of Approval, the Purple Dragonfly Book Award, and the 2022 Parent and Teacher Choice Award from HowtoLearn.com. Carruth has written many stories for young readers, and her trademarked book series, The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever is available on Amazon, Target online, Barnes and Noble.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, Houston Livestock Show, and Rodeo.com.

Carruth has been honored to be named an ABC13 Woman of Distinction for 2020, Top Inspiring Woman Impact Maker for 2020, an honoree of The Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award, and St Jude’s Woman of Philanthropy for Houston TX 2021. She is also honored to serve as First Lady of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for the 2021 to 2023 season since her husband, Brady Carruth, is the acting Chairman of the Board of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Carruth’s book series The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever, are available on Amazon, Target online, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and https://www.worldsfirsttoothfairy.com.

She’s one of the best inspirational children’s authors, and to keep up with the updates, you can follow The World’s first Tooth Fairy on Social Media for Updates: Instagram @Worldsfirsttoothfairy Facebook- World’s First Tooth Fairy https://www.worldsfirsttoothfairy.com/

For more information on Zane Carson Carruth, please visit her official website and follow her on her reading series on Facebook and Instagram.

For Abella’s full CV and to book her for TV Gigs, Modeling, and Acting, send inquiries to amazzone@transmediagroup.com President, MaddenTalent.com.

  • The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever
  • The Adventures of Abella and Her Magic Wand
  • Abella Starts a Tooth Fairy School
  • Abella Goes to the Rodeo
  • Abella Gets a New Hairdo
  • The World’s First Tooth Fairy…Ever: Coloring & Activity Book

https://zanecarruth.com/