Tag: children’s story

The Hippo Who Hated to Fight by Milt Lowe (Illustrated by Stephen Bibb) 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 young Hippo braves the world to embrace who he truly is in author Milt Lowe’s “The Hippo Who Hated to Fight”.

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The Synopsis

Hippos are famous for fighting and biting. But Kuno the hippo is unique. He refuses to fight even though he always gets teased.

“The Hippo Who Hated To Fight” is the sweet, fun, inspiring story of a hippo brave enough to be himself. Kuno leaves his family and friends to search for the love, kindness, and acceptance he is missing.

Colorful and creatively illustrated and written for kids ages 4-9, it teaches them fun facts about hippos and elephants and that it’s cool to be different-you just need to find your herd.

The Review

What an emotional and heartwarming read! The warmth of the illustrations and the rich dynamics between Kuno and the elephant, especially its leader, will stay with both parents and their children as the story progresses. The balance the author found between the heartening story and the attention to detail the author pays to the animal facts about elephants and hippos and the lives they lead was incredible to see come to life on the page.

The heart of this story was in the themes the author brought to life, from the value of friendship and the true meaning of a family to the question of identity and the battle to be your most true and authentic self. Kuno’s struggle and the family he finds for himself will resonate with so many young people who are looking for a sense of self and with parents who want to show their children the power of self-acceptance and friendship and how they can endure.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and compelling author Milt Lowe’s “The Hippo Who Hated to Fight” is a must-read children’s book. The engaging and thoughtful themes will allow the dynamic characters and story to elevate and bring parents and children alike together perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A former copywriter at top New York City advertising agencies, Milt Lowe has won over 60 major awards. Including both Gold and Silver Lions at the TV Cannes Film Festival.

In a Writer’s Digest competition, Milt won an award in their Personal Essay category. He’s also written humor pieces for The New York Daily News and Advertising Age.

Famed cartoon artist Charles Schulz read a hockey article Milt had written and wrote him a letter—complete with a Snoopy doodle—that Milt framed and hung over his desk.

When Judge Judy Sheindlin – whose show draws an average audience of about 10 million viewers a day – wrote her first children’s book, she called Milt and asked him to write the title: WIN OR LOSE BY HOW YOU CHOOSE! Her point was to teach children that the choices they make as kids will determine the adults they become.

Milt has written four children’s books, available internationally: The Hippo Who Hated To Fight, My ANT Mary, Fartasaurus, and Milo and the Big Yawn.

His middle-grade book, Wow Bow, the Dog Who Barked Backwards, and a new children’s book, Dogg, the Cat are currently in production. They are scheduled to be released in Fall 2024.

A Stony Gaze by Steffanie Costigan 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 young boy hoping to stop the monster in the woods discovers he may have misjudged a poor soul in author and illustrator Steffanie Costigan’s “A Stony Gaze”.

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The Synopsis

Medusa is not the only one with a stony gaze. Things are not always what they seem and gossiping words do not define an individual. Deacon learns that perhaps he judged someone a little too quickly.

“Within the mob the monsters we became. Pride blinded us and we became the very thing we thought we were fighting against. Ideas quickly escalate within a mob and reality becomes blurred hurting innocent individuals.”

The Greek mythology of Medusa with a fun learning twist to it. A Stony Gaze helps kids to learn in a safe environment about group polarization, mob mentality, gossip, bullying and the harm it can do to others. This story encourages kids to communicate and think as an individual before making harmful judgments, in a safe environment. A read that promotes anti-bullying and shares strategies to help kids understand there are two sides to each story.

The Review

What a unique, creative, and thoughtful read! The children’s approach to the Ancient Greek myth of Medusa was engaging right from the start. They developed Medusa as a myth of the woods, a quintessential boogeyman hiding under the bed, to give the story’s protagonist the driving force for this book’s more prominent themes. The warm colors in the illustrations helped capture Medusa’s contrasting views between the myth and legend of her monstrous ways and the truth about the person she is underneath.

The themes of bullying, its impact, the way rumors spread like wildfire, and not judging a book by its cover are all prevalent within this book. The legend of Medusa has always been a cautionary tale, and yet the author beautifully flips the script on that story as humanity becomes the true monsters of their story, destroying without having the whole truth and criticizing anyone different from themselves, teaching the protagonist a heartfelt lesson.

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The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtfully crafted, and remarkable author Steffanie Costigan’s “A Stony Gaze” is a must-read children’s book. The twist in the Medusa narrative and the heartfelt lessons bestowed upon the reader create a reading experience that will resonate with children and parents alike. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Author Steffanie Costigan began her passion for writing at the young age of three years old. Despite her ongoing challenge with Dyslexia, she began to develop her skill in writing.

Steffanie would visit her next-door neighbors often, who was an elderly couple from Germany; they shared with Miss Costigan their war stories, which sparked her interest in the history of World War II. At the age of twelve, Steffanie began writing Land of The Dragon and refused to write anything else until she was satisfied with the finished book.

Steffanie Costigan got the opportunity to volunteer for her church and serve as a missionary in Adelaide, Australia. There she befriended many and met the Love of her life Jarom Costigan whom she married and started a family with.

Steffanie is continuing to develop and sharpen her writing skills as she is in the process of schooling through the Lethbridge College.

Steffanie Costigan remains passionate about her writings of Land of The Dragon and is critiquing five more books to follow Land of The Dragon’s ongoing volumes.

Land of the Dragon

Little Joe and the Big Rain by Mike J. Darcy (Illustrated by Tincho Schmidt) 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.

A young pup named Little Joe goes on an adventure that explores the idea of friendship and the power found in communication in author Mike J. Darcys “Little Joe and the Big rain, illustrated by Tincho Schmidt).

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The Synopsis

Dive into the enchanting world of Little Joe and the Big Rain, where a little puppy named Little Joe embarks on an unexpected adventure that will take him far beyond the familiar fields he calls home. Along the way, he meets Hopper, a frog with a leap as big as his heart, and Roxy, a bear who’s more about warm hugs. This trio of unlikely friends sets off on a journey filled with laughter, challenges, and a few surprises, teaching them—and the reader—about the power of communication, the importance of understanding, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

Perfect for young readers, Little Joe and the Big Rain is more than just a story; it’s a journey into understanding differences, embracing diversity, and finding common ground. With its gentle lessons interwoven with delightful adventures, this book promises to be a treasure on any child’s bookshelf, encouraging them to look beyond the surface and find the friend in everyone.

The Review

This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s book. The warmth of the illustrations instantly draws the reader in. The imagery instantly will resonate with young readers who love shows like Bluey, as the fun, cartoonish nature of the illustrations brings both fun and excitement to bring the reader into the narrative.

I greatly appreciated this children’s book’s wealth of character development. The heart of this story, seeing these characters from different walks of life come together in one common goal, was inspiring and will help younger readers value our differences rather than scoff at them. The themes of friendship, communication, and the power of helping others will resonate with parents who want to help instill these lessons into their children’s lives.

The Verdict

Memorable, vividly beautiful, and engaging author Mike J. Darcy and illustrator Tincho Schmidt’s “Little Joe and the Big Rain” is a must-read children’s book. The detail and adventurous atmosphere the author instills in the reader early on, and the sense of awe and wonder that readers take away from the journey will allow parents to read through this book over and over again with their child, becoming a hit classic that will stay with them for years to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mike Darcy is a devoted husband, doting father, and animal lover who has nurtured a lifelong passion for wildlife. His deep connection with nature inspired him to pen his debut children’s book, which promotes adventure, curiosity, creativity, and forging unexpected friendships through small acts of compassion.

When away from the writing desk and his day job as a business manager, he can often be found experimenting with new recipes, wandering the wilderness on a long hike, and even mountain climbing. Mike currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife, child, and their dog and cat.

He hopes you enjoy his story as much as he enjoyed crafting it, and that you join Little Joe on his next adventures in Little Joe and the Big City and Little Joe and the Big Snow!

Ghost Hotel: Canadian Chills Book Two by Arthur Slade 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 children are led by a ghost back to a mysterious hotel, and encounter a strange series of events in author Arthur Slade’s “Ghost Hotel”, the second book in the Canadian Chills series.

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The Synopsis

Can two modern-day kids solve mystery of the ghost that haunts the old hotel–or will they be trapped in the past forever?

Walter Biggar Bronson (a.k.a. Wart) and his friend Cindy meet a ghost one night after school. The small, mournful boy leads them across the Broadway Bridge to the gracious Bessborough Hotel. After a strange incident in the elevator, they find themselves still in the hotel–but back in 1936.

Some spooky things are going on. The room numbers are all mixed up. The library on the mezzanine is filled with hundreds of copies of the same book. And out on the street, the cars are all the same–vintage Studebakers.

Back in the present, Wart and Cindy follow their motto–“Gather, identify, solve”–as they attempt to crack the case, with help from Wart’s distinctly odd parents and the loan of his mother’s time-travel-proof cell phone.

If they fail, they may be trapped in the ghostly past forever . . .

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The Review

First and foremost, this was a truly entertaining and compelling children’s book. The author does a remarkable world-building in this book, building upon the core characters from the series and adding to their adventures in a natural yet fun way. The imagery and atmosphere in the book allow the reader to get lost in the rich mythos of the world the author has created and easily enjoy the fun and spooky moments in this novel.

Yet, for me, the true heart of this story came in both the setting and the subject matter of the narrative. First, the setting of Saskatoon in Canada was fantastic, as it speaks to the culture and way of life that anyone not from Canada may not realize occurs and allows readers to experience life for those who do live there. Second, the paranormal investigator backstory for the two protagonists was phenomenal. As a paranormal investigator, I saw two young characters embracing the paranormal so heartedly and embracing that sense of weirdness, adventure, and curiosity, which was fantastic to see translated on the page.

Halloween Spooky 20% Off Sale!

The Verdict

Wonderfully written, haunting, yet thoroughly engaging, author Arthur Slade’s “Ghost Hotel” is an excellent addition to the Canadian Chills series and a must-read children’s paranormal mystery book. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional story developments of certain characters, and the adventurous tone that occurs will keep readers coming back for more and more of this epic series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on June 11th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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Arthur Slade was raised on a ranch in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan. He is the author of twenty five novels for young readers including The Hunchback Assignments, which won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and Dust, winner of the Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature. His lifetime of work has also received the prestigious Kloppenburg Award for Literary Excellence.  All of these awards mean that when he drinks tea he has to raise his pinky. It’s very fancy. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada. 

P.S. He does all of his writing on a treadmill desk. And he listens to heavy metal. At the same time.

https://www.arthurslade.com

Oatis and Muriel: A Grocery Story by Daphne Herlihy 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 grocery store comes alive at night in author Daphne Herlihy’s “Oatis and Muriel: A Grocery Story”.

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The Synopsis

“What happens at night in the grocery store when the lights are out and the customers have gone home?” This is the question that the author asked her children that inspired this heartwarming and charming story. Together, they imagined a whimsical world in which the foods come to life and engage in play. The oats wear fancy coats, the fruits don formal suits and music is played by the string cheese quartet. But nobody could have predicted what happened one night. When Oatis stumbles, it is up to mopey Muriel to see if she can be brave and creative enough to save the day. Together, the friends learn that sometimes helping a friend in trouble is the best way to find out that you can shine brightly too.

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The Review

This was a fun and playful story for children to get lost in. The vibrant illustrations and use of grocery store foods as the cast of characters were both imaginative and engaging, allowing children to interact with different food groups and have fun with the scenes of dancing and laughter that the foods displayed. 

This book plays well with the themes of friendship and overcoming the odds through teamwork. Oatis’s work to cheer up Muriel and how Muriel snaps out of her funk when Oatis is in danger are great lessons for children to appreciate life’s small things and not take our friendships and relationships for granted. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, fun, and entertaining author Daphne Herlihy’s “Oatis and Muriel: A Grocery Story” is a must-read children’s book. The fast pace of the narrative and the balance of humor and heart will keep young readers engaged and prove to be the perfect bedtime story for parents. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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When Bad Things Happen by Donna Carr Roberts 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 Donna Carr Roberts shares the painful realities of loss and how to face it when it happens in the children’s book “When Bad Things Happen”.

The Synopsis

Join Mr. Fuzzy Ears and his family on a journey that transcends the boundaries of life and death. In this beautifully illustrated tale filled with laughter and tears, we all learn the timeless wisdom that even in the face of loss, love endures, memories persist, and the angels above us promise an everlasting connection.

When Bad Things Happen is a poignant exploration of the circle of life, inviting readers of all ages to find solace and joy in the bittersweet embrace of saying goodbye.

These delicate threads of life intertwine to create a timeless tapestry of hope and remembrance. The warmth and grace of the illustrations in this book depict love that says every goodbye is but a prelude to a new beginning.

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The Review

This is definitely a much more emotional yet much more engaging entry into the author’s children’s book series. The warmth of the watercolor images is a great juxtaposition of the cold reality of loss and the pain that can result from it. Yet the author does a remarkable job of showing the solace and warmth that can come from keeping the memory of those we lost in our hearts and cherishing the good times over the bad. 

As a pet parent myself, who in recent months lost one of my fur babies, it is incredibly relatable and memorable to see how the characters react to the loss. The author does a remarkable job of not only diving into the complex reactions and feelings that loss can bring but also creating conversations between children and their parents to better understand when these sudden tragedies occur. 

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging author Donna Carr Roberts’s “When Bad Things Happen” is a must-read children’s book. The book offers notes of sadness yet hopeful tones of love and enriching lessons that parents can help teach their children through it. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Donna Carr Roberts is the author and illustrator of The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears book series. She has been the Artist in Residence at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and a professional portrait artist.Donna has had a lifetime of business careers but none as much fun as working on Mr. Fuzzy Ears. The funny antics of her dogs, Scamp, Izzy, Sofie and Teddy inspired her to write this book. The funny, loving, caring fables help children discover that all of us have the power to make life better for these helpless animals who offer us unconditional love. As a child, her favorite books were My Book House with remarkable stories and illustrations that have influenced her work today. Donna is a member of SCBWI, Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, and a Member with Distinction with American Women Artists.

The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears – Donna Carr Roberts

The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup by Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis 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 young rescue pup and her friends go on an adventure to the beach in authors Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis’s “The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup”.

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The Synopsis 

“The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup” is a delightful children’s book that promises to take young readers on a fun and adventurous journey. Join Dori and her friends as they explore the beach, showcasing the beauty of working together, the magic of friendship, and the joy of seeing the world through a rescue pup’s eyes. From playing in the sand to uncovering unexpected treasures along the shoreline, every page captures the essence of wonder and the bonds formed between friends. This enchanting book not only offers a heartwarming story of friendship and hope but also allows young readers to become a part of Dori’s legacy. That’s because we donate a portion of our profits back to the rescue that helped Dori find her forever home; Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue. With each purchase, you contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue (SCMR), the organization that played a pivotal role in transforming Dori’s life from uncertainty to a world filled with love.

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The Review

What a heartwarming and refreshing children’s book. As a pet parent who recently adopted a shorkie (Yorkshire terrier and Shih Tzu mix), I find it great to see a book that delves into the adoption of rescue pups. The love and sense of found family that rescue adoptions like this bring to mind is a great lesson that children can absorb.

The warmth of the illustrations and the atmosphere of adventure the authors can bring to life in this story were remarkable to behold. The camaraderie between Dori and her friends and the sense of community and environmental care the tale takes on make readers connect with the characters.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining authors Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis’s “The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup” is a must-read children’s book. I always examine children’s books through the lens of whether or not they will bring parents and children together in a bond, and this story hits that mark, allowing families to bond and see the value of friendship, family, and the heart that is given to rescue dogs everywhere. If you haven’t already, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Kathleen Conway is the co-author of The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup! Kathleen is a former military veteran (Air Force) and works fulltime in the health care industry as an Occupational Therapist. This is Kathleen’s passion behind the book was to share Dori with the world, while bringing awareness to rescue animals. Kathleen is already dreaming up more fun escapades featuring rescue animals.

Juanita Ellis is a first-time author and co-wrote the Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup to spread awareness about rescue dogs, and to share a little bit of Dori’s spirit with others around the world! Juanita volunteers her time with the same animal rescue group that rescued Dori. Juanita enjoys spending time with family, both human and furry, and enjoys trips to the beaches of NC and the mountains of TN. Juanita works full-time in the consumer service industry as an HR Executive.

Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister 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 takes readers on a fun journey to self acceptance and what family truly means in her children’s book, “Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister”, the seventh book in the author’s children’s series.

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The Synopsis

Inspire children to realize their self-worth and celebrate being themselves with this adorable rhyming story!

Twins Mac and Madi are local superstars! But their big sister Molly doesn’t have a twin of her own, and she often feels lonely and left out. Sometimes, it’s like she doesn’t even exist. But Mac and Madi love their big sister, and they’re determined to show her that even though there’s only one of her, she’s special just the way she is!

Featuring a delightful rhyming story and gorgeous illustrations that bring these pages to life, this heartwarming children’s book inspires kids ages 8-10 to cherish their differences and develop their sense of self-worth. Inside, children will follow Molly and her twin sisters as she discovers that even though she sometimes feels envious of them, there are plenty of things that make her unique!

Book details:

  • Beautifully Crafted as a Heartwarming Story For Boys & Girls
  • Encourages Kids To Celebrate Their Differences & Embrace The Things That Make Them Unique
  • Makes a Perfect Read For Twins or Siblings Who Struggle With Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
  • Reminds Kids That Even If You Feel Jealous of Others, People Are Envious of You
  • Great as a Fun & Colorful Gift Idea for Twins and Siblings You Know!
  • And So Much More…

As a must-read for parents or educators who want to help children realize their inner worth and stop comparing themselves to others, Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister is an entertaining and educational book that helps both twins and non-twins alike learn to appreciate their unique selves.

Are you ready to help your child celebrate the things that make them special? Then scroll up and grab your copy now!

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The Review

Yet another delightful and heartfelt children’s story from author Linda Herron. The author does an incredible job of not only telling a compelling story for young readers but balancing that with a proper life lesson that speaks to another member of a family unit other than the twins, making this feel even more accessible and engaging to bring both parents and children together.

Not only was it amazing to see this theme of self-acceptance and family come to life on the page, but the idea of taking this series known for putting the Twins at center stage and instead giving their older sister a voice made this feel truly emotional and uplifting. The artwork and warmth of the scenery also added to the theme’s impact on the reader.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, educational, and memorable, author Linda Herron’s “Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister” is a must-read children’s story. The fast pace of the narrative and the engaging character dynamics will draw readers in and keep families engaged with one another, even after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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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

Banana and the Beat by Jordan Mann 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 fruit-based music group shares mind and body wellness through fun beats in author Jordan Mann’s “Banana and the Beat”.

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The Synopsis

Deejay B-Fruit and his music group, the Fresh Fruit Crew, are vibing on their Brooklyn brownstone stoop. Dropping mind-body nutrition rhymes and creating fire music loops. As the crowd gathers round, there’s an unexpected showdown. Find out if this whole food group passes the test to be the best – to help every kid’s mind, body and soul.

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The Review

This was such a fun and exciting read. The author found the right balance between children’s book storytelling, hip-hop lyrical writing style, and dynamic character development with which children would be happy to connect. The illustrations and pops of color on the page are also an immediate attention grabber for readers.

The author’s ability to bring fun and hip-hop to young readers when discussing health and wellness, both of the body and mind, was fascinating. How each character got their unique personality and perspectives on this topic allowed children to engage with and harness the author’s message.

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The Verdict

Author Jordan Mann’s “Banana and the Beat” is an imaginative, fun, and entertaining children’s book. The interactive story and insightful theme of body and wellness that these characters embody are sure to leave a lasting impact on kids reading this book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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