I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A pup recently promoted to the K9 unit must help solve the mystery of the missing bunnies in author Donna Carr Roberts’s “The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies”.
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The Synopsis
The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies is the second in this children’s book series. Mr. Fuzzy Ears becomes a K9 Police officer to help discover why all the bunnies have disappeared. He is aided by Sweekie, the mouse from the cupboard and other animal friends guiding him to the wandering rabbits. Like so many of us, the bunnies are mesmerized by ‘screen things, ‘ oblivious to what’s happening in the real world and with these distractions, bad things are happening. Can Mr. Fuzzy Ears remind them of the value of family and love in the real world?
The story is complemented with warm watercolor illustrations created by the author.
The Review
This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s book. The warmth of the watercolor illustrations immediately drew me into this narrative. The fun aspect of these animal detectives and the mysteries will capture the children’s minds and hearts immediately, and the suspense of this book is a great introduction to the mystery genre for younger readers.
The theme and message of this book really will speak to both parents and children alike. The dangers of overuse of technology, from smartphones and video game consoles to television itself, is truly a relevant subject in this world we live in. The need to find a great balance between technology and the world around us is so important, and finding our love for our family and nature itself is a great message that plays out wonderfully in this mystery read.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtful, and memorable, author Donna Carr Roberts’s “The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies” is a must-read children’s book and illustrated picture book. The fun mystery of the book and the engaging themes will draw readers into the story wholeheartedly, and the captivating watercolors of this book will enthrall readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Donna Carr Roberts is the Author AND the Illustrator of “The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears”. Donna has been the Artist in Residence at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and a professional portrait artist.
She 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.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young Douglas fir tree must learn the path to self-acceptance with the help of an older and wiser flower in authors Ben Sharony and Carly Jo Carson’s “Dougie & V: The Story of a Flower and a Tree”.
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The Synopsis
Dougie & V tells the story of a tree who wants to be a flower.
Dougie, a young Douglas Fir, can easily spot the gifts and strengths of others, but has a difficult time seeing anything good in himself. Can you relate?
In the first half of the book, Dougie relentlessly compares himself to V, a vibrant violet. V, older and wiser, gently pushes back. She shows Dougie that he too is special. With V’s help, Dougie comes to understand that though he and V are very different, they are both innately unique m strong and beautiful.
Sprinkled with delightful and surprising factoids about biodiversity, this spiritual journey teaches us about friendship, loss, and the cycles of life. But above all, this is a book about the importance of self-love.
It’s a picture book for children ages 4-8, but we believe that it would appeal to older kids and adults, too. As for comps, Dougie and V shares qualities with many iconic titles. At its core, it is a playful and affirming text in the same vein as Marion Deuchars’ “Bob the Artist.” But it also includes witty asides that are both educational and fun, something akin to Julia Rothman’s “Nature Anatomy.” And finally, our greatest ambition is to edge towards the poignancy found in “The Giving Tree.”
The Review
This was a moving and thoughtful picture book for children. The author expertly crafts a story that balances the importance of nature with the need for self-care and self-acceptance. The book showcases the struggles that children and adults alike constantly must battle, exploring the self-doubt and fears that constantly prevent us from being our most authentic self, and failing to recognize the heart of those doubts.
The warm water colors of the illustrations and the fast-pace of the narrative allowed the reader to feel fully engaged in the story. The bond that Dougie and V develop together and the source of inspiration that V becomes to Dougie were great to see come to life on the page, and the investment in environmentalism was strongly felt through V’s lessons on every part of nature having a purpose and being beautiful within itself.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, thoughtful, and engaging, authors Carly Jo Carson and Ben Sharony’s “Dougie and V: The Story of a Flower and a Tree”, is a must-read children’s book. The heartfelt themes and messages throughout this book will resonate with parents and kids alike, and the full-circle moment that the ending provides makes this a compelling book to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Carly Jo Carson and Ben Sharony have been best friends since they were twelve. They are passionate about sharing stories of transformation and self-acceptance.
Carly is an artist, journey designer and mother of four. carlyjocarson.com
Ben is a filmmaker and an uncle and godfather. bensharony.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two children who have grown up in a walled-off city their whole lives discover a world of clean air and trees in the adventure children’s book, “Out of the Box: A New World” by author Lucia Matuonto.
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The Synopsis
A fun and engaging children’s book about discovering new places, friendship, and exploring our wonderful world!
Welcome to Grey City! This is a city surrounded by walls with no trees, but full of factories, smog and dirt.
Brother and sister Noah and Mila have lived here their whole life.
On their daily walk, their dog Buster digs a hole under the city’s walls and escapes to the other side. Noah and Mila follow him and see a whole new world outside the little box they’ve grown up in. They discover the beautiful Green Town.
There they encounter new faces like Ali and Carol who show them what it’s like to breathe clean air, ride a bicycle and see trees everywhere you go.
Why have Noah and Mila never heard of Green Town before?
Out of the Box is the story of an adventure and discovery that allows children to connect with the environment through the eyes of Noah and Mila.
It shows us the importance of greener living and how pushing for change is possible!
The Review
This was a wonderfully creative and inspiring read for younger readers everywhere. The world-building and character development were very well done and had some incredible detail included, something you don’t always get in a children’s book. The imagery that the illustrations captured and the unique settings that the narrative takes readers through made this story truly stand out and engaged the reader on a whole other level.
To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the powerful environmental themes and messages of hope that the author wrote into the story. The overwhelming nature of the fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources that are still used to this day brought a grim reality to the story, while the promise of renewable energy and cleaner living in the later half of the narrative touched upon our own push as a species to improve and take better care of the environment.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, thoughtful, and enlightening, author Lucia Matuonto’s “Out of the Box: A New World” is a must-read children’s book on environmentalism and our impact on the world. The rich storyline and the dynamics between the characters will hook young readers, and the themes the story teaches will leave fans educated and enthralled all at once. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Lucia Matuonto is a bestselling author, host at The Relatable Voice Podcast and Uncut with Lucia by Worldauthors.org and children’s physiotherapist. Lucia’s writing journey started about 20 years ago when she wrote articles for magazines and had a successful blog. She was born in Brazil, studied and lived in 6 countries. Lucia Matuonto used to teach and treat children with motor and cognitive disabilities. The children she met inspired her to create an imaginary world, full of animals and fantasy. By observing the beach fauna in Florida, Lucia developed her characters, who are now present in many children’s lives. https://www.luciamatuonto.com/
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young lonely kitten goes on a journey to find his family in author Christine Milkovic Krauss’s “Teddy Gets Adopted”, the latest entry in the Adventures of Teddy children’s book series.
The Synopsis
Teddy Gets Adopted is the third book in the series. In this story, Teddy experiences feelings of loss and lonliness but he purr-severes through hard times, never giving up hope. Follow Teddy’s journey across Canada while he meets helpers and heroes along the way.
The Review
This was a heartwarming and emotional read. The author does an incredible job of creating a story that is lighthearted enough to draw younger readers in and yet insightful enough for the children to gain genuine empathy and emotion from the story of Teddy and his journey. The inspiration for the story is a true draw for readers, as the reality of this protagonist’s being a real-life cat adds an authenticity that children appreciate in the context of this story.
The balance of warmth in the illustrations and the engaging story the author tells were the biggest draws of the book. The way the author was able to naturally infuse the organizations and work that those organizations do to help pets and animals of all kinds find homes and help was great to see come to life in the context of the story, and the artwork provided both entertainment and an emotional pull that parents and children alike will genuinely appreciate.
The Verdict
Memorable, authentically written, and engaging, author Christine Milkovic Krauss’s “Teddy Gets Adopted” is a masterful children’s book and a great addition to The Adventures of Teddy series! The fast-paced narrative and depth of connection the story and artwork have to the reader as they move through the narrative will create a unique bonding experience between children and their parents, and help educate people on the need for adoption and helping animals when we can. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Everybody has a story. More importantly; every person is deserving of friendship, kindness and acceptance. Teddy Loses His Ears is a non-fiction story about my real life rescue cat who lost his ears to frostbite while being homeless in negative 50 degree temperatures in central Canada.
All of the books in the Teddy series will highlight educational points about pet care, support inclusivity and celebrate being different together. Teddy Loses His Ears is the introduction book to the series and touches on self esteem and disability awareness. Each illustration in the story is hand painted and even has a Teddy’s favourite toy hidden on every page for children to find! This story was created to raise awareness for rescue organizations and promote, adopt vs shop, to find your purr-fect family pet.
In addition to being a pet lover and cat mom, I am also a mom of two primary school aged children.
These books could never have come to life without their inspiration, a tribe of supportive humans and of course, Book Club.
I am a full time nursing student hoping to one day work in neonatal intensive care. I have a passion for all things art and creativity. I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, but only ever created things for family and friends. At the start of the pandemic, I decided to start selling my paintings and handmade greeting cards. It was through this that I was connected with Christine and fell in love with Teddy’s story. Each of these pages are painted by hand with acrylic paint, something not often done in book illustrations anymore, which echoes the uniqueness of Teddy. I am excited to help share more of his adventures and stories!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Raven Howell invites young readers and parents alike to delight in the magic and wonder that is poetry in the book “The 20 Little Poems For 20 Little Gnomes”.
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The Synopsis
Discover the magic in simple moments when a child peers in the mirror to unintentionally come upon his smile, where kittens nap in boots, fairy hugs feel good, mice delight in reading books, and January snowflakes taste yummy.
Twenty whimsical poems warm the heart and inspire cheer; a collection enticing both the young and seasoned reader to explore the enchantment of the wonderful world of poetry.
The Review
This was a light-hearted and delightful read. The author did an incredible job of finding just the right balance between fun, educational, and emotional writing that will resonate with young readers just learning poetry’s magical wonder. The short length of each poem and the almost airy quality of the poems themselves helped to create that atmosphere that allows a book to be read over and over again.
The warmth of the illustrations really lent itself to the heart of these poems. The author was able to showcase both fun and thoughtful poems on everything from food to a child’s reflection, to more complex things like the emotions of sadness and joy and how we can cope. The heart and compassion for which the author wrote these poems were felt on every page.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, memorable, and engaging, author Raven Howell’s “The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes” is a must-read children’s book that meets the book of poetry. The lighthearted and whimsical nature of the poems and the warmth of the imagery blend together to create a reading experience parents and children alike will delight in sharing together. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Raven Howell writes stories and poetry for children. Having published several award-winning picture books, she enjoys sharing her love of literature by visiting classrooms and libraries. Raven is Creative & Publishing Advisor for Red Clover Reader, served as Poetry Director for Monster Magnificent, and writes The Book Bug column for Story Monsters Ink magazine. Her poems are found in children’s magazines such as Ladybug, Spider, Highlights for Children,Humpty Dumpty, and Hello Magazine. She’s an editor, and collaborating author for Reading is Fundamental SoCal.
When not writing, Raven enjoys sunshine and the beach, spending time with her family, hiking, laughing, reading, goofing around with artwork, and inventing new recipes.
Join us at our WOW! blog today, The Muffin, for the blog tour launch of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell. You can read an interview with the author and have a chance to win a copy of the book for yourself.
Visit Glenda’s blog today to read her review of The 20 Little Poems for 20 Little Gnomes by Raven Howell. You’ll also have a chance to win a book copy too!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A flute player who finds good fortune from a dancing snake finds his greek overpowering him, and must trek on a journey to find his good fortune after losing everything in author Anthony L. Manna’s “Loukas and the Game of Chance”.
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The Synopsis
While Loukas is playing his flute at the seawall one day, he befriends a mysterious talking, dancing snake that rewards him with fortune and favor. Some years later, tempted by greed and pride, Loukas loses all his riches and his family. He must now set off on a treacherous journey through a frightening forest filled with suspense and strange creatures to find Destiny, her son Ilion, the Sun, and her daughter Luna, the Moon. These celestial guardians will surely allow him to reverse his misfortune, restore his honor, and win back all that he loves and treasures, won’t they? A reimagined Greek folktale, Loukas and the Game of Chance is illuminated with dramatic and evocative pen and ink drawings that provide an ideal backdrop for the dark intrigue that fills this haunting story of human struggle, courage, and resilience.
The Review
This was a profound and captivating reimagining of Greek folklore. The author does an amazing job of writing in a way that vividly paints an image of the story to life through engaging imagery and a fantastical atmosphere. The adventurous and hero’s journey elements of the narrative immediately jump off the page, and the mythical tone of the author’s writing brings readers into the magical frame of mind.
The beautiful story that the author tells early on between Loukas and the snake when combined with the themes of love, loss, and the power of kindness over greed made this a truly thrilling story to behold. The way the author is able to relate this story to young readers and still maintain the magic and wonder that has resonated with all readers throughout the time that other fables and folktales have done time and time again was amazing to see come to fruition.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, entertaining, and mesmerizing, author Anthony L. Manna’s “Loukas and the Game of Chance” is a must-read folktale and children’s Greek and Roman Myth story. The wonder and atmosphere the author infuses into this narrative and the rich character development made this a short yet powerful read that young and older readers alike won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
ANTHONY L. MANNA, Ph.D., is a retired professor from the Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies and the English Department at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, where he taught Children’s Literature, Young Adult Literature, Writing, and Educational Drama and served as one of the co-directors of Kent State’s National Writing Project (sponsored by UC/Berkeley).
A New Jersey native, he received his doctorate from the University of Iowa, Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University (high honors), and his B. A. from Seton Hall University (with honors). He has taught on nearly every grade level, from preschool to graduate school, and has held positions at the American College in Istanbul, Turkey, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, the University of Maine (Farmington), and the Center for Literature and Medicine (Hiram College/Northeast Ohio College of Medicine), where he received a fellowship to research the intersection of the arts and the practice of medicine and healing.
He is the recipient of Kent State University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Kent State’s Student Choice Award, and the Arbuthnot Award from the International Reading Association for outstanding university teaching.
Manna is a former member of the executive board of the Children’s Literature Association, former Director of Publications for the Association, and former editor of various columns in the Children’s Literature Association Quarterly.
He is co-author of Children’s Literature for Health Awareness and co-editor of Many Faces, Many Voices: Multicultural Literary Experiences for Youth and Art and Story: The Role of Illustration in Multicultural Literature for Youth. He has published numerous articles, book reviews, and book chapters on literature, drama, and teaching both in the U.S.A. and abroad.
The children’s picture book he co-authored with Soula Mitakidou, Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale (Simon & Schuster, 1997; Aladdin Paperbacks, 2015) was selected a 1998 Notable Children’s Book of the Year by the American Library Association was listed among the one hundred best books of the year by the New York Public Library, and was the recipient of the 1997 Marion Vannett Ridgway Award for first-time authors and illustrators.
In 2002, he co-authored a collection of twenty stories titled Folktales from Greece: A Treasury of Delights (Greenwood Press World Folklore Series). His most recent picture book, The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece (Schwartz & Wade/Random House 2011) was selected a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of 2012.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Christine Copeland shares with young readers the beauty and wonder of a still winter day and what you can find during winter in the forest in the book “Winter in the Forest”, the second book in the Seasons in the Forest picture book children’s series.
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The Synopsis
Winter in the Forest is the second in a series of picture books for pre-K, K and early elementary kids about the natural world, in particular the deciduous forest of the American Northeast. This book depicts the cold stillness of winter and adaptations that plants and animals make during this long dark time. The three primary themes are snow and cold, long dark nights, and dormancy.
The language of our books is lyrical, the images are entrancing and sometimes humorous but always realistic – think field guides for 3 to 8 year-olds. There is a tracking activity in back for young readers.
Children will learn the names and habits of forest animals and plants so that they can recognize them in natural settings. These books engage children’s innate curiosity and connection to the living world so that they can learn complex principals in simple, age- appropriate language.
We publish in hardcover, paperback, and audio ebook.
The Review
This was a heartwarming and beautiful picture book and story. The simplicity and imagery the author utilized in the book captured the stark coldness of winter as a season while also bringing the beauty and magic that the season often inspires. The watercolor style of artwork added a great effect to the book, as it felt more in tune with nature as well.
The balance the author struck between educating the young readers on the behavior of animals and the nature surrounding winter and the engaging style of writing and artwork that drew the reader into the narrative. While a short read, the author does an amazing job of showcasing the ways in which different animals and plants adapt to the cold stillness of winter, and how dormancy plays a role in nature during this time.
The Verdict
Beautiful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Christine Copeland’s “Winter in the Forest” is a great second book in the Seasons in the Forest series and a heartwarming children’s picture book. The way the author was able to capture a mood and tone through her imagery and story kept me invested in this book, and will really speak to younger readers looking to understand the seasons of the year. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Christine Copeland lives in the forest of Massachusetts with her husband Bill, a pediatrician, naturalist and teacher, and their dogs and cat. Her sons have fledged but return seasonally. Christine has a BFA from Cornell University and a Masters in Education from Antioch New England. She combines her love for painting with her love for young children and nature-based education. She is an author/illustrator and also paints in oil. Her work can be seen at christinecopelandbooks.com and bcc-studios.com/paintings.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl discovers a new mystery to solve after rescuing a farmer’s donkey and discovering his wife’s favorite painting is missing in the fourth book in the beloved Boomer’s Tales series, “Long Lost Elvis” by Christine Isley-Farmer.
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The Synopsis
A donkey runs out in front of Nana Weathers’s car when she, Chloe, and Boomer are returning from Camp Resound. Mr. Brown, a farmer, drives upon the scene. To thank them for keeping his donkey, Elvis, safe, Mr. Brown invites everyone to his farm. There, they discover that his wife’s favorite painting is missing, and so begins a new mystery for Chloe and friends to solve. Will their efforts be successful, and what surprises will they learn about Elvis, the runaway donkey?
The Review
This was such a thoughtful and engaging story for young readers. Longtime fans of the Boomer’s Tales series will love the continuation of this story, as readers are treated to a heartwarming tale of a young girl and her animal friends not only investigating this new mystery but getting to know this unusual and fun new animal friend as well. The imagery and subtle emotional tone of the narrative really played well with the narrative, as the reader delved further and further into Elvis’s backstory and the mystery of Mr. Brown’s painting.
The heart of this story definitely was the character development the author utilized. Not only did readers get to see the chemistry between the established characters shine brightly here, but the backstory of Elvis and the mystery of his past, as well as the emotional backstory behind the painting itself and the reality of who took the painting itself at the end of the narrative.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, emotional, and captivating, author Christine Isley-Farmer’s “Long Lost Elvis” is a must-read children’s book. In the perfect continuation of the Boomer’s Tales series, the author keeps an even pace and brings a great balance between the established characters and the newcomers involving Elvis and Mr. Brown’s stories. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Christine Isley-Farmer is the author of the children’s chapter book series, “Boomer’s Tales.” Three of the books in the series have been published. Her debut book in the series, Finding My Yip, was named Finalist in the Children’s Fiction category by the American Writing Awards 2021. In 2022, her second book in the series, A Hard Nut to Crack, was named Finalist in the Children’s Chapter Book category by the National Indie Excellence Awards.
Christine is also a writer of miscellaneous poetry.
She holds BM. MM, and DMA degrees and is Professor Emeritus in the School of Music at Middle Tennessee State University where she coordinated the voice area. She has sung professionally in opera and concert in the US and Europe. Christine currently lives in Murfreesboro, TN with her husband and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dylan.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young squirrel takes it upon himself to help an injured Dragonfly, and stirs up a friendship neither of them saw coming in author Brenda W. Huddleston’s “The Squirrel and the Dragonfly”.
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The Synopsis
This early reader story follows a squirrel named Liam and a Dragonfly named Sophia who have an accidental meeting in the woods. Realizing Sophia is in trouble and needs his help, Liam jumps into action. When Liam gets his forest friends to help rescue Sophia, the adventure proves to be an unlikely but lasting friendship for all of them.
These creatures of nature teach us valuable lessons about the importance of honoring our differences, especially when someone needs our help.
Parents, grandparents, educators, and kids will love The Squirrel & the Dragonfly and the vivid illustrations and positive messages for younger children.
The Review
The author did an incredible job of crafting a narrative that really felt both emotional and educational at the same time for younger readers. The almost cinematic quality of the artwork and imagery in this book not only drew the reader into the story but helped to keep a hopeful and lighthearted tone throughout the narrative.
To me, the theme the author explored was really the heart of this book. The lessons learned here of accepting our differences from one another and learning to not only live together but grow and help one another through life’s journey made this such a gripping story. The emotions the squirrel felt upon his friend’s evolution throughout the story made this such an engaging read, and the rich dynamics between the squirrel and the dragonfly made this a moving story.
The Verdict
Captivating, emotional, and thoughtful, author Brenda Huddleston’s “The Squirrel and the Dragonfly” is a must-read children’s book and illustrated story. The author did a brilliant job of weaving a narrative together that felt adventurous and kind all at once, and the theme of pushing aside our differences, acknowledging them, and moving forward together to not only befriend each other but help one another in their time in need was so profoundly moving to see come to life in this children’s book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Brenda Huddleston discovered her love for writing late in life. After retiring from a long career in corporate management, she moved to the country where she finally had time to stop and smell the roses. During the summer, she would spend time with her three-year-old great-grandson discovering the joy and excitement of watching the animals interact and taking in the sheer beauty of nature.
Brenda lives in rural North Carolina on the Little River where there is abundance of nature and animals from which to choose the characters in her books.
She has been invited to read her books at libraries, daycare centers, and bookstores where she draws delight from watching the children’s faces light up with wonder as they hear the stories and ask questions.
Learning to enjoy reading at a young age can be an invaluable learning tool. Brenda feels strongly that her books must incorporate the essential lessons of childhood. Sharing, kindness, compassion, leadership, and diversity are easily understandable through the eyes of these cute animals.
