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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 FartHockey 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.

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

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.”

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The Synopsis

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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. 

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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

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.

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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

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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

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/

The Hippo Who Hated to Fight by Milt Lowe (Illustrated by Stephen Bibb) Review

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.

Cora’s Christmas Challenge: A Magical Story of Friendship, Festive Fun, and the Spirit of Giving by Sally Kashner Review

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

A young girl learns a valuable life lesson during the holidays in author Sally Kashner’s “Cora’s Christmas Challenge: A Magical Story of Friendship, Festive Fun, and the Spirit of Giving”.

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The Synopsis

CREATE TREASURED CHRISTMAS MEMORIES WITH YOUR FAMILY

Cora’s Christmas Challenge is the perfect children’s Christmas book for kids ages 4-8, combining the magic of the season with valuable life lessons. Join Cora on her festive adventure as she discovers the true meaning of kindness, friendship, and teamwork.

This heartwarming tale promises to inspire, educate, and entertain. Embrace the spirit of giving with Cora and spread the message: “Cora Can, and So Can You!”

Perfectly nestled under the tree, this book is a holiday treat that will foster bonds that last a lifetime. It’s the gift of a story—one that you and your child will want to revisit year after year, making it a beloved part of your family’s holiday tradition.

More than just a captivating story, this book includes engaging supplementary materials like an activity and coloring book, a teaching guide, an audiobook, and an e-book. These additions ensure a richer reading experience and extend the learning, making Cora’s Christmas Challenge perfect for both home and classroom use.

This season, give a gift that brings warmth to the heart and joy to the home. Let Cora’s Christmas Challenge be the beginning of memories you’ll treasure forever.

The Review

This was a refreshing, fun, and heartfelt read. Children and parents alike will be drawn to this narrative, which captures the magic and wonder of the holidays and a snowy day in general and the rewarding feeling that kindness and friendship can have on a person, an important message for children to learn at an early age.

The illustrations from Remesh Ram were breathtaking. Equal parts artwork and children’s animation, they just jumped off the page with striking color. The book’s interactive nature, with the “find the squirrel” element, really allowed children to delve into the story, and the themes of friendship and kindness through adventure and Christmas tradition made this one book parents will want to return to with their kids time and time again.

The Verdict

Interactive, heartfelt, and fun author Sally Kashner’s “Cora’s Christmas Challenge” is a must-read children’s book and holiday adventure. The joy and emotion the protagonist exudes will prove inspirational and beautiful to children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating; 10/10

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About the Author

Sally Kashner’s approach to children’s literature is deeply rooted in her teaching days when she made literature come alive for her students. Today, she aims to ignite a similar enthusiasm for reading in young readers through stories that blend whimsy with learning opportunities. Each of her books invites children to explore new worlds, promoting discovery and growth.

Beyond crafting stories, Sally is committed to helping English Language Learners find their voice and assisting teenagers in preparing for college. Her dedication extends to improving literacy and supporting social-emotional learning (SEL).

Through her narratives, Sally encourages a love of reading, aiming to enhance literacy skills while fostering emotional and social development. She believes in the power of stories to empower and teach, ensuring that her books are more than just entertainment—they’re a vehicle for real-world learning and personal growth.

For young adventurers eager to explore the depths of their imagination and learn along the way, Sally Kashner’s books are a gateway to the wonders of childhood and beyond.

https://www.coracancollection.com

A Stony Gaze by Steffanie Costigan Review

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

A young boy 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.

Interview with Author Mike Darcy

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

I think we are all storytellers at heart. I imagine neolithic families gathered around the fire sharing stories. We are social creatures; it is what we do. I’m no different, I have always loved to tell stories, I have always enjoyed the bond that is created between the teller and listeners. Writing down these stories was a natural extension of storytelling for me. And, it allows me to share with more people and I love that.

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What inspired you to write your book?

I first told the story of Little Joe to my flower girl almost 20 years ago. Then I told more Little Joe stories to my child. I told the stories to others and eventually wrote them down. I understand that is more the how than the why, so, I’ll go back to sharing stories with others as my ultimate inspiration. 

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

I hope Little Joe can remind us to see each other and no matter the circumstances, that we accept others for who they are and treat them with kindness and love. Little Joe is about friendship and accepting differences. 

What drew you into this particular genre?

I have dabbled in many genres, but as a story teller my target audience is often children. This story in particular has always been for children, so that is why this particular genre.

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

This is the best question ever. I think of the three characters in this book I would like to sit down with Roxy, I’ve had several encounters with bears in real life and the idea of sitting down with one over a cup of tea makes me smile. There are a lot of questions I have for her, but I think the one I most want to ask her is, “Do you have any family stories about your great-great-grandfather’s time in the circus?”


I love that there are these wonderful backstories that develop with the characters, and it is only mentioned in passing in the book. I would love to learn more about her family.

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

I have only just begun this journey. So, I don’t know that I can responsibly declare any one platform better than others. I am most comfortable and familiar with Facebook. My guess is that is where most of my efforts will be placed. 

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

I am also an aspiring author who is just starting out. My advice is do. I don’t believe anyone aspires to become an author because they are chasing money. We want to connect with others through the power of storytelling. If that is what you want, then do it. Write to share.

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

Little Joe has a few more adventures to have. Next up Little Joe and the Big City, and Little Joe and the Big Snow. And I’ve been playing with ghost/horror stories and some retellings of classic fairy tales. So, keep your eyes open. Oh, and thanks to one of the previous questions I am now writing about Roxy’s ancestor in the circus.

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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!

https://a.co/f6uKBem

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

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!