I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Christina Oberon takes readers on an emotional and fun children’s story journey into the magical process of the birth of a child from in vitro fertilization in the story “Embaby Elio”.
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The Synopsis
Elio was created in a different way than most babies. He is determined to grow from an embryo into the baby of mommy and daddy’s dreams. How will he get from their dreams into their arms? Come join Elio on his bumpy adventure to meet his mommy and daddy!
The Review
This was such a special and inviting children’s story for both parents and children alike! Having representation within our children’s literary world is so important, and having a story that children born as a result of in vitro fertilization and for parents who went through the process as well is such a heartwarming and powerful message to send.
The artwork was very warm and inviting, and paired really well with the story the author had crafted for this story. The narrative was easy to follow and did an incredible job of presenting such a serious and important topic in a way that children would be able to comprehend while also maintaining a sense of magic and wonder that would entertain both children and their parents alike.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and thoughtful, author Christina Oberon’s “Embaby Elio” is a must-read children’s story. The perfect way of introducing the conversation of in vitro fertilization to children curious about their origins and how they came to be in this world, the story is filled with heart and creativity and should be added to any and all parent’s roster of children’s books. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Christina Oberon grew up in Hawaii with a large family of ten siblings. When she relocated to Southern California, she met and fell in love with her husband, Kevin. They experienced nearly four years of infertility before conceiving their son, Kai, via in vitro fertilization. Kai was born in 2018. He is a wonderful blessing and reminder of Christina and Kevin’s faith and hope for a family of their own. Christina enjoys raising her son, traveling with her family, reading, writing, hiking, and taking photographs.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl’s pet dog takes readers on a tour of the city center of the moon’s largest crater in author Diann Floyd Boehm and Katherine Louise Floyd Boehm’s “The Little Girl in the Moon: Moxie & Tycho Town”.
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The Synopsis
The Little Girl in the Moon author, Diann Floyd Boehm, has teamed up with her daughter, Katherine Louise, in the third book in the series, The Little Girl in the Moon – Moxie & Tycho Town. Together, they have created the imaginary town nestled in Tycho Crater, which is located on the Earth’s moon. Katherine and Diann’s collaborative artistic talents have brought the town to life. The colorful illustrations are sure to spark young readers’ imaginations. Moxie, the little girl in the moon’s pet dog, takes us on a tour of Tycho Town’s City Center, which the Moonlings have built to resemble towns on Earth. Moonlings love the Earth as much as Earthlings love the moon! This story, the first of many adventures in Tycho Town, introduces children to the Moonling vocabulary. Diann and Katherine hope the readers’ curiosity will grow and they’ll want to learn more about the Earth’s moon and Tycho Crater. Watch for the next adventure of The Little Girl in the Moon, when the rest of Tycho Town will be unveiled!
The Review
This was a brilliant and fun children’s read. The authors found a great balance between thought-provoking teaching moments in the narrative and fun and exciting illustrations to keep children invested in the story.
What stuck out to me about this story was both the educational moments the author took in developing otherworldly storylines to help teach children about different aspects of our own world’s society and the playful and fun way the authors introduce sci-fi story elements and themes into the narrative for younger readers to get engaged with. As a sci-fi fan, it was fun to see a new approach to the children’s book narrative that included some other genres like this.
The Verdict
Happy, creative, and entertaining, authors Diann Floyd Boehm and Katherine Louise Floyd Boehm’’s “The Little Girl in the Moon: Moxie & Tycho Town” is a must-read children’s book. The heart and warmth for which the authors wrote this story, as well as the great world-building the authors employed here in this narrative made for a great introduction to the sci-fi genre for young readers, as well as the perfect read for parents to enjoy with their kids. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author of children books and has published a young adult historical fiction. addition, Diann writes books to inspire readers to be kind, like themselves, and to “Embrace Imagination”. You can find all her books on Amazon.
Diann’s Story Garden YouTube Channel gives children the opportunity to hear different children authors read their stories.
Diann a co-host for several shows with Dr. Jacalyn’s USA Global TV.
Diann continues to be involved in various humanitarian projects with multiple organizations.
Diann was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up in Texas with five brothers. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world and has lived in the Philippines and Dubai.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young kitten suffers an injury and learns to find acceptance in author Christine Milkovic Krauss’s “Teddy Loses His Ears”.
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The Synopsis
Teddy is a rescue cat who lost his ears from frostbite. Teddy has inspired a series of stories with his true-life adventures that share relatable messages of kindness and acceptance. Teddy hopes that his stories will raise awareness to the organizations that saved his life, and thousands of other animals’ lives every year.
The Review
This was such a heartwarming and memorable children’s book. Illustrator Cierra Van Nes does an amazing job of conveying the emotions and heart of this narrative through warm character artwork and cold yet inviting wintery settings. The story reads smoothly and adds a great sense of bonding between parents and their children as they read this book together.
The overall theme and message of the story are so heartfelt and emotional to read. The loss of Teddy’s ears showcases to children the need to love and accept those who may appear to be different from us because no matter what they are still the same people we’ve always known and cared for. As someone who is disabled physically and as someone who has had an injured pet in the past (a black lab with a permanently injured leg), it was fantastic to see such representation and a positive message conveyed in a beautiful way.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartening, and entertaining to read, author Christine Milkovic Krauss’s “Teddy Loses His Ears” is a must-read children’s book. A story of hope, of love, and of acceptance, the bond between parent and their child, as well as a pet and their families, is so expertly woven together and creates an overall beautiful reading experience that cannot be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I am a full time essential services worker and mom of two primary school-aged children. My kids enjoy choosing books from the school library and I’m always genuinely impressed with the messages of acceptance and kindness in the stories they select for us to read together. During the pandemic, we had to get creative to keep our home an exciting and positive space that we all wanted to spend a lot of time at! Our entire family loves animals, so we decided to foster a litter of kittens over the Christmas Holidays. They brought so much joy into our lives, that we planned to continue to foster animals as much as possible! Then we saw Teddy. Teddy just belonged with our family and we knew it the moment we met him. Since that day, he has made our family feel complete. His uniqueness and character has inspired a series of stories that we hope to share with other avid child readers that love animals!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two young boys find themselves becoming fast rivals after one joins a new school, and they compete to be the most athletic and most educated student in the class. Little does Howard know that the boy he’s competing against is Damian Wayne, son of Batman and known as the costumed hero Robin, in author Jeffrey Brown’s “Batman and Robin and Howard”.
The Synopsis
Sidelined by a crime-fighting field trip gone wrong, Damian Wayne must refocus his attention on his life as an average student and learning how to be a team player–especially when he meets his match in his new rival, Howard.
To Damian Wayne, there is nothing more important than protecting the streets of Gotham City as Robin. But when he makes a critical mistake while out on patrol, Damian finds himself benched. And what’s more, Damian’s dad, Bruce Wayne–a.k.a. Batman–decides that starting over in a new school will be just the distraction Damian needs from his superhero routine.
Certain that Gotham Metro Academy has nothing to teach him, Damian is completely unprepared for the challenge he finds in Howard–the smartest and most athletic kid in school. The boys’ rivalry is instantaneous and fierce…and both are sure only one of them can be the best in their class.
What follows is a funny story of rivalry, friendship, and mystery from bestselling author and illustrator Jeffrey Brown.
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The Review
This was such a fun and humorous dive into the life of Damian Wayne. From the fumbling father/son relationship he has with Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, to the competitive nature and lone-wolf style mindset he has carried into every facet of his life, and even the detective mindset that he inherited from his father as he is forced to step up to help solve the mystery crimes surrounding soccer teams at schools. The inclusion of Batman lore and mythos into the children’s book narrative and style (as well as incredible children’s artwork), made this story feel equally balanced and engaging for both DC Fans and children’s book readers alike.
The balance with this humor and lore came with the educational and moral lessons that the story brought upon young readers. From showing how we often don’t get along with those who mirror our worst impulses and instincts, to finding common ground with frenemies and becoming friends instead, to finding balance and letting go a bit of the control we have over our lives, these themes and messages found in the relationship developed between Damian and Howard were amazing to watch unfold and would keep readers enthralled with the growing narrative.
The Verdict
A thoughtful, entertaining, and brilliant children’s read, author Jeffrey Brown’s “Batman and Robin and Howard”, the latest children’s book in association with DC Comics, is a must-read children’s book of 2021! A gripping and educational read, the book is filled with personal and warm imagery and does a great job of developing their characters so that readers are not only entertained but see themselves in the characters as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jeffrey Brown was born in 1975 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up reading comic books with dreams of someday drawing them, only to abandon them and focus on becoming a ‘fine artist.’ While earning his MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Brown abandoned painting and began drawing comics with his first autobiographical book ‘Clumsy’ in 2001. Since then he’s drawn a dozen books for publishers including TopShelf, Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, McSweeney’s and Chronicle Books. Simon & Schuster published his latest graphic memoir ‘Funny Misshapen Body.’ In addition to directing an animated video for the band Death Cab For Cutie, Brown has had his work featured on NPR’s ‘This American Life’ His art has been shown at galleries in New York, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Paris. Jeffrey’s work has also appeared in the Best American Comics series and received the Ignatz Award in 2003 for ‘Outstanding Minicomic.’
He currently lives in Chicago with his wife Jennifer and their son Oscar.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two young boys discover the power of friendship, understanding, and hope in the face of bullying in authors Portia Smith and Michael Johnson’s “The Adventures of Max and Levi”, the first in the Alpha League series.
The Synopsis
The heroic “The Alpha League” book series follows five unlikely kids who become friends and heroes in their community. In the first book of the series, “The Adventures of Max and Levi,” Max learns an intriguing technique to handle a bully in school. This book will help kids build the confidence they need to deal with bullies and encourages children to react when they see their friends being bullied.
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The Review
A fantastic and creative read for children and parents alike! The authors did a brilliant job of crafting a relatable and educational read. The characters Max and Levi felt like characters that children would be able to relate to, and the theme of friendship and overcoming bullying were well illustrated in the narrative.
Although a quick read, this children’s book felt like a great balance of theme and artwork that spoke to the reader. The way the book illustrated a cast of characters that were primarily people of color was great to see, as it allowed a wider audience to relate to children around the world, and emphasized the theme of standing up to bullying a great deal.
The Verdict
A heartfelt, expertly crafted, and engaging children’s story, authors Portia Smith and Michael Johnson’s “The Adventures of Max and Levi” is a must-read children’s book and a great start to the authors Alpha League series. The inspiring messages and warmth found in the characters and the artwork will create a bonding experience with parents and their children and is not to be missed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this book today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Michael Johnson is an author, artist, public service worker, and devoted father. Michael was born and raised in Fort Valley, GA. Michael is a graduate of Peach County High School, where he accelerated in honors literature. Michael attended Fort Valley State University, where he would continue to write and tutor other students on writing essays. Michael never considered writing professionally until 2020, when he teamed up with his friend and now business partner Portia Smith to form PSMJ books. The pair recognized the need for relatable literature for minority kids and wrote The Adventures of Max and Levi, the first installment of the Alpha League book series. When Michael is not writing books, he’s writing and producing songs. Michael is the Ceo of Iyah Wise Music LLC, which he founded in 2020.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl shares the journey she took and the people who love her in author Jami Gabbard’s children’s book, “Little Miss Raya’s Big Adventures: All About Me”.
The Synopsis
Raya is an adorable, loving little girl with a story to share. She would like to introduce you to her family. Raya was adopted at birth, but that was just the beginning of her adventures. Learn all about the people that loved her the second she came into this world. Raya is full of life and excited to see where her journey takes her.
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The Review
This was a truly heartwarming read. The author crafted a beautiful story that showcased the true meaning of family, a belief that I’ve always felt in my own life. Blood doesn’t define family, but the bond and love we have for one another. The characters and emotions the author poured into the narrative made this theme come alive fully.
The plot point of adoption and how loved and included adopted children can be made to feel in their new homes was a great story. The message and theme not only are a great way for the author to share her daughter’s story, but to highlight the bond parents and their children can make with one another, making this the perfect read for children and their parents or parental figures.
The Verdict
Brilliant artwork, heartfelt emotional storytelling, and a bond that forms immediately between the author and the reader, author Jami Gabbard’s “Little Miss Raya’s Big Adventures: All About Me” is a must-read children’s book. The emotions and warmth that the characters and the narrative evoke in the reader, and the connective way the story bonds children with their parents, as well as giving representation to both children of color and adoptive children alike in this story, make this a children’s book that readers won’t want 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
Jami has been a dedicated elementary teacher for years and is very passionate about what she does. One of her favorite things to do with her students is to read amazing, beautiful children’s books.
Jami completed her family through open adoption. She and her husband adopted a baby girl at birth. They were in the delivery room at her birth. Her little girl is Jami’s “why” for writing this book. She hopes that her readers feel the love expressed between everyone in Raya’s life.
The journey to adoption is not an easy but is worth it. Enjoy this story of a little girl that she loves and in return love her.
This book is meant for everyone, kids and adults. It is a way to share how beautiful adoption is and to help kids understand that families might look different but one thing is always the same. That is the LOVE you have for each other.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Acclaimed author Jenna Greene and artist Emily Zieroth take you children and parents on a journey with new literary character and fashion icon Wiggers as he gives out dressing suggestions in the children’s book, “Wiggers the Well-Dressed Wombat”.
The Synopsis
Wiggers the Wombat loves to share what he knows, how to clothe all his friends wherever he goes.
Take a fun little journey with Wiggers to see, all the dressing suggestions he gives out for free.
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The Review
The author does an incredible job of crafting a cute and thoughtful narrative for parents and children alike. The tone and beautiful illustrations did a fantastic job of presenting lovable characters and simple yet profound messages throughout the narrative.
What stood out immediately in this short yet entertaining read was the powerful messages that the author wove through the narrative. Messages and themes of self-acceptance, living your best life, and treating others with kindness and courtesy lead to a fulfilling and memorable life.
The Verdict
A heartfelt, captivating, and family-friendly children’s book, author Jenna Greene and illustrator Emily Zieroth’s “Wiggers The Well-Dressed Wombat” is a must-read book for parents and children everywhere. The warmth and vibrant imagery along with a memorable and thoughtful story from an incredible writer will leave parents and their children feeling a great sense of bonding after finishing this book. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Jenna Greene is an elementary school teacher. When she isn’t teaching or writing, she is co-hosting “Quill and Ink: A Podcast for Book Lovers” with Miranda Oh. Jenna lives with her husband, daughter, and their cat, Thomas.
For well over 6 years, I have been a freelancing illustrator and graphic designer. Each and every day I am improving my style and technique in hopes to better myself and satisfy every client who hires me. I would say that my style is mostly cartoon, and deeply inspired by Disney animation. But, I am not just limited to cartoony things. I have also been experimenting in semi-realism, professional ads for businesses, and more! I have done well over 80 books in my career, and I have been recently working on t-shirt designs based off things I love. You can also check that out at MrsSocks on Redbubble. I will be sure to add a button link to the T-shirt tab that so you can check out it out for yourself!
What about myself though? Well, I am Canadian and currently married to a military man, which means my line of work is perfect for our lifestyle. I love Disney (as if I couldn’t mention it enough and show it off), and have been going there every year for over 2 decades! I also love baking, and dogs. Although I can be a tad shy in person, when I work, I am friendly, outgoing, and make every job enjoyable and easy going. Hmm, I think that is all I can think of for this, so, check out my works, and contact me if you are interested in working alongside me
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A heartwarming look into the awkward moments and funny parts of childhood that allow children to grow takes center stage in authors Mary Elizabeth Jackson and Thornton Cline’s “Poohlicious: Oh, the Wonder of Me”, the third book in the Poohlicious children’s book series.
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The Synopsis
In the third installment of Mary E Jackson’s Poohlicious books, perfectly precious is a little boy and it’s wonderful! children are so susceptible to what we think and to see them as wonderful is one step to building up happy healthy children.
Book Three in the Poohlicious series is carrying on the tradition of seeing the wonderfulness in each child. Oh, the Wonder of Me, shares both the funny parts of children and the things that make them different teaching them that they are okay no matter what. Having different shaped ears, hair that won’t behave, and doing things in their own style is what childhood is full of.
Join us with your Poohlicious, as we journey through the funny and sometimes awkward parts of childhood while learning empowering, I AM statements to carry with them as they grow. Wonderful for ages four through seven. Let’s get them started early on a road to self-belief and empowerment.
The Review
A wonderfully crafted and easy-to-read children’s story, the authors here have brought to life a heartwarming story that focuses not on some grand adventure, but instead on the everyday adventures of growing up. The simple discoveries or even humorous mistakes often make for memorable moments in our childhood.
From wearing one’s shirt inside out to being able to pull one’s ears out and letting our imaginations run wild with dreams of using them to fly around, the authors and the illustrator, (Alice Antimie), really did a great job of highlighting the heartfelt and unique quality of childhood so many of us often forget. The utilization of “I” statements really helped to build an educational and identifiable nature to the writing for children who read this book with their parents.
The Verdict
A memorable, heartfelt, and engaging children’s read, authors Mary Elizabeth Jackson and Thornton Cline’s “Poohlicious: Oh, the Wonder of Me” is a fantastic addition to this growing children’s book series. The blend of simple yet thoughtful storytelling layered with fantastic messages and an inviting style of illustration makes this book shine brightly. Be sure to grab your copies today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Mary Elizabeth Jackson is the award-winning author of the children’s book series Perfectly Precious Poohlicious and Poohlicious Look at Me, (Tuscany Bay Books), the third book releasing June 1, 2021, Poohlicious Oh the Wonder of Me, (Tuscany Bay Books). Cheers from Heaven, a mid-grade reader releases in 2021, (Tuscany Bay Books), with co-writer Thornton Cline. Jackson focuses on writing empowering books for kids and is working on an eight-book series with Cline for children as well as books for the special need’s community and a motivational book for adults. Jackson is also a ghostwriter, book collaborator and the voice for the Sports2gether App.
Jackson is the co- founder and co- hosts of Writers Corner Live TV Show and Special Needs TV Shows on Amazon Live, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Writers Corner Live features author interviews from debut authors to New York Times bestsellers and everything about writing all the way to getting published. Special Needs TV features interviews and resources for parents, families, and caregivers. Jackson is an ambassador advocate for AutismTn.
Mrs. Jackson has been featured and interviewed on national and international radio shows including Sirius XM and iheart radio as well as numerous Podcasts and TV shows.
Jackson is starting a YouTube channel and an Amazon Live show dedicated to children’s book reviews with her son who inspired her series, and an education show for kids of all needs.
Mrs. Jackson is a very busy mom and wife. She loves nature, being creative, anything funny, and inspiring others to believe in themselves. She lives with her hubby, three kids, and dog in the Nashville area. -Cherish every moment of life.
Ever since his mother signed him up for piano lessons at age five, Thornton Cline has been writing non-stop. With over 1,000 published songs, 150 recorded songs, 32 traditionally published adult, children’s and young adult books published. Thornton Cline has been nominated multiple times for Grammy and Dove Awards. In 2017, Cline won a first-place Maxy Literary Award for “Best Children’s Young Adult Book”.
Thornton Cline’s books have appeared at the top of the Amazon bestselling charts. Cline has been honored with “Songwriter of the Year” twice-in-a row and has received a platinum award for certified sales of over one million units in Europe. Cline continues to mentor, speak, teach, and inspire aspiring authors and songwriters around the world. When Cline isn’t writing, he is teaching at Welch College in Middle Tennessee. He resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee with his wife, Audrey and their cat, Kiki. You can follow all the latest updates on his books and songs at his website, ThorntonCline.com; Thornton Douglas Cline on Facebook, @ClineThornton on Twitter, and @ThorntonCline on Instragram. Mrs P: Your Hair’s On Fire is Thornton Cline’s debut book with INtense Publishing. Love to hear from You Get in Touch Below
Alice Antimie was born in Anaheim, California. She spent a decade of her childhood on the sandy shores of the west coast before her family moved to Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Alice’s passion for art started at an early age and led her to pursue a degree and career in the fine arts. She is a Commission Artist, Children’s Book Author and Illustrator. Alice has also taught Visual Arts, K-12.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The stakes have never been higher as the group of young kids who have survived three separate missions in the wild are faced with their most dangerous challenge yet in author Karl Steam’s novel “Surviving Cougar Mountain”.
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The Synopsis
Another day, another wilderness mission. That’s life for these sixth graders. The first three missions weren’t easy, but mission number four is about to crank up the intensity and challenge them in ways they didn’t think possible.
Surviving Cougar Mountain is book 4 of the Kids vs. Nature series, continuing a story that has captivated fans of the wilderness survival genre.
The Review
The four young kids are put in even more dire situations this time around. The fourth novel in the Kids vs Nature series from author Karl Steam, the author does a great job of showcasing the dangers of survival and the importance of teamwork in the face of that danger.
Witnessing the power of nature and the beauty yet dangerous aspect of the creatures who call the outdoors their home was felt in every chapter of this book. While a quick read, the author does a great job of drawing the reader into the narrative and creating characters that are relatable and worth caring about, making the lessons the kids learn along the way more impactful as well.
The Verdict
A well written, powerful and overall great book, the author continues to establish this middle school level read is a great series that not only entertains but educates young people on the beauty and danger of the great outdoors, and the tools they’ll need to survive out there. With memorable characters and important life lessons, this is not a book to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy of “Surviving Cougar Mountain” by Karl Steam today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Karl Steam is a children’s author and illustrator. Some of his works include Purple Pup, How Santa Changed, and the Kids vs. Nature series. He resides in the Lakes Region of the Upper Midwest with his wife and four children. Karl enjoys fishing, camping, and traveling. Oh yeah, he likes writing too.
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