Tag: kid’s book

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

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

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

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The Synopsis

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

Why This Book Benefits Children

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

How Parents Can Use This Book

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

The Review

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

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

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The Verdict

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

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/

https://amzn.to/4gyYlgQ

PRESS RELEASE: JOURNALIST AND WRITER JONATHAN HANDEL RELEASES NEW KIDS BOOK

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn book news, Book Promotion, Creative Edge Publicity Press Releases, PRESS RELEASESLeave a comment

AI’s Promise and Perils on Display in Lyrical New Kids Book by Critically Acclaimed Entertainment Lawyer, Journalist, Poet and Writer Jonathan Handel

The text is by Handel but the 110 illustrations in Who Do You Want to Be? were generated by AI in a single day at a cost of $0.66. As kids decide who they want to be when they grow up, is AI narrowing the choices or creating new opportunities?

More info, video and pics at https://who2b.kids.

Who Do You Want to Be? (Hollywood Analytics; January 1, 2024; paper USD $14.99; hardcover USD $25.99; Kindle USD $6.99) by Jonathan Handel asks kids the eternal question: what do you want to do when you grow up?

One day my best friendSaid to meWho in the worldDo you wanna be?I thought and thoughtAnd thought and saidMaybe a firemanCuz their trucks are red?


That’s not a great reason—but there are many other possibilities in this lyrical story, a rhymed and illustrated exploration for kids showcasing dozens of jobs, careers and occupations. It’s an affirming book written for diverse kids aged 4-8 and their parents, and just might appeal to anyone who isn’t sure what they want to do for work. It’s a fun, clever book that delights kids, parents and teachers alike.

At 68 pages but only 630 words, Who Do You Want to Be? is about a 15-minute read. And because the text began life as part of a song, you can sing the book too!

But there’s an irony: Handel wrote the text, but AI did the book’s 110 illustrations (60 of them full-page). They would have cost about $15,000 and taken months to render had a human illustrator drawn them. Using DALL-E via ChatGPT, it took less than 24 hours and the equivalent of USD $0.66 (one day of a $20 per month subscription). That’s a half-cent per full-page illustration instead of $165, a cost ratio of over 30,000 to one—seemingly enough to put some illustrators out of work.

Handel couldn’t spend $15,000 on the artwork, so no illustrators actually lost work on this project. But illustrators’ past work was reportedly used by OpenAI to train DALL-E. For that reason, Handel is donating 10 percent of the book’s net revenue to The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a nonprofit organization. “It’s a collaboration of man and machine, author and automation,” he said, “so I wanted to give back.” And that’s a lesson worth remembering too.

     About the Book

Title: WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?Author: Jonathan HandelPublication Date: January 1, 2024Copyright Date: 2024Publisher: Hollywood AnalyticsPp.: 68 pp. + vi + career indexHardcover: USD $25.99; https://amzn.to/48i4vNh;  ISBN 979-8-9898418-1-3Paper: USD $14.99; https://amzn.to/47iXSsS; ISBN 979-8-9898418-0-6Kindle: USD $6.99; https://amzn.to/3H3ltTJ; ASIN B0CR8BFSL3Features: 110 illus. (60 full-page); parent/teacher resource list; career index

About Jonathan Handel

Jonathan Handel practices transactional entertainment and technology law at Feig/Finkel in Los Angeles and independently, and is also a journalist, media commentator, and writer of poetry, scripts, stories and nonfiction.

Handel has written for Puck and was a contributing editor from 2010-20 for The Hollywood Reporter, where he wrote over 1,400 articles. He’s appeared in the media as an expert over 1,600 times.

A graduate of Harvard College (applied math and computer science) and Harvard Law School, Handel is also a former computer scientist and was involved in local politics for a decade. His writing has also been published in the Los Angeles Times, Variety and elsewhere. Handel is a member of the Television Academy and associate member of the Dramatists Guild and the Society of Composers & Lyricists. For several years, he taught a film appreciation and screening class to approximately 400 students for UCLA Extension.  

More information about Jonathan can be found at jhandel.com and jhandel.news.
To request review copies or an interview with Jonathan Handel, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com

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

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young 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

Following Sasquatch by Molly Leach Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A day of adventure with Sasquatch helps teach readers the beauty and importance of conservation in author Molly Leach’s “Following Sasquatch”.

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The Synopsis

Following Sasquatch takes readers on an enchanting exploration with an elusive gentle giant. Crafted by Molly Leach, this story delves into a day of discovery in the wilderness, highlighting Sasquatch’s commitment to leaving no trace behind.

With adventures from climbing trees to encountering diverse wildlife, Sasquatch’s journey is one of mindfulness and respect for nature. Emphasizing conservation, kindness, and the beauty of the natural world, the book educates and entertains, fostering a deep appreciation for the outdoors. It encourages readers to explore with care, love the earth, and cherish its wonders.

This book invites readers to a journey of discovery, stewardship, and wonder, proving that sometimes, the simplest of adventures can preserve our planet’s stories for generations to come.

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The Review

What a heartwarming and memorable book. The author did a remarkable job of capturing the whimsy and wonder of Sasquatch in our culture while also delivering an educated and experienced book for young readers everywhere. The warmth and natural wonder of the illustrations allowed the spark of nature to take hold of the reader’s mind, keeping readers invested in the overall story being told.

The heart of this story rested in the significant theme of conservatorship that permeated the narrative. The simple story of a Sasquatch and its relationship to nature may be straightforward. Yet, this book provides a depth of attention to detail on the impact we as a civilization make on the environment and natural surroundings.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Moly Leach’s “Following Sasquatch” is a must-read children’s book. The almost minimalist approach to the illustrations perfectly blends the themes of nature, environmentalism, and mankind’s relationship to the environment. The whimsy and wonder of Sasquatch as a main character keep the reader invested in the overall narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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Molly is an artist from somewhere along the road. Whether doing trail work far in the forest or writing songs up in a tree , hopping the train to see an old friend or playing music at a bar in the city, adventure is never far away. Hands rarely clean of dirt, usually barefoot, and often dancing, you will find Molly singing in the wild.

Lions, Leopards, and Storms, Oh My! by Author Heather L. Beal Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Another beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written story of nature and safety come to life in author Heather L. Beal’s children’s book, Lions, Leopards, and Storms, Oh My! Here’s the synopsis:

Lily and Niko Rabbit are at childcare when the weather changes and a thunderstorm strikes. One of the children’s parents is a meteorologist and he talks with the children about thunderstorms. They learn about severe weather events like thunderstorms and what conditions these events can bring, like lightning, hail, and winds. They also learn what to do to stay safe.

This is another fun illustrated adventure from author Heather L. Beal. The story focuses on thunderstorms, and how dangerous they can be. It allows kids to learn about common weather in our world that can affect our daily lives, and how to be safe when confronted with this weather. Children will love the colorful art and humorous writing that will allow them to connect with the story, while parents will love the way the story allows them to bond with their child and helps teach their child valuable lessons going forward in life. It’s everything you want in a children’s novel and more, combining fantastic creativity, passionate characters that teach the children about this topic, and an important life lesson on safety and not taking unnecessary risks. Overall I loved this story, as it brings another fantastic chapter to the books from this incredible author that fuses education and creativity beautifully. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copies of Lions, Leopards, and Storms, Oh My!

 

Rating: 10/10

https://www.amazon.com/Lions-Leopards-Storms-Oh-Thunderstorm-ebook/dp/B07D6VK1ZH/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1527224122&sr=1-5&keywords=Heather+L+Beal

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The Adventures of Venessa & Teddy by Miejoiee McClinton Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A cute story of two creatures who ignore social standings to become friends brings parents and children alike together in author Miejoiee McClinton’s The Adventures of Venessa & Teddy. Here’s the synopsis:

Meet Venessa, a spunky, outgoing, little bunny and her best friend Teddy, a blunt and sarcastic bear. Get ready to go through all the excitements and challenges of these two unlikely heroines after a simple game of hide-and-seek goes terribly wrong.

This short yet incredible read was a fun, exhilarating and surprisingly intense book. The dangers of wandering into unknown waters comes to literal life in this story, as Venessa and Teddy are thrust into a dangerous situation that ends on a kind of cliffhanger ending, leaving the reader to make up their own minds regarding the final outcome. The story of these two woodland creatures who you’d never expect to get along becoming fast friends was heartwarming to see, which is a perfect message to send to kids. The whole story feels like a message to testing the waters figuratively and leaving your comfort zone to explore the world as a whole.

Overall this was a great read. Filled with heartwarming interactions, surprising endings and characters children will fall in love with immediately, this children’s book was the perfect read that parents will absolutely love to read to their children. If you haven’t picked up your copies of The Adventures of Venessa & Teddy by Miejoiee McClinton, do so today!

Rating: 10/10

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1522844627/ref=x_gr_w_glide_ku_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_ku_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1522844627&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

The Blustery Day by Caroline L. Thorton Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A wonderful children’s story takes life in author Caroline L. Thorton’s The Blustery Day. Here’s a quick synopsis:

A windy, winding, wonderful adventure. Grab your wellington boots and join the fun of The Blustery Day in this charming picture book for children.

This delightful children’s book was just charming. The artwork was beautiful, and the deeper message about people or things that come into our lives suddenly, helping us through one crisis or another and leaving before we even realized just how much that person or thing helped us is something we can all relate to. It teaches us to be appreciative of those who help us through tough times, and not to take anything for granted. Children will be delighted with the truly wonderful artwork in this story, and parents will love going on this magical journey with their child.

Overall this was an incredible children’s book. Full of passion, heart and emotion, this story not only has all the earmarks for a good children’s book, but goes on step further with vivid imagery throughout and a rare lesson not many people are able to master in their lives. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of Caroline L. Thorton’s The Blustery Day today!

Rating: 10/10

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BV4615B/ref=x_gr_w_glide_ku_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_ku_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07BV4615B&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

The Fed-Up Cow by Pete Lemon (Illustrated by Maria Todoric) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A farm animal get’s tired of their mundane and everyday life in author Pete Lemon and illustrator Maria Todoric’s The Fed-Up Cow. Here’s the synopsis:

Hilda is FED-UP with being a cow. Spending all day doing not much but moo. There has to be something more she can do.

So she decides to be a sheep…
… then a pig
… and even a chicken.

Is the grass any greener on the other side?

Join Hilda, the fed-up cow, on her voyage of self-discovery in this daft but timeless story, written in rhyme.

This wonderful children’s book was a delight to review. Filled with beautiful pictures that will delight and captured the attention of children and parents alike, the story does a wonderful job of showcasing some important topics. Topics like accepting who you are and not being afraid to go out and discover your identity. The book is humorous enough to get the kids laughing while the story does a wonderful job of exploring the theme of identity and the adventure we all go on to find our own. Whether it’s finding our preferred career or our personal identities, this is a struggle we all face at one point or another in our lives, and this children’s book brings this message home for all families.

Overall this was a great book. A fast read that goes perfectly with any family reading session, the original and creative story told by Pete Lemon and Maria Todoric is quite memorable and fun to read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to pick up your copies of The Fed-Up Cow today!

Rating: 10/10

 

Beluga Tales – Because I’m Your Mommy by Nanna Elliana Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A mother’s love comes to beautiful illustrated life in the brand new children’s story Beluga Tales – Because I’m Your Mommy by author Nanna Elliana. Here’s the synopsis:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And Mommy whale expresses her hopes and dreams for a one-of-a-kind relationship with her little beluga daughter. This book celebrates a mother’s love. The books are aimed at children aged 2-6 (picture books), who hopefully will join Valeria in her mini-adventures, and learn something about life and the world around them. In these books the characters share a whole range of experiences, they learn about sharing, about helping each other, and most important, they learn the value of friendship. My vision was to create books with positive messages for children. Simple stories with a valuable lesson or just a joke that could bring a smile to a child. A unique style with a lot of creativity that can bring any tale of imagination and adventure to new heights. ” I hope that you will enjoy my stories and if so please consider leaving an Amazon review since it helps individuals like me to stay motivated in this big and scary market. It would be greatly appreciated.” My books are mostly about friendship. The belugas go on little adventures and find different animals and situations that don’t always go as planned. In my books, I try to give children strategies to help them on how to deal with disappointment, anger, sadness, how to cooperate, share and surpass their difficulties. I believe in respecting children, challenging them, loving them and most importantly empowering them with knowledge. In the end, I aim to make the reader smile and learn something from my books. Follow Valeria in her new adventures. https://www.nannaelliana.com/

This story was heartwarming to say the least. Exploring themes of equality and the love of a mother for her child, the story focuses on the promises a mother makes to her daughter to love her, protect her and show her the world. Showing children the importance of sharing, caring and dealing with their emotions in a healthy way, this story was expertly crafted perfectly for children to learn from and for parents to bond over with their child. The illustrations were gorgeous, bringing the story of a beluga whale and her family to life eloquently and making it feel like watching a family movie.

Overall this was a great story, filled with heart and emotion throughout. An important read for any parent and their child, the story blends the sensational world of the ocean with the connection between a mother and their child, and it’ll have a tear welling up in your eye as you happily go through the story. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copy of Beluga Tales – Because I’m Your Mommy today!

Rating: 10/10