Showing posts with label amazon books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amazon books. Show all posts

Monday, March 2, 2015

Book Review: Ella Mae the Courageous Cheerleader

Ella Mae the Courageous Cheerleader
Stephanie Cameron
Tate Publishing- Children's Division
127 E. Trade Center Terrace, Mustang, Oklahoma 73064
ASIN: B00BJ8A3Z4, $7.99 Kindle, www.amazon.com

This is a perfect book for a child struggling with bullying issues. From the gorgeous illustrations to the well-integrated bible verses, Ella Mae was a delightful read. The story follows a young cheerleader named Ella Mae. She loved to cheer for her school, but had to face the daily teasing from her team mates. Even though it was difficult, Ella Mae made a choice to treat them with kindness rather than resorting to using the same tactics. Eventually, her kindness spread and she received a nice surprise.

At the end, we were greeted with a few questions and some bible verses that relates to the overall theme of "do to others what you would have them do to you". These questions help children take the concepts from the story and open up a dialogue with their family about bullying.

My daughter says, "It is hard to deal with bullies. Sometimes it is hard to know how to stand up to someone who is being mean. I like how she was able to be kind even though the girls were really mean to her. I think this book has a great message."

This book is a great complement to Christian upbringings. I believe that a reader who is not religious or does not believe in the Christian faith may have issues with the religious symbols, verses, and theme. And for that reason, I would not recommend this book for those readers. However, if the reader is looking for a great book about bullying, is Christian, religious, and/or curious about the faith, I feel this would be an excellent addition to their libraries.




Reviewed by Jaclyn M. Bartz and the Owlets

Jaclyn M Bartz
Author/Illustrator of The Retired Tooth Fairy
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review
Founder of Green Owl Publications

Artist Website
Green Owl Publications
The Retired Tooth Fairy Fan Page

Jaclyn's SM Links:
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Twitter
Amazon Author Page
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Sunday, November 23, 2014

The Adventures of Wally and Warren: Dinosaur Hunt by Lisé Chase

The Adventures of Wally and Warren: Dinosaur Hunt
Lisé Chase
Eve Innovations
9780692229224, Print $9.99 US, 42 pgs.
B00L3UL7R6, Kindle $2.99 US

Synopsis: Wally and Warren, the dynamic polar duo, are on a new, Jurassic adventure. With Warren as their guide, Wally learns about a variety of dinosaurs. But when he discovers some of these creatures eat meat, he worries one might come after him and Warren and their new baby Brontosaurus friend. He’s determined to protect them, but what will he do when he encounters the greatest predator of all…the Tyrannosaurus rex?

Dinosaur Hunt is the fourth installment in The Adventures of Wally and Warren children’s book series. The story is written in clever and adorable rhymes. It depicts Wally, Warren, and their friends playing pretend while reading a book about dinosaurs. Lisé Chase explains the purpose of her illustrations. She wants children to feel like they could draw those characters and create their own stories. It is a great concept which will surely inspire the future generation of authors and illustrators.

As a parent, I really enjoyed the interaction my children had with it. My son, the two year old, loved giving the baby dinosaur kisses. He took off down the hall to run away from the T-rex when the characters screamed “Run!” My youngest daughter loved learning about the different dinosaurs, and my oldest enjoyed recognizing terms she is learning in school. I like how Lisé Chase shows children how fun it is to read. I believe this book will light that fire in the hearts of many young children. It is a true gem!

What did the kids think?
My oldest daughter said, “I like that it teaches about dinosaurs in a fun way. I like that the characters are drawn as cartoons and real pics of the dinosaurs are shown in the back.”
“They are really cute!” stated my four year old, who wanted to read the story over and over again.


Author Bio: Lisé Chase is the author/illustrator of The Adventures of Wally and Warren children's picture book series. She's an adventurer, an explorer, an artist, a poet, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother who believes every day should be lived to its fullest and that our life is what we make of it.


Synopsis & Author Bio found on Amazon.





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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Food Run by Cindy Santos



Food Run
Cindy Santos
Amazon Digital Publishing
B00L8OHIU2, Kindle $0.99 US, www.amazon.com


Synopsis (From Amazon.com): It’s getting late. An out-of-work, divorced mother of two, makes a last-minute dash to the supermarket before it closes. Referencing her shopping list, she races through the store, compares prices and strives to stick to her limited budget as she buys groceries for her school-aged children and ailing mother. Her late-night shopping trip almost goes according to plan, until it’s time for her to pay. An unexpected encounter at the checkout stand forces her to consider all her choices – and their consequences.

Cindy Santos delivers an emotional, descriptive short-story that tackles important issues related to the suffering of some modern day people. Food Run is a story about a divorced mother's dreaded trip to the grocery store. This Stanford graduate is forced to accept receiving government assistance in order to feed her family. The story throws the reader into the inner thoughts, fears, and frustrations while dealing with the less than ideal situation the main character faces. Ms. Santos does a wonderful job showing the struggles of her character and the prejudice people display toward people who are down on their luck. Additionally, she highlights the human disconnect between big grocery stores and local shops as her character remembers the days when store owners treated people as though they were important instead of the ones that only are concerned with their "bottom line".

This story is relatable for people experiencing similar situations, and is an eye-opener for those who look down on people receiving welfare. In my opinion, the best aspect of this story is the message about not judging people because no one knows what the other person is going through. In this recession, college educated people have lost their jobs and have not been able to recover. Some had to go on welfare for temporary assistance, others are going back to change careers, and many were forced to take low-paying jobs to try to make ends meet. It is a sad truth, and Cindy Santos does an amazing job bringing humanity into this story.

Food Run is a story for people who are experiencing these issues and for those looking to understand the problems in our society. I would not recommend this for anyone who cannot empathize with people down on their luck or those who demonize others for accepting government assistance.


About the Author (Taken from Amazon):
Cindy Santos is a Cuban-American author and writer with a social conscious. Born and raised in Southern California, Cindy developed a passion for writing at an early age and dreamed of one day becoming a journalist. After attending three community colleges, she transferred to the University of Southern California in 2005 where she double majored in print journalism and contemporary American history. As an undergraduate student, she interned at a magazine and three newspapers to make her dream a reality. Upon her graduation from USC in 2008, she initially pursued a career in journalism, but later decided to devote herself to writing fiction based on current events. Known as a champion for Latino literature and multicultural realism, Cindy's stories capture the essence of everyday life in our troubled times. Her recently released short story, "Food Run," is her first published work of fiction. Cindy currently resides in the greater Los Angeles area where she is working on her debut novel.

Purchase Food Run by Cindy Santos here:
Food Run by Cindy Santos

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

Official Website
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Author Page
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Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Connect w/ me on LinkedIn

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader) by James Gordon



Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader)
James Gordon
CreateSpace
1497362210/B00J7QJPJ0
Print $10.99 US/Kindle $1.50 US

Hi, My Name is Bobo by James Gordon is a cute memoir. Each scene is written from the child's point of view and immediately draws the reader in by peppering the pages with references to famous pop culture figures and images of familiar family dynamics. He brings an innocence to his words by asking the questions we all wondered as children, such as why it is okay for adults to engage in behaviors they tell their children to refrain from doing. Additionally, the author shares his childhood pictures which helps the readers connect personally with the dialogue.

My children loved this story because they could picture themselves in the same scenarios, like hanging out with their siblings, going to church, and watching some of their favorite superhero characters. And they loved the interesting way James Gordon wrote each scene. 

This story was endearing, and it was great getting a glimpse into the author's life. It will leave the reader reminiscing about their own childhoods, sharing those memories with their children, and smiling for hours afterwards.





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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

Official Website
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Saturday, August 9, 2014

Book Review: Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero by C.L. Vaagen


Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero
C.L. Vaagen & Mike Henderson
Publisher: Crystal Vaagen
No Contact Info
B00BMUUZL6
$5.99 US Kindle, 20 pgs.

Robbie Hero, Super Girl Hero by C.L. Vaagen is a must read for elementary and middle grade students. It addresses the main aspects of the anti-bullying campaign in an well-crafted short story. Robbie Zero is a young girl who is bullied by a mean boy named Tommy. Instead of standing up for herself, she tries to remain invisible, hoping the bullying will stop. But instead, she suffers silently. That is until one day when she encounters her bully in a terrifying predicament.

We liked this story because it explains the struggles bullying victims encounter both physically and mentally. It details the terror victims feel at the sight of their tormentor. And the great thing about this story is the main character's transformation. She grows from a timid child to a strong girl with a purpose. This story teaches empathy, standing up for what is right, and treating others how you would want to be treated. Additionally, the illustrations by Mike Henderson capture the emotion of the story. Overall, this is wonderful book that all kids should read.

Purchase "Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero" By C.L. Vaagen Here


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

Official Website
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Friday, August 8, 2014

BOOK REVIEW: The Young Mystery Series--The Missing Lunch by B. K. Maxwell



The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch
B.K. Maxwell
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
1499632851/978-1499632859/B00L2XVK0I
$6.99 US Paperback/ $2.99 US Kindle

5 Stars:

The Young Mystery Series by B.K. Maxwell is a new detective series following a sibling duo, Kia-9 years old and Marcus 8 years old. In The Missing Lunch, the story starts in the children's elementary school in a small Michigan town. While having lunch, their friend Dennis asks for help. His mom's world famous pb&j sandwich has been stolen out of his lunch box for the past couple days, and he has been forced to eat the gross cafeteria school instead. He hopes they can find the culprit quick. Kia and Marcus agree to help their friend. But this is a difficult case for them to solve. Their culprit is super sneaky and has the duo on a wild goose chase.

My daughter and I really enjoyed this story. It is a classic fun detective story similar to Sherlock Holmes and Nancy Drew. My daughter instantly connected with the main character, Kia. She loved how strong-willed and clever she is. The settings, dialogue, and characters are kid-friendly and relatable. My daughter chimed in several times about experiences the characters faced and how they reminded her of things in her own life. This page turner kept her interest from the second she opened it to the very unwanted end.

B.K. Maxwell is a new force in the "kidlit" world, and there are plenty of reasons for him to go far: his dialogue is convincing, fun, and well-crafted; his plot development is exquisite; and his character development is awe-inspiring. Overall, we would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great new detective series for their children. It is a fantastic read.

Purchase The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch by B.K. Maxwell Here

Stay Tuned for the review of "Robbie Zero, Super Girl Hero" by
C.L. Vaagen/ Illustrated by Mike Henderson


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

Official Website
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
Pinterest
Connect w/ me on LinkedIn

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Book Review: Chasing Fate By Maria Miller


Chasing Fate
Maria Miller
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN:1475252404/ASIN: B008R8B8T4
$9.99 US Paperback/ $5.99 US Kindle

5 Stars:

Chasing Fate by Maria Miller is an enjoyable read. This YA story is an action-packed, emotional journey that follows a teenager as she finds herself in the middle of an unexpected adventure. The daughter of a successful businessman, Kate seems like she lives the charmed life. But she faces some harsh daily truths behind the walls of her luxurious exterior. Kate learns to hid her misfortunes of having an alcoholic, abusive father and timid, excuse-giving mother from others. That is until her teacher catches on after Kate fails to turn in her final project.

Her teacher offers her a redemption assignment-- she has to interview someone in order to pass.  Kate does not want to interview one of her father's friends, so she chooses a low-life bum to finish her assignment. Little does she know, this "bum" has led a secretive life as an ex-Navy Seal. When he asks her to return an idol, Kate finds herself in the middle of a crazy mission. With the disappearance of the bum to traveling across new lands, this story keeps the reader engaged.

Maria Miller does a great job with plot and character development. Her characters are strong, believable, and exciting. Her story is filled with plot twists that keep the pace fast and exhilarating. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an awesome adventure story with a twist.

Click here for purchasing info: Chasing Fate by Maria Miller

Stay Tuned for the review of "The Young Mystery Series: The Missing Lunch" by
B.K. Maxwell


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Currently, I am only taking on short reads--Children's Books Only--since my chapter book schedule is full. Sorry for the inconvenience. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
Author/Illustrator of "The Retired Tooth Fairy"
Volunteer Book Reviewer for Midwest Book Review

email: theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com

Official Website
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
Pinterest
Connect w/ me on LinkedIn

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Book Review: On The Edge of Wishing by Danette Key



On the Edge of Wishing
Danette Key
iUniverse
978-1-4759-6441-7
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.iuniverse.com
$13.95 US

5 Stars:

We had the pleasure to review Danette Key's YA novel, On the Edge of Wishing. This story is about the challenges a family faces when dealing with a problematic child. Maddy is a 14 year old teenager who is very unappreciative of life. She is disobedient, disrespectful, and selfish. She gets in trouble at school on a regular basis and treats her siblings unkindly.

As a result of her bad behavior, her father, Peter--a soccer coach--can no longer stand being around her and wishes she was someone else. Her mother, Becca, is an overwhelmed mother of three who retreats to community service in order to escape the problems with her daughter. And Maddy's two younger siblings do not understand why she is so mean to them.

Unexpected help arrives from the other side to mend this broken family. Mary Ellen is a soul with an important task. She possesses Maddy's body and intervenes with this family's challenges. Soon, Maddy starts acting strange. She seems nicer and more loving.  Peter takes notice of her weird behavior, but he is happy that she is becoming more of the ideal daughter he had wished for. There is only one problem: Mary Ellen wants to stay as Maddy, and she is willing to do what she can to make that happen.

Danette Key is professional writer and proof-reader. She also writes poetry and posts it to her website. On the Edge of Wishing is her debut novel. One interesting fact about Danette: In her free time, she loves to make quilts for her family.  (Info borrowed from danettekey.com)

This story is well-crafted from the beginning to the end. From excellent character development to the interesting plot points, On the Edge of Wishing has it all. This story's moderate pace is engaging and keeps the reader's interest throughout. In addition, it features several great messages for more than just the young adult readers this book is directed toward. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a story with a deeper meaning that not only entertains, but teaches kindness, patience, and appreciation. 

Find "On the Edge of Wishing" by Danette Key on Amazon


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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook (dot) com

Official Website
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Friday, July 11, 2014

The Tooth Fairy Retires and Visits Homes Across the Globe

Of course, like any new Author, I cannot help but share my excitement. My first book has been released and is available on Amazon! I can officially say that I am a Published Author! This has been an exciting adventure, and I highly recommend for anyone thinking about writing a book to put yourself out there and do it. I have already completed my first goal as a newbie--I have sold my first copy to a perfect stranger! Amazing!

And without further ado....

Here she is, Bea--The Retired Tooth Fairy:

http://www.amazon.com/Retired-Tooth-Fairy-1/dp/1468175971/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1405103125&sr=8-1&keywords=jaclyn+m+bartz
The Retired Tooth Fairy by Jaclyn M Bartz
 
 
 

Sharing is caring--I would appreciate if you could share this with your friends. Thank you in advance.

Please stay tuned for the Official Online Release Party where I will have a Q&A session, give-a-ways, and lots of other fun.

If you are an author and willing to offer a complimentary copy to guests...please feel to message me at theretiredtoothfairy (at) outlook (dot) com.

And, last but not least, thank you for all of your support. I could not have done this without you! :)

Sincerely,

Jaclyn M Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

Official Website
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Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Book Review: The Mosquito and the Teapot

 The Mosquito and the Teapot: Authored by Aamani Gurajada/Illustrated by Sunaad Gurajada

Rating: 5 out of 5 Mosquitos

The very first thing that struck me about this book is the amazing talent these two artists possess. The stories are written by Aamani, who is a very talented 6 year old author...yes, I said 6 years old...and illustrated by Sunaad, who is a very talented 11 year old illustrator. This is what is great about the shift in publishing trends because talented kids, such as these two, have the chance to explore and share their talents. It is obvious Aamani and Sunaad have a very promising future ahead of them, and I look forward to seeing them progress in their very early careers.

The Mosquito and the Teapot is a short collection of stories teaching the importance of friendship and kindness. Each story focuses on separate challenges, such as the importance of telling someone to stop doing something that is not liked and another story that teaches the readers not fight with their friends over unimportant issues. In addition to the stories, Sunaad, the illustrator, does an amazing job creating delightful pictures that enhance the story.

My youngest daughter loved reading this story. We laughed at the fun passages and she loved looking at the pictures. When she found out this story was written by another kid, she enjoyed it even more. Overall, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for quick stories and chuckles to share with your little ones. And let's take a moment to give these talented kids a round of applause!

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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook.com

Official Website
Amazon Author Page
Facebook Author Page
"The Retired Tooth Fairy" Fan Page
Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Book Review: The Smile Ambassadors by Jeffrey Reid (Updated)


Our rating is 4 out of 5 two-headed turtles

"The Smile Ambassadors" by Jeffery Reid is a story based on the life of a real two-headed turtle named Zack and Mack. It is targeted for older children, preferably 5th graders to age 14, as it is a longer read with a big vocabulary. This story follows the fictitious adventures of these two fun turtles who share the same body.

The story starts out with Zack and Mack disappearing. The young girl, Constance, searches all over town for her beloved pet, but cannot find them. Meanwhile, Zack and Mack are off on an adventure--learning about the strange new world outside of their tank. They had to learn how to find food, and how to escape turtle poachers, cats, and crowds of skittish people (who confuse them with a monster). During the family's search, the local media gets involved with missing two-headed turtle story. This creates interest in them amongst the townspeople.

As the story progresses, we learn about a big turtle race, meet new and exciting friends, and learn how Zack and Mack became "The Smile Ambassadors. Overall this is a family-friendly, feel-good story. Mr. Reid does a wonderful job brining us into his characters' world with humor and vivid descriptions.


Please check out Zack and Mack at Amazon and let them put a smile on your family's face!

Excerpt taken from Amazon:
Constance has lost her turtle. It is not just any turtle but Zack and Mack, a two-headed turtle. Where can they be? Will placing mackerel around town lure Zack and Mack from hiding? What about that phone call from the mysterious Mr. Moto? Are Zack and Mack to be found in a turtle race at the Maytown Fair? Why is the President concerned about the safe return of a turtle? Meet the Queen of England's Royal Turtle, Henry. Learn of the insidious plot by The Potentate. Experience the climatic crash, tumble and heart thumping action of full-on turtle racing. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this story is designed to create a mental image of turtles that you will never forget; it will also give you cause to smile.

This story is based upon the best recollections of "fictitious" events involving a real, live, two-headed turtle.

The Smile Ambassadors is a novel suitable for all humans but it is specifically written for ages eight to fourteen.

In memory of James Zajicek, who passed away on July 3rd after a long battle with cancer. He is a featured character in "The Smile Ambassadors" as The Curator. For more about James, click here.
Please send your thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Thank you!
Photo from sideshowworld.com



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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

Jaclyn M. Bartz
"The Retired Tooth Fairy"

email: theretiredtoothfairy@outlook.com

Official Website
Facebook Author Page
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Tweet Me~ @JaclynMBartz
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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Book Review: Jesper Jinx by Marko Kitti


 
 
Crystal's Rating: 6 out of 5 Cupcakes (No, the "6" is not a typo.)
 
Crystal is an avid reader and aspiring cupcake master. Her love of reading sparked early on when she was just a wide-eyed lil tot. Now a tween, she enjoys stories with more complicated themes (even though she still enjoys a cute illustration here and there).
 
We had the pleasure of reading, Jesper Jinx by Marko Kitti over the weekend. Jesper Jinx is about an eleven-year old boy who has an appetite for trouble whether it is intended or not. This book features a collection of his stories, from pranks on his sister to his new friendship with classmate who has a moustache. It is appropriately targeted for middle grade audiences. This book is a gem!
 
'Jesper Jinx' will leave you wanting more. From the very beginning to the unwanted end, Marko Kitti does a wonderful job making his readers laugh out loud in delight. The illustrations are adorable and enhance this already exciting book. 'Jesper Jinx' engages the readers by talking directly to them and having them swear not to let Jesper know the narrator is telling these stories. In addition, there is a cute rebuff from Jesper's cat that is a creative literary gift from Mr. Kitti.
 
Overall, this book is highly recommend because the voice, pace, and cast of characters are humorous, creative, and exciting!
 
 
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If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.
 

Book Review: Rayne Shines by Bonnie Ferrante





Lilly's Rating: Really Loves it!

Lilly's Rating Scale: It's Okay, Likes It, Loves it, Really Loves It

Lilly is a 3 year old reader, but if you ask her she will always say she is 4 (which will be true in another month). She loves "kitties, and birdies, and ponies". When she is not reading, she is drawing or jumping into a big pile of pillows.

Today, we had the pleasure of reading Rayne Shines by Bonnie Ferrante. Rayne Shines follows a family who only finds the negatives in life. When a new carefree family moves in, Rayne notices the differences between her family and her happy neighbors.

This story is a great read because it teaches kids to look for the good in life and not get caught up in the bad. Otherwise, they will miss out on how wonderful life can be. In addition, Ms. Ferrante includes a list of discussion questions for parents to talk about with their children. Overall, we would recommend this book because this story has a great message and cute illustrations.

If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Monday, May 12, 2014

Book Review: Prophency of Enchantria by Mary DeKok Blowers

 
 
Crystal's Rating: 4 out of 5 Cupcakes
 
Crystal is an avid reader and aspiring cupcake master. Her love of reading sparked early on when she was just a wide-eyed lil tot. Now a tween, she enjoys stories with more complicated themes (even though she still enjoys a cute illustration here and there).
 
Today, we have the pleasure of reviewing Prophecy of Enchantria--a Christian-Themed Fantasy Novelette. The story follows an awkward, meek girl named Pandora as she discovers a portal into a new world full of fascinating creatures and scenery. There she learns about a conflict between two mystical lands and a revealing fact about herself. This story has a good message and is full of twists and turns.
 
The story started out with a great attention getter, forcing the reader to become emotionally invested in the main character, and it helps set the fast pace. The author does an amazing job bringing the reader into her exciting new world through her descriptions and unique characters, such as two talking peacocks. Overall, this is a cute short story full of excitement and adventure.
 
Find the Prophency of Enchantria by Mary DeKok Blowers on Amazon.
 

If you would like your book reviewed for free, please shoot me an email with a Kindle Version or PDF. Books we review are for target audience 0-14 and PG. No Spammers Please!

-Jaclyn

Please "Like" me on Facebook or "Follow" me on Twitter. And don't forget to check out my website.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Book Review: Lily Lemon Blossom-Welcome to Lily's Room

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K81D60/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title

This book can be found on Amazon.
Lilly's Rating: Really Loves it!

Lilly's Rating Scale: It's Okay, Likes It, Loves it, Really Loves It

Lilly is a 3 year old reader, but if you ask her she will always say she is 4 (which will be true in another month). She loves "kitties, and birdies, and ponies". When she is not reading, she is drawing or jumping into a big pile of pillows.

Today, we read Lily Lemon Blossom: Welcome to Lily's Room. Of course, she picked this book because she shares the same name as the main character.  When we opened the book, we were greeted with many wonderful illustrations. The story takes you through a day in Lily's room. The story is written in rhymes, and flows nicely. Each drawing is dynamic and enhances each passage.

Lilly enjoyed looking for the kitty in the pictures, and she thought the illustrations were "very pretty".  Naturally, she asked me to read it again, and again, . . . and again. (Meaning she really loves it!)

It is appropriately targeted for audiences 3-5. As a Mom, I liked how the main character makes a point to clean her room and keep it tidy. Overall, the story is about a girl showing off her room and the things inside. It is nicely done and I thought the author did a clever job with her word play. I would recommend it for anyone with a little girl in this age group.



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