Friday, October 30, 2015

Book Feature: Animals Have Feelings, Too! by Karen Lee Stevens



Title: Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z
Author: Karen Lee Stevens
Publisher: All for Animals
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Filled with humor and whimsical illustrations, this enchanting and educational A to Z guide takes young readers on a journey through the alphabet with a lovable Labrador retriever named Sandy, who shows kids that animals and people share many of the same feelings. From A is for Affectionate to Z is for Zonked, Animals Have Feelings, Too! helps children to understand and express their feelings and to treat animals with kindness and respect.

For More Information

  • Animals Have Feelings, Too!: Exploring Emotions From A to Z is available at Amazon.
  • Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
Book Excerpt:

Hi Kids,

My name is Sandy and I’m a yellow Labrador retriever. Most of the time, I’m a happy-go-lucky pup, but once in awhile, I feel lonely or grumpy, too. Just like you, I experience lots of different emotions (that’s a BIG word for feelings).

When I’m happy, I wag my tail and let out a soft ruff-ruff-ruff as if to say Let’s play! When I’m annoyed or frightened, I may grumble and growl, meaning Back off, buddy! Stay away!

My feline friend, Willow, likes to remind me that I’m not perfect, but I love her anyhow. And that’s why I’ve asked her to help me introduce you to my very favorite feeling words. I hope you’ll share them with your human family and, of course, your furry and feathered friends!

Love,
Sandy

Book Review: New Pony Day! by Jen K. Blom



Title: New Pony Day!
Author: Jen K. Blom
Publisher: Jen K. Blom
Pages: 28
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Today’s the day Josie gets her new pony – if she can find him, that is! Her cat Pasta’s along for the ride, too, but there’s no telling if he’ll help or not – he’s a cat!

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My Review:

If any children's book on the market today comes close to having the most adorable illustrations, it has to be New Pony Day! by Jen K. Blom.  What a delightful children's story and what a unique premise!

If you ever craved having a pony as a child like I did, you will absolutely love this charming story.  Josie and her pet cat, Pasta, are off to pick out a pony.  The illustrations and whimsical rhyme puts you in Josie's head for sure - she is sooooo excited!  But there are so many to choose from!

She imagines what she will do with her pony from rescuing captured knights to having a playhouse in the trees just for her new pony, herself and Pasta.  Again, I can't tell you how much I am enjoying these illustrations that go along with the story - it brings this children's picture book to life.

If your child is a pony lover and lucky enough to be searching for her/his perfect pony, this would make a great book - it would add to the excitement!

Jen K. Blom did an excellent job writing this book keeping you glued to each page.  I loved it and would recommend it to the pre-school kiddos.  I give this delightful children's picture book 5 rainbows and look forward to reading other books by Ms. Blom.

My Rating:


Monday, October 26, 2015

Book Review: Zenji & the Muzzy Bug: The Mindful & Magical Sleep Solution (Buddabugzz Sleepwell Book 1) by Aisli Madden

Title: Zenji & the Muzzy Bug: The Mindful & Magical Sleep Solution (Buddabugzz Sleepwell Book 1)
Author: Aisli Madden
Publisher: www.DesignBOS.ie; 2 edition (October 5, 2015)
Pages: 32
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Book Summary:

Zenji the Buddabug is feeling rather unwell. He is stuck in bed and he’s extremely bored… That’s until his buddy Karma appears and takes him on a magical adventure… inside Zenji’s body!
After listening to Karma’s relaxation rhyme, Zenji is transported inside his own body where he heals himself from within, and becomes more relaxed with each breath he takes.

Buddabugzz bedtime stories are infused with well-being and mindfulness techniques that help develop self-confidence and positive thinking from the earliest age. Each title is purposely designed to encourage sleep at bedtime and to safeguard and nurture children’s mental health from infancy.

Age Level: 0 – 8   Grade Level: P – 2   32 pages

My Review: 

What a delightful children's picture book!  Zenji is a Buddabug who has caught a Muzzy Bug.  Karma, the little voice inside his head, pops out of nowhere and tells Zenji that he needs to believe in a little magic.  Zenji begins a magical tour within himself and makes himself feel better.  What I loved most about this picture book were the illustrations. I would close the book and read it again just to see all the vibrant colors again.  Aisli Madden has a great concept - a more holistic approach to being sick and proves the point that if we believe in our healing powers within ourselves, we heal much faster.  Loved it!

I give this book 5 rainbows!


Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Book Feature: Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled Everland & Reimburse the Universe by Lisa McDonald



Title: Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled Everland
Author: Lisa McDonald
Publisher: Lisa McDonald
Pages: 36
Genre: Children’s Picture Book 

McDonald’s first book, LITTLE BOY GAN FROM PASSION-FILLED EVERLAND, tells the story of ten-year-old Gan. Gan is humble and wise with a loving spirit that he shares with the animals he meets in the magical forest where the story takes place. The curious animals watch Gan and observe his kindness and humility. Soon they seek the boy out to learn the secret of his happiness. The old soul gives his new friends advice on humility, passion, compassion, and paying it forward. The impact Gan has on the animals is life changing. The lessons they learn lead to expressions of gratitude for their individual gifts and embolden them to share their passions with the world.

For More Information

  • Little Boy Gan From Passion-Filled Everland is available at Amazon.
Title: Reimburse the Universe
Author: Lisa McDonald
Publisher: Lisa McDonald
Pages: 36
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
In REIMBURSE THE UNIVERSE, a diverse cast of characters continue the theme of people sharing their best selves with the world. The message of this book focuses on giving back to the universe by honoring and respecting ourselves and others and understanding that all human beings are part of a collective whole. Each page in the book offers examples of how individuals can give back to the collective out of appreciation for the many gifts that the universe has provided all of us.

For More Information

  • Reimburse the Universe is available at Amazon.


About the Author


Lisa McDonald is an author and radio host. Her children’s books, LITTLE BOY GAN FROM PASSION-FILLED EVERLAND and REIMBURSE THE UNIVERSE, take readers, young and old, on journeys with diverse characters that teach lessons of acceptance, understanding, and sharing. Lisa’s radio program, Carpe Diem, promotes personal empowerment and showcases world-renowned authors, speakers, and musicians.

Writing has been a long-time passion for Lisa. “I have been writing since the age of five. I always wrote poetry, short stories, anthologies, essays. My maternal grandmother foresaw me being a writer/author from a very young age and encouraged me to pursue it. As a result of reinventing myself due to a change in personal/familial circumstances, it became clear to me that writing was not meant to be a hobby but rather my vocation.”

Lisa’s third and fourth books, PLANET POME-GRANITE and KISMET TALES FROM HAPPY TRAILS, are forthcoming in late 2015 and early 2016.

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