Rocketship Ride by Franco D'Auria

 

The best way to travel at a young age is to use your imagination! Take a sneak peek inside this picture book of two brothers doing just that and then follow the tour for even more from Franco D'Aurio's Rocketship Ride. Best of luck entering the great giveaway!

Review of Dancing With Trees and Waving With Leaves by S.M. Jackson

 

Dancing With Trees and Waving With Leaves by S.M. Jackson is a sweet new picture book. Take a peek inside and read my thoughts. Follow the tour for even more. And then best of luck entering the giveaway!

Review of Family Fun at the Lake by Katelyn Prendergast

 

This sweet new picture book from Katelyn Prendergast may make you nostalgic for your own childhood or inspire an idea for your own family! Find out more about Family Fun at the Lake and let Katelyn know your thoughts in the comments section. Follow the tour for more! And best of luck in the giveaway

Tales from Cloud Canyon by Dr. Rachel Kowert, PhD Kickstarter Campaign

 

Get to know the characters and stories from Cloud Canyon and see how you can help Dr. Rachel Kowert, PhD with her Kickstarter campaign! Take a peek inside and follow the tour for more. Let her know what you think in the comments section. And check out the amazing giveaway!

Review of Papa the Shoemaker by Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán

 

Today I welcome back by Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán to the blog with another picture book. Read my thoughts on this modern day fable and then follow the tour for more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Daddies and Daughters Stick Together by Aissatou Balde and Diariatou Sow, illustrated by Nandi L. Fernandez

 

I just reviewed this book a little while ago! And now I have a sneak peek inside of it for you. Enjoy and be sure to follow the tour for more! Leave your questions and comments for the author. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Review of I Am One with the Universe by Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán

 

Today I welcome back Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán to the blog as this Montessorian takes a look at another one of their books. Take a peek inside I Am One With the Universe and also read my thoughts on it. Be sure to follow the rest of the tour and enter the great giveaway!

Review of The Magic of Daydreaming by Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán

 

We keep hearing about manifesting our desires as adults. Here's a book that essentially teaches kids the same idea. Take a peek inside The Magic of Daydreaming by Kyra Kalweit and Dayán Mantecón Roldán and read my thoughts on the book before you download your copy. Also check out the rest of the tour for more chances to win in the giveaway!

Review of Eating These Foods Makes Me... by Kalifa Rodriguez M. SC, RD, CBS

 

Today I'm introducing to you a book you may end up adding to your classroom or home library. I'm giving you a peek inside with an excerpt as well as a guest post from the author letting us get to know her a little bit better. I also share my thoughts from the point of view as an early childhood Montessori educator. Be sure to follow the tour for more. Best of luck in the great giveaway at the end!

Is your kid a picky eater? Do you want your child to enjoy eating a variety of foods? Reading can be a proactive way to introduce your little one to the amazing world of nutrition! In this book, readers will explore healthy foods and learn how key nutrients benefit the body. These pages repeat positive affirmations that will empower and build your child's mindfulness about the foods they eat.

It is never too early to instill life-long healthy eating habits. Happy reading! Or should I say, happy eating!

Read an excerpt:

Fun Learning Activities to Promote Healthy Nutrition

1. Using paper and crayons or coloured pencils, draw a rainbow, and then draw a fruit or vegetable that is the same colour as each colour of the rainbow. You can even use this book for ideas. Remember to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables (at least 5 servings) each day! How many have you eaten today?

2. Do you like to play any sports or games? Do you like to walk to the park? Help your parents choose and prepare an energizing snack before the next game or walk to the park.

3. Eat your water? That sounds silly! Did you know that some fruits and veggies such as celery are mostly made up of water and can also help to keep you hydrated? Can you think of any others? Now try adding those slices of fruit or even cucumber to your water bottle to give it some pizazz.

4. Try introducing interactive sensory play for preschoolers (age 3 and older). Gather a variety of beans, nuts, or seeds on a tray or in a bowl with a spoon. Under adult supervision, let the preschooler feel, grab, and scoop the legumes, nuts, and seeds. See if the toddler can separate them based on different colours, sizes, and textures while the adult names each food and talks about how these foods make us strong from the proteins and smart from the healthy omega fats.

PURCHASE LINKS

GOODREADS - AMAZON US - AMAZON CA - INDIGO CHAPTERS - BARNES & NOBLE - BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

I love seeing the smiling diverse pictures of kids on the front of the book. It makes it inviting. And I love the joyful, colorful illustrations within the book that also depict a diverse representation of children engaged in all kinds of familiar activities. Most children should be able to relate to these pictures. I only wonder why real photographs on the front and illustrations inside? 

The Montessorian in me loves the real photographs of actual foods that are being discussed within the book. Those concrete representations will better help children identify those foods at home, at school, in stores, and elsewhere in their environments. 

The story has a great positive message about the reasoning behind healthy eating. And positive affirmations are big right now, so this easily lends itself to creating new affirmations for kids to practice.

I only had one minor pet peeve with the way the affirmations/sentences were laid out. I understand the reasoning behind capitalizing the adjectives, to give them emphasis. But it makes me cringe a bit to see this in children's books because these are laying the foundation for later grammar and writing skills. I would not consider it a deal breaker in using this book, though. 

There are also four follow-up activities at the end of the book to inspire further learning. The first three are directed at children. The fourth one is directed at parents/caregivers. It reads a little weird to me with all four being in the same list when they have two different audiences. I would have split them up under two headings, like "For Kids" and "For Caregiviers." Again, a personal little issue and not a deal breaker for using this book.

It did inspire a lot of ideas and other follow-up activities and additional reading I would include in a full unit on nutrition. This book would definitely add value to that kind of learning, whether at home or in the classroom.

Overall, I'd give it 7 out of 10 stars.

I received a requested review copy from the publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

1. I struggled with the idea of writing and publishing my own children’s book. I doubted myself and my credibility as an author. Now Eating These Foods Makes Me... has won a Mothers Choice Award and received a 4.5-star review from IndieReader. It has surpassed my expectations and has proven that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Never ignore what you are being called to do no matter how scary or difficult it may seem.
2. The hardest and most fulfilling challenge in my life was becoming a mother, I’ve overcome many challenges from a complicated pregnancy, premature birth (my daughter was only 2 lbs when she was born), difficult breastfeeding journey (this motivated me to become a certified breastfeeding specialist), picky eating etc... it’s all so worth it.
3. My best way to cope with stress is guided meditation and deep breathing.
4. I am a total foodie! Most people think because I’m a nutritionist I only eat healthy food but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Of course, I value healthy food choices and eating habits, but I also do not believe in restrictive eating of any form. One of my favourite things to do is try new restaurants and eat great-tasting food, especially traditional ethnic foods from different cultures.
5. I always wanted to adopt a monkey as a pet.
6. I have only written 1 book but I have many ideas for more children’s books I’d like to write. Especially nutrition/health-related and faith-based books for kids.
7. I have a bachelor’s degree in nutritional biochemistry with a minor in Biology. I’ve always been fascinated by the human body, did you know that studies estimate there are about 30 to 40 trillion cells in the human body? Well, I wanted to explore what was happening with our food on a cellular level.
8. My favourite junk food: Poutine. Anyone from Quebec knows how heavenly a good combination of French fries, poutine sauce and cheese curds can be! It’s my go-to comfort food but definitely not something you want to eat too often from a health perspective.
9. I love travelling! My top travelling moments are going on a wildlife safari in Cape Town, eating authentic Indian food in Bangalore India as well as swimming on the beaches of Costa Rica.
10. My favourite time of the day: This is a tough one, there are 2 times of the day I cherish the most and that’s my morning routine which consists go of waking up at 4:45 am doing 10 minutes of breath work, 10 minutes of stretching/yoga, 20 minutes of exercise, 20 minutes of prayer and bible study, and 10 minutes of journaling. This is my quiet time for myself before my husband or daughter wakes up and then it’s go! Go! Go! My equally favourite time of the day is in the evening when we do my daughter’s bedtime routine. I especially enjoy the sacred space we’ve created for undivided family time as we read together, pray together and cuddle together. I bless my daughter each night with words of affirmation or declarations about her future before putting her down to sleep. It’s at this point all the troubles or challenges of the day seem to fade away, and I feel truly at peace with what I was able to accomplish.

Kalifa Rodriguez M.Sc, RD, CBS
Author of Eating These Foods Makes Me...

Kalifa Rodriguez is a registered dietitian and certified breastfeeding specialist. She currently works as a clinical nutritionist in Montreal, Canada. After receiving her bachelor's degree in nutritional biochemistry, she went on to complete a master's degree in human nutrition and dietetics at McGill University. Kalifa is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyle choices through nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness. She also hopes to leave a positive impact in the community through her work by giving nutrition education sessions to community groups and organizations. Kalifa and her husband are parents to their delightful toddler, who is the inspiration for this book.



CONNECT WITH KALIFA RODRIGUEZ

WEBSITE - Kalifa Rodriguez (kalifarodriguezbooks.com)

FACEBOOK - Kalifa Rodriguez Books | Facebook

INSTAGRAM - Kalifa Rodriguez M.Sc, RD, CBS (@the.nutrition.connection)

YOUTUBE - Power of Nutrition - YouTube

GOODREADS - Kalifa Rodriguez (Author of Eating These Foods Makes Me...) | Goodreads

Kalifa Rodriguez will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review of Andy Gets Angry by Mike Masse, Painted by Emily Corbett

 I'm so glad to see more and more resources available to help children with their social-emotional learning. It's been needed as long as I have been involved in the education/childcare profession and it feels needed more now than ever. Mike Masse has put together the words and Emily Corbett has painted the illustrations in their book Andy Gets Angry. Take a peek inside and read more of my thoughts. Follow the tour to see even more. Best of luck in the giveaway!

Children can develop the ability to respond to their emotions in a healthy way through the practice of mindfulness. Andy Gets Angry is a great introduction for children to learn a fun and simple breath technique to respond to their emotions. The beautifully hand-painted illustrations provide the perfect landscape to tell the story of Andy and his journey in learning the wonderful skill of mindfulness. Share the book with your loved ones, and help us all plant the seed to be present!

Read an excerpt:

Andy doesn’t like being angry, mad, or frustrated – he hates how it makes him feel. Sometimes he feels angry in his face. Sometimes he feels angry in his hands. Other times, he feels angry in his stomach and even in his mind.

Andy later feels bad about some of the things he said or did when he was angry. He felt bad after he yelled at Bobby, and he felt bad after he slammed the door on Sierra… and he felt bad after the one time he told his dad that he didn’t like him anymore. And that didn’t just make Andy angry. It also made him feel sad.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.COM * KINDLE * BOOKSHOP * BARNES & NOBLE * BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

It's hard enough for adults when we aren't sure how to handle our anger or strong feelings. It's even worse for young children. We need to give them as many tools as we can and present appropriate ways of handling those big feelings. This book is a good way to start. 

Andy gets angry, and understandably so with some of his life's frustrations. And then when those feelings have calmed down, he feels bad about it. Kids reading this book will probably recognize some of those frustrating situations and those feelings. So the adults in his life decide to help him by taking him to see Mindful Mike, who teaches him breathing techniques to help him calm down when feeling angry or frustrated. 

Stress breathing techniques really do work wonders with children. They're not going to stop being angry, but they may be able to better control those feelings when they rear their ugly heads. Mike presents them in a creative way that will speak to children. And the paintings by Emily Corbett are bright and lively enough to grab attention and seem familiar.

I would read this with the whole class on occasion and then use it more one-on-one with a child who is feeling particularly frustrated. It would also be a good book to leave out in the reading and/or peace area of the classroom as a reference for kids to go back to on their own. It's long enough that it will probably speak to kindergarten and elementary-age students more than preschoolers. But even preschoolers can benefit from learning these breathing techniques. You could adapt it to fit the audience, if needed. I would definitely add this to my mindfulness arsenal.

Thank you to Goddess Fish and Tellwell Publishing for providing a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mike Masse is a mindfulness consultant and public speaker who specializes in mindfulness-based stress reduction. For over a decade, he has been teaching adults, youth, and children mindfulness skills to help reduce their levels of stress and anxiety. A highly sought-after trainer, Mike facilitates workshops with educators, first responders, health care providers, and others who work in high-stress environments. Mike lives in Stratford, Ontario with his two sons and his wife.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR MIKE J MASSE

WEBSITE: https://mindfulmike.ca/

FACEBOOK: mindfulmike.ca

INSTAGRAM: @mindfulmasse

Mike J Masse will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review of SuperScruff (Goat Tails) by P. Lynn Halliday, illustrated by Jupiters Muse

 

Welcome to the review tour for SuperScruff: Goat Tails by P. Lynn Halliday! Read an excerpt and my thoughts on this book for teaching kids a lesson and then download your own copy. Be sure to catch the rest of the tour for more! Best of luck in the giveaway!

Goat Tails are a series of stories all about life on our family farm in Manitowaning. Join with us as we share the entertaining and crazy antics of all the critters that occupied that farm . . . especially the goats.

In our second book, Scruffy the kid arrives back from his BIG adventure. The lost had been found, but would he be welcomed or was it Pen Prison for him again? Scruffy had been in trouble so many times in the past that he began to have doubts. Sure the Maker loved him . . . but did everyone else?

Imagine his surprise when he was greeted at the fence by a churning, hopping, squawking sea of excitement, all straining to get a look at him! Wow, he was a superstar!

It suddenly struck him: now he knew for sure what his purpose was. He was made to be super . . . the super, duper hopping hero of the barnyard!

SuperScruff, the fearless leader of the Scruffkids!

"Oh no," bleated Nellie Nanny, "here we go again!"

Truer words have never been spoken: Scruffy was at it again. Join the fun as SuperScruff learns how to be truly Super!

Read an excerpt:

Scruffy looked around him, searching for the perfect way to show just how Super he was. He spied a ladder leaning against the side of the barn. Papa had been using that ladder to paint the window frames in the loft of the barn. He gazed up to the top of the ladder and an idea began to form. What if he climbed the ladder into the loft of the barn? Surely if he hopped the length of the barn and leapt out of the window, he would be able to fly clear over Poop Hill. It was probably 20 or 30 feet. This was far enough away that no one could claim that he did it only by hopping. They would think he was flying, just like he said he could. This would be the perfect demo to show his Super-Powers.

Calling everyone over, he told them that the barrel-jumping earlier was just a warm-up for the real event. Now he was going to show everyone how Super he was by flying over Poop Hill. Everyone quickly looked at the poop pile. It was a ten-foot-high stinking, steaming pile of poop... way too huge to hop over. Even Hobby had to admit that if Scruffy managed to pull off this stunt, he was really SuperScruff!

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.COM - AMAZON.CA - BARNES & NOBLE - BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

In an age where we are inundated with superheroes, it's kind of nice to have a story that talks about what a superhero actually is. Now, don't get me wrong, I do love me some Marvel. But you have to look beyond the superhuman feats that these characters perform and into who they are within, what kinds of morals they value. And this story seeks to teach children to look within to be a super person that way.

This is the second story in the series and it sounds like our little friend had quite the adventure in the first one. We don't get too much detail about what happened in that first story, but it isn't necessary to enjoy reading this one. Though you may want to go back and read the first one after this one.

It does have a biblical focus that ties into its lessons. So this would be good to discuss with a small church group or even at home with your elementary-aged children. The cover does make it look like it's more of a picture book geared toward younger children, but it is a sort of mini chapter book.

Scruff learns his lesson as he tries (and fails) to perform superhuman [supergoat?] feats to impress the other animals on the farm. Kids will get a kick out of reading those.

The only part I didn't care for was when he ran away in fear from his mother, who was upset with him, "rolling pin in hand." That's not something that most people would use for discipline these days. But of course, she doesn't use it on him.

Otherwise, I think kids will enjoy this story and learn a lot from it.

Thank you to Goddess Fish and the publisher for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lynn is a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a pharmacist, a storyteller and a Christian, living and working in Northern Ontario. Life on the farm has helped each member of our family to grow in so many different ways. Perhaps the most profound growth has been spiritual, as we have all marvelled while working on our farm at the amazing world that our loving God has made. How wonderful it is that God designed each person and critter for a special purpose—no mistakes and no misfits.

CONNECT WITH P. LYNN HALLIDAY

WEBSITE: P. LYNN HALLIDAY – Author (plynnhallidaybooks.ca) https://plynnhallidaybooks.ca/

FACEBOOK: P.Lynn Halliday Author | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PLynn-Halliday-Author-107019938161513/

INSTAGRAM: Lynn Halliday (@plynnhallidayauthor) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.instagram.com/plynnhallidayauthor/

GOODREADS: P Lynn Halliday (Author of Finding His Way) | Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15667819.P_Lynn_Halliday

Win copies of the books in the series!

Scruffy Finds His Way entries via this link.

SuperScruff entries via this link.

P. Lynn Halliday will also be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of My Beautiful Curly Hair by Kiana & Arya Holder

 Welcome to the review tour for My Beautiful Curly Hair by the mother-daughter team, Kiana & Arya Holder! This book is just as beautiful as her hair! Read an excerpt and my review before you purchase your copy. Then follow the rest of the tour for even more! Best of luck in the giveaway!

This is a story about a little girl who struggles with keeping her hair neat all the time, but grows to love and accept her wild and messy hair.

Kiana and Arya think having messy hair is more fun. Keeping your hair neat all the time is a lot of work.

Read an excerpt:

When I am home... I like to play in my toy room. I build forts and princess castles and pretend I’m a firefighter or a princess.

But even when I’m just playing, my hair still gets messy!

Messy hair comes in all different styles, colours, shapes and sizes.

I know I’m not the only one whose hair gets messy. I see it happen to my mommy, my dad, my sister, my cousins and my friends.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.COM * BARNES & NOBLE * BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate link included)

**My thoughts**

The illustration on the cover of this book is absolutely stunning. It's simple and beautiful. I love that a mother-daughter team created this story. And I am so happy to have another diverse book that I can add to my collection. It's perfect for at home and for in the classroom. I think all of us can relate to having messy hair at different times. And this book is teaching us to embrace ourselves, even when we're messy. I loved it and I think your kids will, too.

I received a requested review copy from the publisher and Goddess Fish. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kiana and Arya are a mother-daughter duo who enjoy reading. The storyline for this book came from Arya's and Kiana's childhood experiences.


CONNECT WITH KIANA & ARYA

WEBSITE: https://worldofkicreations.ca/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mybeautifulcurlyhairbook/

Kiana Holder and Arya Holder will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of What It Means to be Me by Danielle Dawn Falk

 

Welcome to the review tour for What It Means to Be Me by Danielle Dawn Falk! Take a sneak peek inside and read my thoughts and then follow the tour for more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

"I am me as can be . . ."

Encouraging and heartfelt, "What It Means to Be Me" takes readers on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and self-worth. Written in rhyme, this engaging read about learning, dreaming and growing is meant for absolutely anyone to connect with the message of this sweet story.

Read along and celebrate everything it means to be your own true self.

Read an excerpt:

I am like the wind, the clouds, the grass, and the sun.
I walk where I want; I dance and run.
I have a heart full of love and a head full of dreams,
And the dreams that I dream are as big as the sea.
This is what it means to be me.

Buy Links

Amazon US Paperback * Amazon CA Paperback * Kindle

(affiliate links included)

**My thoughts**

Right off the bat, you feel empowered by looking at the cover. This young girl is just oozing self-confidence and self-love and it is beautiful to see. The illustrations of the other children throughout the rest of the book also exude happiness and joy.

The first page of the story is a little long, but is just an introduction that serves as sort of the start of a conversation with the child. The meat of the book has simpler text that is easier to read and digest and is printed on a background of peaceful colors and stars, again radiating happiness. 

It is a little on the long side but doesn't have to be read all in one sitting at first. It's a story that can be revisited time and time again and can inspire children to define themselves on different levels. I would love to use this in my classroom or with other young children in my life.

Thank you to the publishing company and Goddess Fish for sending me a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Danielle Dawn Falk has a lifelong passion for writing. Growing up, she often struggled with feelings of being unaccepted, as well as not fitting in with her peers. When she became a mother, some of her goals were to help her son and daughter realize how unique and special they are, while at the same time, teaching them to show acceptance and compassion toward everyone else. She hopes that through her writing, she will inspire her children, as well as many others, to do just that.

Danielle lives with her family on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.


CONNECT WITH DANIELLE DAWN FALK

WEBSITE - https://danielledawnfalk.com/

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/Danielle-Falk-Author-101871652226480

INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/daniellefalkauthor/

Danielle Dawn Falk will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Epic Life by Jon Dougherty, illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire

 

What starts out as a regular day for this boy and his mom turns into a life lesson about finances and how to truly have an epic life. Read an excerpt and my book review of Epic Life by Jon Doughtery. Be sure to follow the tour for more! Best of luck in the giveaway!

Teaching our next generation about financial freedom so that they can have an epic life is so important. Tatum and his mom are going to show you how to get there in a fun and creative way. Follow them on this journey by planting your own money trees so that we can grow wealth. Let us break old financial habits and create new ones. By doing this we must act differently than everyone else in order to have an epic life.

Read an excerpt:

After anxiously waiting for his mom to be done, Tatum finally got to ask her. . . .

“Instead of giving that lady OUR money, why don’t we get rid of that rusty old car and buy the new Turbo Sport 3000, like Mr. D over there?”

“He-he-he,” his mom giggled. She calmly replied, “Let me show you.”

After driving for what felt like infinity hours to Tatum, they arrived at . . . an apple orchard?!

The rusty old car stopped. Tatum asked, “What does a Turbo Sport 3000 have to do with apples?”

“He-he-he,” his mom giggled and said, “come with me, and I’ll explain everything.”

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.COM * KINDLE * BOOKSHOP * BARNES & NOBLE * BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate links included)

**My thoughts**

This is cute story about a boy and his mom doing a pretty basic errand that leads into a great explanation of the importance of saving money. After Tatum sees a man withdraw his whole savings to buy a fancy sports car, Tatum wants one for his family. Instead, his mother finds a clever way to explain the concept of savings to him by going to an apple orchard. I really liked the way she explained it to him and thought it was quite creative. We often have to think outside the box to help kids understand these more abstract comments.

I also really liked the illustrations. They were fun and truly added to the story.

The only thing for me was the mom constantly giggling before she spoke. I know we often giggle a bit when having conversations with our kids. It just didn't hit my ears right and reminded me of one of the Muppets or something and not as realistic as a parent. BUT that is just me and is not enough to detract from the story, nor would I have that be a reason to not share this book. 

And I think this would be a great book to read at home prior to discussions with your kids. And I think it would work well in the classroom as a part of a money unit. It is a fun book.

Thank you to Goddess Fish and the author and publisher for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Author Jon Daugherty was born and raised in Kelowna, British Columbia, starting as an educational assistant. He now works and resides in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and is hoping to share his passion for financial growth to other families. As a father, Jon believes it is important to teach today's youth about financial freedom.

CONNECT WITH JON

WEBSITE: https://authorjondaugherty.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/author.jondaugherty/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/author.jondaugherty/ 

Jon Dougherty will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Little Possum and Little Sweetpea: Little Sweetpea teaches Little Possum a lesson by Halle J. Ladd

 

Welcome to the tour for Little Possum and Little Sweetpea: Little Sweetpea teaches Little Possum a lesson by Halle J. Ladd. Take a peek inside and be sure to follow the tour for more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

What do Little Possum and Little Sweetpea get up to in the garden? This is a charming story with some facts about the two characters. Also, it engages young children with fantasy. Little Sweetpea teaches Little Possum compromise with a slight feminist twist!

Book Purchase Links:

Amazon.ca * Amazon.com *  Bookshop.com  * Barnes and Noble * Book Depository

Take a peek inside!

Halle J Ladd has had experience as a teacher in mainstream schools and special needs. She specialised in a school library for some time and engaged children of all ages and abilities in these roles. She has a Master's of Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) and loves to see the enjoyment of books through young eyes.

Halle J Ladd will be awarding $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Goodnight Swogg the Silly Frog by Grump C, illustrated by Stefanie St. Denis

 

Welcome to the review tour for Goodnight Swogg the Silly Frog, the first in a new series of stories by Grump C. You'll get to read an excerpt of the fun verse as well as my book review. Be sure to let the author know what you think as you make your way through the tour. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Goodnight Swogg the Silly Frog was created from a proud grandfather's – Grump C's – dream. This is the first of Grump C's stories about Swogg and his ten friends who all live most happily in a beautiful bog called Skunk Hollow. The cleverness, creativity, and passion Swogg shows for his friends will hopefully delight, amaze, and inspire you and your children. If your child had a tough day, needs a laugh, or occasionally has troubles falling asleep – this is exactly what Swogg the Silly Frog and his ten friends do best!

Read an excerpt:

One night, Swogg was very tired
but he could not get to sleep...
...because -- the Bubbly
Bog was TOOOO LOUD!
Swogg thought and thought.
What shall I do?

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON * BOOKSHOP * INDIGO CHAPTERS * BARNES & NOBLE * BOOK DEPOSITORY

(affiliate links included)

**My thoughts**

The illustrations are by far my favorite part of this book. They are so vibrant and eye-catching that they draw you into the book. I felt like I was getting to know the character of Swogg the Silly Frog just by looking at those pictures, even without having read the story yet.

The story itself is super short and Swogg's sleeping problem is very quickly resolved. Kids who are having trouble falling asleep may want to pretend to be like Swogg. At the very least, it's a fun book to read at bedtime. I'll be curious to find out what other kinds of adventures are in store for Swogg.

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mark Cooley, or Grump C, had a vivid dream that compelled him to write his first story, Goodnight Swogg the Silly Frog, for his three grandchildren, Hadley, Tommy and Ella.

Caring and sharing are truly wonderful traits Grandpa Carl, Grump C and Silly Swogg all consider of utmost importance. The profits from this effort will go to CORAL – Coral Reef Alliance and WWF World Wildlife Foundation.

We sincerely hope that Swogg the Silly Frog and his ten friends can inspire and amuse children across the world.


CONNECT WITH MARK

WEBSITE: https://swoggthefrog.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/swoggthefrog/

Grump C will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review of I Am Awesome by Patricia Brioux

Welcome to the review tour for I Am Awesome by Patricia Brioux, an empowering new picture book for kids. Take a sneak peek inside and read my honest thoughts. Be sure to follow the tour for even more. Let the author know your thoughts along the way. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

I Am Awesome is a story that invites ALL children from ALL backgrounds to practice daily affirmations to promote positive thinking and recognize self-worth.

I am KIND, I am BRAVE, I am ME, and I am AWESOME!

ALL HEARTS are BEAUTIFUL!

Take a peek inside!

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON.CA * AMAZON.COM * KINDLE * BARNES & NOBLE * BOOK DEPOSITORY

**My thoughts**

There are so many things that I love about this book. I love the positive affirmations for kids. The illustrations are vibrant, and the powerful words are bold and jump off the page, adding to their affirming power. There's a great deal of diversity in the characters, both children and adults, so that you see more representation than is usually found in a lot of children's books. I think my favorite page is the "I am POWERFUL" one with the girl doing the Warrior pose. I actually can feel the power and peace emanating off of the page. And I can truly feel the love on the page with the girl and her grandfather. It made me nostalgic for my grandfather, because we were very close when I was young before he died. The girl talking about being beautiful reminds me of some darlings I had in my classroom.

But I have to admit that the teacher in me paused a couple of times. There is a page where a child is talking about not lying, but says her mom told her that if she lies, her nose will grow. That's contradictory right there. It is a lie that your nose is going to grow. And then finally, I appreciate the beauty and intent to honor Native Americans with the "Thankful" page, but the girl's dress is more of a stereotype that we are trying to stop using in the education community.

I do still think that there is value in the book. The two pages I mentioned could actually lead to some productive conversations. I also think that some other pages may elicit some questions and great conversations. I would use this with kids and encourage them to try to come up with their own drawings of the various affirmations or to even think of some other ones.

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author:

Patricia Brioux is not a New York Times, Amazon Top 100, or a USA Today bestselling author, but she is the daughter of two rock-star parents, the youngest of six kids, and the FUN aunt to eight crazy little kiddos who just love to keep her on her toes. This is her first published literary work, and to be honest that both excites and terrifies the heck out of her. Through this process she hopes to learn, become more confident, and, who knows, maybe one day work alongside some of the greats like Nora Roberts, Kennedy Ryan, and Kelly Elliott.

CONNECT WITH PATRICIA BRIOUX

WEBSITE: http://patriciabriouxbooks.com/

GOODREADS: Patricia Brioux

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/patricia.brioux/

The author has TWO giveaways for this book! The first one is on Goodreads. Following that one is a rafflecopter for a $10 Amazon/BN gift card being given away during the tour.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

I Am Awesome

by Patricia Brioux

Giveaway ends September 19, 2021.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

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