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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found If I Had a Magic Wand to be a very cute story. My 6 year old didn’t love it. He sat through it but said they should do cooler stuff with a magic wand. Even after I explained the book, he still didn’t seem too interested. The rhyming was good and made the story flow. I love love the illustrations. I love the parents passing the wand, to what I interpreted as other parents as well as their kids. I love that different nationalities and genders and ages were represented throughout the story.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Kiana Corley

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was an amazing read. Although the timeline is centered around Christmas time it’s not an overly Christmasy book. A seven-day vacation at a beautiful family-owned resort in Hawaii. Who wouldn’t want to go on that trip? The same thought goes through the mind of Tenley when the offer presents itself.

Tenley runs her own podcast talking about relationships. The way she views them is very different from the man that invites her on this trip. This trip is not just for fun it has a little challenge thrown into the mix as well. Teagan is a happy go with flow type of man. His mouth does get him in trouble quite often in this book. Having two determined people with differences in opinions will make for a smooth trip, right?

What happens when you have two people stuck at a resort together for seven days? Can seven days be enough time to change someone and their beliefs? Will this vacation in complete and utter disaster? Read this amazing book to find out the answers.

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Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Alison Risher

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the reason why post-apocalyptic is quickly becoming my favorite genre of fiction! This story takes place in the aftermath of a world-wide devastating illness. Sounds familiar, right? In a deviation from our all-too-real global pandemic, the author treats readers to various credible and incredible story strands. Hold onto your hats, the winds of change that blow around just might blow you away!

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Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet – Review by May Leadstone

Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians, #1)Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was delightful! I was intrigued when I read “Ragnarok happened.” and I picked the story up to give it a whirl. I have been drawn to Norse Mythology lately, but finally decided to pick up a novel inspired by it and I’m so glad I took the chance. There is fantasy, adventure, MAGIC/PROPHECIES, and everything I enjoy with books. The author does a great job of integrating the Norse Gods and mythology into the book! They definitely made each realm/creature its own unique features!! I love meeting a character like Raine Thoren, who kicks some ass and doesn’t take crap from anyone! Reading strong female leads is something I love doing, especially when the character is written well. Throughout the majority of the book, we journey with Raine and experience what it is like to be one of the secret Guardians. How they protect Midgard from the aftereffects of Ragnarok, and what that truly entails. We get a lens of an outsider with the FBI agent Will Decker who is committed to getting the job right within the terms of the law. He is thrust into this world when the two of them cross paths and the connection between them is instant. I think there was more focus on how these two interacted than the whole Ragnarok, but it was still a riveting novel. I would’ve liked more with Ragnarok explained, but maybe that comes with the following novels.

One of my favorite quotes belongs in Chapter 23, there is a moment where things are explained to Raine about this Shadow War, and the words exchanged are definitely going to be used to inspire my students; and were great for me as well! This author should be on your list to read! I’m looking forward to her upcoming novels and can’t wait to see where prophecies take me!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Road to the Mansfield is a 3 part story.
Francie is the first story we read. If you have ever heard Fancy by Reba McIntire, that’s basically the plot to the story. She is basically sent to a whorehouse when her mom is dying where she is expected to work for her room and board. She has a beautiful voice and negotiates her freedom, by being the entertainment instead. She has a hard life but remains strong and breaks free. She then negotiates a deal for herself to be a singer in a nightclub.
We then hop to the next story, of Rose. Rose is young, just 18 and is blinded by what she believes to be love. She is desperate to leave her Podunk town, that she runs away with a man she’s known less than 3 weeks. He turns out as we expect and treats her badly. Both Rose and her husband end up working at the Mansfield. As we see Rose’s marriage deteriorate, we see her friendship grow with Ruby.
The last part of the story is quite different. It focuses on Beau, a lawyer. His story is a bit shorter, but eventually he too winds up at the Mansfield, but not yet meeting Ruby and Rose.
The book was amazing and I loved it. I am not happy with the ending. Total cliff hanger…. but Book 2 comes out in 1 week so I don’t have long to wait for the continued story. While researching, I saw the author was inspired by Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson music video for Because of You… and it all makes sense. I can see it and she did wonderful expanding a 3 minute music video into what I anticipate to be a wonderful series.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an adorable tale about a five year old that loves to spend time thinking and seems to view the world in a different way. The writer did an amazing job of describing this little girl’s attitude and ability to study and learn from the world around her. The pictures came out great on a Kindle and illustrated her and the world she sees. I love how even though she is only five, she comes up with such a wonderful idea and is able to explain it in a way that she gets everyone on board. It’s a great story that teaches children, just because you are young, it doesn’t mean you can’t have wonderful ideas. I have never heard of barefoot parks and I loved the idea of this. I fully recommend this story for anyone who wants to teach their children that they can make an impact on the world around them.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Michelle Collier

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was just so much fun. Tenley and Teagan are just perfect. I love how they banter back and forth, both not entirely wrong in their thinking. Yet they both need to be open to the other. All the characters were just so engaging. The title totally gave me a laugh. I will definitely be adding this author to my list to read.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Jerricka Brown

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a fun read. I could not put it down. I found myself laughing throughout this book. I fell in love with the two main characters. The author created an amazing storyline that will hook you from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book as a holiday read.

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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Carrie Reed

What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, what a crazy ride. I am left speechless at the imagination and creativity it took to write this book. There were a couple of times where I got lost but found my way back into the story. Elise, at first I couldn’t stand her, she seemed like a terrible person and very manipulative and sneaky but, she really was just trying to find her way home. It was fun for me to find out how Elise knew Isaac for as long as she did, the many different instances in his life she was there for. There are many different characters along this ride, and at one point I thought Isaac was going to ditch them and go back to his normal life but, he doesn’t and I think I would honestly rather be on a crazy adventure too. Isaac and Sister Maria’s relationship just seems volatile and I wouldn’t mind hearing more about their time together. Again very imaginative book and definite recommendation.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Felicia Bates

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi is a 5 star children’s book. My mother bought my children a book a couple years ago titled something like, If I Could Keep You Little and this book, while different, had a similar comforting feel to it. My mother recently passed so I cherish this book’s similarities a lot. If I Had a Magic wand really illustrates what any parent, or adult in general, wants for a child in their life… love, happiness, kindness, the list goes on. The illustrations in this book are as beautiful as the well wishes too. A great addition to any bedtime story shelf!

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Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Carrie Reed

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A perfect short story for Christmas time. I love Conner and Sienna together! And I love that this book is centered around the Paralympics. This book has the perfect amount of drama, romance and sweet and funny moments. Sienna’s mom is super annoying and really got to me, I was glad to see Sienna stand up for what she wanted. Both Sienna and Conner didn’t let their missing limbs stop them from going after what they wanted and living their lives to the fullest. Conner had to work at accepting his new life as an amputee, Sienna was born that way, and I think the way she embraced it helped Conner to not be as self conscious about his.

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The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The art in this book is beautiful, and I really enjoy seeing Caspian interacting with his grandfather. He always has some sort of magical object and I think its really creative the way they are to be used and how they help Caspian. This story was nice, it did seem unfinished, I wish I knew where the cat was going, where he was from. The name Caspian chooses for the cat throws me of as well, it doesn’t really flow. Overall I think the story would be fun for kids and the art would draw them in and spark creativity.

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The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Sneaky Kitten is a fun storybook that one and all will enjoy. Another Unbirthday present from Grandpa and another adventure for Caspian. Hot chocolate and socks, kittens and aliens. What do they have in common? Well you will have to read this book to find out.
Unfortunately I foresee trouble in the future as I had to remind my grandboys several times that they would not be using hot chocolate on their socks when they were so eager to try it.
They laughed and loved the story and the pictures and I could see their imaginations running wild. I only hope I survive the wrath of their mother to be able to read them another Unbirthday story.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Jenni Bishop

Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great title to get your imagination flowing and making it a must read to find out. Just where do Pirates go on vacation? Is there even such a thing?
Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? Is a fun picture book and is one of the books in Kim Ann’s Go On Vacation books. There are 7 books in this series of books. The books are aimed for children aged between 3 – 8 years old.
The story is filled with bright and colourful illustrations that easily catch a child’s eye. What more could you ask for to keep a child engaged with swashbuckling pirates, guessing games and rhyming adventures.
Grab a copy and join in this enticing adventure.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Jenni Bishop

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaleigha is back in another adventure. This young girl is a thinker and a problem solver. She is always thinking of others and how she can help. As a lover of books and stories she wants to share that love with her community. She is lucky that she has people in her life that are more than happy to support her and her quests.
With inspirational messages and colourful illustrations Amaleigha’s story will have your child’s creative minds thinking of their own ways of helping others.
This is an imaginative, fun and engaging story that children of many ages will enjoy.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a cute story of Caspian and his grandfather and the discovery of a flying frisbee. This frisbee ended up in a tree and Caspian tries to save the day and get the frisbee…and also discovering a cute kitten also in the tree. This kitten is truly “sneaky” when all Caspian wants to do is rescue this cute feline but there is more to this kitten than meets the eye :).

Very cute story and recommended and the illustrations are great.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Anna Hirsch

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
4 Stars

Amaleigha is back with some more big ideas. She is a smart six year old with a heart of gold. She loves to read and visits the library often. One day while there, she notices that while there is a large selection of books for her to choose from, there are not many books in other languages. This makes her sad knowing the bilingual children have to read the same books over and over. An idea starts forming but she knows that she’ll need help to accomplish her goal. This is a terrific book to show children how to think about and help others. I love how the author adds instructions at the back of the book explaining how you can do what Amaleigha did.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Caralee Loonat

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love finding new authors. This is the first book by this author I have read and I wish my children were young enough to also read it. I like how the author brings the characters to life and how down to earth they are. The story was really inventive and creative. I really think that this book would inspire kids and help them learn how to help others. I really recommend this book for kids and believe that it teaches a good lesson.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Kerry Baker

What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I decided to read this book based on the title, expecting it to be some mystery to unravel. This book was nothing at all like I expected it would be but it is so much better. I was captivated by the story and the way it unfolded. The author really created something that is interesting and attention
grabbing. I really enjoyed watching how things developed.
I have read a couple of books by this author now and I can definitely say she is one I enjoy. This book has to be my favourite so far but I am looking forward to discovering more.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautifully written and illustrated story. The story is what a parent/caregiver would wish for their baby – from filling the heart with love, beauty and kindness, to faith and courage, to peace and love and protection. All of the things a new parent wants for their baby. But – in the end, there is no need for magic- because the magic is the new baby and all that it brings into the world. The illustrations in this book are gorgeous and diverse – representing mothers/fathers/caregivers from all over the world and the joy that a new baby brings into their lives.
This is a great bedtime story – one that will bring sweet dreams.

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Kerry Baker

Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an absolutely enthralling story, a real mystery that pulled me in from the start. This is the First book I have read by this author and if they are all as good I can’t wait to dive into more. It doesn’t matter that this is the 5th book in the series, it is easy to understand and such an amazing story.
This book is filled with so much, Mystery, suspense, intrigue. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I just had to find out what was going to happen. This is a brilliant book and I can’t wait to read more.

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Did you ever wonder where pirates go on vacation? Do they do the things that non-pirates like to do? Will you find them at the beach, on a boat, in the mountains? Or are their lives so much fun they don’t need to do anything else? This a cute children’s story about pirates. The illustrations are gorgeous and it is fun to read. It would be a good read aloud book to young children and will start some conversations about what Pirates really do in their free time!

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amaleigha is a 6 year old with a big heart who likes to spread kindness and LOVES books!! One day she noticed that her library didn’t have a lot of books for kids who speak a different language. So she came up with a plan to solve that problem and she enlisted others for help. She enlisted donations at school and in the community to raise money to purchase more books and make a book box that would be open for kids to get books even when the school and library were closed.

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I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Ashley McMillon

I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book as well as the first one in the series! Now here’s where you have the heartbroken man who is seriously struggling with moving on. But he moves away and starts again. There’s the love of sports, the love of love, and so many difficult decisions to make. I was full of intense emotions by reading this book and it was so hard to not stay up super late and finish yet another chapter! I’m excited for book 3!!!

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I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Ashley McMillon

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved you yesterday is such a fun book to read! I was so excited to keep every page turning to lessen a bit more about our characters. This book turned into much more than I really expected. I thought it was about a love struck guy and that was it but as I kept turning page by page the story just developed so much more! Such a fun love triangle with Mavis trying to find her person. The craziest part about it is the author takes you on the roller coaster ride of trying to choose which suitor is the best! Read this book and you will for sure fill yourself with joy! Loved this I am so excited for the entire series!

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I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Faith Jackson

I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is unexpectedly beautifully written and the characters are so well-rounded that it makes you feel like a part of the story. It’s a great read and will fill your heart with emotions you never knew you had. I’m gonna recommend you read this if you’ve ever been through something similar and can find insight on how to bounce back. Enjoy!

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Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Ashley Sugar

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by C.B. Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh I really enjoyed this book! 3 different stories about 3 different people that all come together on one night. Having different POV’s is my favorite!! You get everyone’s thoughts and I love that! Makes a book great in my opinion! The way the author describes everything is absolute perfection and it’s like I can feel what the characters are feeling. The twists and turns…I’m here for it. I was hooked on this book and I’ll be looking at more of this authors writing. Huge page turner for me and I’m so glad I gave this book a chance. This genre isn’t usually one I read..but I’m far from disappointed!

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Beast (Popov Bratva Book 5) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Ashley Sugar

Beast (Popov Bratva #5)Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If I could give this 10 stars, I would! I knew I was going to love this book. I’ve read Thief which is the 4th book of this series, which I’m obsessed with. So knowing how much I loved that book I just KNEW I was going to love this one. The suspense, the action, the thrill…I LOVE IT. Adrik has had it hard growing up. His face is what everyone notices at first, and he’s gotten crap for it more times than he can count. They call him BEAST because people say he looks like a monster. His face is all messed up from a terrible time in his life. His dad is a horrible person. He left his home before he did something he would regret…but he didn’t want to leave his younger brother. So he left to try and make a life and he would come back for his brother once he was settled. He joins the mob and ends up having to protect the families daughter, Annika. She was attacked and now is receiving threatening messages. Adrik has always had an eye for Annika and now that he’s responsible for her life and for protecting her, nothing will stop him! Annika sees him for WHO he is and not by what he looks like. If you love a book that gives you all the emotions, read this! You won’t be disappointed! Leslie Georgeson is becoming one of my favorite authors! Her books keep me interested and I can’t seem to put her books down. I finish her books in one sitting. They’re THAT good. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this series!

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Shelly Kittell

Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun and entertaining read that kids will enjoy. The rhyming will make reading quite a joy for the beginning reader. It will also spark conversation among the child(ren) and person reading. Colorful pictures. The story is in little snack bites. I’ll be adding this one to our reading library. A fun addition that any parent, grandparent, or teacher should add to theirs.

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Shelly Kittell

Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

She has become a little role model. I love reading her stories to my grandchildren. She has wonderful ideas and the author always posts tips and items about her ideas in the back. I loved this story. I am a bookworm myself and love the Little Free Libraries. Making a bilingual box was a fantastic idea and she had some amazing ideas to go along with how to do it and get it put together. She knew how to ask for help and to do this. I enjoyed reading the story. It’s fun and the kids are learning while being entertained. It’s also a conversation starter. That’s my favorite item about these books. They open the lines of communication between adult and child. I can’t wait to find more of these to read and add to my grandchildren’s library.

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