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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When a magnet on the refrigerator breaks Alex knows that she must find a use for it because she does not like wasting things. Alex uses the magnets in a variety of ways as she tries to figure out the best use for it. As she experiments with what to use the magnet for, she learns what a magnet does. She learns that magnets stick together but can also pull apart. Alex also learns that magnets stick to metal but not there are some types of metals that magnets do not stick to. After trying the magnets in different ways and learning more about them Alex comes up with the idea to use them to make a flying carpet.

This was another great book by this author that teaches kids about magnets and how they work. Through the use of illustrations and easy-to-learn text the author teaches kids that magnets stick together, and that they will stick to certain types of metals but not others. At the end of the book is information about Earth’s magnetic field as well as what makes a metal magnetic. It is explained in a manner that is easy for younger children to learn. This book not only teaches kids about magnets, but also about not being wasteful, learning to be resourceful and recycle, and about learning to use their imagination.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very fun and enjoyable book. I really enjoy books from this author, and the different learning opportunities for kids and adults alike. This book is about magnets, Alex plays with the magnet left over from a broken fridge magnet and learns about the properties magnets hold. The back of the book has a page about the Earth’s magnetic field, as well as a image depiction and what makes metal magnetic. It really makes me want to investigate magnets on my own and teach my nephews. The artwork is lovely as well.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With each new review I write for this author I feel like I am writing the same thing because all her books are so good and are such hits in our house. This book was another one to add to the list and we have already read it multiple times. Both my kids really enjoyed this book which made my enjoy it just as much. The story was interactive and perfect for young kids. Combined with the pictures, it made the book really fun to read. We are already looking forward to the next book by this author to add to our favourites list.

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..••°°°°••.. PREORDER ..••°°°°••.. A Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson

..••°°°°••.. PREORDER  ..••°°°°••..
A Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
Genre – Women’s Fiction, Family
Page Count – 186
Cover Designer – Covers by Kay
A determined mother plans a girls’ trip to help her daughters reconcile. What happens when the plan outlives her?
A dying woman’s final wish.
Mercedes Bloom’s deathbed agreement with Grandma to reconcile her mother and aunt threatens Merci’s secrets. Can a girl questioning everything keep her promise?
She has nothing more to lose.
Disillusioned after her divorce and the death of her mother, Lacey Bloom avoids her sister until their estrangement threatens to disappoint her daughter. Will a magical trip through a rose garden open her heart to the possibility of forgiving her sister?
Guilt holds her hostage.
Krista White has failed as a daughter and sister. She assumes her selfishness in earning her degree keeps God from blessing her with a dream. Is confession enough to bring peace and a dream fulfilled?
Even from Heaven’s shore, a mother’s plan unearths secrets and cultivates reconciliation.
Partially set in beautiful Victoria, BC, this collection of connected short stories explores a family’s journey through loss.

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What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Glaspie

What Loretta's Katydid didWhat Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this authors story books and this story did not disappoint. Loretta is such an inquisitive child. I love that she questions what is happening and in turn, giving lessons that are fun and entertaining. The artwork is beautiful and gives wonderful visuals.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Stephanie Robb

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book we follow Emerson as she navigates a world that wasn’t built for her. She has Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing disorder, an intellectual disability, and is functionally nonverbal. We follow Emerson through her life in this thought-provoking, heart felt book.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Stephanie Robb

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a hard-hitting family drama, with well-developed characters that felt unbelievably real. The author has fantastic writing and world-building skills. The story is heartfelt and broke my heart. It studies, grief, love, and loss so realistically.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Ashley McMillon

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123241123-white-picket-fences” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”White Picket Fences” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678759027l/123241123._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123241123-white-picket-fences”>White Picket Fences</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18637419.Kyle_Ann_Robertson”>Kyle Ann Robertson</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5522077046″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
White picket fences is a book written from the point of view of a mother who has seen since very tragic times in her life! Julie does all she can throughout this great book to help her family heal from the tragedy they faced – and also relieve her guilty conscience from that fateful day. I loved Julie from the moment I met her in the first chapter, and the author pens a heartfelt story on this book you won’t want to miss. By the end I only wanted to know so much more about their family!
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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Monique Espitia

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Read this with my little one and it was such a delight. My little girl reminds me so much of Alex. Always wanting to know the “how’s” and the “why’s”. We truly enjoyed going on this magical adventure with Alex and cannot wait to see what Alex comes up with next!

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Mandy Ott

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kyle Ann Robertson’s White Picket Fences is a hit to the heart for anyone struggling to feel appreciated and valued by those around them. White Picket Fences is a tale about Julie, a wife and mother of 3. Julie struggles with feeling underappreciated and taken for granted by her family. She must come to terms with a new normal after the unexpected death of a child while dealing with the guilt of still feeling like she is being taken for granted. As a mother, I often put the needs of my child before my own. Even before I had my daughter, I was always the one taking care of others. I can relate to Julie’s feelings of not being appreciated. Kyle Ann Robertson takes a topic most don’t discuss but many feel and puts it out in the open for all to see. With great world building and loveable, eerily realistic characters, White Picket Fences is a must-read for fans of family and women’s fiction or anyone struggling to feel less alone in their thoughts.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Nina Maes

This book was amazing! Strong character’s, storyline is relatable at all levels. I could not put it down, it will draw you in. At some points you feel like you personally know the main character, like she is one of your friends or a neighbor. I recommand this book this any and all, who just want to read a amazing story.

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing! Strong character’s, storyline is relatable at all levels. I could not put it down, it will draw you in. At some points you feel like you personally know the main character, like she is one of your friends or a neighbor. I recommand this book this any and all, who just want to read a amazing story.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Shannen Kern

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first book from this author and what a marvelous rollercoaster of emotions it was. It’s always unnerving yet validating when someone can seemingly peer into your life with their own experiences, and that’s exactly what Kyle Ann Robertson did. I feel like a lot of people are focused on telling others what a blessing motherhood is, which while true it does ignore the less glamorous side of it. I feel like every mother would tell you the same as well. Our main character, Julie, has spent her entire adult life ensuring that her kids know what home sweet home should feel like. She spends all of her time providing unconditional love and a myriad of duties for her family which all go unnoticed. Then the family unit must deal with a devastating loss together and somehow find their new normal without growing apart from grief. I highly recommend reading this book as it encapsulates motherhood, grief, and hope. You won’t be disappointed if you give it a chance!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Rebecca Hill

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, this book was so good. It was emotional; it was fast paced; it was relatable as a mom; it was all the things. A lot of feelings that a mom has, both good and bad, are expressed so well. The main character is Julie. As we all want more for our children, she wants her children to have what she did not. As a mom, Julie also struggles with losing who she is as a person. This book is well written and worth the time and the money.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Jennifer Ramos

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being a mom myself and experiencing many of the emotions and obstacles that Julie is facing just drew me more into this story. Julie is dealing with the everyday motherhood getting her kids ready for their days, dealing with her husband, working, but tragedy hits and she is grieving over the sudden loss of her youngest son, Curtis. Through all the obstacles and challenges, Julie has to redefine herself and find purpose through all these changes.As I kept reading on this novel, I was also draw to the author’s words as she is mentally depicting the language that would have been used in my thoughts during my daily excursions. Must read for mothers who can relate!

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Ashley Westerman

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was great, so easy to relate too. The author has a wonderful writing style and it’s easy to feel the emotions she was describing throughout. Easy read, keeps you engaged the whole time, and I would recommend this to others. Great Story, I am so glad I got a chance to read this, I hope others take the opportunity to feel “seen” also. I would definitely recommend it!

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking read, which had me captivated from start to finish. This heartfelt family drama centres around Julie, who having had a transitory upbringing as a ‘military brat’, is determined to provide her own children with a sense of home and stability. Julie never had a hometown and so makes sure that her children are brought up in one forever home, however she didn’t expect to feel so fenced in! Julie suffers with feelings of invisibility, underappreciation, and being taken for granted by her family, whilst having unconditional love for them. When a tragic loss occurs Julie feels guilt for not being there for her family on that fateful day, which results in her being more overprotective of her husband and daughters, and ultimately pushing them away. This is an emotional read, and I felt really immersed in the storyline and engaged with the characters, due to the authors wonderful writing style.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Nicole Thompson

“White Picket Fences” by Kyle Ann Robertson is a stunning masterpiece that I couldn’t put down. From the moment I picked up the book, I was transported into a world of complex characters, powerful emotions, and vivid settings that left me feeling deeply satisfied.

Robertson has an incredible ability to weave a complex narrative that effortlessly incorporates a range of themes, including love, family, friendship, and self-discovery. Each chapter was carefully crafted with precise language and a deep understanding of human psychology, which made it impossible to put the book down.

One of the things that stood out to me the most about “White Picket Fences” was the authentic voice that Robertson used throughout the book. The characters felt like real people with unique experiences, perspectives, and flaws. They were multidimensional and often surprised me with their actions, making the story all the more exciting and unpredictable.

Overall, I would highly recommend “White Picket Fences” to anyone who loves beautifully crafted stories that tackle important themes with nuance and depth. It is a truly five-star book that I know I will be recommending to all of my friends and family. Kyle Ann Robertson is a gifted author who I will be keeping my eye on in the future.

What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Michelle Mulvey

What Loretta's Katydid didWhat Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cute read by this talented author. I have read many of these kids books and all of them have been enjoyable and definitely teach some lessons. This one teaches kids about certain insects and plants. Which are good and which are bad for the plant. Another great 4 star read

review by @xchellex

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by La Toya Lewis

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom is a story about a young inventor who doesn’t like for anything to go to waste. When the refrigerator magnets break Alex uses her imagination to figure out how to turn it into something else. This is another fun book with gorgeous illustrations for young children to enjoy. It teaches children to use their imagination. It also teaches how fun it is to turn something old into something new. Such a great story.

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What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

What Loretta's Katydid didWhat Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom

What Loretta’s Katydid Did is a fun children’s book about Loretta a young girl who loves nature. This story teaches us about science and different insects and how not all Insects are bad. Loretta’s grandma comes for a visit and brings her an orange tree. Loretta notices aphids and doesn’t want to kill the insect but she wants to keep her tree healthy to. Loretta leaves them and watches as another Insect comes along, a katydid. I love how this author creates just vivid stories. My five year old son was inspecting all of our trees for different insects as we walked around our yard. I love how we even as adults learn something from her books as well. This is geared towards 4-8 year olds but id say older may enjoy as well. We look forward to reading more from this Author and can’t wait to see what Loretta is up to next.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1M6H74LD3RAU6?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

White Picket Fence was an awesome book and a great read! It was about what Mothers/wives go through. I felt like it was a faced pace book. The world building and characters was really good. I love the authors writing style. While I was reading the book, I felt like I was in the story and I could relate to it.

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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1158831116

What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jules Herbert

What Loretta's Katydid didWhat Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great easy read where your kids can learn about insects along with Loretta and her grandma. The story flows well, it will captivate your kids and the illustrations are wonderful.

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Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Tonya Merritt

Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A story about a young 6th grade boy who has a hormone deficiency that keeps him from growing correctly. Silas spends the better days of his first year in middle school struggling to fit in and avoid bullies. When he decides he has had enough he tries to try out for class President. Will he win? What are the struggles he’ll face? Will he get to see his grandpa? How hard is middle school gonna be? This is a fun young adolescent story that many young kids will be able to relate to.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Katie Matthews

NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t think I even know where to start with this story. For many this will be an interesting read with many thought provoking moments but for me it spoke to me on a whole other level, a real personal one. I have a 3 year old non-verbal child and this story opened my eyes to how he may be feeling. I know he knows so many words but they just don’t want to come out like they should and I feel like I can understand this so much more now by reading this through the eyes Emerson. The way she describes the thoughts and feelings of Emerson’s parents was literally like reading some of my own thoughts. I was honestly glued to this story, it really was a very emotional and powerful read and I think is definitely a read for people who want to understand a little more about someone who is non-verbal.
Thank you Molly Zenk for this book, its actually helped me more than words can say.

@katiem
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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Megan Conley

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very emotional book for me because I felt like the author looked into my life and wrote everything down. But it made me feel validated because as mothers and wives we often don’t get “seen” and that’s what Robertson does with this book…she sees you. I highly recommend this book. It often left me speechless because I just had a hard time believing that someone else could put into words what I had felt before. Truly amazing.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love these stories by this author. Full of wonderful scientific knowledge for young children to learn throughout the story which is always beautifully illustrated. The stories are easy to read and definitely provide many talking points for children about what is happening as they read along. This book was a great introduction to magnets and how they can be used. In Alex’s case, our main character, a flying carpet!
Another wonderful read and highly recommended.

@katiem
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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Kristan Anderson

White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson was a good story. Sometimes as a mom we lose ourselves along the way. Wanting only the best for our children and always putting them first. But we still matter. This story reminds us that it’s okay to find ourselves again. Grief is difficult and can definitely open your eyes or close them to what’s going on around you. I definitely connected to Julie and truly appreciate how Kyle wrote the story. Being able to feel oneself in a character makes the story that much better. I enjoyed the book and thought it was a wonder debut for this author.

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Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Tanya Wall, April 2023

Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great chapter book that tells the story of how awful middle school can be for those who are different. Silas is small for his age, due to a growth hormone deficiency. He is new the the school after having to move away from where he grew up – and that includes away from his best friend, his grandpa. As the new kid at school, Silas finds that he is an easy target for the bullies of the school. Unfortunately, that isn’t just the kids – it includes a teacher. He has to deal with all of this, while coming to terms with his Grandpa’s alzheimers diagnosis. It is a hard start to the year, but Silas finds his voice and his ability to stand up for what is right.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Jimmo

How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading about Alex’s conundrum when one of her refrigerator magnets break, and all of the cool things that you can do with magnets was pretty awesome. My daughter loved the creativity, and imagination that went along with this book. She learned so much about how they worked, and different experiments to with magnets! My daughter kept referencing back to the book when she was thinking of trying something new. I loved how it encouraged her imagination and her creativity. I can’t wait to have my kids rad more of Lois’s books!

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Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Christine Baranek

Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Small Fry
By: Stephenie Wilson Peterson

This is such a fantastic book. It is a middle grade book that tells such an important story. Silas is starting middle school, as if that isn’t bad enough he’s moved to a brand new town. More importantly he has a growth hormone deficiency. This makes him much smaller than the average middle schooler. Oh and did I mention that his grandfather is no longer living near by and is going through some changes of his own. Which means his grandfather isn’t the steadfast rock that he is used to leaning on. Silas ends up being bullied by the students, and honestly by some teachers at his new school. But he won’t take being bullied lying down, he ends up running for class president. Which definitely has its ups and its downs.
This is such an amazing book. It holds so many positive messages. This is one that I will be using as a read aloud next school year. I really enjoyed Silas and how he persevered through difficult challenges. I definitely recommend this story!

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