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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Jennifer Crain

Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Nessie and the Viking Gold” by Lois June Wickstrom is an entertaining and engaging children’s book that takes readers on a thrilling adventure involving stolen coins, a legendary Loch Ness monster, and a rock concert at a historic castle. The story follows Craig, who unwittingly steals coins from a Viking treasure chest at the bottom of Loch Ness.

What makes this story particularly interesting is the unique twist that the stolen coins are somehow blessed or cursed, leading Craig to Nessie’s lair. The author manages to create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense with this plot point, keeping readers engaged from the very beginning.

The book also incorporates elements of Scottish culture, such as the setting of Urquhart Castle and the rock concert featuring the characters’ favorite singer. This adds depth and authenticity to the story, making it more relatable and enjoyable for young readers. Even as an adult, I learned things, such as the Loch was formed because it is on a fault line.

Overall, “Nessie and the Viking Gold” is a well-written and imaginative children’s book that successfully combines elements of adventure, mystery, and Scottish culture. The characters are likable and relatable, and the plot is engaging and fast-paced. Young readers will surely enjoy the thrilling escapades of Craig and Linda as they navigate their way through this exciting tale.

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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Crystal Brehant

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These are really cute stories. I love that they have morals within the fun. Each mini story is a quick read guaranteed to keep young girls attention. The stories are inspiring and sure to make girls feel better about disappointments in life. They also will inspire girls to be true to themselves and not be afraid of showing who they really are. I will be having my 15 year old read these. I believe she will really like them.

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Crystal Brehant

Nessie and the Viking GoldNessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son and I have read many Lois Wickstrom books and we love them all. We were excited to see a longer kids book from her! This is another adorable heartfelt story. Despite it being a longer book by this author, it was still a fun and quick read. It kept my son’s attention and he couldn’t wait to hear more.
I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I don’t feel like I was really missing anything. My son and I loved the adventure the kids went on to try to save the Grotto.

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Tausha Treadway

Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah. I love this author so my nephew and I are always excited to read them. This one is another adventure with Craig & Linda at the grotto which their parents are terrified of due to being scared of them drowning. They are going to enjoy all kinds of fun things including a concert, a Viking treasure hunt and Nessie their friends home may be in danger. Nessie is based of the Loch Ness Monster and she is friends with Craig & Linda. This series is geared towards 7-12 year olds but my 5 year old nephew loves them. This would make a great gift for the young one in your life. Such great books for families.

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Candice Estes

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cray is a crab living on the beach and under the water. He has many friends, whom he likes to play with but whom he also likes to pinch with his pinchers. His friends do not appreciate his way of playing, and wish that he would stop. Some have expressed their dislike of his pinching, while others try to get away from him before he can pinch them. That all changes one day, when Cray loses his pincher, and his friends come together to help him and support him. This is a great book for teaching young kids about not hurting others and how it affects those who they are harming. The illustrations are beautiful and make me wish I were at the beach, pinching crabs or not!

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Kerry Baker

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having only recently read the first book in this series, it was lovely to get back to the characters. They are so entertaining to read about and my kids really seem to engage with them. I loved the premise of this story to; helping friends, looking out for others. It is exactly the message we are trying to teach our kids right now and this was the perfect way reinforce what we were saying.
My daughter seem to connect with this story even more. Environmental concerns and impacts are something she has been learning about recently at school and this book just really helped to put it into context for her in a fun and entertaining way. This is a great story that is worth reading.

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Carrie Reed

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful artwork and beautiful story and lesson to be learned. I love seeing all the friends coming together to clean up the beach and the waters. It was heart breaking to see the turtle, Fay with the pop can plastic around. This is a wonderful book for parents to teach their children about not leaving their trash everywhere, when there are plenty of trash cans accessible, and keeping the world we live in clean not just for ourselves.

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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Nakyshia Leger

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great life lessons taught in a fun way! My daughter loved reading this book with me. Sasha is a fun character with a bright personality. She learns life lessons in everyday activities of her life. Young readers will be introduced to bravery, self-acceptance, self-love, and growth. Sasha teaches that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that we can learn and grow from every experience. What a hidden gem of a book!

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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Anantha Rusum

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very insightful book which teaches the value of mindfulness and positive thinking to the kids.
Just yesterday I was at an event, and a lady casually questioned another lady “What’s your daughter good at?”. The other lady took a moment to answer and said “singing”. It took me an effort to suppress my answer “What if it is nothing?”. This book is an affirmation of the same message. The pressure to perform has its weird effects on children. This book promotes softer emotions like bouncing back after disappointment, appreciating differences, expressing oneself and handling peer pressure.
I liked everything about the book except the title “Short stories for girls”. I am a mother of two boys and I think this book is relevant to boys as well. Hope the author considers this review for the title of her next book.

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Tausha Treadway

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes. This was the sweetest, funniest book for your favorite young person. My 5 year old nephew loved it. Its the story of Cray a crab who likes to go around and pinch his friends. His friends names are Hay, Ray and Fay. Because Cray always pinches them his friends tend to move away when he comes near. Cray was confused at first but when he realizes his friends didn’t like being pinched he learned a lesson. He also learned his friends were true friends because when he lost a claw they told him he was perfect just the way he was. Those are true friends. Such fun pictures, raps and story line. Perfect for the youngster in your life. Great story for young preschoolers starting out in school as well. This author will be added to my nephews favorites!

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a super cute, well illustrated, easy to understand way to start early education for children about how to take care of the earth. We enjoyed reading this book and talking about all the questions and subjects that it brought up. It kind of reminded me of a tv show my kids used to watch called Wonder Pets where the animals save the day.

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Phylis Carpenter January 2024

Nessie and the Viking GoldNessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a story about Nessie the Loch Ness Monster. I really enjoyed reading this and think my grandchildren would enjoy it as well.

Linda and Craig are visiting Loch Ness with their parents. Their Father has business meetings their because his clients love to come to that area.

Their Mom does not want them going in the water because they almost drowned the last time they went in the lake.

I really enjoyed the story and it was a quick read. I read it in a day. Check it out, I think you will enjoy it as well.

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Jenni Brown

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second of Cray’s adventures that I have read to my kids and they love it. We were so glad to see Cray using his pinching claw for good in this story!

This story teaches a lesson to children about being environmentally conscious in an easy and fun way. I also liked the last page with tips to do so. We look forward to more adventures with Cray.

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A New Day For Cray ( The Advetures of Cray Series ) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Caralee Loonat

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really wish my kids were young enough for these books. I like how the author has brought the characters to life and also creates a good way to teach children lessons. The characters are relatable for kids and the illustrations really add to the book. This is a good way for kids to learn how to act within a friendship and learn boundaries and the correct manner in which to act. I really would recommend this book for young kids. Look forward to reading more from this author.

Review by @caraleeloonat
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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto Series Book #2) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Angela Hayes

Nessie and the Viking GoldNessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Nessie and the Viking Gold is the second book in the Nessie’s Grotto series by Lois Wickstrom. This continues the ‘Nessie’s Grotto’ adventures we started in book one and is another intriguing chapter storybook for children aged 7 – 12 years-old.
It is a delightful fantasy with adventure, myths & legends, action, drama, emotion, secrets, discovery, suspense, challenges, choices, tension, and more.
There are over a dozen cute illustrations sprinkled throughout the storybook which help to bring the whole story to life.
The story is woven around Loch Ness, Nessie – the Loch Ness Monster, Craig & Linda’s treasure, and the challenges that brings. What happens makes for a fun read.
The series (so far):
-Nessie and the Living Stone (Book #1)
-Nessie and the Living Gold (Book #2)
-Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Book #3)
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Lois Wickstrom!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Ayla Phipps

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once more love Erica’s beautiful illustrations. G Pa’s rhymes are always a delight when teaching young minds, the importance of picking up our trash. Being a litterbug doesn’t only harm our planet but the animals. Love how the author shows a real-world example of sea creatures being affected in harmful ways by the lack of care when people litter. Remember littering doesn’t just hurt the planet, it hurts all living beings and creatures on it. My oh my what will Cray face next on his adventures in the bay.

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Anantha Rusum

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very cute story about a crab who is very playful, bullies and pinches his friends. The story conveys a strong message to the kids not to bully others and it is the kindness which is the basic foundation of friendship. The illustrations are very beautiful and characters are adorable. I loved all the characters, the crab, Gull, tortoise, fox. I overall enjoyed the book.

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Katie Matthews

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute read for young children about how being nice to people means that you end up with far more friends around you and to make you feel happy. Cray was a little crab who liked to pinch his friends who often moved away when they saw him coming. Cray had to learn his lesson the hard way. I like how this story provides talking points for children about how they behave and what is nice and not so nice. The story had a lovely rhyme to it which is bound to capture children’s interest alongside some beautiful and colourful illustrations.
A really lovely story that my 4 year old especially enjoyed!

@katiem
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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Katie Matthews

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a lovely collection of short stories about Sasha and some of the things she comes across in her everyday life. I really liked the length of the stories, I can imagine children reading one each night before bed. Each one provides different opportunities for children to think about what they would do in Sasha’s position. There are some illustrations in the book to accompany each story but this book probably would be more suitable for children 7 and up I feel.
Overall a lovely book of short stories that I would definitely recommend for young readers.

@katiem
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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Katie Matthews

Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve really enjoyed these longer length books from this author. I love the magic that comes through in this story as we go along with Craig, Linda and the Loch Ness Monster. With all the superstitions around the Loch Ness Monster and does it really exist I like that these books are opening up some magical and imaginative world underneath the loch where the monster lives. It’s great for getting children’s creativity and imaginations going.
This was another great read. It was a lovely engaging story with nice illustrations to accompany.

@katiem
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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Cindy Rushin

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was really an inspirational book. I really think many young girls can relate to Sasha and the many real life situations explored in this book. The stories described real issues that young girls and boys deal with daily in their journey as they are growing up and in school. It also offered real solutions that every child can put into action to resolve the issues if they are facing it. I recommend this book to every young girl who needs help navigating the real world.

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Shea Gilkerson 1/24/24

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After everyone enjoying the beach on a beautiful day and heading home, Crab Cray, Turtle Fay, Gull Ray and Fox hay are disappointed to see that the barrels were full of trash…until wind blew up and the garbage ended up back on the beach and out in the ocean. Shouldn’t we all be able to enjoy the beach?
Looking for a plan, we meet Queen Mer May who offers advice and help to get the beach clean and protect the environment!

Another book of favorite characters, beautiful illustrations, fun rhymes, and a great message.

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Ayla Phipps

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED. This was a new author for me and love the rhyming makes things so much easier for young kids to follow along with and helps in their learning journey of becoming strong independent readers. While I understand the underlying meaning of its better to be friendly than to be a bully the story made it slightly confusing. It took Cray, losing a limb essentially to be nice and stop bullying. He didn’t apologize or anything, just all the other characters came to comfort and support him after to start a new beginning. Now the second meaning that after something bad something good is coming your way I love this, and it is so easy society today, it’s often hard to see an upside or positives out of something bad. I look forward to seeing what adventure little Cray will get into next.

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Megan Conley

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another really cute installment in Cray’s series. This one focuses on how to be respectful to our wildlife and beaches when we visit and not to litter. I love the sing-songy rhythm of the book as well as the colorful illustrations. Cray helps out his friends when they are in need and they in turn help out the beach when the humans don’t do what they are supposed to. This is a great story to read to your kiddos to teach them about respecting nature and wildlife and making sure to pick up after yourself.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series Book #2) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Angela Hayes

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

 

Cray Saves the Day is the second book in The Adventures of Cray series by G Pa Rhymes. This is another really cute story that features Cray the crab and his friends- Hay the fox, Fay the turtle, Ray the seagull, with a special appearance by Queen Mer May (the mermaid). This adventure follows their quest to clean up the beach.
The story is accompanied by lots of lovely, bright, colourful, interesting, and captivating illustrations — which help to bring the whole story to life.
It is a really cute tale – told in a rhyming/rapping verse that adds an extra element of interest to the whole story. It also has some valuable messages woven into the story, environmental messages, teamwork, friendship, kindness, and a little whimsey.
Easy to read. Educational. Fun. Interesting. Beach-side setting. Animal friends. Wonderful illustrations. Cute story. Well worth the read.
The series contains (so far)…
-A New Day for Cray (Book #1)
-Cray Saves the Day (Book #2)
-Beach Ball Blunder (Book #3)
-Hay Goes Home (Book #4)
Looking forward to more adventures with Cray.
Happy Reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Ashley Sugar

Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My girls and I absolutely love this series! It’s magical and fun and if we’re reading this book a couple times a night, you know it’s a good one. I love a good childrens book and this one didn’t disappoint. All around a great book with a great cover! Author is easily one of my favorites to read to my kiddos!

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Ashley Sugar

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love finding new childrens books to read to my daughters. We take story time before bed very seriously! So when we read this book, it was a huge hit. The rhyming made it flow very nice and my girls wanted to read it one more time right after we finished. Will definitely be added to regular books we like to read! Super cute!

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Poor Carrie is bored and she is very sad as her grandma moved out of her house and she misses her dearly.
Going through closets she finds a round box and inside a very special gift she finds happy feelings and lots of fun using her imagination.
Another great story by this author for children with fun illustrations and even some font that was different making words pop off the page which my 5 year old immediately noticed. Great fun for kids ages 3 to 7.

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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Kristan Anderson

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights was absolutely adorable. They were short enough that it kept my 3.5 year olds attention. I do think it was geared more towards older girls, probably around 7+ but it opened up conversations about being ourselves and not caring what other people think. We liked the pictures and the messages, especially that you don’t have to be perfect. There were several stories that discussed different scenarios that children may be in. Overall I liked the book and would definitely recommend it to friends with girls!

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes

A New Day for Cray ( The Adventures of Cray Series) is a children’s book that children of any age will enjoy reading. I love the illustrations and they make the story come to life. My five year old son loved this book and kept saying “no cray you have to be nice and no pinching .” It’s a story about cray the crab and the hard lesson he learns about friendships. Cray goes around pinching and pushing all his friends, they don’t like it. Can cray learn that its not nice to be pushy and not kind to others? I highly recommend reading this book. My son and I look forward to reading more from this Author.

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