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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book primarily focuses on issues faced when a child is adopted. The child always tends to think that if he/she were with their real parents things “could” have been better.
Oliver lives with his adoptive parents, and one day, after getting scolded by his dad on a silly mistake, he goes into his room and sulks if things would have been better if he was with his real parents. Would they have scolded him? Or would they have loved him better.
But then he comes downstairs with his parents baking cookies and being very loving to him. They are very understanding and tell him that the emotions he is going through are normal and they have to work out a solution with love.
This is a book which will sensitize children on the topic of adoption. It is tackled in a subtle and gentle way. I quite liked the book.

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare (Jake the Growling Dog Book 2) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Cynthia Tuck

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5
Such a sweet character. Jake is afraid to go to daycare, because he’s nervous to make new friends for different reasons. But he gives it a try with the help of his squirrel friend. He eventually finds 2 new friends there, one just as shy as he is, and he soon learns he had nothing to worry about. This is a great story to read to your kids to teach them to try new things. I love the Jake series, he’s a sweet heart and I love the messages behind them. Each book has its own message and fun activities to do with your child in the back.

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Jake the Growling Dog (Jake the Growling Dog Book 1) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Cynthia Tuck

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Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a children’s book with rhymes!
This first book in thr Jake series is just a cute introduction to the adorable dog, who growls with everything he does. I love the authors use of rhyming and I love that her messages are all about being kind to yourself and to others. Each book has a message and exercises at the end that you and your child can work on together. I think that any child up to 6 and 7 would love Jake book.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Cynthia Tuck

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the Jake the Growling Dog series! Jake is a sweet dog who growls with everything he does. This book follows Jake down his favorite trail, where he notices unknown tracks and a scent that scares him. He gets himself all worried about who the tracks could belong, imagining zombies and giants and other scary monsters. And in the end it turns out to be a newfound friend. Love how the author makes the rhymes feel so smooth. Makes me miss Dr. Seuss. All of Jake’s books teach great lessons in their stories and have cute little exercises at the end that you can do with your child.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jordan Allen

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really adore the concept of this book! It is about two friends that go on a picnic together. It is there that the science behind ice cubes is explored with these two little characters!
I loved this book! I thought it was really fun how there were tidbits of information sown together in the middle of a story! After I had read it once, I read it to my daughter. She didn’t understand the terms completely, but she enjoyed the story a lot. She has had endless questions for me about water and ice since then! It gave her a new understanding of the world all while decorated with pictures and a fun story!
I plan on homeschooling my little ones. This will be a book that I use in my teachings when we get to the grade level it is apporiate for!

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Angela plate

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet story that along with the rest of the series addresses anxieties, fears and how to cope with them. It’s appropriate for all small children. Everyone has something to worry about or is scared of. This book let the kids know that it’s ok not to be ok all of the time.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really like this author’s ideas and her effort to teach science to children through a series of enchanting magical stories. Two cute girls, Maia and Fig go on a picnic together and encounter a mermaid, Trezzie. Maia can interact with Trezzie but Fig cannot.Maia decides to make a necklace for Trezzie, which is where the science part comes in. The two girls blow holes into the ice cubes they brought for lemonade through a straw and make a necklace. When Fig sees a necklace hanging in the air, she begins to chase it and almost gets drowned. Trezzie and the necklace save her and then Fig begins to believe.

It’s a real cute story with lot of wonderful illustrations. I have started liking this author’s books a lot.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Plate, June 2022

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute story. I wasn’t adopted but I never knew my birth mother and have wondered many times what she would be like. On the other hand, I wouldn’t change the woman who raised me for any other. I think all children adopted or not wonder from time to time what it’s like on the “other side” and this book sums it up so well.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Paula R Sayers

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver is adopted and mad at his parents. He dreams about all of the things he could be doing if he were with his biological parents. After a conversation with his parents, he realizes he is exactly where he belongs.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Paula R Sayers

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a cute book about learning to overcome fear. Jake is scared of something he smells in the woods. He and his friends set out to find what has scared him and learn a valuable lesson. The illustrations are very pretty.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Caralee Loonat

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing book that helps explain about adoption. The author does a wonderful job of writing about this subject. The characters are good and the subject matter is handled really well. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to explain to their child that they are adopted. The book has a very creative and unique style and the characters are very natural.

This is just a great example of how the adopted child might feel and what questions maybe on their minds. It can be a difficult conversation to have for parents and I feel that this book maybe just an easier or creative way to try and have the talk. The author really has brought the characters to life as well with a very imaginative writing style. I would definitely read more from this author in future.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a truly lovely and heart-warming story. This is such a great way highlighting the feelings adoption can bring up. It shows that it is a normal situation and helps kids to understand it a little more. Even beyond that the story itself is just enjoyable. My daughter loved reading it and I found it to be engaging enough for me to enjoy it with her.
This author isn’t one I had read until recently but she is definitely becoming a favourite in our household.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Wendy Rennewanz

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake The Growling Dog
Shares His Trail
By: Samantha Shannon

This is such a good children’s book that teaches us everyone ( or in this case every dog ) is not the same, we are all different and that’s ok! I used to work with disabled children and this book makes my heart so happy! I think it should be a must for everyone to read children and adults both Samantha Shannon did a wonderful job!

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The Know-It-All Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 5) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Know-It-All Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand)The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s Caspian’s “unbirthday” and today his grandfather has gifted him with a pencil. At first he’s confused and then he sees the paper. The pencil writes the word “apple” on the paper. He takes it to the breakfast table where grandfather says he’s going to have a star quality day. Caspian is on his way to school when he sees a walker out of place. He returns it to the rightful owner and is given something in exchange for his kind act. This goes on for awhile with various people until Caspian finally learns the meaning behind the star.

The illustrations are so bright and vibrant!!! I love that about a great children’s book. The story is very well done as well and brings up several talking points after the book has finished. I have enjoyed this book series so far!

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Nichole Chrisman

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our little buddy Jake is playing on his trail in the woods when he comes across an odd set of tracks. The brave little pup feels not so brave and hides when he hears the owner of the tracks coming. It’s with the help of new and old friends that Jake discovers the mystery tracker and learns about being a good friend. At the end of this book are tons of activities, talking points with your kids about empathy and friendship, and fun ideas. Very cute story!

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) – Review by Penelope Kehrer

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so sweet and cute. I loved the messages that are taught in this book about facing your fears and talking about your emotions. Jake the Growling Dog is an excellent book for young children to read and find comfort in. It is definitely a book I would like to share with my children in the future. Even as an adult I loved it! I absolutely recommend this book for parents of young children.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Brittany Porter

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I initially chose this book because our family loves anything dog related. After reading the description about how this book touches upon tough childhood topics, like feelings and diversity, I knew this one was a keeper. Jake is such a fun and relatable character for young children. We enjoyed joining him and his friends on this adventure and are looking forward to what other shenanigans they will be getting into in future books. The bonus material at the end of the book was an unexpected bonus that could really help many parents talk to their children about their worries in a safe and healthy way. Check this series out!

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog Shares his Trail is the 3rd book in an adorable series. It follows Jake in different situations, that help children relate to difficult social situations. This book can be used for many different topics. It can be used to explain diversity or disabilities and showing kindness to those that are different than us. It can help explain to little kids to turn to their friends for help, and to share their feelings. That it’s okay to feel scared, and how overcome that feeling and face your fears. Not to judge others too quickly or harsh, and give people a chance to be your friend.
The story is light hearted and a fun rhyming book, without feeling forced. I love the last 2 lines of the story! “Be a friend to those you meet, who might be different from you. You’ll find many things in common with new friends, pure and true!”
Props to the illustrator, the colors are very bright and make the image pop. My son loved looking for the butterfly and dragonfly on each page. I love that there is teaching tools after the story, that a parent or teacher could use as a lesson plan or assist in some tough conversations. Highly recommend this story to lower grade elementary school teachers or counselors.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Jake the Growling Dog (Jake the Growling Dog Book 1) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Julie Johnson

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Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake is a misunderstood dog. He growls all the time so everyone thinks that he’s angry or mean. He’s not though! He’s just thankful for all that he has!

This is a super cute, very short read that focuses on thankfulness. It includes some ways that readers can be thankful and show that to others. It also contains an activity to help children remain thankful.

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Oliver, A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anna Hirsch

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oliver, A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars

I think this is a great book to teach children how to deal with their feelings. It is hard for children to express how they feel maybe even harder for children who are adopted. It is normal fir them to imagine how their life may have been with their birth parents. The language is simple enough for young children to understand. The book normalizes the feelings that children who are adopted struggle with. I think this is a great read for children who are in this situation.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bethany Rucker

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Poor Oliver got into trouble and was sent to his room by his adopted dad. While there he imagines what it would be like to live with his birth parents. He dreams about what they could be doing for a living. What cool things could he be doing with them? But once he is over the anger of being sent to his room, he realizes with the help of his parents that all children fantasize about living a different life.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bethany Rucker

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another cute kid’s book. The science featured in this book includes the forms of matter. As a teacher, I love books like these for my students. These are great for teaching younger kids science in a new way. This is not the first Science Mermaid book I have read, and I have loved each and every one of them so far!

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jerricka Brown

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was very cute. I love that it introduces younger kids to science. It allows them to see that there is science all around them in a fun way. I loved the colorful pictures. It makes it easier for younger kids to follow along with the story. I highly recommend this to anyone with younger kids.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science ) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Caralee Loonat

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to say that these books are brilliant for teaching younger children science. I think that the author has done a wonderful job of creating a fun way to help kids learn. The characters are well written and the whole story breaks down science for kids and makes it fun. I would definitely get this if I had younger children.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Tori Mitton

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake goes about his trail as he does everyday, when he comes across new feet marks in his trail. His friends come over the next day to help him discover what these marks are. As they go about the trail, they find the prints, and it’s their other friend Tucker! He is a 3 legged dog, it scares Jake at first and he says sorry to Tucker for being scared of him.
It’s a great lesson for children to never judge anyone about any disabilities. Was a really cute book.

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Jake the Growling Dog: A Children’s Book about the Power of Kindness, Celebrating Diversity, and Friendship (Jake the Growling Dog Book 1) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Candice Estes

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Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a great way to teach kids about inclusion, by using a cute dog they can connect to, to understand that just because something is different doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of it. It also shows kids the effects it can have on someone when you treat them differently just because they are different than you or your normal friends group. My grade school aged girls loved the animals in this book, and related to the story, as they have both felt the way that Jake feels in this book.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Candice Estes

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book with my soon to be 3rd and 4th grade daughters (or rather, let them read it to me). They loved the dogs and how cute they are, and I loved how much it teaches them about handling anxiety and about inclusion. This book is a great book to not only teach kids about managing anxiety (face your fears, instead of hiding from them, for instance), but also to teach kids about accepting people with disabilities (in this case, a dog with a missing leg). This is an excellent way to show kids how to include others.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Julie Johnson

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake loves his morning walks on the trail with Neet. One day they come across some new markings in the dirt and they become concerned. Who’s on their trail? Soon, they have friends to come over and they all end up making a new friend. Their new friend is a little different but they hardly notice because they are having so much fun!

This book focuses on acceptance of differences. There are a few activities in the back of the book to help the reader with how to deal with situations like these. The illustrations are fabulous and this is an excellent book for the young and not-so-young!

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Mermaid and ice cube Necklace is another book in the Mermaid Science series. It is a cute book for elementary school age children. The pictures all all very colorful. My son was thrown off by the names, as they are not common names, wondering who was who. I like the scientific explanations at the end. But I feel are a little more complex than the book… making it not as suitable for young ages. My 6 year old doesn’t understand what molecules are or comprehend density… but I do like how the book can be paired with an elementary lesson on solid/liquid/gas etc.
We tried the ice cube beads and it didn’t work, to my sons disappointment. Maybe his breath wasn’t hot enough. However it was a cute idea and I like how it explained the why/how behind it all. A little bit of learning and science while having fun and reading is always a win for me.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a truly fantastic series. Each book must daughter seems to enjoy even more than the last it is really is a pleasure to read them with her. They are engaging and imaginative and this book is everything we have come to expect. My daughter finds them so entertaining and makes it worth reading every time. I can’t wait to see what else is still to come.

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