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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

Oliver is a lizard-like creature who is sent to his room after being scolded by his adoptive parents. In his room, Oliver sulks and wishes he had a different life. He wonders how different things would be if he were with his “real parents”. Would they treat him differently? Would his “real parents” have scolded him? After Oliver has spent some time in his room his parents talk to him and explain to him that his feelings were normal and that all children feel like that at some point. After his parents share stories with him of their own childhood experiences with those same feelings Oliver decides to stay.

This book was written in simple language that was easy to understand and the illustrations really pull together the message being delivered. I feel that the use of language in reference to “real parents” is quite accurate in how an adopted child would feel, or any child for that matter, when feeling angry or upset after being scolded by their parents.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Hannah Porter

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

Lois Wickstrom does it again. I’m truly enjoying all of her children’s books and my kid also. After reading this informative book we tried to blow holes in ice cubes lol 🤣it worked on a couple. We are definitely going to continue reading more of her stories. I really liked it.🥰

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

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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 enjoyed this story so much! It has cute rhyming throughout but is also very informative. I thought it taught wonderful lessons on encountering something that might make you scared and uncomfortable. Jake also learned how to be more inclusive going forward which is a terrific thing to start learning at a young age. It wasn’t too short either which was nice as it had more depth than most books aimed towards children. I also really enjoyed the guides at the end of the book, they are very helpful! The rest of the “Jake the Growling Dog” series are just as wonderful so don’t forget to pick them up as well!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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

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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

Another wonderful book by this author. What I took from this was that it teaches you that even though you may be frighten. You should fight through those fear because you never know what will be on the other side. I also really loveeee that she always includes fun things at the end of her books not alot of story do.

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

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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

The art in this was awesome and the storyline was great. I also like that it demonstrates how to handling your emotions when your feeling nervous and scared about something new. I’m really liked neet. She is the bestest friend a dog could have.🥰

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Jake the Growling Dog (Jake the Growling Dog Book 1) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Hannah Porter

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

This is the 1st time I’m reading author Samantha Shannons work . I thought it was a short, really cute book on kindness. I also really enjoyed the activity that she included into the book for us to try at home. I’m looking forward to reading Jake’s next adventure 😀

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anna Hirsch

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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 the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science)
By Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars

I found this to be a cute story geared towards children between the ages of 4-8 years old. Maia is the only one to be able to see the mermaid. With the help of the ice cube necklace, Fig knows that Trezzie exists. Children will learn what happens to ice in different temperatures of water. While enjoying a book, they will learn something as well which is important. I loved that at the end of the book, the author explains water in all its forms. This is an entertaining story kids will love.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Moriah Venable

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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’s favorite thing to do is hike his trail. He even sees his friend Neet, the squirrel.

But the two become uneasy when Jake spots set of tracks that doesn’t look familiar.

This causes the pair to be unable to sleep and wonder who the tracks might belong too. The next day, Jake is out with his dog friends Bodhi and Luna who follow him on the trail to find out who the tracks belong to.

This may be a kids book with pretty pictures but I love the message and lesson that it conveys.

I saw that the author has more books in the series. I can’t wait to read them to see what other messages she wants to convey to children.

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

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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

A fun way to teach kids about overcoming worrying and fears. It’s perfect for those who are in the early worrying stages and get sucked into what may happen. Jake helps kids understand how to work through his fears and their own. Jake and his friends also model working together and apologizing to others. So many social emotional skills in a fun story! The activities at the back of the book provided meaningful ways to follow up with the lessons presented.

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Jake the Growling dog Shares His Trail (jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon- Review by – Stephanie Driskill

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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

Jake the Growling Dog loves running his trail daily and meeting up with his friends that he shares his trail with. One day, Jake and friends find strange tracks on their trail and are very afraid of the unknown marks. Jake and his friends go back to the trail and eventually come across another dog whose name is Tuck. After making friends with Tuck and playing for a while, Jake realizes that his new friend Tuck is making the strange tracks due to his missing leg. In the end, Jake and his friends learn that being different in physical appearance is not something to fear and doesn’t change the inside or basic make up of a being. Great story about acceptance of those who do not appear as we do. Cute story and likeable creatures. Great lesson for our children today in a story that is easy to relate to and the discussion and projects given at the end of the book are a great way to help them understand the lesson of the story.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Jessica Pritt

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No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was great and inspiring. I loved the support JP received from his wife, it was my favorite part. This book shows the struggle and courage that PTSD people go through. This book had me wondering what is going to happen next. I am glad about the ending. I love the intros in the chapters.

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Reviewed by @purplesky25276

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

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

This was a cute story and would be a great read for children whether they are adopted or not. I’m pretty sure everyone at some point has wished their parent weren’t theirs so I think that this story would help the see that that’s ok to feel that way at times. I have no experience with adoption but I can imagine this being a nice story to read to younger children to help them express their feelings. The language is simple and is easy for children to follow and understand. It did finish a little abruptly I felt however it’s still a good 4 star read.

@katiem
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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Dani Honeycutt

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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 is such a cute read. This is the only book in the series that I have read and look forward to reading the others to my niece. It’s targeted more for kids her age (5-10). Its such a sweet story with wonderful lessons about sharing, fears and worries, and (my absolute favorite) inclusivity. So glad that I read this and I can’t wait to read it during Auntie time.

Reviewed by @danihoneycutt

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alexandria Richard

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

Only able to give a 4 because I feel like this book should have had more closure in the end, but I still thought the life lesson here about adoption is relevant and real.

I did think that the story was very believable for what adopted children will do and go through when hardships arise with their adopted family.
It’s easy for adopted children to think of “what if” and all the questions of “why” or “who.” when it comes to their birth parents. I did appreciate that Oliver’s adoptive parents confirmed that they loved him dearly and wanted him as their son. There was no question about that.

I thought the artwork was very well done. I loved the black and white scheme the illustrator used.

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

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Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An absolutely adorable tale. The main character is a four-legged pet. The pet confronts fears. He learns about kindness. He discovers the joy of sharing, as well as that of making friends.

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

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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

The next cute story of Jake and his friends, and learning about others who may be different than them. Here, Jake comes across some unknown tracks and his mind gets away from him thinking of the worst case scenarios of what made them. When Jake meets a new friend Tuck, he doesn’t think anything of it until he sees Tuck’s tracks.

This story includes messages of overcoming fears, accepting others for who they are and learning about their differences (or disabilities), sharing things and why that’s nice and a good thing to do, as well as overall why being kind is better for everyone. I have adored these little life lessons for little ones. Seeing someone else (even a fictional dog) act out these traits helps them to be able to see these lessons in action. I also happen to agree with the life lessons. As someone with a disability myself I make it a point to always answer kids when they wonder why I use a wheelchair but I make it so that the wheelchair is normal and something to help me, rather than something for them to be afraid of.

I also have to mention that the artwork in this series is outstanding. The colors and features are very well done and draw the eye to all to things going on.

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

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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

A storybook teaching kids about small worries and how they can handle it.

The second installment in the very cute series which imparts great life lessons for little ones. Here we get to deal with stress and anxiety about doing something new and going somewhere without your family. There’s tips and tricks to help deal with the stress and anxiety, and we see Jake having so much fun by being able to try new things and make new friends.

The “lesson plans” at the back of the book are very helpful to go over the lessons with the kiddo(s) and how they might feel when they get stressed or anxious, and how they might be able to tell another or to deal with it on their own.

Highly recommend this book, and this series, because of the cute pictures and story it gives, while imparting helpful life lessons.

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☆ ~🧜‍♀️~🔍~☆ COMING SOON ☆~🔍~🧜‍♀️~☆ The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom

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☆ ~🧜‍♀️~🔍~☆ COMING SOON ☆~🔍~🧜‍♀️~☆
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
Preorder Now – https://amzn.to/3aqcY8i
#preorder #comingsoon #ITSYBITSYBOOKBITS #ITSYBITSYBOOKBITSPROMOTIONS #TheMermaidandtheWaterMagnifyingGlass #MermaidScince #LoisWickstrom #kids #family #fantasy #kidsbooks #picturebooks #raisingreaders
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 24
Cover Designer – Ada Konewki

Maia’s best friend is named Fig. Maia’s imaginary playmate is a mermaid named Trezzie. One of Trezzie’s treasures has a pattern on it. Is it art, or something else? They need to look with a magnifying glass. Maia shows the mermaid how to make a magnifying glass with a drop of water and a plastic veggie box she had among her treasures.

Click here to view the Coming Soon Trailer for The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Paula R Sayers

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

This book for children combines mermaids and science. The mermaids learn about ice cubes through a cute story that will keep kids interested. I love books that are able to teach kids without them realizing that is what is happening!!

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Darla Yocom

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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 adorable book is such a fun learning experience for children. Not only is this an easy and interesting read but I loved that the story teaches the reader a bit of science in the midst of the small adventure.

The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. The overall story is well written.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom by Gabrielle Lee

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is an easy-to-follow story about two young friends and a mermaid. It was nice to see how parts of the story involve science. While the story is easy to follow, I found it a bit choppy in parts and not flowing easily for me. I love how it explains science in an easy to learn way for kids. Mai and her friends give young readers a great science lessons with this adventure.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trails by Samantha Shannon – reviewed by Tanya Wall

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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

A sweet children’s book addressing the idea of being different. As an educator, building up the social emotional awareness and skills is so important! Children may get confused, or fearful of those who seem different. Jake shows them that we are all different and that’s okay! By celebrating what we share in similarities and appreciating our differences we learn that the world isn’t scary! In this story, Jake finds a different set of paw prints on his trail. This makes him scared. It becomes an adventure to find out where the prints came from, and if they need to be worried. The book also hosts a variety of activities to do with your preschooler or little. Highly recommend!

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

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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

Out on the trails Jake the Growling dog is off on another adventure. This time when Neet and him explore the trail they find tracks they have never seen before and that scares them. Later Jake continues trying to discover what created the tracks. Jake makes new friends along the way learning things he didn’t know before.

As with the other books in the series, this story is well written and well illustrated. I would say the story is appropriate for all elementary school aged children. I personally think the entire series would make a good class story time book. It really opens the door to conversations with the kids. Love this series, worth the read.

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

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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 lighthearted book with lovely illustrations highlights very important themes that young children, and even some adults, can have integrated into their experiences to help deal with real-world scenarios. Fear of the unknown, recognition and acceptance of different individuals, and knowing when to speak out vs. internal situation resolution. All these complex themes and situations are presented in a simplistic version designed so children can learn in a non-judgment and open way while still seeming fun and age-appropriate. It was a quick read that hit heavy in terms of message, and that is something that is never too early to experience.

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Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon – reviewed by Tanya Wall

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

Jake is a dog with a fluffy tail! He growls when he sleeps, when he eats, when he plays… but that doesn’t mean he is unkind! When you find a friend who might do something different, like Jake, just ask him why! Then you will find out, like Jake, they are happy and that is how they show it! Be kind to yourself, your friends and others – then you and they will be happy! And the world around us will be a better place! I can’t wait to learn more about Jake and his friends in this cute series!

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Kids Books About Friendship, Kindness, Facing Fears, Stress Relief & Relaxation for Kids by Samantha Shannon – Review by Sarah King

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake the growling dog is back with an all new adventure; he is off to daycare. Jake does not know what daycare is which makes him nervous. His best friend, Neet the squirrel, tries to help and ends up going along. Jake quickly learns he had nothing to fear, and makes new friends quickly.

This story is the 2nd in the series. The story and illustrations are well done and this story is really appropriate for the whole range of elementary aged kids. I would give this whole series a read!

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Jake the Growling Dog goes to Doggy Daycare reviewed by Tanya Wall

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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

Jake is worried about going to doggy daycare, and his fears are the typical fears! Will he have fun? Will he have friends? His friend Neet hatches a plan to help Jake feel less worried. Friends give us comfort and remind of us home- they help build our confidence and help us feel safe. Daycare wasn’t as scary as Jake thought – he had fun and enjoyed his stay! What I love about this book… the colorful illustrations, the story that we can all connect with, and the activities at the end – something every parent can use when they are introducing something new to their littles!

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Jake the Growling Dog A Children’s Book about Kindness, Diversity, Dogs, and Friendship by Samantha Shannon – Review by Sarah King

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Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog is an animal character-based story that teaches about individual differences, acceptance, kindness, and friendship. Jake the dog is a growler. He growls all the time not just when he is mad or scared. The others don’t understand this at least not at first. As the story continues he and the others learn to accept differences, be kind, as well as form friendships.

The story is well written and illustrated. The book could considered appropriate for a wider age group. The illustrations are well done so a child on the younger end could easily make up their own story, a pre-k to 1st grade range would benefit from this being a family time or class story time book and for kids who are reading on their own this would be a good book for him to practice with.

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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 Toni Sellers

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

Jake the Growling Dog is such a great book. I read it with my grandson, and he loved it, as did I. It teaches kindness, sharing and empathy. It is such a cute read with a wonderful lesson.

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

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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 books are just amazing! I read them with my grandkids, and they love them.
They are entertaining and they teach kids and adults valuable life lessons. Facing your fears, making new friends, being kind and accepting. Don’t judge others no matter what they look like. I love these books.

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