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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Tonya Merritt

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sweet children’s book that shows them how to entertain and have fun with their dog. Dogs can get bored quickly, just like kids so what better than to teach the kiddos different ways to keep the dogs busy and have fun. A great book for families with dogs or who think about getting a dog or puppy. The illustrations are wonderful and the sentences are fun. Overall a fun, interactive story that you can read with your kids or your dogs even!

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Tonya Merritt

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

This story brings in the imagination but teaches the children morals and values as well. If you have read Lois Wickstrom before you probably have read her small picture books, this story is a chapter book and peaks towards a bit older of a child. Wickstrom always writes the best books that captivate and teach. Definitely recommend Nessie and the Living Stone.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime is a kid’s guide to a Happy Dog and is part of the Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series. This is another super cute story yet it’s a learning experience as well. It teaches kids different ways to train and interact with their pets ( furry friend) My son is almost six and he loved this book we have a little frenchie bulldogg and he was letting her him around I love that each one of these books have beautiful illustrations and are a fun way of teaching kids different lessons and they don’t even realize it. This is a super cute story about being different is ok. I highly recommend reading this book and we look forward to reading more from these authors.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Heather Bass

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

I have read a few books from this and she always takes me on a journey. This book is the start to a new series called Nessie Grotto. I read this to my son and we enjoyed reading as a family read. You will fall in love with the characters right from the beginning. I can’t wait to see what the next book will be about.

Craig’s goal for the holiday is to catch The Loch Ness monster. He gets so close but his little sister keeps getting in the way. Craig then finds this blue stone that leads him into a new world. He figures out that Nessie has kids and that she is in danger. Will Craig be able to save Nessie or will it be too late?

Review by @heatherbass
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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Angela Plate, January 2024

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

This book is a bit different from the other books that I have read by this author. I would age it at probably a second or third grade level as it is a chapter book. I read this with my son who also enjoys this author. This story stayed interesting while still utilizing the underlying lessons this author is so famous for. This book is a well written fantasy world with great characters.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Trisha Cargill

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a die hard animal lover, I typically choose them over humans half the time. Porter & Midge is an amazing children’s book to help teach children about the love of a dog and the nurturing nature they deserve. The illustrations throughout the book were realistic and the ideas as well as the suggesting provided helped make this book relatable to most. The rhyming is definitely a catchy way to keep it kid-like and interactive, and definitely made me feel like I was reading a Dr. Suess book again! Overall, I highly recommend Porter & Midge as it is a delightful, relatable, endearing read.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Shannen Kern

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

My kiddos and I absolutely love this author, and I never hesitate to pick their books up! This was a wonderful chapter book about Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. One of our characters, Craig, is determined to catch Nessie while his little mischievous sister Linda is throwing his plans off at each turn. Will Craig eventually get his wish, or will he find something that changes his mind? I feel like this author did a great job of captivating readers! This is the first chapter book I’ve picked up by them, but we still enjoyed it just as much as their picture books. Both of my kids, ages 8 and 12, really liked reading this as they love all animals. It sparked a nice conversation between us about nature and wildlife. I highly recommend sharing this with the younger ones in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Candice Estes

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

This is a cute book for elementary age kids. The art work is beautiful, and the story is definitely creative. Craig and Linda are on vacation with their parents to Loch Ness. While their parents are focused on work and business, Craig and Linda are focused on finding Nessie. The children believe that they see her following an earthquake, and they want to find her again. The magic woven throughout the story by Wickstrom, as only she can do, makes this a read that is great for children, but is also fun for the adults reading along with them.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Samantha Cleaver

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a must read for parents who have small children and are getting them their first dog. It gives tips on training dogs and entertaining them. My son really enjoyed this book as well so that’s a win for my family.

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Porter And Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Giselle Nevada and Jennie Chen – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Porter and Midge are two dogs who have loving owners, CJ and Lora and in this book, their humans are learning all about play and enrichment so that they can make Porter and Midge’s lives fun filled and joyful, but how will they be able to do it?

This book goes through all of the different ways that CJ and Lora can play safely and happily with their furry friends, from hunting for treats, walks which are full of new sights, smells and friends all the way to doggy sports and being tactile.

This is a must read for all families who are either thinking of owning a dog, or already have one so that they can teach children how to play safely and join in the excitement which Porter and Midge experience in their own journeys to perfect playtimes.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Nessie And The Living Stone: (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois June Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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

Craig and Linda are brother and sister, and they are on a family holiday to Loch Ness, far away from their bustling home city of Birmingham, but the one thing they haven’t yet done is see the Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie for short and they are going home in a couple of days.

So far, they have gone down to the lakeside, but they haven’t seen anything and just get shouted at by the coast guard instead, not to mention that their parents have the owner of where they are staying watching their every move, until one day that changes, and the two children find Nessie!

The only thing is that Craig feels like Linda is slowing him down, but she won’t let him go on this adventure by himself, especially when they meet a mermaid who leads them into a Viking pirate trap, however, they manage to escape and find Nessie’s Grotto, but this is where Craig finds out that he must make a decision, save Nessie’s Grotto and possibly risk his own life in the process, or save himself and let the Loch Ness Monster become just another myth, but what will he choose?

This is a whirlwind adventure beneath the waters where myth and reality combine to create an unexplored land, all while teaching some good moral lessons all at the same time, a book well worth reading for all ages.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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

Nessie and the Living Stone is Book One in the Nessie’s Grotto Series. It is a children’s chapter storybook with beautiful illustrations that really bring the story to life. The story centers around the character of a ten-year-old boy named Craig and his little sister Linda who are on holidays at Loch Ness. Craig wants to find Nessie and capture her. He gets his chance when he discovers a glowing blue stone that seems to have magical powers that allow him and his sister to breathe underwater. Nessie takes Craig and Linda to her secret grotto where they discover a mermaid, gold coins, pirates, and magical flowers. When Nessie’s Grotto is at risk of being invaded by humans, and Nessie is at risk of being captured, Craig must make an important decision. Through his adventure Craig learns valuable lessons about love, the importance of family, friendship, loyalty, and selflessness. My favorite line from the book sums it up best, “It’s what we give, not what we take, that makes us heroes or monsters.” An engaging read that will captivate readers of all ages. Looking forward to reading book two in this series!

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Katie Matthews

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

Another wonderful read from this author. This is the first time that I have read one of her longer children’s books and it was great. A lovely introduction to chapter books for children. The story was fun and easy to follow with so many opportunities to encourage children’s imaginations. The illustrations that accompanied the story were well drawn and thought out – they added an extra depth to the book by bringing some of the story to life. Craig and Linda had a great sibling relationship and I enjoyed following their story as they tried to uncover the mystery of the Loch Ness monster and try to find her. Beneath the story are some important messages for the children and this author always does, I love how she weaves these into her stories.
This was a great read and one that I would highly recommend for children.

@katiem
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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

Another fantastic story children’s story from this author, I always enjoy reading her stories. She writes in a way that makes learning fun and interactive for kids along with fun life lessons. I enjoyed this short chapter book that kids of all ages will be able to read and like. I am always a fan of anything with Nessie, so this was definitely a book I enjoyed, Craig is trying to hunt down Nessie, but his little sister Linda keeps interrupting and getting in the way. I loved the idea of kids trying to hunt down the Loch Ness monster and the adventures they could have. The author weaves together magic, sea creatures, pirates, and great family lessons that are easy for kids to follow and enjoy. As a chapter book it has less illustrations than her other books, but the ones they have are beautiful. This is a story kids of all ages will enjoy!

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Donya Pedigo

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is another great read from the Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series! With its fun rhyming story line, beautifully rendered illustrations, and well-thought-out activities, both your child and yourself will have fun learning about different ways to entertain your dog and yourself! I’m so happy I stumbled on this series as it will help me teach my grandchildren more about dogs, the responsibilities of dogs, and the fun they can bring to their lives.

This book in particular is a great reminder to all pet owners that you need to mix things up with your pets, so they don’t get bored, because boredom often leads to trouble. It talks about a great many things you can do with and for your pet that you will probably enjoy yourself as well.

Being a pet owner takes a lot more energy, knowledge, and time than people often think when they are caught in the moment of seeing a cute furry face. These books would be a wonderful educational starting point if your child or someone younger wants a pet. That way, you can make sure they understand what all pet ownership takes and are truly up for the task. I definitely recommend this series and can’t wait to read more of it myself

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

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

What a creative and magical read. My girls and I really enjoyed this book and the illustrations were great as well. Author is easily becoming one of me and my kids favorite! We read it the last few nights before bed time! Super fun read and fit for any age! Because I too enjoyed this!

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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

This is a cute chapter story about the Loch Ness monster. I like the magic Wickstrom brings to Nessie and through a child’s eye. The illustrations were colorful and appealing to see how they matched the story. For a children’s story, I’m not sure the conflict between the parents at the beginning is appropriate for a very young audience. It feels like the book has some scenes that would be for an older child audience. Other than that, I like the plot and the different viewpoint about the Loch Ness Monster.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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

I knew a book about the Loch Ness monster would be a fantasy, but I didn’t think the book would feel so magical. Nessie and the Living Stone is a good beginner chapter book, which I also was not expecting. I have read a lot by one of the authors, and typically they are short picture books. I like that this book was a bit longer, with chapters, but still had the wonderful illustrations. I read it with my 8 year old son, and he struggled with all the talking. I ended up taking over the book, so I could read it outloud with different inflections of my voice. That helped him understand what was talking and what was narration. Once we got over that hurdle, we loved the book. My older 2 even sat and listened some nights.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Ayla Phipps

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

Beautiful, whimsical story for a chilly afternoon. Lois Wickstrom has a way of bringing every story she writes or in this case co-writes to life with so much wonder that you’re left smiling at the end every time.
While on summer vacation with their family Craig and his little sister Linda achieve a magical wish, to see Nessie. Their parents feel it is only lies when they say they saw her and that their hostess Mrs. Carmichael and a fisherman Filan McDuff are only egging them on. Only the stories of magical singing flowers make Linda feel that Mrs. Carmichael knows the truth. A rare earthquake, a bossy coast guard with a hunger to catch and stuff Nessie for a museum and nonbeliever parents add to Craig and Linda determined to catch Nessie themselves to prove that she’s real.
Will they succeed in catching her? Can they survive the deep magical dives into the Loch? How can they protect Nessie from harm? This book is a wonderful read of adventure, understanding, and life lessons of acceptance and learning the importance of letting go of things when the time is right. I look forward to more of Craig and Linda’s adventures. And it all began with one little, magical blue stone.

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

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

Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah. I love this author and try to always grab her children’s books. They make great gifts and my nephews love them. This is the story of Craig and his little sister Linda as they go on Holiday. They are determined they are going to find the Loch Ness Monster, Nessie. This is such a cute twist on the “Loch Ness Monster” tale. Linda is always getting into messes so of course she messes up some of Craig’s plans but in the end they all have a great time. On Craigs search he finds monsters and magic stones, now if Nessie will just show herself. Linda wants to follow Craig everywhere and she gets in his way. Such a fun story. The pictures are also wonderful in this book.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Emily H

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

On their holiday Craig and Linda Plot are hoping to catch the infamous Loch Ness Monster. With only a couple days left, their time is running out. When Craig finds a glowing blue stone he never expects the adventure he and Linda are about to embark on an adventure they never saw coming.

Vibrantly beautiful images. I thought the spirit of trying to find Nessie was captured in the spirit of the story. I think young children who have heard the legend of Loch Ness will enjoy this book.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Alison Risher

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

This delightful children’s book focuses on character development. The main character becomes aware of his greediness and selfishness. He takes steps to overcome these flaws. The story also deals with the Loch Ness Monster, and a theory concerning said creature. Readers will learn that good people look out for others.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun and interactive story to read to your little ones. Teaching your family pet is always a grand idea. Reading about all the dog owners and their tricks was not only interesting but formative. I also loved the rhyming throughout the story. This is most definitely a book for all children, adults and their dogs. Helping to bring more love and attention to our beloved families. The story is easy to read as well as follow. The words and descriptions are so worth the read. This author is new to me. But that won’t stop me from getting more of her books. I look forward to seeing where we go next
Review@cinful

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Kerry Baker

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

Yet again, we have picked up a book by this author and been transported away to an imaginative, fun and creative world that the whole family engages with. We had recently been away to Scotland so this book not only allowed us to teach our kids about a well known myth, but it also allowed us to revisit the memories we had made.
The images captured the kids attention easily and we spent just as much time looking at them as we did reading the story. As usual, we have read the book multiple times because it was enjoyed all round and I am sure it will be read many more. This author will definitely remain a family favourite and we are all looking forward to the next book of hers we read.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Manda Kelly

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

Lois Wickstrom is amazing. She has this magical way to write a children’s book that makes you feel like you’re in the world. And Loch Ness Monster is just the best. Nessie is just one of my most favorite subjects. Its just so magical and welcoming. It’s a chapter book, but I feel like it’s okay for someone to read to younger kids as well. I own a plethora of Lois Wickstrom books, I absolutely love her books, and I will always recommend her to anyone who has young kids and children. She should be in every library.

Review By
Manda Kelly

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Kelli Harper

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great book for teaching kids and even adults how to play with, interact with and take care of a pet. Great book for anyone who is considering a dog for the first time or the 50th time.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Charlene Pryke

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

Nessie and the Living Stone is another wonderful book by the talented Lois Wickstrom and the illustrations by Sara Strand are bright, colourful and a beautiful addition to this first chapter book that will keep any new reader turning the pages. Just like I did ❤️.

Lois has a way with words that captures your attention and imagination encouraging you to keep reading until you find out what will happen next. This novel will appeal to all ages.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Heather Goodman

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

This author has never disappointed me. She writes such magical things that draw you in from the beginning. This is a great short story about doing the right thing even when it’s inconvenient or not as fun for you. It is great to read to your kids. My 8 year old loves all of the stories written by this author.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Sarah King

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

This was another cute story from Wickstrom. Same as all the perivous I have read by her there is a lesson to be learned. She does it with a cute, easy to follow storyline , keeping your child interested. The illustrations also paint a picture of the story. I would recommend reading this book.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Jules Herbert

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

Yet another wonderful book from this Amazing author full of magic, wonder and gorgeous illustrations. With so many interesting things to learn from in this captivating story it is the perfect book for children of all ages even big kids like me! Don’t miss this wonderful read!

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