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

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 always enjoyed Lois Wickstrom’s books. The books are as fascinating to adults as much as young readers. In this book the young boy Craig is determined to find the Loch ness Monster Nessie. But his sister Linda comes in the way and keeps ruining his chance of success. Will Craig find Nessie? What extent would he go to find Nessie? What lessons he learns on the way? That is the summary of this book.
The book has some wonderful illustrations and a valuable morale for the readers. Do pick up a copy if you haven’t done it yet. Its worth a read.

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

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24855602-nessie-and-the-living-stone” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1423266798l/24855602._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24855602-nessie-and-the-living-stone”>Nessie and the Living Stone</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2948111.Lois_June_Wickstrom”>Lois June Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6099633270″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Craig and his sister Linda are at the loch on vacation with their parents. Craig and Linda are at the shore watching the water when they see Nessie. Roy the coast gaurd wants them to stay out of the water, he wants to capture Nessie and send her to a museum. Craig found Nessie’s stone and come to find out it’ll keep Nessie and her family and the grotto safe. But will Craig make the right decision? Can he keep Linda safe?<br />This was an absolute delight little read
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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Christine Baranek

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school... (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Triple Trouble at Amberwood
By: Eleanor Dixon

This is the fourth book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series, however, it is the first that I have read. I will caution that while it does function somewhat as a standalone, I do think that the book would read much smoother if you have read the previous books. There seems to be some overlap as well as characters and their development seems to be occurring from book to book. I will definitely be going back to read the previous three books as I do want to read the whole series since this book, overall, was a very good read.
This is more of a middle grade book (ages 8 – 12) but I definitely loved reading this and can say that older groups can read this book as it is a very enjoyable book.
In Amberwood Hall there are ghosts. Some of these ghosts are incredibly friendly and others are not so much. Lauren and her friends want to figure out what is causing chaos at their school. They are driven to solve this problem when it leads to the end of the year production being canceled.
I definitely recommend picking this story up and I will be picking up the rest of the series to read them. It was a quick fun read!

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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 La Toya Lewis

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: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada and Jennie Chen is a fun kids guide to having a happy dog. The story follows CJ and Lora and their dogs Porter and Midge. As their dogs play together, they run into several friends who give very useful advice on how to keep their dogs happy. This book had so much useful information. Although it is for children, adults can find tons of tips that they may not have known. The information is clear and very easy for kids to understand with a fun rhyming scheme. The illustrations are also fun.

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Cindy Rushin

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school... (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I did enjoy this novel. A story about ghosts interacting with people and enjoying life again was really a little different but fun. The author created a unique world that was vibrant and interesting, it really drew me in and kept me interested in finding out how the story ends. This story was good and I look forward to reading more from this author.

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

This book is very engaging. A mystery full of action and adventure. Excellent characters, this chapter book will draw you in and paint you an amazing story. I am a big fan of this author, and this is a fantastic start to a new series. I will recommend this book to all readers. Looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for this adventure.

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

This book is very engaging. A mystery full of action and adventure. Excellent characters, this chapter book will draw you in and paint you an amazing story. I am a big fan of this author, and this is a fantastic start to a new series. I will recommend this book to all readers. Looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for this adventure.

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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 Katie Matthews

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

Another wonderful book in this series and I love that it helps children to learn how to be respectful to dogs and helping to keep themselves safe as well. The story is well written and accompanied by beautiful illustrations. I read these books with my little boy who loves them for their rhyming content. I think that they are lovely engaging stories and the characters CJ and Lora and their lovely dogs Porter and Midge are really loveable. I really enjoy these stories and think they are a great addition to any child’s bookshelf!

@katiem
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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 Alyssa McLean

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

Its a great book for kids to learn about dog care. My son wants to hide treats for our cat and read stories to her now. He loved seeing all the different types of dogs. The dog safety tips at the end were a nice addition. The illustrations were beautiful and colorful. The kids in the book spoke more like adults but the story is great and we loved it.

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199511126-triple-trouble-at-amberwood” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1697109303l/199511126._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199511126-triple-trouble-at-amberwood”>Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school…</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20930193.Eleanor_Dixon”>Eleanor Dixon</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6085273623″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is the 4th book in the series, so if you haven’t read, you absolutely should! Lauren and her best friend Grace(also the resident ghost) are in a private school to learn ballet. Lauren and her friends are trying to learn but also investigate the weird things going on at Amberwood. This one focuses on the triplet ghosts that are making things very difficult and weird at Amberwood. Can Lauren and her friends help these spirits and get them to leave the school.
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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Mary Espinoza

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

I haven’t found a book by Lois Wickstrom that I haven’t enjoyed reading! Her books are extremely informative and beautifully illustrated! Nessie and the Living Stone is no different than any of her other children’s books, it is informative, entertaining and full of beautiful illustrations. In this book we dive into a chapter book for children that has adventure and mystery. I no longer have little ones, but I do enjoy reading these books to my younger nieces and nephews.
There are monsters, magic stones, and valuable lessons, “Nessie and the Living Stone” and all of this offers an enjoyable read for kids of any age. So, pick up a copy for your young ones and take a trip on an unexpected journey to see if Loch Ness remains a mysterious creature or if Nessie and all of the magic that comes with Nessie is found!

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Mary Espinoza, December 2023

Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

Carrie's Flight (Grandma's Closet)Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another amazing book from Lois Wickstrom with captivating illustrations. This book is full of love, hopes and dreams with an educational slant. I loved the relationship between Carrie and her grandma. I would highly recommend this book for 7 to 10 year olds.

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199511126-triple-trouble-at-amberwood” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1697109303l/199511126._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199511126-triple-trouble-at-amberwood”>Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school…</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20930193.Eleanor_Dixon”>Eleanor Dixon</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6083831628″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
There is a new ghost in town and Lauren wants to lend a helping hand. She knows that ghosts come either good or bad. While she is only trying to help it sets off events that are becoming catastrophic not only to her school but her friendships. She must learn to navigate the fine line between loyalty to her ghost bestie, Grace, and her commitment to saving her school. There is a big show coming up at the old theater in town, but that is being jeopardized by all the mischief caused by a few ghosts. Will Lauren and her friends be able to get these ghosts to leave? Or will they be forced to cancel the show? While this story seems to be aimed at a younger audience, ages from about 9 to 14, it was a fun read. Even though I have children in the age range I have stated I did enjoy this story.
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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Deb Robinson

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school... (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lauren and Katie are back at Amberwood. They are year 9’s this year and excited for the new term. Grace and Rodney are now free to go anywhere they wish because they are not stuck to the Amberwood grounds any longer. The adventure begins in the town theater where we meet Lillie. With the theater being torn down there is some urgency to save her.

This book was quite enjoyable and youths who enjoy some mystery and a bit of paranormal will love this continuing series. Another great read.

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Shannen Kern

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school... (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great read for both of my kids and me! I know it is aimed towards a younger audience, but I thought the writing and flow of the story was superb. I did not read the previous three books in the series which I think was a mistake on my part. I felt a bit lost initially but picked up on things after a while. I recommend reading them in order to avoid confusion and gain a better understanding of the characters. Lauren and her friends seem to find themselves in quite the adventure that is not all fun and games. There are mischievous things happening around the school and their show is at risk of being cancelled. I truly loved reading this fun book with my kids and plan on picking the others up now!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Jamie Truex

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school... (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 4th book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School series. It can be read by itself but I would recommend you go back and read them in order. Once again we follow Lauren and her ghost friends. This year she picks up a new friend, that not just anyone can see. Is she the cause behind all the new trouble?

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

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

Let me start by saying…. This author has the best children’s books. Her stories are quick for the young ones, but also older readers. In fact as an adult I love reading her books to my grandchildren. This book did not disappoint. It has it all, magic stones, sea creatures and family lessons. In this story Craig is on the search for the Loch Ness monster. On his hunt his little sister Linda follows him everywhere. Getting in the way of finding Nessie. Can Craig find Nessie? What length will he go to see Nessis? What else will he find? This is a short chapter book so all children will enjoy reading the story. The younger children will enjoy having it read to them, as well. The story is easy to follow and gives life lessons. Opening the opportunity to ask questions for both children and adults. I look forward to she where this story leads.

Review@cinful

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

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 have quite the adventure when they visit Loch Ness. Linda claims to see the Loch Ness monster, but her brother doesn’t believe her. Then they find the mysterious blue stone. This is a wonderful story with hidden values within the story.

Review by Terri  Jo McAllister

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

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
By: Lois Wickstrom

Lois Wickstrom has easily become one of my favorite children’s authors. She writes stories with such imagination and the illustrations simply add to the story. The illustrations are always so detailed and wonderful. In this story, children are introduced to the Loch Ness Monster. This is a great story that filled with wonderful characters and an underwater adventure. I loved this story and the characters of Linda and Craig. This story would make a great read aloud for younger children. I definitely recommend it.

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Detective Dylan And The Case Of The Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is the summer holidays and Dylan is waiting by the mailbox for a very exciting and very important package, it is his detective kit from the Youth Sleuths, his favourite show.

As Dylan unpacks the kit with his little sister, she just will not stop talking and asking to use it as well, so he says she can be his assistant, as soon as they have a crime to solve.

Just as they are wondering what their first case will be, the neighbour next door comes out to her mailbox and finds that her mail is missing, and this is just what Dylan needed, his first case, but can he, his little sister and their adorable dog find the clues, solve the mystery and catch the culprit?

This is a lovely story for and children who are always exploring the world around them and have a love of mystery, as well as puzzles and treasure hunts, as they read along and become a detective alongside Dylan.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2023

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

Dive into the whimsical world of “Nessie and the Living Stone” by Lois Wickstrom, a chapter book that’s not just for the kiddos—it’s a fantastic read for everyone. Whether you’re reading it aloud to little ones or enjoying it on your own, this underwater adventure has it all: magic stones, the Loch Ness monster, and life lessons cleverly woven into the tale.

While there might not be a ton of illustrations, the ones you do find are absolutely fabulous. The cover itself is a work of art, and the beautiful illustrations scattered throughout add an extra layer of charm to the story.

Lois Wickstrom brings a fresh twist to her storytelling in this book, maintaining her trademark messages while adding a sprinkle of magic and wonder. It’s a different flavor from her other works, but one that’s equally delightful.

With monsters, magic stones, and valuable lessons, “Nessie and the Living Stone” offers a relaxed and enjoyable read for kids of any age. Take a trip down memory lane as you follow the children on their unexpected journey, and let the charm of Loch Ness seep into your reading experience. It’s a delightful, fun-filled adventure that’s sure to leave you with a smile.

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Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Heather Bass

Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school... (Amberwood Hall Ballet School 4)Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read a few books from this author and she always surprises me. This is the fourth book of the very addictive amber hall ballet school series. You do need to read these books in order or you might get lost in what the characters are doing. I was so excited to read this one I stopped everything and read it right away. I could not put this down until I finished the whole book. I can’t wait to see what this author will write about next.

Lauren and her gang find themselves in another ghost adventure. She wants to be a friend to a new ghost in town. Lauren also is trying to get through school as well. She knows that there can be mean ghosts which is what is happening now. Lauren and her friends need to find out who is causing all the problems. The biggest show of the year is going to be canceled if they can’t stop
the problems from happening. Will the figure out who is doing all this mischief 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 Carrie Reed

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

This may be one of my favorites from Lois Wickstrom. I really loved the magic and imagination that went into this story. Craig and Linda are on the search for Nessie, and Craig has a lot of learning to do, I was afraid his greed was going to win out in regards to Nessie, her home, the treasure and all the living beings in the loch. It is a great lesson for kids to learn, as Filian McDuff says, “It’s what we give, not what we take, the makes us heroes or monsters”. The pictures were beautiful and painted wonderful images of the whole story in my mind.

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

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

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Nessie and the Living Stone is Book 1 of the Nessie’s Grotto series, and this is a wonderful story and I highly recommend. Coming into full circle with decisions and choices that need to be made, magic, imagination and creativity.

What happens when you believe you found a “magic stone”? Craig and his sister Linda are on one adventure when Craig finds a special stone, possibly magical. Craig is hopeful that he may be able to catch Nessie, but when a choice needs to be made in between the adventure that Craig and Linda have, will Craig make the right choice…

This is a wonderful story to be enjoyed by anyone. I loved the message behind the book and I always enjoy Lois Wickstrom’s stories. My favorite passage from the book (and this will stay with me for a long time)…”It’s what we give, not what we take, that makes us heroes or monsters”.

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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 Amy Dean Dec 2023

Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My seven year old really enjoys books about animals. She was able to read this book and see different ways that you can play with dogs. Some words were not real common for her but it is good to expose her to new words and meanings and after she read it a couple times, she felt much more confident in herself. Porter and Midge would be great companions for kids to learn new skills and new words!

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto Book #1) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Angela Hayes

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

3.5 Stars

 

Nessie and the Living Stone is the first book in the Nessie’s Grotto series by Lois Wickstrom & Jean Lorrah. This is a captivating chapter storybook for children 7 – 12 years-old. It is a wonderful fantasy with magic, adventure, action, drama, emotion, secrets, discovery, suspense, challenges, choices, high stakes, and more.
The story is woven around Loch Ness, Nessie (the Loch Ness Monster), a glowing blue stone, and Craig and Linda’s adventure. What they discover will change their lives forever.
A wonderful start to the series. Looking forward to more…
The series is made up of (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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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Julie Johnson

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 his little sister Linda are from Birmingham but they are on holiday with their family at Loch Ness. They are both pretty determined to find Nessie and they are able to do that once a stone washes up on the shore. There is an adventure awaiting them when they finally get the chance to meet the infamous Nessie and it’s one that no one will believe.

This is a bit longer of a book than most of them written by this author. The chapters are fairly short and there are less than 10 of them so a budding reader could do well with this one. All ages will enjoy the story and the illustrations are also very well done in this book.

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

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 is a delightful children’s book (it did surprise me it was a chapter book and not picture book) that takes young readers on an exciting adventure at Loch Ness. The story revolves around Craig and his little sister Linda as they go on holiday with the hopes of capturing the legendary Loch Ness Monster, Nessie. However, their plans are complicated by Linda’s mischievous nature, which consistently ruins their chances of success.

Wickstrom’s writing style is engaging and accessible for young readers, with a good balance of action, mystery, and adventure. The author excels at creating a sense of wonder and excitement, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the magical world of Loch Ness. The descriptions of the grotto, the creatures, and the surrounding landscapes are vivid and imaginative, captivating the attention of young readers.

The characters, particularly Craig and Linda, are well-developed and relatable. Craig’s determination to capture Nessie and Linda’s impulsive behavior provide an interesting dynamic between the siblings. Their interactions and dialogue feel authentic and age-appropriate.

The book also subtly touches upon themes of conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife. Craig’s decision to potentially risk his life to save Nessie raises moral questions and encourages readers to think about the impact of their actions on nature.

One minor drawback is that the pacing of the story feels a little rushed at times. Some events and conflicts could have been given more space to fully develop, adding layers of complexity and depth to the plot. Additionally, some readers might prefer a more conclusive resolution to certain storylines.

Overall, Nessie and the Living Stone is an enjoyable adventure that will captivate young readers. With its engaging characters, exciting plot, and a touch of magic, the book offers an entertaining and educational experience. Lois Wickstrom has created a charming tale that children will love, leaving them with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the mysteries of Loch Ness.

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@bookworm1909

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

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

A cute little story about a boy wanting to find the legendary Loch Ness and his little sister getting in the way. That is until a blue stone that glows leads them directly to Nessie’s secret place. It is here that Craig has to make a tough choice. Could he risk his life to save the Loch Ness monster?

This story made for a good bedtime read for my tiny humans. We all enjoyed it! We cannot wait for the next story as another bedtime read. I would recommend this book.

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In

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 Darian Vester

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

Such a great book for families thinking of getting a puppy or even those who just got a new puppy (or an older shelter dog).
There’s great ideas of things to do with your pup to keep them entertained and help with their training, I like that the book says “not too many times and not for too long” when suggesting the dog takes the lead during a walk. Kids will enjoy the rhyming sentences in the story, the illustrations I’m back and forth on. I like how realistic everything looks, especially all the different dogs. But I think younger kids will like them better if things were more vibrant. I like the reminders for parents at the end of the book. Even if you’re familiar with dogs it’s just a good reminder to know that kids are different and will need to learn how to really interact and care for the animals.
Overall I enjoyed the book and recommended to families who are thinking of adding a new furry member into their lives.

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

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 chapter book, but don’t let that deter you from picking it up for your kiddos. It’s a fabulous read-along for littles or a great read for your older kids to read themselves. It’s filled with underwater adventure, finding magic stones, and the Loch Ness monster. As always, Wickstrom weaves important life lessons into her stories for kids to learn and adults to remember. While there aren’t as many illustrations in this book, the ones that are, are fabulously done. This is a great read.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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