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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom by Heidi Sturgess

Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m not sure who loves these books more , me or the children ?! 🥰📚

This book is simply magical and it’s what I’d imagine a “ real” toyshop to be like 😉

Now Mr Barson , I just fell in love with ! He’s odd , he’s quirky , he’s funny and he’s a little piece of magic every child , young or old needs 🥰

I made little friends along the way and had their role to play …,

Jack , our birthday boy , is going on a special cruise and spots a mermaid which he hopes to see in the toy store but what I like most about him and his family is the topsy turvy tea party 🥰

Audrey has a special place in my heart and parts of her remind me of myself as a little girl growing up 🥰

Nick is another story and his ways has his mother at her wits end and to be honest he wore me out and he’s not even mine 🤣🙈

Lilly and her story made my heart sad 😢 and I just wanted to climb into the book and make friends with her ….

All is not as it seems here and it’s a very special place to be indeed 🥰📚

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Trista Martin

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cute story that teaches the importance of following through with something you start whether you win or lose. I work primarily with elementary-age kids and believe this will be a great story to read to the kids.

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Nichole Chrisman

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

This book was so cute and easy to read. Dylan saved his allowance and finally was able to get his detective kit. The day it comes his neighbor comes home to find her mail is missing. With his tattle tale sister and snack stealing dog in tow Dylan sets out to discover who took the mail. The chapters are short and easy to read with pictures to help your little reader feel amazed at finishing a chapter book. The story is engaging and will keep kids reading to discover who exactly took the mail! Absolutely recommend for your new chapter book reader!!

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Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days by Kim Ann, Yobe Qiu – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In everybody’s life, we experience negativity, but there is no reason why we can’t all use some positivity and affirmations to create a good start to the day.

This book makes it easy for children to do just that, it has an easy-to-read affirmation for each letter of the alphabet and fun illustrations to go with them.

It is easy to understand and will build confidence both mentally and educationally with some great words in the phrases created that all ages could enjoy.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series! This book is filled with wonderful illustrations and a great story that adults and children can enjoy. In this book, the boy uses magic to bake a bike. It was such a cute story that I enjoyed reading. I cannot wait to read this book with my best friends’ child. Ever since I discovered this author, I have read these books with him and he looks forward to them. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!!

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Crystal Brehant

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very cute story about not giving up. Sometimes, you have to fail a few times in order to succeed. You learn that in some cases, you have to look at something in a whole new way. You also learn that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. A lot of morals to this adorable story!

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son and I always enjoy reading Lois Wickstrom books. This one was another book in the Invisible Wand series. It’s a fun magical series about a boy and his grandpa celebrating the boys Unbirthday. Caspian wants a bicycle. But, You don’t get normal gifts for an UNbirthday! What will they cook up this time?!

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Donya Pedigo

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second installment reunites us with Russell aka Rusty as Christmas fast approaches and he tries to find the perfect gift to give to his grandfather since he was so kind to give him the magical brass ring that makes any carousel come to life allowing him to live numerous adventures. Unfortunately for Rusty everything takes money so he needs to earn some.

Hoping the various animals on Santa’s Christmas Carousel can help him find a gift he begins saving money to ride it. As he rides the carousel he encounters different animals stories and different aspects of Christmas that they have witnessed. Still trying to find a gift for his grandfather each animals story draws him one step further into learning the true meaning of Christmas. Is Christmas really in a store bought gift or is it in the hearts and faith of men, women, and children everywhere?

K. L. Small has outdone herself with this magical Christmas tale that will resonate with so many readers. This story is a definite favorite of mine and I can not wait til my grandchild gets older to read it to them.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K. L. Small – Review by Donya Pedigo

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a wonderful magical read that you don’t want to miss. This book has it all magic, historical knowledge, adventure, time travel, and a brave 10 year old learning to trust himself and believe in himself as he faces adversity.

Feeling almost neglected Russell is forced to move to the unfinished basement of his home, because his grandfather has come to live with them. He is already feeling bad and his grades are slipping when he has to deal with his former friend now bullying him on a daily basis. The last thing Russell wants to do is babysit his grandfather by walking him to the park carousel everyday, but his mother insists. When Russell tells his grandfather that he can’t take him to the park anymore his grandfather picks two carousel horses for them to ride and shares with Russell the magic of the brass ring!

K. L. Small has written an imaginative captivating book that will capture the hearts of readers everywhere, me included. Your imagination and spark will light up as you read this book causing you to dream and get excited! I can’t wait to see what’s instore next for our brave 10 year old and his adorable grandfather with his eccentric stories!

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123985221-baking-a-bicycle” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680051476l/123985221._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123985221-baking-a-bicycle”>Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6014320946″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Caspian wanted a bicycle for his un irthday. Grandpa left an envelope of magic. Caspian finds the recipe for everything him and grandpa need to bake a bicycle. They bake each part one at a time and sprinkle magic dust on each part.<br />This was absolutely adorable, me and my kiddo love the unbirthday
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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Brandy Rymer

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful continuation to The Brass Ring Series. I loved that this book picks up right around the time that we had left off in the first book of this series, not leaving us waiting any longer to hear more about Rusty and Grandpa. This book is such an amazing read, it has action, adventure, feel-good moments, and lessons to learn about the benefits of doing good deeds. I love the beautiful bond that is built within this series between a boy and his grandfather, and the joy that they get to share in their bonds over a mysterious brass ring. The tales that they both share from their experiences and the love that they develop are so magical all in themselves. I highly recommend this book series to anyone young or old, who enjoys a story that takes them to mythical times and places, where anything is possible, and choices made do not go unrewarded. The descriptions within the book are so detailed, that it’s easy to draw a picture within your mind as if you are the main character experiencing all of the magic around you. I love the illustrations as well; they are such a nice touch to bring the story to life. What a great book to read during this holiday season!
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Sarah King

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another hit with my niece and nephews; Wickstrom is one of their favorite others. They love the invisible wand series and can’t ever wait to see what new adventure Caspian is going to have on his unbirthday. I would recommend this book to others; it’s well written and illustrated.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Jennifer Reimer

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is all about the meaning of Christmas. Rusty is an incredible boy that wants to save money to buy Christmas presents for his family so is doing things like shoveling snow from his neighbor’s driveway. Rusty loved the carousel but it’s not open because its wintertime. So, finding a toy one that he can use, rusty goes on some amazing adventures and takes rides on every animal with a different message about Christmas. This book was very well written and made you feel like you were going on this adventure and rides along with rusty. The story has a wonderful feel and creates wonderful imagines and a story in your head. Its such a great story highly recommend.

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Hannah Porter

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading a couple other books by this author. I just had to pick up this one also, I always really enjoy reading Terri Sabol stories. The lessons she writes about help people of all ages, from pet loss, feeling envious, to this book where it’s about never giving up 🥰. It is about trying and failing, then picking yourself up and trying again, Trying different ways until you find the best solution for you.
You know I just have to try that recipe at the end 🤣😍

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Amber Howard

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great story! I loved it more than the first one. Rusty is such a great kid. His character is so relatable. He’s struggling with his grandpa having Alzheimer’s, his father losing his job and understanding the true meaning of Christmas. I think the author did an amazing job tying in the religious traditions of Christmas with the secular traditions of Christmas. It was well written. My adult self teared up at some of the adventures Rusty experienced. It was heartwarming, meaningful and a great reminder of what’s important. I cannot wait to read this to my little one. Oh and the glossary and explanations at the end is great for kids to understand topics they may not know about.

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Shannen Kern

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderfully sweet book about trying and trying again! My two kiddos are 8 and 11 so they get to hear me talk about trying quite a bit. When we picked up this book to read together, I was very excited as not only does it help teach problem solving, experimenting, and failing at times, it’s about cooking which is a loved activity in our home. These illustrations are just gorgeous and really make the kids feel like part of the story. There is an awesome recipe in the back which my kids followed, and after a couple of tries they nailed it! The inclusion of the recipe was such a big bonus in my opinion because it gives them something to physically act on what they just read. I highly recommend picking this up and sharing with the little ones in your life so they can try, try again!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every single time I have brought a book home by this author, my family gets so excited! She always has the perfect formula for fun, emotional intelligence, and education that never ceases to amaze me. My kids are 8 and 11, and we loved this story! The sheer amount of imagination that flows through this household after reading any of her books (but especially this one!) is astounding. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and add great dimension to the story. Caspian’s unbirthday is here and he’s ready to try to bake a bike with his grandpa. Will they succeed in their unbelievably fun mission, or will they need to find another way? I highly recommend picking this up and exploring all the fun nooks and crannies of your little one’s brain. I promise this author unlocks all kinds of imagination gears!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Shannen Kern

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this with my kids who are 8 and 11, and we all enjoyed it! We read the first book in the series together as well but this one held a special place in our hearts. It is obviously a perfect time of year to read it as we are moving into December now. Reading about Rusty wanting to buy a gift for Grandpa and the touching details he learns had us all quite teary-eyed. He gets to experience the true meaning of Christmas, and it is more valuable than anything that can be bought. I picked this up just to have something to read with my kiddos, but even as an adult I truly enjoyed the flow of the story and deeper meanings woven throughout as well. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read the next in the series!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ashley Sugar

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute little adventure! I love reading with my kiddos so I love a good childrens book! They loved this. Amazing illustrations and all around a cute read. Me and my kiddos are a huge fan of this author.

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Rushin

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute little story. I really like this series about Caspian and his unbirthday presents. I like the relationship between Caspian and his grandfather, it is so full of love. I recommend this series to anyone with children who have an imagination and who love to read.

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Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is Caspian’s Unbirthday once again, but this time Caspian knows what he would like and so he asks for a bicycle, but his Grandpa says that his Unbirthday present is always a surprise and unexpected, so when Caspian wakes up to find an envelope of Baking Up Dust, he wonders if he can bake a bicycle!

Will Caspian and his grandpa be able to use his Unbirthday present to bake a bicycle, or will it all blow away before he has a chance to even try? This is another fun filled story with plenty of enchantment and magic for everyone to enjoy.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rusty, his grandpa and the rest of the household return and this time it is Christmas time, and everyone is thinking about presents and what to get for each other, but Rusty isn’t sure what he can get, but he knows it must be special.

One day, Rusty gets to go to the strip mall and when he gets there, he is super excited to see a Christmas themed carousel in the central area, so he immediately thinks of the adventures he had with his grandpa on one and heads straight over to see whether he can talk to the animals on this one as well and believe it or not, he can!

As his excitement grows, Rusty is determined to ride the carousel and find the perfect gifts for his family, but unfortunately, this carousel costs money, so as he starts completing jobs for his neighbours, he saves up his money for rides and gifts. As he rides the different animals, what adventures will Rusty go on this time and will he still find the time to work out what the perfect gift is, or will he ignore the lessons and miss out on the true meaning of Christmas altogether? This is yet another wonderful addition to this series of whimsical adventures and meaningful conversations.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Tausha Treadway

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol. This is such a fun story with educational value as well. Its perfect for kids aged 3-8. My 5 year old nephew Miles loved it. Its the story of Ben who has entered the baking contest 3 years in a row and came in second each time. He is determined to figure out a way to make a better recipe than before. He has to beat his friend Sofia because she has won 3 times in a row. This sweet book teaches, perseverance, patience and determination. The pictures are beautiful and there is a great recipe for biscuits as well. Would make a great gift for the child in your life!

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has been yet another hit by this author in our household. My kids very v so excited now when I tell them we have a new one of her books to read. Personally I think n this has got too be one if my favourites, mainly because baking b is something I do with the kids. Watching caspian navigate this particular journey was heartwarming.
The illustrations are engaging and really bring the story to life. This is a fun and interesting book that was a joy for us all.

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom. This is the 7th installment in the Invisible Magic Wand Series and my family and I love them. Lois Wickstrom is our favorite children’s author. My nephews 5 and 10 love all of her books. This story is about Caspian asking his Grandfather for a bicycle for his unbirthday but Grandpa has to explain to him that whatever you ask for may not be exactly what you want because on your unbirthday its never the exact thing you ask for. When Caspian receives a box of baking up dust he figures he needs to bake a bicycle. Read this fun book to find out if Caspian really receives his bicycle! Such a great children’s book and would make a wonderful gift!

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy reading this author’s children’s books from the first one I picked up. They are colorful, creative and unique. This one is no different. This is an interactive story about Capsian and the bicycle that he wants. When he opens the box, what he found is not what he expected. I enjoy how his story is brought to life with the colorful pages. The illustrations just add to the story. This is a great story for any child and will want to read it over and over. I highly recommend this child’s book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is a favorite author in our family with her original stories that often help you learn without realizing it whether it be dealing with everyday issues or science properties like in her mermaid series. She also has some amazing illustrators that do phenomenal work making the stories come alive for the reader to see.

Baking a Bicycle is the seventh book in the Invisible Magic Wand Series about Caspian and the unusual presents he gets from his grandfather for his unbirthday. In this installment Caspian asked Grandpa for a bicycle, but Grandpa tells him if he gets one for his unbirthday it won’t be an ordinary bicycle, because unbirthday gifts are supposed to be different than regular birthday gifts. The day if his unbirthday arrives and the adventures begins! Will Caspian get a bicycle and if so what kind will it be?

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Gillian Fawell

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a beautiful story about the powers of persistence and flexibility as well as being open to new ideas as sometimes the inspiration for an award winning product can come from the strangest of places!
It would be a great story to read with little ones who are struggling with new situations such as starting school, making new friends or trying something new for the first time.
Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Baking a Bicycle is a children’s book that centers around the character of a young boy named Caspian. When he asks his Grandpa for a bicycle for his Unbirthday he receives a box full of Baking Up Dust. Now Caspian wonders if that will work to bake a bicycle. This was cute story full of magic and fun that children of all ages will find delight in reading. A great way to teach young children how much fun baking can be. The illustrations were bright, colorful, and really brought the story to life. Another great book by this amazing author!

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

This is the second book that I have read by K.L. Smalls and I absolutely loved it. Rusty’s grandpa gave him a brass ring that allows him to on an adventure every time he is on a carousel. He had enjoyed these adventures, so he wants to give his grandpa a gift in return  and Christmas is the best time for that, but with very little money Rusty isn’t sure what to get him, so he finds Santa’s Christmas Carousel at the local mall and hopefully he might come up with the best gift for his grandpa. This an amazing Christmas story and it tells a little bit about another journey that I won’t spoil. It’s a wonderful book and I am glad that I got a chance to read it.

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book that I have read by K.L. Smalls and I absolutely loved it. Rusty’s grandpa gave him a brass ring that allows him to on an adventure every time he is on a carousel. He had enjoyed these adventures, so he wants to give his grandpa a gift in return and Christmas is the best time for that, but with very little money Rusty isn’t sure what to get him, so he finds Santa’s Christmas Carousel at the local mall and hopefully he might come up with the best gift for his grandpa. This an amazing Christmas story and it tells a little bit about another journey that I won’t spoil. It’s a wonderful book and I am glad that I got a chance to read it.

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