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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt

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🌼 .•°*°•.🌼 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🌼 .•°*°•.🌼
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 90
Cover Designer – Alina Kralia
BOOKBUB – Coming Soon
Amaleigh’s school class has decided to become penpals with other students in Ukraine as a writing project and a way to learn about how other students live in different countries.  Little did they know when they started this project that Russia and Ukraine would become involved in a  war. Amaleigha learns about her new friend’s home, school, and friends only to find out that her friend is surrounded by bombs and unsure what will happen to his dad who has joined the Ukraine military.
~ AMAZON ~

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Sometimes when you dream, it takes a while for it to become a reality. I have wanted to write books since I was a little girl and fell in love with my hometown library. I read books at school, at home, in bed, and even in the bathtub. I just couldn’t get enough of faraway places, brave heroes and heroines, and the experience of getting lost in a new and amazing adventure in each book. Through the years, I became the owner of a preschool, a public librarian, a school librarian, and a children’s yoga teacher but no matter what I did I shared stories with children. Finally, at age 62, I published my first book but I know it won’t be my last.

Author Interview with Janice Pratt

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Angela Hayes

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend by Terri Sabol is a poignant story about dealing with the loss of a furry friend and making difficult choices. Covering topics such as rescue pets, stray animals, end of life decisions, euthanasia, crossing the rainbow bridge, saying goodbye, family, friendship, compassion, loss, and emotion- the story comes with really cute illustrations that help to build and guide the storyline.
It’s a sad story but with an important message for all ages. Having lost several furever friends and furever family members, the details in this book hit close to home. It’s never easy to say goodbye- and this book helps explain things in an educational but understanding way.
The story is told through Oscar and Emmy, who are cat siblings, their human family, and their stray cat friend Shadow, whose health has been on the decline of late. What happens when the family take Shadow to the Vet? Some decisions are extremely important, but not the easiest to make. This story helps to explain why.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is a very touching story that helps younger kids learn about having to put a pet to sleep. This story takes you through the whole process of finding out whether a pet is ill to the final stages if the pet can’t get better. With clear language and beautifully drawn illustrations, this can help many families better explain things to younger children. The author has done a wonderful job writing on such a tough subject! I’m glad I picked this book up as we have a sick pet currently and though we hope to avoid putting it to sleep, this will help my family if we have to face that tough choice. For anyone having to go through this hard life decision, this is definitely a book you want to have.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Jennifer Ramos

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down! I felt so connected to Claire! Mentally, she is your typical teenager but she has been given some unfortunate choices. After her father leaving and her mother having an unplanned pregnancy, Claire has been “babysitting” her baby brother Harry during the summer months as her mother has been incapable of doing so. Through unfortunate circumstances, her mother ends up hospitalized and in the midst of it all, her uncle gets involved and tries to help Claire in continuing her life as planned of experiencing her senior year of high school and money for college but only if Harry is put up for adoption. Such a heartbreaking decision to make at such a young age. Claire has such a good heart and is only doing what she thinks needs to be done. Very thought provoking!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Shannon Fowler

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new to me author and a really good book. The title is perfect for the storyline.

Our main characters are almost 18 yr old Claire, baby- Harry, 18-19 yr old Chad, 18 yr old best friend Madison and Melanie the mom. Mom is recently divorced and turns up pregnant from a mysterious one-night stand. She refuses to name the father or even discuss the situation. After the birth of the baby, she falls into a deep depression, leaving her almost 18 yr old daughter Claire, in charge of the baby and nearly every household responsibility. Being so responsible is not exactly how Claire was planning on spending her last summer before senior year. Claire and Madison meet Chad just before school starts and he easily steps up to help and support Claire with her choices.

This story could have gone many different ways. There are a few other storylines within this book. Chad’s anger “issues” as well as his own family situation. Even Melanie’s issues are not truly resolved. Madison, the best friend, is a little too self-centered for my liking. Wonder if she matures in time? What happens to Claire’s dad and his new wife? Too many unanswered questions for me! Hoping there is more from this author. However, the author did tie up this particular part of the story nicely while leaving it open for future stories.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is emotional. Even is you have never owned a pet, most people know what it means to put an animal to sleep. Our pets often have become part of the family. This story goes through the process of doing just that. It walks through from diagnosis through to sending them off to the Rainbow Bridge. I found the story does a very nice job of explaining this in a family friendly way so that it can be read to children. This may help to answer questions and possibly put some worries at ease, Either way, it will help parents to talk with their children when that time comes that a fur baby has to be put to sleep. This book is a gentle way of explaining the process. I think it is a definite must for the library of any parents of younger ones with pets.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Kerry Carr

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a YA family story. It is a story of strength resistance and so much love. It is a very moving story about a young girl called Claire who has her whole future ahead of her. But when her mum has another baby and then falls into a pit of depression and despair it is up to Claire to raise her brother. Dealing with a parent that is unwell is hard enough but also dealing with the responsibility of a newborn is more than any young person should have to shoulder. But Claire steps up and does that. Putting her life and dreams and ambitions on hold to care for her mum and brother.
There is a member of the family who seems to want to help though and that’s Claires Uncle. He offers to give her the money for her college fund but there’s a catch, she has to give up her brother for adoption.
Now Claire has a decision to make that doesn’t just affect her but everyone she loves. Should she allow her brother to be put up for adoption so that her life can return to normal? Or should she fight to keep her brother and her family together?
This is is a very moving and inspiring story and Claires character is so well written. You feel every emotion she goes through and you feel like your fighting every fight that she does.
Overall I enjoyed this story and everything it was trying to teach us but more importantly I loved Claire. Her strong character is what really made this story for me. The strength it took to not only care for herself and her brother but also her mum was amazing I’m not sure I could have been that strong at her age.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Rosanna Ingram

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claire has her future planned out, until her mother has a second child and Claire’s life is upended. Her mother is struggling with this surprise pregnancy and Claire goes from only child to taking on the mother role for her mom and her brother, Harry. As secrets come to light, Claire’s planned out future is no longer attainable…and her family might be torn apart. With the help of her best friend, Mads, and their new friend, Chad, Claire is forced to make decisions that will change the course of her life. When push comes to shove, which is more important…family or future?

Claire’s sense of loyalty to family is inspiring. She is willing to do whatever it takes in the name of family. At times, my heart broke for her and the situation she was in. And that final shocker…I was so mad for her. I enjoyed the loyalty her friends had, as well, and the support they gave her less than ideal situation. This was a story that I could not put down until the end. There were twists and turns along the way that kept me invested. Overall, a good story that I enjoyed reading.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Lilly is a young girl who is ready to head back to school but forgets her best friend, her stuffed bunny Hun Bun. Lilly is nervous with her “heebie-jeebies” on what to do and how she can go about her day at school without her stuffed bunny, Hun Bun.

With different ways to help Lilly when she feels this way, Lilly learns from the school nurse and a new friend, Noah, how to cope when her “heebie-jeebies” come back and make her feel nervous all over again.

This is a beautifully illustrated book that is a great teaching story as well. I loved how the author explained in the story to Lilly the different ideas on how to overcome her worries. While this book -is for ages 7-10, I believe this is a great story for all ages, I even learned some different ways to help me with my worries too. Wonderful book.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I appreciated this is a direct continuation of Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend, which makes the pairing logical for helping children acquire, and sadly, lose, pets. This book continues, as with the first, to depict the cats and playful and cheerful animals and characters. This book has a great description of what a vet may do, which helps with social stories for young kids that have to take their pet to the vet, written in language they can understand, and teaching proper terms such as euthanasia (yes, children can understand big words). For a sensitive topic, the authors handle it well and this book provides a bridge to discuss pet loss with young children.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Trista Martin

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Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I work in children’s mental health and think the author did a great job discussing anxiety. Not only did she normalize anxiety on a children’s level, but she showed how Lily overcame a rough day of forgetting her stuffed rabbit. I look forward to reading this to kids at work.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Christina Ford

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic book that explains illness and euthanasia and makes it understandable to children as young as five. Nobody wants to talk about these difficult subjects and it helps so much to have a book to open the door to a discussion.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Christina Ford

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic book and aimed for kids a little older than the cover seems to show. This book tackles really heavy stuff like illegal immigration, racism and multiple cultures. It also keeps it fun with magic ants and school projects. I have read quite a few of Lois Wickstrom’s books and this is by far my favorite and the most needed.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is an emotional and educational read about saying goodbye to a furry loved one which is not easy no matter how young or old you are.
Grief is different for everyone and especially little people, but Terri has done a brilliant job of putting together a controversial topic for a child and made it into a story that is caring and easily shared. I like that she doesn’t shy away from topics that others would not think to do especially for kids where it is a confusing and hard time.
It is a story about making those tough and importance decision together as a family. The bright and colourful pictures help to explain the process of what happens and to know it is ok to be sad and miss them.
I see there are many more adventures for Oscar and Emmy to read to my family.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Kerry Baker

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This books is heart breaking and yet amazing all at the same time. This book covers a topic that is difficult to discuss with children – loss and the loss of a pet. The author handles it beautifully and it is an emotional and well written story. Thankfully, this isn’t a topic I have had to touch on with my kids but it thought it was a great way to gently introduce them to the subject. And, in the future if it becomes any more relevant, I will certainly revisit this book with them as a way to explain what is happening.
This whole series has been engaging and fun to read and, despite the subject matter, this one has to be my favourite so far. I can’t wait to see what is next.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Tanya Wall, August 2023

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s sad when we lose our pets. This story explains about euthanasia in a soft way that is just right for children to understand. We all know when it is time to help our pets not feel pain anymore. This is just what happens with Shadow when the family who feeds him comes down with cancer. The parents are great about explaining what is happening with Shadow and why they are making this choice.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Megan Conley

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This children’s book deals with the hard truth of losing a pet and the even harder truth of having to make the decision to euthanize the pet. It was fabulously done. Sabol handles the topic with a delicacy that speaks of experience and wisdom. This is a fantastic book filled with information if you have children and are having to go through this experience. The illustrations are very well done and, again, the topic is treated with dignity and respect.

 

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Daree Blake

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When her mom falls apart, Claire shelters their little family and takes on more responsibility than any 17-year-old should have to. She gives up her summer to care for her baby brother. She feels like all of her hopes and dreams are going down the drain as she realizes how deep her mother’s betrayal goes. Her protective side leads her to find the inner strength she didn’t know she had. There are secrets to learn and a new future to explore.

Reviewed by @daree222
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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Jo Wright

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Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As I was reading this book, I kept counting the starfish out loud and really enthusiastically like I was reading it to my little one because I can absolutely see myself reading this to my kids! My boys would absolutely love this book with all of the beautiful colors and wonderful rhymes! I especially loved the last couple of pages with facts and the find the object. I learned a few new facts and I love that my kids will, too!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Tonya Merritt

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m definitely crying. Judge me all you want. I just met Shadow in the book before and wasn’t ready to let go myself. I did enjoy this story that is teaching children about euthanasia and how it’s humane. My favorite part is the family not leaving Shadow even though Shadow wasn’t as much of a pet as Oscar and Emmy.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol

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😺 .•°*°•. 😸 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 😺 .•°*°•. 😸
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3DF391s
#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsTours #ItsyBitsyBookBitsPromotions #BookSpotlightShowcase #OscarandEmmyLoseaFriend #OscarandEmmySeries #TerriSabol #Kids #Family #OscarAndEmmyCats #petloss #rainbowbridge
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Kids
Page Count – 43
Cover Designer – Roksana Barwinska

“Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend” is a heartwarming children’s book that explores the bond between a family and their stray cat, Shadow.

As Shadow’s health deteriorates, the family must make a difficult decision about euthanasia.

This beautifully illustrated book teaches empathy and the importance of treating animals with love and dignity. It emphasizes the power of compassion and the bravery it takes to say goodbye to a beloved animal.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol

Terri Sabol is an accomplished children’s book author, renowned for her heartwarming and entertaining stories featuring the real-life adventures of her two beloved rescue kittens, Oscar and Emmy. Born and raised in Texas, Terri developed a love of writing and storytelling at a young age, and always dreamed of one day becoming an author. Thinking that was out of reach, she focused on her other dream… teaching.

After graduating from college with a Masters degree in education, Terri worked as an early childhood teacher, and it was during this time that her passion for picture books truly blossomed. She was inspired by the joy and wonder that children experienced when reading and listening to stories, and it was this love for inspiring young minds that led her to create her own series of children’s books.

Terri’s debut book, “Oscar and Emmy Get Rescued”, was published in 2016, and told the heartwarming story of how she came to adopt her two kittens from the animal shelter where she volunteered. The book was an instant hit with children and parents alike, and it quickly became clear that there was a demand for more stories featuring Oscar and Emmy and to help educate children on the importance being involved in pet care.

Over the years, Terri has continued to write new books in the series, each one capturing the unique personalities and quirks of her two adventurous cats. Her books not only entertain children, but also promote the values of compassion and kindness towards animals, as well as the importance of rescue and adoption.

In addition to her Oscar and Emmy series, Terri has also written several other books showing off her writing skills, including “Green With Envy” and “Kneading a Winning Idea”.

When she’s not writing, Terri can be found spending time with her two rescue kitties, Oscar and Emmy. She also loves travelling and exploring new places and visiting old favorites, all the while taking inspiration for her next book. Through her stories, Terri hopes to inspire children to explore the world around them, to embrace their imaginations, to never give up on their goals, and to always be kind and compassionate towards others, especially animals.

Author Interview with Terri Sabol

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Crystal Brehant

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Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very cute book that can help kids learn how to count from one to ten. The illustrations are cute and well done. I love the fun educational tidbits at the end. There is also a cute song that can be downloaded included. Great book to get a child’s attention and to keep it while reading.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Alison Risher

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a heartbreakingly beautiful story. Parts of it are ripped from today’s headlines. The author gives a nod to various conspiracy theories. The main characters, two siblings along with their cousin, must use a science experiment to help a relative. The ending is happy-ish, with an important lesson about the way life works out sometimes.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Julie Johnson

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This is a bit longer than the typical Lois Wickstrom book and is geared more towards ages 7 and up.

In this story, Xenia is living with her mom and brother. Xenia’s mom is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Her American father died while serving in Iraq before he was able to marry Xenia’s mom. Both Xenia and her brother are legal US citizens.

Having fear for being deported, Xenia’s mom rarely allows the kids to play outside. They also are expected to make great grades but not so good that it would bring unwanted attention to them. When a science fair project arises with a pretty cool reward, Xenia has to be careful with how she presents her project. Before she can turn it in however, her mom is arrested and sent back to Mexico. Xenia and her brother are living with a local lady from a church group and have to try to find a way to spend as much time as they can with their mom.

This book focuses on a great many issues that arise in our country today. This book is sad, yet encouraging. It is written in a way that could explain some of these issues to a youngster, while incorporating some aspects of fantasy to keep it on a lighter note. I also picked up on a few new spanish terms throughout this book.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Ashley Mertz

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review

Complicated Choices brings us the story of Claire and Harry. Clair is a senior in high school and Harry is her unplanned, fatherless four month old brother. Clair puts aside her needs to care for her brother during a very difficult time. Instead of focusing on high school and college, she finds herself raising her baby brother while her mom is hospitalized for postpartum depression. Amongst it all, her Uncle Pat is trying to take Harry away from them stating he would be better off being put up for adoption. Clair will not let him rip apart their family no matter the costs.

Complicated choices is full of……well, complicated choices. Our main character Clair is strong, resilient, and determined. She is faced with numerous confrontations not only with her Uncle but with friends who had no idea she had a baby brother. Clair is exposed to secrets and lies by the people she should trust the most. Clair finds her first love and has to put those feelings aside to focus on what matters most right now, Harry. This novel is a perfect example of how teenagers in today’s society are expected to grow up way too fast for all the wrong reasons. This was my first time reading a novel written by Nyman and I was extremely pleased. The story line made perfect sense and flowed well with just the right amount of detail. The characters were all lovable and had me rooting for them the entire way. I would not hesitate to recommend this novel to a friend. Definitely a five star rating from me!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Felicia Bates

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I never quite know what I’m getting into when I picked up YA or teen fiction. So many times I can not connect with young main characters due to their immaturity or… age. Complicated Choices by Risa Niman was really well written without my perception of awkward, uncomfortable characters. I loved Claire, our main character and felt she had the right balance of being a teenager and being a smart, driven and enjoyable leading female. The author wrote the story really well and often times I could imagine I was there conversing with Claire and Mads. The plot was great and the book flowed well, I didn’t want to put the book down.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Jennifer Reimer

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Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a super cute and incredible kid’s story. the story was written nicely, and it all rhymed which really makes for a fun read. the illustrations are super colorful and go very well with the story line. It was perfectly done and kept my kids entertained and interactive and engaged thou the whole story.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read Lilly Tames Her Worries to my 7 year old. It was a little over his head but I think it would be great for my older kiddos. I love that the author found a fun, gentle way to address anxiety in children. As a parent of a kid with anxiety, I think it was great. The 3-3-3 grounding technique is a great one. I have always heard of it was name 5 things, but the concept is the same. My son didn’t know the term heebie jeebies, but once I explained it, he could relate. It would be a good book for teachers to read to their kids for lessons on social emotional learning.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved Complicated Choices. Like way more that I expected. Its a good YA coming of age Book. Claire is saddled with more than any 17 year old should be. She is dealing with being a teen mom, without being the mom. Her mom had an unexpected child later in life, and is left in a crippling position. She has an extreme case of post partum depression, and Claire has had to pickup the slack. Like all of it. She finds herself raising her brother, while trying to get her mom the help she needs. She has done this all in private, keeping the baby a secret from everyone except her best friend Madison. Then enters Chad. Chad is amazing. He is such a great guy and so different than most male lead characters. He is like a 18 year old knight in shining armor for Claire. There is some shockers at the end, that I wont spoil. The book wrapped up well, and had a good ending. But to be honest, I’d be happy If it was turned into a series. I got really invested in the characters and want to see what happens next. What are Chad and Claire and Madison’s first year of college like. What happens with Claire’s mom? I want answers!!!

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Angelina Frazzini

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Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’m so glad I did! This is a standalone novel.

Claire has the weight of the world on her shoulders. It’s her senior year and she’s got a lot of decisions to make. One thing she shouldn’t have to do is take care of her baby brother. She also shouldn’t be worrying about her mother and taking care of the house. She should be having fun with her friends and living up senior year. When he uncle gets involved, it seems like the problems will be solved. However, he places a pretty steep condition on his assistance. Put Harry up for adoption. Claire is not about to let her family be torn apart so while it seems like everything is in despair, Claire gears up for a fight with the help of some friends. What lengths would you go to to keep your family together?

This book was tough to read in the sense that you just know so many kids and teens are faced with the same or worse issues. It was very engaging. I was very impressed with Claire’s growth. At the beginning, she didn’t seem to care too much about her brother or having to take care of him. While she still resented being his sole caretaker, she definitely bonded and attached to him by the end of the book. The characters were well written as were the dynamics between everyone. I definitely suggest this book!

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