This is a really cute sea-themed counting book for your littles. I love the rhyming throughout the book and the descriptions on each page. I also like at the end how Ann gives interesting facts about starfish as well as a QR code so you can download the sing-a-long. This would be a great addition to any gift for soon-to-be parents (especially if their theme or décor was beach for sea).
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-08-01 07:29:552023-08-04 12:04:49Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Megan Conley
This is a great book for young kids just learning how to read and count. The story itself is easy but engaging. I would recommend this book for kids in lower elementary or below. Rather they can read on their own or not, kids are going to love the beautiful artwork found within this book. Kim Onn has written a great book to get kids interested in counting and in starfish, while Nejla Shojaie has drawn beautiful works of art to engage imaginations.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candice Esteshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandice Estes2023-08-01 06:35:132023-08-04 12:04:19Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Candice Estes
When Lilly forgets her favorite stuffed rabbit, Hun Bun, she worries about getting through school without him. How will Lilly adjust to be able to get through her day? Hun Bun has been with Lilly since birth and is always there to calm her worries when those pesky heebie-jeebies appear. Heebie-jeebies make her palms sweat, her belly do flip-flops, and her heart beat loudly. One day, when she forgets to pack Hun Bun, something begins to change. Join Lilly as she discovers how her heebie-jeebies signal her to tame her worries, be brave, and take charge to do hard things. Grab a copy of Lilly Tames Her Worries for your child’s backpack today!
This a cute 1-2-3 story about a starfish and its day. As you count up with you, learn different interesting facts about starfish. As an added bonus, when you reach the end of the story, there is a short scavanger hunt list to complete using the illustrations from the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Kinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah King2023-07-31 23:52:402023-08-04 11:53:42Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Sarah King
This was definitely not your standard teen angst story. Claire Jackson is a senior in high school with a baby – not just a baby, not even her baby, but her mom’s baby. Ever since Harry was born, Claire has almost single handedly taken care of him. Her mom can hardly function, much less take care of a baby. Claire’s uncle decides that he is going to take Harry away, which ignites a fire in Claire to take care of things legally. She talks to a lawyer about guardianship of her brother; she looks into their finances; she learns about things like home equity. She is strong, competent, and fiercely determined not to lose this baby that is like her own. I really enjoyed reading this parental role reversal story. I especially loved the surprise towards the end of the book. It was well foreshadowed, but I enjoyed being right and seeing it all laid out. Worth the time to read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2023-07-31 20:15:212023-08-04 11:58:26Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Rebecca Hill
I really liked this book, I had a hard time putting it down! It isn’t like any book I’ve ever read before. Claire is an amazing young woman who really stepped up to the plate to care for her baby brother. The story shines a light on mental health which I feel is important for more people to learn about. This is my first book by Risa Nyman, but I can’t wait to check out more. I definitely recommend this book.
This story was an emotional read that put me through all the feels. Claire is such a strong young woman but she shouldn’t have to be at her age. Claire should be enjoying her senior year in high school but instead she is taking care of her baby brother and her mom. This book is full of drama, secrets, love, family, friends and great characters. The authod did an excellent job pulling me in and keeping me glued to the pages. This is a well written story that I didn’t want to end. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to dive into another book by this author.
I am left in such awe of how much this book pulled at my heartstrings! At first glance, it can sound like just a drama-filled story that has an obvious solution, but the author truly paints vivid imagery with such emotion that I shed tears more than once. Claire is such a strong young woman who is left with impossible and complex choices, but obviously has to choose. There is talk about mental health, teenage coming-of-age, friendship, and family issues. The author did a spectacular job bringing these characters to full-blown life for me as I was completely and utterly invested in what Claire was going to do and how she was going to pull it off. I am already looking to pick up other books from this author. I highly recommend picking this one up with an open mind and getting blown away by the brilliance of it all!
This was an incredibly detailed, well written, book about counting, but not only did it count to ten you were able to read a lot of detailed information about starfish, like they can regrow their limbs, or glow under the moonlight. There was also some extra facts, and activities at the end of the story to give this book a little bit of an edge. Although my children are older, and wouldn’t enjoyed this book as much as kiddos who are a little younger and have yet to learn to count we did enjoy learning the facts about starfish, and it would be a perfect read for younger kids.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Micalahhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMicalah2023-07-31 18:25:582023-08-04 11:54:26Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz
I loved this story so much I wish there was more. I was in a serious book coma when this one ended. The way Claire steps up to take care of her little brother is so amazing and to see the lengths she is willing to go. I love the strength and understand she finds in her friends. Nyman does in incredible job as showing that sometimes family can hurt the most when the claim to have the best of intentions and friends can be closer than blood. This girl has her priorities straight. I think this is an great story for adults but would also encourage young adults to read it as well. And the shocker at the end!! Wow. Great work, please write more like this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Valerie Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngValerie Anderson2023-07-31 10:55:222023-08-04 11:44:08Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Valerie Anderson
This story follows Lizza and her family on their “adventurous move.” Lizza’s dad has a taxidermy business and ultimately decides to move the family into a cave. A cave where the family is on display for tourists. All Lizza wants to do is move back into a normal house. My tween loved reading about all of Lizza’s schemes in an attempt to get her family back to “normal.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidi Schoolmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi Schoolman2023-07-31 10:49:142023-08-04 11:43:59Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Heidi Schoolman
I read this and then re read it with some of my little bookworms that visit my library and I must be honest it was a lot more fun the second time round because I could see through the eyes of a child ❣️📚
Being an animal lover I can imagine that having a dad that’s a taxidermist must be an absolute nightmare for Liza but when he decides to put the family on “ display” in a cave i think that was the last straw for her and she makes a decision to rescue herself for. This situation but for every action there’s a reaction right !? The latter isn’t always fun though and more often than not what we expect isn’t what we get and our decision don’t always only affect us but those around us and this is where myself and kids had great discussions and while they enjoyed the story they walked away feeling like they’d learnt something ❣️📚
A fun and interactive read for em and my little friends ❣️📚
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2023-07-31 05:26:072023-08-04 11:50:42Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Heidi Sturgess
Join Oscar and Emmy, two curious cats, as they discover a surprising visitor outside their window. Uncertain about the stray cat, they soon embark on a journey of friendship.
Through the eyes of the children who show empathy and kindness towards animals beyond their own pets, understand the importance of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Delve into the significance of this vital program in aiding stray and feral cats within your community.
Enriched with a useful infographic on TNR, this book empowers you to become an active contributor to the solution.
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Oscar-and-Emmy-Gain-a-Friend-Front-Cover.jpg12001193itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-07-31 00:01:492023-11-28 12:02:05Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol
Wonderful adventure finding the starfish and counting them. I can picture there being many readings of this story frequently. wonderfully detailed illustrations. Fun will be had when reading this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kelli Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKelli Harper2023-07-30 23:20:112023-08-04 11:49:35Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Kelli Harper
This is such a cute book for toddlers and pre-kindergarteners. Each page contains beautiful illustrations of ocean creatures like star fish, crabs and the beach as the children learn to count from one to ten. The rhymes in each of the book are very entertaining and easy for children to grasp. I would definitely recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anantha Rusumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnantha Rusum2023-07-30 22:03:092023-08-04 11:48:45Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Anantha Rusum
Complicated Choices will reel you in fast and not let go. My heart burst with emotions from page to page. This is a story of strength, determination and growth. Claire is a teenager with typical high school drama, but home life weighs heavy. As someone forced to grow up a little faster than I should have, I resonate with Claire. The complexity of her character is beautifully woven, and you connect to her as she develops throughout the story. I did not want to put the book down and found myself a little sad when it ended. This was the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author, but it will certainly not be the last!
Adorable rhyming book that counts from 1 to 10. The illustrations fit the rhyme and adjectives can stretch your child’s brain (bashful, unique, majestic, and basking).
The only “complaint” about the book is I use the word sea star, instead of starfish, because they are not fish, but understand the term is widely used (and explained at the end). I did appreciate how it discusses not all have 5 arms. At the back of the book there are some search-and-find activities as well as a QR code to the song that corresponds to the text.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-07-30 20:09:512023-08-04 11:42:21Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Jennifer Crain
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela2023-07-30 17:43:562023-08-04 11:38:10Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Angela Plate, July 2023
As an animal lover, I enjoyed every page of this book. Liza hates that her father is a taxidermist and works behind the scenes to convince him to change career paths. But with every stunt she pulls the consequences get higher! When her family moves into a tourist trap she is horrified again with her family’s livelihood and only wants to live in a normal home! Every scheme she comes up with causes more and more problems and things just don’t ever seem to go right for Liza. I rescue animals and had a start just like Liza, with dragging things home and exasperating my family. I loved Liza and enjoyed this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christina Fordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristina Ford2023-07-30 17:18:532023-08-04 11:37:51Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Christina Ford
Such a cute little book! Love the bright colored illustrations. The story is great for small children, and the pictures make it easy to follow along. My 3 yr old nephew LOVED counting all the starfish. This is a book every teacher of younger kids should have in their library! Highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Manda Kellyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngManda Kelly2023-07-30 16:49:182023-08-04 11:37:14Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Manda Kelly
The story of ten little starfish that live in the ocean. This is a great counting book which you could easily engage your little readers to find the various starfish while learning to count. Beautiful illustrations.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2023-07-30 14:11:432023-08-04 11:36:51Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Emily H
I read this while traveling for work this weekend. It was a great airport/plane read. I really enjoyed the story line of the daughter helping her mother overcome a really difficult situation. Mental Health, postpartum depression, divorce, unplanned pregnancy, coming of age, friendship and transitions are all themes in this storyline. Claire finds herself realigning her future as her mom faces a very difficult time. She begins to understand the power of family, supporting one-another, asking for help and love. While it may seem a far fetched storyline, I think this happens more often that we realize. It is important to check in on one another and really dig for what is most important in our lives.
This beautifully illustrated and colourful book has a lovely lyrical nature to the words and is easy to read or read to children. The book is very interactive for young children. I would highly recommend this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Robbhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Robb2023-07-30 01:14:512023-08-04 11:42:11Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Stephanie Robb
Complicated Choices is a YA Family that will take you on quite the emotional journey. This is an emotional story that is packed with drama, family, secrets choices and so much more. I found myself relating to the characters of Claire and her mom and the choices they had to make on more than one level. My heart ached for them all. This is still a fairly new author to me but man I’m a fan. I will suggest having a kleenex close by as you might find yourself tearing up a few times. Claire is a senior in high school who is faced with a life changing choices . What will happen when she has to make a tough choice? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next in this emotional journey. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-07-29 22:03:542023-08-04 11:40:30Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Claire is trying to finish high school, but raising a baby was not part of the plan. Babies are hard for anyone, but especially a teenager in school and it isn’t even her baby. It is her baby brother, but her mother is no help, so his care is left to Claire. In fact, her mother spent her college fund on the baby and all she can do is sit back and watch her future get ripped away from her. But then she is offered an escape. A way to recoup her losses and get her future back. All it will cost her is her brother. What should she do, raise her brother at the expense of her future? This isn’t her mistake after all, so why should she have to deal with the consequences? But could she really give him up? This is such a great story. It is packed with hard decisions and a full range of emotions. It is well written so that you feel like it is really happening, and your heart breaks for Claire and the loss of her youth as she has to make some major adult decisions. I will be reading more from this author and I recommend that you do too.
I think the author did an absolutely marvelous job capturing the middle-schooler mentality. My daughter is 11 years old, and she really related to Lizzie! Even though it was written with her age in mind, I definitely enjoyed it as well. I loved Lizzie’s fiery and passionate personality as well as her dedication to the animals she feels so strongly about. At times I thought, “What are these parents even doing?” but I feel that really ties into the mentality of a middle schooler. Again, I think the author did a spectacular job bringing that through process out for this age group. I highly recommend picking it up and giving it a go with the young one in your life!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-07-29 16:05:532023-08-04 11:34:04Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Shannen Kern
What a cute and entertaining story. Counting is not the only subject in this story. You get science, colors, as well as rhyming words. This story is easy to follow and it involves the children. Another great open ended story, to help grow our children’s minds. The author keeps her readers focused and opens up the little minds of children. I love that in a book as well as in the author. I am looking forward to reading more of these stories from this author. So are my grandchildren.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2023-07-29 13:52:082023-08-03 15:10:11Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Cindy Mayberry
Ten little starfish is a brilliant little counting book where you can learn all about the numbers one to ten, while also learning about life under the sea, as you explore the world of ten colourful and cute little starfish.
You will dance under the waves, explore the tidepools, watch as the starfish play with their friends, all while counting their legs, looking at all the beautiful colours and spotting the other sea creatures who live around them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-07-29 12:27:142023-08-03 15:09:38Ten Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
I enjoyed this book. It was funny and entertaining gripping your attention and making you want to know what happens next. Lizza is disgusted and embarrassed by everything her father is doing for their family. As a typical preteen girl, she would prefer to not have so many embarrassing things happening within her family to make them stand out. She’s trying to help her family fly under the radar, despite her Dad’s business ventures but everything she tries continue to backfire. How many things can her dad do to embarrass her and how many ways can her ideas go wrong?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessie Hopkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessie Hopkins2023-07-29 10:28:462023-08-03 15:08:12Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Jessie Hopkins
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman- 5 out of 5 stars
This complex read will have you in your emotions the whole time. Claire’s mother puts her in an extremely difficult position, being her baby brother’s full time caretaker. Although she resents her mother, her fierce love for her baby brother is unrelenting and she does everything she can to provide for him. This book definitely puts poor Claire through the ringer. As a mother, I was heartbroken and wanted to help her. As a reader, I was all over the place emotionally and I could not put it down. Overall, this was an amazing YA book. I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elisha Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElisha Johnson2023-07-29 09:31:362023-08-03 15:07:53Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Elisha Johnson
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