Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Imaginative children’s book
This colourful children’s adventure picture book was a delight to read. Aimed at early childhood ages, it takes the reader on a fun adventure with Colleen as she deals with issues with the townsfolk. I really love how this author cleverly weaves a message or lesson into her stories.
Recommend.
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fetching Dreams is a book about 12-year-olds becoming pen-pals and learn about other cultures and lives. Worlds apart as one Neyah lives in a village in Kenya Africa and worries of harsh living conditions and one Abby in a modern city in Minnesota.
It is a heartfelt story aimed at middle school aged children where they get insightful lessons of tragedy and fear of change.
It is an engaging tale about bonding and finding one’s voice and speaking out to make a difference. It is about making connections no matter where one lives in the world.
We learn about plants and wildlife and the differences of people around the globe. We also learn that “Water is life,” for those that have to work for it and others take for granted.
Fetching Dreams is worth the read.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fetching Dreams is a beautifully written and inspirational YA family book. Neyah and Abby live in two very different worlds but form a friendship as pen pals through a school project. Neyah lives in Africa and does not have water in her village. She misses a lot of school because of having to walk several miles to bring water to her family for bathing, cooking, and for the livestock. Neyah’s village struggles with diseases caused by the lack of running water and her daily life is full of dangers as she faces bandits on her way to get water. Abby lives worlds apart in Minnesota and has a good life in comparison to Neyah. She has clean, running water and modern conveniences but her life is far from perfect. Her parents have issues, and she has been diagnosed with having a brain tumor. The two girls work together to raise awareness and money for water in Neyah’s village. The characters of Abby and Neyah are well written and the strength and courage the two girls had was inspiring. Both girls were smart, independent, and faced challenges head-on. The unlikely friendship between Neyah and Abby will inspire and uplift you as they encouraged each other to follow their dreams. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the girls faced their own challenges and helped each other even though they were worlds apart. I highly recommend this book!
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Two girls a continent apart. Neyah is super quiet and shy and lives in Africa. Abby is a bubbly socialite in Minnesota, USA. They learn of each other through their social studies teachers and become pen pals.
Neyah rarely gets to go to school. Her family depends on her to fetch water for them to survive. Neyah loves school and learning and aspires to be a doctor.
Abby is ok with school but jealous of the “time off” that Neyah has, not really realizing at first why Neyah isn’t able to attend as much.
Through a series of back and forth letters, the girls learn of each others cultures, customs, and norms and both are determined to help make the world a much better place.
I would advise you to read this in a solitary room if you’re apt to cry. I was reading this while sitting out at a yard sale in between customers. BAD IDEA because I could not stop the tears. There are happy crying moments, there are sad crying moments. This book is such a beautiful story of two unlikely people to form a bond and then do something with that bond. This story will stick with me awhile!!
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom is such a fun book with a great lesson. Colleen’s dad is a giant that claims to hold up the sky. People fear her father and they don’t like him. Lois Wickstrom once again does an amazing job of teaching lessons in a fun and compassionate way. This story does a great job of showing children how to work together. It also teaches us not to fear someone because they are different and to have compassion. I also really loved the fun illustrations.
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Neyah and Abby are pen pals. Both learning about each other’s lives. While the girls are the same age, they live very different lifestyles. Neyah lives in Africa while Abby lives in a city on the other side of the globe. Abby works on her social life, while Neyah gathers contaminated water for her family. Neyah longs for the days when she can go to school, while Abby goes to school everyday. Such an inspiring story for all to read. I found both main characters to be strong independent young girls. Who strive for a better life for each other. This author has captured my heart in this story. I feel every 12 year and older child should get the opportunity to read this story. To have a pen pal from a different country and to learn how fortunate they are to live without fear. As this story unfolds many lives are touched by the strength of these two girls. Fantastic story to read! It’s fast paced and you find yourself wanting so much more. I feel this to be an excellent read for young teens, teachers, librarians and parents. Let’s open our children’s minds and bring back helping others.
Review@cinful
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
The Messy Kids is another wonderfully written children’s book by this author. We never hesitate to read whatever she writes. The illustrations bring the story to life and each story has a message. My son loved this book and thought the messy kids were funny. When your asked to do something like clean your room ,do it right the first time and you’ll find great satisfaction in not having to do it multiple times. I highly recommend reading this cute children’s book to find out what happens next. We look forward to reading more from this Author.
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Neyah is a young girl living in Africa, which means that she misses school a lot due to having to walk many miles a day to fetch water for her family to use for food, bathing, washing, crops and livestock. When her school starts a pen pal project with a group of middle school students in Minnesota, Neyah gets to know an American teenager named Abby. Abby is surprised by how different things are, such as a lack of running water, or that Neyah is the one that has to miss school and not her four brothers. Throughout the book, we see many problems that Neyah faces in her daily life, such as diseases caused by lack of clean water, her dad’s lack of willingness to change how things have always been done, the dangers of her climb to and from the different water sources in her area of Africa, bandits, and the possibility that her father will sell her as a second wife for cattle. Neyah at first thinks that Abby’s life is “perfect”, but quickly we learn that Abby has issues of her own. Her parents are struggling after issues of their own, and then Abby ends up with a brain tumor. The girls start working together to get access to water in Neyah’s village, by raising money and awareness of the situation that Neyah lives every day. This is a great book for reminding people that everyone has their issues, we are not that much different than other people our age in other places around the world. This is a great book for adults and teenagers, alike.
Fetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a book that grips your heartstrings with the story of two girls living two different lives with two separate challenges but they are both so strong and brave. Neyah has a very tough life and yet she perseveres and continues to write of her adventures to Abby. We get an idea of what is going on. There are moments of joy and moments of heart break. For Abby, life is different. She may have more but she is facing her own battle. We learn about her adventures in her letters to Neyah. I felt like I was on the emotional roller coaster with this book. It was a good thing because this story reminds you that you are alive and blessed. The author does a very good job of making this story feel realistic. The writing and the characters just keep you wanting to find out what’s coming next. This story is a definite tearjerker so I’d keep tissues handy. It’s one of the best YA stories I’ve read this year.
*¨*✶*¨* BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE *¨*✶*¨*
Melissa Lavi is a published children’s book author, and pre-school teacher for the last 20 years. Working with children has given her the ability to address complex situations in a clear and simple way. Most of her stories are based on experiences she has encountered both as a mother and as a teacher, and they are all ‘tried and tested’ in her classroom each day.
Melissa lives in Hong Kong with her husband and three children.
Mary Bleckwehl believes words matter. As a children’s writer she uses them to challenge readers to not just imagine a better world but to take action to make it so. Passionate about promoting literacy, Bleckwehl has presented to nearly 100,000 school children as an author.
Bleckwehl grew up in an Iowa farm home with few books but a trove of experiences that are the foundation of her writing. As a writer, she draws on youth experiences as well as her imagination and years of parenting and teaching. She craves variety and, thus, writes non-fiction and fiction for many age groups. Her newest book for middle-grade through adult readers is Fetching Dreams-reviewed by Kirkus as “an engaging tale about finding one’s voice and making faraway connections.” Bleckwehl’s latest picture book, Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! joins her award-winning picture books, Henry you’re late AGAIN! Henry you’re hungry AGAIN?and Claire’s Hair. Other published work: The Birthday Cookbook (2021) a fun and easy recipe book for kids; her debut middle grade novel, The Worry Knot (January 2022); and four nonfiction books in the Awesome Disgusting Careers series (September 2022). She has three more books due out in 2024.
Bleckwehl graduated from Wartburg College and received her M.S. in Educational Management from Lesley University in Boston. She lives in Northfield, Minnesota where she taught school. Together with her husband, she raised three children, a few unruly pets, and plenty of garden weeds. When she’s not dreaming up a new book idea, Bleckwehl can be found presenting to book lovers in schools, libraries and conferences or enjoying a peaceful pontoon ride with family.
Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What another fun retelling of a classic children’s story! We love bringing home Lois Wickstrom’s books because we all know we are for a super great read as well as some good conversations afterward. The illustrations are just beautiful and help set the feel of each scene as we move through some smart piggies! Both of my kiddos loved it as they are really interested in anything STEM related, so I feel like this book was perfectly timed for this family! The story flows amazingly as always, and the author once again shows how well putting your mind to a tough situation (especially together) turns out if you don’t give up. I highly recommend picking this up and enjoying it with the little ones in your life. I bet you all have a wonderful adventure!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a tale or three little pigs and one hungry wolf.
The wolf had been living near the three little pigs and was always hungry, but he was also always huffing and puffing. Now the three little pigs knew this, so as they grew up, they studied hard to learn how to build wolf proof houses at architecture school, so that they could stop living in fear of the wolf.
One day, when the three little pigs had finished their houses, along came the wolf who threatened to blow their houses down by huffing and puffing, but their houses withstood the wolf, but a standoff began, can the three little pigs use their smarts to solve the dilemma, or will the wolf’s hunger be their downfall?
This is a new take on an old story which blends science and fairy tales to bring learning into an easy to understand book which is suitable for all ages.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Huff…Puff…Grind! The Three Little Pigs Get Smart is a bit of a twist on the classic fairytale, The Three Little Pigs. The Three Little Pigs, Stella, Hal, and Brad have all built what they feel are sturdy homes after having studied architecture in school. When the big bad wolf comes huffing and puffing at each of their doors, he finds their homes will not fall. Stella, Hal, and Brad get together and try to find another use for all the big bad wolf’s hot air. Rather than have the big bad wolf be an enemy they make a deal with him and turn him into an ally. This was a cute and imaginative retelling of the classic that teaches children about kindness, friendship, working together, and problem solving.
Huff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It was great retelling of the Three Little Pigs. My little boy loved this story as well. The three pigs are able to make their houses indestructible to the wolf. The wolf cannot blow down any of their houses no matter how easy he thought it would be. In the end the pigs and wolf come to an understanding.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the art in this book, the aesthetic is so pleasing. The story is cute, I enjoyed the rhyming and the Giant controlling whether or not the sky falls. Colleen was brave to take her dad’s place to try and help. I think the visuals alone will draw kids in, and then the story will help them fall in love with book. Colleen’s dad may seem to others, not to have a “real” job but, the neighbors can all go about their days not worrying about the sky thanks to the giant.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom
Holding up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) is a wonderfully written children’s book that children will love reading. One thing I love most about this author is every one of her books teaches us a lesson of some sort. This one teaches us to work together and not be fearful of those who may be different. My son loved this book a lot. Collen thinks her dad holds up the sky no one in town believes that he does. But what will happen when he puts his hands down? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next . We look forward to reading more from this Author.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lois’s Holding Up the Sky will delight young readers with this next book in the Giant and Monsters group.
Follow Colleen and her dad as they deal with issues of name calling and bullies. Find out what happens when he decides to give up his job and no longer holds up the sky. Who saves the day?
The book is aimed at children aged between 4 to 8 years. Lois’s narrative and the bright and colourful illustrations by Nicolás Milano help make this picture book a fun story.
My grandsons enjoyed it. What child doesn’t love a good friendly giant and monster story.
It’s a great book just because.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Lois Wickstrom has crafted yet another science/STEM related picture book! The twist on the Three Little Pigs is that each pig studied architecture in school. When they begin building their houses it is to test their ability to make wolf-proof houses. The pigs go through the process of designing their houses by drawling plans, and then they each began building the houses. As an educator I always think about activities that can go with each children’s book that I read. The perfect activity to go with this book would be to have kids research sturdy materials to build houses, and then draw floor plans for their houses. Afterwards, provide materials for students to use to build their houses. Each house can be put to the huff and puff test by having classmates or a strong fan blow on the houses. This is a wonderful book, and I would definitely recommend it for a great summer activity! On a side note, I really like the different font faces used on the pages and how they go with the story.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom is another of her cute children’s stories. It has bright, colourful, and interesting illustrations that accompany the story, which help to bring everything to life.
This is a bit of an adventure with a few messages/lessons along the way. With some fantasy and a touch of drama, it makes for an engaging and fun read- feeding both the imagination, as well as imparting messages on kindness, cooperation, helpfulness, not to be fearful, and not jumping to conclusions or judging a book by its cover.
Happy reading!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Lois Wickstrom is an amazingly talented children’s book author and she creates wonderful books that children can relate to. In the story, The Messy Kids, is about a little boy named Chester who is having too much fun playing to clean up. Instead of cleaning his room, he decides to go outside to clean the sandbox. While he is outside, he meets the messy kids. As you can imagine, they make a huge mess of the sandbox. The messy kids and Chester go back inside to his bedroom to find toys all over the place. Do they clean the mess, goodness no! It would be much more fun to play. The toys end up under Chester’s bed and mom is not too happy with him for not cleaning her room the correct way. Chester told his mom about the messy kids, and he was told to teach them how to clean up the mess. Will Chester be able to teach the messy kids how to clean up and put away the toys in the correct places? Find out by reading The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom. This is such a fun children’s book and it is relatable because most children would rather play than clean their room. make a great big mess! I loved the messy kids, in fact, they remind me of Thing One and Thing Two from The Cat in the hat because they always make a huge mess, but they alway clean it up afterwards.
Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Huff puff Grind was a cute take on the 3 Little Pigs story. I read it to my 7 year old and we both enjoyed it. My son said he doesn’t trust that wolf! He leaned a lot of new words- architect, mortar, saplings, lurking… In this story, the 3 pigs are educated and build sturdy houses, that all withstand the wolf’s huffs and puffs. But, unlike the original, these pigs are smart, problem solvers. They came up with a plan so everyone wins! I loved the illustrations, they are colorful and creative; I love that even the font changes to incorporate into the story.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Huff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this story with my 6 year old son. He was shocked but also pleasantly surprised by the new twist! He really enjoyed the ending. He’s all for how this ended! Another great twist on a classic by Lois W. We can’t get enough of her stories!
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this story with my 6 year old. We both enjoyed reading it. My son liked how his daughter supported him and had such trust in her dad. Another great read from Lois Wickstrom. We have loved all of her books!
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Many young girls think their daddy hung the moon, but Colleen is convinced that her daddy holds up the sky. Colleen’s dad is a giant and most of the townspeople fear him and think that he’s made up this story about the sky. One day, Colleen decides to host a party and her dad let’s his hands down for awhile. Suddenly, everyone in town becomes concerned and changes their thoughts on how they feel about Colleen’s dad.
This is a very well written story by a favorite author of mine. The illustrations are super brilliant and vivid! The story and it’s “hidden” meaning are great to share with anyone of any age. This book should be on every library shelf, whether in an actual library, daycare, school, etc.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another Fun and fantastic story to read to our children. Colleen and her Dad have a special job. But the children are afraid of Colleen’s dad, and tease her. Read what happens when Colleen’s dad puts his hands down. Also who comes to the rescue when things start happening. This author never ceases to amaze me. Her imagination is and ability to entertain our children. Just another example of why I enjoy reading stories from this author.
Review@cinful
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a children’s author that I enjoy reading. I enjoy the learning aspects as well as the entertaining stories. This is a book about Colleen and her dad. Her dad says that he is holding up the sky but what will happen when he puts his hands down? I enjoyed the graphics of this story. They are interactive and tell the story in a way that will keep your child engaged throughout. I highly recommend this book for all children.
Review by @bjwagner
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a great children’s book with a message to not be fearful and to work together is better – at least how I read it! The illustrations are gorgeous. It is a good read aloud that takes you through the story of Colleen, her dad and the community. Being fearful and nonbelieving at first, the community was not sure about Colleen’s dad holding up the sky. But in the end, it all comes together when they realize holding up the sky was an important job, dad wasn’t scary and they could all pitch in and help.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun story! It’s an entertaining story/myth teaching about helping and being kind. I loved the bright colorful pictures. The story was another big hit in our house for storytime. My grandson now walks around telling me he is holding up the sky. (He is autistic and feels he needs to model heros in many forms). The characters are kind and compassionate. The ones who need to learn lessons always learn a lesson in a good way. I love the stories this author writes because she makes learning fun.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom at it again. This story of Colleen and her dad was full of fun and imagination. The way the words intertwined with the pictures made it a fun delight for kids of all ages. A great story to read to your child good night. And a reminder that sometimes fun is fun but responsibility is greater.