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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57899571-what-do-the-plants-say” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1619777269l/57899571._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57899571-what-do-the-plants-say”>What Do the Plants Say?</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
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Alex is an inventor. She creates a way to talk to the balloon flowers in the garden. She gets the helium tank and a recorder and records her conversations with the balloon flowers, and a way to fly with the flowers without popping them. Such a cute book<br />
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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom

I have read a lot of Lois Wickstrom’s books, and this is one of my least favorites. It is still a good story, but too fantasy in my opinion- I like the more realistic stories where it shows actual reality. The book still follows the scientific method, I just didn’t like the story as much as some others Lois has written.

My favorite part was when Alex used the recorder and had to experiment with her voice speed and volume t make it sound like the plants- I could just hear kids re-enacting this part!

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@bookworm1909

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought it was interesting the author changed Jack to Jacqueline (side note- I appreciated this, my late grandmother’s name!). So many fairy tales have young boys, so it was refreshing.

I loved Jacqueline’s smarts- for example, arguing with the old man giving her the beans that all plants touch the sky. (Allows for a science discussion or wondering!).

The vocabulary chosen might expand a child’s mind, like how the vines were intertwined. Overall, a comical and entertaining re-do of Jack (loved the part of Jacqueline washing off sweat in the dog’s water dish)!

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@bookworm1909

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This retelling of the famous beanstock has a different view of the story. One being it is Jacqueline who takes the cow to market. Yes she comes back with the 3 beans. But this is where the story changes. Jacqueline learned many lessons that day. As will the children that get to read / listen to this story. Again this author impressed me with her Open Ended story. Many lessons are taught within this book. Along with science, and providing food from our gardens. Great book to introduce children to at the beginning of Spring. I look forward to reading the next folktale by this author.

Review@cinful

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just LOVE the cover 📚❣️

As a school librarian I’d love for my kids to read this especially now with our school participating in a national science fair 😉

It’s a different take on Red Riding Hood and I adore the twist 🫶🏼

So Red is off to visit her granny when she meets a wolf along the way , he gives her 2 types of plants so bring the inquisitive person she is she goes straight to her books for information, with this distraction eolf heads off to granny …

Red realises something is amiss and detectives skills are honest in because granny needs to be kept …

Beautifully illustrated 🥰

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans (Science Folktales)Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very cute retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk staring Jacqueline. I love the lesson of this book (and how Wickstrom always manages to work them into her stories) and how uncomplicated the story and lesson are. The illustrations are great as well. As always, I love Wickstrom’s writing style and her ability to always tie in a lesson. Highly recommend reading this (and all of Wickstrom’s stories) to the littles!

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the cute story of Alex, the inventor, who invents a way to talk to flowers. She is able to hear and talk to them and goes on an adventure. I love the way Wickstom is able to tie creativity and science together with strong female characters. The illustrations are so cute and well done.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Monster for Meg
By: Lois Wickstrom

Once again, Lois Wickstrom does not disappoint. She delivers a wonderful children’s book with amazing pictures on each page. This book has the most wonderful characters. I loved the way the author tackles the idea of monsters. I also love how she shows how things can be different for people who are different from others. She tackles the idea of being blind in such an easy way that children will understand. This is so amazing! I definitely recommend this.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, this story has Jacqueline with her mother trying to sell the cow for money for food. Meeting a stranger who gives her three beans to plant with her mother upset she was so careless, it isn’t until morning when things change and Jacqueline and her mother get the surprise of a lifetime.

This was a fun retelling. I liked the illustrations. I think children will enjoy this one quite a bit.

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Monster for Meg” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681534608l/120498400._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg”>A Monster for Meg</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/5575714644″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Sue is trying to explain how monsters are to her sister Meg. Meg happens to be blind so she can’t see any monsters, so her sister Sue tries to explain monsters and Meg always comes back with a question or statement to Sue. This was an adorable story and explaining adaptations.
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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a great read, my girls enjoyed it as well. The way Meg’s sister describes the monsters o her because she is visually impaired is unique and also informative.It’s well written and unique. Definitely going to read more from this author.

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can never decide which books by Lois Wickstrom are my favorite because every time I read a new one, I love it. This is an Alex the Inventor book and it’s one of my favorites. I love the science involved and how everything is explained in a way a child would understand and wonder. Lois Wickstrom has a way with teaching children the things that you don’t think about teaching them.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
Genre – Kids
Page Count – 34
Cover Designer – Misty Black Designs

 Hudson is an amazing helper, but what will happen when his helpfulness leaves him feeling tired and overwhelmed?

Helpful Hudson is a fun, fast-paced story designed to help young readers learn the importance of looking after their own needs. As Hudson understands the value of self-care, he learns to become a better helper to himself and others.

Author Dannielle Pickford is a qualified physiotherapist with years of experience helping children learn and grow. Read along, and discover new literacy and social-emotional skills on every page!

Written for readers aged 3 to 7, Helpful Hudson provides an introduction to important life lessons that support children to become happy, healthy, and confident individuals. With an engaging narrative and bright illustrations, this book makes learning fun!

In Helpful Hudson, young readers will:

        Discover valuable social-emotional skills

        Learn the importance of self-care

        Practise reading and comprehension

Want to support your child’s learning journey? Start reading Helpful Hudson, and explore other picture books by Dannielle Pickford.

Purchase a copy of Helpful Hudson today!

~ AMAZON US ~ AMAZON AU ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford

Author Dannielle Pickford is a physiotherapist with years of experience helping children learn and grow. Dannielle Pickford created her first series after years of helping her child develop his speech sounds.

As an author Dannielle aims to tackle big and sometimes difficult conversations, give a step up to those who are falling behind, and let every child know they are perfect just the way they were made, not by making one generic book to fit all children but authentic, inclusive books with characters of all races and abilities.

Read along, and discover new literacy and social-emotional skills on every page!

Author Interview with Dannielle Pickford

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What do the Plants Say? Is part of the Alex, the Inventor series. This book is a fun, creative story with colorful pictures. I read it with my 7 year old son- he read the first half, then I read the second half. It is a good book for early readers. He said he enjoyed it, but over analyzed it a bit. He pointed out Alex didn’t have her recorder while flying, lol. I love the creativity of the sounds the flowers make. I like that the illustrator drew the flowers in different levels of bloom on each page. The author is full of endless creativity and I always enjoy sharing her book with my kiddos.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cute book. While the older sister was trying to point out the scary side, the little sister was pointing out the “real life” similarities. This is a great read for younger kids. The story reads quickly. The art work is engaging. My 3rd old nephew loved the story and the monsters.

A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nichole Chrisman

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute book! So Meg doesn’t understand why monsters are scary, because she’s never seen one. You see Meg is blind! Her big sister tries explaining what it is that makes monsters scary only to have Meg compare each thing to something normal. At the heart of this story it helps kids see that monsters aren’t scary but they are good for something other than scaring, spending time with each other! Again super cute book and will definitely use it in a classroom!

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Rushin

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute little story and I did enjoy it. I enjoyed the interaction between the two sisters as they played their game of trying to describe monsters. This book is something many children will enjoy because it makes a game out of describing a monster that is countered by comparison to something normal, making them seem just a little less scary. This author writes cute stories and I think they are appropriate for many children.

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Daryian Lucas

Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars
This was a great read! Although I’m an adult, I enjoyed how this book captured the essence of a young reader. As a mother, I’m always looking for children’s books that are written in a realistic child voice. This book does just that. It’s a great read to share with the younger readers in your life!

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of our FAVORITE authors in our home because we always love the interesting stories that are told. The illustrations are beautiful and really add depth to the story. A Monster for Meg helps kids reimagine the scary, hairy monsters in their imagination and relate them to not-so-scary things of everyday life. Meg is blind and doesn’t understand why monsters are so scary. Her big sister, Sue, tries to paint a picture as best she can with her scary, creative voices, but Meg just says that all the scary depictions sound like normal life. My youngest is 7 and sometimes still has trouble with monsters, but this sparked a great conversation about how to reframe those thoughts. I enjoyed the diversity and inclusion in this book as well. Another favorite in our house for sure!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Donya Pedigo

Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Because no matter what happens in our lives, we’re guaranteed opportunities to understand what we’re made of.” This is a line from the foreword written by founder of Brave Healer Productions and Brave Kids Books, Laura Di France, and I absolutely love it. It is so simple a sentence yet so profound!
This book is much like that sentence as the Short Stories in it are small tales that pack a big punch of bravery, life lessons, and just great writing. This may be a children’s book, but it truly touched my heart while reading it and I can’t wait to share it with my family as I’m sure it will become a new favorite for them as well.

What is bravery? It can show up in many different forms in many different lives and this book shows 24 great examples of all different types. There are 24 short stories all with amazing characters who all in some way experience something that helps them find their bravery.

I really enjoyed Chapter 10 Amaleigha Tames a Bully by Janice Pratt where the class learns productive ways to deal with a bully. It was a nice touch that Amaleigha knew she could trust her parents enough to talk to them about the problem as well. This definitely gives kids a great example of what can happen if you encourage each other instead of fighting back and causing more ill will.

Another one of my favorite stories is Chapter 16 The Magic Inside (Uncovering The Superhero Within) by Lorie Weed. In it, Alan, though scared, faces his fears and gets past the sick feeling his fears are causing in order to help another living creature, which is a truly heroic act. Growing up, I often made myself sick with worrying and being afraid, so I loved seeing how this boy who had so much to fear was able to overcome it and to see himself as a hero through another’s eyes. New perspectives often work wonders and I think it’s important for our kids to be able to learn to look at themselves this way as well.

Do yourself a favor and get this book! Kids can learn a lot from the stories inside and adults will enjoy the heartwarming tales. I just wish I’d had this when I was younger as I think it would’ve helped me with my anxiety and to find my bravery back then.

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Plate, May 2023

Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great selection of short stories. Its a good way to connect with younger children and help them to deal with life’s hurdles. This book has topics that range from building confidence and bullies and dealing with loss. Each story has a lesson to learn. I’ll be keeping this one around to read to my autistic son every now and then.

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meg is a young girl who has an older sister, an older sister who tries to scare Meg with monsters, but Meg is also blind, so when her sister tries to describe the monster to her, she isn’t scared in the slightest because she can just picture her sister doing the same thing, drooling, being too tall for something, licking her fingers when she has something tasty on them and other things she has done.

Would you be able to scare Meg with your descriptions of a monster? This is another charming tale where something scary is made into something else through wonderful descriptions and charming illustrations for all ages.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World-Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is collection of short stories which contain inspirational words, important messages and tip and tricks for how to be brave in a range of different situations. I talks about emotions, both good and bad, the important of noticing and feeling them and how this can help someone to be brave and face their challenges head on, no matter where or what they are.

This collection is inspiring for all ages and although it is written for kids, adults can take inspiration and experience from it too, a lovely book which is suitable for anyone and everyone which I would highly recommend.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Monster for Meg is an adorable story about a little girl who is blind and does not know what a monster looks like. Meg’s big sister, Sue, tries to explain to her what a monster looks like using other senses such as taste, sound, and touch. Sue is trying to scare Meg a little bit about monsters, but Meg compares everything Sue says to things that Sue has done. The game of comparison is fun for Meg, and she is enjoying how her sister explains monsters to her.

This book was beautifully written and perfect for children to learn about using other senses besides sight and what it is like for someone who is blind. The illustrations were bright, colorful, and really brought the story to life. I really enjoyed how the author used vivid descriptions to describe how a monster would feel or how it might sound. The relationship between Meg and her older sister Sue was loving and it was sweet how Sue was so patient in her explanations to Meg. I highly recommend this book and feel it is great for children of all ages.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We never go too long in this house without reading a book by this author and I think this book has got to be one of the most entertaining we have read so far. We all loved the unique take on the typical Jack and the Beanstalk story, especially my daughter who had just done this book at school.
As expected from this author, the book was engaging, fun, had great characters and yet was educational as well. I have lost count of the number of times we have read this book and I am excited to read it again. This author is a master at children’s books and I cannot recommend her highly enough.

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great collection of short stories great for any age about how to be brave. I think we could all use some encouragement to be brave in any situation and these stories had such a variety!
My middle kiddo loved these and read them on her own and we talked about some of them that stuck out to her.
Love books that get a conversation flowing with my kids.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, May 2023

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans (Science Folktales)Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a take on Jack and the Beanstalk. In this story, Jacqueline falls for the old trick of giving her cow for some magic beans. She figures out how to make the trick work to her advantage and get her family the food they need for the winter. This is a cute retell, great illustrations and it is nice to see the girl outsmart the giant!

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns

Lois Wickstrom writes fun and engaging stories for kids of all ages. Most of her books provide amazing opportunities for children to learn something new. Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans Is no different, it teaches about how bean plants grow. A fun project to do with children would be to heave them grow their own bean plant. You could take measurements about how tall the plant grows over time. This story was enjoyable and different than many other retellings and I have to have I like it the best. I have read many Jack and The Bean Stalk retellings as an elementary librarian.

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Michelle Mulvey

What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alex is a very creative girl who invents a flower inflator, plant translator and a balloon plant leash. She talks and listens to her plants pop, pop, bop. Love the imagination of this authors characters. Always know it will be a great read when starting one of her books.

review by @xchellex

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute collection of short stories for children. Each story is unique and different from each other. They are full of hope and inspiration. Stories of bravery that are fun to read. It is an engaging book with fun characters that any child will relate too. I enjoyed how the author brought the stories to life with the creation of fun characters. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner