What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very colorful and great use of imagination. The story is very easy to follow and understand. The character is very relatable especially when it comes to children using their imaginations. The illustrations are consistent and very colorful to capture the children’s attention to continue reading the story.
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really creative story by a wonderful author and filled with truly gorgeous illustrations. It would be a great read for Primary age kids.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Megs sister Sue tries to explain monsters to her because she is blind and can’t see them But Meg is very cleverly able to have an answer for every suggestion Sue makes. I really loved that about Meg. I highly recommend this book with its creative storyline and wonderful illustrations.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was not what I was expecting. But it was super cute and absolutely loved it. the base line is like jack and the beanstalk but with a little twist. Jacqueline is a young girl and had fallen for the trade the cow for the beans. But Jaqueline is also a smart girl, and she does figure out how to get the food she needs to get for her family. Were everything works out all in the end. The illustrations match the story amazingly to be able to follow along in the story. the characters and story line are amazingly put together.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was not what I was expecting. I thought I was going to get a kid’s books that was about monsters and trying to be brave but boy was I wrong. Meg the little is blind and has no idea what monsters look like. Her sister being the older of the two tries to help her by explaining what they look like and trying to get Meg to understand why they are scary. The interactions with the two girls made this book enjoyable because it shows that Megs older sister Sue really cares about Meg and tries to do everything, she can for her. The little humor and banter in the story between the two really shows how sisters can be. This picture book is wonderful right from the story line to the amazing pictures in it.
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book of short stories is a winner for me. This is a book for children but absolutely can be enjoyed by adults just as much! Each little story is a vibrant lesson about what it means to be brave. This would be a wonderful tool for parents or guardians to read along with their little and create a dialogue around each story and its message. This book includes great storytelling, and at the same time, keeps the stories short enough to keep hold of little attention spans. I definitely recommend this book of stories for any child or even any adult. The messages are universal and span the ages. Five enthusiastic stars.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Meg is blind and her older sister Sue, is using words to describe how scary monsters are. Each time Sue describes something about monsters, Meg retorts with how that sound or feel is similar to something else. This becomes a fun game for Meg.
‘Sue jumps beside me and shouts, ‘Boo! Monsters jump out at you when you don’t expect it.”
“But Sue, I always know when you are sneaking up on me”.
This was cute and shows senses that some people don’t think about. Because Meg is blind, she does not view monsters as scary and Sue is trying to tell her scary monsters can be.
Very creative with conveying the bond between sisters and the illustrations of the characters and monsters.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Meg is blind so she has never seen a monster before. Her sister Sue tries her hardest to explain what monsters are like with the intention of scaring Meg but Meg just compares everything that is said to her sister Sue. No matter what Sue says Meg thinks it’s a fun game of comparison.
I thought this book was cute. You could tell that Meg loves and looks up to her older sister Sue. Meanwhile Sue is the perfect example of an older sibling. Tries to mess with the younger but lovingly. I like how the main character is blind which makes the story unique. The author always has ‘different’ main characters making their stories very diverse. With this author there is a story for everyone!
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Promised Plan
By: Sharon Hugshson
This book is told from the perspectives of four women. Through this story their friendships are tested, their loyalty is shaken and all in all they are going through struggles. These characters are so relatable and written so well. I definitely felt for each of them as I went through the story.
This book gives a wonderful look at how grief hits everyone differently and at different times. This is such a well written book and one that I definitely recommend. It takes you on such an emotional ride but it is well worth it.
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alex hears noises coming from the balloon flowers in her yard. She hears pop pop noises coming from them so she decides to make a translator to find out what the popping means. She discovers that the flowers want to have a flying party. Alex tries to invent more things to make the flowers happy and have an awesome plant party!
I wish this author existed when I was a kid or even when my own child was younger. I really like how the author implements science and other important things into the stories. I also like how she made the inventor a little girl. We need more girl power in children’s books and this author is doing just that.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom. This author writes the best book for kids and families. They always have a fun story and a lesson as well. This one is about Sue and her Sister Meg who is blind.Sue always tries to teach Meg about certain things by her senses but when it comes to monsters under your bed its hard to explain. Most kids are scared of Monsters but if you can’t see them why would you be scared. This is such a sweet, story that has a very valuable lesson about siblings. This book would make a great gift.
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a fun, imaginative book. I loved the artwork, and the story entertaining. It would be so fun to be able to fly these balloon flowers like a kite and fly high in the sky. I enjoy seeing what Alex the Inventor comes up with, and how creative the inventions are.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A nice take on Jack and the beanstalk. I really liked how the woman giant was kind and helped Jacqueline, even with her husband. I was also glad to see a happy ending for her, her mom and Bessie. The art is beautiful and the story is fun for kids.
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wonderful heartfelt journey as sister navigate grief differently and their animosity toward each other that led to no contact with each other and a mother who never gave up trying to rebuild their relationship again.
Lacey and Krista’s mother wanted to take one last trip to Victoria BC along with Lacey’s daughter, Merci. When God has other plans for this family, the heartbreak that this family endures is unfathomable. Merci promised her grandmother to continue and go on the planned tripped that she always dreamed of. When anger, grief, hurt, questioning of faith and miscommunication come out, will Lacey and Krista be able to be the loving sisters whom were also best friends again?
This story hit a bit home and is very raw and real. The author did a wonderful job especially navigating grief, death and also faith along with the emotions of sisters whom lost their loved one.
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brave kids is a collection of short stories by different authors, some doctors-likely psychiatrists. They each focus on a difficult issue that children may face, sometimes from the perspective of an animal. They may show how a squirrel deals with bullying. Or how a horse may address being orphaned. Or how a child can o10vercome the fear of sleeping alone for the first time. I liked the collection, and think it could be a good book for a teacher or parent to have on hand. However, I think it would be better to have pictures and have the look if a true children’s book. It would hold the interest more of the little ones. I also think it should be divided into topics, as there were multiple stories that addressed the same topics. These stories are similar to fables, in that they are meant to teach us a lesson or help us navigate through a problem. Most seemed geared toward 5 to 10 year olds, but a few seemed a bit more mature content. I read a couple to my seven year old, but did not read him the whole collection.
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I chose this book because my mom wishes that my sister and I were closer. It really struck a chord with me. I feel that any reader who has a sibling would l be able to relate to this story. The author composed a musical heart-song, and her characters stayed true to their parts. I see a sister trip in my near future!
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adorable book about a sister explaining what monsters look like to her blind sister and how she relates each thing to her world.
Very cute, imaginative and has a little hidden agenda of teaching things that are different aren’t always as scary as you think.
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brave Kids is a selection of short stories by various authors using humans and animals to tell stories of bravery, compassion, grief, loss, accomplishment and so much more. I would highly recommend this book for children aged 7+ or parents to read and talk through with younger readers.
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This collection of short stories is so touching and heartwarming. With all the different topics and themes covered there is something for every child and this would be the perfect book for any teacher, parent/carer, counsellor or anyone else who wants to support the emotional wellbeing of a child in their lives. Definitely one to have ready to go!
Review by @sparkinside
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a poignant novel with bittersweet happiness. The setting in the Pacific Northwest for The Promised Plan makes me miss home! I wondered why Ruth didn’t push for her daughters to reconcile prior to her cancer treatment and diagnosis. As the story progressed, I could see how not having much time left on earth was a motivation to not leave things left undone/unsaid. A mother’s love for her children is one of those universal truths that make an excellent story!
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Meg, who is blind, doesn’t understand how monsters are scary. Her older sister though assures her they are. With descriptions and using her senses Meg begins to understand what Monsters are.
Very creative, I thought the way this was written makes you think about using other senses to understand what a person who does not have the same senses might use to understand. The art work is great in this one as well.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We always enjoy books from this author in our household but I think this one has to be one our favourites. The characters are brilliant and so easy to connect with. They were entertaining and fun and I loved the fact that they were sisters.
As usual, we have read this book multiple times but this is the first one from this author we read more than once in a day. Both of my kids really enjoyed this story, despite their difference in age. In a short space of time this author has become one of our most read and I can’t wait to keep reading her stories for years to come.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute story about Meg and her sister Sue. Meg is blind and Sue tried very hard to frighten Meg by talking about monsters but with every scary thing she says Meg answers her with something positive and explaining all the sense she uses to build up pictures in her mind. I can imagine many talking pints for children in this story about how Meg uses her other senses to see what is going on around her and whether Sue was being a good big sister or not. A well written story that was easy to read and illustrated beautifully as well.
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
This book hit very close to home as I lost my grandmother the same way. The display of realistic relationships and relationship complications made this a great read. It is a quick read, but it’s worth the read. The realistic display of faith is very refreshing. This isn’t a Christian book that’s corny and filled with fluff. It tackles tough situations and is very good about keeping it realistic.
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!
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Monster for Meg was not what I expected, it was better. I loved the analogies used to help describe things to Meg. She is blind, and her sister is trying to help her understand why monsters are scary. My seven year old son enjoyed it, and liked the pictures. He said Meg’s sister was nice for answering all her questions, because his siblings would tell him to quit asking so many. The book would be great to help young children understand a little of what life would be like for someone who cannot see. It could also be used for a lesson on the senses.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What I love about Ms. Wickstrom’s books is that she uses girls as inventors and science lovers. This book fits right in with that! Alex listens to the beautiful purple flowers, finds a way to talk with them, and then invents how to allow them to fly into the sky! Alex has perseverance and never gives up. She is exactly what a scientist is – someone who tries and tries again until the end result is found. Beautiful illustrations, a quick story line, and the plot takes you where Alex wants you to go!
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Meg and her sister are discussing monsters. With Meg being blind, her sister tried to explain the monsters. This is yet another child involvement story. It talks about our senses as well as being blind. This interaction between the sisters, and the humor makes for a fun story to read. I enjoy reading books by this author. So do my grandchildren. Her stories are easy to follow and fun to experiment with. Open-ended books are the BEST! I look forward to reading more from this author.
Review@cinful
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another lovely retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk with a science twist to it. I really enjoy the stories by this author they are written well and so engaging for young children and great introduction to some simple science. Jacqueline was a sweet character in the story and it was fun to follow her along on her adventure. There were a few talking points in the story for children along the way.
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alex, the inventor, is so creative and full of imagination. This story gives such a chuckle. One can imagine filling little plants with helium and going for a ride. Oh, I can remember asking Calgon to take me away. My grandson asked me if we could really take a flying ride with flowers. I could see his little mind churning. I love how this author’s stories help to stir the child’s creative thoughts with her stories. We love reading about Alex’s adventures and look forward to more. The pictures are colorful. The story is perfect for letting your imagination flow and it’s a 5-star book in our house.
