In the kingdom of Aleta, the Queen uses a mirror to help her know if he is treating her subjects fairly. When the mirror reveals a situation where the Queen is not the fairest, Snow White come to help. Will the Queen give up the title of the fairest, or make a decision that favors one party over the other? As always Loos Wickstrom has woven some true science facts into the folktale elements of this short children’s book. The illustrations add a colorful background to the story that will aid the reader to have a better visualization of the story.
This is a great YA story that was a surprisingly quick and easy read. I loved the idea of this book from the moment I read the description and couldn’t wait to get started. I think overall it is a great book although I do wish at times it had a little more detail. However, I definitely became invested in the book and wanted to see how it would turn out. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I think she has the potential to be one I read more often. This book has all the signs of a great series and I am looking forward to book two, to see if I am right.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-11-21 15:42:022022-11-25 11:41:12The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Kerry Baker
This is a great fantasy read for older children. The author does an amazing job of making fantasy feel like it could be reality. This is a heartwarming story of a young girl and her adventures as she navigates her life however things aren’t that straight forward.
Gwendolyn is a dreamshifter. That means at night she shifts into whatever she dreams about. Normally this isn’t a problem she always wakes up the next morning back in her human form. However, this one night she gets startled awake by the fire alarm in her home and gets stuck as an elk. Now she has to figure out a way to get herself back into a human all the while making sure she keeps safe and away from hunters. Can she stay safe in the form she is stuck in? Will she be able to change back or will she be trapped as an elk forever?
Another really cute children’s book from this wonderful author. I loved how each of her books tackles something different for children and creates talking points for children to discuss different issues. In this books the dwarves have a dilemma and have to think about how to deal with things fairly. This is great for children especially as they often don’t understand this kind of problem. Again the story was well written and beautifully illustrated.
I have never heard of a dream shifter before. I really loved the idea of it and how the author put it into a book that not only I loved, but I think my ten year old will as well. Gwendolyn is a 12-year dream-shifter. She shifts into the animals that she dreams about. Fun right?! Well each night she prepares for the dreams and normally enjoys them. There is one catch to being a dream shifter though. If you wake up normally on your own you shift back to human. BUT if you get woken up suddenly (like from a fire alarm) you stay shifted! Crazy right?! Lets just say that her parents were shocked the first time it happened. Unfortunately, she learns that if you don’t shift back within a few months you get stuck in the form that you last shifted to!! So, she’s leaping around as an Elk and having fun, when she’s bolted awake from the fire alarm. They forgot to turn off the space heater that they used to make smores indoors. Not only is Gwendolyn stuck as an elk now, but their home burned down. To top off her already horrible night, she learns that it’s almost elk season! Which means she has to find a place to hide! Where do you hide an elk?? She’s stuck as an elk with no knowledge on how to turn back and now she must keep away from hunters! Thankfully she can speak English and she still thinks mostly like a girl. But how do you explain this to people? And who would believe her?! Getting the help from a magician that she’s a little scared of is her last resort, but she must. He gives her access to his magical library which she finds out that her grandmother’s written books are part of! Maybe she can find some answers finally!! He does end up having a book that might help, but for some reason she can’t get near it. Oh odd!! Will Gwendolyn spend the rest of her life as an Elk? Will she get hunted and killed during the season?! Hiding out at the magician’s house, putting on magic shows for kids to pay for room and board is just the start to this fun and interesting book!! I got sucked in and I hope my daughter will as well. I’m excided to share it with her. If you have never heard of a dream-shifter (like me) you are in for a treat!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fantasy novel, it was a Irish family saga which had me hooked from start to finish. Although part of a series, I happily read it as a standalone story, however, having enjoyed it so much I am now keen to read the rest of the series. Set in Ireland in 1114, ageing warrior Maelan serves his chief with his bloodied blade, but he also has the unique ability of magical camouflage. His main aim is to provide a legacy for Orlagh, his seventeen year old granddaughter, so he’s horrified when she runs off with a disreputable bard. In order to go after Orlagh, Maelan will have to abandon his chief and risk dishonour. Having to risk disgrace and betrayal to bring his granddaughter home is a real dilemma for the loyal guardsman. The descriptive narrative really brought the characters and the setting vividly to life, and the added historical details made the time period realistic. The mix of historical elements and fantasy made this a real page turner.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2022-11-21 12:37:182022-11-25 11:38:00Misfortune of Song (Druid’s Brooch Series Book 5) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Jennifer Gordon
The queen always tried to be fair. Citizens would come to her when problems would arise. She would resolve the issues. One day both citizens didn’t seem like they were wrong. It happened for the first time. Then the queen found out she wasn’t fair and was the one at fault. She admitted her wrongs and made it right.
I can’t believe the first part to this series is over. I love the character development between Rilla and Vidar as they struggle between their new bonds and fight against Sir Drake and the purple dragon. The telepathy, bonds, and a protected library full of magic captivated me to the fullest. I need the second book to come out asap so we get more of the map magic and Rilla’s powers, maybe more of Vidar being human and children between the two!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Cooper Hammontreehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Cooper Hammontree2022-11-20 20:34:512022-11-21 11:59:10The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Ashley Cooper Hammontree
I’ve read a few Lois Wickstrom books with my youngest child and we always love them. Dream Shifter was the first full length novel I’ve read by this author vs the usual younger children stories with illustrations. Dream Shifter was just as imaginative and enjoyable as the books I’ve read before it though! I enjoyed the creative storyline and the characters were fantastic. I actually read this book myself but I feel that my 8 year old would have loved it. I really look forward to reading more from such a creative author.
Fantasy adventure for middle schoolers A unique fantasy adventure that has shifters, magic, drama and suspense. 12 year old Gwendolyn faces many issues when her Dream Shifting abilities get interrupted and she is stuck as an elk. What is she going to do? Delivered in a way that is easy to follow, the author weaves a story that is relatable as it is fantastical. There is something for everyone in this book. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-11-20 05:17:552022-11-21 11:57:32Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East
A great book for middle school readers. Gwendolyn is a dream-shifter, she transforms into any animal when she is asleep but turns back into her human form as long as she isn’t startled awake. One night a fire at Gwendolyn’s home startled her and she finds herself stuck being an elk.
The book is well written and I liked it. It has suspense, action, the shape shifting by the main character, and so muck more. I’m looking forward to hearing what my son thinks of the book. I’m sure I would have enjoyed this book when I was in middle school.
Cute story with a little twist. Surprise, surprise, the fairest in the land is not actually the fairest. My 5yo son enjoyed this book. He was sad when he found out why the Queen was not the fairest. A nice lesson when we see both the dwarves eyes sparkling. Sometimes in an argument, both people can be right. Another fabulous children’s book by Lois Wickstrom.
What a fun read for middle elementary school agers. I’d say to anyone who is ready to read a chapter book, this one is perfect. It has everything a reader is looking for. Fantasy, magic, journalism, and the most important is the adventure. Gwendolyn is a Dream Shifter so she shifts in her dreams but wakes up as a girl. That is until she is woken in the middle of the night to the fire alarm. Her life changes drastically and now she needs to turn things around. Elk season is here and, well she is an elk. How will she change? Can she change back to the girl she is? No Spoilers. This author has become one of my favorite writers for children’s books. All of her books are fascinating and easy to follow. Her stories never drag on, she keeps the reader reading. Her characters are always fun to read about. They are also easy to relate to. I am looking forward to the next story.
Gwendolyn is a middle school aged girl who is a dream shifter. Basically that means that she shifts into what she is dreaming about. A house fire awakes Gwendolyn up abruptly which causes her to wake up in her dream shift, an elk. Not knowing how to shift back into a girl, she tries to maneuver life as an elk during hunting season at that. Feeling like she is constantly in danger, her parents convince her to stay at a magician’s house while he tries to find a cure for her.
Meanwhile her life as a girl is slowly falling apart. No one believes that she is a talking elk. Everyone thinks that it is some elaborate prank being played on them.
This was a nice book for older children, I would say ages 9 to 12 mostly. Gwendolyn had to learn to live her life while difficult situations kept happening to her. She had to overtake some obstacles in her life to go back to normal. All with a fantasy and magical aspect to it making it more engaging for the children.
Mexico is rich is folklore and legends not just monsters and cartels 🙈😉
How the story came about the weeping woman is rather heart wrenching and frightful .
Growing up Mercy and Sherry were more like siblings than friends and neither really had it easy growing up and tensions are high with the “baptism” looming …
Mercy and Sherry have a run with La Llorona and life as they know it is about to change . Things happen to Mercy that she blame on La Llorona , she’s labelled as a witch and folks seem a little fearful but respectful of her farming skills , Sherry’s caught in an uphappy marriage and those mason jars filled with tears is just too much for me ….
Other than Sherry and Mercy I like Santos and the interest he shows and he’s not bothered by the rumour mill and Jesse James you’re a sweetheart .
P.S. Thise tears in the mason jars were put to good use 😉
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2022-11-19 04:07:292022-11-21 11:53:24Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Heidi Sturgess
This was the perfect story to explain fairness and how to be fair in everyday dilemmas. I do love the way the author addresses real issues with a wonderful story and perfect accompanying illustrations.
Dream Shifter is the perfect chapter book for young adults. The main character is Gwendolyn who is 12. She can become any animal in her dreams. Very entertaining story, easy to read and quite a fun book. I can’t wait to share it with my grandchildren.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Toni Sellershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngToni Sellers2022-11-18 17:47:322023-08-05 13:57:46Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Toni Sellers
Wow! Imagine waking up to find that you are about to be a dragon’s meal, but it decides not to eat you, after all. You come to know the dragon, and one day you realize that you are the dragon’s pet! A nice dragon, but still… What a wonderful, magical world the author has created. Readers will relate to the characters, especially as the story unfolds. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2022-11-17 19:27:532022-11-18 12:06:06The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Alison Risher
The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R.L.S Hoff 3 Stars
First off let me start by saying that I love dragons. I was very excited to pick up this book. It starts off with Rilla being left as a sacrifice for a dragon. Exciting! She expects to be eaten but the dragon is not what she expected. He was actually nice. The story took a weird turn with a tentative friendship forming. I found the story dragged a little with the banter between the two. The antagonist was present but not too involved in the story. Therefore there were mild disturbances but no real agonizing threat to add tension to the story. Towards the end, there was no exciting climax. For me, this was disappointing. I feel that if there was more character development and depth to the story, this could have been a five star review.
I liked the way Rilla grew throughout the book. She gained self confidence and became a little more independent. There were some concepts about dragons and magic that were interesting. All in all, it was enjoyable. I’ll be looking to see what happens next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anna Hirschhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnna Hirsch2022-11-17 17:37:112022-11-18 12:04:35The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R.L.S Hoff – Review by Anna Hirsch
This was a middle grades chapter book. I enjoyed it! Gwendolyn, the main character is a dreamshifter. While in her journalism, she is assigned to interview a funeral director. After she meets Marjorie a fire erupts in her home and Gwendolyn finds herself waking up as an elk. Now Gwendolyn is having to live life with her family as an elk. She has to learn to adapt to her new form (those growing antlers!) and finds that everyone accepts her as an elk.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tanya Wallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTanya Wall2022-11-17 13:29:132022-11-18 12:01:21Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022
Elinor, or would you say Madame Chalamet, is a trained medium. She works with the police but also solves mysteries. In this story, she searches for her father’s killer, and also has some other mysteries to solve. We also have a love interest in the making as someone who keeps getting in her way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and ready to read the next book!
I loved this ghost story. It kept your attention throughout the whole book. I loved the sub plot about Mysir de Duke Archambeau’s dead wife, I cannot wait to read more of their story in book two. Madam Elinor Chalamet is a well-known ghost talker (medium), she frequently assists on criminal investigations to figure out who someone may be, how they died, and who killed them. The book is set in a country named Sarnesse, in a time period where a lady was allowed education but still upheld to a certain standard. The case that Madam Chalamet is brought in to assist with, is the death of the Giles Monet, and has the crowns attention. Because it is such a high-profile case, Madam Chalamet is brought to Mysir de Duke’s house to be on house arrest and restricted from speaking to anyone about the case. I love the connection between Madam Chalamet and Mysir de Archambeau, while it is not an immediate attraction, I love the way they interact with each other, both strong personalities battling out to win dominance. The ending was amazing, coming to a close of the criminal investigation, but leaving you still with some questions about all of the characters, more specially, if Madam Chalamet will investigate the Duke’s wife’s death.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-11-16 18:27:192022-11-18 11:53:58Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Helen Dawkins
With a Spunky & sassy heroine this book is a great start to a new paranormal mystery fairy tale set of with the added bonuses of romance and humor. Dealing with ghosts and other paranormal events, Elinor is snarky and audacious. This is a well Developed book with a complex storyline and wonderfully fleshed out characters. I look forward to the next in this adventurous series!
This book incredibly was something that I didn’t expect in a lot of fantasy book. Madame Chalamet is a ghost talker and communicate with well ghosts. And when the duke takes interest in a body, Madame Chalamet is the one he called. While reading this I felt like I was looking thou and watching from Madame Chalamet own eyes. I felt like I was actually living and breathing the air these characters were in. This part alternate history, suspense, supernatural, fantasy, and mystery, all rolled int o one really kept me wanting to read more. Madame Chalamet is an incredible character not only talking to ghosts but is an intelligent, witty, unapologetic, savvy, strong willed women, that I related to so much in this story. Was an incredible read that I will for sure be reading more of.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2022-11-16 14:10:512022-11-18 11:51:33Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This book incredibly was something that I didn’t expect in a lot of fantasy book. Madame Chalamet is a ghost talker and communicate with well ghosts. And when the duke takes interest in a body, Madame Chalamet is the one he called. While reading this I felt like I was looking thou and watching from Madame Chalamet own eyes. I felt like I was actually living and breathing the air these characters were in. This part alternate history, suspense, supernatural, fantasy, and mystery, all rolled int o one really kept me wanting to read more. Madame Chalamet is an incredible character not only talking to ghosts but is an intelligent, witty, unapologetic, savvy, strong willed women, that I related to so much in this story. Was an incredible read that I will for sure be reading more of.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2022-11-16 14:09:002022-11-18 11:51:27Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Jennifer Reimer
Elinor Chalamet is a medium, more commonly referred to as a Ghost Talker, that has been using her skills to try to uncover the truth behind who her father’s killer could be. When a body is discovered in the river Madame Chalamet is brought in and asked if she could talk to the dead body. To find out who this person is, she asks the dead body who they are, who they were last with and if he can describe the last hour of his life.
In doing so Madame Chalamet suddenly finds herself wrapped up in some royal matters that involve the Duke de Archambeau. The Duke de Archambeau thinks Madame Chalamet has heard too much and until royal matters are concluded Madame Chalamet is to be a “guest” at his lavish home.
I loved the authors very vivid descriptions of the clothing the characters wore, as well as the furniture and homes of that era. I felt as though I was there, and I could see myself standing in the room looking around at the beautiful furnishings that surrounded me. The characters were unique while also being relatable. Madame Chalamet is a unique character whom I quickly felt drawn to. I loved that she could talk to ghosts because that is fascinating, but she is also strong, smart, witty, and feisty. Duke de Archambeau was a hard one to figure out as he came across initially as being snobbish and uptight, but then there were times he seemed so endearing and sweet, albeit briefly. There appeared to be some sort of chemistry between Madame Chalamet and Duke de Archambeau, but it was so subtle it was hard to tell. I am anxious to read book two and see if and how things progress between the two of them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-11-16 12:27:462022-11-18 11:50:55Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Wonderful book! It draws you in and keeps you interested. I love the way it is written and so descriptive. The characters are few in detail but you still understand them and what they are going for. I usually go for more modern books but I was drawn into and keep captive the whole book. I was disappointed when it ended.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emmye Marihughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmmye Marihugh2022-11-15 18:51:122022-11-18 11:40:40The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Emmye Marihugh
This was a fun an engaging version of Snow White that myself and my kids really enjoyed reading. It was easy to read but still put across an important message. As with all this authors’ book it was well illustrated, which really helped to capture my kids attention. For an author that we hadn’t read until this year she has certainly become a firm favourite in a short space of time. We are already looking forward to the next book.
Elinor is a smart, talented, sassy Ghost Talker and daughter of a jeweler. Right from the first sentence, she drew me in and made me like her. She occasionally uses her talents to assist the police, and today is the beginning of one of those times.
Elinor is called upon in the middle of dinner because the new case in need of the Ghost Talker involves royalty and murder. Duke Archambeau is the suspect in question, and also happens to be a person from Elinor’s past. You don’t learn much about him in this story, but the author sprinkles just enough throughout to keep you invested in the two of them together.
Excellent world building, very well written characters and an especially enviably strong and smart female lead, great and interesting mysteries – I’m thrilled to read the rest of the series! Another win for Nash!
Humorous Quest An enjoyable read with good characterisation and world building. The realms were interesting and there was plenty to keep me entertained. The host of magical creatures was diverse and the storyline had a good range from personal self-discovery to challenges alongside well -balanced action and humour. A great start to the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-11-15 05:43:172022-11-18 11:30:26Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Rayne East
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