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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am quite familiar with the books that this author writes. This one was longer than most of the other books that I have read and are geared towards a middle school reader and not her typical elementary school readers. This one is quite unique and like her typical stories does have a lesson to learn with it. I loved that the story that she told and how she incorporated the ability to change, or shift, into any animal that she dreams about. I will say that she had me sitting on the edge of my seat during parts of this story because it could have ended entirely different than it did. I would highly recommend this book for any middle school or advanced elementary school reader that you know. It would also make a perfect gift for giving here at the holiday season.

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Dream Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anna Hirsch

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dream Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars

This book is geared toward children between the ages of nine and twelve. It’s a creative story filled with fantasy, magic and drama. Gwendolyn is a dream shifter. She becomes the animal that she’s dreaming about. She usually wakes up a girl again but one night a fire alarm jars her from her sleep. She wakes up as an elk during elk hunting season. One problem, she doesn’t know how to shift back to being human.

I’ve read many books by this author and usually they are aimed at a younger audience. This was a nice change. Personally I had a hard time with the book because I didn’t like the main character. I found her selfish and annoying. I believe children will thoroughly enjoy the book though. They will be able to relate to certain aspects of the story. Every child loves magic and talking animals.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was super cute!! I got this thinking that my youngest daughter (7) would like it. My oldest (10) also enjoyed not only the story but the fun illustrations as well. The Queen in this book is know as the most fair and honest person in the Kingdom of Aleta. Everyone comes to her with their problems so they can be solved fairly. She uses a mirror to help her with the harder problems. Looking for the sparkle of fairness in everyone’s eyes each time. When the dwarves bring her a problem where both sides think they are being fair the Queen needs her mirror. But there is a problem when the mirror shows her that SHE isn’t the fairest! Oh my! She entrusts Snow White to get to the bottom of the problem. Can Snow White find out where things went wrong? How is the Queen not fair? Will the poor dwarves’ problem get solved? What will happen to the Queen?! Such a fun book. In the back of the book it has information on how mirrors work and reflect. It’s a great way to help your kids learn about some science stuff while reading a cute book. I would recommend this book (and the other science books she’s written) for kids ages 5-10. I know my two kiddos have enjoyed them all so far!! Can’t wait for more!!

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Reviewed by @jaimie0459

Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gwendolyn is in a class to become a journalist, her assignment funeral director. After finally finding someone to interview, Gwendolyn meets Marjorie who is odd to say the least but not the oddest thing that happens. That night though everything changes, 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, but will she be able to shift back to human or is this her fate.

I thought this was delightful. Having Gwendolyn have to navigate about the changes in her life were spot on. I enjoyed all the characters in the story and was anxious to see what would happen next. I make note of Marjorie specifically as I found her character very intriguing.

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Stephanie Driskill

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Mis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna ChroniclesMis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna Chronicles by T.H. Leatherman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Poor Evan! One second, he was being chased in Texas and the next minute after jumping a ravine he ends up in the land of fairytales and all the beings found in fairytales. Who knew that fairies, elves, dragons, and giants existed in another world? Evan is very aware of these creatures now and must complete three tasks as assigned by the Elven Queen in which they become more dangerous by the task. These tasks must be completed so that the Elf Queen will give Evan the spell to return to his home world but if he fails or chooses not to do the tasks, he will be in servitude of her for ten years! The choice is his: three tasks or servitude for 10 years.
So, Evan decides to take on the tasks from the Queen and along the way he makes truly great friends even when others are baffled by his choices. Assassination attempts are made on his life as he completes the quests as they truly are more than a menial task. Trolls, dragons, ogres and more stand in his way of going home. The best part of Stellaluna is that as a human being, Evan can learn any type of magic and finds those to teach him along the way and may I add, he finds a cute little girlfriend as well, even if she is engaged to a pompous ass of an elf! You must read the book to find out if he completes his quests and how he makes out in another world!
Such great characters and so easy to root for and to fall in love with and to wish them well! No spoilers but I like the fact that Evan stays true to himself to the very end. Once you read the book you will understand how important it is to him and how he does it. The storyline was wonderful and engaging! The book was so hard to put down as I just kept wanting more of the tasks and the other creatures of the fairytale world! Looking forward to more stories from Stellaluna Chronicles!

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The Dwarves Dilemma ( Science Folktales ) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Caralee Loonat

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read many books by this author and she has not disappointed. This is a good book for not only teaching children lessons but also explaining science. This book would be great for children about 7-9. I just wish my children were younger I would definitely have them read these. I like how she is able to engage the reader and make something they may find hard easier. I highly recommend this series to anyone with younger children. A very good way also to introduce science to children.

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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Deborah White

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This a great short story that illustrates how important it is to be fair and to consider all sides of a problem. I enjoyed reading about the dilemmas and seeing how the queen dealt with the problems that the mirror didn’t easily give an answer to. This book not only teaches about being kind and fair but also accountability and even how a mirror works. I would recommend this book to anyone but especially young children who could learn more about the way a mirror works and how to be a well rounded person.

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Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 2) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Christen Ware

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Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #2)Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good next installment that continues the path of Chloe and Quintus’ journey of protection and hardships as they keep the Faerie and human realms alive. With a fast paced race as our beloved characters fight to find what will be the saving graces of their worlds, they deal with the blooming relationship between them.

This contains many twists and turns and they try to find their way, and it’s clear that both Chloe and Quintus come into their own during this book. In the first installment we saw who they were and learned about them, but with this piece we truly see how they are and who they grow into.

A good read overall, enjoyed it very much.

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Order of Vespers, The Vespers Chronicles, Matilda Reyes, Review by Kristin Boutelle, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Supernatural, Fantasy

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Order of VespersOrder of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Order of Vesper Reyes is a very exciting and fast paced read. There is a lot going on in the story and it keeps the reader very engaged with the plot. I really love how the characters interact with each other. The main character is very relatable and I enjoyed how she dealt with anything major with humor.

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the first sentence I was pulled into this fabulous story. This is a story of survival, healing, and rebirth. Mercy, the main character, is our narrator and tells us the story in a down-to-earth way with spunk. Finding happiness in a world designed to do otherwise gives the story some light in the heaviness of the plot. The focus on brujeria via plant medicine was an interesting slant for me; it’s not something I normally read. The story has vivid imagery about New Mexico and life the women have to survive though in Sueno. I enjoyed this story so much, that I wish it was longer!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn,NNovember 2022

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is fast becoming a favourite author of mine and my daughters. We love reading her books together and seeing what else she might come up with. This book is just as good as the others, although it felt liked it was aimed at a slightly older audience. However, we both connected with the story and looked forward to reading it.
The main character was enjoyable. She fit well with the creative story and helped to carry it all.
The author really has such a talent for creating unique and imaginative stories that the whole family can enjoy. I am already looking forward to sharing the next one with my kids.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really nice, well written children’s book. I can imagine that this would really spark the imagination of some young readers especially with the way it’s written. It’s nice and clear, easy to follow and has lovely characters. This is the longest children’s book that I have read by this author and I like that she has introduced chapters for the younger reader, a great way to read a little bit each day. Gwendolyn was a sweet character to read about and the author was so creative when writing about her dreams.
A really lovely story I would say aimed at 7-12 year olds!

@katiem
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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Queen believes herself to be the fairest in the land and has taken on Snow White to show her how she deals with dilemmas that happen in her land. Not all is as fair as it seems and when Snow White investigates she brings new light to the Queen’s ideas.

This was a great book for learning the science behind mirrors as well as problem solving skills. The illustrations are beautiful in this book.

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Trista Priest

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Wow! I absolutely loved this book. The author did a wonderful job writing it as if Mercy was directly speaking to the reader. Mercy goes from being scared and sure she is going to live with La Llorona always after her. And it’s only after many years does she see recognize her own strength.

Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Naomi McDonald

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in this series. It was a quick, easy read. The story had a good flow and great characters. The one thing I feel could have been expanded on a little more is the Morpheus Society. It’s mentioned, but you don’t really get a feel for it. Although, it may be expanded upon in future books.
Overall, great read!

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Amanda Glaspie

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Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hassen has lost his job, has no money, and is getting evicted, what more could go wrong? Yasmine has escaped Holly-Maid, a nation from another relm only to find out her fiance has found her. The two meet and the craziness begins. This was a fun quick read that brought modern day problems to a fairytale like realm.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author has come out with MANY wonderful books that I have enjoyed reading! I have read many children’s book by this author and have bought many of them for my friends with children. When I saw this book was coming out, I knew that I had to read it. This book revolves around a child, Gwendolyn, who becomes the animal that she is dreaming about. The illustrations in this book were stunning as always as well as the story line engaging. The way this author writes children’s books, she makes it entertaining for the child but also the person reading the books to the children. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!!

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Erin Vosters

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Personally, I love paranormal but then again, I also believe in the things that go bump in the night.

Byrd Nash is brilliant at creating this story!

Madame Chalamet is a Medium of sorts but calls herself a Ghost Talker. She is able to help solve a murder and some other interesting goings ons within the story.

I really like how the story is placed ‘way back when’ but written in modern English so that we can actually understand it.

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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a nice small take on “Snow White” story but also learning to be fair. Queen Mabel wants to be the fairest Queen and has a mirror to help her along the way if a decision has to be made that may be more difficult. Snow helps Queen Mable when a dilemma comes along between two dwarves, Bossy and Pippa and wants to be fair just like the Queen.

This book is sweet, educational, solving an issue and beautiful illustrations at each turn of the page and an enjoyable story for both young and old.

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Alison Risher

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Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You’ve heard of generational poverty, right? Meet an entire community trapped within generational despair. The narrator is determined to escape the chains that bind those around her. Despite never moving from her tiny town, the heroine learns to harness her sadness. Eventually, it is the physical manifestation of her sadness which strengthens her and saves her.

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Aranza

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1)
By R.L.S. Hoff

3 out of 5 Stars

The Sacrifice was an easy read. It took me a few tries but once I got into it I was able to finish it the same day. The thought process of the book is interesting and has a lot of potential. I can’t wait to see the characters develop in the following books. If this book pokes your curiosity as it did for me you should go ahead and give it a try. Just be mindful that this book is targeted for YA and it delivered just that.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Alisa Boomer

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am new to this author but I was extremely impressed! I am all for a strong, independent female lead and Elinor fits the bill! The witty writing style just naturally pulls you in. It just eases you into an engaging, spooky tale! MUST READ!!

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@vetforchrist

The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Santana Hicks

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At the very beginning of the book, Rilla is left as a sacrifice to a dragon. She knows not why she is there or anything but somehow feels like this is voluntary. As she sits there waiting for the dragon to inevitably kill her, she is surprised when the big black dragon asks where his yearly cow is and ushers her inside his cave to warm up. The dragon is nothing like what Rilla was told dragons were like. This dragon seemed… nice. This begins a weird friendship between Rilla and the black dragon whose name is Vidar.

At first I kind of got Beauty and the Beast vibes but then the book ebbed into much more. I really enjoyed the plot but I found the progressing of the story to be quite slow. After the first encounter with the purple dragon, I thought there would be a lot more action, unfortunately there was not. It was more of a very slow burn romance. I also found the book was very repetitive when it came to conversation and thoughts between the two main characters.

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Jamie Burns

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by T.H. Leatherman – Review by Jamie Burns Mis-Spelled by T.H. Leatherman is a magical work of art. This is my first time reading a book like this, and I absolutely loved it. The plot is well-developed and the characters come to life within the book. Leatherman takes the reader and Evan, the main character on a mystical adventure to another realm. Evan is hoisted into the world of fae with trolls, dragons, elves, and wizards. He soon finds out that he is trapped in this world until the queen gives him a spell to transport him back home. He will have to complete three quests. Each one is harder than the previous one. Will he be able to complete the quests? Find out by reading Mis-Spelled by T.H. Leatherman.

The Dwarves’ Dilemma: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars

 

The Dwarves’ Dilemma: A Science Folktale (Science Folktale Series) by Lois Wickstrom is a cute illustrated children’s story.
This is a ‘Snow White’ story, with a bit of a twist. It has a sweet plot with bright and colourful illustrations to hold children’s interest, a little drama, lesson/teaching moments on problem solving- fairness- making mistakes- taking responsibility- mirrors- and reflections. And includes some science experiments you can do, at home or the classroom, at the end of the book.
The story is easy to follow and understand and will easily hold a child’s attention the whole way through.
This cute and quirky story was engaging and fun, feeding both the imagination, as well as inspiring a little learning.
Happy reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Heather Hoke

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a cute book! The story of Gwendolyn and her “challenging” events is very entertaining! It will keep you reading just to finish out your giggle.
Definitely a really good adolescent read!

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I certainly was taken away with this new series. It was interesting and full of intrigue, and it had characters that you kept wanting more of! The read was a whirlwind, in a good way!

The book was complex compared to other fantasy novels I have read. The characters really made the story. I found the pace was well done, There is a lot going on, I found it helpful throughout my reading, to step back sometimes and think back on what was going on. Doing so helped everywhere come together well for me! I definitely enjoyed the author’s writing and new series. Will for sure be reading the next ones in the series. As I basically devoured this book, and kept wanting more! Exceptional read! Very much enjoyed it!

If you want a fantasy read that is different in a good way, and one that will suck you in completely, then look no further! Highly recommend this series, author, and of course this book!

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom is a chapter storybook for children 7 – 12 years-old. It is a wonderful little fantasy with shifters, magic, adventure, action, drama, self-discovery, and some suspense.
This is something a little different from Ms. Wickstrom, as it is the first children’s chapter book that I have seen of hers. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover, and as my eldest grandson is old enough now to appreciate chapter books, I grabbed a copy for us to explore together.
Gwendolyn is a dream-shifter who is able to become any animal she dreams about, changing back into a girl when she wakens. But what happens when she is startled awake one night after dreaming of being an elk, only to find that she hasn’t changed back into a girl and is stuck in elk form…. AND it is hunting season. Oh No! Will she find a way to turn back into a girl? Can she stay safe and out of the crosshairs of the hunters? What happens definitely makes for a fun read.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Lois Wickstrom!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle

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Order of VespersOrder of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jasper is the main suspect in a case about an explosion and the murderer of her own family. Jasper possesses supernatural power that she can’t control. Great story with unexpected aspects. Loved it!

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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Queen Mabel is regarded as the fairest in the Kingdom of Aleta. She judges fairness by using a mirror to see if the eyes of those asking for a ruling had the Sparkle of Fairness. Several people come to the Queen to see if she thinks certain situations are fair or not. One day, the Queen defers to Snow White, who is sent out to investigate the dilemma that the dwarves are having with Pippa. Snow White makes a discovery that alarms Queen Mabel. She vows from that day forward to make some corrections!

This is a super cute book that focuses on the science of mirrors, as well as the moral trait of fairness. The illustrations are very well done and young readers will recognize some of the characters from more popular fairy tales. Not to mention, there is a dragon! Another great read by this author!

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