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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Jamie Burns

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Ann Swann created a wondrous story that immerses the reader into Carina’s world. Swann uses elegant descriptions of the quaint cabin and town not far from the cabin to bring everything to life. The reader can relate to Carina because we have all had to deal with the after-effects of COVID in one way or another.

Because of COVID and the death of her parents, Carina has been put through the wringer, emotionally and physically. A good ol’ home-fashioned family Christmas is all Carina is looking forward to after COVID took her down for the count causing her to have an extended stay at the hospital. Unfortunately, her family regards her as a silly sentimental old woman whom they do not have time to visit even for Christmas. She turns to a young man named Max from her grief group for support. When he offers the use of his Colorado cabin, she knows it could be the answer to her prayers for a family Christmas. Will Carina be able to convince her family to enjoy a white Christmas with her at the cabin? It is unlikely and she writes about the possibility of going to the cabin alone, but she is not as brave as she used to be because she is so used to depending on other people. Will she be able to make the trip up to the cabin alone and have a wonderful Christmas with Max, even if her family cannot come? Find out by reading A Crossbow Christmas!

Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns

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Lois Wickstrom has a wonderful knack for creating stories that jump off the pages of the book to transport readers into the world she has created. Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom is a wonderful fantasy book that takes the reader on a journey with Gwendolyn and her parents as they navigate life with her ability to shift into animals when she dreams. Unfortunately, there is always the possibility of becoming stuck as an animal if she is woken suddenly for example by a loud sound. Gwen is tragically stuck as an elk a few weeks before the elk hunting season begins. She has many things that she was looking forward to as a human- an article she was supposed to write for her journalism class, a race she wanted to compete in, and her biggest dream a summer journalism camp. How will she do any of it if she is an elk?

Gwen and her parents are told about the Birthday Party Magician, Taran who might be able to help her, but when he tries to it does not work.  According to Taran, she only has until November 25th to become human again. Lois takes the reader through Gwen’s quest to become human again with many twists and turns. Find out if Gwendolyn must spend the rest of her days as an elk by reading Dream-Shifter. This is one adventure you will not regret!

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns

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Lois Wickstrom crafted a unique story about adoption and the anger children may face in its wake. While the children might be mad about other situations, this book could help them open up and talk to their parents about what is bothering them. Many children wonder about their birth family- what they are doing, why they had to be given up if they have siblings, and many more questions. Oliver ventures into what his life would be like if he was with his birth parents, but is reminded why he was adopted. This book would be a great way to speak to a child or children about what they are going through.

Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Jamie Burns

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Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon and illustrated by Lei Yang is a captivating children’s book with vivid illustrations and an adventurous storyline. In this story, the biggest question is what does Lucas, The Spy Cat do under the cover of darkness the night provides? His family hopes to discover exactly that when they strap a camera to his collar. However, will Lucas find a way to disarm the camera before he begins his nightly mission? The reader is taken through various possibilities of what Lucas might do with other animals helping him plot missions. Each mission includes different ways to help animals. The illustrations and speech bubbles draw readers to details that might be missed about the mission. The author-illustrator duo seems to challenge the reader to find all the animals that need Lucas’s help. The back of the book includes engaging activities for children to complete. Overall, this book is bound to be a new favorite for any child who loves animals or ninjas.

Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns

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Lois Wickstrom crafted a comical children’s book about a turkey begging for his life. Nicolas Milano crafted adorable and lively illustrations that support the storyline. Albert is at a turkey farm when a family arrives to purchase him, but what will they do with him? I mean, turkey is one of the main food groups at Thanksgiving time. Albert thinks about the president giving him a pardon from being eaten for dinner. Can he convince the family that bought him not to eat him for Thanksgiving dinner? Check out Pardon Me, Please to find out what happens to Albert.