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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star’s
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend is a wonderfully written children’s book that my son and I truly enjoyed reading. We love reading about Amaleigha and what she’s doing. My son just started kindergarten and is very excited about learning all the things. What we love most about this author and her books is the message you take away from reading her books. Amaleigh’s class learns about Ukraine and having pen pals .They all get letters from their pen pals all while learning about them and what they like to do. Amaleigh learned so about from her pen pal vova. My son now wants a pen pal. We loved this book and the illustrations bring the story to life. I highly recommend reading this book. We look forward to reading more from this Author .

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Betsy Melano

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A friendship created through a penpal program between a girl in the 3rd grade from the USA and a boy in Ukraine. Amaleigha is excited to learn about her penpal through the letters exchanged between her and her new friend Vova. Not only are these kids learning about each other but also about the rich history of Ukraine and about the United States. As they get to know each other better, Vova shares that his family and the villagers are worried about the war with Russia. It is good to see the different experience these 3rd graders are learning about through their penpal. My children enjoyed the book as we read and discussed the current situation in Ukraine.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Janice Pratt writes really well written children’s books that cover really important topics and allows children to learn about heavy things in a light hearted manner. I know all of us adults remember when we wrote to a pen pal in elementary school and how excited we were to send/receive letters from around the world! This book focuses on pen pals from Ukraine right before their war with Russia started. Janice discussed how fearful the children were, how some of their parents were aiding the military, and what types of precautions some of the children had to take like evacuating their homes. I thought the children in the book doing a change drive to raise money to help the people in Ukraine was a wonderful idea and much like Janice is doing with the proceeds from the purchase of this book. I’ve read quite a few of this authors books and this was another meaningful, well written, well illustrated book from this author.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Plate, August 2023

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this story. It was informative but still fun to read. It merged knowledge with empathy. I homeschool my kids and while they’re too old for this book, it did give me ideas for Geography class.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Emily H

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Third grader Amaleigha is thrilled to find out she is going to have a pen pal from Ukraine. As she gets to know Vova, a nine year old boy she finds out that Ukraine is on the cusp of war. Hoping he stays safe Amaleigha with her class and teacher find a way to support Ukraine during this turbulent time.

This was a thought provoking story for children. The story ticked a lot of boxes while describing cultural differences, the war in Ukraine and supporting others. A great book to help communicate the issues of the world to young ones.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Anantha Rusum

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaleigha Makes A New Friend is a cute addition to the Amaleigha series by Janice Pratt. I absolutely love the beautiful illustrations in this sweet children’s story, they really help to bring the whole story to life. The story is sweet, interesting, educational, and has meaningful messages about friendship, helpfulness, compassion, and making a difference. The author sprinkled in a little drama and angst too, which gives the story an added element of interest.
Amaleigha’s third grade class learns a lot about the Ukraine when her teacher assigns their class a pen pal program. The class will be exchanging letters with student in the Ukraine, and Amaleigha’s pen pal is Vova, a nine-year-old boy. Through exchanging letters back and forth with Vova, Amaleigha learns about him, his family, and life in the Ukraine. With war on his doorstep, Amaleigh worries for her friend. Things seem quite dire. She and her classmates all want to help and decide on a class fundraising activity to try to make a small difference. And so, a sweet story is born.
As with Amaleigha’s other stories, this book also promotes the idea that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. The messages are inspirational and easy for children to understand.
Happy reading!

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Michelle TroyerAmaleigha Makes a New Friend, Janice Pratt, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Family

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story about how Ameleigha meets a new friend from Ukraine. Her teacher leads her class to become pen pals with other kids her age from Ukraine. Her and her classmates learn about Ukraine all while writing back and forth with their new pen pals, until Russia goes to war with Ukraine. Now she is waiting to hopefully hear back from her pen pal that they are alright. I loved this book as I had a pen pal when I was a kid and could relate. It’s neat to learn about others around the world and become lifelong friends. I highly recommend this book!!!

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Stephanie Robb

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This really important book is about two children across the world from each other learning about each other lives. One in America and one in the Ukraine experiencing the war firsthand. It is written so compassionately in a way that children will understand. Please read this book to your children.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Christina Ford

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I was in school, I made a pen pal friend from Chile. I learned so much about culture and daily life differences that I “corrected” my teacher about something obscure. This book brought me back to that year in school and reminded me how important it is to know people who are different than you. This story about Amaleigha and Vova is important with current events, making a difference and friendship.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend (Amaleigha Series) by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Hayes

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Amaleigha Makes A New Friend is a cute addition to the Amaleigha series by Janice Pratt. I absolutely love the beautiful illustrations in this sweet children’s story, they really help to bring the whole story to life. The story is sweet, interesting, educational, and has meaningful messages about friendship, helpfulness, compassion, and making a difference. The author sprinkled in a little drama and angst too, which gives the story an added element of interest.
Amaleigha’s third grade class learns a lot about the Ukraine when her teacher assigns their class a pen pal program. The class will be exchanging letters with student in the Ukraine, and Amaleigha’s pen pal is Vova, a nine-year-old boy. Through exchanging letters back and forth with Vova, Amaleigha learns about him, his family, and life in the Ukraine. With war on his doorstep, Amaleigh worries for her friend. Things seem quite dire. She and her classmates all want to help and decide on a class fundraising activity to try to make a small difference. And so, a sweet story is born.
As with Amaleigha’s other stories, this book also promotes the idea that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. The messages are inspirational and easy for children to understand.
Happy reading!

 

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Cindy Rushin

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. I think it deals with a very important topic and will benefit kids as they learn that people who live in another country are not that different from them. The story was really good and had a good flow. This would be a good story for any child in grade school as they will relate to the characters and the story. I recommend this book and this author if you have a child who loves to read and learn about new places.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Donya Pedigo

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic read!
Amaleigha’s 3rd grade class gets pen pals from Ukraine. It’s in these letters that they get to learn about each other’s cultures, countries, families, and everyday life. As they keep writing, they get to ask questions and learn more and more about their new friends. Everything was going amazingly until the Ukraine students wrote and told Amaleigha and her classmates about the possible war they were facing with Russia and how scared they were. This proceeded to open up all the fear the students had for their friends while also giving them the incentive and chance to learn more about different types of unrest in the world.

Janice Pratt has written a very thought provoking book about differences between individuals and the struggles they endure. She really handled the war in such a sensitive manner that allows you to ease into learning more about the world around you and how everything can and usually does affect everyone else in some way. I also really enjoyed the colorful illustrations and was pleasantly surprised to learn that they were drawn by a Ukrainian artist, Alina Kralia, who has had to relocate because of the unrest in Ukraine.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Tanya Wall, August 2023

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a well written book that shows how a young person can develop a friendship across the ocean through written letter. This story shows how Amaleigha makes a new friend in the Ukraine and develops an understanding of where her friend lives – which is much different than were we live. Not only did she learn about the present Ukraine, but her teacher taught them the history of the country – giving them the background needed to know and understand present day Ukraine. This story provides a glimpse of how children view wartime and how those of us not living it can have empathy. What a great book!

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by La Toya Lewis

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend is a sweet story by Janice Pratt. Amaleigha is a third grader whose class started writing pen pals letters to kids in Ukraine. Amaleigha’s new friend is named Vova. As Ukraine and Russia go to war Vova’s father goes to war and Amaleigha worries for her new friend and her family’s safety. This was a very good story. It teaches small children about learning about and embracing other cultures. It also helps to introduce topics of war in an appropriate way. There are also plenty of beautiful pictures for the children to enjoy. This is a very good book to teach young children about current-day events.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Jennifer Crain

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought the introduction was cool- brings up Ukraine, pen pals, and making friends (real or true story). A little wordy, so would recommend for at least first grade and above. The story gives a nice overview of Ukraine- both a brief history and a geography.

The story is sweet and children anywhere will connect to the topics in the pen pail letters- from time with family to sports/hobbies to friends. Would recommend for any class that are interested in other cultures and/or penpal writing.

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@bookworm1909

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend is a children’s book for kids between the ages of six to ten years of age. The story focuses on third grader, Amaleigha, who attends Happy Days Elementary School. When her teacher asks the children in his third-grade class to become pen pals with children in the Ukraine Amaleigha is excited to learn about another country. As Amaleigha and her pen pal, Vova, write letters back and forth, each learn about the other’s lives and cultures. They ask each other questions about what their homes look like, how many siblings they have, and what activities they do for fun. Amaleigha’s teacher also shows his class about the Ukrainian culture by showing them how Christmas is celebrated and what foods they eat. When a war develops between Russia and the Ukraine Amaleigha is worried about her new friend and his family. She has a big heart and wants to find a way to help so Amaleigha and her class raise money to help their new friends affected by the war in the Ukraine.

This was a beautifully written book that was informative and educational for children. It not only taught a lot about the cultures in the Ukraine but also touched on a difficult subject in an easy-to-understand manner. The illustrations were bright, colorful, and really brought the story to life. I highly recommend this book!

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Julie Johnson

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a must-read for all ages!!!

Amaleigha’s 3rd grade class has been learning about Ukraine and they each get a pen pal to correspond with throughout the school year. Vova is Amaleigha’s pen pal. They write back and forth as much as they can asking questions about life in their respective country, what their home looks like, number of siblings, what they do for fun, etc. They both learn a lot about each other. Amaleigha’s teacher is showing them things in class that the people in Ukraine do for fun as well as foods they eat too. It’s a true cultural experience.

One day, letters arrive from Ukraine and many students are upset to read about the unrest happening there amongst their new friends’ families. The students rally together to send some help to their new friends.

EVERYONE should read this book, regardless of age. It’s a great way to explain what is happening to the younger generation and the older generation could take some cues in terms of ways to reach out and help. Pen pals can be such a valuable resource!

This is a great book that should be in every home or school!

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In school Amaleigha writes a penpal in Ukraine. Vova ends up being Amaleigha’s penpal and friend. Vova ends up telling Amaleigha that Ukraine is going to war with Russia. Amaleigha’s teacher teaches them about Ukraine because of their penpals. They make bread, do a puppet show, and celebrate Christmas. They also raise money to help with the war for the Ukraine’s.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Jenni Bishop

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love that Janice is selflessly giving the proceeds from this book to support Ukraine families who might have lost their homes or become refugees in other countries.
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend is a sweet read for all ages not just kids. I read this book with my grandbabies, and they loved it. It was fun and engaging and left the kids wanting more.
It is full of wonderful and colourful drawings that really bring the story to life. It is a book aged for kids 4 – 8 who will be delighted as they go on this adventure with Amaleigha. It is an inspiration to the kids who read it.
Amaleigha has such a big heart & wants to help others especially her new pen pal in the Ukraine. It was interesting to learn a little about the Ukraine and a war that threatens.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Kerry Baker

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a touching and relevant story that really engages any reader. I honestly think that I became more emotional and invested in this story than my kids. The way the author navigates such a touch and yet topical subject matter is brilliant. It was written in a way that made it understandable and educational for children but was also still interesting for them.
This whole series has been great. Each book has touched on a different topic but each book has been amazing to read. I think this one is definitely my favourite so far and our whole household is waiting for the next one.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Megan Conley

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A really informational way of discussing the changing world climate with children. This is the story of Amaleigha, an American 3rd grader, who gets a Ukrainian pen pal, Vova, through her teacher. During the course of the relationship, they learn about each other and their cultures; however, during this time the Russia-Ukraine war breaks out and suddenly Amaleigha is worried about her friend. Through this picture book, we see how differences can be made and we are given the opportunity to see these types of situations through the eyes of children…which is something we sometimes need to be reminded of. This was well done and the topic matter was handled delicately and very well. This is a great book to read to your littles (or students) to show them that differences can be made, no matter how small.

 

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Shelly Kittell

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another book that I found to love. It was cool to find to a book that gave bite-size facts about Ukraine to children while they read about pen pals and letter writing. I remember doing that when I was younger. It was fascinating and so very exciting to get letters. I love reading Ameleigha books when they come out. My granddaughter was here when I got this out to read and she thought this the most exciting thing we did all day yesterday. She’s a bookworm like her Nana. She asked so many questions. She loves to learn and she got to learn about a new culture and other children by reading a story with her Nana. I lover storytime and these books are perfect because they develop learning. Ameleigha is always teaching such wonderful and beautiful ideas that can help strengthen the world to help children develop their own creativity. It’s a must read to share with the children in your life.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt

🌼 .•°*°•.🌼 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🌼 .•°*°•.🌼
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 90
Cover Designer – Alina Kralia
BOOKBUB – Coming Soon
Amaleigh’s school class has decided to become penpals with other students in Ukraine as a writing project and a way to learn about how other students live in different countries.  Little did they know when they started this project that Russia and Ukraine would become involved in a  war. Amaleigha learns about her new friend’s home, school, and friends only to find out that her friend is surrounded by bombs and unsure what will happen to his dad who has joined the Ukraine military.
~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt

Sometimes when you dream, it takes a while for it to become a reality. I have wanted to write books since I was a little girl and fell in love with my hometown library. I read books at school, at home, in bed, and even in the bathtub. I just couldn’t get enough of faraway places, brave heroes and heroines, and the experience of getting lost in a new and amazing adventure in each book. Through the years, I became the owner of a preschool, a public librarian, a school librarian, and a children’s yoga teacher but no matter what I did I shared stories with children. Finally, at age 62, I published my first book but I know it won’t be my last.

Author Interview with Janice Pratt

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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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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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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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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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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

Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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 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.

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