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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom-Review by Tausha Treadway

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom. I absolutely love this author and always read her books! My nephews love them too! This one is really fun being about imaginary friends being real! There are 4 children Jack, Lily, Audrey and Nick are all going to the Toy Emporium to find their imaginary friends. There are Sylphs, mermaids, gnomes and dragons as imaginary friends and the kids all pick their favorites. The owner of the toy store doesn’t ask for money but he does ask for payment in a different form. The story helps kids and parents with grief, neglect and family dysfunction. Reading this as a family would be a great therapy for a lot of people. I love Mrs. Wickstrom’s books because not only are they great for kids but they are really good for a lot of adults too! These books make great gifts as well!!

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium is an enchanting children’s story that takes place in a world where imaginary friends are real! Four children – Lily, Jack, Audrey and Nick – are drawn to the Toy Emporium to claim their own imaginaries. Soon they, and their families, are caught up in the fantastic world of mermaids, dragons, sylphs and gnomes. But while Mr Barsin doesn’t ask for money in exchange for the imaginaries, there is still a cost he expects to be paid.

This is an engaging “be careful what you wish for” story. It explores different family dynamics as well as challenges that children face, including grief and neglect. Parents try and do what’s best for their children, and don’t always get it right. There are many times when a child and/or their parents are in danger, so for sensitive readers it may be good to read this book together to reduce anxiety.

This book gets four stars from me! I’d recommend it to kids, and grown ups, who love to play with their imaginary friends!

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kasandra Nunez

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that you wish could be real. So nicely written, it’s a great example of a true imagination. Friends, mystery, action, and drama, amazing and descriptive characters and scenes reall make this an overall great read.

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Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Caralee Loonat

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great kids book by this author. I really love how this author is able to bring the characters to life and help teach kids and build their imagination. I really like how the author is able to create a vivid world and broaden children’s imaginations and teaching them at the same time. I really wish that my kids were young enough to read these and I would definitely recommend these books to anyone with small children.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom by Nina Maes

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Excellent!
I love this author; she knows how to tap into your imagination and run with it. Strong characters, storyline and very bold picturesque. Fast read, keeps you engaged to the end. Recommend for any new or older readers.Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 starsExcellent!
I love this author; she knows how to tap into your imagination and run with it. Strong characters, storyline and very bold picturesque. Fast read, keeps you engaged to the end. Recommend for any new or older readers.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom Review by Gabrielle

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an interesting read that will grab the imagination of young readers. The four young children have an adventure that they will always remember. The toy store and Mr. Barsin is a world full of magic and wonder. Each of the children have unique stories and they must come together on this journey. Just like in this author’s other books there are lessons to be learned. The children must find a way to work together and help each other to defeat Mr. Barsin. It was nice to see the children grow and find there way. Magic and friendship shine throughout this story giving young readers an exciting ride.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review By Anantha Rusum

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book thinking it is another picture book, but this one is for a slightly older audience, but enjoyable nevertheless.
Four friends are drawn to a toy emporium for different reasons, they are all seeking something which they do not. The toy emporium holds the answers to their longings, imaginary friends, adventures, mystery, drama and danger lurking in the corner.
It is a very creative story where the friends in the toy shop influence the real kids to do something good or evil.
It was quite a cool tale, except that I felt the flow was not smooth at times. There were abrupt changes in the narrative.
But overall I enjoyed it.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom Review by Manda Kelly

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a cute and magical story. It kind of reminded me of being young and having an imaginary friend. With great and vivid story telling, wonderful world building, and so many awesome characters, you can’t not enjoy this story… I absolutely recommend this story for an older class, maybe 2nd grade and up. But younger kids would definitely like this story being read to them, also.

Review By Manda Kelly

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Cindy Rushin

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. The story had so many twists and turns that it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Frank and Jon’s story is interesting and I found myself really excited to see how it would turn out. This author has created a vibrant and colorful world which I think many readers will enjoy. This is part of a series and I look forward to reading the next book.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tonya Merritt

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had not read the first in series but I wish I had. The book is well written and will captivate all audiences though it is aimed towards 9-12 year olds. This story has so much imagination and the words will bring you so much imagery that you feel like you are in the story. I plan to go back and read the first one and then this one again. Great story!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61406409-oscar-and-emmy-lose-a-friend” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1657209343l/61406409._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61406409-oscar-and-emmy-lose-a-friend”>Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16236301.Terri_Sabol”>Terri Sabol</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5857584418″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This book was so gentle in explaining loosing a pet. I enjoyed how the vet explained to the kids one step at a time what was happening and allowed them to sit with their sadness. Me and my kiddo both cried it was such a beautiful story.<br />
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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom is a great little children’s chapter book. Again, this is another book that is a little different from most of her other works as it doesn’t contain any illustrations. It is also a much longer story. What we get is an interesting fantasy story with adventure, imaginary friends, paranormal creatures, friendship, action, suspense, intrigue, mystery/mysteriousness, imagination, drama, and a little danger.
What will we find at Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium- join Jack, Audrey, Nick, and Lily on an adventure they won’t ever forget…
Happy Reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56692110-rocketship-made-of-stars” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610863895l/56692110._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56692110-rocketship-made-of-stars”>Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5856237703″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Me and my daughter loved this book. Eee-aah went to school with shirl so she could hear stories from the teacher. And everyone got to learn about constellations and their names. I love at the end how there are actual constellations so we can go out at night and try to find them!
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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tausha Treadway

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett. This is such a fun series for young kids 9-12 about magic and fantasy. It’s the continuing story of 11-year-old twins Jon and Frank Reed as they attend West Hills school for the perceptually gifted. This has a similar vibe to the Hunger Games as they participate in the Zodiac Games. These boys are from a large family and when the found out they are gifted their parents sent them to West Hills to learn how to control their powers. They both have issues with their gifts and are still learning how to control them when a lot of students start getting sick. Will they be able to find out what is causing the sickness and stop it before it’s to late? I really enjoyed this book as an adult so I’m sure your young child will enjoy it too! Fun Series!

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book as an adult, definitely a middle school aged book. I liked that Lily, Jack, Audrey and Nick were able to form a friendship over their battle to keep their imaginary friends and defeating Mr. Barsin. It seemed like Lily’s Sylphs and Audrey’s dragon were the only imaginary friends that wanted to help and weren’t trying to force their human friends to do something bad. Very imaginative and fun story.

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Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an atypical story concerned with a toy store for atypical toys. There is nothing mundane or ordinary in this story. What you will find are interlocking tales of families working together and children learning to make difficult choices. Characters learn to work together, sometimes reluctantly, to help themselves and others out of a catastrophic situation amidst a hurricane evacuation. Themes include man versus man, man versus self, and man versus nature.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Much like the first book in this series, this book is engaging with well-written characters and a magical story that will keep you glued to the page. We revisit Jon and Frank Reed as they attend West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for their second year. These 11-year-old twin boys who have special gifted talents aka powers are eager to participate in the “Zodiac Games” in hopes of winning for their house, bringing prestige unto them all. This would be an easier feat if they both weren’t faced with mysterious challenges and fear. Will they overcome everything and find glory or will the shadows and other magical dilemmas overtake them?

This book with its Harry Potterish feel is aimed at middle-school aged children (9 – 12 years old)- but I enjoyed it and think both younger and older individuals could as well. If you want an entertaining read that is right up there with other great books like the Percy Jackson series and the Harry Potter series, then definitely give this series a read, as I’m sure you will enjoy this incredible big family and their ever-growing adventures.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Callie Luna

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading The Secrets of Arkaim, it is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills series. I didn’t read the first book in the series, but I feel like I still had the needed information to enjoy the story. Jon and Frank are twin boys from a large family that have discovered they are “gifted” (they have magical powers) and thus go to school to learn how to control them. This year school is extra exciting because of the Zodiac Games. Unfortunately, students are becoming sick, and they must figure out how to save them. The friendships and relationships in this book are fantastic. I highly recommend anyone looking for a good mystery story with a touch of magic. If you love books like Harry Potter and/or the Percey Jackson series, you’ll love this book. I look forward to reading the first book and next book in the series.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Kelli Harper

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful read. Sad, heartbreaking, but true in all ways about losing a friend/pet. Wish I had known about this book when we lost our favorite pet a couple years ago.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Cindy Rushin

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book, it really hit me hard because I have lived through this experience. The story dealt with a very difficult subject in a very thoughtful and compassionate way. I think that it would be a good book to introduce a difficult subject to your young children, the loss of a pet. I recommend this book to any parent whose child might be going through this difficult situation. It will help them understand what is happening and maybe make them feel better about the process.

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are many times I read a Lois Wickstrom book and wonder how simple and meaningful they are.
Especially when you write for young children, a trivial topic can make such a huge difference to their lives. In this book Shirl and her alien friend Eee-ahh, head to school together where the topic of discussion is Constellations. Eee-ahh shows different planets and connects the dots so easily to show the children different constellations.
This is such a cool book to engage in conversation with any kid. Would highly recommend it.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom- Reviewed by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and imaginative tale. The author brings to life magical creatures such as dragons, mermaids, gnomes, and sylphs to life. Four children with nothing seemingly in common all arrive to the toy store on the same day. I thought the author did a great job of developing the characters of not only the four children, but their families as well. The imaginaries were also quite charming and interesting as well. This is definitely a great middle grade read, I definitely enjoyed the action and adventure that the children’s imaginations lead them on and the surprise twist ending definitely had be on the edge until the final page. Absolutely a great story for anyone, young or old, with an imagination!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Shannen Kern

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our family has always been centered around many different animals, so I was a little worried about picking this up but kept an open mind. I’m so glad I did because we just went through a situation almost EXACTLY like this, so it was timely. Even though we read this after the fact, it still helped my two kids (7 and 11) really get a better understanding that it’s a universal occurrence. It also gave us another chance to open up another discussion and let them know that they aren’t alone. I loved the compassion the author showed and how the rainbow bridge was detailed with grace. I would most highly recommend picking this up for the kids in your life on this difficult topic.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Ayla Eddy

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two of The Reeds of West Hills is just as page turning as the first book. I could not put the book down when it came to bedtime reading to my tiny humans. We read the book in a single setting. All of us were desperate to know what happened next. We cannot wait for the next installment!

We are back with our gifted main character twins Jon and Frank. This time at school they want to win the Zodiac Games. However, it isn’t just the games that are taking a turn at the school. Something or someone is also playing games with the students. Who will come out the victor of all the mysterious events currently going on?

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom is a wonderful and magical tale.
Imagine having friends where you can see each other’s playmates. Well, that is what Lois gives her readers. Four friends Jack, Lily, Audrey and Nick who all end up at Mr Barsins’ Toy Emporium and find their playmates and thus the true adventure begins.
This delightful tale made me think of the movie Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. Great movie. Anyhow I digress.
Mr Barsins’ Toy Emporium is a lot of fun and the vivid narrative lets your imagination run free and wild. A place that you can create your own world. A world that is only limited by your imagination. I realm of possibilities. A realm of dreams. A realm where real or imagined friends come together.
A magical adventure that is full of joy, wonder, hope, friendships and so much more.
This is a great tale that any child will fall in love and want to visit Mr Barsins’ Toy Emporium

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom-Review by Julie Johnson

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This is a middle grade read by Lois Wickstrom and was a very fun read! You must, however, have an imagination to really enjoy this book! It’s what it’s all about!

There are 4 youngsters who will become unlikely friends through a series of challenges placed on them by Mr. Barsins after they wander into this Toy Store. All the kids are fascinated by the word “emporium” (I mean, it *IS* a pretty cool word) and his “wall that isn’t there”. This is an adventure full of fantasy and wonder!!

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom by Jennifer Crain

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is probably better known for her picture books, but this is an extraordinary and magical middle grades read.

Right away, the whimsical cover “grabs” you in and invites you in like an intoxicating toy store. The beginning hooks you right away, wanting to find out about the characters, for the book follows 4 kids and their connection to the toy store of the title. I enjoyed reading about each characters’ stories, however, at times, the story felt disjointed and not smooth transitions between the different character stories within the overarching book.

I did appreciate the author’s world building, each child had a completely different and unique story, but all had a reason(s) to visit to toy shop. The slightly open ending was also appreciated, for it lets ones’ imaginations finish the story, especially with Jack.

The pacing was quick, with the exception of some disjointed flow as I mentioned above. Love the actual writing style, feels like the characters are acting out the scenes instead of talking to you. Overall, an enjoyable read!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Angela Plate, September 2023

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a good way to teach kids about the loss of a pet. My own kids have gone through it and at the time, I didn’t really know how to help them. This author really helps to reach for the emotions that this subject entails. It’ll help a lot of young readers.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn’t realise when starting this book it was a Lois Wickstrom one, but it didn’t take me long to figure it out. The writing style is so indicative of the fantastic writing I have come to expect from her. It is intended for a slightly older audience than some of her others books but it was just as imaginative and interesting. This is one that I haven’t yet read to my kids as they are a little young to understand it. However, this is one that I will be keeping in my back pocket for the second they are old enough to enjoy it and appreciate it.
It took me no time at all to get through this book. It was full of interesting characters that added depth and complexity to the story. It was enjoyable and a brilliant read. This is a book that would appeal to all audiences.

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