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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Ashley Mertz

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Xenia Navarro and the Magical Ants by Lois Wickstrom & Milagros Darling is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review

Xenia Navarro and the Magical Ants is a chapter book geared towards young readers. Wickstrom and Darling do an amazing job discussing some difficult topics: deportation, living in poverty, family drama and all of the effects these situations have on children. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight to Hispanic culture and how some Spanish terminology was used throughout. Even though this book touched on many tough topics it was also filled with hope and magic allowing the reader to look forward to a positive ending. I would highly recommend this book to children approx. 3rd through 6th grade age level.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

This was a tough book to read. I read this with my 6yo son. I chose this book because our cat Lilly is 18 years old. Her age has been starting to show for a while. I wanted a book to help explain about animals passing away. It may come to a point where she will need to be euthanized. This was a great book to help show why we may have to put animals to sleep sometimes. It was told in a way that little kids can understand.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Trista Martin

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another good children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. It is longer than the other books I’ve read of hers and I would recommend it more for middle/upper Elementary age kids. Xenia was taught not to cause trouble or bring the spotlight to her family due to her mom being undocumented from Mexico. The author utilized this book to discuss a sensitive topic in an age-appropriate educational manner.

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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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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Jennifer Crain

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A lot of tough topics are brought up during this story- military deployment with a parent death, ICE and deportation, fear of being deported, living in poverty, yet the story also has hope (with a little bit of magical luck) for Xenia.

My favorite part of the book includes the Mexican phrases sprinkled throughout- often times it feels forced, but in this case, it enhanced the story as Xenia loses her mother, gains an aunt, but maintains part of her Mexican heritage. One thing I didn’t enjoy was the brother’s character- thought his character was a little flat. Overall, loved the story and couldn’t wait to see how she ends it!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Megan Pesek

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

Like the rest of the books featuring this duo, Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is a great teaching tool. While the book does have a well developed story, it is not a light read. Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend provides a story about a loveable cat in child-friendly language to help children learn about end of life practices for pets. This book would be a great way to introduce children to the topic of pet/animal loss if you know you’ll be faced with it soon.

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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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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Anantha Rusum

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 was a difficult and an emotional book to read. The toughest decision in life is when we decide to put a pet to sleep. And explaining it to children is very critical . This book covers the subject.
Oscar and Emmy are very fond of their stray feral cat Shadow which lives in their neighborhood and comes over for food. Over a time, they see a difference in Shadow. The family has to take a tough call about putting Shadow to sleep.
It was a very difficult book to read for me, but the awareness does help.

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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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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shirl shortened because she did not like the letter Y. Feels she is an alien. While other children like to play outside, she liked being inside playing on her radio. In doing so she invited an Alien to visit her, in hopes she belonged to Shirl planet. This story is so cute and fun to read. The children learn how to become better listeners and to accept change. The author continues to impress me with her children’s books. They are fun and interactive. While always having a lesson to be learned in a fun manner. The pictures are brightly colored and will keep your little ones interested. I am looking forward to seeing where this Alien book will go next.

Review@cinful

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Shelly Kittell

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this to be a very interesting book. It delved into some deep topics being dealt with in today’s society. It is definitely a book meant to kids older than 7. I found the stories to be interesting and written in a way to help kids understand deportation and what’s going on. It’s a good book and I’ll be adding it to our library. My child can’t quite understand it yet but this will help open the conversation to it. The author always does a good job of putting out the hard topics in a way that helps kids try to understand hard topics.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Michelle Troyer

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Xenia lives with her undocumented mother and brother Lucas. ICE comes and pick up their mother. Now Xenia is on a mission to get her mother out. In the meantime they have to live with their aunt and uncle. Keep reading as the story has a happy ending. Good book!

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Stephanie Tellas

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Xenia and the Magic Ants could have been ripped from this week’s headlines. American sixth grader, Xenia Navarro lives with her Mexican mother, an undocumented resident, and her older brother Lucas in Pennsylvania. Her American father was killed while on duty in Iraq before marrying Xenia’s mother. Now their mother has been arrested and is about to be deported. Family drama becomes American politics, mixed with science fiction elements.”

This is not the typical book I will usually read, but I took chance on reading it. I am glad I did.
This story takes you through life with the kids with how deportation works, and how the kids experienced being without their mom and dad for a bit. In the story it explained how ICE works and immigration status works. Great characters. You will have to read the story to find out if happy ending or not?
I give the book 4 stars.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Angela Hayes

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom is a great little children’s chapter book. This is a little different from most of Ms. Wickstrom’s other works in that it doesn’t contain any illustrations, and is a much longer story. It is a charming fantasy story with plenty of emotion, sci-fi elements, some basic politics, Spanish language terms, family drama, and more.
Xenia Navarro’s world is turned upside down when her Mexican mother is arrested and threatened with deportation back to Mexico. Xenia is very worried, because if that happens, what will become of her family? What happens makes for a charming read.
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Wickstrom has in store for us next.
Happy Reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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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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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Stephanie Robb

Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book and its approach to explaining anxiety for children. So much of this made sense to me as someone with severe anxiety. It makes me wish I had this book as a child.

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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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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Jo Wright

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG OMG OMG! I would like to see this as a movie! I think that this is extremely well-written! I absolutely love the character development and the way Rusty becomes a stronger, happier, and more confident boy because of his adventures. I absolutely want my second grader to read this book because I am truly thrilled about the message of the story!

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@jowright

Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author never ceases to amaze me. This story is also an open ended story of science. But more than that it has other life experiences due to Xenia mother being undocumented. Even though Xenia’s father, a US citizen, had been killed before marrying Xenia’s mother. With the threat of being sent back to Mexico hanging over them, Xenia and her brother knew to lay low. The school science fair in her sights, Xenia discovers ants and takes to learning more about them. While this story was entertaining it was also sad in some parts. However the author did an amazing job explaining both Ants and deportation. This is a must read for all over 7 years of age.

Review@cinful

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fun book following a child that doesn’t feel like she fits in so she thinks shes must be an outer space alien. I loved her experience meeting the alien and how she saw the differences between herself, other children and the alien. We are all different in our own way.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Whisper Hymer

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small is the first book in the Brass Ring series. It follows 10 year old Russell as he learns the secrets of the brass ring and the magic carousel horses. He also learns to find lessons and adventures in the not-so-silly stories told by his grandfather. Along the way, Russell learns about himself and his own strengths. This is a great young-adult/coming-of-age story to share with kids as Russell deals with big feelings, bullying, and family.

Reviewed by @WhisperHymer

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Brandy Rymer

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Magic Carousel was a great read, full of imaginative adventures with Rusty and his grandpa. I loved how in-depth the descriptions of each carousel horse were, and the beauty that was found in such creatures that showed years of wear and tear. Rusty could enjoy the love that all of the younger children felt in seeing within each of the horses’ inner beauty and not the chips and wear and tear that showed the extent of years of bringing joy to young and old. I love that each horse had a different tale for Rusty to live through, which brought him closer to his grandpa, who loved him so dearly. This was such a great story teaching us to appreciate the joy of our youth and to hold those we cherish close to our hearts. What a beautiful story that helps to unlock our imaginations and live the thrill of the ride of such amazing horses on the carousel. If you are looking for a book that has wonderful images, life lessons, and heartfelt fun, then look no further, this is the book for you, it has everything!
@Brandy Rymer
08/2023

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This story is different than what I am used to by this author, but this story was very good, a bit heartbreaking and sad but also intriguing with a little sci fi included.

Xenia lives in Pennsylvania along with her mother and brother. Trying to be cautious and careful, Xenia’s mother is undocumented living in the United States. Unfortunately, Xenia’s world comes crashing when her mother is arrested due to being undocumented and faces deportation. Xenia and her brother must live with their aunt and uncle…..and all Xenia wants is her mama back and also to do well in her school science fair so she may win a trip to Hershey Amusement Park. Strange occurrences happen when Xenia and her cousin try their science experiment for the fair that includes sunflowers and ants! Will these ants help out with Xenia science experiment?

This was a very unique story and while the subject of deportation is difficult, especially when a parent has to leave their children behind, the author does a great job on the portrayal of this matter.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVE when new children’s books come out! Lots of my friends have kids and I love getting to read these and determine which of my friends’ kids will love these books! I have not read a book by this author before and I fell in love! This is such a great book with cute illustrations and a great story line! I cannot wait to read this book with my best friends’ kids!

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Stephanie Robb

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

This beautifully illustrative children’s book explains the rainbow bridge for our furry friends in an easy-to-understand and sensitive way. I would recommend reading this with an adult to help guide the conversation. All I can say is please read this book!

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Kerry Baker

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is slightly unusual for this author. It is longer and aimed at an older age range. However, in this author typical style, it is well written, topical, educational but engaging. It touches on a sensitive and yet highly relevant topic, teaching children about it in a sensitive yet informative way.
I love the way this author doesn’t seem scared or put off by any topic. Her books are a fantastic way to broach difficult subject matters and kick start conversations. Our whole family enjoy her books and we have yet to read one only once. This is another great book to add to her collection.

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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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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tonya Merritt

Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a few steps up from the normal Lois Wickstrom books. Still a children’s book but an older child. I believe children in fifth grade to seventh would love this story, maybe even earlier than fifth grade if they like chapter books. It has all the science and imagination you see in all her books. It is a wonderful tale co-written between Milagros Darling and Lois Wickstrom. They do an excellent job of telling the story easy and not getting you lost in the magic or science of it.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Kelli Harper

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WONDERFUL!!! This book is full of detail and it will take you through so much in Russel’s life. While this story is geared towards kids, I (being almost 50) was drawn in and captivated by the details and the adventures. What a wonderful way to spend time with your Grandfather. Wonderful book that will hopefully be enjoyed by many!

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