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💫 .•°*°•.💫 PREORDER 💫 .•°*°•.💫 The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett

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💫 .•°*°•.💫 PREORDER 💫 .•°*°•.💫
The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett
Amazon – Coming Soon
Genre – Kids, Fantasy
Page Count – 234
Cover Designer – Annie Loomis

Get ready for the Zodiac Games! West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted is buzzing with excitement as the much-anticipated competition approaches, and 11-year-old gifted twins Jon and Frank Reed are eager to compete. That is… if the judges can decide on the rules.

The boys will need to use all their gifts and knowledge to help Aries house win the coveted title of Zodiac champions. But the competition is not the only game being played at West Hills.

A mysterious shadow figure is haunting Jon while he sleeps and trying to tempt him down a dark path.

Something even more sinister is happening to the young telepathy students. When his classmates begin suffering from dangerous outbursts of fear and paranoia, Frank worries he could be next.

Will Frank’s fear and Jon’s secrets prevent them from uncovering the truth? It’s a race to solve these mysteries before someone gets hurt… or worse.

The Secrets of Arkaim is the second book in the Reeds of West Hills series.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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

What a cute book!! I got this for my 10 almost 11 year old, but as I read it I really enjoyed it myself! I was captivated by each horse/pony! What little/big girl doesn’t love horses?! Poor Russell’s’ life is been all downs lately in life’s’ crazy ups and downs. He’s not been doing well at school (about failing!), his over the top storytelling grandfather moved in and took his room (plus he has to care for him after school!), he was basically banished to the basement (yelling up and down stairs all the time. ugh!), and he can’t seem to do anything right (dad’s drinking isn’t helping!). Pre-teen life at it’s finest! He has big dreams of being a firefighter like his uncle, but he really isn’t courageous/brave enough. He can’t stand up to school bullies, his grandpa keeps making him go to the park for a baby ride (the carousel), and everyone seems to yell at him for everything. Life sucks. One day after fighting with his grandfather (about that stupid baby carousel), he rides the carousel with him and they’re magically sent for a ride!! Shot back into the past where they face a life and death experience, has Russell looking at his grandfather’s “crazy” stories closer. Has he really lived all these stories? Different lives almost? Each time he rides a horse, he is brought into that horses’ world and he gets to experience their life for a short song. Each ride has it’s own obstacles and adventures though, and when Russell looses the magic brass ring (his grandfather gave him) he could be stuck forever!! Can he make it back? Will he learn all the secrets to the ring and the horses? What about the lead horse? Will he find it?? There are so many questions you will find yourself asking throughout this book (I suggest you ask your kids what they think while you read together for more interaction!), but it is so wonderful! I really enjoyed “getting to know” each of the different horses on the carousel and so did my daughter. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!

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@jaimie0459

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

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

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

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was a fantastic story and I just loved the overall feeling of magic, family, imagination and life lessons. The story is geared from ages 9-12 but truly this story can be enjoyed for the young and the young at heart (like me). I am already eagerly waiting for more in The Brass Ring series. Highly recommend read and just overall wonderful story.

Russell is trying to survive 5th grade so he can make it to middle school. With his grandfather living with the family, an unruly bully on his heels and some family drama….all Russell wants is to grown up and become a firefighter. When a daily outing with his grandfather to the local carousel takes Russell and his grandfather on a magical journey, Russell learns new challenges may make or break from him wanting to become the firefighter he wants one day.

As each journey on the Magic Carousel embarks on just a new adventure for Russell, he will learn not only to be brave when he thinks he cannot but to also make his grandfather happy.

Magical wonderful story……..I cannot wait to see where the Magic Carousel takes me next.

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

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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

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

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

What a wonderful story and start to this series! This is the second time I’ve read from this author and just loved this one as well! These books are great for those older elementary and middle school age groups and love when their imagination takes over! This book is also great to read out loud or for bedtime reading with your imaginative youngins.
The main character Russell has been going down a downward spiral as far as bad grades and bullies from school but the one thing that remains consistent is him taking his grandfather to the carousel everyday after school, his grandpa’s favorite spot. What Russell ends up finding out is the magic brass ring that belongs to his grandpa unlocks the magic within through a time travel adventure. Through this adventure that Russell embarks, he becomes a stronger person to conquer those areas in which he feels weak and defeated. Read this book with your kids and you get to go on the adventure as well! Can’t wait to read the others in this series!

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

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Great Story! An adventure awaits, strong characters and great storyline. This author will draw you in and keep you going to the end, painting you a vivid picture in your mind. Fast paced, I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read.

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

Great Story! An adventure awaits, strong characters and great storyline. This author will draw you in and keep you going to the end, painting you a vivid picture in your mind. Fast paced, I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read.

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

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

I know this was aimed at an audience way younger than me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Both of my kids (ages 7 and 11) absolutely adored this book, and it really started some good conversation in our family as well. This author is new to me, so I was pleased to find that they wrote a captivating tale of time-travel and family. We are eagerly looking forward to the second book in this series because we couldn’t get enough! I highly recommend picking this heart-felt, adventurous tale and sharing it with the kids (or just young-at-heart) in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Shannen Kern

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

This book has beautiful illustrations and a fun rhyming read along for the young ones in your life. My youngest kiddo is 7 so he’s a little bit older for the counting part, but he still loved the pictures and the facts about starfish. Both of my kids thought the singalong was FANTASTIC! We had never seen that before, so it made it interesting and so much fun. This would be absolutely perfect for school and it’s definitely one we won’t soon forget. I highly recommend picking this up and having a blast with the kids!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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

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

Wow what a magical and phenomenal read! It’s for a younger audience but my goodness, I’m so glad I decided to read this. Fantastic characters and it sincerely captured my heart. It was such a magical adventure that I never wanted it to end. If you want a book full of adventure, magic, challenges, emotion, bravery and courage…please read this! You will not want to put it down.

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

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

This is the first book I’ve read by K. L. Small. I was intrigued by the title and the cover photo. I got hooked from the beginning. Russell is very relatable, especially to kids at the preteen age. He doesn’t want to be responsible for his grandpa! He’s got his own issues to deal with, like an old friend turned bully and his slipping grades. This book took me on adventures right along side Russell and his grandpa. I would recommend this book for many age levels and to be read to a younger group. I look forward to reading more books from this author.

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

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

Adventure. While this isn’t the first book, I have read by the talented K.L. Small this one was very different. Its life, a ten-year-old boy named Russell is in fifth grade, he’s bullied by his old best friend Tyler and thinks he is nothing but a failure in everything he does.
Russ dreams of being a firefighter like his Uncle Ethan, but his fears of everything get in the way. In the past year everything has fallen around Russ, his grandma passed away leading to his grandpa moving in with his family. He lost his room to his grandpa, now his room is the unfinished damp basement that smells like dirty socks. All his grades have dropped this year, his father only ever thinks he has done something wrong and tells him he fails. Grandpa always tells amazing stories not fantasy stories but true stories of horses throughout history, he talks about them like they are people and not just an animal that people ride. Every day after school he must take grandpa to the park to ride the carousel, something he tries to hide from while there because of Tyler and Matt. In a moment of panic after a run in with the bullies he tells his grandpa today is the last time. Grandpa’s only request it to have one more ride. Roscoe, river, bear. Grandpa tells him they were there in 1827 and that it was magic, but then he has a stroke giving Russell his brass ring as he is taken away in the ambulance. Little Bit, mine, explosion.
How is it possible? Did grandpa ever take mom for an adventure when she was little? No explanations on how just told magic, then the magic seems to be tugging him back to the carousel everyday making him yearn for another adventure. The world is ours; reality is both the good and the bad. The author’s ability to mix in some magic while not losing the overall story of life is interesting and easy for the age group to understand and hold on to the magic in the world. Heroes are everyday people or in this case animals that accomplished amazing feats throughout time. I truly cannot wait for the next instalment of this new series.

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

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

Russell feels like a failure in everything to do with his life. He is flunking school, being bullied by his old best friend and his own alcoholic father. His dream is to be a firefighter when he grows up but he knows he’s too weak and not brave enough to actually be one. On top of all that, his grandfather moved in and stole his bedroom. Russell’s mother works full time so it’s on Russell to take his grandfather to the park where there is a carousel his grandfather wants to ride everyday. Everyone thinks his grandfather is crazy. He always has these unbelievable stories he tells. Russell hates being seen with his grandfather as he thinks the bullying will get worse.

One day, Russell’s grandfather convinces him to ride the carousel with him. Reluctantly, Russell agrees. The duo was transported into another time and place on the horses they were on via the carousel. Russell realizes that the stories grandpa told might be real and his grandfather isn’t as crazy as originally believed.

From that day forward, Russell rides a different horse everyday and is transported into different scenarios, learning lessons about bravery and standing up for oneself.

Even though this is technically a kids book, I really enjoyed it. I like how every adventure was different and Russell was able to take something from each ride. The author did a good job with Russells character coming into his own as he embraces himself and becomes more confident with the help of magic.

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

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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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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic AntsXenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a story about a young girl named Xenia and her brother Lucas who live with their undocumented mother. Their father was a soldier in the Army and had died overseas prior to being able to marry their mother. Xenia and her mother love to garden and have this special rock in their yard. This rock has special ants that help the sunflowers grow tall. Xenia loves science and decides to do a project on the ants and sunflowers. She learns from a Deetkatoo (Native American Little People) that the rock is a meteorite that helps him and the ants survive. However, one day Xenia’s mother is arrested by ICE and the children try to figure out a way to get her back. The troublesome man who is always spying on them, who lives next door is always trying to get their rock. In order to get the rock, he called the government on Xenia’s mom just to be able to “protect” the meteorite. The children try many different things to help protect the Deetkatoo, keep the rock, do well in school, and try to get their mother out of being deported. In the end, the mother is deported, living separately from her children, but it turns out for the best. Xenia’s mother succeeds in Mexico, finds love, and has a plan to come back to the US for her children.
For me, this was a strange story. I don’t know enough about the legends of the Deetkatoo or the magic that they possibly possess, so the story didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I also thought it was a little sad and heavy for a youth book, but at the same time informative about a problem that the US has. While each little story within the entire story was okay, I didn’t feel like they all went together. Also, the ending with the Deetkatoo and the mother is just weird. I thought the characters that were the children were the most decent part of the story. They were smart, interesting, and determined to solve problems. Also, the fact that the daughter was into science may encourage other girls to enter into STEM areas.

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The Magic Carousel ( The Brass Ring Series book 1 ) by K.L. Small – Review by Caralee Loonat

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

This is the first book by this author that I have read and I found it quite a unique story. This is a really good book for younger adults or pre teens. The author does a good job of creating a world and bringing the characters to life. I wish my kids were younger enough for this. The characters are very relatable. It is easy for kids to be able to relate to what the main character is going through. I would certainly read more from this author and this series.

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

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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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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Book 1) by K. L. Small – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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

Russel is a young boy in fifth grade and over the last year, a lot has happened to him, but the main thing was having to move his room into the basement so that his ageing grandpa could move in with them, this has led Russel to have new responsibilities which include taking his grandpa to the local park to ride on the carousel. He is also failing at school because of this upheaval, as well as being bullied by another of the boys in his class, there is name calling and pushing and Russel doesn’t know how to deal with it, so he just hopes that he isn’t seen with his grandpa because that could become something else he is teased for and finally, his dad drinks, a lot and he always shouts at Russel when he drinks, so this has also been affecting his schoolwork and he is worried that his dream to become a firefighter is slipping away.

One day, when his mum asks him to take his grandpa to the park again, his grandpa is riding on one of the outside horses and things seem to be going Russel’s way for once, the bullies haven’t seen him and his grandpa isn’t being too embarrassing, but just as he is hoping they can leave, his fears come to pass and the bullies turn up and when they leave, his grandpa asks him to join him for a ride. Russel is really reluctant because he is already embarrassed and annoyed, especially when his grandpa wants him to hold his hand as well, but eventually Russel agrees and settles onto the horse that his grandpa points to, but when he does, it does not go as he expects.

When he rides, he is magically transported to another place and time, but surely it can’t be real, they were just on the carousel and this is not it, so what has happened and why has this rude turned into an adventure of a lifetime? This is a brilliant book which takes something familiar and puts a new magical spin on it, with plenty of adventures, danger and magic, this is a wonderful little adventure where important lessons are learned and fun is had while doing it, it is also a book you will not want to put down.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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

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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

Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Sarah King

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

This absolutely adorable story is a relatable way to introduce healthy anxiety coping mechanisms to kids of all ages. I loved that the story was so down to earth and really put in a way that my niece and nephew were able to understand the I formation that was being given to them. I would absolutely recommend this book!!!

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

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

Russel’s been having a rough time lately, what with his grandpa moving in and taking his room, leaving Russel no choice but to stay in the basement, getting bullied, and possibly failing fifth grade. Though Russel has a dream to become a firefighter, he worries he won’t have enough courage. One day, when both Russel and his grandfather are out on their daily park outing, Rusell takes a ride on the carousel his grandfather always rides and finds himself transported into the past. This was a great and adventurous tale! The story was entertaining and easily kept the reader entertained throughout. Though this is a children’s book I was thoroughly engaged by both the events of the story and way the author seamlessly wove in the main elements of the book. This is a great story to read to kids that’s sure to captivate their imagination!

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

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

This was a beautiful story. It is one that children and adults will enjoy. The idea of this story is really unique and I love how each horse that Rusty rode on taught him a different thing about himself and made him realise just how brave and competent he is as a child growing into an adult.
Rusty is a sweet kid. But his life has problems, his dad is a alcoholic, he lost his bedroom to his grandad, he’s failing school and he is being bullied daily by someone who used to be his friend. Everyday is a fight as with every fight he loses his confidence in himself and his abilities gets less and less.
His grandad was always telling him fantastical stories. They were so crazy they couldn’t possible be real. One day when his grandad forced him to ride the carousel with him, Rusty sion finds out where his stories come from. What follows is an adventure that will take Rusty through time, meeting different horses and their lives and through it all learning just how brave and capable he is.

The horses characters were amazingly written and each one had a unique story and lesson to teach which really made it special.
This is a very magical ride which you will love no matter what your age.

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

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

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

The Magical Carousel was a cute story. It is geared toward probably early elementary ages, but I enjoyed it as an adult. The author was great at painting the scenes. The characters were great and I’m glad it had a happy ending. I love that the author took the time to add the history lessons and glossary at the end of the book. What a fun way to learn a little of history and use of horses through the years. I see that the author previously released the book with another title, I like this one better. I love the relationship Rusty build with his grandpa. I like that the author created a strained relationship based on real life situations. I went through a similar situation as a teen, and the relationship I was able to build with my grandfather was one of a kind; a blessing. I was kind of caught off guard with the alcoholism added to the story, and how it was a turning point for Rusty. But I guess a lot of kids have to deal with that, so it can help them understand how it impacts their life, and it’s not their fault.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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

This was a fantastic story for readers both young and old. It dealt with some very real issues, such as serious illness, bullying, schooling struggling and an alcoholic parent, but written in a way that younger viewers could understand and not be overwhelmed. I loved the whimsy of a magical brass ring able to teleport the holder to all sorts of different time periods and places. I felt the character of Russell was very well written; his responses to the different stressors seemed pretty realistic. This was a great tale about a kiddo trying to find his footing and figure out who he is. I have read the author before and I really enjoy her use of imagery to really bring you into the story. I found it to be quick and easy read, but extremely enjoyable. I look forward to seeing the next books in the series.

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

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

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

This was an easy, great read. We meet Russel who is finishing up 5th grade. He is having a tough time this year. Grandpa had to move in and Russel and him go the carousel, one day something magical happens. Cannot wait for the next book.

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

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I absolutely loved this book that I could not put it down. It reminds me of stories my grandma told me while I grew up. Russ is a bullied fifth grader who is struggling to find himself, you know like most fifth graders. He is constantly thinks that he is a failure but his grandpa reminds him that he isn’t. It’s amazing story that I like to read over and over again. Russ’s grandfathers’ love for the Carousel finds a place in Russ’ heart as well. If you get a chance to read this story, please read it. It really found a way into my heart and I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Amelia Stansell

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

This was a cute counting book! My little ones loved it. The facts about starfish at the back of the book was really cool. It tells a cute little story starting at 1 finishing at 10. It is definitely a must read for little starting or learning to count.

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