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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Jenni Bishop

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

Lois writes children’s books with a wide range of topics and cleverly creates tales that are easily imagined with the beautiful pictures shown. In this story she has thrown in some science fiction elements that makes the story just a little bit more exciting.
Xenia and the Magic Ants is a bit of a sad story and is a controversial political story addressing deportation. It is confusing for adults let alone children and Lois does a good job of explaining this in terms that a child would understand.
Xenia Navarro has never been so scared when her Mexican mother gets arrested and is about to be deported but hopes they will all be together again soon.
Read along with Xenia to find out what happens to her family.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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

This may be one of my absolute favorites from this author so far! Both my kiddos loved it, and I enjoyed it as well! Shirley (Shirl) is sure that Earth isn’t her home planet, but she really loves it when Eee-ahh comes to visit and play. I feel that this author ties in life lessons into her stories so well that you don’t fully realize it until after you’ve put the book down! This book started a conversation with my kids, and I loved every moment of it. I highly recommend this book for the little ones in your life!

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Plate, August 2023

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

Another awesome children’s book from this author. It’s written for the younger tiny humans. I’d say age 4-7 ish. It’s well worded, inventive, and beautifully illustrated.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ashley Mertz

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

I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review

I Am An Outer Space Alien is a quick, short story that encourages children to explore the world around them and venture outside of the box. Two people don’t have to like the same things or be exactly the same to be friends. I think this book is a perfect example of how children in today’s society may feel out of place if they are not 100% like their peers. The illustrations within this book are bright, cheery, and eye-catching. I definitely feel this book is appropriate for children ages 4-8.

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Megan Conley

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

An absolutely fascinating read for children and adults alike! This is a chapter book for those of you who are used to Wickstrom’s picture books, but don’t despair…her wit and storytelling is just as present here. I will say that Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants does have political undertones and Wickstrom and Darling handle them wonderfully so that children can understand right from wrong. I really enjoyed this read and was emotionally invested in Xenia’s journey and the twists and turns it takes. There is magic, politics (wonderfully done), Mexican culture, and so much more weaved throughout this story.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Tausha Treadway

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

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann. This was such a fun book for ages 1-5. Its a great book for learning to count but also just a fun book to read. Its about little starfish that glow all different colors along the ocean beach and you can have your kids pick out the different colors and count how many there are.There are numerous ways throughout the book that you can put your counting skills to use and soon your little one will be a counting champ. Such a great book with pretty, vivid pictures and such a good learning opportunity. I highly recommend this book fo the little one in your life. Also would make a great gift!

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1VHK85MLYWPKC/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

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

Lois Wickstrom always writes great children’s books. This one was no different. They pictures was colorful and illustrated exactly what was being read. I read this book to my 9 year old, and she really enjoyed it. If you want a cute but engaging story, this is the book for you!

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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4086916103

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Katie Matthews

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

This was such an adorable book. I read it with my 3-year-old and he loved it. He loves numbers so I knew this book would be a winner. The illustrations were so colourful and engaging he loved looking at them and finding things within the picture. The writing is beautiful, so easy to read and engaging for my little boy because of the rhyming words.
This book was definitely a 5-star winner in this house and one I would highly recommend to young children who are starting out on their counting and learning numbers journey!

@katiem
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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Katie Matthews

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

This was such a wonderful story and would make an amazing book on any child’s bookshelf. It will certainly evoke the imaginations of the children who read it whilst also providing some great opportunities for discussions. The story takes us on a magical fantasy adventure with the main character Russell – the writing for the story was brilliant, such vivid descriptions which made it so easy along with the illustrations to imagine what was happening.
A wonderful read and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

@katiem
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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Heather Bass

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 is a very cute children’s book that will open up the imagination. I read this book to my four year niece and she loved it. She was very curious about what would happen in the end. The pictures helped tell the story very well. I can’t wait to read some more of these fun books to my niece.
Review by @heatherbass

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Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling

🌼 .•°*°•.🌼 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🌼 .•°*°•.🌼
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 158
Cover Designer – Dreaming Big Publications

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.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading for Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling

Lois is a former science teacher. She has written a series of science-based folktales.  In each modernized tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending because of learning scientific principles. Lois likes to garden, ride her bike with her husband, cook, and she votes in every election.

Author Interview with Lois Wickstrom

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ GOODREADS ~ YOUTUBE ~ NEWSLETTER ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Emily H

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: 4 of 5 stars

Oscar and Emmy are two cats who notice a stray cat outside. Their owners start feeding the cat only to notice that she has a few kittens. Finding out information about the Trap Neuter Return for feral and stray cats have the owners setting up a plan to let them live a happy life.

The illustrations are wonderful for this book. Educational story that I think will bring awareness to this cause.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

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

Another fun yet informative book for kids by this author. Represented by an alien visitor, this time the author teaches the importance of listening and embracing those who are different without fear/judgement. An important lesson for everyone.

The author has again managed to create an entertaining book for young children to learn from without even realising it. I have never been disappointed in the lessons included in the authors books and the kids I care for enjoy the stories.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Reimer

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

This was a really fun and cute little book to read. my kids have been enjoying these books. this one was based on friendship, inclusion, individuality, and accepting people who are different, something I have been teaching my kids that everyone is different and does things different too and we shouldn’t judge or criticize them. when a little girl feels like she doesn’t fit in, she thinks she someone or something that she is. And then meets an alien and becomes friends with. the pictures and illustrations in this book really went well with this story, and they were bright and amazingly drawn, and bright in color making it fun to read. this is a cute fun book to read with your kids.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Christina Ford

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

This is a wonderful story about anxiety that offers kids tools to handle anxiety immediately. I think more adults should read this, too

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Christina Ford

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

This is a sweet story about a stray cat that hides in bushes and searches for food. As a woman who spends a considerable amount of time trapping and releasing the feral cat colonies, I love that this book explains that feral and strays deserve love and patience and the importance of spaying and neutering. In this story the stray cat remains a stray cat, but learns he is safe and fed by the family and becomes friends with them all. All cats need love, not just lap cats.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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

I am an Outer Space Alien is a colorful children’s book. I have read quite a few of this author’s books to my son, and we really love them. This book wasn’t a favorite of either of us, but it was still cute. While it has a good start, it seems to just…. end. I see it is book 1 of 3, so perhaps the other books will expand on Shirl and her new friend. The story is told from the perspective of a little girl. She thinks she must be an alien from another planet, because she doesn’t enjoy the same things as her family and other children. She creates a radio to talk to aliens, and one comes to visit. They are not alike, but find things to do together. Appropriate for young children, perhaps 3-8.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

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

This is a delightful tale of a young girl who hates her name. She has an imaginary (or is she real after all?) alien friend. The story is out of this world, as is the artwork! The two youngsters must compromise in order to play together. This is a heart-warming lesson for all ages.

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Tonya Merritt

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 story. Not only does it tell children what happens with strays but it also teaches them how to save the cats from reproducing too many offspring. This is a sweet tale of stray cats and what should be done to help save their lives. I also learned something new with the ear clipping.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

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 was a cute and engaging book. Bright and well illustrated pictures help to guide the story. The story is told from the perspective of a young girl who believes she’s an alien. She feel as though, since she doesn’t like some things that humans like, she isn’t from Earth. She builds a radio to talk to Aliens and ends up meeting one. She learns that the Alien is also looking for her home. And though she can’t do all the things that she can do, and doesn’t like the same foods as her, the Alien decides to stay on earth and be her friend. It’s a cute story, I’d suggest for 5-7 year olds.

Review By: Manda Kelly

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Kerry Baker

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: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful and well written book that touches on a subject that isn’t really discussed, especially amongst kids. The author navigates what could be a difficult topic with such ease and does so in a fun and engaging way. It was nice to pick up this book after reading the first one and my kids enjoyed it all the more.
From an adult perspective, this book was more emotional that I expected. I think I enjoyed this book just as much as my 2 kids did. We have read this book multiple times already and I am sure we will be reading it many times more.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Betsy Melano

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

A great story for young children to learn how to redirect their fears or nervousness. Lily usually has Hun Bun, her stuffed rabbit friend she’s had all her life. When she forgets Hun Bun at home one day, she is scared and wants to go home. But the lovely nurse at school teaches Lilly a breathing technique to change what your mind is thinking.
It’s a very nice book and gives suggestions for keeping yourself from getting that nervous tummy ache when things don’t go as planned.
I think it would be helpful for kids of any age but especially kids in elementary to read.

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

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

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small. This is the perfect read for a middle school boy or girl. I think boys will relate better because the main character is a boy. I really enjoyed it as a older woman. Its about Russell who is in 5th grade and dreams of being a firefighter but is scared he’s not brave enough. He is bullied at school by one of his former friends and his dad is a raging alcoholic. When his eccentric grandfather has to be walked to the park everyday its Russell’s job. When his grandfather wants to ride the Carousel everyday its embarrassing. When his grandfather convinces him he has a secret ring that will get them to the past with horses and adventure Russell ends up riding the Carousel too. What ensues it all kinds of fun and adventures. This story is so good and it has the lesson that you can be anything you want as long as you try and believe in yourself!

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Tanya Wall, August 2023

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

When I was a little girl, I had a blankie that I took around with me. So did my youngest son. Lilly has a bunny. These are soothing items that have special powers to help us when we are anxious or scared. Lilly accidently forgets her bunny and when she gets to school she is full of anxiety. The school nurse helps her to learn some techniques she can use when she feels anxious. The story explains where the anxious feelings come from. This would be a great book to get if your child is anxious and needs to understand where those feelings come from.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tonya Merritt

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom

Lois Wickstrom tells a great children’s story. This time is no different. It isn’t my favorite by her but still a great story! I can’t wait to read this story to my nieces and nephews. I know they will love it just as well. Who doesn’t want to be from outer space at that age?

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

What a great story with great life lessons. I read this with my 6 year old son and we both enjoyed the story. He really seemed to learn about how to tame worries. He learned that sometimes being nervous and excited can feel like the same thing. The illustrations were also great!

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

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

What a great story! I enjoyed all the adventures that Russ goes on with the magical carousel. This is a wonderful story but has a lot of factual information and some learning/growing that takes place. This author has an imagination and I like how she incorporated it into the different horses on the carousel. I myself have often wondered about the history or back story of each horse. That she brought that to life as well as show us how important horses were to our history is just excellent.

This is written for a median age child but I enjoyed it and think it would be a cool book to read to a child and keep an eye out for illustrations of our hero in action. Many discussions could take place after each chapter. I also recommend reading the “Things you might want to know” after reading. It is very interesting and might answer some questions from a child. I especially like the author’s thoughts on horses and her cute photo at the back. It rounds out the whole book nicely.

Great Cover Art!

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

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

I read this with my 6 year old son. We both enjoyed the story. A cute story about a little girl who feels she is from another planet. She doesn’t like some of the earthly things on this planet so builds a radio to try to talk to other aliens. My son really loved the pictures too.

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I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien)I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This children’s book is about an “earth girl” named Shirley. However, Shirley hates the letter “y” and believes she is an alien so she goes by Shirl. She tries to prove that she is not an Earthling by not agreeing with aspects of Earth such as liking spinach and playing basketball. She enjoys building radios so she can talk to the aliens. She is wishing to meet an alien from her home planet. And what do you know, an alien shows up trying to find her home planet. The two play and the alien discovers that she does nothing the same as on Earth so she states she is going to keep looking for her planet. Shirl is upset because she also doesn’t think she belongs to this planet, but convinces the alien to stay and that they would have so much fun making earth their planet if they can play together every day. This book is a short, weird story for children. The illustrations are cute but the story for me is a little out there. But, I guess if you are older, it could be said that even when you feel out of place, having a friend always helps – which is a great lesson for kids.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Elisha Johnson

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

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann- 5 out of 5 stars

So cute! This adorable book is full of colorful images that attract little ones to the pages. I love how this book is both educational and fun. As a parent I appreciate the sing-song rhythms because my children absorb information easier when the books are not boring. This book is anything but. I highly recommend this book for even the littlest of readers.

Review by @elishajohnson

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