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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom is a very creative author that always tends to slip in a lesson or fun learning opportunity in her stories. Her books are both whimsical and educational without feeling like a textbook or boring lecture. The artwork/ illustrations are also always so colorful and help the reader visualize and experience the story more easily as well. Her books have become a definite favorite of my family.

In this book we find Chester being asked to clean his room, but he would rather be doing other fun things. It isn’t until The Messy Kids show up that he really starts cleaning his room with their help. They don’t know how to properly clean his room though, so with encouragement from his mom, Chester teaches them. This is a really fun, easy read for younger kids.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute story! Lois Wickstrom has dealt with such heavy topics as bullying and believing someone is being truthful in such a fun and creative way. I really loved how Colleen tried to make friends with the kids who made fun of her dad and her instead of retaliating. I have read several books by this author, but I do believe this is my favorite by far. I love how she always incorporates a lesson or fun learning opportunity into her stories. Her books are both whimsical and educational without feeling like a textbook or boring lecture and this one is no different. I honestly can’t wait to see what she comes up with next and how Nicolàs Milano will illustrate it. This artist has illustrated several of her books and they are all so colorful and appealing to the eye, drawing me even more into the story. I also really admire the way that they incorporate all different kinds of characters with different ethnicities, disabilities, and abilities into their stories and renderings. This book should be in the hands of every child as it conveys such great life lessons within a fun rhyming storyline.

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Erin DeRoma

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wanted to read this as an educator. This ode to teachers is beautifully written and very touching.
I really like how this was written in prose. This would be a great gift for any educator new or old. Great for new teachers, retiring teachers, teacher appreciation day, or maybe even a teacher feeling overwhelmed and deflated. A must share with any teacher.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My 7 year old son read Messy Kids to me. It was a cute book and good for his age. He only got caught on a couple words. He liked the book, and we have read a lot of books by this author. We always enjoy them. It sparked a good conversation after, how it’s okay to make messes as long as you clean them up in the end. He liked the illustrations and how each alien is different.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My son and I read Holding Up the Sky together. It’s a good book for elementary school age (he is 7). We liked the rhyming, as it made the book flow and have a bit of Dr Seuss vibe. Like many of this author’s book, it has a good message to the kids- Do not be quick to judge. Colleen is teased for saying her dad holds up the sky. She figures out a way to prove it to everyone, and learns a little about herself at the same time. The pictures are colorful and fun.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Paula R Sayers

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teachers are all different but one thing makes them the same…they all have a big heart. This is a sweet book about teachers. I feel like it would be a good book for children who are getting ready to head to school for the first time or even those returning for a new school year to read.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Fink

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https://www.amazon.com/review/RDK14HV1Z9LSV/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holding Up the Sky is another great story written by Lois Wickstrom. I love how detailed her books are. Lois writes amazing kids books. The colors are always so bright and vibrant. The story had great world building and the plot was well thought of. My daughter really enjoyed the story and she is 9.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chester is a young boy and like all young boys, he hates it when his mum asks him to clean his room, so he agrees, but decides to do the sandbox first. When he gets there, he sees a spaceship which is shaped like a fairground ride and four aliens with cat like faces pop out of it! When they start to play with the sandbox, Chester realises that they are more messy than him, so when they all go to his room and instead of tidying it, they just put all of the toys under the bed, Chester’s mum is annoyed and asks him to clean his room properly.

Will Chester’s mum believe him when he tells her that it was the aliens who did it wrong and will he be able to teach them how to do it right? This is a cute story which teaches an important lesson about the right and wrong way to do things which is easy to understand and shown in a charming way which is suitable for all ages.

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Reviewed by @roxsannel

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another lovely book from the author. The story line was engaging, and the illustrations were colourful and bright.

As usual there is a lesson to be learned from this author’s stories and this one is an important one. Treating people with kindness no matter what they look like.

The story is fun and easy as well as being educational/thought provoking for children.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Messy Kids
By: Lois Wickstrom

This is such a fun book about Chester. Chester is like every kid I’ve ever met, he doesn’t want to clean up, there are so many amazing things to do that are so much more fun. However, when he encounters the messy kids, his mom has the best idea. Why doesn’t he teach them how to clean up? This is really a great, easy children’s book that I know all kids will enjoy. I definitely recommend reading it as it is a fun bedtime story.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another great kids book by this author. As usual, the writing is clear and fun and the illustrations bright and colourful.

I know I was a messy kid as a child to the point my mum put photos/stickers on each toy box so I’d know where things went and it still made no difference. I did not want to clean my room. Having a kid that feels the same way as the main character makes them more relatable for other children, keeping them engaged with the story.

As usual after reading one of the author’s stories, kids walk away feeling like they learned something in a fun way.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holding up the Sky
By: Lois Wickstrom

This is another wonderful children’s story with really cute illustrations written by Lois Wickstrom. As with all of her books, they have really wonderful characters with a story line that teaches the readers a lesson. This story focuses on how people perceive others. Colleen’s dad is huge and it seems that he has been given the task of holding up the sky. Because of his giant size people are not always very kind to him. One day, her dad puts down his hands and what ensues is a wonderful lesson on how we treat people. I definitely recommend this as it has such a wonderful message!

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Messy Kids book was okay. Like many kids, Chester doesn’t want to clean his room so he decides to go out and play instead. While playing, he sees the “Messy Kids” climb out of a merry-go-round that was in a tree. Chester follows them and watches them do a lot of things and he thinks they do them bigger and better. So when they “help” him clean his room he feels they do the same – make everything bigger and better. However, they really just hide their mess instead of cleaning it up. So in the end, Chester has to show them how to really clean and not make such a mess. As many of these author’s books, they don’t always make sense to me or they seem all over the place. The illustrations were cute. I am sure however that kids would find the Messy Kids to be fun little companions.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Moriah Venable

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Colleen’s Dad walks around with his hands in the air, declaring that he is holding up the sky. Colleen loves her Dad and doesn’t like when kids make fun of her or her Dad. One day, Colleen’s Dad puts his hands down. Is he really holding the sky?

While reading, I was confused because I wanted to know if her father was really holding the sky.
When he took his arms down and just started relaxing in the grass looking up, I predicted that either his daughter would take over for him, or he wasn’t really holding the sky, it was more used as a metaphor. I wanted to know if he was really holding the sky or not.

I enjoyed the artwork and the different opinions of the people around them as well as the people’s thoughts and opinions changed over the course of the story.

It was very cute, but is also shows bullying and name calling and how these affect others. It also shows initiative with Colleen who wants others to get to know her Dad.

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jennifer Crain

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cadence and rhyme are spot on throughout the book (easy to read and follow). I really appreciated th glossary/interesting facts at the end- saves Googling some of the concepts of the book.

I enjoyed the graphics- very visual, and the skywriting of “Shalom” with clouds was really neat. I also appreciated the mixed media art (real photographs and clipart). A little long for the youngest crowd, but I think ages 4 and up would enjoy the lyrical narrative and the illustrations.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Katie Kearney

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Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was great. I read it to my nephew who is only 10 months so he didn’t understand obviously since he’s not the target reading age but he really liked the colorful illustrations throughout the story. I’ll definitely be saving it for when he’s older. My husband and I really liked how it was an easy read and the lesson learned from the story. I plan on having my nieces read it also as they a reading ages and will understand the message in the story. If you are looking for a fun colorful story that has a wonderful message look no further. Five stars for this great kids book.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jessie Hopkins

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A fantastic children’s book with a good lesson to it. I read this with my 6 year old and was very impressed when her response to Chester putting everything under the bed was “you aren’t supposed to do that! That’s not really cleaning”. But she definitely did want to have her own Messy Kid friends to help clean her room after.
The illustrations are fantastic and it is a book that puts a smile on everyone’s faces. With a great story that is relatable for both parents and children.

A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi-Reviewed by May Leadstone

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was adorable! I would recommend this book if your child is about to start school. The story will allow your little ones to understand that a teacher is someone who has a big heart no matter what they look like! That they are there to help and guide them to be their best self! The illustrations are cute and fun for the children to enjoy. Snuggle up close with your little one and read to them about how teachers are there for them!

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Reimer

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love how this author writes in little life stories and lessons into all her books. this one is about how if you do something that your told you will get rewarded and to show how satisfied having something done can feel. But I do have to say this book didn’t start off that way. it started as Chester doesn’t want to do what he was asked by him mom, which is something every kid doesn’t like to do, which is clean their room. Chester decides that he really wants to play instead and off he goes outside, and instead makes a bigger mess out there then what it was. But he had a little help from some new friends called the messy kids. Well, these messy kids try to help clean Chester’s room but instead just push everything under his bed, which his mom isn’t too happy about. This book has amazing pictures and illustrations that go very well with the story of the book. It was another really great kid’s book.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Reimer

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another cute kid’s story, the lessons that are taught in these story’s are so wonderful to teach kids in a different way. This book is about bullying, and name calling. All the kids are bulling colleen’s dad which in turn makes her sad. Everyone is laughing at him and saying what her was doing wasn’t right and that there isn’t a need for him to do it. But colleen decides that she wants to make it right, so she makes a plan that her dad must put his hands down and some things start to happen. So, was he really holding the sky up? This book was suer cute, and I loved the story it tells, the pictures and illustrations make it come to life not just in the words. Being kind, helpful, understanding, no judging, are all things everyone should learn to do. This was a quite wonderful read.

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Holding Up The Sky(Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anna Hirsch

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holding Up The Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars

This is a cute, imaginative story about Colleen and her dad. Most little girls think their daddys can do anything. Colleen’s dad can. He’s a giant and he holds up the sky. Problem is , no one believes her. Colleen tries to think of a way to show everyone what he can do. When he lets go, things start happening. Read the book and find out what happens. The story is fun to read and has colourful pictures to enthral the children. I love reading this author’s books.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Jennifer Reimer

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Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really good kid’s book. This is a picture book that I think was super cute, it has Hudson helping doing things for others and doing chores around the house. But one day he started to feel overwhelmed, and I would even say stressed. So as the family sees what’s happening the story teaches Hudson that he needs to also take care of himself with doing self-care which is important for himself. This book was well written and a very learning experience for children to care of themselves. The pictures were well drawn and illustrated to the book; it really painted the picture of what was happening. We could all use some self-care and that its ok for others to help us too not just a one way.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holding up the Sky is part of the Giants and Monsters series by this superbly talented author. Colleen’s dad is a giant who walks around all day holding up the sky. The townsfolk think this is ridiculous and make fun of her dad to Colleen by telling her that her dad needs to get a job. Colleen’s feelings are hurt from being mocked all the time by the other kids as well as their parents, so she comes up with an idea for the kids to get to know her dad. The idea, however, involves her dad putting his hands down and once he does weird things start to happen. Was Colleen’s dad really holding up the sky? What will happen when he puts his hands down? This was a cute, entertaining, and funny story with beautiful, bright illustrations that really make the story come to life. As with all this author’s books the story contained messages for children to learn from. In this book children will learn about being kind, helpful, understanding, compassionate, and about not judging someone based on their appearance. A wonderful read that I highly recommend!

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Melissa brings her story to life by sharing the beauty of Israel through her eyes. Discovering new lands and historical facts of a land that is as diverse as its characters.
Shalom Israel is a wonderful tale, and the pictures bring the story to life and the clipart is bright and colourful. I love that Melissa brought something a little different to the norm of picture books.
It is a book told through rhyme which sets the tone of the story. Children will love this guided tour and give them a look at a place not many will have heard of.
Not only is it a great educational story but it is fun as you journey through this adventure.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Kerry Baker

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a brilliant and vibrant way to introduce children to Israel and what it has to offer. The author has done such a good job of creating a book that really makes it feel like you are experiencing it. My daughter has become so much more curious about things since starting school and this is the exact type of book that she loves to explore at the moment. It was educating yet fun and engaging, with the picture perfect for drawing you in. This book is great for readers of all ages and was a fantastic book to read.

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Julie Johnson

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I feel like I just took a mini tour of Israel by reading this book! The photography and the illustrations are very well done. It was neat to see some of the sites of Israel and to learn more about their significance.

This would be a great book to share with someone about to travel to Israel to give them a brief taste of what it will be like. It’s also great for someone like me who would like to travel but doesn’t.

Shalom!

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chester, just like every other kid, does not like or want to clean his room. Also like many children they have their imaginary friends. The mess makers, the one that hides things, the one that has yet to learn how to clean as they go. This story puts a fun twist on cleaning up. I have read many children’s stories from this author. She has taken a child job and made it fun. The story is to the point without leaving the child feeling bad or sad when it comes to cleaning up. She sets the mood and has a positive outcome. I love this story and it may have slipped on to my children’s story shelf.

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Angela Hayes

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi is a fun, illustrated ode to Israel. It is a bit of an adventure through Israel, in pictures and verse.
The photographs contained in the book are beautifully captured and really bring Israel to ‘life’ on the pages. With illustrated characters immersed in every scene that help guide us on the ‘tour’.
From beaches to deserts, farm gardens to the Dead Sea, the modern to the ancient- this book shows every colourful, historical, diverse, cultural, picturesque, and vibrant detail.
Suitable for readers both young and old.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Melissa Lavi!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Rushin

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a fun read and I enjoyed reading it. It was a cute story that showed children that being different is not a bad thing. The story showed the whole town was able to come to an understanding of just how important Colleen’s dad was in maintaining their world. It is a good story and I recommend it for anyone who has children who want to read.

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful book! I found the pictures quite colorful and fun. The story is a short description of the exciting places and history to be found in Israel. It’s a book that I’ll add to my child’s library because it’s a wonderful beginner book to Israel. The author made a book that will grab childrens attention. What a wonderful book! I found the pictures quite colorful and fun. The story is a short description of the exciting places and history to be found in Israel. It’s a book that I’ll add to my child’s library because it’s a wonderful beginner book to Israel. The author made a book that will grab childrens attention.

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