People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a children’s book that takes the Deer family on a people safari. Led by Racoon, the Deer family set out to see how people live. Buck and Doe are hopeful that Fawn will see the dangers of being seen by Humans, but Fawn is too excited to heed any warning. A very cute story with education sprinkled throughout.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading people safari. This was a great book where Ranger Marco ( a raccoon ) takes a family Of deer on a field trip
Out of the woods to show them the town and explains about the people wandering around, the houses they live in, the cars that he describes as beasts that do not talk or breathe. The fawn is very curious about everything from how humans walk in their back feet to the clothes they wear and change every day until they get spooked and everyone is separated and the fawn gets lost.
review by @xchellex
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My kid thoroughly enjoyed this book. She was asking so many questions about the different things. It’s a great educational but also entertaining book. It kept her enthralled in it from the first sentence to the last. Her only disappointment was that it wasn’t longer. This author has done it again.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute spinoff of Jack and the beanstalk. My little girl loved it. She was drawn in from the first page and was captivated the whole time. Everything this author does hasn’t disappointed me.
The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun read! It is definitely reminds me of Harry Potter, one of my very favorite series. This book takes me back to being a teenager reading Harry Potter for the first time. If 35 year old me loved this, then I know 13 year old me would love this book! I cannot wait to read more in this series. A little fantasy and fun to keep things exciting!
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom is wonderful at telling children’s tales and this is yet another example of that. A retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, this book will teach children that everyone has situations that they may need help with. Great story with great illustrations that will teach a wonderful lesson to those who read it. I really enjoy sharing the books by Lois Wickstrom with my kids and my friends.
People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is wonderfully written, the illustrations are fantastic and the plot will draw you in and have you following along all to learn about the People that live in the Town. The animals are the main characters in this story that has you learning about who “people” are and why they don’t live in the wild like the animals. Very clever and will have you following along as we learn all about people.
This is the first book in this series, and let me tell you it was definitely and adventure worth taking with Tally and the hard Ian angel, Jopheil. The reader is introduced to Tally right after she lost her mom who she was really close to. Her father takes her on a trip to India where Tally makes new friends and faces more challenges. Jopheil is woven throughout the story in bits of the journey. This book was out of my normal zone of reading, but I loved it! It is nice to read a book about a different culture and learn a little more about other people in the process. This is a great book that can bring a strong connection for those who have lost loved ones and the struggles that you face.
The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 Stars
This was a fun story to read….and perfect for the younger middle school ages and even for adults as well. The author took me on an adventure with mystery, intrigue, special gifts and I love the bond of the twins Jon and Frank. I am already looking forward to more in this series.
Jon and Frank are normal twin boys with a loving family and siblings. Jon is more of the adventurous and not afraid to stir up a little trouble, while his twin brother, Frank, definitely more quiet and laid back. When the time comes….the twins start to notice some changes…and their parents take note as well….the boys are truly special. Needing to hone in on their gifts and the rules that apply… Jon and Frank are sent to a special school for children whom have different special gifts.
What comes with these special gifts is learning how and when to use them….but when Jon is in trouble when a special relic goes missing…..will Frank, McClery and friends be able to clear Jon’s name?
What a fun read!
The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun read! My 11-year-old daughter and I read this one together, and we both really enjoyed it! I think the story flows flawlessly and draws you into what the twins, Frank and Jon, are going through. I really enjoyed the imagery created around the Perceptually Gifted West Hills School as well. I feel like I would have read this even without my daughter, so we can’t wait for The Reeds of West Hills series to continue!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
I really enjoyed Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford because teaches children that it is okay to take time for themselves. Hudson always enjoys helping others. In fact he does a great job helping his family, that is until one day he doesn’t feel like helping. Everyone tries to figure out what is wrong, and when they discover that he needs help, they all do things to help make him feel better. I love that the story shows children that it is ok to need and ask for help. I think that there is so much pressure on children and adults alike that we all need the reminder that it is okay to ask for help. This story has beautiful illustrations and a wonderful message, and I would recommend it to anyone who has young children or works with them. If you work at a school, you can talk to children about helping others and identifying when they need help. You can also teach about how to go about asking for help and how to help others.
The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What would you do if a mysterious doctor showed up at your house and wanted to examine you and your twin brother? Then your parents start acting strangely, secretive even and they won’t let him check you out. This is exactly how Jon and Frank Reed’s adventure begins in the book The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett. This is an engaging tale of twin brothers who find out they have “gifts.” Both brothers have a hard time adjusting to and controlling their “gifts” aka powers. Deciding they needed help learning to control them, their parents sent them to a boarding school in Washington where their mom went when she needed to learn to control her power. So not only do they have to adjust to new powers, but also to a new place, and new people thousands of miles away from their big family.
I’m well over the 9-12 year old intended target age for this book but I really enjoyed it immensely! The characters are fun, realistic, and well-written; this helped the story flow nicely. The author has woven a magical tale that will leave you wanting more! I can’t wait to read the next installment and see what other adventures await Jon and Frank Reed.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A modern twist to Jack and the Beanstalk. This book was well written and illustrated. My 8-year-old son enjoyed it, as did I.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another wonderful story by Lois Wickstrom! My kiddos and I absolutely loved this spin on a much-loved children’s book. The illustrations are beautiful, and all of the dialogue leaves room for scientific discussions that we had fun with. I also liked that kindness played a very important role in this story. I highly recommend picking this one up and sitting with the young ones in your life to read it together!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
People Safari by Feather Chelle My rating: 5 of 5 stars Absolutely adorable! Both my niece and nephew loved the story, especially since it’s from an animals point of view. […]
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Along with beautiful artwork by the illustrator, the author grows readers a story of communication. Plants communicate with us. But do we know what they are saying? A determined protagonist wants answers. She learns what the plants are saying, then she resolves a way to communicate with the plants. An adventure awaits!
People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
People Safari by Feather Chelle
4 Stars
The greatest thing about this book is that the story is told through the eyes of animals. It is interesting to read how they might see and comprehend our world. It’s an imaginative story that will take children on an adventure. A family of deer decide to go on a tour of the city with their tour guide, a raccoon. It was hilarious how the raccoon described some of our every day things such as clothes, pets and automobiles. The deer learn that as exciting the city is, it is also a dangerous place as well. This is a story the kids are sure to enjoy!
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Guardian of Whispers is Book One in The Reeds of West Hills Series. This author was new to me, and I picked up a copy of the book, not realizing that it is a kid’s fantasy book aimed at children between the ages of nine to twelve years of age. It was actually the cover and title that intrigued me and compelled me to obtain a copy and I am so glad that I did. Now that I have read and enjoyed it, I feel that it can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.
The story focuses on twin boys who discover around the age of ten-years-old that have powers that as special as they are, also come with side effects. Jonathan has the power of prophecy which gives him horrendous nightmares. Franklin has the power of telepathy which causes him to hear constant whispering in his head. The children must learn to hone and control their special powers which requires them being sent away to a special school that is located thousands of miles from home. At West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted they try to adjust to being away from their family while making new friends and honing their powers. When a powerful artifact is stolen from the school the fingers are pointed at Jon and it is up to the twins and their new friends to prove their innocence.
I loved this book and was captivated from the first few pages. The author’s writing style is engaging, and this book is fun, imaginative, and entertaining. The storyline was compelling, the characters were unique, quirky, and lovable, and the setting was vividly written which immerses you into the story. The special powers that the characters had were fascinating and I found myself wishing that I had some of those abilities. This book had action, mystery, drama, suspense, and of course magical powers. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good little story. I’m not sure how educational it really was, but it was an entertaining story with cute pictures. I loved the illustrations and can’t wait to read it to my daughter one day, if she is interested in stuff like this. This author usually doesn’t disappoint with her children’s books and this was no exception.
People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute story with a clever new look. We see people through the eyes of animals. This was an entertaining story that my son enjoyed. We thought the illustrations were beautiful. We also liked the humor throughout.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois J Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars
I’ve always liked retellings of fairy. This book is a take on Jack and the Beanstalk. Jacqueline and her mother need money for food and they don’t want to eat their cow. Jacqueline takes Bessie to the market to sell. On her way there , she meets a man who gives her magical beans in exchange for the cow. Her mother is not happy with the exchange and throws the beans out the window. The next day the beanstalk has grown tall into the sky. What happens next is an adventure and learning experience for Jacqueline. Read the book to find out what happens. The story itself and the illustrations will keep the children entertained.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois J Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by this author, and won’t be the last! This was a lovely retelling of a classic story with a twist. I like the science that the author incorporates into children’s stories, it encourages fun learning in children. It engages kids in a way that’s easy to learn and makes it enjoyable for them. I wish there were more books like this when I was a kid.
PROOF: People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A family of deer are being guided by a racoon on a safari looking at human behaviour, but they have to be careful that they aren’t seen, or the safari will come to a swift end.
As the family look at human behaviour and try to explain it from an animals point of view, their capers are fun filled and interesting, while also being funny with the descriptions of human life from a different perspective.
This is a book all ages will enjoy, while also asking important questions about nature, both human and animal and is a good jumping point into talking more about the differences and similarities which exist there.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alex is a young girl who is an inventor and whenever she finds something to create, that is when she is the most happy, so one day when she walks past some balloon plants in her garden and hears them talking, she wants to know what they are saying, so she invents something with which she can do just that.
This is when the plant translator is born, so when she gets it working, she decides she wants to throw a party with the plants, but can Alex decode the words and discover what do the plants want to do at the party?
This is a fun filled children’s book with plenty of talking points and interesting facts throughout which all ages can enjoy and learn from together.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jacqueline is a young girls who lives with her mother, they do not have much money, but they get by, but one day, Jacqueline’s mother asks her to take their cow Bessie to market and sell her for a good price so that they can pay for food. Jacqueline is upset, but does as her mother asks and Jacqueline meets an old man there who trades Bessie for three large beans which are meant to be magic, but when Jacqueline returns home, her mother is upset and throws them out of the window.
The next morning, there is a huge beanstalk outside Jacqueline’s window, so she decides to climb it and see what is at the top, this is where she comes across a family of giants who are in the same position as her family, but will Jacqueline be able to find a way to feed everyone?
This is a charming retelling of a well loved fairy tale, all while giving it an original spin which all ages will love and want to read over and again.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
his is an interesting middle age children’s book. It has a scientific learning aspect to it that is written in a way that is easy to understand. This is a story about Alex and the flower inflator that she invents. Alex has a great imagination that adds to her character’s connectability. All the characters are fun and creative. This is an engaging story that will keep your child engaged to the end. I highly recommend this book to any middle aged child.
Review by @bjwagner
Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Eleanor Dixon continues Tally’s adventures by juxtapositioning her second journey from hot and sticky India to bitterly cold Canada. Tally masters sled dog (mushing), the cold, and missing her friends as she tries to save loved ones from angry gods.
Along the way, the friendships Tally makes in this book are less profound than her two besties in India, but the cast of characters is more unique- from invisible cursed people to a beloved dog. The use of Innuit words as a sparkle of local flavor as well as the vivid descriptions of the cold climate, as well as Eleanor described the hot stickiness of India in book one. In this book, I felt Tally had to become more brave because she encountered more foreign things than in book 1.
India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book would be perfect for kids that love geography and learn about other countries of the world. I appreciated how the author, Eleanor Dixon, mentions death and grief in a realistic way. The book follows Tally as she solves the mystery of how to save not only her best friends sister, but numerous other children. I love how Eleanor interweaves some historical cultural icons of India throughout the story (feeling less forced than some other series), such as clothing, multiple deities, etc.
You can tell the author has actually visited India, because the descriptions are authentic in feel and a joy to read. Even as an adult, I enjoyed reading about Tally’s adventure and can’t wait to see what problems she solves in Canada (book 2) and Japan (book 3).
People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t have young kids any more as mine are all grown but had this book been around when they were little I absolutely would have read this to them time and time again. It truly is a fun read that had me laughing quite a few times and the illustrations are just gorgeous and complement the storytelling beautifully.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute story, a reimagining of Jack and the beanstalk. This series by this author is really interesting as it provides new perspectives on old classics. The story is one that many children will enjoy. I enjoy this author and recommend her to anyone with children who love to read.
