This is the first book in The Reeds of West Hills series. It is about The Reed family, Frank and Jon (twins) discover they have special powers. Frank can read minds and Jon can see the future. They come by this gift from their mother. They get sent to a school in Washinton State to learn to adjust to their new gifts, and with magical adventures ahead. This book is wonderfully written and perfect for kids in middle grade. I personally can’t wait to share it with my grandson who is 10 and loves to read. As an adult I loved this book and can’t wait to see what other adventures await.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Toni Sellershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngToni Sellers2023-05-30 21:18:022023-06-05 13:31:57The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Toni Sellers
What Do The Plants Say? By Lois Wickstrom is a cute story about Alex the inventor. Alex believes that the plants are talking to her so she invents a translator. She then talks to the plants and find out that they want to fly. The story is completely adorable and shows how young children can be so creative. Many of the stories I’ve read by this author are scientific related and while this was not, it is still important to allow children to be creative. I would say this is more for ages 5+, I typically read these to my 2.5 year old but she didn’t really understand the imagination just yet, she did try talking to her plants through!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2023-05-30 19:20:142023-06-05 13:31:14What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kristan Anderson
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow: The Real Magic of Beans by Lois Wickstrom was a very cute adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk. I love reading these adaptations because they each have a little bit of science in them that is easy to explain to my 2.5 year old. My daughter loved this story. We talked about beans and how they grow. How we can plant seeds to grow more plants/beans and so on. I think it’s important to talk to our kids about this so I’m very glad that Lois has taken some old favorites and added in just enough for young minds!
This was a very cute story about how animals possibly see us humans. How we live must really be very peculiar to them and even rather scary. My 4 year old granddaughter found the story amusing. She really liked the illustrations too. I would definitely consider purchasing this book for gifts as well.
One thing that I have come to expect when I see that Lois Wickstrom has published a new book is that this book will be one that I will want to share with everyone that I see. This is such a fun look and twist on the classic fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk. It contains some of the same elements but adds new and whimsical twists. In this story the giants are in trouble and only Jacqueline can save them. This is such a fun twist on this story and it definitely shows kids the importance of sharing what you have.
What do the plants say? (Alex the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom 4 Stars
I love reading this author’s books. Her stories are always informative and you will always learn something. This book didn’t veer in that direction but while you didn’t learn anything per se, it is an extremely imaginative story. It is fun to imagine what plants would say if they could talk. This book could lead to many interesting conversations with the little ones. Filled with colourful illustrations and adventure, this will be a hit with the children.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anna Hirschhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnna Hirsch2023-05-30 15:32:092023-06-05 13:25:34What Do The Plants Say? (Alex the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anna Hirsch
Alex, the Inventor is full of surprises. In a beautiful flower garden, Alex is intrigued on knowing what do the balloon flower are saying….are they talking to Alex? When Alex believes that these balloon flowers are talking she tries to make a new invention on how to talk to these flowers. Is Alex successful in her invention and if so is she able to talk to these beautiful flowers and what are they saying?
This story was wonderful…I loved Alex and her curiosity on a new invention. The illustrations are perfect for this book. This story can be enjoyed for the young and old….Very fun story!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-05-30 08:00:262023-05-30 08:14:33What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This was sweet book aimed at children aged between 3 and 7. Hudson was such an adorable little boy who was always there to help other when they needed him but sometimes he forgot how to look after himself. This book shows children how important it is to look after yourself. I think the story had some really important talking points but I’m not 100% sure a 3 year old would be able to comprehend the real meaning behind the story but would absolutely be great for 5 -7 year olds in my opinion.
Starting off, I didn’t think I would get into the story as much as I did. This book really had me feeling many different emotions. I was angry at everyone for keeping things from Tally, sad that Jophiel seemed to be giving her the cold shoulder and heartbroken that she was hurting so much when she lost something so important. Miyu really got my blood boiling with the her sneaking around, and the way she treats Yoshi and Tally. In the end I understand she was honestly just lost. Lost in her family’s history. Reading of Miyu’s grandmother’s story at the beginning of each chapter was prefect. We get a glimpse of why things ended the way they did for Miyu and her grandmother. Learning of some Japanese traditions, and different cultural things was very interesting and really makes me want to visit Japan.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Reedhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Reed2023-05-30 07:59:442023-05-30 07:59:44Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Carrie Reed
Helpful Hudson is a wonderful children’s book that teaches self-care and social skills . This is intended for readers ages 3-7. My five year old son loved this book and really felt for Hudson as he has had similar experience lately as well. We teach our children to be helpful to others but we tend to forget to tell them he importance of taking care of themselves. Follow along as hudson learns, self-care and the social skills to handle certain situations. The illustrations are great they help bring the story to life. I highly recommend reading this book look forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-05-30 04:02:402023-05-30 08:13:45Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
What Do Plants Say? is the first book in Alex, the Inventor series by Lois Wickstrom. This is an illustrated children’s story that includes some science on sound waves. Alex is an inventor and likes to make useful things out of unused and ‘old’ items. In this story we follow along as she brainstorms ideas for inventing a plant translator so she can listen and talk to her plants. While the story was interesting, and the pictures were on-point, I was left feeling a little disappointed and conflicted, because I love gardening and I would have been heart-broken if my child/grandchild had destroyed my garden by up-rooting as many plants as Alex did in her ‘adventure’.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-05-30 00:16:262023-05-30 08:13:31What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor Book #1) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes
This was so much fun to have my son read to me; we’re working on reading skills, and he did really well with it. He loved the book and can’t wait for more. We haven’t read this author before, but based off this book we need to check out any others! I loved how easily it kept my son engaged, with a little suspense to it. We can’t wait to see what comes next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Westermanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Westerman2023-05-29 21:01:212023-05-29 21:01:21The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Ashley Westerman
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow ! Is a amazing children’s book that children of all ages can enjoy. My son and I are huge fans of this author and have read several of her books several times. What I love most about this author is the message you learn from each story. This one is a retelling of a classic except the message is slightly different. Jacqueline and her mother are hungry and really don’t feel like eating Bessie their old dry cow. Jacqueline is on the way to the market when she passes an old man who offers her some magic beans and if they don’t grow then she can get Bessie back. When she gets back home her mom is not happy she traded the cow for the magic beans. She gets upset with herself and tosses the beans out the window and the next morning is super excited they did so she climbs all the way to the top. At the top she meets a one eyed giant. Thing’s aren’t always brighter on tbe other side. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. The illustrations are great and make the story come to life. We look forward to reading more from this Author.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans is a twist on the classic Jack and the Beanstalk story. Jacqueline’s family is hungry, so her mom asks her to take the family cow Bessie to the market and sell for money for food. Along the way, Jacqueline meets an old man who offers to trade her some magic beans for the cow. He tells her the beans will grow way up in the sky and that if they are not magic then she can have the cow back. Jacqueline agrees and takes the beans home and tells her mom what the old man said. Her mom is very upset that Jacqueline made such a silly decision, so Jacqueline throws the beans out the window. When she wakes up in the morning, she is very surprised by what she sees out her window. Could the beans really be magic beans after all?
This was an entertaining and action-packed twist on the classic tale, with a pinch of drama and suspense added in. The illustrations were bright, bold, matched the story well, and really made the story come to life. The characters were fun, unique, and even a bit quirky. Jacqueline was smart and worked hard around the farm to help her mom but there was not enough food to feed them. Although she might have made a mistake in choosing to take the magic beans, she ended up making the most of the situation and found a way to feed her family. I loved the kindly old giant’s wife and how she looked out for Jacqueline caring for her and protecting her from the giant. A good story for a parent to read with their child and discuss things such as decision making, problem solving, growing food, talking to strangers, and consequences.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-05-29 18:59:362023-05-30 08:10:17Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Another cute story using the scientific method. This one focuses on hearing plants making pop pop noises and recording it, slowing it down and they decipher a meaning from it! Once the meaning is discovered they have a little adventure and are able to talk back to the plants by recording what they say And speeding it up until it sounds like pop pop so the plants can understand it. Though this was cute and still followed (sort of) the scientific method of discovery and invention it did not keep my daughters attention like other books by this author, but there is plenty to keep us busy!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2023-05-29 18:56:332023-05-30 08:10:10What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton
My 6 year old loves to read so he read this to me and we loved it! What one person thinks is scary, may not be scary to someone else. And this story did such a great job in the descriptions and explanations to help visualize or even “feel” what was being talked about. I love a book my kids and I can read and have a conversation about as what’s being told can also be experienced in real life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lyndsey Fairleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLyndsey Fairley2023-05-29 18:26:052023-05-29 18:26:05A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lyndsey Fairley
This is an entertaining story right from the start. The twins were brilliant characters. I loved their dynamic and the connections they built with the the other characters. They were engaging and easy to connect with. The story itself was well written and fast paced. It was an exciting story that would appeal to all ages. I also really liked the cover of the book. It has a light hearted feel, which is unusual for this genre Book. This is a great story that is thoroughly enjoyable.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-05-29 15:23:442023-05-30 08:09:03The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Kerry Baker
People Safari by Feather Chelle is an adorable Children’s Book with a fun twist. This cleverly written story is about a Safari. But not like the ones we are use to. The story takes us on a Safari through the eyes of animals who are studying Humans in their natural habitat. Ranger Marco takes Buck, Doe, and Fawn through a Human City. Along the way they try to understand why the Humans behave the way they do. Such as why they wear clothes and why children are eaten by buses everyday and then spit out later. It is cute, funny, and a cool way to help kids understand seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. If you have kids this is a great story that will have you both laughing and keep everyone entertained.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Victoria McQuigghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVictoria McQuigg2023-05-29 14:55:422023-05-30 08:08:56People Safari by Feather Chelle-Review by Victoria McQuigg
This story is engaging and I loved the spin on this retelling of a classic children’s story.
Jacqueline and her mother are trying to find ways to provide food on their table. As Jacqueline navigates with her cow, Bessie, to the market to bargain…..an old man stops Jacqueline to try and barter for some magic beans. What happens to Jacqueline once the beans are in her possession?
This is a fun, cute story and I always enjoys Lois Wickstrom’s books.
This is a fun book to read for all ages and the illustrations are engaging and full of color.
Ranger Marco the Raccoon takes a family of deer and teaches the family, especially Fawn, what “people” are like. Fawn and her parents, Doe and Buck, get an inside scoop of where people live, walking and transportation and such…
I love the learning aspect of this book and the journey you are taking while reading this book. The story is great and lots of fun.
When we hear the word safari, we always think of animals and their habitats that we’re observing. However, this particular book is doing the opposite. The animals are the main characters, and they are observing the human habitat. The characters are very well thought out. The story flows really easily and is easy to comprehend. The illustrations are very well done and colorful.
People Safari is a cute children’s book that is told through the eyes of animals and how they see the world. It’s intended for readers ages 5-10 but I anyone can enjoy it. The illustrations are great and make the story come to life. My five year old son loved it so much we’ve read it several times already. Ranger Marco (racoon) takes the other animals on a safari tour to town where they see all kinds of strange things( humans, cars) follow along as we learn how animals see our world through their eyes. We loved this fun story and definitely recommend reading. We can’t wait to read more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-05-29 10:58:042023-05-30 08:08:24People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom. This author has become one of my very favorite children’s authors. Her stories are filled with lessons, fun and neat tips. They make amazing gifts and this one is no exception. This is a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. Jacqueline sells her beloved cow Bessie to help her family and keep them from starving in trade for seeds, The beanstalk grows and grows with a giant couple living at the top now she has to figure out how to feed 2 families. The giant says he won’t eat her if she brings them food. Such a cute retelling and has many lessons inside the story. Teaches kids about growing food and that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Mystery, adventure, suspense. This fun read will pull you in quickly. Frank and Jon are twin brothers that have to navigate their discovery of magical powers. As the story goes on, you are drawn in more and more and root for them until the last page. The supporting characters and descriptive text bring the story to life in front of your eyes! Definitely a great for those young readers who are into magic and lore or older readers who want a fun shorter read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nakyshia Legerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNakyshia Leger2023-05-29 08:21:472023-05-30 08:12:26The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Nakyshia Leger
This book is the first in a series and I would say it’s aimed at children/middle grade. It’s an alternative fantasy/magical school setting. It was a fun story, very easy to read, and light-hearted.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Robbhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Robb2023-05-29 07:10:322023-05-30 08:12:15The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Stephanie Robb
I loved this imaginative and colourful story aimed at children. I loved the fantasy element of the story and the wonderful illustrations. It’s lovely to see Alex’s perseverance to learn something new and be better at it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Robbhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Robb2023-05-29 06:47:222023-05-30 08:12:09What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb
I really enjoyed this retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk with a new introduction to science twist. It is a great story for big kids and small kids alike. Each page engages the reader with beautiful illustrations and easy-to-read short sentences.
This is a fun and alternative take on a wildlife safari. A family of deer is taken on a human safari with their raccoon tour guide to observe humans in their natural habitat and observe their unusual ways. This story is aimed at younger readers with a fun unusual twist and lovely illustrations.
Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford is a delightful read- an illustrated children’s storybook with cute, colourful, and interesting pictures to accompany the sweet story. Hudson is quite a helpful little fellow- but through the course of the story he learns the importance of self-care because sometimes we are so busy taking care of or helping others that we forget to take care of or help ourselves. This cute story teaches great life lessons with lovely, engaging pictures that help convey the messages contained here. Children are introduced to some social and emotional skills- tools that can empower them and help them throughout their life’s journey. This book is aimed at 3 – 7 year-old children. Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-05-28 23:51:352023-05-30 08:11:27Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Angela Hayes
Alex hears the plants talking to her. She’s very intrigued by this and wants to learn more of what they are saying to her. She tries a variety of methods to distinguish between the different “pops” and learns that they want to have a party. What’s the best way to have a party? With helium of course!
This was a fun book but not my favorite by this author. She writes a lot of books with a science them, and while this one was still science focused, it had more of a mythical approach to it as well. I was not fond of the “talking to plants and thinking they speak to you” aspect. I do know that there is some research out there about talking to plants but I’m not super convinced of this having a true effect. I think for kids, it’s best to keep it simple. I still recommend this book though!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-05-28 21:15:252023-05-30 08:10:54What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson
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