A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a delightful read, even for someone my age. The book starts a little slow, but once you get into it, you stay hooked. The characters were well written. The world building was great. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Reviewed by @mimimadge
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute fairy tale, we get to see how Zarina learned to become more than just a pretty face. The journey and the magical dress helped her to know whom to trust so that she could protect what was left of her family. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys new twists on familiar fairy tales. It is full of hope and sadness.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A lovely story following Loretta as she learns about insects with her grandma. The illustrations and storyline were engaging and perfect for children.
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A lovely story aimed at children explaining how gravity works through fun little experiments the animals do. I loved the story and illustrations.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wonderful and fun read that has great lessons for those young readers. Magic, fantasy, action, descriptive, fast paced, and page turning book! Highly recommend!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Princess Zarina is one of Thirteen children. She is by far the most selfish and strong willed of those thirteen too. As Zarina’s Royal Advancement Ceremony approaches she’s super excited and wants a special dress for her big day. As the ceremony approaches, so does some danger to the kingdom so everyone is warned about going outside of the castle especially without escorts’. But nothing will stop the Princess from getting her special dress made by the one of a kind dressmaker, according to courtyard gossip, who lives out past the forest and who’s gifted hands use magic like fabric in her master pieces. Wanting to waste no time they leave straight away and the princess strikes a deal with the dressmaker. Mydori will make a special dress in the color of her own choosing that will be unforgettable. In a rush the princess won’t take the time to size the dress or take any instruction from the dressmaker. Rushing the dress maker to have the dress ready as soon as possible she leaves in rush with plans to pay the dressmaker with cheaper things than agreed. Rushing home she is caught by her older brother and scolded for going out when raiders are afoot. Not being detoured she leaves again to the cottage past the woods to collect her dress and try to swindle the dressmaker. Mydori puts the dress on the princess and then takes her payment and leaves the Princess on the road alone. Now the princess is stuck miles from the castle, alone, in a dress that is to tight, a color she doesn’t like at all, and to top it off she’s unable to take the dress off!! Traveling back home is going to be long journey. Will she get caught by raiders? Will she get the blasted dress off? Will she learn her lesson? What about the magic of the dress? And what will she do about her dress for the ceremony?? She doesn’t have time to have someone else make her one now!! Plus the sticks said someone would perish?!! What a mess for a dress! This book was super cute! I got it for my almost 11 year old, but I think that my 8 year old would enjoy it as well. It teaches kids a few lessons but it’s also entertaining so it keeps their interest. I’d love to see this turned into a small short film for children!! Can’t wait to read more from this author!
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my kind of fairy tale. The main character, the princess, is not immediately likable, which is a surprisingly welcomed change from my usual reads. Princess Zanira is, in a word, spoiled, but she doesn’t remain as such as the story progresses and it’s clear that she’s more than the face she shows the world. From the beginning, fantastical elements are woven in such a way that it’s sure to captivate the readers. I could easily imagine the story as I read it and, though I’m not in the age range of the usual audience, it was still a great book!
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What Loretta’s Katydid Did
by Lois Wickstrom
This is a cute book, Loretta’s Grammie Stella got her an orange tree, it had some insects on it and she learned about som of them and how they were helpful to the tree.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At the start of this book I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about it. It was a little confusing in the beginning and moved rather slowly at first. However, once you get past that it took on a much more pleasant pace that kept me reading on for more.
We start meeting Princess Zarina who at the beginning I really did not like her at all. Yet, this is her journey into finding herself and discovering strengths she never knew existed. It is about falling flat on her face and coming to realize she doesn’t exactly like the person she is. Knowing she must change to save her people and her kingdom we find heart in her that her kingdom needs. There are so many twists and turns in this book that at times it feels like you might be lost in a maze but definitely keep reading because when the proverbial shoe drops everyone’s eyes open and you begin to understand the path Zarina was set upon. The only thing we need to know is can she save her kingdom or are they doomed to the same fate as her Aunt’s kingdom was? What happens when those closest to you aren’t what they seem?
This almost seems like a coming of age book, a book about growing into the person you are meant to become through the trials and tribulations that life throws at you. It was refreshing to see a book with this much growth in the main character. If you like fairy tales with a lot more growth and heart in them then this book is definitely for you. Definitely a great beach read, something that will keep you coming back just to find out more.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by K.L. Small, and I was very surprised. While the synopsis seemed interesting, I wasn’t sure if I would truly enjoy a juvenile rated book, I thought quickly vanished. Zarina, the youngest and most beautiful of the parents 13 children she is also the most selfish and lets it be known that she doesn’t care.
In two weeks, Zarina will officially have her Royal Advancement Ceremony and get her own chair in the grand room with her family. With recent reports of raiders attacking outlying homes and taking everything of value including food and clothing, the King decides to have a summit. Zarina’s birthday will be the biggest birthday event thus far, including a gala. Finally, she will be allowed to wear a true ball gown and not a little girls dress, only it must be “A Dress to Remember”. Having been told of a seamstress that has “magical” like abilities with what she can create with fabric Zarina ignores all her father’s warnings to get a one-of-a-kind dress. Like with all deals the hidden meanings in the riddles are what set Zarina on a great adventure to return to the castle. Quickly she learns that the subjects of her kingdom, whom she disliked looking at because they always looked so unhappy, start to inform her of how her father and the overseer treat them. She is informed by multiple people on her journey of them taking everything, beatings just because they looked like they might break a rule and told of being thrown in the castle’s dungeons. Venny, one of the men in the village as the scars to prove his claims, only Zarina can’t shake the feeling that she knows him, the slat of his nose the shape of his eyes, she once knew someone with those exact features, but the memory is fuzzy. Finally reaching the castle her heart quickly drops as something is wrong, the guards don’t bare her families royal seal, the banners on the turrets are missing, and the courtyard is filled with raiders.
Can Zarina go from a spoiled selfish girl to someone worthy of the peoples love and respect? What happened to her family? Will she be able to rescue Venny and save the village from the Overseer? The magic in her dress is limited, what will happen when the magic is gone, and her fate is determined? The world the author creates is truly like a fairy tale and yet feels realistic. I can envision the events playing out like a movie in my head and my heart racing that Zarina will succeed. I found myself glued to the pages having to know how it ends. Beautiful quick read with magic, personal growth, villains, and more trapped within its pages.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am well past the intended age group of readers for this wonderful book but I truly enjoyed it and can see many others enjoying it too! Zarina is a true spoilt brat at the beginning but she grows and changes over the course of the story and I think it is something that will draw young readers in and is fantastic for them to experience while captivated by this great storyline. This author is definitely going places and i for one will be keeping a watch on her future books.
Lois Wickstrom has created a fun fractured tale based on Chicken Little. In this tale, Chicken little isn’t so naïve, and decides to investigate about “the sky falling”. Chicken Little tests her theory that it was really an acorn that fell and bumped her head. When she and her friends have come to a conclusion that something DID fall and hit her head, they cannot decided what to call this “thing” they discovered. They quickly decide the king is the best person to ask for help! On their trip, others try to help them and then join their efforts to name the discovery. Soon a whole crowd joins Little Chicken on her trip to see the king. But a hungry cunning fox might just stop the friends from visiting the king for help. How will they escape? Will the king help name their discovery? What do you think Chicken Little should call it when something drops from the sky? To find out what the King calls object dropping, read Chicken Little Investigates!
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love Lois Wickstrom’s stories about Loretta. She reminds me of my son. Loretta is an animal and bug lover and she will protect even the ones that are destroying her new orange tree. She needs to enter the science fair, but how can she when there are bugs eating and killing her plant? Find out what happens in this cute, informative story!
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loretta, a lover of insects, discovers her orange tree is infested with aphids. Because Loretta likes insets of all kinds, she leaves, them, even if they pose a risk to the little tree. Luckily, another insect takes up residence on the tree: a katydid. This children’s book is perfect for inquisitive minds! The illustrations are cute and follow the story well. Once again, I feel like I’ve learned something new from the author about the world of insects.
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chicken Little with a twist! Chicken Little and the whole gang is here to go on a new adventure. They have discovered something new. I love that Lois Wickstrom can take classics and put a spin on them. Lois Wickstrom is an author that I will continue coming back to.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I… I love this! I was learning every step of the way. I didn’t even know what a katydid was before I read this story. I love the science behind it and how Lois wraps entire short stories around it. Thank you for the gardening lesson!! 😁❤️
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois has done it again. She’s taken one of the children’s stories we’ve heard again and again and made it make sense with her awesome sense of humor. It’s adorable with the way it’s written, and I absolutely love the font changes and the creative text placement throughout the book!! It really stood out to me, and I haven’t seen it done the way this was in a good while. Bravo 👏
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Big fan here of this author, Lois Wickstrom. Chicken Little Investigates is a cute little short read for you and the little ones. I love all the rhyming name she used.😆 Henny Penny and Turkey Lurkey are my favorites. And it is just as educational as ever.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great read by Lois Wickstrom I read it tonight to my child before bedtime and tomorrow we’re going to go outside and observe some of the bugs in the backyard.
Also I’m not ashamed to say I didn’t know what a katydid was so I learned something new tonight too. And I would love an orange tree but I do not have a green thumb 🤣
Chicken Little Investigates: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My kiddos and I always love Lois Wickstrom’s books, but this one was special for the little ones. They enjoy the original Chicken Little, so this new spin on it reeled them in. Instead of just panicking and making wild assumptions, they begin to investigate to see the cause of what is happening. It is a cute story but also teaches a great lesson about not jumping to conclusions. We really love the science side of this story, and the illustrations are wonderfully done! I recommend this one if you have some littles of your own. It really encourages them to look at things from a different (and fun) scientific perspective!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Chicken Little Investigates: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a parent, I love reading Lois Wickstrom books! I was excited to introduce Chicken Little Investigates to my children. My kids have been watching the movie Chicken Little and I was looking forward to seeing this author’s spin. I liked how words like “falling” or “fell” were printed in a downward motion and some important words in bold. My daughter was able to pick up on cues and help read the book with me which is always a great feeling. When I asked her if she liked the book she said “I didn’t really think it was good, I thought it was the goodest!” So I would say Chicken Little Investigates is another hit by Lois Wickstrom!
Chicken Little Investigates: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chicken Little Investigates (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom. I have read several books by this author because I have a 5 and 9 year old nephew. They have loved every one I have bought them. This is the story of Chicken little and her friend Henny Penny. Chicken Little thinks the sky is falling because a acorn fell and hit her on the head. Thinking she needs to tell the King, she and Henny Penny set off to tell him. On the way they do experiments to try and find another reason for the thing to hit her on the head. Along the way they meet other friends and discover what gravity is along with the funny name they call it. This is the perfect book for gifts because they are not only precious they are teaching a lesson. Loved it so much!
Chicken Little Investigates: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chicken Little Investigates
By: Lois Wickstrom
This is such a great version of the story of Chicken Little. We all know the story of Chicken Little where he thinks the sky is falling and panics. However, in this version Chicken Little gets hit in the head and uses his brains and his knowledge of science. When Chicken Little gets hit in the head he does several experiments and the scientific process to discover what it is that hit him in the head. I truly loved this retelling of the story and know that it would be a great addition to any child’s book collection or classroom library!
Chicken Little Investigates: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I admit the original chicken little story, although entertaining, was never one of my favourites as a child but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this (never mind the kids). I liked how a well-known story was adapted to make learning more accessible to children by bringing science into the mix. As is expected, in typical Chicken Little style, the sky is falling! The great thing in this version is how they investigate what’s happening and why.
It’s short and sweet, perfect for kids to be able to follow without getting bored. If the story alone isn’t enough, the illustrations were bright and lovely too.
This is one I’ve recommended to my mum, a primary school teacher, and would recommend to parents too.
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What Loretta’s Katydid Did is a fun children’s book about a young girl who receives an orange tree from her Grandmother. Loretta realizes her tree is in trouble from the aphids on it but does not want to kill them. When Loretta finds a Katydid on the tree a whole new adventure starts. This book is fun and encourages young people to learn via reading. The plot is fun and encouraging and the illustrations were cute and simple. This book would make a wonderful addition to your children’s book collection.
A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I thought this was a very well written YA fantasy.
The premise of the story, is a spoiled princess wants a one of a kind dress for her coming out party. The kingdom is facing some hard times, but she is oblivious. She quickly realizes the gravity of what is going on, and does what she can to help her kingdom.
A coming of age story in a fantasy backdrop. Loved it!
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Picture story book
This book would make a great addition to any 4-8 year olds collection. It has some great illustrations (especially the cover) and has a scientific mystery that will get imaginations racing. This is part of the Loretta’s Insects series and is as much educational as it is fun. Recommend.
Chicken Little Investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Classic
What a cute reimagining of a brilliant classic tale. This has the same characters as the original but with some clever twists. There’s humour, fun and some learning to be found amongst the pages. I can see this quickly becoming a favourite and would be a great addition to any home or school library.
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chicken little and friends make a discovery of gravity and are very interested by the different sounds things make when they hit the ground. The friends have no idea what to call the discovery so they venture to the palace to ask the king. Along the way they run into an obstacle. But nothing is too much for this group.
I really enjoyed the adventure of this book!
What Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars
This series of books is so interesting. Children and adults alike will learn about different insects. It’s a very educational series. Loretta’s grandmother gives her an orange tree not knowing it is full of aphids. What is Loretta going to do? She doesn’t want her tree to die. A katydid finds the tree and takes care of the aphid problem. In this book we learn all about this special insect. Filled with colourful illustrations, the kids will be excited to learn as well.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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