This is the sweetest story! It contains the sweetest main character – Amaleigha and it focuses on her love of nature. This story does a great job of showing its young readers that anything really is possible that you believe in. I love that it also builds creative thinking. I have to say my favorite part was the focus of nature. I really think it would have children thinking bigger about the outdoors around them and inspire them to get out and be creative in nature! Great Story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-11-24 18:15:192022-11-25 12:07:18Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Christine Baranek
5 Stars Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
Amaleigha and the Big Idea is a sweet yet inspirational children’s book with great illustrations. My four and a half year old son loves books and this one had him thinking of big ideas and how to make them come to life. This is about Amaleigha who is five years old and has big ideas. She loves to explore the outdoors. Follow along with her and the help of her friends and family as they bring together all her favorite things in one spot for all of the community to share. My son loves books and this one will definitely be on the reread list. I highly recommend this cute children’s book and 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 Daughenbaugh2022-11-24 05:28:452022-11-25 12:02:44Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Such an a descriptive, imaginative, beautiful and inspirational story. This is a children’s story, but it seemed like more. The way the writer is so descriptive was beautiful. It really brought the seasons and feelings to life. The illustrations as well were amazing, so colourful and beautiful. The way that Amaleigha was so determined to share her love of nature was inspirational for all, Love this story, will definitely recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Stanleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Stanley2022-11-23 21:37:342022-11-25 12:01:18Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Heather Stanley
Dream shifter is a story about a young girl, Gwendolyn, who can shift into animals while she dreams. In this story, she is woken abruptly and left trapped in the body of an elk. Even worse news, hunting season is about to start. How is she going to stay alive long enough to figure out how to get back to her human form again. The clock is ticking… This is a fun story that takes you on an adventure as Gwen avoids hunters, while searching for a way to become a girl again. It is full of excitement and fun and I would definitely recommend reading this story to your kids.
I really enjoyed this book. The world building was wonderful and really made you feel like you were there. I loved the characters and how well they went together. This is a delightful YA fantasy and any easy read. I love reading this author and look forward to reading more by her.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Misti Maggiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMisti Maggio2022-11-23 10:58:582022-11-25 11:56:36Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Misti Maggio
I think at some point in everyone life people can relate to this book. Having a dream and turning into someone else whether that’s an animal or a person and having an adventure in dream space. It is a touching story. The author does a great job on explaining a child’s life then turning into this grand adventure.
I saw the cover and the premise for this and just had to read it. Perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Albert is a turkey that lives on a turkey farm. As the holidays grow nearer, people are looking at Albert and not to be a pet.
One day, Albert sees the President on the T.V. where he announces pardons. Albert wonders if the President will pardon so he wont be someone’s dinner.
I went into this, thinking it was going to be funny but I finished it with a more open mind. Albert tries to communicate with the family that picks him, to not eat him. He wants to be the pardoned turkey this year so that he does not end up on a family’s table.
This is more than what the title and cover suggests and I am glad that I read this. I will have to read more of this authors’ books.
Amaleigha is five years olds and sees the world differently than most people. She loves running with her bare feet and just laying on the grass. With each season, there are things that Amaleigha notices about nature.
Those around her have different opinions about her. Her brother believes her to be a ‘crazy kid’ while her grandmother knows she will do great things.
One day, Amaleigha has a great idea and starts putting it into action by telling her family and making sketches.
This was a cute short story. I loved Amaleigha’s imagination and her interest in nature. The artwork was cute too.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Moriah Venablehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMoriah Venable2022-11-23 09:33:122022-11-25 11:58:48Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Moriah Venable
Dream-Shifter is a fantasy/children’s book that is intended for readers ages eight to twelve years old but I think anyone can enjoy reading this children’s book. We are huge fans of this author and this one may be a bit longer than her other books but we made it a fun bedtime story. My son is almost five and he loved this magical story about Gwendolyn and how she has the ability to shift into the animals shes dreaming about. But what happens when she gets woke up abruptly and is stuck as an Elk? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next as we follow along with Gwendolyn and her journey. I 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 Daughenbaugh2022-11-23 04:51:242022-11-25 12:02:59Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt is a sweet, illustrated children’s story that inspires the imagination of both young and old… She may only be five years-old, but Amaleigha has some really big ideas. She is always off exploring, wondering about the world and nature, taking in everything around her. One day she comes up with a fantastic idea, but it is a bit of a huge undertaking. She explains her idea to her family and so, with their help, her idea comes to fruition. The story inspires imagination, but also implants the idea that anything is possible. It’s a sweet and fun plot- with bright and colourful illustrations that will hold a child’s interest. The messages are inspirational and easy for children to understand. This cute and quirky story was engaging and fun, feeding both the imagination, as well as inspiring creative thinking, being productive, family bonding, and contributing to community. 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 Hayes2022-11-22 23:54:082022-11-25 11:55:10Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Hayes
Such a sweet story with a big message. Gwendolyn was an amazing character. A dream shifter at night, and all it takes is one event to keep her transformed in her shifter form almost permanently. She works with her family to find a cure within a 3 month time. It’s a fun and fantastic adventure! It’s a story all ages will love to read and experience!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2022-11-22 23:27:502022-11-25 11:53:46Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lauren West
Even though this book is aimed toward middle school ages, I still read this to my younger kids (ages 5 and 8). It was easy to read to them and they understood what was happening in the story. They loved every minute of reading this to them and requested we read it again soon. In the meantime, they’ve been pretending to be like Gwendolyn and “shape-shifting” into different animals. It’s so much fun watching them use their imaginations.
This was a cute story! I was impressed with the level of imagery the author used for this book, so much so that I feel like unless it’s an older child reading this book, it would go over the top of many children’s heads. I really enjoyed how sweet the characters were, and the focal point of the story being nature. There is a good opportunity in this book to teach children about the changing seasons as well. Overall this was a cute story that I enjoyed reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-11-22 20:22:322022-11-25 11:56:04Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Rachel Moss
I have loved all of Lois Wickstrom’s books, but this one was different than the others I’ve read from her. Dream-Shifter is geared towards kids that are 7-12 years old, and everyone in my household enjoyed it! I highly recommend picking this up and sharing it with the kids in your life.
Gwendolyn is a middle school dream-shifter. When she dreams, she turns into different animals depending on each dream, which sounds like an amazing talent! Typically, she awakens as a human again but when she is startled awake, she is stuck as an elk. Gwendolyn doesn’t know what to do next and to make matters worse, it’s elk hunting season! Will she be able to find anyone who can help her, or is she stuck as an elk forever?
I really enjoy Lois Wickstrom’s books and Dream Shifter sounded so promising so I was incredibly surprised by the fact that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. Dream Shifter was still chock full of all the wonderful lessons that the author uses her stories to teach such as learning ways to handle our problems in healthy ways, if you can’t solve a problem one way search for another, we are always learning in life’s classroom, animal welfare for the elks during hunting season, how people should always ask before touching someone, and maintaining awareness. One thing that confused me was how the subject matter switched from middle grade to young adult, for example, I’m not really sure that what I would consider middle grade aged children would be thinking about paying for massages before big races. Second, a middle grade child obsessing over winning the race to earn money for journalism school. Also, once Gwendolyn gets to the magic house I couldn’t tell if the other characters were her friends or if they really didn’t like each other because they seemed to be really mean and manipulative. Gwendolyn’s parents also seemed weirdly detached, and behaved as if she was a much older child. Although I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would I will still be looking forward to this authors other books and stories.
Amaleigha is a five-year-old with the world in her hands! She loves the outdoors and wants to share that love with everyone she knows. When she sparks an idea to do just that, her family pitches in to make her dream a reality. Before she knows it, one small girl has made a huge difference in her community!
I can’t say enough how cute this book is. My seven-year-old loved reading it and following along with Amaleigha’s adventure. I had the opportunity to spark conversation and get his mind thinking about what he would do in Amaleigha’s situation. The illustrations are bright and attractive, really helping to bring the story to life. This is a fun and engaging story that I think could be enjoyed by many ages.
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 Leger2022-11-22 20:01:552023-08-05 13:51:40Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Nakyshia Leger
Gwendolyn is a really sweet pre-teen who has an interesting trait. When she sleeps, she becomes the animal she dreams of, then wakes up as a human again. The only problem is that if she is startled awake, she stays as the animal she is. Turns out it happens to her by an alarm, and she is stuck as an elk till she finds a way to get it fixed. She is told of a magician and goes to them for help. She has an adventure doing so and learning things along the way. It’s a cute read for teens.
This is a cute story. Not really a run of the mill paranormal tale. It was a different kind of a shifter story that I really enjoyed. The story had some adventures and I enjoyed going through them. I have read other stories by this author and like how she weaves her stories. I will look forward to reading more from her.
This is an adorable story that’s geared towards children aged 4-7 years old. Amaleigh is an amazing child of five who loves nature. She loves being outdoors. She comes up with a big idea to share her love of nature with the world. The story shows that no matter what your age is, if you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything. At the end of the book, there is some interesting information on how to do what Amaleigh did. If everyone could see the world through the eyes of a child, the world would be a much better place.
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 Hirsch2022-11-22 17:47:382022-11-25 11:54:27Amaleigh and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Anna Hirsch
Amaleigha is a five year old who has the gift of observing all the wonders nature has to bring. Amaleigha comes up with an idea to share her joy with others in this book. The story was delightful, I liked Amaleigha and thought the illustrations were vibrant and captured the spirit of the book. I also learned about something new from Amaleigha’s idea.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2022-11-22 16:48:142022-11-25 11:48:39Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Emily H
I read the Dwarve’s Dilemma with my 6 year old daughter and we both loved it. It was a great, unique take on what it is like to be fair to one another. I often enjoy reading this author to my children, especially the stories that have an element for science to them. I love a children’s book that teaches important life lessons as wel. This book has that as well as fun characters and really cool illustrations. Another fun book to add to our bedtime story rotation!
I do not read many books aimed at teens, but this was such a fun book to read and easy to get into. Gwendolyn is a dream-shifter that changes into the form she is dreaming about, and comes out as an elk, right at elk hunting season. Now she has to learn what it means to be an elk, and try to return to herself, without being hunted. That aside, she is also challenged by time. If she doesn’t find a way to revert to her human form within 3 months, she will remain an elk forever. This is definitely geared towards the middle school chapter book genre, and my kids would easily love this one, but even as an adult it made me smile and appreciate it. I would recommend it to anyone that wants something a little unique.
Gwendolyn is not your typical 12-year-old girl. At night when she goes to sleep, she can shift into the shape of any animal that she dreams of. Usually when she wakes up, she is human again. Up until the day there is a fire in her home and a fire alarm wakes her up in the middle of the night. Now Gwendolyn is an elk and is unable to shift back to human form. She is anxious to shift back to human form because she has Journalism camp that she wants to attend. Oh, and there is the problem that it is elk hunting season.
Gwendolyn asks for help from a magician, but he seems to be unable to shift her back. The magician does give her access to his magical library in case there is a book that can help her. Of course, the book she needs has a magical spell on it and she cannot get anywhere near it. Will Gwendolyn shift back to human form before Journalism camp begins? Will she be able to keep safe as an elk from the hunters?
A very cute story geared towards 8–12-year-olds. This book contains magic, drama, and adventure with some twists and turns along the way. Gwendolyn is a remarkable young girl who is smart, funny, and brave despite the odds she is faced with. She knows want she wants and will not be deterred by obstacles that get in her way. A beautiful story about self-discovery and the importance of not giving up.
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 Barnes2022-11-22 14:53:092022-11-25 11:47:26Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
If you’re a fan of Lois Wickstrom’s books and the Disney movie, Seeing Red, you will love this selection! Gwendolyn, a middle school student, is a very determined and goal-oriented girl with ambitions of one day being a journalist. Her main priorities right now are finishing her paper on time and a running competition where the prize money will go towards a journalism camp at the university. Then unexpectedly, there is a fire in her home and realizes she needs to escape when she wakes up as an elk. The changing into the elk doesn’t come too much of a surprise as Gwendolyn comes from a family of dream-shifters, humans that can transform into animals while dreaming. The unfortunate part is that now Gwendolyn is stuck in this animal form. She then embarks on a mission to continue her strides to make it to journalism camp and find a way to transform herself back to human form before time runs out. Being a kids book, there are so many great takeaways from the situation Gwendolyn has been dealt with. Learning to be flexible, sticking to your goals, coming up with new ideas, and seeking others in times of need are all great points to be instilled in kids. Another great thing for kids to enjoy is that fantasy aspect, which is a big trend nowadays. Thinking of this as I’m reading the book is to seek the opportunity of reading this book along with your kid/pre-teen together. This opens up such great discussions and bonding as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2022-11-22 13:45:402023-08-05 13:52:35Dream-Shifter. Book Review by Jennifer Ramos
This is not my first read by Lois Wickstrom, I think her books are very entertaining, short reads for children of all ages. This one, Dream-shifter is geared towards the older adolescents, but is without a doubt a great story! Imagine waking up and you are the animal that you were dreaming of!! Gwendolyn is a dream-shifter, she transforms into any animal when she is asleep but turns back into her human form as long as she isn’t startled awake. Well, one night all of that changes and a fire at Gwendolyn’s home startles her awake and she finds herself stuck waking up as an elk. And despite Gwendolyn’s best efforts, she is stuck as an elk for quite some time, will she ever change back into her human form, or will she forever be stuck wondering around as an elk?? Lois Wickstrom definitely covered suspense, adventure, and great character building!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2022-11-22 11:49:312022-12-08 15:00:52Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Mary Espinoza
Amaleigha is a five year old girl with big ideas, she lives with her parents and brother, but she isn’t like most children, Amaleigha spends most of her time outdoors exploring her favourite places in her backyard forest.
One day while she is running around and enjoying herself, she has a big idea and it is the best one she has had yet, but can she get her family on board to help her realise it?
This is a heart-warming tale about love and how imagination can lead to ideas and ideas to reality, in this inspirational and fun book for all ages.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-11-22 05:08:052022-11-25 11:44:37Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Jan Pratt – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Albert is a turkey and lives on a turkey farm, he knows that he will probably be eaten at thanksgiving like all of the other turkeys there, but he doesn’t want to be, which turkey would?
So when a family start to look at him, he knows what is coming, so he does everything he can to change their minds. While he is thinking of what to do, he sees on a tv in the shop, that the President has pardoned his thanksgiving turkey, can he get this family to do the same for him and let him live in Turkey Pardon Park for the rest of his days?
This is a story which has an interesting premise and is done in a way that is fun and educational all at the same time, a good book for young and old alike.
Samantha Shannon has done it again! This book was SO MUCH FUN! I have a cat who is very much like Lucas. His adventures and his friends are just what I imagine my cat to be. The illustrations really bring the words to life and the cadence of the story is very smooth. Coupled with the activities at the end of the story, this is another book that really delivers a good time!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie stapletonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie stapleton2022-11-22 01:29:262022-11-25 11:48:06Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by katie stapleton
This is super cute ! I adore the encouragement & appreciation for the different ways a mind can work. Amaleigha is innovative & altruistic. My children loved her idea so much that the links at the end sparked a fantastic conversation. Amazing book for kids!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lalihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLali2022-11-21 23:24:452022-11-25 11:43:40Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by LaliLovely
Amaleigha is an adorable 5 year old girl who wants to change the world. Imagine if 5 year olds ran the world!! There would be all sorts of fun activities and that’s just want Amaleigha wants. She goes off running barefoot through the woods, laying in the grass looking up at the sky, playing in water…she’s become one with nature and loves how it makes her feel. It’s her desire to share that with everyone so one night after dinner, she shares her plan with her family and they wholeheartedly support her.
This is a great book to inspire confidence in a young mind. It also goes to show that you can do anything you set your mind too. This book, while it features a young girl, could also be applied to a young boy as well.
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 Johnson2022-11-21 21:11:392022-11-25 11:46:53Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Julie Johnson
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