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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Torey Foster

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Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Off is the second book in the Bake Believe series. It is a fun story of a young girl coming into her own, really starting to discover herself, and her family in a whole new way.
She doesn’t only have normal teen issues to deal with, like school, and boys. She has a special gift that she doesn’t understand and is having trouble getting a handle on it. In this book, she takes a trip to visit her family in Arizona, hoping to learn more about her gift and her family. She wants to use her gift for good but she has to understand it first.
Once again the author has done an amazing job pulling you into the pages of the book. They don’t just tell you how the character feels, they bring it to life so that you can imagine the feeling as if it is happening to you. The story is light and funny and the main character learns some life lessons along the way. There is just enough mystery to without getting too complicated, making this book perfect for anyone from the age of 10 and up. This book is just very well written. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and I would definitely recommend.

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Bake Believe (Bake Believe Series Book 1) by Cori Cooper – Review by Torey Foster

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Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Believe is a story of a young girl who is a little boy crazy and determined to enjoy every second of life. Through a happy accident she comes to find that she has a special ability when she bakes. Not special like her food tastes good, special like magical!
This is a fantastic story for ages from middle school to adult. Not only is the story cute and funny, but the artist has the gift of making you feel like you are part of the story, experiencing it right along with the character.
This book should carry a warning though! Each chapter is followed by a delicious recipe that you will want to try.
I would recommend this book to anyone ages 10 and up! Looking forward to reading the rest if the series

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Oliver: A Story of Adoption Review by Tanya Wall

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sweet story is about Oliver, who is adopted. Oliver has quite the imagination and likes to play pirate up in the maple tree. The tree he picks is not strong enough to keep him up and he falls. Oliver’s daddy tells him he needs to go to his room and think about how to play safely. Oliver is so disappointed having to go to his room, he begins to cry and feel sorry for himself. While in his room, he imagines what his life would be like if he hadn’t been adopted. Oliver goes through many scenarios and at the end, he realizes that he is lucky to live with his adoptive parents after all.

I really enjoyed the story of Oliver. It is a relatable story. I raised three boys and while they aren’t adopted, I could see them thinking that when they were in trouble that their “real” parents wouldn’t treat them that way! The illustrations are beautiful and go nicely with the story. I think this book is for any young reader or any young one being read to – whether adopted or not.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A lovely sweet story about Oliver who knows he is adopted. His dad sends him to his room after he falls out of a tree whilst playing. When he goes to his room he imagines what life would have been if he wasn’t adopted. This is a lovely black and white picture book and is perfect for adults and children alike.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great kids’ book. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. I have a nephew who is adopted, so we can relate to the story line of this book. I would recommend this book to all book lovers and children. Fast read and will definitely reread this one again.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great children’s story and I love Oliver. This story is a little journey of Oliver and what if’s about this true birth parents after he gets himself in a bit of trouble….but never mad nor sad about being adopted. The book is engaging and I loved the pictures on each page. This story is for young and old alike.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kelli Harper

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An adopted lizard-like creature named Oliver is all up in his feelings about getting scolded by his dad. Oliver then starts wondering what his birth parents would have been like and how he would have been treated if they hadn’t given him up.

A talk with his mom helps him understand he is where he is in their lives because they chose him.
Cute story about feelings and coping with being adopted.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver is a sweet lil one who has several questions. The biggest one is why he was adopted and what it might have been like to stay with his original family. He gets in trouble with his dad and has some time to reflect on his emotions. There is a lot going on at once in his little mind! Ultimately, Oliver realizes that he is loved and cared for right where he is.

This is a super cute book to read with the littles in your life (or have them read it to you!). The illustrations are good but I would have liked to have seen a little more color. This is a great way to have conversations about the different types of families, as well as how to deal with different emotions one might be feeling.

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Reviewed by: @Faithfulgirl4

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Oliver, A Story About Adoption - UpdatedOliver, A Story About Adoption – Updated by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story shines a light on adoption and bringing one into the fold of a family. What child adopted or not wish for or think about having different parents whenever they are told off. Lois’s stories always have messages/learning tools in them. Kids between the ages of 4 – 8 will like Oliver even if they don’t understand the message.

This hit home as we have been fostering a cat and he is finding his place in the family and after his surgery today, we are adopting him.

It also made me smile because when Oliver is sulking it reminds me of my dog when sulking who turns away so he is facing the other way and will not even acknowledge us.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Janel Bernotas

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Janel Bernotas

Another adorable story by Lois Wickstrom! On this one, Oliver is the main character and knows he is adopted. He gets in trouble and sent to his room for climbing a tree. He’s upset and angry at the fact that he’s being punished. He imagines what it’d be like to have other parents, what it’d be like if his birth parents kept him, why his birth parents gave him up for adoption. In the end, he goes back downstairs and chats with his parents about adoption. This is a cute and explanatory story that I think would be helpful in explaining adoption to young children. I love the black and white sketched illustrations too! Very well done, yet again, Lois Wickstrom!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Truex

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved Oliver! When Oliver gets in trouble, he thinks of what his birth parents are doing and how they would treat him. As his father tells him, all kids whether adopted or not, think of life with different parents. I think this is a great book to help kids understand feelings and learn about adoption. Oliver’s character is so lovable and the illustrations will keep your child interested.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

Oliver: A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom is a story for children from ages 4 to 8. It is a sweet story about adoption, acceptance, family, love, and also a little about managing emotions.
Oliver is adopted, and after a bit of an accident he is sent to his room where he starts sulking and begins to wonder what his ‘real parents’ are like and how his life could be so different with them.
A cute story with likeable characters and interesting illustrations.
Happy Reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Michelle Mulvey

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought the book was ok. I didn’t like some of the wording but that was just my opinion. The point of the story is good though. Oliver got in trouble and sent to his room by his dad. Oliver was adopted and thinks how life would be with his birth parents. He wonders why he was adopted and thinks of different reasons. At the end he goes down stairs and all is forgotten and is happy again with his mom and dad who had adopted him.

review by @xchellex

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this children’s story. This is a story about how you feel when you are made by your parents. A story that had Oliver question what his birth parents would be like and the things he could do. It is a great story that has engaging illustrations that will keep your children interacting with the story. I enjoyed how the story had parts that would keep the child’s attention. Oliver is a great character. He is likable and added so much to the story. This is a great book for any child. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars

Such a cute story. I like that it showcases that Oliver wasn’t sad about being adopted, just like any kid who gets mad at their parents, they sometimes wish or imagine what life would have been like with someone else or somewhere else. I know I did the same when I was mad at my parents. The artwork is beautiful and all around a sweet adoption story.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Whitney Morrison

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute book! My 7 year old daughter absolutely loved it and so did I. My husband was adopted so it brought up great conversation between the two of us. We also really liked the illustrations that went with the story. Great kids book!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oliver was playing pirates and fell out of a tree. He could have gotten really hurt, but didn’t. However, his daddy told him to stop playing in the tree because it wasn’t strong enough. This made Oliver mad and started to question where his real parents are, Oliver is adopted. Oliver thinks about all the places that his parents may be, but ultimately decides that it was for the best because they couldn’t take care of him. After cooling off, he makes his way to the kitchen where his parents are baking cookies – he got to lick the batter. He tells his parents that he could have had a completely different life. While that may be true, his parents reassured him that he was very much wanted by them and that made Oliver feel better. I love books on a diverse subject. This would be great for those who were adopted to be able to read about it. While I think the animal chosen for the book is a little weird looking I am sure kids won’t mind.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Yellowtulips11

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am new to the Mermaid Science Series by Lois Wickstrom. I read this book with my little girl, who is obsessed with all things mermaid! The storyline is sweet and endearing and I love how the author mixes fiction and science so perfectly. Maia and Fig are sweet little friends who inspired us to plan our own picnic. If only we could meet a mermaid on our adventures!!!

My daughter and I really enjoyed this book. I was a great bed time read and we plan to read the other books in the series soon.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very well-written book about adoption and the feelings that kids may have. Not only does it cover how an adopted child may feel but it also talks about how children may feel when they are mad at their parents and might wish they want a different life. I appreciate how the author approached the topic and made it a fun story that is entertaining yet covers real and important topics. This is a story that I will be sharing with my grandson. We have custody of him and it will help us explain some of how he feels is normal. Big feelings are okay. Great book that I recommend.

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by stephanie nicole

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Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a really great sequel to the first book. It was a perfect clean teen read with enough surprises to keep you guessing. The first book was great but this sequel really took the cake. Full of teen angst, a hint of romance, and plenty of humor this book was a great read and definitely parent approved.

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Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom

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Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
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Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 24
Cover Designer – Priscilla Marden

Oliver is stuck in his room. His father sent him there for playing in a tree that was too young to be climbed. Oh, if only he still lived with his birthparents! What could he do if he were with them? Be a scientist? Or a trapeze artist? Do other people wish for other parents when they are angry with their own?  Updated to adoption language of the 21st century.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom

Lois is a former high school chemistry teacher and former head science teacher at Science in the City Summer Camp in Philadelphia. She has also been an adjunct science teacher at the University of South Florida. Since retiring, she continues to take science classes. Her class in Forensic Biology led to Little Red, The Detective, in which Red is studying fingerprint identification, so she can tell that “Grandma” isn’t who she says she is.

Lois has taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales. She has invented what she calls Science Folktales. In each science-based tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending than the original because of learning scientific principles. She has turned some of these tales into plays for children.

She has also created a series of Mermaid Science stories, which make use of water science.

Lois is married to the love of her life. She has two children and four grandchildren, and a dog. She gardens, rides her bike, and tries to save the planet.

Author Interview with Lois Wickstrom

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ GOODREADS ~ YOUTUBE ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAM~ FACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Moriah Venable

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

During a picnic, Maia the Mermaid makes an ice cube necklace for Trezzie.

When Fig almost drowns in the water, the ice on the necklace becomes bigger and helps Fig stay above the water, being used as a life preserver.

Reading this made me feel like I was back in 5th grade science class. Learning about the phases of water. Now only did I enjoy the pictures but it was great to learn about water and how it freezes.

I think I am starting to get into middle grade books again after so many years of not reading them.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So many great things to say about this book! The illustrations are beautiful and very colorful, first and foremost. They will capture the eye and grab the reader’s attention! I love the story too! Maia and Fig are having a picnic and Maia is showing Fig how to make an ice cube necklace. Fig has a lot of questions about the ice cubes….why are they getting smaller…how do they float on water…how to blow the hole to add the string. Then, Fig falls into the water and the necklace is thrown to her to help her to safety. I love how the author intertwines science with safety in this cute little book! The last page goes into more scientific depth about ice and water. There are elements in this book that will appeal to all young learners!

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Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Science is all around you.

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube, Mermaid Science, by Lois Wickstrom, is part of an interesting series of books that help the readers see that science is all around them, not just in a classroom. Kids of all ages will get excited about learning science from everyday objects. The illustrations are beautifully rendered, with fun colors and scenes. This is a fast read that can lead to a fun learning experience by talking about and recreating things the characters did in the book.
Maia and Fig are having a picnic when Trezzie, the mermaid, shows up. Trezzie loves the way the ice cubes sparkle and asks them to make her a necklace out of them. As they do they talk about all kinds of things about ice, water, and how it changes forms and melts. When Maia gives Trezzie the necklace, Fig (who can’t see Trezzie because she doesn’t believe in mermaids) sees the necklace floating in the water and decides to jump in after it. As she’s swimming for the necklace she has a leg cramp, will the mermaid she can’t see save her?
I found this to be a great way to open up a discussion on water safety with the readers. The author has not only brought science to everyday life, but the need to believe in things, and also how it’s important to be safe and think before you act. I think parents, teachers, and kids alike will love this book and learn from it. The last page goes into more scientific details about water and all its forms, so even adults or older children can learn or refresh their knowledge.

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Kay Stritesky

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Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cute coming of age story that does not disappoint by Cori Cooper! Bake Off is the second book following Bake Believe, back with the same wonderful characters and introduced to new ones! As we learn the family secrets and see some competition this is the perfect book for a teen coming of age and looking for a clean read with humor, a little romance, and tons of twists and turns to keep the readers attention!
The recipes are a nice added bonus as well!

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Faith Jackson

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Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very fun and easily readable. I love the story is interesting and holds your attention. Multilayered and fast paced. Get into this series.

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jamie Truex

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Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat is back! This time her and her family travel to meet GG and her aunt for Thanksgiving vacation. She learns about the family bakery and why her mom refuses to cook. Again there are recipes at each chapter, which really are part of the book! Love the writing style and the characters. Highly recommend.

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Bake Believe (Bake Believe Series Book 1) by Cori Cooper – Review by

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Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is pretty good. From the characters who are adorable and funny to how entertaining the author makes baking for kids, teens and adults alike. Cat is so cute with her crush! Very good read that I highly recommend!

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maia and Fig are beside the lake, having a picnic of lemonade and sandwiches, as they are eating, Trezzie the mermaid comes over to see them and asks about the ice cubes in their lemonade, when she sees how pretty they are, she asks Maia to make them into a necklace for her. As Maia does this, Fig cannot see Trezzie and becomes jealous when Maia gives her the necklace and because she thinks it is just floating away, she goes into the lake to rescue it, but when she does, Fig gets a leg cramp and nearly drowns, but Trezzie comes to the rescue.

Will Fig start to believe in Trezzie now she has rescued her? This is a charming book with lots of facts, as well as a lovely message which is a joy for all ages.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Making learning fun!
This colourful scientific tale was a delight to read. Aimed at early childhood readers, the bright illustrations and simple language convey an important science lesson. Interwoven is also a message of friendship and trust. A beautiful resource for a home or school library.

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