Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hay Goes Home was a very cute children’s book! The pictures are very vibrant and fun to look at! They definitely capture the eye. My daughter who is seven very much enjoyed the book with me.
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.Goodreads – The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom
Bookbub – The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom
~ AMAZON ~
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom
Lois Wickstrom lives in a world where imaginary playmates are real. She doesn’t remember being born, so she finds unbirthdays are more exciting than the official once-a-year date on the calendar. She’s taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales.
The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found this book to be so cute and fun! It walks you through a mystery Lunar New Year adventure with Lorie and Weina. The girls have lost their lucky new year red envelopes that they have been saving up to replace a bracelet for their grandma. This book keeps you on your toes while you follow the girls along their day and also trying to find said missing envelopes. I loved seeing another side of Asian American culture and the different things that they do/celebrate compared to my own family. This book had my children hooked while we followed the girls back through their day. The traditions and holiday excitement was so fun. I really enjoyed the simple illustrations as well. My girls 9 and 12 both enjoyed reading this book with me and learning about others. It also lined up with their cultural days at school so they learned so much this week!
Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Detective Dylan, Emily and Theodore the family dog are back at it. They never leave home without Dylan’s Detective Kit. But this time they are off to play baseball. Once they get to the ball field they notice the baseball plates are missing. So they go in search of the missing plates. First off let me put out there that this story is not only educational but brings together siblings. Yes this big brother enjoys spending time with his little sister. As for Emily she is a big help as the team works together. This author has done quite nicely in bringing these siblings together. This story is quite the page turner. It is captivating and interesting. The characters also play big parts in the story.They set a great example to our young readers. Also at the end of this chapter book there is a list of big words with explanations of the words and where to find them in the story. I love that! I love an open-ended story. This one is fantastic.
Review@cinful
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I picked up Nessie and the Celtic Maze I expected a children’s book, with lots of pictures, what I received though was a middle grade, short, novel, that didn’t have pictures. Although not what I expected I still really enjoyed the story. This is book number 3 in the series. I love Lois’s imaginative, engaging story writing.
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hay Goes Home is another wonderful addition in the Adventures of Cray childrens book series. This specific story is about Hay taking Cray home for her mother’s birthday. G pa talks about struggles throughout the journey, how it’s ok to ask for help if you need it, how you can rely on your friends, how to work together, and being brave. I enjoyed the beautiful illustrations along with the storyline and lessons that were able to be learned.
Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very enjoyable book! Young readers who are learning to read in small chapters will love this story about Dylan and his little sister Emily. They are going to baseball practice and when they arrive, their coach explains that all the bases have been stolen. Dylan thought to grab his Youth Sleuth kit prior to leaving home so he and Emily are on the lookout for the stolen bases. They come across various groups of people in the park before finally locating the missing bases.
A super fun, adventurous book that features Theodore, who is Dylan and Emily’s dog. He’s also a part of their sleuthing team! It’s short enough to keep the attention of an emerging reader and would also make a great bedtime story!
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We were so excited to pick up another book by this author! I haven’t found anything I disliked about his books yet because he has such a way with words. Rhyming is great for kids, but I find myself bouncing along with the rhythm as well. Somehow, he created something that is part rhythmic fun and part valuable life lesson. The list of courage builders at the end was something I hadn’t seen before and made my kids add more ideas to their own courage lists! We all experience these big feelings like fear, panic, relief, and bravery, so to learn about it in a children’s book was fascinating! It should absolutely be focused on more with earlier development. The illustrations were icing on top of a delicious cake as well. I highly recommend sharing this with kiddos in your life whether that’s in your family or in your classroom!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has been the cutest series we’ve read in a long time! This is the third book in the Nessie’s Grotto Series, and it is quite an entertaining adventure. Lois Wickstrom is one of our favorite authors, so my kids and I read this together with excitement. The way this world is portrayed is so magical and makes me wish we were part of it. You’re grabbed from the very first page and your attention is held throughout the entire book. We follow as we try to find Princess Sheona, who is Nessie’s Daughter. She’s stuck in a maze, and it seems like all hope is lost. Can Linda and Craig get to her in time? I highly recommend picking this up and enjoying it with the younger ones in your life!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hay Goes Home is Book Four in The Adventures of Cray Series. It is a children’s book told in rhymes that follows the adventures of Cray the Crab and his friends. On his latest adventure Cray is going with his friend Hay the Fox to Hay’s mom’s birthday party. To get there they need to travel through the woods, cross the river, and get through overgrown shrubs. They must overcome numerous obstacles along the way but thankfully they meet some new friends who help them. A beautiful story that teaches important lessons about friendship, teamwork, perseverance, courage, and the importance of asking for help. The bright and colorful illustrations really bring the story to life.
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hay the Fox and Cray the Crab are going on an adventure together, they are going to visit Jay’s mum because it is her birthday and they have been invited to the party, but it is a long way off, so they set off in good time.
As they travel, the dynamic duo see lots of animals and plants, but unfortunately, the journey isn’t as easy as they first thought and so when they reach a fast-flowing river, they must admit they need help.
Who will they find to help them get to their destination and will they be in time for the party? This is a charming book with a wonderful message about courage, kindness, and bravery in an easy-to-understand way as these two friends discover some important lessons on the way to a fun filled activity.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom has once again taken me back to being a young person. I so very much enjoyed this very adorable chapter book. It was full of amazing characters, a little mystery, friendship, loyalty, acceptance, and all the things that being a kid encompass. Lois has written the story so beautifully that illustrations aren’t necessary. If you’ve got a young person, ages 7-10 (or any age, really, if they’re interested, of course) I highly recommend this book (like allllll her other books) be added to your library. She is an amazing author.
Review By
Manda Kelly
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These books by G Pa Rhymes are always full of beautiful illustrations. I absolutely love them. I read these with my son and we enjoy them. They always have a great lesson too. This one teaches about courage and that it’s okay to ask for help sometimes. Cray and Hay are great friends going on an adventure. They also meet some new friends along the way.
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We always go on some type of adventure with a Lois Wickstrom book. This one is no different. It is filled with magic and monsters! The details given are vivid and really allow the reader, whether young or old, to follow along on the journey through the maze. What a fun read! Will they help the princess? Read to find out!
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even though this isn’t my first time reading stories by Lois Wickstrom, this is my first time reading any of the Nessie books. It’s a really intriguing and adventurous read. Perfect chapter book to read with your little ones that are a little older. It’s short and fun 🥰 another hit with my older nephew who is just starting out with chapter books. We’re gonna have to go back to read the previous two books of the series. we look forward to reading more about Linda and Craig’s adventures and also look forward to reading more from this author🥰
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We didn’t realize this book was the third in a series. We picked it because of the title and the cover picture. Plus we have read other books by Ms Wickstrom. The book is easy to read for my kids and the magic of Nessie’s story kept their minds wondering and asking questions. They really enjoyed reading about how Craig and Linda helped Princess Sheona who was stuck in the maze.
The story is beautifully written and the characters were relatable for my children. I kind of wish I could have read this book as a child too. So much imagination to keep children dreaming!
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another super cute story by this author. It teaches lessons on friendship and bravery while keeping us adults interested. It’s a beautifully illustrated story that can be read and enjoyed by anyone.
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah. These are the best kids books. I love everyone of them. In this installment Craig and Linda’s parents have decided to go to Canada for vacation and stay away from the Loch Ness. The kids do find a maze and get caught up in it trying to find their way from Canada to Scotland. Navigating this maze is all in hopes to save the Princess! Will they succeed? Read this cute kids book for ages 7-12. My 11 year old nephew loves these stories and we’ve read them all together. This story touches on being unafraid of the unknown and doing brave things. This book is the perfect addition to your families library and a teacher’s classroom!
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another superb story from this series. Cray goes on an adventure that would be unknown to him if he had not befriended Hay. Leaving the beach he sets off for the woods. This one covers how one can be brave and asking for help as both animals need to learn to utilize that in here. There are great tips for building courage in the back of the book.
As always I want to mention the illustration in here. Between the wonderful story and the brilliant illustration this is a winner for kids and adults! I look forward to more adventures with Cray.
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third installment in the Nessie series and it is my personal favorite! Craig and Linda’s parents have decided to vacation in Canada this year and stay away from Loch Ness. However, they still manage to get wrapped up in another Nessie adventure when her daughter needs their help navigating a dilapidated underwater maze. I love Wickstrom’s writing and the continuation of the storyline. I can’t wait to see where she’ll take us next!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
View all my reviews
The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read many of Lois Wickstrom’s picture books with my son. They have always been a hit with us. This is no different! This book was fun and witty. It kept my son’s attention (and mine as well). This book was a great adventure and flowed beautifully. Of course since it is a chapter book, it doesn’t have pictures. It’s all left up to your imagination. The job of an author is to weave details into the story so you feel like you are there with the characters. Lois did not disappoint!
The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Timmy Covert is a young man in sixth grade, he is currently staying with his Grandma while his parents are away and his life with her is slightly unusual, especially when he finds out that his Grandma has bought a rat called Hildegarde, but he doesn’t find out from her, he finds out when the little rat starts scraping the wall under his bed in the middle of the night, it also just happens that it is the same night as an earthquake hits Pillow, Pennsylvania, the town where Timmy lives with his Grandma!
As Timmy and his Grandma start to train Hildegarde, the neighbour next door starts acting in a suspicious way and so they decide to send Hildegarde in to see what is going on, so this is where Hildegarde’s training begins with earnest, but that is not the only thing, which is strange in Pillow, a mysterious woman who speaks German and an FBI agent turn up on the Covert’s doorstep asking questions and showing interest in strange things, not to mention that Timmy is still going to school and spending time with his friends and family all at the same time.
Will Timmy and his Grandma be able to train Hildegarde and make her some miniature spy equipment in time to solve the mystery of the earthquakes and the next-door neighbours’ antics? This is a cozy mystery with a cute animal and her reluctant trainer as you follow along through this tangled web and become a reluctant spy yourself.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again the artwork is fantastic, really eye catching 🥰 I do love the little adventure that Cray goes on lol and how he and Hay got to meet all those cool other animals. They not only became friends with them all but the other animals helped teach them a valuable lesson along the way. I also enjoyed the list the author included at the end . I will definitely be trying it out. I truly look forward to reading more stories by this author 🥰 if you haven’t read any books yet I 10/10 recommend 🥰
Great story, thrilling and full of adventure. This is a fast read, that will draw you in to the end. These are books that can be read in the series or stand alone. Recommend for book lover.Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great story, thrilling and full of adventure. This is a fast read, that will draw you in to the end. These are books that can be read in the series or stand alone. Recommend for book lover.
The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adventurous Read! I just love this author and how she is able to draw you and keep you to the end. This story is more of a chapter book geared towards elementary age. Great introduction into chapter books. Recommended to all readers. Looking forward to the next great read.
The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun read about a boy named Timothy who finds a rat under his bed. He’s afraid of his grandmother finding it and screaming so he’s doing everything he can to get it out of the house. Grandma already knows about the rat though and she’s telling Timothy how this is a special rat. Hildegard is going to take them on adventures and help solve a mystery plaguing the community.
This is a longer read by this author. An emerging chapter reader could easily follow along with this book. There are a few German words scattered throughout, which is a great way to garner interest in a new language. True to this author’s style, there are also STEM components in this story.
Overall, a great read that I recommend!
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a fun read. It’s the third book in the series. This short chapter book is geared towards 8-12 year olds. This author knows how to keep her readers interested. This book was fun, mysterious, adventurous, and full of magic.
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great book in the Adventures of Cray book series. Cray the Crab and Hay the Fox go on a sweet adventure to get Hay to his mother’s birthday party. They face many obstacles along the way and get help from each other and from some friends. They also learn how to be brave and how to work together. This is a great book for early readers.
The Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is another fantastic, adventurous piece written by this author. It has adventure along with teaching you something as well. The characters are relatable and like someone you would meet on the street. My daughter loves this author.
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nessie and the Celtic Spy is the third book in the Nessie’s Grotto Series. Cute book and interesting story about Craig and Linda and their quest to help Princess Sheona. The kids find quite the adventure between Canada and Scotland and the Celtic maze they must navigate to save the princess. This is a great book for children in the 7-12 age range. A fun story line, adventures with Nessie from Loch Ness, and so much more. I found this an entertaining story and I imagine children would love it, too.