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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Jenni Bishop

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The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Missing Red Envelopes is another fun and heartwarming chapter book that will captivate young readers by Yobe Qiu with lovely illustrations by Kris Fulk. It is an Asian kids story.
Follow along as Lorie and Weina solve the mystery of the missing red envelopes and share in the ancient custom of gifting and receiving red envelopes. This cultural tale makes it an interesting read and a learning experience all in one. I for one have learnt something new.
Discover the joy of Lunar New Year festivities in this lovely tale where young gather around their elders and family to share wishes for good health, before they receive bountiful gifts.
The book is aimed at those between the ages of 7 – 12 years of age.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Jennifer Crain

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The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The Missing Red Envelopes” by Yobe Quin is a captivating mystery novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The story follows protagonist Maya, a girl who searches for missing red envelopes on Lunar New Year.

Quin’s writing style is engaging and creates a rich and vivid world for readers to immerse themselves in.

Overall, “The Missing Red Envelopes” is a compelling read that will appeal to young fans of mystery.

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Carrie Reed

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The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful book. I love reading about other cultures and traditions. The pictures along with the book are beautiful and make the story that much more interesting. It is so nice to hear that the children are able to get out of school to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The tradition of family members handing out red envelopes with money to the children in their family is such a cool part of many Asian cultures. It is especially sweet that the sisters are wanting to save to spend their money on someone other than themselves. The sisters work together to find their lucky envelopes that were left behind, and Lorie as the oldest sister feels it is on her to protect Weina and solve the mystery. I love the patience she shows her sister even in the face of losing all the red envelopes, she didn’t yell at her sister she calmly talks it out. I wish I could have seen them buy the jade bracelet in the end!

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Carrie Reed

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun third book to the Nessie series. I think Craig and Linda’s parents by the end of this book are about tired of hearing the words “Nessie” and “monsters” and they may not take a vacation near water ever again. I really liked the magic of Craig and Linda going through the maze to help Princess Sheona, starting in Canada and ending up in Scotland, where they first met Nessie. It seems there is a new hero to help Nessie out in place of Craig and Linda, Angus. It was entertaining to read from the Canadian side of the maze with Craig and Linda and then switch to the Scottish side with Angus and his mother. I like how Angus’ mom encouraged him the whole time and helped him accept the task of being a courageous knight to save Princess Sheona.

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Shelly Kittell

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The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a neat children’s story. It tells about the custom of the Red Envelopes that is part of the Lunar New Year. The illustrations are pretty. I found it was a neat way to teach a child about other cultures. I read this to my granddaughter and she really enjoyed it. She loved the story so much that I’ll be getting a paper copy for our family library.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Sarah King

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Wickstrom’s third book in her Nessie’s Grotto series. My niece and nephew couldn’t wait to see what would happen on Craig and Linda’s summer adventures this year. They have enjoyed several of Wickstrom’s other books, including the first two in this series. They have really been drawn into each book in the series, looking forward to the next. The illustrations are well done and engaging. I would recommend this book to others.

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu

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🔶 .•°*°•.🔶 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🔶 .•°*°•.🔶
The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Asian, Kids
Page Count – 69
Cover Designer – Kris Fulk

Goodreads- The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu

Bookbub- The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the two Asian American girls from NYC eagerly anticipate the festive celebrations – from watching the vibrant parade to indulging in delicious Asian cuisine and cherishing precious family moments. The highlight of the occasion is receiving lucky red envelopes filled with surprises from their relatives. However, excitement turns to mystery when Weina realized she lost all of her red envelopes! What will they do?
In this heartwarming 5×7 chapter book, young readers will be captivated by the sisters’ journey to unravel the mystery and discover the true spirit of Lunar New Year. Perfect for young readers eager for a cultural and adventurous tale!
1. Embark on a Lunar New Year Adventure: Dive into the enchanting world of ‘The Missing Red Envelopes’ and join Lorie and Weina on their captivating Lunar New Year journey.
2. Celebrate Diversity with Your Young Readers: Introduce your young readers to the richness of Asian American culture and the joy of Lunar New Year festivities.
3. Uncover the Mystery: Intrigue awaits as Lorie and Weina unravel the mystery of the missing red envelopes. Engage your child’s curiosity and critical thinking skills, perfect for readers who love mystery!
4. Perfect Gift for Young Explorers: Looking for a meaningful gift for the young reader in your life? Gift them ‘The Missing Red Envelopes’ – a compact and engaging chapter book that sparks curiosity and cultural appreciation.
5. Create Lasting Memories: Share special moments with your child as you read together about family, traditions, and the excitement of Lunar New Year.

~ AMAZON ~

Click Here to View the Book Trailer for The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu

Click Here to Experience a Chapter Reading of The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu

Yobe Qiu is an educator, entrepreneur, mom, and bestselling author with a passion for storytelling. As an educator, Yobe taught children and their families to embrace love and diverse cultures. When she identified a need for more multicultural books, she decided to create her own children’s stories featuring Asian characters and cultures.

 

Today, Yobe is proud to publish books that help children like her daughters and mom friends feel seen, heard, and represented. Yobe shares her time between New York and New Jersey with her daughters and husband!

Author Interview with Yobe Qiu

~ FACEBOOK~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ AMAZON ~ GOODREADS ~

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

 

The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Reluctant SpyThe Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited when I found out this author had branched into chapter books, as my daughter has just moved onto these style books. And as a favourite author of ours, this was a must read. It was a shame to lose the illustrations from her stories (just because they are so good!) But the story was just as engaging and entertaining as her others. It was great that I could read this with her and it felt like we were both able to connect with the characters.
The story was entertaining and yet, as always, held a positive message for children to learn. And now I know the author has other books available, we will definitely be reading more.

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Reviewed by Phylis Carpenter February 2024

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Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read some of the other Nessie books and love Linda and Craig’s adventures. This one is a quick read as I finished it in one evening.

Linda and Craig love the chance to see Nessie when they go on vacation, however, their parents think it is too dangerous for them in the water looking for a monster. So this year, instead of taking them to Loch Ness on vacation, they decided to go to Canada.

They wanted their children to be safe with no chance of monsters. They didn’t know that Nessie needed Linda and Craig and would find a way to get them.

My grandchildren would enjoy this book

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Treasure Hunt is Book Four in the Grandma’s Closet Series. It is a delightful children’s book that follows the adventures of a young girl named Carrie. When a potted plant arrives from the florist on Carrie’s doorstep the care instructions say to Dowse the plant. Carrie remembers that one of the boxes left in the closet when Grandma moved across town was labelled Dowse. She goes to the closet and inside the box finds two dousing rods which she uses to try to find treasure. What Carrie finds in her adventure is far more valuable than water or buried treasure. A great book with an important underlying message about what is truly important in life. I love how the author can take a simple story and make it whimsical, fun, and entertaining for children while also conveying important messages and lessons. The illustrations are colorful and really bring the story to life.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alyssa McLean

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The illustrations are beautiful. I like how the book is just the right length for my son. It keeps his attention and makes him excited for story time. He likes the repeating characters and being able to recognize them.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Nicole Thompson

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Get ready for seaside giggles and important lessons with “Beach Ball Blunder” by G Pa Rhymes! Cray the Crab and his underwater pals are back, and this time they’re learning all about honesty and the importance of owning up to mistakes.

Seal Gray LOVES his beach ball, but when a playful spin gets out of hand, things start to go a little wonky. Bouncing and bumping, the beach ball causes all sorts of mischief, and Seal Gray has a big choice to make: tell the truth or try to hide what happened?

G Pa Rhymes spins a delightful tale full of colorful characters and bouncy rhymes that will keep young readers hooked. With beautiful illustrations that capture the joy of a beach day, “Beach Ball Blunder” is more than just a fun read. It gently teaches kids about:

  • Honesty: Even when it’s hard, telling the truth is always the best choice.
  • Consequences: Our actions have effects on others, and we should be responsible.
  • Forgiveness: Everyone makes mistakes, and true friends offer understanding.

“Beach Ball Blunder” is perfect for a sunny afternoon read-aloud or a bedtime story that sparks important conversations. So grab your beach towel and dive into this charming adventure by the sea!

Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carrie’s mom received flowers in the mail with a note on how to take care of them. As she read the note she recognized a word – dowse. She recognized that this word was on one of her Grandma’s boxes in the closet. Carrie opened the box and they had dowsing rods in it with a note that they would find treasure. She goes on a hunt for treasure and it isn’t till the end where she finds her true treasure – Grandma. Grandma also has a new box for her with no label. When Carrie asks what it is, Grandma tells her she will know when she’s ready.
I did like that keywords were highlighted to help kids with vocabulary. As a story, it was just okay. There wasn’t much explanation of what dowsing rods actually are, the story felt like it jumped from one topic to another, and then it ended without finding out what was in the box. I always feel this author’s books are discombobulated.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, February 2024

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom’s Treasure Hunt is another winner! Carrie’s journey with the dowsing rods is captivating, and Wickstrom’s storytelling draws you right in. The illustrations are beautiful, adding to the magic of the tale. Wickstrom has a talent for turning everyday moments into extraordinary adventures. It’s a heartwarming story about family and finding true treasures. Kids will adore the enchanting elements sprinkled throughout the book, while parents will appreciate its meaningful message. Treasure Hunt is a delightful addition to Wickstrom’s Grandma’s Closet series, sure to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Each time I pick up a book from this author, my family and I go on a wonderful adventure! My kids always get super excited when I let them know we’re starting a Lois Wickstrom book. This one is the third book in the Grandma’s Closet series, and I loved it just as much as the others! Carrie has a special relationship with her grandmother, so when she moved, it was a bit difficult for her. Her Grandma left some boxes behind that Carrie explores and finds dowsing rods. You’ll never guess what happens after that, but it’s an amazing tale of finding treasure in the unexpected. I highly recommend sharing this with the young ones in your life as you will enjoy it as much as they do!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Emily H

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hay the Fox is going home for his mother’s birthday. Heading out with this friends Hay finds himself a bit lost. Hay has a hard time remembering the way, but with the help of new friends he is able to get to his mom in time.

I love all the illustrations in this series. They are vibrant and only enhances the book. I thought this was a great story for children, it showcases problem solving and is a fun adventure.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son and I love all of Lois Wickstrom’s books. This grandma’s closet series is our favorite. It has a special place for us. I think this one was our favorite so far. We loved that Carrie thought grandma was the treasure she was looking for. Her grandma says it is something else. We can’t wait to find out what the treasure really is!

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Cindy Rushin

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoy these stories about Cray and his friends. This story about Cray’s friend Hay and the journey both of them took to attend Hay’s mother’s birthday party. The journey involved many adventures that that required Hay and Cray to work with other individuals they met on the way to solve the issues. I enjoy reading this series about Cray and her many friends. Each story has an uplifting message that I feel many children need to hear.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Truex

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fun adventure by Lois Wickstrom. This time Carrie finds dowsing rods and sets out to find some treasure. Do they really work? She definitely finds something valuable in the end. I definitely recommend this book.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Manda Kelly

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Lois Wickstrom books. I haven’t read one I didn’t love. She has a way of telling stories that just draw you in. As an adult, I find that an amazing quality in an author. My nephew is 4 and he adores her stories, we look at the pictures and talk about what the story means, and even though he is usually not 100% clear on whats going on, he still enjoys them. I absolutely suggest this book should
be in any classroom library.

Review By
Manda Kelly

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

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Lots of imagination this one. Author has always done a great job opening up children’s minds. Easy to read and follow along. Always enjoy able stories, that will have you talking after your reading is finished. Recommend for your library at home for little ones in years and heart.Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lots of imagination this one. Author has always done a great job opening up children’s minds. Easy to read and follow along. Always enjoy able stories, that will have you talking after your reading is finished. Recommend for your library at home for little ones in years and heart.

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another outstanding story by an outstanding author. Hay and Cray are the most unlikely pair. Yet their friendship and willingness to work together is a pleasure to read about. This is most definitely a must read to all children’s libraries. Hay is headed to his mother’s house for a party. Along the way they are met with many obstacles. As the two work together they find more friends to help guide them. This story also comes with rhyming time. It was just so fun to read, and the pictures are bright and colorful. They really catch the children’s eye and interest. My children enjoyed this story and asked for it again and again.

Review@cinful

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The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Reluctant SpyReluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom. This is a little bit different type of book from this author. Its for a little older kids who are just getting into chapter reading. Its the story of boy named Timmy and his pet rat Hildegarde and they are trying to uncover the cause of all the earthquakes in their town. This book is geared towards 8-12 year olds and its full of imagination, quirky characters and lots of fun. Will Timmy and Hildegarde be able to solve the mystery of all the earthquakes? Read this fun chapter book to find out. Its also a great book for families to read together or teachers to read to classes. I love this author and try to pick up all her books for my nephews.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom. I love this author so much and I pick up all her books. My 5 year old nephew loves them too and we always read them together. This series is about what Grandma left in the closet at Carrie’s house when Grandma moved out. Carrie feels really close to her Grandma when she finds things in this closet. Today she finds Dowsing Rods and Grandma’s note says Dowsing is more than just getting wet. Carrie decides to really look into Dowsing rods and their different meanings so the adventure begins. These books make great gifts for families and teachers. Pick up this fun little book for an adventure with your kids!

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute children’s book about seeing the precious gifts in your life. Using the dowsing rods she finds in her grandma’s closet, Carrie finds out that there are many kinds of treasures, not just the gold she first went looking for. This is such a cute adventure which many kids will enjoy reading.

Lois Wickstrom is a fantastic children’s author and my family has read and enjoyed several of her books. This book has some beautifully rendered illustrations as well. Treasure Hunt is one of our favorites because it lets you see the truly precious gifts in your life.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Kelli Harper

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meet another friend of Cray. Rhyming words, and wonderful stories each with a lesson. Bright colorful and engaging illustrations. Reading these books by G Pa Rhymes is truly a great experience.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Shannen Kern

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My family and I get so excited when we pick up another book from this author as they quickly became one of our favorites! Rhyming always makes the story more fun, and these are unlike other rhyming books you’ll find. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and really do add a little more depth as you read. Somehow this author takes what seems like a complicated life lesson and makes it not only simple, but also fun! Read with the young ones in your life as we learn about the fact that accidents will occur, and what will happen if you aren’t honest. We never hesitate to pick up books from this author, and if you pick this one up, you’ll definitely see why. I highly recommend sharing this with little ones in your family and in the classroom!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Crystal Brehant

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The illustrations in this story are absolutely stunning. The story is another cute rhyming story. My son and I have read quite a few of these stories in this kids series. We love them and they have some great lessons. I love how each friend in the animal group goes through something and their friend always sticks by them.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series)by G Pa Rhymes – Reviewed by Cindy Rushin

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a cute little story. Cray’s friend Gray learned a valuable lesson about telling the truth no matter how difficult it may be. I love how Cray and all of his friends work together to solve problems and create a better world. I really enjoy this author and the world he has created with Cray and his friends, and I think many children will enjoy this story of Gray and his beach ball adventure.

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Darian Vester

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have fallen in love with Cray and his group of friends. My son is currently obsessed with foxes so we couldn’t wait to read about Hay. The story is easy for little ones to follow along and for young ones to read. It’s a great book to read if you’re wanting to go over rhyming words with kids. I enjoyed the illustrations and I’m sure kids will as well. I also liked the 8 tips to build courage by Misty Black in the end. Going over these plus the bravery from the book will also help kids wanting to encourage their friends or family.

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