Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Traveling with his friend Cray, Hay is headed to a birthday party.They saw so many things on their travels. But most importantly they problem solved and faced their fears together. Another lesson learned is how to ask for help when something is hard.The illustrations are beautiful and this is a great read aloud for any young kiddo.
Treasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another great story in the Grandma’s Closet series. In this story, Carrie finds dowsing rods in her Grandma’s Keep Closet and she learns that whatever she asks them to find, they will. When she’s not impressed with her initial asks (gold and water) she asks them to find something valuable. The rods lead her to something extremely valuable (plus another surprise…perhaps for another story). As I always say with Wickstrom’s books, I absolutely love her ability to intertwine science and “school” learning with “emotional” learning and life lessons and this story is no different. I really enjoy the Grandma’s Closet series and am looking forward to the next installment.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the super cute story of Cray and Hay as they go to visit Hay’s mother for her birthday party. I absolutely love the lessons that Rhymes teaches little readers throughout his books (and there are more than one) and I love that he does it through rhyme. As you are reading this book out loud to your littles, it becomes very sing-songy and just such a great time. And not only do we learn valuable life lessons through very catchy rhymes, the illustrations are absolutely astounding. The colors are deep and rich and just mesmerizing. I can’t get enough of Cray and his adventures with his friends. These are fantastic books to read with your littles!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great adventure awaits when Craig and Linda get to explore the maze and free Princess Sheona. Of course, their parents aren’t happy about their previous adventures but feel like it’s safe to let them go diving since they are nowhere near Nessie.
This book is geared more towards emerging readers and is a chapter book. I love that this author writes across a span of age groups for kids. Her stories are very engaging and full of adventure. There are oftentimes scientific angles to the stories as well!
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Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hay Goes Home is another cute story from the Adventures of Cray series. It’s Hay’s mom’s birthday and he is bringing Cray home for her party. They meet a lot of other animals in the forest along the way. The illustrations are adorable. My 8 year old easily read it to me, but had some questions on the big words on the last page (affirmations, imperfection). The book is filled with positive messages, such as asking for help is okay, and encourage kids to be brave. These books are great for preschool and young elementary kiddos.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beach Ball Blunder is a cute children’s story. My son enjoys the rhyming books and all the animal characters. He likes that each character in the collection has their own book, but reappear in the others from the author. The illustrations are amazing and so colorful. This story is probably my favorite, since the message is so important and one that every kiddo needs to learn how to handle- being honest with your friends and seeing how a lie can quickly get out of control.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes
Hay Goes Home is a wonderful children’s book that children of any age can enjoy. My almost six year old son loved this book and the colorful illustrations brought the story to life. This is a cute story about Hay and his friend Cray and their journey to Hay’s moms birthday party. But along the way they encounter some obstacles like overgrown plants and a river. With the help of a new friend and each other they get through the obstacles together. This is a sweet story that shows children that working together and bravery and asking for help will get you through most things. I highly recommend reading this book and we look forward to reading more from this Author.
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another fantastic read from Lois Wickstrom. We follow Carrie as she discovers the things that her grandma left behind. I love the relationship between them, it reminds me of the relationship I had with my grandma. Highly recommended.
Treasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a good kid’s book that is a fun story about recognizing different types of treasure in your life. Treasure Hunt is the fourth book in the Grandma’s Closet Series. Very age-appropriate vocabulary for newer readers and would be an easy read for early elementary kids. A cute story about Carrie and her hunt for treasure in unexpected places using the dowsing rods she found in Grandma’s closet.
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Nessie installment and it was just as adorable as the previous two. The author does a great job of creating a magical world for children in the everyday life. Craig and his sister Linda are on vacation in Canada, far away from Scotland and Nessie, but surprise, there is a secret channel connecting them! Craig and Linda have to help Nessie’s daughter, Princess Sheona, when she get trapped! They also make some new friends along the way. The author really does an amazing job of creating a vivid and fun world that children and adults will enjoy!
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes is the third book in The Adventures of Cray Series. We meet Cray’s friend Seal Gray. Gray is having fun on the beach with his ball when it suddenly all goes wrong. We watch as Gray first denies his mistake and then does the right thing. This book is wonderful. The easy rhymes help children to engage in the story. Gray is very relatable. What child hasn’t had an accident that they were afraid to own up to? This book is great for teaching accountability. The illustrations are bright and wonderful as usual. This is another great children’s book to add to your collection.
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah
Nessie and the Celtic Maze is the third book in the Nessie’s Grotto. This is a wonderfully written children’s book that children of any age can enjoy. We loved this fun filled adventure and the colorful illustrations brought the story to life. We loved this book and have read it several times already and probably will be read several more. Linda and Craig take us on a adventure and this time its their summer vacation in Canada. What will happen when Priness Sheona needs help? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. My son and I are looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I Read this story with my little ones today and they really enjoyed it. It kept their interest the whole time and the oldest one 9 even wanted to take over reading, and read to the younger one ❤️(and he’s not a big reader ) so that was really cool. I love when children’s books have a learning undertone to it. I totally agree about lying, it only creates the snowball on the hill effect .Also I love the artwork so much, all the colors go so well with one another, pops off the pages 🥰🥰
I can’t wait to read more from this author G Pa Rhymes
Poor Little Gray with his puppy eyes.
Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another really sweet story form this lovely series. My 5 year old absolutely loves the rhyming element to the books from this series and he definitely loved Cray and all his friends! I love that each story has a different meaning behind it – this one was all about helping people who are a little scared and that its ok to admit when you are afraid and need a little bit of help and encouragement from your friends.
The illustrations that accompany this story are so beautiful and really do complement the story well.
I can’t wait for more adventures from Cray and his friends!
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Nessie and the Celtic Maze” by Lois Wickstrom is an enchanting and adventurous tale that takes readers on a journey from Loch Ness in Scotland to Lake Memphrémagog in Quebec. The story follows siblings Craig and Linda as they find themselves embarking on a quest to help Princess Sheona, Nessie’s daughter, who is trapped in a crumbling stone maze.
The author portrays a vivid and imaginative world filled with mystery and magic, where the mythical creature Nessie is not the only fantastical being to encounter. The characters, including the frightened Angus and his giant sister, add depth and humor to the story, creating a rich tapestry of personalities that readers will easily connect with.
Wickstrom’s writing style is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the story from the very beginning. The pacing is well-done, keeping the plot moving forward and building suspense as the siblings navigate through the maze to find Princess Sheona.
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magic and imagination!!! This story is full of a bit of both. This is the perfect book to share with the kid in your life who still takes all those adventures without every really leaving home. Wickstrom has continued to paint a story showing you can have a strong bond with someone even when they are not with you all the time, which is what Carrie and her Grandmother have. When she moved, she left 4 boxes each that have contained items that have helped on the other adventures Carrie has already been on. I would recommend the whole series! You won’t be disappointed.
Treasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have read a few of these authors’ books to my niece and she absolutely loves them. We love how the story is told and pictures fit the story perfectly. This is book four to the series of grandmas’ closet. I love how she takes you on a journey and you learn from it as well. It keeps the kids engaged as well. I can’t wait to see what she will write next.
Carrie loves going through her grandmother’s closet. There are always some cool things inside. In this story Carrie gets a delivery and she goes and gets one of her grandmother’s boxes. She finds some sticks and she thinks it’s for a treasure hunt. Carrie goes on hunt for some treasure but will she find?
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Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute little story full of fantasy and magic. Carrie’s grandmother knew that Carrie needed magic in her life to help her prepare for a party that was making her nervous to attend so she provided her with the magic Wandas which helped her become less nervous. The story is cute and I think many little children will enjoy the story of Carrie and the magic wandas.
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magical story! We are already a big fan of this author and will continue to be. This will tap into your imagination and take you away. This was a fast read and page turner. I recommend this for all readers alike, young or old.
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My kids and I absolutely adore each book we pick up from this author, and this one definitely ranks in our top 3 favorites for sure! This continues from the first book where we read about the items Carrie’s grandmother left behind when she moved. I love the bond between her and her grandma so much, and you can really feel it throughout the story. The magic of imagination here is tremendous as she finds a box of Magic Wandas and goes on an adventure! The illustrations are beautiful, and I truly enjoy the different fonts that are used throughout. My kiddos always leave these books with a smile, but this one created a whole new game to play thanks to the creativity of this author. I highly recommend picking this up and sharing with the young ones in your life. I bet you’ll get a kick out of it as well!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
A Miracle In Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute and engaging children’s book that my two kiddos enjoyed even more than I did! I hadn’t read anything from this author before, but the cover tugged at the animal lover in my heart. I don’t typically read books in this genre, so I have to mention how pleasantly surprised I was when I was pulled into the book. My kids are 8 and 12, and I think they are the perfect age for this story. The illustrations are beautiful and truly added to the book! It also sparked some absolutely wonderful conversations within our family, and that alone makes it a winner in my opinion. I recommend picking this up for the young ones in your life!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beach Ball Blunder is Book Three in The Adventures of Cray on the Bay Series. It is a children’s book that follows the beach adventures of Cray the Crab and his friends, Hay the Fox, Ray the Seagull, Fay the Turtle, and in this newest adventure Gray the Seal. Told in rhymes the book tells the story of Seal Gray who is on the beach playing with his beach ball when it suddenly spins out of control causing chaos along the way. Gray sees the damage that the ball has done as it crushes his friend’s sandcastle, knocks an ice cream cone out of a child’s hand, and almost hits his friends as it bounces along the beach. He decides to lie and say the ball was not his because he feels so guilty about what has happened. Afterwards, Seal Gray is overwhelmed by guilt and sadness, so he goes to his friends and confesses that it was him and his ball. His friends are understanding, and Cray the Crab explains that lying is harmful. The friends then work together to clean up the mess along the beach. This was a wonderfully written book with cute rhymes and colorful illustrations that conveyed important messages about friendship, forgiveness, kindness, and responsibility for one’s own actions. A must read for both young and old alike.
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My son (7yo) and I always enjoy all of the books by Lois Wickstrom. They are always so much fun to read. The Grandma’s closet series is always filled with magic and fun. Who doesn’t love magic? After reading, you and your kids will find yourself wanting some magic wandas of your own!
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Carrie looks through the stuff grandma left behind when she moved. (Which you read about in the previous book.) In the closet she finds wooden flowers, which her grandmother tells her are Magic Wandas, not wands. This is where her fun adventure begins, using her imagination as the key.
I love this fun book about the power of imagination and all the things your imagination can create. Will everyone understand what you create? No, Carrie’s mom is a perfect example of this in the story, but that shouldn’t stop you from dreaming and creating! Definitely a fun read for younger children.
Treasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Treasure hunt is another fun book on the Grandma’s Closet series. Carrie opened the Dowse box from Grandma’s Closet. These boxes are always filled with fun and magical things, however, these just look like sticks. But, turns out they are magical sticks called dowsing rods, which Carrie takes around her house and yard. We had fun looking for the white cat in many of the pictures. My son says he needs the next book to find out what’s in the box from Grandma. These books are very colorful and magical.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Magic Wanda is another book in the Grandma’s Closet series, and I read it with my 8 year old. We are big dans of this author, but this book was not our favorite. It required the stretching of imagination a little further than my son has, so perhaps for younger readers. Carrie’s Grandma no longer lives with them, but has a closet full of goodies. Carrie often goes into the closet when she is missing her Grandma. This time she found a box of “Wandas” – magic wands. She takes these Wandas on magical adventures around her house and yard, having them transform into various things. The illustrations are always colorful and engaging.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Treasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The excitement was real with my kids when they realised we had another new book by this author to read. And what a book it is. This is a great addition to the series. It is fun, imaginative and a truly great story to read. As usual, we have already read this book multiple times and I am sure we will read it many more.
For me, with every book this author produces, it is the illustrations that are the best. They bring any story the author writes to life and makes them more engaging and entertaining. We all love looking through each of them and this book was no exception. This is a fantastic book and another favourite to add to the collection.
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom. I love this series and my 6 year old nephew loves them as well. We read each one that comes out together. Its the continuing story of a young girl named Carrie and her Grandma who used to live with her but has recently moved. Her Grandma left a closet full of stuff so Wanda loves getting into it. When she looks this time she finds a box full of wooden flowers that her grandma calls Magic Wanda’s. The Magic Wanda’s want to play and Carrie’s mom is getting aggravated because she is trying to get ready for a party. These books are so fun and full of imagination and play. They would make amazing gifts and great for a teacher and their classroom.