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

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 loves the Adventures of Cray but this one is the best one yet. They loved all the returning characters, as well as meeting the new seal, Grey. The kids were excited to see what antics the beach ball would get into and we’re thrilled to see the throwback to A New Day for Cray.

As a parent I enjoyed this book because it teaches kids the importance of telling the truth and self accountability.

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

Magic Wanda (Grandma's Closet Book 3)Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enchanting and captivating, this book is a delightful journey into the world of magic and the special bond between grandmothers and granddaughters. From the very first page, I was drawn into Carrie’s magical adventures. The author skillfully weaves a tale that is both heartwarming and exciting, perfect for any little girl with a love for magic. Carrie’s grandma is a charming character, embodying the warmth and understanding of all grandmothers. The unique relationship between Carrie and her grandma adds an extra layer of sweetness to the story, one that many readers will relate to. As Carrie discovers the magic of the Wandas, readers are taken on a whimsical journey filled with wonder and excitement. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a magical escape into a world where anything is possible.

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

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

Beachball Blunder was a fun read that taught us about honesty and taking ownership of your actions. I personally loved the illustrations in this book. My daughter and I especially liked Cray and Fay on the playground swings. This is the third book I’ve read with my daughter by this author. It was really cool to read watch her connect and recognize characters and scenarios from previous books “remember cray’s arm?!”. She was able to really grasp the storyline with the writing and illustrations like you would hope from any children’s book. Similarly to other books in the series, there were enough challenging words to make her proud of her reading without getting discouraged. Another great children’s
book by this author.

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

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

This is another amazing story by this author. The message of making a mistake and lying about it is very important for little ones as well as adults. It is a reminder that our true friends will understand when you make a mistake and support you. Again the illustrator has done a magnificent job. Loved this story

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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

3 1/2 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Treasure Hunt is Book 4 in the Grandma’s Closet Series as we are on another adventure with Carrie. Learning new words and their meaning, Carrie loves finding new treasures in her Grandmother’s boxes, and finds two metal rods. Does Carrie find gold or other treasures in her adventure…

This story is enjoyable for ages 4-8 but can also be loved by the young at heart. My great nieces and nephew including me always enjoy Lois’ storytelling.

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Natalia Gonzales Castrejon

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

Hay Goes Home was such a great book! I’m loving all of these reads. My 3 year old has enjoyed this book, and he was so happy to see the bear being nice to Hay and Cray! I also love the encouragement at the end of the book!

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Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Natalia Gonzales Castrejon

Magic Wanda (Grandma's Closet #3)Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I definitely recommend this to any little girls who just love the idea of magic. This was definitely a page turner and I enjoyed the whole book. I was glued to the book and was kind of sad that it wasn’t bigger! I also just love how the grandmas character is sweet and understanding as all grandmas are! And it’s even more wonderful of the special relationship carrie shares with her grandma that mom wouldn’t understand!

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay) by G Pa Rhymes- Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cray the crab is back with another adventure, but this time he is in a helping mood, although he is crabby at the humans who have come to visit his beach.

He has watched them have fun all day, but when they leave, they leave all sorts of trash behind and that’s not a good thing.

This is where Cray, his friends Hay The Fox, Turtle Fay, and Gull Ray go to visit Queen Mer May to find out what they can do.

What will this group of friends do to make the beach an inviting and safe place to visit?

This is a fun filled way to learn about the environment and how humans can impact it, while also teaching what you can do to help the environment yourself.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1NHYYJD3JUTTW/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2037037607

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6265496403

Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54315516-magic-wanda” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet #3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593415856l/54315516._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54315516-magic-wanda”>Magic Wanda</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6264901777″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Carrie’s grandma introduces Carrie, to the magic Wandas. Carrie’s mom thinks they are just regular flowers. Carrie says no they are magic! Carrie’s mom keeps trying to get Carrie ready for the party but the magic Wanda’s want to play. Anything Carrie wishes the magic Wanda’s make happen.
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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Kelli Harper

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The animals at the beach have to clean up the messes the humans leave behind. Wonderful storytelling, wonderful illustrations, wonderful lessons for kids and adults alike. G Pa Rhymes does it again. These books are great!

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Shannen Kern

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My kids and I have been picking up more books from this author, and this one may be our favorite yet! We absolutely love the rhythm of the rhyming stories and the gorgeous illustrations. Cray and his friends really show the meaning of friendship as they help each other. The messages in this book are truly lovely and sparked some great conversations with my 8 and 12-year-old kids. This would be a great book to have in a classroom or library as well as at home where you can share with the younger ones in your life. What a great story to teach responsibility for our environment and how significant our friendships are. I highly recommend picking this book up to enjoy a great rhythmic journey!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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A Miracle In Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo – Review by Alison Risher

A Miracle In Muffin: A True StoryA Miracle In Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A white cat goes missing in the snow, presumably never to be seen again. This is the catalyst which leads a sweet family to God. The single mom finds the strength to go to the nearby church. It is a church where she has noticed the people talking to one another outside. After two weeks of being missing, a coworker finds the white cat on her way to work one morning!

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Crystal Brehant

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another cute rhyming story by G Pa Rhymes. This is the second book my son and I have read by him and we enjoy them! People crowd a beach and completely trash it! The animals of the beach and ocean are suffering. What can they do?! Read and find out!

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

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

I absolutely LOVE this series. Each book shows the readers that not everything is what it seems. This book by Lois Wickstrom proves that treasure is not always gold, treasure can be anything and everything you find valuable to you, such as your grandma. With both of my younger sisters currently pregnant with their first babies I plan to get both of their bundles this entire series for future use.

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

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

This has got to be my favorite book in the series so far, always such beautiful illustrations. Paired with such important lessons for growing minds to learn early. Courage and bravery have many different meanings, and, in this book, they are linked with asking for help and getting to know someone before judging them. With both of my younger sisters currently pregnant with their first babies I plan to get both of their bundles this entire series for future use.

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Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Magic Wanda (Grandma's Closet Book 3)Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet Book 3) is such a cute book!! Cute story and fun art!! I think that most younger children (under 10) would love this magical story and follow along easily. This book is about a young girl named Carrie. She finds a box in the closet and when she asks her grandma about it, she learns that it has magic Wandas inside it. Not wands, but Wandas. Different right? Well there is a reason for that!! You have to read the book to find out, but let me just tell you that Carrie has quite an adventure with these Wandas! She even almost gets into trouble with her mom!

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@jaimie0459

Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sasha Smart is a wonderful book of short stories. Not only does this set of stories teach young children (I’d say elementary and even middle school aged kids!) how to deal with different types of social encounters they could (and most likely will!) face, it also encourages bravery, confidence, communication, and the power of kindness. Everyday, I’m that parent in the drop off line that lets my children out to “Love you, good luck on your tests, listen to your teachers, learn a lot, and BE KIND.” Raising well rounded kids is hard and this book is great for helping with just that!! Our children need more books like this! I have a 9 year old and a 12 year old, I’m having them both read this book. Throughout this book you follow Sasha as she navigates through school. Each short story is about an issue she has and how she handles each problem. The first she worried about not being cool. The next she learns about making mistakes and correcting them. Then she learns about differences we have that make us all beautiful. She learns a lot from her friends, but she also has to deal with peer pressure and bullying as well. And lastly she learns about the importance relaxing, taking the time to unwind, supporting each other, and kindness. Another super cute and fun thing about this book is the content in the back!! An activity and even a challenge await your children! And the best thing about it?? They are having fun while learning!! I can’t wait to read more from this author and have my girls read them as well!!

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@jaimie0459

Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

Magic Wanda (Grandma's Closet Book 3)Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everyone was excited to start a new book by this author, and what a fun book this one was to read. The whole story is designed to spark the imagination and I could see it happening with my daughter as we read the book. The images in the book were creative and helped to keep my kids engaged from start to finish.
As a parent, I always enjoy books by this author as, not only are they fun, but they are based on a great premise. This is probably one of our favourite series from this author and we are all looking forward to what comes next.

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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Jamie Truex

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The characters are all well written and the illustrations are very creative and fit perfectly with the stories. Each short story teaches very good lessons to young girls. They teach self confidence, kindness, acceptance just to name a few. I think this book is great for girls about 8 years old.

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

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

Excellent story. I loved the artwork, and the lesson learned here about being courageous enough to ask for help when it is needed. You will always have friends willing to lend a hand in your troubling situations. It was also sweet to see Cray and Hay making new friends along the way to meet with Hay’s mom for her birthday.

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Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Magic WandaMagic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun story. I really enjoy Carrie’s adventures with her grandmother’s things. This time she discovers magic Wandas, her mom sees a doll, but Carrie sees a living and talking being. It is really cool that Lily makes her wishes reality while waiting for her family’s party. I absolutely love the art, Carrie in her pink party dress is the cutest.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

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

Absolutely loved this book. The next object Carrie finds in her Grandmother’s things are sticks that help her find treasure. Her dad is wanting to find a well of water but Carrie is looking for real treasure. The ending made me smile when, Carrie finds her treasure, her grandmother. Such a sweet moment between them.

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

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

Another wonderful story from The Adventures of Cray. My grandkids love these books, and so do I each has a great message for kids. Cray the crab and Hay the fox set off on an adventure to Hay’s moms birthday party. Along the way they run into a few obstacles in which teach, friendship, teamwork, being kind and helpful and to be Brave. So well written and great for kids and adults.

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet Series Book #4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

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

3 Stars

 

Treasure Hunt is the fourth book in the Grandma’s Closet’ series by Lois Wickstrom. It is an interesting, illustrated children’s storybook- with a bit of adventure, a touch of drama, a little whimsy, and plenty of imagination.
We continue Carrie’s adventures with the things she has discovered in Grandma’s Closet. Grandma has some interesting things stored in the closet and this time it is Dowsing Rods that take her on a bit of an adventure. What happens makes for another cute read.
As I have mentioned with the other book in the series- I love the cover illustration, but was really disappointed to find that the interior illustrations are not of the same type/style. The inner illustrations, although quite whimsical in a naïve style- weren’t quite as ‘interesting’ or appealing to me- and I don’t feel that they draw or hold your attention like the cover picture does. The cover picture made me want to find out what happens and captured my imagination- but the inside pictures were a bit lacking- in my opinion. Still a cute story though…
Grandma’s Closet series consists of (so far):
-Carries Flight (Book #1)
-The Round Box (Book #2)
-Magic Wanda (Book #3)
-Treasure Hunt (Book #4)
Happy reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet Series Book #3) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

Magic WandaMagic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Stars

 

Magic Wanda is the third book in the Grandma’s Closet’ series by Lois Wickstrom. It is an interesting, illustrated children’s storybook- with a bit of adventure, a touch of drama, a little whimsy, and plenty of imagination.
We continue Carrie’s adventures with the things she has discovered in Grandma’s Closet. Grandma has some interesting things stored in the closet and this time it is some wooden flowers that grab Carrie’s attention. But magic flowers don’t like water. So, what else can they do? Making for another cute read.
As I have mentioned with the other book in the series- I love the cover illustration, but was really disappointed to find that the interior illustrations are not of the same type/style. The inner illustrations, although quite whimsical in a naïve style- weren’t quite as ‘interesting’ or appealing to me- and I don’t feel that they draw or hold your attention like the cover picture does. The cover picture made me want to find out what happens and captured my imagination- but the inside pictures were a bit lacking- in my opinion. Still a cute story though…
Grandma’s Closet series consists of (so far):
-Carries Flight (Book #1)
-The Round Box (Book #2)
-Magic Wanda (Book #3)
-Treasure Hunt (Book #4)
Happy reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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A Miracle in Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo – Review by Angela Hayes

A Miracle In Muffin: A True StoryA Miracle In Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

A Miracle in Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo which tells the author’s true story about the time her cat went missing and the faith that gave her strength during her search.
This is an illustrated children’s story book, and has a Christian, faith-based story about the power of prayer. As it is aimed at younger readers, I think children from ages 6 to 13 would probably like this story. It reminds me of ones we used to read in Sunday School.
The story is accompanied by lovely illustrations which help the story ‘come to life’.
A sweet little book for the family bookshelf.

Thank you, Darlene Duemo!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series Book #4) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Angela Hayes

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

4.5 Stars

 

Hay Goes Home is the fourth book in The Adventures of Cray series by G Pa Rhymes. I know I have said this a few times before, but this is such a great series of book. I have really enjoyed reading the charming books with my young grandchildren- Cray, Hay, Gray, Fay, and Ray have such fun adventures, and always learn something along the way.
This story sees Cray the crab and Hay the fox set off to attend a special birthday party for Hay’s mother. Their journey doesn’t go quite as planned, and Cray and Hay have to overcome a few challenges to make it to the party in time. With the help of a few new friends they find their way just in time. This teaches that it is ok to ask for help, to admit that you need help, and accepting help when it is offered. It also imparts the idea of building courage, trying new things, getting out of your comfort zone because great things can happen, being brave, friendship/making friends, being helpful, being kind, and team work. A sweet, fun little read with some great lessons to impart.
Again, this great story is accompanied by lots of lovely, bright, colourful, interesting, and captivating illustrations — which help to bring the whole story to life.
G. Pa Rhymes tells another really cute tale – which is told in a rhyming/rapping verse which adds an extra element of interest to the whole story.
Easy to read. Educational. Fun. Interesting. A cast of animal friends. Wonderful illustrations. Cute story. Well worth the read.
The series contains (so far)…
-A New Day for Cray (Book #1)
-Cray Saves the Day (Book #2)
-Beach Ball Blunder (Book #3)
-Hay Goes Home (Book #4)
Looking forward to more adventuress with Cray.
Happy Reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series Book #3) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Angela Hayes

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

4.5 Stars

 

Beach Ball Blunder is the third book in The Adventures of Cray series by G Pa Rhymes. This is such a great series of book, and I have enjoyed reading them with my little grandchildren- Cray, Hay, Gray, Fay, and Ray have such fun adventures, and always learn something along the way.
As expected, this is another really cute addition to the series where we meet a ‘new’ friend, Gray the seal. Things go a little awry when Gray’s beach ball antics get out of hand, causing a little chaos at the seaside. Cray the crab, Gray the seal, Hay the fox, Fay the turtle, and Ray the seagull will need to navigate a few obstacles, learn about mistakes and consequences, learn and grow from the blunder, as well as finding forgiveness, restoring trust, true friendship, and being kind. A fun little read with some great lessons to impart.
The story is accompanied by lots of lovely, bright, colourful, interesting, and captivating illustrations — which help to bring the whole story to life.
G. Pa Rhymes tells a cute tale – which is told in a rhyming/rapping verse which adds an extra element of interest to the whole story.
Easy to read. Educational. Fun. Interesting. Beach-side setting. Animal friends. Wonderful illustrations. Cute story. Well worth the read.
The series contains (so far)…
-A New Day for Cray (Book #1)
-Cray Saves the Day (Book #2)
-Beach Ball Blunder (Book #3)
-Hay Goes Home (Book #4)
Looking forward to more adventures with Cray.
Happy Reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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

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

Seal Gray and his friends show how important it is to tell the truth and to ask for forgiveness when you’ve wronged others. The illustrations and rhyming are the perfect combination to propel the lessons in the story even further.
My kids have enjoyed the entire series with Cray and friends!

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