Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carrie missed her grandma who moved across town. She found a box of feathers. And grandma called video chat and said Carrie could wear them. She flew to grandma’s and grandma was waiting outside for her.
I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful story about a boy who learns about himself and finds ways to find confidence that sometimes is hard to find. I thought the illustrations were wonderful. I liked the message this story showed and think it would be a positive book for young children.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read many books by this author and once again I was not let down. I just love how she is able to bring a child’s imagination to life and also aid in their learning. The characters are very relatable and thought provoking. I like how she is able to bring learning to a simplified platform where kids can not only enjoy but also grow. I really wish my own children were young enough for these books. I would definitely recommend this author to anyone with young kids.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.
Discover the enchanting world of Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime – a rhyming children’s book that follows the heartwarming bond between two furry friends, Mastiff Porter and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Midge, and their devoted companions, CJ and Lora. On a sunny day, CJ’s thoughtful idea sets the stage for a joyful exploration of new ways to make Porter and Midge’s days even brighter.
Through rhythmic verses, follow their journey as they uncover imaginative games, canine enrichment activities, and thrilling dog sports, all while strengthening their unbreakable connection.
Jennie Chen has been active in purpose bred dogs since 2001 earning over 75 titles in conformation, competitive obedience, rally, herding, lure coursing, weight pull, drafting, water rescue, packing, and animal assisted therapy. Her first AKC Champion was a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Ch Dixieland Blazing Maximus, CGC, HIT, SS, SWET, WETT, HIC, WETX, WTXX, WPD, DD, WWDS, RN, CD, THDA, VGS, 2017 GSMDCA Ambassador of the Breed, “Mouse.” Mouse was the first Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to earn any Water Rescue titles, and he was spokesdog for the Keep Austin Dog Friendly trend for many years appearing in magazines, news clips, and serving the community as an animal assisted therapy dog. Keep Austin Dog Friendly was nominated for a Webby Award in 2016.
In addition to Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, she also owns a pride of Lowchen or The Little Lion Dogs. In 2019, she piloted her Lowchen, GCHS Musicbox Got Your Six at Roman Reign “Target” to #1 All-Systems, #1 OH for 2019 and 2020. Target went on to win the Breed at the AKC National Championship in 2019, Westminster in 2020, and Best in Specialty Show in 2021.
Jennie has served on various board and committee positions in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, the Lowchen Club of America, as well as regional Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain Dog Clubs. She is a GSMDCA draft judge and weight pull judge.
Originally from the Philippines, Giselle came to the US to attend Wellesley College where she studied Economics. After graduation, she worked in managing risk/compliance teams, specializing in machine learning and more recently, risk policy.
Giselle has owned several mastiffs over the past 20 years, some from reputable breeders and others she rescued as adults. Her experience with rescuing and fostering mastiffs led her to become interested in socialization as a way of preventing future issues. She enjoys working with her dogs and has trained them in various canine sports such as carting, conformation, agility, rally, trick dog, nose work, and more. Her puppy, Porter, is an example of the success of early socialization, having earned multiple performance dog titles and even starred in a movie directed by Marian Yeager called “Match Me If You Can.”
Giselle is an active member of various dog clubs such as the Scentwork ATX Club, Capitol Dog Training Club of Austin, and the Mastiff Club of America. She has lived in Austin for over two decades, and her passion for dogs and socialization continues to inspire her work.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198620330-detective-dylan-and-the-case-of-the-missing-mail” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1695427750l/198620330._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198620330-detective-dylan-and-the-case-of-the-missing-mail”>Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43717492.MJ_Murray”>MJ Murray</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6043292610″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Dylan, his sister Emily, and their dog Theodore are on a case of missing mail. Mrs. Bloom went out of town and usually she has someone check her mail while she’s gone but she forgot this time. Dylan, Emily, and Theodore become detectives and try and track down who done it. They follow all the clues, question the neighbors and even the kids in the neighborhood. They were able to half solve the mystery, but the mail was returned.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fun and cute story of a girl and her grandmother. When grandma moves to the other side of town, Carrie misses all the fun she used to have with her grandma. Of course grandma left her some things to help Carrie imagine fly! What I really liked about this book is the imagination that Carrie has while watching the starlings fly all over the sky. I hope that someday I can share fun imagination moments with my future grandkids.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The starlings are migrating and it’s one of Carrie and her grandmother’s bonding moments. They love to sit and watch them together. This year, grandma is living across town though. Carrie finds a box marked “feathers” in the hall closet and just as she’s about to investigate the box’s contents, grandma calls on a video chat. Carrie and her grandmother are able to share their joy of the starlings together afterall.
Super cute read! The author includes some historical background on starlings at the end of the book for further reading and research.
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) is a super fun adventure aimed for children ages 5-8. My son is almost six and in kindergarten and just learning to read so it was fun for both of us. The illustrations were fun and helped bring the story to life. We read a little at a time but you could probably finish it in on sitting. This is a fun adventure about Dylan and the missing mail. Detective Dylan and his sister follow all the clues as they try to solve the mystery of the missing mail. I highly recommend reading this book to find out if they solve the mystery of the missing mail. My son and I are looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom is super amazing. Every book I have read by her, I have truly enjoyed. This one was was no different🥰 I feel like I always learn something from reading them🤣 me a old lady learning something new. Also like what she did to the words to make them stand out more. The Fact that starlings can mimic cell phones is pretty cool lol. I look forward to more from this fantastic author 🥰
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 stars
What a cute book! It’s not too complex for younger readers but intriguing enough to keep their attention. This author does a really cool thing in the book and that’s adding an educational portion at the end.
I Am A Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adorable children’s book that teaches children to celebrate and be proud of who they are.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this adorable book to my 6-year-old niece and we both loved it. Full of magic, adventure, and a wonderful bond between Carrie and her grandmother.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom always sparks the imagination while giving you fun facts throughout the story. In Carrie’s Flight, she outdid herself. This story will be enjoyed by you and any children you read it too. Would make an amazing Christmas or Birthday gift for any child.
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Triple Trouble at Amberwood (The Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series) by Eleanor Dixon. This is such a great young, middle school story but even as a 54 year old lady I really enjoyed it! Its the story of a old haunted school and teenagers what’s not to love! Lauren is back in school and she is still friends with Grace and Rodney who just happen to be ghosts! When Lauren rescues a ghost from a building that is about to be torn down she doesn’t realize its not a good ghost and it brings bad things with it. When crazy things start happening at Amberwood Hall, Lauren realizes she has to find out who is behind it and why. When Lauren starts to figure out it might be the ghost she rescued what will she do? When their big productions threatens to get cancelled will Lauren put a stop to the ghost. Will this be the thing to end her friendship with Grace? I suggest reading these fun books in order just to know who all the characters are. I love this series and can’t wait for the next.
I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Full of wonderfully diverse images of Asian boys, this book is one of the best things I have read and experienced in a long time. Positivity flows from this book and it helps the reader understand how important they are themselves. Wonderful positive book.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A wonderfully illustrated adventure. Very imaginative and shows the love between a grandma and grandchild. Very nice story that was a quick and easy ready.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this story and the accompanying illustrations were fantastic. It’s a story that no matter how different others are, we must treat them with kindness. I would highly recommend this across age groups as it is such a lovely and heart warming story.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another amazing read from Lois Wickstrom. Lois shows how an unusual scientific phenomenon can happen during a tornado. Lois tells a story in an age-appropriate way with engaging illustrations and gets the factual detail at the back of the book.
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Delightful early reader short story
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail is an engaging story that would make a great introduction to chapter book reading for early readers. The characters are relatable, the plot interesting and the writing has good pacing and is easy to follow. Great addition to a classroom or home library. Recommend for ages 7yrs-10yrs.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Enjoyable and cute story that takes you on a journey filled high in the sky with Carrie. I know I would love to fly and have my very own pair of wings. When Carrie finds a box of feathers in her house that her grandma left, what can happen when you do have your own very pair of wings? Trying so hard and wanting to be with the starlings….Carrie takes flight.
Wonderful story that can be enjoyed at any age. My great nieces, great nephew and I always look forward to Lois’ stories.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Enjoyable and cute story that takes you on a journey filled high in the sky with Carrie. I know I would love to fly and have my very own pair of wings. When Carrie finds a box of feathers in her house that her grandma left, what can happen when you do have your own very pair of wings? Trying so hard and wanting to be with the starlings….Carrie takes flight.
Wonderful story that can be enjoyed at any age. My great nieces, great nephew and I always look forward to Lois’ stories.
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun and enjoyable story aimed at pre-teen age readers, however, as an adult I also thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. It’s part of the ‘Amberwood Hall Ballet School series, about a haunted ballet school. The fearless heroine of the series Lauren just wants to help a new ghost in town, but her act of kindness puts all the ghosts in danger. As she tries to put things right, amongst the strange happenings at the school her friendship with Grace is tested and she gets closer to Jay. Lauren must find out who is causing all the mischief and stop them, however she is torn between her loyalty to her ghostly best friend and her commitment to saving her school. Meanwhile, there is a prestigious show in the old theatre in the town and Lauren’s important exams are coming up. I loved the main character, Lauren and I found her to be extremely likeable, and I can imagine that she would be very relatable to those in the age range that this book is aimed at. The storyline is full of mystery, ghosts, friendship and pre-teen romance, and generally growing up. A wonderfully written story and an engaging read.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luna the Howling Husky by Samantha Shannon is another adorable childrens tale about a husky pup that is different from all the others at first, but as she grows, gains confidence, and a loving family she is able to howl like all the others. I have enjoyed all of Samantha’s children’s books including Jake the Growling Dog and I love to share them with my children because they really enjoy the story along with the fun activities that are included at the end of each book. The illustrations throughout the book were beautiful, well drawn, and fully encapsulated the book and story itself.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon is one of the sweetest and best children’s books I’ve ever had the privilege of reading. I’m so glad the cover caught my eye, making me pick it for my grandchild. Love and acceptance are just two of the many wonderful things you can find within its pages.
The story opens with us meeting the unique Husky Luna. Luna isn’t like her brothers and sisters, many of whom have been adopted, while Luna is left behind. She is different, but she doesn’t let that or the fact that the others don’t want to play with her get her down.
Luna is able to find happiness just by being her unique self, which is such a great message in itself. Though as the story goes on we get to read even more heartwarming messages that, if you’re like me, will leave you feeling wonder struck. Between the amazing and engaging, talented writing of Samantha Shannon and the masterfully rendered illustrations of Lei Yang, this would be an automatic buy, but it gets even better with interactive pages that will help any child have fun while learning, as those pages continue to include messages from the book. This author and artist are both now on my to-read watch list.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked this book up for my kiddos (8 and 11) because we have enjoyed other stories by this author. This one, however, is our favorite out of them all so far! A beautiful story about kindness, empathy, friendship, and making mistakes. The illustrations are gorgeous and really make the experience that much more captivating. I’ve even shared this book with the older kids in my family and have found that it starts such wonderful and necessary conversations! The focus on social-emotional learning is absolutely incredible. If we focused more on emotional skills just as much (if not more) than intellectual, we would see an amazing change. This book is an awe-inspiring start, and we cannot wait to see more! I recommend this as highly as I can to anyone with ANY young ones in their lives at all. Some of the adults in your life may enjoy it as well!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really cute kid’s story. my children really loved this book, it has amazing pictures that are colorful and go very well with the story line. This book has a wonderful story line about love and acceptance, Luna the husky doesn’t feel like she belongs. One day she makes a friend that isn’t of the norm, a cat, and the cat doesn’t care who or what she is. With this love from a friend Luna finally feels like she’s accepted and loved. But what she really comes to realize is she doesn’t have to feel loved and accepted to be the person you are supposed to be. I really enjoyed this book and so did my kids. What a great story.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really beautiful kids story. There was so many lessons wrapped up in a cute story. My 6yo son and I really enjoyed it. The pictures were absolutely gorgeous. Then at the end, there are all kinds of fun activities to do. A great book to pick up!
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute story. I really enjoyed the message, that just because you are different from another, it does not mean you cannot be friends. Luna and Nemo’s friendship was so cute. They both learned to embrace their uniqueness and embrace who they were. I think many kids would enjoy this book and I recommend it.
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great read from this series. I can really imagine the authors target audience enjoying these books. They are a great length and would definitely engage the younger readers imagination. There’s lots going on in these stories but not too much to confuse readers, the story is easy to follow and understand. Lauren is a great main character and I can imagine young readers would engage with her and her friends. This book will certainly enhance a young readers imagination through the ghostly goings on.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Starling migration, missing a Grandma, finding wings to fly. This is a beautifully written story. Something that is special about this book is the use of different fonts to show motion and definition in the book – it makes the reader feel the story in a different way than just the same font throughout. Another great Wickstrom book!