Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luna is a cute puppy looking for her howl. This is a story about being different and not fitting in. It shows us that it just takes one person to believe in us to help us find out howls and our true friends. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is written in a way that any child/adult can connect with.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Carrie’s Flight is the first book in the Grandma’s Closet’ series by Lois Wickstrom. It is an interesting story, with a bit of adventure, a touch of drama, and imagination.
Grandma has some interesting things stored in her closet. What does Carrie find?
I loved the cover illustration, but was a bit disappointed to find that the ‘inside’ illustrations are not the same type/style. The inner illustrations, although whimsical- don’t draw or hold your attention like the cover picture does. The cover picture made me want to find out what happens- but the others were a bit lacking- in my opinion. 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
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: A fast-paced middle-grade story set in a ballet boarding school haunted by friendly ghosts by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Triple Threat at Amberwood is the fourth book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventures series by Eleanor Dixon. This book continues the ghostly adventures of Lauren (and Grace) at Amberwood Hall ballet school, whom we have met, and followed, from Book #1.
This is another intriguing paranormal children’s story (missile school- ages 7 to 13) with ghosts, mystery, friendship, fun, drama, unexplained and troubling happenings, adventure, mischief/hijinks, high stakes, ticking clock, loyalty vs commitment, and a touch of the paranormal.
Triple Trouble at Amberwood could be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading right from the beginning to fully appreciate the story and characters.
I have been enjoying following along on this charming adventure series since the beginning, and think was this is another great instalment to the Amberwood collection.
Another great little story for all ages.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Eleanor Dixon!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first time I’m picking up a story by this author, Yobe Qiu. What first drew attention was the artwork 🥰 it was cute and colorful, really eye catching! The message was amazing to read, to love yourself and be proud of who you are and what your culture is. Which I think is real important for everyone to know.I also love how in the background on the book stand the author put her other books on there 🤣🥰really creative. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Great read for new chapter readers. This is a fun story with problem solving and character building. Very engaging and a fast read. I recommend this book for early readers and teachers to read out loud.
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great read for new chapter readers. This is a fun story with problem solving and character building. Very engaging and a fast read. I recommend this book for early readers and teachers to read out loud.
I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book made me smile ear to ear. I may not be Asian or a boy, but the positivity in this book just made my heart soar!
I wish there were affirmation books like this when I was younger. This book is diverse and showcases the numerous characteristics that one can be.
I really enjoyed the illustrations as well.
‘I am bold, big hearted, brave, brillant, balanced, blessed, beautiful, bilingual, and bountiful. I’m all of these and more.’
What a way to bring the whole book full circle!
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luna The Howling Husky Finds Her Howl is a children’s book designed for kids between the ages of six to ten years of age. The book tells the story of a young Husky puppy that does not seem to fit in with the rest of her siblings. She looks different because her eyes are brown and not blue like all her siblings. Luna also cannot howl at the moon like her siblings are able to do. One day while out playing Luna finds a quiet cat and the two become fast friends. When Luna finds her forever home with a loving family, she is finally able to find her voice. This was a beautifully written story with messages about friendship, love, acceptance, kindness, empathy, family, and finding your voice. The illustrations are bright, bold, colorful, and really bring the story to life. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages.
Dylan just got a new detective kit and is very excited to use it just as they do in his favorite tv show. To his luck his neighbor just found out that her mail is missing, and without a doubt asks Dylan and his sister to help her find it.
A funny and witty book perfect for kids of all ages.
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Who didn’t want to be a detective when they were younger? I know that I did, and this is a story that opened so many doors for thought. This is a cute story about Dylan and how his little sister Emily grow closer, especially when they have to learn to work together. Dylan wants nothing more than to be a detective, he has saved his allowance to pay for a detective kit. Dylan has even watched every episode of Youth Sleuths so he can learn how to be a good detective. This story is well written and easy for the little ones to follow and enjoy. I loved that the author answered the readers’ questions at the end, and that she thought to add a new word to each chapter. Later, she puts a vocabulary list from the book and the definitions at the back for the little ones to continue to learn. This is a great start to this series, and I look forward to reading what comes next for Dylan and Emily.
Mary Espinoza, December 2023
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I Became a fan of this author after reading Jake the Growling Dog. So I couldn’t wait to read this one🥰 As always I really enjoyed reading Samantha Shannon story and how meaningful they are and the messages they relay. The graphics and colors were great. I read this to my nieces and nephew tonight and they loved it and wanted to read another . And omg I freaking loved all the extra activities she put at the end for the little ones to do 🥰
Ps huskies are my favorite breed.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Always such beautifully illustrated books with interesting, and unique stories. Carrie loves to watch the Starlings murmuration fly high in the sky with her grandma. Pulling out a box of her grandmas that has feathers on it, Carrie gets the biggest surprise of her life. A moment she will never forget, and she joins the starlings in the sky. The added history at the back of the book was perfect as my seven-year-old son asked me about the starlings at the end of the book and it was an added little story for him to understand why they came to North America and how.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I knew from the title this book was going to be amazing and it didn’t disappoint. It’s so much fun and beautifully illustrated. My seven-year-old son had a field day looking at all the pictures and pointing out the silliest thing he could find. He especially loved the science note at the end that said while it is not often it is possible for a tornado to suck up water, he thought it was awesome and hopes to see falling fish and frogs one day.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a beautiful book. Illustrations that leap off the pages and a story that warms the heart. Luna just wanted to be like everyone else, but they only made fun of her until she found a friend. Nemo the cat was different like Luna, she couldn’t do the right things either but in a moment of hope and asking to play they both found everything they needed to be happy. Love is all Luna needed and Nemo helped bring that into her world to cancel out the sadness.
I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautifully illustrated and wonderful book. This book shows the B’s of being yourself. Being comfortable in your skin and embracing all that your culture has to give. Bold. Big-hearted. Brave. Brilliant. Balanced. Blessed. Beautiful. Bilingual. Bountiful. Words to live by when embracing your race, religion, language, culture and so much more. I also loved how the book showed representation of multiple races and cultures in the classroom and his friends.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luna the Howling Husky Finds her Howl is a great kids book. I picked it out simply from the cover art. I love the northern lights and huskys, so it was a given I would read it to my son. The book tells a great story, but also has good lessons hidden within. Luna is not like her siblings, she can’t howl like they can, and she looks a little different. She is kind of the outcast, Rudolph, Ugly ducking, black sheep etc. She makes a new friend in a neighborhood cat, who makes a surprise entrance at the end of the story. This story teaches kids (and reminds adults) not to outcast those who are different. Everyone has their own talents and charms, and sometimes you need a best friend to help you shine. We loved the photos of the real life Luna and Nemo at the end, and comparing how great of a job the illustrator did. They were spot on, and all the pictures were so colorful and fun. My one gripe is the inconsistent rhyming. Some parts of the book rhyme and flow well, and others, not so much. Overall, I loved it and want a paper copy!
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: A fast-paced middle-grade story set in a ballet boarding school haunted by friendly ghosts by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I dove into book 4 of this series having not read any of the previous books. This book is geared more towards 8-12 year olds but most, if not all, age groups would enjoy this book. It took me a minute to get into the story and I think it’s because I did not have a back story going into it since I skipped the first three books. However, I found this to be an enjoyable read.
There are ghosts lurking around Amberwood Hall. Some are friendlier than others and it’s up to Lauren and her friends to figure out what’s causing things to go awry at different times. When the big production at the end of the year is cancelled, there is suspicion as to who might be behind the reason.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Everyone in my family absolutely LOVES all of Lois Wickstrom’s books! We always learn something in a fun and imaginative way. This author could never write too many books because we are always clamoring for more! This story was incredibly informative in a wonderfully whimsical way. The illustrations were also beautiful and added depth to the story. My kiddos laughed when random items began raining from the sky that had been pulled from the lake! Towards the end we got to learn about tornadoes and natural weather phenomena. I highly recommend picking this up and sharing with the young ones in your family!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cute kids story about a puppy that couldn’t find her howl. Luna soon discovers that being different is ok. She learns there are all kinds of differences. She also finds what she needs to be a howling success!
This cute story also includes wonderful pictures bringing Luna and her friend to life. Easy to read and sweet for all ages.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute children’s book. It’s a sweet story about being different and accepting that not everyone is the same. I have 2 children on the autism spectrum and I think this will help younger children understand a little bit about accepting themselves.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A cute and silly story my son and I enjoyed. Lois Wickstrom always manages to wrap science in a bit of fun. We are never disappointed when we read her books. We have read so many of them together. I highly recommend any of her books, especially this one.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
LOVE the illustrations! So detailed, colorful and there are hidden gems all over! No offense to the story (which is good itself) but I had more fun looking at the pages to see what I could find. Then imagine my surprise when I got to the end and it has all kinds of neat things! A child of any age will easily enjoy looking at all the pages while an older child will like both and get the meaning behind the story. Plus this will help a parent to chat about being kind to others and self.
I really like the “Sometimes we make mistakes and thats okay” little paragraph. The next couple pages are wonderful learning opportunities for all (adults too). This is such a good book all the way around that I can see sending this to families in my circle to help spread the kind word.
Well Done!
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom has done it again. This is a very cute book that helps kids to understand how wind and rain work, in terms they’re eager to understand. Brightly colored and well illustrated pictures help to tell the story from a visionary standpoint. I absolutely recommend this book for young kids learning about weather and how it works.
Review By
Manda Kelly
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this children;s book. This is an author that enjoys reading her children’s books for sure. This is a story about Carrie and how she finds a pair of antique wings. Will she be able to figure out how to make them fly? Will she learn the magic of love? This is a cute story that would be great for any child. It is a story that has great illustrations. I enjoyed how the author made the story come to life through them. It is an easy story to read. I highly recommend this children’s book.
Review by @bjwagner
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2EWD9ZUCMRV4I/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4096706612
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6015432978
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luna the husky tries so hard to howl like her siblings. When they all get adopted, Luna is lonely. Will Luna ever find her howl? This is a great children’s book about shyness, finding and making friends that are different, and accepting others.
Review by Terri Jo McAllister
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Triple Trouble at Amberwood is another wonderful addition and the fourth book in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School series. Eleanors passion with ballet and shines through in her words. It is an engaging story with wonderful characters.
This sweet little tale is a delightful children’s paranormal/fantasy story. It is aimed for young readers aged 8 – 13 but young and old will enjoy this fun tale.
Lauren and the gang are drawn into another ghostly adventure at Amberwood haunted ballet school where mischief and mayhem is about to explode. With a new ghost in town things are about to get difficult and friendships are in jeopardy.
If you enjoy a ghostly tale with a bit of mystery, you are going to like this one.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dylan loves a show about detectives called ‘Youth Sleuths’ and wants to be one himself. After saving his allowance he ordered a detective kit. When the kit came in he was eager to begin his new job. When he finds out his neighbour’s mail is missing, he jumps on the case with the help of his little sister and dog.
Dylan and his sister run around the neighbourhood looking for clues, they start off by asking the adults around the street, then moving on to the children. Will they be able to solve the case of the missing mail?
This book was very fast paced which would keep children engaged from start to finish. I also like the relationship between Dylan and his little sister. Even though she is younger, he still tries his hardest to include her in his game. Plus the dog was cute and funny.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Each review I leave for this author feels like it could be a applied to every book we have read, they are all that good. And this book is just another in a long line that has been a success in our house. Both of my kids loved the idea of having wings and really enjoyed seeing the images in this book of Carrie and her wings. And the information teaching them about birds created a really interesting narrative.
As with all of her books, this one is fun, educational, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. We have already read it multiple tines and I am sure will read it many more.
Triple Trouble at Amberwood: Book Four in your favourite middle-grade haunted ballet school… by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 4 in the Amberwood Hall Ballet School Series. This has been a great series for readers young and old alike. The author does an amazing job with the story making it unique and different and filled with twists and turns you don’t see coming. I would recommend reading these books in order so you get a full picture of all the characters.
The mixture of a old haunted school, ghosts who are fun and and witty as well as the normal teenagers makes this a store that will keep you entertained.
We are back with Lauren and her school friends as well as her ghost friends Grace and Rodney.
Lauren thinks she is doing a good thing when she rescued a ghost from a building that was about to be torn down. However this ghost isn’t all that she seems and when strange and dangerous things start happening at Applewood Hall, Lauren needs to figure out who is responsible and why. But will this be the one thing that puts a huge wedge between Lauren and her ghost friend Grace? Can Lauren rid the school of the spirit causing all the trouble or will it be too late.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Carrie’s Flight” by Lois Wickstrom is a heartwarming and magical children’s book that beautifully explores the bond between generations and the power of love. The story follows young Carrie, who discovers a set of antique wings belonging to her Grandma. Determined to reunite with her Grandma, who has moved across town, Carrie embarks on an enchanting adventure to make the wings fly and reach Grandma’s new house.
What truly shines in “Carrie’s Flight” is the emphasis on the power of love. Carrie’s determination to reach her Grandma and the bond they share is beautifully portrayed. The shared moments of watching starlings together create a magical atmosphere, further highlighting the importance of love and connection between family members.
The illustrations in the book are delightful, adding an extra layer of charm to the story. They effectively capture the emotions and the magic of Carrie’s journey, enhancing the overall reading experience.
