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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Kerry Baker

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Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has been created with the whole family in mind. The story was fun, engaging and we loved reading it. Every one of us was rooting for Ben and wanted to see him win the competition. The story was easy to follow and entertaining the whole way through.
Even more than the story, we loved the recipe provided at the end of the book. As soon as we saw that, time was set aside specifically for us to do the baking, which was even more fun than the reading. This book has been one of our favourites of the year and I foresee many more baking days to come.

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Kerry Baker

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a fun and entertaining story about a young sleuth all set on solving mysteries. This book is the perfect level of my daughter, who is just progressing onto chapter books and slightly more challenging reading. She was engaged with the book right from the start, which was made easier by the pictures scattered throughout.
Dylan was an enjoyable character and he was easy to connect with. It was fun to watch him try and figure out the mystery of the missing mail and I loved that I got to share this with my daughter. This is a book that we have come back to a few times already and I am sure we will read a few more.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get to read the second book in this series as I was entirely charmed by the first book, and the second one did not disappoint. The author transports us to a world where magic is real as long as you believe and have a brass ring. Rusty discovers the mini carousal in the mall has secrets for him to explore, but he is also looking for Christmas gifts for his family, especially his beloved grandfather. Trying to balance the need to earn and save money, while also spending money at the carousal, Rusty begins to learn some important lessons. The author did an amazing job of bringing magic into the real world and creating stories that are not only fun, but carry wonderful messages for both children and adults. It’s a fairly easy read and I was engrossed until the last page. I can’t wait to see what new adventures Rusty and his grandfather find in the future!

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fun story takes an unusual spin on the monster under the bed idea. It’s a fun inclusive story with incredible illustrations. Any child would love this fun and fast-paced story (I would have loved a monster under the bed like this).

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) by Dr. Kimberlie Harris – Review by Stephanie Robb

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Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. (Boys Unboxed)Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This wonderfully illustrated and imaginative story can be enjoyed by young and old alike. The author helps children learn new words, use their imagination, and have fun along the way. It is obvious from the way the book is written the author loves animals and children and adults alike will not be able to mirror the authors love for animals.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review By Heather Bass

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My Big Red MonsterMy Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read a few of these authors’ books to my niece and she loves them. This book teaches you how to face your fears with a cute little monster. My niece loves that the pictures for the story go so well with each other. She loves all the bright colors that make the story fun.
This little girl is afraid that there is a monster under her bed. She goes to bed that night and a red monster comes out and tries to get her. What will she do? This has a very cute ending.
Review @heatherbass

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This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

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This Egg Won't HatchThis Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3 Stars

 

This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom is a cute children’s story that has a lesson on overcoming fear. This could almost be a ‘companion’ book to “Just One More Egg”- as they have the same style illustrations, and the same Warbler ‘family’, nest, and feel- as the other.
The classic watercolour illustrations which accompany the story help to bring the story to life and engage the reader.
Again, what happens when a cuckoo lays her egg in a warbler nest? What happens when the all the chicks hatch, except for one? What happens to the last egg? You really should read the story if you want to find out…
Happy reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Nicole Thompson

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“Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail” is an enchanting chapter book adventure by MJ Murray and is an absolute gem for young readers! This captivating story kicks off with a stroke of serendipity when Dylan’s mailbox delivers a detective kit right when his neighbor’s mail goes missing.

Dylan embarks on an exhilarating quest, unraveling the mystery behind the vanishing letters. He canvases the town, quizzing locals, and gradually piecing together the puzzle. With each step of his journey, Dylan crafts a brilliant scheme to recover the pilfered mail. The book maintains an airy and cheerful tone, featuring straightforward language and concise sentences that make it a delightful and engaging read for kids.

The vivid and vibrant illustrations enrich the story’s appeal, immersing young readers in the enchanting world of Detective Dylan. In the end, this book ingeniously blends mystery and humor, imparting valuable lessons of perseverance, teamwork, and the art of problem-solving. It’s an enchanting adventure that deserves a resounding five-star rating!

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Kimberly Filer

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

K.L. Small has done it again with another fantastic story. The second book in the Brass Ring Series takes place right before Christmas. The outdoor Carousel is closed for the season and Rusty misses the the Carousel so badly. His grandfather is forgetting more and more and Rusty is so sad. One day when Rusty goes holiday shopping with his mother, he encounters a Christmas Carousel in the mall. Will the magic work on these carousel animals or is the magic reserved just for horses? Join Rusty on a wonderful set of adventures as he travels back in time to learn the true meaning of Christmas.

This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

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This Egg Won't HatchThis Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful story about mothers and babies. Lovely illustrations.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elisha Johnson

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My Big Red MonsterMy Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom- 4 out of 5 stars

My Big Red Monster is a cute children’s book about a girl who is scared of the monster that lives under her bed. She eventually discovers that he is not scary. They go on adventures and learn how to conquer fear. This book helps teach kids that things are not always as they appear. I recommend this book.

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada. This is such a great book for anyone with young children. Its great if you don’t have dogs but if you are in the market for getting a dog its a must read. It teaches kids how to approach a dog, how to read its body signals and much more. Porter and Midge are two dogs who live with their owners CJ and Lora. CJ & Lora want everyone to feel safe around dogs so they go around teaching people about dogs and dog safety. They teach kids that they are a huge responsibility so ownership is not to be taken lightly. This book is a must for families because whether or not you own a dog you are going to come across dogs some point in your life and these valuable lessons can save a lot of harm.

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Katie Matthews

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Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a lovely book and so, so important in my opinion! Working in animal rescue it is so important for us that children are able and know how to be safe around dogs and know how to interact appropriately with them so I love that this story focuses on that and is told in such a way that is easy for children to understand and hopefully be able to relate to. There is a really important message behind this story and the author address it really well.
I think this story definitely has a place in children’s libraries!

@katiem
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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Katie Matthews

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Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a lovely story! It was really easy to read and follow and has a great meaning behind it. It is really important for children to understand that not everything is easy and sometimes we do have really persevere with things in life. I think using baking as an idea for this was great as baking can be one of those things you really do have to preserver with to get it right. There are lots of talking points in this book for children to discuss what is happening in the story and think of things that they have had to try hard with. I love that the recipe was included as well.

@katiem
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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Michelle Mulvey

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Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great tool for people with kids. Everyone should need to read this book before adopting a dog. Kids need to learn how to act. This can help so many people learn a lot about dogs. Safety is always the most important thing. Safety for the person and safety for the pet.

review by @xchellex

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2023

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Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son found a love for baking and cooking when he was a child. This book encompasses the idea that kids can love to experiment in the kitchen and can do well at it! I love that Ben persevered to find a way to get his biscuits to be the best ever! Being a problem solver with the grit to continue on is the trait of a winner. The illustrations in this book are an added joy while reading.

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2023

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective 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 grow up wanting to be a top secret spy? When David gets his spy kit in the mail, he is pleasantly surprised to get a job right away. Even though he is irritated that his little sister has to tag along, he finds they make a great team. I enjoyed this short children’s book – I think this would be a great addition to a early-reader’s bookshelf. It is engaging, has action, and could be a start to a enjoying new series!

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Carrie Reed

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Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great story about not giving up! I love that Ben kept trying out new recipes to find out what would make his biscuits different from he year before and better. Sofia encourages him, which is what we all should do in a competition, encourage each other. I can’t wait to try out the recipe at the end of the book! Beautiful art work and story.

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series Book #1) by MJ Murray – Review by Angela Hayes

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail is the first book in A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series, and debut novel, by M.J. Murray.
Budding detective Dylan is on the case when his neighbour’s mail goes missing. With the help of his sister, Emily, and their dog Theodore, these sleuths are determined to solve their first case. What ensues makes for a fun read.
This is a children’s chapter book with an easy to read and understand plot that captures the imagination by engaging the reader with a fun story that contains some ‘learning’ opportunities along the way. There are some fun, black and white, illustrations sprinkled throughout that help inspire the imagination.
This is aimed at children who are just starting to read ‘chapter books’ on their own, or with help- and contains a few ‘harder’ words to challenge them as they read (Reading Tier 2). There are also lessons in problem solving, working together, perseverance, taking initiative, finding ‘clues’, family, friendship, and more.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, M.J. Murray!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Ayla Phipps

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Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful and fluffy. This book was beautiful and honestly not the best thing to read while hungry. Lol. I love how it has Ben sticking to what he loves to make as he learns a “new” way of making it the try and finally win first place over Sofia. It’s always the simple differences that make all the change and love how Miss Kitty is his inspiration to try something new. The recipe at the back yes please I will certainly be trying it soon.

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Julie Johnson

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Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a cute book about a young man who is ready to enter a baking contest. He makes really good biscuits, but they are pretty basic and not “good enough” to win the contest. With the encouragement of his dad, who becomes his taste tester, he finds the perfect recipe for his biscuits.
This book is about practice and perseverance. It would be a great teaching tool for a young child experiencing life’s difficulties. It could be a great encouragement if read to them/with them by someone who would become their “taste tester” and cheerleader in life.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly love Lois Wickstrom’s children’s books not just for my kids but for me. They are always so nicely illustrated and such wonderful stories that have a neat little twist. I know as a mom of two little boys I would love to have a monster under my bed that has to do whatever task I tell him to do, that does it in a whirl and it’s done. The ending made me hope that another book would be about the girl’s brother finding the “they don’t exist” monster under his bed. Lol

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kay Stritesky

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My Big Red MonsterMy Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My daughter always loves these books! There are such a cute read and always age appropriate. Its a bonus how much I enjoy them as an adult!

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Christmas Carousel is book Two in The Brass Ring Series. It is a kids book that delivers a powerful message about the true meaning of Christmas. Rusty is back with the magic ring his grandpa gave him but the magic carousel in the park is shut down for winter. He finds a small Christmas themed carousel in the mall and decides to ride each of the different animals. To be able to afford each ride Rusty shovels snow in his neighbor’s driveways. He wants to go on adventures on the Christmas carousel while also saving money to buy his family gifts. During each of his rides he learns about the true meaning of Christmas and receives the powerful message that Christmas is about love. The character of Rusty is well written, and I love the special bond that he has with his grandfather. The author does a great job of creating vivid, magical scenes that fully immerse you into the story alongside the characters. I am a huge fan of this wonderful series and believe it delivers an important message for readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book!

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another cute fast read by Lois Wickstrom! It is packed with bright, colorful, detailed illustrations that help you visualize the scenes and get more involved in the story. The Giants and Monsters Series Books can be read as standalone, but they are all cute and entertaining, so I’d suggest reading them all. This is the third in the series.

My Big Red Monster is a fun children’s story about a girl who is afraid of the monster under her bed. After the monster taunts her about doing bad things unless she gives him jobs to do, she finally confronts the monster and stands up to him, allowing herself to overcome her fear. She then sends the monster to her brother’s room, because he didn’t believe her when she told him she had a monster under the bed, so hopefully now he will see for himself.

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Candice Estes

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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dylan is excited for his new Youth Sleuth kit to come in the mail so that he can become a detective like the Youth Sleuths on his favorite program. When his kit arrives, he and his sister Emily and their dog Theodore set out to help their neighbor figure out what has happened to her missing mail. Their neighbor usually has another neighbor pick up her mail, but doesn’t this time, and suddenly her mail has gone missing. As the kids set out to uncover clues and try to solve the mystery, they learn to ask questions, research and interpret clues together. This is a great book for young kids; rather it is read to them by a parent or as a newer independent reader.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of a girl and the big, red monster that lives under her bed. Her brother doesn’t believe that there’s a monster under her bed, but there is! She finally gains the courage to face the monster and she has to give his tasks in order for him not to eat her. She makes him do all of her chores and then when there’s nothing left for him to do; she stands up to the monster and sends him over to her brothers room. I really love the illustrations in this book…they are bright and funny. This is an adaptation of a Hindu teaching tale and I think that Wickstrom does a nice job. I always love how Wickstrom is able to weave lessons into her children’s books in ways that kids are going to be able to grasp and understand. This is a great addition to any bookshelf!

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Paula Sayers

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this addition to the Brass Ring series. Rusty wants to buy a Christmas present for his grandfather but does not have enough money. Rusty goes on some great adventures with the brass ring his grandpa gave him. Maybe Rusty will learn the true meaning of Christmas.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom. This is my favorite children’s author and she’s done it again with this cute read. Its the story a little girl who is afraid of the big red monster under her bed. Her brother thinks she’s dumb and doesn’t believe her. The monster tells her he won’t attack her if she will give him jobs to do and keep him busy. That is easy at first but becomes harder and harder. The morale of the story is becoming friends with people who are difficult to be friends with and to conquer your fears. Its such a great book I’m planning on getting a couple for Christmas gifts. Such a talented author!

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