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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Myself and my kids were so excited to see we had another Lois Wickstrom book to read and it was put straight to the top of the list. This was a great and colourful story, that was entertaining and educational. The topic of the book is one that most kids will experience in one way or another and I think the author has done a great job of touching on this in a sensitive and refreshing way.
The pictures throughout the book really help my kids attention. They have loved to look at them in conjunction with the story and they enjoyed the whole book. This was another success in our house and we are already looking forward to the next.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amber Howard

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought the story was simple enough for young children to read and understand. My 6 year old grasped the meaning easily and was very engaged. It just seemed to end abruptly. That’s my only complaint. The artwork was lovely. The meaning behind the story was good. I’d recommend this book.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

Great children’s book. This book help you see chores through the child’s eye. Great characters, and strong storyline. Making normal everyday things fun. Recommended to all readers.

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great children’s book. This book help you see chores through the child’s eye. Great characters, and strong storyline. Making normal everyday things fun. Recommended to all readers.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

Great children’s book. This book takes you on an adventure. Team building and get different perspectives. Great characters, and strong storyline. Recommended to all readers.
Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great children’s book. This book takes you on an adventure. Team building and get different perspectives. Great characters, and strong storyline. Recommended to all readers.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is just brilliant with children’s books!
This book you meet Colleen and her dad. Her dad is a giant and holds up the sky as his job. People fear this giant man and claim he’s making up his story about holding up the sky.
Colleen decides to have a party for all the townsfolk who are scared of her dad. Her dad let’s his hands down for a minute during this party and people learn that he is not a scary cruel giant but just another person like them.
Very cute story with lots of good educational lessons built in

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another gem from Lois Wickstrom with beautiful illustrations. Chester is very relatable and like most children doesn’t want to clean his room. We follow a very messy tale as Chester meets the messy kids.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Michelle Mulvey

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Colleen’s dad holds up the sky all day long come summer and winter. No one believed her dad held up the sky until he took a break to play with the kids. Cute book, very colorful, beautiful pictures.

review by @xchellex

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Katie Matthews

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yet again anther really cute read form this author. I loved the illustrations in this book to they were nice and colourful and engaging. The story had a lovely rhyme to it which is great for children as well as the hidden message behind the story. It would be great talking point for children about how we treat people who are different and we should get to know everybody regardless of what they look like.

@katiem
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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another cute story by Lois Wickstrom where she incorporates life lessons for kids into it. Chester doesn’t want to clean his room (what kids does) and so he compromises and says he’ll go clean the sandbox first. While out there, he meets the Messy Kids and whatever Chester does, they can do it bigger and better than him. They follow him into his room to clean and initially, they shove everything under the bed, but when Chester’s mom comes in and tells Chester that he knows better than that, the Messy Kids use their strengths to help Chester clean his room the right way. As always, I love that Wickstrom weaves lessons into her books and I love the illustrations.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute story about Colleen and her dad and his job of holding up the sky. Colleen’s friends and their parents don’t actually believe that her dad holds up the sky so she invites them over to see. They still don’t believe her so her dad stops holding up the sky and begins to play with them. Nothing immediately beings to happen so Colleen begins to doubt her dad; however, subtle things start to go wrong so Colleen has to fix it. I really enjoy how Wickstrom is always able to weave life lessons into her stories. The illustrations for this book are fantastic as well.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois J Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom. I love this author, her books are so wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated. They also always teach kids something in the lovely stories. This one is about Chester who doesn’t want to clean his room so he goes outside to clean the “sandbox’. While he is playing in the sandbox the “messy” kids come over to play. They end up following him into the house to help him clean his room. Such a fun book for ages 4-8. My nephews have loved all these books and they would make amazing gifts too. I have bought several of all of them.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 Stars

What a fun story with colorful illustrations that catch your eye. I also loved the rhyming as the story of Colleen and her Dad really drew me in.

All Colleen wants to do is have her friends love her dad as much as she does, but due to him being giant sized, he is more feared. Once Colleen’s friends get to know her dad….there is much fun to be had!! What happens after awhile that Colleen’s dad no longer is holding up the sky?

Fun story for all ages and I just love this author’s imaginative stories. Highly recommended.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rayne East

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Imaginative children’s book
This colourful children’s adventure picture book was a delight to read. Aimed at early childhood ages, it takes the reader on a fun adventure with Colleen as she deals with issues with the townsfolk. I really love how this author cleverly weaves a message or lesson into her stories.
Recommend.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by La Toya Lewis

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom is such a fun book with a great lesson. Colleen’s dad is a giant that claims to hold up the sky. People fear her father and they don’t like him. Lois Wickstrom once again does an amazing job of teaching lessons in a fun and compassionate way. This story does a great job of showing children how to work together. It also teaches us not to fear someone because they are different and to have compassion. I also really loved the fun illustrations.

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom

The Messy Kids is another wonderfully written children’s book by this author. We never hesitate to read whatever she writes. The illustrations bring the story to life and each story has a message. My son loved this book and thought the messy kids were funny. When your asked to do something like clean your room ,do it right the first time and you’ll find great satisfaction in not having to do it multiple times. I highly recommend reading this cute children’s book to find out what happens next. We look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What another fun retelling of a classic children’s story! We love bringing home Lois Wickstrom’s books because we all know we are for a super great read as well as some good conversations afterward. The illustrations are just beautiful and help set the feel of each scene as we move through some smart piggies! Both of my kiddos loved it as they are really interested in anything STEM related, so I feel like this book was perfectly timed for this family! The story flows amazingly as always, and the author once again shows how well putting your mind to a tough situation (especially together) turns out if you don’t give up. I highly recommend picking this up and enjoying it with the little ones in your life. I bet you all have a wonderful adventure!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a tale or three little pigs and one hungry wolf.

The wolf had been living near the three little pigs and was always hungry, but he was also always huffing and puffing. Now the three little pigs knew this, so as they grew up, they studied hard to learn how to build wolf proof houses at architecture school, so that they could stop living in fear of the wolf.

One day, when the three little pigs had finished their houses, along came the wolf who threatened to blow their houses down by huffing and puffing, but their houses withstood the wolf, but a standoff began, can the three little pigs use their smarts to solve the dilemma, or will the wolf’s hunger be their downfall?

This is a new take on an old story which blends science and fairy tales to bring learning into an easy to understand book which is suitable for all ages.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Huff…Puff…Grind! The Three Little Pigs Get Smart is a bit of a twist on the classic fairytale, The Three Little Pigs. The Three Little Pigs, Stella, Hal, and Brad have all built what they feel are sturdy homes after having studied architecture in school. When the big bad wolf comes huffing and puffing at each of their doors, he finds their homes will not fall. Stella, Hal, and Brad get together and try to find another use for all the big bad wolf’s hot air. Rather than have the big bad wolf be an enemy they make a deal with him and turn him into an ally. This was a cute and imaginative retelling of the classic that teaches children about kindness, friendship, working together, and problem solving.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amelia Stansell

Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great retelling of the Three Little Pigs. My little boy loved this story as well. The three pigs are able to make their houses indestructible to the wolf. The wolf cannot blow down any of their houses no matter how easy he thought it would be. In the end the pigs and wolf come to an understanding.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the art in this book, the aesthetic is so pleasing. The story is cute, I enjoyed the rhyming and the Giant controlling whether or not the sky falls. Colleen was brave to take her dad’s place to try and help. I think the visuals alone will draw kids in, and then the story will help them fall in love with book. Colleen’s dad may seem to others, not to have a “real” job but, the neighbors can all go about their days not worrying about the sky thanks to the giant.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star’s
Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom

Holding up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) is a wonderfully written children’s book that children will love reading. One thing I love most about this author is every one of her books teaches us a lesson of some sort. This one teaches us to work together and not be fearful of those who may be different. My son loved this book a lot. Collen thinks her dad holds up the sky no one in town believes that he does. But what will happen when he puts his hands down? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next . We look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters)Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lois’s Holding Up the Sky will delight young readers with this next book in the Giant and Monsters group.
Follow Colleen and her dad as they deal with issues of name calling and bullies. Find out what happens when he decides to give up his job and no longer holds up the sky. Who saves the day?
The book is aimed at children aged between 4 to 8 years. Lois’s narrative and the bright and colourful illustrations by Nicolás Milano help make this picture book a fun story.
My grandsons enjoyed it. What child doesn’t love a good friendly giant and monster story.
It’s a great book just because.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns

Lois Wickstrom has crafted yet another science/STEM related picture book! The twist on the Three Little Pigs is that each pig studied architecture in school. When they begin building their houses it is to test their ability to make wolf-proof houses. The pigs go through the process of designing their houses by drawling plans, and then they each began building the houses. As an educator I always think about activities that can go with each children’s book that I read. The perfect activity to go with this book would be to have kids research sturdy materials to build houses, and then draw floor plans for their houses. Afterwards, provide materials for students to use to build their houses. Each house can be put to the huff and puff test by having classmates or a strong fan blow on the houses. This is a wonderful book, and I would definitely recommend it for a great summer activity! On a side note, I really like the different font faces used on the pages and how they go with the story.

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom is another of her cute children’s stories. It has bright, colourful, and interesting illustrations that accompany the story, which help to bring everything to life.
This is a bit of an adventure with a few messages/lessons along the way. With some fantasy and a touch of drama, it makes for an engaging and fun read- feeding both the imagination, as well as imparting messages on kindness, cooperation, helpfulness, not to be fearful, and not jumping to conclusions or judging a book by its cover.

Happy reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom Reviewed by- Jamie Burns

Lois Wickstrom is an amazingly talented children’s book author and she creates wonderful books that children can relate to. In the story, The Messy Kids, is about a little boy named Chester who is having too much fun playing to clean up. Instead of cleaning his room, he decides to go outside to clean the sandbox. While he is outside, he meets the messy kids. As you can imagine, they make a huge mess of the sandbox. The messy kids and Chester go back inside to his bedroom to find toys all over the place. Do they clean the mess, goodness no! It would be much more fun to play. The toys end up under Chester’s bed and mom is not too happy with him for not cleaning her room the correct way. Chester told his mom about the messy kids, and he was told to teach them how to clean up the mess. Will Chester be able to teach the messy kids how to clean up and put away the toys in the correct places? Find out by reading The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom. This is such a fun children’s book and it is relatable because most children would rather play than clean their room. make a great big mess! I loved the messy kids, in fact, they remind me of Thing One and Thing Two from The Cat in the hat because they always make a huge mess, but they alway clean it up afterwards.

Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Huff...Puff...Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Huff…Puff…Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Huff puff Grind was a cute take on the 3 Little Pigs story. I read it to my 7 year old and we both enjoyed it. My son said he doesn’t trust that wolf! He leaned a lot of new words- architect, mortar, saplings, lurking… In this story, the 3 pigs are educated and build sturdy houses, that all withstand the wolf’s huffs and puffs. But, unlike the original, these pigs are smart, problem solvers. They came up with a plan so everyone wins! I loved the illustrations, they are colorful and creative; I love that even the font changes to incorporate into the story.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this story with my 6 year old son. He was shocked but also pleasantly surprised by the new twist! He really enjoyed the ending. He’s all for how this ended! Another great twist on a classic by Lois W. We can’t get enough of her stories!

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this story with my 6 year old. We both enjoyed reading it. My son liked how his daughter supported him and had such trust in her dad. Another great read from Lois Wickstrom. We have loved all of her books!

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many young girls think their daddy hung the moon, but Colleen is convinced that her daddy holds up the sky. Colleen’s dad is a giant and most of the townspeople fear him and think that he’s made up this story about the sky. One day, Colleen decides to host a party and her dad let’s his hands down for awhile. Suddenly, everyone in town becomes concerned and changes their thoughts on how they feel about Colleen’s dad.

This is a very well written story by a favorite author of mine. The illustrations are super brilliant and vivid! The story and it’s “hidden” meaning are great to share with anyone of any age. This book should be on every library shelf, whether in an actual library, daycare, school, etc.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another Fun and fantastic story to read to our children. Colleen and her Dad have a special job. But the children are afraid of Colleen’s dad, and tease her. Read what happens when Colleen’s dad puts his hands down. Also who comes to the rescue when things start happening. This author never ceases to amaze me. Her imagination is and ability to entertain our children. Just another example of why I enjoy reading stories from this author.

Review@cinful

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