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What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom

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What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 28
Cover Designer – Ada Konewki

The tree Grandma brings has aphids. Grandma says Loretta must kill the aphids before they kill the tree, but Loretta refuses because she loves insects. One day, a katydid finds the tree. It eats all the aphids. Then the katydid starts eating the tree. Loretta doesn’t want to get rid of the katydid. How will she keep her orange tree healthy for the science fair? With a little secret help from the insect world, Loretta just might win first place.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom

Lois is a former high school chemistry teacher and former head science teacher at Science in the City Summer Camp in Philadelphia. She has also been an adjunct science teacher at University of South Florida. Since retiring, she continues to take science classes. Her class in Forensic Biology led to Little Red, The Detective, in which Red is studying fingerprint identification, so she can tell that “Grandma” isn’t who she says she is.

Lois has taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales. She has invented what she calls Science Folktales. In each science-based tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending than the original because of learning scientific principles. She has turned some of these tales into plays.

She has also created a series of Mermaid Science stories, which make use of water science.

Lois is married to the love of her life. She has two children, four grandchildren and a dog.

Author Interview with Lois Wickstrom

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book #1) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

The Empty Box is the first book in the Invisible Magic Wand series by Lois Wickstrom. It is a cute children’s story that has a fun storyline, colourful illustrations, entertaining antics, and adventure- with a touch of magic…
This is Caspian’s unbirthday and Grandpa always gives him something silly to celebrate. But this year the box he leaves under Caspian’s bed is empty. Did grandpa forget to put a present inside? Follow along to find out what Caspian finds inside the box…
With interesting characters, this quirky story was engaging, imaginative, and fun to read.
Happy reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another incredible gem of a book from this author. A wonderful story following Caspian and his wonderful Grandpa. Every year on his unbirthday his grandpa gives him a special unusual present this year it’s an invisible magic wand.

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Sandra (Crandomblog)

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute little Hansel and Gretel type story with a twist. It was very cute and I loved that they solved problems along the way. I felt that it covered the importance of thinking for yourself and not going into situations or meeting people with preconceived opinions/judgements. The kids loved this and I appreciated a more happy version of a darker fairy tale. We had a few discussions about this book.

My oldest kid said: I really like the fact the girl wanted to stop and sketch the animals that she saw. I want to do that on our next hike please? I also really liked that the kids helped the old lady fix her house. That was sweet.

My youngest said: I liked that it was a gingerbread house. I think I would want to eat it to. I didn’t know that animals liked gingerbread houses.

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s Caspian’s Un-Birthday and Grandpa has gifted him with a box. Only problem is, it’s an empty box! Grandpa tells Caspian that there’s a wand inside and that he needs to name it in order for it to work. Once Caspian gives the wand a name, his world becomes so much more interesting!

I love the adventures that Caspian and his Grandpa have! I wish I’d have had a Grandpa like him! Lois Wickstrom writes engaging stories for youngsters and I have loved all her books so far! The illustrations are also very vivid and appealing.

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caspian and his Grandpa are back for another “unbirthday”. What is Caspians gift?
He is initially frustrated as the box grandpa gave him was empty. His grandpa however tells him there is an invisible magic wand!! But Caspian has to name it before it would work. Fun things happen after this with magic lessons and fun lessons with “time”.
This is another cute series with a lot of imagination perfect for the preschool kindergarten aged child. My daughter thought this was great and wanted me to get her a wand too!

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caspian and Grandpa are back in the Empty Box part of the Invisible Magic Wand series. Grandpa gives Caspian what appears to be an empty box for his Unbirthday but it contains so much more, a magic wand.
The illustrations by Nicolas Milano are bright and colourful and make the story come alive. The story is age appropriate for children between 3 – 8 years. The storyline is creative and interesting.
Time travel is possible for Caspian thanks to his Grandpa and he can’t wait to get started. An original and entertaining picture book story that kids love. Follow along on this new adventure for Caspian as he learns what his magic wand can do.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This episode of Caspian’s unbirthday is very fun. I love the imagination in these books and the magical unbirthday presents. I think all kids would like to squeeze time to have their cake last longer too. I really enjoy the art in this book as well as the story of the invisible magic wand and look forward to more of Caspian’s unbirthday presents.

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom. This is such a cute series. In this addition Caspian receives a empty box for his “unbirthday” from his Grandpa. He tells Caspian that its a invisible sword and he has to name it before it will work. This book is full of fun and imagination with Caspian and his Grandpa. Would be a great gift for the youngster in your life.

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shelly Kittell

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75858540-the-empty-box” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673471043l/75858540._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75858540-the-empty-box”>The Empty Box</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/5394249592″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Oh, Caspian is one of my favorites. I love the adventures he has with his Grandpa. Here he gets his invisible wand. This adventure has him playing with time. This brings back so many memories I had with my grandmother and that I’m making with my grandson. This story is fun, creative and full of imagination. It sparks conversation. The pictures are bright and colorful. As a grandparent, this is one of my favorite series to read to my grandchildren. <br />Reasons I enjoyed this book:
<br/><br/>
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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom

🌼 .•°*°•.🌼 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 🌼 .•°*°•.🌼
The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom
Genre – Kids, Family
Page Count – 32
Cover Designer – Nicolás Milano

The Box Looks Empty. But Grandpa Says it’s an Invisible Magic Wand.

(Formerly Invisible Magic Wand) Every year, on his Unbirthday, Grandpa gives Caspian a silly gift. Something that would not be appropriate for his Birthday. This year, he receives an Invisible Magic Wand, which enables him to control time. He can speed time up to get places faster. He can slow time down to enjoy his favorite foods longer.

Can it help him win a basketball game?

~ AMAZON ~


Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom

Lois is a former high school chemistry teacher and former head science teacher at Science in the City Summer Camp in Philadelphia. She has also been an adjunct science teacher at University of South Florida. Since retiring, she continues to take science classes. Her class in Forensic Biology led to Little Red, The Detective, in which Red is studying fingerprint identification, so she can tell that “Grandma” isn’t who she says she is.

Lois has taken so many science classes that she believes science is the solution to almost every problem, including the dilemmas in fairy tales. She has invented what she calls Science Folktales. In each science-based tale, the protagonist achieves a better ending than the original because of learning scientific principles. She has turned some of these tales into plays.

She has also created a series of Mermaid Science stories, which make use of water science.

Lois is married to the love of her life. She has two children, four grandchildren and a dog.

Author Interview with Lois Wickstrom

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns

Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom is a wonderful picture book packed full of wonderful topics to talk to your child about. The first thing that stood out to me is that you should always know your way home- the crumb trail. Another thing that children should be taught is not to wander away from their parents because it is not safe. I love how Wickstrom has created such an outstanding retelling of Hansel and Gretel. The illustrations and storyline works well together, and are entertaining for children.

Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rachel Moss

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really cute book! I enjoyed the illustrations a lot, they were very colorful, detailed and beautiful! This is kind of like a retelling of Hansel and Gretel, without the bad-ish ending and violence towards children. I think this children’s book had a good theme in not judging books by its cover? Something along those lines anyway. Either this was a cute book for children and I highly recommend it!

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another excellent book from this author.

I loved this alternative take on Hansel and Gretel, a delightful and happy take on this fairytale.

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Emily H

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hansel and Gretel have heard the rumors about the witch that owns the gingerbread house. While out on an outing they discover the house, but are the rumors true?

This was a different take on the Hansel and Gretel story. Had problem solving skills as well as a couple of lessons along the way. Fun read.

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute retelling of Hansel and Gretel. As always, I love how Wickstrom weaves science and storytelling. Hansel and Gretel go out with their dad to have a picnic and along the way Gretel stops to identify and draw birds and other woodland creatures. They cross paths with the “witch” who makes them help her rebuild her house because they, and the animals, have been eating her “prize-winning house.” I do feel like this story ends abruptly and I had to go back a read it a couple of times to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Overall, I enjoyed the story.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Allen

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of my favorite stories when I was younger was that of Hansel and Gretel. This is the retelling of that story, with a nicer version than the original. I enjoyed the concept Lois conveys of helping someone in need. A very quick read with a good message. If you like classic children’s tales with a slight twist, this is the book for you.

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns

Loretta’s Caterpillar is another amazing book by Lois Wickstrom! The illustrations and storyline are amazing together. I love how the story includes rich vocabulary and is connected to science. This book would be great to include in a classroom or homeschooling environment. This book’s back matter contains information about Monarch Butterflies migration, how to obtain Milkweed seeds, and information on how to tell if the butterfly is male or female. If your little scientist enjoys learning about insects, they will love this book!

Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun little take on the Hansel and Gretel story. Along with their dad, Hansel and Gretel take a walk into the woods. Dad has taught the kids well to leave a bread crumb trail to find their way back. Dad is telling the kids to be careful of the witch in the woods. They hear a bird and take off looking for it and in the meantime, come across a beautiful gingerbread house. The animals are eating it so the kids decide to try some for themselves. Then the homeowner comes out and puts the kids to work. She’s wanting to win the “most beautiful house” award but it’s becoming impossible with the bricks disappearing.

I’m a huge fan of Lois Wickstrom and her books just don’t disappoint! The illustrations are very vivid and the stories are engaging. Most, if not all, of her books also have some learning component to them as well. These books need to be in every home, daycare, school, library, etc!

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Gabrielle

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a different take on the original Hansel and Gretel fairytale. In this story the brother and sister are on a picnic and get lost. When they come upon a gingerbread house the old lady makes them help her repair the damage that the animals have done to her house.

This is a quick easy read that will keep youngsters engaged. It helps to teach children to make up their own minds and find ways to solve problems without giving up. While this was an interesting story, I would have liked to see more to it. The ending is left open so this is a nice way to get children thinking and imagining. The children in the story are curious and smart making this an easy story to engage little ones with questions and have them give ideas.

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Saving the Gingerbread House
By: Lois Wickstrom

This is such a cute version of Hansel and Gretel. I definitely will be reading it to my students when we get to our fairy tale unit. I love that this has a science spin, just as all Lois Wickstrom books do. It has absolutely adorable pictures to go along with the text. I actually love that this has a such a positive spin on a fairy tale that can have more of a dark spin. I love that Hansel and Gretel work with the witch to restore the house, fixing their mistakes. I definitely recommend this story. Especially when reading the original too. I think it can lead to many conversations between children (or students)! This is one I will be recommending to all of my teaching friends!

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Sandra (Crandomblog)

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an adorable little book. It is part of a series about insects by Lois Wickstrom. What I like about it is that that the artwork is just as amazing as the story. It held the attention of both of my kids and it also provided a lot of education on the lifespan / metamorphosis of a Butterfly. After we finished the story I let them ask any questions that they may have had and turned it into a complete educational experience.

My oldest kid said: I really loved the story and how she learned all about the lifecycle of butterflies like I did in school. The cover of the book was pretty and the inside pictures were too. I liked how some of the words looked different [note from mom: this was really cool and it emphasized certain words].

My youngest kid said: It was very cute. I liked the pictures and butterflies. The one caterpillar pooped a lot [insert childish giggles here]

Now both my kids want to visit a butterfly garden! Fingers crossed that I can find one that will be as entertaining as this book was!

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Michelle Mulvey

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of this author and her children’s books she puts out. This one is just as
Good as the others I’ve read. This is a story of Hansel and Gretel and how they helped the witch when all the animals were eating her house she was hoping to win a contest.

review by @xchellex

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, March 2023

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hansel, Gretel and their dad go on a walk through the forest to have a picnic. Gretel loves to draw the wildlife she sees. As they are walking, they ask their dad about the witch that lives in the forest. When Hansel and Gretel go on a walk by themselves they happen upon a gingerbread house and meet the old lady who lives there. She is not happy that Hansel, Gretel and the forest animals have eaten some of her house and make Hansel and Gretel stay to fix the house. The house is in a contest later that she wants to win. Gretel comes up with an idea to lead the animals away from the house and to find her dad. It takes a few tries, but is successful – and guess what?! The old woman wins the contest. The illustrations in the book are cute and it is a great new way to tell the story of Hansel and Gretel.

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a cute and informative book!!! I LOVE butterflies and so do my kids!! I got this book for my 8 year old, but I think that anyone who loves butterflies can see how great this book is! It teaches you a little about their life cycle, where they are and studied the most, the difference between mail and female, what eats them, what they eat, and just so much more!! I can picture a field of butterflies all taking off, but also a field of caterpillars hatching too!! So pretty!! In this book Loretta is the main character. She wakes up one day to see all the butterflies gone from the milkweed field outside her window. Where could they be?!?! She runs outside, but only finds eggs all over the underbelly of the milkweed leaves. She finds a specific one and wants to keep it. She protects it from a bunch on things (insects, birds, and lizards), watches it grow through metamorphosis, and then she and her family watch it become a beautiful monarch butterfly! One morning she watches all the butterflies as they fly away. Such an adorable book! Again it teaches you so much about monarch butterflies and their life process. Not taking away from the book AT ALL!!!!!!!!! Because it really is cute and my daughter and I LOVED it so much!!!! BUT I feel that if you read this book with your kid(s) and they LOVE it as much as me, you should grab the butterfly hatcher kit that comes with all the stuff you need to hatch your own butterflies at home! A friend of mine did it and also bought a milkweed plant for her yard. She gets to see them EVERY year, down here in Florida! So cute and fun! Plus they get to learn from the book and watch their own at the same time!!!!

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shea Gilkerson 3/1/23

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful illustrations on each page telling the story of Monarch butterflies and their life cycles. Great factual information, inluding predators of Monarchs and telling the difference between the males and females of the species.

Wonderful information shared and in such a beautiful and whimsical way while still teaching tons about Loretta’s insects. Really great. Highly recommend.

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

saving the gingerbread housesaving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

“I didn’t know a witch could have a pretty house,” said Gretel. “What’s she like?”
“I’ve never met her,” said Dad, “but I’ve heard she has a cauldron where she
makes potions. She kidnaps children and makes them work for her. And maybe
she eats them. So, no matter how pretty her house is, stay away.”

 

Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom is a charming children’s fantasy story with interesting and colourful illustrations, plenty of fun, and adventure. It is an original take on the classic ‘Hansel and Gretel’ fairytale.
This is another quirky story from Ms. Wickstrom’s seemingly limitless imagination. It was both engaging and fun.
Hansel and Gretel set off on a picnic in the woods, but soon get lost. They stumble on a gingerbread house and so their adventure begins.
Looking forward to more from Ms. Wickstrom.
Happy reading…

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I like how imaginative this book is. Even though it’s based on the life cycle of monarch butterflies, this short story manages to entertain the reader and breathe a bit of imagination into the narrative. I found that I’ve learned more about monarchs through this book than I had previously and could still thoroughly enjoy the story. The illustrations are easy to decipher and the storyline itself is easy to follow. The notes from the author at the end of the book also were insightful and gave me a sense of purpose and wish to follow through on getting some milkweed in the future. I would definitely recommend this book to those who have inquisitive children!

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Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

Saving the Gingerbread House: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales)Saving the Gingerbread House: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Saving the Gingerbread House is Lois’s unique version of Hansel and Gretel. Children are going to love this folktale. With bright and colourful pictures the story comes alive as we adventure along to save the Gingerbread House. The story is aimed at children 4 to 8 years old.
There is more going on in the woods that send two curious minds out to explore.
All the witch wanted was to showcase her beautiful house and win the House Beautiful Contest. Does that happen or are her chances destroyed? To find out you will need to follow along on the adventure.
After reading this story the kids (grandbabies) wanted to make their own Gingerbread house and enter into a contest of their own. Of course they both won.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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