This is one of our FAVORITE authors in our home because we always love the interesting stories that are told. The illustrations are beautiful and really add depth to the story. A Monster for Meg helps kids reimagine the scary, hairy monsters in their imagination and relate them to not-so-scary things of everyday life. Meg is blind and doesn’t understand why monsters are so scary. Her big sister, Sue, tries to paint a picture as best she can with her scary, creative voices, but Meg just says that all the scary depictions sound like normal life. My youngest is 7 and sometimes still has trouble with monsters, but this sparked a great conversation about how to reframe those thoughts. I enjoyed the diversity and inclusion in this book as well. Another favorite in our house for sure!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-05-24 20:20:232023-05-30 07:40:29A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern
I love good mafia romance, and a dark one at that. This is the 3rd book of the Silician Gods series and the author continues to tell great stories surrounding the Larussio family. Izzy and Lorenzo’s story is full of danger, suspense and revenge. It’s time to take a time-out and get started on this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April Smithhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril Smith2023-05-24 20:10:342023-08-04 22:41:25Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by April Smith
Loved the story line even as an adult, and much in the lines of Percy Jackson, Wings of Fire, Harry Potter; yet less dark so suitable for audiences of all ages. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters, Frank and Jon, and the connection they have being twins.
The role of minor characters is also important in this book, which I think sends a positive message that not everyone needs to be a lead character/person to make an impact in the world. The mystery aspect of this book was intriguing, and even as an adult I didn’t guess the culprit until he was revealed. I enjoyed learning about the different classes the 10 year olds attend, and the author does a great job “showing” instead of boringly giving a syllabus. Overall, I recommend this read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-05-24 20:07:542023-05-30 07:44:31The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Jennifer Crain
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2023-05-24 20:05:272023-05-30 07:44:25Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Robin Rankin
I picked up this book and read it as a standalone instead of the entire series. I didn’t feel lost, but I am absolutely going back to pick up the first two books now! Consigliere’s Revenge is an incredible mafia romance with plenty of action, suspense, and steamy. Every time I thought I had the next move figured out, Via Mari would twist and turn the other way keeping me on my toes. I love that I never felt jarred out of the story with a bad flow or inconsistencies. This author did an amazing job creating a world that you feel like you dive right into with Lorenzo and Izzy. I’m picking up the previous books in the series now, so don’t pass this one up. It’s THAT good!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-05-24 20:03:342023-05-30 07:44:19Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Shannen Kern
This is the first book I have read by this author. It’s a very good book and can’t wait to read the next one since this left you with a cliffhanger. It keep my interest all the way through that I didn’t want to put it down. What Kyle and Lyle endure growing up to where they are now is heart breaking. However the strong feeling between them will keep them together this time. Great book!
Lorenzo is the consigliere of the Larussio crime family and he is the cruelest of the family. In the dark of the crime world, the Larussio’s are ruthless, dangerous, and powerful men who do not play around. Izzy is a reporter and is determined to get the story but gets the inside scoop from Lorenzo. Anyone who sees Lizzy and Lorenzo together can see that they have the same passion and fire that the other men in the Larussio family do. So when the DaRosas seek retaliation on the Larussio they go right for the reporter. This is the third book in this series and it was just as fantastic as the first two. I could not put this book down. I have come to really enjoy this author and can’t wait to get my hands on more of her books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Lapehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Lape2023-05-24 19:03:472023-05-30 07:44:06Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Ashley Lape
This is the 5th book in The Balefire Series, but the first one that I have read. Man I was seriously missing out! This book was so good. The characters have so many facets that you just can’t help but be pulled along for the ride. Garrett and Olivia both chose their career over being together 10 years ago. Now when their careers bring them face to face again will the old flame reignite? Ok now I am off to read the first 4 books in this series cause I totally need more of this world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Collierhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Collier2023-05-24 18:28:052023-05-30 07:44:00Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Michelle Collier
Dominic Larussio is never played by any rules other than the ones the family set forth. Still, even those weren’t always followed. Emelia Rosa, the mafia princess of their rival, happens to just fall in the lap of the Larussio during the revenge battle how could Dominic pass that opportunity up. With the kidnapping of his younger cousin, and the bloodshed at his cousin’s wedding it was time for the DaRosas to get payback and Emelia was as perfect as it came. Just like the first book in this series, the relationship between Dominic and Emelia is one of hot/cold with a whole lot of love/hate. One of the best acts of revenge that Emelia can get on her father is showing up to a family funeral on the arm of her father’s sworn enemy. Yet, again this author did not disappoint! This book was so full of action, love, war, and steamy at parts that I could not put it down nor did I want to. I needed to keep reading to find out what happened next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Lapehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Lape2023-05-24 18:18:142023-05-30 07:43:53Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Ashley Lape
This instalment focuses on Lorenzo and Isabella. Once again, the story was written well and almost comes to life on the pages whilst the chemistry between the characters sizzles and leaps off the pages.
I once again loved the female lead, Isaabella, she’s strong and independent, and fights for what she believes in, I admire that.
This book is full of action, danger and more. It is probably my favourite of the 3 books so far, not only because of the couple’s chemistry where I was rooting for them, but also because the storyline was not entirely as expected, it was so much better.
This series can be read as standalones but for the characters growth and underlying events which occur, I would recommend reading this series in order.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-05-24 18:11:292023-05-30 07:43:47Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Adrianna had a mission when she applied for the Urgent Care position at the Larussio Casino. Little did Adrianna know just how busy she would be patching up the Mafia members of the Larussio crime family. Salvatore Larussio is a dark eye, devil soul who is ruthless. Adrianna is a sassy, spit-fire who needs to learn to do as she’s told and stop worrying about the thing she has no business worrying about. This Italian Crime Family was a non-stop page-turner. The emotional and sexual push and pull between Adrianna and Salvatore is so well written that you can feel it threw every page. I loved reading this story so much that I could not put the book down. I am going to continue reading this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Lapehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Lape2023-05-24 18:05:222023-05-30 07:43:41Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Ashley Lape
“Because no matter what happens in our lives, we’re guaranteed opportunities to understand what we’re made of.” This is a line from the foreword written by founder of Brave Healer Productions and Brave Kids Books, Laura Di France, and I absolutely love it. It is so simple a sentence yet so profound! This book is much like that sentence as the Short Stories in it are small tales that pack a big punch of bravery, life lessons, and just great writing. This may be a children’s book, but it truly touched my heart while reading it and I can’t wait to share it with my family as I’m sure it will become a new favorite for them as well.
What is bravery? It can show up in many different forms in many different lives and this book shows 24 great examples of all different types. There are 24 short stories all with amazing characters who all in some way experience something that helps them find their bravery.
I really enjoyed Chapter 10 Amaleigha Tames a Bully by Janice Pratt where the class learns productive ways to deal with a bully. It was a nice touch that Amaleigha knew she could trust her parents enough to talk to them about the problem as well. This definitely gives kids a great example of what can happen if you encourage each other instead of fighting back and causing more ill will.
Another one of my favorite stories is Chapter 16 The Magic Inside (Uncovering The Superhero Within) by Lorie Weed. In it, Alan, though scared, faces his fears and gets past the sick feeling his fears are causing in order to help another living creature, which is a truly heroic act. Growing up, I often made myself sick with worrying and being afraid, so I loved seeing how this boy who had so much to fear was able to overcome it and to see himself as a hero through another’s eyes. New perspectives often work wonders and I think it’s important for our kids to be able to learn to look at themselves this way as well.
Do yourself a favor and get this book! Kids can learn a lot from the stories inside and adults will enjoy the heartwarming tales. I just wish I’d had this when I was younger as I think it would’ve helped me with my anxiety and to find my bravery back then.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-05-24 17:51:492023-05-30 07:43:35Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Donya Pedigo
Lorenzo Larussio is the Consiglière for the Larussio family at their base of operations in Las Vegas where their resort is one of the most sought after and the one with the strictest check to enter, especially on the floor with the high rollers and Lorenzo has his work cut out for him as he finds his way in this new home and the challenges it presents for him. Izzy Arden is a journalist, she is a determined woman who knows what she wants and the stubborn streak she needs to get it, especially in the cut throat world she works in, but she is known for her truth seeking and not mincing her words when she writes, but when she is confronted by a pair of dark eyes and a sexy body, she is more determined than ever to discover his secrets.
As soon as he lays eyes on her, Lorenzo recognised Izzy from across the room and immediately asks how she got there and who she was with, she should not have been able to access this area without a full background check and he is determined to discover how she did it, so when he confronts her in the elevator as he escorts her out, her quick wit and fiery temper match her red hair and hot body to match and this throws him completely off balance. Meanwhile, she calls her boss, telling him she has what he wants, but that he has to deal with her on her terms, to which he agrees and refreshes her memory about the clients she has waiting in the wings for her story and true to her word, she has it ready for the next days edition.
As Lorenzo wakes to find a hot story about his family gracing the front pages, he knows that he has to do something about the inquisitive journalist, but just what is something he has to figure out and time runs out for that and a quick decision has to be made after some juicy titbits are about to be yet another release by a certain redhead who turned up at a family event she most definitely was not invited to. Meanwhile, Izzy is made an offer which she knows she can’t refuse by Lorenzo, so she grudgingly accepts, knowing that although she will still be reporting, it may not be the full truth as she sees it, but add into the mix a handsome mafia in a well fitting designer suit, she knows that if the attraction between them is two sided, she is in more than just choppy waters. As Lorenzo gives in to the attraction between himself and Izzy, he cannot help but try to win her trust as well.
When danger calls and threats made to Izzy come true, will she be able to keep her journalistic integrity under pressure and what will Lorenzo do to get her back, will he unleash his inner demons on the world and remind the opposition why he is called Cosa Nostra back in his homeland and what will Izzy do when she discovers this side of him? This is a fast paced romantic suspense which is action packed and full to the brim of mistrust, secrets, lies, revelations and some steamy bedroom antics thrown in for good measure as this dark mafia romance flows from beginning to end as rivalries and bloodshed play out over the vista of Las Vegas.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-05-24 17:51:042023-05-30 07:43:29Consigliere’s Revenge: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods) by Via Mari – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
This is the second book in this mafia romance series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but I advise you go back and read the first for a better understanding of some characters/the world the characters inhabit.
I loved the character of Emelia. She’s strong, determined to protect her family and she’s resourceful.
Dominic and Emelia had me invested in their relationship and the outcome, both characters showed themselves to be more than met the eye at face value and loyal to those they care about.
I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment in the series, and will get started on the next book immediately.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-05-24 17:41:282023-05-30 07:43:12Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This is a great selection of short stories. Its a good way to connect with younger children and help them to deal with life’s hurdles. This book has topics that range from building confidence and bullies and dealing with loss. Each story has a lesson to learn. I’ll be keeping this one around to read to my autistic son every now and then.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela2023-05-24 17:40:322023-05-30 07:43:06Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Angela Plate, May 2023
Meg is a young girl who has an older sister, an older sister who tries to scare Meg with monsters, but Meg is also blind, so when her sister tries to describe the monster to her, she isn’t scared in the slightest because she can just picture her sister doing the same thing, drooling, being too tall for something, licking her fingers when she has something tasty on them and other things she has done.
Would you be able to scare Meg with your descriptions of a monster? This is another charming tale where something scary is made into something else through wonderful descriptions and charming illustrations for all ages.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-05-24 17:27:352023-05-30 07:43:00A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
This is the third book in the Sicilian Gods Series. I have read all of them but I will say that each book works as a standalone. Each book is fantastic and they just keep getting better. Each book focuses on one family member. This book focuses on Lorenzo’s story and I must say that I was completely unable to put it down. The steam between Lorenzo and Izzy jumps of the page and leaves you wanting even more. I definitely recommend reading this as it features amazing characters and a wonderful story line.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-05-24 17:17:152023-05-30 07:42:52Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Christine Baranek
This is collection of short stories which contain inspirational words, important messages and tip and tricks for how to be brave in a range of different situations. I talks about emotions, both good and bad, the important of noticing and feeling them and how this can help someone to be brave and face their challenges head on, no matter where or what they are.
This collection is inspiring for all ages and although it is written for kids, adults can take inspiration and experience from it too, a lovely book which is suitable for anyone and everyone which I would highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-05-24 17:16:202023-05-30 07:42:46Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World-Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
This is a mafia romance which focuses on Salvatore Larussio and Adrianna. These two start out hating each other but as the events unfold, this grows into something more.
This story is full of suspense, action, secrets and of course romance. It’s a well-written and enjoyable to read with lovable characters.
I love Salvatore’s protectiveness and loyalty – he comes across as cold but underneath it, there’s more than meets the eye.
I admired Adrianna’s strength and independence, standing her ground even in the face of danger.
The two together share sizzling chemistry and I was rooting for them from the beginning. I’m glad I came across this book and will move onto the next book as soon as possible.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-05-24 17:09:072023-05-30 07:42:41Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Let’s just take a moment and admire the cover of this book. It’s beyond brilliantly beautiful and the illustrations inside are equally as radiant!
This book was a journey…an adventure and was a very fun read! I laughed out loud several times reading this book and I know that kids will find it even more humourous than I did! Some parents may not appreciate one portion of the humor presented but given the story, I found it very appropriate and the kids will love it.
Ranger Marco, who is a raccoon, is helping out the Deer family in teaching their young Fawn about safety in different environments. They journey out of the woods to a nearby town where big yellow tubes suck up children and bring them back at the end of the day. Where there is a lot of noise that’s not heard in the woods. Small animals that are attached to their owners who are covered in strange material. Fawn learns to respect her environment and to accept who she is during this adventure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-05-24 16:19:532023-05-30 07:42:35People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Julie Johnson
This type of book isn’t usually my favourite, but I had read the others in the series so I knew I had to add this one on. I am so glad I did. It was well written and I really enjoyed the characters, which very much surprised me. I thought the connection was easy to engage with and very relatable. This book fits in perfectly with the rest of the series. It is dark, intense and a great story to read. It wasn’t hard to get into the story and it was lovely to read about familiar characters again. This author is still a relatively new one to me and I think I am very much going to enjoy reading more of her work.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-05-24 16:03:142023-05-30 07:42:29Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Kerry Baker
We never go too long in this house without reading a book by this author and I think this book has got to be one of the most entertaining we have read so far. We all loved the unique take on the typical Jack and the Beanstalk story, especially my daughter who had just done this book at school. As expected from this author, the book was engaging, fun, had great characters and yet was educational as well. I have lost count of the number of times we have read this book and I am excited to read it again. This author is a master at children’s books and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
What a great collection of short stories great for any age about how to be brave. I think we could all use some encouragement to be brave in any situation and these stories had such a variety! My middle kiddo loved these and read them on her own and we talked about some of them that stuck out to her. Love books that get a conversation flowing with my kids.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lyndsey Fairleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLyndsey Fairley2023-05-24 13:57:202023-06-01 13:58:49Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Lyndsey Fairley
This is the third book in the Sicilian Gods series and omg they just keep getting better and better. I have loved all of these books and I do recommend reading them from the beginning so you get the complete story the crime families and why they are in the situation they are today. This is a enemies to lovers story based around a Mafia family and their bitter fights with other families. As you can imagine there is plenty of danger, threats, violence, secrets and lies that will get uncovered as the story develops. One thing I love about the men in the Larussio men is they are scary and they fight hard but they also protect and love the people closest to them just as hard. In this story we are with Lorenzo. At first I thought he was the most scary of the family. He is all business and doesn’t bat an eye at threatening people to protect his family. Which is how he encounters Izzy. Izzy is a determined reporter, scared of nothing and no one not even Lorenzo. But she is hiding secrets about her past too about who she truly is and why she is so determined to uncover the truth about the Larussio’s. The attraction between them is intense and something neither one of them can deny but with Izzy’s trust issues this isn’t going to be an easy romance. And with their enemies now looking at her as a way to bring down Lorenzo, he will protect her with everything he has and God help anyone who tries to take her away from him.
This is an amazing read that is full of twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. This author delivers amazing books everytime and i can’t wait to see what is instore next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-05-24 13:27:032023-05-30 07:39:53Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Kerry Carr
This author is one of my favorites! The first two books in the Millersville series were so well written and full of suspense-so much so that I jumped at the chance to read this book. Our main character has had some tough times occur in her life and the book starts with her and a fire. Now since she started the fire over a very silly mistake…she was trying to cover up a secret from her past. Well not only did she start a fire in a motel and destroy the room and a couple nearby, she failed to heal the pain of her past mistake! Well her kind mom is so supportive and sends her on a trip just to get away. Little did they know the true story behind cabin eight! I don’t want to give it away but just know that curiosity killed the cat! As usual, I’m looking forward to the next gem of literature from the author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Phillipshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Phillips2023-05-24 13:14:512023-05-30 07:39:46Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Ashley McMillon
This is a GREAT book – looking at humans from the animal point of view. Just as we, humans, go to watch wildlife in their habitats, a group of deer joing their tour guide to see the life of humans. They encounter dwellings, buses, dogs, clothes, etc. And just as we humans have questions, the deer have questions – valid ones that question why we do what we do!
This is a take on Jack and the Beanstalk. In this story, Jacqueline falls for the old trick of giving her cow for some magic beans. She figures out how to make the trick work to her advantage and get her family the food they need for the winter. This is a cute retell, great illustrations and it is nice to see the girl outsmart the giant!
This middle grades book is a great one for kids from 4th- 7th grade and beyond. The characters – the twins, Jon and Frankie are likable. It was fun to read about their discovery of their own special gifts, going to boarding school, and making new friends! I liked that each student of the school had their own special teacher based on their specific gift. I know Jon wasn’t too happy with his teacher at first (cleaning the house and yard were not his gift!), and he had a hard time with learning how to control his gift and the nightmares were not fun. And while all this is happening, Jon and Frankie are still just typical kids – wanting friendships, playing soccer and missing their mom, dad and brother.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tanya Wallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTanya Wall2023-05-24 10:35:512023-05-30 07:39:22The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tanya Wall, May 2023
Teenage Wilf only wants to be a teenager, live a normal life in Hong Kong, and play soccer but gets thrust suddenly into the world of magic. He is on the adventure of a lifetime when he is called upon to use his magic. Witches and wizards are along for the ride as he finds himself in the realm of magic which was once divided between the two and now everyone are Mages. Traveling through dark and foggy forests to save his love Katryna and the other witches, he meets many other incredible characters along the way. I love how all the characters have distinct personalities and come to life off the pages, but my favorite must be the cranky witch Ermentrude. The adventures that Wilf takes are incredible through the three books in this series and I highly recommend reading them from the beginning. Who doesn’t want to be a magical being and have fairy tale adventures. The book is well written and easy to read and full of fun. The settings are so well written that I can almost feel the fog swirling around my legs and the damp and drafty air of the old workshops and buildings. I can hear the Watchers as they come crashing in the dark and can totally see myself fighting to do the right thing just like Wilf himself. Definitely a must read for those YA readers who love magic, adventure, and a hero that you can get behind and cheer for!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Driskillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Driskill2023-05-24 09:55:552023-05-30 07:39:15The Vassal of Magic (The Virus of Beauty Book 3) By C. B. Lyall- Review by Stephanie Driskill
Lois Wickstrom writes fun and engaging stories for kids of all ages. Most of her books provide amazing opportunities for children to learn something new. Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans Is no different, it teaches about how bean plants grow. A fun project to do with children would be to heave them grow their own bean plant. You could take measurements about how tall the plant grows over time. This story was enjoyable and different than many other retellings and I have to have I like it the best. I have read many Jack and The Bean Stalk retellings as an elementary librarian.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Burnshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Burns2023-05-24 09:53:372023-05-30 07:39:01Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Burns
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