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I’ll Find My Way And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story (Axel’s Story Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Megan Kimley

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I'll Find My Way And That's Okay: Axel's StoryI’ll Find My Way And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute story about a stuffed animal who gets separated from his boy and the adventures he has to get back to him. Kody wakes up on the airplane being carried but it’s not Axel who’s carrying him! How will Kody get back to Axel?! Perry-Knights does a wonderful job of showing children it’s okay to be scared and go through a gamut of emotions. I loved the creativity of this story and the wonderfully bright illustrations. And it’s always fun to think of what our stuffed animals do when we aren’t around 😉
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Spook Squad by Allan Evans – Review by Megan Kimley

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Spook SquadSpook Squad by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this spooky YA thriller. This is the third installment in the series, but I didn’t know that and it read perfectly fine as a standalone. I’m sure that reading the other two first would fill in some minor gaps but I don’t believe it to be necessary. I love Abbey as a character and her friends are awesome! I loved to see her development over the course of the book and her snarky inner thoughts (that sometimes got said out loud) were amazing. The whole concept of Abbey not only as a character but also as a plot line was done amazingly well. This is the perfect read for spooky season; especially if you are looking for something with a little spook but not a lot of fright.
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Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Megan Kimley

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Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children's Book About Bullying (Courage Tales)Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children’s Book About Bullying by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked the concept of this story. You have someone who is a bully because he doesn’t feel loved at home and is taking it out on kids at school. Those kids in turn try really hard to help Beefy realize that he’s a bully and they end up helping him save his parents and all is right with the world. I really liked the creative, fun, colorful illustrations. I feel that a lot of emphasis was put on the kids being bullied helping the bully rather than the bully trying to understand that he shouldn’t do that. I would have liked to see more emphasis on some self-realization from Beefy rather than his “friends” having to do all of the heavy lifting for him.

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Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese – Review by Megan Kimley

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Mommy, Am I Indian Today?Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this story and how we get the perspective of the kids. As parents, we often forget that sometimes kids don’t understand the nuances of culture and can come to conclusions about themselves and it’s our job to make sure that we are teaching our children. I love how Varghese addresses these issues in her story. It’s lighthearted and completely as a child would (I suspect this comes from personal experiences) and the way it’s handled by the mother is phenomenal. She uses it as a learning opportunity to teach her children not only about their culture, but also about their family. I loved this book not only for the story but also the illustrations and the bright colors. Definitely pick this one up today!

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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Megan Kimley

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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups #3)Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stewart and Ray have done it again! Every time I read the next book in the Hot Flash Hookups series, I swear it’s my favorite! Chloe and Niko’s story is absolutely heartwarming, funny, and cozy. But don’t let that fool you…the spice is *chef’s kiss*! I love Stewart and Ray’s writing style (it always amazes me when two authors co-write) and their character and plot development are out of this world! I couldn’t put this book down and I stayed up way too late (many a night) reading. If you are looking for a hockey romance with forbidden romance, single dad meets curvy, independent girl, grumpy/sunshine tropes with the perfect HEA (and a whole lotta spice) then this is the book for you! And don’t worry about this being the third book in the series…you can read this as a standalone! But just know…you are going to want to go back and read the other two the minute you finish this one!

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Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills (Donut & Peanut Collection) by Debbie Sullivan – Review by Megan Rea

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Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social SkillsFinally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a really cute story about a making friends and how you may have to work a little harder to do so. Donut the dog is sad because her friend moved away and she’s lonely, but Peanut the squirrel is there and Donut really wants to be her friend. But everything Donut does scares Peanut and Donut doesn’t understand why. This is a great story to teach kids that making friends can be hard but it’s okay to keep trying and to talk to the person they are trying to be friends with to see what is going on. I really loved the illustrations and the storytelling. This is a great read for kiddos and adults alike.
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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Megan Rea

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GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super cute Halloween read for your littles. This is the story of Gadrella the witch who doesn’t want to be a traditional witch anymore so she decides that she’s going to make some changes. And as always with changes, her friends aren’t too sure when she shows up to their gathering looking…different. I love the message that this book gives to kids about standing up for what you believe in and being true to yourself. The illustrations are fantastic and you definitely want to add this book to your shelves now!

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London Detective Agency (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Megan Rea

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London Detective Agency: The Complete SeriesLondon Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is the perfect mix of suspense, intrigue, and romance. Caffrey kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and kept me turning pages well into the night. The plot line for both books flows so well and there are some really great twists and turns that had me gasping as I read. This series is really just all around fantastic. In the first book, we meet Evelyn and Patrick and their character development both independently and together is phenomenal. I also love that James, the cheeky wingman for Patrick, is really such a huge part of the plot but he doesn’t come off creepy or forced. In the second book, we get James and Tessa’s story and Caffrey does it again with the character development both individually and together for these characters. What I love about these stories is that you don’t have to read one to read the other, but with them combined why wouldn’t you?! Grab this today along with your hot beverage of choice and a cozy blanket and settle in for forced proximity, witty banter, suspense, action, forbidden love, protector, damsel in distress, and an ultimate HEA.
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Hi Little Brother, I Love You by Deniese Dennis – Review by Megan Rea

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Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family.Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute kids book about becoming a big brother. I really enjoyed the focus on all of the positives of becoming an older sibling while sneaking in some fun “naughty” bits (like not eating your peas). The illustrations are nice and bright and they follow the story line well. This is the story of an older brother/younger brother combination so I feel that it is limited to that specific audience. Overall, I really liked the vibe of the story and the message.
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Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Megan Rea

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Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College StudentsProductivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an exceptional book that is very helpful and every college student, advisor, mentor, high school senior should read it. There is so much in this book and there is something in there for everyone…even if you think you know everything and have it pretty much figured out. I can guarantee you that you will find something in here that will either help you in a way you didn’t know you needed help or will help you streamline a process you already use. I love how easy to read this book is and how you can quickly go through and find the area you need. While I highly recommend reading this book from cover to cover, this is the perfect book to be able to look in the contents and find the section that applies to you right now. If you are a college student or you have a college student (even a high school senior) get this book. I am a former teacher and I would have definitely gifted this book to my seniors…or at least tried to have a couple of copies in my classroom. I will definitely be putting this on my work bookshelf to help all of the college kiddos I see now.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Megan Rea

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Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this kids story. The cadence and rhythm of the words is so soothing and calming and the book is also educational. In this book we follow the river and get to see all of the animals that call the river home, as well as how a river can help people and the environment. But I think my favorite thing about this book is the illustrations. They are breathtakingly beautiful, realistic, and cozy. This is definitely one you’ll want to add to your bookshelf.
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Unmasking a Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Megan Rea

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Unmasking A Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Book 3)Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a small-town, cowboy romance complete with secrets, deceit, and bison then this is the book for you! I really enjoyed Abby and Joe as individual characters but when they got together…WHEW! You could cut that tension with a knife! This is definitely a slow-burn, clean romance with a lot of lovable side characters. This is the 3rd installment in the Match Made in Montana series but you can read it as a standalone (I did). I can’t wait to go back and read the other two and catch up on the characters I missed. I love Campbell’s writing style and the way she develops her characters and plot line. She’s quickly becoming a favorite author!
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Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue (Luca Magoo Series) by Megan Delgado – Review by Megan Rea

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Luca Magoo, Don't Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression.Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression. by Megan Delgado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super cute read and I absolutely loved the brightness and creativity of the illustrations. This book is catchy and kiddos will love the sing-songy rhythm of the story. I really loved the concept of the story because who, as a child, hasn’t really wondered what would happen if you actually ate the glue??? This book is so entertaining that your littles will be laughing all the way through.
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She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series) by Brooke May – Review by Megan Rea

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She's My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy #7)She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brooke May has become an author that I automatically add to my list whenever she comes out with a new book! I absolutely loves She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl! Trinity and Shooter’s story is one for the ages! This is the seventh book in the series, but don’t worry…you can read this as a standalone (I did) but trust me…you will be going back to pick up the rest of the series and binging them as well. Trinity and Shooter dated early on in high school, but Trinity broke Shooter’s heart to chase her dreams. Now, Trinity has fulfilled her dream of being a rodeo queen and is almost done with that life. Shooter hasn’t quite met his life goals and is now back in his hometown as the newest deputy sheriff. Can they reconnect or is the heartbreak for both of them still too raw and real? This is a contemporary, second-chance romance that will have your heartstrings in a twist (and maybe your panties;)). The chemistry between Trinity and Shooter is undeniable and so steamy you can feel it coming off the pages. This is a must read for anyone who loves a good romance, but especially if you are partial to second chances and cowboys.
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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Megan Rea

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A Pig and A PokeA Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another really cute story from Tricia Gardella about learning to stand up for yourself and continuing to try again when you fail. I really liked how Gardella intertwined her lessons in the story with a kiddie pig chase (if you’ve ever done 4-H…you know). I loved this colorful illustrations and they go along with the story fantastically. This is definitely a story you want to add to your kiddos library!
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Midnight Falls by John Evans – Review by Megan Rea

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Midnight FallsMidnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting this down. I loved Evan’s writing style and the pacing of the book was fantastic. He really allows you to get a feel for the characters and pulls you into the story and before you realize it, it’s the wee hours of the night and you’ve got to get some sleep! I loved the dark, creepiness of the tone and the downright scariness of it as well. There are so many twists and turns throughout this story that you don’t see coming. This is the perfect read for spooky season so get your copy now!

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Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx – Review by Megan Rea

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Corpse PixieCorpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great short story from Sinister Styx! I absolutely love her writing style and her ability to pull you in and make you feel for the characters in such a short amount of time. Rene and Belladonna’s story is traumatic, action-packed, spicy, and so much more. The way Styx is able to pull together a story in such a short amount of pages is nothing short of amazing. I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to pick up the next piece of work from Styx!
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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Megan Rea

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Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an epic YA fantasy that hooks you from the first page. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I cannot wait for the next in the series to come out! I loved the way Ward developed her characters and drove her plot lines. Gillian’s feistiness and bravery is unmatched and I loved the tension between her and the Great Dragon and the Dragonborns. Ward has woven together a world of magic, fantasy, legends, lore, tragedy, hope, and so much more. This is truly an epic tale and I can’t wait to see it continue on. I couldn’t put this book down and was reading well into the night. If you are looking for a story to get lost in, then pick this one up!

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The Places We Call Home by Kim Ann – Review by Megan Rea

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The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins.The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really like the concept behind this story of not only the different types of homes, but also the different types of families within those homes. I love the sing-songy nature of the story and the illustrations that went along so well too. We also get to see different animals in their habitats as Ann has incorporated that into the different types of homes she represents. It’s just so imaginative and bold and bright and colorful and diverse. I really do love this book and Kim Ann is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.
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Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Megan Rea

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid's Guide to Homemade Dog Treats (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love the Porter and Midge series and I think this might be one of my favorites. In this installment, we get to hang out with Lora and CJ in the kitchen as they make treats for the doggies. I love the rhyming aspect of this story as well as the illustrations. But I think the thing I love the most is that at the end of the story there are recipes upon recipes for dog-safe treats for you and your littles to try. I love how interactive this book is. Definitely pick this one up and add it to your library!
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Back in the Ring (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Megan Rea

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Back in the Ring (The Predator #4)Back in the Ring by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

May continues to amaze me with her continuation of the Predator series. This is Noah’s story and tragedy has struck his life. Bijou is a small town widow struggling to keep the youth center she and her late husband dreamed of running and providing for their small town. When fate intervenes and pushes these two together, sparks fly and wounds are opened and healed. I really loved this story and though it did take a little bit of time to get into, I really loved seeing Bijou’s story and struggles with not only losing her husband very early on in their marriage, but now having to raise a tween girl on her own. I also loved seeing her relationship with her bestie, Mara. Again, May has outdone herself and I can’t wait to get my hands on her next book!

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Wildfire Knockout (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Megan Rea

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Wildfire Knockout (The Predator #3)Wildfire Knockout by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this little novella about Scott and Beth’s story. It’s way more heartbreaking than you could have ever imagined but the redemption at the end for Beth is *chef’s kiss* and the way Scott fights for her is swoon worthy. I was so exciting to finally get to read their story and May did not disappoint with the spice or the drama. I’ve loved Beth’s character from the beginning of the series and to finally get her story was awesome. You don’t necessarily need to read the beginning of the series to understand this book but it will definitely help if you read Predator Parts 1 & 2. I cannot sing enough praises for this series! This was a super quick read too.
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G is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker – Review by Megan Rea

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G is for Gossamer: A Children's SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC's BookG is for Gossamer: A Children’s SMART & SOPHISTICATED ABC’s Book by Miss Whitaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved the elegance and grace of this alphabet book. If you are looking for something a little less “baby” as a gift then this is the book for you. The illustrations are phenomenal and ornate yet delicate and luxurious. The word choice is so refreshing and wonderful that you will appreciate the change of pace. I cannot gush enough about this book. Get it right now and add it your library or get it for a gift.

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Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella – Review by Megan Rea

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Where's Gramma?Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fun, quirky story of a gramma and her 4 grandsons and the adventures they have. This is a quick, fun read that will have your littles wanting to know “Where’s Gramma?!” I really enjoyed the rhyming aspect as well as the awesome illustrations that follow the story so well. Definitely add this to your bookshelves!
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The Predator Part Two (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Megan Rea

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The Predator Part TwoThe Predator Part Two by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

May has done it again with Chamberlain and K.C.’s story. This was such a wonderful conclusion to their story and there were many twists and turns still to be had (some of them were wonderful…others suspenseful). I just love these two characters so much and May did such a fantastic job with their development individually and together. I also like that we get to see a little bit more of some of the side characters and their personalities and relationships and I’m hoping that they will get their own story as well. You MUST read the first book before you pick this one up or you will be lost…but you won’t regret it! I love this author and she is quickly becoming one I automatically add to my TBR!
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Be My Little Baby (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Megan Rea

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Be My Little Baby (London Detective Agency Book 2)Be My Little Baby by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get my hands on this book and I was NOT disappointed! Caffrey has done it again but this time we get James’ story. I love Caffrey’s writing style and her character development and she continues that with this novel. This book has it all…suspense, mystery, romance, twists and turns. It is just such a nice mix of everything that there is something for everyone. Some tropes in this book include: forbidden love, protector, and damsel in distress among some others. I cannot recommend this book enough. You do not need to read the first book in this series; however, it always helps to have a better understanding of the characters but it’s not necessary.
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Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Megan Rea

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Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun!Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way Sabol takes such an educational approach to pet ownership while also having such a great and relatable storyline for kids. In this installment in the series, Abby and Charlie need to take Oscar and Emmy to the vet for their yearly checkup. This story walks the readers all the way through a typical vet visit for a checkup while also talking about how pets may feel while at the vet. Again, I love the educational aspect of this story and the illustrations are phenomenal.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Megan Rea

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Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short story that has a very Romeo and Juliet feel to it with a twist of Greek/Roman mythology mixed in. I really enjoyed it…it is a very short read (like 15 minutes); however, it captivated me and I was invested until the end. The range of emotions I felt for Ivy and Falcon were from hatred and anger to sympathy and heartbreak literally within the span of the 28 pages of the story. The fact that Styx can develop the characters and the plot within such a short time is nothing short of amazing. There are twists and turns that you are not expecting and I was very pleasantly surprised at the ending. This is a very graphic story so PLEASE check the trigger warnings before you read if you need to. I look forward to reading more from Sinister Styx.

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Word Play by Tricia Gardella – Review by Megan Rea

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Word PlayWord Play by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute story of Joe, an extremely eager kiddo who really wants to learn how to read. I loved how enthusiastic Joe’s character is about reading and the explanation he gets after his adventures about how learning to read takes time. I also really appreciate the diversity represented in this book. The illustrations are great and go really well with the story. This is a great read if you have kiddos who are learning how to read or maybe starting to learn and may be a little frustrated with their progress.

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No One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella – Review by Megan Rea

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No One Could See the FleaNo One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the really cute story of Shank the dog and Jack (his owner) and possible fleas. I love the illustrations and how colorful and bright they are and how well they follow and go along with the story. I also really love how each concoction is funny and different and how everyone is trying to help Shank with his “flea” and the ending is funny. This is a really cute story to add to your rotation with your kiddos.

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