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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Crystal Brehant

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Clearly, this book is “meant” for elementary and middle school aged kids. I however, a full grown woman, thoroughly enjoyed this book. The magic and adventure included in this story is captivating. There are also relateable life experiences too that kids may relate to. My 6yo is at a 4th/5th grade level and I believe we will be adding this to his homeschool reading list! I think he will enjoy it. I hope there are more.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Melissa Saxton

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Poor Russel. We meet him as he’s struggling through school, failing exams, his best friend is now his constant bully. He’s been bumped to the basement for his room because his grandpa moved in. His father has a drinking problem. He feels resentful, he feels like he’s failing at everything.
Everyday he is supposed to bring grandpa to the park. Russell finds it silly grandpa wanted to ride the carousel every single day, but he’s about to learn just how special the carousel is!
Grandpa takes him on a journey to another land where Russel can be bold and brave. When they return from their first adventure grandpa has a stroke, leaving Russel to complete adventures
This book is a great read for school age kids with fantasty and real life components such as bullying, struggling at school, etc. So many great messages and I enjoyed the outcomes of the characters

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Ayla Eddy

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was an amazing adventure story! Reading to the littles before bedtime and they absolutely loved it. So much so that we ended up reading the whole story in one night. The time travel off a carousel ride was a great way to transport the magic. The way Russel struggles with school and home had both my children ready to jump into the book to defend him. Grandpa was an adorable old man. I would highly recommend this book to other middle grade readers. My littles and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. A new bedtime staple in this home!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Kimberly Filer

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful adventure story for young adults. The main character Russell is relatable and you can’t help but feel everything he’s going through. His father drinks to much, his grades are slipping, he’s responsible for watching his aging grandfather while his mother goes to work. He’s lost his bedroom when his grandfather moved in with the family and now is stuck in the basement where its damp and dreary. Every day Russell must take his grandfather for a ride on the carousel, something which Russell feels is so babyish until that one day when something magical happens. The stories his grandfather used to tell have come to life in this heartwarming tale.

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Paula R Sayers

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This historical time traveling book will be loved by kids!! I am an older adult and enjoyed it immensely. Russell is not happy when his grandfather moves in with his family and things begin to change. Add to that a bully and an abusive drunk father and Russell begins failing at school. But, one day his grandfather shares something magical with him and things begin to change. Such an inspirational book!!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Tina Vega

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some of the best books are adventure books especially if they are geared toward a tween who can read and go on adventures they otherwise wouldn’t have. This book is perfectly written for that age group and can compete with some of my kids’ favorites that also involved magic and adventure. In this story, we see a young boy who doesn’t have a great home life but encounters a magical carousel that changes everything. Wonderfully written, really engaging for tweens, and an adventure for anybody. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Trish Ann

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good book for kids! I would recommend this to my students to read. I found the plot enjoyable and themes relatable for the age group. I picked the book because the cover gave me a nostalgic feel of one of my favorite books as a kid. The allure of magic. The carousel and the grandpa were really good parts of the story for me.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Katie Matthews

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a wonderful story and would make an amazing book on any child’s bookshelf. It will certainly evoke the imaginations of the children who read it whilst also providing some great opportunities for discussions. The story takes us on a magical fantasy adventure with the main character Russell – the writing for the story was brilliant, such vivid descriptions which made it so easy along with the illustrations to imagine what was happening.
A wonderful read and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

@katiem
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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small. This is the perfect read for a middle school boy or girl. I think boys will relate better because the main character is a boy. I really enjoyed it as a older woman. Its about Russell who is in 5th grade and dreams of being a firefighter but is scared he’s not brave enough. He is bullied at school by one of his former friends and his dad is a raging alcoholic. When his eccentric grandfather has to be walked to the park everyday its Russell’s job. When his grandfather wants to ride the Carousel everyday its embarrassing. When his grandfather convinces him he has a secret ring that will get them to the past with horses and adventure Russell ends up riding the Carousel too. What ensues it all kinds of fun and adventures. This story is so good and it has the lesson that you can be anything you want as long as you try and believe in yourself!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Lisa Helmick

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great story! I enjoyed all the adventures that Russ goes on with the magical carousel. This is a wonderful story but has a lot of factual information and some learning/growing that takes place. This author has an imagination and I like how she incorporated it into the different horses on the carousel. I myself have often wondered about the history or back story of each horse. That she brought that to life as well as show us how important horses were to our history is just excellent.

This is written for a median age child but I enjoyed it and think it would be a cool book to read to a child and keep an eye out for illustrations of our hero in action. Many discussions could take place after each chapter. I also recommend reading the “Things you might want to know” after reading. It is very interesting and might answer some questions from a child. I especially like the author’s thoughts on horses and her cute photo at the back. It rounds out the whole book nicely.

Great Cover Art!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Tonya Merritt

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a cute coming to age story for young boys. It tells you the story of Russell and the challenges he faces as a ten year old boy in fifth grade. He begins getting bullied and in this time his life is falling apart but will his grandfather’s gift help him? It was a sweet book that gives the perfect outcome that keeps you entertained.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Tanya Wall, August 2023

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this middle grades adventure book. It was fun to meet Russell and his Grandpa. Rusty learns many lessons throughout this story = the importance of his grandpa, friendships and trust. When Grandpa takes Rusty on his first ride on the carousel, Rusty learns why his Grandpa loves to visit the carousel every day. Rusty continues to visit the carousel after his Grandpa has a stroke – he searches for his lead horse and finds Jimmy = the one that takes him to the most important time period of all.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Deb Robinson

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Russell is 10 and in grade 5. He is a good kid but has some challenges going on in his life. He feels like a failure. With little confidence in himself, he finds himself being bullied at school.

Life changes drastically when his grandfather comes to life with him and his family. When Russell’s grandfather ends up in the hospital he is given a precious item by his grandfather. Russell takes magical journeys that will keep young readers interested and entertained as well as gain the confidence they may need as well.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Julie Johnson

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book in one sitting and I imagine many others will as well.

We meet Russell right away. He’s in the 5th grade, and well, it’s just not his year. So many changes have occurred over the past year that it’s really affected his performance in school. Grandpa moved in, resulting in his room to change, his dad starting drinking more, and Tyler became a bully. That’s a bit much for a young man to have to take on.

Grandpa loves going to the carousel everyday, much to Russell’s chagrin. One day, that all changes for both Rusty and Grandpa though. Things will never be the same again…and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

This book is pretty deep and one that teenagers could likely relate to. There are some intense topics covered and there are ways to help those issues throughout the story. I’ll also admit, I cried at the end!!! Have a box of tissues handy if you’re soft hearted!!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book #1) by K.L. Small – Review by Angela Hayes

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

The Magic Carousel is the first book in The Brass Ring Series by K.L. Small. It is a wonderful children’s chapter book- a fun fantasy adventure with action, carousel, horses, a brass ring, magic, time travel, history, challenges, imagination, drama, and learning.
The story is quite captivating with lovely illustrations sprinkled throughout, which really help to bring the story to life. I liked the notes provided for each chapter which was provided at the end of the book as they added extra insight and information that enhanced my appreciation of the adventure. There is also a helpful glossary of words at the end of the book.
Another fun read from this talented author. A story for the young- and the young at heart.
And… Can we take a moment to appreciate the fabulous cover!
Happy Reading…

Thank you K.L. Small!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Carrie Reed

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun book! Even as an adult, this was a great book of adventures I would be more than thrilled to go on. I also don’t care how old I get, the carousel will always be a fun ride. There are so many subjects touched upon in this book, that I think is very good for pre teens to learn about. Bullying, trouble with family members, health issues, etc. Each subject was nicely worked into the story and I was so pleased with the outcome involving Rusty’s grandfather, his dad and his friendship with Tyler. The end of the book has a list of different things mentioned in the book and their definitions or their explanations, which is a wonderful learning tool.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Kerry Baker

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a brilliant start to a new series for pre-teens. It is fun, interesting and written in a way that will really grab their attention. This is such a heart warming story about a young boy and his grandad. The connection that builds between them as the book goes on is lovely to see.
This book is one of those that is engaging to both kids and adults. I read this to my daughter and it is one we both fully enjoyed. This was a new author for us and it won’t be the first book that we read from them. This is a great book and we are all looking forward to book 2.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Magic Carousel is Book One in The Brass Ring Series. It is a Kids Fantasy book designed for children ages nine to twelve years of age. This book was very entertaining and would be a good read for anyone that considers themselves to be young at heart. The story centers around the character of Russell who has dreamed of becoming a firefighter when he grows up, but he feels like he will never be brave enough. Ever since his seventh birthday his young life seems to be going downhill and he feels like a failure. Russell is failing fifth grade, his dad is a drunk, his mom works all the time, and he is being bullied by someone who used to be his best friend. When Russell’s grandfather moved in not only did he lose his room but he was moved into the cold, damp, smelly basement.

Now Russell is expected to take his grandfather to the park everyday after school so that his grandfather can ride the carousel. He loves his grandfather and enjoys hearing stories of his wild adventures but is afraid he will be bullied farther if someone sees him at the park. When Russell reluctantly agrees to ride the carousel with his grandfather everything changes, and he realizes that his grandfather’s tall tales are actually true. With the help of a bit of magic he sets off on a series of adventures on the carousel that transport him back in time. During each adventure he sees new places, learns new things, and eventually learns how to be brave.

I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more in this series! The storyline was riveting, the settings throughout were spectacular, and the characters were relatable and lovable. I loved watching the transformation of Russell as he grew and learned how to be brave. Through a series of terrifying near-death experiences, he was able to overcome his fears. The horses and secondary characters all played a part in how Russell was able to push through his fears and face them head on. Now I want my own magic carousel so I can be transported through time and go on exciting new adventures. I highly recommend this book!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Jennifer Crain

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reminiscent of the popular Magic Tree House series, I enjoyed the time traveling historical fiction book The Magic Carousel even better. Kept my interest as well, because you never knew which chapter would land you on which year or story, and I could see kids looking up even more about a favorite story (as a side note, I would have liked to know about the historical notes for each chapter/adventure- I did the ebook and didn’t think to flip to the end).

Loved how the storyline was unique and you grew to love the characters and the bond between grandparent and grandchild. The problems he encounters children (and adults) can relate to. Unlike the previously mentioned series that oftentimes seems flat (let’s go to the Middle Ages…. with not much story line), this reads like a novel/story. I can’t wait to see the series continue.

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@bookworm1909

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Rayne East

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delightful, magical read
A great fantasy read for young and old, this brilliantly written book has a unique storyline. The author weaves a story filled with imagery and quirky characters that keeps the reader engaged right through until the end. With an easy to relate to MC and nostalgia of the carousel ride, this story would appeal to a wide audience. Highly recommend.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Magic Carousel is the unique award-winning first book in this series the Brass Ring. It is an adventure story for tweens between 8 – 12 years old but will capture the heart of anyone.
Rusty soon learns there is more to the crazy old man he calls Grandpa, and his adventure begins.
Time travel, a brass ring, magical powers, a gateway to magic are what you will find in this magical adventure fantasy.
There is fun, heartache, drama, tragedy, bullying and much more. The characters are relatable with the story is told in the first-person.
The Magic Carousel is an exciting educational history lesson. It is original and imaginative and an action-packed wild adventure where a young boy Rusty learns true courage and bravery.
I wonder what new adventure will come next for Rusty.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun story. Russell has to take his grandfather to the carousel at the park every day. The same routine…. One day, his grandfather opens an adventure and the fun starts there. This is an amazing history adventure that brings stories to life. Each chapter is a history lesson brought to life. A fun chapter book that will be a great addition to any child’s library. I will be adding it to our homeschool library.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small

~ ☆ ~ 🌈 ~ ☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ☆ ~ 🌈 ~ ☆
The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small
Genre – Kids, Fantasy
Page Count – 192
Cover Designer – Brandon Dorman

THE MAGIC CAROUSEL PROMISES ONE THING: ADVENTURE!

When Russell’s eccentric, storytelling grandpa moves in with the family, Russell loses his bedroom and has to take Grandpa to the carousel in the park every day. As if he doesn’t have enough to deal with already. He’s flunking fifth grade, bullied at school, and his dad’s drinking has made him feel like a failure. Russell dreams of being a firefighter but fears he isn’t courageous enough.

Then Russell rides a carousel horse with Grandpa. Thanks to a magic brass ring, he finds himself magically transported into the past, where he faces life-and-death challenges. Each ride is a new, risky adventure. If he’s not careful, he could be trapped in one of his wild adventures forever!

This is the award-winning first story in the Brass Ring Series.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small

  1. L. Small is the author of fantasy stories for the young and the young at heart, including A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale, the Brass Ring fantasy novels for young readers, and the Strand trilogy for young adults. She was born in Queens, New York, the oldest of nine children.

She was an avid reader as a child, and her father often told her “to get your nose out of that book and go outside.” While she did go outside, she never lost her love of reading, especially horse stories and fantasy novels. Some of her treasured possessions are several much-loved books by Marguerite Henry. She has taken one of the books, Five O’clock Charlie, into classrooms for the Great American Teach-In and shared the story with children, along with the letter she received from Ms. Henry in response to her fan letter to the author.

She attended Binghamton University, starting as a Creative Writing major. After earning a master’s degree from Syracuse University, she spent her professional career in the electric utility business in a variety of roles, ranging from environmental work, community relations, communication, and change management.

Her childhood dream was to own a horse and be an author. She is living her dream in Brooksville, Florida, with her husband, Rick, on a ranch called Carousel Acres. They own two horses: an off-the-track Thoroughbred named Rory and an American mustang called Skylark. They share the barn with three cats named after the Golden Girls: Blanche, Dorothy, and Rose. A fourth cat, Stan, has decided to join the barn crew.

You can learn more about K. L. Small and her current writing projects by subscribing to her newsletter  here.

Author Interview with K.L. Small

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~ ☆ ~ 🌈 ~ ☆ PREORDER ~ ☆ ~ 🌈 ~ ☆ The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small

~ ☆ ~ 🌈 ~ ☆ PREORDER ~ ☆ ~ 🌈 ~ ☆
The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small
Genre – Kids, Fantasy
Page Count – 192
Cover Designer – Brandon Dorman

THE MAGIC CAROUSEL PROMISES ONE THING: ADVENTURE!

When Russell’s eccentric, storytelling grandpa moves in with the family, Russell loses his bedroom and has to take Grandpa to the carousel in the park every day. As if he doesn’t have enough to deal with already. He’s flunking fifth grade, bullied at school, and his dad’s drinking has made him feel like a failure. Russell dreams of being a firefighter but fears he isn’t courageous enough.

Then Russell rides a carousel horse with Grandpa. Thanks to a magic brass ring, he finds himself magically transported into the past, where he faces life-and-death challenges. Each ride is a new, risky adventure. If he’s not careful, he could be trapped in one of his wild adventures forever!

This is the award-winning first story in the Brass Ring Series.

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ TWITTER ~ GOODREADS ~ YOUTUBE ~ NEWSLETTER ~ WEBSITE ~

~WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~