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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Heather Lovelace

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Excellent story telling with beautiful illustrations. All three of my children thoroughly enjoyed this work. It is truly written in a way that captivates all ages. Beautiful.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Anantha Rusum

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such a wonderful book with lovely illustrations for children . It is about all the animals and insects and the activities which happen by the river and how the rivers and streams are vital in the life of these animals . It’s a great learning experience for children. I loved the book and would recommend it to all the kids , especially the younger ones .

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Julie Johnson

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fun book!! First off, the illustrations in this book practically jump off the page!! They are very brilliant and vivid, very eye-catching and colorful. Next, I love the play on words for this character from the author’s last name!

Gadrella is a witch but she’s tired of the same old look. She doesn’t want a pointy hat or a black cat or all the typical things that a witch is “supposed to have”. She starts to make some changes and at the next meeting, her friends think she is a monster…that is until they try her new potion!

Kids will love this holiday themed book! It’s a great way to talk about differences and how it’s ok to break the mold sometimes.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Karrie Sears

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a cute Halloween book to read to little ones. It teaches them it’s okay to be from everyone else and shows how everyone else can accept who you are. I love Tricia Gardella books. They always have a great story to them and the illustrations are amazing.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Arianna Westmoreland

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gadrella by Tricia Gardella

I read this book with my two sons – ages 6 and 3. This was a sweet story, perfect for the spooky season.

A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – ”Gadrella did lots of different things but she still ended up happy.”
S (age 3) – “It was spooky with witches and potions!”

We gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Candice Estes

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

This book is targeted toward a young audience, and I would definitely recommend it to parents and teachers and even children’s librarians. The illustrations are vibrant and beautiful. As I was moving from page to page, I felt almost like I was near the river, seeing the animals described and drawn. This book is short, making it a perfect bedtime story, or quick read for a squirmy kid. Themes covered within the book are “hard hitting”, such as pollution, yet touched on lightly in a way that won’t confuse young children and may even go unnoticed but be a good jumping off point for further discussion.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Crystal Brehant

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a really cute story. I love the vibrant colors of the illustrations. It’s a great book to explain to kids that it is okay to be different. That they can be whoever they want to be. That trying new things can turn out really well. I read this with my 7 year old son. He loved that it was a story about witches.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Down by the River by Tricia Gardella
4 stars
This is a cute book. Very different from what I would normally read. However, that being, said I can see it being very educational for children. It’s almost like a poem set to illustration. The pictures are beautiful, and the descriptions are worded wonderfully. I read it to my daughter she loved it.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Jamie Truex

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very cute book with a great message for kids. Gadrella is a witch, bored with the same old clothes, same old traditions. So she decides to change it up! But are her friends willing to accept her change? Perfect Halloween book for young children.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Ayla Phipps

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely love Tricia Gardella’s books and this one is no different. Stunningly beautiful illustrations bring Gadrella to life as she helps her fellow witches embrace their uniqueness. Not the easiest of books to read for young readers. While the names are beautiful and unique I struggled with her two best friends names a bit. Perfect Halloween book for all ages.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella

Gadrella is a cute children’s book that children of any age can enjoy. My six year old son loves Halloween he loved this book. The lesson we learn from reading this book is it’s ok to want change and it’s ok to be different. We have to stay true to ourselves and what we want and believe. The colorful illustrations brought the story to life. We loved reading it so much we’ve read it several times already. My son and I highly recommend reading this book and we look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gadrella is a fun children’s book, and perfect to read during the Halloween season. Gardella is a young witch who has big feelings around the traditions of the witch community. It’s always the same and she longs for change. She doesn’t want to ride a broom, wear black, and make potions. She takes it on herself to challenge the norm, and make changes to make herself happy. She shows everyone she is brave enough, and gives her friends the courage to be different as well.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Gadrella by Tricia Gadrella

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an adorable book. I read it to my 5-year-old who absolutely loved it. It is about an unconventional witch who wants to make changes. Definitely teaches lessons on embracing oneself and being true to oneself. This is the second book by Tricia Gadrella I have read to my daughter. She’s definitely talented. We are looking forward to more books to read. A cute Halloween themed book.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super cute book about change, transformation, and making a difference. Gadrella is a witch who is bored with things always being the same. The same clothes, the same hat, the same transportation, and just boring routines. She takes actions and trades her broom for a bike. She makes a costume and goes to the witches Halloween Gathering NOT dressed as a witch! She even makes a potion using non traditional ingredients!! Will this all backfire? Or can she make real changes in the coven? Such a wonderful book. Teaching kids that change can be good. To fight for the things you want. To work for the change. And the illustrations are adorable as well! Great for bedtime stories, first libraries, and young readers. This author has many wonderful books that you should check out! I can’t wait to read more with my kiddos.

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@jaimie0459

Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Deb Robinson

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a sweet book about change and not staying the same all the time. Gadrella was tired of the same old witch traditions and decided to change her this year. This is a wonderful tale of trying something new and finding acceptance even if others may be resistant at first.
The illustrations are bright and colourful and induced many conversations about this upcoming halloween.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Deb Robinson

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

This is a cute story for young children about things you will see by the river and around it. The rhyming words help the story easily and the repetitive words help new readers to recognize new words. The illustrations are beautiful and bright and very eye-catching.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Kerry Baker

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Our whole house was excited to get our hands on a new book by this author and this was certainly did not let us down. We all loved the character of Gadrella. She was such a fun character to read about and watching her explore new ways of doing things was an absolute pleasure.
Although this book was entertaining and joyful, it also encouraged kids to look at what makes them different and to celebrate these differences. It is such a positive message and one that I think most kids in this day and age needs to hear. This was a bit hit in our household and is one that will be read time and again.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Krista Moulthrop

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love anything written by this author! The illustrations are amazing and colorful. The story is engaging. Every story I’ve read has been 5 stars.
In this story we meet a little witch named Gadrella. She is burned out on the routine of her peers. They always have the same outfits, same spells, same everything. One night she gets an idea to change things. She makes her own outfit, creates a new spell, and trades her broomstick for a bicycle. Will her friends still accept her? Read and find out

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Felicia Bates

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gadrella is the second book my kids and I have read by this author and my favorite thus far. It was a great book to read with Halloween upon us. The illustrations were as adorable as the characters were likable, especially Gadrella. This book really illustrated how it is okay and encouraged to be yourself as well as if something isn’t working… change it!

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Kelli Harper

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A young witch that has decided she wants to modernize and do things she wants/likes. Very colorful and fun illustrations as well as a great story-line. Quick read for young early elementary school aged kids. Perfect for the Halloween season.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Julie Johnson

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My favorite part of this book was the illustrations. They are very colorful and well done! The story is a good one, that focuses on the nature surrounding the river. It has a rhythm throughout with the wording that will make it a fun read. Use this book to teach new words and about environmental awareness!

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Brittany Adams

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really sweet story. My kids loved the almost repeated verses/words. The illustrations are beautiful and my kids enjoyed looking to see what they could find on each page. We have enjoyed all of the books we’ve written by this Author. My 3, 6 and 8 year olds enjoyed the story a lot.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Krystal Compton

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

Down by the river by Tricia Gardella – 5 Stars

This is a cute outdoorsy book for little ones! Perfect for those adventurers of the surroundings of rivers and the uniqueness of what’s in them, around them and where they flow. The illustrations by Kristin MacLaren-Abbot are absolutely beautiful and capture your attention with the story!

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Brittany Adams

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story! I’m very stingy when giving books a 5 Star rating but I definitely feel like this children’s book deserves it! I first read this book on my own and immediately loved it. However, then I had to give it the true test. I had to read it to my 3, 6 and 8 year old children. Guess what! THEY ALSO LOVED IT! Gadrella is a world changer. She didn’t like it so she took charge of her own decisions and changed the narrative. We love a strong willed female role model in this house.

I highly recommend this book that helps teach children to be themselves.

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Thank you so much for this amazing read Tricia Gardella!

Reviewed by @britt87

Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Felicia Bates

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Down by the River is a well written children’s book that reads very quickly. The illustrations are gorgeous and the story flows very well. No pun intended. I enjoyed that we learned about the animals and activities that happen by the river while learning positional vocabulary too. Overall, it was a well thought out children’s book!

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – reviewed by Vicki Shelton

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this book! What a fabulous way to teach a child that it is okay to be different. Tricia Gardella has a wonderful imagination. Bar Fabian did a fantastic job illustrating this fine book! I cannot wait to read it to my grandchildren!

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Carrie Cross

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

Tricia Gardella’s A Pig and a Poke is a delightful children’s story that follows Angela, a determined young girl, as she competes in a town-wide contest to win a pig. With a touch of humor and heart, Gardella weaves a tale of friendship, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.

The book’s charming illustrations perfectly complement the story, bringing the characters and setting to life. Young readers will be captivated by the lively town fair atmosphere and the mischievous antics of the elusive pig. Gardella’s writing is both engaging and accessible, making this book a perfect choice for bedtime reading or classroom storytelling.

While the story is simple, it carries important messages about friendship, determination, and the power of believing in oneself. A Pig and a Poke is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that will leave young readers feeling inspired and entertained.

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Gadrella by Tricia Gardella

Gadrella was a witch and she looked like a witch. But Gadrella wanted changes. She was tired of the same black costumes, black cats and riding a broom. Gadrella decided to make the changes on her own. First, she started with transportation. She wanted something different than a broom. She’d always wanted a bike! Next, she decided to make her own clothes. Oh, how colorful she looked! Then she moved on to the potions. She didn’t want to use eye of newt or frog toes anymore, so she used different ingredients.

Gadrella showed up at the next Halloween gathering on her new bike wearing her colorful dragon costume and with her new potion. The other witches feared her thinking she was a monster. She decided to share her new ‘potion’ with the others. They were a little reluctant to try it, but when they did, they all loved her chocolate chip cookies and agreed that her potions smelled so much better than theirs.

Gadrella told the other witches they could be anything they wanted to be. When they realized this, they were all so excited and shared their dreams with the others. It seems the other witches wanted changes also but didn’t know how to share their thoughts with others. I’m sure the next Halloween gathering will be so colorful and smell so good!

I enjoyed reading about Gadrella and her courage to make changes when others didn’t think it was allowed. She wanted to express herself and wasn’t afraid to do that. The illustrations were so colorful and helped tell the story so well.

Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Shannen Kern

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author became a quick favorite in our household, so I get excited any time I see a new book from them. We also absolutely adore Halloween which meant we jumped for joy when we saw this story! Gadrella loves being a witch, but she’s tired of everything staying the same. The black hats, black cats, and broom are all starting to be a little too boring. She decides that she is going to follow her instincts and wear what she loves even if it is out of the ordinary. The underlying messages throughout the story are beautiful, encouraging the reader to embrace what makes them different and trust themselves. Gadrella decides to show her friends these changes, but how will they react? I also loved the illustrations which added a spunky and fun layer to an already wonderful book. This would make a beautiful addition to any home, school, or classroom library!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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A Pig and a Poke by Tricia Gardella – Review by Nichole Chrisman

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

Angela wants that pig. So does her bully Bruce. When it’s down to the two of them who will get the pig? This is a super cute and funny read for younger readers. The illustrations are bright and happy. The writing is done in a child friendly manner that is engaging and funny.

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