A 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.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella. I loved this book and so did my 6 year old nephew. We especially thought it was appropriate for this time of year. It’s the story of Gadrella a 300 hundred year old witch. Gadrella is tired of the same ole thing and she wants to change things up a bit. Gadrella is very head strong and independent and wants to do things her way. Maybe she wants to ride a bike and not a broom or maybe she doesn’t want to wear a pointy old hat and what if Gadrella wants a dog instead of a cat? Such a cute book to teach kids that its ok to be yourself and do things your way. You can use your imagination and follow your dreams anyway you want. This book is such a great book for kids and it would make a great gift for the little one in your life.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I highly recommend this outstanding book, which masterfully weaves exciting adventures with essential lessons on self-belief. Gadrella’s journey from self-doubt to bravery and strength is profoundly inspiring. The writing style is clear and descriptive, drawing readers into the world of the characters. This engaging and uplifting book is sure to captivate young audiences
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book with my two sons – D (age 6) and S (age 3). This book had my boys asking lots of questions and wanting to learn more about the animals/fish that live in rivers.
A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – ”Lots of different fish live in the river.”
S (age 3) – “Fishies splash when they jump in the river.”
We gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sweet book. I loved the artwork, the Halloween scene and colors had me super excited for Halloween! Gadrella doesn’t want to be the standard witch anymore, she wants to do things she likes, like riding a bicycle instead of a broom, or wearing something other than a pointy hat. The lesson here is to be yourself, do what makes you happy. The only dislike I had was the name of the other witches, I have no idea how to pronounce them, so it had me stuttering.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This enchanting, full of heart, beautifully illustrated children’s story is about Gadrella, a 300 year old witch, who always does what she is told. She’s curious, steadfast, and strong, always wondering why this and what about that. She is most definitely prepared to take matters into her own hands and make those decisions and answer those questions herself. We loved reading this the month of Halloween.
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Down By The River is a cute and entertaining little story that teaches children about nature and wildlife. The story follows the twists and turns of the river as it flows and follows the adventures it takes along the way. Children will learn about fish, birds, butterflies, otters, and different landscapes that shape our ecosystem. This delightful story is told in rhymes which makes it engaging for children of all ages. The bright and colorful illustrations help make the story pop off the page and really bring the story to life. A great addition to any children’s library.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One day in a barn, a small pig was running around in the mud and sawdust when a group of children entered the barn and started to chase it around. This was not a random event though, whoever caught the pig could keep it!
Angela is one of those children, but there was also the town bully called Bruce and he wanted the pig too, so as one by one the children give up and leave the barn covered in mud and sawdust, only Bruce and Angela are left and they start to chase the pig in earnest, even when Angela gets poked on the eye.
Will Angela be able to use her persistence and determination to catch the pig and stand up to Bruce, or will the poke in her eye stop her winning? This is a fun filled story of a contest between the bully and bullied in a way which shows that kindness and determination can take you a long way in life.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The illustrations in this book are beautiful, bold, and very eye-catching. Angela and her small town are having a pig catching contest, and she is very determined to win this pig, but standing in her way is a bully by the name of Bruce. Her perseverance and determination get her the pig, but with it comes getting muddy and bruised. All the kids had fun, but many got tired and gave up giving Angela a better chance. Cute story!
a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217447617-a-pig-and-a-poke” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute kids book about perseverance and believing in yourself. I read this with my child and they absolutely love the characters and the descriptions. There’s a wonderful lesson in the book about not giving up and overcoming what other people think. I would love to read more books by Tricia Gardella. This is a perfect book for a child. My daughter actually read the majority of it to herself
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
Down By The River is a wonderfully written children’s book that children of any age can enjoy. My six year old son got very excited as I started reading. He even said this book was written for him. He loves being outside and exploring all the things that revolve around being outside, water, rocks. The illustrations were very colorful and helped bring the story to life. Get ready to be taken on quite the journey with different different animals, bugs,and so much more. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Britney Humphreys
5 Stars from all 3 of us!
Gadrella is a young witch that is tired of the typical witchy things. She wants a change for all witches for the first time in 300 years, and she’s prepared to be the one to start switching things up. From her transportation, to her pets, to her potion and uniform-will the other witches join her or shun her?
This book is super cute, and teaches children that with small changes everything can change for the better. My girls (9 and 7 years old) loved the pictures and the over-all message. My youngest said she likes that it teaches people that things changing in life isn’t always a bad thing. My oldest said that she thinks more people need to learn that trying new things is really the only way to grow and change. I like that it teaches you to listen when your friends say new things might be better (and that Halloween doesn’t always have to be creepy-it can be cute, too).
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Pig and Poke is about Angela, an adorable girl participating in a pig chase. When Angela starts she seems afraid to catch a pig but by the end of the story, Angela succeeds in her goal. This is a great book to show children how to problem solve and never give up their goals. Angela shows children that you come out on top even when there are tons of obstacles. This book has wonderful illustrations. Young children will find the action of the story fascinating.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – 5 stars!
Gadrella the witch is tired of all the same things. Brooms, frog toes, pointy hate and black clothes! Nothing ever changes for witches. Until Gadrella makes the change. Everyone scared of change at first. Then believe. What do you want to be for Halloween?
My 6 year old daughter had me read this to her twice immediately! Her favorite Halloween story! She loved the costume making and got the awwww for the bunny! She didn’t want to story to stop which should give this a lot more stars than the 5!! Loved this book and her reactions! (now if only I can pronounce the names)
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a super cute book, and the kids absolutely loved it. the pictures were super cute and went really well with the story line and are very great illustrated. My kids loved this book right from the beginning and thought it was funny listening to the kids run around chasing a pig to catch it. They really hoped the bully didn’t win thou and were super excited on the outcome of the story. Angela really shows how you can stand up for yourself and all about patience and understanding. This was a great kid’s books.
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella . This is such a gorgeous book with its illustrations of streams and rivers. It a great kids book to teach them about streams and rivers and how important they are to humans and animals. It teaches that we all get water from them in more ways than one and that we can also get food from them. It also teaches kids the importance of rivers and streams as a whole to the world. With its beautiful pictures it grabs kids attention and helps them realize how important they are to our world. My 6 year old nephew loved this book and it would make a great gift for the youngster in your life. This author is becoming one of our favorite children’s authors.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This charming children’s tale promotes essential life skills, emphasizing the equal importance of patience and perseverance, while also fostering good sportsmanship and resilience. This book was beautifully illustrated with great characters. This author is very talented and we look forward to reading more of her stories.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella is a cute little story book that imparts some important messages too. Gadrella the witch has always done what was expected, what the other witches did. But she has always secretly yearned to do things differently. Why do they ALWAYS have to wear black? And ride broomsticks? And make the same yukky brews in their spell cauldrons? Why do their cats always have to be black? And why do witches only have cat companions? So, what happens when Gadrella decides to follow her heart? Get set for a very cute and engaging adventure. The story is accompanied by charming illustrations that are rich, colourful, eye catching, and fun- which really made this little adventure spring to life.
The messages/lessons contained in the story make this a more meaningful read. We learn:
-to be true to yourself/be yourself
-follow your dreams
-do what fulfils you
-use your imagination
-dance to the beat of your own drum/set your own path
-it’s ok to be different
-embrace our differences because they are what make us special
-friendship
-change can be good
A meaningful, engaging, fun, imaginative, and enjoyable children’s picture book.
Looking forward to whatever Tricia Gardella brings us next.
Highly recommended.
Happy Reading!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Gadrella 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!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
View all my reviews
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author has become quite the favorite in our household and for good reason! My kiddos get super excited when they see me with one of her books. This one was particularly fun because we grew up in a rural area with all kinds of farm animals. I also love that the author always includes life lessons in the midst of the fun stories. Angela is determined to win the pig wrestling contest, but there are a few things she’s unsure about. There’s a lot of people, it seems pretty hard, and there’s a bully here that picks on her at school. It’s a cute story with beautifully vivid illustrations that really add another layer of depth. The flow of the story is natural and a great pace for keeping younger kiddos attention. With a great theme of determination, I think this is a perfect read for kids of all ages!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A super cute story about a witch named Gadrella. Everything has always been the same year after year. Desiring change Gadrella gets to work. With changes made she meets back with the other witches. Some are scared at her arrival with everything different but with some time the others are excited to join in her changes.
The story is absolutely adorable. The pictures throughout the book are stunning and match with the story. The cutest bedtime read!
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gadrella is a charming tale with beautiful and colourful illustrations that bring this story to life. The message within is to be yourself no matter what, which is an important lesson that I have instilled in my children, grandchildren, and will pass on to my great-granddaughter when she is old enough. It’s okay to be different.
This cute tale follows Gadrella, a 300-year-old witch who knows what she wants and makes no bones about it. She is bold, fun, and an inspiration to all those fledgling witches out there. Gadrella is a fun children’s picture book.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This enchanting tale follows Gadrella, a witch who has spent three centuries ensnared by tradition, until a spark of inspiration prompts her to take control of her narrative and embrace change.
As Gadrella revolutionizes her potions, upgrades her mode of transportation, and redefines her wardrobe, readers witness the evolution of a character who symbolizes resilience and the pursuit of new possibilities.
One of the standout aspects of Gadrell* is its exploration of the impact of individual choices on the community. Gadrella’s journey serves as an inspirational mirror, reflecting the potential for one person’s actions to ripple outward and influence others.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cute story. Gardella hasn’t seen any changes in 300 years. She wants to start some changes so she does it herself with her costume, transportation and the food she takes. The others have the fear of change but she helps them see that change can be good. I liked the message that was taught and how it ws taught. I can see it also helping to start some conversations when used as a family storytime book. This a winner in my eyes. I will be getting this sfor my littlest granddaughter to remind her to not be afraid to instigate change if its needed. It also has colorful pictures. Perfect for it’s target audience.
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Down by the River is a very cute story about the things that happen in and around the river. The catchy rhythm of the words with the rhyming and the repetitive words will have your child chanting along. The illustrations are vibrant and will have you looking for the items described in the text. Very cool book.
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.Goodreads – Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
Bookbub -Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
StoryGraph – Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
For centuries, Gadrella’s life has been stagnant, bound by ancient traditions and routines. But one fateful day, she chooses to break free from the monotony. She starts by revolutionizing her potions, concocting brews that spark new possibilities. Her transportation undergoes a magical upgrade, swapping her trusty broomstick for something far more exciting. Even her wardrobe doesn’t escape her newfound desire for change, as she ditches her old robes for a more modern and daring style.
Tricia Gardella is an award-winning author whose picture book ideas are inspired by family, friends, traditions, and travel. Her diverse hobbies include canning, cooking, knitting, rug-making, and gardening, but writing remains her true passion. After a twenty-year hiatus, Tricia is thrilled to return to the literary world. In the 1990s, she published several books traditionally, before pausing her writing career to open an ice cream parlor. Tricia holds a BA in Ancient History and Classical Archaeology. She lives in Central California with her two self-centered cats and draws inspiration from her three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was good. It was a little advanced for my kids, but definitely recommend it. This story is about Angela, Bruce and a few other kids as they chase after a pig. Angela and Bruce are the last two kids left. It’s a cute little story.
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a brilliantly fun children’s book, and is one I never would have guessed we needed. Taking what could be a relatively boring topic (rivers and streams), the author has created a lovely and engaging story that is perfect for kids. It allows them to learn a bit more about them in an exciting way, with some gorgeous illustrations to go along with the story.
I thought this book really played perfectly into a kids intuitive nature. It encouraged them to ask how and why and to learn something new. I thought this was a fantastic book and another hit from this author.
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantastic short children’s book exploring nature. This is an amazing 5 min read with excellent illustrations throughout. I really love the way Tricia Gardella pulls from experience in her own life with children, grandchildren and such to write her books. Showing children what all they can find when exploring nature is really great. Definitely worth a read before bedtime with little ones.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Angela is determined to win Bruce a pig if she can catch him. Her main competition is a local bully and Angela’s determination help her win the day. Winning is not everything though and Angela learns a lesson along the way.
Beautiful illustrations will entertain children with this book. Teaches a valuable message where competition is concerned. Great book.