Category Archives: Book Reviews

The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning (The Moon Singer Book 4) by B. Roman — Book Review

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  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BS3HRSL8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Next Chapter (January 10, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 10, 2023
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 241 pages

About the eBook: Also available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Rose-Wyndham-Beginning-Singer-ebook/dp/B0BS3HRSL8/

From 18th Century France to 20th Century San Francisco, the Promise of the Rose Crystal both empowered and mystified Grace Moreau and her daughter Rose Wyndham.

They fought for women’s rights, suffered prejudice and conspiracy theorists, and blazed their way through a male-dominated world to define their own roles in society. Through it all they poignantly resisted romantic desire, for if they fell in love the power of the Rose Crystal would be impotent and they – and their lovers – would die.

A romantic adventure spanning 250 years, B. Roman’s ‘The Immortal Rose Wyndham’ is a story where the power of music, and the belief in a purpose greater than oneself, provide the mystery and magic that creates miracles.

What I Thought:

The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning (The Moon Singer Book 4) by B. Roman is a historical fantasy following several generations of strong women who gain extremely long lives to accomplish good for themselves and others as long as they possess and honour the sacred magic of The Rose Crystal Pendant and until they pass the crystal on to a descendant. But possessing The Rose Crystal has its consequences–the women must sacrifice marriage, even as they find romance that cannot be pursued during the time period of 18th Century France to 20th Century San Francisco.

The writing is completely delightful, bursting with strong characters, vivid settings, and sound historical research.

A wonderful novel that shares so many intense emotions with the reader. Highly recommended!

About the Author B. Roman:

Please visit my publisher author page for a closer look at my inspiration for writing and a personal glimpse into each book:

https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/b-roman

You’ll also find my books on the Independent Author Network, BookBub, AllAuthor

Tweet me @BMoonSinger1

Little Miss History Travels to Monticello

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Little Miss History Travels to Monticello Home of Thomas Jefferson

Written by Barbara Ann Mojica

Illustrated by  Victor Ramon Mojica 

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ eugenus STUDIOS, LLC (August 17, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 46 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1733067183
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1733067188

 About the Book:   

    Join award-winning children’s book author Barbara Ann Mojica’s Little Miss HISTORY as she reveals the mysteries of Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson, her newest release. Discover the hidden treasures of Thomas Jefferson’s home, the author of The Declaration of Independence. An agriculturalist, philosopher, scientist, architect, patriot, and president, Jefferson’s complex role in history teaches today’s Americans why, “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

What I thought:   

     Barbara Ann Mojica’s Little Miss History series is exceptional! I’ve read and reviewed most of her books in this series and I loved them all. This book (as well as all the books in the series) is well written, entertaining, and educational. The illustrations match the writing perfectly, and the overall look of the book is very professional. Adults as well as children will love this book and all the books in the series. I was given a free copy pdf for an honest review.                    

About the Author:      

Barbara Ann Mojica, M.A. S.A.S., S.D.A is a historian and retired educator. Her education career spans more than forty years serving as a teacher, special educator, principal, and school district administrator. Barbara writes monthly historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner “Passages.” Using the whimsical Little Miss History character to narrate her book series, Barbara hopes to educate, entertain and inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History’s antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. She firmly believes, “If you don’t know your history, you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The Little Miss HISTORY book series has garnered more than two dozen awards including B.R.A.G. Medallions, International Book Excellence Awards, International Readers’ Favorite Awards, Eric Hoffer, and Independent Author Network Awards

Fine more of Barbara Ann’s books here.

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The Prince Who Was a Piccolo – Book Review

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Written by Barbara Roman

Illustrated by Vladimir Cebu

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BJYD1KYF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (Oct. 24 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8359896238

About the Book:

When his father, the King, demands that the Prince be a “Royal Trumpet”, the unhappy boy brings doom and gloom to the kingdom until a mystical maiden guides him to finding his own unique music.

Barbara Roman’s ‘The Prince Who Was A Piccolo’ teaches children about self-esteem, asserting independence, attitudes, and being comfortable with their own identity. They will also learn about different musical instruments and the influence of music on our lives and emotions. There are mystical qualities in the story as it metaphorically touches on meditation, intuition, and spiritual guidance.

Beautifully illustrated by Vladimir Cebu, this book is a rich learning experience for children, as they learn about music instruments, and ways to express their emotions.

What I Thought: 

The Prince Who Was a Piccolo is a wonderful story with the subtle underlying moral value for children to believe in themself and strive for their own talents in life, whatever those talents may be.  I fell in love with the prince and his brave attitude to not give up searching for his own musical talent, even though his musical talent may not please his father the king. The story is so well written that I believe this book will become a classic in children’s literature. The artwork is fantastic. This story is one of the most creative stories I’ve read in children’s literature in several years. Kudos to the author!

About the Author:

As Barbara Roman, I am the author of the children’s books, “Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13” and “Hubert in Heaven – a hi-tech angel gets his wings.”

Find Barbara Roman’s children’s books here. 

Dick and Jane – 2 Book Review

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ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0448434083 Publisher ‏ ‎

Penguin Young Readers; Reissue edition (January 19, 2004) Language ‏

English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780448434087

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0448434087

Reading age : ‎ 6 – 7 years

Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 – 2

About The Book:

“Look, Spot. Look, Puff. Look and see. See Sally and Tim.”

Penguin Young Readers unite the best authors, illustrators, and brands from the Penguin Young Readers Group under one umbrella to engage all levels of early readers, from emergent all the way to fluent. With an easy numbered leveling system and the Guided Reading leveling system, these books allow educators, parents, and kids to quickly find the perfect book for any developing reader.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0448434113 Publisher

Penguin (January 19, 2004) Language ‏

English Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780448434117

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0448434117

Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 – 7 years

Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 – 2

About The Book:

“Look, Jane, ” said Dick. “Here is something funny. Can you guess what it is?”

Penguin Young Readers unite the best authors, illustrators, and brands from the Penguin Young Readers Group under one umbrella to engage all levels of early readers, from emergent all the way to fluent. With an easy numbered leveling system and the Guided Reading leveling system, these books allow educators, parents, and kids to quickly find the perfect book for any developing reader.

What I Thought:

Recently, I ordered these two Dick and Jane books out of nostalgia. I grew up learning to read in elementary school with these books. They were the best then, and are still the best. The vocabulary increases with the age level of the books. The lessons in the books are of quality for any child, then or now. These books have an innocent, honest writing style that will never go out of style. Highly recommended for new readers.

Where To Find Dick And Jane Books In This Series By Penguin Publishers (10 books): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087W2TBCQ

History About Dick and Jane Books: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_and_Jane

Dick and Jane are the two main characters created by Zerna Sharp for a series of basal readers written by William S. Gray to teach children to read. The characters first appeared in the Elson-Gray Readers in 1930 and continued in a subsequent series of books through the final version in 1965. These readers were used in classrooms in the United States and in other English-speaking countries for nearly four decades, reaching the height of their popularity in the 1950s, when 80 percent of first-grade students in the United States used them. Although the Dick and Jane series of primers continued to be sold until 1973 and remained in use in some classrooms throughout the 1970s, they were replaced with other reading texts by the 1980s and gradually disappeared from school curricula. The Dick and Jane series were known for their simple narrative text and watercolor illustrations. Despite the criticisms of the stereotypical content that depicted white, middle-class Americans and the whole-word (look-say) method of teaching reading on which these readers are based, the characters of “Dick”, “Jane”, and their younger sister, “Sally”, became household words. The Dick and Jane primers have also become icons of mid-century American culture and collectors’ items.

Little Miss History Travels to Independence Hall & The Museum of the American Revolution–Book Review

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Little Miss HISTORY Travels to INDEPENDENCE HALL & The Museum of the American Revolution

Author Barbara Ann Mojica

Illustrator Victor Ramon Mojica

  • Paperback : 54 pages
  • ISBN-13 : 978-1733067164
  • Product dimensions : 8.5 x 0.15 x 8.5 inches
  • Publisher : Eugenus Studios, LLC (August 27, 2020)
  • Reading level : 4 – 12 years
  • Language: : English

About The Book

  • WHY DOES INDEPENDENCE HALL NATIONAL PARK INSPIRE FREEDOM-LOVING PEOPLE EVERYWHERE?

          YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK TO GET THE ANSWERS.

  • Visit the birthplace of the United States   
  • Learn about the history of Independence Hall·        
  • How was the federal Constitution created?
  • What is the Declaration of Independence?
  • How did women, slaves, and workers view it?     
  • How did the revolutionaries survive against a great world power?         
  • Witness George Washington’s sleeping tent and military headquarters·         
  • How did the Revolution tear apart the colonies?         
  • What kind of nation did it create?         
  • Find out why abolitionists, suffragettes, and freedom-loving people embraced the Liberty Bell·         
  • What is the significance of Christ Church Burial Ground?

 What I Thought

The Little Miss History series is fantastic! Barbara Ann Mojica’s latest edition takes us to Independence Hall and the Museum of the American Revolution to teach us about the founding of the U.S. government. The illustrations and photographs combinations, along with precise writing and an amazing character in Little Miss History herself, make the adventures super fun.  I love everything about this book and the entirety of this multi-award-winning series! Highly recommended.

Where to Find the Book https://www.amazon.com/HISTORY-Travels-INDEPENDENCE-American-Revolution/dp/1733067167

 Read About Barbara Ann Mojica and her Little Miss History Series https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Ann-Mojica/e/B00B9DOVKC

Book Review–Scholastic Success with Grammar

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Scholastic Success with Grammar 

by Scholastic (Author)  

  • Paperback: 64 pages
  • Publisher: Scholastic Teaching Resources (March 1 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0545201020

Synopsis 

Give students the targeted, skill-building practice they need with these standards-based books! Each workbook includes more than 40 ready-to-reproduce practice pages. Easy-to-follow directions and fun exercises motivate students to work on their own. Every activity in each book is correlated to state standards. For use with Grade 5.

What I Thought 

I admit I am a grammar nerd, and I have written a grammar book for middle grades. Coming across grammar books for the younger audience is always a delight since there aren’t enough out there.  This book is definitely a useful review of grammar for beginners, although, I wish the lessons had more content within the lessons.  Overall, a good book to instill the basics of grammar.

About the Author 

 Scholastic Inc. is a global publishing and education company whose mission is to encourage the intellectual and personal growth of all children, beginning with literacy. 


Grammar for middle grades : https://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Grammar-Book-Dragons-Kingdom/dp/198871401X

Journey – Book Review

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Author: Gary S. Roen

Paperback: 252 pages

Publisher: Legacy Book Publishing; First edition (June 1, 2017) Language: English

ISBN-10: 193795207X

ISBN-13: 978-1937952075

Book Description

A syndicated book critic now turns his attention on a new endeavor, the short story, by writing his own science fiction collection. Some are as short as 66 words, which is a true test of an author’s ability to tell in so few words. There are seven adventures of the scary stuffed bear named Slotski, who has rare abilities. This compilation contains other slices of life in the near future: technology gone amuck, a smart phone that is smarter than it should be, a radio broadcast that isn’t all it sounds, a cat that has a message for humanity, and a woman who doesn’t want to just make money in a research study, are among some of the intriguing stories you’ll find in Journey.

My Review

Gary Roen’s book Journey is a creative and intriguing read! In this collection of diverse short stories, the reader will experience a remarkable journey through the author’s insightful, witty, unique, and cringeworthy stories.

The book starts with several short stories about a captivating character named Slotski Bear–a disembodied soul possessing a creepy-looking stuffed bear (a bear you can’t help but love) who guides and helps certain people in need. The author’s other short stories in this book have spell-binding characters, as various as they come, venturing into peculiar situations with unexpected results.

Journey is full of twists and tangles that will keep the reader wanting more. Highly recommended.

N.B. Some short stories have adult content.

About the Author

Gary S. Roen, author, nationally syndicated book critic/writer, consultant has been writing close to 45 years. He is the author of “Journey, A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories” Legacy Book Publishing, “Slotski’s World” another collection of sf short stories and “The Forgotten Father” a book of poetry from Taylor and Seal Publishing, and the co-author of “Cats Cats and More Cats Royal Fireworks Press Roen is the author of two books of poetry, “Look at Me World,” Chateau Publishing, “Made By Man” Nest Egg Publications; his poems have also been published in numerous small magazines. He has published in short story collections like Computer Legends Lies and Lores Ageless Press, Anotherealm SF magazine, and Mercury Sky online. He is also the author of a satirical play entitled “Vamp
His syndicated reviews have appeared in hundreds of daily, weekly newspapers and other periodicals that currently include Midwest Book Review, West Orlando News, Sodo News, Orlando Advocate, St. Cloud In the News, Osceola News-Gazette, Bivouac Magazine, Arrhythmic Souls and Beach Side Reader Brevard County Florida.

Gary Roen’s Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gary-S.-Roen/e/B07GRCKX8K

Music Boxes by Tonja Drecker – Book Review

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Music Boxes

By Tonja Drecker

Middle Grade Fantasy / Performing Arts

158 pages

Dancing Lemur Press

Ages 9 to 12

  • ISBN-10:1939844568
  • ISBN-13:978-1939844569

About The Book:

“I only desire your talent…”

Twelve-year-old Lindsey McKay’s biggest dream is to be a famous ballerina. But after moving to New York, she ends up at the Community Center with a teacher who’s a burly bear in tights.

When she meets Madame Destinée, the teacher of a top dance school who offers her classes for free, Lindsey can’t believe her luck. In exchange, she must perform in the school’s exclusive midnight shows, ones sure to make her a star. But something’s not right…

One by one, the other dancers disappear. Each time they do, a music box with a figurine just like the missing ballerina joins Madame Destinée’s growing collection. If Lindsey doesn’t discover the truth about the dance school, she might end up a tiny figurine herself.

What I Thought:

Lindsey McKay is a wonderful main character: adventurous, passionate, caring, talented, and a girl who, unintentionally, will becomes the sleuth in solving the mystery of the missing ballerinas at Madame Destinée’s dance school. Madame Destinée’s is a well-portrayed villain and a force to be reckoned with, but through Lindsey’s sheer bravery and willpower, she must find a way to beat Madame Destinée and the powers of her evil magic.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Music Boxes. The adventure, suspense, and twists of plot were well paced. The characters become real to the reader in the first pages. And once the adventure began, it didn’t stop until the end.

Author Tonja Drecker has created a spellbinding and magical journey in Music Boxes; a journey every reader will be delighted in talking.

Sale Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Music-Boxes-Tonja-Drecker/dp/1939844568

B&N : https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/music-boxes-tonja-drecker/1129391447

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/music-boxes

Author Biography:

Tonja Drecker is a writer, blogger, children’s book reviewer and freelance translator. After spending years in Germany exploring forgotten castles, she currently resides in the Ozarks with her family of six. When she’s not tending her chickens and cows, she’s discovering new adventures, nibbling chocolate and sipping a cup of tea.

Early Order/Pre-order Special

Pre-order/order your book (ecopy or print) before midnight (EST) on Friday night, March 8th, send a copy of your proof of purchase to  tonjadrecker@gmail.com along with an US mailing address, and you will receive an envelope with exclusive swag (bookmark, sticker, etc).

Giveaway

The giveaway will run from midnight (EST) on the night of February 21st, 2019 until midnight (EST) on the night of March 15th,  2019. Entries will be made through the Rafflecopter. One winner will receive a music box (the one found in the book video: https://youtu.be/ww_RY4IVg3w) with the author’s golden signature on the bottom as well as swag (US addresses only). The second winner will receive an Amazon GC of $10 (US). The second winner must be in possession of a qualifying US Amazon account.

Author website: http://tonjadrecker.blogspot.com/

Review blog: https://bookwormforkids.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TDrecker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TDrecker/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhQ1T8dLx1v9xkiLzlJSnA

Enter the Rafflecopter here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5762dc7e14/?

Hurly Burly The Squirrel Next Door (Squirrel Facts Edition)-Book Review

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By S.S. Bazinet

Illustrated by Laura Christine Tiralla

Publisher: Renata Press (October 26, 2015)

Age Level: 4 – 8 | Grade Level: P – 3

About The Book

Hurly the squirrel is as cute as they come, but would he make a good house guest?
When Hurly invites himself into a boy’s home, the boy quickly learns that squirrels do not have pleasing inside-the-house manners.

“He chatters and scratches, he picks at the latches
of cupboards that hold all my food!
And if they resist, his teeth will persist,
and sly is his favorite mood.”

This hilarious and brightly illustrated tale of how a squirrel can create chaos will delight young and old readers alike.

What I Thought

This is an ingenious picture story book–it’s an adorable, fun story and a fact book all in one! The story of Hurly Burly the squirrel, written in charming rhyme, unfolds as he invites himself to become a house guest of a little boy. Hurly Burly is trouble, for sure, but he’s the most lovable squirrel ever. So what can the boy do to keep Hurly Burly around but cut down on the chaos in the house?

The squirrel facts (included on every page at the bottom of the story) are delightful and will educate children while they are entertained with the humorous story.

Illustrator Laura Christine Tiralla has captured the essence of Hurly Burly with wonderful artwork.

Hurly Burly The Squirrel Next Door (Squirrel Facts Edition): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01786S7PI/

Author S. S. Bazinet

S.S. Bazinet Biography

My fondest wish is that my stories entertain my readers and also provide them with moments of clarity and a deeper connection to themselves. My books include The Vampire Reclamation Project series, the Sentenced to Heaven series, as well as the YA thriller, My Brother’s Keeper, and a dystopian novel, Dying Takes It Out of You.

Where To Find The Author

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/S.-S.-Bazinet/e/B0078KS7BO/
Author’s website: http://www.ssbazinet.com/
Facebook: http:// https://www.facebook.com/SSBazinet/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSBazinet

Little Miss HISTORY Travels to The NORTH POLE – Book Review

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Little Miss HISTORY Travels to The NORTH POLE

by Barbara Ann Mojica

Illustrations by Victor Ramon Mojica

ISBN-13: 978-0-9989154-2-5

Age Range: 6 – 12 years

 

 

 

About The Book: Ever feel like you’re standing on thin ice? Here at the northern most point on Earth, no land lies below. Are there seasons? Who lives here? What does Santa look like and where does he live? Uncover the answers in this newest release of the award-winning children’s nonfiction book series.

What I Thought: Little Miss HISTORY Travels to The NORTH POLE is another delightful contribution to this award-winning educational series! Author Barbara Ann Mojica has created another hit as Little Miss History travels to the North Pole and reveals all kinds of amazing facts that even i didn’t know. Kids and adults alike will simply love the incredible color illustrations that are a part of this series. And the word glossary at the end of the book is an extra special feature.

The Little Miss History series is the perfect combination of writing and illustrations that create this wonderful educational series.

About the Author: Barbara Ann Mojica is a historian and retired educator. She writes historical articles for the Columbia Insider under the banner “Passages.” Using the whimsical Little Miss History character, Barbara hopes to inspire children to learn about historical people and places. Little Miss History’s antics make reading nonfiction a fun-filled adventure for all ages. Read more about the author.

 

 

Website: http://littlemisshistory.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998915424/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=little+miss+history+travels+to+the+north+pole