Book review: The Society of Season Secretkeepers

The Society of Seasonal Secretkeepers  a gift set that helps children come to terms with the the “true existence” of The Tooth Fairy, The Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. With the right perspective, this truth can be a moment to cherish.

Often when children find out, they become upset or distrusting and often spoil this truth to younger children. The Society of Seasonal Secretkeepers was created to help children come to terms and shine a new light on this by becoming a part of a secret society.

The set includes a token, as an induction into the secret society, and field guide that’s full of encouragement, fun ideas, creative prompts. It’ll also helps kids understand the responsibility of guarding The Truth for younger kids. The guide is broken into 4 sections. First, new "Agents" are inducted into the Secret Society. Then, they explore their own family traditions and beliefs in the Book of Ancient Secrets. Agents then go through Agent Training, a series of fun, upbeat activities before finally completing five secret missions. 

The gift set retails for $27.99 and available on its site to purchase. 

My Thoughts

Both of my children are older. I have a daughter who is almost 9, and she's been my one to question Santa the most. Then I have an 11 year old son. He's a go with whatever you tell him sort of kid. I recently told him the truth about Santa, The Easter Bunny, and Tooth Fairy. I figured since he was in middle school, it was time to know the truth.

I enlisted him with this book when it came and reminded him that he wasn't to tell his sister anything. Even though s he questions it, she does still believe. He was happy to get this because to him, it was all his, something he didn't have to share, and he held a secret.

He read this fairly quickly and enjoyed the activities that came with it. I think some of it might be geared toward someone a little younger than him with the activities, but he still had a good time, and really enjoyed the book and learning new things about the traditions of Santa, Tooth Fairy, and Easter Bunny.

Book Reviews: Trace Moroney children's books

The Things I Love About Me

&

When I’m Feeling Scared

By Trace Moroney

Internationally acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Trace Moroney adds new titles this season to her best-selling When I'm Feeling series and her phenomenally successful The Things I Love series. The existing books in both of these beloved series have been met with extraordinary enthusiasm, and the new additions to these collections will continue to help children discover more about themselves while building confidence. The Things I Love About Me and When I’m Feeling Scared(Insight Editions / September 2015 / $10.99 and $9.99, respectively) continue to focus on creating “books with a conscience,” embracing the principles of positive psychology.

The Things I Love About Me

There are so many things to love about being you. From your fingers and your toes and your smile to your dreams for the future. This book in The Things I Love series celebrates the everyday situations that form the basis of your children’s experiences. Spending time with your children and giving them love and care helps them to celebrate who they are, building resilience and self-esteem.

When I’m Feeling Scared

It’s easy for anyone to be scared of some things, like the dark or dangerous animals! But lots of other things aren’t really as scary as they seem. Each of the books in this series has been carefully designed to help children better understand their feelings, and in doing so, develop confidence and self-esteem as they grow. Talking about feelings teaches children that it is normal to feel sad or angry or scared at times. With greater tolerance of challenging feelings, children become free to enjoy their world, to feel secure in their abilities, and to be happy. 

More About Trace Moroney:

More than three million copies of Trace Moroney’s books have been sold worldwide, and they are translated into sixteen languages. She lives in New Zealand. 

About Insight Editions:

Insight Editions is a publisher focused on creating superlative illustrated books on photography, music, and popular culture. Lavishly produced and visually stimulating, every volume from Insight is dedicated to the skillful interplay of word and image. The books produced are unique works that combine the highest quality print production values with time-honored traditions of publishing and rich subject matter. Elegant and informative, books from Insight showcase the best of art and photography in exquisite presentations of the bookmaker’s craft. For more information, visit www.insighteditions.com. 

Reviews

The Things I Love About Me was a very positive book. It was written in a way for a child to be proud of themselves and the things they can do. To like their smile or a sport they are good at. To really sit back and take pride in yourself. It's important for kids to like themselves and the things they are good at and keep a positive attitude. This book address that in a very child friendly language and fun pictures. 

When I'm Feeling Scared was a book that helped kids get a sense of what being scared was all about. As well as not being able to express yourself to someone if they are doing something scary or if something is happening around them that is scary. It addresses the way a child may feel when scared as well as letting them know it's okay and everyone gets scared at some point. Again, this book is written in kid friendly language with pictures that are eye catching and appealing.

Both of these books are great addition to a child's library.

Book Review: The Spider on the Web by Lee Jordan

The internet is a terrifying place, with online predators, cyberbullies, and identity thieves lurking in every corner—and it’s laced with lots of young prey. When children use the web without supervision, they are exposed to a wide range of frightening situations.  Now, one father is on a mission to keep our kids safe by using a language they can understand—a cautionary short story with a rhythm and a purpose.

Jordan’s new campaign is a fresh take on internet safety. In One Creepy Street: Spider on the Web, he dives into the dangers of online games, social networking, and other seemingly harmless
communications. Readers are thrust into the tangled web of an online predator who prowls the internet, targeting children and using games to lure in his unsuspecting victims.

Spider on the Web is a whimsically illustrated story that not only appeals to children of all ages but also teaches valuable lessons such as:

• The perils of social networking and communicating online with strangers.
• Why sending pictures and other information over the internet is a recipe for disaster.
• How children can use their parents as online mentors, asking questions if anything seems creepy or suspicious.

My Thoughts

This was a really cute children's book that goes over the various dangers on the internet. It mainly talked about not knowing who was on the other side and to not give out private information or go somewhere and meet the person. I believe as a parent in the digital age, it's never too young to start teaching your kids about the safety of the internet.

In this book, the main character decides to meet this so called friend of hers online at the local mall, who turns out to be a big nasty spider. Her parents discover what she has done before it gets serious, but the book does hint on what could have happened.

My children are 8 and 10, and they had an easy time following along with the story. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. And the writing was very good and the words were easy to understand on my children's level.

Book Review: Fred Pinsocket Loves Bananas

Fred Pinsocket is a little spaceman who just can't get enough of his favorite food! Children and their grown-ups can sing along with Fred as he flies across the galaxy, gathers bananas by the bunch and loads them into his blue and silver rocket.  Fred's adventure comes to life in sturdy, colorful, board book format. Playful illustrations activate children's imaginations and are designed to leave room for exploration and conversation between parents and children.

My thoughts;

My two year old niece loves this book.  We sing the song as we read it.  This is a very colorful board book that will hold a little one's attention, and it isn't very long.  The artwork throughout is adorable.  My eight year old has even took out his crayons and paper to draw the spaceship and like spaceman.  So small children of all ages would love this.  

After all who doesn't love bananas.  After reading this, my two year old niece asked for a banana for a snack and started singing the little spaceman's song "I love bananas".  So not only is this a cute book, it also may have your little one eating a snack that is good for them, like the little spaceman does.  I can see us reading this many more times. 

Book Review : Night Buddies Go Sky High

Young John Degraffenreidt and his red crocodile buddy, Crosley, show up at the Pineapple Cheesecake Factory and find Big Foot Mae lying on the floor, staring up at her Great Star Puzzle on the ceiling. Crosley only wants a new supply of pineapple cheesecakes, but what Mae points to on her ceiling will start the Night Buddies on a totally new fantasy adventure. A suspicious white dot has passed through the Corkscrew Constellation and is now moving underneath the Hound Dog Stars. Across the Borough, Crosley s brother Crenwinkle sees the same curious speck in the sky. It looks to be a long night for sleepyhead John, but thanks to the time spreader dingus with its sleep retardant setting, he gets right into their next escapade. Join the Night Buddies as they embark on another Program, this time taking them all the way into the stratosphere in their racing blimp.

My thoughts:

My eight year old son and I read this together.  I only wish we would have read the first two books first.  

In the beginning of this story, Lizard is in John Grassinreeds room.  It was very funny to read the dialogue of these two characters.  Had my son laughing as I read.  Just before things got to crazy, John's mom knocked on the door to see what all the noise was.  John told her he had to go to the bathroom.  

So John and his Crosley, his red crocodile friend, who rescued him from the Lizard, begin their adventurer as they would call it another program.   And quite an adventure it is for them.  But as they begin  John and Crosley  are hungry for Pineapple Cheesecake and head to the factory, where the owner Big Foot Mae is. Mae was laying and staring at the great star puzzle on the ceiling.  But there is a suspicious white dot passing through Corkscrew Constellation.  So John and Crosley want to find out what that white dot is. 

This is really a cute book for the young. The black sketched drawings through this book are cute also.  I will definitely be reading book one and two, and than this one again, and wait for the fourth to come out.

Book Review : Plastic Island

A 2001 study found an average of 334,271 pieces of plastic per square mile in the northern Pacific Ocean. The middle of the Pacific Ocean holds a stationary garbage heap about twice the size of Texas that goes unnoticed. Author David Cuellar is trying to change that.

In his short children’s story, “Plastic Island,” Cuellar stresses the importance of keeping the environment clean. Pollution affects all living beings, from a boy who plays the flute to an eagle that flies in the sky. Cuellar believes that Mother Nature has done her part, so it’s time for mankind to do his.

While on a hiking trip in Middletown, California, Cuellar first learned of garbage patches in the ocean from a fellow hiker.

“My first reaction was disbelief,” Cuellar said, “But after researching it, I realized the truth. I saw the vortex in the ocean as the Earth doing its part to gather up our mess.”

Everyone can contribute to the beautification of the earth. Kids, teens, adults, CEO’s and even members of the United Nations have a part. Cueller hopes to spread awareness of the garbage patches in the ocean and to help raise more environmentally conscious kids.



My thoughts:

This is a story about Flute Boy.  While playing his flute he felt the earth with his heart. So his journey begins as the earth wanted him to walk to the great forest,where he met a wolf that loved to howl at the moon.  Thank flute boy and the wolf walk up a great mountain the earth had called them to do.  Once there, they meet a proud eagle who loved to fly high.  The three of them felt the earth call to them to walk to the sea.  So once they reach the sea they meet sea turtle who loved to blow bubbles.  The four of them than felt the earth call to them to walk to the beach.  Once there they meet a little girl named Free Spirit  who loved to sign. The four of them felt the earth call them to go out to sea in a boat. They meet a great whale who loved to spray water. The earth called to the six of them to go deeper into the ocean so they did.  And this is where they came upon Plastic Island.  Where all the worlds trash was floating in the ocean.  

The six friends go the United Nations, as suggested by Free Spirit to get help cleaning up all of that trash in the ocean.  To get the attention Flute Boy played his flute, the wolf howled at the moon, the eagle flew high in the sky, the sea turtle blew bubbles, the great whale sprayed water, and Free Spirit sang.  They got the attention of the men and women at the United Nations, and received the help needed.

I read this book with my seven and eleven year old. They really enjoyed it. My son pretended he was Flute Boy, and my daughter was singing and pretended she was Free Spirit.  They also asked questions on what they can do to keep the earth clean.  So, this is a wonderful book  to teach children the importance of recycling and putting trash in the proper designated places. It is written in a way that it keeps a child's attention, as well as the great colorful illustrations. 

Book Review: When I’m Feeling Kind

Helping people, listening to your friends, feeling good about yourself—feeling kind is all of these things and more.When I’m Feeling Kind  teaches young children about being kind and how to develop skills to identify and understand their feelings.

My thoughts:

This is a cute book.  I read it with my four year old niece.  She really enjoyed the book, but also loved all of the illustrated colorful pictures.  She even asked questions, and said that she likes to be kind and nice to her friends.  That being kind makes everyone feel good inside.  

This book has a great message.  It puts out there to children that it's good to be kind to others, but also it is really important to be kind to yourself.

This book isn't very long, but long enough to keep a child's attention through out it.  The pages are hard, so they will not bend easily or tear.  

Book Review : Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon

What does it take to make your dreams come true?  Passion?  Practice?  A willingness to defy your natural duty?  For one loveable dragon, all this and more!  Come meet author Terry John Barto’s newest character in Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon, a 34 page color illustrated book with an SRP of $15.15 breathing fun for children ages 5-8 March 23, 2015. Nickerbacher will also be available as an eBook with the download price of  $3.99.

Nickerbacher is a sweet-tempered, bushy-browed beast who spends his days guarding Princess Gwendolyn and dreams of being a stand-up comic -- not exactly a profession for a dragon! He’s true to his duty as a dragon – as dictated by his Papa – but wants only to make the world laugh.   Gwendolyn is supportive and encouraging, telling him he needs to do what makes him happy.  It isn’t until the dashing Prince Happenstance comes along, ready for a fight, that they realize that instead of battling each other, they should do what’s in their hearts and pursue their true desires (the Prince really wants to be a baseball pitcher).  With a winning set at The Comedy Castle and his family’s newfound support and pride, it’s all laughter, happiness and dreams come true for the good-natured dragon!

With beautiful illustrations by Kim Sponaugle, Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon encourages young ones to dream big while laughing at Nickerbacher's silly jokes!

Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon is 34 pages and is available for a suggested retail price of $15.15. To order or for more information please visit http://nickerbacher.com.  Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon is also for sale at www.amazon.com or www.barnsandnoble.com  and available for download as an eBook.

About the author:

Terry John Barto has crafted dances and musical staging for more than 200 productions throughout the United States and abroad. His versatility ranges from Annie and Crazy For You to The Who's Tommy and West Side Story. Terry staged long-running shows for Princess Cruises and a variety of his choreography has been seen on CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful. As the Creative Director for Wings of Dreams Productions, he turned diverse ideas into screenplays for animation and toys. He has also written another children’s book Gollywood, Here I Come! (Mom's Choice Award Winner and Story Monster Approved). For more information about Terry John Barto, please visit www.TjbKids.com.

About the Illustrator

Kim Sponaugle, a graduate or the Art Institute of Philadelphia, started Pictures Kitchen Studios in 2007 and since has illustrated over 50 books for kids. Pictures Kitchen Studios has been honored to receive numerous awards including Mom's Choice, Pinnacle Book Award, CIPA EVVY and Reader's Favorite Awards.  Visit http://www.picturekitchenstudio.com.

Free Activity Sheets

My thoughts:

What a cute book!  My seven year old son  and I laughed at the jokes Nickerbacher told in this book as we read it together.  Not only once but three times we read it, and I am sure we will be reading again.

Nickerbacher isn't your everyday, guard the princess kind of dragon.  He wanted to become a comedian.  Although his father tells him that dragons are supposed to protect the princess.  But Nickerbacher still wanted to become a comedian.  So Nickerbacher follows his dream and becomes a very funny dragon in the city.

The illustrations in this book are colorful and cute.  A definite must read for children. A great message that if you do want to do something, follow your dreams.  Nothing is impossible.

Book Review: The Disappearing Dolphins

Kevin and his twin sister Jackie always enjoy going to the beach with their mommy, but Kevin can tell that today will be extra-special. As he and Jackie start building a sandcastle, Kevin sees a fantastic sight: a dolphin, jumping and playing in the ocean.

Kevin is known for his vivid imagination, and when he tells Jackie about the dolphin, she does not believe him. As he watches the joyful antics of the dolphin in the sparkling sea, Kevin is convinced that the dolphin is real—even he couldn’t make up something this fantastic!

Determined to share the magic of the dolphin, Kevin sets out on an adventure of discovery that will create lifelong memories for him and for Jackie. With warm, comforting language and beautiful illustrations, The Disappearing Dolphins is sure to become a favorite with anyone who cherishes the wonder of the natural world as seen through children’s eyes.

My thoughts:

Having two young children of my own, I can relate to the excitement of Kevin seeing the dolphins in this book.  Kevin and his twin sister, Jackie were having fun on the beach with their mommy, building sand castles.  But every time Kevin told his sister about seeing the dolphin, she didn't believe him.  When she would look up, the dolphins would be back in the water.  Until finally, there were five, and Jackie saw them.    They get to get up and close with the beautiful dolphins.  But you will have to read this great book with your little ones to find out how.

The pages through out this book are beautifully illustrated.  Very colorful.  The writing is big enough that a small child can read it with an adult or by themselves.  A very cute book.

Book Review: Tara's Message

Reading Tara's Message will fill anyone who has lost a friend, relative or animal with hope, peace and the comfort of knowing that this message from an angel is for all of us. 

My thoughts;

I love this book!  We lost our pet and it was hard to explain to our two small children.  Reading this book to them made them feel that our pet was still around us.  When the is blowing they say that our Zoe doggie is giving them doggie kisses.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has children.  It is not a very long book, yet has beautifully illustrated pages.  And it is written in a loving way that can relate to small children. This is a book that I will pass down to my children for them to read to their children when experiencing a painful loss, whether it be a friend, family member or family pet.

Book Review: Operation Bumpkin Birthday

It’s not easy being a rat. Three brothers, Snitch, Snatch and Sketch, are tired of scavenging for scraps of food down in the subway where they live. One night, they go on an adventure through the city so that they will never go hungry again.

After arriving at a large house, they discover that the next day, a children’s birthday party is planned for young Horatio Bumpkin. The brothers hatch a clever plot to break into the house during the festivities and steal as much food as possible—without getting caught. But one greedy brother spoils the plan with a plan of his own.

My thoughts:

This is a really good children's book.  It's about three rat brothers:  Snitch, who was the small white rat, that stuttered due to a crooked front tooth.  Sketch, who was not nice and had a temper.  He was black and also wore a patch over one eye.  And than there was Snatch, the oldest of the three brothers.  He was gray and  was always wanting to eat.  That is what made him happy.

Since there wasn't enough food to eat, Sketch had made a decision that it was time for them to move on.  So off the three brother rats went, following Sketch's lead.  They ended up at the Bumpkin family home. They hit the jack pot.  They just knew they would never grow hungry again.

Just so happened there was going to be a birthday party for young Horatio Bumpkin.  The three rat brothers were to go inside, fill there bags and head back out.  But Snatch had his own plan to eat as much as he could in the Bumpkin home.  Well, all three rat brothers get caught in the Bumpkin home. Two rats are able to escape, although one had his tail cut off by Mrs. Bumpkin.  But the rat brother that got caught in the birthday cake did not escape, only to end up in a cage.  Where he will never go hungry again, but will never see his two brothers again that he loved and missed.  

This book has detailed colored pictures throughout the book.  My seven year old son and ten year old daughter enjoyed reading this book along with me. My son was a little sad at the end when the three rat brothers are separated.  It is a really good read, with an important lesson to learn.

Where to Buy

Full Cycle Publications

Holiday Gift Guide: Peeve, My Parents' Pet by Tom Ryan

Peeve, My Parents' Pet

written by Tom Ryan

illustrated by Kenny Durkin

A young boy is determined to hunt down Peeve, the mysterious and mischievous pet his parents talk about so often.

Although his parents' pet is apparently quite small, Peeve certainly causes a lot of trouble. Peeve leaves chocolate finger prints on the piano, toys all over the house, water on the bathroom floor, mud on the carpet, and crumbs on the couch. What kind of unusual pet is Peeve? And why do the boy's parents let such a wild pet live in their home? Both children and adults will relate to this humorous story, which will likely lead to a discussion about their own pet peeves. "Peeve, My Parents' Pet," wonderfully illustrated by Kenny Durkin and published by Mirror Publishing, is a fun story for kids ages 3 through 9 (more or less) and adults of all ages.

About the Author:
Tom Ryan grew up near Wausau, Wisconsin and attended UW-Madison, where he studied Journalism and Reverse Psychology. 

When he's not coaching youth sports, attempting to grow giant pumpkins or writing Haiku about his train commute, he works in the communications department at Miller Coors. Tom lives in the Milwaukee area with his wife, Kim, and two young sons.

Tom is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. 

The book, Peeve, My Parents' Pet, published by Mirror Publishing, is based on an amusing and confusing conversation Tom had with his six-year-old son: In the summer of 2013, Tom Ryan walked into his six-year-old son’s bedroom, pointed at the clothes, toys and books on the floor and said, “That is my pet peeve.”

Ryan’s son looked perplexed as he walked around his room, looking for the pet his father was pointing to. 

In the humorous exquisitely illustrated color picture book, a young boy is determined to hunt down Peeve, the mysterious and mischievous pet his parents talk about so often.

About the Illustrator:
Kenny Durkin is an extraordinarily talented cartoonist and illustrator who has worked with numerous musicians and celebrities. He is a member of the National Cartoonist Society. His work can be viewed online at www.durkinworks.blogspot.com. 

Peeve, My Parents' Pet can be purchased at major online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Visit Tom Ryan's website, http://www.thomaspatrickryan.com/ and follow him on Twitter.


Our Thoughts
I had to grab this one.  It sounded hilarious, and the pictures do it justice! My kid loves his books and big bright illustrations get his attention best.

You've got this little boy, whose parents talk about their "Pet Peeve" all the time.  He's never seen Peeve - and not only does Peeve seem to follow him around, but Peeve sounds like he's a heck of a lot of fun.  Peeve leaves crumbs, mud, water, and chocolate finger prints, but I think my favorite is the spaghetti on the restaurant wall.  The boy's innocent look says it all:

Or maybe my favorite is how he tries to set traps for Peeve, with a fishing net and cookies in the dryer . . . again.

No, I think my favorite is the last page, where he says he thinks he should wait to ask for a dog; to wait until his parents get their "Pet Peeve" under control.  Because some days, I'm sure that's what my house looks like, cute little blonde boy included!

I might be an adult, but I sure enjoyed this book and the illustrations really add to the hilarity of it all!  My son has been enjoying it, too - it's been his mealtime entertainment!

Looking for a holiday gift for the kids on your list?  Get Peeve, My Parents' Pet!

Just a note - The other part of the reason I wanted to grab Peeve, My Parents' Pet for review, is because of the illustrator, Kenny - or rather his wife, Andi, who runs Down Syndrome, A Day to Day Guide, a blog near and dear to my heart (and I think you'll recognize the artwork!) - on which you will soon see a guest post by yours truly regarding our journey with our son's seizures.