Fear of Falling

Fear of Falling

Catherine Lanigan

Olivia is living in Indian Lake with her mother. She's working at the deli, but secretly hopes to someday work as a photo journalist if she can gather the courage to submit her photos. Her past has left some deep scares that she's not yet worked through. Her father was a horse gambler and Olivia feels like it traumatized her.  A couple of her close friends have married in to the Barzonni family. Rafe, a son in the family, has attracted Olivia's attention. But what will she do when she learns that he has a thorough bred horse that he intends to race? Is their relationship doomed from the start?

The story starts out on a sad note with a member of the community dying. This introduces a more emotional element into the plot immediately. The book is part of a series and so there is obviously some other relationships that a first time reader will note that they missed reading about. The plot is, as the "Heartwarming" title implies, emotion driven. The ending is naturally predictable, since the reader assumes the story will end well. Both characters need to heal before they can get together so the majority of the book is dealing with their issues. Because I prefer a less emotion driven plot, I had a harder time getting in to the story. There were also some unrealistic points that detracted from the story for me. Overall, if this style of writing is indicative of the heartwarming genre, I probably won't read another one. I liked the story okay, but didn't love it.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communication in exchange for my honest review.

If You Were Me

If You Were Me and Lived In Egypt

A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

Carole P. Roman

This book is part of a series designed to introduce children to how other people live in different countries. Using a mixture of illustrations and photography, the author talks about children who live in Egypt and what life might be like if you were a little boy or girl who lived there. She talks about location, family, food, and fun. The difficult or unfamiliar words have a pronunciation beside them and are all included in a pronunciation guide at the back of the book.

My children really enjoy this series and look forward to each one. While the style of the book is laid out like a story, this is non-fiction and more informative. Children will learn quite a bit about the culture of other children around the world while having fun reading. I would recommend this book for family fun or for schools as an addition to curriculum.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

Ellie Goes Back to School

Ellie Goes Back to School

The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant

Marci Fair

Ellie is a little scared to start school in a new place. Thankfully she has her friend Pudgy who has been to school before. The story takes the reader through a pictorial journey of the day in the life of a kindergartener. The two friends learn that school is not scary and that making new friends is fun.

School can be intimidating to a young child. The author has written a cute book with bright, colorful photography that explains school in simple terms. The vocabulary is age appropriate and the pictures are playful and help minimize any fears a child might have. It would be a great book to have for the parents of children just starting school or transferring to a new school. Using the stuffed animals as characters helps lighten a potentially heavy subject. At the back of the book, young readers are encouraged to join in the fun by sharing pictures of their own stuffed animals.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

If You Were Me

If You Were Me and Lived in China

A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

Carole P. Roman

Children can learn about what it would be like if they were a child living in China. Colorful illustrations and photography show various aspects of life in China. The book is told in story form and covers geography, a little bit of history, food, sports, home life, and holidays. All of the unfamiliar words have a pronunciation guide directly after the word as well as included in the glossary at the back of the book. 

My children loved the book and it opened up the conversation for more discussion and research about China and what it's like to live there. The author does a great job of getting information across without being too detailed or overwhelming. The book would be a good resource for schools or home school parents to add to the curriculum. 

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

A Flag For The Flying Dragon

A Flag For The Flying Dragon

A Captain No Beard Story

Carole P. Roman

The Captain needs to find the perfect flag for his pirate ship. But Captain No Beard is having troubles with his crew. Everyone was doing their jobs and working together when they heard Mongo and Zachary fighting. Captain No Beard needs to come up with a solution so that everyone has a job and works together. His first suggestions don't work. But he doesn't give up. He keeps trying until he finds the perfect job for Zachary.

The story teaches the concepts of working together, the importance of family, and never giving up. The bright and colorful illustrations add whimsy and help tell the story. Children will delight in the fun and creativity of the story. Parents will appreciate the life lessons that are being subtly taught. Another sweet book about family from this author. My children and I look forward to reading more by her.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

Ellie's First Plane Ride

The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant

Ellie's First Plane Ride

Ellie is flying to see her relatives. She's taking her friend Pudgy with her. Ellie is nervous because she's never flown on a plane before. But Pudgy thinks flying is exciting and helps Ellie not be so nervous. Follow the two friends as they navigate the airport and later as they search to find Ellie's relatives.

The bright colorful photographs of the adorable stuffed animals will catch the young readers attention. The words are a larger print and the vocabulary should fit a 1-2 level reader. Children will love the creativity of the animals as they visit places they've never been. The concept will also open up discussion with the parents as they discuss flying, going to new places, and overcoming fears. The story ends as the two stuffed friends relax in their bed at home after their long trip. It's an adorable book that young and old readers will both appreciate. I look forward to sharing the next book with my children.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

Ellie Makes a New Friend

Ellie Makes a New Friend

The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant
Marci Fair

Ellie is a little elephant that is lonely. Readers will follow the little elephant as she goes through her day doing all of her favorite things. But they aren't as fun when you don't have someone to share them with. While at the playground Ellie meets a friendly little penguin named Pudgy. Pudgy likes all of the same things that Ellie likes and the two become wonderful friends.

The presentation for this story is precious. Bright, colorful pictures using stuffed animals tell the story and fill every page. Larger print and colorful font make the book easy for the younger readers to follow along or read to themselves. Children will be able to relate to wanting friends to play with. Children will be inspired to be creative with their stuffed animals and the last page has a website to facilitate this. Overall, it was a very cute book that parents and children will enjoy.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

When I Grow Up

When I Grow Up I Want to Be a Nurse!

Amber's Accidental Journey

Wigu Publishing

Amber doesn't really want to play soccer. She's afraid she'll get hurt. But her friends and mom convince her that it will be fun. When she breaks her arm during a soccer match she learns to overcome her fears and also learns all about nurses in the process. 

Colorful photographs are the backdrop for the cartoon like illustrations that help tell the story of Amber's journey. Inserts and pictures tell more about nurses and their background. The story is fun, but also has a deeper layer that will help children learn more about nurses while enjoying the book. My six year old enjoyed the story and the book opened up a conversation about all of the different aspects of the medical field. This book would be good for schools or anyone wanting to teach their child more about the nursing field. 

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

When I Grow Up. . .

When I Grow Up I Want To Be a Veterinarian!

When I Grow Up Series

Sofia's Dream Comes True!

Wigu Publishing

Sofia desperately wants a pet. But every single time she asks her mom, her mom says no. One night Sofia sees a stray cat and decides to feed it. This eventually sends the family to the vet so they can make sure the little cat is healthy. There Sofia learns all about animals and makes the decision to be a veterinarian.

My daughter wants to be a veterinarian so this book was perfect. It tells a story while weaving in facts about the different aspects and branches of veterinarians. Colorful drawings and colored photographs fill every page and add to the fun and learning experience. At the back of the book are some tips for children to follow on the path to becoming a veterinarian and a section on how to be a responsible pet owner. The book was informative, but fun.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

If You Were Me. . .

If You Were Me And Lived In. . . Peru

A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

Carole P. Roman

This little book is packed full of facts about the country and the children who live there. Each unfamiliar word has the pronunciation so that it can be pronounced correctly. The young reader will learn about customs, festivals, food, and historical information about the country. The back of the book includes a glossary for all of the new words. While the book is approximately thirty pages, the author was able to pack quite a bit of information on each page.

My children enjoyed reading the this book. The book reads more like a story than a factual book. The script is a bit like a rhyme, so will be more memorable. I appreciated the glossary so we could all learn new words. The series would make a great addition to any school library.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communication in exchange for my honest review.

If You Were Me. . .

If You Were Me And Lived In. . . Greece

A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

Carole P. Roman

 

Children have a wonderful curiosity for the world around them. Spark this by showing them how little children around the world live. This little book is packed full of information about the country and the children who live there. Each unfamiliar word has the pronunciation so that it can be pronounced correctly. The young reader will learn about customs, festivals, food, and historical information about the country. The back of the book includes a glossary for all of the new words.

My children enjoyed reading the book. The style of writing makes it more like a story than a list of facts. The information is presented in such a way that children are more likely to remember it. I liked the pronunciation help so we didn't have to try and guess how the words sounded. The series would make a great addition to any school library. 

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communication in exchange for my honest review.

Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis

Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis

Carole P. Roman

Captain No Beard is a great pirate with a loyal crew. But he just might have a mutany on his hands if he doesn't reveal their destination. When he tells the crew what he plans to steal they have some misgivings. Can his crew set him straight?

The cartoon-like illustrations are fun and quirky. Children always love pirate stories and this one will be no exception. The author brings in a quick science lesson as well as discussions about stealing. Parents will love the lessons and children will love the illustrations and fun story. I read this book to my 5 and 8 yrs old kids and they enjoyed the story. It provided an opening for us to talk about the northern lights and do a bit more research. I wish that the author had provided some websites or additional information about them, since most children this age will have no idea what an aurora borealis is.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

Come Back Dear Sun

Come Back Dear Sun

Geena Bean

 Kaylee and three other girls are tired of waiting for the sun to come back. He's been gone for a long time and it's getting gloomy and sad outside. They have an idea that might work if they can convince the tired moon to help them. They are going to send a message to the sun and beg him to come back.

Bright and colorful cartoon-like illustrations help tell a rhyming story about the sun and moon. The author took her experiences with children reluctant to leave their electronics for the outdoors and wrote a book. She hopes that the book will engage children and entice them back outside again. My children enjoyed the story and we had a fun discussion at the end.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.

Lady Emma

Lady Emma In Her Land of Wonder

Martha M. Harrison

Lady Emma learns at a very early age to pick herself up and continue on. But whenever she needs help her father is always there to help her out of her scrapes and messes. One day she meets a wonderful prince who is more than willing to help her too. But as she grows up she realizes that she can help herself and be independent. They are there to encourage her, but she can accomplish great things herself.

I absolutely loved this book. The imagery with both the words and illustrations is beautiful. The author wove a message of self-reliance into a fairy tale type story. The illustrations help tell the story without overpowering it. I really appreciated the message of independence that my daughter will be able to take away from the story. It shows compassion, love, and determination to succeed as well. This is the author's first children's book and I can't wait to read her next one.

I received this book free of charge from Bostick Communications in exchange for my honest review.