“I See Me,” by Sam McBratney

Posted on February 16, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Anita Jeram

What Do You See?

Two bunnies, Little Nutbrown Hare, and Big Nutbrown Hare, set out on an adventure.  They find many things including a butterfly, a bird in a nest, and a tadpole.  But the best thing they find is their reflection in the pond.

Little ones will like the adventure in this story, and the experience of getting to see their own reflection in the mirror in this over-sized board book.

The sweet illustrations will appeal to little ones in this tale of discovery, along with the thick pages that easily fit in their hands. Best of all, the mirror is large, and fun to look at. This is a classic story children will love.

Ages through four-years-old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “I See Me,” by Sam McBratney,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

 

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“Follow Your Heart,” by Emma Dodd

Posted on February 14, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Exploring!

“Every day is a new start.” Those were the words spoken by a mother to her young dolphin.  The child is learning those words are true. There are so many things to choose to do in life, explore new places, join a group of other dolphins, or try something else entirely.

The author is also the illustrator, and this beautiful book is full of illustrations that have been highlighted with silver.  That really brings the pictures to life, making the ocean and stars sparkle!  Little ones will like the effects it makes.

As children get older, they will discover new things all around them. This book encourages them to face them bravely, and it can be fun to try things out. But they can return to their mother’s side if they feel uncomfortable. They learn this all through glittering pages that are filled with fun rhyming verse, and love.

Children aged three through six-years-old will enjoy this great five-star book. After reading this, go out and explore!

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Follow Your Heart,” by Emma Dodd, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

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“Anne Dares,” adapted by Kallie George

Posted on January 15, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Pictures by Abigail Halfin

If You Dare!

Ann is a red-haired, happy girl, full of energy, who sometimes says and does things before thinking about the consequences.  Because of that, she can get herself into quite a pickle.

While Anne and her friend Diana are at a party, another guest, Josie, begins daring others to do things.  Anne is incensed by the way Josie treats others.  Before she knows it, Anne has taken a dare to do something she has never done, and it is dangerous.  The outcome is not what she expected.

Later, Anne wants to be part of the Christmas concert, but does not know if she dares to do it.  While Anne celebrates Christmas at home, she gets an unbelievable surprise, making it a day she will always remember.

This early reader chapter book has all the charm of the books written by Lucy Maud Montgomery.  This adaptation was done by Kallie George and is a sweet story that seamlessly fits in with the Anne of Green Gable books.

The colorful pictures by Abigail Halfin also add to the tale.  It is fun reading about other adventures Anne may have had.  In addition to this being a great story, there is a good underlying message.

Anne is a spunky girl that everyone would like for a friend. I highly recommend this five-star book. Ages six- to nine-year-olds will enjoy this story.

Thank you, Tundra Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Anne Dares,” adapted by Kallie George for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

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“The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits,” by Wanda E. Brunstetter & Martha Bolton

Posted on January 11, 2025 by WordPress.com Support

Cooking Up Trouble!

A cooking contest with a grand prize of $25,000 is drawing people from all over. This includes Fannie Miller, an Amish woman who has entered believing she has the winning recipe.

But something is not right, because people from the contest have been disappearing. Fannie asks for help from her friend, Foster, a private detective in town.

More questionable things occur as the two of them investigate. Among the suspects are two of the other contestants. The first are three sisters who have a bakery, and are determined to win. They also consider a married couple. Although they only entered the contest because their marriage counselor suggested it, they have big plans for the prize money.

While Fannie and Foster attempt to solve this, they face gossip about their relationship, get threatening notes, and even experience some funny situations. A bonus in the book is Fannie’s biscuit recipe.

This is a light-hearted whodunit that will keep you wondering who is behind it. Clean, with a great ending, I highly recommend this five-star book. Fans of mysteries, well-written stories, or Amish tales will love this!

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits,” by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/wanda.brunstetter/

Wanda E. Brunstetter Twitter’s:  https://x.com/WBrunstetter

Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Website:  https://wandabrunstetter.com/

 

Martha Bolton’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/marthaboltonofficial

Martha Bolton’s Twitter:  https://x.com/marthaboltonlol

Martha Bolton’s Website:  https://www.marthabolton.com/

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“Courting the Country Preacher,” by Angela K Couch, Carolyn Miller, Naomi Musch, & Kari Trumbo

Posted on December 19, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Four Stories of Faith, Hope…and Falling in Love

Adventures in the Pulpit

These four stories show a preacher’s life can be anything but dull.

Up first is, “The Mountie’s Rival,” by Angela K. Couch, set in Canada, 1907.

When Jonathan arrives for his first preaching assignment, he finds his brother, David, is posted there as a Mountie.

April works as the pastor’s maid and cook. Unknown to each other, April and Jonathan feel an immediate attraction.

April is the talk of the town because of her drunken father, so she believes Jonathan will never have any interest in her. Jonathan thinks April would only have eyes for his brother, David.

Will they ever see what is plain to everyone else?

Second is, “Convincing the Circuit Preacher,” by Carolyn Miller, set in Australia, 1863,

From the minute Thea and new preacher, Jonas, met, the two were smitten with each other. But Thea’s father had no intention of his daughter being involved with a poor pastor.

After warning Jonas to stay away, her dad packed Thea off to another town to stay with a maiden aunt. Thea thought that would be the end for the two of them, but God can make a way when there seems to be no way.

The third installment is, “The Angel and the Sky Pilot,” by Naomi Musch set in Minnesota, 1905.

Everett, a former rough and tumble logger, has become a Christian, and turned his life around. Now that he has returned to minister to the loggers, the men test him in many ways, especially physically. The camp trouble maker, Mick, leads the charge against him.

Everett has fallen in love with Angel, but dangerous Mick loves her, too. Mick holds nothing back while trying to get rid of Everett.

Mick hopes he can chase Everett off once and for all, and keep Angel for himself.

The fourth is, “Mail Order Minister,” by Kari Trumbo set in South Dakota, 1889.

Pastor Presley arrives to find his new church is reeling from a split, and half the town is not speaking to one another. Vicious rumors abound, and they want to force the pastor to marry a horrible gossip. Besides not wanting an arranged marriage, the pastor has already lost his heart to another.

Can anything good come out of all this trouble, and will true love win out in the end, even though it does not look like it can.

Sometimes quirky, but always entertaining, discover the different situations a minister can find himself in. Faith plays a part in each story. Fans of romance, and intriguing tales will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Courting the Country Preacher,” by Angela K Couch, Carolyn Miller, Naomi Musch, & Kari Trumbo, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

Angela K Couch’s Website: https://angelakcouch.com/

Carolyn Miller’s Website:  https://www.carolynmillerauthor.com/

Naomi Musch’s Website:  https://naomimusch.com/

Kari Trumbo’s Website:  https://www.karitrumbo.com/

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“Where’s the Reindeer,” by Ingela P Arrhenius

Posted on December 13, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

This is Fun!

Here’s a great Christmas themed lift the flap board book.  Open the cover and find all kinds of holiday characters from a Christmas caroler, to Santa Claus and, of course, a reindeer.

This interactive book has brightly colored pages that will immediately capture the attention of small children.  Fun and laughter are sprinkled throughout the pages, with lots of flaps to lift, and a mirror for little ones to see themselves.

This is not an ordinary lift the flap board book.  It is ready to hold up even when getting lots of love.  This book is put together well, with all the flaps made from a durable fabric.

Perfect to give, or keep, children through three-years-old will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of the, “Where’s the Reindeer,” by Ingela P Arrhenius, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

 

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“Peekaboo: Santa,” by Camilla Reid

Posted on December 5, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Ingela P. Arrhenius

Up on a House Top….

Get ready for smiles and giggles with this interactive board book which features the jolly old elf himself.  Every page, including the cover, has something to do.  Children will adore the variety of things that can be done.

Besides Santa, look for reindeer, candles, a Christmas stocking, and other things of the season.

The last page features a mirror so little ones can see themselves—a favorite activity of children.

It is a well-made book, with great colors, but most of all, it is lots of fun!

Children through three-years-old will enjoy this five-star book.early concepts; lift the flaps; first words

Run don’t walk to get this; it really is that good.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Peekaboo:  Santa,” by Camilla Reid for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

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“Dasher Gift Set,” by Matt Tavares

Posted on November 27, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Twice as Nice!

Celebrate the season with this gift set. It includes two Christmas books that come in a festive slipcase, along with four illustrated, punch-out decorations.

The first book, “Dasher,” tells the story of the reindeer family’s sad beginning.  They are being held by a mean man who forces them to work hard at night.  Their days are spent cramped together in the heat, while people crowd around to see them.

One night, Dasher escapes, meets Santa, and her whole life changes.  She discovers the joy of flying with the sleigh, the cool snow of the North Pole, and all the carrots she wants.

Her joy is complete when Santa makes it possible for her entire family to get free.  They all get a new, wonderful life with Santa at the North Pole.

The second book, “Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas,” continues the story of Dasher.  In this tale, she is having trouble waiting for Christmas Eve.  That is because Dasher loves decorated Christmas trees, hearing Christmas carols, and seeing the Christmas lights from the air!

One night, Dasher hears Christmas carols, and flies through the air to find them.  It is much further than she thought, but she spots them. Dasher gets to hear and see all the things she loves.

christmas spirit; magic; friendship; adventure; santa; kindness; christmas eve; holiday gifts

Because it is snowing when Dasher leaves, she can’t see the north star to guide her home.  She is not sure if she is going in the right direction. Tired, Dasher must land, and then falls asleep.  She is awakened by a little girl—and it is Christmas Eve day.  Will she get home in time to pull Santa’s sleigh?

Both hardbacked, picture books have happy endings, and beautiful illustrations done by the author.  They are a joy to look at, while the stories will touch youngsters, as well as, adults’ hearts.

dasher; christmas; reindeer

These will be loved by all who like Christmas, and want to enjoy more of its charm.  This lovely five-star set would be a delight to own, or to be gifted.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of the, “Dasher Gift Set: Dasher” & “Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas,” by Matt Tavares, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

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“A Pinecone,” by Helen Yoon

Posted on November 22, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

There’s Another One and Another One and …..

While out for a walk with her dad, a little girl discovers pinecones.  She is fascinated with them.  As she gathers lots and lots of them to take home, her dad is distracted by all the antics his dog does.

With dad occupied, the little girl does not have much supervision, so she brings home an enormous amount.

As creepy crawlies from the pinecones start appearing, the dad suddenly notices all the pinecones his little girl has brought inside their house.  The dad then does a very creative thing with all the pinecones that charms both his little girl, and the readers, alike.

The is a sweet tale combined with a very funny one. Youngsters aged three to seven-years-old, will be enchanted and full of giggles, by this five-star, over-sized, picture book.  Prepare for warm fuzzies filled with laughter when reading this story.

If you want to bring some pinecones home, the back flap includes instructions to take care of pinecones, and eliminate any stowaways!

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “A Pinecone,” by Helen Yoon, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

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“Bunnies in a Sleigh,” by Philip Ardagh

Posted on November 21, 2024 by WordPress.com Support

Ben Mantle, Illustrator

Holiday Crazies!

Be ready for a zany Christmas Eve.  All the elves at the North Pole, have made themselves sick by eating too many candy canes, so they cannot help Santa.  

Just in time, a bunch of silly rabbits arrive.  They immediately jump in the sleigh with Santa as he takes off to deliver the toys.  Their help often turns into big messes, but they stick with the jolly guy.  They deliver gifts to all kinds of places, including a jail cell for some “cat” burglars.

It is a fun romp through the world when these energetic bunnies come along.  Children will laugh at their antics as Santa, and his sleigh, hop across the sky with these special passengers. This over-sized, hard-backed picture book is brimming with colorful illustrations that add excitement and giggles to the story.  Children aged three-to-seven-years-old will smile while enjoying this five-star tale.

Thank you, Candlewick Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Bunnies in a Sleigh,” by Philip Ardagh, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

 

 

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