“Halloween at the Zoo,” by Smithsonian Institute

Fun at the Zoo

This book takes a creative look at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo with many of the animals pictured with pumpkins.

Digitally added details, which look like they have been drawn on with a marker–such as faces, hats, and other costume materials–are put on the animal’s and pumpkin’s pictures.

Parrots, lemurs, and red pandas are some of the animals that are featured. So, without really putting things on the zoo residents, they are wearing costumes and makeup in the pictures.

While reading this to a child, it is fun to ask questions such as: in real life, would animals like to have costumes on; or what kind of treats would the animals like; or do you think the animals really do this when the zoo is closed.

The book’s verse is told in a rhyming way, which could cause lots of giggles. This board book is aimed at children ages two to five.

To be honest, I did not feel that doing this added anything to the animals’ pictures.

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Halloween at the Zoo,” by Smithsonian Institute, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

 

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“The Daughter of Shiloh,” by Terri J. Haynes

A Story That Grabs Your Heart and Doesn’t Let Go

From the very first chapter, this story is a gripping and deeply moving experience. It centers on Lealia, a student trying to redirect her path from Tuskegee Institute to Howard University, and Milton, a compassionate classmate, whose lives are changed at the Shiloh Baptist Convention.

This narrative immediately thrusts you into a terrifying and traumatic church stampede where panic breaks out. The author places you right in the middle of the confusion, making you feel the heartbreak and urgency. Milton’s quick action saves the badly injured Lealia, along with many others. His subsequent weeks long dedication to helping the injured, sets the stage for a relationship built on shared trauma, and deep respect. The depiction of Milton’s hidden PTSD adds a layer of struggle that is well-handled.

As Milton and Lealia spend weeks healing and helping, their story changes into a compelling mystery, with two major threads: the shooting of a beloved store owner, and the puzzle of the missing money at Shiloh. The blend of emotional recovery, budding romance, and clue-finding is great. As they grow closer, the looming question of their future–Lealia’s move, and Milton finishing his degree–creates a heartbreaking situation.

I particularly loved the inclusion of the character’s faith in response to the tragedy, and to life. This isn’t just a romance or a mystery; it’s a story about finding purpose, love, and light after the worst kind of darkness. Do not miss this book; it’s a five-star read that will keep you captivated from the first page to the last.

Thanks to Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Daughter of Shiloh,” by Terri J. Haynes, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TerriJHaynesAuthor/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/terrij.haynes/

The Author’s Website:  https://www.terrijhaynes.com/index.html

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Croutons Gluten-Free or Regular, Basic Recipe with Variations

Ingredients

½ loaf gluten-free bread, cubed, I prefer Canyon Bakehouse Brand*, use wheat bread instead for regular croutons

4 tablespoon real Butter, melted

3 tablespoon Olive Oil

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

¼ teaspoon Sea Salt

1/8 teaspoon Ground Pepper

1 teaspoon dried Parsley Flakes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cover the bottom of a large pan with parchment paper.

In a microwaveable dish, add butter, and melt in the microwave. Next, add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley, whisk well.  Add the olive oil to the melted butter mixture, and whisk it together completely.

Put half the bread cubes in a large bowl, and pour half the butter mixture over the top.  Mix well, but gently, with a spatula to avoid bread cubes falling apart.  Then add the rest of the bread cubes, stir.  Add the other half of the butter mixture over the top.

Make sure all the cubes are lightly coated.

Taste a cube to make sure the seasoning is to your liking, if not, adjust it.

Then, spread your bread cubes into a single layer on the parchment paper lined pan.

Bake for 12 minutes and stir.  Make sure all the croutons are in a single layer.

Return it to the oven and bake 12 more minutes.  Stir.  Bake until the buttery croutons are crisped to perfection, let them cool and serve. Or, store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Variations

All of the croutons can be made regular by using regular wheat bread instead of the gluten-free bread.

It is easy to make variations of these croutons.  Always taste these as you are making them, to make sure you like the blend.  Follow the above directions, changing out the herbs and spices when doing a variation.

For Herbal ones:  keep all the above ingredients.  Add Onion Powder, Basil, Powdered Rosemary, and Thyme.

For Italian ones: keep all the above ingredients. Add Onion Powder, Basil, Italian seasoning, and if desired, a pinch of Oregano.

For Mexican ones:  keep all the above ingredients.  Add Cumin and Chili Powder.  For more heat include: Dried Chili Flakes, or Powdered Ground Peppers.

For Asian ones:  keep all the above ingredients.  Add Ginger Powder, Dried Chili Flakes–if desired–and a pinch of sweetener of choice.  Add gluten-free Soy Sauce, Coconut Aminos, or Teriyaki Sauce to the butter and oil mixture, whisk well.

Use your own creative juices to make crouton creations just to your taste.

* I do not get anything for recommending this, I just like it.

 

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“Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?” by Brianna Caplan Sayres

A Hard-Boiled Mystery

Illustrated by Mark Fearing

A Hen Party

This entire story is told tongue-in-cheek with all kinds of chicken references.  As Inspector H. Poulet attempts to solve the mystery of why the chicken crossed the road, phrases such as, “the sky is falling,” or “flown the coop” or “ruffling your feathers,” pop up.

Even the reference to this story as a, “hard-boiled mystery,” continues the funny lines.

Most, if not all, of these references will go over the head of the little ones reading this, but that is fine, because this picture-book also has a fun story.

As Inspector Poulet tries to solve the mystery, she runs across clues and farm yard characters that will bring giggles.

It will be lots of fun to ask your child what they think the clues mean, or if they can solve the mystery.  Have them look closely at the pictures to see if they find clues for the unexpected ending.

In the end, there is a good surprise for Inspector Poulet, that she didn’t see coming.  This great, five-star book will be enjoyed by ages three through eight-years-old.

The illustrations are great and bring even more giggles.

Don’t miss all the laughter in this one!

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?” by Brianna Caplan Sayres, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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“The Big Fort: The Forest School,” by Ruth Symons

Sebastian Braun Illustrator

Forest Fun

This is a great book.  It tells a story, but at the same time it teaches lots of lessons.

A group of four animal friends gather in the woods where owl teaches them many things about the forest.

This includes how to make a shelter, a bug house (not my favorite thing), and lots of useful information.

At the same time, a story is going on.  It revolves around mouse, his size, and feelings that he is too little.  The animals are all kind to him, and everything works out.

The illustrations in this picture book are gorgeous; they are bright and very well done.  I love that the book tells how to make things.

Also, it emphasizes that you need to be careful and safe in the woods, and some things should only be done with adults.

I recommend this book, and ages three through eight will enjoy this book.

Thanks to Candlewick Press & Templar Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The Big Fort: The Forest School,” by Ruth Symons, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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“Where’s the Witch?” by Ingela P. Arrhenius

A Stroller Book

A Small Package

This is a cute book from the line of lift-the-flap books, but smaller so it easily fits in the hands of little ones.  Even though smaller, it still contains all the fun things the larger books do.  When the flap is lifted, there is a surprise underneath. These include a spider, a vampire, and a skeleton.

When the flap is lifted on the back page, there is a mirror for your little one to see themself.  There is also a strap to use to fasten your book to a stroller, car seat, or wherever you want it.

My grandson, who turns one this month, loves this book.  After it was read to him the first time, he wanted to hold it, turn the pages, and lift the flaps.  He fell asleep doing that.  This book gets five stars from both of us.

Children through three-three-years old will like this book.

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Where’s the Witch?” by Ingela P. Arrhenius, for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

 

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Gluten-Free or Regular Hawaiian Cake

This is an easy-to-make cake that is special enough for birthdays!

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“Hurry, Kate, or You’ll be Late,” by Janice N. Harrington

Illustrated by Tiffany Rose

A Reason to be Late!

This is a sweet story about Kate and her daddy, that answers the question of why Kate was late.  To do that, the story tells about all the things Kate and her daddy see, and do, on their journey to preschool.  The book also gives all the reasons that did not make her late.

For example, she was not late because she looked for her new toy, stopped to say hello to people, or to show her dad the big equipment at a construction site.

The reason she was late was the most wonderful reason of all.  Right before her daddy left the preschool, he bent down and gave her a big, marvelous, long hug–that was full of love.  That was why she was late.

This delightful tale will touch the hearts of all readers and listeners of this book—and leave them with a sweet, peaceful feeling.  I highly recommend it.  The illustrations are perfect, and add even more to the story. Children aged two to seven-years-old will enjoy this five-star, picture book.

Version 1.0.0

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Hurry, Kate, or You’ll be Late,” by Janice N. Harrington for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

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“First Comes Marriage Then Comes Murder,” by Donna Mumma

A Women of Wynton’s Mystery

The Curse of the Bridal Gowns!

The ladies at the Wynton’s Department Store are at it again, this time trying to stop a smear campaign that involves the much-loved Miss Vivien who runs the bridal department. For years, she has been a fixture in this small Florida town, but evidently not everyone loves her.

That is because someone is killing brides who wed while wearing one of Miss Vivien’s custom gowns. The killer is attempting to ruin Miss Vivien’s reputation, and put the bridal department out of business. People desert Miss Vivien in droves, both customers, and even her long-time supporters. If they don’t get to the bottom of this soon, the bridal department will be gone, and Miss Vivien will resign.

This killer is crafty, smart, and full of hate, finding him or her will not be easy.

This is the second installment in the series, but this story stands alone. But go back and read the first one, it will help you understand how these very different ladies end up becoming friends.

The author does a great job making you feel like it is the 1950’s. Lots of twists and turns, along with red herrings, will keep you turning the pages to discover the identity of the bad guy. This clean whodunit will leave you satisfied with the ending, but, at the same time, longing for another adventure with these ladies. I highly recommend this five-star book, you will love it.

Thanks to Barbour Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/donnamummawriter

The Author’s Twitter:  https://x.com/DonnaMumma1

The Author’s Website:  https://donnamumma.me/

 

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“Oh Dear, Look What I Got!” by Michael Rosen

The Wrong Package!

This is a fun book about a boy who is attempting to buy one thing, but the store gives him something else entirely.

For instance, when he goes to get carrots, he opens the purchase to find a parrot.  That is not what he wants.  When he buys a hat, he finds he has a cat instead.

This goes on for many more times, with him getting a variety of things—none of which he asked for or wants!  These cause more and more problems.

Be ready for lots of laughter, as this tale, which is done in rhyming form, will tickle the funny bone of all who read it.

The illustrations, by Helen Oxenbury, add a lot to the story.

I love this five-star, picture book.  It will be enjoyed by three through eight-year-olds.

Thanks to Candlewick Press, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “Oh Dear, Look What I Got!,” by Michael Rosen for the purpose of review.  Opinions are my own.

 

 

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