“Hazel and Twig: The Lost Egg” by Brenna Burns Yu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finding Home!

This is an enchanting tale of two little mouse sisters, that while playing outdoors, stumble across an egg.  What should they do with it?

The sisters come up with many ideas to care for it themselves and keep it.  When they decide the only thing to do is find the true parents of the egg, they discover doing that is easier said than done. 

In this tale, children will have a good time suggesting what the sisters should do with the egg.  They will love the adventure they go on to find the right home, the surprise of what happens to the egg, along with the happy ending.  Hard-backed and five-stars, this volume has sweet illustrations on every page.  This is a timeless story of helping others and family love that will appeal to little ones through second grade.

Candlewick Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Lost Egg, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Follow Me Flo” by Jarvis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make Sure to Follow the Leader!

Flo is a happy little duck who never wants to listen or follow the rules.  That seems to work out for her until the day dad wants them to go on a trip.  Despite him very seriously telling her to follow him at all times, Flo wanders away.  At first, she has a great time, until she realizes a fox is following her.  Suddenly, she remembers her dad’s instructions, and follows them—saving herself from danger.

This over-sized, brightly illustrated book has a good message about following instructions, especially from a parent.  It is wrapped up in a fun story that will catch a child’s attention, not scare them, but at the same time, warn them of the importance of listening and following directions.

It will be easy for children to see where little Flo messes up, and to ask them what Flo should have done differently.  This is a great learning tool with an important lesson.  It doesn’t seem like teaching at all, but instead a cheery tale that will get its message across.  Just like Aesop’s Fables there is a good moral to the story. I highly recommend this 5-star book for all children through second grade.

Candlewick Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Follow Me Flo, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Book Review “Hoppy Floppy’s Carrot Hunt” by Educational Insights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti

An Eggstraordinary Book!

Join Hoppy Floppy and give her help as she travels in the forest trying to fill her basket with different colored carrots.  Each turn of the page will bring flaps to lift where one of the carrots will be found, or a forest friend saying to try again.

This darling board book is over-sized, egg-shaped and illustrated with bright colors throughout.  Hearing this happy story while lifting the flaps is sure to cause lots of giggles and smiles.  The last page is a surprise with a wheel, that when moved by little fingers, shows the different carrots.

This adorable book is sure to become a well-loved favorite.  Besides being fun, it also teaches colors and finger dexterity by moving the wheel and lifting the flaps.  This 5-star will be enjoyed by children through preschool, and would be a delight to find in an Easter basket, or to welcome spring.

Candlewick Entertainment has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Hoppy Floppy’s Carrot Hunt, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Storing Up Trouble” by Jen Turano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun, Danger & Opposites Attract!

Norman Nesbit is a clueless scientist unaware of the many social blunders he makes and the proper Beatrix Waterbury, part of the New York City social set, are thrown together during a train robbery.  Together, the differences between the two of them make for some zany situations.  Add in eccentric Aunt Gladys, a pack of unusual house cats along with a child prodigy, and chuckles abound.

However, there are serious subjects including the plight of working women, the suffragette movement, and the very real danger that follows Norman at every turn.Never the less, Norman’s habit of unwittingly offending scores of people, along with Beatrix’s attempt to remain incognito at Chicago’s famous Marshall Field’s Department Store, makes for some entertaining reading.

This fast-moving tale will keep your interest from the first page until the revelation at the book’s end of the one behind all the danger.  The character’s faith is an attractive part of the story, and despite being part of a series, this installment stands on its own.  I recommend this 5-star book to those who like well-written historical, adventures with a sprinkle of humor.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Storing Up Trouble, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/jenturano

The Author’s Website:  https://jenturano.com

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“Bathtime with Ducky Duckling” by Lucy Cousins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Splish, Splash!

With this fully immersible book, bathtime has never been so much fun.  While in the water, a child can flip through the pages, look at the pictures, and listen to the story—all without worrying that the water will hurt it.

Little ones can have a good time with this story by quacking like a duck, wiggling their “feathers” and even gently splashing like the frogs.

Bathtime goes so much smoother when it can be playtime, too.  This book will come to the rescue with its soft bright pictures and cute tale which also doubles as a water toy that is sure to be well-loved.

This is a perfect addition to an Easter basket, or just a way to welcome spring.  I highly recommend this 5-star book that will be enjoyed by infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Bathtime with Ducky Duckling, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“The Happy Camper” by Melody Carlson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happiness & How You Make It!

In 24 hours, Dillon has broken up with Brandon–her boyfriend–quit her job, given up her apartment and hit the road to surprise her grandfather at his farm hundreds of miles away.

Dillon is shocked to find her irresponsible, counter-culture mother has taken up residency at the farm.  Her mom is well on her way to starting another crazy scheme—which Dillon often gets pulled in to do all the work, while her mother conveniently disappears.

In the midst of all of this, Dillon’s grandfather gives her a decrepit, run-down trailer.  Even though she has no experience with camping, she instantly falls in love with the vintage trailer, and becomes obsessed with restoring it.

Just when a man from town, Jordan, begins to show interest in Dillon, commitment-phobe Brandon reappears.  Even though Brandon ignored Dillon while they dated, now he is obsessed with her, and doggedly pursues her no matter where she goes or how often she tells him it is over between them.

Will Brandon succeed in winning Dillon back?  Will the past problems between Dillon and her mother torpedo any chance of future happiness for them?  Can Dillon hang onto her trailer, or will her mother find a way to take it despite all of Dillon’s work?

This book had lots of fun situations but the story is realistic—especially the mother-daughter angst.  I loved the trailer situation, the inclusion of Dillon’s faith, and the sprinkle of humor throughout the tale.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone who enjoys well-written fiction and romances.

Revell Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Happy Camper, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Blog:  http://www.melodycarlson.com/

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

 

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“Chasing the White Lion” by James R. Hannibal

Beat the Clock!

Boyd, a dangerous man, who thinks nothing of human life, has created a network of the most dangerous people on earth.  He keeps them under his thumb by holding an annual competition, by invitation only, exclusively for crooks and thieves who have made it into his upper echelon.

Those who choose to attend this high-stakes game will gamble to get enormous riches or die trying. The competition takes place in an incredibly designed Grand Bazaar that is visually stunning but is fraught with danger at every curve.  While the contestants are trying to win, they may also be working to get rid of the competition permanently.

A large number of children, a teacher and a pastor are taken from a third world location that has a history of kids disappearing without a trace.  Compassion International, a real-life humanitarian group, wants to find these children.  So does Talia, a CIA officer.

The only chance for that to happen is if she partners with her father’s assassin and his team of sketchy experts.  They have a short time to attempt a multi-layered con on Boyd, and find where the children are hidden.

There will be killers–both human and animal–drones, and amazing weapons throughout this action-packed tale, that includes an incredibly, riveting story.  The faith component adds depth to the characters.  Anyone who likes well-written, fast-moving thrillers, will enjoy this 5-star book!

Revell Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Chasing the White Lion, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JamesRHannibal/

The Author’s Website:  https://jamesrhannibal.com/

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“Woman of Sunlight” by Mary Connealy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Married to Your Enemy!

Ilsa and Mitch have just gotten married and they don’t even like each other—and they have to hurry because someone is trying to kill them.  Welcome to the Wild West of 1870’s.  Along with her two sisters, Ilsa has spent her entire life living in isolation on top of a mountain.  Not only have strangers invaded their homeland bringing all their new ways of living alone, Ilsa is now married to one of them.

No sooner have Ilsa and Mitch said their vows than they are off to Chicago.  As they try to solve the mystery of who is behind the murder attempts, they find themselves in as much danger as they left behind, and killers abound.

Because Ilsa lived cut-off from the world, she experienced her first train ride.  Every time the whistle blew, she was traumatized, and wanted off.  Other firsts were coffee, which she liked after it had milk and sugar.  She found the taste of ice cream, strawberries, and apple dumplings such a delight that she couldn’t get enough.

This is a fun book that also contains a very serious story that is full of danger.  Ilsa’s faith is refreshing, and is a great part of this tale.  This story stands alone, but there are still some threads that need to be answered in the next installment. This 5-star book will be enjoyed by those who like well-written fiction or westerns with a touch of humor.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Woman of Sunlight, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Author’s Blog:  http://mconnealy.blogspot.com/p/about-mary.html

Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealy

Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/maryconnealy

Author’s Website:  http://maryconnealy.com/

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“Cry of the Raven” by Morgan L. Busse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow, this is Good!

Good and evil clash in part three of this exciting story, and if you have not read the other two parts, you will need to in order to appreciate this tale (see http://bookreadingtic.com/2018/11/10/mark-of-the-raven-by-morgan-l-busse/ and http://bookreadingtic.com/2019/05/03/flight-of-the-raven-by-morgan-l-busse/).  How can the Great Houses hope to win when they are not all united?  Trouble is brewing because Damien has begun having problems using his gift—without which, all will be lost.

Lady Selene discovers how her gift was meant to be used, and puts it into practice.  Her mother and the Dark Lady team up to destroy her; can Selene defeat them when it is two against one?  Others do not trust Selene, and view her every move with suspicion, will that keep her from being able to fully help with the cause?

There are revelations in this tale, and the unexpected, including what becomes of Selene and her mother.

I do not like fantasy, but I LOVED THIS BOOK! It is a captivating story that will grab you and not let you go.  The drama, plus all the twists and turns, will keep you on the edge of your seat.  It is told from a Christian viewpoint.  The only negative?  This is the last of the series.  I highly recommend this 5-plus star book to everyone; it is that good.  No matter what your taste, you will love this book!

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Cry of the Raven, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/morganlbusse?lang=en

The Author’s Website:  https://morganlbusse.com/

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“The Runaway Bride” by Jody Hedlund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Far Must She Run?

Desperate to leave 1860’s England, Arabella boarded a bride ship bound for British Columbia.  Since women there were outnumbered ten to one, bride-hunting men flocked to the ship as soon as it arrived.  When Richard, an eligible naval officer, took an interest in Arabella, she immediately became panicked by her inability to know a man’s true character.

Peter, a confident baker, impudent and forthright, introduced himself to Arabella.  Although nice, he is part of a class that would have been inappropriate to associate with back home, and would still raise many eyebrows in the new world.

Additionally, she often spots a man from England who means to harm her.  Will she be able to avoid him and stay safe?

By being kind to a sick child and indulging in a favorite pastime, she finds herself embroiled in situations that causes talk, and might make polite society look down on her.  Between that, and a habit she has of blurting out things that can result in harm to herself or others, she may be forced into an undesirable situation to save someone.  Will she end up repeating her past, with no escape this time?

This gripping story has lots of riveting aspects including characters who relied on God’s help to get them through it, and enhanced the tale.  I recommend this 5-star book to those who enjoy historical or well-written fiction.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Runaway Bride, 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.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JodyHedlund

The Author’s Website:  http://jodyhedlund.com/

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