Stargazer by Prue McDonell: #RWYK Certified Great Read

Posted on August 9, 2020August 9, 2020 by Fatima Khan

#RWYK Certified Great Read #Review –STARGAZER by Prue McDonell & Illustrated by Fräntz Kantor

HappySunday everyone!

We’re back with yet another exciting read for your little ones!

Stargazer by Prue McDonell is a gem! We hope this latest addition to our Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read will be a helpful tool in talking to your kids about maintaining oral hygiene through a fun and engaging story. is a gem! We hope this latest addition to our Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read will be a helpful tool in talking to your kids about finding their uniqueness through a fun and engaging story.

We absolutely LOVED reading Stargazer and we hope you and your family enjoy reading this book as much as we did!

Let’s Have A Look At The Book Blurb

Stargazer by Prue McDonell

The story of Stargazer is a reflection of my own self-discovery through a life-time of experiences. I explore my own personal growth through a young flower sprite called Star, who begins her life hidden within the darkness and silence of the earth. The Spirit of Light summons Star who emerges into the Garden of Asha as a beautiful Stargazer Lily. Here she gains insight into herself through her encounters with the whimsical creatures that already live in the garden such as Faer the Butterfly who teaches Star about the importance of having friends.

STARGAZER is available for purchase on Amazon

About the Author

Prudence Felicity McDonell comes from the small village of Robertson in the beautiful Southern Highlands in NSW, Australia. Her background is steeped in spirituality and she began writing children’s books that reflected her inner growth, resulting in a collection of writings that explored themes such as who am I, what is my purpose. Prue was also a teacher and her time spent with young children, influenced her to produce books that would encourage children to discover their own potential. Nature is an intrinsic part of Prue’s books. She uses it to enhance children’s awareness of their environment and the importance of taking care of it.

Our Review

Stargazer is magical! With gorgeous illustrations and a beautiful story of a young flower sprite discovering the marvels of nature, Stargazer is sure to delight young readers.

Author Prudence Felicity McDonell comes from the small village of Robertson in the beautiful Southern Highlands in NSW, Australia. Prue developed a strong connection with nature at an early age while spending a lot of time at her grandmother’s lakeside cottage on a bay called Silver water in NSW, Australia. Prue wanted to put those beautiful memories of the time spent on the lap of Mother Nature into a children’s book to encourage them to discover their talents, to love themselves for who they are, and to accept others.

The story follows a young flower sprite called Star, who has just arrived from the darkness and silence of the earth in the Garden of Asha as a beautiful Stargazer. Just like the passing of the seasons, or the mysterious transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly, in this garden, everything is continually changing. Star takes along readers on her journey through the magical world of nature as she encounters some of the whimsical creatures including Faer, an unflappable butterfly who teaches Star the importance of friendship, and Ora, an uppity Spider who loves who she is. In the end, Star discovers her true self and learns some of the most important lessons about friendship, acceptance, and self-love.

Stargazer opens up a world of imagination for young kids. Imagining things you cannot see, believing in goodness and make-belief are all healthy for the brain of a young child. It helps their intuition and creativity to grow, so they will grow up to be creative, positive problem solvers as adults. A great book to share the magic of nature and imagination. Throughout the story, children will be captivated by the colorful illustrations while engaged in a story that teaches them all about how a garden grows and the different creatures they can find in a garden.

Stargazer also shares a meaningful lesson about taking the time to notice the nature that surrounds us. The book and artwork are some of the most engaging I’ve yet found and drawn the reader into the fantastic realm of flower sprites and the magical creatures. They are colorful, luscious, and amazing. Learning about nature has never been more enchanting!

Congratulations To Prue McDonell For Winning The RWYK Certified Great Read Status

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HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY 😆

The Green Gem: #RWYK Certified Great Read

Posted on August 2, 2020August 2, 2020 by Fatima Khan

#RWYK Certified Great Read #Review

The Green Gem by Susan Arts

Hello dear readers,

It’s time again to celebrate a brand NEW ReadingWithYourKids Certified Great Read! Get ready to be inspired by a sweet little picture book “The Green Gem” by Susan Arts.

We had a super time reading Susan’s fun book and we think it is written to entertain, enlighten and encourage young readers to enjoy the art of reading and we hope your family enjoys reading it as much as we did!

Let’s Have A Look At The Book Blurb

The Green Gem (The Lydi & Sassy) by Susan Arts

In this second adventure of the Lydi & Sassy series, Lydi discovers the history behind a prized family keepsake, enjoys a great day at the park with her best friend, Sassy Pug, and attends a fun-filled princess birthday party! But sometimes, looking like a princess isn’t always the best thing that can happen, and Lydi learns that actions have consequences.

Grab your copy on Amazon!

More About The Author

A dream about her honorary niece Lydia who passed away from cancer at the age of 16, inspired Sue Arts to write a story. It started out a personal story for Lydia’s family, incorporating figures and, events that had special meaning to them. With encouragement from Lydia’s parents, Linda and Albert, Sue took the leap to get it published.

Looking For Something is about a little girl, Lydi, who is bored, as kids get, and goes off on a day-long adventure. The first venture into writing books for children, it is a story that Sue intended for anytime enjoyment, but particularly bedtime reading. She wanted something fun and happy to encourage sweet dreams.

Looking For Something is just the beginning. Sue plans on continuing the Lydi & Sassy series, all in honor of, and dedicated to, the memory of Lydia.

The second adventure in the Lydi & Sassy series, The Green Gem, is right now in the hands of Sue’s publishers, Christian Faith Publishing, with its release coming soon.

Sue lives and works in Western New York with her husband Ted and their seven cats and are living a most wonderful life, side-by-side with birds, squirrels, and an occasional raccoon, opossum, or deer in their backyard.

Sue loves to interact with her readers on Facebook (@Sue.Arts.7).

Our Review

We’re so excited about Susan Art’s second children’s book in the Lydi & Sassy series, “The Green Gem”. We have previously reviewed Looking for Something, the first book in the Lydi & Sassy series, all in honor of, and dedicated to, the memory of Susan’s honorary niece Lydia who passed away from cancer at the age of 16.

As with Susan’s first book, The Green Gem is a special picture book that promotes behavior, forgiveness, responsibility, and self- management. It is suitable for kids aged 5 – 8 years old, possibly to 10. Written in a “picture book” style, the book follows Lydia, a beautiful young girl who learns about her family’s treasured green necklace, spends a sunny day with her pet dog Sassy and as she attends a princess-themed birthday party of her friend. Lydia faces choices that kids face daily and this book finds a fun way to teach kids how actions and choices have consequences. Using picture books to teach your kids is fun and meaningful. They won’t even realize it is a lesson! The Green Gem helps kids understand that their choices will shape their days, and ultimately their lives. With hilarious, rhyming text and energetic ink and watercolor illustrations that capture Lydia’s expressions, readers discover that Lydia can’t get away with the wrong choices that she made and that her actions do eventually have consequences.

We like the social-emotional skills the book teaches by empowering kids to make positive choices while demonstrating the natural consequences to negative choices.

Every choice made in the book is designed to teach children one of a variety of lessons including sharing, empathy, the value of hard work, patience, and several other social/emotional skills. The overall lesson is that our choices are what shape our days and our lives into what they will be.

Congratulations To Susan Arts For Winning The RWYK Certified Great Read Status

A big thank you to the author for providing us a free copy of his book through Reading with your Kids certified program. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely our own.

Want Your Book To Be Reviewed On Our Site?

HOPE YOU HAVE A BLESSED SUNDAY!

We Love Taylor’s STEM Adventures Hawaii

Posted on July 29, 2020 by jdoherty

Congratulations!

Taylor’s STEM Adventures – Hawaii

By Dr Mary Payton

Is Our Latest Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read!

We are thrilled to be able to introduce you to our latest Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read – “Taylor’s STEM Adventures – Hawaii” written by Dr. Mary Payton. This is a delightful book that celebrates all of the fun a family can have traveling and exploring together.

Let’s Have A Look At The Book Blurb

Taylor’s STEM Adventures Hawaii is the first in a series of stories about the young son of two military members from STEM career fields. As his family moves to various duty locations, Taylor guides you through his adventures in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at each military base. Taylor gives military children the insight into the STEM adventures and activities that await them in their next military move.

About The Author

Dr. Mary Payton is a science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education professional who has taught throughout the United States and internationally. She returned to STEM education after a successful 29 year military career as a Chemical Officer. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Payton and her two sons returned to her home in Texas to teach science. She has been honored for her performance as a STEM educator in the areas of Robotics and Engineering. Due to military families relocating about every three years, Dr. Payton exposed her sons to STEM at every duty station. Because of these experiences she was motivated by her family and friends to write “Taylor’s STEM Adventures”, a book series chronicling STEM activities focused on military family relocation and travel.

Here Is Our Review!

Taylor’s STEM Adventures – Hawaii by Dr Mary Payton is proof that learning can be FUN!

In this story we meet a curious young boy named Taylor. Taylor tells us the his parents are officers serving our nation in the Army and because of that he gets to travel to and live in many places.

Taylor is currently living in the beautiful island state of Hawaii. He begins his tour of his new home state by teaching us that Hawaii is made up of eight islands and that these islands were created by tectonic plates.

Dr Mary Payton has created a wonderful way to teach kids about all the science, technology, engineering and math we can discover in Hawaii. Taylor teaches us about volcanoes and coral reefs. We learn how scientists explore the Ocean and outer space, and how rainbows are made. We even visit the Pearl Harbor Historical site.

The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and a glossary that will come in handy for kids reading on their own. But we think Taylor’s STEM Adventure Hawaii is a trip that should be taken together as a family.

Congratulations To Dr. Mary Payton For Earning Our Certified Great Read Status

Taylor’s STEM Adventure Hawaii on Biteable.

Want Your Book To Be Reviewed On Our Site?

When You Lived in My Belly: #RWYK Certified Great Read

Posted on July 25, 2020July 29, 2020 by Fatima Khan

#RWYK Certified Great Read #Review – When You Lived in My Belly by JodI Meltzer Darter

A very happy weekend to everyone!

It’s time for a celebration! We have an exciting new read for families!

When You Lived in My Belly by Jodi Meltzer Darter is our brand NEW Certified Great Read that captures the warmth and magic of the time when a child lives inside their mother’s belly. Jodi has created a beautiful picture book full of playful details to amuse and engage readers. We hope you and your family enjoy reading this book as much as we did!

Let’s Have A Look At The Book Blurb

When You Lived in My Belly

As a mom, Jodi Meltzer Darter answers, on average, one million questions per minute. One day, her son interrupted his endless “Why?” barrage to inquire about their innate bond: What was it like When You Lived in My Belly?

Delightful month-by-month storytelling of pregnancy from the perspective of both baby and mom, When You Lived in My Belly gives children a glimpse into a past they can’t remember, and takes moms back to a time they will never forget. It features kid-friendly descriptions of the developmental milestones babies reach in utero, coupled with the corresponding physical and emotional changes experienced by moms. This book also includes a page for moms to pen a personal note to their children about their individual pregnancy journey.

Jodi Meltzer Darter’s lyrical text alongside enchanting illustrations by Caryn King and Jody King Camarra creates a memorable keepsake that both moms and children will cherish for generations to come.

About the Author

JodI Meltzer Darter is a writer, Mommy Dish blogger, and pizzaholic based in a Boston suburb you’ve never heard of. Her writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, The Mighty, Scary Mommy, and many other publications. Before momhood, she was an award-winning television anchor/reporter who got to interview some pretty cool people.Jodi enjoys ’80s music/movie binges with her adored husband and kids by her side, and her rescue dog curled up on her lap.

Our Review

When You Lived In My Belly Has Become My New Go-To Gift For All The New Parents In My Life!

Jodi Darter’s When You Lived In My Belly is more than a book, it can be the start of a beautiful, ongoing conversation between mother and child. In a nutshell, the book tells the story of pregnancy, from both the mom and the baby’s point of view. It is a perfect book for those times when your little one might ask “where do babies come from?” The book offers parents a safe, comfortable, and fun way to answer those questions.

Imagine how much your little one would giggle when you read Jodi’s account of month one, “Sometimes I had to go to the potty real quick!” and then imagine how that same giggling child will curl closer to you as you read “I couldn’t wait to be your mommy!”

I really love the illustrations by Caryn King and Jody King Camarra. I believe kids will love the colors, and they will be fascinated to see how much they developed each month.

And as much as I think young kids will love having this book read to them I imagine it will be an equally special experience for older kids to reread this as they celebrate birthdays and milestones. I think that perhaps the most important day to reread When You Lived In My Belly together is on those inevitable difficult days when parents and children can not see eye to eye. It could provide the most perfect way for families to stop, take a breath, and remember how important they are to each other.

Congratulations To JodI Meltzer Darter For Winning The RWYK Certified Great Read Status

When You Lived In My Belly on Biteable.

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The Surprise Circus: #RWYK Certified Great Read

Posted on July 21, 2020July 21, 2020 by Fatima Khan

#RWYK Certified Great Read #Review – The Surprise Circus by Dr. Carol & Aria Soloway

Hey everyone!

We’re Back with our brand NEW Reading with Your Kids Certified Great Read!

Today on the Reading with your kids, we are ELATED to introduce our readers to a very special children’s picture book that addresses a very important message to kids – “It’s never too early to motivate children.”

Let’s Have A Look At The Book Blurb

When the circus doesn’t come to her town, six-year-old Aria is disappointed. She calls the ringmaster of the circus and asks him to send the circus, but he doesn’t. Instead, the craziest things start to happen!

Every week, the ringmaster sends Aria a package–each containing an amazing circus character. But Aria has to put the circus characters in the backyard because each one does something very silly that upsets her mommy and daddy: the magician hides her baby sister, the strongman lifts all the furniture, and the juggler throws everything, even her baby sister, in the air, and the fire eater burns the curtains.

The circus people ask Aria to become their ringmaster, but she isn’t sure she is brave enough to speak in front of lots of people. Aria starts to think about all the things she can do–all the things she’s great at. She learns to believe in herself and is willing to work hard. She realizes she can do anything–even run The Surprise Circus.

The Surprise Circus is available on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Surprise-Circus-Dr-Carol/dp/1641842695

More about the author

Dr. Carol, a former English teacher, keynote speaker, and Qualified Medical Examiner, has previously written two bestselling novels, one of which was a Readers’ Choice selection and is being presented to Hallmark.

A true storyteller, she believes it’s never too early to instill values in our children. Dr. Carol said writing The Surprise Circus with her six-year-old granddaughter, Aria Soloway, is her most gratifying accomplishment. It was Dr, Carol’s idea to write a story, but it was her granddaughter’s imagination that sparked the story! The great motivational speaker, Les Brown, wrote the foreword which will encourage and motivate parents as well, and The Surprise Circus takes his message to children.

Since Les Brown and Dr. Carol are concerned about the negative impact of the world events on children, they want to get this motivating and positive book into the hands of as many children as possible.

ARIA SOLOWAY
Aria Soloway is a six-year-old girl who loves wearing sparkly dresses, riding the bus to kindergarten with her bus buddies, exploring new places with her mommy and daddy, playing with her baby sister, doing ballet, playing the piano, and eating pasta. She’s excited about writing many more books and meeting friends like you at book signings everywhere.

Our Review

The Surprise Circus is by far one of the best self-esteem books for kids that are out there today! Whether your kids are toddlers or teens or somewhere in between, this lovely book is guaranteed to boost the confidence in children of all ages. It empowers all readers to dream big and work hard to achieve their dreams. Dr. Carol wrote this beautiful book with her six-year-old granddaughter, Aria Soloway, that conveys to kids that “It’s never too early to be hungry” – which inspired Les Brown, one of America’s most influential motivational speakers, to write the foreword to the book.

The Surprise Circus follows the story of a little girl Aria, who uses her mom’s phone to call the ringmaster after the circus fails to come to her town that year. She asks him to send the circus, but he doesn’t. Instead, she receives a package from him each week containing some of the craziest circus characters, including a strongman, juggler, fire eater, clowns, trapeze artist, and a dancing bear. These characters upset Aria’s mommy and daddy to no end as the magician hides her baby sister; the strongman lifts all the furniture of their house, and he juggler throws everything in the air, including her baby sister. Fed up of their shenanigans, Aria sends all of them to the backyard. They ask Aria to run her own circus ad become their ringmaster. Aria is excited to have her own circus but is unsure of her public speaking skills. She is scared to talk in front of a large audience. She then calls her best friend Honor Brown to help her. Honor tells Aria that “You’ve got to be Hungry” and asks her to find the greatness in her. Will Aria and Honor be able to find their greatness, and become the ringmasters of the SURPRISE CIRCUS? Grab your copy on Amazon to find out!

Final Verdict

The story’s fun and the illustrations are simply stunning. It’s a feel-good book that empowers young readers to love themselves, find greatness in them, and to work hard to achieve their goals. This book is a perfect reminder that each one of us is unique and special in our own way, and it encourages kids to have the courage to dream big and make a difference in our world!

Congratulations To Dr. Carol & Aria Soloway For Winning The RWYK Certified Great Read Status

A big thank you to authors for providing us a free copy of their book through Reading with your Kids certified program. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely our own.

The Story Of The Can’t That Could

Posted on July 17, 2020 by jdoherty

Congratulations!

The Story Of The Can’t That Could

Is Our Latest Reading With Your Kids

Certified Great Reads

We Love The Story Of The Can’t That Could by Joan Yingling. We love this story, and we love the story behind this story!

First, The Story of the Can’t That Could is a fun way to inspire kids to choose to try and not waste time feeling sorry for themselves. We first meet Can’t, an adorably despondent creature, who sadly sits watching all the fun the Coulds are having. A tiny elf enters the picture and reminds Can’t that he isn’t doing what he should. Can’t takes this message to heart and musters up the courage to try, and is overjoyed at all the things he can do.

This is a fun rhyming read that families will love to experience together. The illustrations are fantastic and kids will want to give Can’t and all the Coulds a great big hug.

We also love how this story became a book. The Story of the Can’t That Could was written by Joan C. Yingling. The story sat in a manila envelope for decades until her daughter, Lydia Cohn, fulfilled a lifelong dream to publish the story to share with the World.

We are happy that Lydia listened to the message of this story and inspire us all to become Coulds.

The Story of the Can’t That Could on Biteable.

Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free

Posted on July 10, 2020 by jdoherty

Congratulations!

Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free

Is Our Latest Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read!

Congratulations to author Lora Hyler. Her new Middle Grade Novel Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free is our latest Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read.

Lora Hyler has written hundreds of articles, several screenplays, short stories, and a novel. She has been a radio news reporter for NPR affiliate, WUWM and ABC affiliate, WISN, both in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Her first children’s book was The Stupendous Adventures of Mighty Marty Hayes. Her latest book, Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free helps children ages 6-10+ navigate their scary new world due to the coronavirus.

We loved this book and feel it would be a great resource for families during this most unusual and challenging of times. Here is our review.

Lora Hyler’s latest book, “Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free” is a celebration of life! Families all around the World are struggling with “our new normal”, which, thanks to the restrictions needed to stop the spread of the Covid 19 virus, is anything but normal. Even though many communities are slowly reopening, life has changed, especially for kids. Lora Hyler lets us know, that even though things are different, life can and should be lived and celebrated.

In “Our Bodies Stay Home, Our Imaginations Run Free” we meet Maya and her family. Maya is one of the many kids who will be celebrating her birthday during the quarantine. She wonders what her birthday will be like. Her mom reassures her, “It will be creative.”

Maya’s mom is wise indeed. She reminds Maya and her brother that by using our imaginations and creativity we can find ways to stay in touch with family and friends, get exercise and fresh air and help our neighbors.

We love the positive, reassuring message found in this wonderful book.

Our Bodies Stay Home on Biteable.

Please visit Lora’s web site http://www.lorahylerauthor.com/

You may also want to check out Lora’s recent appearance on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Podcast Guest Lorrie Manosh

Posted on June 28, 2020 by jdoherty

Lorrie Manosh is on the #RWYK #Podcast to celebrate her new #KidLit The Feeling Closet, What Are You Wearing Today? This is a great resource for families that help kids learn how to identify & control their emotions.

The Feelings Closet

Posted on June 25, 2020 by jdoherty

Congratulations

The Feeling Closet

Is Our Latest

Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read!

Congratulations to Lorrie Manosh. Her wonderful new picture book The Feelings Closet is a great book to help kids identify, understand & start to control their feelings. Lorrie Manosh is an author, wife, and mother of four amazing children, ranging in ages from elementary school through college. She has over 20 years of experience in education and has taught children from Kindergarten through college, serving as a teacher, principal and professor. She loves to write and to inspire others to be their best.

Her new picture book The Feeling Closet is a wonderful conversation between Matt and his mom. Matt wants to stay in bed. He says he is tired, but his mom suspects there might be something more going on. Thousands of kids wake up each day feeling, well, that is the problem, they do not know what they are really feeling. They know they are not feeling good, but they are not able to see past that feeling to understand what is going on.

As they talk Matt’s Mom helps him understand that what he is really feeling is fear, fear that he is not fast enough to keep up with the other kids at his school’s field day.

At this point in the story Mom teaches Matt about his feeling closet. She explains to him that there is a feeling closet inside each of us, that it is a place where we keep all the different feelings that we have, feelings like joy, trust, surprise, happiness, anger, fear, and sadness.

Helping kids identify what it is they are feeling is so important. It is the first step in helping them control their feelings and emotions. This is one of the most wonderful skills we can teach our kids.

The Feelings Closet by Lorrie Manosh is a great book for any family library. It will inspire powerful conversations and help kids develop skills that will last them a life time.

The Feelings Closet Lorrie Manosh on Biteable.

Where My Breath Loves Me

Posted on June 24, 2020 by jdoherty

Congratulations

Where My Breath Loves Me

Is Our Latest

Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read

Congratulations to author & educator Claire Hallinan. Her wonderful book “Where My Breath Loves Me” is our latest Reading With Your Kids Certified Great Read. A fifth grade teacher in Washington State, Claire has a passion for teaching and teaching kids how they can learn to control their emotions and practice mindfulness. Be sure to check out both of her appearances on the podcast.

We had a simply wonderful experience reading “Where My Breath Loves Me.”

There is so much to love about this great book. Of course, we love that the book teaches kids, and adults, how to calm themselves using simple breathing and mindfulness techniques. A big part of the fun of the book is that it is interactive. We practiced these techniques together as we read the story.

It is a great way to teach kids that using these techniques can help us focus better on tests, create beautiful music, relax and calm yourself after exercise and better observe the World around us.

“Where My Breath Loves Me” book encourages kids to visualize while they read. “Before you turn the page, pause and breathe. When you close your eyes, you can see the movie scene that you just read.” This practice can help kids better comprehend what it is they are reading.

I also love that the book features a diverse group of teachers who all encourage kids to practice breathing and discover where their breath loves them.

Your kids will also love the book’s wonderful illustrations created by Charity Russell.

Claire Hallinan Where My Breath Loves Me! on Biteable.

Claire Hallinan on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate Where My Breath Loves Me

Claire Hallinan’s first appearance on the podcast