Bookworm Gardens

Hi my fellow bookworms!

I hope you had a pleasant spring so far, as we are now heading into summer! Many libraries are now celebrating Summer Reading, so no matter what your age is, you should go check out your local public library and check out all the new events and books in store!

This past month, I had the pleasure of visiting the cutest little book-themed garden in Wisconsin, called Bookworm Gardens. I love to make it a point to visit places that are literature-themed -- it is both inspiring and fun! While the gardens are quite appealing to a younger crowd, it is still a fun walk and adventure down memory lane. The gardens host workshops for all ages, and even has themed weekends, like the fun Fairyfolk Festival, Haunted Hounds, or Boos and Brews! Each garden is based off of a children's book, and you could even read a copy of the book at the gardens! There are plans for expansion, so I cannot wait to visit again in the future. Check out the story of the gardens through their YouTube story here:

Here are some of the photos from my trip - can you figure out which theme each garden is?

(c) 2024 Once Upon A Book Blog(ger)

Have you ever visited a place like Bookworm Gardens? If so, which one(s)? If not, what is on your bucket list?

Until next time, happy reading! :)

Curlilocks and the Three Hares, written by Andrew Hacket, illustrated by Jan Dolby

Hello my fellow bookworms,

(c) The Little Press, 2024

Today, I have another children's book review for you! The second book in A Modern Fairy-Tale Series, today's book is titled Curlilocks and the Three Hares, written by Andrew Hacket and illustrated by Jan Dolby. It is scheduled for release tomorrow, May 1st! 

A cute twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Curlilocks is a young girl who does not like her hair. She wishes her hair could be like others girls her age, maybe with color, accessories, or even a whole new hairdo! She takes matters into her own hands by visiting a hair salon where everything does not quite fit her style... A cute ending befitting the heroine, the story's morale is that sometimes you are beautiful just as you are.

In terms of the writing, the text is large and easy to understand for those children starting to read chapter books or are already reading them, perfect for younger readers between the ages of 6-8. The illustrations are colorful and imaginative. Although the book is 56 pages long, your little one will pass the time quickly reading through this fun story! 

The book contains bonus content, including a how-to draw Curlilocks, as well as discussion questions if you were to read this book out loud to a class. The author, Mr. Hacket, is a teacher, so the questions are curated to bring the best thinking out of a class discussion! If you visit his website, he has some awesome Educator Resources to encourage sustainability, engineering, and science.

Can't wait to read Curlilocks and the Three Hares? I really enjoyed this modern take on a classic fairy tale, and think you will, too! You can find your copy through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local library (where you can request the book if they do not have it yet!). You should also check out the first book in the series, titled Willa the Werewolf. Keep an eye out for the third book, Digital Red, coming soon, too!

A big THANK YOU to The Little Press for providing me with an ARC!

Until next time - Happy Reading! :)

 

(c) Andrew Hacket, 2024

About the Author: Andrew Hacket

Teacher by day, parent by night, and writer in the nooks and crannies of life. When it comes to his books, Andrew Hacket aims to create stories that tickle the funny bone and hug the hearts of readings both young and old. He lives in Massachusetts with his many curly-haired family members.

 

About the Illustrator: Jan Dolby

(c) Jan Dolby, 2024

Jan Dolby is a freelance children’s illustrator and graphic designer based in Aurora, Ontario Canada. Jan is internationally published and has a vast amount of technical and graphic design experience. She has illustrated over 35 books for children and is incredibly grateful for her creative life and is delighted to be illustrating for the children’s industry. Seeing her work in bookstores and online is a dream come true.

Her first Canadian picture book, ‘Gabby’ written by Joyce Grant won the Rainforest of Reading Festival Award – Montserrat in 2015. Since then she has illustrated Gabby: Drama Queen, Gabby: Wonder Girl, Lucky Me, The Cold Little Voice and But Why? A Virus Story About Feelings. She has illustrated children’s books with authors Joyce Grant, Alison Hughes and Jackie Azua Kramer to name a few.

 

Skrum, written and illustrated by Bernard Gumz

Hello my fellow bookworms,

(c) The Little Press, 2024

No April Fools joke here! Today I have a hilarious children's book for you that I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of, titled Skrum, both written and illustrated by Bernard Gumz. 

This rhyming book is perfect for children between the ages of 4 and 8, though adults may enjoy it, too! The illustrations are very vivid and colorful, similar to a comic book. The story progresses at a good pace, but may be a bit scary for those a little younger. The story concentrates on the "Skrum," a monster that is usually peaceful, but for some reason, is currently angry and will eat anyone and anything! Unfortunately, for our protagonist, Sir Barnabus Wellington Hayes, the Skrum has its eye on him. This means that he must run away to keep safe - and keep running through different areas of the world, in order to keep away from the Skrum!

Skrum is a quick read that you and your little one will be sure to enjoy, with a satisfying ending and a good morale to the story. As an added bonus, there is a "How to Draw a Skrum (in 4 easy steps)" section at the end, so your little one can draw a Skrum monster of their own! The author, Mr. Gumz, also has a coloring page on his website, if your little one wants to color an already drawn Skrum. If you would like to buy a copy of the book, it is being released tomorrow, April 1st! You can purchase a copy at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can always request a copy from your local library, as well!

I highly enjoyed this story, and hope you do, too. I have one more children's book review coming up, as the book will be released next month. Stay tuned!

Until next time - Happy Reading!

About the Author: Bernard Gumz

(c) Bernard Gumz, 2024

Bernard Gumz started drawing silly characters when he was five years old and never stopped. He’s worked on cartoons for MTV, WWE, Nick Cannon, AJ Foyt and Eddie Bravo - for which he won a TELLY award.

Bernard also co-produces SPACECAT, a kid’s gaming channel that can be found on YouTube and HappyKids. He lives in Indiana with his wife, son, daughter and two cats.

Buddy the Bucket Filler by Maria Dismondy & Carol McCloud, Illustrated by Julia Seal

(c) Cardinal Rule Press, 2023

Hello my fellow bookworms!

Fall is just right around the corner and many have already gone back to school! I wanted to share a new children's book that has been recently released that is beautifully illustrated, with a great message to share called Buddy the Bucket Filler, written by Maria Dismondy and Carol McCloud, illustrated by Julia Seal. 

Buddy, a little boy, goes to visit his great uncle for a week during the summer. Uncle Frank acts like a grandfather to Buddy and has him help around the farm, feeding the animals and picking cherries. Uncle Frank later talks to Buddy about helping other using the "filling buckets" concept. They go around doing good deeds and Buddy has a great time and a good story to tell his father when he goes back home.

The "filling buckets" concept is one introduced through a previously released non-fiction book, also by Carol McCloud, titled Have You Filled a Bucket Today? The basic concept is that everyone has a bucket, and sometimes that bucket is full and sometimes it is empty. Anyone can act as a "bucket filler" to treat others with kindness and respect, thus filling the other person's bucket. Negative behaviors, such as bullying count as "dipping the bucket," which shows as an image of a bucket pouring all the happiness out of it. This method is a cute and imaginative way for children to learn about being kind and being generous.

The book is recommend for children between the ages of 4 and 10, and while the younger ones may not quite grasp the "filling buckets" concept, they will definitely enjoy looking at the beautiful artwork and understand the underlying message of being kind. A perfect read if you are looking to read a story about kindness and sharing. You can find the book at your local bookstore, or online as an e-book. If you check out the book directly from the publisher's website, Cardinal Rule Press, you can also download a free Reader's Guide for children, as well as coloring pages!

See the book trailer below:

 

Thank you to Cardinal Rule Press for providing me with a free copy of the book, as well as Ms. McCloud's first book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? I enjoyed the read and will enjoy passing along the message to those I know. I also love the cherry theme, as it makes a great end-of-the-summer read and ties in the message completely!

 

Until next time - Happy Reading!

(c) Maria Dismondy, 2023

About the Author: Maria Dismondy

Maria Dismondy is the founder of Cardinal Rule Press. Before devoting her work to the publishing industry and children's mental health, Maria was a teacher. She finds inspiration for her work in her daily life and strives to make a difference in the lives of children in her work around social emotional learning. Maria can be found walking her dogs and on adventures with her husband and three children in southeastern Michigan.

About the Author: Carol McCloud

(c) Carol McCloud, 2023

Carol McCloud began the series of Bucket Books with the ever-popular Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids in 2006. Her books have sold over three million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. A champion for bucket filling, Carol strives to help people of all ages lead happier lives by growing in kindness, self-management, resilience, and compassion. She lives in Venice, Florida, with her husband, Jack.

                                About the Illustrator: Julia Seal

(c) Julia Seal, 2023

Julia Seal knew from the age of five what she wanted to do for a living - draw pictures! After graduating with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration and then working in the greeting card industry (and getting covered in glitter every day!) she finally moved onto her dream job - illustrating children's books. She lives in a small village in England with her husband and two children - who provide plenty of inspiration. 

Three Pockets Full by Cindy L. Rodriguez, Illustrated by Begoña Fernández Corbalán

Hi my fellow bookworms!

(c) Cardinal Rule Press, 2022

This past December, I was lucky enough to receive an e-book edition of Three Pockets Full by Cindy L. Rodriguez, illustrated by Begoña Fernández Corbalán. This pretty, colorful children's picture book tells the story of a young boy named Beto, whose mom is getting remarried and wants him to wear a guayabera to the ceremony. 

Quick history lesson: A guayabera, according to the author, is a traditional shirt that has either two or four pockets on the front of it, made with fabric to keep the wearer cool in hot weather. The shirt typically is embroidered and/or contains small pleats. According to popular legend, the pockets were made so a Spanish settler in Cuba, approximately 300 years ago, could pick and hold guavas (or guayabas) in his pockets. Today, it is a traditional Mexican wedding shirt, as well as Cuba's "official dress garment" for men (Rodriguez, 2022).

Back to the story!

Beto does not like his guayabera and comes up with fun ways to hide the shirt, along with a note to his mom, explaining why the shirt should not be on Beto. After all of his shenanigans, we find that the reason Beto does not like the shirt is one that requires a talk with his mom about feelings, family matters, and changes in life. In all, the story is a fun, fast-paced, family story with pieces of culture sprinkled throughout. 

The story is recommended for children ages 4 through 8 and I agree. While short, the story has in-depth matters that younger children may not quite understand - but would still appreciate the beautiful, colorful drawings! Best news of all? This book was already released last fall, so you can pick up a copy now at your local bookstore! Need more convincing? Check out the book trailer here or check out the helpful Reader's Guide provided on the Cardinal Rule Press website.

Thank you to Cardinal Rule Press for providing me with a free copy of the book! I enjoyed this cute story. Until next time! :)

 

(c) Cindy L. Rodriguez, 2023

About the Author: Cindy L. Rodriguez

Cindy L. Rodriguez is the author of the YA novel When Reason Breaks, (Bloomsbury 2015) and the essay “I’m a Survivor” from the anthology Life Inside My Mind: 31 Authors Share Their Personal Struggles (Simon Pulse 2018). She has also written Volleyball Ace (2020), Drill Team Determination (2021), and Gymnastics Payback (2021), which are all part of the Jake Maddox series published by Capstone/Stone Arch Books. Upcoming titles include The Doomed Search for the Lost City of Z (Capstone 2022), Three Pockets Full: A story of love, family, and tradition (Cardinal Rule Press 2022), and The Mount Everest Disaster of 1996 (Capstone 2023). From 1993-2000, she was an award-winning reporter for The Hartford Courant and an award-winning researcher for The Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team, and, from 2000-2022, she was a public school teacher in Connecticut. She has degrees from UConn and Central Connecticut State University and two teaching certifications. She is a U.S.-born Latina of Puerto Rican and Brazilian descent and a founder of Latinxs in Kid Lit, which has been celebrating children’s literature by/for/about Latinxs since 2013. She has presented at numerous local, state, and national literary festivals and conferences about reading, teaching, and children’s literature. She currently works for an educational publisher. She lives in Connecticut with her family, and is a big fan of the three Cs: coffee, chocolate, and coconut.

 

(c) Begoña Fernández Corbalán, 2023

About the Illustrator: Begoña Fernández Corbalán

Begoña Fernández Corbalán was born and raised in a small town in Spain. As a child, she loved to draw, so when she grew up she knew that she wanted to get a degree in Fine Arts. After finishing her degree, she specialized in illustration, and since then, she has dedicated herself to it. In her free time, she likes to sit in the sun in her garden and observe how the light changes at different times of the day, something that she tries to reflect in her work. She has worked with techniques such as watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils, but she likes digital illustration because of the great advantages it offers when working.

My Hands Tell a Story by Kelly Starling Lyons, Illustrated by Tonya Engel

Hello my fellow bookworms!

Today is the day where you can play Green Day's song "Wake Me Up When September Ends" and wake up to a new month! Happy early October!

Photograph by Kelly Starling Lyons & Tonya Engel (c) 2022 Reycraft Books

Today, I would like to bring notice to a beautiful picture book I found out about through the ALA Annual Conference this past summer! I was lucky enough to be able to get a signed copy by both the author and illustrator. This is a charming story that I will keep sharing with my family and friends.

My Hands Tell a Story, written by Kelly Starling Lyons, and illustrated by Tonya Engel, is a beautiful picture book for children. It starts with a grandmother and granddaughter named Zoe baking cinnamon bread from scratch. The granddaughter wonders if she will ever be as good at the baking process as her grandmother. What starts as making bread and bonding becomes a glimpse into the grandmother's life and all the things she has done that has helped her to where she is today.

A colorful and wonderfully drawn story, this is one you will want to read with your family and little ones. The story has an emphasis on family and preserving in your endeavors. A great read, especially with Thanksgiving coming up. I highly recommend it! 

Thank you to both Ms. Starling Lyons and Ms. Engel for sharing their story and providing me with a signed copy! I will treasure it always.  

About the Author: Kelly Starling Lyons

Like Zoe, author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up baking with her grandma. Now, she celebrates those special moments in stories. Kelly has written many acclaimed children's books, including Caldecott Honor winner Going Down Home with Daddy, Christopher Award winner Tiara's Hat Parade, and Geisel Honor winner Ty's Travels: Zip, Zoom. She is a teaching artist and a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf. Kelly lives in North Carolina with her family.
 

 

About the Illustrator: Tonya Engel

Tonya Engel is a self-taught artist born in Texas and has established studios in New York, Miami, Austin and Houston where she now resides. Heavily influenced by folk artists of the Deep south, Harlem renaissance as well as Mark Chagall, Frida Kahlo and Romare Beardon, Tonya’s illustrations speak to image, identity and relationships. Meshing decorative elements, oils and occasional collage with emotional content, the subjects are mainly women with contemplative faces implying a dream world that invites our interpretations. Engel’s personal, autobiographical work can be found in public and private collections around the world. She has been the recipient of many awards including a three-month residency in Paris, France.

Second Chance Sam: King of the Junkyard and Carol's Quest for Courage

Happy last day of November! Happy Thanksgiving! Happy (belated) black Friday! Happy holidays to everyone out there! 

Today I bring you two reviews from an author I had reviewed before: JoAnn Sky. For those who have not read the previous review (see here), Ms. Sky combines her love of books and rescue pups together to bring stories for children in her Santa's Dog series and also the new Second-Chance Sam, King of the Junkyard. A portion of the proceeds from these books goes towards Dogs & Books, an organization that supports animal rescue causes. Please check them out! Along with the books mentioned, the website also has dog related gifts for sale, which is great if you want to support a cause and give out something really neat for the holidays! (There is also a holiday promotion happening until December 14th, if you want a good gift and a discount!)

(c) Dogs and Books, JoAnn Sky, John Tatulli

Second-Chance Sam, King of the Junkyard is by JoAnn Sky and illustrated by John Tatulli. Please see below for their bios. This book is a super cute rhyming story for children. It teaches children about the older dogs who are sometimes not chosen at rescue shelters. But, luckily for our story, little Sam finally finds a home. This short story will definitely warm your heart and entertain your children. The writing is perfect and the illustrations are very colorful. I recommend this book for children 4 years and older.

(This book is so cute, my mom who is a preschool teacher is most likely going to swipe my advanced copy! :) )

(c) Dogs and Books, JoAnn Sky, Ed Koehler

Carol's Quest for Courage is also by JoAnn Sky, illustrated by Ed Koehler. This book is the sequel/second in the Santa's Dog series for children. Carol is a dog who loves to sing, leaves the North Pole on a quest to find a place to sing her heart out. Along the way, she meets a girl named Aly and finds a home where she can sing with her new family. A very colorful and lively book for Christmas, this story has more words than Second Chance Sam and is recommended for children around 5 years and older.

Please give these books a read, especially if you love dogs and/or have children! You will not be disappointed! If you are curious to learn more about the author or the illustrators, please check them out below. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I will write again in December!  

(c) JoAnn Sky

About the author, JoAnn Sky (visit her website here):
JoAnn Sky is an award-winning author and two-time Golden Heart® finalist who writes children’s stories as well as young adult and adult contemporary romance. She’s combined her love of books and dogs in both her award-winning SANTA’S DOG series and SECOND CHANCE SAM series. She hopes you enjoy reading it as much as she has enjoyed creating it. Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her family and three crazy rescue dogs.

(c) John Tatulli

About the Illustrator, John Tatulli (visit his website here):

John Tatulli is an American born Illustrator who could always draw.  He spent hours on end with his headphones on drawing whatever came to mind.  At a young age he specialized in Pen & Ink over pencil sketches mostly.  As he got older his work progressed into his love for Children's book art. Now his passion is creating emotionally striking illustrations and kid friendly artwork hoping one day to illustrate some of the original stories his Dad used to tell him before bed. When he isn't drawing and creating he is a family man who is happily married to his wife of 12 years.  They have a great Dog named Sasha and are on a mission to adopt their first child.  John is an avid Air soft player, enjoys disc golf and spends quiet time reading.

(c) Ed Koehler

About the Illustrator, Ed Koehler (visit his website here):
Ed Koehler is an illustrator specializing in fun, lively art for children's books and other products. His work has been published around the world and has received numerous awards. His expertise is in Christian publishing but his work extends to general interest, editorial, and cross-generational books and materials. He has designed and illustrated projects as varied as multi-media stage sets, environmental graphics for a large church youth center, and smart board Sunday School curriculum. He is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators and the St. Louis Artists Guild.

Santa's Dog by JoAnn Sky, Illustrated by Ed Koehler

(c) Dogs and Books, JoAnn Sky, Ed Koehler

Santa's Dog is a rhyming holiday story for children. The story begins with showing all the different dogs Santa has. But, Lance is Santa's favorite dog.

One year, Lance travels with Santa to deliver presents during Christmas one year and accidentally is left behind! What is a dog to do? Without a way back to Santa, Lance is sent to a shelter to be adopted. He is soon adopted by a family whose father is in the military and is on active duty. While the family is sad without their dad, they show love and kindness to Lance and is loved in return. But, by next Christmas, will Lance stay or go back by Santa? Lance may just be the best gift Santa could provide!

Santa's Dog is a short story that will warm your heart and children will love. It may be a bit long for children younger than 4, who may not want to sit all the way through, but it has colorful and cute drawings that will be sure to entertain children of all ages. The story itself advocates for the adoption of pets, and a portion of each purchase will support animal rescue causes. This is the first in a series of "Santa Dog" book, so be sure to check it out when it is published this upcoming July!

In case you are wondering if there is a real Santa's Dog, be sure to check out Ms. Sky's website below for a real life story!

(c) JoAnn Sky

About the author, JoAnn Sky (visit the Dogs and Books website here):

JoAnn Sky is an award-winning author and two-time Golden Heart® finalist who writes children’s stories as well as young adult and adult contemporary romance. She’s combined her love of books and dogs and her respect for the military in SANTA’S DOG. She hopes you enjoy reading it as much as she has enjoyed creating it. Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her family and three crazy rescue dogs. You can visit her young adult and contemporary romance novel site at: www.joannsky.com.

(c) Ed Koehler

About the Illustrator, Ed Koehler (visit his website here):
Ed Koehler is an illustrator specializing in fun, lively art for children's books and other products. His work has been published around the world and has received numerous awards. He is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators and the St. Louis Artists Guild.

His Name is Joe by Chloe Mathis and Mimi Lou Martin

(c) Paps Publishing, Chloe Mathis and Mimi Lou Martin

His Name is Joe is the story about a boy who cannot walk and uses a wheelchair to navigate. Joe's schoolmates do not understand why he uses a wheelchair and end up staring at him. Although he admits that it happens quite often, Joe takes this in stride and, with a smile, communicates with those who stare to please stop staring and to say hi. Through his verbal communication and friendliness, Joe makes easy friends with fellow classmates Jimmy and Jill.

His Name is Joe is a cute illustrated book, with images drawn by the author's grandchildren. Her character Joe exhibits well taught manners and an understanding that while you may look different, you are still the same as everyone else - a person who wants to belong. I would recommend this story for children who can read longer stories by themselves or are able to sit through wordy text and few illustrations (approximately 4 years +), and for those children who have questions about others with disabilities. Well written and well-meaning, I definitely recommend His Name is Joe to those young at heart, for it is a story that will definitely put a smile on your face.


About the Author (from her website):
Mimi Lou Martin wants to make the world a better place, one story at a time! With her grandchildren's help, Ms. Martin achieves her goal through their heartwarming stories. Beginning with His Name is Joe, a charming book with a powerful message about a young boy in a wheelchair, each of Joe’s books is perfect for entertaining kids while making a positive difference in the world, one page, and one book at a time.

In addition to writing stories with her grandchildren, Mimi loves writing adventure novels for tweens and teens. In Song of the Eagle, what starts as a tale of vengeance becomes an unforgettable story of overcoming racial prejudice in a heart-opening way that rules and regulations could never accomplish. In her page-turner sequel, Adventures of Breezy Texas, adventures and surprises abound. One of the best surprises in this tall tale is the heroine, Molly Anderson. Molly is the main character in a story written by Mimi’s mother, Etta Pruitt Martin.

Mimi also enjoys writing short stories for the older generations on her blog and sharing treasured family stories. Mimi lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas with her husband, Jack Mathis. They have three sons and seven grandchildren.

You can visit her website for more information and for more warmhearted stories!

The Fed-Up Cow by Peta Lemon

Illustrations by Maria Dasic Todoric

Hilda is a cow and is fed-up with her life! She does not want to be a cow anymore. Looking around the farm, she notices the different animals and thinks that their lives look more fun than hers. So, one by one, she tries to become a different animal and have fun in a new perspective! But, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Hilda learns that sometimes, the best way to be, is to be yourself.

This is a cute book for children, aimed for ages 3-5. The drawings are well done and colorful. The story has a good meaning behind it and the writing itself is set to rhyme, creating a whimsical feeling. Adults will have fun, too, reading this out loud! I recommend reading this book, whether you are young or young at heart.

About the Author (from Amazon):
Peta Lemon is the author of beautifully illustrated children’s picture books, published under the imprint Quirky Picture Press.

Her books are always funny, written in rhyme and illustrated by Maria Dasic Todoric.

The Fed-up Cow is available now from all major retailers. Timmy on the Toilet and the Bins of Cotteridge Down are coming later in 2018.

www.quirkypicturepress.com
Email: peta.lemon@mail.com