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.

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