Ellwyn Autumn's Blog, page 3
August 3, 2024
Freckles' Best Ribbit Book Review
Author: Lori Rotter
Illustrator: Vaughan Duck
Publisher: LFR Creative, LLC
Released: June 3, 2024
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 979-8988752929
Page Count: 36
Price: Paperback $9.99, Kindle $1.99
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5 Lemon Drops
Filled with vivid characters and a touching message, Lori Rotter and Vaughan Duck have delivered yet another winning story!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Reedsy Discovery and agreed to give an honest review.
Review:Book Summary:
Freckles the frog is downhearted and feeling bad about himself. He can’t ribbit like the other frogs at the pond and will not tryout for the Spring Chorus.
Instead of improving things, his friends’ assistance backfires, causing his ribbits to turn into ribb-achoos, ribb-hiccups, and ribb-squeaks!
After much perseverance, Doc Mookie finds a solution and Freckles lets out an enormous CROAK!
Despite Doc Mookie’s cure, Freckles realizes his croak is still different from the other frogs’. After his initial hesitation, he discovers his unique style and overcomes self-doubt with the support of his friends, and croaks his heart out.
Opinion:
Freckles’ Best Ribbit is narrated in the third person. With a forest setting, the story introduces a lovable cast of woodland animals that come in a range of colors. In this group, there’s Freckles the green frog, Georgie the pink rabbit, Cece the blue raccoon, Doc Mookie the turquoise owl, and Calvin the brown bear.
The story highlights the challenges of Freckles Frog as he navigates through a personal issue that leaves him feeling quite different from other frogs. He can’t ribbit.
The story’s lively rhymes and clever onomatopoeia will hook young listeners until the very end. Young readers are given the opportunity to actively participate in the read-aloud by the author’s use of repetitive text.
The eye is drawn to brightly colored text in different sizes that adds to the humor in the story. Freckles’ large exclamations seem to leap off the page.
The humorous misadventures of Freckles’ friends as they try to help him find the right way to ribbit will make children (and grown-ups) laugh out loud. They will relate to his struggle of feeling different and attempting to fit in.
His example will teach them that self-acceptance and self-confidence are nurtured by persistence and true friendship.
Another element in the story I appreciated was how Freckles used his newfound confidence to help others find theirs. He literaly models the adage, “Pay it forward.”
Brimming with humor, color, and relatable characters, Vaughan Duck’s illustrations are sure to be adored by young readers. The combination of Freckles’ exasperated expressions and Calvin’s sleepy face after being startled by Freckles’ loud croak were especially amusing.
I give it 5 Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:Freckles’ Best Ribbit would enhance various lessons, including a literacy focus on the main character, problem/solution, rhyme, onomatopoeia, and themes of friendship, and self-esteem.
Age Range: The author recommends 3-5 years.
Targeted Vocabulary:
Onomatopoeia, tryouts, puckered, worry, complained, allergies, swooped, absurd, mend, stammered, gulped
Resources:
About The Author:
Lori Rotter is an award-winning toy designer and debut picture book author.
Her large extended family keeps her laughing and inspires her story and toy ideas. Like in her toys, Lori enjoys sparking the imagination and adding small details for kids to discover.
Lori lives in New York with her husband, lots of fish, and two silly French bulldogs.
About the Illustrator:
Vaughan loves drawing pictures that make kids giggle. He lives downunder in Australia where it’s always sunny.
You can visit Vaughan at vaughanduck.com.
July 14, 2024
Wiggly Woggly Lady Book Review
Author: Debi K Fraser
Illustrator: Stephen Stone
Publisher: Debi K Fraser
Released: May 14, 2023
Format: Kindle, Hard Cover, Paperback
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 978-1738978403
Page Count: 30
Price: $12.99 (paperback) $3.99 (kindle) $13.70 (hard cover)
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5 Lemon Drops
This book will have your kiddos wiggling and giggling as they wobble along with the characters!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.
Opinion:
I knew from the first line I was going to love this book!
The story of The Wiggly Woggly Lady is narrated in the third person. The narrative follows the ups and downs of an introvert seeking out friends who share her interests.
The writing is skillfully done, using short, impactful stanzas to keep the story moving at a nice pace. It will grab children’s attention and keep them interested until the end.
The story’s playful rhyme and upbeat rhythm will have youngsters wiggling, giggling, and joyfully engaged. The repetitive text is easily memorized, allowing children to quickly participate in the read aloud and enhancing the overall enjoyment. As a result, a lifelong passion for reading will be nurtured.
Children will delight in the Wiggly Woggly Lady’s woggly hair and outrageous outfit. They will understand her shyness and self-doubt with talking to people and fear of rejection. They will learn through her experiences that overcoming these fears opens them up to friendship.
Stephen Stone’s illustrations work in perfect harmony with the witty text. The pastel-colored images are as quirky as the Wiggly Woggly Lady, drawn with flowing lines and rounded shapes.
I give it 5 Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:
The Wiggly Woggly Lady would enhance various lessons, including a literacy focus on the main character, rhyming, and themes of friendship and self-esteem.
Age Range: The author recommends 3-7 years.
Targeted Vocabulary:
Wiggly, woggly, problem, shy, strange, failed, knitted, heaved, sigh, surprise
Resources:
About The Author:
Debi is the author of the Stories With Heart Series of children's books. Her love of stories and the characters that inhabit them has been with her since she was old enough to hold a book.
As a child she could often be found with a pile of cucumber sandwiches and any number of books containing dragons, witches and magical adventures. Her passion for creating her own naturally followed.
Although Debi is from New Zealand, she currently lives in Quebec, Canada with her two sons and her two dogs.
She loves being out in nature and can often be found walking her dogs through various nature trails or in the forest, where for her, magic and inspiration live.
Stories dance their way into Debi's imagination morning, noon and night. But mostly in the forest.
About the Illustrator:
Steve was born in the North East of England where they are known affectionately as San-dancers. He now lives and work in Derbyshire with his soulmate Claire.
His creative career began after he completed a degree in Fashion Design, working as a designer for children’s and corporate wear companies. After a short while he took another direction and became a university lecturer for 12 years, teaching fashion design and visual communication to post and undergraduate students.
During this time he completed a Masters in Visual Communication, specializing in Narrative Illustration.
June 18, 2024
With Love, From Mom: The Journey of Dreams Book Review
Authors: Gel See
Illustrator: Gail Rae Javier
Publisher: Ma Gelyn Theresa A. See
Released: June 12, 2024
Format: Paperback
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 978-6210614275
Page Count: 27
Price: $11.99 for paperback
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 4 Lemon Drops
A mother and daughter share a whimsical journey of fancy and love in the land of dreams.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give an honest review.
Review:Book Summary:
This story is a poetic and heartfelt expression of a mother’s love for her daughter. The duo, led by the mother’s love, ventures into a cosmic dreamland where imagination and love know no bounds.
Opinion:With Love, From Mom: The Journey of Dreams will enchant readers with its melodic stanzas and whimsical illustrations.
The story opens with the mother and daughter wrapped in the warm embrace of sleep. Cushions of puffy pastels surround them; stars and planets float above them. It’s a scene that will captivate and touch the hearts of parents.
Throughout the story, the mother and daughter go on amazing adventures, from floating in a giant bowl to flying on a rocket and searching for a lavender-colored elephant on a safari.
Young readers will find delight in the magical scenes of the daughter and her stuffed rabbit on the back of a whale, and the mother and daughter walking through a glowing garden.
The mother’s abundant affection for her daughter is undeniable. In each dreamscape, the mother shares words of encouragement, wisdom, and infinite love. The daughter is given the freedom to explore the dreamland, comforted because her mother is always right there with her.
Young children will connect with how the daughter’s confidence blossoms with her mother’s support. Mothers will understand the bittersweet significance of the little milestones that contribute to a child’s independence.
The rhymes create a joyful atmosphere; the pattern is relatively consistent until page twelve. In one paragraph, there is a line that doesn’t rhyme with the three preceding verses. It is a bit jarring to the ears and briefly disturbs the smooth rhythm of the lyrics.
Javier’s illustrations are simply designed and delightful. Each adorable picture contains a dreamlike quality that is soothing and easy to appreciate. Parents and children will enjoy snuggling up together with this book at the end of the day. It’s a story that’s meant to be told before bed.
With Love, From Mom: The Journey of Dreams would also make a lovely gift for an expectant mother’s baby shower, a little girl’s birthday, or as part of a special mother-daughter day.
I also liked the author’s letter and the QR code at the end for accessing educational resources. It’s always nice when authors provide meaningful
ways to extend the book.I give it 4 Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:
With Love, From Mom: The Journey of Dreams is a versatile book, perfect for lessons on Family, Imagination, and Mother’s Day.
The story could accompany a journal entry on dreams—What did you dream about last night? What do you dream of becoming when you grow up?
Kids can use the easel to recreate a scene from the story. Blend colors together to produce the soft hues featured in the book.
Age Range: The author recommends 4-8 years.Targeted Vocabulary:
Journey, guidebook, zoom, engage, imagination, adventure, hurdles, explore, snug, roam
Resources:
Families Theme on Pinterest
About The Author:
Gel See, a children’s author from Metro Manila, crafts stories inspired by her own journey as a mom. Her book, With Love, From Mom, explores the magic of dreams and the power of a mother's love.
About the Illustrator:
The first people who believed in Gail’s potential were her grandparents. She used to draw cat figures of different shapes and sizes. The pen is her magic wand, and the paper, her flying carpet.
My creations have already gone places, helped spark change and put people into action. And I'm truly grateful for the opportunities that come my way.
My specialty is print. I am very much in love with paper and forever will be. But I have grown to love digital media as the years have passed.
May 28, 2024
Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur Journey To The Heart Review
Authors: Kimberly Snyder & Jon Bier
Illustrator: Donald Wu
Publisher: 4U2B Books & Media
Released: May 28, 2024
Format: Hardcover, Kindle
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 978-0829455755
Page Count: 40
Price: $19.99
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5 Lemon Drops
Available on Amazon
A tailored affirmational story for children who struggle with intense emotions!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from 4U2B Books & Media and agreed to give an honest review.
Review:Book Summary: The friendship between Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur is characterized by their differing perspectives on the world. Lanky is a restless ball of nervous energy. Chilla embodies a laid-back and ultra zen lifestyle.Throughout the story, Chilla wisely assists Lanky in dealing with his overwhelming emotions, which can sometimes lead to distressful outbursts. By displaying patience and compassion, Chilla teaches Lanky how to recognize and react to different emotions both big and small.Chilla continues to teach Lanky the correlation between thoughts and feelings. To center the heart and mind, he recites a mantra and serves as a role model for recognizing and appropriately responding to emotions.
Opinion:
For children who struggle with controlling their intense emotions, Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart offers a tailored affirmational story.
Chilla is introduced in the story, leisurely lounging in his hammock while the morning sun casts a glistening and cozy glow. Juxtapose this with Lanky, bright eyed and bushy tailed, as he scrambles onto the tranquil scene raring to go.
As the two friends spend the day together, it’s obvious that Lanky has low frustration tolerance and poor coping skills. Instead of using his words to calmly express his displeasure, he becomes overwhelmed and screams.
I appreciated how Chilla labeled each of Lanky’s emotions and how to regulate and respond to them. The size of your reaction should match the size of the problem.
“You feel frustrated, Lanky,” Chilla said.
“Slow down, focus on your heart, and take a deep breath. There’s always a way to solve a challenge. Let’s settle down and figure it out.”
Chilla and Lanky are wonderful role models for children. Through labeling each emotion, Chilla empowered Lanky to understand and communicate his feelings. It also enabled Lanky to be self-reliant and gave him power over his body.
By reciting his lyrical mantra and providing gentle encouragement, Chilla aids Lanky in staying mindful and in the moment. Important life skills for healthy and productive interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships we all must learn.
Lanky internalizing Chilla’s instructions in a proactive way shows children how to accept suggestions from others without feeling belittled or bossed around. Friends help friends.
Donald Wu’s vibrant illustrations offer just the right amount of warmth. He flawlessly captures the personalities of both characters.
Chilla’s calmness is evident in his steady gaze and self-assured smile, which he readily shares with Lanky. Lanky’s jumbled feelings leap from the page. The various emotions he’s experiencing are reflected in his cute, doe-like eyes.
HeartAlign Meditation is beautifully introduced through this story. I appreciated the information and the QR code about this program at the back of the book. A convenient resource for parents and teachers looking for a peaceful approach to their kids’ everyday lives.
Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart is a must-read aloud for any classroom teacher looking to develop self-regulation and emotional awareness in their students.
I give it 5 Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:
Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur Journey To The Heart is perfect for lessons on friendship, emotional regulation, and a theme on Emotions/Feelings.
Age Range: Preschool through grade 1.
Observing, wise, lounging, scrambling, feelings, anxiously, nervous, doubtful, restless, frustrated, generous, peace, thankfulness
About The Authors:
Kimberly Snyder: Kimberly Snyder’s holistic work as a New York Times best-selling author and Holistic wellness expert has led her current focus to the power of the heart and heart coherence: our ability to remain centered, create emotional intelligence and process big feelings from our hearts. Using her husband and sons as inspiration, she teaches young ones and families everywhere that they too can learn these simple tools and heart meditations to create more joy and peace in their lives!
Jon Bier: Jon Bier is a serial entrepreneur, strategist, angel investor, and Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Jack Taylor, a full-service public relations and communications agency. Jon is a bar-admitted non-practicing attorney. He lives in California and Hawaii with his wife Kimberly and their two boys.
April 19, 2024
Pistachio the Owl Book Review
Author: Kristi Shimada
Illustrator: Eko Setiawan
Publisher: Dreampath Publishing
Released: April 1, 2023
Format: Paperback, Kindle
ISBN: 979-8986775456
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 3 Lemon Drops
Three adorable owlets learn the importance of listening and trust!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.
Opinion:
Pistachio the Owl is a delightful tale about three cute owls who love playing games and exploring their woodland home. They are too young to fly, so they walk to get around.
One morning, the three of them went for a stroll along the beach. Pistachio spotted Laraby flying high above in the sky. Pistachio, eager to learn to fly from Laraby, stumbled on a rock and plunged into the ocean.
Laraby was fortunate enough to witness the young owl’s struggle and rescue him from drowning. After Pistachio recovers, the three siblings go back home and confess the truth to their parents regarding the earlier events.
The young owls are praised by their parents for being honest.
Kristi Shimada’s story is adorable and teaches valuable life lessons such as the importance of listening to your parents and being honest to establish trust in a relationship.
Pistachio the Owl’s cute rhyming scheme familiarizes young readers with the rhythmic nature of words when written in a particular manner. Teachers can emphasize rhyming words in a classroom and create a list of words that sound alike. Similarly, parents can do something alike at home. Instead of writing it down, they can just speak the words and listen to how they sound.
Additionally, I appreciated the Burrowing Owl facts and the various features at the end of the book, such as the coloring page and the maze.
Bright colors and a touch of charm fill Setiawan’s illustrations, bringing warmth to your heart.
I give it 3 Lemon Drops!
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Classroom Connection:
Pistachio the Owl would work well with a classroom theme on owls and families. Teachers can also incorporate the book with a lesson on rhyming.
Age Range: While the author suggests 5-7 years, it is also appropriate for read-alouds in preschool and pre-k settings.
Targeted Vocabulary:
Nestled, reminded, owlets, burrowing, explore, flailing, swooped, frown, comforted, adventure, dangerous, trust, honest
Resources:
PinterestAbout The Author:
Photo courtesy of Kristi Shimada via FacebookKristi Shimada is an award-winning children's book author. She wrote and illustrated her first unpublished book, The Little Shoe Shop, when she was eight. As a child, she loved the story of Cinderella because she saw the inner beauty, kindness, and strength in Cinderella, and she loved books with happily-ever-after endings.
About the Illustrator:
Eko Setiawan graduated from Maland State University with a degree in Graphic Design. He is an illustrator, book cover designer, and graphic artist. Check out his portfolio on Instagram: kyoze1987.
April 1, 2024
Prompt Me Kids Book Review
Author: Robin Woods
Illustrator: Robin Woods
Publisher: Epic Books Publishing
Released: August 29, 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1941077474
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5 Lemon Drops
This book will have your kiddos writing way past your bedtime!
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.
One of 10 books in The Prompt Me Series that encourages and guides writers on their journey into the creative writing realm.
Opinion:
I’ve reviewed several of Robin Woods’ Prompt Me Books and they’re all amazing. Not to be redundant but Robin’s latest installment to the series, Prompt Me Kids Workbook, is as equally engaging as the rest.
Right from the beginning, Woods offers advice on how to develop and hone writing skills. These are her three major steps to becoming a better writer: 1. Write often. 2. Read often. 3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each of these steps develops literacy skills as well as self-confidence.
There are so many features included in the book that are intentionally targeted to bolster a kid’s vocabulary and imagination. She also incorporates a writing sample to help kids get started on their new literary adventure.
Some sections include:
List It
Structure It
First Person Story Starters
You’re An Animal
Poetry That
Grammar Reference
She arranged the book into sections chock full of resources perfect for an aspiring or experienced writer. A writing skill is introduced with an example then the writer is given the opportunity to practice.
It would make a great supplement to any English or Creative Writing classroom. There are different techniques for brainstorming, various lists to bolster creativity, and word searches.
Although it is geared for older students, with the right modifications, elementary school educators could apply many of the exercises. (FYI: Robin Woods is a high school and university English and literature instructor, so she knows how to construct a rigorous writing module.)
As a creative writer and a former classroom teacher, I highly recommend this book for any classroom and aspiring author.
I give it 5 Lemon Drops!
About The Author:
Robin Woods is a former high school and university instructor with two and a half decades of experience teaching English, literature, and writing.
She earned a BA in English and an MA in education. In addition to teaching, Robin Woods has published six highly-rated novels and has multiple projects in the works.
When Ms. Woods isn’t teaching or writing, she is chasing her two kids around and spending time with her ever-patient husband.
For news and free writing resources you can visit her official site at:
And like her on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/robinwoodsfic...
March 27, 2024
Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings
Author: Stewart Sutters
Illustrator: Stewart Sutters
Publisher: Robot Books
Released: November 1, 2023
Format: Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle
ISBN: 978-1739540739
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 4 Lemon Drops
Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings is the perfect blend of humor, adventure, and wild imagination! Children and parents will enjoy it.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give an honest review.
Review:Book Summary:Stewbot, a robot made entirely of wood, is truly remarkable. He is a hero who travels through time, helping the tooth fairy reclaim her stolen wings from the impostor Tooth Doggy.
Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings is a charming tale about a little boy named Eddie. Every week, Eddie pays a visit to his grandparents. Once Mum leaves, Eddie quickly makes his way to the shed with Pops, who regales him with marvelous tales about Stewbot.
Eddie has some thrilling news this week - his tooth fell out when he woke up and he's hoping the tooth fairy will come tonight. Pops is bursting with inspiration to recount the incredible story of Stewbot and the Tooth Fairy, and how they foiled Tooth Doggy's sneaky plan.
The close bond between Eddie and Pops was something I truly valued. Eddie is at that magical age where parents and grandparents are seen as wondrous people who are incapable of making mistakes.
The cute rhyming scheme of Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings Introduces young readers to the playful rhythm of words when written in a specific way. In a classroom setting, teachers can highlight rhyming words and compile a list of related words with the same sound. At home, parents can also do something similar. Rather than writing it out, they can simply say the words and pay attention to the way they sound.
Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings also presents a STEM opportunity for parents and educators. Pops creates Stewbot using a combination of wood and shiny metal parts. Following a read aloud, children can unleash their creativity and make their very own Stewbot using shoeboxes or anything else that inspires them.
Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the chance to find Stewbot hidden on every page. This boosts children's capacity to concentrate and visually survey an entire book page.
Sutters’ vivid illustrations add the perfect blend of humor and adventure to his imaginative story.
I highly recommend this book for children 4-7 years of age!
I give it 4 Lemon Drops!
Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings would work well with a classroom theme on families or a Grandparent’s Day celebration. Teachers can also incorporate the book with a lesson on rhyming and to inspire creativity for a STEM activity.
Age Range: The author recommends 3-5 years.
Time-traveling, naughty, gangster, nibble, phenomenal, slobbering, terrible, imposter, mission, delighted, showdown, defeat, berserk, decay
Pinterest
Pinterest
About The Author & Illustrator:
Stewart Sutters is an author/illustrator from the UK. He wanted to write and illustrate a series of children’s stories that celebrates the special relationship between a child and grandparents, igniting fun, laughter, imagination, and infusing a little silliness into each story.
You can find out more about Stewart Sutters at stewbot.co.uk
Stewpot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings
Author: Stewart Sutters
Illustrator: Stewart Sutters
Publisher: Robot Books
Released: November 1, 2023
Format: Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle
ISBN: 978-1739540739
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 4 Lemon Drops
Stewpot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings is the perfect blend of humor, adventure, and wild imagination! Children and parents will enjoy it.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give an honest review.
Review:Book Summary:Stewbot, a robot made entirely of wood, is truly remarkable. He is a hero who travels through time, helping the tooth fairy reclaim her stolen wings from the impostor Tooth Doggy.
Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings is a charming tale about a little boy named Eddie. Every week, Eddie pays a visit to his grandparents. Once Mum leaves, Eddie quickly makes his way to the shed with Pops, who regales him with marvelous tales about Stewbot.
Eddie has some thrilling news this week - his tooth fell out when he woke up and he's hoping the tooth fairy will come tonight. Pops is bursting with inspiration to recount the incredible story of Stewbot and the Tooth Fairy, and how they foiled Tooth Doggy's sneaky plan.
The close bond between Eddie and Pops was something I truly valued. Eddie is at that magical age where parents and grandparents are seen as wondrous people who are incapable of making mistakes.
The cute rhyming scheme of Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings Introduces young readers to the playful rhythm of words when written in a specific way. In a classroom setting, teachers can highlight rhyming words and compile a list of related words with the same sound. At home, parents can also do something similar. Rather than writing it out, they can simply say the words and pay attention to the way they sound.
Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings also presents a STEM opportunity for parents and educators. Pops creates Stewbot using a combination of wood and shiny metal parts. Following a read aloud, children can unleash their creativity and make their very own Stewbot using shoeboxes or anything else that inspires them.
Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the chance to find Stewbot hidden on every page. This boosts children's capacity to concentrate and visually survey an entire book page.
Sutters’ vivid illustrations add the perfect blend of humor and adventure to his imaginative story.
I highly recommend this book for children 4-7 years of age!
I give it 4 Lemon Drops!
Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings would work well with a classroom theme on families or a Grandparent’s Day celebration. Teachers can also incorporate the book with a lesson on rhyming and to inspire creativity for a STEM activity.
Age Range: The author recommends 3-5 years.
Time-traveling, naughty, gangster, nibble, phenomenal, slobbering, terrible, imposter, mission, delighted, showdown, defeat, berserk, decay
Pinterest
Pinterest
About The Author & Illustrator:
Stewart Sutters is an author/illustrator from the UK. He wanted to write and illustrate a series of children’s stories that celebrates the special relationship between a child and grandparents, igniting fun, laughter, imagination, and infusing a little silliness into each story.
You can find out more about Stewart Sutters at stewbot.co.uk
January 5, 2024
What's The Hurry, Helma? Book Review
Author:Verena Zannantoni
Illustrator:Hank van der Gugten
Publisher:Marvelous Minds Press
Released:November 20, 2023
Format:Hardcover, Paperback
ISBN:979-8-9891604-1-9
Reviewer:Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 3Lemon Drops
Agreat story about the value of learning to follow directions, taking your time,and understanding that everyone’s actions have consequences.
Ireceived a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give anhonest review.
Review:BookSummary:Helma isbursting with excitement to start her rescue missions and prove she's the best.
Regrettably,Helma encounters difficulty in following her instructor Bernie's directions andnarrowly avoids disaster multiple times.
In the end, Helma understands thesignificance of taking time and listening to experienced individuals.
Opinion:What’sthe Hurry, Helma? Choppy Rescue Missions in Italy is a story that will resonate withmany young children.
Like most youngsters, Helma, the main character, possessesa spontaneous nature and a strong desire to assist.
Additionally, she aims toprove her capability in accomplishing tasks similar to a more seasoned rescuehelicopter.
As the storymoves along, Helma’s intense focus on the rescue missions causes her tocompletely disregard the direct instructions from her teacher. This issomething that many kids are notorious for.
Helmateaches children important lessons like patience, obedience, attentiveness,self-restraint, and understanding consequences.
A perfect cause-and-effect scenario occurs during a mission to save Bella theCat.
Bernie asks for more time to buckle Bella in, but Helma ignores his call.In consequence, Bella the Cat drops.
Fortunately, she doesn’t get hurt afterlanding in a bed of croissants.
This is theperfect opportunity for parents and teachers to talk about the consequences ofour actions.
What was the reason for Bella's fall? Helma's lack ofattentiveness to Bernie led to this. Bella's accident happened because Helmadidn't listen. The effect was Bella falling into a bed of croissants.
I enjoyedvan der Gugten’s colorful illustrations. They added a lot of pep and humor tothe story.
With that said, there are two aspects that could make the story better. Adding a section on the history of Bernese Mountain Dogs would benefit the readers'understanding of this lovable breed.
A few verseswere overly wordy and could benefit from revision.
I give it 31/2 Lemon Drops!
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ClassroomConnection:
Aclassroom theme on transportation or Italy would benefit from incorporating What’sthe Hurry, Helma? Choppy Rescue Missions in Italy, while also teachinglessons on impulse control, cause-and-effect, the value of taking your time,and following directions.
Age Range: Theauthor recommends 3-5 years.
TargetedVocabulary:
safety, wreck, inspection, croissant, cheeky, pounces, hovering,ignore
Resources:Teachers Pay TeachersBernese Mountain Dag
COMPARE/CONTRAST 2 SIMILAR LOOKING DOGS: ST. BERNARD & BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG (teacherspayteachers.com)
Bernese Mountain Dog Informational Passage by The Applied Language Arts Cache (teacherspayteachers.com)
Italy
Italy Unit Study {Free Sample} by Simple Living Creative Learning (teacherspayteachers.com)
FREE - Italy Map Outline by The Harstad Collection | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
FREE - Italy - 4 Posters by The Harstad Collection | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
About TheAuthor:
Growing up surrounded by thetall mountains of northern Italy, Verena fell in love with reading at an earlyage.
The young bookworm wiggled her way through so many stories at her locallibrary that one year she even set a record for borrowing the most books.
Though she's lived, worked,and studied in Germany, Australia and the US, her enduring love forstorytelling and her birthplace has remained unwavering.
This mom to twohelicopter-obsessed boys has now put pen to paper and written her firstchildren’s book: What’s the Hurry, Helma? Choppy Rescue Adventures in Italy.
Fueled by nostalgia and as away to revisit Verena’s childhood upbringing, the book takes place in SouthTyrol.
This Italian region is knownfor its stunning natural beauty, and the mountains and lakes provide theperfect backdrop for Helma’s first day as a rescue helicopter.
Her whirlwind adventures aredepicted in an entertaining way, whilst also teaching kids the value of slowingdown and listening to others.
About the Illustrator:
Atthe moment Henk is a musical creative teacher at an MBO. But for as long as hecan remember, he’s been drawing.
His first drawing memories is, that inkindergarten he made a drawing in his workbook.
But because he couldn't stop, he filled his entirebook in one morning. When he was done, he proudly walked to the teacher to showher his drawings.
But instead of them being his one compliment, he got hit onthe head. He wasn't supposed to make so many drawings.
He’sactually still that little boy who just wants to draw.
Inaddition to his work as a teacher, he has been working as an independentillustrator since October 2018.
December 30, 2023
2023 Lemon Drop Book Awards
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At the end of the year, I go through the books I've reviewed and give certificates to my favorites.
Congratulations to this year's winners!
