Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin by Dennis Conrad
Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is an exciting adventure in the ancient Roman Empire at the time of Christ. Eight-year-old Marcus and his father are on a mission for the emperor and visit a mine and a mint where coins are made. Marcus himself makes a denarius, a coin with the emperor’s image.
Marcus goes to Jerusalem where he sees Jesus hold a denarius saying, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What will seeing Jesus mean for Marcus, and will he ever be the same again?
Suggested reading age is 5 – 10 years old, I would say it’s closer to 8 – 10 yrs old. I thought it was a shorter picture book but it is more in depth than that. That said, it’s well written and will hold the imagination of most children as Marcus and his father go on an adventure, and Marcus learns how to make a coin.
Author Dennis Conrad brings in the teaching of Jesus’ about giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and does it in a simple way so a child can understand.
The illustrations are well done and children will be drawn to them. I especially like that the back of the book contains information and history to help children learn more about both coins and biblical history.
I recommend buying this for the child in your life, or adding it to your library.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Seed of Faith – A Christmas Miracle by Daniel Petronelli
It is Christmas Eve, and the small foothill Village of Shiloh was suffering from a severe drought. Aside from not having water for their crops, the people had no Christmas trees.
A father retells the story to his young daughter that took place forty years ago. A story that no one in the Village of Shiloh will ever forget.
So begins author Dan Petronelli’s eloquent parable of faith, chronicling the spiritual journey of a group of young boys.
The boys hatched a plan to secretly climb over the mountain in search of a beautiful, living Christmas tree, a symbol of hope, to bring back home to their Village.
They did not know that a perilous blizzard was on its way.
A story for both boys and girls, A Seed of Faith teaches great lessons about not only faith, but about caring for others and sharing what we have been blessed with.
A Seed of Faith will make you want to grab a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows while you read about the adventure of 6 boys who want to give one town a tree for Christmas. Christmas miracles do happen!
With almost old fashioned illustrations, this book is good for those readers new to chapter books. I’ll definitely be sharing it with my grandsons.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
A Little Christian’s 123s by Lila Noffsinger
With sing-songy rhymes and adorable illustrations, this joyful book brings your children on a captivating journey through Bible stories, teaches numbers, and introduces little ones to the love of Jesus Christ.
This sweet book is perfectly simple for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, but packed with truth from the Bible! Simple rhymes highlight important truths, and the big, recognizable numbers help little ones become familiar with 1-10.
In this adorable Christian book, children will:
- Learn 1-10 with big, recognizable numbers
- Enjoy colorful and engaging illustrations
- Learn memorable rhymes about beloved Bible stories
- Be reminded of Jesus Christ’s love for them!
This book is perfect for:
- Both boys and girls
- Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners (ages 0-5)
- Parents who want to engage their children’s hearts and minds
- Gifts for baby showers, baptisms, birthdays, Easter, or Christmas
This delightful counting book comes with simple but lovely illustrations all based on a well known Bible story. Not only are your littles learning to count but they are learning the Word at the same time. In the back of the book are scriptures to enhance each number as well as a website to coloring pages that can be downloaded.
Of course, at the end the child is assured of God’s love for them. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Guess How Much God Loves You by Karen Ferguson
Guess How Much God Loves You is the story of seven-year-old Lucy Lu, a colorful, creatively curious first-grader, who is starting to have serious questions about God.
- How old is He?
- Does He sleep?
- What does He do all day?
- And the biggest one of all—does God love me?
After one particularly hard day of being bullied by her classmates at school, Lucy feels like she doesn’t matter. She sits with Papa Joe, who has promised to answer her questions about God, launching them onto a journey to discover God’s never-changing, never-failing, never-ending love.
What follows is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her papa find themselves in the middle of each page of the exciting story of God’s love and faithfulness for all people throughout all of history.
Author Karen Ferguson takes us on an adventure through creation. Lucy is full of questions and I loved that. God is never afraid of our questions. We learn so much that way.
Beautiful illustrations teach children about creation, and about the fact that they were created in God’s image. Your elementary aged children will love it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Happy Rainbow by Lillian Jane McAdoo
THE HAPPY RAINBOW is a story of getting through troubles and trials, of friendship, neighbors, and teamwork, and most importantly, the power of prayer. This excellent homeschool book includes many interesting facts about rainbows and exactly what they are.
How fun that grandma and granddaughter wrote this book together. Young Lillian Jane McAdoo will have more books to write, I’d venture to guess.
This is a wonderful story that reminds us of God’s love for us and that He hears us when we pray. The illustrations are sweet and colorful. And the book includes many rainbow facts, making it a great resource for your use when teaching children about rainbows.
Grab a copy of The Happy Rainbow and enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Do Your Best, Tess! by Janet Morris Grimes
Tess is as scattered as the toys and clothes all over her floor. She flits from one activity to another and forms the habit of never finishing anything.
But when her dream is on the line, she discovers the importance of not getting distracted so she can finish what she starts.
Do Your Best, Tess! is a read-aloud participation book. The reader will encourage and cheer for Tess as she learns to truly do her best.
The first in the Character is a Choice! Series.
A good story for children on the importance of focusing and doing your work. While Tess had consequences, she also had second chances.
The sing-songy style will attract younger children who will want to shout Do Your Best, Tess along with the reader of the story. This will help it stick in their minds as they go about their day. The colorful illustrations will help to keep their attention.
I recommend it for young readers. Younger children will enjoy having it read to them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Newton Chronicles: Soldiers, Crystals, and Temples by Terry Overton
Luke Alexander’s father is “missing, presumed dead.” But Luke is confident that his father has set off on an adventure and needs his help. Searching through his father’s office, Luke—along with his friends Nathan, a pastor’s kid, and Lydia, a world traveler who knows several languages—discovers some confusing notes about Isaac Newton and finds a strange watch that once belonged to his grandfather. Knowing his archaeologist father was on the hunt for Solomon’s temple, Luke and his friends decide to start a search of their own. Little do they know that their search will take them on the wildest adventures of their lives and make the stories of Solomon’s temple and other biblical events seem more real than they ever thought possible. But will their adventures lead them to Luke’s father, or will they only wind up with more questions than answers?
Soldiers, Temples, and Crystals is an excellent book for anyone who loves a good adventure and who wants to find the truth that is found only in God’s Word. This first book in The Newton Chronicles will make history and the Bible come alive for readers both young and old.
A time travel story that will teach about Solomon’s Temple and many other Bible happenings while giving the reader a grand adventure, it is well done for preteens and young teens. Even adults can learn from it and have fun
I love that this book speaks to the curiosity that is natural in a child and needs to be fostered. The Newton Chronicles is fun, informative, imaginative, and even sometimes emotional. I highly recommend it for your young reader!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
There’s No Plan Like No Plan by Steve Searfoss
Chance & Addie are back for a new adventure. Riding high off of the success of their first business, they decide to launch a new venture, this time shoveling snowy driveways in the winter. They are full of confidence: they have a team of kids, a shed full of shovels, repeat customers, and, best of all, a great plan. But sometimes the perfect plan can get in the way of adapting to something as fickle as the weather. Will they learn to be flexible and figure out how to make this new venture work? They’re losing money fast as new challenges pile up faster than the falling snow. Perhaps a curious new partner can show them the way.
KidVenture stories are business adventures where kids figure out how to market their company, understand risk, and negotiate. Each chapter ends with a challenge, including business decisions, ethical dilemmas and interpersonal conflict for young readers to wrestle with. As the story progresses, the characters track revenue, costs, profit margin, and other key metrics which are explained in simple, fun ways that tie into the story.
First, although this is volume two in the series, it does read as a stand alone. I haven’t read volume one, Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue, and had no problem following this one.
Author Steve Searfoss believes that children can be entrepreneurs, and that learning can be fun. Then he proceeds to show them that in his KidVenture series.There’s No Plan Like No Plan will teach your child how to start a business, what is entailed, and what can go wrong. All through a fun story with Chance and Addie, who will learn that a snow shoveling business can be a lot of work.
Included at the end of each chapter are questions to encourage discussion and thinking. They will also encourage the reader to ponder things from an ethical point of view.
Well written for 8 – 13 yr olds, I recommend it for that young business person in your life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Stories of God (and Kiki) by Dave Connis
From the creators of The Inventions of God (and Eva) comes a delightfully illustrated picture book that tells the story of would-be author and artist Kiki—and the God who created her to be a lot like Him.
Little Kiki is an aspiring author and illustrator who weaves daring tales about swashbuckling otters, all-knowing sea cucumbers, and nail-biting rescues from the clutches of gerblins (part gerbil, part goblin). But where do her imagination, creativity, and ideas come from?
Meet God, the author of all stories. He writes adventurous tales such as Esther Saves Her Family and Friends, Jesus and the Tomb that Couldn’t Hold Him, and the Story of Kiki.
Kiki loves to write but sometimes she forgets to include important pieces (like the time she forgot to give the ship’s cook a kitchen). God also loves to write, and He knows exactly what every story needs. They are both writing their biggest story of all, and the endings are bound to be incredible.
Children and parents alike will delight in the playful illustrations, imaginative side stories, and the gentle reminder that the image of God is alive in each of us.
Brightly colored illustrations are sure to attract your child. Author Dave Connis has written a simple story that is deeper than you think. It shows that God has a playful, imaginative side and that He has created us to be that way too. This book teaches that God thinks we’re awesome, and that we’re made in His image. Wonderful things for a child to learn.
I did find the book lacking in some areas. While Kiki’s stories are made up, I would have liked the author to explain that God’s stories are true. And at the end is a glorious party that everyone is invited to. That’s true, but not everyone will attend the party. That could have been touched on in a way that children will understand. But all in all it’s a fairly well done, creative book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Crowned with Glory by Dorena Williamson
An ode to Black hair and Black girl joy, this joy-filled rhyming picture book invites young readers into the world of a young Black girl as she rocks her God-given beauty.
Hello, world! I’m a gift from above.
I already know that I am loved.
Gazing around with a great big grin—
there’s a whole wide world for me to take in.
From the hair on her head to the tips of her toes, Azira knows that she is awesome! And whether it’s styled in twists, curls, braids, Bantu knots, a textured bun, or left totally natural, her hair is just one of the countless things that helps Azira celebrate who God made her to be. She’s able to live out a beautiful story because God has crowned her with glory—and Azira wants you to do the same!
Young readers will be inspired by this empowering, uplifting reminder to always be and love who God created them to be.
This book made me smile and warmed my heart. To see a young black girl with her glorious hair celebrated is a beautiful thing. It’s way past time.
Beyond ethnicity, it’s a wonderful story about being exactly who God created you to be. This is a fabulous book for all to read. And the illustrations are gorgeous, bringing even more joy to the book. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Bandana Acres; Kit’s New Home & Journal by Kathy J Perry
“Wait! That’s not a coyote. Is he here to help me?”
FIRE! Kit must find a new home in the woods. She is surrounded by wild coyotes. A bandana buddy comes to her rescue. Did she earn his friendship?
Similar to Winnie-the-Pooh, it’s a fun book for emerging readers transitioning from picture to chapter books.
- Easy to read font
- Words in purple for Kit’s inside thoughts (reluctant readers, start here)
- Map
- Glossary
- “What If” Discussion section for application to the story and real life.
- Theme: Trust
- Cute illustrations kids will love
Book Five in the Bandana Acres series takes on the subject of earning trust, because it’s not something that is automatically given. This time we are meeting Kit the Fox, who will be taught how to be a friend by the other animals. Kit learns that it is important to tell the truth and to be loyal.
Good illustrations will keep your child’s attention, and as always there is a map, glossary, and “What if” questions to help you discuss trust with your child.
Along with the book was the My Bandana Acres Journal. Your child will be encouraged to write about themselves, their dreams, and thoughts. Great questions will give them something to journal about, and there are doodling pages to encourage creativity. A wonderful set of books, I highly recommend them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Bandana Acres; Hootin Goes Outside by Kathy J Perry
Written by an award-winning author and recommended by Character First Education.
“How long will you be gone?”
The barn owlets are hungry! Their mom, Hootin, must find a way to get more food. Can she trust her bandana buddies to take care of her babies during the storm?
Similar to Winnie-the-Pooh, it’s a fun book for emerging readers transitioning from picture to chapter books.
- East to read font
- Words in blue for Hootin’s inside thoughts (reluctant readers, start here)
- Map
- Glossary
- “What If” Discussion section for application to the story and real life.
- Theme: Flexibility
- Cute illustrations kids will love
This has been a great series, and I heartily recommend it for your young reader. Each book teaches about a specific animal in a fun way. It also teaches about friendship and other positive traits we want to instill in our children.
I really like that there’s a glossary so children can learn what new words mean. And the “What If” discussion questions are a great way to get your child to talk about serious things in a comfortable way.
Grab a copy to share with your child!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Bandana Acres; Nibbler and Captain Make Peace by Kathy Perry
Nibbler, a beaver, works so hard. When Captain, a river otter, comes to play in his pond, he causes damage and even more work for Nibbler. He tries to ignore the problem at first. Then he verbally attacks Captain. Fortunately, Ollie, the farm dog, hears the comotion and comes by to see what’s wrong. He listens to Nibbler and asks a few good questions. After a walk, Nibbler calms down and has a new perspective. He talks to Captain and they share a little about themselves. The beaver comes up with a brilliant idea and Captain eventually agrees. They work together to solve a problem and become friends as well.
Another good story by author Kathy Perry, this time about a beaver who is struggling with an otter in his pond. I love that Perry has a great solution to the problem, instead of just saying that Nibbler was wrong in his behavior. Our kids need solutions and alternative behaviors. And gaining a friend is always good, too.
Entertaining with a good moral, this book also contains fun pictures and maps, helping your child to picture what is happening and where. Add in some “what if’s” to think about and this is a book that will help any child navigate life. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
If I could Ask Jesus by Donna Wyland
Children are curious about heaven and angels. These are some of the questions they ask.
Author Donna Wyland writes about questions children may have regarding angels. Done in a rather sing-song way, Wyland combines a child’s curious questions with cute, bright pictures depicting everyday angel life; at least to a child. Some of the questions may seem silly to an adult, but to a child they are honest questions. Children are inquisitive and that needs to be encouraged. And this book will encourage more questions so get ready.
This rhyming story is one any young child would enjoy and I recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Bandana Acres; Rascal’s Trip by Kathy Perry
Young, unthinking, and impetuous, Rascal gets swept away by a whirlwind into a forest filled with uncertainty. Injured, but able to walk, he secures a safe place for the night. Jasper, a rabbit, greets him in the morning. He provides breakfast and offers to get Ollie, the farm dog, to help him find his way home. But, Rascal doesn’t listen to Jasper’s instruction. He wanders away and gets into still more trouble. Fortunately, Ollie arrives in time to save his life. There’s a serious discussion about the importance of thinking ahead. Rascal promises to remember this lesson and Ollie leads him home where he shares his adventures, and what he’s learned, with his mom.
Has your child ever acted impetuously, or chosen not to listen when given instructions? Of course they have and so has Rascal. Rascal’s Trip will show the reader that it can be dangerous to do these things and help them learn to think more carefully with the help of his friends.
As with all of the books in the Bandana Acres series, you’ll find a map and delightful pictures that will help to feed the imagination. And there is a “what if” section of things to think about along with a glossary of words that may be a challenge, making this a great learning opportunity in more than one way. I highly recommend it for the young reader.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Liberty Lane and the One-Girl Rebelution by Shaylene King
A modern retelling of the book of Esther creatively reimagined for a younger generation.
The confident but often stubborn spitfire, Liberty Lane O’Shea strongly stands for what she believes in; from standing on tables at school to boycott the high calorie foods they are serving, to standing in the pouring rain outside Target to protest their lack of chic rain attire. When the reigning queen of the Royal Crown competition is fired, the “King” of Sir Frederick Preparatory School and his talent scout search for the next big star. Liberty Lane is discovered and asked to compete. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, she agrees to vie for the crown.
Everything Liberty Lane stands for will be tested when she encounters a malicious contestant intent to secure himself the crown by destroying his competition which just happens to include Liberty Lane herself!
This is a great read for tweens! Can you imagine if you were put in the place of Esther/Liberty? Because of course we are here for such a time as this and it’s great for our tweens to remember that. They aren’t an accident!
Liberty stands up for what she believes is right and often what she thinks is right is important to a tween. Esther was tested and so will Liberty be tested. And so will our teens. Let’s arm them with wholesome books like this, that follow scripture and characters who set a good example. With humor and fun characters, I’m sure your tween will enjoy getting to know Liberty Lane.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Feebs to the Rescue: Bandana Acres by Kathy J Perry
Can a kitten help a dog in trouble? She can if she has compassion and courage!
Even though she’s new to the farm, Feebs’ willingness to help Ollie outweighs her fear of being in a new place alone at night. She leads a rescue after a storm causes a branch to break, fall, and pin poor Ollie to the ground.
She’s awarded an awesome red “bandana” that shows she’s part of the bandana buddies – a club created by Maddie for the animals as they learn important lessons or show valuable friendship qualities. Feebs is introduced to a new friend the next day: a barn owl.
I love a good children’s book, and this one is no exception. A book in the Bandana Acres series, this is perfect for the early reader. I love some of the special things about it. Things such as the characters thoughts being in red, making them easy to spot. There is also a glossary of new words and a what if section. All with great illustrations that are sure to draw your child into the story.
The animals are adorable and the lessons are valuable. Your child will learn about helping, being brave, and including others. Add in a cute little girl who gives out bandanas, this book is a good attention to your child’s library. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Chased by M. Liz Boyle
It’s been a year since Marlee, her sisters, and the Miles boys survived an avalanche. Sure, it was a little embarrassing for them when all the neighbors saw them on the news, but they love being outdoors, and what are the odds that another tragedy would strike this adventurous group? Has anyone calculated the statistics of being hit with two natural disasters? It has to be low, so of course the two families planned to backpack again this summer.
When the teens first meet Thad, a dehydrated hiker on the trail, they give him water and food and help him recover. He seems harmless until he tells them to hike a few extra miles at sunset. Then Lydie finds a hand-drawn map that Thad dropped, and they discover why he is so eager to get away from the Stanley girls and Miles boys. So eager that he starts chasing them.
Now they have to climb up unforgiving ridges, sneak through the night, and – is that thunder and lightning? To make matters worse, Marlee has a nagging worry that her older sister Ellie is preparing to move away from home.
What is God’s plan? How will they get away from Thad before it’s too late?
The second book in the Off the Itinerary series, it can be read as a standalone. But do read book 1 as it makes book 2 more enjoyable.
Author M. Liz Boyle pens a story full of adventure and suspense. The five teens are always in some kind of danger, it seems, but they have each other and their faith in God. That being said, I love that Marlee shares her faith without embarrassment.
These teens are written to be very mature; not silly and childish as you sometimes find in books. I especially enjoyed that the parents are involved to a point, and they are good role models. Strong families are shown, yet the story is about the teens.
A great plot, with good descriptions of the mountains and the woods, I would recommend this for any teen.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I Spy a Tiger by Clyde and Anne San Juan
Worship daily in rhyme, reading I Spy a Tiger with the young ones in your life. On this colorful journey, introduce them to Adam’s beloved naming of the animal kingdom, God’s awesome design, along with a bit of His humor too! I Spy a Tiger invites young and old alike, “There is so much for us to see and explore! Go on … have a look … it’s right out your door!”
Colorful pictures and fun rhymes will make this enjoyable for your child. I like that children are encouraged to go out and explore the world that God created.
The rhymes did seem rather silly and contrived at some points but young children won’t care. Grab a copy for a child in your life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Fear No Evil by Allen Brokken
Lost and alone in a valley of darkness, Lauren, Aiden and Ethan must call upon their faith to stand against the Dark One’s forces and prove they will fear no evil.
Across the land of Zoura, people and creatures alike continue to fall prey to the persuasion of darkness. The seeds of evil pollute not only those outside the Light, but those within it. Pitting neighbor against neighbor. Brother against brother. The Dark One gains ground in his pursuit to shroud the heathlands in eternal darkness. Zoura’s only hope lies with three children.
Twelve-year-old Lauren and her younger brothers, Aiden and Ethan, are determined to reignite the Tower of Light in Blooming Glen. But an attack by dark forces separates them, driving them into a valley of darkness. Without each other or their Knight Protector, the three siblings must navigate the wilderness while fending off creatures tainted by evil. They fight not just for Zoura, but for their own survival.
Will the darkness overtake Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan? Or will they prove their faith is stronger and that they fear no evil?
Book 3 in the Towers of Light series, first I would recommend your child read books 1 & 2 as it’s a continuing story. It will make reading Fear No Evil a better experience.
Author Allen Brokken writes a story of good vs evil, with children being the main characters. Along the way they learn to fight evil using God’s methods, including scripture, so there’s a valuable lesson to be learned. It was good to see what we classify as normal behavior from a child addressed and repented of.
Mixing faith and fantasy, this book is sure to please especially the middle schooler who enjoys fantasy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Trouble Blows West by Monique Bucheger
Ginnie doesn’t always think…
…sometime she just acts.
Was it a mistake to stand up to the bully?
Gennie and the bully, Pierce, get sent to the principal’s office. It doesn’t matter if he had threatened her twin brother, Toran, they both are suspended. Two days off school isn’t the scary part.
What will her dad say?
Things get taken up a notch, next. When the West twins and Chandler brothers execute a prank to get back at Pierce, it doesn’t turn out like they’d planned.
What Ginnie sees is terrifying.
Pierce is being beaten by his father.
Bullying is wrong, but now Ginnie has to come to grips with understanding what he might be going through.
How will she handle it?
You’ll love this compelling story that deals with every teacher’s greatest fear…child abuse. For fans of Judy Blume, who like a book that doesn’t shy away from the hard problem in life.
Author Monique Bucheger writes a story that tackles some tough subjects head on. Bullying, child abuse, understanding, forgiveness. We plainly see right and wrong as well as consequences for our action.
Along with all the raw emotions Bucheger writes about strong family ties. Standing up to a bully. Growing up and maturing. All great lessons for a teen.
Well written and with good character development, this is a good book for your teen girl.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Maylie and the Maze by M.L. Tarpley
Will Maylie’s dream be crushed by her own imagination?
Ten-year-old Maylie Montes’s dream is to become an author, but she has a problem. She can’t finish a story. Not a single one.
Her second problem is Camden, her annoying twin brother, who is determined to ruin their summer traveling through Europe with their famous photographer aunt and spunky grandma.
The first stop is England where a castle and maze, a new British friend, and a lot of weird words await Maylie—but the first item on her itinerary is to learn how to write, so she can finally finish a story. However, this goal may land her a one-way ticket home after her writing targets her brother in a spooky story involving a nighttime maze full of monsters. And Camden has his own plans, leaving Maylie to wonder if her imagination has actually become a reality.
Maylie and the Maze is a great story for your young reader. Author M.L. Tarpley takes us on an adventure, traveling through England with Maylie. Your reader will not only tour England, but will learn things about people and culture. So along with a fun story, they’ll be learning new things.
The characters, especially Maylie and Camden, are true to life. They may be twins but they still deal with sibling rivalry and other normal sibling challenges, while growing both individually and together.
I highly recommend this book for your pre-teen, and look forward to the next one in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Petersen
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby, the Lost Jewels of Anniera, are hiding from Gnag the Nameless in the Green Hollows, one of the few places in the land of Aerwiar not overrun by the Fangs of Dang. But there’s a big problem. Janner’s little brother–heir to the throne of Anniera–has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows, he looks like a monster.
But Janner knows better. His brother isn’t as scary as he looks. He’s perfectly harmless. Isn’t he?
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, The Monster in the Hollows is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks.
Author Andrew Petersen continues his fantasy series for readers both young and old(er). This is part of his Wingfeather Saga series but could be read as a standalone. But don’t do it. Get the first two books and read them together as a family.
In The Monster in the Hollows Petersen writes about a little brother who people are assuming things about, based on his appearance. What a great theme for children as they are learning not to judge based on looks.
With delightful characters, great descriptions, and wonderful story lines, I highly recommend the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The Warden and the Wolf King by Andrew Petersen
All winter long, people in the Green Hollows have prepared for a final battle with Gnag the Nameless and the Fangs of Dang. Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli are ready and willing to fight alongside the Hollowsfolk. But when the Fangs make the first move and invade Ban Rona, the children are separated.
Janner is alone and lost in the hills; Leeli is fighting the Fangs from the rooftops of the city; and Kalmar, who carries a terrible secret, is on a course for the Deeps of Throg. Monsters and Fangs and villains lie between the children and their only hope of victory in the epic conclusion of The Wingfeather Saga.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, The Warden and the Wolf King is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks.
The final in the Wingfeather Saga author Andrew Petersen, who is an incredible story teller, wraps up the series, tying up loose ends but allowing for the reader to imagine some things. I recommend grabbing the entire set for family reading time.
Rich descriptions, well done characters, along with a riveting story line make this a must read for those who enjoy fantasy and adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Vicky Sluiter 