Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

Teacher’s Comments: Vervain has made satisfactory progress and has achieved an average level in most subjects.

What do you think, Diary? Yes, I know it’s not a BAD report but words like SATISFACTORY and AVERAGE just don’t feel like me. I’ve looked up ‘average’ in the dictionary. It says: a middle place between two extremes, usual, normal.

I don’t want to be NORMAL, I want to be spectacular! I feel special inside. Does everyone feel special? Maybe it’s just normal to feel special and I’m not actually special at all.

Diary, do you think I can be average and special at the same time?

Vervain isn’t the smartest, the most stylish or the best at flying and magic – she’s just an average fairy. But when the magical kingdom is threatened by evil, she finds herself central to its safety. Through her anything-but-average adventures, Vervain learns that true friendship is precious and that ordinary folk can do the most extraordinary things.

Vervain shares these exciting adventures with her diary and confides her thoughts and feelings. She struggles with difficult emotions – fear, anger, envy, sadness, grief, yet infects us with her determination, her delight of simple pleasures, and her exhilaration at overcoming obstacles.

The author M.M. Hillman is a practicing therapist. Using a language of emotion that children understand, she invites us into a world of mythical creatures who are just like you and me. Amusing and sometimes very moving – a tale that neither children nor adults will forget.

Review:

Vervain is an average fairy who is barely tall enough to make it into Fairy School, but she does. She reluctantly begins Fairy School with a squeamish stomach and all. So she takes out her piece of rainbow, her secret weapon to cheer herself up. It fills the room with color – yellow, reds, greens and blues that dazzle so much. It calms her down. She writes in her diary daily. In it she shares her innermost feelings. She loves the simple pleasures that life holds for her.  In her diary, she talks about her exciting adventures and experiences. But she is just an average fairy, although she does feel spectacular and very special.

But soon the magical kingdom is in peril, and Vervain finds herself in the middle and able to help. She engages in adventures that are anything but normal.  She learns that friends are important and that, although she is average, she can do anything she puts her mind to. She is brave and helps to free the kingdom of the tyranny of Magowr.

Diary of an Average Fairy is anything but average. It is a fabulous tale about an average normal fairy that does great things to help the fairy kingdom. It has a message to middle grade and teen kids that it’s alright to be just average. And that being average doesn’t limit them from doing great things. Vervain expresses her many feelings of fear, anger and sadness in her diary. Her diary tells of her many experiences, good and bad, at school and during her free time.

I know that children will really relate to Diary of an Average Fairy. It touches, extensively, on all the issues and problems that middle grade and teens go through. It is exciting and entertaining with creatures, fairies and foes. The way that author M M Hillman describes things like the magical kingdom, the fairies, the creatures and the surroundings, is lush and rich. A true delight for the imagination and the senses. It is a splendid, beautiful place that any child will marvel in, and want to visit in this book.

Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman is engaging, even for me as an adult. I loved it and I can see how any child, young or older, will love it. They will totally relate to it. The characters will remind them of themselves and their friends and even those that give them a hard time. They will relate to the various scenarios too. It will speak to their self-consciousness and to their insecurities. It will encourage them to be brave and show them that their feelings are normal.

The characters are great. They are genuine, well developed and have fun personalities with strengths and weaknesses. Children will see themselves in and relate to the various characters.

It is written extremely well. It is smart and easy to read. It is written in the form of a diary – Vervain’s diary. It completely works and is composed with skill and creativity. I love it when I read a book that is written so well in every aspect. It’s important that kids read books that are written and edited well. This one hits a home run in that area.

Diary of an Average Fairy is unique and beautiful fantasy tale. Its premise is original and authentic.

It has a positive message that kids will glean from. It truly is splendid with gorgeous descriptions and with a very entertaining delightful storyline. I recommend that parents get a copy of this book for their kids. They will really love, and enjoy, it. They will learn from it. Parents can rest assured that it will be very appropriate and fitting for their child.

Overall, Diary of an Average Fairy is a glorious, charming and delightful story that captivates the reader and causes them to see vivid scenery and fairies, to feel various emotions and to enjoy a story well told.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Diary of an Average Fairy by M M Hillman

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The Bridge Monster by Michael J DiPinto

The Bridge Monster Michael J DiPinto

What is living under the bridge? A monster you say? He will not eat you, he is only curious, little mischievous and shy. He is looking for a friend, someone to help put a smile on his face

Review:

The bridge monster lives under the bridge. He is a nice monster and would do no harm to anyone.

He is smart, shy, and curious, and just a little bit of a rascal.  No one has seen the bridge monster, but all know he’s there. When the cars drive over, he growls. He sometimes tries to grab the tires of the cars passing over and tries to shake the car. Sometimes he growls loud and shakes the bridge really hard. The boaters look up to see if they can see him when their passing under the bridge. He won’t relent, he’s always trying to get attention. He is smart because he knows when the bridge tender is going to raise the bridge. He is brave and feisty and will ride up as the bridge is rising to sneak a peek at the cars and people. He just wants to make friends and wave at the passersby.

The Bridge Monster by Michael J DiPinto is a sweet short story for young children. It teaches kids not to be afraid of riding over bridges in the car. That the noises are nothing to be afraid of and the rattling is not going to hurt them. Most young children are afraid of things like riding over bridges. The sounds and rattling scares them. Some may literally think there is a monster under the bridge. Their minds are young and they don’t comprehend what is happening.

So, Michael J DiPinto has composed a cute story about a good and kind monster that lives under the bridge. One that is playful and curious about the kids in the cars. The fact that the monster is nice and loving helps kids to realize that they don’t have to worry about such things that shake and rattle loud.

The Bridge Monster is a perfect story for young children who tend to be afraid of such things. It is perfect for all young readers too. The words are short and easy to read. The book isn’t too long, which helps with young children and readers that have short attention spans. The illustrations are charming and simple. I love the pictures. They remind me of yesteryear, being a little old fashioned in appearance. It’s just a charming all around book and story.

I read The Bridge Monster to my granddaughters and they were so intrigued. They are young and are afraid of things like the vacuum cleaner. I could see their little minds ticking away and thinking about the story and plot. “He’s a good monster and the bridge is fun,” my granddaughter said. They were delighted to know that there are good monsters too. This book really had a good influence and meaning to them. They laughed and pointed at the pictures. They loved it!

The Bridge Monster by Michael J DiPinto is a wonderful engaging children’s book. My children loved it and I’m sure yours will too.

Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends The Bridge Monster.

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Sally the Crab by Lauren Dragon

Sally the Crab by Lauren Dragon

Sally the Crab was a Finalist in the National book Competition, Best Book Awards by American Book Fest.A tale of adventure and fun that delves into the themes of friendship and courage. Sally is a hermit crab with a beautiful shell that is admired by many. However, Molly is her best friend. Unfortunately, though one day Molly has to move away and shortly thereafter Sally outgrows her shell. She then goes on a quest to search for another one, but realizes looking for a new home is not as easy for a crab as one might think. Even when Sally could have been frustrated or upset, this crab stays true to herself and is nice to the other creatures she meets. What kind of encounters will Sally come across along her journey and exactly what kind of home will she end up with? Follow this graceful crab on her marvelous adventure!

5 Big Stars for Sally the Crab – Reading with your Kids Podcast.

Review:
Sally the hermit crab is happy, outgoing and popular. She lives in a beautiful colorful shell. Everyone admires her shell. Sally has a best friend named Molly. They have fun together every day. But, then Molly has to move to another reef. They are both sad as they say goodbye forever.

Soon, Sally begins to outgrow her shell, so she goes on a journey to search for a new one. She kindly gives away her beautiful shell to another crab in need.

On her adventure to find a new shell, Sally comes across many different sea creatures. She meets a turtle, a blue crab, a stingray, and some funny clown fish. No matter how she tries, she just can’t find the perfect shell to live in. Some other hermit crabs feel sorry for her because she can’t find a suitable shell. She isn’t looking for a beautiful one, just a comfortable one. But none of the shells that the hermit crabs have are the right fit for Sally.

Then one day her friend Molly arrives with a surprise for Sally. It’s a big shell for Sally to live in. “But, it’s too big,” Sally tells Molly. Molly says that it is for both of them to live in together. No one wants to live alone. So best friends, Sally and Molly, got to live happily together.

Sally the Crab is a fabulous little story for young children and readers. It is full of lessons for children. Sally has to cope with the loss of a best friend and the change and challenge of finding a new home. Which teaches children about change, determination and hard work. It also touches on the importance of friendship and kindness, as the many sea creatures try to help Sally, and when Sally kindly gives away her own beautiful shell, she does it humbly and without regret.

I loved the way our author, Lauren Dragon, portrays Sally. Throughout the entire story, Sally never complains or has a bad attitude. She just keeps on trying to find a new shell for her home and is kind to everyone she meets. Sally could have been upset and overly frustrated but she chose to have a good attitude. Great lesson for children.

In Sally the Crab, children are introduced to various types of colorful sea animals and their own habitats. She even touches on the personalities of the creatures, like the grumpy blue crab.

In the end, children learn that life is good and full of unexpected surprises, when Molly, Sally’s best friend, returns home with a shell made for the two of them. Sally was rewarded for her patience, kindness and hard work.

Sally the Crab by Lauren Dragon is a beautiful heartwarming, adventurous children’s book. The illustrations are colorful, whimsical and vivid. I read Sally the Crab to my little granddaughters and they loved it. It held their attention and thrilled them as we turned each page. They loved learning about the sea creatures and they loved Molly.

At the end of the book there are a few special pages where children can color and draw each character – a special added bonus that my grandchildren loved. I just ordered another Sally the Crab book, because they don’t want to share just the one. Also, there is an informative section describing how to own and care for your own little hermit crabs. Those extra added pages make the Sally the Crab book extra special.

Sally the Crab is Lauren Dragon’s first children’s book. It is excellent in every way. We hope to see more books written for children by this exceptional new children’s book author.

Chick Lit Cafe fully recommends Sally the Crab by Lauren Dragon to young children and readers.

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Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream by Yossi Lapid

Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream by Yossi Lapid

Kate dreams of skating at the Winter Olympics, and Snowman Paul and Dan are determined to help her reach her dream. Does Kate have what it takes to shine at the Winter Games? This book teaches your kids the valuable life lessons of perseverance, teamwork and being true to yourself.

“Wow!” cried out Paul as he watched Kate,

“You surely do know how to skate!”

“Do I?” asked Kate with a big grin –

“Paul, can you teach me how to win?”

“Oh yes!” said Paul “A tip or two,

Will make a winner out of you!…

Fast paced and stunningly illustrated with 42 full-page watercolors, this book is perfect for cold winter days and warm summer times. Children and parents alike will enjoy this fun rhyming story. It is a great bedtime story, and it is ideal for beginner readers. It makes a beautiful gift, and it will show you how much fun winter can be if you embrace your imagination.

Are you ready to experience the Olympic thrill?

Review:

Kate is practicing her ice skating moves when Snowman Paul notices how good she really is, and he tells her so. Kate asks Snowman Paul if he would please help her to train for the Winter Olympics.

Paul happily agrees and he asks his friend Dan to help out too. Dan reluctantly agrees after Snowman Paul tells Dan that he will help him with his chess game after they help Kate.

So, they work together as a team to help Kate achieve her Olympic dream. She works on her jumps, she works on her speed, but she thinks that she isn’t good enough and wants to quit. Snowman Paul and Dan tell her that she can do it, and they encourage her to follow through with her dream. At the Olympics Kate did a splendid job. Snowman Paul was proud of Kate and told her that she did well because she followed through with her Olympic Dream. He told her that she scored a big success by achieving her goal. Then, they happily helped Dan improve on his chess game.

I am speechless when it comes to the Snowman Paul series by Yossi Lapid. They are filled with such wonderful lessons, for young children ages 3-8, to learn. There are many morals and lessons for children to learn from the Snowman Paul series.

In Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream the lesson is about not giving up, finishing what you start and following through. Kate followed through with her Olympic dream and Snowman Paul followed through with training Kate and then helping Dan to improve on his chess game.

It also teaches children the importance of being a good friend to one another. The hard work that Kate put into her training and the help that Paul and Dan gave her shows that hard work is what it takes to be successful.

Yossi Lapid has created a fast paced story with just enough words to hold young children and young reader’s attention. The fanciful illustrations done by Joanna Pasek are beautiful and delightful. I love the color combinations and the softness of the pictures. The rather large characters are perfect for young children, as they are a visual delight.

I have been reading the Snowman Paul series by Yossi Lapid to my granddaughters and they love each one of them. Each time I bring a new one over to read to them, they squeal with delight and clap their hands.

With the valuable lessons, the whimsical illustrations and the fast paced easy to read story, the Snowman Paul series is a real winner. They are a real cut above the rest.

Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream by Yossi Lapid is one of my favorites in the series. However, all the books in the series are exceptional. Pick up a copy and read it to the children in your life. They will be delighted and ask for more.

A big 5 stars for Snowman Paul and Kate’s Olympic Dream by Yossi Lapid.

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Snowman Paul Returns to the Winter Olympics by Yossi Lapid

Synopsis:

Snowman Paul Returns to the Winter Olympics Yossi Lapid

Snowman Paul finds a new way to enjoy the Winter Olympics!

Everything is about to change when Snowman Paul is invited to serve as a referee at the Winter Games! But, will this opportunity to bask in Olympic glory spoil Snowman Paul’s friendship with Dan and all the other kids?

This book teaches your kid the meaning of true friendship and the importance of being true to yourself!

“This lovely children’s book… is about all the values we would like our own children to embrace, and it… will enchant young readers!”  Reader’s Favorite 

Look, I must study all of this.
These are the rules I cannot miss.
Here are some things I still must get.
And this is stuff I can’t forget.
I can no longer play with you.”
“But Paul,” I asked, “what will we do?”
“Don’t know…” said Paul. “Let’s wait and see.
Now I must learn to referee!”

Are you ready to experience the Olympic thrill?

Review:

In this volume of the Snowman Paul series by Yossi Lapid, Snowman Paul has been invited to be a referee at the Winter Olympic Games. He has tons to learn about being an Olympic referee. He must study hard and learn the rules. He tells his friend that he cannot play with them because he has too much learning to do.

All his friends are busy playing all sorts of games and having fun. But they miss Snowman Paul and encourage him to play with them. As Paul carries on being the referee, he begins to realize that he is missing out on all the fun he could be having with his best friends.

Snowman Paul begins to peek and watch his friends playing and having so much fun. One day he asks Dan if he can join in and play too. Paul said that he would rather be with his friends and play. In the end Snowman Paul was still honored and carried the Olympic flame at the Winter Olympic Games.

This story is heartwarming and tender. As in all of Yossi Lapid’s books there is always an important moral to the story for children to learn. In this case Paul thinks that want he really wants is to be a referee. He gives it his all and sets aside his friends for a while. But then he discovers that he would rather be with his friends. Dan welcomes him back with love and kindness. This is a sensational story about the importance of friendship, being a good friend and being true to yourself.

The illustrations are beautiful and vivid with a softness to them. The size of the characters is big and perfect for young children. I read this story to my granddaughters and they loved it and had me read it again and again.

I love Yossi Lapid’s Snowman Paul’s stories. They teach young children simple yet valuable lessons. The books themselves are charming and sweet. And I do love the illustrations.

I’m looking forward to reading the next Snowman Paul book to my eager grandchildren.

I highly recommend that parents and relatives pick up a copy of Snowman Paul Returns to the Winter Olympics and read it to the children in their lives. They will love it and thank you for it.

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Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics by Yossi Lapid

                                                                                                                                          What is Snowman Paul willing to do for an Olympic medal?

The Winter Olympic Games are just around the corner, and Snowman Paul will be there, looking for gold medals. However, how far is he willing to go in his pursuit of his Olympic dream?

“A celebration of winter and competition that will likely appeal to children who’ve dreamed of Olympic glory”, Kirkus Reviews

“Paul, “I said, “You’re much too old

To win a silver or a gold.

Besides, it’s risky, you might fall.

So, let’s forget about it, Paul!”

 Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics is the first of three Winter Olympics themed volumes in Yossi Lapid’s multiple-award-winning Snowman Paul book series. Fast paced and stunningly illustrated by Joanna Pasek, these fun, rhyming stories carry valuable messages and will be enjoyed by children and parents alike.

They are perfect for both cold winter days and warm summer times. They are great bedtime stories and ideal for beginner readers. They make beautiful gifts, and they will show you how much fun winter can be if you embrace your imagination.

Are you ready for some exciting Olympic experiences with your little ones? Join Dan and Snowman Paul in their amazing Winter Olympics adventures.

Review:

Snowman Paul is full of confidence that he can go and participate in the winter Olympics and win the gold.

His little friend (a little boy) tells him that he is much too old to win the gold. But Snowman Paul is determined to go and win the Olympic gold.

He participates in ski jumping, speed skating, curling, snowboarding and the luge run. His scores are high and he wins the gold.

But his friend, the little boy, notices that the wind, the ice and the snow pushed Paul along and helped him to win.

Now Snowman Paul has to make a tough decision- to fess up and tell the truth and to be honest.

Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics by Yossi Lapid is more than just a good children’s book. It is a wonderful lesson in cheating and honesty. It teaches young children 3-8 the importance of telling the truth and not cheating in the first place. 
It is creative, beautiful and thought provoking for young children.

I loved the rhyming and rhythmic tone of the book. It will delight young children as it is read aloud to them.

It is simple and fast paced. With few words, it is great for young readers and young children with short attention spans.

The tasteful illustrations are delightful and colorful with beautiful colors of winter time scenes.

This book went way beyond what I had hoped for. It has not only beautiful fun illustrations but a moral lesson for the children. Yossi Lapidhas done a wonderful creative job with this children’s storybook.

I read it to my granddaughters and they loved it and laughed. We were able to discuss the various things on each page and then we discussed the moral of the story. What a wonderful lesson for my grandchildren. They had me read it over and over.

Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics  by Yossi Lapid is precious and sparkles like a true gem above the rest.

We highly recommended this best selling children’s book!

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Valentine's Day Books for Children

The Night Before Valentine’s Day 

The Day It Rained Hearts

The Biggest Valentine Ever

Wrecking Valentine’s Day! (LEGO City: 8×8)

It’s Valentine’s Day (I Can Read Level 3)

Llama Llama I Love You My Fuzzy Valentine (Sesame Street)

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! (If You Give…)

Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart

Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink

Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool

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Books Help Your Child Make Connections

Use Books to Help Your Child Make Connections to Their Own Life

One of the most powerful aspects of a book is its ability to reach into our lives and touch something unique and special.

As adults we often find ourselves lost in a tale. It is this ability to be consumed by the written word, which makes reading one of the most powerful pastimes going.

One of the reasons for this is our ability to relate to what is happening on the page in front of us.

Here are a few tips that will help your young reader develop a deep love and fascination with reading.

Make the Book Relatable to Your Child’s Life

All creatures experience similar emotions when faced with difficulties and challenges. It doesn’t matter if they are a green elephant with a toothache, a dog who loves sausages too much, or a fairy that doesn’t have any friends. Children can easily identify with the situation the character is in, and how he or she manages to overcome it.

While many stories and fairy tales seem distant or fantasy based, there will always be aspects that can be related to a child’s life. They might have a dog like the character in the story. They may not like the dark or they may love to sing, for example.

When a character’s parents do something funny or strange, you might ask if they know any parents who do those things too.

When a child can relate the actions or behavior of a character to their own lives, it makes the story more real and believable. They build a connection with the characters and the story that has a real meaning, even though the plot might be fantasy based.

Next time you sit down to read to your child keep in mind how important it is to build a strong connection with reading, and grow a love of books in the heart and mind of your child.

Susan Day

Susan Day is a passionate author, educator and, grandmother. She wants to empower all parents and grandparents to build meaningful relationships with their grandchildren. Her first non-fiction book was written to explore changes in grandparenting, and teaches the reader how to create their own Grandparenting Philosophy. Discover the Top 10 Things Happy Grandparents Never Regret Doing.

Be Brave Little One by Marianne Richmond

From the author of If I Could Keep You Little comes Be Brave Little One, which honors and celebrates the power of courage in every child. Perfect for cheering someone on, this story affirms how bravery can show up in all different ways!

When I look at you,
shining bright as the sun,
I wish for you this...
be brave little one!

Purchase Be Brave Little One Now

Is Buying Your Kids Books Enough to Get Them to Read?

Is Buying Your Kids Books Enough to Get Them to Read?

Parents and grandparents love to buy children books to read. There are so many books published today they are certainly spoiled for choice.

As educators and parents will tell you, learning to read is one of the most important tasks any child has to learn.

It is right up there with learning to ride a bicycle, learning to swim, and later on, learning to drive a car. However, many might argue that learning to read is so much more important, and for good reason. Without basic literacy skills a child’s future career, job prospects, and even happiness will be compromised.

All children have an innate love of pictures and funny stories. They seem to be hardwired to respond to bright colors, and magical tales. Toddlers and preschoolers like nothing more than cuddling up to a parent or a grandparent, and sharing the special memories only a book can offer.

Picture books offer children so much enjoyment, but is just buying a book and reading it to a child enough?

Is there something else we can do to build a love of books, and a desire to read?

Go Beyond Just Buying Books for Your Kids

Reading with and to your children is important. Make this time special for just you and them. Remember to turn off your phone, and if you don’t and it rings, ignore it.

Use engagement techniques like discussing what is going on in the illustrations and predicting the text to make the story more relatable.

Building context will help children create connections with their world and the stories you share with them. This will go a long way to helping them develop a love of reading.

Susan Day

Susan Day is a passionate author, educator and, grandmother. She wants to empower all parents and grandparents to build meaningful relationships with their grandchildren. Her first non-fiction book was written to explore changes in grandparenting, and teaches the reader how to create their own Grandparenting Philosophy. Discover the Top 10 Things Happy Grandparents Never Regret Doing.