9 Days until the cover reveal of No Dinosaurs Allowed!
No Dinosaurs Allowed is a story of friendship and acceptance. Bobby tries to take his friend Teddy the Dinosaur to a party, the library, and the zoo, unfortunately, dinosaurs are not welcome. Finally, they go to the park but there are no swings or slides and only one little boy. But Teddy saves the day by allowing the little boy and Bobby to use him as a swing and slide.
Eventually, a group of children joins them. On the way home, the zookeeper invites them to come back the next day because the zoo animals want to meet Teddy, and the librarian has moved storytime to a larger room so now Teddy can fit, and then the birthday party mommy invites them into the backyard for cake.
This picture book is 398 words and is perfect for boys and girls ages 4-8.
5-Star Review of Dale Earnhardt: Destined to Race!!!!
Review #1: Review by Joe Wisinski
Reviewed By:
Joe Wisinski
Review Rating:
5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review! Get your free 5-star seal!
Reviewed By Joe Wisinski for Readers’ Favorite
Dale Earnhardt: Destined to Race by Deborah Ann Hunt is the story of the racing legend’s life. It’s written for children and tells about Earnhardt’s life briefly, yet enough to acquaint readers with who he was. The book starts with his early life and delves into the most important parts of his career. In addition to Dale Earnhardt, Sr., the book provides brief biographies of his children and grandchildren. The author also writes about the safety measures that were put into place after Earnhardt’s fatal crash in 2001. She also provides the background of auto racing and even informs readers about how the financial arrangements between racing teams, sponsors, and advertising work. For those who want to know yet more, the book provides an extensive list of references.
I knew little about Dale Earnhardt, so I chose to review this book specifically because I wanted to learn more about him. Because Earnhardt died in 2001, I think most children would be in the same position, not having much knowledge of Earnhardt. This book will acquaint them with the man who won an amazing 76 races. Dale Earnhardt: Destined to Race should also inspire children because author Deborah Ann Hunt writes about Earnhardt’s “determination and drive” and the fact that he “always regretted dropping out of high school.” What I liked best about this book is the author didn’t shy away from writing about Earnhardt’s aggressive driving style. But she notes that fellow drivers respected him. There’s a lesson for everyone there, and in fact, this children’s book provides many good lessons for both children and adults. I recommend it.
Reader’s Favorites 5-Star Review!!!!
Review #1: Review by Romuald Dzemo
Reviewed By:
Romuald Dzemo
Review Rating:
5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review! Get your free 5-star seal!
Reviewed By Romuald Dzemo for Readers’ Favorite
Hannah and the Hobgoblins by Deborah Dolan Hunt is a fascinating book for young readers, an adventure filled with magic and captivating characters. The gift of a book from her Aunt Agatha opens a whole new world to young Hannah and the revelation that she is a Grand Witch is both fascinating and disturbing. She has just turned twelve and must go to the Enchanted Castle to hone her magical skills and learn how to use her power in a good way. When Aunt Agatha is kidnapped by the bad Hobgoblins who take over the castle, Hannah must save her. But how can she do so when she doesn’t even know how to use her magic?
The first interesting thing about Hannah and the Hobgoblins is that the author creates a protagonist who is an ordinary girl and who is unaware of her powers. That alone makes Hannah a genuinely flawed and likable protagonist. I loved the way her world is imagined and developed, with friends like Kiki, Andy, Harry, and Callie interacting with her in an environment that seems normal for children their age. The author introduces readers to magical creatures like gnomes, faeries, and hobgoblins, creating a fascinating fantasy world that absorbs the reader. Minor characters like Elizsha, Horatio, and Mother Smith are well-developed as well.
The writing is descriptive and the author brings out the smallest emotions in the characters as they explore the enchanted world. Hannah grows as the conflict intensifies, unveiling layer after layer of her strength as she struggles to save both the Enchanted Castle and her aunt. Deborah Dolan Hunt’s prose is crystalline and the vocabulary most suitable for the intended audience. Whether describing Hannah’s experience in the secret room, the effect of the Connemara Witch book that floats in the air and flips open in the middle on its own, or the confrontation with the enemy, the author does so with unusual clarity and vividness.
Litpick 5-star review for Hannah and the Hobgoblins
Hannah and the Hobgoblins review by Jonny
Hannah and the Hobgoblinsby Deborah Dolan HuntAge Range – 8 – 12Genre – Fiction
LitPick Review
JonnyAge at time of review – 15Reviewer’s Location – Matthews, NC, United StatesView Jonny’s profile
Hannah and the Hobgoblins is a terrific book by Deborah Dolan Hunt that puts a positive spin on witches. It’s about Hannah Drew, who lives in Salem, Massachusetts. She thinks she’s growing up in a normal, traditional family, and she’s excited to be celebrating her 12th birthday on October 29th and 30th with friends and family at a Halloween-themed sleepover party. Trouble starts to find her when her Aunt Agatha sends her a Connemara Witches book that is an ancient family heirloom. She and her sister Kiki are bewildered when it takes on a life of its own. It can float in the air by itself. Its pages flutter open unexpectedly, and the witches on the front cover scowl, laugh, and wink. Suddenly, the Drew family home even has secret rooms, hallways, and staircases that the girls didn’t realize were there. When strange dreams that Hannah begins having about the same time become real life, she winds up on a wild, life-saving mission to another world in order to figure out what is happening to her and why.
Opinion:
Hannah and the Hobgoblins is an imaginative adventure that is full of witches, fairies, unique creatures, and mysterious magic. Everything about the book feels written for girls 8-12 years old. It begins with a special birthday party that shows off how girls act when they get together and the fun things they like to do with their free time. Most of the characters in this story are female. Often they drink tea, appear and disappear into thin air trailing colorful smoke, and wear pretty jewelry with protective powers. The enchanted castle and forest in the other world also are incredible places with non-stop surprises. As Hannah puzzles out what she should do in all of the circumstances she faces, the book has many twists and turns that make it fast-paced, suspenseful, and extremely easy to read.Rating:5Content Rating:
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Read more reviews by this Litpick Book Reviewer: Jonny
Time to Sprout My springfling contest entry 2021
The little seedling snuggled in the ground.
Safely covered by a large dirt mound.
Mama told him that spring was near.
Papa told him there was nothing to fear.
The little seedling didn’t want to sprout.
He started to pout.
He didn’t want to pop out of the dirt.
His sister told him it would hurt.
Mama told him this was not true.
Papa told him he would love the dew.
He didn’t want to be stung by bees.
Or have scary bugs bite his knees.
Mama told him bees would tickle.
Papa told him bugs would prickle.
He tried to crunch down real low.
But he could no longer stay below.
He started to sprout from his mound.
His leaves popped out of the ground.
His family was still near.
He had nothing to fear.
He loved looking at the sun.
Being outside was going to be fun.
My submission to the fabulous and generous Vivian Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words
Puppy Smells Something Yummy
Deborah Dolan Hunt
Puppy ran out of the gate
He just couldn’t be late
For kitty’s surprise party
Today nothing would make him be tardy
Oh no! There was grumbling in his tummy
He smelled something sweet and yummy
An apple pie was cooling on the shelf
He just couldn’t help himself
Be Brave, My Heart! – The 6th Annual Valentiny Contest Is Here!!!
My Entry for the contest!
A Heavenly Visit
Deborah Dolan Hunt
“Don’t cry, Mommy. I’m not scared,” said Maeve.
Mommy held Maeve’s tiny hand. “I know. You are very brave.”
Maeve was in the hospital. She had a broken leg.
Daddy placed her dolly beside her. “And Rosie will be with you.”
Maeve hugged her dolly.
Maeve and Rosie both wore identical hospital gowns and wristbands.
“Hi Maeve,” said Dr. Joe. “We’re going to take you into the special room now.”
Her parents waved as Dr. Joe and Nurse Deb wheeled Maeve down the long hallway.
“I’m going to give you some special medicine to help you fall asleep,” said Nurse Deb.
Maeve whispered. “I don’t want to sleep. I’m afraid.”
“What are you afraid of?” asked Dr. Joe.
“Grandpa went to sleep and never woke up,” Maeve whispered.
“That’s because it was time for him to go the Heaven,” said Nurse Deb.
Maeve nodded. “I want to go Heaven but not yet.” She slowly closed her eyes.
When she woke up, she was back in her hospital room with her parents.
“Mommy, Daddy,” she shouted. “I went to Heaven and saw Grandpa. He said I was his
special Valentine. I wanted to stay with him, but he said it wasn’t my time.”
chsrcat11 