Dogs! is a coloring and activity book aimed at children 5-8.  50 different dog breeds are featured with a fun fact or note about the dog along with a coloring page and activity such as a word search, maze, dot to dot or find the differences picture.  My four year old really enjoyed the dot to dots and activities and looking at all of the different types of dogs.  We were a little disappointed that our breed of dog wasn't in there and that mastiffs were labelled as guard dogs.  Other than that, Dogs! has been an engaging activity book that my son can work on by himself.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

​Magnificent, up close, colorful pictures of amazing animals grace every page of The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids.  Each picture is accompanied by a cool, weird or mesmerizing animal fact that will have you searching for more information; however not every single fact has a picture.  Split up into sections such as Magnificent Mammals, Creepy Crawlies, Water World, Scaly Things, Amazing Amphibians and Feathered Friends, everyone will find something fascinating.  Younger kids will enjoy the animal pictures and seeing animals that they have wondered about and independent readers will get absorbed in the cool facts.  Perfect for animal lovers or school rooms.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Darci loves to drum- on pots, pans, boxes- making noise on everything and bothering her brother.  When her parents sign Darci up for drum lessons, she finally gets the right tools and learns the skills that she needs to be a good drummer and follow her dreams.

Darci The Drummer Takes Drum Lessons is the perfect book for anyone with a dream who has felt discouraged.  Darci is certain of her passion, but needs help to find the right tools.  This is a great reminder that we all need help in finding our way.  I liked that practice and positive encouragement was in the forefront when Darci's skills were taking shape. The bright and realistic illustrations focus on emotions as well as the tools and vocabulary that she needs to succeed.  Perfect for kids aged 5-9 who are learning how to focus. 

This book was provided for free in return for an honest review. 

Claudette lives in the magic kingdom of Motown where music and dancing create happiness everywhere.  One day a witch come to town and took the happiness away.  Everything was dark and gray until Claudette found The Miracles in her attic.  With the help of the Miracles Claudette brings music back to Motown.

The author, Claudette Robinson is the real First Lady of Motown and an original member of The Miracles.  Because of this, I was expecting this story to be a fantasized version of how Claudette came to love music or begin her career.  This is instead a completely fictionalized story of a girl who uses music to inspire others and find happiness.  The music just happens to be that of the members of The Miracles.  I did enjoy the rhythm and rhyme of the book, which when read aloud can easily mimic a Motown beat.  The collage style illustrations show the difference between the vibrant and happy times with music and the dark and sorrowful times without music.  A fun adventure which can serve as an introduction to the importance of music in the 1960's for different groups of people.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.  

Boots the Alaskan Grizzly Bear is out to find some herbs for his injured sister, Chinook.  While he is searching, Boots runs into a mischievous mountain lion and is helped out by Sockeye the Black Bear and her adopted brother Pepe the spiny tailed iguana.  Although Sockeye and Pepe are different from Boots and his family, they are helpful and caring and there for one another- and that is what family is all about. 

Three Paws' New Family is a fun adventure that not only introduces children to Alaskan wildlife, but to a broader definition of  family.  Boots' learns that family can be who you make it and that shared values are more important than the same appearance or even language as his family makes room for Sockeye and Pepe.  With simple, colorful illustrations that promote the beauty of Alaska, this book is perfect for kids aged 4-8 years old.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

​A fox watches in delight as the seasons turn, noting the wonderful colors that erupt in spring, summer and fall. Fox wishes that he could take the colors with him into winter. Fox tries his hardest to collect the colors in vibrant artwork using what nature has to offer, flower petals, stones and leaves. However, none of his artwork is permanent. Then, fox happens upon Claude Monet who is using something different to capture a scene in nature. Could this be the answer to fox's dilemma?

Sweet, whimsical and full of bold and striking colors, A Colorful Tail captures children's interest with a charismatic fox and a unique problem. I love that the story introduces children to a variety of colors outside of the seven colors of the rainbow within the text as well as the striking and playful illustrations. The story also focuses on problem solving and not giving up after the first attempt. In addition, children are introduced to Claude Monet in a fun way.