Ellie, The Tiny Little Chick Book Review

 

Authors: Avery Smart

Illustrator: Not Stated

Publisher: Independently Published

Released: November 16, 2023

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8875667893

Page Count: 44 pages

Price: Paperback- $9.99, Kindle- $2.99

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  3 ½ Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

A cute story that encapsulates childhood’s wonder and whimsy!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:

Book Summary: 

Little Ellie has big and bold dreams. Life has much to offer, and she loves it all—except bedtime. One night before bed, her mother asks what she’s going to do tomorrow. Ellie excitedly shares her many roleplaying ideas. From masquerading as a pirate to practicing medicine as a doctor, Ellie has it all figured out.

Opinion:

Ellie’s boundless enthusiasm for life mirrors that of most youngsters. She’s bursting with exuberant amounts of energy and imagination. Her striking blue eyes hold the simple joy and wonder of a child.

A super cute story with a wonderful message that girls can dream big and be anything they want! The story’s charm is enhanced by the cheerful, soft-colored illustrations.

I have one minor criticism: the POV is inconsistent. Initially, Ellie narrates the story using a first-person perspective. Mom’s arrival in the story marks a change to a third-person perspective. That transition in the text is disruptive. The abrupt change may go unnoticed by young readers, but it’s important to highlight it for educational purposes.

I give it  3 ½ Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Ellie, The Tiny Little Chick fits well with “All About Me” or a chat about creative make-believe. It fits well within the Kindergarten Reading Block’s independent Reading Time. Children can also imitate Ellie’s role-playing in the Dramatic Play Center using props and costumes.

Age Range: The author recommends birth to 3 years.

Targeted Vocabulary:

Jolly, sleepy, role play, tomorrow, yummy, champion, precious 

Resources:

About The Author:

Avery Smart, a vibrant author who resides in the heart of the lively family chaos with her three energetic kids. Nestled in the midst of parenting, she channels her passion for nurturing well-mannered children into delightful tales.

It is within this dynamic environment that she draws inspiration, transforming her deep-seated passion for fostering well-mannered children into captivating tales.

Avery's writing becomes a heartfelt expression of her commitment to instilling values in the younger generation. Her three lively kids not only serve as a source of inspiration but also as eager test subjects for the lessons embedded in her stories.

Spirit Sisters Forever Review

 

Authors: Kristi Shimada

Illustrator: Eko Setiawan

Publisher: Dreampath Publishing

Released: January 20, 2025

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8989912247

Page Count: 58

Price: Paperback $12.99, Kindle $3.99

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 3 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

Spirit Sisters Forever is a fantasy story with an enduring message of unity and peace.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:

Book Summary: 

Raven, Elven Princess of Noblewood, and Yumi, Fairy Princess of Luminaria, are destined to unite their kingdoms. The two meet when Yumi accidentally enters Raven’s kingdom, which is forbidden. Elves and fairies do not coexist.

Shared dreams unite the pair, creating a fast friendship and a spiritual bond that begins healing their peoples.

With Frago, a banished troll, as their ally, they bridge the divide between their kingdoms. Frago hopes trolls will join this new pact, uniting all of Alcyone in fellowship.

Opinion:

I enjoyed the characters’ mystical powers and dream quest abilities. The main characters display selfless acceptance and compassion, extending these qualities to those around them. These traits are essential for societal progress and achieving universal equality.

Eko Setiawan’s bright illustrations add a joyful touch, enriching the story’s integrity.

The pacing felt a little off in places, and I wished the characters’ struggles had been explored more thoroughly. In short, a wholesome story carrying a wonderful message that is needed in these troubled times.
I give it  3 Lemon Drops!

About The Author:

Kristi 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.

I WILL RESIST MAGA!

 

The Kid With The Ear-Splitting Scream!

Available on Amazon

Author: Dorenda Boyle 

Illustrator: Maria Andrieieva

Publisher: Self Publishing

Released: January 28, 2023

Format: Paperback, Hard Cover, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8887593661

Page Count: 80

Price: $12.99, $24.99, $4.99

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 4 Lemon Drops

This story uses every trick in the book to explain idioms to kids!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:

Book Summary: 

Kids learn idioms through fun, simple rhymes taught by a clever puppy.

Opinion:

The Kid With The Ear-Splitting Scream!: And The Dog Who Explains Everything is part of The Kid and The Dog Series.

In this installment, the dog introduces young learners to idioms. Expressive illustrations and simple language make this concept easy to understand.

The book’s easy rhymes will engage young readers while teaching them about figurative language. As a teacher, I appreciate the creativity children’s authors use to teach complex skills. Teaching idioms has become effortless and joyful thanks to Dorenda Boyle!

A free gift at the end is another fun part of the book.

I give it  4 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

The Kid With The Ear-Splitting Scream is essential for an introduction to idioms and figurative language. It would also enhance lessons and increase understanding of idioms for Dual Language Learners.

 

Age Range: The author recommends 3-10 years.

Targeted Vocabulary:

Idioms, unclear, jiggling, focus, scattered

About The Author:

Author, Dorenda Doyle, is a retired teacher (with LOTS of KIDS!) and a best-selling author.

Her favorite job is being a BoBo & Gamma (one grandson & seven grand-daughters!) Can you tell she loves Dogs?!

www.BooksByDorenda.org

About the Illustrator:

Illustrator, Maria Andrieiva, was born in Moldova and now lives in Kiev, Ukraine.

She is an architect who grew up to be an illustrator! She loves to tell stories

with images and to be part of the magical process of book-making!

www.behance.net/maxa-aa1cd8

Wee Three: A Mother's Love In Verse Book Review

Available On Amazon

Authors: Marta Moran Bishop & Helen Springer Moran

Illustrator: Hazel Mitchell

Publisher: Crowe Press LLC

Released: April 13, 2023

Format: Kindle, Audiobook, Paperback

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: ‎ 978-1939484130

Page Count: 57 pages

Price:$7.20 

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 4 Lemon Drops

A charming collection of poetry celebrating childhood’s exuberant imagination and its growing pains. 

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:

Book Summary: 

Wee Three is a treasure trove of lyrical verse that encapsulates the whimsy and wonder of youth.

Opinion:

Wee Three hosts a charming array of poetry that kids will enjoy. The timeless poems include onomatopoeia and simple rhymes. They are imaginative, universal, and invite children to self-reflect on their thoughts and actions.

I give it 4 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Wee Three would be a great resource for poetry units or, printed on chart paper, for group reading.

It can be utilized during quiet moments or as a journaling activity for older students.

Age Range: Read Aloud- K-3

Targeted Vocabulary:

Rhyme, onomatopoeia, meter, stanza, theme, figurative language, poetic devices

About The Author:

Marta Moran Bishop walks in the shoes of her characters and weaves the tapestry of their lives with the threads of her dreams.

Ms. Bishop is an award-winning and prolific writer with over 45 books and stories for sale. She writes in multiple genres and continues to stretch herself and her craft.

Her newest novel Whispers on the Wind is a time-travel romance with a brutal war with Atlantis as its backdrop.

It takes us on an adventure to the mythical civilization of Lemuria during the last days of the civilization.

Yet, her newest collection is a series of humorous short stories about the mice that live under the tack room of her barn.

The Mice of Barnville takes us into a new world of caring for each other as they build a new community. It was written for a family audience.

Currently, she lives on a small farm in New England with her husband, three horses, cats and a conjure parrot named Jack.

They help her remember to view the world through a child's innocence and keep her young and imaginative.