Tag Archives: children’s books

An Owl without a Name by Jenna Greene Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A young injured owl must discover the true nature of one’s identity in author Jenna Greene’s “An Owl without a Name”.

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The Synopsis

The charming story of a young owl’s strange and disorienting journey to discover who he is and where he belongs.

When a young Great Horned Owl wakes up to find himself on the ground with a broken wing, he can’t figure out where he is, how he got there, or how to get back to the tree where he lives with his parents and older sister. Is this a test, to see if he is ready to leave the nest? Is he being punished for something? Before he knows what is happening, he is whisked away to a rescue centre, where he meets other owls who are also recovering from injuries before being released back into the wild. Lonely, confused, and very self-conscious of the fact that he doesn’t have a name, the young owl slowly adapts to his new surroundings. He makes friends, finds his courage, heals from his injury, and realizes that identity is about more than a name that is given to you. It’s about the character that you develop, especially when you face hard times. Heartwarming, whimsical, and inspirational, An Owl without a Name is an uplifting tale for young readers.

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The Review

This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s read. The author does a remarkable job of crafting a story that felt wholesome and educational, yet brought the warmth and emotional structure that was needed to draw young readers into the narrative perfectly. The focus on storytelling allowed the author to stoke the reader’s imagination as well, capturing the use of imagery and atmosphere perfectly to hone in on the overall theme.

Yet it was the theme and story that really brought this book to life. The author was able to really capture the essence of animal conservation, from how we as humans need to interact and respect wildlife, to the care and dedication that wildlife conservationists and veterinarians bring to the field. The balance the author found in this powerful theme with the development of this Owl protagonist struggling to find his own identity and what identity even means made this a profound reading experience.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Jenna Greene’s “An Owl without a Name” is a must-read children’s book. The well-drawn-out journey that this baby Owl goes on in their recovery and the exploration of themes of animal conservation, identity, and finding one’s place in the world away from the comforts of home made this a truly fantastic book to come back to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jenna Greene is a YA/ Children’s writer. She is also a teacher … as well as a clumsy dancer, enthusiastic dragon boat paddler, and a semi-professional napper.

MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank by Kalee Boisvert Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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A young girl named Mabel learns the value of her money in the book “MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank” by Kalee Boisvert.

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The Synopsis

What should Mabel do now that her piggybank is full to the brim? Buy lots of candy? Spend it all on that toy she’s been eyeing? Finally get that unicorn sprinkler that sprays water from its horn?

When Mabel pulls her piggy bank out from under the bed, it’s stuffed. She can’t fit one more coin inside–Piggy is bursting!

What should Mabel do with all that money? Buy candy? Toys? Games!? Mabel’s so excited that her bed becomes a trampoline and she wants to spend it all. But then her mother explains that money doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket—a lesson that sends Mabel on a journey to learn what it means to become “moneywise.” Follow her as she takes her first steps to independence by opening a bank account!

Teach your school-aged kids fundamentals about money management with this approachable, fun, and charming debut from Kalee Boisvert, full of colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand concepts.

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The Review

This was a heartwarming and educational children’s book. The author was able to bring together lighthearted imagery and illustrations through this book to help illustrate the themes and message behind the narrative in a way that felt very inviting and engaging to the reader. The way the author was able to maintain that imaginative nature to the overall story while still balancing that with the knowledge being given to the children reading this book was incredible.

This story shined best when the author’s lessons being taught to the children were on display, and the fun illustrations really drew the reader into the story and what was being taught perfectly. The way this story appeals to both a child’s desire to learn and grow and a parent’s desire to bond and share that learning experience with their child was great to see come through on the page and made this a memorable reading experience. 

The Verdict

Fascinating, engaging, and memorable, author Kalee Boisvert’s “MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank” is a must-read children’s book. The beautiful illustrations and the important message of money savings not only illustrated the author’s own experiences, but the emotional underlay that this story held that brings parents and children alike together during this reading experience. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kalee Boisvert has been in the financial industry for over fifteen years, but her love of money began very young. Growing up in a single parent household, she watched her mom struggle with finances and wished there was something she could do to help. She wasn’t going to allow her circumstances to define her, and thus her own journey into financial literacy and wealth management began. Kalee now has an MBA in Finance from the Haskayne School of Business and is a financial professional whose focus remains on sparking healthy and positive conversations around wealth and investments. She is also a proud mom to eight-year-old Ivy and new baby Jax. She lives with her family in Calgary, Alberta. MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank is her first book for children. Her self-help title Make Money Your Thing will be released by RE: Books in Spring 2023.

www.kaleeboisvert.com

Raffi by Sierra West Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young boy must grapple with the tragedy surrounding his hero in author Sierra West’s “Raffi”.

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The Synopsis

Raffi depicts a story of a boy and his hero. A real-life example of processing one of life’s most impactful events. And the lessons, hardships, and, ultimately, triumphs that are experienced through that journey. 50% of the proceeds for this story go to the Mamba Mambacita Sports Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of America to promote youth sports and education in underserved communities.

The Review

This was a heartfelt and compelling children’s book. The author was able to distinctly tell a remarkable story that children and parents alike will fall in love with, all while catapulting the reader into an emotional read that deals with some powerful moments in life that will stay with readers.

To me, the heart of this story rests in the powerful themes the author explores and the relatability of the narrative overall. Having grown up in Southern California, the Lakers were our favorite team, and having spent many years watching Kobe, Shaq, and so many other incredible players take the team to championship after championship, the connection to those players was strong. The emotional depth of dealing with loss, and finding the inspiration within ourselves made this a memorable book.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging, author Sierra West’s “Raffi” is a must-read children’s book. The heartening look at how we recover from tragedy and loss and the lessons that those who inspire us can not only teach us but impact us on a grander level made this book a truly delightful read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sierra West is a first time author inspired by events that grounded the world. Writing and telling stories is a deep passion of hers, especially pertaining to societal topics and events. She hopes this story will be appreciated by kids, parents, and anyone in between, and is looking forward to continuing with her passion.

The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies by Donna Carr Roberts Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A pup recently promoted to the K9 unit must help solve the mystery of the missing bunnies in author Donna Carr Roberts’s “The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies”.

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The Synopsis

The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies is the second in this children’s book series. Mr. Fuzzy Ears becomes a K9 Police officer to help discover why all the bunnies have disappeared. He is aided by Sweekie, the mouse from the cupboard and other animal friends guiding him to the wandering rabbits. Like so many of us, the bunnies are mesmerized by ‘screen things, ‘ oblivious to what’s happening in the real world and with these distractions, bad things are happening. Can Mr. Fuzzy Ears remind them of the value of family and love in the real world?

The story is complemented with warm watercolor illustrations created by the author.

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The Review

This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s book. The warmth of the watercolor illustrations immediately drew me into this narrative. The fun aspect of these animal detectives and the mysteries will capture the children’s minds and hearts immediately, and the suspense of this book is a great introduction to the mystery genre for younger readers. 

The theme and message of this book really will speak to both parents and children alike. The dangers of overuse of technology, from smartphones and video game consoles to television itself, is truly a relevant subject in this world we live in. The need to find a great balance between technology and the world around us is so important, and finding our love for our family and nature itself is a great message that plays out wonderfully in this mystery read.

The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtful, and memorable, author Donna Carr Roberts’s “The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears: The Mystery of the Missing Bunnies” is a must-read children’s book and illustrated picture book. The fun mystery of the book and the engaging themes will draw readers into the story wholeheartedly, and the captivating watercolors of this book will enthrall readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Donna Carr Roberts is the Author AND the Illustrator of “The Adventures of Mr. Fuzzy Ears”. Donna has been the Artist in Residence at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and a professional portrait artist.

She has had a lifetime of business careers but none as much fun as working on Mr. Fuzzy Ears. The funny antics of her dogs, Scamp, Izzy, Sofie and Teddy inspired her to write this book. The funny, loving, caring fables help children discover that all of us have the power to make life better for these helpless animals who offer us unconditional love. 

As a child, her favorite books were My Book House with remarkable stories and illustrations that have influenced her work today. Donna is a member of SCBWI, Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America, and a Member with Distinction with American Women Artists. 

Dougie & V: The Story of a Flower and a Tree by Ben Sharony and Carly Jo Carson Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young Douglas fir tree must learn the path to self-acceptance with the help of an older and wiser flower in authors Ben Sharony and Carly Jo Carson’s “Dougie & V: The Story of a Flower and a Tree”.

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The Synopsis

Dougie & V tells the story of a tree who wants to be a flower. 

Dougie, a young Douglas Fir, can easily spot the gifts and strengths of others, but has a difficult time seeing anything good in himself. Can you relate? 

In the first half of the book, Dougie relentlessly compares himself to V, a vibrant violet. V, older and wiser, gently pushes back. She shows Dougie that he too is special. With V’s help, Dougie comes to understand that though he and V are very different, they are both innately unique m strong and beautiful. 

Sprinkled with delightful and surprising factoids about biodiversity, this spiritual journey teaches us about friendship, loss, and the cycles of life.  But above all, this is a book about the importance of self-love. 

It’s a picture book for children ages 4-8, but we believe that it would appeal to older kids and adults, too.  As for comps, Dougie and V shares qualities with many iconic titles. At its core, it is a playful and affirming text in the same vein as Marion Deuchars’ “Bob the Artist.” But it also includes witty asides that are both educational and fun, something akin to Julia Rothman’s “Nature Anatomy.” And finally, our greatest ambition is to edge towards the poignancy found in “The Giving Tree.” 

The Review

This was a moving and thoughtful picture book for children. The author expertly crafts a story that balances the importance of nature with the need for self-care and self-acceptance. The book showcases the struggles that children and adults alike constantly must battle, exploring the self-doubt and fears that constantly prevent us from being our most authentic self, and failing to recognize the heart of those doubts. 

The warm water colors of the illustrations and the fast-pace of the narrative allowed the reader to feel fully engaged in the story. The bond that Dougie and V develop together and the source of inspiration that V becomes to Dougie were great to see come to life on the page, and the investment in environmentalism was strongly felt through V’s lessons on every part of nature having a purpose and being beautiful within itself.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtful, and engaging, authors Carly Jo Carson and Ben Sharony’s “Dougie and V: The Story of a Flower and a Tree”, is a must-read children’s book. The heartfelt themes and messages throughout this book will resonate with parents and kids alike, and the full-circle moment that the ending provides makes this a compelling book to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Carly Jo Carson and Ben Sharony have been best friends since they were twelve.
They are passionate about sharing stories of transformation and self-acceptance.

Carly is an artist, journey designer and mother of four. 
carlyjocarson.com

Ben is a filmmaker and an uncle and godfather. 
bensharony.com

Softball Strikeout: The New Girl by Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence Review 

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young girl changing schools must work to prove herself and fight to get a spot on the school softball team in authors Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence’s “Softball Strikeout: The New Girl”. 

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The Synopsis

For Olivia, a new town, school, and softball team were possibly the last things on her mind, but after being told they’d be moving, it was now becoming a reality. Not only would she need to make new friends, but she’d also have to prove herself on her new softball team all over again.

Olivia lived and breathed softball. Growing up, the only sport she’d ever been interested in was softball, and with her dad teaching her, she’d become a pretty good pitcher.

However, finding herself now living in Greenville meant that she’d have to try out for the Blue Jays and earn her spot as a pitcher if she wanted any chance of playing softball this year. Making new friends at a new school was hard enough, but fighting your way onto one of the best softball teams in the division could be even harder.

Will Olivia make the team, and will she be able to make new friends? Or would it all go horribly wrong? Read Softball Strikeout The New Girl now to find out!

Stay tuned for more books in the Softball Strikeout Series!

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The Review

This was an engaging and memorable novel for young readers. The fast pace of the narrative and the rich dynamics the author establishes between the protagonist and the other characters, both her parents and the young women on this softball team, all come together quite beautifully. The detail the authors put into the sport itself and the rich imagery in the author’s writing style really brought this narrative to life so wonderfully. 

The heart of this story rested in the incredible character development and the heartfelt themes the authors established in this book. The themes of friendship, community, hard work, and determination all could be felt in this story, and the way the authors were able to get into the mindset of this young protagonist and capture the nerves and the anxiety that goes into making new friends and fighting for a spot on a team really captured the connectivity that a book like this needs for young readers. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, authors Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence’s “Softball Strikeout: The New Girl” is a fantastic book for children and young readers everywhere. The close look at team sports and the balance of competitiveness and community within team sports mirrored protagonist Olivia’s struggles and personal motivations quite well, making this one book kids will not be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for almost a decade. Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada.

Together, Ben and Sam have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart and Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books. In addition, they have numerous publications in progress, so stay tuned for information on those by following this page and connecting with them on Facebook, Goodreads, or Instagram.

Ben manages a company called Author Services Australia to help Australian authors self-publish their books. Sam manages a company called Indie Publishing Group, which specializes in assisting Canadian indie authors.

Remember, if you enjoyed one of their books, please leave a review! As indie authors, it really helps out, and it’s 100% free and will only take a few minutes of your time.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BenandSamAuthors/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorsbenandsam/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15144197.Ben_Jackson

Website – http://www.benandsamauthors.com/

Sam Lawrence was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and has traveled extensively in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She has successfully founded and operates a self-publishing company, Indie Publishing Group Inc., that specializes in helping indie authors self-publish their books. She grew up playing hockey and still plays in a recreational league. Sam is the proud mother of two boys and enjoys volunteering with the London Lacrosse Association.

I Like Mud: and other poems for the young and young at heart by Margaret Grote Review

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I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The late author and poet Margaret Grote has her collection of poems shared and illustrated thanks to her son David and his cousin and children’s book illustrator Marcia Wheelan Coles in the book “I Like Mud: and other poems for the young and young at heart”.

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The Synopsis

In the final year of her life, award-winning poet Margaret Grote (1922-2005) handed a collection of poems to her son, David, with instructions to “do something” with them. David jumped right on it, and 17 years later approached his cousin, Marcia Wheelan Coles, a children’s book author and illustrator. Truth be told, these whimsical and sometimes poignant poems were gathering dust in David’s closet until Marcia brought them to life with her beautiful artwork. Growing up during the Depression, Margaret came to appreciate life’s simple pleasures, a theme recurrent in these poems. Mother of four, she was an artist, photographer, writer, and poet. She taught fourth grade for 35 years. Her love of children is on full display in these pages, and although the writing is meant for children, young-at-heart adults will also love this collection. Somewhere, Margaret is smiling, knowing that her son finally kept his promise and that her work lives on, bringing joy and laughter to a whole new generation of children

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The Review

This was a truly moving and engaging collection of poetry. The balance that can be found in the simple and eloquent imagery and themes the collection evokes in young readers with the nostalgia and childhood wonder that adults can find in the book. The poems tackle everything from the color pink and friendship to the bond between a child and their dog and the ways in which children consistently question the universe. 

The beautiful illustrations and the way the poems speak to a variety of different readers made this a remarkable poem collection. The warmth and thoughtful approach to the poetry and the heartwarming story behind the author’s son carrying on his mother’s legacy like this made the book such a delight to behold.

The Verdict

Memorable, emotional, and engaging, author and poet Margaret Grote’s “I Like Mud” is a must-read collection of children’s style poems and poetry. The heart behind the poet’s words and the delight and joy that the heart of each poem brought allowed parents and children alike to be drawn into the poems themselves. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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The Ballerina by Catherine Follestad Review 

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman with dreams of being a dancer struggles with her confidence, and finds herself steeped in a journey towards destiny after a magical costume connects her to a world-renowned dancer from the past in author Catherine Follestad’s “The Ballerina”.

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The Synopsis

The Ballerina is a story about reaching dreams, fulfilling destiny, and an extraordinary experience of a lifetime.

Alina loves to dance and has a growing passion for the art of ballet. With an upcoming performance for her dance class, she finds herself struggling with the confidence to stand out.

One day, while helping her mother in her vintage shop, Alina finds an old enchanting costume in a donated box. This magical costume connects Alina to a famous prima ballerina from times past, who encourages her to work hard and believe in herself.

With excitement and renewed confidence, Alina not only discovers more about the art of dance, but also finds her destiny and true self.

The Review

This was an engaging and heartfelt read. The author does an amazing job of connecting with younger readers, giving an honest and emotional look into the mindset of young women as they not only grow but as they pursue their passions in life. The lighthearted pacing of the story and the emotional weight of the protagonist’s struggles instantly draw young readers into the story as the narrative progresses. 

To me, the heart of this story rested in the dynamic character development and the almost magical sense of time travel and magical realism that permeated the story. The themes of hard work and making your dreams a reality felt both attainable and inspiring through this magical lens and the mystery surrounding the woman who would appear to the protagonist and the connection she shared with Anna added a touch of mystery and history to the story.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Catherine Follestad’s “The Ballerina” is a must-read children’s dance and time travel book that you won’t want to miss. The passion and heart for which the story is told and the relatable characters will have children eagerly taking hold of this book and getting lost in the narrative immediately. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Catherine Follestad has always been interested in art and storytelling in many forms. Her early painting career began in Australia in 1972 when she and her husband moved there for a teaching job. During this time, they were Sunday School Supervisors and teachers with a love of telling bible stories using songs, pictures, and flannel graphs. Her creativity expanded into local art shows where she sold her paintings.

Upon returning to the United States, Catherine studied with local artists while taking classes at Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College. She broadened her interests to various mediums and began experimenting with illustrations and cartooning.

Catherine loves the artistic process and beauty of life which is reflected in everything she writes and paints. Her books tell stories of heroes, the underdog, or someone who overcomes a challenge. Her children’s picture books include The Itty Bitty Kitty (Nov 2011) I Think That I Would Like to Be (March 2012) The Itty Bitty Kitty: Mystery At Reflection Pond (Feb 2013) and I Dream That I May One Day Be (Aug. 2013), Itty Bitty Kitty and the Fun Day (May 2016)

Catherine has been featured in Raising Arizona Kids Magazine on the subject of bullying and the Reader House Author Roundtable. She enjoys visiting many elementary schools to read her books and share her illustrations. Catherine and her husband currently live in Arizona where she enjoys painting and traveling back to Australia.

Out of the Box: A New World by Lucia Matuonto Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Two children who have grown up in a walled-off city their whole lives discover a world of clean air and trees in the adventure children’s book, “Out of the Box: A New World” by author Lucia Matuonto. 

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The Synopsis

A fun and engaging children’s book about discovering new places, friendship, and exploring our wonderful world!

Welcome to Grey City! This is a city surrounded by walls with no trees, but full of factories, smog and dirt.

Brother and sister Noah and Mila have lived here their whole life.

On their daily walk, their dog Buster digs a hole under the city’s walls and escapes to the other side. Noah and Mila follow him and see a whole new world outside the little box they’ve grown up in. They discover the beautiful Green Town.

There they encounter new faces like Ali and Carol who show them what it’s like to breathe clean air, ride a bicycle and see trees everywhere you go.

Why have Noah and Mila never heard of Green Town before?

Out of the Box is the story of an adventure and discovery that allows children to connect with the environment through the eyes of Noah and Mila.

It shows us the importance of greener living and how pushing for change is possible!

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

The Review

This was a wonderfully creative and inspiring read for younger readers everywhere. The world-building and character development were very well done and had some incredible detail included, something you don’t always get in a children’s book. The imagery that the illustrations captured and the unique settings that the narrative takes readers through made this story truly stand out and engaged the reader on a whole other level.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the powerful environmental themes and messages of hope that the author wrote into the story. The overwhelming nature of the fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources that are still used to this day brought a grim reality to the story, while the promise of renewable energy and cleaner living in the later half of the narrative touched upon our own push as a species to improve and take better care of the environment. 

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtful, and enlightening, author Lucia Matuonto’s “Out of the Box: A New World” is a must-read children’s book on environmentalism and our impact on the world. The rich storyline and the dynamics between the characters will hook young readers, and the themes the story teaches will leave fans educated and enthralled all at once. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lucia Matuonto is a bestselling author, host at The Relatable Voice Podcast and Uncut with Lucia by Worldauthors.org and children’s physiotherapist. Lucia’s writing journey started about 20 years ago when she wrote articles for magazines and had a successful blog. She was born in Brazil, studied and lived in 6 countries. Lucia Matuonto used to teach and treat children with motor and cognitive disabilities. The children she met inspired her to create an imaginary world, full of animals and fantasy. By observing the beach fauna in Florida, Lucia developed her characters, who are now present in many children’s lives. https://www.luciamatuonto.com/

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