ISBN: 9798289032577
Publisher's Synopsis:
This inspiring children's book recounts the biblical story of David and Goliath, highlighting important lessons about faith, bravery, responsibility, and respecting others. Through engaging illustrations and thoughtful reflection activities, young readers learn how trusting in God, being true to themselves, and preparing diligently can help them face life's giants with confidence. Perfect for teaching values and encouraging an understanding of how God's strength works through ordinary individuals."There once was a young man named David..."
MrsK's Review: Faith: David
In this aligned retelling of David and Goliath, young readers will learn respect, responsibility, curiosity, courage, being prepared, and willingness to protect what is right. This booklet has pages paired with a comic graphic and a beginning reader/parent read aloud section. David's journey against the mighty Goliath is well known, yet Valor's retelling includes discussions for every step of David's encounters on his way to his famous, if not largest moment of faith and courage. Once the story is shared, there are "depth" learning pages (complete Bible text; glossary; discussion questions; word search; reflection fill-ins; and an individual journal entry).
Why is David's courageous journey worthy of a "deeper" discussion? Everyone has those moments when courage meets a giant, are your young learners ready to stand steadfast?
For any parent, homeschooler, and educator... this journey is an excellent resource for every directed learning setting,
MrsK
When facing the Giant... will your heart... beat with courage?
Meet the Author:
ISBN: 9780393710999
Publisher's Synopsis:
Ember is in charge of the bakery while the baker takes a trip and he's excited to show what he can do! When an opinionated fairy princess swoops in demanding a cake, he eagerly agrees. So what if he's only baked bread before? How hard can it be?The sugar hits the fan when Ember's first attempt is a complete disaster. He tries again and again, but the royal customer is not happy. Everyone told Ember he was such a good baker, so why can't he get this right? If he doesn't figure it out soon, the only thing on the menu will be humble pie.
"Maybe he wasn't a natural baker."
MrsK's Review: Read-Aloud Fantasy
Ember was known for his "natural" baking skill. "He loved baking bread!" His customers devoured even the burnt breads. When an unexpected letter is sent to Ember, he doubts the special request is something he can bake. He never has heard of a birthday cake bread. Even his notes wouldn't produce what the Princess wanted. Will Ember get beyond his self-doubt.?
With a beautifully crafted journey into what can be, little ones will quickly begin re-reading Ember's story whether they can read every word, or they create their own version... the hours spent with this tale is worthy of every home library! It is scrumptiously delectable...
Enjoy this celebration of seeing a task through to completion,
MrsK
"Even a natural baker needs...
a recipe to learn something new."
Meet the Author:
Devin Elle Kurtz lives in San Diego, California, with her dog, Kira, and her thirty-three houseplants. She’s been painting in Photoshop since the age of two when her artist mom first offered her a tablet pen. She was the lead background painter on the TV show “Disenchantment” at Rough Draft Studios from 2019-2021. The Bakery Dragon is her first picture book as an author-illustrator.
ISBN: 9781955550536
Publisher's Synopsis:Trail Life's new book "Too Much Tubular!" follows team BRAVE, as they learn about the importance of moderation while saving Freedom Island from all of the animals that have become obsessed with Tubular photos.
"More, More, More..."
MrsK's Review: Fantasy Adventure Read TogetherTubular, which is Freedom Island's messaging system is out-of-control! Even Furenzy Park has become abused and in shambles. How will Team Brave discover what is needed?
Fixation is over-riding family time, staring at the instant photos has become the only aspect of life on Freedom Island. Would shutting the messaging system "awaken" those who have succumbed to Tubular?
Pompous the Ostrich will have none of what Team Brave will be doing. She is notifying all of Freedom Island. Is Team Brave safe?
As Team Brave escapes the park, while in the Savanna region, they meet Fletcher a little hawk who invites them to her campsite for some s'mores. Fletcher's mother and father discusses that moderation might be the solution for the Tubular dysfunction. Will a Tubular Challenge help bring everyone out of their dazed reality?
Such a romping great insight. As with all Brave books there are so many family discussion points, aligned educational fun games for a family's challenge. If you haven't visited the Brave Book webpage... here's the link.
Meet the Author:
Mark Hancock, the CEO of Trail Life USA, has partnered with BRAVE Books to create "Too Much Tubular!", a Christian children's book that emphasizes the importance of moderation. The book follows the team BRAVE as they learn about moderation while saving Freedom Island from animals obsessed with Tubular photos. This partnership aims to teach children about the benefits of outdoor adventures and connecting with others in person, contrasting with the detrimental effects of excessive screen time. The book is designed to help children balance their time and have moderation with screens, promoting healthier lifestyles and a lifelong appreciation for nature and quality time with others.
Sarah Mackenzie
ISBN: 9781956393026
Publisher's Synopsis:
I tiptoe through the garden gate . . . Is everyone still sleeping? Moths flutter, wings beating Beetles nod a silent greeting Katydids and crickets hum Almost like they knew I’d come. Just before first morning light, Little Shrew is awakened by the moon. A mysterious fragrance leads her to a garden of moonflowers, where moths flutter, crickets hum, and frogs and peepers keep the beat. Join Little Shrew’s merry romp in the moonlit garden in this bedtime story for adventurous souls."A mysterious fragrance leads to a garden of moonflowers..."
MrsK's Review: Fantasy Read-Aloud
Little Shrew awakes while everyone is asleep. Oh, how beautiful is the moon. Little Shrew believes that she is called to romp through the outdoor garden... will she be in danger? Should she stay safe in bed?
Come along on Little Shrew's "romp" in the night garden. Let the melody of the moth's beating wings provide a rhythm for your imagination. Experience the beats of the night creatures as Little Shrew weaves in and out of the garden. Whisperings of the frolicking and critter merriment will softly lull your little ones into a peaceful slumber.
Reading before your littles close their eyes, has always been one of the most treasured moments of the day... Enjoy this moment of a peace filled lullaby,
MrsK
"Dance in the moonlight..."
Meet the Author:
Sarah Mackenzie is a homeschooling mother of six and the author Teaching from Rest and The Read-Aloud Family, as well as several picture books for kids. She's the host of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, which has been downloaded over 14 million times in more than 160 countries. Her boutique, award-winning publishing house, Waxwing Books, makes timeless stories families will love to read aloud.
Mac Barnett & Carson Ellis
ISBN: 9781338673852
Publisher's Synopsis:
Once upon a time there was a clever girl with a not-so-clever father. When her father claims she can spin straw into gold, the king forces the girl to perform this impossible task. She has no other choice than to accept a strange deal from a mysterious little man. But when he arrives and attempts to collect the debt, the fiendish trickster Rumpelstiltskin discovers that he is the one who has been tricked! This is the second in the groundbreaking new collection of masterfully retold fairy tales crafted by one of today's most celebrated and esteemed authors, Mac Barnett, paired with the stunning illustrations of the acclaimed and award-winning creator, Carson Ellis. With Barnett's signature pacing and wit, his subversive storytelling style and narrative voice, and Ellis's stunning folk-art style, this retelling of Rumpelstiltskin will introduce this classic story to a new generation of readers!MrsK's Review:
How would you find the name of the little man who would come to claim your sweet baby boy? Would you make a list of names that you know? Would you check every book you own for the names that match the fear of failure? Even though you might know this tale... it might be time for you to revisit this tale of greed, fear, and perseverance. The narration is whimsical and entertaining!
Crafted and woven with the joy of a friendship... and the purpose of voices from years long, long ago...
MrsK
Meet the Author:
Born to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.
Carson Ellis is the author and illustrator of the bestselling picture books Home and Du Iz Tak? (a Caldecott Honor book and the recipient of an E.B. White Read Aloud Award). She has illustrated a number of books for kids including The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket, and The Wildwood Chronicles by her husband, Colin Meloy. Carson is the illustrator-in-residence for Colin's band, The Decemberists, and received Grammy nominations in 2016 and 2018 for album art design. She works occasionally as an editorial illustrator for The New Yorker, The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, and other publications. She also exhibits paintings and is represented by Nationale in Portland. Carson lives on a farm in Oregon with Colin, their two sons, three cats, three llamas, four goats, and some chickens.
Eve Bunting
ISBN: 9780395515839
Publisher's Synopsis:
Scary incidents at midnight give Biff the dog and his master a frightening time but all turn out to have good explanations."Something went Woooooo outside..."
MrsK's Review: Realistic Fiction Read-Aloud
"Don't be scared," I told myself... A young boy is awakened; dreaded worry is someplace around his bed. Something icy wet touches his toes... and so the story begins.
"Eeeeeee,"
Beware... there will be howling...
Once in a while, there just needs to be a dark a stormy night in which only a story from your childhood could possibly be the only book to share. This has been in my home, classrooms, and life since it was first published so many years ago... Check it out or order it... Winter nights are made for this book's experience...
MrsK
Meet the Author:
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work. In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
ISBN: 9780063335615
Publisher's Synopsis:
Every bedtime needs a routine. That’s the best way to get a good night’s sleep. But what if it doesn’t work for the monster under your bed? How do you help it fall asleep? Join one little girl determined to help her monster with a special—monster-size!—version of her nightly ritual.Deceptively simple text skillfully captures the comfort young children take in routine, while colorful artwork—full of subtle detail—subverts our expectations, turning the monster into a friend and coconspirator.
"A glass of water, a fan whirring gently, a story, and a song.
Close your eyes. Time to sleep."
MrsK's Review: RF/Fant Read-Aloud
When your little one decides to prolong bedtime... could it be that there's more than a drink, a story, or even a song can provide the needed shut-eyed slumber? What if there's a not so sleepy monster "sniffling" under the bed?
What will it take? You'll need to turn the pages to find out...
Have a delightful bedtime... Storytime,
MrsK
Meet the Author:
Kerilynn Wilson is an author/illustrator with a love of the weird and wonderful. She lives in Portland, Oregon, but her mind tends to wander to made up places in her head filled with flying jellyfish and birds that eat the stars. She is currently working on her debut graphic novel THE FAINT OF HEART June 13th, 2023. When she is not working, she enjoys making bagels and crafting paper insect sculptures.
ISBN: 9781493089222
Publisher's Synopsis:
This companion to Twelve Days of Winter is another book to read or sing along with children. In Twelve Days of Autumn, each day reveals the wonders of wildlife and nature's vibrant transformations as we ease into fall. Observe how animals prepare for colder months in this seasonal twist and reimagined version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” celebrating wildlife. "On the first day of autumn we looked around to see a wild turkey trotting down the trail.""On the first day of Autumn..."
MrsK's Review: Fun Sing/Read-Aloud
What might you look around and see? An autumn walk is a wonderful time to share how nature begins it's time of slumber. Whether you are in a car, or on a brisk fall walk... you can use this book's wonderful "I Spy" tune to look around and see what you can see.
This is festive book will be a keeper for years of re-reading's, poetry writing, and even crafting ideas. It's a must share discovery, as well as all of the seasonal books in this series.
Have oodles of fun... in and out of this book's... treasure!
MrsK
Meet the Author:
If you know me, you know I am a former English teacher. I became a librarian and have taught in elementary, middle school/junior high, and high school settings. I started writing picture books when I became an elementary librarian. When I had a creative writing lesson with my second and third graders, I was amazed at some of the wonderful stories some of my students created. That was the inspiration for The Book of Untold Stories. I hope you check it out when it is released!
Thomas Hilley is an illustrator living in Oklahoma. He has illustrated several children’s books, including Twelve Days of Winter: A Wildlife Celebration and the series of follow up titles it inspired. He joined Sherri Maret as a coauthor for Twelve Days of Autumn and the upcoming spring book.In addition to his work in children’s publishing, Thomas has created illustrations for branding, promotional campaigns, and apparel designs. He has worked on projects with clients including Google, Quantum Fishing, and the Western National Parks Association.
Although he typically works digitally, Thomas has crafted a distinctive illustration style inspired by scratchboard images and old woodcut prints. When not drawing, he enjoys spending time in nature observing wildlife and exploring the outdoors.
ISBN: 9780063460331
Publisher's Synopsis:
It's Thanksgiving Day and Farmer Byrd's Turkey & Vegetable Farm is expecting business, but a surprisingly empty pen has the farmer declaring, "No turkeys for sale!"Follow along as a group of kids get crafty and decide to save some turkeys by coming up with a cornucopia of creative and silly disguises for their feathered friends. Inspired by the popular Thanksgiving school activity of creating paper disguises for the turkey, this lower-priced hardcover picture book is perfect for the classroom and for story time at home.
"What a funny atmosphere...
when so many new characters appear."
MrsK's Review: Humorous Read-Together
Seriously... turkeys in disguise... my... oh, my! It's Thanksgiving Day what a time for every turkey. Parents will be heating up the ovens, while the littles in town are "putting their heads together" to save their feathered friends.
Filled with giggles, and gobbles, and plenty of adorable friends at this year's Thanksgiving table,
MrsK
"Can they find the right disguise?"
Meet the Author:
I’m the author of the YA novel Postcards from Summer; middle grade novel Parker Bell & the Science of Friendship; and picture books including Grow, Easter Starring Egg, Panda-Monium, and A Little Bit of Love. As well, I’ve written numerous board books, including Happy Halloween, Teal Pumpkin! and Curious George books, as well as stories and readers for the Khan Academy Kids learning app.
When I’m not writing, I teach at Lesley University’s MFA in Creative Writing program and am the editorial director at Tumblehome Inc. In my past career, I worked as a children’s book editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Candlewick Press. Along with my daughter, husband, and guinea pig, I live in a little yellow house that looks like something out of a storybook. We’re very lucky to be just a stone’s throw from the ocean, where I can spend endless hours searching for sea glass.
ISBN: 9781339000343
Publisher's Synopsis:
Jerome is looking forward to collecting words this holiday season! Words of hope, love, and joy to share with his loved ones. But as he begins his search, he discovers that inspirational words are hard to come by. In the end, Jerome finds a way to connect with his community and join together in sharing the greatest gift of the gift of words.
"So many words, strung together, shimmering and dreamy.
So many people, connected, together, hopeful and united.
And that was the power of the gift of words. A gift for all."
MrsK's Review: Excellent Read-Aloud for Word Collecting
Once upon a snowy stroll, Jerome and Ekko felt the inspiration to collect words... with a notebook in hand he would gather words around his town. Yet, the seasonal words did not warm his heart. How would he give hope, or joy, or even Holiday cheer?
But then, he wondered what if? What if could give the words the world needed? In his house there were bags and boxes of words he had carefully collected. Next, he returned to the park... where he created an invite for all of those around. Will a bare tree begin its holiday bloom?
As an educator, life-long reader, and a collector of words, this is wonderful inspiration... I can only imagine what could pop up in our little town,
Joyfully inspired,
MrsK
"Joyful Words...
Dreams... Wishes... Positive Words."
Meet the Author:
I was born in Toronto and grew up in Massachusetts, in a family full of storytellers and adventurers. My childhood was spent camping as an Eagle scout, creating mini movies with my twin brother Paul, and filling sketchbooks with doodles and imaginary worlds. Becoming an author grew out of that love and a way to invite others to create bravely alongside me.I write, illustrate, and build spaces where originality can flourish. With Paul, I started FableVision, a digital media development studio in downtown Boston.
ISBN: 9781547614844
Publisher's Synopsis:
It's Dongzhì, the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Weiwei's family has moved to a new place, where instead of hummingbirds, palm trees, and chrysanthemum bushes, all she sees is a blanket of snow. This frozen place feels nothing like home.But Dongzhì is all about finding warmth through togetherness, even in the depths of winter. With her family by her side, maybe Weiwei can do more than just endure the cold. Like the chickadees that sing and the méihua that bloom, can she open her heart and embrace the season?
"There are no hummingbirds or chrysanthemums this year..."
MrsK's Review: Realistic Fiction
Now that Weiwei's family has moved. All there is a blanket of snow. How will she celebrate the longest night of the year? Sometimes a walk in the snow as the sun slides down into the horizon, Weiwei just might discover chickadees chirping, a tree that blooms, and a reminder that life's traditions will always remain the warmth of a home... even with an outside frozen.
Togetherness, family feasts, respect and peace will bring warmth "from the inside out."
Gather together for the warmth this book reveals. Beautifully illustrated with colors that are sweetly calming, this empowering family tradition will resonate with your family traditions... for isn't that what our ancestors have carefully curated?
Blessings,
MrsK
Meet the Author:
Michelle Jing Chan is a Chinese American author-illustrator who creates picture books and comics for kids and teens. Although her education is in engineering and economics, her heart has always been in storytelling–especially empowering, diverse stories she would have loved as a kid! Her work has been featured in the Wing Luke Museum, Buzzfeed, and Upworthy. Clients include Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Bloomsbury, Hachette, and Lerner. You can find Michelle petting the neighborhood cats, cozying up with a book, or hunting for cryptids in spooky games.
ISBN; 9781506471365
Publisher's Synopsis:
When a little girl finds out her family is planning a simple Christmas this year, she's not so sure about it. But soon she gets into the spirit of simplicity and generosity by making presents and Christmas decorations with her parents and grandparents on their family farm. She and her mama share Christmas cookies with friends they meet, inviting everyone to join them for Christmas in their little red barn.Warm and heartfelt, this story invites children and families to imagine an inclusive Christmas, focusing on the simple pleasures of connection, community, and the care and generosity shared by making things by hand. Step-by-step directions for creating three handmade Christmas gifts are included at the end of the book. A Simple Christmas on the Farm is an inspired companion to author Phyllis Alsdurf's bestselling Thanksgiving in the Woods, a picture book based on the real-life story of a family that celebrates Christmas in the woods in Upstate New York.
When white frosts the barnyard fence posts,
and snow blankets cover the fields...
that's when we start to get ready for
Christmas on the farm."
MrsK's Review: Holiday Family Read Together
Keeping it simple... what does that look like. Focusing less on getting and more on giving... how will that feel? Will ribbons on the tree or cookies baked to share bring joy to the senior center? Or... will handing out cookies be the invitation for all to come to Christmas on the farm.
Busy crafting will dress the barn with warmth. Evergreen boughs will shelter the handmade nativity. Just a home-made Christmas... until friends and neighbors arrive... and then...
Christmas time on the farm "rings" in the holiday's goodness, of games, conversations, sledding, snowball fights, and every aspect of joyous goodness.
As with most readers, there will be fond memories to share about your family traditions, silly stories, hopes and dreams, and a family connection that can be shared with all at this year's Christmas at your home....
MrsK
"Quiet settles over the little red barn...
until a simple Christmas on the farm...
next year!
Meet the Author:
Ever since I was a young girl, I wanted to become a writer. I was known to write overwrought poems as a child. At about age 8, I experienced my first rejection: for a poem I submitted to a girls magazine. I wrote it in pencil on a piece of cardboard and sent in a big envelope to New York City. I’m not even sure I got a rejection card, but it never appeared in print! Since that humble beginning, I’ve continued to be an avid reader and writer and persisted in my dream to become a published author. A former magazine editor, writing and journalism professor and author of many articles and books, I live in Minnesota with my husband Jim and our miniature goldendoodle, Lloyd. My children’s picture book writing reflects my upbringing on a Minnesota dairy farm. My six brothers and sisters and I did farm work, but we also loved to explore, create, and imagine together. We built intricate hay forts and defended ourselves against imaginary enemies, dug for critters in the muddy creek that ran through the farm and went on explorations in our “big woods.” Living on a farm left ample room for the imagination to blossom and laid the seedbed for stories I would tell years later.
ISBN: 9781546138143
Publisher's Synopsis:
From three-time Newbery Honor winner Jennifer L. Holm, a chilling but heartfelt story of a girl being raised in a compound who doesn't understand how isolated and unusual her life is... until she must encounter the outside world.Whatever you do, don't leave home. Razzi has always been told: Don't go Outside. It isn't safe. There are people and creatures out there that will harm you. The walls of the Refuge will protect you from them.
Razzi's friend Ollie was curious about Outside... and it led to his death. So Razzi is trying to be on her best behavior. She is the oldest kid left, the one the younger kids look up to. She has to follow the rules.
But Outside has a way of getting in, and Razzi, guided by a dog she has a strangely close connection with, wonders what it’s like to run free beyond the walls. If she steps away from everything she's ever known. What will she find?
MrsK's Review: GR 4-6 Reality Fiction/Dystopia
Meet Razzi a spirited young pre-teen whose favorite possession is an orange "feel-like-your-being-hug" bean bag chair. Since the time of the rationings, she lived with her family and others in the Refuge. Outside was unknown and off limits. Her "dreamscapes," rarely occurred during a time by herself. She was known for being "off" into her imagined destinations. Places where animals were scampering, trees produced amazing tastes of sweetness, dolphins could leap in the ocean with penguins sunbathing on the shore, as well as the luxury she experienced of freedom to wander and explore. Her younger brother, Bing was only seven, annoying, and completely unaware about the situation they were living in.
The Great Poisoning was decades ago, yet the adults were always watching, on alert, and prepared for another invasion. In fact, the Searchers still roamed looking for survivors that needed to be exterminated. That was why her Papa was strict even though he valued all of the kids. He often reminded them that they were the future.
Razzi is struggling with all the new pieces of discovery, every day it seems she overhears, notices, or realizes that the Refuge might not be all there is to life. Who is the "Dealer?" If he survived, could there be other kids like them?
Finally, the day arrived when Razzi knew, it was time to see the Outside. Will she survive or could a Poisoned capture her?
With outstanding story-weaving, every twist and turn becomes the hook for turning the pages. Razzi's quest could end quickly... get ready to read through the night.
MrsK
Meet the Author:
Jennifer L. Holm is a USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES-bestselling children's author with more than 9.8 million books in print She is the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE and a Scott O'Dell Award for her novel FULL OF BEANS.
Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on three bestselling graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, the SUNNY series, and the Squish series. SQUISH is now an animated tv series on YouTube!
ISBN: 9781546124986
Publisher's Synopsis:
Avery is a firecracker. In a crayon box of colors, she’s the shocking pink and laser lemon, when all she wants is to be a quiet tan or soft cornflower blue. Her cousin, Jax, is a wall flower, because sometimes it’s better to stay quiet when the alternative is to be told that you’re doing or saying everything wrong. They seem to be the only ones who don’t know what happened years ago when their family shattered and went off in different directions.When their beloved Aunt Robbie summons the large, estranged family together for a gathering at their broken-down family cabin on Crooked Lake, instead of getting the answer, Aunt Robbie delivers some devastating news. Avery and Jax learn that by the end of the summer, the island that’s been a part of their family for generations is going up for sale.
Forced to stay on the island with their estranged family to get it into shape to sell, Avery and Jax begin to dig through the history of the long-abandoned house and its contents… including a sprinkling of diary pages that were hidden around the island decades ago, the summer their family was torn apart.
"The big wooden cabin comes into view ahead;
it looks like a mystical tree-trunk castle sticking out of the dirt-crusted earth..."
MrsK's Review: GR 5-7 Realistic Fiction/Mystery
Meet Avery a fourteen-year-old who is determined to engage her family in uncovering the truth and mending their differences. She is exuberant, inquisitive, and speaks her thoughts rather loudly. She loves and accepts everyone, after all they are family... right!
Meet her cousins: Jax who is reluctant towards any type of attention, especially if it draws his dad's focus on what he is or isn't doing, and Finley who is younger, bouncy, and somewhat clingy yet always ready for an adventure. Then there is Hazel and Hugo who are six-year-old twins.
They have been gathered on "their" island. Why did their Aunt Robbie "command" them to gather this summer? The adults seem very reluctant and "put-out" about getting together, what could be so bad about spending a few days on a family island? If the adults have decided to sell their family retreat, why not fix it up and enjoy one last family vacation?
When Avery and Jax discover a diary page, they begin their search to know more about their oldest aunt. How did she die? Was it on the island? Why have the adults never mentioned her? Their grandma loved coming to the island, why was she always alone on the island? What is causing this gathering such anguish?
A summer vacation, moments to remember. Memories resurfaced. When the time comes to leave, will the adults realize that what they have is worth mending?
This is story is beautifully woven with enduring emotions, adventurous discoveries, renewing connections and hope from a young spirit yearning for her family to be... family!
Gather others, share this journey, this is a forever destination for your bookshelf,
MrsK
"There's something simmering and messy,
ready to boil over, lurking behind their words."
Meet the Author:
I read and write lots of funny, adventurous, & heartwarming books for kids, tweens, and teens (and even a few romantic comedies for adults, too!) that are ultimately about finding your place, finding your people, and finding your voice. I always love book recommendations, so please send them my way. As a reader, I'm partial to contemporary romantic comedy, thrillers that keep the pages turning and have well-built characters, funny/original voices, quirky characters, and always kids' books with humor and heart.
ISBN: 9781368098458
Publisher's Synopsis:
It’s been centuries since a warm-season fairy in Pixie Hollow has crossed into the Winter Woods, and while most fear the legends of monsters lurking in the frozen lands, Clarion, can’t help being intrigued by Winter’s stoic beauty. But under the watchful eyes of the current monarch and the court's seasonal ministers, Clarion has little time to dwell on daydreams while the days to her coronation dwindle away.That is, until reports of a monster crossing from Winter into Spring make their way to the palace. Clarion sees defeating this threat as an opportunity to prove that she is worthy of her new role. But instead of finding a monster at the edge of Winter, she finds Milori, a young guardian of the Winter Woods. Together, they form an unlikely bond as they race to save their lands.
But as their alliance warms to something more, they will discover there is a reason a warm-season fairy and a winter fairy must not be together. And the cost could be just as deadly as the monsters that prowl the Winter Woods.
"There are things hidden from all
except those who know
exactly where to look."
MrsK's Review: YA Fantasy Romance
The Queendom of Pixie Hollow where in its heart you will find the Pixie Dust tree. To the east is Spring Valley, to the south is Summer Glade, to the west is Autumn Forest, and to the north is Winter Woods.
Perched on the branch of an oak tree where sunlight and pixie dust sparkled, Clarion is daydreaming. She isn't the Queen of Pixie Hollow yet; there's still one more month before coronation. She understands that she is in training, yet even a small bee falling mid-flight creates a deep stirring within her to come to its aide. As Queen that will never be allowed. How can that be? She must get back, for Elvina will surely discover that she is not in her room, which would be unacceptable since she is the current Queen.
Luckily, she left her balcony doors unlocked so no one should see her climbing back into her room.
Petra the one who will always provide cover for Clarion, by trade she specializes in metalwork in which there is nothing she can't create or fix. Artemis is Clarion's assigned "scout-talent" who must guard and protect her every move. These two are her friends, both are loyal and valued.
On the day when a single crack traveled the surface of the ice, a "whisp of shadow" began to form and the "woods trembled..." All is in danger. What monster has entered the realm of Pixie Hollow? Clarion feels called to rescue or at least investigate what is causing so much fear amongst her soon-to-be Queendom.
Meet the Warden of the Winter Woods, he is an unassuming winter fairy. When Clarion first meets him, she is surprised to find a winter fairy who is polite. Winter fairies, as well as the Winter Woods have been banned for as long as she has been in Pixie Hollow. Milori was confident when he met Clarion. He was on his way to request an audience with the Queen of Pixie Hollow. He was on a mission of extreme importance, so for him "surprise" in meeting Clarion wasn't a problem for he already knew who she was and soon would be. He arranged for them to meet at sunset. He accurately gathered that Clarion would return.
Their first meeting will be the only way to save Pixie Hollow. Will Clarion live through this fight with the released monster? Will she find a way to awakened those who have been stricken? Will Queen Elvina include her in this fight, or will she insist that her coronation is more important? Will Milori help her bridge the long-standing banishment between Pixie Hollow and the Winter Woods?
A delightful fairy tale, twists and turns with every chapter. Characters so well crafted, you feel as if they have been crafting a Disney movie within your mind rather than just entertaining you with words. This is the best fairy princess/queen ever portrayed. Don't waste the pixie dust magic... read it soon,
MrsK
"It is said that if you soar past the second star on the right
and go straight on till morning, you will reach it, too..."
Meet the Author:
Allison Saft is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic and Down Comes the Night. After receiving her MA in English Literature from Tulane University, she moved from the Gulf Coast to the West Coast, where she spends her time rolling on eight wheels and practicing aerial silks. She lives with her partner and an Italian greyhound named Marzipan.Wings of Reverie coming soon in August 2026
I was born and raised in the Chicago area. I was not a nose-in-the-book sort of kid, like many authors. Rather, I could be found climbing trees or building forts or making something with my hands. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy reading, it’s just that it was hard to squeeze it in with all the other things I wanted to do in a day. My mother was an artist – lucky me! – who taught me all kinds of wonderful ways to make art and to live a creative life. She also took me to the Art Institute of Chicago frequently, which is where I fell in love with the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Many years later, after I’d studied art in college, began raising my family, co-founded a middle school for girls, and became an art teacher, the Rooms still captured my imagination. In fact, they turned me into a writer when I could no longer ignore the stories they planted in my head.
