Shannon's Review - Harold Heard Butt Cake by B.Z. Humdrum

Title: Harold Heard Butt Cake
Series: Not At Moment
Author: B.Z. Humdrum
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unsure
Genre: Children, Picturebook, Fiction, Humor,
Publisher: Humdrum Industries
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: Dec 2023
Pages: 31
Rating:



Author B.Z. Humdrum’s Official Websites:





Website:
https://www.bzhumdrum.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
None Found

Twitter/X:
None Found

Instagram:
None Found

TikTok:
None Found

YouTube:
None Found


Shannon’s Thoughts:

A young boy named Harold does not hear so well. The book follows him through a school day to home as he humorously mishears everything.

Harold hears so many funny things, including what he thinks is the type of cake his mother has made. The ending made me laugh out loud.

This book isn’t a series, but it really could be. I would love to see Harold mishear more things while going to a zoo or a museum.

Young children from toddlers to elementary school will enjoy this story and get a kick out of this book. They may even want to help mom or dad make a butt cake with the recipe at the end.

Shannon's Review - Trunk Goes Thunk by Heather C. Morris

Title: Trunk Goes Thunk
Series: Not At Moment
Author: Heather C. Morris
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Chantelle & Burgen Thorne
Genre: Children, Picturebook, Fiction, Animals, Opposites, Nature
Publisher: Gnome Road Publishing
Received: From Publisher for Review
Release Date: October 8th 2024
Pages: 32
Rating:




Author Heather C. Morris’s Official Websites:




Website:
https://heathercmorris.com/

Blog:
No Link Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Heather-C-Morris-Books/100062070681575/

Twitter/X:
https://x.com/morrwriting

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/morr_writing/

TikTok:
None Found

YouTube:
None Found

Shannon’s Thoughts:


It is a beautifully illustrated book about wildlife and the connection to trees around us. A tree falls in the woods, and different animals use the tree in various ways.

My favorite part of this picture book is the art. It is truly gorgeous. The writing is cute and is an interesting topic for a story.

I had to read multiple times to make sure I understood the story correctly because, in my opinion, it did not flow very well.

This is good for kids seven and under. Autumn is an excellent time to read because it has a fall appeal. The book will be available on October 8th, 2024.

Shannon's Review - The Magic Of Friendship Snow by Andi Cann

Title: The Magic Of Friendship Snow
Series: Not At Moment
Author: Andi Cann
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Andi Cann
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picturebook, Winter
Publisher: Mindview Press
Received: Bought
Release Date: Sept 2008
Pages: 32
Rating:



Author Andi Cann’s Official Websites:



Website:
https://www.andicann.com/

Blog:
https://www.andicann.com/blog/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/andicannbooks/

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/andicannbooks/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

A little girl that has a hard time making friends find a snowman to talk to. He is a unique snowman that helps children like her make friends with other children.

Even though this book is based in the winter it has a message that can be used year-round. As a child, I was very like the little girl, Jo Jo. What I would have given for a magical snowman or a whimsical scarecrow (The are no scarecrows in this book, I was just using it as an example) to help me make friends.

I wish that the snowman, Puddles, could have stayed longer to help JoJo. Puddles, like Frosty, could only stay in the snowy part of the year. I would like to see a story like this but with a character that hangs out year-round.

It is a very sweet book that is great for all children, especially those that are going to start school soon.

Shannon's Review - I Don't Want To Go To School by A.J. Cosmo

Title: I Don’t Want To Go To School
Series: Not At Moment
Author: A.J. Cosmo
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: A.J. Cosmo
Genre: Fiction, Children's, School, Picturebook,
Publisher: Thought Bubble Publishing
Received: Free for review
Release Date: August 2013
Pages: 38
Rating:



Author A.J. Cosmo’s Official Websites:




Website:
https://ajcosmo.com/

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ajcosmokids

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ajcosmokids

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ajcosmokids/



Shannon’s Thoughts:


A little boy shares his thoughts and fears about going to the first day of school. His mother tries to ease his dark thoughts the best she can.

The art is cute and the story is a good idea for kids entering their first day of school.

The questions that the mother tries to ease by saying that most of his fears won’t happen would have not worked for me because a lot of his worries actually happened to me as a kid. I was not a fan of elementary school as you can guess. The flow of the book was a little awkward and although the art is cute it doesn’t work sometimes.

Elementary school was hard for me and I don’t know if this is the book for any kid who has had these troubles. It is probably best for the first day of kindergarten.

Shannon's Review - Ghosties by Gerald Hawksley

Title: Ghosties
Series: Not at the moment
Author: Gerald Hawksley
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Gerald Hawksley
Genre: Fiction, Childrens, Picturebook, Fantasy, Halloween
Publisher: Gerald Hawksley
Received: Bought
Release Date: October 2012
Pages: 33
Rating:



Author Gerald Hawksley Official Websites:



Website:
None found

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/geraldhawksley



Shannon’s Thoughts:

A rhyming story full of fun with different ghosts. On one night of the year, a ghost town appears and those that are living are looking for a little scare.

This is a fun one for the kids. Not really scary ghosts they are more looking for fun and cheer not looking to scare. I liked the rhyming, the words flowed nicely and the art is a little goofy like the ghosts. This version had some cute kids jokes about ghosts at the end and a preview of another story by the author.

I had no real faults with the book it was cute and silly which was the point I am sure.

I would definitely read something else by this author and I think it is a good Halloween book for kids 7 and under.

Shannon's Review - Hand Shadows by H.S. Books

Title: Hand Shadows
Series: Not at the moment
Author: H.S. Books
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Non-Fiction,
Publisher: H.S. Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: August 2019
Pages: 52
Rating:



Author H.S. Books Official Websites:




Website:
None found

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
None found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

This book’s only item needed is a light or flashlight to create the different shadow puppets with the readers' hands.

There are so many different animals to make with one's hand in this book. There are a couple that looks a little difficult. I could see my nephews enjoying the results.

I really wished there were descriptions or writing of some sort with the pictures. Maybe the author could have come up with a story going into each puppet.

It is a short book and I hope to try making these hand puppets with my own nephews. Maybe I will make my own story with the pictures.

Shannon's Review - Albert Einstein by Aimee Hawk

Title: Albert Einstein
Series: Inspired Inner Genius #1
Author: Aimee Hawk
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Irina Katsimon
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Biography,
Publisher: Independent Book Publishers Association
Received: Bought
Release Date: April 2021
Pages: 29
Rating:



Author Aimee Hawk’s Official Websites:





Website:
None found

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
None found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

This is a child’s introduction to the life of Albert Einstein. We learn what he disliked about school and how it was taught. He was an intelligent person and learn differently than most. As an adult, he achieved much in the field of science and won very prestigious awards.

I like the fact this does not shy away from the fact Einstein quit school and then returned able to learn at his own pace. I have a few intelligent friends who quit school and then became successful on their own. Most books would leave the fact that he quit even though the fact is he does return to learning.

It is a nice introduction for children but I feel like more could have been added about Einstein’s history.

I like the fact that this is a series of books about famous individuals like Albert Einstein. I will look forward to seeing more from the series. I think children will enjoy this series as well.

Shannon's Review - Lima & Ina : The Bee Sting by Mason Nassah

Title: Lima And Ina: The Bee Sting
Series: Lima and Ina
Author: Mason Nassah
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Mason Nassah
Genre: Fiction, Children, Early Reader, Series
Publisher: Self Published
Received: Bought
Release Date: December 2017
Pages: 36
Rating:



Author Mason Nassah’s Official Websites:




Website:
None Found

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
None Found

Twitter:
None Found

Instagram:
None Found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Ina and her little sister, Lima, are playing in their yard and a bee shows up. Ina is afraid of bees because she knows they sting. Lima gets chased by the bee and Ina gets stung trying to keep Lima safe. While Lima recovers from the bee sting she learns the role bees have in our world.

Little Ina reminds me of myself. I was very scared of bees and getting stung and I never knew the impacts bees have on our world until recently. Bees are pretty amazing little creatures even though their sting can cause many people problems.

I thought this was going to be more of a picture book but it is really an early reader. I enjoyed the art on the cover and had hoped for more on the inside.

Lima and Ina are really cute. I love how Ina was so protective of her little sister. I plan on reading more from the series. I think that kids just starting school and starting how to read will enjoy these books.

Shannon's Review - Amy Best's Hopper And The Rollercoaster

Title: Amy Best’s Hopper And The Rollercoaster
Series: Hopper & Friends
Author: Amy Best
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Michael Harris
Genre: Fiction, Series, Animals, Picturebook, Children's
Publisher: The Essential Library
Received: Bought
Release Date: March 2016
Pages: 36
Rating:



Author Amy Best’s Official Websites:



Website:
None Found

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
None Found

Twitter:
None Found

Instagram:
None Found



Shannon’s Thoughts:


Hopper the Hare is excited about the new amusement park opening up until he hears about the rollercoaster.

Amusement parks are a blast and it is no question as to why young Hopper is excited about them. It also does not surprise me that he gets nervous about a roller coaster because I feel the same way about coasters. I understood Hopper’s fear and was happy he was able to push through and eventually go to Shannon Squirrel’s birthday party at the amusement park.

What I wish they had not done was make Hopper do something that seems way reckless. Yes, he was helping a friend but Hopper is a child...I think. His friend was also not in a life or death situation. I also would have left that it was still okay for Hopper to be scared of the coaster and not have to go on one.

I enjoy this one it was fun. I felt the excitement of the characters. Maybe that means I have been inside too long. I do miss amusement parks. My rollercoaster days are over because they scare the bejesus out of me. It is fun seeing others have fun. I will be reading more Hopper and Friends books. I am surprised there is no official website.

Shannon's Review's - Everybody Loves Valentines by Sally Huss

Title: Everybody Loves Valentines
Series: Not at the moment
Author: Sally Huss
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Sally Huss
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picturebook, Holiday, Valentine’s Day,
Publisher: Huss Publishing
Received: Bought
Release Date: February 2015
Pages: 29
Rating:




Author Sally Huss’s Official Websites:



(borrowed from Goodreads.com)


Website:
https://www.sallyhuss.com/

Blog:
https://www.sallyhuss.com/sallys-blog

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sally.huss.5

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/sallyhuss

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sallyhuss/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

When making Valentines this kid will not leave anyone out because everybody loves Valentines.

Illustrations are sweet and the message is a good one. The kid making valentines for his family and friends brings a little smile to a little one's face.


The message does get lost because the flow and rhyming scheme are off. Especially once the author is spelling out Valentines' with a little too much sugary sweetness.


The young ones might get a kick if it is their first Valentines' but others may get lost. I would read another by this author. There was a short excerpt from one other book and the writing seemed to flow better. This is still a cute book though.

Shannon's Review - A Family Dinner by Cory Q. Tan

Title: A Family Dinner
Series: Not at the moment
Author: Cory Q. Tan
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Cory Q. Tan
Genre: Children’s, Fiction, Picturebook,
Publisher: The Luminous Cat
Received: Bought
Release Date: August 2019
Pages: 39
Rating:




Author Cory Q. Tan’s Official Websites:

NO PHOTO FOUND

Website:
https://coryqtan.com/

Blog:
https://coryqtan.com/blog-2/

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coryqtan/?hl=en



Shannon’s Thoughts:

A wife asks her husband to go to the store for carrots to make dinner. Insisting she can not make dinner without said carrots her husband reluctantly heads out for what should be an easy task. He soon finds that getting these carrots are more trouble than what they are worth. The first store is closed and the second is out of carrots. He continues on and as he does the story becomes more and more insane.

I was surprised by the turn this took into fantasy. I was not expecting talking worms or rabbits. It reminded me of an old fairy I read as a child. Especially the part with the giant fish.

While I like the unexpected, I think the book went a little too far into fairy tale land for me. I kept thinking maybe the dad hit his head or fell asleep and he will wake up...but that did not happen. All the weird things that happen just really happen.

The artwork is awesome. The story is like the old fairy tales. I like fairy tales, especially when I know they are going to be a fairy tale. I am curious about other children’s books by Cory Q. Tan and may read more of his work later. I think young kids will like the fantasy of the story.

Shannon's Review - Dress Up Day by Tina Marie Kaht

Title: Dress Up Day
Series: Not at this time
Author: Tina Marie Kaht
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Hatice Bayramoglu
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picturebook, Imagination
Publisher: Createspace
Received: Bought
Release Date: May 2014
Pages: 40
Rating:



Author Tina Marie Kaht’s Official Websites:


Website:
Not found

Blog:
Not found

Facebook:
Not found

Twitter:
Not found

Instagram:
Not found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Young children dress in different outfits and pretend that they are who they are dressed as.

The idea and the art is cute. The writing is sweet and short. It is a very simple book and easy for kids to relate to.

Some of the writing rhymes and sometimes it does not but it tries to. Some sections are kinda clunky.

I think little kids ages 3 to 8 will absolutely enjoy this. It would be nice to read to kids and encourage them to learn about different jobs and maybe show them what each worker does.

Shannon's Review - The Day Lady Lost Her Spots by Lily Lexington

Title: The Day Lady Lost Her Spots
Series: Not at the moment
Author: Lily Lexington
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Lily Lexington
Genre: Fiction, Childrens, Picturebook, Self-Care, Bathing
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: August 2012
Pages: 30
Rating:



Author Lily Lexington’s Official Websites:



(borrowed from twitter.com)


Website:
None found

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/LilyLexAuthor

Instagram:
None Found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Young Lady the ladybug wakes up one day to find her spots are missing. Instead of taking a bath, she runs out to find her spots with her best friend.

This is a cute story. I think it will encourage kids who don’t like baths to want to take them.

There were some sentences that seemed awkward but does end up working out in the end.

It is a cute story with characters that have the promise of being a series. They are very likable characters. I mean who doesn’t like ladybugs?

Shannon's Review - Mario And The Hole In The Sky by Elizabeth Rusch

Title: Mario And The Hole In The Sky
Series: Not At The Moment
Author: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Teresa Martinez
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Biography, History, Science,
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: November 2019
Pages: 40
Rating:




Author Elizabeth Rusch’s Official Websites:





Website:
https://www.elizabethrusch.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorelizabethrusch/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/elizabethrusch

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lizrusch/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Mario And The Hole In The Sky are about scientist Mario Molina's discovery of the ozone layer deteriorating. The Ozone layer is very important to all humans on this earth we would not be here without it. Mario has spent a lifetime on how to heal the ozone before it is too late. This book tells his story.

I was surprised that I had not heard of Mr. Molina. As I grew up I heard plenty about how we as the world found out the ozone had a hole in it. We were told to not use certain products, and to carpool so there would be fewer fumes. I never really wondered who was the first person to figure this out.

After the story, there is an epilogue that describes what Mr. Molina is doing now and the awards he has won. The epilogue is interesting but it is written differently than the biography that was just read.

I think this is an excellent book for children to read who may have to do research for a report on scientists or on the science of the earth. It is very informative and a good start. It a joy to learn new things and a bonus when it is an illustrated kids' book.

Shannon's Review - Celestina The Astronaut Ballerina by Donald Jacobsen

Title: Celestina The Astronaut Ballerina
Series: Big Ideas For Little Dreamers #2
Author: Donald Jacobsen
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Graham Evans
Genre: Fiction, Childrens, Picturebook, Space
Publisher: Three Sunshines
Received: Bought
Release Date: November 2019
Pages: 48

Rating:





Author Donald Jacobsen’s Official Websites:

Website:

https://donaldjacobsen.com/

Blog:
https://donaldjacobsen.com/blog/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/donaldjacobsenbooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/donaldmjacobsen

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/donaldjacobsen_author/





Shannon’s Thoughts:

Celestina has dreams of becoming an astronaut and to walk on the moon. Her family, on the other hand, think she has set the bar too high and tries to convince her to be more grounded. So Celestina takes ballet. Her teacher encourages her to follow her dreams of going to space.

I find it unique that Celestina’s family and friends were the ones that discouraged Celestina to do what she dreams. I also enjoyed that the reader gets to see Celestina grown up by the end.

The art is cute and I enjoyed the story. I am curious to see other books in Big Ideas For Little Dreamers series.

I loved the many representations of multicultural characters in the book and the fact that the main character is a girl is wonderful as well. Celestina Astronaut Ballerina is an inspiring book for kids who dream big and learn to work hard to get where they want to be.

Shannon's Review - Alone by Scott Stuart

Title: Alone
Series: Not At The Moment
Author: Scott Stuart
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Scott Stuart
Genre: Fiction, Children’s, Picture Book, Planets
Publisher: Independently Published
Received: Purchased
Release Date: August 2019
Pages: 21
Rating:





Author Scott Stuart Official Websites:


(taken from https://scottstuart.co/)

Website:
https://scottstuart.co/

Blog:
Could Not Find

Facebook:
Could Not Find

Twitter:
Could Not Find

Instagram:

Could Not Find






Shannon’s Thoughts:
Young planet Earth is looking for a friend and even though space is full of other planets not many are friendly. The other planets are not only unfriendly but also just plain mean. They don’t like Earth because she is different. All of this makes Earth sad and lonely. She loses hope she will ever find a friend.

The story is written in a cute poem that rhymes. It is sad that Earth is so lonely and that the planets want nothing to do with her but even in its melancholy way it is still adorable. I do love that even though the other planets do not like her differences she still likes herself just the same.

I can’t help but believe if the planets could talk to each other they would not be a mean as they are to Earth just because she was not like them. I would like to see a sequel where all the planets realize they are wrong and become friends with Earth.

Children will enjoy the Earth’s interaction with other planets as they learn different tidbits like Mercury being dry and Venus is hot. It is a nice story with a happy ending.

Shannon's Book Review - If You Were Me And Lived In...Brazil by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me And Lived In… Brazil
Series: If You Were Me And Lived In (# 17)
Author: Carole P. Roman
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Kelsea Wierenga
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children’s, Picture Book, Places, History,
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Received: From author for an honest review
Release Date: July 2016
Pages: 32
Rating:

Author Carole P. Roman’s Official Websites:

Website:
http://www.caroleproman.com/

Blog:
http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/caroleproman

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/caroleproman/


Shannon’s Thoughts:
The 17th installment to the If You Were Me And Lived In… series. This time we learn about living in Brazil. It is fun learning new words in Portuguese and viewing famous landmarks included with the cute illustrations.

In this edition, I enjoyed guessing which Portuguese words for cheese, milk and other terms. I don’t remember the other books in this series having you guess. It is easy to find out what was right by looking in the glossary in the back of the book.

The only downfall with these books is they are too short...for adults which is not who they are written for.

This book and the others in this series are wonderful for inquisitive children who want to learn about the world they live in.

Shannon's Review - 1,2,3, Who's Cleaning The Sea by Janina Rossiter

Title: 1,2,3, Who’s Cleaning The Sea?
Series: None
Author: Janina Rossiter
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Janina Rossiter
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Environment, Animals
Publisher: Independently Published
Received: Purchased
Release Date: April 2019
Pages: 27
Rating:


Author Janina Rossiter Official Websites:



Website:https://www.janinarossiter.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/IllustrationJaninaRossiter

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/JaninaRossiter

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/janinarossiter/


Shannon’s Thoughts:

Clever animals of the sea help each other by cleaning plastics and trash that is polluting their ocean home.

Simple verses and detailed art help make a sweet and motivating story of life helping life. Animals making there home a better place by getting rid of the plastics and trash us humans have unfortunately left. This book teaches various themes like counting, how to be neat and to be kind to the living world.

Our environment needs help not just the animals but the land and aquatic areas too. Yes, this book may have the animals of the sea cleaning our mess which is probably unrealistic and silly but the feeling is there.  The message of the book is that one voice can start a movement but more than one can make that change happen. At least that is what I take from it.

I enjoyed this sweet book and it lights a little flame within to fight for our world to be a better place.