Shannon's Review - My Trip To The Hair Salon by Gordana and Neda Koljuskov

Title: My Trip To The Hair Salon
Series: Not At Moment
Authors: Gordana Koljuskov and Neda Koljuskov
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unsure
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Fiction, First Haircut
Publisher: Tellwell
Received: Purchased
Release Date: Jan 2024
Pages: 32
Rating:



Author Gordana Koljuskov and Neda Koljuskov’s Official Websites:






Website:
https://mytriptothehairsalon.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/My-Trip-to-the-Hair-Salon-Childrens-Book/61554802231395/

Twitter/X:
None Found

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

TikTok:
None Found

YouTube:
None Found



Shannon’s Thoughts:


This book is a first for mother-and-daughter authors Gordana Koljoskov and Neda Koljoskov. Gordana’s daytime job inspired this book, My Trip to the Hair Salon. It is about a little boy named Timmy who needs a haircut and his parents take him to the salon for the first time. At first, Timmy is scared and excited because afterward, he has a birthday party to go to.

The story is simple and because the author has experience as a hair stylist it is written in a way that will help kids who are nervous about their first salon trip. The illustrations are clean and beautiful done in what is watercolor.

There are other books about a child’s first haircut and they are okay. I feel this one hits all the positive marks. It is written calmly and soothingly which I think is helpful. The fact that Timmy gets scared but then is calmed by the stylist quickly is done so with expertise.

Shannon's Review - Felicity The Dragon by Ruthie Briggs-Greenberg

Title: Felicity The Dragon
Series: Not At Moment
Author: Ruthie Briggs-Greenberg
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Ruthie Briggs-Greenberg
Genre: Children’s, Fiction, Fantasy, Picture Book, Dragons
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: September 2015
Pages: 32
Rating:




Author Ruthie Briggs-Greenberg’s Official Websites:




Website:
https://www.ruthiebriggsgreenberg.com/

Blog:
https://www.ruthiebriggsgreenberg.com/ruthie-s-view

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

Twitter/X:
https://twitter.com/RuthieAuthor

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

TikTok:
None Found

YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@ruthiebriggsgreenberg4908


Shannon’s Thoughts:

Felicity is a shy dragon, unlike other dragons. She does not breathe fire and her wings are too tiny to fly with but she likes being helpful to all species.

Felicity's story is cute and fun. It has some rhyming and words that little ones will find funny like the word hiney.

I am trying to figure out how I feel about the art. Some pages I liked others less. I do appreciate how much work was put into them and the illustrations are very detailed.

I liked this one mostly for the subject matter and cute writing. The art is okay but not what I will remember it for. I would be interested to see if the author plans to do more picture books.

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 - Geese Are Not Pets by Jenny Lee Learn

Title: Geese Are Not Pets
Series: Not At Moment
Author: Jenny Lee Learn
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Jenny Lee Learn
Genre: Children’s, Picture book, Animals
Publisher: Amabel Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: April 2019
Pages: 38
Rating:



Author Jenny Lee Learn’s Official Websites:





Website:
https://jennyleelearn.com/

Blog:
None Found

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

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/lee_learn

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



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Most kids want a pet like a dog or a cat, this kid wants geese. Their family and those around him say geese are not pets. This child disagrees until he actually gets what he wants.

The story is cute and it is written in a way that can help a beginning reader and one that is a little more advanced. I had a good chuckle at the end of the story.

How the kid gets the geese is just not something I think could happen. Not even an adult would have the patience to keep those eggs warm. So the story could be misleading.

It is an entertaining story and I love the ending. Kids who have a love for all animals and want pets will enjoy this one.

Shannon's Review - Firenze's Light by Jessica Collaco

Title: Firenze’s Light
Series: not at the moment
Author: Jessica Collaco
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Angela Li
Genre: Fiction, Children’s, Picture book,
Publisher: Shine Your Light Books
Received:
Release Date: June 2014
Pages: 28
Rating:



Author Jessica Collaco’s Official Websites:



(borrowed from goodreads.com)

Website:
https://www.shineyourlightbooks.com/

Blog:
None

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

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FirenzesLight

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



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Firenze is a firefly that does not like her light. Her mother tells her it is what makes her special but she disagrees. She tries hard to hide her light even though others discourage it.

Even as an adult reading stories about what makes a person, animal, or insect special hits a note for me. As a human, I think we all want what we don’t have. Firenze has a light she would rather not have because she sees it (at first) as a negative. We always want what we can not have and then realize that we want what we did have.

I think it is a good story but kinda peters out in the end. Strong message but the realization at the end of the book is just unrememberable.

The art is beautiful and cute. It really helps tell the story. I would recommend this for kids ages 4 and up. I would absolutely read more from this author.

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 - 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 - The Superlative A. Lincoln by Eileen R. Meyer

Title: The Superlative A. Lincoln
Series: None At the Moment
Author: Eileen R. Meyer
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Dave Szalay
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Poetry, Biography
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: November 2019
Pages: 48
Rating:














Author Eileen R. Meyer’s Official Websites:


Website:

https://www.eileenmeyerbooks.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/eileenmeyerbooks

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Writer_Meyer

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




Shannon’s Thoughts:

One of the most loved presidents of the USA, Abraham Lincoln, lived in a time of hardship but overcame many obstacles to become the great man we know him as. Author Eileen Meyer adds tidbits of Abraham’s history after a quaint rhyming poem on every page turn. Written for children but even this adult learned some new facts.

The art by David Szalay and whimsical poetry make this book fun and interesting. Some of the facts about the president are well known but I found a few I did not know. Not only was he the tallest president he was also a farmer… but not a good one.

There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this book. It is nice to look at, the wordplay brings joy and I learned about a person that is part of my country’s history.

I would probably recommend this book for ages 7 and up. Of course, the “and up” in my mind definitely includes adults. After all, an adult wrote this and probably learn new things writing this as well.

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.

Shannon's Review - Stinky Santa by Otto Fishblanket

Title: Stinky Santa
Series: Not At The Moment
Author: Otto Fishblanket
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Gerald Hawksley
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Holiday, Christmas, Santa
Publisher: Gerald Hawksley
Received: Bought
Release Date: November 2012
Pages: 30
Rating:

Author Otto Fishblanket's Official Websites:


Website:

None Found

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
None Found

Twitter:
None Found

Instagram:None Found


Shannon’s Thoughts:

Santa is stinky and it is time for his yearly bath. Which means it is Christmas time!

With prose in rhyme, and can be read in the tune of jingle bells. It is a story most little boys will love because bath time is usually as difficult as Santa, his elves and reindeer only bathing once a year.

While the premise is promising and the art is quaint the writing isn’t as memorable. As you are reading, the words just don’t work some of the time. I felt I had to keep rereading and the words would not stay in my head.

This was not my favorite but if I had read it to my nephews I think they would enjoy it better than I did.

Shannon's Review- Zetta The Poinsettia by Alma Hammond

Title: Zetta The Poinsettia
Series: Not At This Time
Author: Alma Hammond
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Zuzana Svobodova
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Holiday, Christmas
Publisher: Sweetbeet Books

Received: Purchased
Release Date: October 2019
Pages: 34
Rating:






Author Alma Hammond’s Official Websites:



Website:
https://www.sweetbeetbooks.com/

Blog:
https://www.sweetbeetbooks.com/blog-events.html

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

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/almarhammond

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



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Zetta, a beautiful poinsettia flower wonders her place in life as it is purchased, displayed during Christmas and her life after the holidays.

Zetta is an adorable character in which the illustrations work together with the writing to make her even more likable. It is hard not to wish Zetta a long life because is so happy to be displayed like the other ornaments.

Poinsettias were a big plant in my grandmother’s house at Christmas time. We would buy her white or red poinsettias she would display during the winter season. Zetta had a better life than the flowers my grandmother had. I am not sure any of us thought to plant the poinsettia in the yard after the holidays. This book reminds me of good times at my grandmother’s and sad for the flowers I could have preserved better.

I could see Zetta’s story producing a sequel or series of books. I think older toddlers and on will enjoy the story of Zetta the Poinsettia.

Shannon's Review - Goofy's Big Race by The Walt Disney Company

Title: Goofy’s Big Race
Series: Walt Disney’s Fun To Read Library Vol. 4
Author: The Walt Disney Company
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: The Walt Disney Company
Genre: Fiction, Picture Book, Children, Disney
Publisher: Bantam Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: 1985
Pages: 48
Rating:






Author The Walt Disney Company Official Websites:




Website:
https://www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/

Blog:
None

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

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/waltdisneyco

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





Shannon’s Thoughts:
Goofy’s Big Race is a retelling of a fable The Tortoise And The Hare, Goofy is the tortoise and Donald Duck is taking the role of the hare. Donald challenges Goofy to a race to the ice cream shop. As Goofy keeps trucking on “slow and steady” the infamous duck, Donald, makes many stops including taking a nap, very confident he will win.

I am a Disney fan so seeing Donald and Goofy in this story is fun. The story is probably not that different from the original fable.

Even though I am a Disney fan I think the original fable is better. I think while the characters are fun they may take away from what the fable is teaching.

I still love Disney and had many of this series when I was younger. I read them over and over until the age of 10 or 11. It is fun to go back and revisit them as an adult.

Shannon's Review - The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base

Title: The Eleventh Hour
Series: None
Author: Graeme Base
Illustrator: Graeme Base
Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Animals
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Received: Bought
Release Date: 1993
Pages: 32
Rating:

Author Graeme Base’s Official Websites:


Website:
None current

Blog:
None current

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

Twitter:None current

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


Shannon’s Thoughts:
The eleventh hour is a story about an elephant who hosts a party for his own birthday. He creates many lavish dishes for his friends. Before the elephant and his friends eat the feast they play many birthday games. After the games, the elephant and his guests find that someone has eaten all of the birthday meal. Beautiful illustrations to enjoy as you read the story and the art also reveals who ate the birthday dinner.

This is a very whimsical children's book. The illustrations are spectacular and there's so much detail it takes a couple of times to read to really see everything. The stories cute and children under 9 I think will enjoy it very much.

Even though I love the art the illustrations are overwhelming especially when you realize that only searching through the art is how you find who had devoured the meal.

I never did find out who done it I had bought this as a gift for a nephew. I would probably search through it again if I had had the time. It definitely would be good to help kids as a visual exercise.

Shannon's Review - Little Mouse's Painting by Diane Wolkenstein

Title: Little Mouse’s Paining
Series: None
Author: Diane Wolkstein
Illustrator: Diane Wolkstein
Genre: Fiction, Children’s, Picture Book, Animals, Art
Publisher: HarperCollins
Received: Bought
Release Date: April 1992
Pages: ??
Rating:






Author Diane Wolkstein Official Websites:


(November 11, 1942 – January 31, 2013)

Website:
None active

Blog:
None active

Facebook:
None active

Twitter:
None active

Instagram:
None active


Shannon’s Thoughts:

Little Mouse is an artist and loves to paint. Three of Mouse’s friends visit and each friend sees something different from the painting Mouse has painted. Each friend sees themselves in the painting although Mouse did not paint the picture with them in mind. The painting becomes special for all four of them for different reasons.

This book has two things that caught my eyes. One it a kid's book which I love. Two it’s got the mouse is an artist and I am an artist. The art for this book is so detailed and story so sweet. I love how each character saw something different in painting.

I have seen some reviews that people did not like there were so many words for a picture book and I will say when I pick it up a glance through I felt the same. Although once I read it, that did not matter. It reads easily and with art so detailed the story should mirror that.

Toddlers will enjoy the book but those starting schools might connect with it more. A beautiful work of art in many ways.

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

Title: If You Were Me And Lived In...Turkey
Series: If You Were Me And Lived In...
Author: Carole P. Roman
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Picture Book, History, Turkey
Publisher: CreateSpace
Received: From author for review
Release Date: November 2013
Pages: 28
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:

Another addition to If You Were Me And Lived In series. This time we learn about living in the country Turkey. The reader is introduced to what common boys and girls' names are. We learn Turkish names of common items like money, mom and dad. The lite children's picture book is full of facts and cute illustrations.

I do enjoy these series of books because it is like a beginner's class on countries I don’t know much about. I don’t have my own children but my inner child tells me she would have liked these books as well.

My only reservation is I feel that there could be more to learn but I think that is the adult in me. Maybe the amount of information is just right for a child.

I think this series will be really helpful for kids once they reach age fo social studies classes and have reports to do.