Waffles and Pancakes are two hamsters who were bought from the pet store on the very same day. But their owners—Danny &Griffin, don’t treat them the same way. Pancakes has a lovely new home to play around in with wheels and tunnels. Waffles only has a small box. But when Waffles and Pancakes meet up again, they realize that there are more important things than material possessions.
BIO:
Cindy Springsteen, author of Waffles and Pancakes books and Forever & Always Series lives on Long Island with her husband, two children and two granddaughters. She has had a passion for writing since she was in her teens, starting with poetry, which won her numerous awards and were published in various publications. She also spent many years researching and writing about parenting teenagers for various publications. She presently is a virtual assistant for a well-known author. She is currently working on book five in her Waffles & Pancakes series.
METADATA
Title: Waffles And Pancakes: A Lesson in Friendship
Outstanding for toddlers and young, beginning readers, Cindy Springsteen’s Waffles & Pancakes is a wonderful book. The lesson taught is a timeless one.
The parents of Griffin and Danny, two lads in the same class at school, purchase Waffles and Pancakes for their boys on the same day. The boys didn’t know they had each received a pet hamster on the same day, though.
The hamsters reconnect as the plot develops. Griffin and Danny’s play date brings the hamsters back together. Pancakes has a lavish hamster home, which astonishes Waffles since he just has a little box. Waffles soon finds out that while Danny plays with him almost constantly after school, Griffin seldom ever plays with Pancakes.
Both adults and children can benefit from the story’s lesson. The message of unconditional love will resonate, too.
My two-year-old granddaughter found the tale to be quite interesting. She felt sorry for Waffles at first, but she soon came to the conclusion that Danny’s affection was far superior to many of Griffin’s offerings.
The story’s appeal is enhanced and made more enjoyable by the vivid and winsome visuals.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily chose to give it my honest review.
Join us for this tour from Nov 25 to Dec 16, 2022!
Book Details:
Book Title: Are You A Pineapple? by Kathryn A. Zolman Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Mascot Books Release date: May, 2022 Format available for review: print-hardback (USA), PDF Tour dates: Nov 25 to Dec 16, 2022 Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
Book Description:
Kevin has a beautiful new puppy! But what should he name her? He wants to find a name that is unique, just like her. Kevin knows the puppy is special, but he’s about to find out just how smart she is when she helps Kevin choose her own name!
What a sweet tale about how Kevin, a small, young boy, and his brand-new puppy, who was without a name, rapidly became best friends!
Are You a Pineapple? by Kathryn Zolman, has charming, easygoing and heartwarming prose — all fantastic qualities for a story geared toward youngsters. Zolman highlights how Kevin takes ownership of his pup, dedicates himself to raising and caring for it, how seriously he takes that responsibility and how solemnly he approaches it.
Content based on actual events that took place in Kevin and the pup’s lives greatly enhances the book’s appeal and makes it a pleasure to read. Naturally, it also makes the message more engaging and interesting.
Walter Policelli’s artwork absolutely and effectively brings the story to life. You’ll be giggling as you see how the charming shenanigans and the adorable, loveable antics of the two characters are depicted.
My granddaughter and I really enjoyed reading Are You a Pineapple? together. It is really an upbeat, bubbly and energetic chronicle. She loved the bright, amusing and endearing illustrations and often commented on them. Needless to say, it made her want a dog – which isn’t going to happen with our cat ruling the roost!
Ages 3 to 7 are the target demographic. But even though she’s only two, my granddaughter thought it was wonderful. Additionally, I believe older kids would also greatly enjoy it, too. Be advised that it might result in them begging for a pet!
The “About the Author” page at the end, which is a charming and lovely little postscript, gives insight into how and why the book came into being.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Meet the Author:
Kathryn A. Zolman never expected to write a children’s book, but when Pineapple came into her life and she heard the story of how this sweet, smart dog got her name, she thought it would make a fun book for parents to read to their children. Pineapple is a Bull Mastiff, German Shepherd, Chow mix, and much like a real pineapple, she knows how to stand tall and is very sweet on the inside!
Kathryn is an avid dog lover. Along with her husband and daughter, they have raised three Doberman Pinschers, each with their own unique personality and character. Kathryn is an advocate for not only raising children to respect all animals, but also to be thankful for the pure joy that they bring to our lives. In writing this book, Kathryn seeks to spread a positive message and hopes it will help children express more gratitude in their lives.
Book Title: WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE by Cheryl DaVeiga and Dave Gibson Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Waterhole Productions LLC Release date: January, 2021 Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
Book Description:
In the Frozen Frogg Ice Cream Shop, Bully Vanilli is the most popular ice cream and self-proclaimed king of the flavors. Lonely Mustachio Pistachio sits at the back of the freezer. No one ever picks him!
Every night, after the store door is locked, Bully Vanilli begins his bullying and Mustachio is his favorite target. One night Bully kicks Mustachio’s bucket. Poor Mustachio falls SPLAT on the floor and it’s… War at the Ice Cream Store! And
The “Biff Bam Booza Series” includes Cheryl DaVeiga and Dave Gibson’s War at the Ice Cream Store. The book opens with an introduction and QR code, along with details of additional resources available.
Bully Vanilli reigns over the ice cream flavors at The Frozen Frogg Ice Cream Shop on Main Street and enjoys using his influence and notoriety to be a bully. The loneliest of the ice creams, Mustachio Pistachio, is one of his favorite ice creams to bully and harass.
The narrative realistically and eloquently illustrates Bully Vanilli’s reign of terror. The illustrations colorfully and vividly depict life for the ice cream flavors. It got to the point where my two-year-old granddaughter vehemently announced that she DID NOT LIKE Bully Vanilli and wanted to HELP Mustachio Pistachio instead! In addition, she decided that she wanted lots and lots of sprinkles and an honorary mustache.
We enjoyed the story. In hindsight, I believe the g’daughter was a little upset by the bullying. It’s possible that I should have waited till she was a little older since she hasn’t yet experienced, or really heard of, bullying because they haven’t been depicted in our reading material to the same degree as they are in War at the Ice Cream Store. In her little life the world is still a benevolent place.
The tale is filled with cute puns and ice cream names, which will also heighten its appeal to adults. To further enhance the enjoyment of the book, there is also an activity booklet full of fun projects that can be purchased.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Book Description:
In the Frozen Frogg Ice Cream Shop, Bully Vanilli is the most popular ice cream and self-proclaimed king of the flavors. Lonely Mustachio Pistachio sits at the back of the freezer. No one ever picks him!
Every night, after the store door is locked, Bully Vanilli begins his bullying and Mustachio is his favorite target. One night Bully kicks Mustachio’s bucket. Poor Mustachio falls SPLAT on the floor and it’s… War at the Ice Cream Store! And
Cheryl DaVeiga is an award-winning children’s book author and singer/songwriter residing in New Jersey. After a career in business, Cheryl’s passion for music caught up with her, and she began writing and recording children’s songs as her alter ego, CADi Grace. She then moved on to adult songs, including an ASCAP award-winning veteran’s anthem, the featured song for the State of Alabama Bicentennial Celebration, the theme song to the philanthropic Where Angels Play Foundation, and a NJ Arts’ pick for top NJ summer songs. She’s also written songs for artists on critically acclaimed albums. Cheryl’s collaboration with Nashville songwriter Dave Gibson gave birth to a new adventure–writing children’s books, each with an accompanying song. Their Mom’s Choice Gold, Purple Dragonfly- award-winning, and Readers’ Favorite five-star rated debut children’s book, War at the Ice Cream Store, their Midwest Book Review highly recommended, and Readers’ Favorite five-star rated follow up, Rocket Red: A Little Ant with a Big Dream, and Cheryl’s newest release, The Prickly Problem: Dr. Pete the Porcupine, are featured on their online home for Kids: BiffBamBooza.com. Cheryl has numerous new children’s books on the way.
Dave Gibson is a singer/songwriter and children’s book author who resides in Nashville, Tennessee. A fixture on the Nashville music scene, Dave penned six #1 hits for artists such as Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Confederate Railroad, and Montgomery Gentry, as well as numerous other well-known country hits. He also won the Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) Best New Group award for his own Gibson/Miller Band. One of Dave’s favorite projects is his collaboration with songwriter/author Cheryl DaVeiga to write children’s books and songs. Their Mom’s Choice Gold, Purple Dragonfly award-winning, and Readers’ Favorite five-star rated debut children’s book, War at the Ice Cream Store, as well as their Midwest Book Review highly recommended, Readers’ Favorite five-star rated follow up, Rocket Red: A Little Ant with a Big Dream, are featured on their online home for Kids: BiffBamBooza.com.
Sep 13 –fundinmental– book spotlight / giveaway Sep 13– A Mama’s Corner of the World– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / giveaway Sep 14 –The Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / guest post / giveaway Sep 14– A Mama’s Corner of the World– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Sep 15 –Rockin’ Book Reviews– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / guest post / giveaway Sep 15– A Mama’s Corner of the World– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI / giveaway Sep 15 –Character Madness and Musings– book spotlight / guest post / giveaway Sep 16– Bound 4 Escape– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / giveaway Sep 16 –Rockin’ Book Reviews– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Sep 19 –sharingiscaringbookblog.wordpress.com– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE Sep 19 –The Phantom Paragrapher– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / giveaway Sep 20 –Splashes of Joy– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / giveaway Sep 20 –sharingiscaringbookblog.wordpress.com– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM Sep 21 –@sarahs.bookstack– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE Sep 21 –Splashes of Joy– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Sep 22 –The Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / author interview / giveaway Sep 22 –@sarahs.bookstack– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI Sep 23 –Sandra’s Book Club– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / giveaway Sep 23– Bound 4 Escape– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Sep 26 –The Phantom Paragrapher– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Sep 26 –Sandra’s Book Club– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Sep 26 –sharingiscaringbookblog.wordpress.com– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI Sep 27 –RebeccaReviewedIt– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / author interview / giveaway Sep 28 –RebeccaReviewedIt– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Sep 28 –Regally Written– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE Sep 29 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway Sep 29 –Paws.Read.Repeat– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / author interview / giveaway Sep 29 –Reading is My Passion– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / giveaway Sep 30 –Regally Written– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM Sep 30 –Sandra’s Book Club– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI / giveaway Oct 3 –Just Another Mother With Books– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE Oct 3– Mel_literate– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE Oct 3 –Reading is My Passion– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Oct 4 –Captive Dreams Window– book review of THE PRICKLY PROBLEM: DR PETE THE PORCUPINE / giveaway Oct 4 –Just Another Mother With Books– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM Oct 4 –Paws.Read.Repeat– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Oct 4 –Reading is My Passion– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI / giveaway Oct 5 –RebeccaReviewedIt– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI / giveaway Oct 5 –Just Another Mother With Books– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI Oct 6 –Regally Written– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI Oct 6 –Paws.Read.Repeat– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI / giveaway Oct 7 –Captive Dreams Window– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM / giveaway Oct 7– Mel_literate– book review of ROCKET RED: A LITTLE ANT WITH A BIG DREAM Oct 7 –The Phantom Paragrapher– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI / giveaway Oct 11– Mel_literate– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI Oct 11 –Captive Dreams Window– book review of WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE: MUSTACHIO PISTACHIO VS BULLY VANILLI / giveaway
Book Title: Rocket Red: A Little Ant with a Big Dream by Cheryl DaVeiga and Dave Gibson Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Waterhole Productions LLC Release date: November, 2021 Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
Book Description:
Rocket Red is a little guitar-playing, singing ant who dreams of becoming a big rock star. His mom, the queen ant, disapproves! She believes his job is to work and feed the ant colony. The only one who seems to believe in him is his pal, Beebop Bea.
One day, delayed by practicing with his Lucky Bug Band, Red finds himself all alone and in a dreadful jam. Can his music somehow save him?
What a cute, fun, pun-filled story from Biff, Bam, Booza! My two-year-old granddaughter is thoroughly enjoying these delightful books. She enjoys shouting “BIFF! BAM! BOOZA,” to boot!
Cheryl DaVeiga and Dave Gibson are the authors of the book Rocket Red: The Little Red Ant with a Big Dream. All ages will be drawn to this chimerical, fascinating story.
Little Rocket Red, the ant, has BIG aspirations. As readers, we’re given a front-row seat to “Rocket Red’s” dream of being a musician. When Red’s mother calls him to assist in gathering food for his fellow ant community, he and his motley crew of insects are abruptly pulled back to reality while on their way to achieving their goal.
Through the course of the book, several endearing puns—words where ant (or the ant sound) appears in the sentence—are introduced to us. Each word that contains the word “ant” is highlighted in red and has a little red ant above it. Instantly, antennae, antplifier, antertainment and chant are a few of the words we meet.
Red’s life serves as an inspiration for helping others, giving back to family and community, never giving up on dreams and supporting those in need.
There are more materials available as well to enhance the reading experience. Use the QR codes to join the Biff, Bam, Booza club and sing along with Red. You may also use them to find more sing-alongs. Moreover, there is an activity book with puzzles, mazes and other entertaining activities available.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Book Details:
Book Title: WAR AT THE ICE CREAM STORE by Cheryl DaVeiga and Dave Gibson Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Waterhole Productions LLC Release date: January, 2021 Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
Book Description:
In the Frozen Frogg Ice Cream Shop, Bully Vanilli is the most popular ice cream and self-proclaimed king of the flavors. Lonely Mustachio Pistachio sits at the back of the freezer. No one ever picks him!
Every night, after the store door is locked, Bully Vanilli begins his bullying and Mustachio is his favorite target. One night Bully kicks Mustachio’s bucket. Poor Mustachio falls SPLAT on the floor and it’s… War at the Ice Cream Store! And
Join us for this tour from Sep 13 to Oct 11, 2022!
Book Details:
Book Title: The Prickly Problem: Dr. Pete the Porcupine by Cheryl DaVeiga Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 44 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Waterhole Productions LLC Release date: January, 2021 Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
The “Biff Boom Booza Series” includes Cheryl DaVeiga’s lovable story, The Prickly Problem (featuring Dr. Pete the Porcupine).
Dr. Pete provides the neighborhood critters inhabiting a scorching, dry desert with solutions to their “prickly” issues. His homemade medicinal concoctions are anything but typical, though. All of the names are cute and imaginative, some even more so, like Flim Flam Jam and Rash Bash Butter.
Luis Peres’ inventive, ingenious illustrations for the story are sure to amuse readers of all ages, too. The images are bright and very eye-catching.
All the critters, together with their “prickly” issues, were adored by my two-year-old granddaughter. She was relieved that she didn’t have any “prickly troubles,” since she was worried that Dr. Pete would stab her, even if he was wearing a jacket to protect her from the quills.
Because of the cactus’ unpleasant, mean tendencies toward the neighborhood pals, she was was worried and on the edge of her seat waiting to see what would happen. She stated her dislike for “mean” things and people, expressing happiness when they were no longer mean.
Children will gain a wealth of life lessons, including those related to empathy, kindness, loneliness and love, to name a few.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Mr. Flopsy, Whispers from God is an early reader storybook that shares the simple message and guidance from a pet bunny to help your child find stillness and peace. By connecting with animals, children learn to see and hear God’s love and feel secure as they learn to be quiet, patient, brave and trusting. Written in a rhythmic bouncy script, Mr. Flopsy, Whispers from God: A Lesson on Being Still provides a platform for your child to begin their own relationship with God and is reaffirmed by the gentle words and affirmations of God’s love through the Bible verse “Be still and Know that I am God” Psalm 46:10. Join Mr. Flopsy on this heartwarming adventure that will inspire your child for a lifetime!
Cam loves living life to the fullest, running about, playing, jumping, shouting, and generally making a lot of noise. He finds it puzzling and wonders why everyone attempts to restrain his enthusiasm and make him go more slowly and quietly. But he finds it most difficult to comprehend how Mr. Flopsy can remain so calm, still and silent.
Mr. Flopsy, Cam’s pet bunny rabbit, teaches him a lot about how to be more quiet and still. The story illustrates both in words and pictures how to interpret the Bible verse Be still and Know that I am God from Psalm 46:10.
The reader and listener will be quickly drawn right into the story in this adorable, endearing tale written by Christie Eley and illustrated by Aries Cheung. With colored pages and cute, colorful illustrations, the story instantly comes alive.
My 2-year-old granddaughter was really curious about Cam and fell in love with Mr. Flopsy (she now wants a bunny!). Because she is very much like Cam where movement is concerned, she could grasp the idea, but Cam’s volume confused and perplexed her because “loud noises hurt my ears!”
Additional advice, suggestions and Bible passages to teach children to be still, peaceful, quiet, unafraid and less anxious are included at the book’s conclusion. The author also furnishes numerous helpful activities and websites.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review, however, is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
I’m bored! Five-year-old Jillian doesn’t enjoy sailing with her father and older brothers. They won’t let her help, and they make it abundantly clear that she is in the way. It’s not fun! Her father urges her to search for a seal with a pink bow in the ocean, and when she discovers Mary, Jillian’s imagination soars! Soon she is talking and playing with a baby harbor seal, and creating new adventures all summer long. Even when the cold weather arrives and Jillian can’t sail, she knows that Mary will always come back when she uses her power of imagination! The Seal with a Pink Bow is a story of a special relationship between a father and his daughter, and the gift of creativity and self-entertainment he shares with her. It is perfect for preschool and early readers.
Imagination is so delightful! The Seal with a Pink Bow, by Ellen B. Alden, captures this idea beautifully.
Think of yourself as a young girl who has to wait around with her older brothers and her father while they go fishing. Moreover, you don’t like fishing! The imagination quickly takes control. The story relies on the use of her imagination to escape boredom and her brothers’ teasing, creating endearing scenarios.
A seal named Mary, who has a pink ribbon on her head, is encountered by the little girl while sailing one day. Mary quickly becomes the girl’s best friend and helps her keep busy while on the fishing expeditions.
The artwork developed by Peter Zafris is adorable and full of color. The scenes will excite both children and adults.
This tale captured my two-year-old granddaughter’s attention. She made up her mind that she wants to ride aboard a “ship” in search of a pink-bowed seal that she can keep and even bring home with her. She said, “I can imagine it!”
According to the author’s note, her husband created the game of the pink-bowed seal to amuse their daughter while sailing. It’s amazingly wonderful how she was able to turn their adorable pastime into a whimsical, fantastical tale.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.
Join Us for This Book Series Tour: Aug 22 to Sep 9, 2022
Book Series Details:
Book Series Title: The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 4-8) Genre: Children’s Fiction Publisher: Angler Publishing Release date: May 2017, August 2021 Content Rating: G for children.
Books in the Series:
Today’s Highlight: Rusty Goes to Water World
The town of Someport-by-the-Sea wanted to honor Rusty, the Fire Engine, but nowhere seemed appropriate. As the townspeople searched for just the right location to remember Rusty, one location and then another was repeatedly abandoned in the quest to find the perfect place. As time goes on, it seems like nothing will be found as the seasons changed and all they did was talk about it!
Joe Fisher’s Rusty Goes to Water World is a charming sequel to Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine . It was exciting to experience Rusty’s new journey and adventures.
My two-year-old granddaughter enjoyed following the townspeople as they searched for a fitting place to honor Rusty. When they appeared to give up, she became sad. She also enjoyed when the class visited Water World and wished she could visit somewhere similar to it. She empathized with every aspect of the tale, but I won’t provide any spoilers.
For this narrative, Jaye Boswell also produced the drawings. The images are bright, vivid and colorful. They are cute and aptly portray the children’s adventures at Water World as well as their adventures in the quest to locate a place to name in Rusty’s honor.
The story seems more appropriate for an older age group, in my opinion, than ages 4-8. Young children will, however, delight in the images and the adventures.
The last page of the book outlines all the rides and attractions at Water World. In addition, there is a QR code to find out more about Water World.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Book Details:
Book Title: Rusty Goes to Water World (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 4-8), 36 pages Genre: Children’s Fiction Publisher: Angler Publishing Release date: August 2021 Content Rating: G for children.
Book Description:
The townspeople of Someport-by-the-Sea want to honor Rusty for saving them during the “Summer Like No Other” so the Mayor Himself decides a park should be named in Rusty’s honor. But, finding the right place is not as easy as it sounds. Then when students at Sea Stone Elementary take Rusty on their end of year celebration at Water World things don’t go as planned.
Just as Mr. Spritz the Manager of Water World is about to close the park because of an equipment failure, Rusty, with the help of Fireman Jim and Mike the Deputy Fire Chief, once again saves the day and in the process finds a new home in a water park that bears his name.
After successful careers in market research and public health consulting, Joe now writes fulltime from his home base in Sanibel Island, Florida. Like his career, his writing is wide ranging from academic books to works for the trade including:
Killer Among Us: Public Reactions to Serial Murder,
The Next Breath: New Life After Near Death
His work has earned praise from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Library Journal, The Miami Herald and the New England Journal of Medicine among others.
Recently, Joe jumped to the world of children’s picture books with the series The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine:
Book 1 – Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine
Book 2 – Rusty Goes to Water World
A third book in the series, Rusty and Calliope, is in development. In addition, a fourth children’s book, Ospreys in the Outfield: A Sanibel Story will be available in the fall 2022.
Aug 22 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Aug 22 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 22 – Faith and Books – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 23 – Book Zone Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 23 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 24 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 24 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 25 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 25 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 26 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Aug 26 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 29 – Captive Dreams Window – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway Aug 29 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Aug 29 – Faith and Books – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 30 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 31 – Paws.Read.Repeat – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway Aug 31 – Book Zone Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 31 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 1 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway Sep 1 – Splashes of Joy – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Sep 1 – Captive Dreams Window – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 2 – Reading is My Passion – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Sep 2 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 2 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway Sep 6 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Sep 6 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Sep 6 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 7 – Pause for Tales – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Sep 7 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 7 = Paws.Read.Repeat – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 8 – Pause for Tales – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 8 – Reading is My Passion – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 8 – Splashes of Joy – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 9 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 9 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of RUSTY GOES TO THE WATER WORLD / giveaway
Book Title: Saving the Seas for the Purple and Green: A Story of Cleaning Up the Ocean by Nancy Carlisle Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 34 pages Genre: Juvenile fiction/science & nature/environment Publisher: Sage Green Press Release date: March, 2022 Content Rating: G. There is nothing even close to PG or R in this book, it is totally G
“Saving the Seas for the Purple and Green gives children the hope of making a difference. Washed Ashore is honored to have our work highlighted.” — Angela Hazeltine Pozzi, Founder of Washed Ashore
“A simple, relevant, and informative read that gives kids a positive outlook on what can be done to reduce our impact on the ocean.” — Taylor Lane, Creator of the Cigarette Surfboard
Book Description:
A young girl loves the tide pools that she sees on her runs by the ocean, but one day notices garbage amongst the colorful creatures she finds there. Along the beach she meets conservationists cleaning up the beach who educate her about the dangers that trash pose to ocean life. She decides to help also.
In Nancy Carlisle’s Saving the Seas for the Purple and Green, we meet Violet, a young woman whose favorite colors are purple and green. The seas she adores are full of these hues. Violet enjoys running, especially near the ocean. We observe the same things she does as she runs, including the lovely anemones, starfish and harmful unsightly trash.
The structure of the book is dual. The narrative relates Violet’s experiences, while on almost every page, Carlisle provides details about marine life, the effects of plastic on the ocean, recycling and the urgency of preserving our ecosystem.
As a plus, Nancy Carlisle is the illustrator, too. Her drawings are beautiful and ingenious, drawing you into the story, beginning with the cover’s delightfully wonderful coloring.
In addition to asking many questions about plastics and how they harm the poor turtles and sea jellies, my two-year-old granddaughter made running comments about the drawings. She thoroughly enjoyed the story. The book’s target audience is 3-7-year-olds, but the sidebars, by contrast, seemed to be aimed at older youngsters, broadening its appeal.
Carlisle calls attention to a much-needed conversation about how we can protect our oceans in a clear-cut, comprehensive and understandable approach that incorporates a variety of resources.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Meet the Author:
Nancy Carlisle is an author and illustrator who writes hopeful books for kids that interweave facts and fiction about the environment and global responsibility. During her 38-year career as a sustainable architect and researcher, her focus was on the environment. She led work nationally and internationally on sustainable and energy efficient buildings and communities and won awards for collaboratively designing award-winning sustainable buildings, a laboratory campus, and improving the energy efficiency of U.S. laboratories. Since retiring, Nancy has worked as a volunteer teaching English as a Second Language and mentors first generation college students. She is a strong advocate against plastic waste not only because it pollutes our oceans and water but also because it contributes CO2 to our atmosphere.
Nancy enjoys the outdoors and international travel. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Society of Environmental Journalists. She studies botanical illustrating and French language.
Join Us for This Book Series Tour: Aug 22 to Sep 9, 2022
Book Series Details:
Book Series Title: The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher, Rusty Goes to Water World by Joe Fisher Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 4-8) Genre: Children’s Fiction Publisher: Angler Publishing Release date: May 2017, August 2021 Content Rating: G for children.
Books in the Series:
Today’s Highlight The Adventures of Rusty The Forgotten Fire Engine
My Review
The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a charmingly sweet story. Rusty was once known as “Reddy, the ready Fire Engine.” But one day, Reddy was no longer so red. In fact, he was quite rusty! From then on he was mocked and teased for being old and no longer useful.
The story of Rusty helps teach children that usefulness is not lost and does not disappear because of being “old and out of shape,” as it were.
The illustrations by Jaye Boswell are bright, whimsical and appealing, adding plenty of engagement for youngsters.
My two-year-old granddaughter enjoyed the story immensely. The winsome prose drew her immediately into the story. The adorable illustrations led to many questions and exclamations. We broke the story into two nighttime adventures because she was so enthralled with it!
The target market is ages 4-8, however, I think both younger and older children will enjoy the story, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Book Details:
Book Title: Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 4-8), 32 pages Genre: Children’s Fiction Publisher: Angler Publishing Release date: May 2017 Content Rating: G for children
Book Description:
When the Mayor Himself decides the town of Someport-by-the-Sea needs a new
fire engine the Fire Chief picks a shiny, bright red one that has all the latest tools needed to put out fires. The new fire engine becomes the joy of the children in town and the pride of the fireman and townspeople alike.
But after many years the fire engine becomes old and worn until everyone begins to laugh and call it Rusty. Sad and forlorn Rusty is ignored and forgotten. Then during the 4th of July parade in a summer like no other Rusty saves the day in a most surprising and unusual way.
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine tells the story of a fire engine and the fireman and boy who love him. It is a lighthearted and multi-layered story, richly told, that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Whimsical illustrations create an air of fantasy, drawing children into Rusty’s world while stimulating their imaginations as they follow Rusty’s journey from hero to outcast and back again.
The surprise ending brings the tale to a heart-warming and satisfying conclusion that reveals all things have hidden value that is waiting to be released. Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a classic story of love, loss, transformation and redemption.
After successful careers in market research and public health consulting, Joe now writes fulltime from his home base in Sanibel Island, Florida. Like his career, his writing is wide ranging from academic books to works for the trade including:
Killer Among Us: Public Reactions to Serial Murder,
The Next Breath: New Life After Near Death
His work has earned praise from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Library Journal, The Miami Herald and the New England Journal of Medicine among others.
Recently, Joe jumped to the world of children’s picture books with the series The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine:
Book 1 – Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine
Book 2 – Rusty Goes to Water World
A third book in the series, Rusty and Calliope, is in development. In addition, a fourth children’s book, Ospreys in the Outfield: A Sanibel Story will be available in the fall 2022.
What kind of research did you do for this book, if any?
This is a better question directed to my illustrator partner Jaye Boswell. I don’t do any research per se just let my imagination run wild. Jaye on the other hand has to take real things like a fire engine or calliope and make it come to life. So she samples pictures and representations on the internet and then translates the machines and people into her own whimsical style. As a person whose art talent ended with stick figures I admire how she creates characters from anthropomorphized machines and quirky human figures. I’ve told a story but Jaye creates a demimonde.
Do you travel to schools doing book readings of Rusty?
Yes Jaye and I welcome opportunities to go to schools and libraries, wherever children congregate, to read our books. But practically we can only go to schools that are in a reasonable distance. So we have created several ways we can reach out to schools and libraries at a distance. First we put the books into a PowerPoint format so a teacher can read the book to their students. We also send a free book when we send a teacher or school the PowerPoint Presentation so they have all the materials to do the reading and use it over and over again. As a follow on to that we are working on a zoom option where Jaye and I can do remote readings.
Let add it is our policy to send free books to children’s hospitals. For more about school readings and hospital book gifts, please see JoeFisherBooks.com
Any merchandise coming out soon? A plush fire-engine perhaps? Or kids water bottle with Rusty coming soon?
Not yet but we have given it some thought. Our feeling is that the Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine provide a good platform for toys such as the machines, Rusty Calliope, Snowplow, etc, the people like Fireman Jim, the Mayor Himself, Mr. Spritz the manager of Rusty’s Water World and the environment like Water World with all its rides and attractions. Please contact me through JoeFisherBooks.com if any of your audience is interested in this idea.
Do you have other projects you are working on?
Of course my illustrator partner Jaye Boswell and I are working on the next book in the Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine, Rusty and Calliope.
In addition, I have another illustrated children’s book coming out this fall, titled Ospreys in the Outfield: A Sanibel Story. This time I partnered with a gifted young wildlife illustrator May Jernigan.
The book tells the story of two Ospreys, Ophelia and Oliver, who want nothing more than to find a quiet place to build a nest and raise a family. After some false starts they think they have found a perfect spot, in the lights that surround the ball field next to Sanibel School. Perfect until Little League season opens and disturbs their tranquil place. What happens next proves it takes a village and the Golden Rule to play baseball when there are Ospreys in the Outfield.
For more information about this and other books please check JoeFisherBooks.com
When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?
I am an inveterate traveler so much of my non-writing time is spent planning and arranging my next trip. Many of these expeditions can take on a life of their own – trekking in the Himalayas, hiking in remote and inhospitable areas of the Congo or scuba diving in the Solomon Islands.
For fun, I collect things, like butterflies or seashells and I am addicted to ebay auctions.
Tour Schedule:
Aug 22 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Aug 22 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 22 – Faith and Books – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 23 – Book Zone Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 23 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 24 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 24 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 25 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 25 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 26 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Aug 26 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 29 – Captive Dreams Window – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway Aug 29 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Aug 29 – Faith and Books – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 30 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Aug 31 – Paws.Read.Repeat – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway Aug 31 – Book Zone Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Aug 31 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 1 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway Sep 1 – Splashes of Joy – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Sep 1 – Captive Dreams Window – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 2 – Reading is My Passion – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Sep 2 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 2 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway Sep 6 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway Sep 6 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Sep 6 – Lisa’s Reading – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 7 – Pause for Tales – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway Sep 7 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 7 = Paws.Read.Repeat – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 8 – Pause for Tales – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 8 – Reading is My Passion – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 8 – Splashes of Joy – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 9 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway Sep 9 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of RUSTY GOES TO THE WATER WORLD / giveaway
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Captive Dreams Window 