Waffles and Pancakes: A Lesson in Friendship by Cindy Springsteen

PUBLISHER‘S SUMMARY:

BOOK ONE IN A MOST DELIGHTFUL SERIES

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

Author: Cindy Springsteen

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform  

Pub date: January 26, 2017

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Paperback ISBN: 97815423886401

Reading Age:  2 – 8  Years Old

Grade Level: 1 – 2

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.

Advertisement

Are You A Pineapple? by Kathryn A. Zolman

TOUR FULL

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!

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N 
BAM ~ indiebound ~ Bookshop.org
Mascot Books

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.

connect with the author: instagram  

Tour Schedule:

Nov 25 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Nov 25 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Nov 25 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
Nov 25 –Rockin’ Book Reviews– book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 28 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Nov 28 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Nov 28 – My Reading Getaway – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 29 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Nov 29 – Reading Authors Network – book review / giveaway
Nov 30 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 30 – Sandra’s Book Club– book review / giveaway
Dec 1 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit– book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 1 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review / giveaway
Dec 2 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 5 – I’m Into Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 6 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 7 – @sarahs.bookstack – book review
Dec 8 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Dec 9 – Mel_literate – book review
Dec 12 – Lisa’s Reading – book review / giveaway
Dec 13 – Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway
Dec 13 – Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Dec 14 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 14 – Bizwings Blog – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Dec 16 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway

Enter to win signed copy of ARE YOU A PINEAPPLE?

https://gleam.io/FJhib/are-you-a-pineapple-book-tour-giveaway

https://www.ireadbooktours.com/

@iReadBookTours  @acornsireadbooktours @laurenireadbooktours

#iReadBookTours #picturebooks #kidsbookswelove #books  #authors  #giveaway

Mr. Flopsy, Whispers from God: A Lesson on Being Still by Christie Eley – Illustrated by Aries Cheung

Publisher’s Summary

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! 

**Reading ages 4 – 8 years **Print length 40 pages **LanguageEnglish

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.

Friday Flashback: Bedtime, Little Bear by John Lancer

This adorable book is currently free on Amazon!

(Please check prices prior to purchase!)

Publisher’s Summary

Little Bear doesn’t want to go to bed. He wants to keep playing. When Mother Bear and the forest animals call to him, he pretends he can’t hear. But the sun is sinking and soon it will be dark. Will Little Bear find his way home before nighttime comes? Find out in this magical, moonlit, bedtime story.

Bedtime, Little Bear is an endearing story about loveable Little Bear, who, like all children, does not want to go to bed!

Little Bear is having so much fun playing!  Several times he thinks he hears his mother calling him. But he convinces himself that he doesn’t really hear her, even though his little friends tell him they also heard her.

The story’s pictures of Little Bear and all the woodland creatures, plus the changing of time from twilight and dusk to nightfall, are charming, delightful and enchanting. I so enjoyed the fanciful, creative and whimsical illustrations; they make you want to join Little Bear in his playtime, and then give him a huge goodnight hug, too!

Bedtime, Little Bear perhaps could have been better if Little Bear received some type of consequence for his misbehavior. However, I feel it might detract from the story. There is no age recommendation that I could find, but I am guessing it is perfect for the 1 to 5 age frames. At this age, children are more involved in the story’s plot than concerned with the lack of discipline. Some precocious children may question why nothing happened; in which case, this story turns into a good learning experience.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman and Illustrator, Janine Rhodes on Tour with iRead Book Tours

TOUR FULL

Book Details:

Book Title:  Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine by Beverley Reichman
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  36 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher:  Book Baby 
Release date:  January, 2022
Tour dates: February 1 to February 14, 2022
Content Rating:  Rated G. Suitable for everyone

 

Book Description:

​Cindi isn’t sure about this holiday called Valentine’s Day, but after her people pair dress her up like a flamingo and take her for a walk in front of her friends, and her handsome new neighbor dog, Chip, she doesn’t like it at all! She and her BFF, Pitty Pat, have been watching Chip ever since he moved next door. She wants to meet him, but not like this! Have you ever changed your mind about something? In this outrageously funny story, meet some of Cindi’s fur-friends and find out if she changes her mind about Valentine’s Day.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is an especially SPECIAL book because it features 17 pets that were chosen as winners in the Cindi Features a New Friend contest last summer.  As you can imagine, their ‘people families’ are beyond excited about their pets being part of the story.  They had over 750 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, hedgehogs, and even a chicken, goat, donkey and monkey enter the contest! 

Buy the Book:
BookBaby
Amazon ~ B&N

18% of the Cindi series book sale proceeds is
donated to animal rescue and shelter organizations.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine was a hit with my almost 2-year-old granddaughter and me. She was particularly taken with it because she had been learning about Valentine’s Day and ” helping” decorate the house.

The story centers around Cindi, a dog, and her friend Pitty Pat, a cat. They are quite outraged when they are dressed up for Valentine’s Day, especially since they might run into Chip, Cindi’s new neighbor. Oh, the embarrassment!

Beverley Reichman did an excellent job of mixing a variety of animals into the story. The part I really appreciated was the illustrator’s depiction of the different dogs. Dogs of all kinds, shapes and sizes were there, including those in doggie wheelchairs and one with two distinctly different colored eyes. What a lovely method to illustrate and introduce physical differences and impairments to children.

Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine is a pleasant, sweet story with appealing, innovative pictures that will be pleasing to both children and adults.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

Meet the Author:

Beverley Reichman is a devoted mom, retired elementary school teacher and author. She co-authored her first book, Justice and Honor for My Sister: The Story of Margie Grey in 2018 and published her first children’s book, Kevin Can, in 2019. The second book in her Kevin series, Kevin is a Smart Cookie, and the first book in her popular Cindi the Teenie Chiweenie series were published in 2020. Her delightful and beautifully illustrated Cindi book series include: Cindi’s Chocolate Valentine, Cindi and Sparkles Howl-oween Ghoulfriends and Cindi’s Christmas Kitten Surprise, which earned a 5-Star Readers’ Favorite review.

Beverley teaches, tutors, and mentors children and shares with them her passion for learning, literature, living in faith, and experiencing life to its fullest. Beverley currently resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

---

Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 –Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 –Sandra’s Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 –@twilight_reader – book review
Feb 3 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 4 –Kam’s Place – book review
Feb 4 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 7 – Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
Feb 9 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Lisa Everyday Life – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 10 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Books for Books – book review
Feb 14 – Reading is My Passion – book review
Feb 14 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed copy of CINDI’S CHOCOLATE VALENTINE-one winner/USA only (ends Feb 21)

Enter the Giveaway here:

@reichmanwrites   @iReadBookTours

#childrensbooks #kidsbooks #valentinesdaybook #raisingreaders

LULU the Tiger & The Missing Shoes: A Children’s Book about Friendship, Sharing and Social Skills (LULU’s Adventures) by Ann Lee, Illustrated by Budi Hebat

About the Book

The shoes of her friends continue to disappear. Who could have taken them, and for what reason? Help LULU & friends solve the mystery!

Lulu the Tiger wants to go for a walk. 

But oh no, her shoes are suddenly gone. 

Where could they be? 

Perhaps Hal Hippo has seen them? 

Or maybe Gregory Giraffe and Eddy Elephant know where they are?

All of the friends’ shoes are missing!

Will they find the culprit behind the missing shoes?

The shoes of Lulu the Tiger are missing. No way! When she goes to her friends’ houses to see if she left them there, she realizes that their shoes have also vanished! Whatever happened to everyone’s shoes?

The story, LULU the Tiger and the Missing Shoes, written by Ann Lee and illustrated by Budi Hebat, is an engaging story. Lulu and her friends embark on a quest to find out what happened to their shoes, using rhyme and music. The story’s rhythm, combined with the catchy song lyrics, is appealing, and it engages young children. The inventive story of animals losing their shoes and then discovering where they found them is amusing.

The richly detailed and inventive pictures aptly illustrate the animals, their footwear and their journey to discover them. Children will be delighted by the illustrations as they read the book.

Lulu and her friends have a great time while learning a lot of valuable life lessons. Children learn to share, cherish friendship, and forgive as a result of the lessons they learn.

Lulu the Tiger stories are fast becoming my granddaughter’s most requested stories.

Friday Flashback (Two Posts In One) Penguin and Moose by Hannah C. Hall

This is one of the CUTEST stories, with a Fantastic message for children. If you have a child, know a child, or work with children-check it out.

Penguin and Moose, by Hannah C. Hall, is an adorable book and is charmingly and delightfully illustrated by Anna Chernyshova. 

Penguin discovers he has a problem most birds don’t have. His best friend, Moose, is more than willing to help him remedy the situation. After all, what are friends for? Thus, begins one of the cutest children’s books I have read. Penguin and Moose is geared toward the preschool to 3rd-grade level (approximately 4 to 8 years of age). However, it will definitely delight readers of all ages.

Friends are precious and wonderful. The story of Penguin and Moose not only clarifies but also spotlights their importance in a delightful and enchanting way.

Hannah Hall helps children learn more by using a Bible verse to further the point, but she does it in a non-preachy way.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Worthy Kids. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

Do They All Sleep?: A Children’s Picture Book, Bedtime Stories by Srividhya Lakshmanan (Author), Akansha Krishnan (Illustrator)

About the Book

Whether you laze, doze, snuggle, cuddle, nap or kip, you need to rest for a bit, but do animals ever sleep?

Time to jump into the ocean, sneak in some burrows, run through the savannah, roll down the hill, and find out how they sleep. ‘Do they all sleep?’ is a colorful picture book that can help your toddler learn how and where animals sleep through some fun little rhymes. In the end, let your toddler tell about their favorite way to sleep.

Grab this book now and watch your little one’s fun journey to a peaceful sleep every single night.

Rated 5 Stars by Readers’ Favorite – Do They All Sleep?, is a clever and charming book about the different sleeping patterns of many diverse animals and creatures of the sea. This is a wonderful interactive book, creative and educational as well as fun to read.

Do They All Sleep? is an adorable bedtime book for children written by Srividhya Lakshmanan and illustrated by Akansha Krishnan. The book will appeal to both adults and children, and it will assist in the formation of an endearing, pleasant sleeping habit.

The illustrations are vibrant and vivid, richly exemplifying each animal’s natural habitat and drawing kids swiftly into the narrative.

The sleeping patterns of each animal, bird, and fish are described. The animal’s calling naps by their home tongue’s name demonstrates differences in language.

Questions for the youngster to answer are sprinkled throughout the book, further immersing them in the story. The questions encourage a child to think about his or her own sleeping habits.

I appreciate how each animal’s story is brief and to the point, making it ideal for young children and beginning readers. The fonts for the little kid and the animal are different, making it easy to tell who is speaking.

Lakshmanan writes enchanting, entertaining and educational stories for children and Do They All Sleep? is no exception.

Written in repetitive, nursery rhyme format, which is perfect for little ones, Do They Sleep? is a perfect bedtime story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient, by Argyro Graphy

About Book

A loud knock at the front door has Bentley startled.  Who could it be?

An excited Jaxon, rambles on not making any sense.  Racing ahead pointing in the distance, Bentley follows this silly monkey.  A large crowd has gathered making it impossible for Jaxon to see what the fuss is all about.

Sprinting to the front of the line, Jaxon is stopped and directed to the back of the line by the ticket agent.  Frustrated, Jaxon looks around, waiting for the right moment.  Determined, he makes a mad dash. 

Inspiring Children to be Patient teaches:

the importance of waiting your turn

understanding the meaning of being patient

identifying ways to stay calm

respecting others around

Bentley has his hands full with this hyperactive monkey.  The illustrations and expressions will have you giggling in this entertaining and educational story.  

The fourth in the Inspiring Children Series, this makes a wonderful gift for any occasion, and a great addition to classrooms, libraries and daycare facilities.

My Review

The Adventures of Bentley Hippo, Inspiring Children Series, by Argyro Graphy, is an impressive series of stories for children. The newest addition is no less impressive.

Bentley’s friend, Jaxon, a monkey, comes to Bentley’s house one morning so excited Bentley can’t understand him. As Bentley follows his friend, there are many slip-ups in Jaxon’s behavior. Jaxon causes mishaps such as making everyone’s ice cream fall on the ground. Jaxson gets in trouble because he can’t stand still. Bentley figures out Jaxon is a very impatient monkey.

After recognizing and understanding the problem, Bentley helps Jaxon figure out how to stay calm. Jaxon and Bentley’s other friends, Daisy, the giraffe, Toby, the elephant, and Marty, the lion, also help Jaxon.

Graphy’s story will explain to children and help them understand how their disturbing and distressing overexuberance and impatience impact and affect everyone around them, including themselves.

The illustrations, by Michael Reyes, are striking and vibrantly portrayed. The appealing pictures are eye-catching and attention-grabbing with their rich, intense colors, which are sure to appeal to young kids.

The author aptly shows youngsters how to accept others for whom they are, in addition to helping them without unkind criticism, bullying or judgment. The Bentley Hippo stories are effective means of conveying these lessons to children.

I received The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient from Book Sirens. However, I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Little Possum and Little Sweetpea-Little Sweetpea teaches Little Possum a Lesson by Halle J. Ladd

Halle J. Ladd has written a likable children’s story about two unlikely friends.

Little Possum loves to eat sweet peas. He hides in trees to sneak up and eat the sweet peas. However, Little Sweetpea doesn’t want to be eaten, so she shows Little Possum where the delicious blackberries are.

The images are singular and unusual in that they are hand-drawn, which lends an air of captivating charm to each one.

Children can glean several lessons from this sweet story about becoming and being friends-lessons such as problem-solving, working together and give and take.

The story is short, thus ensuring it will hold a little one’s attention.

I received a copy of this book from AuthorsXP For Readers and Authors. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.