The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York CitybySofie Wells & Ali Barclay Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book. Publisher:Kendam Press Publication Date: January 6, 2025. Content Rating: G
Book Description:
Charlie Wags is a seemingly ordinary pup. He sits on command, is appropriately needy, and only sometimes begs for treats.
But Charlie has an extraordinary secret. He loves to travel the world and has a special trick to do so: his wagging tail can whisk him away to far-off places.
This time, he’s off to the Big Apple!
Embark on a panoramic tour of New York City led by ever-curious pup, Charlie Wags! From the serenity of Central Park to the dazzling lights of Times Square, Charlie explores the city that never sleeps before returning home for bedtime.
Wherever you may be, The World Is Just a Wag Away ™
Sister-author duo Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay form the writing team behind The Tales of Charlie Wags picture book series. The series offers young explorers a baseline introduction to the world’s most famous cities. As daughters of immigrants, their family heritage exposed the sisters to the importance of cultural diversity early on. Their parents prioritized showing them the world, even on a tight budget. This instilled in them the idea that travel is one of the best forms of education.
Knowing that not all children had the chance to explore the world firsthand, Sofie and Ali decided to put pen to paper and create a story they had in their minds for many years about a globetrotting dog. Their series mission is simple: provide a conversational understanding of the world’s most famous cities through charming stories that make far-off places accessible to every child and family.
Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Two Polar Bears organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Author Crystal Beach will award a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!
And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Two Polar Bears
by Crystal Beach
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Synopsis
What could possibly be better than One Polar Bear? Two Polar Bears! Join this charming polar bear couple as they try to have a peaceful soak in the tub only to be interrupted by four very dirty cubs! This delightful rhyming story chronicles a lovable polar bear family as they go through their nightly bedtime routine. Celebrating individuals with a variety of abilities and disabilities, readers are introduced to early learning skills such as bedtime routines and grooming. With fun and humour, this book also helps children establish healthy sleep habits. Two Polar Bears is an entertaining story and a beautiful addition to your child’s own bedtime routine.
If you can be anything, be inclusive.
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MY REVIEW
I loved Crystal’s first book, One Polar Bear. It was precious. I knew I had to read Two Polar Bears. And it was every bit as fun and adorable.
I remember the routines of bedtime when I was a young girl. I never wanted to go to bed and found creative ways to postpone it and my mom was patient with me. Couldn’t have been easy as she had six kids to get to bed.
I just know children will love the colorful, cute illustrations as much as I did. And they’ll be having so much fun with the rhyming context, searching for items and learning how to say goodnight in different languages. What a fun way to teach and learn.
5 STARS
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Enjoy this peek inside:
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Click on the cover below for my review of the first book, One Polar Bear.
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About Author Crystal Beach:
Crystal Beach is an adoptive mother and caregiver of two adoptive children who have complex medical needs and disabilities. Her children are often represented in her work as strong, caring individuals with special gifts and powers. Her writing projects are intended to ensure financial support for her children’s future.
Crystal has a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Her focus is in children’s literature, publishing, and journalism. She has had many careers including ten years as a MedA with the Canadian Naval Reserve, advertising with a daily newspaper, communications and marketing, training as an EMT, and continued studies in developmental psychology.
She and her family live in Regina, Saskatchewan in a simple little house with two giant support dogs.
Book Title: Mei’s Mermaid Mission by Crystal Z. Lee Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 42 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Balestier Press Publication Date: Mar 1, 2024. Content Rating: G
Book Description:
The mission of the Mermaids International Rescue Alliance (MIRA) is to guard the ocean and protect the sea creatures. There are many mermaid members in MIRA from all over Asia, such as Princess Hwangok (Korea), Roro (Indonesia), Jiao (China), Ningyo (Japan), Songkhla (Thailand), Duyung (Malaysia), Sovann Macha (Cambodia), Sirena (the Philippines), and Mei (Taiwan). Mei’s Mermaid Mission is an exquisitely illustrated picture book that follows Mei as she travels all over the Asia Pacific region to gather the team of heroic mermaids in order to stop the pirate from polluting. Can Mei and the MIRA mermaids stop the pirate in time? Over twenty sea animals and over twenty locations in Asia are introduced in this story, as well as Asian mermaid mythologies in the book’s backmatter. Children and adults will delight in this cultural story emphasizing empathy, friendship, collaboration, and environmental protection.
Mei’s Mermaid Mission references names from mermaid mythologies in Asia. Tell our readers about some of them.
In Cambodian and Thai mythology, Sovann Macha was a golden mermaid who led a pack of mer-warriors.
In Korean lore, there is a love story between King Eunhye and a mermaid princess, Hwangok. Princess Hwangok lived at Busan and patiently kept vigil for Eunhye by the shore.
My book references names from mermaid mythologies that have permeated the Asia Pacific region, some of them for centuries. I’ve always been fascinated with the underwater world so writing this book was a wonderful journey.
Your book can also be a resource for children interested in animal science, since it mentions nearly thirty animals! Which ones stand out for you?
Giant pacific octopuses are highly intelligent creatures that have nine brains; they have been known to recognize and hug people.
Dugongs are gentle marine mammals that help our earth’s climate by protecting seagrass meadows.
Komodo dragons are native to Indonesia and some scientists believe they are the closest living relatives to dinosaurs.
Saolas are one of the world’s rarest mammals and are also known as Asian unicorns. They resemble antelopes are native to Vietnam and Laos.
Mei’s Mermaid Mission highlights some of the rare animals and sea creatures that call Asia Pacific home. They are all unique and I hope my book can be a conversation starter on animal protection.
Have you been to some of the places mentioned in Mei’s Mermaid Mission? Which is your most memorable trip?
I’ve visited over thirteen countries in the Asia Pacific region, so yes, I’ve been on many trips in Asia! I grew up in Taipei, lived in Shanghai for years, and took annual trips to Japan and Singapore. I loved traveling to Korea’s Jeju Island, hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, seeing historic relics in Vietnam
There is also a sprinkling of history in your book. Tell us about the historical figures that make an appearance.
Zheng He: A Chinese mariner and diplomat from the 15th century Ming dynasty, Zheng He (also known as Cheng Ho) commanded over 300 ships that sailed as far as Africa. Zheng He led grand expeditions about a century before the European maritime powers. At the time, Zheng He commanded the largest, most advanced fleet in the world. Today, there are statues and monuments dedicated to him in Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Oman, etc.
Madame Ching: Also known as Ching Shih, Madame Ching is recognized as history’s most successful female pirate. Roaming the South China Seas over 200 years ago, Madame Ching commanded hundreds of ships and at one point entered into conflicts with major world powers such as the Portuguese empire, Chinese Qing dynasty, and the East India Company.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read in so I almost always add a bit of history in my books!
There are some specialty ships mentioned in your story. Can you share them with our readers?
Turtle ships were armored battleships used from the 15th-19th centuries in Korea. The ships resembled turtles with their fully covered plates.
Dragon boats have been around for more than two thousand years! They are traditional paddled long boats with decorative dragon heads and tails. Today they can be found all over Asia, such as in Taiwan, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, China, Laos, the Philippines, etc.
Moon boats are traditional Bangladeshi fishing boats with a distinctive crescent moon shape.
There is an environmental protection message in this book. What do you hope your readers can takeaway from Mei’s Mermaid Mission?
If humans do not curb our marine pollution, current estimates predict that by the year 2050, ocean plastic will outweigh all of the ocean’s fish. That means there will be more plastic than fish in our seas. We can all do our part in helping the animals and creatures we share this earth with. One of the simplest things is recycling, reducing plastic waste, and reading and learning about marine environment protection.
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Meet the Author Crystal Z. Lee:
Crystal Z. Lee grew up in a bilingual household in Taiwan and in California. She is an avid traveler and has visited over thirteen countries in Asia. Her favorite travel memories include hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, cruising down the Yangtze River, chasing butterflies in Taiwan, attending literary festivals in Hong Kong, and visiting family in Singapore. Crystal is the author of children’s books A Unicorn Named Rin and Kai the Dancing Butterfly. Her poetry was recently included in the UK anthology, Tabula Rasa. She is also the author of a novel, Love and Other Moods.
Allie Su was born and raised in a village in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She attended Nanhua University in Chiayi city, majoring in Visual Arts. Allie once lived in Korea for some time, volunteering in the area of animal protection. She loves kimchi, Korean saunas, Incheon’s snowy winters, and taking boat rides to Yeouido. She believes in bringing joy to people through art. Allie has worked as a children’s art teacher and a professional illustrator. She also illustrated a picture book about Taiwan, Kai the Dancing Butterfly.
Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Carrie Can Fly Too organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Authors Ashley and Breanna Bolliger will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!
And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Carrie Can Fly Too
by Ashley & Breanna Bolliger
Genre: Children’s Fiction / Picture Book
Synopsis
Carrie Can Fly Too is an optimistic and inspiring rhyme for the entire family. It affirms that being different shall never prevent us from achieving our lifelong dreams. All we need is a little confidence and our imagination can suddenly become a remarkable reality.
About the Authors
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Ashley and Breanna Bolliger are identical twin sisters born and raised in Canada. Growing up, they have always cherished creating new projects together. Their passion for writing flourished when they launched a wellness blog called Twinlife. Through the creation, they hoped their personal wellness experiences would propose positive change, motivating young adults to develop their own wellness routines to support personal mental health needs.
Ashley and Breanna created “Carrie Can Fly Too” to continually raise mental health awareness, targeting younger audiences. Self-confidence is an attribute that is often not taught, yet it is a motivating factor which drives many towards achieving personal goals. Self-confidence is also fostered when the world is a more accepting place, and everyone has the opportunity to embrace their unique differences. This is Ashley and Breanna’s first children’s book publication, and they wish to continue writing and illustrating books in the future.
The Puppy Adventures of Porter & Midge: Out and About
by Jennie Chen & Giselle Nevada
Pictures by Ann Kelble
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Pets
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CJ and Lora are on a mission. They want to ride on a float during the Independence Day Parade with their new puppies. But their camp counselor says puppies need basic puppy training before they can be in the parade. How will CJ and Lora train their puppies to be confident, calm, and open to learning new things? Will they be ready in time to ride the float in the parade?
The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About is a quick introduction to the idea of early socialization and training for puppies so they can be outstanding canine citizens and wonderful family pets. Kids can follow the puppies’ story and even have a real-life adventure with their own new puppy with the provided checklists.
The Puppy Adventures of Porter & Midge: On the Go Journal
Companion Activity Journal
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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: On the Go Journal is here to help you explore new places, discover fun things, and make memories with your four-legged best friend. Read Lora and CJ’s amazing adventure in The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About – then set off on your own real life adventure! Track all the sights, smells, sounds, and more in this fun-filled journal and memory book.
Giselle Nevada has owned several mastiffs. Some she acquired from reputable breeders and others she rescued as adults. Fostering rescued mastiffs and helping them work through their issues led to a keen interest in socialization as a means of preventing future issues. She loves working with her dogs and has dabbled in carting, conformation, agility, rally, trick dog, nose work, and many other canine sports. Her puppy Porter is a testament to early socialization – he has achieved many performance dog titles and has done commercial work. He also has a role in a movie called Match Me If You Can directed by Marian Yeager.
Jennie Chen has been active in purpose bred dogs since 2001 earning over 75 titles in conformation, competitive obedience, rally, herding, lure coursing, weight pull, drafting, water rescue, packing, and animal assisted therapy. Her first AKC Champion was a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Ch Dixieland Blazing Maximus, CGC, HIT, SS, SWET, WETT, HIC, WETX, WTXX, WPD, DD, WWDS, RN, CD, THDA, VGS, 2017 GSMDCA Ambassador of the Breed, “Mouse.” Mouse was the first Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to earn any Water Rescue titles, and he was spokesdog for the Keep Austin Dog Friendly trend for many years appearing in magazines, news clips, and serving the community as an animal assisted therapy dog. Keep Austin Dog Friendly was nominated for a Webby Award in 2016.
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Follow the blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!
Today Award-winning actor & filmmaker Jaret Martino and Rockstar
Book Tours are revealing the cover for SINGLE PARENTS ROCK!, his new picture book which
releases March 21, 2023 on National Single Parents Day! Check out the awesome
cover and enter the giveaway!
Please email with the person’s name
you would like the book dedicated to, and any special message you would like
included. Please also include the mailing address and they will ship direct and
gift wrap if needed. Jaret@StrongerThanPretty.com
From Award-winning actor, filmmaker,
and founder, Jaret Martino, comes Single Parents Rock! (Based
On a True Story and Feature Film, DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty). Streaming
everywhere you buy and rent movies. A story about a creative, caring, and
strong young girl who has the most caring heart and see’s the world in ways we
can all learn from! Shay knows just how special single parents are, and is
excited to introduce you to the strong females in her family! When Shay turned
5, her Mom and Grandma got to work on making her party extra special! Shay is
exuberant to invite her friend’s from school and just met a new friend Nala.
Through Shay’s heart we see her embrace the world’s differences with love. When
her Grandma makes her a cape and a crown, she feels the magic and power of the
long line of strong women that surround her.
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To our Shay-Shine, as Grandma loved to call you. Continue to light up the world with your heart and smile. Love, Uncle Jaret.
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To my loving Mother, Donna, who handled the role of Mom and Dad with such grace. Your untimely passing only amplified your accomplishments as a teacher and parent and I will continue to spread, unwaveringly, all your lessons and your every expression of love. Shay Marie, your beautiful granddaughter, will always be reminded of the long line of strong Women in her family, and of the bravery it takes every woman to make a life for herself and her children.
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“Women have to be Stronger Than
Pretty. We have to be warriors…you look like a warrior to me.” –
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from feature film DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty
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Stronger Than Pretty LLC. Love Wins
Productions, Distribution and Film Festival. Creating awareness for subjects
deserving attention.
Book design by Mery Pelecine.
Editors: Corie Lynch and Pat Branch.
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About Jaret Martino:
From Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and founder, Jaret
Martino, comes Single Parents Rock! (Based On a True Story and Feature Film,
DONNA: Stronger Than Pretty). Streaming everywhere you buy and rent movies. A
story about a creative, caring, and strong young girl who has the most caring
heart and see’s the world in ways we can all learn from! Shay knows just how
special single parents are, and is excited to introduce you to the strong
females in her family! When Shay turned 5, her Mom and Grandma got to work on
making her party extra special! Shay is exuberant to invite her friend’s from
school and just met a new friend Nala. Through Shay’s heart we see her embrace
the world’s differences with love. When her Grandma makes her a cape and a
crown, she feels the magic and power of the long line of strong women that
surround her.
To our Shay-Shine, as Grandma loved to call you. Continue to
light up the world with your heart and smile. Love, Uncle Jaret.
To my loving Mother, Donna, who handled the role of Mom and
Dad with such grace. Your untimely passing only amplified your accomplishments
as a teacher and parent and I will continue to spread, unwaveringly, all your
lessons and your every expression of love. Shay Marie, your beautiful
granddaughter, will always be reminded of the long line of strong Women in her
family, and of the bravery it takes every woman to make a life for herself and
her children.
“Women have to be Stronger Than Pretty. We have to be
warriors…you look like a warrior to me.” – from feature film DONNA:
Stronger Than Pretty
Stronger Than Pretty LLC. | Love Wins Productions,
Distribution and Film Festival. Creating awareness for subjects deserving
attention.
Our favourite veggie eating T-Rex is back and this time he’s celebrating his first Christmas! Read on for more details!
The Littlest Dinosaur’s First Christmas (The Littlest Dinosaur Series)
Publication Date: September 5, 2022
Genre: Children’s Books/ Picture Books
The Littlest Dinosaur is excited to play in the snow for the first time. He wishes he could play in the snow forever, but Christmas is a busy time of year, and Mama Tyrannosaur has plans for those presents under the tree!
Bryce Raffle was the lead writer for the video game studio Ironclad Games. He also writes stories for young adults and designs book covers.
Steven Kothlow is making his debut as a children’s book writer. He hopes to tell many more stories that help spread a message of diversity and inclusion especially in children’s literature.
Tessa Verplancke is a sound designer by day and an illustrator by night. She lives to tell stories through as many mediums as possible.
Join us for this tour from Nov 30 to Dec 18, 2020!
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Oliver the Ornament Boxed Gift Set byTodd M. Zimmermann Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 54 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Oliver the Ornament Release date: ‘December 22, 2018 Tour dates: Nov 30 to Dec 18, 2020 Content Rating: Rated G.
Book Description:
Oliver the Ornament is a heartwarming tale of one family’s cherished Christmas ornaments. The story centers on Oliver, who has been with this family since Mom and Dad’s very first date. Years later, Oliver, now injured and bullied, still has the magic of Christmas in his heart. “The story follows Oliver’s excitement for Christmas, his heartbreak, and his determination to overcome all odds to save the day. Oliver, along with his friends, will warm your heart with his kindness, humility, and love for his family and friends. We hope the story will bring families together to tell the stories of their own ornaments and the special meaning that so many of them possess. Because after all, “Every Ornament Tells a Story.”
Todd Zimmermann, the creator and author of the “Oliver the Ornament” series, is on a mission to spread kindness and anti-bullying messages within his charming stories. The first story in the series focuses on a little ornament who faces challenges, but is able to overcome all odds to save the day. Charity is at the heart of Oliver the Ornament. A portion of proceeds from the sale of each book will be donated to various children’s charities. Starting with 5% from the first book, 10% from the second book, and increasing to 100% of the seventh book, Oliver the Ornament is committed to making a difference in children’s lives throughout the world.
DREWSILLA THE SHELTER PUPPY by Karen Carew Oakes, Children’s Picture Book, 22 pp., $16.64 (paperback) $3.03 (Kindle)
Title: DREWSILLA THE SHELTER PUPPY Author: Karen Carew Oakes Publisher: Archway Publishing Pages: 22 Genre: Children’s Picture Book
My Review
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This was an adorable story about Drewsilla, one of an orphaned litter of puppies who is too shy and gets overlooked for adoption. She reminded me of being the last one to be picked for team sports and I felt so sad for her. But, as it would happen, she is the one that must choose. Get over her shyness and find that perfect forever family.
Such a warm, sweet story and the illustrations are bold and fun. I recently read an interview with the author and the fact that this is a true story and the illustrations are created from real photos makes this story even more endearing. I had such fun reading about Drewsilla and it will become a family favorite for those who invite her story into their homes.
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When Drewsilla and her siblings are tiny puppies, an accident steals
their mother away. A kind stranger rescues them and takes them to a
shelter, where the staff works around the clock to care for the pack of
newborns. Soon, her brothers and sisters begin to thrive. Drewsilla has a
beautiful black coat, intelligent eyes, and ears that stand straight
up.
Drewsilla, though, is scared. She seems afraid of everyone and
everything and hides in the back of her cage when families come to
visit. As her friendly siblings each get adopted, lonely Drewsilla
remains. The staff even worries that she might never find a home. Then,
one day, something amazing happens.
The Johnsons come to the shelter to look at another dog and see
Drewsilla, who miraculously finds the courage to stop hiding and say
hello. All shelter dogs deserve the chance to find a loving family, and
this is the true story of Drewsilla — how she overcomes her fears, finds
her family, and gets a second chance at a happy life.
ORDER YOUR COPY:
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Then one day, the Johnsons came to the shelter. They had
looked on the shelter website for available dogs they wanted to see.Drewsilla, was not one of them. It just so
happened that they would have to pass directly in front of Drewsilla’s cage. As
they passed something amazing happened. Drewsilla came to the front, stood on
her hind legs, poked her nose out of the bars, and begged for attention. Mrs.
Johnson bent over to see her. It was love at first sight. The Johnsons asked to
open the cage so they could see her.
Karen Carew Oakes, has been writing for many years and her articles
have been included in the Lutheran Advent, as well as an article in
several magazines. She is a mother and grandmother. She lives in
Helotes, Texas with her two schnauzers Ella and Mackenzie. Her stories
are based on true experiences her children encountered growing up.Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/karencarewoakes.
I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.
Today I’m sharing a sweet story about dreaming big.
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Can A Princess Be A Firefighter?
by Carole P. Roman
Genre: Children’s Book
Age Level: 5 – 6
My Review
Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were young? Was it a firefighter, an astronaut, or perhaps you wanted to join the circus? When asked if a princess could be a firefighter, a father encourages two young girls to dream big, tells them they can be whatever they want to be, and that they can always change their minds.
The delightful and fun illustrations show a multitude of choices.
I imagine your young ones will pour over each page, examining everything the pictures have to offer. Dreaming big and possibly wanting to play dress up.
The message is simple and told with lyrical prose. I read it once, and then again. I suspect many children will too, and this may join the family favorites.
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Synopsis
Two little girls pepper their father with questions about whether or not they can be a profession and still be a princess. Motivated by her granddaughter’s fascination with all things ‘princess, ‘ Carole P. Roman penned this adorable poem celebrating all the wonderful possibilities waiting ahead for them.
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