Learn more about Jessica Nicole McAnelly < Back Jessica Nicole McAnelly From Public Health to Picture Books: The Heart Behind “Birdie’s Picnic Party” For Jessica Nicole McAnelly, the path to becoming an author wasn't a lifelong ambition, it was a natural evolution of a life spent protecting others. After three decades on the front lines of public health, McAnelly has traded her investigator’s clipboard for a storyteller’s pen, launching her debut children's book, “Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety,” a 2026 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite, https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-favorites/9798294884901 The transition from investigating foodborne illness outbreaks to writing rhyming children’s prose might seem like a leap, but for McAnelly, it is the ultimate culmination of her career and her family values. ***Saturday Book Signing at ALA Chicago, Booth 4722*** The seeds for “Birdie’s Picnic Party: A Tasty Take on Food Safety” were planted as McAnelly approached a major milestone: her 50th birthday. Facing an empty nest as her children headed to college, she crafted a "50 before 50" bucket list. Writing and publishing a book was a top priority, but it couldn't be just any story. It had to be a legacy piece that synthesized her 30 years of expertise in environmental health and community wellness. "I spent years helping prevent the ‘invisible dangers’ that can make people sick," McAnelly explains. "I wanted a book that represented my years of food safety and nutrition training." The result is a warm, engaging narrative that simplifies complex health concepts into "tasty" lessons for the next generation. While her professional background provided the facts, her family provided the soul of the story. McAnelly cites her grandparents as her primary inspiration, remembering their kitchen as the "heartbeat of the family." The values of patience, generosity, and togetherness; the connection: Learning that love is shown through the simple act of making sure someone has a full plate; and the atmosphere: a home that always smelled of comfort and rang with the sounds of listening and laughter. The titular character, "Birdie," is a tribute to McAnelly’s own daughter. Inspired by her daughter's childhood nickname and joyful spirit, Birdie represents the joy of learning. In a beautiful full-circle moment, the real-life "Birdie" is currently applying to medical school, continuing the family legacy of health and service. “Birdie’s Picnic Party” uses rhythmic, rhyming text to guide families through the essentials of food safety. By turning "invisible dangers" into relatable adventures, McAnelly empowers children to feel capable and proud of making healthy choices. McAnelly uses Birdie’s journeys to keep young readers deeply engaged with themes of fun and friendship. This narrative approach seamlessly integrates vital lessons on nutrition and healthy habits, while simultaneously emphasizing kindness, ensuring that the wisdom shared in the book extends far beyond the picnic blanket and into how children interact with the world around them. The journey from a "bucket list" item to a published work found in independent bookstores was paved with community support. McAnelly credits her husband, children, and local librarians for bringing Birdie to life. She is particularly grateful to the local bookstores that opened their doors for story hours, allowing her to connect directly with her young readers. Today, McAnelly stands as a testament to her own favorite mantra: "You are never too old to chase a dream and make it a reality!" Through “Birdie’s Picnic Party,” she isn't just teaching kids how to wash their hands or store their snacks; she’s teaching them that safety, health, and love are all part of the same delicious recipe. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny < Back Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny Jeremy Clift's "Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny" Wins Independent Press Award, Charting a Bold Sci-Fi Future Jeremy Clift's "Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny" has been honored with the 2025 Independent Press Award in the Science Fiction category, alongside recognition for its audiobook edition. A former journalist and magazine editor, Clift's transition to fiction marks a compelling exploration of humanity's potential in the cosmos. Clift's path to science fiction was unconventional. Inspired by asteroid mining's economic possibilities and the resurgence of lunar exploration through the Artemis program, he sought to blend his journalistic rigor with imaginative storytelling. This fusion led to "Born in Space," a narrative that delves into the societal implications of humanity's expansion into space. He credits his teenage English teacher for instilling a love for language and literature, laying the groundwork for his writing journey. Clift draws inspiration from diverse science fiction authors, including Adrian Tchaikovsky, Mary Robinette Kowal, Cixin Liu, and Andy Weir, whose works masterfully intertwine human experience with scientific exploration. The 1969 moon landing also profoundly influenced his fascination with space and its transformative power. Clift expresses deep gratitude to his family, especially his wife, for their unwavering support throughout his publishing endeavors. "Born in Space," the first installment in his Sci-Fi Galaxy series, explores the development of orbital habitats, asteroid exploitation, and the unique identity of those born in space. "My first work of fiction, Born in Space, explores the growth of orbiting space habitats, the exploitation of asteroids, and the profound question of identity for the first children born off Earth—humanoids shaped by the vastness of space rather than the familiarity of Earth," Clift summarizes. He marvels at the dynamism of independent publishing, acknowledging the technological advancements that have empowered countless authors. "Born in Space" stands as a testament to this creative freedom, offering a thought-provoking glimpse into a future shaped by both scientific innovation and the enduring human spirit. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Book review of Amor, Sugar y Cookie by Susan Marie Chapman . ISBN: 979-8992222357 < Back Vea https://www.printedwordreviews.com/enespanol Amor, Sugar y Cookie Susan Marie Chapman Gourmet Dog LLC Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Este cuento adorable escrito por Susan Marie Chapman sigue a dos perritas pomerania, Sugar y Cookie, y su conexión como hermanas a pesar de sus distintas personalidades. Amor, Sugar y Cookie es una historia acerca de la hermandad y lo que Sugar y Cookie hacen en su día a día. Sugar es reservada y recatada, mientras Cookie es más atrevida y energética. Mientras que Sugar disfruta relajarse, Cookie anda en busca de aventuras, como intentar capturar lagartijas. Sus diferencias definen cómo enfrentan todo, y a pesar de ser tan diferentes, ellas se equilibran mutuamente. En el cuento, las gemelas van a la playa, se reúnen con sus amigos perrunos, y disfrutan de un premio cuando pueden. Esas pueden parecer actividades ordinarias para perros, pero para Sugar y Cookie el estar juntas hace que estos momentos sean especiales. El tiempo que pasan juntas está definido por el amor que solo puede venir de una hermana. Ellas aceptan las peculiaridades de la otra y también se complementan, fortaleciendo su relación. El libro resalta la importancia de la conexión familiar a pesar de las diferencias con un tono simpático y con fotos adorables de Sugar y Cookie. Las descripciones cortas y divertidas crean una historia interesante y entretenida. El lenguaje utilizado es ligero con analogías y permite entender las personalidades de las perritas. También hay una variedad de fotos que muestran a Sugar y Cookie en acción durante sus aventuras, lo cual ayuda a definir sus personalidades. Amor, Sugar y Cookie es una celebración de la relación de hermanas, donde las diferencias fortalecen su conexión. El cuento celebra la importancia de los pequeños momentos rodeados de seres queridos a través de las aventuras de Sugar y Cookie. La historia gustará a los niños pequeños, especialmente a aquellos que tienen hermanos, debido al lenguaje simpático y a las fotos adorables. Previous Next

Book review of Average Civil Employee: A Novel of Bureaucratic Absurdities by Stephen Wallace . ISBN: 9798900520353 < Back Average Civil Employee: A Novel of Bureaucratic Absurdities Stephen Wallace Bureaucracy, absurdity, government, frustration, identity, River Grove Books Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a bureaucratic maze of absurdity, an average civil employee named Ace must navigate eccentric colleagues, community service obligations, and the chaos of government inefficiency while discovering resilience and humor in the face of overwhelming challenges. A Sharp, Sarcastic Love Letter to the “Paperwork Purgatory” Move over, Kafka—there’s a new architect of absurdity in town. In his latest book, Stephen J. Wallace swaps the high-stakes industrial grit of his previous work “Hazardous Lies” for a weaponized stapler and a stack of forms in triplicate. The result is a delightfully biting satire that feels less like a novel and more like an undercover exposé of the “Acronopoly” played in the halls of Washington, D.C. The story follows Ace, a man whose primary superpower is surviving the Monday-to-Friday grind of a federal agency without losing his mind. When his supervisor, aptly named Less, vanishes into the black hole of “leadership training,” Ace is thrust into the driver’s seat. What follows is a gauntlet of administrative absurdity. Tasked with managing a staff that treats the shared drive like a battlefield and colleagues who speak exclusively in acronyms, Ace is forced to lead an intervention on the one person he can't escape: himself. To keep his sanity, he documents the chaos in a personal journal—a device that provides some of the book’s most laugh-out-loud moments of self-reflection. Between dodging the watchful eye of his supervisor’s supervisor More of Less and trying to convince his skeptical alma mater that he’s not a total failure, Ace must navigate Acronopoly—a competitive sport of government jargon— and decipher the true intent when colleagues use language to say absolutely nothing. While the book is consistently funny, Wallace sneaks in a poignant message about resilience. Ace isn't trying to dismantle the system; he’s trying to navigate it with his soul intact. The “community service” and “intervention” subplots add a layer of personal growth that grounds the satire. By the time his direct supervisor Less returns from his training, the camaraderie shared between the two men feels earned. It’s a reminder that even in a broken system, the human connections are what keep the lights on. If you’ve ever lost a file in a shared drive, sat through a meeting that should have been an email, or wondered if your boss was actually a sophisticated AI programmed to generate acronyms, this book is for you. Wallace has traded “hazardous” chemicals for “hazardous” bureaucracy, and the result is a win for readers everywhere. Previous Next

Learn more about Lynched: Mob Murders < Back Lynched: Mob Murders "Lynched" Earns Double Honors at Independent Press Awards, Unearthing Dark Chapter of Northern Plains History Doreen Chaky and Adrienne Stepanek's "Lynched: Mob Murders on the Northern Great Plains, 1882-1931" has garnered acclaim, winning both the History: United States and Western Fiction categories at the 2025 Independent Press Awards. This work documents a disturbing period in the Northern Great Plains, where mob violence and vigilante justice reigned, revealing a history often overlooked. Jon Stepanek, Adrienne's son, shared the remarkable story behind the book's creation. Both Chaky and his mother, in their 80s, dedicated seven years to researching and writing "Lynched." Chaky, an established author with "Terrible Justice" to her name, brought her experience as a freelance writer and newspaper professional to the project. For Adrienne Stepanek, a seasoned historical and genealogical researcher and former city librarian and cemetery researcher, this marked her debut as an author. "Lynched" delves into the grim reality of mob murders that plagued the Northern Dakota Territory between 1882 and 1931. It exposes how citizens bypassed the legal system, taking justice into their own hands, and the rarity of subsequent prosecutions. The book's strength lies in its meticulous detail, drawn from extensive research in courthouse records across the region. The authors express deep gratitude to the clerks and officials who aided their research, and to their families for their unwavering support. Jon Stepanek, along with his sister and daughter, are honored to accept these awards on behalf of Chaky and his mother, acknowledging the authors' dedication to uncovering and sharing this vital, albeit harrowing, piece of American history. "Lynched" serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of justice and the importance of remembering the darker chapters of our past. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Kellie Kaminskas < Back Kellie Kaminskas "Here With You": A Tender Guide Through Children's Grief, Awarded NYC Big Book Honor Connecticut author Kellie Kaminskas has been honored with the 2024 NYC Big Book Award in the Children's-Death and Dying category for her book, "Here With You." Kaminskas, a graduate of UMASS Amherst UWW with a BA in Creative Writing and English Literature, has crafted a narrative that resonates deeply with readers of all ages, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a mother. "Here With You" tackles the sensitive topic of grief with a heartfelt and relatable approach, offering solace and understanding to young readers facing loss. Kaminskas' writing reflects her dedication to creating stories that connect with the emotional landscape of her audience, a quality that has earned her this prestigious award. Kaminskas credits her late mother as her greatest inspiration, citing her eight-year battle with cancer as a testament to unwavering strength. "She was the strongest person I ever knew," Kaminskas shares, "and her strength pushed me to conquer every battle thrown my way." This personal connection to loss undoubtedly informs the authenticity and empathy found in "Here With You." She also draws inspiration from the lyrical and boundary-pushing songwriting of Taylor Swift, whose work encourages her to explore creative expression beyond conventional norms. Kaminskas expresses profound gratitude to her son, Preston, who inspires her daily, her supportive boyfriend, Marc, who encouraged her perseverance, and her family, who provided unwavering support. Ultimately, Kaminskas encapsulates her writing's essence in a single word: "Healing." Her work aims to provide comfort and understanding during difficult times, a mission beautifully realized in "Here With You." Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word August 27, 2026 Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine * August 27, 2026 - Share URL with a friend ========================== Ukrainian Book Industry Shaken by Russian Attacks One-third of the books printed in Ukraine this year have been destroyed by Russian attacks, according to a recent report in Ukrainska Pravda, The titled article opens with “Fahrenheit 451:,” a reference to Ray Bradbury’s... https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/ukrainian-book-industry-shaken-by-russian-attacks ========================== Andrew Richard Albanese Writes About Words and Money for the Library Market If you are a librarian, follow the publishing industry, or care about how the big houses are negotiating lending and purchase policies, there is now Words and ... https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/andrew-richard-albanese-writes-about-words-and-money-for-the-library-market ========================== PODCAST: GAB TALKS with R. Luce What happens when the "Pie in the Sky" isn't there? Share the latest episode of The Gab Talks podcast, featuring a deeply compelling conversation with contemporary American author and poet, R. Luce. https://youtu.be/VUpKYoYsYMc ========================== Liz Carrasco Named as OverDrive's Chief Technology Officer https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/liz-carrasco-named-as-overdrive's-chief-technology-officer ========================== Framed in Love In a world where a young man’s love for a woman trapped within a painting begins to fade alongside the vibrant colors of her reality, he must confront the fragility of their connection and the inevitability of loss, ultimately discovering that true love transcends even the boundaries of art and time. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/framed-in-love ========================== A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island A French flavor writer’s three journeys through Madagascar reveal how vanilla, cocoa, caviar, spices, rice, zebu, honey, and perfumery are transforming his understanding of the island’s people, culture, and fragile ecosystems. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798895650141 ========================== The Horses of Saddlers Ranch: Black Knight At Saddlers Ranch, a horse-loving teen and a grieving young Englishman must decide whether to tame or free a wild black stallion, discovering that compassion, trust, and letting go can heal them both. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781035869954 ========================== So You Want To Be a Marine Biologist Marine biologists dive into the ocean’s hidden world to discover, document, and defend life in a rapidly changing sea before it’s too late. https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/978-1972766064 ========================== See our magazine on Overdrive via Libby (any local library), 32 global newsstand apps, https://www.zinio.com/publisher/publications/printed-word-reviews/41160 , at a special event, or https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine The magazine Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 has been issued ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. My book recommendations find their way to Reader's Digest, trade publications, even a NYC Times Square Billboard. Printed Word Reviews is dedicated to showcasing and promoting exceptional literary talent. Through comprehensive reviews, author interviews, and industry resources, PWR serves as a vital bridge between creators and the reading public. ========================== (c) 2026 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter in its entirety. Connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ Previous Next

Book review of A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island by Emmanuel Laroche . ISBN: 9798895650141 < Back A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island Emmanuel Laroche Madagascar, culinary heritage, food culture, travel, sustainable agriculture Post Hill Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A French flavor writer’s three journeys through Madagascar reveal how vanilla, cocoa, caviar, spices, rice, zebu, honey, and perfumery are transforming his understanding of the island’s people, culture, and fragile ecosystems. In A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island, Emmanuel Laroche delivers a refreshing departure from standard culinary tourism. Utilizing the island’s food systems as a holistic lens, Laroche crafts a compelling narrative nonfiction account that traces the delicate threads connecting culture, history, labor, and ecology. The book rejects superficial exoticism, opting instead to confront the profound tension between Madagascar's agricultural abundance and its systemic economic hardships. The narrative engine of the book is its embedded, far-reaching journey. Beginning in the capital of Antananarivo, a meal by Chef Lalaina establishes a core theme: contemporary Malagasy cuisine can radically innovate without severing its ties to ancestral terroir. From this urban launchpad, Laroche takes readers into the supply chains of global commodities. Laroche demystifies vanilla, transforming it from a familiar grocery item into a high-stakes, labor-intensive crop dictated by market volatility, tedious hand-pollination, and ethical sourcing. Through the work of Chocolaterie Robert and Beyond Good, the author argues for shifting economic power back to local communities via fermentation, agroforestry, and domestic manufacturing. In a fascinating turn, Lake Mantasoa’s sturgeon farm is framed not merely as an elite luxury, but as a case study in technical adaptation that drives local job creation and national pride. Laroche's scope successfully widens past luxury exports to examine the pillars of daily life, showing how zebu, honey, and premium rice varieties intersect with daily ritual and basic survival. He bridges taste with scent, engaging with perfumers to show how raw materials like ylang-ylang and vetiver gain true meaning only when grounded in their human and environmental contexts. The author drives that Madagascar cannot be understood through isolated gastronomy; its culinary future is entirely codependent on the survival of its biodiversity, the protection of its labor force, and the resilience of its local enterprises. Laroche’s brisk, engaging narrative serves as an inviting introduction to a complex region, using mouthwatering food photography and recipes to keep the story dynamic, accessible, and inspiring to home cooks. Though the sweeping scope may leave eager readers wishing for a deeper dive into certain topics, the book’s pacing ensures it never bogs down. What truly distinguishes this work from standard food or travel writing, however, is Laroche's refusal to sanitize the landscape. The narrative confronts structural and post-colonial inequalities, culminating in the reality of deforestation. Laroche infuses this tragedy with an urgent activist heartbeat. By profiling the chefs, mixologists, and conservationists fighting for agroforestry and community-led reforestation, and by centering firsthand interviews with local farmers and culinary archivists, the book ensures the Malagasy people retain agency over their own narrative. A Taste of Madagascar is a vital read for enthusiasts of food journalism, sustainability, and global culture. It delivers far more than recipes or beautiful snapshots; it provides a profound, necessary reminder that the ingredients we consume every day are inextricably bound to the vulnerable landscapes and resilient people of the Red Island. Previous Next

Book review of Noche de San Juan by Robert Karl . ISBN: 9798992951349 < Back Vea https://www.printedwordreviews.com/enespanol Noche de San Juan Robert Karl Independently Published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Una novela juvenil de iniciación sobre dos adolescentes puertorriqueños cuya relación se desarrolla mientras enfrentan adversidades familiares y ambientales. Noche de San Juan, de Robert A. Karl, es una ambiciosa novela de aprendizaje que entrelaza el primer amor y la exploración de la identidad con un intenso trasfondo sociopolítico: las tensiones coloniales, la hostilidad familiar, la violencia de las pandillas y el devastador impacto del huracán María. Ambientada en Puerto Rico en 2017, la historia se centra en Saint John, hijo de un militar estadounidense, y en Mateo, un adolescente local atrapado entre el trauma familiar y los vínculos con las pandillas, mientras ambos navegan por un romance prohibido. En 2017, Saint John, hijo de un militar acostumbrado a mudarse constantemente, se traslada de Brooklyn a San Juan. Habituado desde pequeño a cambiar constantemente de lugar, ha aprendido a ocultar su atracción por los chicos. Entretanto, Mateo, de quince años, vive en Río Piedras, y deja de asistir a la escuela para escapar del acoso incesante, mientras oculta tanto su sexualidad como el miedo que siente ante la violencia de las pandillas locales. Lo que agrava aún más las dificultades de Mateo es el profundo resentimiento de su familia hacia los estadounidenses; un rencor generacional transmitido de madres a hijas tras una agresión cometida en el pasado por un soldado estadounidense. La fuerza de la novela reside en su rica ambientación y en la profunda resonancia simbólica de su ritual homónimo. Karl utiliza San Juan como escenario, desde Piñones hasta los escondites secretos a orillas del río, con el objetivo de situar la historia de amor entre Saint y Mateo en una geografía auténtica y en un espacio de vulnerabilidad compartida. El romance central ofrece un delicado contrapunto al caos exterior, utilizando la tradición de la Noche de San Juan como ancla emocional que simboliza la esperanza y la resistencia. La incorporación de numerosos acontecimentos, como las amenazas de un campamento de conversión, el trauma intergeneracional contra los estadounidenses, los asesinatos relacionados con las pandillas y un par de huracanes catastróficos en un único relato, la trama resulta abrumadora en ciertos momentos. La separación posterior al huracán Maria, que se prolonga entre apagones de comunicación y un traslado abusivo a Connecticut, amenaza con desplazar la intimidad que se había construido con tanto cuidado durante la primera mitad de la historia. En último término, Noche de San Juan triunfa como un poderoso testimonio la resiliencia y al amor juvenil. Aunque la gran cantidad de elementos de la trama corre ocasionalmente el riesgo de eclipsar su núcleo emocional, la autenticidad de su ambientación y su emotivo reencuentro final ofrecen a los lectores LGBTQ+ una experiencia de crecimiento profundamente catártica y memorable. Previous Next

Book review of You Matter, Luma by John R. Miles . ISBN: 978-1636988757 < Back Take me back to https://www.childrensbookwormaward.com/ You Matter, Luma John R. Miles self-worth, belonging, identity, confidence Morgan James Kids Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A lonely bunny in a bustling forest discovers her worth, belonging, and voice through the support of her friends and the stories she dares to share. In a world that often measures worth by productivity and “busyness,” John R. Miles’ debut children’s book, “You Matter, Luma,” offers a soul-soothing counter-narrative for the youngest generation. Transitioning from the high-stakes world of corporate leadership and personal development into the gentle realm of picture books, Miles brings his “Mattering Revolution” to the forest floor, creating a story that is as much a hug as it is a lesson. The story follows Luma, a small bunny who lives in a forest vibrating with purpose. Around her, birds chirp with confidence, fireflies dance with rhythmic grace, and ants march with a sense of duty. Against this backdrop of constant movement, Luma feels static and separate. She is the quiet observer, wondering if her smallness equates to insignificance. The narrative arc is paced for children ages 4–8. It begins with Luma’s internal questioning, a feeling many children (and adults) recognize but lack the words to describe. Her mentor-figure, Oliver, introduces the book’s central metaphor: a glowing tree. He reminds her that every towering oak began as a tiny seed, and that “Ideas grow the same way. With care, they take root and bloom.” This sets the stage for Luma’s slow-burn realization that her value is an internal seed, not an external achievement. Miles doesn’t shy away from the reality that self-belief is fragile. In the middle of the book, a literal and metaphorical storm breaks. The contrast between the warm, hopeful glow of Luma’s first “sprout” of confidence and the damp, dark discouragement of the rain is striking. Luma’s reaction to the storm is curling up tight, feeling that her stories and her worth have been washed away, is a poignant moment of vulnerability. It is here that the book shines brightest, showing that “mattering” isn’t a constant state of sunshine, but something that persists even when we feel dampened by life’s circumstances. The support of her friends Zin, Sage, Wren, and Theo all highlight the importance of community in nurturing our individual light. The climax takes place in the heart of a cave, where the atmosphere shifts from the wide, overwhelming forest to an intimate, firefly-lit circle. When Luma finally emerges, she finds the courage to say, “I have a story to tell.” It isn’t just about the words she speaks, it's about the space she finally allows herself to occupy. Here the resolution is particularly empowering. Instead of ending solely on Luma’s success, the book turns the mirror toward the reader. Her next words are her final question: “What’s yours?” This transforms the reading experience from a passive story into an active invitation. It reinforces the core message: mattering is a shared human (or bunny) experience. While the text is reflective and gentle, the manuscript promises high-impact visual contrasts. From the ethereal, dreamlike clouds representing untapped potential to the cozy, firefly-lit cave, the imagery serves to ground Miles’ philosophical concepts in a way that is digestible for a preschool and early elementary audience. “You Matter, Luma” is a vital addition to the “social-emotional learning” (SEL) bookshelf. It successfully distills complex psychological needs: the need to be seen, known, and valued. It teaches children that their voice isn't just a sound, it’s a gift that the world is waiting to receive. Recommended for bedtime reading, classroom discussions on self-esteem, and any child who has ever felt “too small” for a big world. Previous Next

Book review of My Crown is Good by Sydney Hart . ISBN: 9781971999425 < Back My Crown is Good Sydney Hart Pride, self-love, faith, confidence, resilience BookButler Publishing Company Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest My Crown was Good by Sydney Hart is a compelling exploration of identity, resilience, and personal sovereignty, celebrating the strength and beauty found in reclaiming one's self-worth. In "My Crown is Good" by Sydney Hart, a warm children's picture book rooted in a Christian foundation, a young girl learns to see herself the way her grandmother sees her: with pride, love, and unshakable faith. First, she navigates a journey where her classmates' words threaten to dim her light. Additionally, her reflection in the mirror starts to feel like an enemy, and her rides home grow lonely as she repeatedly replays those hurtful words. The opening scene captures Tiara in a beautiful moment. She is falling in love with herself, with Grandma Algie's voice echoing in her heart. Her locs are a crown she wears proudly, perhaps because no one has taught her to doubt their beauty yet. But the world will soon try to tell her otherwise, placing her tiny heart in a tug of war, between what she knows and what she hears. Simplicity is one of this book's strengths. It's not just in how the story is told but also in why the story works. The language is plain and soft, almost tender and whispered. This approach understands that less can hold more. Most writers tend to over-explain. They don't trust the reader to feel the weight of the moment, so they pile on adjectives, metaphors and emotional labels which ends up pushing child readers further away from the context. Hart's writing reveals an undeniable simplicity and restraint that makes room for the child reader to feel the story in their own body. She couples that restraint with sensory detail, creating something intimate and true. Hart manages to write the protagonist as a child who doesn't explode when disappointed, but who chooses to shrink and hide. This is an accurate portrayal of trauma response, rendered gently. By leaving the reader to infer the depth of the protagonist's pain, Hart demonstrates trust in the reader's intelligence hoping they bring their own "knowing" to the page. In this story, the text names the feeling, but the illustrations make you feel it. Many of the illustrations by Hannah Mosley can stand without the words. They also leave their own imprint. That's rare. The illustrations emerge as a co-author. You could remove the text and still understand the story. That's craft at its best. This is a story that turns the mirror towards the reader. It poses simple but finger-wagging questions, such as: What would happen if we all decided our crowns are good, and why it's easy for people to laugh at something they don't fully understand. These questions will turn readers into reflectors, as well as people who see themselves and others differently. This book doesn't just say "love your crown." It asks, "who told you not to?" In so doing, it names the wound, and gives language to what may have happened internally. It is the book you need to inspire your child's self-love, confidence, voice, resilience, and identity. Previous Next

Book review of Melina's Christmas Tree by Irene Sardanis . ISBN: 978-1684866434 < Back Take me back to https://www.childrensbookwormaward.com/ Melina's Christmas Tree Irene Sardanis Childrens: Holiday Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest With no tree in her home, and just a dollar from her widowed mother, Melina goes out on Christmas eve to find one. She faces the cold night and many obstacles, but she doesn't give up. With perseverance and an unexpected miracle, Melina gets her very special tree. “Melina’s Christmas Tree” by Irene Sardanis, Ph.D is an aspirational read, and will inspire young ones. Young Melina’s hope was that her mother had a dollar to buy a Christmas tree. The fact is her mother had to scrounge together four quarters from the coin jar. The child’s nativity and tenacity of going to the many local retailers: the baker, the produce store, the deli, to find a Christmas tree is also very aspirational. With many visits and an overwhelming perseverance, it’s actually through an unexpected miracle that Melina gets a very special tree. Well-paced children's tale with clean and suitable text and attractive interior illustrations. Has a classic 'quest' narrative, where Melina's determination to find a Christmas tree brings forth a heartwarming resolution. Strongly recommended to instill hope and faith in children. A perfect addition to your home or school library collection. Previous Next