Review: The Turquoise Butterfly by Dale V Atkins Phd

About the Author

Every summer, little Victoria travels to Grandma Sylvia’s house for a new adventure. Grandma embodies the spirit of a fearless butterfly, but Victoria is often filled with bubbling nerves, which leaves her confused and scared. Throughout Victoria’s many journeys over several summers, she navigates the winds of change with Grandma by her side with unwavering love and an unbreakable connection.

This extraordinary story is a celebration of eternal love and transformation, beautifully illustrating the profound bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Change can be embraced with courage and resilience, and the transformative power of love can bridge any gap. The Turquoise Butterfly explores our unique strengths and vulnerabilities in this heartwarming, multigenerational tale.

Review

The Turquoise Butterfly is a beautiful story that celebrates the special bond between a grandmother and granddaughter while gently exploring the challenges that come with change and emotional growth.

Victoria is a relatable young protagonist whose worries and fears will resonate with many children. Her annual summer adventures with Grandma Sylvia provide not only exciting experiences but also valuable life lessons about courage, resilience, and embracing the unknown. Grandma Sylvia shines as a warm and inspiring presence, embodying the spirit of a butterfly, fearless, graceful, and transformative.

What makes this story memorable is its heartfelt portrayal of unconditional love. Through each passing summer, readers experience the deep connection between Victoria and her grandmother. With her grandmother’s vibrant personality inspiring each summer adventure, her love for planning and participating in various adventures for Victoria shines bright and will resonate with those who have shared similar experiences.The story thoughtfully reminds us that while change can feel overwhelming, the love and support of grandma can help us find strength within ourselves.

One thing that is inevitable but important is the impact of loss especially with children. I love how the impact of the loss of her grandmother became a beautiful transition. Despite her presence not in her life, their everlasting bond unbroken will remain through memories and the sight of a butterfly. Her mothers affirmation and encouragement of seeking comfort encourages that connection of always being with her and inspiring her spirit to continue in future adventures.

Filled with warmth, wisdom, and emotional depth, The Turquoise Butterfly is a meaningful multigenerational tale that will touch the hearts of both children and adults. Its message about embracing change, honoring our unique strengths, and cherishing family connections shine bright. A beautiful read for families, grandparents, and anyone who appreciates stories about love, growth, and that familial connection.

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Review: Dear Deer by Dale V Atkins Phd

About the Book

Dear Deer is a love letter to nature and forest animals, capturing the curiosity and excitement of two children as they explore, discover, and learn about the wonders of the wild.

As the children embark on their adventure, they come across a baby deer in distress, prompting them to find a way to help without causing any harm. Through their efforts, the children learn valuable lessons about compassion, patience, empathy, tuning into their senses, and the delicate balance of nature.

Inspiration for Dear Deer stems from the author’s own experiences, where she developed a strong connection with the natural world. Through Dear Deer, she aims to share this love and respect for nature with young readers, encouraging them to develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment and its inhabitants by asking questions, making observations, seeking solutions, and drawing conclusions.

Review

Dear Deer is a heartwarming and beautiful story that invites young readers to step outside and discover the beauty that awaits them in the natural world.

Through the eyes of two curious children, readers embark on an outdoor adventure filled with wonder, observation, and discovery. When the children encounter a baby deer in distress, the story takes on a profound purpose, teaching valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and the importance of helping wildlife responsibly. Rather than rushing to solve the problem, the children learn to be patient, observe carefully, and respect nature's delicate ecosystem.

What makes Dear Deer particularly special is its gentle approach to environmental education. The story encourages children to ask questions, observe, and develop critical thinking skills while encouraging a genuine appreciation for animals and their habitats. Another lesson of the importance of not disturbing animals by observing and listening carefully to nature, promoting a gentle and respectable interaction with wildlife. 

Inspired by the author's own personal experience with the outdoors, Dear Deer emits a sincere love and respect for nature. This authenticity shines through on every page, making it an ideal read for families, educators, and young animal lovers alike.

Filled with warmth, curiosity, and meaningful life lessons, Dear Deer serves as both an engaging and inspiring read that will connect young readers with nature and care for wildlife.

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Review: 9 Little People by Regina Feldmann and illustrated by Martina Stuhlberger

A heartwarming celebration of friendship, family, and the beauty of growing up together.

9 Little People by Regina Feldmann is a caring and uplifting picture book that captures the magic of childhood and the power of community. Told in pleasing rhymes, the story follows nine children born on the same day who share their lives—from everyday adventures to major milestones—with warmth, love, and laughter.

What makes this book truly special is its message: that belonging comes from both what we share and what makes us unique. Each child is lovingly portrayed with their own personality and background, offering young readers a gentle introduction to themes of diversity, acceptance, and togetherness.

The vibrant illustrations compliment the lyrical storytelling. Every page is filled with joyful detail that invites children to explore, connect and imagine their own circles of friendship. A delightful read that would be a good fit for different reading settings that include bedtime or story time. The ideal range for this book is ages 4-8.

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Review: What If Marty Doesn't Like My Party? by Katie Arthur

Anticipating his upcoming birthday party, Henry finds himself overwhelmed with worry about what his classmate Marty will think. With so many thoughts going through his mind, his big sister Sam, comes to the rescue by helping him work through his anxiety. With the knowledge that comes with a big sibling, Henry is shown the possibilities of having the opposite thoughts inspiring a more favorable outcome. 

The story told through graphic style was sweet and captures the warm relationship between siblings and how children deal with anxiety. His sister’s reaction to his worries gives the book a comforting feel that would be a great example to show children who struggle with anxious thoughts that things will be ok. 

This would be a wonderful book for young readers finding their way through their own anxieties and seeing the outcome of opening themselves to positive assurance.

This book has 32 pages and is recommended for readers 5-8 years old. 

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Review: Happy Birthday, Little Mouse! by Guido Van Genechten

Happy Birthday, Little Mouse! is a wonderful and interactive lift-the-flap book that brings this beautiful day for Little Mouse to life. With beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story, this book captures everything wonderful about birthdays with an endearing message of the joys of giving.

One of the highlights of the book is the importance of friendship that brings a teachable moment that giving is just as good as receiving. The book complement with the adorable illustrations brings a warm, inviting feel to keep reading the book. This is a wonderful book to add to the collection that I’m sure will invite several visits.

The book is 32 pages and the recommended age is 2-6 years old.

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Review: Akash and Mila and the Big Jump by Anthony Delauney and illustrator Chiara Civati

Akash and Mila and the Big Jump, the fifth book in the Owning the Dash Kids' Book series, deals with a topic that many kids will connect with and hopefully open the door for conversation that encourage empowerment and support.

When best friends Akash and Mila start their first gymnastics class, they were excited and couldn't wait to participate and do as good as everyone else. When Akash took his turn and it didn't go as planned, the fear of not being successful and what others thought about him overwhelmed his optimism and he and Mila lose their desire to continue.

When two other classmates stepped in and tried to support and encouraged him, he gained the strength to face his fears and try again. Surprised by the outpouring of support and encouragement from the class of his accomplishment, this inspired Mila to jump right in and land perfectly.

What I love about this book is the message that it's alright not to succeed when you try something new. Even though it's natural to fear and give up, the best part of having supportive people around to encourage you is to show that you aren't alone. Fear and self esteem can influence each other especially with kids and their perspective of themselves. What a great story to share to teach them the importance of lifting each other up rather than tearing them down.

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