Ellwyn Autumn's Blog

Author: Robin Murphy

Illustrator: April Burril

Publisher: Independently Published

Released: September 22, 2025

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Price: $10.99, $0.99

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Age Range: Author recommends 4-10 years

ISBN:979-8262988600

Page Count: 24 pages

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 3 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

For links to the Giveaway click HERE!

Reach up high!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary:

Five-year-old Nora is thrilled for a sleepover at her Nana and Grandpa’s condo—but what she really dreams of is climbing to the top of the Concord Point Lighthouse. There’s just one problem: she needs to be 42 inches tall.

Determined and hopeful, Nora spends the day imagining she’s grown just enough. After a fun-filled evening and a good night’s sleep, she finally visits the lighthouse. Is Nora tall enough? Will the view from the top be everything she dreamed it would be?

This heartwarming story celebrates the excitement of milestones, the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and the thrill of achieving something new.

Opinion:

Elements of the story I enjoyed:

It celebrates family and normalizes same-sex couples with warmth.

The authentic way Nora wants to be taller is shown in a way children can relate to.

The illustrations are colorful and match the text.

The vocabulary word docent, which is pertinent to the story, is introduced. This is a wonderful way for readers to expand their lexicon and learn how the target word is used in context.

Elements of the story that didn’t resonate with me:

The writing is overly verbose. It’s quite methodical, and the exposition is excessive. Readers would benefit from a more concise story.

The author suggests this story is suitable for ages 4-10. Ten-year-olds probably wouldn’t appreciate this story. Usually, children prefer reading stories about older or same-aged characters. I also doubt a fifth grader would care about a kindergartner’s desire to be taller.

I give it 3 Lemon Drops!

About The Author:

Robin Murphy, an Amazon best-selling author, writes across genres including paranormal mysteries, humorous romance, chick-lit, and nonfiction.

Based in Havre de Grace, Maryland, she also works as a self-employed virtual executive assistant and freelance writer. Her ability to blend imaginative fiction with practical, real-world topics showcases both her versatility and engaging narrative style.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads 

 

Author: Jessica Coriat

Illustrator: ?

Publisher: Tellwell Talent

Released: May 27, 2025

Format: Hard Cover, Paperback

Price: $19.76, $12.99

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Age Range: Author recommends 4-8 years.

ISBN: 978-1779621177

Page Count: 36 pages

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 5 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

A little positivity goes a long way!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Favorite quote from the book:

“Maddy loved the way her hearing aids caught all the sounds swirling in the air around her. She called them her sound catchers.”

Review:Book Summary:Twins Maddy and Emmy are similar, yet they differ. What sets them apart? Maddy’s hearing was affected at a young age. Emmy can hear all sounds, but Maddy misses everyday sounds, which impacts how she interacts with the world around her. Maddy’s transition from hearing aids to cochlear implants is then carefully detailed in the story.



Opinion:

Sound Catchers explores the experiences of Maddy, a young girl, as she deals with hearing loss. The story opens with twin girls, Emmy and Maddy, who appear to be alike in every way but quickly shifts when Maddy is diagnosed with hearing loss.

A remarkable juxtaposition highlighting that even though some of us may look identical, we are all unique.

When children read stories with relatable characters, they learn about life. Sound Catchers is a high quality book that does this well.

Along with Maddy’s struggle, young readers will witness how her family and friends support and love her as she finds her place in a world that is not as accessible as it is for her twin.

Sound Catchers exposes young readers to a disability while normalizing the experience. If we’re going to have an inclusive society with empathic citizens, we need books like this.

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

Educational Influence:Classroom Connection:

Sound Catchers could be a great contribution to a discussion regarding hearing loss, diversity or the Five Senses. 

Age Range:  4-7 years
Targeted Vocabulary:Hearing aid, cochlear implant, implants, operation, silent Resources: Click the image to access the Pinterest Board with the resources.

About The Author:



Jessica Coriat completed her bachelor of science in Special Education/Elementary Education and went on to earn two master's degrees, one in Deaf Education and the other in Creative Writing for Children.
With over twenty years of experience as a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, Jessica continues to teach her students alongside their typical hearing peers.  

As a full-time working mother of three teenagers, Jessica has plenty of free time on her hands. She enjoys spending it in her home in New Jersey, with her son, her twin girls and their cavapoo, Bailey. Jessica is also passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.
She is thrilled to have written this book and continues to make time to write each day. 

Instagram @soundcatchersbookGoodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Amazon.com  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1779621175

      Photo courtesy of Fat Camera From Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
 

Let’s be honest. Teaching little people is TOUGH!

The start of school is often filled with tears and fits of anger. Why?

I’ll give you three reasons:

Teachers need to set limits that many children haven’t encountered.It might be the first time a child is in school and separated from parents.Children are walking into a room full of strangers and new experiences. It’s anxiety-inducing.

What is a teacher supposed to do?

First and foremost, make sure to practice self-care. Drink your coffee or tea, listen to your favorite song, meditate, recite positive affirmations, chat with a trusted colleague, promise yourself a reward at the end of the day. Whatever you need to get your motor running, be sure and do it.

I’m speaking from experience. When I taught kindergarten, my stress levels were so high my doctor thought I had a heart attack.

I nearly cried with relief when he hospitalized me for observation on a school night. Who is happy when they have to stay in the hospital? A teacher at a breaking point!

After I left the district, I attended therapy. Seriously, the student on student violence in my kindergarten classroom left me shaken to my core. My therapist told me that teachers from my district were the largest group of clients she counseled. And people wonder why there’s a teacher shortage.

Okay, enough ranting. Once you’ve met your needs, execute a consistent morning arrival routine.

     Photo courtesy of marekuliasz from Getty Images Pro via Canva.com

Here’s My Morning Arrival Routine:

I played classical music during the morning arrival. It’s good for the brain, reduces stress levels and increases productivity.

For this activity children found their names on an index card and ‘signed-in’ by flipping the card to in. I wrote the first letter of their names in red to draw attention to the letters. I used a small pocket chart for this and hung it from the classroom door, so it was the first thing children saw.

If you don’t have a pocket chart, use poster board and Velcro.

Draw a red circle around the word in and a red rectangle around the word out (or whatever shapes you like).

Educational Focus: first name recognition, first letter of first name recognition, following directions, introduction to two shapes and two high-frequency words, part of the daily schedule so children learn to sequence

I used a magnetic board for this activity. Student names were written on magnets for the students to find and place in the correct column. You can use poster board and Velcro for this one too. 

This is a great way to learn where your kiddos are emotionally when they arrive and support them if they need it. It also gives them the vocabulary they need to learn to express themselves in a positive way.

I asked my students why they felt the emotion they chose. This helps promote conversation and taking turns when speaking.

You can also count how many children are feeling the same emotion. Compare/contrast

Educational Focus: First name reinforcement, self-awareness, emotional vocabulary, following directions, columns, pre-reading, part of the daily schedule so children learn to sequence 

      Photo courtesy of Tanyepm from Pixabay via Canva.com 

Additional Arrival Activities:

Each week, one child can be chosen as the Morning Greeter. They can use a clipboard to check off the names of classmates as they arrive. Give high fives, or any other greeting you decide.

Limited Center Time:

Library, Quiet Corner, Easy Clean-Up Toys on the Carpet, Morning Writing/Drawing

For the toys on the carpet, I used 2-3 mats (or towels) and placed the bins on them. (You can also use puzzles.) I instructed the children to pretend the mat was a table.

The toys had to stay on the mat when the children played with them. 2-3 three children to each mat. I also taught the children how to fold the mat when they were finished. Once the children become more independent, they can choose their own bins to use on the mats.

Educational Focus: spatial awareness, boundaries, following directions, cooperation, sharing, turn taking, folding is a life skill

Quick Note About Mats: When I taught Pre-K Head Start in Philadelphia, this practice was encouraged. It’s a Montessori technique that reinforces freedom within limits.

Years later at another Head Start program, my supervisor was against it. I defended my decision, and she allowed it for the first few weeks of school. Justify your strategy with learning objectives if it’s something you feel strongly about.

Morning Writing/Drawing

I didn’t have enough dry erase boards, so I laminated printer paper, bought a pack of black socks to use as erasers and found a bunch of dry erase markers to use for morning writing/drawing.

Note About Dry Erase Markers: Kids love them! But sometimes they push the tips into the markers, lose the caps, and don’t put the caps on correctly so the markers dry out.

Model how to use the markers correctly: take the cap off, stick it on the end of the marker and write with it gently. When you’re done, put the cap back on top. Listen for the clicking sound. Be sure to save any extra marker caps you find. You will need them.

Use a Timer and Give Five Minute Warnings

Introduce your children to a timer. Explain, when the timer goes off, it’s time to stop (freeze) what we’re doing and clean up. Remember to give verbal warnings before the timer goes off, so the children are prepared for the transition. Sing a Clean Up Song to make things more fun.

My morning routine, much like my teaching, developed gradually. The start of the school day was shaped by schedules, administrators, and the needs of the students. 

Regardless of what happened, I always remembered that the morning arrival was the foundation for the day. A solid foundation lays the groundwork for a productive day for students and teachers.

Take the techniques that resonate with you, tweak them and make them your own.

Resources:

Kid Writing A Systematic Approach to Phonics, Journals, and Writing Workshop

learnandplaymontessori.com

 

Author: Claudia Colonna

Illustrator: ED Hose

Publisher: Independently Published

Released: May 1, 2025

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Price: $12.95, $2.99

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Age Range: Author recommends 5-7 years.

ISBN:979-8281981521

Page Count: 46 pages

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 3 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon.

Kindness is like holding a balloon, it lifts you up!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Favorite quote from the book:

“They are all talking about this mysterious girl with a balloon who brought a smile to their day.”

Review:Book Summary: 

A clear balloon floating by grabs the attention of Bajette, who is looking for her lost cat, Rocco. With the balloon string in hand, she spreads kindness throughout her town, creating positivity and forming friendships. With each new encounter, the balloon changes color, marking the goodwill Bajette shares with her community, while she continues searching for Rocco.

Opinion:

Bajette’s Balloon follows the gracious actions of Bajette as she offers help to others without expecting anything in return. Bajette is a wonderful role model of empathy for children. Her thoughtful acts teach children the value of friendship and the power of kindness.

Although I appreciated the selfless message of the story, I feel Bajette’s actions are overshadowed by Rocco’s harrowing experience of nearly dying in a house fire. I can’t help thinking, shouldn’t the balloon have taken Bajette to Rocco before he went into the burning building if it was meant to help?

I’m also curious about the balloon’s color shift. Were the colors chosen randomly, or did they each signify something? I try not to be overly critical, but as a storyteller, I think it’s important to explore all options, so the main point of the story gets through to young readers.

The lively illustrations by Ed Hose brighten the story and make it fun. 

I give it 3 Lemon Drops!

About The Author:


Bajette’s Balloon was created by Claudia, who was inspired by her parents’ unwavering spirit of generosity. Even in tough times, they found excitement in giving to others, a value Claudia cherishes and carries forward through this story. Claudia is excited to further teach kids about empathy and the importance of kindness and friendships.

About the Illustrator:

As a child, Ed Hose was allowed to draw on the walls. Coloring outside the lines was an understatement and thinking outside the box was so celebrated, she is pretty sure she grew up without a box altogether.

 

Author: Allison Hill

Illustrator: Sandie Sonke

Publisher: Eat Laugh Give Productions

Released: May 13, 2024

Format: Hard Cover, Paperback, Kindle

Price: $7.21, $6.29, $0.99

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Age Range: Author recommends 4-9 years

ISBN:979-8990396227

Page Count: 44 pages

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 4 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

There’s no place like home and new friends who understand you!

A kind story for a world that has lost its way.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Favorite quote from the book:

“Just because Lolly seems different and scary, get to know her heart and you won’t be so wary.”

Review:Book Summary: A bad storm caused Lolly to lose her way and end up in the woods. Since she looks different, the woodland creatures won’t help when she asks. Thankfully, a dog pack understands and helps Lolly find her way back to her family.



Opinion:

Lolly the Left Out Lobster teaches us to be inclusive. This story offers relatable examples of the struggles people experience when they’re thrust into an uncomfortable situation. It also shows how fear leads people to behave harshly toward those in need.

The characters experience a range of emotions based on their perception of the world. Lolly feels lonely and sad because she’s lost. Squirrel shows fear because he’s seen no one like Lolly before. Turkey acts mean because she thinks she’s better than everyone else, especially newcomers. Unfortunately, many believe themselves superior and mistreat vulnerable individuals because of it.

When the dog pack arrives, we’re finally introduced to a group of characters who exhibit the positive traits children need for meaningful and long-lasting relationships-empathy and acceptance. These altruistic canines also show readers what genuine friendship and kindness look like.

Sandie Sanke’s charming drawings inject joy into a story with a serious theme.

The educator explanations and focus questions at the end of the book emphasize the interpersonal skills taught in the story. They also provide an opportunity for children to internalize the enduring message of inclusivity and empathy for others.

The rhyming pattern is simple for young learners to digest but inconsistent at times.

I give it 4 Lemon Drops!

Educational Influence:Classroom Connection:

Lolly the Left Out Lobster works well for a friendship theme or a discussion on emotions and acceptance of others. The book could be expanded by exploring children’s feelings of sadness, loneliness, or exclusion. I think the hurtful words of squirrel and turkey deserve the attention of parents and educators. Children need to understand that their words (positive or negative) and actions matter.

Age Range: 3-7 years
Targeted Vocabulary:

Lonely, left out, chaos, sad, different, sneer, scurry, quirky, sauntered, glee, cove, gigantic, unique

Resources: Click the image to access the Pinterest Board with the resources.







About The Author:



Allison Hill writes from a place of passion for families, philanthropy, and education. Her debut children’s book, Lolly the Left-Out Lobster, weaves an entertaining tale of kindness and belonging that inspires young readers to embrace diversity, compassion, and the power of community.
Through Lolly’s eyes, readers explore the importance of approaching others with an open heart and mind.
As Lolly navigates the challenges of feeling left out and finding friendship in an unlikely band of dogs, the story becomes a reminder to us that compassion, empathy, and kindness can truly make the world a better place for everyone.
In her professional life, Allison leads social impact initiatives for a private equity firm, including diversity, inclusion, and non-profit relationships.
She received her undergrad and MBA from Cornell and has over 25 years of brand marketing experience. During the pandemic lockdown in 2020, she and her daughters started their efforts to help deserving families with basic necessities related to food scarcity and kitchen supplies.
The idea was born from Allison’s belief that every family, despite individual circumstances, deserves time together to celebrate, connect, and enjoy each other’s company around a shared meal or family table. 
Her favorite activities center around her family - cooking, reading, laughing, (& doing nothing!) with her college sweetheart, two daughters, and two dogs.
About the Illustrator:

Sandie is a Southern Californian native. She found her passion for art at an early age and has always found joy in simply sketching in a sketchbook or drawing tablet. 

Sandie enjoys working on children's books most of all. Her hope is to bring a little happiness to those who view her work, in fact, her work is currently on display in a children’s ward for that very reason. 

Sandie Sonke's most popular book is Our Class is a Family (The Classroom Community Collection), and she has covered many other topics of huge importance to her, such as books about family, toddlers, vaccines, and a humorous feminist fable!

You’ll also find in her portfolio homages to real-life women with a cause! and illustrated recipes that she loves.

Author: Larissa Pemberton

Illustrator: Jupiters Muse

Publisher: Tellwell Talent

Released: June 30, 2025

Format: Hard Cover, Paperback

Price: Hard Cover $22.00, Paperback $19.00

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Age Range: Author recommends Baby-12 years

ISBN: 978-0228829805

Page Count: 26 pages

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:   3 1/2 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

A little positivity goes a long way!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Favorite quote from the book:

“See, thinking of things you are grateful for and love makes you feel good.” 

Review:Book Summary: 

Percy the dinosaur is having a bad day!

The story starts as Percy stubs his toe. This jarring event sets his grumpy mood for the day and causes a negative mindset that attracts more bad luck.

Percy’s friend, the cheerful unicorn Custard, helps him to see things differently. After validating Percy’s feelings, Custard shows the little dinosaur how to express gratitude for the good things in his life rather than dwelling on the negative.

Percy is much happier in the end because he accepts this belief system.

Opinion:

The Grateful Green Dinosaur teaches children to express and reflect on their feelings in a productive way that leads to a healthy mindset full of gratitude.

The story follows the main character as he navigates through a bad morning that gets worse with his sour mood. From a stubbed toe, to burnt toast and a rainy playdate, Percy shows that sometimes things don’t always go the way we planned.

Through Custard’s example, children will learn to empathize with Percy’s plight and understand that his grumpy reaction doesn’t have to be permanent. People can choose to be happy by changing their attitude and focusing on the positive things in their life.

I appreciated the story’s upbeat theme and the expressions of gratitude the characters shared. Percy and Custard model the virtues of true friendship and empathy.

The illustrations by Jupiter’s Muse are warm and perfectly capture the characters’ feelings.

My one small issue: some parts of the text could be more concise. Example: “exclaims Percy to Custard.” This voice tag is cumbersome, and it’s unnecessary, because Percy and Custard are the only two prominent characters in the story. Some of Custard’s dialogue also came across as very adult. The message was on point but lacked a kid-friendly vibe.

I give it 3 1/2 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

The Grateful Green Dragon is ideal for teaching gratitude, mindfulness, and feelings. After a read aloud children could make a list of things they’re grateful for.

Age Range: 3-7 years
Targeted Vocabulary:Grateful, determine, circumstance, frustrated, mood, dwelling, stomps, unhappy, complain, valid, negative, grateful, encourage, sad, angryResources: Click the image to access the Pinterest Board with the resources.




About The Author:

Larissa is a devoted mother to three young boys. Her path of self-discovery, shaped by the challenges and joys of motherhood—led her to discovering and embracing the life changing practice of gratitude.

By incorporating it into her daily routine, she experienced a profound shift in her mental health and overall happiness. Now, Larissa is passionate in sharing this practice with her sons and other children, believing that learning gratitude at a young age can set the foundation for a life guided by joy and emotional resilience.

Website: https://thegratefulgreendinosaur.com/ 

Instagram: @thegratefulgreendinosaur

Amazon listing: https://amazon.com/dp/0228829798

About the Illustrator:

JuMu Creative is an established, award winning studio, offering expert level branding, graphic design, logos, children's book illustrations and more.

 

Author: Gina Bayar

Illustrator: Gina Bayar

Publisher: Gina Bayar

Released: June 13, 2025

Format: Paperback

Price:  $7.99

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Age Range: 4-8 years

ISBN: 979-8998793431

Page Count: 34

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  3 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

An inclusive story about the magic of friendship!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy Discovery and agreed to give an honest review.

Favorite quote from the book:

“When we work as a team,” Storma said, “the real magic happens!”

Review:Book Summary: Storma is a magical unicorn with the power of teleportation. She loves contributing to the thriving forest where she lives and forging new friendships. One day, a new unicorn named Nara arrives in the forest. She has the power of sunshine. While befriending Nara, Storma hurts her best friend Mira’s feelings by accident. Mira has the power of calling rain and feels left out of the friend group.Storma brings her friends together after realizing her mistake. When the power of the sun and rain mingle, a wonderful surprise shows up in the sky.



Opinion:

The Tales of Storma: The Magic of Friendship tells a heartwarming story emphasizing the importance of friendship and being inclusive. The protagonist, Storma, possesses many positive characteristics, including empathy and compassion. She serves as a wonderful role model for young children.

The story is advanced by the simple, colorful illustrations. Children are sure to love the rainbow at the end.

The book includes a page at the end filled with facts about rainbows that enhances the reading experience.

One small suggestion for improvement: The story could be improved by properly centering the text in the bubbles.

I give it 3 Lemon Drops!

Educational Influence:

I review books through an educational lens. Things I consider: Would I read this to my Pre-K/Kindergarten class? Is there value in the story that will teach my kiddos something new or reinforce a concept or skill?

I analyze the story by focusing on some of the key elements I taught my students during a read aloud: characters, plot, language, setting and illustrations. Other characteristics I look for are text quality and theme.

Characters:

When analyzing a story with students, the characters should be genuine, relatable and elicit emotion. The story centers on a Storma and how she juggles making new friends while including those she already has. 

Young learners will readily connect with Storma’s experiences and the relatable, age-appropriate emotional responses of all the characters.

Storma teaches children self-reflection, empathy for others’ sadness, and accountability for their role in it. When she sees that she unintentionally hurt Mira, her selflessness shines through as she immediately invites Mira to the play date with Nara.

Plot:

In a Pre-K/Kindergarten classroom, we describe the plot as the Beginning-Middle-End. Some stories present better examples of this concept, but many offer rich opportunities to explore various story elements.

The story begins with Storma spending time with her best friend Mira. In the middle, Storma interacts with Nara and realizes Mira is upset. The story concludes with Storma and Mira resolving their conflict and the trio becoming fast friends.

Storma’s conflict with Mira presents a relatable problem for her to solve.

Setting:

The primary setting is the magical forest where Storma and the other unicorns live.

Language:

Vocabulary is key in children’s books. It’s one of the critical elements I taught my kiddos before each reading. My approach would be to select five keywords and help my students gain a deeper understanding through a read aloud and doing related activities.

Appropriately, this story’s focus on emotional language reflects the emotional aspects of friendship.

Example:

Nara came over with a smile. She looked a little nervous.

“Hi, Mira… I was a bit scared to make new friends.”

Mira blinked in surprise.

Text:

The word choices and grammar suit the story; however, the text’s centering is inconsistent.

Theme:

The main topic is friendship through inclusion.

In short, a sweet story with a positive message.

About The Author/Illustrator:

Gina Bayar is a children’s author and illustrator who finds joy in telling stories about nature, friendship, and a little bit of magic. Her picture books, often inspired by unicorns, ancient legends, and whimsical adventures, explore themes of courage, empathy, and wonder in a way that’s gentle and accessible for young readers.

Gina creates both the words and artwork for her stories, blending playful illustrations with heartfelt storytelling. She enjoys weaving in educational elements that spark curiosity and help children learn as they read and dream. Enchanted forests, the Gobi Desert, and other magical settings often find their way into her pages — along with characters who lead with kindness and courage.

New to the world of children’s literature, Gina is grateful to share her stories and illustrations, and hopes they offer young readers a moment of warmth, reflection, and a touch of magic along the way.

Author: Lori Rotter

Illustrator: Vaughn Duck

Publisher: LFR Creative, LLC

Released: June 29, 2025

Format: Hard Cover, Paperback, ebook

Price: ebook $2.99

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

ISBN: 979-8-988752967

Page Count: 20 pages

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 5 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

A great recipe for teamwork, fair play and humility!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give an honest review.

Favorite quote from the book:

“Sam accepted the crown, and he wore it with pride,

And walked with Chef Romi, a peer by her side.

Sam, I saw you as help, not an equal to me.

From now on we’re partners, just wait and you’ll see.”

Review:Book Summary: 

Celebrated, Chef Romi Rabbit is the best chef in town and loves to boast about it. Upon learning of a cooking show competition, she leaps at the chance to enter, confident she’ll win the crown.

Romi makes certain her sous chef, Sam, knows that she’s the star chef, and he is just her assistant. She chooses to entertain her fans rather than cook, leaving Sam to rush and prepare spaghetti and meatballs before time is up.

Finally Romi arrives in the kitchen, joining Sam and taking charge. Amidst the commotion, a sugar mishap threatens the meal. Thanks to Sam’s quick thinking the dish is saved and it serves up an award-winning surprise.

Opinion:

Using playful rhymes, Best Chef In Town emphasizes the value of teamwork and acknowledging a job well done. Romi’s journey from self-centeredness to selfless appreciation was refreshing. Sometimes stepping from the spotlight out of appreciation for another’s contribution is the best choice.

Vaughn’s illustrations are colorful, exciting, and hilarious—perfect for children!

There’s also a Sweet Chocolate Pasta Recipe at the end of the book for readers to recreate Sam’s special dish!

Educational Influence:

I review books through an educational lens. Things I consider: Would I read this to my Pre-K/Kindergarten class? Is there value in the story that will teach my kiddos something new or reinforce a concept or skill?

I analyze the story by focusing on some of the key elements I taught my students during a read aloud: characters, plot, language, setting and illustrations. Other characteristics I look for are text quality and theme.

Characters:

When analyzing a story with students, the characters should be genuine, relatable and elicit emotion. Romi is a dynamic character. She bcomes an admirable role model for children once she stops bossing Sam around and recognizes his valubale contributions.

Plot:

In a Pre-K/Kindergarten classroom, we describe the plot as the Beginning-Middle-End. Some stories present better examples of this concept, but many offer rich opportunities to explore various story elements.

There is a definite break down of Romi’s personal growth shown through the plot. In the beginning, she’s prideful and shows little regard for others. Throughout the middle her vanity peaks as she perfomrs for her fans ignoring the rules of the contest, and dismisses Sam so she can take credit for the dish he cooked. By the end, she humbles herself and acknowledges Sam’s shrewd performance deserves the award.

Setting:

The story takes place in two locations pertinent to the story: Cafe Romi and the TV studio where the cooking competition occurs.

Language:

Vocabulary is key in children’s books. It’s one of the critical elements I taught my kiddos before each reading. I’d focus on five key words and develop an understanding of the words through the read aloud and related activities.

Fun, character driven dialogue pushes the story forward and encapsulates their personalities.

Text:

This story’s punchy rhyme is fun and easy to follow.

Theme:

Illustrations and text combine to show the value of teamwork, fair play and a big plate of humble pie!

In short, this story encapsulates the moral lesson that everyone has value and should be appreciated for their contributions. Teamwork is the dreamwork!

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Best Chef In Town is perfect for a lesson on friendship or a discussion on teamwork, fair play and possibly a cooking lesson.

Age Range: The author recommends 4-8 years.
Targeted Vocabulary:Bragged, renowned, sous chef, smirked, panic, scurried, prepped, lacks, stomping, hurting, flurry, tour de force, divine, beamed, clever, pride
Resources: Click the image to access the Pinterest Board with the resources.





About The Author:

Lori is an award-winning toy designer and picture book author. Her large extended family keeps her laughing and inspires her story and toy ideas. Like her toys, Lori loves adding small details for kids to discover. Lori lives in New York with her husband, Steve, lots of fish, and two silly dogs.

About the Illustrator:

Vaughan loves drawing pictures that make kids giggle. He lives downunder in Australia where it’s always sunny.

You can visit Vaughan at vaughanduck.com.

Authors: Kiana Holder, Arya Holder, Thea Holder

Illustrator: Kiddoreads

Publisher: Kiana Holder

Released: June 6, 2025

Format: Hard Cover, Paperback

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 978-1069421302

Page Count: 29 pages

Price: Hard Cover $24.00, Paperback $14.00

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  4 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

This book will have you finding inspiration in the most unlikely places!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: 

A long car ride with her family leads Naomi to discover the power of her imagination. She draws inspiration from the landscape whizzing by outside the car.

Naomi shows young readers the fun of imagination through adventures like swimming with mermaids and sledding down a cupcake mountain.

Favorite quote from the book: “She rides a sled, soaring over giant cupcakes and crashing into a mountain of sprinkles. Laughing, she thinks, "I'm doing that again!"

Opinion:

Naomi’s Imagination A Card Ride Like No Other highlights how a little girl copes with a long and boring car ride alongside her younger sister, Reyna. This experience will resonate immediately with youngsters. During family trips, most of us spent our childhoods in the backseat with our siblings.

I appreciated Naomi’s patience with her younger sister and the polite way she accepted her mother’s suggestion to use her imagination to create her own fun.

Naomi is a wonderful role model for children dealing with a dull situation that they have no control over. She entices them to make the best of the moment by using their minds to create magical worlds where they’re in charge.

The book’s interactive questions were a plus; they let young readers’ imaginations work alongside Naomi’s. These open-ended questions will spark creative storytelling, lively discussions, happy memories, and richer vocabularies. Readers can further engage with the book using the bonus comprehension questions at the end.

Colorful illustrations highlight each special moment Naomi shares with family and in her fantasy realms.

Minor suggestion: Including a brief explanation of the CN Tower would help readers unfamiliar with it.

I give it 4 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Naomi’s Imagination would make an excellent addition to a Family Theme or a discussion on imagination. The rich vocabulary used in the text will enhance young learners' word usage.

Age Range: The author recommends Baby-8 years.

Targeted Vocabulary:

Imagination, sighs, enormous, sparkling, shimmery, sparkles, comfortable, vibrant, lush, mighty, tilts, sheepishly, honour, grumbles 

About The Author:

Kiana Holder is a passionate author whose love for fantasy and sci-fi began in her childhood. Her diverse and imaginative storytelling spans genres from all types of fantasy and romance for adults to engaging tales for young readers, with a strong focus on ensuring representation for Black and Brown kids.

When she isn’t immersed in her writing, Kiana embraces the fulfilling role of being a super mom, skillfully balancing her creative endeavours with family life. Her dedication to both her craft and her family shines through in every page she writes.

Social media:

Instagram: @storytellingwithkiana

TikTok: @storytellingwithkiana

Author: Kristi Shimada

Illustrator: Eko Setiawan

Publisher: Dreampath Publishing

Released: June 2, 2025

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 979-8989912254

Page Count: 44 pages

Price: Paperback $16.99, Kindle $4.99

Age Range: ‎ 6 - 9 years

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:   3 1/2 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

A story of friendship and finding your life path.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:Book Summary: 

Kiyomi was born from the seed of a Sacred Dreamlily. One day, a gust of wind transported the Sacred Dreamliy to the Golden Temple, Master Fuji’s home.

To ensure their safety, Master Fuji put Kiyomi and the Sacred Dreamlily in the Sacred Pond of Life. Not long after, Kiyomi befriends Roku. The Dreamlily’s journey begins again, taking the pair on an adventure.

During their quest to return to the Pond of Life, Kiyomi and Roku encounter and befriend more characters who help Kiyomi find her true home and her life’s path.

Opinion:

Kiyomi and the Sacred Dreamlily is a heartfelt story about friendship and the personal journey we all take in life. The basic premise is imaginative and uplifting. A cast of eclectic characters model kindness and fellowship young readers will appreciate.

Kristi Shimada’s prose is charming and easy-to-read. One of my favorite lines is found in Chapter 1 on page 1. “The exquisite blue flower shimmered in a brilliant white light. Her soft petals were subtle yet strong.”

Setiawan’s vibrant illustrations give the story a sweet, energetic feel.

I’d like to briefly discuss a few story details that will improve the reader’s experience.

Kiyomi’s creative shrinking ability, used with the Dreamlily, felt rushed and out of place in the story. A short explanation of its origins would help the reader understand this skill better.

The dialogue is too formal and doesn’t sound like real conversation. Simpler words and fewer contractions would make it more kid-friendly.

I have some doubts about how it ends. To avoid spoilers, I’m not going to reveal what occurs, but I felt it detracted from the story’s enchanting quality.

I give it 3 Lemon Drops!

About The Author:



Kristi Shimada is an award-winning children's book author. She wrote and illustrated her first unpublished book, The Little Shoe Shop, when she was eight. As a child, she loved the story Cinderella because she saw the inner beauty, kindness, and strength in Cinderella, and she loved books with happily-ever-after endings.As a visionary artist and registered hypnotherapist, Kristi is passionate about how her stories empower the inner spirits of children and adults who read her books. She feels that having colorful illustrations is essential to the readers' experience. She believes every book she writes has a sprinkle of magic that brings a story to life.Kristi lives in Washington with her loving husband, Chris, and their tuxedo cat, Jasper. She has five children and ten grandchildren, whom she loves dearly.She is the author of Mariko and the Magic Mirror, The Enchanted Starflower, The Samurai's Gift, Princess Serafina and the Mystical Unicorn, Princess Serafina and the Jeweled Circle, Princess Serafina and the Wings of Heaven, Megumi & Kukana Friends Forever, Journey to Rainbow Valley, The Samurai's Gift Among the Forest, The Sea Princess, Pistachio the Owl, The Samurai's Gift A Ninja's Promise, Dragons of Lilia, and Dragons of Lilia: A New King.