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The Secret Code of the Heartbeat Drum, 2nd Edition
Meet So-So. She’s practicing for a school concert tonight. Her first ever! But this year, it coincides with Eid al-Fitr, her favorite family holiday, but that also means So-So's whole entire extended family is coming to the concert! Suddenly So-So doesn't want to play at the concert at all. But then what would everybody think?
This hilarious and heartwarming chapter-book is a great lesson to help understand the importance of determination, cooperation, self-acceptance and the courage to believe in yourself! Perfect for kids 7-11.
And don’t miss The Secret Code’s Insanely Hilarious Read Aloud! Hidden within each video-chapter lies a piece of a secret code! Watch till the end of every video to collect a piece of the code and unlock a mysterious message. Ready to giggle?
This hilarious and heartwarming chapter-book is a great lesson to help understand the importance of determination, cooperation, self-acceptance and the courage to believe in yourself! Perfect for kids 7-11.
And don’t miss The Secret Code’s Insanely Hilarious Read Aloud! Hidden within each video-chapter lies a piece of a secret code! Watch till the end of every video to collect a piece of the code and unlock a mysterious message. Ready to giggle?
148 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 22, 2024
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author and Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This book is so cool, we’ve already read it more than once and will probably be reading it lots more! It comes with a link to the author reading the book aloud on YouTube, complete with music, sound effects, character voices and lots of facial expression… it’s SO much fun to watch and read along with and really brings the book to life.
The characters are really memorable and relatable, as a loving but chaotic family that can bicker but will pull together to solve a problem. And there’s plenty to solve in the exciting plot, which features a VERY important concert, a detour to Outer Mongolia, a bi-plane mission and lots of sick and poop! Minishine (11) and Babybows (8) felt very sorry for So-So with her worries about performing and were very anxious that Abba and Caruso make it there on time. They laughed at the bird poo and grumpy Caruso, and I (as an adult reader) chuckled at the jokey nods to the reader along the way.
Speaking of Minishine and Babybows, here are their thoughts for you:
Babybows: This book is AMAZING!!! There’s a video from the lady who wrote it so even if you don’t have the book you can still read it off the screen. I don’t know about the code because it might make everyone too competitive to win but I do like that the code is really tricky so you have to work hard…
Bookshine: Yes, well. Harumph. I’ll come back to the code in a bit. We’re talking about the book right now…?
Moriarty is not amused!
Babybows: Okay, well my favourite character is Caruso because he is a tuxedo cat, like our Morrie – and he’s grumpy like Morrie too!
Minishine: I love Caruso too! I really enjoyed how it has cliffhangers at the end of the chapters so it’s really exciting to find out what happens next. And you can’t ever guess because it’s really random and crazy! I did get a bit confused about where the characters were sometimes…
Bookshine: I think the characters did too!
Minishine: And I like how you can join in by solving the code because it gives you a chance to be creative but the code is REALLY HARD!!!
Bookshine: Humph!
Minishine, quickly: And I like how everything is really hectic and busy because it makes it funnier, because one thing happens and then all of a sudden something crazy happens. And it makes the plot really exciting because they really need to get to the big performance but everything keeps stopping them.
Babybows: Caruso is the funniest though. He’s really silly! The sound effects are really funny too. But sometimes the music made it hard for me to focus on the words because it was quite loud and wiggly sometimes. But it is brilliant that the writer did the videos and the pictures and music and wrote the words and made a code and everything!
Minishine: Yep. And she does REALLY great facial expressions too!
She really does!
And with regards to the code, I really wanted to say that we had solved it, no trouble at all, but I pride myself on my honest reviews, so all I will say is that my motto is ‘Never give up, never give in’ so I WILL solve the code, no matter how long it takes!
Pictured: NOT the code!
Pride-stricken grumbling aside, the code-solving is a really fun way to get readers EVEN MORE involved in the story. There are thirteen words in the secret message, one for each chapter. And it has had us scouring every word, poring over pictures and even transcribing our own sheet music using an online app. I can’t think of a better, more entertaining way of getting children really enthused about music, stories and puzzle-solving.
Finally, the end message of love and acceptance, regardless of a child’s performance, is a really important and heartfelt one that felt like a warm hug after all the madcap adventuring. Abba’s niblings are very lucky to have such a loving and talented auntie, and while we hadn’t heard of S.B. Goncarova before picking up this book, we are definitely fans now and will be picking up the rest of her books to enjoy as a family.
And we WILL solve that code!!!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This book is so cool, we’ve already read it more than once and will probably be reading it lots more! It comes with a link to the author reading the book aloud on YouTube, complete with music, sound effects, character voices and lots of facial expression… it’s SO much fun to watch and read along with and really brings the book to life.
The characters are really memorable and relatable, as a loving but chaotic family that can bicker but will pull together to solve a problem. And there’s plenty to solve in the exciting plot, which features a VERY important concert, a detour to Outer Mongolia, a bi-plane mission and lots of sick and poop! Minishine (11) and Babybows (8) felt very sorry for So-So with her worries about performing and were very anxious that Abba and Caruso make it there on time. They laughed at the bird poo and grumpy Caruso, and I (as an adult reader) chuckled at the jokey nods to the reader along the way.
Speaking of Minishine and Babybows, here are their thoughts for you:
Babybows: This book is AMAZING!!! There’s a video from the lady who wrote it so even if you don’t have the book you can still read it off the screen. I don’t know about the code because it might make everyone too competitive to win but I do like that the code is really tricky so you have to work hard…
Bookshine: Yes, well. Harumph. I’ll come back to the code in a bit. We’re talking about the book right now…?
Moriarty is not amused!
Babybows: Okay, well my favourite character is Caruso because he is a tuxedo cat, like our Morrie – and he’s grumpy like Morrie too!
Minishine: I love Caruso too! I really enjoyed how it has cliffhangers at the end of the chapters so it’s really exciting to find out what happens next. And you can’t ever guess because it’s really random and crazy! I did get a bit confused about where the characters were sometimes…
Bookshine: I think the characters did too!
Minishine: And I like how you can join in by solving the code because it gives you a chance to be creative but the code is REALLY HARD!!!
Bookshine: Humph!
Minishine, quickly: And I like how everything is really hectic and busy because it makes it funnier, because one thing happens and then all of a sudden something crazy happens. And it makes the plot really exciting because they really need to get to the big performance but everything keeps stopping them.
Babybows: Caruso is the funniest though. He’s really silly! The sound effects are really funny too. But sometimes the music made it hard for me to focus on the words because it was quite loud and wiggly sometimes. But it is brilliant that the writer did the videos and the pictures and music and wrote the words and made a code and everything!
Minishine: Yep. And she does REALLY great facial expressions too!
She really does!
And with regards to the code, I really wanted to say that we had solved it, no trouble at all, but I pride myself on my honest reviews, so all I will say is that my motto is ‘Never give up, never give in’ so I WILL solve the code, no matter how long it takes!
Pictured: NOT the code!
Pride-stricken grumbling aside, the code-solving is a really fun way to get readers EVEN MORE involved in the story. There are thirteen words in the secret message, one for each chapter. And it has had us scouring every word, poring over pictures and even transcribing our own sheet music using an online app. I can’t think of a better, more entertaining way of getting children really enthused about music, stories and puzzle-solving.
Finally, the end message of love and acceptance, regardless of a child’s performance, is a really important and heartfelt one that felt like a warm hug after all the madcap adventuring. Abba’s niblings are very lucky to have such a loving and talented auntie, and while we hadn’t heard of S.B. Goncarova before picking up this book, we are definitely fans now and will be picking up the rest of her books to enjoy as a family.
And we WILL solve that code!!!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
March 30, 2024
When I seen the cover and title it appealed to me straight away as I had previously listened to the story, so I knew I had to read the book. Through out the story you have to find and solve secret codes that the author as hidden, and by the end of the book you will be able to solve a mysterious message. Will you be able to reveal the puzzle? SoSo has an very important solo to do in her school concert and after getting herself so worried about it and finding out that her whole family is coming to watch her, doesn't help. Mean while Abba and the Famous Caruso who has packed his case and ready for the off, in going to see SoSo perform in her concert. But things aren't going to be that simple, after all Caruso isn't just any cat.
The author has added plenty of Booms, Blam, Slam and Splats throughout the story which I found added to this fantastic story, along with great illustrations. I will be on the look out for more books by S.B. Goncarova. 5 Stars from me
The author has added plenty of Booms, Blam, Slam and Splats throughout the story which I found added to this fantastic story, along with great illustrations. I will be on the look out for more books by S.B. Goncarova. 5 Stars from me
March 18, 2024
Sophia, known as So-So is doing a solo at her school and needs to practice, but Adam and Lina, her brother and sister are not making it easy. Everyone is meeting at the school, and I mean everyone, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends. Momma and Nana are busy preparing for a big party after the concert as it's the end of Ramaddan and the beginning of a new year. When she finds out that everyone is coming and meeting at the school, So-So starts to feel sick and starts to turn a green colour as Lina tells her. Aunt Abba and Caruso are busy getting ready to go and watch So-So. Caruso's case is packed and ready to go in the motorcycle, than off they can go. Once packed and on the motorcycle, Abba and Caruso are off, but not going to be that simple, the road they need to take is blocked. Caruso has never been late for a concert, not once and he keeps reminding Abba. Back home So-So is starting to worry that Abba and Caruso are going to be late. Lina remembers that Abba had a chip implanted, they can check were Abba and Caruso are...They are in Outer Mongolia. I don't want to give anything else away, so you will need to read it yourself to find out what has to Abba and Caruso? Will So-So manage her solo at the school concert? This is a great book for children 7 and upwards, even adults will love it, I did.
March 28, 2024
Oh how I absolutely adored this book!
So-so has a solo in her performance at school tonight and is feeling nervous.
Aunt Abba is heading over to come and watch the performance - but somehow gets lost on the way.
Will things turn out ok for everyone - well....you'll just have to read the book and find out!
I loved everything about this book!
The diverse cast of characters were so real and believable....even Caruso the cat!
Having played music myself for many years, I could really relate to Sophie and her need to get her piece right. All the practising and the need to focus and concentration.
And of course those feelings before going to the performance! 😬
Running alongside this storyline was Aunt Abba who was always getting lost and after taking a diversion, finds herself in need of rescuing.
The girls were super brave and I loved the way they worked together to work out the problem and find a great solution.
There were some added educational snippets thrown into the storylines, which I loved and gave us some great points for a discussion whilst reading.
This was written with such humour and I couldn't help chuckling to myself throughout - I particularly loved the buzzard scenes!
This was really well presented with variation in the font and some little images too which added extra interest on top of the reading.
The printed font on the page looked great and was super easy for younger readers to read alone or pick out certain words if being read to by a parent.
The only thing that I didn't like about this, was the fact that it was a book 3 and I haven't already read the first 2 in the series!!...yet!
I'm definitely going to need to rectify that before long - and hopefully discover more fun adventures and get to know the gang a little better too!
A brilliant, quick read and one I know will be requested over and over!
A must have for the bookshelf and I think would also make a perfect addition to any school library too!
I'm looking forward to catching up with the series...
So-so has a solo in her performance at school tonight and is feeling nervous.
Aunt Abba is heading over to come and watch the performance - but somehow gets lost on the way.
Will things turn out ok for everyone - well....you'll just have to read the book and find out!
I loved everything about this book!
The diverse cast of characters were so real and believable....even Caruso the cat!
Having played music myself for many years, I could really relate to Sophie and her need to get her piece right. All the practising and the need to focus and concentration.
And of course those feelings before going to the performance! 😬
Running alongside this storyline was Aunt Abba who was always getting lost and after taking a diversion, finds herself in need of rescuing.
The girls were super brave and I loved the way they worked together to work out the problem and find a great solution.
There were some added educational snippets thrown into the storylines, which I loved and gave us some great points for a discussion whilst reading.
This was written with such humour and I couldn't help chuckling to myself throughout - I particularly loved the buzzard scenes!
This was really well presented with variation in the font and some little images too which added extra interest on top of the reading.
The printed font on the page looked great and was super easy for younger readers to read alone or pick out certain words if being read to by a parent.
The only thing that I didn't like about this, was the fact that it was a book 3 and I haven't already read the first 2 in the series!!...yet!
I'm definitely going to need to rectify that before long - and hopefully discover more fun adventures and get to know the gang a little better too!
A brilliant, quick read and one I know will be requested over and over!
A must have for the bookshelf and I think would also make a perfect addition to any school library too!
I'm looking forward to catching up with the series...
March 18, 2024
I read this book with my 7 year old daughter, Peighton. We took turns reading pages each and she was able to read this book with ease. The layout of the book was perfect for young readers. When I asked Peighton what she liked about the book she said:
“I like the big giant words and going BOOM, SLAM, BOOM! The big words were so easy for me to read. I liked it so much! Caruso is my favourite, I like the bit where he said he can spell up to G. I like all the names in the book but Caruso is the best for me.”
Wendy both thoroughly enjoyed reading this book together and we are looking forward to reading the other books in the series now!
“I like the big giant words and going BOOM, SLAM, BOOM! The big words were so easy for me to read. I liked it so much! Caruso is my favourite, I like the bit where he said he can spell up to G. I like all the names in the book but Caruso is the best for me.”
Wendy both thoroughly enjoyed reading this book together and we are looking forward to reading the other books in the series now!
March 20, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Secret Code Of The Heartbeat Drum' written by S.B. Goncarova.
Read and reviewed for S.B. Goncarova, Clay Grouse Press and Zooloo's Book Tours.
Publication date: 9th November 2023
This is the first book we have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Adventures With Abby' series but can be read as a standalone.
This is a lovely children's book that is part of Goncarova's 'Adventures With Abby' series. It is the third book in the series but it can be read as a standalone as each series contains a different adventure with Abby and although this book does mention previous adventures it is not something you have to go back and read about to understand. Amazon rates this book as suitable for children aged 7 years to 1 years. However, I read this with my 11 year old son with us taking turns to read chapters but I must admit that he did find the storyline a bit young for him. However, on saying that he has got a reading level of 15 years plus so that may not be the case for other 11 year olds. I, personally, would rate it more suitable to read to children from 3 years old to approximately 8 or 9 years old as I feel these age children would enjoy it more. This book tells us the story of Sofia who is more commonly known as and called So-So throughout the book. So-So is practising for her big solo for her school spring concert but is constantly being interrupted by her brother Adam and sister Lina. So-So is nervous enough about the concert and her solo as it is but she gets even more worried when she realises that her whole family including her Aunts, Uncles and Cousins will be at the school and then returning to the house in order to prepare for the end of Ramadan celebrations. To make things even worse Caruso, her Aunt Abba's cat is also performing at the school concert as he is the special-guest conductor. However, when the family starts getting concerned about their whereabouts they discover they are on the other side of the world!! Will So-So and Lina be able to find Aunt Abba and Caruso? Will they be able to get to the school on time? Well, grab your copy of this lovely children's book today and get ready to set of on an adventure with your child, So-So, Abba, Caruso and the rest of the family!! With fantastic emphasis on the noisy words in this book younger children will have a brilliant time recreating the noises at home, I certainly wouldn't recommend this as a bed time story but it is a perfect one to read during story time, in playgroup or in school to get their children up on their feet and making lots of noises with different instruments while having lots of fun!! The other fantastic thing about this book that I have got to point out is that not only does it contain a link for the read aloud video which my younger children who are 6 enjoyed watching but there is also a brilliant chance to win a signed 3 book box set and a Caruso plushie if you can work out the secret code hidden in the book within each chapter!!! Now, THIS IS something that Malaki has loved trying to work out! We have not managed to work it out yet but we believe we are heading in the right direction so pick up a copy today and have fun reading the story, watching the video of it being read aloud and trying to work out the code yourselves!! We all loved the fact that Caruso is a cat as we run Golden Oldies Cat Rescue and Hospice which you can find on social media and we always love seeing cats in books!! This really is a lovely book for young children filled with music, adventure, sounds, imagination, fun, excitement, a race against time, a fantastic called called Caruso and a brilliant chance to win an amazing prize!! This book is lovely and short and can be a quick read or be made into a fun long read whichever the reader wishes. The font is a nice style and size making it easy for adults and children to see and read too which is definitely a bonus as I have struggled with some fonts that authors have used in children's books in the past. It would be a perfect book for children to be read to by their teachers in school as well as friends and family members.
Overall a fun, imaginative, music children's book filled with adventure!
148 pages
This book is just £13.89 in paperback and £20.44 via Amazon at time of review.
Rated 4/5 ( We all enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews.
#TheSecretCodeOfTheHeartbeatDrum #TheAdventuresWithAbbaSeries #SBGoncarova #s.b.goncarova #ClayGrousePress #ZooLoosBT #ZooloosBookTours #Bookworm1986 #BooksOnTour #BlogTour #BookReview #bookworm86 #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #BookBlogger
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Review for 'The Secret Code Of The Heartbeat Drum' written by S.B. Goncarova.
Read and reviewed for S.B. Goncarova, Clay Grouse Press and Zooloo's Book Tours.
Publication date: 9th November 2023
This is the first book we have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Adventures With Abby' series but can be read as a standalone.
This is a lovely children's book that is part of Goncarova's 'Adventures With Abby' series. It is the third book in the series but it can be read as a standalone as each series contains a different adventure with Abby and although this book does mention previous adventures it is not something you have to go back and read about to understand. Amazon rates this book as suitable for children aged 7 years to 1 years. However, I read this with my 11 year old son with us taking turns to read chapters but I must admit that he did find the storyline a bit young for him. However, on saying that he has got a reading level of 15 years plus so that may not be the case for other 11 year olds. I, personally, would rate it more suitable to read to children from 3 years old to approximately 8 or 9 years old as I feel these age children would enjoy it more. This book tells us the story of Sofia who is more commonly known as and called So-So throughout the book. So-So is practising for her big solo for her school spring concert but is constantly being interrupted by her brother Adam and sister Lina. So-So is nervous enough about the concert and her solo as it is but she gets even more worried when she realises that her whole family including her Aunts, Uncles and Cousins will be at the school and then returning to the house in order to prepare for the end of Ramadan celebrations. To make things even worse Caruso, her Aunt Abba's cat is also performing at the school concert as he is the special-guest conductor. However, when the family starts getting concerned about their whereabouts they discover they are on the other side of the world!! Will So-So and Lina be able to find Aunt Abba and Caruso? Will they be able to get to the school on time? Well, grab your copy of this lovely children's book today and get ready to set of on an adventure with your child, So-So, Abba, Caruso and the rest of the family!! With fantastic emphasis on the noisy words in this book younger children will have a brilliant time recreating the noises at home, I certainly wouldn't recommend this as a bed time story but it is a perfect one to read during story time, in playgroup or in school to get their children up on their feet and making lots of noises with different instruments while having lots of fun!! The other fantastic thing about this book that I have got to point out is that not only does it contain a link for the read aloud video which my younger children who are 6 enjoyed watching but there is also a brilliant chance to win a signed 3 book box set and a Caruso plushie if you can work out the secret code hidden in the book within each chapter!!! Now, THIS IS something that Malaki has loved trying to work out! We have not managed to work it out yet but we believe we are heading in the right direction so pick up a copy today and have fun reading the story, watching the video of it being read aloud and trying to work out the code yourselves!! We all loved the fact that Caruso is a cat as we run Golden Oldies Cat Rescue and Hospice which you can find on social media and we always love seeing cats in books!! This really is a lovely book for young children filled with music, adventure, sounds, imagination, fun, excitement, a race against time, a fantastic called called Caruso and a brilliant chance to win an amazing prize!! This book is lovely and short and can be a quick read or be made into a fun long read whichever the reader wishes. The font is a nice style and size making it easy for adults and children to see and read too which is definitely a bonus as I have struggled with some fonts that authors have used in children's books in the past. It would be a perfect book for children to be read to by their teachers in school as well as friends and family members.
Overall a fun, imaginative, music children's book filled with adventure!
148 pages
This book is just £13.89 in paperback and £20.44 via Amazon at time of review.
Rated 4/5 ( We all enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews.
#TheSecretCodeOfTheHeartbeatDrum #TheAdventuresWithAbbaSeries #SBGoncarova #s.b.goncarova #ClayGrousePress #ZooLoosBT #ZooloosBookTours #Bookworm1986 #BooksOnTour #BlogTour #BookReview #bookworm86 #Goodreads #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #BookBlogger
@TheSecretCodeOfTheHeartbeatDrum @TheAdventuresWithAbbaSeries @SBGoncarova @s.b.goncarova @ClayGrousePress @ZooLoosBT @ZooloosBookTours @Bookworm1986 @BooksOnTour @BlogTour @BookReview @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger
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April 8, 2024
Here is my review for The Secret Code Of The Heartbeat Drum by S B Goncarova
This is a great story to read. One that is funny in places with the antics of Abba and Caruso, the exceptionally grumpy tuxedo cat. Also, So-so has a big part to play in the concert tonight so then she gets frightened about playing in front of such a big audience including so many family members. Abba and Caruso get lost on their way to the concert and have to be rescued otherwise they wouldn’t make the concert as they took a wrong turn to the ferry as the road was closed. The big story has been broken down into several little stories but each is as entertaining as each other with several laughs in them. This book would be suitable for children aged 7-11 years old and can be linked to youtube videos as well. This was a really great read and the story was quite easy to follow.
Blurb :
Meet So-So! She's got a BIG solo for tonight's concert and she wants to make it the best ever! She's so focused on getting it ABSOLUTELY PERFECT that she wouldn’t even notice if fireworks were shooting out of the toilet seat!
But then, she finds out that ABSOLUTELY EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN HER ENTIRE EXTENDED FAMILY will be in the audience watching! Gulp! It makes So-So not want to play at the concert AT ALL!
But then what would everyone think? Either way it will be A Disaster of Unfathomable Proportions! Can her aunt Abba and (her super-handsome but perpetually grumpy tuxedo cat) Caruso save the day? Or will it be Abba and Caruso who will be the ones who need saving?
Join So-So and her unforgettable family on this hilarious and heartwarming adventure to discover the importance of determination, self-acceptance, cooperation, and the courage to believe in yourself. This chapter-book is a must-read that will keep kids reading (and giggling along the way!) Perfect for kids 7-11.
This is a great story to read. One that is funny in places with the antics of Abba and Caruso, the exceptionally grumpy tuxedo cat. Also, So-so has a big part to play in the concert tonight so then she gets frightened about playing in front of such a big audience including so many family members. Abba and Caruso get lost on their way to the concert and have to be rescued otherwise they wouldn’t make the concert as they took a wrong turn to the ferry as the road was closed. The big story has been broken down into several little stories but each is as entertaining as each other with several laughs in them. This book would be suitable for children aged 7-11 years old and can be linked to youtube videos as well. This was a really great read and the story was quite easy to follow.
Blurb :
Meet So-So! She's got a BIG solo for tonight's concert and she wants to make it the best ever! She's so focused on getting it ABSOLUTELY PERFECT that she wouldn’t even notice if fireworks were shooting out of the toilet seat!
But then, she finds out that ABSOLUTELY EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN HER ENTIRE EXTENDED FAMILY will be in the audience watching! Gulp! It makes So-So not want to play at the concert AT ALL!
But then what would everyone think? Either way it will be A Disaster of Unfathomable Proportions! Can her aunt Abba and (her super-handsome but perpetually grumpy tuxedo cat) Caruso save the day? Or will it be Abba and Caruso who will be the ones who need saving?
Join So-So and her unforgettable family on this hilarious and heartwarming adventure to discover the importance of determination, self-acceptance, cooperation, and the courage to believe in yourself. This chapter-book is a must-read that will keep kids reading (and giggling along the way!) Perfect for kids 7-11.
March 28, 2024
I will generally read everything including Middle Grade and let me tell you when I started this and learnt of the tuxedo cat, Caruso I was sold. But that isn’t the only reason this gets four stars. This chapter book is perfect for so many more reasons. I loved all the characters, particularly Caruso and So-So (Sophia) but it’s safe to say they are all a hit. The other thing I loved was the messages of the story. It will help readers understand several themes that will help them in their future, particularly Self-acceptance and the courage to believe in yourself.
These messages are artfully brought out with funny and heart-warming prose that will engage readers young and old. I can honestly say I loved this one!
These messages are artfully brought out with funny and heart-warming prose that will engage readers young and old. I can honestly say I loved this one!
March 8, 2024
So-So is off to perform her first solo at the school concert. Abba and Caruso are wending their dramatic way there as well—for Caruso the Cat is the guest conductor! With several humorous asides and an argument with the narrator, a brief stop in Outer Mongolia, several Plot Holes, and some other minor mishaps—the giggles didn't stop! There is a secret code hidden in the book which was fun to hunt for and try to solve. Can't wait for more from this author! Ordering her other books today!
March 19, 2024
The Secret Code of the Heartbeat Drum by S.B Goncarova.
The Adventures with Abba Series.
Meet So-So! She's got a BIG solo for tonight's concert and she wants to make it the best ever! She's so focused on getting it ABSOLUTELY PERFECT that she wouldn’t even notice if fireworks were shooting out of the toilet seat!
Absolutely loved this children's book. I loved the cover. Great story. I did love the illustrations in the book too. Great read for all ages. 5*.
The Adventures with Abba Series.
Meet So-So! She's got a BIG solo for tonight's concert and she wants to make it the best ever! She's so focused on getting it ABSOLUTELY PERFECT that she wouldn’t even notice if fireworks were shooting out of the toilet seat!
Absolutely loved this children's book. I loved the cover. Great story. I did love the illustrations in the book too. Great read for all ages. 5*.
March 22, 2024
Sprinkled with humor, this story focuses on determination and the courage to do you. So many life lessons are concealed within the pages of the book making it great for 7-9 year olds. You’ll fall in love with So-So and her crazy fun family. Now with read read-aloud video! - Kim Wilch
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