Kloe's New Friendship Virtual Tour: Review & Giveaway

What are you looking forward to in the New Year? How about making some new friends who may help you face new challenges? Follow a middle schooler's unique journey in Kloe’s New Friendship by K.M. Selvidge. Enter to win a signed copy!

My Review:

As the second installment in the illustrated chapter book series, Kloe’s New Friendship tells a gripping tale about trust, friendship, resilience, inner strength and complex sibling relationships.

After winter break, Kloe returns to school to find a new student sparking her curiosity and an old friend acting absent-minded. In a moment of weakness, Kloe spills her bestie Terry's secret to her brother Wreny, who uses it to humiliate Terry in public. Will Kloe manage to make amends with Terry? Will she and her new friend Jilly figure out a way to outsmart their troubled siblings?

Told through authentic conversations between relatable characters, the story addresses common challenges in friendship, such as sharing and keeping secrets, setting boundaries, and resolving conflicts. While stressing the importance of honesty, loyalty, integrity and kindness, it encourages youngsters to learn from their mistakes, and not to be afraid to acknowledge weaknesses, reach out for help and ask for forgiveness. Kloe's experience sheds light on how to navigate adolescence with growing self-awareness and a support system composed of friends, family members and education professionals. It also suggests that one doesn't have to feel ashamed of or responsible for someone else's wrongdoings, even if that someone is a sibling.

The story features a diverse cast of animals, which readers wouldn't be able to tell without referring to the colorful, expressive illustrations that accompany each short chapter. The pictures provide fun details about each character and help readers keep track of key moments in the narrative.

Engaging and empowering, Kloe’s New Friendship makes a timely read for tweens and teens in the new year, as they undergo significant changes in their bodies and brains.

About the Book:

Ages: 13-18 | 66 Pages
Publisher: Hope Kelley Book Publishing (2025) | ISBN: 979-8218824587

K.M. Selvidge brings back her characters in her second book of the Kloe book series. It’s the second semester, and Main St High is swirling with secrets. Kloe discovers that her brother is not always what he seems, and a new friendship gives her the courage to take matters into her own hands.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

Dash and the Lights in the Sky Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? Do you know the science behind this Arctic wonder? Learn all about it in Dash and the Lights in the Sky, the first in the picture book series by Ashley Key. Enter to win a signed copy and a beautifully curated craft box!

My Review:

Inspired by the author's real-life husky and her personal experience, Dash and the Lights in the Sky tells an enchanting tale packed with information about auroras, especially Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.

At the sight of dazzling, dancing, colorful light ribbons in the night sky, Dash, the curious husky, gets puzzled and scared. He turns to his friend Echo for an explanation. The wise snowy owl shares what she knows about the science of aurora, when Nimbus, the playful Arctic fox, chimes in with excitement. Together, the friends enjoy the most beautiful light show on Earth while learning how and why it happens.

With cheerful rhymes and adorable animal characters, the narrative introduces key scientific terms and explains the cause of auroras in an entertaining and accessible manner. It further explores the impact of altitude, season, magnetic fields, and composition of the atmosphere on the formation and variation of auroras.  Alongside the rhythmic text are stunning graphics, which highlight the breathtaking beauty of the natural wonder with splashes of vivid colors, stars, sparks and shimmers.

Besides a charming story, the book also includes a helpful reading guide for parents, a list of aurora vocabulary explained in kid-friendly language, a deeper look into aurora science with impressively extensive information, and step-by-step instructions for aurora-inspired craft projects, along with the science behind each craft. It offers so much for young readers and their parents to learn and create together!

Lyrically written and vibrantly illustrated, Dash and the Lights in the Sky makes a valuable STEM read aloud for space science enthusiasts, young explorers and animal lovers.

About the Book:

Ages: 0-8 | 50 Pages (hardcover and softcover) 25 Pages (board book)
Publisher: Adventure Press (2025) | ISBN: 979-8993318646

Dash and the Lights in the Sky is a poetic children’s book that combines storytelling, science, and Arctic wonder. One wintry night, Dash the husky looks up at a strange glow dancing across the sky. With the help of Echo the wise owl and Nimbus the playful Arctic fox, he discovers the science of the aurora borealis-the northern lights.

This lyrical narrative blends advanced vocabulary with a sing-song rhythm, inviting children to explore concepts such as atmosphere, particles, and magnetism in an accessible way. Designed for ages 0-8, the book encourages curiosity and sparks early STEM learning while preserving the magic of a bedtime story.

The watercolor-inspired illustrations create a dreamy, Arctic setting, while the built-in Parents’ Reading Guide provides vocabulary support, discussion prompts, and NGSS-aligned extension activities. Ideal for classrooms, homeschool lessons, or cozy family reading, Dash and the Lights in the Sky helps children connect wonder with science-and shows that even the sky holds secrets waiting to be discovered.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

Into the Thicket Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Packs Giveaway

Have you ever encountered a wounded wild animal? Do you know how you can help? Join young boy Patrick's adventure Into the Thicket as he tries to save an injured baby rabbit. Enter to win a signed copy of this beautiful book by Gail Kuhnlein, together with custom stickers, cute stuffies and more!

My Review:

Featuring relatable characters and artistic drawings, Into the Thicket is a cozy read that both inspires and informs, sparking discussion about courage, compassion, friendship, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

When trying to retrieve his football in the yard next door, Patrick discovers a tiny bunny with blood-stained fur. He immediately decides to seek help from Felice, a family friend who specializes in rescuing injured animals. The fastest route to Felice's house is through the tall and thick tangle of thicket that terrifies Patrick with darkness and possible presence of snarling goblins. Will Patrick walk through the thicket safely? Will the little rabbit survive the injury?

This is a touching story about saving a life and showing respect for nature. Empowered by his love and compassion for the rabbit, Patrick gathers the courage to overcome his fear about the thicket. As he frequents Felice's wildlife rescue center, he not only gains knowledge about how to treat and take care of an injured animal, but also gains confidence and independence. What's noteworthy is his unintentional but positive influence on his big brother Ben, who appears to be less sensitive or caring at the beginning. Ben's transformation means a lot to Patrick.

Along with Patrick, young readers learn about Eastern Cottontail's natural habitat, their predators, and favorite food. They also learn that love sometimes involves letting go. It's important to keep wild animals wild and free. The book's back matter suggests steps to take and resources to contact when an injured or orphaned animal is spotted. It includes tips for protecting rabbit nests from unwanted disruptions as well.

Vibrant and evocative, the book's amazing artwork brings to life the vulnerable yet irresistibly cute baby bunny, melting the reader's heart. With vivid details, it captures the joy of giving care, the beauty and serenity of nature, and the emotional growth of both Patrick and Ben.

Full of heart and useful information, Into the Thicket makes a worthy addition to any family's library, fostering a lifelong love of nature and wildlife.

About the Book:

Ages: 4-7 | 60 Pages
Publisher: BookBaby (2025) | ISBN: 979-8990747807

Inspired by a true story, Into the Thicket begins with the moment the author’s young son discovered an injured baby rabbit — an encounter that sparked a heartfelt journey of care and connection.

This tender picture book follows a boy and the rabbit he hopes to help, gently exploring themes of compassion, courage, love, and the bittersweet beauty of letting go. It invites young readers to develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for the natural world, showing how even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple through a great, big world.

Featuring stunning watercolor illustrations by acclaimed Ann Arbor artist John Megahan, Into the Thicket is a story families will return to again and again. A portion of all proceeds benefits wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookBaby | Bookshop.org

Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

What is your family's favorite holiday tradition? Does your celebration involve traveling to somewhere special? Find out how a cheery family ski vacation turns into an urgent mission to save Christmas in Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy by T.E. Milburn. Enter to win a signed copy along with a cozy bundle of goodies related to the novel!

My Review:

Full of action and imagination, Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy is a thrilling and uplifting middle-grade fantasy about family, friendship, courage and Christmas magic. This 3-in-1 edition provides easy access to all books in the series, with each subsequent story happening approximately one year apart from the previous one.

It has become a family tradition for the James to spend their Christmas break at a ski resort in Canada. This year, however, a sudden blizzard forces them to change route and pull into the magnificent yet mysterious North Point Ski Resort, where the world's best-tasting hot cocoa is served by elf-like creatures. Noah and Alex James, aged 8 and 10, soon find out that Santa is imprisoned by his brother Malachi while their parents are held hostage by a dark force attempting to obtain the magic crystal Noah discovers during their family trip to Yellowstone. The crystal has the power to transport the brothers to wherever they can mentally picture, but it can be the source of danger and betrayal as well. Will the duo stand up to the challenge and manage to save Santa, their parents, and Christmas?

Well-written and beautifully illustrated, the trilogy captures a reader's full attention from the first page, on which Santa is trapped in the dungeons of North Pole, completely cut off from his magic. With a charming blend of mystery, magic, fantasy and adventure, the stories keep young readers engaged as they follow Noah and Alex's daring journeys. Kid-friendly language, short chapters and perfect pacing guarantee the read to be a smooth and enjoyable one. While the narrative gets kids immersed in the winter wonderland through vivid descriptions, the lifelike illustrations help them visualize all the intricate details and dive even deeper into the stories.

The two young heroes of the series are skillfully developed with distinctive personalities and growth arcs. Their experience confirms the value of love, kindness, determination, courage and teamwork. Meanwhile, the dynamics of sibling relationship is explored through realistic and relatable scenarios like bickering, joking, bonding and collaborating. For those who are fond of talking animals and magical creatures, the trilogy portrays plenty with fascinating characteristics and intriguing interactions with the James brothers.

Festive and imaginative, Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy deserves a prominent spot on any fantasy and adventure lover's holiday reading list.

About the Book:

Ages: 7-12 | 403 Pages
Publisher: T.E. Milburn (2025) | ISBN: 979-8991011488

Celebrate the wonder of the holiday season with Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy. Discover the heartwarming adventures of this highly rated series, now available in one beautifully illustrated edition.

Calling All Heroes! A dark shadow looms over the North Pole, and we need brave readers like you to help us protect Christmas!

Hi, we’re Noah and Alex James, and we’re excited to take you on this incredible journey. Here’s what we’ve uncovered so far:

• Our adventures began with Santa’s mysterious capture, and we’re on a quest to discover the mastermind behind this wicked scheme. 
• Strange occurrences continue to shake the North Pole, but our determination to uncover the truth only grows stronger! 
• People are calling us the “Sons of the Crystal,” hinting at an extraordinary destiny we are still trying to understand. 
• The magic of Christmas is in grave danger, and it’s up to us to protect it at all costs!

We have received incredible support from amazing allies along the way— including super-chill yetis, quirky gnomes, talking animals, and other fantastical creatures. However, we still need your help to solve the mystery of who is attacking Christmas and why!

Are you ready to dive into this magical adventure and join us in saving Christmas? If so, open your book and let’s go!

Purchase links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble