Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star Blog Tour: Review and Prize Packs Giveaway (10 Winners)

What would you do if you spot a starfish on the beach? Would you make an effort to put it back into the ocean? Join Max and Myrtle in their new adventure in Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star by award-winning author and publisher Kathleen Welton. Enter to win a signed copy and one of ten themed prize packs!

My review:

Inspired by Loren Eiseley’s “The Starfish Story”, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star presents a cheerful and heartwarming sequel to The Magic Sea Turtle. Narrated in rhymes, this beautifully illustrated story showcases the joy and excitement of performing an act of kindness through teamwork.

Seeing a group of sea stars stranded on land and stuck in the kelp, Max and Myrtle embark on an unprecedented rescue mission, enlisting the help of their ocean friends both flying up in the sky and swimming in the sea. Everyone is mobilized to offer their support, from transferring every single sea star back to safety to sending cheers to all the contributors. No one takes a break until the mission is fully accomplished.

Featuring all adorable and compassionate sea creatures from The Magic Sea Turtle, this book once again manifests the magical power of friendship, collaboration and kindness, encouraging young readers to work as a team to achieve a common goal, such as offering help to those in need. By confirming that everyone can make a difference in small ways, it prompts all nature lovers to take action and play a positive part in promoting ocean conservation.

Besides its captivating narrative and uplifting messages, the book also shines in its amazing artwork, which charms all readers with intense colors, cute characters, and stunning scenery. The evocative, action-packed images correspond nicely to the main theme by amplifying the beauty of synergy as well as the enjoyment of being helpful.

Delightful and meaningful, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star constitutes a valuable addition to the book collection of budding changemakers and environmental enthusiasts.

About the Book:

Ages: 3-12 | 30 Pages
Publisher: Bookfox Press (2025) | ISBN: 979-8899000027

This magical tale follows Max and Myrtle as they save the sea stars after they wash up on the shore after a big storm. An inspiring story that celebrates the power of friendship, teamwork, and the joy of helping others.

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

My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Love is a strong emotion that goes beyond precise measurement or definition. How do you help your little one understand this common yet complex feeling? How about comparing love to something more perceptible, as award-winning author and illustrator Laura Smetana does in her new book My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky? Enter to win a signed copy as well as a themed prize pack filled with fun art supplies!

My Review:

Beautifully written and illustrated, My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky is an imaginative and soothing picture book that makes the connection between affection and astronomy.

Under a starry night sky sits a mother, who gently snuggles with her child while describing her love as a full moon, a meteor shower, the Milky Way and even the entire universe. She assures her child that her love is dependable and always within orbit no matter how far apart they might get.

Through an array of creative metaphors, the book cleverly translates the abstract concept of love into concrete celestial objects or phenomena that symbolize the intensity and infinity of love. Meanwhile, it uses high contrast images to charm young readers with the radiant beauty and serenity of the night sky and acquaint them with constellations, planets, galaxies and more.

The Glossary section includes a search-and-find game that encourages the little ones to revisit the story and reinforce their knowledge by matching the pictures to the words. It also teaches about different phases of the moon and all the planets in the solar system.

Enchanting and educative, My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky makes a perfect bedtime read for young children, sparking their interest in observing the night sky while filling their hearts with love and happiness.

About the Book:

Ages: 0+ | 34 Pages
Publisher: Flying Cardinal Press (2025) | ISBN: 978-1737140993

With vivid watercolor collages, My Love for You Is Like the Night Sky, is the stunning companion to the award-winning book, My Love for You Is Like a Garden, named a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2023.

Say “I love you” at bedtime or anytime with this lyrical story that celebrates love with bold, colorful illustrations of stars, planets, and galaxies. As they look up at the stars, a child’s mother explains that her love is like the night sky. It glows with pride like the full moon, is as radiant as a meteor shower, and as vast as our solar system.

Readers of all ages will be inspired to step outside to marvel at the wonders of the night sky together—and maybe even spot a shooting star. Children will delight in learning the names of the planets in our solar system, the phases of the moon, and more in the glossary. A beautiful book to share with anyone you love!

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

Armando and the Amazing Animal Race Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Would you like to take a virtual multi-country expedition to observe wild animals in their natural habitats? Join 12-year-old Armando and 75-year-old Granny D on a wildlife photography race around the globe in Armando and the Amazing Animal Race. Enter to win a copy signed by author Diana Schaffer, along with a themed prize bundle and a $50 Amazon gift card!

My Review:

Building on the author's incredibly profound international travel experience and extensive research, Armando and the Amazing Animal Race presents a fast-paced, exhilarating and eye-opening adventure that passionately promotes the protection of wildlife and the natural environment their survival depends on. It's also a heartwarming story delving into the value of family, friendship and teamwork.

Armando's most unforgettable summer starts with his solo trip to his grandma's house in London, where he uncovers his mother's journal documenting her journey during the first Amazing Animal Race eight years ago. Determined to follow in Mom's footsteps, Armando teams up with Granny D to join the second race, which requires contestants to take photos of seven endangered animals in seven countries within seventy days. Besides unpredictable perils and challenges posed by Nature, the duo has to guard against their malicious or hostile competitors. What truth lies behind Mom's disappearance? What secret is Dad trying to keep? What is the generous but suspicious sponsor of the race really up to? There are so many questions that Armando needs answers for.

Weaving together mystery, suspense, action and adventure, the story takes readers on a wild ride around the world, introducing them to various endangered species, vastly different natural landscapes across multiple continents, as well as indigenous people and culture. Though being a work of fiction, the book is loaded with valuable real-life knowledge regarding global travel, wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and sustainable development. It speaks to environmentally conscious and responsible readers, inspiring them to stand up for environmental justice.

Part of the story's charm lies in its well-developed characters, primarily Armando and Granny D. While Armando grows significantly in his courage, confidence and compassion during the expedition, his dashing, energetic, and humorous grandma instructs him to stay positive, be kind, and always try to look for the good in people and things. The depiction of their intergenerational relationship is delicate and dynamic.

With middle graders as the target audience, the book is neatly organized into short chapters with titles that accurately and succinctly summarize the main idea. The smooth and engaging storytelling style further enhances its accessibility. Pictures are also provided to help young readers visualize objects and documents that are important to the understanding of the story. The book concludes with interesting questions that facilitate discussions both at home and in a classroom setting. The author also takes the time to share her writing process and the messages she intends to deliver through Armando's adventure.

Creatively crafted and informatively illustrated, Armando and the Amazing Animal Race is a fascinating book that any adventure enthusiast, avid environmentalist, or wildlife lover doesn't want to miss.

About the Book:

Ages: 8-12 | 350 Pages
Publisher: Sea Otter Press (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-0690795-1-0

Two unlikely teammates on a grueling continent-hopping race. Their mission: to photograph 7 endangered animals in just 70 days… and solve a baffling family mystery.

When twelve-year-old Armando stumbles on his mother’s old race journal and convinces his wacky grandmother to join the Amazing Animal Race—the same race his mother disappeared on eight years earlier—his summer explodes into a wild global adventure. Armed with night vision goggles, bear spray, and support from his tech-savvy friend Jinny, Armando faces a charging polar bear, poachers’ bullets, and ruthless rivals as he races across the icy Arctic to the steamy Amazon rainforest. What starts as a race to help endangered animals and the environment spirals into a treacherous quest to unravel a mystery that will change Armando’s family—and his life—forever.

Packed with thrilling action, laugh-out-loud moments, and unforgettable characters, Armando and the Amazing Animal Race takes readers on a whirlwind journey of self-discovery across the globe. This heart-warming tale of family, mystery, and wildlife conservation will inspire adventurers, both young and old, to see the world and themselves in a whole new light.

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

I am NOT Sophie! Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

Does your little one enjoy pretending to be someone or something else? Have you ever joined her little game? Follow Sophie's week-long adventure in I am NOT Sophie! and enter to win a copy of this fun-filled board book!

My Review:

Centering around a little girl named Sophie, I am NOT Sophie! is a cheerful and charming book that exhibits the joy of pretend play, the magic of imagination, and the importance of unconditional love.

One Sunday morning finds little Sophie declaring her new identity as a tiger. And she acts like one too. Each morning afterwards, she surprises Mommy by turning into a different animal and acting accordingly all day long. Toward the end of the week, Sophie decides to resume being her normal self, whom Mommy loves from head to toe.

Using repeated words and predictable patterns, the story is easy to follow and pleasant to read aloud. While being entertained by Sophie's hilarious mimicking activities, the little ones are introduced to various wild animals and the verbs that are commonly used to describe their moves and sounds.

Full of vitality and creativity, Sophie is a loveable and relatable character that motivates young readers to start their own imaginative play. Her cuteness is vividly captured in the book's colorful and action-packed illustrations. Sophie's mom, on the other hand, exemplifies a supportive and loving parent who patiently plays along and lets the child make her own discovery. The best part of the story is how it ends with a touching exchange of affection between mother and daughter.

Amusing and accessible, I am NOT Sophie! is the perfect book for curious and active early readers who love animals and free play.

About the Book

Ages: 0-3 | 14 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids! (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891383838

Sophie is a little girl with a BIG imagination! Every day, she wakes up and decides to be a different animal. On Sunday, she pounces and roars through the house like a tiger. On Monday, she stomps and trumpets like a mighty elephant. Throughout the week, she is a slithering snake, a bouncy monkey, and even a scary alligator! By the end of the week, Sophie discovers that being herself is the best adventure of all.

Filled with playful illustrations and a heartwarming message about self-acceptance, I am NOT Sophie! encourages young readers to embrace their own unique magic—because sometimes, being YOU is the most wonderful thing of all!

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