Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles Series Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Have you ever wished that you could travel back in time to prevent bad things from happening to loved ones? Join Jason, Elisa and Amanda in their breathtaking space adventure in the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series by author and entrepreneur Rick Williams Sr. in collaboration with his grandchildren. Enter to win signed copies of books in the series and an e-reader for kids!

My Review:

Inspired by the author's professional background and personal experience, Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles crafts an epic series of exhilarating and enchanting time-travel tales exploring themes of family, friendship, self-discovery, diversity, positivity, courage, resilience and responsibility.

In Book One, Star Life Keepers, middle-school cousins Jason, Elisa and Amanda attempt to travel back in time to save their fathers but end up in a medieval country in the parallel universe of Belacamber, where they have to team up with elves and shapeshifting dragons to fight against invading dinosaurs.

The trio's epic journey continues in Book Two, Orion Fire Storm. While grappling with their new identities as Star Life Keepers, the teens must figure out ways to tackle greater challenges from more powerful enemies. Will they manage to master the power of astronomy magic, strengthen their alliance, and defeat the dark forces before time runs out?

Fast-paced and action-packed, this middle-grade series fascinates readers, young and old alike, with high stakes adventures in a complex world composed of magical creatures. Seamlessly weaving together elements of fantasy and science fiction, it spans a wide range of topics that intrigue young learners, including but not limited to astronomy, paleontology, biotech, computer science, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, history and politics. Real-world knowledge and controversies are cleverly introduced through an engaging work of fiction. The stories are not only fun to read but may also fuel young readers' passion for science and technology, encouraging them to explore and discover.

With a myriad of characters involved in the worldbuilding and plot development, the series maintains its focus on the three cousins, showing their growths in leadership, problem-solving skills and emotional regulation. Their fantastical adventure manifests the power of love, family, friendship, and teamwork, as well as the importance of integrity, loyalty and tenacity. Jason's unique situation is likely to resonate with kids with disabilities or dealing with loss while most readers can easily relate to Amanda's struggle with fear and anxiety. In addition, the trio's interaction with various kinds of creatures is particularly relevant to those living in a culturally diverse nation.

Besides bringing dragons and dinosaurs together in the same fantasy, the series sets itself apart by incorporating inputs from young storytellers, who know better about what their peers enjoy reading. Written with youngsters in mind, the books include detailed pictures and maps to help readers visualize the characters and scenes. Each book also comes with extensive back matter that helps keep track of the characters, understand the plots and ponder over the life lessons. More importantly, by sharing his creative process, the author avidly encourages young readers to write their own stories and enjoy storymaking as a family activity.

Highly imaginative and informative, Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles is a STEM-infused series sure to capture the hearts of fantasy, adventure and science fiction lovers, sparking their interest in astronomy, life sciences and more.

About the Books:

Star Life Keepers

Ages: 10–14 | 388 Pages
Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798987420010

With dragons and elves as allies, three cousins must save two worlds before time runs out. Join cousins Jason, Amanda, and Elisa as their desperate wish to undo family tragedy launches them into the war-torn, mythical realm of Belacamber. Guided by the legendary Star Life Keepers—an extraordinary alliance of elves, shapeshifting dragons, and prehistoric predators—the trio faces relentless foes, including terrifying flying T. rexes and vicious ptero-raptors, while battling to protect their own family back home. A thrilling middle-grade epic blending fantasy with time travel, dinosaurs, and dragon-filled skies.

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

Orion Fire Storm

Ages: 10+ | 417 Pages
Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9874200-7-2

During this time of renewed interest in space travel, Orion Fire Storm follows Jason, Amanda, and Elisa—modern-day teens who travel among the stars and into the past—as they join forces with elves and shapeshifting dragons to save their nations. Continuing the adventures that began in Star Life Keepers, they face even deadlier trials in a medieval world of gryphon-riding wolf guards, roaming dire wolves, and flying raptors. Messengers from Orion's Belt equip the cousins with magical gems to unlock the power beyond the universe. Features original illustrations, detailed maps, and an Encyclopedia of Creatures.

Purchase link: Amazon

L.O.L. Surprise Plush Surprise Unboxing Review

Listen up, L.O.L Surprise fans. MGA Entertainment’s all-new L.O.L. Surprise Plush Surprise collection has officially dropped in time for LOL’s 10th anniversary! There are six adorable plush characters to collect and seven surprises to discover for each. Get them all and take them wherever you go!

Meet Cinna-Bun, Pup-Tart, Pa-Manda, E-Meow Rocker, Bear-A-Rina, and Unique-Cora. Each of the Plush Surprise characters features a sweet, hard-sculpted face with a plushy soft body and uniquely posed hands. Seven surprises are hidden inside each character, including a doll, a fashionable outfit, hidden pockets, playful accessories and a removable keychain. The fun never ends, with many outfit combos and stylish looks to create by mixing and matching fashions and accessories across characters. Each plush doll doubles as a cute keychain that can be easily attached to any bag, backpack or purse.

Tiki Time: T-Rex Tiki Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Wondering if Tiki and his friends will be able to find King Lauia in time to save TikiTown? The wait is finally over. The sequel in the Tiki Time series is here. Check out Tiki Time: T-Rex Tiki and enter to win a signed copy, along with a $100 Amazon gift card and a National Geographic Light-Up Terrarium for Kids!

My Review:

Packed with action and adventure, Tiki Time: T-Rex Tiki tells an electrifying time travel tale teaching about courage, confidence, determination, friendship, team work and what it takes to be a real hero.

Equipped with superpowers and unique talents, Team Tiki continues their daunting mission in book two. Following the tracks of evil King Lauia, Tiki and his crew travel back to prehistoric times. From ferocious dinosaurs to ancient math puzzle, one challenge after another awaits them before they can get inside the cunning villain's lair. Will they manage to retrieve the sacred Toku mask from King Lauia and rescue their townspeople before time runs out?

With the combination of captivating graphics, dynamic characters and thrilling plot twists, the story draws young readers deep inside a fascinating world of magic and fantasy, in which Tiki and his friends must overcome their weaknesses, utilize their special powers, and think creatively in order to complete the seemingly impossible mission. The growths of the characters as they gain more confidence and recollect themselves in the face of danger inspire youngsters to never give up easily and to explore ways to unlock their potential. Every challenge coming in their way presents an opportunity to demonstrate the power of friendship, team work and resilience.

The distinctive group of characters and their unusual journey are brought to life by cartoonish illustrations marked by bold colors, rich expressions and animated motion. The pictures help immerse young readers in the story and empathize with the heroes in training.

Gripping and invigorating, Tiki Time: T-Rex Tiki makes a fabulous addition to the series as well as to the summer reading list of any adventure-loving child.

About the Book:

Ages: 6-8 | 58 Pages
Publisher: Tiki Toons Publishing, LLC (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9941608-2-4

In this sequel of the Tiki Time series, Tiki, a boy with magical powers, is joined by a precocious group of friends who travel back to prehistoric times in their search for the evil time traveling sorcerer, King Lauia. King Lauia has escaped from present-day TikiTown with the sacred Toku mask, leaving its citizens in a frozen state.

Tiki and his friends set out on this perilous quest. Tiki must find King Lauia, take back the mask, and travel back to present-day to unfreeze TikiTown and its people — all while avoiding getting eaten by a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex! Time is ticking! If Tiki doesn't succeed, TikiTown will remain frozen forever!

Tiki and the audience continue to learn valuable lessons in this adventure about self-confidence, friendship, proper behavior, and the true meaning of character and integrity.

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

Tall as the Sun Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

It's release day for Tall as the Sun, the latest picture book from children's author and poet Stephanie Henson! Let's celebrate with a fantastic giveaway, giving you the chance to win a basket filled with bookish prizes!

My Review:

Rich in color and content, Tall as the Sun presents an enchanting and blissful bedtime story that captures sweet father-daughter memories blended in a beach day spectacle.

A little girl sits on top of Daddy's shoulders and embarks on an adventure at the beach. From dancing dolphins to running kids, everything seems somewhat different from high above. Feeling taller and taller, she imagines herself flying like an airplane, twirling like a parasail and soaring with seagulls. After a day full of joy and excitement, she falls fast asleep, dreaming of growing as tall as the sun.

Through the observations of a little girl perched up high on her father's shoulders, the book charms young readers with a variety of fun activities that can make a beach day memorable, such as flying kites, building sandcastles, discovering sea creatures, or simply taking a stroll like the father-daughter duo in the story. Parents who read together with their children may get inspiration for how to plan their next beachside outing.

While the unique over-the-shoulder angle gives the little girl a fresh view of the world around her, the very presence of her dad makes all the difference for her experience. Her eye-opening ride is only made possible by the security and support Daddy provides. The precious bond between the father and the daughter can be seen and felt through the sunny smiles on their faces. Lively and expressive, the book's artwork not only beautifully represents the boisterous beach scenes as described in the narrative, but also enriches them with imaginative details, showcasing various ways to enjoy a beach day.

Lyrically written and artfully illustrated, Tall as the Sun makes a delightful read on and around Father's Day, in celebration of the indispensable role a father plays in his daughter's life.

About the Book:

Ages: 0–12 | 30 Pages
Publisher: Watchful Wizard Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-969819-01-8

Tall as the Sun is a heartfelt story that takes readers on a lyrical journey through the eyes of a child as they discover the magic of perspective during a day at the beach with Dad. As our little hero rises higher and higher on Dad's shoulders, the world transforms into a playground of endless possibilities. From soaring with seagulls to reaching the top of sandcastles, each page brings a new adventure.

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