How to Be Best in Class Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

What's your perception of a perfect pup? One that follows your directions with precision? Or one that keeps you busy with all her antics? Join Rae and Phebe in their fun-filled adventure at the dog park in How to Be Best in Class, a sequel to How to Make a Sandwich by award-winning author Lorena M. Proia. Help bring this new book to life by backing it on Kickstarter and enter to win an extra-special gift bundle, complete with a signed book, matching t-shirts and a gorgeous collection of note cards!

My Review:

Inspired by fond memories of the author's first dog Phebe, How to Be Best in Class crafts a charming and cheerful tale celebrating differences, acceptance, kindness and unconditional love.

Phebe is excited about her first day at the obedience class, where she is supposed to learn how to behave properly. Her enthusiastic entrance however, causes quite a stir, leaving the rest of the class stunned or even scared. Apparently, she is very different from everyone else. She refuses to part with her human friend Rae. She doesn't respond to any of the instructor's simple commands. Nor does she listen to Rae, due to all the distractions out there. Finally comes class game time, time for Phebe to shine with what she does best.

Written and illustrated with humor and affection, the book showcases the captivating bond between a permissive, patient young dog owner and her furry pal, who is cute, curious, energetic, friendly yet somewhat unruly. While short, simple sentences keep the narrative smooth and easy to follow, the playful pictures vividly capture the cozy and funny interactions between the delightful duo, reflecting each character's distinctive traits through their expressive body language. It's hard not to be amused by Phebe's mischievous wink at Rae, the way she clings to Rae's leg, and how she greets the class instructor. The beautiful natural setting, especially the presence of small wild animals, adds to the charm of the story and corresponds well to Phebe's carefree spirit.

As they giggle at the commotion Phebe creates in the obedience class, young readers are made aware of both the joy and challenges dog ownership may bring. Patience and positivity are essential when it comes to dog training. As pups love their humans with no strings attached, they deserve to be loved just the way they are. Following Rae's lead, readers learn to embrace and appreciate differences, and avoid being judgemental or dismissive. This holds true for treating individuals who think and act differently from others. The way Phebe surprises everyone with her special skill demonstrates the beauty of diversity as well as the power of kindness.

Created by a passionate dog-lover and talented writer, How to Be Best in Class is a hilarious and heartwarming read that no dog-lovers would want to miss. Please join the Kickstarter Army to help fund its publication! The first 100 backers will receive a special gift from the author.

About the Book:

Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Self Published D.B.A. PnM Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9885730-1-2

Obedience class is hard. Especially if you don’t do things like the other dogs do. Phebe’s flair for drama isn’t appreciated by her classmates, and when Rae says, “Come!” she stays. When she says “Stay!” she comes.

Seeing the world a little differently than everyone else makes it easy to be misunderstood. Rae wants Phebe to fall into line, but Phebe can’t help but be herself.

Will Phebe ever learn to be a perfect pup?

Still Hope in Theaters February 5! Win an Amazon Gift Card!

It's hard to imagine how a survivor may fully recover from the trauma caused by trafficking. Follow 16-year-old Hope's heartrending journey in Studio 523's upcoming release Still Hope. Buy tickets today to watch Still Hope in theaters starting February 5th! Plus enter to win an Amazon gift card after reading more about the movie.

Synopsis:

Hope, a teenager from a tight-knit community, finds herself in danger when the person she believes to be a new friend proves unsafe. Taken from all she knows, Hope is forced into sex trafficking and stripped of her identity. After finding freedom from her captors, Hope discovers that survival is only the first step. Inspired by true stories, Hope’s journey is a powerful illustration of the courage it takes to walk the complex path of recovery.

Guest Post: Should You Open a Custodial Roth IRA For Your Child?

The pros, cons, and what parents should know before getting started.

If you’re anything like me, there’s a moment where it suddenly hits you: Oh wow, we’re responsible for helping them make smart money choices. Not just saving for college or covering the next sports fee, but teaching them how money works long-term.

For some parents, that realization may come when a teenager starts earning money. For others, it may come much earlier.

One financial tool you may consider is a Custodial Roth IRA.

At first glance, it can sound a little…intense. A retirement account for a kid? When they still need reminders to put their shoes away? Totally fair reaction. But the reason so many parents are curious about Custodial Roth IRAs is simple: time. When you start investing for your child early—even if it’s just small amounts—they have decades for that money to grow.

That said, a Custodial Roth IRA isn’t a magic solution or a must-do for every family. There are some really compelling benefits, but there are also trade-offs that parents should understand before jumping in.

What Is a Custodial Roth IRA?

At its core, a Custodial Roth IRA is just a retirement account for a child who earns money—but with a grown-up managing it (that’s the “custodial” part).

Because kids under 18 (or 21, depending on your state) can’t legally open and manage their own investment accounts, a parent or guardian steps in as the custodian. You’re the one opening the account, choosing the investments, and keeping things on track—for now. The account itself, though, is in your child’s name, and eventually, it becomes fully theirs.

The big requirement to know upfront? Your child must have earned income. That means money from an actual job—like working at a coffee shop, lifeguarding, babysitting, tutoring, or even certain types of self-employment. Birthday money, allowance, and chore payments don’t count here, which surprises a lot of parents at first.

What makes a Custodial Roth IRA especially appealing is how it’s funded. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but once the money is in the account, it can grow tax-free. And if your child follows the rules, they’ll be able to withdraw that money tax-free in retirement.

One important thing to understand is that this isn’t a savings account you can dip into whenever you want. While there’s some flexibility, the purpose of a Custodial Roth IRA is long-term growth.

Eventually—usually when your child turns 18 or 21—the custodial part ends, and full control of the account transfers to them. At that point, the money is theirs to manage.

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