Zombie Zoo Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Disclosure: This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by The Children's Book Review. I received a copy of the book to facilitate my review and a promotional giveaway item. All views and opinions expressed are my own. icefairy's Treasure Chest is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.

Do you think it possible to solve a supernatural mystery through scientific investigation and analysis? Follow two orphans' jaw-dropping adventure in Zombie Zoo, written by Melanie Abed and illustrated by Emmy-winning director Hisham Abed. Enter to win a signed copy and an epic swag haul including stickers, a pin, a Glow-in-the-Dark Green Goo Kit and more!

My Review:

As the first book in the middle-grade series Felix & Ninja: Adventures in Tub, Zombie Zoo presents a spooky, suspenseful and spellbinding story about friendship, courage, collaboration and creative problem-solving.

Felix and Ninja are two teenage loners in a run-down orphanage on the island of Tub. As a naturalist, Felix enjoys taking meticulous notes of his observations and detecting patterns. Ninja is a sharp, agile and vigilant girl good at acting on instinct and in stealth mode. The emergence of suspicious substances like glowing green goo and glowing green mist brings the two together in a high-risk investigation and a daunting mission to save the orphans and their townsfolk from a hive-mind zombie outbreak.

Fast-paced and action-packed, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they wonder what Felix and Ninja would encounter or discover next. Its delectable blend of mystery, fantasy, adventure, kid-friendly humor and horror attracts a wide range of book lovers across different age groups. The author does a stellar job of building suspense and bringing the story to life through precise, vivid, and carefully-paced descriptions of actions. Moreover, the use of alternating narrative perspectives provides a closer connection with the main characters and a deeper understanding of their inner worlds.

Apart from the thrill of scientific investigation, mystery-solving and mission accomplishment, what also stands out from the book is the unlikely yet solid friendship forged between Felix and Ninja through teamwork. Both characters learn to step out of their comfort zones, and to trust, protect and care for each other as the story unfolds. Their growths inspire young readers to follow their passions, sharpen their analytical and problem-solving skills, tackle tough challenges with courage and their strengths, and take leadership and responsibility when the occasion arises.

Captivating and cleverly crafted, Zombie Zoo makes a noteworthy debut for the STEM-inspired series. It's a book that adventure and mystery lovers don't want to miss.

About the Book:

Ages: 9–13 | 244 Pages
Publisher: Oculus Print (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9952813-0-6

Thirteen-year-old Felix Fizzystyxx is an aspiring naturalist who observes the world from his hidden tree fort at Wayward Amok Orphanage. When he witnesses glowing green goo and strange behavior in the orphanage, his life as a quiet observer ends. He partners with Ninja, an intense, shadow-dwelling orphan who trusts her instincts and operates alone, to investigate. Together they discover that the orphans — and soon the entire town of Spinachi on the island of Tub — are turning into wood-eating zombies controlled by a hive mind.

With the help of their eccentric mentor Doc Brunne, Felix and Ninja trace the cause to Noctiluna, rare bioluminescent organisms deliberately introduced into the town's water supply, and race to find a cure before the whole town — including Doc himself — is lost to the transformation. Zombie Zoo kicks off the Adventures in Tub series with a debut story guaranteed to keep readers turning the pages.

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

A Day with the Dragons Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Siblings, despite their physical similarities, may differ wildly in their talents, hobbies and personalities. Such differences exist in dragon families too, as shown in A Day with the Dragons, the latest picture book from prolific award-winning author Raven Howell. Enter to win a hardcover copy, along with a themed pillow and a set of the author's best-selling books!

My Review:

Centering on cute, colorful dragon brothers, A Day with the Dragons explores sibling dynamics through a hilarious, engaging tale that teaches important social-emotional skills.

Dragon brothers Blue and Green want to have some outdoor fun together on a beautiful day. Blue loves to swim, surf and sail in the sea, whereas Green prefers to hike on the grassy hillside. They trick each other into joining their own favorite activities, either of which rushes to a disastrous end and leaves each dragon feeling guilty of causing the discomfort of his beloved brother. Will they manage to find common ground for them to enjoy the rest of the day together?

Through amusing misadventures of visually appealing mythical creatures, the story keeps young readers' full attention from beginning to end while gently making them aware of possible undesirable consequences of disregarding a loved one's strong preference that differs considerably from their own. Alongside Blue and Green, little ones learn about the importance of being truthful, considerate, and sensitive to others' feelings. The dragon duo sets an excellent example of making meaningful, sincere apologies, learning from mistakes, and sorting things out without the intervention of an adult figure. Their fans are thus inspired to become independent problem-solvers who respect individuality and treasure the freedom of choice as well as the joy of shared interests.

The book's comical, expressive illustrations add to the charm of these adorable creatures and their action-packed adventure. The differences between the dragon siblings are vividly captured by contrasting their facial expressions and body reactions during a shared activity, helping young readers relate to the characters and resonate with their feelings.

Humorous and thought-provoking, A Day with the Dragons makes a worthy read for all, especially dragon lovers and young kids with siblings.

About the Book:

Ages: 2-7 | 34 Pages
Publisher: AMInk Publishing (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1958842706

What do you do when you and your brother have different interests but still want to spend the day together? Dragons Blue and Green set off on a series of comical misadventures. After risky jellyfish encounters and allergic red spots from dandelions, will they begin to understand that love and respect for one another matters more?

Purchase links: Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School Virtual Tour: Review & Giveaway

Are you fully aware of the power of your inner voice? Wondering how it may help you navigate challenging situations like the first day of school? Check out The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School, the first two books in the picture book series written by Ricardo Santa Cruz and illustrated by Yuko Kondo. Enter to win both books for your little one!

My Review:

Both written in rhyme and illustrated with vibrant colors, The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School tell heartwarming, empowering tales about inner strength, courage, confidence, compassion, emotional health, positive thinking, and the ripple effect of kindness.

The Boy and His Higher Self follows the self-discovery journey of a young boy as he meets and converses with his higher self, the inner voice that guides him with love, light and wisdom. The boy gets equipped with the tools to help him deal with fear, anxiety and insecurity. He learns to get connected with his higher self when he needs guidance and clarity, and follow his heart to make the right choice.

In My First Day of School, the boy reaches out to his higher self for advice as he worries about making good friends and being liked by other kids at school. He's instructed to stay true to his authentic self, and to radiate positivity by approaching kids who also experience anxiety about acceptance and imperfection. He realizes that honesty, compassion and communication help build the foundation of a meaningful friendship.

Through heartfelt conversations using simple rhyming words, imaginative, playful pictures, and lovable, relatable characters, the first book introduces the abstract spiritual concept of one's higher self in a fun and engaging way, while the second book provides a concrete example of how the inner voice can help one overcome real-life challenges with courage, confidence and calmness. Together, the stories encourage everyone to explore their full potential, conduct constructive self-talk, achieve inner peace through meditation, seek the deeper meaning of life, and go further to spread kindness and become a positive influence on others.

Lyrically written and creatively illustrated, The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School are accessible and enjoyable reads with significant and practical life lessons. I look forward to finding out what's coming up next in this one-of-a-kind series.

About the Books:

Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-99068-351-8

And have you always been here right by my side? I have always been with you, living inside. Have you ever listened to the little voice inside your head? What does it say to you? The Boy and His Higher Self is the story of a boy who discovers and learns to trust his higher self, a presence that has always been with him. Dedicated to the inner child and higher self within young children and adults alike, this book offers guidance and tools to help children overcome feelings of insecurity and sadness and gain self-confidence and positivity.

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

Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8990683501

I'm afraid to be myself and don't know if I can. Relax and remember to be yourself. There's no need to try to be someone else. My First Day of School, the second book in a series dedicated to the inner child and higher self, tells the story of a boy on his first day of school. Nervous about making new friends and being accepted by his peers, he confides his insecurities in his higher self. With insight and guidance, his higher self shares with him that having the courage to be your authentic self inspires others to do the same and create a positive environment.

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

The Dead Sea Squirrels: Season 1 (Original Soundtrack) Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Are you a fan of The Dead Sea Squirrels series? The Dead Sea Squirrels: Season 1 (Original Soundtrack) is now available in both digital and physical forms. Take home the soundtrack! Buy now at DeadSeaSquirrels.com. And enter to win a fun prize pack including a CD of the Season 1 Original Soundtrack and a signed copy of the latest book in the series, Cybersquirrels: The Dead Sea Squirrels, Book 13!

About the Soundtrack:

From Mike Nawrocki, the co-creator of VeggieTales, co-founder of Big Idea Entertainment and the longtime voice of Larry the Cucumber, the soundtrack brings together all 22 songs featured throughout Season 1 of the hit animated serie. It features an impressive lineup of Christian music artists and performers, including Matthew West, MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Katy Nichole, Ellie Holcomb, Mac Powell of Third Day, Steve Taylor and three-time GRAMMY Award winner Ashley Cleveland.

Now streaming on all major platforms and available as a physical CD. Learn more on its official website.