Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything Virtual Tour: Review & Giveaway

Simple words may have more powers than you realize. Get inspired by Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything by certified career and executive coach Barbara A. Berger, PCC. Enter to win one of five signed hardcover copies!

My Review:

Beautifully written and illustrated, Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything is an empowering and illuminating rhyming picture book about self-discovery, inner strength, positive self-talk, courage, kindness and interconnectedness.

Organized sequentially by three simple words frequently used in people's daily lives, the book sheds light on what constitutes a constructive inner speech. "Yes!" encourages readers to answer their calling, see their inner light and that of others, and spread love and kindness. "No." urges readers to stop negative self-talk, recognize self-worth, and rise above darkness. "Maybe?" suggests endless possibilities for growth, change, and achievement.

Through evocative verses and imaginative graphics, subtle concepts are transformed into something accessible and relatable to young readers. Meanwhile, messages from the book may resonate, both spiritually and emotionally, with more mature readers, especially those who have been in a dark place. The book provides valuable advice for positive thinking and self-advancement, motivating readers to take action and try something new without worrying too much about failures.

Featuring bold colors and sharp contrasts between light and darkness, stunning cosmic paintings in the book creatively reflect its themes while extolling the divine beauty of the universe, inviting youngsters to wonder, imagine, explore and discover.

Inspirational and therapeutic, Yes! No. Maybe? makes a worthy read for both children and adults. It may give you strength, guidance, and wisdom as you navigate life's toughest challenges.

About the Book:

Ages: 8+ | 86 Pages
Publisher: Live Your Genuine (2026) | ISBN: Hardcover: 979-8993098531 | Paperback: 979-8993098524

Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything explores a deeper meaning behind the words we use every day. With a thread of faith woven throughout, Barbara A. Berger, PCC reframes Yes as foundation, No as protection of our inherent worth, and Maybe as the place where curiosity, growth, and expansion begin.

Purchase links: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Happy Birthday to US! Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

America is turning 250 this summer! Happy Birthday to US! is the perfect picture book to get your little one excited about this historic milestone. Enter to win a copy autographed by award-winning author Sherry Ellis, plus a $50 Amazon gift card!

My Review:

Written in jolly rhymes and painted in patriotic colors, Happy Birthday to US! makes a lyrical introduction to Independence Day, celebrating freedom, valor, and patriotism.

A little boy born on July 4th is overjoyed by the way his birthday is celebrated every year by all the people in his home town - marching bands, parades, banners, balloons, flags, fireworks, and a lot more. When he finds out that the celebrations are not just for him, he takes great pride in sharing a birthday with America.

Through the eyes of a young child, this sweet story shows how the Fourth of July is typically celebrated in local communities composed of ordinary Americans. While feeling the joy and excitement about the special occasion, young readers learn about the significance of Independence Day, the role of the Founding Fathers, the Declaration of Independence and Lady Liberty. A brief history of the holiday is included in the back matter to help explain why the anniversary means so much to the whole nation.

The book's vibrant, vivacious artwork, coupled with the narrative's first person perspective, easily immerses readers in the festive atmosphere, deepening their love for the country. The paintings enrich the text with delightful details, such as adorable pets wearing celebratory costumes and cheerful children with diverse ethnic origins holding hands in a circle, all of which motivate young readers to join the celebration of liberty, unity, and community.

Cleverly crafted and charmingly illustrated, Happy Birthday to US! stands out as a timely read for young children in the days leading up to America's 250th birthday.

About the Book:

Ages: 4–7 | 52 Pages
Publisher: A 2 Z Press, LLC (2025) | ISBN: 978-1962101240

Celebrate the joy of sharing a birthday with America! In this charming, rhyming picture book, a young child believes the local parade and fireworks are all for him—until he discovers that everyone is celebrating something even bigger: Our nation’s Independence Day. With cheerful illustrations and a heartwarming message, Happy Birthday to US! introduces young readers to the history and meaning behind July 4th while capturing the excitement of summer, birthdays, and community pride. A delightful read-aloud for classrooms, family story times, and patriotic holidays, this book is a perfect way to celebrate America’s birthday!

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

Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians Virtual Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

Have you heard of the Packhorse librarians, who delivered books to rural families on horseback in the depths of the Great Depression? Learn all about them in Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians by award-winning author Lauren H. Kerstein. Enter to win a signed copy, a swag pack, and a $30 bookstore gift card of choice!

My Review:

Drawing on extensive research, Hope Rode provides a poetic recount of the little-known history of the Packhorse librarians, honoring the unsung heroes who impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Kentuckians in rural and remote areas during dark times.

An alarming percentage of rural population in Kentucky remained illiterate in 1930s due to lack of access to public libraries. The Packhorse Library project was launched to address the issue by recruiting librarians willing to bring books to families with no public library in their neighborhood. A good number of courageous women joined the mission and became known as Packhorse librarians. Delivering books on horseback was no easy task. From harsh weather and road conditions to distrust and resistance of the farmers, so many dangers and obstacles were lurking around. But the smiling faces of young children yearning for learning made all their endeavors worthwhile.

Beautifully written and illustrated, the book highlights the intimidating challenges Packhorse librarians had to overcome in order to make more books available to rural residents. It applauds the dedication, determination, perseverance and resilience of the beloved book ladies. They delivered not only books, but also knowledge, vision, care, job opportunity, the joy of reading, and so much more... What they did was truly amazing and admirable! 

The story ends with the Author's Note, detailing more facts and background information about the Packhorse librarians, including precious photos, some of which get artistically represented in the illustrations. Apart from complementing the narrative with vivid visuals, the paintings amplify the stunning beauty of rural landscapes, reflecting the book's theme with beams of hope.

Inspiring and informative, Hope Rode makes us aware of the great deeds of Packhorse librarians while fueling our passion for reading and urging us to treasure the resources at our disposal today.

About the Book:

Ages: 4+ | 48 Pages
Publisher: Union Square Kids (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-1454948483

An empowering ode to the brave librarians from Kentucky.

Following the Great Depression, literacy rates in the country had dwindled, and education and opportunities were harder to come by, especially in areas like rural Appalachia. But still, there was a dream: a vision of a nation in which reading was accessible to all—even those in the most remote places.

The Packhorse Library project of the 1930s and 1940s called upon Kentucky women to make that vision a reality and rise to the difficult and demanding job of delivering books on horseback. The Packhorse librarians were brave, steadfast, and resilient. For years, the women endured rough terrain, harsh conditions, and exhaustion. And with each book delivered and reading lesson taught, the librarians ushered in a new era for Kentuckians.

With uplifting prose by Lauren H. Kerstein and lush, hand-painted art from Becca Stadtlander, Hope Rode tells the true story of the strength, courage, and conviction of the Packhorse librarians.

Purchase links: Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

The Blobs: Volume Two Releases April 7! Win an Amazon Gift Card!

April 7 marks the official release of The Blobs: Volume 2: Attack of the Glitchies, second book in the series by viral YouTube creator Justin Stuart. Blending sci-fi adventure, humor, and high-energy action for readers ages 8-12, The Blobs books are available on Amazon or everywhere books are sold. Check them out and enter to win an Amazon gift card!

About the Book:

The Blobs are back — and this time, the galaxy’s survival depends on a goofy crew of outcasts, a stolen stash of ultra-powerful space gems, and one very unexpected hero learning what it means to do the right thing.

Purchase link: Amazon

My Review:

Packed with quirky, otherworldly characters, vivid descriptions and amusingly animated illustrations, The Blobs impresses me as an exhilarating, hilarious middle-grade graphic novel series imparting meaningful messages about friendship, teamwork, courage and sacrifice.

In The Blobs: Volume One: Crash Land!, readers are introduced to five oddball Blobs, who share an escape pod heading to their new home on Planet Splotch. Their hope for a safe journey dims as a crash landing on a mysterious planet hurls them into the claws of woeful Glitchies and their vicious ruler, who has devised an evil plan for galaxy domination.

Book two sees the crew of misfit Blobs settling into their new home, unaware of the enraged, power-hungry king's determination to gather all the Doomsicles at all costs. Their new planet is under attack. The Blobs are ill-prepared and outnumbered. Should they surrender to stop things from getting worse?