Pistachio the Owl Book Review

Author: Kristi Shimada

Illustrator: Eko Setiawan

Publisher: Dreampath Publishing

Released: April 1, 2023

Format: Paperback, Kindle

ISBN:  979-8986775456

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  3 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

Three adorable owlets learn the importance of listening and trust!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:

Book Summary: 

Pistachio, along with his siblings Macadamia and Cashew, resides in Echo Valley with their parents. A valuable lesson about following directions and honesty is learned by the three siblings when Pistachio gets into trouble away from home.

Opinion:

Pistachio the Owl is a delightful tale about three cute owls who love playing games and exploring their woodland home. They are too young to fly, so they walk to get around.

One morning, the three of them went for a stroll along the beach. Pistachio spotted Laraby flying high above in the sky. Pistachio, eager to learn to fly from Laraby, stumbled on a rock and plunged into the ocean.

Laraby was fortunate enough to witness the young owl’s struggle and rescue him from drowning. After Pistachio recovers, the three siblings go back home and confess the truth to their parents regarding the earlier events.

The young owls are praised by their parents for being honest.

Kristi Shimada’s story is adorable and teaches valuable life lessons such as the importance of listening to your parents and being honest to establish trust in a relationship.

Pistachio the Owl’s cute rhyming scheme familiarizes young readers with the rhythmic nature of words when written in a particular manner. Teachers can emphasize rhyming words in a classroom and create a list of words that sound alike. Similarly, parents can do something alike at home. Instead of writing it down, they can just speak the words and listen to how they sound.

Additionally, I appreciated the Burrowing Owl facts and the various features at the end of the book, such as the coloring page and the maze.

Bright colors and a touch of charm fill Setiawan’s illustrations, bringing warmth to your heart.

I give it 3 Lemon Drops!

 

Classroom Connection:

Pistachio the Owl would work well with a classroom theme on owls and families. Teachers can also incorporate the book with a lesson on rhyming.

Age Range: While the author suggests 5-7 years, it is also appropriate for read-alouds in preschool and pre-k settings.

Targeted Vocabulary:

Nestled, reminded, owlets, burrowing, explore, flailing, swooped, frown, comforted, adventure, dangerous, trust, honest

Resources:

Pinterest

About The Author:

Photo courtesy of Kristi Shimada via Facebook

Kristi Shimada is an award-winning children's book author. She wrote and illustrated her first unpublished book, The Little Shoe Shop, when she was eight. As a child, she loved the story of Cinderella because she saw the inner beauty, kindness, and strength in Cinderella, and she loved books with happily-ever-after endings.

About the Illustrator:

Eko Setiawan graduated from Maland State University with a degree in Graphic Design. He is an illustrator, book cover designer, and graphic artist. Check out his portfolio on Instagram: kyoze1987.

Prompt Me Kids Book Review

Author: Robin Woods

Illustrator: Robin Woods

Publisher: Epic Books Publishing

Released: August 29, 2023

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 978-1941077474

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  5 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

This book will have your kiddos writing way past your bedtime!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:

Book Summary: 

One of 10 books in The Prompt Me Series that encourages and guides writers on their journey into the creative writing realm.

Opinion:

I’ve reviewed several of Robin Woods’ Prompt Me Books and they’re all amazing. Not to be redundant but Robin’s latest installment to the series, Prompt Me Kids Workbook, is as equally engaging as the rest.

Right from the beginning, Woods offers advice on how to develop and hone writing skills. These are her three major steps to becoming a better writer: 1. Write often. 2. Read often. 3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each of these steps develops literacy skills as well as self-confidence.

There are so many features included in the book that are intentionally targeted to bolster a kid’s vocabulary and imagination. She also incorporates a writing sample to help kids get started on their new literary adventure.

Some sections include: 

List It

Structure It

First Person Story Starters

You’re An Animal

Poetry That

Grammar Reference

She arranged the book into sections chock full of resources perfect for an aspiring or experienced writer. A writing skill is introduced with an example then the writer is given the opportunity to practice.

It would make a great supplement to any English or Creative Writing classroom. There are different techniques for brainstorming, various lists to bolster creativity, and word searches. 

Although it is geared for older students, with the right modifications, elementary school educators could apply many of the exercises. (FYI: Robin Woods is a high school and university English and literature instructor, so she knows how to construct a rigorous writing module.)

As a creative writer and a former classroom teacher, I highly recommend this book for any classroom and aspiring author.

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

About The Author:

Robin Woods is a former high school and university instructor with two and a half decades of experience teaching English, literature, and writing.

She earned a BA in English and an MA in education. In addition to teaching, Robin Woods has published six highly-rated novels and has multiple projects in the works.

When Ms. Woods isn’t teaching or writing, she is chasing her two kids around and spending time with her ever-patient husband.

For news and free writing resources you can visit her official site at: 

http://robinwoodsfiction.com 

And like her on Facebook at: 

http://www.facebook.com/robinwoodsfiction

Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings

Author: Stewart Sutters

Illustrator: Stewart Sutters

Publisher: Robot Books

Released: November 1, 2023

Format: Paperback, Hardcover, Kindle 

ISBN: 978-1739540739

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating:  4 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings is the perfect blend of humor, adventure, and wild imagination! Children and parents will enjoy it.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:

Book Summary:

Stewbot, a robot made entirely of wood, is truly remarkable. He is a hero who travels through time, helping the tooth fairy reclaim her stolen wings from the impostor Tooth Doggy.

Opinion:

Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings is a charming tale about a little boy named Eddie. Every week, Eddie pays a visit to his grandparents. Once Mum leaves, Eddie quickly makes his way to the shed with Pops, who regales him with marvelous tales about Stewbot.

Eddie has some thrilling news this week - his tooth fell out when he woke up and he's hoping the tooth fairy will come tonight. Pops is bursting with inspiration to recount the incredible story of Stewbot and the Tooth Fairy, and how they foiled Tooth Doggy's sneaky plan.

The close bond between Eddie and Pops was something I truly valued. Eddie is at that magical age where parents and grandparents are seen as wondrous people who are incapable of making mistakes.

The cute rhyming scheme of Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings Introduces young readers to the playful rhythm of words when written in a specific way. In a classroom setting, teachers can highlight rhyming words and compile a list of related words with the same sound. At home, parents can also do something similar. Rather than writing it out, they can simply say the words and pay attention to the way they sound.

Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings also presents a STEM opportunity for parents and educators. Pops creates Stewbot using a combination of wood and shiny metal parts. Following a read aloud, children can unleash their creativity and make their very own Stewbot using shoeboxes or anything else that inspires them.

Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the chance to find Stewbot hidden on every page. This boosts children's capacity to concentrate and visually survey an entire book page.

Sutters’ vivid illustrations add the perfect blend of humor and adventure to his imaginative story.

I highly recommend this book for children 4-7 years of age!

I give it 4 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Stewbot and the Stolen Tooth Fairy Wings would work well with a classroom theme on families or a Grandparent’s Day celebration. Teachers can also incorporate the book with a lesson on rhyming and to inspire creativity for a STEM activity.

Age Range: The author recommends 3-5 years.

Targeted Vocabulary:

Time-traveling, naughty, gangster, nibble, phenomenal, slobbering, terrible, imposter, mission, delighted, showdown, defeat, berserk, decay

Resources:

      Pinterest

Pinterest

About The Author & Illustrator:

Stewart Sutters is an author/illustrator from the UK. He wanted to write and illustrate a series of children’s stories that celebrates the special relationship between a child and grandparents, igniting fun, laughter, imagination, and infusing a little silliness into each story.

You can find out more about Stewart Sutters at stewbot.co.uk