Sherlock Mendelson and the Missing Afikomen by David Shawn Klein

Sherlock Mendelson and the Missing Afikomen is a book that combines mystery, humor, and Jewish culture in one great story.

It is Passover, and the Mendelson family is gathered for the Seder. But when the children go in search of the afikomen, it winds up missing. Sherlock and his trusty canine pal Watson must figure out the clues to see what happened.

Oh, my gosh, I loved this book! I grabbed it as a Kindle freebie at the beginning of June. It features a first-person telling by Sherwood Mendelson, who they call Sherlock because he is a detective just like Sherlock Holmes. What is so wonderful about this story is how Klein works the character’s culture into the story seamlessly. We need more diversity in children’s literature, and it is fabulous to see how the author did this in a way that enhanced the story.

The artwork by Bridget Starr Taylor is colorful, zany, and fun. It works perfectly for this story. Her illustrations brought out the personalities of each family member. I learned at the end of the book that her work appears at the New York Public Library and the Bronx Zoo. I can’t wait to check it out when we are there again.

If your young reader enjoys silly mysteries, Sherlock Mendelson and the Missing Afikomen is a must read.

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Rose Writing (June 2, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 38 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1684339812
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1684339815

I purchased a Kindle version of this book from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Captain Courage’s Superhero Boot Camp by Stacey Marshall

Captain Courage returns in Captain Courage’s Superhero Boot Camp by Stacey Marshall.

When Principal Magico rips off his bow tie and twirls around, he becomes Captain Courage, who is eager and happy to help the students of Blythe Elementary School. He hurries Shannon Shusher, Closed-mouth Clyde, and Skinny Maroo into the super-classroom where they learn how to be proud, use their voice power, and do something positive for others.

This latest installment in Marshall’s Captain Courage series empowers kids to become more confident in their public speaking and presentation skills. This zany story, filled with colorful and engaging illustrations by artist Michelle Morse, is a fun and unintimidating way for young people to explore ways to face their fears.

Coming soon!

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I received a free digital ARC of this book from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Don’t Cook, Mom by Jackie Myers

A fun story that will delight young readers is what you’ll find in Don’t Cook, Mom by Jackie Myers.

When twins Ellie and Nellie smell burnt food again, they know Mom is cooking. They try all kinds of tricks to keep her from cooking, but she always seems to outwit them. So, they come up with one more plan they think will work.

I couldn’t stop laughing as I read this silly story about two girls trying to find a way to keep their mom out of the kitchen. With plenty of antics Don’t Cook, Mom will have everyone giggling. Jack Foster provided the artwork for this story. I liked how the pages without full artwork had artistic elements in the corners of the pages. It made for a little something special as the reader turned the pages.

Whether kids love their mom’s cooking or would rather she just ordered out, Don’t Cook, Mom will be enjoyed by all.

 

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Paperback : 28 pages

ISBN-10 : 1612448755

ISBN-13 : 978-1612448756

Product Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.08 x 8.5 inches

Publisher : Halo Publishing International (September 9, 2020)

Reading level : 8 – 10 years Language: : English

I received a free digital copy of this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

 

Simon’s Skin by Nidhi Kamra

Simon’s Skin by Nidhi Kamra teaches is a funny way to teach youngsters to be comfortable in their own skin.

Simon thinks his skin is boring. So, he tries on a variety of different skins. He quickly comes to a surprising conclusion.

This is such a neat book. Between the catchy text and the vibrant artwork, children are bound to be thrilled with it. Though I try not to make many comparisons to other books, Simon’s Skin reminds me of a modern I Want to Be Somebody New! by Robert Lopshire. Artist Diane Brown’s colorful artwork will definitely make youngsters want to pick up the book, but it is Kamra’s engaging story that will keep them turning the pages. Having read books from Kamra before, I knew this would be a good one. This topic is also timely, because it teaches kids to be comfortable in their own skin.

A silly story with a good lesson hidden inside is what you’ll find in Simon’s Skin.

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Grade Level : Kindergarten – 3
Item Weight : 4.5 ounces
Paperback : 32 pages
ISBN-10 : 1940310865
ISBN-13 : 978-1940310862
Product Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.09 x 11.02 inches
Publisher : 4RV Children’s Corner; Illustrated Edition (July 21, 2020)
Reading level : 3 – 7 years

Also available in hardcover.

I received a digital copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

The Great Toy Revolt by Lance K. Ewing

A fun way to encourage reading and play time that doesn’t involve sitting in front of a screen has just arrived with The Great Toy Revolt by Lance K. Ewing.

In this zany story, neglected toys send three brothers notes about being neglected. They hope to sway the brothers into turning in their electronic devices for books and their older toys they used to enjoy playing with.

The Great Toy Revolt is a really cute story with colorful artwork by Justin Green. A quick read, parents could use this story to encourage youngsters to swap out screen time for reading, enjoying time outside, creating music, or just having fun without devices. It sure beats lecturing them about it.

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File Size : 5794 KB
Print Length : 37 pages
Publisher : Lance K. Ewing (April 23, 2020)
ASIN : B087NHWHR7
Word Wise : Not Enabled
Publication Date : April 23, 2020

I grabbed a digital copy of this book for free during the author’s promotion. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.