Editorial Reviews for Nominees
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 Audiobook Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)
Paperback Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10) We're supremely excited to revisit one of our favorite ever children's books, Marky the Magnificent Fairy--the 1st-place overall winner of our 2023 Winter Contest and our 2023 Children's Book of the Year! This time, we got to experience this remarkable little story in AUDIOBOOK format! Hooray! Marky the Magnificent Fairy is beautifully written by Cynthia Kern Obrien and colorfully illustrated by Jeff Yesh, the illustrator of other OCA award-winning works like The Great Animal Escape and Night Watchers (Story Monster's S.T.E.A.M. Chronicles Book 1)! Both author and illustrator bring their A-game to this hard-hitting, impactful, beautiful, and inspirational book! And you know who else brings their A-game? Immy Dymott, the outstanding narrator of the audiobook version of this book! Rather, Immy brings her A+ game to make this one of the best audiobooks in the entire Story Monsters Read Along collection! This is one of our favorite children's audiobooks of all time! It's right up there with Sora Searches for a Song by Once Upon a Dance and Do You Know the One? by Michelle Bentley. However, while those audiobooks benefited from a ton of extra production including sound effects and music (which probably move them into another tier altogether), this audiobook largely rests on the performance of its phenomenal narrator. Immy elevates this into the stratosphere! Hats off to you, Immy! You are going places! We'll get back to the writing, illustrations, and narration later, but let's talk a little about this book's incredible premise, characters, and story. Marky is a spirited woodland fairy with glasses, freckles, red hair—and one small wing that prevents her from flying. Though joyful and talented, she is teased by other creatures (especially the "woodland creatures" like spiders, mice, moths, and praying mantises) who focus on her differences. However, instead of shrinking away, Marky speaks up, declaring that she’s not so different after all. She reveals her many strengths—drawing, singing, dancing—and shares her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Tomo, Marky's adorable sidekick, plays a subtle but essential role in Marky the Magnificent Fairy. Though he doesn’t speak, Tomo appears by Marky's side throughout her journey, offering silent support and companionship. His bright yellow color, round eyes, and constant presence on the page help symbolize something crucial—unconditional friendship. In fact, the book includes a definition of "Tomo" on page 33, noting that it means “friend” in English and is derived from tomodachi in Japanese. This linguistic detail adds a thoughtful multicultural layer and further reinforces the idea that friendship transcends appearance, ability, or language. Tomo never mocks Marky for her small wing or different appearance. Instead, he’s always there—smiling while she tap dances, listens while she sings, and stands beside her when she declares her hopes and dreams. He is a gentle but powerful embodiment of loyalty and love, showing children that true friends accept and uplift each other, no matter what. As the story unfolds, Marky the Magnificent Fairy beautifully expands its message of inclusivity by introducing three other woodland characters—each with their own exceptional qualities and aspirations, just like Marky. First, we meet JoJo, a cheerful fairy who uses a wheelchair because he is unable to walk. His condition is described as a “visible” exceptional quality, but the story never portrays it as a limitation. Instead, JoJo’s vibrant mind and kind heart shine through his love of books. He dreams of becoming a doctor, revealing a nurturing spirit and a desire to help others, which adds depth and dignity to his character. His presence teaches children that physical challenges do not define one’s potential or value. Next is Nixie, whose “invisible” exceptional quality is that she is deaf—she cannot hear. Yet, the book makes clear that this does not make her any less joyful or capable. Nixie is shown actively playing games and smiling, fully immersed in life. Her dream is to become a dog trainer, a goal that demonstrates both empathy and determination. Her inclusion encourages readers to understand that invisible differences can be just as real, and just as important to recognize and respect. Finally, we meet Fancy, a charismatic fairy with an “exceptional quality” described as loud. She sometimes stutters or struggles to control her movements, but that doesn’t stop her from shining. In fact, Fancy dreams of being a famous singer, highlighting her fearless ambition and passion for performance. Her dream, like those of the others, shows children that challenges do not erase dreams—in fact, they can make them even more powerful. Together, these characters reinforce the central truth of the story: that being different is not something to hide or fear. Instead, it’s something to celebrate. Each fairy and elf is portrayed with dignity, joy, and determination, showing young readers that everyone has hopes, dreams, and the right to feel magnificent. Eventually, the once-critical woodland creatures apologize, realizing that everyone, regardless of their differences, has “hopes and dreams” and deserves kindness and acceptance. In other words, certain aspects of our existence are universal despite our differences. These commonalities include having hopes, dreams, aspirations, passions, and interests. This is such a feel-good, warming-feeling story! It' s infectiously positive even when exploring negative experiences like bullying and teasing, feeling different or excluded, feeling insecure or undesirable, and having a fear of speaking up. It also tactfully explores the topic of disabilities and those who live and thrive with them. A disability does not derail or dictate your life. People with disabilities go on to do outstanding things! Just look at remarkable, magnificent Marky and her friends! The story ultimately transforms these seemingly negative things into positive lessons of kindness, self-love, and empathy. It doesn’t shy away from showing that bad feelings are real, but it also shows that healing, forgiveness, and acceptance are possible. Kudos to Cynthia Kern Obrien for the concept, characters, writing, and story! This is probably the most marketable book in the vast and diverse Story Monsters catalog, blending heartfelt storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and a universally relevant message about kindness, self-acceptance, and resilience that appeals to children, parents, educators, and librarians alike. It's also very focused despite tackling so many topics and juggling multiple characters. At it's core, it's very direct, straightforward, and digestible. Everyone has felt a bit like Marky at one time or another. We've all felt like we didn't quite fit in or that we were different somehow. That's why a lot of us became authors who use writing and storytelling to vent and express the things we often struggle to say verbally. We've also seen the plushies and puppets of Marky & Tomo, and we can see the enormous potential in their reach! The art style by Jeff Yesh, is bright, whimsical, and full of charm, perfectly complementing the book’s uplifting message. The illustrations use vibrant colors and playful designs to create a magical woodland world that feels both inviting and lively. Characters are drawn with expressive faces and exaggerated features, making their emotions easily recognizable for young readers. Subtle details, like the sparkle in Marky’s eyes or the joyful way she dances, add warmth and personality to every scene. The visual storytelling is clear and accessible, helping even very young children understand the emotional journey without relying solely on text. Speaking of the text, it helps that the font size is large and appealing. Also, key phrases and words like "She was a MAGNIFICENT little fairy" and "I have HOPES and DREAMS!” are bolded for emphasis. This really helps when you're reading aloud. Speaking of which... let's conclude by returning to the extraordinary narrating job that Immy Dymott did! We were already impressed by her performance in The Fisherman and the French Flounder audiobook. We compared listening to her to being like being read a story by Wendy Darling from Peter Pan/Neverland lore. She has this really angelic, clean, clear, and enchanting British accent and voice. Well, she was able to spread her wings and do even more in this book! And she shined in really subtle ways that we noticed. For example, there's a moment when she was talking about all the things that Marky could do despite not being able to fly. One of those things was having a passion and talent for singing. Well, not only does Immy read this, her voice actually cuts in with a separate recording of her (voicing Marky) singing, "La la la laaaaaa!" What a nice touch! Another nice touch is having her voice all of the woodland creatures separately, then playing them simultaneously when they're all apologizing to Marky. This earned this audiobook a 9.6 out of 10 (our highest score)! Check it out on Amazon!
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 Score: 82/100 (8.2 out of 10)
Relationships begin and relationships end. Feelings evolve and feelings change. And sometimes, the people we love become strangers we no longer recognize. Is This the Bed We Lie In? directed by Joseph McGovern is an emotionally resonant short film that explores the quiet unraveling of a relationship through poetic introspection and emotional tension. Above all, this short film is thought-provoking, sparking a lot of questions and implications in a brief amount of time. Even the title prompts the question: Do we cause our relationships to fail? Is it our fault? Our partner's fault? Or is it something that just happens? The core of this story begins with Jennifer (played by Constance Reshey), deep in contemplation and stating, "Is this it?" This sets the tone for a powerful conversation between Jennifer and her husband, Robert (played by Joel Blanco), that shakes their lives and their worlds to the core. It begs the question: Is anything truly indestructible? Does anything truly last forever? Not diamonds. Not the Earth. Not marriage. In this back-and-forth exchange between the couple/former couple, both try to come to terms with the way they feel and the uncertaint future that waits in front of them. Jennifer in particular seems to wrestle with a mixture of fear, anxiety, and excitement about exploring her lesbian (or possibly bisexual) leaning. She has clearly wrestled with these feelings for some time, perhaps with uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and confusion. This is something that a lot of LGBTQ+ people go through. They often have to confront questions like: Why do I feel the way that I do? Why do I feel differently from the cis or heterosexual people around me? Will I be excepted? Will I be rejected? Will I cut myself off from the people I love? Will they cut me off from them? If they truly loved me, wouldn't they accept me unconditionally? It could be argued that there's a small hint of Jennifer's LGBTQ+ leaning as she's shown looking at a beautiful athletic female model in a magazine she's holding. But our first interpretation of this scene wasn't so much that she's attracted to the female model, but that she's just seeing how young (in comparison) the model is and how full of hope she appears to be. Perhaps she sees the model as exemplifying the idea of possibilities and opportunitities. We all look at advertisements sometimes and are drawn in by the promises—the happy, smiling people; the nice cars, the good looking partners. Perhaps that's how Jennifer feels. Perhaps it's a mix of both. Our favorite moment in this short film is when Jennifer comes up and hugs Robert from behind while he's sitting at the edge of the bed, reassuring him despite the fear and hurt they feel, and actually expressing a little bit of lasting care for him. Just because you break up with or divorce someone doesn't mean you hate them forever or never want anything to do with them. Parents who share custody of children often share a tenuous albeit mutually-caring and respectful relationship with the ex-partners they've had children with. Some people who've been divorced often remain friends and acquaintances. There's a part of this embrace that says, "A part of me will always care about you. You're not forgotten. You're not unloved. You're not uncared for. You'll be ok." Perhaps the thing about this part of the scene that stood out to us the most was how hopeful and excited Jennifer seems to feel about her future. She seems excited and hopeful about exploring her sexuality. She even smiles. This smile is—alongside the closing shot—the only hint of joy in this film. This film otherwise has a really dreary, angsty, somber feel. Another thing you might be able to extract from this short film is that Robert appears to be getting dressed for something, wearing a dress shirt and tie. Why would he be getting dressed up if he were getting divorced? We like to think that it might be because he's getting ready to start seeing people and dating again. However, somewhat contradicting this, he still wears his wedding band as if still trying to hold on to his marriage. It's very deliberate as we get close-up shots of his band when he rubs his eyes near the end. The other part of this film that's quite powerful and beautiful is the last shot: a framed photo of the happy, smiling couple sitting on their nightstand. The remote control and vase really give the audience the impression that they had a good run and that the home they're living in is truly "lived in." There's a real sense of tragedy to it. This is what they had. This is what they've lost. This is what they're leaving behind. So, the concept and emotional resonance of this film are solid. As far as being a quality, entertaining film that you'd want to show to your friends, family, neighbors, aunties, and uncles like it's Titanic, Avengers Endgame, or even the latest telanovela? Not so much. This might get a good grade for a college Psychology project, but it isn't quite something you'd expect to see in a theater or on TV. First of all, it's incredibly short (about 5 minutes) to the point of seeming sparse and rushed. No, we're not saying the production seemed rushed, we're saying that the plot and the character arcs seemed rushed. Case in point: Jennifer goes from "Is this it?" to "I'm attracted to women now, by the way, and I'm leaving you because of it" in the span of 5 minutes. Well, that was... quick. You figured all that out in the time Robert had to tie his tie, say a few lines, and sit down in front of you? It kind of doesn't seem realistic, natural, or organic in that sense. Another thing that we didn't quite like about the film was the choice of lighting. The whole set is showered in this pinkish-purplish-magenta tint. We get that it might be trying to set the mood or convey the idea of this taking place at night (it's very possible this film was shot day for night), but it actually cheapens the look of the film. In good, clear lighting this may have looked a lot better and more professional. This overly stylized, exaggerated lighting kind of looks tacky to us, unfortunately, sort of like an Instagram filter on an image that would've looked great if it was just allowed to stand in natural light. The film was shot in 4K with a Sony FS5 and Atomos Shogun, and that the director personally spent five years completing the post-production—rotoscoping over 100,000 frames for visual effects and color continuity. It sounds like a monumental effort! And he would not give up on this project, which is commitment that should be commended. Another issue we noticed was audio. There are times when it's challenging to hear Robert, in particular. He sounds like he's mumbling, muttering, or talking under his breath, which is understandable given the emotional weight of the scene and what his character must be feeling. Maybe this isn't so much an issue with Blanco's acting or even his projecting, but possibly just with the placement of the boom mic. Maybe it's just too far away from the actor? We weren't in the room or studio, so we don't know, but we can see and hear the result. On that note, some of Jennifer's lines sound dubbed over in post-production, particularly the key line "Is this it?" In fact, this line is repeated twice, and the second time sounds jarringly edited in, seemingly even using the same clip, the same pose (for Jennifer), the same angle, and the same audio. You could argue that it's put in there a second time for emphasis or for poetic reasons (like the chorus of a song or a thesis statement) but it does stand out in a glaring way. Still, Is This the Bed We Lie In? has a meaningful core. Its themes are universally relatable, its emotional beats are heartfelt, and the performances are sincere. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s a passion project in the truest sense of the word. Check it out HERE!  Score: 92+/100 (9.2+ out of 10)
Presented by Ink to Reel™ | Produced by Studio Story Monster® Directed by Linda F. Radke | Narrated by Shulamit Reinharz | Produced by Julianne (Black) DiBlasi Camera Operator: Ellen Golub | Proofreader: Deb Greenberg Based on the book Hiding in Holland by Shulamit Reinharz and Max Rothschild Ink to Reel™ Presents Hiding in Holland: A Resistance Memoir is an impactful and eye-opening Holocaust documentary presented by Ink to Reel™ and produced by Studio Story Monster®! It is narrated by Shulamit Reinharz, the author of the book on which this documentary is based around: Hiding in Holland. Story Monsters always makes good stuff, and this is no exception. We find it incredible how diverse and far-reaching the Story Monsters brand has become: children's books, audiobooks (with their own incredible narration team), a magazine/catalog, music, plays, and now even documentaries! This brand is unstoppable! What can't they do? This documentary and book actually demonstrate the diverse and varied range of Story Monsters, serving as an integrated multimedia storytelling & educational project. This documentary is broken up into five sections: a short introduction and four volumes that run between one minute to five minutes in length. But don't let the short length of this documentary fool you, a lot is said and a lot is shared in that brief amount of time. This documentary serves both an educational purpose as well as a cathartic one—allowing decades of pain, trauma, and rich experiences to be poured out and released for the world to see, recognize, and learn from. It also wets the viewer's appetite to read, hear, and learn more. As previously alluded to, this documentary serves as the companion piece to Hiding in Holland by Shulamit Reinharz, a book directly based on the words and experiences of Reinharz's father, Max Rothschild, a Holocaust survivor. Rothschild’s experiences, as captured both in the memoir and in this film, are extraordinary, harrowing, captivating, and inspiring—not only for the sheer danger he faced, but for the resilience and moral clarity he maintained throughout. Forced to live in hiding for over three years, Max moved between a haystack, a brothel, a home where he was unwelcome, the care of a loving couple, and finally isolation with his future wife Ilse. At every step, he had to suppress his voice, his identity, even his presence. Yet what emerges from his writings—and from Reinharz’s powerful narration—is not just a tale of survival, but of resistance. Rothschild was not a passive victim of the Holocaust. He was a resistor, a thinker, and a witness. He wrote, he dreamed, and he strategized. And by sharing his story in his own words, this documentary ensures that he is not only remembered, but heard. We really loved and appreciated the book, Hiding in Holland. It gripped us in a way that Holocaust memoirs are known to do. What these people went through cannot be understated, and it should never be diminished, disregarded, or forgotten. Even those who survived with their lives often lost friends, family, and loved ones, or suffered the emotional, physical, and psychological trauma afterward. It's heartbreaking. And yet... it's something the world needs to know about and recognize. History cannot be allowed to repeat itself. We have to learn from the past so we don't repeat it. In this collaboration between daughter and scholar Shulamit Reinharz and the ghostly but powerful presence of her father, Max, history breathes through memory, paper, and film. This isn't just a survivor story. It’s a resistor’s story—one that insists hiding was not submission, but survival as an act of rebellion. To think that this whole project started with a broken heater in a snowy New Jersey basement which led Reinharz to discovering ten forgotten boxes filled with wartime writings. Diaries, letters, essays—scribbled in German, Dutch, Hebrew, and French. To think that Max Rothschild initially dismissed these as "nothing," when they were anything but. It's like discovering a time machine in your basement—a link to a past that meant so much to so many, yet was kept locked away for so long. Repressed. Via this book and documentary, Reinharz demonstrates how removing the band-aid can lead to cathartic healing that just isn't possible when dark things and secrets are left tucked away. At the same time, they also demonstrate how there's a time and a place for these things to come out. It needs to be handled with tact, care, and the utmost of sensitivity. The first video in the series, Hiding in Holland: An Introduction by the Author, sets the emotional and intellectual tone for the entire project. In this short but powerful segment, Reinharz recounts the incredible discovery of her father’s wartime writings—forgotten boxes of diaries, letters, and reflections buried in the family basement. With quiet awe and deep purpose, Reinharz explains how those materials, once dismissed by her father as unimportant, became the foundation of a memoir and later this documentary. The video introduces viewers to both Max Rothschild’s legacy and Reinharz’s mission: to preserve and share a story that might otherwise have been lost. It frames the Holocaust not only as history, but as memory—and memory as an act of resistance. Volume One, The Triangle of Hiding, is the heart of the documentary and introduces a powerful framework for understanding Holocaust survival. Reinharz narrates how her father, Max Rothschild, came to realize—thanks to his friend Shushu—that escape from Nazi-occupied Holland was no longer realistic and that hiding had become the only option. Reinharz presents hiding as a moral triangle made up of three roles: the hider (the Jewish person in danger), the rescuer (often non-Jewish individuals who risked everything to protect them), and the perpetrator (those actively seeking their capture and death). This framework is brought to life through Max’s harrowing experiences—living for years in silence, darkness, and uncertainty across multiple hiding places. The film doesn’t just inform—it invites viewers to consider the courage, trust, and terror built into every corner of that triangle. Volume Two, I Want You to Survive, takes a more intimate and emotional turn as it explores Max Rothschild’s childhood and the formative experiences that gave him the strength to endure the Holocaust. Through Reinharz’s narration, we learn about the early loss of Max’s mother and younger brother, the rise of antisemitism in his hometown of Gunzenhausen, and the loving foundation his family provided despite those dark times. One of the most moving moments in this segment is Max’s recollection of his mother’s final words to him: “I want you to survive.” That promise—made when he was just a boy—would guide his choices for the rest of his life. The video also highlights Max’s intellectual and spiritual development: his love of piano, Hebrew poetry, Zionist philosophy, and the profound impact of joining the Habonim youth group, where he found purpose, identity, and the young woman who would later become his wife. This volume reveals that Max’s resistance didn’t begin in hiding—it began in childhood, in the choice to live with dignity, hope, and pride even when surrounded by hate. Volume Three, Righteous Gentiles, is a brief but powerful tribute to the non-Jewish individuals—particularly Dutch Christians—who risked their lives to hide Jews during the Holocaust. Narrated by Shulamit Reinharz, the segment highlights that while many in the Netherlands betrayed their Jewish neighbors, there were also brave souls like Niek and Aag Schouten who chose courage over compliance. These “righteous among the nations,” later honored by Yad Vashem, represent the moral opposite of the perpetrators and bystanders. In Max Rothschild’s case, their protection was the difference between life and death. This volume doesn’t glorify the Dutch as a whole—it carefully distinguishes between the country’s overall complicity and the extraordinary bravery of a few. In doing so, Righteous Gentiles asks viewers to reflect on what it means to stand up for others in the face of overwhelming danger—and reminds us that even in the darkest times, acts of goodness endured. Volume Four, Growing Up During the Nazi Rise to Power, provides the emotional and historical foundation for Max Rothschild’s later resistance. This segment explores his childhood in the Bavarian town of Gunzenhausen—a place both beautiful and cruel. As narrated by Shulamit Reinharz, we learn that Max was raised in a deeply rooted Jewish home, full of learning, tradition, and love. But as Nazism gained momentum, that safety evaporated. He was forced to endure antisemitic school curriculums, exclusion from public life, and public humiliation during Nazi parades and ceremonies. Despite this, Max’s early exposure to Hebrew study and Jewish community laid the groundwork for strength and identity. By the time he moved to Munich as a teenager, he had already chosen resistance in the form of Zionist pride, joining the youth group Habonim and turning toward action and purpose. This volume powerfully illustrates that Max’s resistance didn’t begin with hiding—it began with learning, belonging, and refusing to be erased, even as a child. This documentary's purpose is so noble and admirable that it's difficult to say anything critical or bad about it. We will say that this probably isn't what most people think of when they think of a "documentary." This is actually more like an interview about a book. First of all, it's incredibly short (some volumes being only about a minute long), and that can come across as sparse to some viewers. It's also lacking things like music, cuts, edits, and other perspectives (other than the narrator, Reinharz). But one thing that really could've elevated this documentary is archival footage or even photos. It seems a bit static and stagnant with just the narrator speaking, as interesting and well-spoken as she is. Public domain footage of the invasion/fall of the Netherlands and perhaps its liberation could've been used. Maybe there are some videos of Rothschild after World War II? Living his life? Getting married? How powerful would that footage be to show? Showing that evil hasn't conquered and hasn't won. Update: Upon further review, some photos were used like in the first minute of Volume 2 showing Rothschild & his mother. We would've loved to have seen more images like that. We actually found a separate documentary that contained more images like this, so it's not like they don't exist. How cool would it have been to cut away to the photos and documents laid out on a nice mahogany desk, just having the camera pan over them like some hidden things a detective found? Another thing that could've elevated this documentary is a bit more organization and clarity as far as the different volumes or parts. Yes, we could ask the producer about things, but it's better that we put ourselves in the shoes of the everyday viewer or consumer of this media—someone just surfing YouTube. It's the best way to provide constructive criticism for future improvements. There's a Volume One, but there's also an introduction. So is the introduction "Volume Zero"? We were also under the impression that this whole project was called "The Triangle of Hiding" or "The Triangle of Hiding: Volume 1" (as if this was the first of many upcoming Holocaust documentaries in a broader series, the first one featuring Reinharz). However, we later realized that "The Triangle of Hiding" is only the first volume/part of this documentary, which actually shares the same name as the book (somewhat confusingly). We were going to try to simplify things by referring to the "Volumes" as "Parts," but even that got confusing because—again— we were under the impression that this was like "Episode One" of a larger series with each "episode" having multiple "volumes." Can you see how that can be confusing to just someone strolling through the internet trying to figure out what this documentary is and how it's supposed to be structured and organized? Also somewhat confusingly, the series was published on two separate YouTube channels: Ink to Reel & Book Street Press. Compounding this confusion, Volume Three is actually missing from the Ink to Reel YouTube channel and is only viewable via the Book Street Press YouTube channel (at the time of this writing). However, for all its minor faults, this is definitely something admirable that can be built upon. Learn more HERE!  Score: 95(+)/100 (9.5(+) out of 10)
Remember the time in The Bible in which a bunch of kids got torn to pieces by bears after being cursed for bullying someone? Or when a guy’s donkey started talking back—and he didn’t even question it? Remember that time a guy wrestled with God all night and walked away with a limp and a new name? Remember that time when Noah got blackout drunk and passed out naked—and then his sons held a whole awkward family meeting about it? What about the prophecies about giant monsters and dragons coming out of the earth, the sea, and the abyss? This is Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me by Jay Foreman! This book is a devotional memoir and spiritual reflection rolled into one. Foreman revisits the “scary,” bizarre, or confusing stories from The Bible that troubled him as a child and explores them through the lens of an adult believer who’s grown in faith and perspective. Each chapter is framed around one story and ends with three discussion questions, encouraging introspection and application. Bible Stories That Scared the Hell Out of Me is a hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly therapeutic deep-dive into the parts of scripture we all pretended not to be traumatized by as kids. And let's face it, The Bible can also be a bit confusing. That's why people go to college and dedicate large portions of their lives to studying it. This book acknowledges the fact that the holy book—as beautiful and amazing as it is—can be a bit much for some people. There are even passages in the good book that can make people uncomfortable. Well, Foreman does a really good job at trying to confront, discuss, and explain each of these bizarre Bible stories in the best possible ways he can. For the sake of this review, let's talk about a few of them: the sacrifice of Isaac, the turning of Lot's wife into a pillar of salt, and Jonah being eaten by the big fish. Each of these stories has haunted or puzzled readers for generations—but Foreman doesn’t just retell them. He unpacks them. He asks the same questions we’ve all had—then wrestles with them (sometimes literally, in Jacob’s case) until something meaningful emerges. And while he’s laugh-out-loud funny, he never mocks scripture or reduces it to a punchline. Instead, he respectfully digs into the tough stuff with a mixture of personal reflection, biblical context, and everyday relatability. Take the near-sacrifice of Isaac. As a child, Foreman admits this story terrified him. What kind of God would ask a father to do such a thing? But his explanation reframes the whole ordeal as a test not just of obedience—but of trust. God never intended for Abraham to go through with it, but He used the moment to foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice He would later make Himself. Foreman points out how easy it is to miss the ending of the story when we’re stuck obsessing over the horror of the beginning. Then there’s Lot’s wife. Foreman doesn’t just focus on the salty punishment—he explores the symbolism of someone so rooted in the past that she can’t step into the future God has for her. Her namelessness becomes part of the point: she could have become someone important in the story of redemption, but she froze—literally and spiritually—right where she looked back. And Jonah? This one’s often played for laughs in Sunday School, but Foreman doesn’t skip over the absurdity. He leans into it—then gently flips it into something more profound. Jonah wasn’t just avoiding Nineveh—he was avoiding obedience, avoiding responsibility, avoiding grace for people he didn’t think deserved it. The fish wasn’t punishment; it was a timeout. A reset. A wake-up call from a God who chases after even the most stubborn prophets. These explanations don’t come from a scholar in an ivory tower—they come from a guy who clearly wrestled with these stories just like the rest of us. Foreman brings them down to earth, asks the questions we’re afraid to say out loud, and still manages to walk us toward meaning, hope, and faith—with a laugh (or twelve) along the way. These aren’t dry theological breakdowns—they’re deeply human explanations. Foreman blends humor with heartfelt storytelling, always circling back to grace, growth, and how God works through our doubts, fears, and questions. He doesn’t claim to have every answer, but he does an incredible job showing us how to live with the tension, how to learn from it, and how to keep moving forward in faith anyway. The voice is what sets this book apart—witty, self-deprecating, and casual, as if you’re chatting with a good friend over coffee or wings. Jay doesn’t preach; he shares. His humor is often laugh-out-loud funny, even when tackling weighty theological topics. This conversational tone makes complex stories approachable for all levels of Bible readers! Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 91/100 (9.1 out of 10)
What do our parents do when us kids are at school? While we're slaving over math, language arts, science, and social studies? While we're huffing, puffing, and sweating in P.E.? I Know What You Do When I Go to School is a cute, lighthearted, yet thought-provoking children's book by young prodigy Siona Talekar, who wrote AND illustrated this book! In fact, she started working on this book at the age of SEVEN! What were you doing at the age of seven? Probably not working toward publishing a book. Probably not illustrating, writing, or putting ideas together this well. What Talekar has accomplished at such a young age is nothing short of inspiring. A lot of credit needs to go to Talekar for putting this all together—what an achievement in and of itself! The concept behind this book is also genius. As adults, we often take for granted how children think and interpret the world around them. It's a bit of a mystery how they view and/or understand certain things versus how you (an adult) view and/or understand them. For example, remember being a kid and hearing for the first time that someone was "FIRED"? To a kid, that might actually mean that someone was burned, not terminated from their job. Remember hearing for the first time about "potty training"? Maybe to a kid, potty training has nothing to do with toilets and more to do with the TRAIN cars they love playing with. It's a really fascinating and funny matter of perspectives. Talekar captures that well. She takes a question every kid has secretly wondered—what do grown-ups do when we’re not around?—and turns it into a whimsical, laugh-out-loud, and surprisingly touching journey through the eyes of a child. Each page flips between Siona’s school day struggles and her colorful (and hilarious) guesses about her mom’s “secret life”—which includes eating cake in bed, watching movies, partying with unicorns and dragons, and devouring all the best snacks on Earth. But what truly elevates the book is the twist: her mom isn’t lounging around—she’s a pediatric oncologist, hard at work helping kids fight cancer. This powerful contrast between imagination and reality doesn't just entertain—it grounds the story in real-world appreciation. It celebrates the quiet strength of working moms, the boundless creativity of kids, and the universal desire to feel connected to the ones we love. Let's just stop a moment to discuss the book's trailer (produced by Story Monsters) and how it captures the inspiration and interesting history behind the book. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the trailer is seeing some of the original artwork that Talekar produced when she was just seven. It was discovered years later and prompted renewed interest in the project. Talekar, thirteen and in seventh grade at the time of the book's publication, describes how proud and excited she is to finally be an author--to finally have an opportunity to see her book on shelves! It's sobering and inspiring to think about how far she has come to bring this story to life! The trailer, interestingly enough, also shines in ways which may have been great to see in Story Monsters's documentary series, Hiding in Holland. In contrast to the documentary series, this book trailer effectively incorporates music, graphics, and even footage of things like the aforementioned first-grade artwork. It's dynamic and fun (just like this book)! Talekar is a prodigy whose ability to illustrate and tell stories will only get better and better with time and practice. She is proof that children are capable, competent, imaginative, insightful, and utterly fascinating! I Know What You Do When I Go to School is heartfelt, hilarious, and packed with personality. And knowing it all came from the mind and pen of a first grader? That just makes it unforgettable. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 94+/100 (9.4+ out of 10)
Colors of Magic is the sprawling and enthralling fourth installment in Liz Sauco’s acclaimed Blades of the Goddess series. This book follows multiple different characters, some new and some old (and more familiar), in a variety of different places and times in the history of the world/universe. This installment significantly enriches and expands the already expansive world of Gaia through vivid storytelling, complex narrative interweaving, and profound character exploration. Colors of Magic is composed of multiple interconnected narratives and detailed character stories that enhance the broader narrative arcs established in the earlier installments like Lost Blades. Full disclaimer: we only had direct access to the first book (Lost Blades) and this fourth book (Colors of Magic) because they were the only ones submitted to us. Usually, we like to read a series chronologically to follow what's going on from beginning to end. So, there was a pretty big two-book gap in our understanding. At the same time, we were still able to follow most of what was going on. The central conflict, after all, remains consistent. Abomination is still everyone's problem, and the world of Gaia remains a self-consistent entity/location . This book pays special focus and attention to the Rot crisis that impacted the world like a pandemic. It was essentially a blight. We'll get more into that when we talk about the character Alexia. Anyway, Jamirh’s is back and receives a bit more meticulous attention from his starring role in the first book. Once again, however, he does get a bit overshadowed by other, cooler characters. Colors of Magic delves deeply into his humble origins as a resourceful street thief navigating the dangerous urban landscape of Lyndiniam. Through carefully detailed episodes, readers gain a rich understanding of Jamirh’s formative experiences, observing how his cunning survival skills and streetwise instincts lay the groundwork for his heroics in subsequent volumes. We couldn't help but think of Aladdin when it came to Jamirh—a true "Diamond in the Rough." The novel captures Jamirh’s profound inner struggles with his identity, inherited destiny as the reincarnation of Ebryn Stormlight, and immense self-doubt, culminating in the critical loss of the Crystal Light Blade. This pivotal moment forces Jamirh to confront and redefine heroism through inner strength and resilience, rather than relying solely on his inherited legacy. Takeshi, the coolest and best character in the first book, also gets some shine and attention in this one. His character exploration in Colors of Magic is deeply emotional and introspective. The narrative elaborates extensively on Takeshi’s traumatic past, notably the politically charged tragedy surrounding the deaths of Princess Hotaru (which haunted him in book one) and Hel (which apparently happened in either book two or three), illuminating the immense personal cost of his espionage activities in Ni Fon. The novel delves further into the complex and forced marriage between Takeshi and Hotaru orchestrated by the Empress, highlighting their strained and difficult interactions at various social events, as well as Takeshi’s internal vows to protect Hotaru despite their challenging circumstances. Readers experience Takeshi’s debilitating guilt, vividly manifested in his recurring visions and physical afflictions such as severe migraines caused by psychic encounters with Truth Seekers. His character arc profoundly captures the complexities of redemption, illustrating Takeshi’s painful yet powerful transformation from solitary guilt toward active engagement and renewed purpose in the ongoing battle against Abomination. Now, the book also expands on new or comparatively minor characters from previous installments. Alexia emerges as a pivotal character in this book. In fact, she kicks it off as one of the main characters of the prologue/prequel sections. From what we gathered, her story is set nearly seven millennia prior to the contemporary events of the series, providing critical historical context to Gaia’s cyclical battle against Abomination. Alexia, a brilliant and innovative scientist, leads a critical project aimed at trapping a dangerous metaphysical entity linked to death, called "Omega energy," to prevent the devastation of her world from a catastrophic phenomenon known as the Rot. Despite initial success, Alexia soon realizes their attempt to contain this entity fails disastrously. Alexia is deeply affected by the consequences of her experiment, particularly when a general overseeing the project unexpectedly murders one of her colleagues to test if the entity was truly contained. This moment profoundly traumatizes Alexia and underscores the horrifying realization of her project's failure. As the Rot continues to destroy life on their planet, Alexia faces growing desperation and exhaustion, her appearance deteriorating rapidly under stress. Wear and tear is something that we really like to see in a character's journey. It shows their struggle, effort, and progression. Alexia discovers that Omega energy is not simply a physical phenomenon but a sapient entity capable of communication. In her interactions, the entity adopts a form based on her subconscious expectations and even chooses the name "Hades," given by Alexia herself. In her final days aboard the space station, alone after sending her remaining staff back to their loved ones, Alexia turns to ancient myths for answers. She learns from Hades that a willing sacrifice is necessary—a living vessel resonant with the entity's composition must give itself entirely, ceasing to exist, to stop the Rot and the entity known as Abomination. Despite the ethical turmoil and emotional anguish this revelation causes, it eventually leads to Alexia's understanding of the nature of magic, sacrifice, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and these metaphysical entities. Ultimately, Alexia's tragic arc profoundly influences the series' exploration of themes such as responsibility, sacrifice, and the ethical dilemmas associated with wielding immense power. Her actions and the historical events surrounding her directly affect the later narratives and characters in the Blades of the Goddess series, particularly through her relationship with the metaphysical entity Hades. This is signficant as it sheds light on the whole Hades lore that was integral to what was happening in book one. In addition, Alexia proves to be one of the cooler and more interesting characters in the book. After all, who doesn't like a hot-sexy-mad-determined-female-scientist? Anyway, moving on... Ander returns for an expanded role in this book after being a supporting character in book one. Readers encounter detailed flashbacks of Ander’s early life, illuminating his youthful struggles with prejudice and isolation. Particularly notable is Ander’s emotionally charged decision to flee Elbe after a traumatic encounter involving Alice and Hades, driven by the urgent need to protect his loved ones from dangerous magical forces. His portrayal emphasizes the profound psychological toll of his enduring mission against Abomination, vividly depicting the loneliness, sacrifices, and ethical dilemmas Ander faces. His controversial creation of a divine avatar for the Goddess Hades demonstrates his strategic brilliance and the intense desperation underpinning his decisions, highlighting the poignant human dimensions of his legendary stature. This fourth book also introduces readers to several other supporting characters whose narratives significantly enhance the overarching storyline. Historical figures such as Sukra, Ebryn Stormlight’s loyal ally, provide critical context for Jamirh’s inheritance and illuminate broader themes of sacrifice, camaraderie, and courage across generations. Additionally, the narrative intricately portrays the complex interactions and evolving dynamics among the series’ ensemble cast, further enriching readers' understanding of character motivations and relationships. Structurally, this book seamlessly integrates past events and contemporary narrative developments, creating a coherent and richly interconnected storyline. Sauco expertly illustrates how historical actions profoundly influence current scenarios, reinforcing central themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption. The novel skillfully utilizes narrative continuity to enhance emotional resonance and urgency, building a compelling tapestry of interconnected destinies that rewards attentive reading. The thematic depth of this book is significantly bolstered by its nuanced exploration of magic versus technology. This is one of our favorite dynamics in fantasy-fiction! Works like Final Fantasy tend to do it well. The Rose Empire’s experiments with cybernetic Abominations starkly highlight the dangers posed by power without ethical oversight, contrasted vividly with the protagonists' ethical employment of magic. Sauco thoughtfully examines the implications of power, responsibility, and ethical innovation, encouraging readers to reflect deeply on contemporary societal challenges regarding technological advancement and moral stewardship. Ultimately, Colors of Magic stands out as a profoundly detailed, expansive, and essential contribution to the Blades of the Goddess series. Check it out on Amazon! (And maybe remember to buy and read them in order!)  Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds by Tela Talise is one of the unexpected pleasant surprises of the year! It isn't just a good art book. It isn't just a good mindfulness book. It isn't just a good motivational book. It's a good book! It’s the kind of book that gently takes your hand and leads you into stillness—without ever demanding perfection or pretending to have all the answers. With breathtaking visuals and heartfelt prose, Talise weaves a mindful experience that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. Whether you’re an overthinker, a creative, or simply someone craving a few moments of intentional calm, this book meets you exactly where you are. What makes it shine is its sincerity. Talise doesn’t just showcase mandalas—she invites you into her journey of healing, growth, and rediscovery. Each page feels like a quiet breath, a reminder to be present, and a celebration of nature’s overlooked wonders. It’s a soulful blend of art, affirmation, and quiet wisdom—and yes, it’s just a good book in the truest, most wholesome sense. Let's preface by saying this: we are so relieved that this is more than just an artist showing off their art. So often in the past, we've had people send us books that were essentially photo dumps with little or no explanation about the meaning or process behind those images. This is not one of those books. In fact, the images—while fantastic and impressive—complement rather than distract from the prose (and vice-versa). Everything in this book works in tandem, synchrony, and harmony, ironically fitting with some of the themes of this book. This is such a wholesome book! It doesn't try to force a mindset or ideology on you. It doesn't take the creepy, oppressive, accusatory stance or tone that a lot of other spiritual books tend to take. Look, we're going to just come out and say it: a lot of spirituality & mindfulness books we've read recently have really frustrated, offended, or outright angered us, particularly because many of them devolve into ranting about things like the climate or why humanity is racist, sexist, [insert group here]-phobic, barbaric, and animalistic. They tend to have a very negative, pessimistic view of humanity, even calling us things like "animals" or "monkeys." Heck, some of those books called us "Earthlings" as if the magical spiritual author isn't even from the same planet. These same books then try desperately to tie all that back into something more accepted or mainstream like Christianity, Hinduism, or Buddhism, but it comes across as inauthentic—just trying to use something well-established to support less established claims. That's not the case with this book. In contrast , Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds welcomes and invites. It says, "Ok, would you like to try something neat? Would you be interested in learning something new?" We really appreciated that about this book. We also love that this book actually seems to have a positive view on humanity, for all its faults. This is all perfectly exemplified in one passage of the book: "We were born to love many things, including people." There are actually a lot of incredible, inspiring, and thought-provoking quotes in this book. One of our favorites is: "Our keys are not meant to open every door we come to... There will be doors that match your keys with perfect precision at the perfect time." This really spoke to us. So often, we want what we want and we want it now. That's human nature. Everyone prefers instant gratification. However, the reality is that you don't always get what you want. The reality is that sometimes you have to wait and be patient for good things—for new doors to open. There are countless lines and reflections throughout the book that stop you in your tracks—not because they’re loud or dramatic, but because they’re true. From Vincent van Gogh’s quote, “What is done in love is done well,” to the quietly revolutionary reminder that “Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first—it means me too,” Tela Talise fills this book with wisdom that is both profound and refreshingly grounded. One of the most touching moments is the simple observation of her son playing the harmonica while she writes. That’s mindfulness in real life. Not a lofty, abstract idea—but the act of noticing, of cherishing what would otherwise be ordinary. She even names her favorite sounds—her “chosen soul songs”—and encourages us to do the same. It’s those small moments, those human details, that set this book apart from the many cold, preachy, or downright eerie “mindfulness” books that often make the rounds. This book is a breath of fresh air. Throughout, Talise uses metaphors that stick with you. She writes, “We are all like turtles,” needing to retreat into our shells, but also needing to remember to poke our heads back out again. She reminds us that rosemary isn’t just an herb—it’s a symbol of memory, grounding, and legacy. She even shares that as a professor, she prints out positive student messages as daily reminders of her impact. That visual act of self-love is the kind of practical inspiration many of us don’t realize we need until someone models it for us. So, before we go on more tangents (sorry), what is this book about? Well...it’s about slowing down—just enough to remember who you are. Nature Mandalas for Busy Minds is a gentle guide through 31 days of introspection, intention-setting, and connection with the natural world. Each chapter revolves around a thoughtfully selected theme—like patience, love, healing, or imperfection—accompanied by a stunning nature mandala, a heartfelt reflection, a few soul-searching questions, and an empowering affirmation. You’re not told what to believe or how to feel; you’re simply encouraged to pause, observe, and reflect. At its heart, this book is about rediscovering the sacred in the simple. Whether you choose to flip to a random page or follow the full month-long mindfulness journey, Tela Talise’s voice feels like a caring friend reminding you that you matter, your emotions are valid, and you’re allowed to grow at your own pace. This isn’t a loud, flashy declaration—it’s a quiet, beautiful whisper that says: “You’re not alone. Let’s breathe together.” And honestly, in a world that’s always rushing, that message feels like a small miracle. And let's talk about the titular mandalas for a moment because they're a huge part of this book and many of them are incredible! Some are jaw dropping and awe-inspiring! Practically all of them inspire thought and consideration. Take the Acceptance mandala on page 26, for instance. Composed of eight ginkgo leaves arranged in a gentle symmetry, it’s more than just visually appealing—it’s deeply symbolic. Ginkgo, a tree known for resilience and longevity, becomes a metaphor for embracing our unique path and identity. The accompanying reflection on masks and authenticity hits surprisingly hard, especially in a world that constantly asks us to conform. Then there’s the Forward mandala on page 41, centered around a vibrant sunflower. The way the sunflower radiates outward mirrors the theme of taking brave steps beyond our comfort zone. It’s not just a pretty pattern—it’s a visual embodiment of encouragement. Similarly, the Inner Worth mandala on page 69 uses nine orange slices to create a bright, juicy reminder of the impact we make simply by existing. It’s playful and affirming all at once. And don’t miss the Kindred Spirits mandala on page 79—one of the most touching in the entire collection. Its gentle pinks and organic shapes feel like a soft embrace, perfectly matching the heartfelt writing about those rare soul connections that light up our lives. Or the Lost Connections mandala on page 85, which uses dried roses and rosemary to pay tribute to the pain of goodbyes and the beauty of impermanence. On page 29, the Aging mandala stands out as one of the most elegant. It’s made with materials that feel time-worn yet beautiful—subtle earth tones, dried elements, and curved textures that mirror the grace of growing older. It’s paired with a tender reflection about honoring our own masterpiece in progress. Rather than fearing age, Talise invites us to cherish it, to see each wrinkle or silver strand as a brushstroke in our life’s painting. Page 53 features the Happiness mandala, a radiant and uplifting design with bright floral elements that practically burst off the page. It’s a perfect pairing for the reminder that joy isn’t something we seek outside ourselves—it’s something we tend and grow from within. The way the colors bloom outward almost seems to say: “You’re allowed to feel this good.” Flip to page 76 for the Kindness mandala, where four tulips are arranged in a simple, grounding pattern. The repetition gives a sense of calm and symmetry, and Talise’s accompanying message about self-regulation and grace in the face of others’ unkindness makes this one feel especially soothing. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder to lead with empathy. On page 108, the Silence mandala might be the most understated—and that’s what makes it so profound. With soft tones and restrained geometry, it visually whispers the message of the chapter: that silence isn’t emptiness, but space. It’s a place where communication can deepen, even when words fall short. The Story mandala on page 114 is another gem. Built around warm tones and soft textures, it evokes the feel of turning a page on an old, beloved book. The accompanying reflection likens our lives to a novel—one where even the painful chapters serve a purpose in shaping our story. It’s not only a visual metaphor—it’s a personal invitation to embrace your narrative, flaws and all. Finally, the Wishes mandala on page 120 brings everything full circle. Created with light, airy materials that resemble the delicate structure of a dandelion, it taps into something pure and childlike. It encourages readers to make a wish for themselves—not for others—and that small act of self-directed dreaming feels revolutionary in its simplicity. Each mandala isn’t just something to admire—it’s something to feel. The way Tela Talise connects imagery with intention makes these works not only meditative but meaningful. They’re not just decorations. They’re conversations. And they’ll stay with you long after you close the book. According to the author, some took hours to make, others took days. Something really cool is how the author repeatedly emphasizes that you don't have to be an artist or a mandalas expert to make one. You're invited to try! And you can do it however, whenever, or wherever you want—at school, at home, in the office, in the forest, at the beach. It's so neat how you can take natural ingredients from just about anywhere and make a mandala of your own. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 93/100 (9.3 out of 10)
In The Christmas Wreath, Dr. Dawn Menge crafts a deeply personal and emotionally rich novel that bridges memoir and romance, fantasy and reality. We would classify this as a sort of pseudo-memoir, drawing from what are apparently real-life events with changes here and there to protect the privacy of real people. With unflinching vulnerability, Menge invites readers into a world where grief and trauma are healed not by erasure, but by love's return—and the courage to dream again. At its core, this is the story of Harmony—a loving grandmother, teacher, and survivor of emotional devastation—who finds a mysterious Christmas wreath on her doorstep. It contains an anonymous invitation to the legendary Queen Mary, triggering the beginning of a magical journey that blurs the line between memory and miracle. What begins as an elegant retreat soon unfolds into a breathtaking reconnection with her long-lost soulmate, Scott—her “Huggy Bear.” Their rekindled love story is not a whimsical fantasy—it is forged in fire. Dr. Menge lays bare the emotional wreckage left behind by real-life stalking, harassment, and betrayal. The infamous “Barn Woman” and “Crazy Church Lady” emerge not as caricatures, but as chilling representations of psychological manipulation and the violation of safety. Through Harmony, readers witness how domestic stalking can fracture trust, derail dreams, and force one to live in constant fear. We'd almost compare this book to a mix between a good Hallmark movie (with a somewhat dark twist) and a Lifetime movie. You get the warm-feeling romance and holiday spirit of a Hallmark movie mixed with the darkness and danger of a Lifetime movie as Harmony must cope with these two crazy stalker women, their ringleader (whom she encounters in a tense phone conversation), and her ex-husband. Harmony sleeps with a taser and her cellphone under her pillow. She also has alarms installed. Now, it is honestly a little confusing as to who hates who and why. Either intentionally or unintentionally, the author uses very vague and somewhat muddled language to describe these bad, mean, terrible people who menace her. It kind of makes sense because this might be what these people are to her: no longer people, a demonic, ghostly, evil, wicked, faceless force that follows her like a monstrous, ominous shadow everywhere she goes, even prompting her to give up her house to escape them. At the same time, we would've liked a bit more clarity as to why these women hate Harmony and Scott so much. These are essentially the villains of the book, after all. The impression that we got was that they're kind of like those judgmental, b*&chy hyperreligious women who show up in congregations from time to time who feel the need to control what everyone else does. They tend to be the total opposite of Christ-like, often judging and being severe to others. Maybe they didn't approve of Harmony and Scott being together because they had other plans to marry Scott off to one of their friends? Maybe it was a race thing? Who knows... the author knows, and that's enough. We've known a few people like that. Many of them seem to suffer from a mental illness. Some are just nasty, hateful, spiteful people. These are the kinds of people who'll send you five-page long rants in your DMs (usually in ALL CAPS) about not being invited to your wedding despite you barely knowing them. Harmony's struggles with these stalkers is actually very relatable, sadly. Many of us have endured this kind of treatment, both online and in person. We've had our lives threatened as well as those of family members. We've had people from the past write whole blog posts about how much they wanted to kill or harm us for perceived wrongs, accusing us of crazy things ranging from murdering people and hiding the bodies or being part of a "espionaging Jesuit cult." These people clearly suffer from something going haywire in the head, and unfortunately the rest of us have to suffer because of it. Making things worse—as Harmony experiences—police and police detectives are uncooperative, unsupportive, and wont/can't be proactive. They won't do anything until the danger is finally at your front door or aiming a weapon at you. At that point, it's too late. And restraining orders? Protective orders? Well, those are pieces of paper. So, that aspect of this book is very poignant and powerful. But this is not a story of despair—it is a triumphant rebirth. Harmony and Scott's reunion is beautifully paced and earned through years of struggle. From sensual flashbacks of their earliest moments to serene walks on Moonstone Beach, Dr. Menge paints scenes so vivid they feel lived-in. Their beachside wedding, tenderly described with flowing lace and barefoot vows, reads like a dream finally made real. Speaking briefly of these sensual flashbacks, we appreciate how these scenes are treated with such tact and care. Despite the passion of the characters, this doesn't break down into an erotic or racy story, but rather one that puts the message across that these two people truly love each other and trust each other with their bodies and hearts. Rather than explicitly describing acts or body parts, words like "touching" and "places" are used, which allows this to become a much more accessible book. The most racy scene is actually a heartwarming and very funny scene in which one of the characters describes another character's pants being pulled off due to the friction on the waterslide. That had us giggling. Speaking of giggling, this book tells the origin story behind the creation of the OCA award-winning book Dragon's Breath featuring King Teddy Bear & Queen Giggles, who represent and are directly inspired by Harmony and Scott as well as how the characters cope with the darkness that infiltrated their lives (represented by Dragon). That context makes both books extra special! It's also interesting to note that the reader is briefly told that Queen Vernita, the titular protagonist of the Queen Vernita series (and who is also mentioned in Menge's Dragon books), is said to be Harmony's grandmother! That means this all exists in the same Menge universe! That kind of begs the question... if Harmony is Queen Vernita's granddaughter, couldn't she just ask Dragon or Precious (Dragon's good daughter) to go deal with those mean, evil women? Could you imagine how quickly that problem resolves once a fire-breathing dragon shows up at their doorsteps? That also begs the question: doesn't that kind of make Harmony a princess? It kind of makes sense because, despite her life drama and stalking difficulties, she seems pretty financially well-off. She seems to have multiple homes including a vacation home/timeshare. Moving on... We will say that Scott comes across in this book as a bit overly squeaky-clean and perfect. He always says the right thing. He almost always does the right thing. He's loving, caring, self-sacrificing, romantic. He takes care of his ailing mom. He goes out of his way for Harmony even after she moves far away. Early on in the book, it sounds like Harmony blames herself for misunderstanding Scott and abruptly ending their initial time together. In other words, Scott did nothing wrong. What a Prince Charming. This might make the reader think that there's more to this than the narrator is letting on. Nobody is that perfect, right? That's what we thought, at least. The book also seems to drag in its last act. The initial parts of the book fly by, then the narrative seems to sandbag, becoming drawn out. Also, more could've been done with the coolness and intrigue of the haunted ship. It seems like it gets introduced as a plot device, then gets dropped. A lot of this book sort of feels that way--fragmented, spontaneous, and random. Guess that's life. Menge’s writing is both poetic and grounded. Her prose flows with a natural rhythm, drawing strength from sensory imagery—lavender baths, snowy porches, cotton candy lemonades. But what truly elevates this novel is its emotional intelligence. Every character, from Harmony’s spirited grandchildren to Scott’s dignified mother, feels lovingly rendered. Family is not simply background here—it is the sanctuary where love is celebrated and safeguarded. We love how it comes full-circle, ultimately hitting home the message that home is truly where your heart is—where your family is. In the beginning, we saw a Harmony who was without her children, grandchildren, and Scott. In the end... well... you'll see. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95(+)/100 (9.5(+) out of 10)
Have you ever been separated from a loved one? Perhaps they're traveling for work, going to college, or deployed to war. There's always that fear and anxiety of what might happen when they're away. Speaking of what might happen...What happens to all the hopes, dreams, and prayers we put out into the universe? Do they hit a wall? Fall on deaf ears? Vanish into a void? Or are they heard? Carried to the ear of God? Do they touch heart of the universe? This book was a breath of fresh air—like a tall glass of water on a hot day. There's just something so infectiously positive, uplifting, and hopeful about this novel and its characters that we couldn't put it down! There's an innocence and childlike charm to it that reminds us of something like The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol by Jeremy Sherr. Even though it deals with gritty things like war (in the case of Scott), there's a strong sense of hope and a powerful aura of light. It puts forward the idea that we are never forgotten, we are never unheard—even in the depths of despair and in our darkest days. In Angels Deployed, Sophia Pavlou delivers an emotionally resonant novel that beautifully bridges the gap between the magic of childhood and the harsh realities of military life. Set between the coastal town of Watchtower Harbor and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the story follows two emotionally intertwined arcs: the gifted young sisters Julia and Sophie, who possess the extraordinary ability to receive heartfelt wishes from children with deployed loved ones; and Jimmy, an eight-year-old boy whose brother, Scott "Scooter," is stationed in Afghanistan. Through the eyes of children, Pavlou explores themes of emotional resilience, spiritual communication, familial bonds, and the quiet heroism of those left waiting. The plot intertwines two emotionally resonant storylines. Julia and Sophie, two sweet and spirited sisters from Watchtower Harbor, aren’t like most kids. They have a special gift: they can hear the unspoken wishes of children who are missing their moms, dads, brothers, or sisters serving far away. It’s not something flashy—it’s more like a quiet calling passed down from their mother, Annalise. Meanwhile, in Harrisburg, eight-year-old Jimmy Andrews is having a hard time with the silence from his older brother, Scott—nicknamed "Scooter"—who’s deployed in Afghanistan. Encouraged by his kindhearted teacher, Ms. Jessica Beck, Jimmy sends out a wish into the universe, hoping somehow it might reach Scott. That wish finds its way to Julia, riding on the wind like a message meant just for her. A highlight of Pavlou's storytelling is her use of gentle magical realism. The girls’ ability to receive and deliver wishes is never over-explained, instead functioning as a metaphor for empathy, prayer, and the innate spiritual receptivity of children. When Julia appears as a vision to Scott in his tent—a scene described with reverence and awe—it’s not framed as fantasy but as a spiritual moment of clarity and emotional intervention. "I'm a messenger," Julia says, as light surrounds her. "I bring messages to soldiers that are away from kids in their families that really miss them." This scene is one of the novel’s emotional turning points. Scott, initially shaken and uncertain, is reminded of his little brother’s vulnerability, and the weight of his silence. His commanding officer, Mike—a character who embodies the tension between duty and compassion—also receives a dreamlike visit from Julia. Mike’s internal conflict reflects a broader theme: the difficulty of balancing military structure with emotional humanity. His ultimate decision to bend protocol to allow Scott a brief return showcases leadership with heart. The character development is another of the book’s strengths. Jimmy is depicted with emotional honesty—sensitive, imaginative, and brave enough to speak his longing aloud. Scott is devoted but torn, his guilt over not contacting Jimmy palpable. Ms. Jessica Beck, Jimmy’s teacher, emerges as one of the most quietly heroic figures in the story. Her belief in the unseen—fueled by her own childhood experience of a brother’s deployment—gives Jimmy the courage to wish, and eventually, to believe. "Sometimes, our hearts make wishes for us, even when it’s not our birthday or Christmas," she tells him. Her words echo throughout the story. Ms. Beck is a definite consideration for our "Best Supporting Character" award. There are so many great little character moments and elements in this book. For example, it's explained why Scott never says "Goodbye" when leaving but rather "Be safe." Ms. Beck has times when she's lovingly (and lovably) irritable as an overworked and underpaid teacher who does what she does for the love of the game. She often has to deal with interruptions and annoyances from students and their parents, but usually strives to meet them with empathy and understanding. We're told that she was inspired to be a 3rd grade teacher when she was in 3rd grade, seeing how her favorite teacher inspired her and made her feel like a million bucks. Julia and Sophie are more than magical intermediaries—they are compassionate anchors in their world. Julia’s emotional intelligence and sense of responsibility are clear as she not only hears Jimmy’s wish but insists on helping Scott feel peace. Sophie, though younger and more playful, contributes levity and innocence, highlighting the contrasts in how children process fear and distance. Pavlou also layers the story with rich subplots and settings that reinforce the main themes. Annalise’s memories of her own childhood as a messenger and her conversations with Sean, her deployed husband, give the story intergenerational depth. Ms. Beck’s recollections of her brother Matt and her childhood ice cream shop experience (with a pivotal side character, Patti) adds thematic continuity across timelines. These memories reinforce a key idea: love, even across space and time, leaves echoes. In closing, we wanted to discuss some of our little favorite moments and quotes. This is a book with a lot of small joys--small moments that got us either smiling, laughing, or thinking. There's a really funny scene in which the sisters argue over watering some tomatoes. Julia, groggy and trying to collect her thoughts, lies under the oak tree after feeling overwhelmed by a wish. Sophie tries to rouse her, and when Julia tells her to go back inside, Sophie snaps, “I’m telling Mommy you went to sleep and the tomatoes won’t grow, and she won’t have anything for her salad for the whole summer, and you will be in big trouble.” Julia, ever the big sister, fires back with, “If you don’t go inside and leave me alone, I will turn the water back on and water you instead of the tomatoes.” It’s a wonderfully grounded, silly exchange that captures the genuine love and rivalry of siblings—and gives the story a refreshing dose of humor amid its more serious themes. The wording of this banter is comedy gold, and it seems like an authentic petty argument two young sisters would have. We especially love how Sophie's passage steamrolls and builds like an escalating rant—growing a small problem (like not watering tomatoes for a day) to a big one (like famine). We also love the care and respect that this book pays to the power of prayer and making wishes—both things which millions of people around the world do every day, believing it might help them somehow or that it's the right thing to do. We love these quotes about the topic, it's very Classic-Disney-esque: "Sometimes, our hearts make wishes for us, even when it’s not our birthday or Christmas" “When you send messages from your heart into the universe, angels hear them. They deliver the messages to the person you are missing most.” “When you make a wish from your heart, it always comes true.” “She said that you have to believe, and the wish must be from your heart. If it is, the universe will listen.” There are other quotes in this book that pack a punch like: “The old saying is true. Be careful who you trust because salt and sugar look the same.” Ultimately, Angels Deployed is about more than magical communication or military hardship. It’s a meditation on the unseen threads of connection that hold families and communities together. It’s about emotional labor, spiritual faith, and the ways children navigate grief and longing with more wisdom than we often expect. Pavlou’s prose is elegant and clear, her pacing measured, and her characters fully realized. Check it out on Amazon!  Paperback Score: 93+/100 (9.3+ out of 10)
Audiobook Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10) Chatty the Hen Pheasant is a snow-covered delight from the creative duo of Linda Harkey and Mike Minick, the author and illustrator who brought us Desert Friends, The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow, and The Great Animal Escape. With their signature blend of humor, heart, and animal hijinks, Harkey and Minick once again deliver a story about getting to know and connecting with others, including those who are different from ourselves. We often find that we have more in common than what separates us! It's always so amazing to consider the vast and different environments of Harkey & Minick's books. The Great Animal Escape was a rural story in the countryside. Desert Friends took place in the hot, dry Arizona desert, speckled with cactuses and sand. The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow took place in a bit of a suburban environment with a nice hacienda and pool. Well, Chatty the Hen Pheasant is set against the chilly backdrop of a South Dakota blizzard! It's a winter wonderland of snow—deep enough for half of a Labrador's body to sink and disappear into! Speaking of Labradors, we're quickly introduced to our main protagonist, a black Lab named Cimarron Lucky Nassau, better known simply as "Nassau." Nassau is a proud and eager hunting dog who helps his hunter, The Great One, track and catch pheasants. He happens to track and catch a particular pheasant named Chatty, the book's namesake. Humorously, he compares her scent to "chicken nuggets" (which is oddly relatable). Nassau is excited and eager to share his catch with his owner. Meanwhile, Chatty, understandably, is taken aback by being caught in a large dog's jaw. It isn't exactly the most pleasant or comfortable experience, after all. But Nassau is gentle enough not to bite down and squash her, though it's tempting, because he wants to make his owner happy and do what he has been taught. Chatty is taken aback, and Nassau isn't having any of it initially. Then, in a very human moment, Chatty actually tries to talk to Nassau, not as a bird or as prey but as a living being—a person just like him. Chatty tells Nassau her name, which is a surprisingly powerful and poignant moment since it humanizes her. Nassau is forced to face the fact that Chatty has a name just like he does, she's a living being just like he is, she's a person just like he is, and probably has loved ones, hopes, dreams, and things that motivate her just like he does. It's cute, sad, and fascinating all at once. It's cute because, well... they're talking animals. It's sad because Nassau is now faced with the possibility that he may be participating in the demise of a living being who isn't so different from him. It's fascinating for all the above reasons. It's a little strange how brief their interaction is. It's actually a bit odd how short this book is and how abruptly it ends—seemingly as soon as it began. The relationship between Nassau and Chatty is probably less than ten minutes long. Compare that to the long, evolving relationships in all of Harkey's other animal books, and this probably clocks in as the shortest relationship of them all. Yet... the impact it likely leaves on the two characters probably lasts long after they part ways. As Chatty is watching Nassau & The Great One leave—appearing contemplative and reflective—Nassau is also reflecting on and thinking about his experience and interaction. Yes, he's upset that his owner let his one big catch go, but a part of us think that he's a little relieved. The moral dilemma was taken out of his hands/paws/jaws, and he realized that Chatty was special—a hen pheasant, important to the whole hen population and future hunts. We liked this book (and audiobook), perhaps even more so than Desert Friends and The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow. The Great Animal Escape will probably always be our favorite Harkey book. Yes, this book seems short, but it still packs a punch. It's humorous. It's fun. It's engaging (you wonder what will happen to Chatty and if Nassau will let her go). It doesn't overstay its welcome. Furthermore, it's actually easy to follow and understand. It's far less random than Harkey's other animal books in which so many random events and characters were coming out of the woodworks to get involved like this was the Royal Rumble or something. Yes, Nassau has an overly-long full name, but it's only ever used or mentioned once. The one and only glaring weakness of the paperback version is that the text is WAY TOO SMALL. That would be understandable if there weren't all this blank white space in the background that the text could have easily fit in. It's not like the designers were short on space. There's a lot of room for text! Yet, for some reason it isn't fully utilized. This can make it challenging to read at circle time. The text needs to be bigger. There appears to be no good reason it needs to be this small. The illustrations are among Minick's best in the series. They might even be better than the ones in Desert Friends. The snow environment is breathtaking, enchanting, and beautiful. Best of all, the two main characters look great. Nassau might be the best-illustrated dog character in this series lineup, and Chatty might be the best-illustrated bird character in the series. The audiobook is also great! Stewart Joiner Davis did an excellent job. Apparently, he is used to performing, being a singer and dancer in musical theater. He's well-equipped to narrate this or practically any children's book! We will say that—compared to Harkey's other books—this is probably the easiest to read aloud (as well as the shortest). Ignoring the aforementioned small text, the writing itself is a lot more simple and plain. We kind of wish that Stewart Joiner Davis had been assigned to read Desert Friends while Jeremiah Acevedo were assigned to read Chatty the Hen Pheasant, ultimately reversing the roles. It would have matched their skill-sets so much better. Desert Friends had a few tongue-tying passages (like the one about the tarantula's eight beige legs) that Stewart probably could've pushed through. Meanwhile, Jeremiah would've read Chatty the Hen Pheasant just fine and without issue. That would be a win-win. It kind of seems like this book was too easy for Stewart, or maybe he's just that good at reading and performing. He performs the voices for the gruff Nassau and the cute, chirpy Chatty very well! We especially liked his little Chatty voice. This is yet another adorable children's book by Harkey and friends! Check it out on Amazon! |
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