Editorial Reviews for Nominees
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 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!
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 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. Talekar is a prodigy whose ability to illustrate and tell stories will only get better and better with time and practice. 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 diffferent 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! Review of "Desert Friends" by Linda Harkey, Illustrated by Mike Minick, Narrated by Jeremiah Acevedo4/17/2025  Paperback Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)
Audiobook Score: 93/100 (9.3 out of 10) Desert Friends is yet another fun-filled, adorable animal adventure by Linda Harkey! This children's book joins a plethora of Harkey's award-winning animal adventure stories including The Great Animal Escape and The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow! As the title of the book implies, Desert Friends is a book about friendship and forming connections with others, especially those with whom we share some differences and dissimilarities. This is a theme that was heavily explored in The Great Animal Escape and The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow. You don't have to look the same, you don't have to be the same, you don't have to think the same, you don't have to talk the same, and you don't even have to like the same foods, but you can still find common ground with other people—other creatures. There's always something that unites us, whether it's a desire to survive, a desire for shelter or sustenance, or perhaps a simple desire for companionship and company. In The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow, we saw dogs and birds put aside their differences to save one of their friends from drowning in a pool. Likewise, in Desert Friends, dogs and birds put aside their difference to save... wait a minute, is this practically the same story? Anyway, despite a lot of similarities to the author's other works, it still stands out as unique in its own way. There's just something about it... Set in the Arizona Sonoran Desert, this delightful tale follows the adventures of four unlikely friends: Rodney the roadrunner, Quincy the Gambel’s quail, Gator the hunting dog, and his three-legged companion, Tripod. Rodney and Quincy enjoy playful games in the arroyos until one day they encounter Gator and Tripod. The four strike up a friendly rapport, but their bonding is interrupted by a sudden desert thunderstorm that floods the arroyo. Tripod is swept away by the floodwaters, triggering a fast-paced rescue mission by his friends. Ultimately, the group shows teamwork and bravery, culminating in Tripod’s rescue by Gator and a gentle encounter with the dogs’ human/hunter, “the Great One.” What's really noteworthy is how many of these characters didn't exactly get along to kick things off. Rodney and Quincy first speculated about how different they were and how strange they were to one another. For example, Quincy couldn’t understand why Rodney exposed his black feathers to the sun, while Rodney was surprised to learn that Quincy stayed warm by cuddling with a covey. Their playful banter even touched on toilet habits and diet—Rodney offered Quincy part of a tarantula (and, earlier, a lizard), only for Quincy to recoil in horror, proudly declaring himself a vegetarian. Despite these differences and misunderstandings, they slowly found common ground, showing that friendship doesn’t require similarity—it just needs a bit of curiosity, kindness, and shared adventure. Similarly, the birds and the dogs, Gator and Tripod, don't immediately trust each other, and the birds actually have some incentive to fear them (being hunting dogs). Rodney, in particular, is wary of Gator and Tripod, fearing they might be a threat—especially when he sees them “pointing” in his direction. Quincy has to reassure him that Gator once helped his covey escape a hunter, revealing that not all dogs are dangerous. Even then, there’s tension as the dogs explain their beeping collars and mention their human, the “Great One.” It’s only after they all face the flood together—and the dogs risk their safety to save Tripod—that a real bond of trust is formed, proving that courage and teamwork can overcome even the strongest initial doubts. Speaking of Tripod, he was a nice little addition to this book. We didn't expect to see a three-legged dog be represented in this book and we had to rub our eyes the first time we saw him with only three legs. Tripod instantly wins your sympathy, which is great for the last act of the book. While we're talking about character designs, we also wanted to add that it's really cool to have a roadrunner and a quail character. Both are such funny and funny-looking birds when you really stop to think of it. They also have a reputation for being cartoonish goofballs, along with the woodpecker, likely due to how they're portrayed in media like Looney Tunes or Doug. The artwork is arguably the best we've seen from the works of Mike Minick! The characters look more refined than they do in the other aforementioned children's books. They may not be as colorful (the color scheme in this book is a mix of beige, brown, white, and sparsely green), but it sorta fits with the whole Arizona-desert-theme. Not every location needs to be a tropical paradise or a winter wonderland. As Zachary Simpson pointed out in Arizona Way Out West and Wacky, even a dryer, more desert environment like Arizona can be beautiful and special in its own way. Arizona has its own unique ecosystem and wildlife to accompany its unique climate and terrain. That's something that Minick really puts across in the backgrounds of this book. They're full of cactuses, dirt, sand, and gravel. Minick also does a good job at portraying the expressions on the faces of the animals, particularly Rodney, who always looks like he's just secretly passed gas or has just told a joke and is waiting for a response. It really adds to the comical humor of this book, something that we saw a lot of in The Great Animal Escape. Now, let's talk about the audiobook! Right off the bat, our hats go off to the young narrator, Jeremiah Acevedo, who was only nine-years-old when he recorded this project! WOW! He really does his best to bring uniqueness to all of the characters (which we'll get to). And he's a young man with a ton of talent and potential that is only going to get better and better with time and experience. Anything remotely negative or critical we say isn't directed at Jeremiah—he deserves all the positive reinforcement and credit he can get for the tremendous effort he clearly put into this—rather, it's provided as construtive criticism for how the studio or producer may have helped his performance and the overall presentationof the audiobook. First and foremost, it doesn't sound like Jeremiah's voice (his AMAZING VOICE) projected as clearly or as well as the other audiobook readers like Heidi Immler, May Webster, Immy Dymott, and Stewart Joiner Davis. It often sounds muddled, soft, or far away. It also sounds... echoey. And that really made us think that perhaps he was seated or standing too far away from the mic when he recorded. Or perhaps he's a bit shy and/or is used to strictly using his indoor voice (good kid, we like that!). Or perhaps the acoustics in the room/studio itself weren't optimized on that particular day or at that particular time (of the recording). It may have helped to have Jeremiah record a few practice runs, then coach him up and adjust the sound and acoustics accordingly. The kid clearly has talent and was clearly trying, but due the acoustics, the sound just doesn't sound sharp, crisp, or loud enough. The jump in sound quality from the narration to the Story Monsters Theme (at the end) is the biggest indication of that. Aside from that, there were no glaring errors. There were, however, some notable pauses likely caused by some of the more challenging passages that Harkey likes to throw into her work (The Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow was notorious for tricky-to-read passages, something we gave Heidi Immler a lot of credit for dealing with). There's a pause between "I can outrun... ants and spiders." There's another pause between "wiggling all... eight of its furry beige legs." With all that said, Jeremiah does some dynamic things in this book including giving each of the characters unique voices. Quincy's voice is deep yet cute. Gator and Tripod sound like they're from a different part of town. Jeremiah even voices Rodney when the silly roadrunner is trying to eat a lizard (which later escapes), seemingly clenching his teeth while reading these lines. It's clever! And he even tries to give The Great One/Hunter a southern accent. All in all, putting this all together is a monumental effort that should be commended. Furthermore, this book and audiobook teach some excellent lessons about friendship, not jumping to conclusions about people who are different, and the importance of teamwork. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
Do you remember the day when your hobby became your passion? Do you recall the initial spark that lit that flame? The moment when you decided that this is what you wanted to do for the rest of your life? A Tail of Twirls tells the origin story of the cute, charismatic, and cat-tastic dance teacher, Kittina (known as "Kit" in her younger years), previously featured in Ready Set Dance. Both books exist in the whimsical universe of Once Upon a Dance, which advocates for and celebrates the performing arts, particularly ballet and dance! This is a universe featuring anthropomorphic talking animals, mythical creatures like unicorns, dragons, and trolls, and even a bit of magic from time to time (like the magic mirror in this book)! This phenomenal, fun, imaginative, and uplifting series is one of the mainstays of our contests. Once Upon a Dance, alongside Tuula Pere, have proven to be the most prolific children's book authors to come through the Outstanding Creator Awards, and we're incredibly excited for every new installment and the progress they've made! A Tail of Twirls is a testament to how far Once Upon a Dance has come as an author brand, featuring several improvements and changes from previous books, key of which are more focused storytelling and character development. Because there's more exclusive focus on Kit and her personal journey, the story itself is easy to follow and flows naturally. The text is also better laid out and more concise than previous books, occurring in blocks that naturally move from left to right, top to bottom throughout the page. This might actually be the least wordy Once Upon a Dance book yet, which gives you a little more incentive to enjoy and appreciate the words that are there rather than being overwhelmed. That's not to say that there's not a bit of chaos in this book, but it's beautiful chaos. There are little Easter eggs (hidden references) throughout the book including the many diagrams of dance poses and techniques mentioned in previous books like Ready Set Dance. You could make the argument that we're seeing the origin story of not only Teacher/School Director Kittina, but also of all the dance moves she later teaches her students! In fact, by the end of this, Kit promises to share what she's learned and, by extension, her passion for dance. It's beautiful! You can really feel that this is how the authors (a mother-daughter team) feel about dance as well. It's a gift to give the world! It's something that changed their lives for the better, and they want to share it with others! They've made probably dozens of books on dance, and it's sobering to think about all the love, passion, and commitment that goes into that. We've only barely touched on the story, huh? Well, the story follows Kit, a curious little cat who stumbles upon a mysterious dance studio one moonlit night. After discovering posters and a talking mirror, Kit begins to mimic ballet movements and, with the mirror's encouragement, starts her journey into dance. As she returns night after night to learn pliés, tendus, and eventually passés, Kit blossoms from an unsure observer into a confident, twirling ballerina. Though the studio vanishes briefly, Kit embraces her newfound joy and identity, ultimately receiving a key and a title: Kittina Ballerina, School Director, ready to share her love of dance with others. What's really special about this is that it shines a light on how you can be successful at something (and passionate about something) regardless of your starting point. You don't need to come from a long pedigree of dancers. You don't need anything fancy. You don't need to be super athletic or super fit. You don't even need a ton of money. You just need a willingness to learn and try. Kit is an extremely relatable character in this because she's like a lot of us, someone who is still struggling to find her identity and way in life. We said something similar when we reviewed Ballerina Wisdom (also by Once Upon a Dance), but a lot of us see or think of teachers, gurus, experts, and professionals and think that they were always teachers, gurus, experts, and professionals—people who know everything and can do anything. The truth is, they had to start somewhere too (just like us). Kit/Kittina had to start somewhere too, not as an expert or professional, but as a student with very little knowledge, skill, or experience. However, she became knowledgeable, skillful, and experienced through practice, dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. That's really special! Ballerina K (Ballerina Konora) also makes her highly anticipated return in this book! And she's terrific as always. Ballerina K has been one of our favorite aspects of these books—bringing a very relatable and human element to these texts. She's also elegant, beautiful, and charismatic. Her positive energy is contagious. To top it off, she's someone of experience who walks the talk—she performs these moves and techniques on stage, and is incredibly proficient at them. In other words, she's a great role-model! At the same time, in previous books, it did seem slightly distracting that so much of the page was taken up by Ballerina K's dance recommendations and instructions. This book makes the interesting change of making Ballerina K's sections slightly smaller (maybe about 15%-20% of each page), or at least it seemed that way. On one hand, it's fortunate because we could focus on the story and the characters more; on the other hand, it's unfortunate because beautiful, talented Ballerina Konora and her sections seem smaller. A lot of effort was clearly taken in the professional photography of Ballerina K's scenes, who got dressed up in the most elegant and regal of magenta-pink tutus! She looks like a princess! By the way, the instructions Ballerina K gives are actually quite helpful. For example, she uses analogies like, "Imagine squeezing a ball between your ankles" and "paint the air... with your imaginary paintbrush." The text of these instructions could probably be made to stand out more, possibly bolding them? We're really torn about how to handle and balance the story, characters, and dance instructions. For all we know, Once Upon a Dance is pulling off that balance better than anyone! Stella Maris's illustrations are whimsical, soft, and expressive—evoking the charm of classic storybooks. Each page blends rich purples, golds, and starlight to create a dreamlike world that feels magical yet cozy. The brush textures resemble watercolor and gouache, creating soft, blended edges and atmospheric depth. The illustrator uses warm pastels & magical tones with dominant hues including lavender, peach, coral, and gold—evoking warmth, softness, and enchantment. There is an aspect of this art style that washes a lot of the action out (sorta like a cloud or dream filter over a base image), but it's not overly distracting or detracting, and it's objectively beautiful, fitting with the dreamlike, imaginative presentation of the book. Check it out on Amazon!  Score: 93+/100 (9.3+ out of 10)
When it comes to underappreciated and underrated online talk shows and YouTube channels, The Long Island Breakfast Club Show is somewhere near the top of that list! The talk show is the brain child of a visionary, Valentina Janek (AKA "Tina Valentina"), a woman of wisdom and experiences. If you read her OCA award-winning book, From Fired to Freedom, you know how liberating it was for Valentina to transition from an ordinary work life to an extraordinary one—authoring her book, hosting this talk show, acting in movies, and meeting all sorts of extraordinary people. The people/guests whom Valentina meets and works with are typically the highlights of every episode. They are usually visionaries and entrepreneurs themselves. Some of them are a little out there and different (we'll get to some examples with the Halloween episode), but these guests are always fascinating and insightful in one way or another. With that said, you may have guessed that we're a bit familiar with Valentina and Long Island Breakfast Club show. They're actually previous Outstanding Creator Awards winners! They amazed us in the past with their creativity, presentation, insights, and inspirational content. Oh, and their quotes! They always have such great quotes and words of wisdom to share. We'll get to a few later. But getting back on track... this is actually a new contest entry focused on the new (2024) season of the show, specifically three of the holiday episodes: Valentine's Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. We may talk a little bit more about other holiday episodes because this series can honestly be a bit addicting (in a good way)! The 2024 Valentine's Day episode kicks off with the familiar jingle/song that opens most episodes. First off, we really appreciate this song. It's catchy and the lyrics introduce you to the host ("Tina Valentina is the host you see"; "cohost Gregg has a lot to say") and also get you ready for the show ("grab a cup of coffee or expresso" and "grab a cup or hot cocoa"). We also love the little twist in the chorus: "Grab a cup of coffee or... I don't know" as if to leave the door open to viewers in the audience who may have different or varied taste. We didn't notice that little twist the last time we reviewed the show (for 2023). It's so positive, uplifting, and energizing with lines like "Rise and shine, get up and go; It's the Long Island Breakfast Club Show." Doesn't that just make you feel ready to jump right in? It's also surprisingly well produced, as is the rest of the show—the set design and the sound/audio are all things we could praise later on. There are a few times when sporadic, spontaneous interruptions will occur such as a cellphone dinging or ringing, a dog yipping or barking, and even a car alarm going off at one point. This is organic, natural, and we understand that these things happen and the show must go on. If anything, they make the show seem spontaneous, genuine, and authentic. Yes, they're trying to put on a good, entertaining, insightful show, but they're also being raw and real. They're not trying to hide the fact that a beloved pet might be on set, for example. It's like the wind at the ball park or at the football field, you don't control it, you just go with it. So, when an alarm goes off in the parking lot/garage, you don't drop everything you're doing until it stops, you just keep trudging on. That's professionalism. It's similar to like when you're a stage performer and there's a heckler in the audience. You can't let it sabotage you. Anyway, the 2024 Valentine's Day episode is sadly missing the regular cohost, Gregg Cajuste, however, we get great compensation as a incredible man named Jim "Jimmy" Altamore joins the table. Apparently, Valentina has known Jim for 16 years (wow!). Jim had once lost his day job and shared that he had a passion and a gift for singing. Jim is blessed with Frank Sinatra-like voice. In fact, his voice was even used to replicate Sinatra in media. Specifically, he was featured in the first act of "A Bronx Tale" in which the song "Fly Me to the Moon" is sung. No, this is not a recording of Sinatra, this is the voice of Jim! This episode mostly focuses on the featured super couple, TJ Kiss & Natasha Landrow, a business owner and an actress. Apparently, they were chosen from a collection of 25 applicants (as explained in another episode). This couple is a really interesting aspect of the episode, but maybe not for the reasons the show intended. What stands out about this featured couple isn't that they're successful (which they are), it isn't the beautiful way they met, the romantic things they've done—no, what stood out to us about this couple is how there's a real, raw, and somewhat playful tension between them. They're like Tom & Jerry or Wile-E-Coyote & Roadrunner. It's a reminder that couples in real life aren't like in the fairy tales. They don't just ride off into the sunset happily ever after. No, real couples argue, fight, and have disagreements because they have enough trust to know that they will still be together afterward and can tell each other anything. This is evident when the two have a back-and-forth disagreement about the way they met and their romantic journey. They disagree on the order of how things happen, but—poetically—the important thing is that these things happened (regardless of order). This spoke to us. They also argue about which of them is the more irritable and/or has the shorter temper. Interesting prompt! And, of course, they disagree. It's a very raw and human thing. Oh, hey, this episode also features one of the funniest quotes in the show's history in which Valentina states: "No bitches. We don't allow bitches on the show. We closed the door on bitches." That's hilarious. One improvement to the show that we really appreciated were the graphics that briefly show who the guest or speaker is. For example, we learned Jim's last name from one of these graphics (though it was in a cursive font that made it a bit challenging to read). This actually carries on into other episodes. The identifying info is usually like a screenshot or a poster graphic of the guest. Near the end of the episode, we finally get a beautiful rendition of "L.O.V.E." by Frank Sinatra sung by Jim Altamore. It's terrific! He's terrific! It's no wonder he's hired to sing for events and in media! We hope that he continues to perform at more and more places. We wanted to also briefly share that we watched the 2025 Valentine's Day episode as well, and it's actually better in a lot of ways than the 2024 one! We get a bit more singing, particularly from Bob Damato, who gives us Andy-Williams-quality vocals! We also get a really cute story from one of the guests about how he knew his wife, Debbie, since he was only 10 (and she was a little older). He would sneak off just to visit Debbie at home. Eventually, they reunited later in life and fell in love! Awww... To give this a real New York/Long Island tinge, they named their dogs Phoebe and Newman (after the characters from Friends and Seinfeld). There are also some outstanding quotes from this particular episode including Valentina sharing that her father would say that "Everything is up here" (the brain--the mind) and that everything is possible when you use it. Valentina also gives us the humorous yet great advice that if you're single, go to the diner to meet someone, "Sit at the counter. Every guy at the counter is single, and they don't cook." Sounds like legit advice to us! Oh, and if we recall, this is the first episode in which the set-designer, Susan/Suzanne, appears! And she's a breath of fresh air. Moving on... the next episode sent to us was the 2024 Halloween episode! Admittedly, the subject matter of this episode wasn't exactly our thing, but that just might be us being prudish conservative religious people. The episode plays into the spookiness and mystery of Halloween by featuring a "gypsy goddess," witch, psychic medium, and reishi certified crystal healer. So, yes, brace yourselves if this is foreign to you. There's Michele Comodo of The Witches Parlour, which she has done so successfully that she doesn't even need to start or run a website—the business just comes. There's Asia Lee, who has a background in quantum physics and neuroscience as well as being an advocate and believer in what's called the "Emotional Freedom Technique" (EFT). Then there's Kathleen Klatman, a psuchic medium and spiritual adviser. On a related note, this isn't the first time we've heard of the "tapping" technique. It was actually a huge feature in The Woo Woo Way by Sandy Evenson. This is also not the first time we've read about reishi, crystals, or even being a psychic medium. Empathic Evolution by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore & Heated Earth: Aedgar Moves In by Miki Mitayn featured communication with spiritual entities via what some of us would call ESP. Magda Revealed by Ursula Werner presented Mary Magdalene as a sort of healer, using reishi or reishi-like techniques/abilities. Awaken to Your Truth by Joanna Alexopoulos also featured elements like chakras and the use of stones and mindfulness for spiritual purposes. Anyway, the guests talk about using crystals like amethyst or even something as simple as salt for healing. They emphasize using the "white light of God" to balance chakras, spiritual energy. If this is something you're interested in and are into, this might fit your fancy. It's honestly a bit fascinating. At the same time, if you're either conservative or very grounded in physical reality, this might make your eyes roll or even upset you. The guests do a surprisingly good job at trying to defend and explain their otherworldly crafts, pointing to a lot of Catholicism (and Christianity) having origins in pagan practices and belief systems like this. They also point out that the cartoonish or over-the-top perception of the word "witch" is wrong. The better interpretation for the word witch, according to these women, is "wise woman"--an ancient interpretation of the term, sorta like "shaman." The strangeness aside, this episode features some of the coolest set, costume, and background designs in the show's history! The green screen and background with the spooky Gothic houses, the large orange/red moon, the whithered trees without leaves, and the bats in flight are great! In the foreground, on the table, you've got pumpkins, scarescrows, and Autumn leaves. Beautiful! Susan/Suzanne (not sure her full name or spelling) once again demonstrates her keen skills and decorative abilities. She always does a great job. Another person who always does a great job, and is spotlighted in the beginning, is the studio's owner, Bobby LaSera. See, we finally know how to spell his name because they actually provided graphics with the spellings in the newer episodes. The third holiday episode we were asked to look at was the Thanksgiving episode, and it was one of our favorites! The episode is beaming with positivity and a reminder to be thankful and not take anything (or anyone) for granted. It opens with a spirited singing performance by Chris Milo. He gives us a lovely bilingual vocal and guitar performance! Apparently, he started singing and ballroom dancing when he was just eight. He has a bright future! The guest list is jaw-dropping: from TV legend Dan Lauria to filmmaker and band leader Gerry Ferretti, the creative energy in the room is palpable. Then comes Johnny “Soho” Pasquale, promoting the chilling thriller The Beast Inside—an avant-garde horror film with a twist of female empowerment and demonic legacy. His philanthropic and entertainment ventures make him a standout personality. The episode also shines a spotlight on Anthony and Ellen Pellegrino, blending culinary mastery and spiritual healing—Anthony with his restaurant empire and IMDb acting creds, and Ellen with her role as a life coach and producer. Their presence beautifully reflects the show’s theme of diverse talent and family legacy. Rounding out the lineup are Brad and Qeta Cohn, event and social media pros; a surprise appearance by Jason Scheff of Fresh Sync Music; and Frank Peruzza of Frank’s Fantastic Fenders, proving small business and local pride are always center stage. National Cake Day and Small Business Day are the icing on this feel-good feast. With heartfelt shout-outs, lively performances, and a focus on supporting others, this episode captures the soul of community. And, hey, food and community are kinda the heart of both the Long Island Breakfast Club Show and Thanksgiving. The show and Valentina (in particular) are known for this great quotes. We loved these: "Wake up and say: I live my life to the best that I can, and I want to be happy. I make my own happiness." "Get up. Get dressed. Show up." – Valentina Janek’s personal mantra "There’s always a reason. We all have to go through things to get to the next level." – Angela Credenza "Don’t say it was a mistake. It was an experience. Whether a marriage or an illness, you grow stronger because of it." – Valentina Janek This is a really lovely talk show with a really classic, Boomer feel. A lot of these hosts and guests have twice as much lifetime experience as most people alive today. There's an audience for that, and we hope that Valentina and company are able to reach them. Check them out, like, and subscribe! |
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