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The Bison and the Butterfly by Alice Hemming and Nancy Leschnikoff

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

The Bison and the Butterfly by Alice Hemming is a cute picture book, but it also carries a nice message without feeling heavy-handed.  Purchase Here.

The story follows a bison and a butterfly, two creatures that couldn’t be more different. One is huge, one is tiny, and at first it seems like an odd pairing. That’s what makes the story work. Kids can easily see themselves in the characters, especially if they’ve ever felt different from the people around them.

The book’s main lesson is friendship.  The book doesn’t preach about friendship, but the reader will feel it naturally.  It shows we can be completely different but still get along.

The illustrations are colorful and cheerful and do a great job of bringing the story to life. I found myself spending extra time looking at the pictures because they have lots of little details that younger readers will enjoy. The bison, in particular, has a lot of personality.

This would be a great book to read to children at home or in a classroom.  It will create many different conversations about friendship and show that people don’t have to be the same to get along. Those themes are familiar, but they’re presented in a way that feels fresh and engaging.

Overall, I thought this was a sweet, enjoyable story with memorable characters and a positive message. It’s the kind of picture book that children will want to hear more than once, and honestly, it’s an enjoyable read for adults too.

 

So You Want To Be An Ice Cream Flavor Inventor

So You Want To Be An Ice Cream Flavor Inventor by Linda Soules

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

Do you love eating ice cream and trying different flavors? If so, “So You Want To Be An Ice Cream Flavor Inventor” by Linda Soules is a must-have read for you. In this fun guide, readers learn what it’s like being an ice cream flavor inventor, and although it sounds like an easy job, it’s much more involved than one might think the job is. Are you ready to find out what it takes to be an ice cream flavor inventor?  Purchase Here.

This is another successful career guide written for children who might be interested in learning how to become an ice cream flavor inventor. As an adult, I learned a few pointers I never would have thought of. First, flavors interact differently when they are cold. Who would have thought about that? Well, an ice cream inventor does every day, as they work on developing a new flavor idea. A second tidbit I learned is that ice cream was once only a luxury item the wealthy could afford. Could you imagine not being able to have ice cream whenever you wanted because it was too expensive? Another fact I learned is that vanilla is the single most popular ice cream flavor in the world. That was one of those ideas that made me stop and think. The last thing I learned, and one of my favorite tidbits, was that the ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s maintains a flavor “graveyard’ in Waterbury, Vermont, in which they place a tombstone in a graveyard marking every discontinued flavor they had. There are more than 35 retired flavors “resting” at this site. What a fun idea!

Another thing I loved about this book was how unique the topic was for children to learn from. I never thought much about what it takes to be an ice cream flavor inventor, and I think that makes this book stand out to children because what child doesn’t like ice cream? Soules breaks down the pros and cons of being a flavor inventor and lets readers see whether this job might be a career path they’ll consider.

Linda Soules also provided the illustrations, and they were eye-catching, as all her children’s career guides are. She used AI to generate the pictures, and they were spot-on as always. It’s obvious she spends time fine-tuning the illustrations to complement her written text. These illustrations were no exception.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be…series of career-exploring books. This continually growing series aims to inform children about the various careers available to them as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want to Be An Ice Cream Flavor Inventor” is another guide children will devour in one sitting. Soules lays out the pros and cons of the job while also highlighting the fun of being an ice cream flavor inventor. Plus, the fun facts she shares will appeal to readers young and old. Add fabulous illustrations, and you have another enjoyable book in this children’s series.

 

So You Want To Be A Deep Sea Diver

So You Want To Be A Deep Sea Diver

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

Do you love swimming in the ocean and wonder what lives on the ocean floor? If you are passionate about these things, you may be a great fit to become a deep sea diver, and you can learn all about this interesting job in “So You Want To Be A Deep Sea Diver” by Linda Soules. Being a deep sea diver is so much more than diving deep in the water. Divers perform specific tasks depending on whether they work commercially or in science. Still, no matter the job, they must deeply respect the ocean and all of Mother Nature that inhabits it. Does this sound like a special job you might want to learn more about?  Purchase Here.

Linda Soules has presented yet another fascinating book for readers of all ages to enjoy. To be honest, before reading this book about deep sea divers, I never thought much about how complicated their jobs really are. The author provides plenty of details and interesting facts, and in doing so, she gives readers the information they need to decide whether deep sea diving is a career they can enjoy long-term.

As an adult, I walked away having learned a few things I never even thought about before reading this delightful children’s book. First, the fact that more than eighty percent of the ocean is unmapped and unexplored is mind-boggling. Plus, Soules explains that sea divers fall into different classifications, and their jobs differ in their responsibilities. I never thought about commercial divers maintaining our Internet cables or even our oil and gas lines deep below the sea. Or how scientific divers collect samples of species and microbes that remain undiscovered to us. No matter what job each diver performs, they must respect the ocean and follow protocols to keep themselves safe while working.

The illustrations, also provided by Linda Soules, were spot on, as all her previous titles were. Each picture perfectly orchestrates what her written words describe. I enjoyed the illustrations as much as I enjoyed reading the informative text. Since she says she is horrible at drawing, the illustrations she provided were AI-generated, and she fully disclosed this to her readers. She did a wonderful job choosing illustrations that perfectly enhance this children’s career guide.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be… series of career-exploring books. This continually growing series aims to inform children about the various careers available to them, as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want To Be A Deep Sea Diver” is another career guide that helps children decide whether being a deep sea diver is the career path they should choose. The information she provides is thoroughly engaging, the illustrations perfectly match her words, and the additional resources she provides are priceless for readers who want to learn more about the fascinating career of being a deep-sea diver. Well done, Ms. Soules!

 

So You Want To Be An Architect

So You Want To Be An Architect by Linda Soules

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

When you hear the word architect, people don’t really put much thought into just what exactly is involved in becoming one. In “So You Want To Be An Architect” by Linda Soules, she meticulously explains what an architect does and what qualifications they need to become one. Architects must study for years and take extensive, multi-part tests to qualify as licensed professionals. When they are hired, they must first imagine what kind of building is needed for the project; then draw concrete plans, known as blueprints, showing what the building will look like. Are you creative, smart, and love building things? Then becoming an architect just might be the career path for you.  Purchase Here.

Linda Soules outdid herself again with another wonderful guide for children, outlining the pros and cons of becoming a highly skilled architect. Children can thoroughly reference her research and decide whether they fit into what an architect is and does as a career. This book, like the others in her series, provides plenty of information to educate children about this lucrative field that might be the perfect career path for your child.

As an adult, I walked away learning a few things, as I always do with Ms. Soules’ books in this series. I learned that architects are hired to build worlds in video games, create rides in theme parks, or even build buildings on film sets. I never imagined these things would be provided by an architect, but after reading her well-researched information, it made complete sense that an architect would be needed for these jobs as well.

The illustrations, which the author created using AI, were sharp in design and used eye-catching colors. Each one perfectly complemented the written text that she provided. When you look at these illustrations, they are just as detailed as the writing itself, and readers will pause to take in each one as they turn the pages. I enjoy the illustrations as much as I enjoy the written text she provides.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be…series of career-exploring books. This continually growing series aims to inform children about the various careers that might be available to them as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want To Be An Architect”  by Linda Soules is another book in her wonderful series that teaches children not only what they need to consider education-wise to become an architect, but also the pros and cons of becoming an architect. Her research was well done, as always, and her illustrations perfectly enhanced this children’s career guide. This is another title in this series that this reviewer highly recommends!

What Will I Do with My Love Today

What Will I Do with My Love Today by Kristin Chenoweth

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

What Will I Do with My Love Today? is a picture book about kindness, family, and love. The author gives examples of how a young child could show love to animals and family.  Maine Diaz’s illustrations are full of color, making each page feel welcoming and easy for young children to connect with.  Purchase Here.

The book shows us that it is not only important to feel love but also to show love.  The book accomplishes this goal by providing ways kindness plays a part in showing love.

Another important theme is adoption. Chenoweth, who was adopted herself, shares this part of Kristi Dawn’s journey in a way that feels honest and hopeful. Family here is about love and caring, not just biology. Knowing that Chenoweth’s own experience with adoption and her rescue dog, Thunder, inspired the book makes it feel even more heartfelt.  The rhymes make the story fun to read aloud and help keep young children interested. The colorful illustrations by Maine Diaz add to the story’s cheerful feel and make the characters and their experiences easy for children to connect with.

What Will I Do with My Love Today? encourages kindness.   It encourages kids to think about how they can show love in their everyday lives, not just say the words. The message is simple, positive, and easy for both children and adults to take to heart. After reading, you might find yourself thinking about all the little ways you can share your love, too.

So You Want To Be A Dinosaur Hunter

So You Want To Be A Dinosaur Hunter (Paleontologist) by Linda Soules

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

Are you interested in hunting for dinosaurs and making a new discovery? In “So You Want To Be A Dinosaur Hunter (Paleontologist) by Linda Soules readers learn just what it takes to become a paleontologist. This nonfiction career guide is the perfect book for any reader to see exactly what a paleontologist does and just how intricate their job truly is in discovering not only dinosaurs, but other things like shark teeth, or even fossilized plants. Do you have a sense of wanting to discover something no one else has before? Then this job might be the perfect fit for you!  Purchase Here.

In yet another wonderful book by Linda Soules, she meticulously shared details with her readers on just what it takes to become a paleontologist. As an adult, I must admit, when I hear the term paleontologist, I associate it with dinosaurs only. Was I so wrong in that assumption! I walked away learning that paleontologists discover so much more than just dinosaur bones. They study fossilized plants, ancient pollen, prehistoric shark teeth, insects, and even footprints left in the mud that turned into stone. Their job is more well-rounded than I give them credit for. Just the thought of discovering something that is a million years old gave me the excitement to start paying more attention to the ground that I walk on. You never know what you might find if you pay close attention to your surroundings.

This is just another well-written and wonderfully laid out book for children to learn from if they are interested in becoming a paleontologist. This is one of over 190+ nonfiction career books that Linda Soules has devoted her time and research to writing for children. I must admit, I wish there was such a wonderful series of career books back when I was a child. She has covered so many varying field choices that children are lucky to have such valuable information right at the palm of their hands. Plus, in each book, the author adds sections of Fun Facts, Glossary of Terms, and a plentiful section entitled Want To Learn More in which she lists books to read, websites to visit, things to do to prepare you for that specific career, and even organizations you should familiarize yourself with to gather more information if you truly want to be a paleontologist.

The illustrations provided by Linda Soules were also carefully chosen and perfectly tell the story to readers in picture format. The pictures are just as detailed as the storyline itself. As an adult, I found myself stopping to take in the illustrations just as much as I did the written text.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be…series of career-exploring books. This is a continually growing series aimed at informing children of the various careers that might be available to them as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want To Be A Dinosaur Hunter (Paleontologist) is another one of the fabulous additions to the career series for children. The research she has done on this topic shines throughout the pages, and I’m sure it will spark many children into considering if they want to be a paleontologist. This series is one for your child’s at-home library and would be a wonderful addition to school and public libraries. I highly recommend it!

 

So You Want To Be A Zookeeper

So You Want To Be A Zookeeper by Linda Soules

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

A zookeeper isn’t just someone who wants to play with animals. It’s a job of protecting those animals which is thoroughly explained in “So You Want To Be A Zookeeper” by Linda Soules. As the zookeeper devotes their time, knowledge, and energy into taking care of a wild animal, a strong bond of trust and respect forms between the animal and keeper. A bond that is truly unique and special between the two. In this nonfiction children’s career book, young readers will learn about some of the pros and cons of becoming a zookeeper. Do you have the desire to become a devoted zookeeper?  Purchase Here.

This is another book in this delightful series, So You Want To Be…,and this one is special to me as an adult. I have a deep love for domestic and wild animals, and I was fascinated with all the amazing facts and informational tidbits Soules provided in yet another educational book children can use as a future career reference guide. I was learning right along with the young readers just how detailed a zookeeper’s job really is and how dedicated they must be to keep the zoo animals healthy and happy throughout their lifetimes. One fact that truly left an impression on me was the idea that a zookeeper’s ultimate achievement is to love and care for each individual animal to help them not become extinct in the world.

The detailed and interesting facts the author provided her readers with showed just how much time and research she had put into each book in this series so far. Children will easily walk away learning new facts, like I did, of things they didn’t know prior to reading this informative book.

The illustrations were plentiful throughout this book and fit perfectly telling the story in picture format. Each one was vibrant in color and eye-catching to the readers. You can’t help but stop to take in the complete scope of each illustration provided because it perfectly enhances the story the author has written.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be…series of career exploring books. This is a continually growing series aimed at informing children of the various careers that might be available to them as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want To Be A Zookeeper” by Linda Soules is another career informing book that I think children will love. The information provided is meticulously detailed, allowing readers the full scope of what it takes to be a dedicated zookeeper. The illustrations are gorgeous in design and perfectly fit the written words provided. This is another winner in my eyes, and I feel readers will love it just as much as I did. I eagerly can’t wait to read more books in this educational and fun children’s series!

So You Want To Be a Marine Biologist

So You Want To Be A Marine Biologist by Linda Soules

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

In this illustrated nonfiction children’s career guide, “So You Want To Be A Marine Biologist” by Linda Soules, readers are taken on an amazing adventure learning the intricacies of what it’s like to become a marine biologist. Children and adults alike will learn many interesting facts, not only about the marine environment, but also exactly what it takes to become a marine biologist.  Purchase Here.

The first thing that truly stuck out to me was how Linda Soules jam-packed this children’s book with so many interesting facts that readers of any age will walk away with knowledge they didn’t have before reading it. As an adult, I learned that the ocean covers more than seventy percent of our planet. That percentage made me stop for a moment to take it in. I truly never put this kind of intense thought into such a dynamic piece of information. Plus, another truly interesting fact I learned is that the ocean environment produces more than half the oxygen we breathe. If these two pieces of information don’t intrigue you, how about another fact that eighty percent of the ocean hasn’t even been explored yet? Those facts would make any reader in awe of just how significant our ocean is in our day-to-day environment.

Another thing I never put much thought to was how involved a marine biologist’s job truly is. They don’t just study the ocean and its inhabitants; they must devote their lives to learning about and supporting such an integral living environment for generations to come. Soules provided detailed information that will allow children to truly see just how involved the life of a marine biologist is in sustaining not only every human being, but also all the ocean’s inhabitants that we depend on for our lives. This informative book will delight readers of all ages because there is so much information for every reader to learn from.

The illustrations were AI-generated by Soules, and she fully disclosed that she worked diligently on trying to make these generated images as unique and specific as possible to help guide her readers along a marine biologist’s journey. The colors and detailed illustrations were treasures provided throughout this nonfiction guide.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be…series, which is a children’s nonfiction series of career-exploring books. This series is continually growing to help inform children of various careers that will be available to them as they get older. This series has won many awards and continues to grow in popularity as each new book is added.

Overall, “So You Want To Be A Marine Biologist” by Linda Soules is one nonfiction career book that will entertain readers of various ages. The information is intriguing to learn, the illustrations are spot-on to the data being offered throughout, and the additional bonuses of Fun Facts, Glossary of Terms, and the Want To Learn More sections perfectly complement the entire guide offered. It comes highly recommended!

 

The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted House

The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted House by Jan Berenstain and Mike Berenstain

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

The Berenstain Bears and the Haunted House is a classic Bear Country story that’s spooky, silly, and comforting. It captures the fun of Halloween without becoming too scary for young readers, which is why it’s so effective.  Purchase Here.

Brother and Sister Bear explore a creepy old house filled with cobwebs, shadows, and classic haunted details. True to the Berenstain Bears vibe, the suspense never gets too intense. The “haunted” house is really just a backdrop for teaching kids that being scared usually comes from not knowing what’s going on, and that once you look a little closer, those fears can turn into something enjoyable.

The illustrations by Stan and Jan are expressive and detailed, with many small visual jokes for kids who like to look closely at each page. The spooky parts are drawn playfully, so even sensitive readers can enjoy the story without feeling scared.

The pacing is really what gives this story its charm. It creates just the right amount of suspense to keep everyone interested, and then it all ends on a good note.   It’s a great pick for autumn, but honestly, it fits any time of year if your kid enjoys a soft, spooky story.

Basically, it’s a warm, mildly spooky story that delivers the classic Berenstain Bears mix—soft life lessons, comforting family time, and a kid‑friendly way to talk about fear and bravery.

This book is recommended for ages 4-8.

 

 

 

 

Dadd

Daddy, I Love You by Elena Ulyeva

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

Elena Ulyeva’s Daddy, I Love You is a gentle and heartfelt picture book about the special bond between a father and child. The story is about a young bear who loves being with his dad. What makes this book stand out is how honestly it shows real family life, from playful moments to small adventures, and the comfort of knowing Dad is always there to come back to.  Purchase Here.

Little Bear wants to spend each day being near his Dad.  Outdoors, he notices and laughs at the tiny things only children seem to catch, and he falls into those familiar quiet pauses any parent knows from having a little one always nearby. And those quick looks kids give — that mix of excitement and pure admiration — show up here too, the kind that makes you stop for a second because they just want to be close. Ulyeva keeps the feelings steady and believable, never pushing the sweetness too far, which is why the story feels honest rather than polished.

The illustrations are a highlight. They are bright, expressive, and warm, bringing the characters to life with soft textures and inviting colors. Each page feels cozy and welcoming, the kind of art that draws kids in and makes them want to look longer. The pictures show the father bear’s patience, playfulness, and love in a way that young readers can easily understand.

This book is perfect for reading together. It is short enough for bedtime, but still has enough heart to inspire extra snuggles and requests to read it again. It would make a sweet Father’s Day gift or a nice choice for any dad who wants a story about the joy of being with his child.

Overall, Daddy, I Love You is a warm and reassuring picture book that celebrates everyday love in an honest and simple way. It’s the kind of story families choose when they want something gentle, sweet, and full of heart.