Tobin the pangolin awakens one evening to the smell of a sweet pomelo.  Following the scent, he reaches the golden fruit and prepares to take a bite.  The pangolin soon realizes that he is not alone.

A strange creature leaps down from the trees above claiming that Tobin is a thief.  Feeling threatened, Tobin  releases a smelly gas.  The two begin to quarrel when the bushes suddenly start to rustle.  Could the pair be in even bigger trouble than they thought?

I love this first installment in The Nocturnals Grow and Read Early Readers Program series.  Tracey Hecht and Rumur Dowling's characters are enchanting.  I especially love how each character has his/her own distinct personality.  I definitely felt a wide arrange of emotions while reading this story.  My heart ached for poor Tobin.  I laughed at Bismark and I could totally relate to Dawn's serenity and wisdom.

Waymond Singleton's illustrations are truly captivating.  Each creature is beyond adorable and has his/her own specific facial expressions.  While the story takes place at night, Singleton makes wonderful use of white space and does not make the illustrations too dark.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 5-9.  They will fall in love with the kindly characters and the mysteriousness of a nighttime setting.  I cannot wait to read the next book in The Nocturnals series.


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Dexter T. Rexter is the coolest dinosaur around.  He lives with his best friend, Jack.  One day, the pair go to the doctor for a check-up.

Dexter was so into his coloring that he did not see Jack leave.  He tries everything he can to get Jack to come back.  Panic sets in as Dexter worries that he may be left at the doctor's office forever!  

What if Jack left Dexter behind on purpose?  What if he is being replaced by other toys?  Will Dexter spend the rest of his days alone?

I absolutely adore this book!  I fell in love with Dexter on page one.  I love how expressive his eyes and eyebrows are.  I truly connected with the plot as well.  When I was young, I had a stuffed bear named Curly that literally went everywhere with me.  My heart would have broken if he had gone missing.

I think that showing the bond between a child and toy through the eyes of the toy is especially gripping.  I was crying right along with Dexter.  I believe that adult readers will also resonate with the theme of feeling forgotten.

Ward's illustrations are simplistic yet powerful.  Dexter is simply adorable!  Not to mention that he is my favorite color, orange.   I also love the subtle details such as Dexter's tummy and claws looking like sheets of notebook paper that a child would draw on.

This is a fantastic book for readers of all ages.  Children will love snuggling up with their favorite toy as they cheer Dexter on in his quest to find his best friend.  

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My mother asked me what I wanted for my birthday.  I told her that I really wanted was a custom Pesties plush of my oldest dog, Theo.  At 14 years of age, I know that I will unfortunately not have Theo in my life forever.

The past five months have seen several major health issues afflict my furry best friend.  Theo had sudden onset glaucoma in his right eye and lost his vision immediately.  While losing his sight, we also thought that he had had stroke.  Theo was admitted to Veterinary Specialty Services in Missouri multiple times.

While at VSS, we made the decision to proceed with a CT scan and spinal tap. Thankfully, he was given a clean bill of health and a diagnosis of being an old dog.  Theo recently underwent an eight hour test to see if he has Cushing's disease.  The results were negative!

This made my desire for a Petsies plush of Theo quite strong.  I want to have something amazing to remember Theo by when his time comes.  Yes, I will definitely have the wonderful memories, fur covered clothing and worn out doggie sweaters.  But I wanted something more.

My husband and I ordered our first Pesties in honor of our differently-abled Dachshund, Hope.  The product of a backyard breeder, she was born without eyes and is completely deaf.  We were completely blown away when her plush arrived.

I knew that my Pesties of Theo was going to be amazing.  However, I had not fully prepared myself for the awesomeness that was to come.  The large, white box arrived with the word  PETSIES emblazoned on the sides.  My hands trembled as I slowly pulled off the packing tape.

I caught a glimpse of the tan fur.  Gently parting the tissue paper, I removed the plush.  My eyes welled with tears.  Theo's plush was perfect!

As I inspected Theo's twin, I noticed the subtle details that Petsies had captured.  I had not told them that Theo's brown nose has black flecks in it.  Nor did I tell them about the scar on his front left leg made by a hot spot that took forever to heal.

Petsies did not simply copy Theo from the photos that I sent.  They actually took the time to pour over the images and detect the finite details and characteristics that make Theo the fantastically unique pooch that he is.

I could not be happier with my Petsies plush.  Now, I have an amazing keepsake that will help keep my best friend in my life forever.  To create your own custom Petsies, visit their website at:  https://www.mypetsies.com/

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Internet sensation Grumpy Cat stars in Grumpy Cat's First Worst Christmas.  Grumpy's friend, Pokey, tries everything she can think of to get Grumpy Cat in the holiday spirit.  She suggests making a snow-cat, decorating the Christmas tree and even baking cookies for Santa.

Grumpy Cat cannot seem to find anything to like about the most wonderful time of the year.  Instead, she wants to live in her wonderland of NO.  Will Pokey be able to change Grumpy Cat's mind and keep her off of Santa's naughty list?

I am a huge Grumpy Cat fan, however, I was greatly disappointed with this book.  I found Grumpy Cat to be too grumpy and very depressing.  While I did chuckle at several instances of Grumpy Cat's grumpiness, I do not feel that the few laughs saved the book.

There also seems to be no plot to the story.  The whole theme is simply Grumpy Cat hating Christmas.  I do not think that this is a very good story to read to children, especially during the holidays, which are supposed to be happy and joyous occasions.

While I realize that Grumpy Cat's claim to fame are memes showcasing her sassy and grumpy attitude, this book is simply too one dimensional and melancholy for me.  I feel that this story is more geared towards adults who would better appreciate Grumpy Cat's personality.

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Yoda was once a gorgeous Persian kitten.  He had the most luxurious white fur that looked like freshly fallen snow.  Yoda also had dreams of becoming a super cat!

But those days were long gone.  Yoda had been dumped at an animal shelter by his previous owner.  Now, his white fur was covered with dirt.  He had lost tons of weight because he was too sad to eat.

One day, a woman named Beth came into the shelter.  She immediately chose Yoda to be a part of her family.  He was excited to finally be adopted, but something still didn't feel right.  Then he discovered a room in his new home that housed four foster kittens.

The cuddly cats were out of control!  Yoda just knew that he had to whip the kittens into shape.  Will he be able to control the kitty chaos?  Can Yoda achieve his dream of becoming a super cat?

This is a very touching story.  I love that the book is based on true events.  I also love reading about animals that are given a second chance at life.  The book also sheds light on the importance of animal adoption.  In fact, all proceeds from the sale of the book are donated to the North Shore Animal League America's Bianca's Furry Friends campaign. 

I believe that readers of all ages will be able relate to Yoda's longing to find a purpose.  Children will delight in Devin Crane's illustrations.  Yoda and the kittens are whimsical and adorable.  Cat lovers will especially enjoy this comical kitty read.

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Kelp has always known that he is different from the other narwhals.  His tusk is not as glorious as his friend's.  And he still has not mastered the art of swimming.

One day, a swift current carries Kelp far from home.  He surfaces and sees an animal in the distance that looks just like him!  Stepping onto land for the first time, Kelp begins his search for the magical creature.

He emerges from the forest to find a meadow filled with what must be land narwhals.  Kelp is then informed that the creatures are actually unicorns and is told that he is one too!  How will his underwater friends take this shocking news?  Should Kelp remain on land with his unicorn kin forever?

This is one of my absolute favorite children's picture books of all time!  I love everything about the story.  I can totally relate to Kelp and his feelings of being torn between two worlds.  I think that everyone will be able to relate with Kelp and his journey to find out who (and what) he really is.

Sima's illustrations are adorably fantastic!  I fell in love with Kelp the moment I saw him in the clam shell.  Sima is a master of facial expressions and I love the diverse color palette that she uses which can be seen throughout the book.

Readers of all ages will adore Kelp and cheer him on in his quest to find his true identity.  This book is sure to become a children's classic and will delight readers for years to come.  I hope that Kelp will return to share more of his adventures with the world.

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Leon is a Chihuahua from Brooklyn who knows how to hold his own.  Honey is a rescue mutt with a flare for acting.  They live together with their two dads in New York City.

While the pampered pooches seem to have it made, there is one problem.  Their dads are always traveling for work.  Leon and Honey miss their dads and want to protect them at all times.

One day, Honey hears the familiar sound of luggage being moved.  She and Leon quickly devise a plan to secretly follow their dads.  With bags packed, the mischievous pair hail a taxi and head to the airport.

Will this dynamic duo be able to stay incognito?  Can they complete their mission to protect their dads?  Will Honey ever become a famous actress?

I love this book!  This is definitely one of my all time favorite picture books.  The story is overflowing with humor and heart.  I also love how the book encompasses modern day technology and family life.  From Honey snapping a selfie to the discussion of same-sex couples, this book truly has it all.

Being a pet parent to five rescue dogs, I can totally relate to how much I miss them when I have to go to work or travel to a conference.  I have often wondered what it would be like to take them with me.  I am sure that chaos would ensue, much like with Leon and Honey.

Grant Shaffer's illustrations are beyond adorable.  I love how Shaffer uses pale and pastel colors for the backgrounds while using bold and vibrant colors for the main characters.  This definitely makes Leon and Honey pop off of the page.  I also love how creative Shaffer is with his artwork.  Having a Where's Waldo type spread on the first two pages of the book is pure genius.

I would highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.  Everyone will delight in Leon and Honey's silly antics.  I hope that these courageous canines will have many more adventures to come.

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Maverick shivered as the rain beat down on his tiny head.  The poor pup was weak and all alone.  Suddenly, Maverick felt himself being lifted into the arms of a woman with a soft coat.

He was overjoyed when he then met the manager of a pet supply store who gave him a big bowl of food to eat.  The woman who had rescued Maverick decided to take care of him and help prepare the pooch for adoption.  When adoption day arrived, Maverick was so excited.  He just knew that he was going to find the perfect forever home.

Maverick watched as the other dogs were adopted one by one.  Adoption day was almost over and he had not yet found his family.  Will Maverick ever find a place where he belongs?

I adore this book!  I love the personal message from author Katherine Schwarzenegger featured at the beginning.  This story definitely tugged on my heartstrings.  True stories about rescued animals getting a second chance at life always make me smile.  I especially love that the book sheds light on the adoption option.  

Being the proud pet parent of five rescue dogs and three cats in addition to being an animal advocate and volunteer for various rescue groups and organizations, I am thrilled that this book highlights the importance of foster parents for animals.  Additionally, I love that Scarlett shares her passion for animal adoption with her friends.  This is a very important message that should definitely be taught to children at a young age.

This is a fantastic read for animal lovers of all ages.  I also believe that this book could serve as an educational text for humane education programs for area rescue groups and shelters.  The book would also make a great gift for people with children who are interested in adopting a new pet.

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Strictville is a very serious town with even more serious rules.  Fun is forbidden.  Playing is prohibited.  Everything must be in perfect order at all times.

One day, a puppy appears in the town.  Teddy cannot believe his eyes as the puppy seems to magically multiple.  Soon hundreds of puppies have taken over Strictville!  What could these curious canines be up to?  How will the townspeople handle all of the puppy cuteness?  Can the mayor put an end to the doggy disaster?

I absolutely loved this book!  I was hooked from page one.  Being the proud pet parent to five rescue dogs, I cannot imagine living in a town that has never seen puppies before.  I found this story to be a fresh perspective to the "all work and no play" adage.

Kim Smith's illustrations are stunning.  The puppies seriously could not be any cuter.  Their facial expressions (especially the eyes) are hilarious and heartwarming.  Children will definitely fall in love with the colorful cast of canine characters.

This is a fantastic read for dog lovers of all ages.  I think this book also serves as a great reminder to adults to be sure to take time to play each and every day.    

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Lola loves cats.  She asks her mom if she can have a cat but is told that they are a lot of work.  Not to be deterred, Lola sets out on a mission to prove that she can handle the responsibility.

She goes to the library and checks out a book all about cats and their care.  Lola then begins to treat her stuffed cat, Dinah, like a real cat.  Will she be able to convince her mom that she is well prepared to bring a kitten home?

This book is a fun read for children ages 3 through 9.  The story especially touched my heart because I have a passion for rescue animals.  All of my cats were strays at one time.  I love how this story raises awareness about the importance of adopting animals from local shelters and rescue groups.

Rosalind Beardshaw's illustrations are delightfully adorable.  Children will fall in love with the cute little kitten.  I also love Beardshaw's use of bright and bold colors.  These illustrations will definitely capture the attention of little ones.

Overall, this is a wonderful read.  I would highly recommend gifting this book to a child that is in the process of adopting a cat.  

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