Children's Picture Book Review: Diwali in My New Home by

Title: Diwali In My New Home 

Written by: Shachi Kaushik  

Illustrated by: Aishwarya Tandon  

Publisher: Beaming Books (September 27, 2022) 

Hardcover: 32 pages 

ISBN-10: 1506484077 

ISBN-13: 978-1506484075 

Reading age: 4 - 8 years 

Grade level: 1 - 2 

Picture Book Review – by Donna M. McDine 

Priya has moved with her family from India and longs for the colorful and joyful days of celebrating Diwali. The customs she so cherishes remain in her heart and the desire to celebrate in her new home thousands of miles away from all that she has ever known.  Her parents, knowing the importance of not forgetting their beautiful customs, prepare their new home just the way they always did in India. And by doing so it naturally gathers the neighbors in their curiosity of learning about Diwali. The heartwarming connection through the Diwali customs will have the reader's heart soaring.   Accompanied with a glossary and Diwali history is an added bonus! Personally, while I am a Roman Catholic, I enjoyed how the deity, Lakshmi, was brought into the history as well as the deities Ganesha, Rama, Sita, and Lakshman. as I have a statue of Lakshimi in my home and often pray to her.   The illustrations by Aishwarya Tandon will warm your heart and have you smiling throughout the story of young, Priya. 

Visit Shachi Kaushik at www.storiesbyshachi.com 

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Best wishes,

Donna M. McDine

Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Angel's Forever Home ~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books ~ 2019 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Six and Older

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Book Review - Caitie the Caterpiller by Jennifer Gladen

• Title: Caitie the Caterpiller
• Author: Jennifer Gladen
• Illustrator: Eugene Ruble
• Paperback: 16 pages
• Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing; Softcover ed. edition (April 20, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616337516
• ISBN-13: 978-1616337513

Caitie the Caterpillar is on a journey far from home to find milkweed. Along the way she is tormented by an insect-eating bird named, Swift Sparrow. Caitie does everything in her power to avoid being captured. Will her frustration and exhaustion result in her demise? Will the unexpected encouragement from Alexander the Ant bring forth new courage and allow her time to transform? Or will she falter and be captured? 

Journey along into the creative world of children’s author, Jennifer Gladen, through Caitie’s rollercoaster adventure of friendship and renewal. And take time to discover what perseverance can result in. 

Amazon

Thank you for your time and interest

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Angel's Forever Home~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Book Review ~ Angel Donor by Jennifer Gladen

• Title: Angel Donor
• Author: Jennifer Gladen
• Illustrator: Samantha Bell
• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc; Large type / large print edition edition (June 6, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616332743
• ISBN-13: 978-1616332747
• 
  

A reflection of obvious illness is apparent every morning when Olivia looks at herself in the mirror. The waiting for a liver transplant begins to wear on her emotions in that someone must die so she can live. How does one reconcile with such conflicting emotions? Finding comfort with her friend Caroline, Olivia attempts normalcy with their friendship. As the days have turned into months of waiting is time running out for Olivia? 

Jennifer Gladen expertly creates a story of patience and kindness from the unselfish acts of others. An all too real story that is important to share with children to invoke the same attributes within themselves. 

Amazon

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Angel's Forever Home~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Book Review ~ A Star in the Night by Jennifer Gladen

• Author: Jennifer Gladen
• Illustrator: K.C. Snider
• Paperback: 20 pages
• Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc; large type edition edition (September 30, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616330554
• ISBN-13: 978-1616330552

Young David starts out his Christmas Eve errand with one thing on his mind… Mr. Renetti’s Bakery and their delicious Christmas cookies. On his return home David comes upon several different people in need. Will his excitement and hunger for the Christmas cookies distract him from the needs of others or will he find compassion and action for others? 

Children’s author, Jennifer Gladen creates a unique Christmas story of the importance of our inactions or actions toward every living creature. A Star in the Night is sure to become a go to book for not only the Christmas season but always. 

Amazon

Thank you for your time and interest!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Angel's Forever Home~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Book Review - Teresa's Shadow by Jennifer Gladen

• Title: Teresa's Shadow
• Author: Jennifer Gladen
• Illustrator: Marina Movshina
• Paperback: 16 pages
• Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (October 20, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616331038
• ISBN-13: 978-1616331030

A bump in the night startles Teresa and her curiosity spirals into imagination. What will Teresa do when she comes face-to-face with Corky the shadow monster? Will panic ensue or will an unlikely friendship develop in finding one’s way home? 

Ms. Gladen creates a story of an imagination filled with wonder that a bump in the night may not just be a bump in the night. A perfect story to share with your young muses and discuss the mind developing question, “What do you think happens next?” Bravo! 

Amazon

Thank you for your time and interest!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Angel's Forever Home~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Angel's Forever Home ~ Reviewed by Maureen's Musings

Angel's Forever Home ~ Reviewed by Maureen's Musings 

We are delighted to share with you the latest book review of Angel's Forever Home by

Maureen's Musings

Be sure to visit Maureen and 

discover what she has to say about Angel's Forever Home, 

but learn about other amazing books as well.

Thank you Maureen!

#maureensmusings

#dogrescuebook

#picturebook

#picturebookreview

#angels4everhome

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author
Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Angel's Forever Home ~ March 2019 ~ Mascot Books

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Red Headed Book Lover reviews Hockey Agony by Donna McDine

I am thrilled to share the link to the Red Headed Book Lover's review of my children's picture book.... Hockey Agony

Thank you Aimee for your time and heartwarming and thoughtful review of Hockey Agony!

You have made my Christmas!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Children's Picture Book Review: Maggie Mae, Detective Extraordinaire: The Case of the Missing Cookies

The sweet smell of super-duper snicker doodles wafts through the air as Grandma prepares for the bake sale. Singing away as she wraps each dozen into plastic bags, she is astonished that bags are missing. Calling on her granddaughter, Maggie Mae, to help solve the mystery of the missing cookies, Maggie Mae puts her detective skills to the test. Interviewing each member of the household, grandfather, brother and even Toby the dog she attempts to catch the culprit and to unearth what the whistle noise before a bag of snicker doodles goes missing has to do with it.

Join YA and Kids' author, Margo Dill as she creates a mystery of intrigue that will have the reader jumping to their own conclusions in hopes of solving the mystery before Maggie Mae, Detective Extraordinaire does.  Jack Foster’s trademark illustrations provide sweetness throughout.

Learn more about Margo Dill’s intriguing writing world at http://margodill.com/blog/.

Visit Jack Foster’s colorful world at http://jacktoon.blogspot.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Farvorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Book Review: Carla’s Cloud Catastrophe by Beth Bence Reinke

Title:                            Carla’s Cloud Catastrophe

Written by:                  Beth Bence Reinke

Illustrated by:              Ginger Nielson

Soft cover:                  24 pages

Ages:                           4-8

Publisher:                    4RV Publishing, LLC

Print ISBN 13:            978-0-982-8346-0-2

Published:                   June 2011

Retail Price:                 $13.99

A joyful birthday celebration long planned comes to a screeching halt when it appears the sky is falling. Not to be stalled by the clouds that have blanketed her town, Carla is determined to make her way home with her special birthday cake.

However, her father, the Director of Transportation has other plans. Taking the lead in solving this unusual catastrophe they join the mayor at town hall for an emergency meeting. Will the adults practical solutions or Carla’s imagination solve the cloud catastrophe in time to enjoy Carla’s birthday party or will the town stay blanketed by clouds forever?

What better way to spark the interest of science in our young muses but through this imaginative story. Children’s author Beth Bence Reinke brings the questions “what is a cloud” and “how do they float” to life in this laugh out loud story, which will surely create lively discussions both in and outside the classroom.

Carla’s Cloud Catastrophe would not be complete without Ginger Nielson’s vivid and clever illustrations; making Carla’s story a true gem for libraries, classrooms, and homes throughout the world.

Author: Beth Bence Reinke

Website: http://www.bethbencereinke.com 

Illustrator: Ginger Nielson

Website: http://www.gingernielson.com

Blog: http://www.gingerpixels.blogspot.com/

Publisher: 4RV Publishing http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com

4RV Publishing online bookstore: http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Book Review: Little Shepherd by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Title:                Little Shepherd

Author:            Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Illustrator:        Eugene Ruble

Soft cover:      16 pages

Publisher:        Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. / August 2010

ISBN-13:        978-161633-085-9

E-book ISBN: 978-161633-086-6

Wise beyond his years, young Obed has become a seasoned shepherd boy. Acutely aware of the hillside surroundings while tending his flock Obed stares at the sky in wonderment. A single bright light fills the sky. At first afraid, Obed felt a calmness wash over him as the beautiful angels descend, proclaiming “A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Unsure what their message means, Obed looks to his father for guidance. With reassurances from his father, Obed and the older shepherds journey to Bethlehem to meet the newborn King. Their journey and meeting Christ the Lord is nothing less than miraculous.

Your fist reaction may be, oh goodness another story on the birth of Christ. Toss those thoughts away and immerse yourself and your children into the magical arrival of Christ the Lord. Children’s author, Cheryl C. Malandrinos has re-explored and created a beautiful re-enactment of Christ the Lord’s birth in a unique and awe inspiring rendition which surely will become classical reading in Christian religious school studies and home libraries.

The old time illustrations expertly created by illustrator, Eugene Ruble will leave you feeling that you journeyed through the countryside with Obed and his fellow shepherds.

Visit children’s author, Cheryl C. Malandrinos at:

http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/

http://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/

http://ccmalandrinos.tripod.com/

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist