#BookReview ~ The Mystery of the Blue Train (Mini Mysteries) by Marci Kay Monson; Illustrated by Greg Paprocki #AgathaChristie #ChildrensBook #Mystery

 

About the Book:

This retelling of Agatha Christie’s The Mystery of the Blue Train is the second book in the Mini Mysteries series of interactive picture book mysteries for children.

“The second charming installment in the Mini Mysteries series makes murder feel marvelously cozy. The playful rhyming text is a pleasure to breeze through....Bustling, vibrant illustrations are packed with detail....A wonderful way to get young readers hooked on whodunits.”—Booklist

The Mystery of the Blue Train is one of Agatha Christie’s early detective novels (a cozy mystery—no violence or gore), and where she continues to use the fictional detective Hercule Poirot as a major character. The story, set on a train bound for the French Riviera, is a true who-done-it full of mysterious characters, missing jewels, and teasing clues. Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it in a way that is fun for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Christie’s mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.

There is also a glossary of terms and French words.

My Review:

The Mystery of the Blue Train is not just a #MiniMystery but an activity book. Developed for children, this book features vibrant illustrations, enrichment activities, and a shortened but engaging mystery.

I love the introductions of the players, the development of the mystery, and the solution to the mystery. The author also includes a glossary of English and French terms.

Children will enjoy working with Hercule Poirot to solve The Mystery of the Blue Train.

My Rating:

Amazon

  

This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ The Twelve Days of Christmas Dogs by #AmandaSobotka and illustrated by #ChrisDunn ~ #TheTwelveDaysofChristmas #Christmas #ChildrensBook #Dogs #DogLovers

 

#TheTwelveDaysofChristmas #Christmas #ChildrensBook #Dogs #DogLovers

5/5 Stars

I absolutely adore this take on The Twelve Days of Christmas. As a lover of dogs, this was right up my alley. Children, and adults alike, will love this version. The illustrations are vibrant and eye catching, the artwork is creative and nostalgic, and they lyrics are a fun twist on the original.

This story will be a hit with anyone, but especially for those who love our canine friends.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

https://amzn.to/46ZnjDm

This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ It's Time for Halloween ~ Illustrated by Kathrin Fehrl #ChildrensBook # BoardBook #Halloween #GibbsSmith

An ode to Halloween and the joys of trick or treating, this colorful, chunky, die-cut board book is a work of art meant to be displayed face-out on nursery bookshelves.

Book Details:

Book Format: Board Book
Publisher: ‎ Gibbs Smith
Publication Date: ‎ July 8, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 12 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1423668502
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1423668503
Reading Age: ‎ Baby - 3 years

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

Follow along for trick-or-treating through the neighborhood on Halloween night!

Grab your hat, vampire bat
Fill your tummy, mummy

Dress it up, little pup
Howl at the moon, big baboon

Let’s raise a scare, grizzly bear

Now we’ve made a masquerade,
A spooky Halloween parade

No matter how you scare, I don’t care,
You’re my little boo and I love you!

Every page turn reveals a new layer to Kathrin Fehrl’s adorable illustrations of kids dressed up as ghosts, pumpkins, cats, witches, mummies, and fairies, with a fun seek-and-find for each scene. Perfect for Halloween lovers of all ages, this sweet story is a celebration of one of the best times of the year.

My Review:

It's Time for Halloween is a beautifully illustrated children's book. The story is simple and cute. The illustrations are vibrant and adorable. Everything about this book will fascinate youngsters.

Fitting for a quick bedtime story, this board book can also be read anytime - even outside of Halloween. Each layered page of the book includes questions, encouraging interaction from those of appropriate age. This would make a perfect gift for your Halloween-loving children and grandchildren. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Thank you Gibbs Smith!

My Rating:

This post contains affiliate links.

If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin ~ #ChildrensBook #Christmas

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is the story of a young girl who loves Christmas. When she sees that the people of Melodica are losing their Christmas spirit, she sets out to help them rekindle their magic...

Book Details:

Title: Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir

Author: Mike Martin

Publication Date: October 15, 2024

Pages: 24

Genre: Mezzo Publications

About the Book:

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is the story of a young girl who loves Christmas. When she sees that the people of Melodica are losing their Christmas spirit, she sets out to help them rekindle their magic. At the end she finds that all we really need is to believe in the power of love.

My Review:

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is a fully illustrated children's book. This is a wonderful holiday story fit for everyone, children and adults alike. The illustrations are cute and vibrant. The message portrayed is one of love and rekindling the Christmas spirit of the residents of an entire town. 

This is a quick read and perfect for a bedtime story. Of course, Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir can be read anytime - including outside the holiday season. While the setting is Christmastime, the message is about hope and love, and how one person can lift the spirits of many - a perfect message for anytime of the year. 

Please understand that I read holiday themed books at all time so the year, whether they coincide with the actual holiday time period, or not. Sometimes it's not so much the holiday that captures my attention, it's the message, theme, or synopsis of the book. Uplifting stories should be read whenever the mood strikes, and not just during the holidays. Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is a beautifully written children's story that shouldn't be stuffed on a shelf 11 months of the year. Sophie needs to be out delivering her message all year long.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Princess Sophie and the Magic Elixir is available at Amazon.

More Children's Books by Mike Martin:

Amazon

Amazon

Visit the Author:

X ➜ https://www.x.com/mike54martin

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552604938333

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220363612-princess-sophie-and-the-christmas-elixir

Originally review for Pump Up Your Book.

This blog uses affiliate links.

#BookReview ~D is for Dogs by Greg Paprocki ~ #BabyLit #AlphabetBoard #Toddlers #Children #Dogs #GibbsSmith

 

Book Information:

$12.99 U.S. • Board Book

6 3/8 x 8 3/8 in, 32 Pages

Full-Color Illustrations

Ages 0 to 3

On Sale: 9/3/2024

9781423667551

Rights: Worldwide

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

Learn with your toddler from A to Z all about different kinds of dogs and their funny doggy behaviors.

A fun collection of illustrations for young readers featuring a variety of dog breeds―ranging from large to tiny―that toddlers might see in their neighborhoods or on TV. These cute-as-can-be dogs―athletic dogs playing in the park, wet dogs shaking off water, sleepy dogs taking naps, hungry dogs having a snack, and more antics―will make toddlers laugh and smile. Another delightful BabyLit alphabet board book featuring Greg Paprocki’s classically retro mid-century art style that’s proven to be a hit with both young children and adults.

My Review:

D is for Dogs is a fun alphabet book perfect for toddlers and younger children. The illustrations are amazing. I love the retro vibe.

The pages are wonderfully designed. The top of each page features a large letter. The bottom of each page features a corresponding action pertaining to dogs.

A perfect gift for dog lovers with toddlers and young children in their lives.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Meet the Author:

GREG PAPROCKI works full-time as an illustrator and book designer.

He has illustrated several Curious George books, the Little

Leonardo series, and the BabyLit alphabet board books including

S Is for Santa, B Is for Boo, E Is for Easter, and C Is for Camping.

Greg’s Gibbs Smith titles have sold 820,000 copies. He lives in

Omaha, Nebraska.

This blog uses affiliate links.

Release Day #Review ~ The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps! by Gabrielle Balkan (Author) and Sol Linero (Illustrator) #The50States #NetGalley #ChildrensBook #States #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #America

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ 1847807119
Publisher: ‎ Wide Eyed Editions; Illustrated edition (October 1, 2015)
Hardcover: ‎ 112 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 9781847807113
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1847807113
Reading age: ‎ 5 - 9 years, from customers
Grade level: ‎ 2 - 5

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

In 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps, explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming and the nation’s capital to discover more than 2,000 facts that celebrate the people, cities, nature, and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. You'll also get an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.

Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe…bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky…The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues…be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty, and diversity of the United States in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

On each wonderful map, find:

A welcome box with a short introduction to the state
Key facts, including the capital; state bird, flower, and tree; and statehood order
State icons celebrating the state’s people, places, and history
Six inspiring people who have a connection to the state
Region spotlight bubbles to allow you to discover more about one particular place
A moments to remember box with a list of significant dates and their events in the state’s history

Each state’s map also contains information about which states it neighbors, its bodies of water and borders, as well as where it is situated in the country. Did you know that while Hawaii shares its border with no one, both Missouri and Tennessee border eight other states? Many state parks, battlefields, national forests, and reservations are also included to inspire you to respect and explore the great outdoors.

So pack your bags and say later ‘gator…the great States await!

My Review:

The 50 States is a wonderful educational tool for children. Filled to the brim with historical data, facts about each state, and other tidbits of information, children of all ages will find this book informative. The colorful and vibrancy of the illustrations grab your attention. 

I loved the historical facts, state information, and the spotlights on famous and influential people who came from each particular state. The "Moments to Remember" included on each page feature historical events and the dates they occurred. I enjoyed learning different things about each state, but especially my own state of Michigan. This a great tool for educating everyone about the United States.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

The blog uses affiliate links.

Fantasy Friday Presented by Sapphyria's Books ~ #Review of Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese ~ Written by Regan W.H. Macaulay @ReganWHMacaulay and Illustrated by Alex Zgud #Childrens #Fantasy @MirrorWorldPub

About Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese:

Beverlee Beaz, the brown Burmese, longs for adventure and has the powerful imagination to make it happen. On a lovely, but otherwise ordinary day, she seeks excitement among the forests and fields surrounding her home. The ordinary suddenly becomes extraordinary in the eyes of this wildly creative little brown cat.

Follow Beverlee on her adventure through the forest, over the hills… and into the world of her imagination!

My Review:

Beverlee Beaz has quite the imagination. She longs for adventure and as we walks along the areas around her home she has many exciting encounters. There is no end to her wild imagination. Children will love her romps through areas filled with kangaroos, dinosaurs, and magical creatures. The pages are illustrated with vibrant, fun pictures. The author and illustrator have done an excellent job bringing Beverlee and her adventures to life.

My Rating:

Book Details:

Page Count: 48
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Tags: Fantasy, Imagination, Farm Animals
Publisher: Mirror World Publishing
Publish Date: April 17, 2019

Purchase Links:

Mirror World Publishing

Amazon

Visit the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReganWHMacaulay

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReganWHMacaulay 

Website: https://reganwhmacaulay.weebly.com/

Children's Book Review ~ The Coffee Monster and the Land of Coffee by Nate Friedman ~ Children's Book #PictureBook ~ @MirrorWorldPub #NateFriedman #Coffee

About Coffee Monster and the Land of Coffee:

The Coffee Monster’s family has a secret. 

The Coffee Monster has been a part of a great family for as long as he can remember. There’s mom and dad, Jenna and James. Everything in the Coffee Monster’s life is perfect until he learns of the place he came from, The Land of Coffee, and is given the chance to visit. There, he’ll learn all about his heritage and the extended family he never knew he had. 

In this sequel to Nate Friedman’s debut children’s book, our lovable Coffee Monster is confronted with the truth of his past where he learns the true meaning of family through a journey to the land of his birth.

My Review:

The Coffee Monster and the Land of Coffee is a short picture book suitable for children and adults. Children will love the colors and silly characters and adult will love the lessons the Coffee Monster teaches to the children. Easy to read, The Coffee Monster and the Land of Coffee will become one of your children's favorite bedtime stories.

The characters, underlying story, and vibrant pictures make this book enjoyable. The watercolor-type illustrations are wonderful and well-done. Cute book, great story, and easy to read. Highly recommended.

I was given a copy of the book to read.

My Rating:

Book Details:

Series: The Coffee Monster (Book 2)

Paperback: 40 pages

Publisher: Mirror World Publishing 

Publish Date: February 17, 2020

ISBN-10: 1987976606

ISBN-13: 978-1987976601

Purchase Links:

Mirror World Publishing

Amazon

Re-launch of The Coffee Monster, Book 1

About the Book:

There's a little 'Coffee Monster' in all of us...

In a pleasant little town lives a normal family with a mom, a dad and two beautiful children. There is just one thing that makes this family different from most other families; they don't have a dog, a cat, or pets of any kind. Instead, they have a Coffee Monster! Follow Jenna and James as they try to deal with the Coffee Monster's antics and help him overcome a personal struggle. Through this simple, but comedic tale, learn about the value of telling the truth, taking care of oneself and each other, and how to work-through everyday issues. Most of all, you just might learn that there's a little 'Coffee Monster' in all of us...

Read My Review of Book 1:

Amazon

Book Details:

Series: The Coffee Monster (Book 1)

Paperback: 36 pages

Publisher: Mirror World Publishing 

Publish Date: July 1, 2015

ISBN-10: 0994749015

ISBN-13: 978-0994749017

Purchase Links:

Mirror World Publishing

Amazon

Follow the Book Tour:

https://saphsbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2020/02/book-tour-schedule-coffee-monster-and.html

Meet the Author:

I want to change the world, one smile at a time!

A writer from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Nate graduated from the Kinesiology program at the University of Windsor. His education has fuelled a keen interest in how people think and what drives them to be their best. Comedy is his first love and his desire to be creative has directed him towards writing children’s literature. He enjoys reading to his nephews, two of his biggest fans.

Connect with Nate:

Website

Facebook

Publisher Website:

Mirror World Publishing

Book #Review: We'll Get Through This Together by Ulrike Szalay ~ All proceeds from the sale of this book go toward Project Hearts-N-Tails, a program of the Canines-N-Kids Foundation ~ @CNKFoundation

Book Details:

We'll Get Through This Together
Ulrike Szalay

Age Range: 5 - 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Archway
Publish Date: September 16, 2019

ISBN-10: 1480879568
ISBN-13: 978-1480879560

About the Book:

Hospitals and treatments can be scary when you're a child and have been diagnosed with cancer or any other life-threatening illness. In We'll Get through This Together, a black lab accompanies a young boy going through cancer treatment. From entering the hospital, to meeting the doctors and nurses, to taking medicine, the patient and the dog journey side by side.

Told from the lab's perspective, this picture book for children offers comfort and provides reassurance that they'll get through it together.

In addition, We'll Get through This Together explains the profound connection between children, our canine best friends, the cancers they both develop, and the promise of comparative cancer research to speed the development of new and better medicines for both. All proceeds from the sale of this book go toward Project Hearts-N-Tails, a program of the Canines-N-Kids Foundation.

Grab Your Copy Now:  Amazon

My Review:

Narrated from a pet canine's perspective, We'll Get Through This Together provides comfort and understanding to children undergoing cancer treatment. Having a wonder pet, in this case a dog, to lean on during treatment provides comfort to children in hospitals. The author narrates a beautifully illustrated children's book without sugar-coating cancer, treatments, or side-effects, but does not discuss these things harshly.

One of the author's main missions is to alert the world to the under-served populations of children and animals in the advancement of cancer treatments. She launched Canines-N-Kids Foundation to prioritize pediatric and canine cancer research. It's time to bring researchers and doctors together to treat vulnerable populations. Learn more about this wonderful foundation at www.caninesnkids.org

A must have for anyone with children diagnosed with cancer. Wonderful book for children and adults. Highly recommended read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book to read.

My Rating: