I ended 2017 with a “reading and review” count of 54 indie books (that total doesn’t include non-indie books I read and rated). This is a huge increase from 2016 where I read and reviewed 19 indie books. While I hope to improve on that, I am happy to break 50 books read in any year!
I’m making a list of must-reads for this year. So far, it has 25 books on it in with Yvette Calleiro’s Chronicles of the Diasodz series first on the list. After that is the rest of Larry Landgraf’s Into Autumn series–and this list will only grow once I look at all the books waiting on my Kindle! It’s going to be another year of amazing indie books and sharing the reviews along the way!
Here are my first five reviews of this year (books I gave my grand-kids for Christmas):
Amazing Matilda: The Tale of A Monarch Butterfly
This is a sweet story about a caterpillar named Matilda and her friends. She immediately wants to fly, but is given the advice to be patient and keep trying– when she can’t. The book is illustrated by the author and that adds another level of depth to the book. The story has a lesson that not only kids can learn from, but also the adults who read the book with them. I can’t wait to give this to my grandchildren and will enjoy our reading time together with this delightful tale!
Wish Fish 1: Discovering the Secret
This is a sweet children’s story about two fish, Ray and Roxy, who live in the ocean. The fish duo who go too far into the ocean, get caught in a fisherman’s net, and almost get eaten by a bigger fish find they need to depend on their friendship and love to survive. They learn some important lessons on their adventures—including believing in yourself. It is a good message for children and the adults reading along with them. I bought this for my grand-kids and can’t wait to read it with them!
Halloween Writing Prompts: 13 Spooky Activities For Kids (Aspiring Author Series)
by WJ Scott
This is an interactive book for kids who want to be writers or love to create. It opens with some writing suggestions, then has 13 pictures with a tagline to provide a starting point. I love the Halloween theme that includes a black cat, a witch and other “spooky” prompts. This would be good in a classroom or at home. I bought this for my grand-kids and plan to enjoy it with them. Great idea!
Friends: An African Adventure (Fauna Park Tales #2)
“Friends: An African Adventure” is the second book in the Fauna Park Tale series I have bought for my grand-kids. It’s an exotic tale set in an African desert and told through a bird’s perspective, Hope. The characters are fully developed and engaging, while the artwork provided by Ms. Botha is heartfelt. Flame the dog gives the reader an example of protecting those who can’t protect themselves– and what friendship and bravery are. He keeps his promise to be a hero. Another Fauna Park Tale I will enjoy reading with my grand-kids!
The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too!
I bought this book to give as a gift to my grandchildren. Reading through the book before giving it to them, I found it taught me a few things, too. First, I had no idea a tangram is a seven-piece puzzle with specific shapes. A pattern is provided to cut out and get started along with the history of it. There are many ways to put the pieces together, but the book supplies shapes to make– with clues or riddles as to what they are. Although, this is a very clever and educational book for children, I appreciated the added bonus that an adult can sit down and enjoy it with the kids!
D.L. Finn (dolphin) is my pen name. I know some of you know my real first name, but for those who don’t– any guesses? Next week I will be sharing my first name, so you don’t have to keep calling me D.L.!
Happy 2018! Embrace your inner child, D(?).L. Finn
I imagine that this summer I will be reading books with a 2 year-old grandson. I better pay attention! Enjoyed your post. And about that name….
Hi Lynda! Nothing like reading to a child…especially a grandchild:) Thanks!
What wonderful reviews, D.L.!
Thanks, Jan:)
The pleasure of reading to my now five-year-old Grandson is beyond measure! Thanks so much for these reviews, my TBR list just keeps right on growing! I’m looking forward to learning your first name!
It is a gift to be able to share books with the next generation and an honor to do it with grandchildren. I keep telling myself a shouldn’t keep adding books but I find I can’t pass them up:)
❤️️ Sigh … I know! But books are the gift that keeps right on giving.
Thanks for including my book in this lovely kid’s collection. I have lots more books to read, too!
You are welcome, Wendy. It is a great concept for kid–and family to work on together. Yes, so many books I want to read. I keep adding just one more to my list…
Thanks, DL! I love your pen name, Dolphin 🐋🐬And thanks so much for including Friends in your blog. I appreciate your support very much! All the best for 2018 and your incredible reading endeavours. 🐋🐬
Thank you Maretha:) Not only have my grandkids enjoyed your book, but I have, too. I hope all the best for you as well in 2018.
Always such a pleasure reading your work
Much love to you and yours
Thank you Donna! I appreciate that and send love and hugs back to you and yours, too.
These all sounds like such wonderful and delightful books for children. The covers alone are whimsical and intriguing!
They were, Mae! Visual as well as content is so important for this age group and I agree great covers here.
I love reading with my granddaughter, she is 12, her take on books is always funny
Isn’t it amazing to be able to see the world through their eyes;) Thanks, Carolyn!
I love you pen name and took the hint from the photo. I do not know your name but will guess your first name to be Bethany.
whoops I didn’t see the hint that the letter is D. Okay I guess again, Daphne.
I liked Bethany, but Daphne is pretty wonderful, too. Thanks for your guesses…stay tuned!
🙂
Thank you, John. I have a huge wooden dolphin on the wall behind me that started it all years ago! A good name choice…
I have the non mammal dolphin on a wall as well. I’ll send you a photo.
Thanks so much, D.L. <3 Happy New Year & Happy Reading! xo
You are welcome. Your books a a welcome reading addition at our house. Happy New Year to you as well…Yes, it will be a year of happy reading.
Your covers put a smile on my face. I’m particularly drawn to the orange one (as orange is my favorite color and I’ve used that graphic or a similar one to market one of my books). And you’ve got quite a review list. I’ve read all five of Yvette’s series, and they were great. Can’t wait to hear what you think about them.
Thank, Stacy:) Funny thing about orange for me I used to hate it growing up but now I am very fond of it and natures brillant use of it! Been reading a lot lately finding so many good indie authors and trying to read as many as I can.
I tend to read in spurts. I’m pretty busy right now, so I’ve been reading slower. Hoping to change that soon. I’m doing the Goodreads reading challenge again this year and hope to increase my count from last year.
How exciting to see this new review for Bette’s book Amazing Matilda! I’m glad you’ve had a good time reading 🙂
I did have a good time reading it and I know my grand kids are enjoying it:) Thanks for stopping by!