A Tail of Twirls: A delightful tale for little readers

Recommended Ages: 3–6

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Step into a world of magic, movement, and imagination in A Tail of Twirls: Kittina and the Starlight Ballerina, the enchanting debut of the Kittina Ballerina’s Dance-Along Adventures series. From the award-winning creators at Once Upon A Dance, this delightful tale invites little readers to leap, twirl, and dream alongside a curious cat named Kit who stumbles upon a magical mirror in an abandoned dance studio.

 

With gentle pacing, age-appropriate language, and rich, captivating illustrations by Stella Maris Mongodi, this story captivates young children while connecting them to familiar actions, emotions, and events in their everyday lives. Large, expressive artwork brings each scene to life—making it easy for young readers to follow along, whether cuddled on a lap, snuggled beside you on the couch, or dancing right along with the story’s cues.

As Kit embarks on her twirling adventure, Ballerina Konora appears to inspire both Kit and your child to get up and move, transforming storytime into an interactive experience full of joy and connection. It’s a beautiful way to spark conversations about feelings, friendships, and dreams—all while encouraging physical movement and imaginative play.

A Tailof Twirls is more than a story—it’s a shared experience, a celebration of creativity, and a gentle invitation to dance into a world of wonder.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free review copy of this book from Blackberry Book Tours and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites. 

 

About the authors

Once Upon a Dance offers movement, breath, joy, connection, and imagination through stories.

Their catalog of interactive dance books highlights positive messages and role models throughout four main series:
Dance-It-Out! stories combine whimsical tales with movement and subtle life lessons (spans ages 4-9)
Dancing Shapes peeks at a professional ballerina's journey, teaches ballet, and explores detail and form (spans ages 6-11)
Ballet Inspiration and Choreography Concepts deep dives into technique, tips, and insight for aspiring dancers (ages 8-12)
Prop-Based Dance Stories for Classroom and Anytime Fun debuts in 2023 to encourage scarf and parachute play.

Once Upon a Dance was named a top 10 author of 2022 by Outstanding Creator Awards, and they’ve been honored by over 40 book awards, 1000+ 5-star reviews, and a Kirkus Star. They donate all royalties to charities supporting the arts, animals, environment, or people. Visit DanceStories.com for more info.

https://onceuponadance.com/
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https://www.amazon.com.br/Once-Upon-a-Dance/e/B08PCB7FRN/

Jurrasic Jemma & the Trail of Evil: A blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is the final installment in this series by John J. Delaney, and having had the pleasure of reading all three books, I can confidently say it’s a fitting conclusion. This one picks up with Jemma Thorne—a fossil hunter, mother, grandmother, and wife—eager to settle into a peaceful life in the seaside town of Lulcombe, England, alongside her husband and young son. Her grown daughter, Ellie, and granddaughter live next door. All seems set for a quiet, happy life, but peace is quickly disrupted when Jemma becomes the target of a vengeful plot.

BookHookup Review: Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil

Delaney excels at creating relatable, well-developed characters that feel like family, each adding depth to the story and enriching the relationships, motivations, and drama. The female antagonist stands out as particularly memorable—someone you love to hate—adding an exciting layer of tension to the plot.

The pacing is spot-on, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Delaney offers neatly packaged clues throughout, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves you with a sense of fulfillment.

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is a delightful blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of the mystery-suspense genre. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series to fully appreciate the depth and richness of Jemma's journey. A solid 5-star recommendation from me.

Unexpected Depths: The Immersive World of Poetic Wanderings

Poetic Wanderings is a deeply introspective collection that guides readers on a reflective journey through memory, nature, and time. With themes of childhood nostalgia, love, loss, and identity, Brummet’s poetry captures life’s fleeting beauty and encourages personal reflection. Curated by Dave and Lillian Brummet, the collection explores how we navigate the past, hold onto memories, and find meaning in the present.

From the outset, Brummet's vivid imagery evokes life's simple pleasures—often overlooked in the hustle of daily life. In the opening lines, "To roam meadows of memory, so far away. So long ago.", he sets the tone for a journey into the past, inviting readers to pause and reflect. Poems like A True Yukon Tale transport us to a simpler time, while others, such as A War Time Love and I Recall, poignantly address the complexities of love, loss, and the passage of time.

One of the most powerful elements of the collection is Brummet’s ability to intertwine nature and human emotion. The rural British Columbia setting enhances the emotional depth of the poems, grounding his reflections in the quiet beauty of the natural world. Through this connection, Brummet invites readers to consider their own inner landscapes—thoughts on identity, mortality, and legacy.

            "To roam meadows of memory, so far away. So long ago."

 

A standout quote from the collection, "If one other person feels what I feel, my work is worthy. I am fulfilled.", encapsulates Brummet’s poetic philosophy: that poetry is not just personal expression but a means of shared connection. This sentiment resonates throughout Poetic Wanderings, giving the collection a deep intimacy that readers will cherish.

Ultimately, Poetic Wanderings is a gift for anyone who enjoys reflective, lyrical poetry that invites readers to slow down, remember, and reconnect. It is a timeless exploration of memory, identity, and the impermanence of life, offering solace and meaning in a world that often moves too fast.