Curlilocks and the Three Hares, written by Andrew Hacket, illustrated by Jan Dolby

Hello my fellow bookworms,

(c) The Little Press, 2024

Today, I have another children's book review for you! The second book in A Modern Fairy-Tale Series, today's book is titled Curlilocks and the Three Hares, written by Andrew Hacket and illustrated by Jan Dolby. It is scheduled for release tomorrow, May 1st! 

A cute twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Curlilocks is a young girl who does not like her hair. She wishes her hair could be like others girls her age, maybe with color, accessories, or even a whole new hairdo! She takes matters into her own hands by visiting a hair salon where everything does not quite fit her style... A cute ending befitting the heroine, the story's morale is that sometimes you are beautiful just as you are.

In terms of the writing, the text is large and easy to understand for those children starting to read chapter books or are already reading them, perfect for younger readers between the ages of 6-8. The illustrations are colorful and imaginative. Although the book is 56 pages long, your little one will pass the time quickly reading through this fun story! 

The book contains bonus content, including a how-to draw Curlilocks, as well as discussion questions if you were to read this book out loud to a class. The author, Mr. Hacket, is a teacher, so the questions are curated to bring the best thinking out of a class discussion! If you visit his website, he has some awesome Educator Resources to encourage sustainability, engineering, and science.

Can't wait to read Curlilocks and the Three Hares? I really enjoyed this modern take on a classic fairy tale, and think you will, too! You can find your copy through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local library (where you can request the book if they do not have it yet!). You should also check out the first book in the series, titled Willa the Werewolf. Keep an eye out for the third book, Digital Red, coming soon, too!

A big THANK YOU to The Little Press for providing me with an ARC!

Until next time - Happy Reading! :)

 

(c) Andrew Hacket, 2024

About the Author: Andrew Hacket

Teacher by day, parent by night, and writer in the nooks and crannies of life. When it comes to his books, Andrew Hacket aims to create stories that tickle the funny bone and hug the hearts of readings both young and old. He lives in Massachusetts with his many curly-haired family members.

 

About the Illustrator: Jan Dolby

(c) Jan Dolby, 2024

Jan Dolby is a freelance children’s illustrator and graphic designer based in Aurora, Ontario Canada. Jan is internationally published and has a vast amount of technical and graphic design experience. She has illustrated over 35 books for children and is incredibly grateful for her creative life and is delighted to be illustrating for the children’s industry. Seeing her work in bookstores and online is a dream come true.

Her first Canadian picture book, ‘Gabby’ written by Joyce Grant won the Rainforest of Reading Festival Award – Montserrat in 2015. Since then she has illustrated Gabby: Drama Queen, Gabby: Wonder Girl, Lucky Me, The Cold Little Voice and But Why? A Virus Story About Feelings. She has illustrated children’s books with authors Joyce Grant, Alison Hughes and Jackie Azua Kramer to name a few.

 

Skrum, written and illustrated by Bernard Gumz

Hello my fellow bookworms,

(c) The Little Press, 2024

No April Fools joke here! Today I have a hilarious children's book for you that I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of, titled Skrum, both written and illustrated by Bernard Gumz. 

This rhyming book is perfect for children between the ages of 4 and 8, though adults may enjoy it, too! The illustrations are very vivid and colorful, similar to a comic book. The story progresses at a good pace, but may be a bit scary for those a little younger. The story concentrates on the "Skrum," a monster that is usually peaceful, but for some reason, is currently angry and will eat anyone and anything! Unfortunately, for our protagonist, Sir Barnabus Wellington Hayes, the Skrum has its eye on him. This means that he must run away to keep safe - and keep running through different areas of the world, in order to keep away from the Skrum!

Skrum is a quick read that you and your little one will be sure to enjoy, with a satisfying ending and a good morale to the story. As an added bonus, there is a "How to Draw a Skrum (in 4 easy steps)" section at the end, so your little one can draw a Skrum monster of their own! The author, Mr. Gumz, also has a coloring page on his website, if your little one wants to color an already drawn Skrum. If you would like to buy a copy of the book, it is being released tomorrow, April 1st! You can purchase a copy at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can always request a copy from your local library, as well!

I highly enjoyed this story, and hope you do, too. I have one more children's book review coming up, as the book will be released next month. Stay tuned!

Until next time - Happy Reading!

About the Author: Bernard Gumz

(c) Bernard Gumz, 2024

Bernard Gumz started drawing silly characters when he was five years old and never stopped. He’s worked on cartoons for MTV, WWE, Nick Cannon, AJ Foyt and Eddie Bravo - for which he won a TELLY award.

Bernard also co-produces SPACECAT, a kid’s gaming channel that can be found on YouTube and HappyKids. He lives in Indiana with his wife, son, daughter and two cats.