Blog Tour + Review: Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue

Today I'm partnering with WOW! Women on Writing to celebrate the release of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue by Ellie Ross!  I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Summary

How does a bubble-blowing dragon make his very first friend?

In the magical land of Lickitypop, Dibs the Dragon hears a tiny cry for help from the sticky syrup swamp and discovers Mooch, a marshmallow mole who is very, very stuck. With a licorice vine, a bit of bravery, and a whole lot of heart, Dibs leaps into action—and begins a friendship that will change everything.

This gentle, whimsical picture book is filled with kindness, imagination, and cozy read-aloud moments that celebrate the joy of helping others and the magic of making friends.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, librarian, or cozy-color enthusiast, this sweet story is sure to become a beloved favorite on your shelf—and a magical introduction to the Lickitypop series.

Purchase a copy of Dibs the Dragon and the Marshmallow Rescue on Amazon. Be sure to also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Dibs the Dragon is kind and helpful, but he's a little lonely and is looking for a best friend.  One day he finds Mooch, a marshmallow mole, stuck in syrup, and he uses his ingenuity to rescue him, leading to an inseparable friendship.  This book was so adorable!  The illustrations are colorful and whimsical, and it has a great message for kids - there's a friend out there for everyone, and it's also really good to be kind and helpful to others!  Dragons, candy, and a sweet story with a lovely message - what more could you ask for in a children's book?

5 stars

Review: My Name is Rusha

My Name is Rusha

Tirusha Dave

Published February 8, 2026

Rusha is a joyful, curious little girl who loves to play, learn, read, dance, and make new friends. But one day, when someone says her name the wrong way, Rusha feels a little unsure. Is her name really that hard to say?

With courage, kindness, and a big heart, Rusha learns that her name is special — and that her voice matters. As she gently teaches others how to say her name correctly, Rusha discovers something important: being yourself is something to be proud of.

This is a story about her name, her voice, and her bright heart that shines just the same.

Perfect for children ages 3–7, this beautifully illustrated picture book encourages:

• Confidence and self-expression
• Respect for names and identities
• Kindness, empathy, and friendship
• Early conversations about diversity and inclusion 

Whether read at home, in classrooms, or during storytime, My Name is Rusha is a heartwarming reminder that every name deserves care — and every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. -  from Amazon

Recently, Tirusha, a friend of mine who is also an early childhood education professional and content creator, had her first children's book published! So, of course we had to get a copy of it and add it to our home library! 

My Name is Rusha tells the story of young girl whose name is mispronounced.  At first she's a little upset, but then she remembers that her name is an important part of who she is and she proudly explains to her friends how to pronounce it.  

This book is absolutely adorable!  The illustrations are bold and colorful, totally engaging for younger readers.  The story is told in simple rhyming sentences, letting children easily follow along.  But most importantly, it has a great message.  Rusha is a little girl who many children will relate to, in the way she likes to dance, read, and play with her friends.  But, she also has a name that some children might not have heard before - and that's ok!  It's a chance for children to both learn from and teach others about identity, culture, and the things that make us perfectly, uniquely "us!"

5 stars

Henry's Shelves #10: New Additions

 

Hi, all!  It has been so long since I shared what's going on with Henry's bookshelves and what he's been enjoying, so today I thought it would be fun to show some of his new books!

A New Friend for Dragon // Bluey: Grannies and Other Stories // How to Catch a Dinosaur

Three Hens and a Peacock // Birthday Surprise! // Lilo & Stitch

Good Night Lighthouse // The Mighty Avengers // The Incredible Hulk

Have you read any of these?

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Blog Tour + Review: Grandma Yogini by Raven Howell

Today I'm partnering with WOW! Women on Writing to celebrate the release of Grandma Yogini, the latest book from children's author and poet Raven Howell!  I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Grandma Yogini

by Raven Howell (illustrated by Alexander Santos)

Published August 5, 2025

Henry and his sister, Meredith can hardly wait for Grandma to arrive for a visit. But what should they expect? Among the children's diverse friends and their grandmothers who bake, create art, and speak Spanish, will Grandma be able to share something unique and fun with the kids?

Henry's fears are alleviated when, not long after arrival, they flutter like butterflies, slither like snakes, and enjoy other challenges of stretching their muscles and calming their minds. This is no run-of-the-mill grandma, and when it’s time for goodbye, the kids know this was the BEST grandma visit ever.

Grandma is coming for a visit, and Henry and Meredith are so excited - what will they do with Grandma?  As the neighborhood children also come over to play, Grandma introduces them all to various yoga poses.  I thought this was a really cute book.  I loved how it looked like a graphic novel and the illustrations help young readers grasp how the yoga poses should look.  The transition from Grandma arriving to almost immediately starting yoga was a bit awkward, but I think young children will enjoy how they can pretend to be animals while also learning yoga (I know my son loves to act like different animals!).  Showcasing a loving relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is also something to be celebrated!

4 stars

Henry's Shelves #9

 

Hi, all!  I'm back today with another edition of Henry's Shelves.  It's been awhile since I shared what our little guy has enjoyed reading, and this one is definitely all about the hot air balloons!  He's (still) obsessed with them and wanted to read all about them in January.  Thankfully I was able to find quite a few to fit the bill, many of which are featured here, along with a couple other books that have been on repeat in our house.  We've also been enjoying our trips to the library!

The Great Balloon Hullaballoo // And Away We Go! // Curious George and the Hot Air Balloon

 Hot Air // Penguin's Big Adventure // How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?

5-Minute Spidey and His Amazing Friends Stories // Don't Push the Button! // Hot Air Henry

Have you read any of these?

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Henry's Shelves #8

 

I think it's been a few months since I shared the books that Henry and I have been enjoying together, so today we're back for another edition of Henry's Shelves!  It's always fun for me to see what books he gravitates towards.  I try to give him a big selection, but he seems to want to read the same ones over and over again!

George Ferris, What a Wheel! // Hulk's Big Feelings // Duck, Duck, Moose

Curious George // How Do Apples Grow? // Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

The Goodnight Train Rolls On! // Happy Halloweenie // Penguin and Penelope

Have you read any of these?

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Top Ten Tuesday: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl.  This week's topic is Planes, Trains & Automobiles/Books Featuring Travel (books whose plots involve travel or feature modes of transportation on the cover/title) (submitted by Cathy @ What Cathy Read Next).  I immediately thought of Henry, because what toddler doesn't love books about things that go?  Here are some of our favorites!

Little Blue Truck // The Goodnight Train // Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night?

Bearplane! // Blippi: Things That Go // Good Night Planes

The Little Ice Cream Truck // Count to Sleep Trains // I Wheelie Love You

For even more books about things that go, check out my Bookshop list here!

Have you read any of these?  What are some of your favorite kids' books about planes, trains, and automobiles?

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.

Blog Tour: Blink and Glow by Raven Howell

Today I'm partnering with WOW! Women on Writing to celebrate the release of Blink and Glow, the latest book from children's author and poet Raven Howell!  Since I love reading with my toddler son, I was so excited to share this with him.  We received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Blink and Glow

By Raven Howell (illustrated by Ann Pilicer)

Published July 15, 2024

Lilly and Leo think it's super to catch fireflies and salamanders—and even more exciting, as they plan to bring their glowing nature finds to show-and-tell the next day. They have a change of heart when Grandma's wisdom guides the children to respect the freedom and light of the natural life in all living things. 

Leo and Lilly are two young children doing that beloved summer nighttime activity - catching fireflies!  Leo catches a firefly in his jar, while Lilly finds a salamander for hers.  Both are excited to show them to their friends the next day at school.  Their grandmother, however, reminds them that the creatures need to be free to shine their brightest.  Although maybe disappointing, the children know that releasing the firefly and salamander will be what's best for them, and they make some crafts inspired by their finds that they can show off instead.

I loved how this book combined a summer activity that I enjoyed as a kid (looking for fireflies) with a great message about appreciating and respecting the environment and all living creatures.  It felt both nostalgic and modern.  I also appreciated the way the grandmother used the luna moth as an example of how living creatures need to be free, instead of just ordering the children to release the firefly and salamander.  It allowed Leo and Lilly to make the decision for themselves and feel good about it.

My son loved the bright, whimsical illustrations, and although he might be a tad too young to fully appreciate the moral of the story, this is one we can continue to enjoy as he gets older.  At the end of the book are instructions for recreating the craft that Leo and Lilly put together, a firefly suncatcher, and I thought this was a great addition.

5 stars

Henry's Shelves #7

 

Henry and I have been enjoying so many books together lately, and I wanted to share the ones that have been on repeat in our house!

Duck & Goose, How Are You Feeling? // Duck & Goose 1 2 3 // Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night? // Blue Hat, Green Hat // Dance

The Watermelon Seed // Mix It Up! // Beautiful Eggs

Have you read any of these books?

* This post contains affiliate links; I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.