Book Tour: The Rough Life by Danny Fanelli with my review

 

The Rough Life

by Danny Fanelli

Children's Book

Date Published: June 10, 2026

Publisher: MindStir Media

The Rough Life is the adventure of a brand new golf ball named Vic, who finds himself playing his very first round of golf. Things start off well, but Vic quickly learns how humbling the game of golf can be when he is lost in the rough. Vic journeys through the rough, finding a home and making friends with other lost golf balls. While it’s a comfortable life, Vic is not content just watching golf as it happens around him. Vic and his new friends devise a plan to get out of the rough and back in the game.

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was a cute story. I enjoyed Vic as he learned about golf. Then he found himself on his own, but he chose to explore. He found more like him and came up with a wonderful idea to be "found" again. This was a wonderful family read or bedtime story.

About the Author

 

 Danny Fanelli is a husband, father, elementary school teacher and coach from Westchester, New York. He began playing golf and fell in love with the game at 30 years young. One of his biggest fears in life is sinking a hole-in-one while playing solo (he’s come close). When he is not playing golf or practicing his form in the living room, Danny takes turns with his wife chasing his two, wild children.

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Blitz: Branko: Smoke Jumper Extraordinaire by Alexandra Arneri, illustrated by Alexandra Arneri

Branko: Smoke Jumper Extraordinaire

by Alexandra Arneri

Children's Book

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Trela Mela Press

A brave little dragon. A forest in danger. A powerful story about friendship, courage, and protecting the world we share.

Little Branko lives high above Dragonville in Zmajograd, a city of dragons controlled by rules - the Dragons’ Code. Under this code, dragons cannot put out fires and dragons cannot be friends with humans. But Branko has never understood why. Unlike the other dragons, he does not want to start fires—he wants to put them out.

When Branko questions the Dragons’ Code in school, he is told to “learn” and not “think”. When he persists, he is banished from his community. Determined to follow his heart, he travels to the human town below and dreams of becoming a firefighter. But the humans are afraid of him, too. Caught between two worlds that refuse to accept him, Branko must decide whether to give up—or keep believing that kindness can change everything.

When a dangerous wildfire threatens the forest shared by humans and dragons, Branko finally gets his chance to prove that courage is not about following old rules. It is about doing what is right.

Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire is a heartwarming children’s picture book about friendship, bravery, community, environmental responsibility, and the importance of questioning division. With themes of inclusion, cooperation, wildfire awareness, and respect for firefighters, this inspiring story encourages young readers to look beyond fear, challenge unfair rules, and discover the extraordinary power of helping others.

Perfect for children who love stories about dragons, firefighters, friendship, nature, and unlikely heroes, this meaningful book is ideal for family reading, classrooms, libraries, and conversations about courage, compassion, and caring for our planet.

Great for readers interested in:

• Dragon picture books

• Firefighter books for kids

• Children’s books about friendship and acceptance

• Stories about courage, kindness, and standing up for what is right

• Environmental books for children

• Climate books for children

• Wildfire awareness and forest protection

• Social-emotional learning and community-building stories

A beautifully imaginative tale for young readers who believe even the smallest voice can spark big change.

 

About the Author

Alexandra Arneri is an author, attorney, producer, and human rights advocate whose stories explore courage, connection, and the power of questioning the rules that keep people apart.

Born in Belgrade, raised in Belgrade and Sydney, and shaped by formative years in New York City, Alexandra brings a global perspective to her work. Her writing often features unlikely characters—from mushrooms and fax machines to thunder, lightning, flowers, Beeps, Honks, and dragons—who discover that difference does not have to mean division.

Her debut children’s book, Branko: Smokejumper Extraordinaire, introduces young readers to a brave little dragon who challenges tradition, reaches across fear, and helps unite humans and dragons in the face of an unprecedented and fierce wildfire. Inspired by themes of friendship, environmental responsibility, community, and courage, the story reflects Alexandra’s belief in the importance of compassion, cooperation, and protecting the world we share.

Beyond children’s literature, Alexandra’s creative work spans genres and platforms, including Gravity FM, a deep dive podcast exploring planetary health and human rights, the satirical Degenerate Carrot cartoons, and impactful storytelling through Apocryphal Pictures. She is also a practicing attorney at Cittone Demers & Arneri LLP, where she maintains a robust human rights practice, and serves as President of the Global Witness Foundation.

Alexandra lives in San Francisco with her family. When she is not writing, practicing law, producing stories, or advocating for human rights, she enjoys painting, yoga, and creating imaginative tales about the courage it takes to reach across what divides us.

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Blitz: Peanut Butter and Donner: A Curious Chorus by Erin Rosenblum, MFT, illustrated by Aubree Rosenblum

Peanut Butter and Donner: A Curious Chorus

by Erin Rosenblum

Children's Picture Book

Date Published: July 14, 2026

Peanut Butter & Donner: A Curious Chorus is a heartwarming rhyming picture book about friendship, kindness, and learning to understand one another. This updated second edition features refreshed illustrations, a smoother read-aloud flow, and the same gentle heart readers loved in the original release.

Peanut Butter is a shy rabbit who loves quiet spaces. Donner is a cheerful parakeet who loves to sing. When these unlikely friends come together, they learn that listening, adapting, and caring for one another can create true harmony.

Inspired by real rescued pets, this beautifully illustrated story gently explores emotional regulation, sensory sensitivity, empathy, confidence, and trust in ways children can understand.

Perfect for ages 4–9, bedtime reading, classrooms, counselors, therapists, and families who value kindness and connection.

If you're looking for a children’s book about friendship, feelings, and compassion, Peanut Butter & Donner: A Curious Chorus will sing its way into your heart.

About the Author

Erin Rosenblum is a licensed therapist and children’s book author who creates heartfelt books that help young readers understand emotions, build confidence, and form language for those big feelings we all feel. With more than 15 years of experience in private practice, she brings therapeutic insight, compassion, and emotional warmth to every story she writes. Her books are especially valued by parents, teachers, caregivers, counselors, and therapists seeking gentle resources that support social-emotional learning.

Her debut picture book, Peanut Butter & Donner: A Curious Chorus, is the first title in the Peanut Butter & Donner series—a collection of rhyming children’s books inspired by a real-life animal friendship and the desire to give language to big feelings in little bodies. Through lyrical rhyme and memorable animal characters, Erin’s stories help children navigate emotions in developmentally appropriate ways.

Inspired by her own rescued rabbit and parakeet, A Curious Chorus tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a shy bunny and a bold bird, showing how kindness, patience, and understanding can bridge differences and build lasting trust.

For this lovingly revised second edition, Erin thoughtfully refined the story to create a smoother read-aloud flow while preserving the heart, warmth, and emotional message readers loved in the original release. This updated edition offers families, educators, and caregivers an even more engaging reading experience, paired with refreshed illustrations and timeless themes of connection, empathy, and compassion.

Across the Peanut Butter & Donner series, Erin explores topics such as friendship, bravery, grief, envy, emotional resilience, anger, frustration, and learning to feel safe, seen, and understood. Her stories are designed to open conversations, encourage empathy, and help children recognize that all feelings are good even when they feel too big and too hard to handle.

When she is not writing or working in her private practice, Erin enjoys spending time with family and friends, surrounded by the beloved animals who inspired her stories including the real Peanut Butter and Donner. She believes in finding magic in everyday moments and hopes her books leave children with a better understanding of the big feelings that are part of our everyday lives.

 

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Blitz: Ivy Leigh Ever After by Gael Lynch with an excerpt and a giveaway

Ivy Leigh Ever After

by Gael Lynch

Young Adult

Date Published: January 30, 2026

Publisher: Small Circles Press

When Ivy Leigh's mom dies, her life turns upside down. Another year has passed, and she wants to remain the girl she once was, mucking in the mud, hiking in the woods, chasing after frogs and butterflies, all the little girl things she did when Mom sometimes came along with her. Now, Ivy is eleven turning twelve. The past year was marked with an awful set of nightmares and a huge hole she can't quite find a way to fill.

Even greater trouble arrives when Ivy finds out her arch nemesis, Winona, starts bullying her. Soon, Ivy will learn that like her mom had told her, even bullies have backstories too.

With a family and friends-Ivy is surrounded by a small circle of people who love her. She remembers what her mom always taught her-to spread that love, to be kind and compassionate above all else, no matter what challenges in life arise.

Excerpt

Chapter One: The Package

“She’s coming for you, Peachy.”

He leaped off the bed and scrambled toward me. Together, we stood at the window, watching. I’d heard the roar of that muffler. The sound of the crash. It all spelled trouble. Up until now, Peachy was unknown to her. But I knew it would never stay that way. Dad was at work. She always knew the perfect time to strike.

“That was Mom’s gnome!” Nat’s shriek pierced the air, and I knew this was going to be bad. I took the stairs two at a time, in boxers and a tank top, with Peachy trailing behind. It was early on a Saturday, Viv was still in bed, and I hadn’t even brushed my teeth. But that never mattered to Grandma. This was a surprise attack; we were in her sights, and she had a total takeover in mind. I tucked Peachy away in his crate and latched him in tight before heading out to the front porch to see what was going on.

And there she was. Bulb shaped and full of bluster, Grandma stood with Nat at her side, staring down at the smashed garden gnome. He was pink-faced with a green hat and a little red jacket. Mom named him ‘Happy.’ He made her laugh just to look at him in the midst of her treatments and trips to and from the hospital. But now Happy was here all smashed up in the garden, and Mom had been gone for almost a whole awful year.

“That is the tackiest thing! People will question the sort of people who live in a house with a thing like that out front!”

Things went quiet for a moment, I don’t think Nat even knew what to say to that.

But I knew this wasn’t going to be about the garden gnome. She’d come about Peachy who we’d hidden from her for a whole two weeks. But I’d had a funny feeling about that lately, Grandma had eyes and ears everywhere.

A minute later, I heard the squeak of metal behind me. And then, to my shock and surprise, the screen door flew open. Within seconds, Peachy bolted out, lunged at Grandma and nearly knocked her off her feet. How on earth did he get out of there, I thought.

“This! she bellowed. “This is exactly why I’m here!” Her face was wrinkled, powdered and puffed, with a coat of bright red lipstick smeared across her lips. Cruella had nothing on her. A true animal hater, she shrieked again at the sight of him.

I came running down the sidewalk then and scooped Peachy up in my arms. “It’s okay, boy,” I said, rubbing his peach-colored fur and holding him close.

“It is not okay! That dog has accosted the neighbors and now he’s attacked me! Always on the loose, with no training and no hope of it at all. Why was I not told about him?”

About the Author

 

 Gael Lynch is a writer and storyteller who traces her roots back to her dad’s carefully crafted bedtime stories of fairy queens and villains, beggars of old, the rags to riches sagas of the ancients, always set in the rich green tones of the Irish countryside. Her own greatest ideas, though, are not those of far away and long ago, but ones that exist right under her nose. In what seems to be the ordinary, Gael loves nothing more than a chance encounter while waiting on a line at the grocery store. Perfect strangers offer a world of little gems, experiences she might never have had herself.

The Newbury Award winning author, Patricia Reilly Giff, mentored Gael for many of her writing years. Always a person of pure encouragement, it was Pat’s gentle wisdom that kept her writing and believing in herself for many years.

Her debut novel, IVY LEIGH EVER AFTER, is the story of an eleven, almost twelve-year-old girl whose mom has died and whose life is in a swirl of change. With a mix of humor and heart-rending moments, Ivy will learn that by extending a hand to others, she can also help herself.

If Gael is not at her desk writing, she’s off riding waves, tossing balls in the air for her large golden retriever, Wrigley, or listening to live music under a starlit sky alongside her longtime husband, Tom. She lives in coastal North Carolina with its warm nights and soft ocean breezes. But Newtown, with its pastoral beauty and its warm-hearted people, will always be the place she calls home.

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Blitz: You are Not From Around Here, Are You? by Clarissa Willis, illustrator Kashif Qasim, with a giveaway

You are Not From Around Here, Are You?

by Clarissa Willis

Children's Book

Date Published: 06-13-2026

Publisher: Solander Press

Ever gazed at the twinkling night sky and wondered, what might be up there? Mack jets off from Texas to the stunning red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, ready for a camping adventure with his family. But when his furry sidekick bolts into the night, Mack sprints after him and stumbles upon a surprise guest.

This new buddy isn’t your run-of-the-mill earthling! Mack soon discovers the stellar delight of making a truly out-of-this-world friend.

In this galactic adventure, award-winning author Clarissa Willis introduces two characters who learn that no matter who you are, or where you are from, friendship is all about having a blast together.

 

About the Author

Clarissa Willis is the author of 8 picture books and a captivating chapter book! Carrie Ingalls The Forgotten Sister won the Western Writers of America SPUR Award for best juvenile nonfiction and a Will Rogers Medallion Finalist (2026). Her tale, Bloomers on Pike’s Peak (2024), is the biography of the unstoppable Julia Archibald Holmes, the first woman to climb Pikes Peak. It won a Will Rogers Medallion and was the finalist for the Women Writing the West 2025 WILLA Literary Award. Fast as the Wind: The Story of Johnny Fry Pony Express Rider (2022) galloped away with a Will Rogers Medallion in 2023. Then, there's The Three Little Pigs and the Not So Big Bad Wolf, putting a fresh spin on a classic yarn. Get ready for her upcoming book, Not from Around Here, a whimsical picture book about sharing and quirky friendships set to take off in early summer 2026!

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Book Tour: Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes by Kelly Reddin, illustrator Aiman Sohail, with a giveaway and my review

Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes

by Kelly Reddin

Children's Picture Book

Date Published: 07-02-2026

Publisher: Solander Press

Gratitude is important to Nana Claus. Even the smallest act of kindness spreads joy, like sending thank-you notes. Nana Claus helps some special friends learn to write thank-you notes to thank others for what they do for them. Nana and her friends learn about ways to say thank you using short notes.

 

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This story touched me and reminded me to be more grateful myself. Nana Claus was patient and encouraging with the children who came to her house. I loved how she explained how to write and what to write. A wonderful book for the entire family.

About the Author

Kelly Reddin is an award-winning writer and author of the Celebrating Family Series, which highlights healthy relationships between children and the Nana Claus Series, focusing on kindness and friendship. Her short stories and essays have won numerous awards from writing organizations including the Joplin Writers Guild and the Ozark Writers League.

Kelly is a former elementary, middle grade and college educator. Her work at LEGO Education spanned two decades in a variety of positions from Curriculum Specialist to Global Master Trainer. Kelly loves to travel, meet new people, and learn about the world around her. She is active in her community, serving on several non-profit boards.

Join her email list to get updates on her latest releases and her monthly newsletter.

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Ebook Review: Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes by Kelly Reddin, illustrated by Aiman Sohail

 

Blurb: 

Gratitude is important to Nana Claus. Even the smallest act of kindness spreads joy, like sending thank-you notes. Nana Claus helps some special friends learn to thank others for what they do for them.

Are you ready to write your own thank-you note? You can spread cheer year-round by writing a thank-you note to show a special someone that you appreciate them. Join Nana Claus and her friends as they learn about ways to say thank you to others.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes (A Nana Claus Book) eBook : Reddin, Kelly , Sohail, Aiman: Kindle Store

B&N: Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes | Barnes & Noble®

Goodreads: Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes by Kelly Reddin | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This story touched me and reminded me to be more grateful myself. Nana Claus was patient and encouraging with the children who came to her house. I loved how she explained how to write and what to write. A wonderful book for the entire family.

I received a copy through RABT, and this is my unsolicited review.

Ebook Review: The Tales of Sidney and JoJo (Adventures in Thailand) by Lauren Isaacson, illustrated by Megan Heller

 

Blurb: 

Sidney and JoJo are off to Thailand, where Mama lives.

Join them on an adventure to faraway lands—by crate, van, car, conveyor belt, and airplane—as they discover the sights and sounds of a tropical new world. Along the way, they meet friendly Thai people, encounter a wise dog and a mischievous monkey, and gaze in wonder at the golden Buddhas and temple cats standing guard. With a few bumps in the road—marked by meows, tail twitches, and new surprises—they journey onward until, at last, they arrive at their new home.

Amazon: The Tales of Sidney and JoJo: Adventures in Thailand - Kindle edition by Isaacson, Lauren. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: The Tales of Sidney and JoJo: Adventures in Thailand | Barnes & Noble®

Goodreads: The Tales of Sidney and JoJo: Adventures in Thailand by Lauren Isaacson | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I found this to be a cute story. I enjoyed the cats' thought processes as they are transported to their owner in Thailand. This book showed the complexity of travelling pets and had a touching ending. The illustrations showed the differences in the cats.

I received a copy through RABT, and this is my unsolicited review.

Release: Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes by Kelly Reddin, illustrator Aiman Sohail, with a giveaway

Nana Claus and the Thank-You Notes

by Kelly Reddin

Children's Picture Book

Date Published: 07-02-2026

Publisher: Solander Press

Gratitude is important to Nana Claus. Even the smallest act of kindness spreads joy, like sending thank-you notes. Nana Claus helps some special friends learn to write thank-you notes to thank others for what they do for them. Nana and her friends learn about ways to say thank you using short notes.

About the Author

Kelly Reddin is an award-winning writer and author of the Celebrating Family Series, which highlights healthy relationships between children and the Nana Claus Series, focusing on kindness and friendship. Her short stories and essays have won numerous awards from writing organizations including the Joplin Writers Guild and the Ozark Writers League.

Kelly is a former elementary, middle grade and college educator. Her work at LEGO Education spanned two decades in a variety of positions from Curriculum Specialist to Global Master Trainer. Kelly loves to travel, meet new people, and learn about the world around her. She is active in her community, serving on several non-profit boards.

Join her email list to get updates on her latest releases and her monthly newsletter.

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Facebook: @AuthorKellyReddin

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https://mybook.to/NanaClausThankYouNotes

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Blitz: Oh, Tal! Not Like That (Oh Tal! Series #2) by Tal Anderson, illustrations by Michael Richey White

Oh, Tal! Not Like That

by Tal Anderson

Children's Picture Book

Date Published: April 15, 2026

Oh, Tal! Not Like That., a new book by autistic actor Tal Anderson and award-winning Hollywood artist, Michael Richey White, is Book 2 in the Oh, Tal! series for children.

Tal and the family cat, Winnie are once again taking on the world, and this time, they're doing it at school. Tal starts the school year off excited, but quickly learns that in the classroom, they like kids to follow directions, and to be the same, and do things uniformly. Tal has different ideas, however, and classmates and teachers work hard to teach and model the "right way" to do things.

In the end, they all learn a valuable lesson: that there are more ways than one to get things done, and that expressing yourself authentically leads to good things. Once again, Tal wins over hearts and confirms it's okay to be different, be yourself, and to follow your own path.

 

About the Author

Tal Anderson is a professional actor, filmmaker, and writer. She is an advocate for change, using her voice and unique platform as an autistic actor to support inclusion and authentic representation in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood. She is best known for her work in the Netflix series "Atypical" as Sid, but can also be seen and heard in many other productions including, guest-starring in Season 5 of "Magnum P.I." on NBC, and as the English voice of Tina in the Disney Plus series, "Team Chocolate." Tal has always been a storyteller, and as a child could be seen constantly using her FLIP video camera, or one of several hand-held voice-recorders to record every day life, or her daily performances of stories/scripts she had made up or written. It is this love of imagination that led her to acting and filmmaking as an adult. "Oh, Tal! - Not Today," is Tal's first book. She lives in Los Angeles with her cat Winifred, where they can both live their best lives and be their true selves.

 

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