Smorgasbord Children’s Reading Room – #Reviews – #Adventure Annika Perry, #TreeFairies D.L. Finn

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.

The first book today with a recent review is Oskar’s Quest by Annika Perry.

About the book

Oskar is afraid of adventures. Yet one day he finds himself on a mysterious island which needs his help.Join Oskar on this unexpected and magnificent quest, where he finds not only courage but so much more…“It’s light, extremely enjoyable and very gripping.” Esther Chilton – author & editor.Perfect for ages 3 to 6.

A recent review for Oskar’s Quest

Jacqui Murray VINE VOICE Text and imagery work together to create an incomparable story Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2021

Oskar doesn’t consider himself to be brave or adventurous but as sometimes happens, events around him conspire to place him where he must be both. If he isn’t, his new songbird friend Maya may not survive. In the forty pages of this gorgeous book, we join Oscar as he tries to do things in ways he never thought he could, all to help a friend.

What makes this message all the more compelling is the imagery. Pictures accompany each page and quietly tell us more than the words can. Each brushstroke is filled with such rich color and texture that we are part of Oskar’s quest. It is not just a red flower (because that’s what the text described) but an active red-hued flower that is moving or weeping or bending to what the words say. You could read the story without the text but not the text without pictures. You would miss too much.

While Oskar’s story is simple, the visual and mental image of this seemingly fragile bird doing what he must though it frightens him is powerful. Perry includes just the right amount of onomatopoeia to excite young readers, not overdone and each chosen well for the particular action. Children will remember it the next time they are asked to be fearsome, especially if they aren’t that type of child.

If you’re looking for a book your 3-6 year old child will want to read over and over–by themselves–you’ve found it in Oskar’s Quest. Highly recommended.

Read the reviews and buy the book also in German: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

Read the reviews and buy Annika’s books: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Follow Annika: Goodreads – blog: Annika Perry – Twitter @AnnikaPerry68

The next review is for the latest children’s book from D.L. Finn – Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories

About the book

When reality and magic meet in the forest

It’s 1969, and twelve-year-old Daniel Burns is camping in the redwood forest with his family. Danny wants to listen to his music and read, but his family has other plans. S’mores around the campfire and stories end their first day. The family is sleeping soundly in their secluded tent when Danny wakes up and finds his sister, Colette, is missing. Assuming she went to use the outhouse, he goes after her. When he finds his sister, they discover there is a thin veil between reality and fantasy. Two bonus short stories offer a glimpse into the magical world that finds Danny and Colette. These hidden beings not only share our world but have a role in protecting their forest.

One of the recent reviews for the book

Karen Ingalls Magical

If one loves fantasy, tales, magic, and the world of imagination, then this is the book to read. Though it was written as a children’s book, I read it with my 80-year-old eyes and brain, enjoying every page. Are there fairies? I hope so…I want to think so. This story takes place in a redwood forest and is about how two children try to save it from destruction. The message is a powerful one from which we humans can all learn.

Thank you, Ms. Finn, for an enjoyable read.

Head over to buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Other children’s books by D.L. Finn and for adults in the Cafe and Bookstore