BASH and the Chocolate Milk Cows

Spending time on the farm is what most kids would dream would be a time of untold imagination and unlimited fun. Where the sky is the limit and staying outside lasts well past the time the sun goes down. When Raymond William Boxby, known fondly as Beamer arrives to hang out with his third cousin, twice removed, but not far enough in Beamer's mind, Sebastian "Bash" Hinglehob. Their adventures are only beginning when reports of a robber being spotted in town, leaves Bash wanting to capture him and Beamer, trying to stay as far away as possible.

Things begin as most would expect adventurous boys would, building boats large enough for them to fit in to gain access to catching frogs in the small creek on the edge of the farm, to helping set the stage for the largest April Fool's Day joke even on Bash's father. It will be the day that the dairy cows will give chocolate milk for the first time, and as every kid knows there is no better milk to drink than chocolate milk. Beamer isn't sure how Bash is going to pull this off, and he knows based on all his other pranks they have been attempting to pull off, they are likely going to be reaping the consequences of those actions for a long, long time.

In the book, BASH and the Chocolate Milk Cows by Burton W. Cole, young readers will gain an true appreciation to what life was like before technology kept kids from being outside and letting their imaginations run wild. What Bash and Beamer do along with all the other kids from surrounding farms, is redefine what fun really is. From blasting off in a pretend chicken coop to galaxies far, far away, to smashing eggs on the dairy cows noses as they attempt to win the battle of the Moovarians versus the Cluckorians. Even the names the boys give to the frogs that they raise from tadpoles are completely hilarious and remind us all once more of the precious days of childhood.

I received BASH and the Chocolate Milk Cows by Burton W. Cole compliments of B and H Publishing Group and Shelton Interactive for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I love the amazing illustrations that accompany the opening of each chapter. Just when you think the boys will finally stay out of trouble, they hatch another creative plot. It truly takes me back to my childhood days of catching frogs and trying to keep them at home, not a successful venture by the way, when they escape, and the unlimited ideas that come when two boys put their heads and imaginations together to fill their days when chores are done. The chocolate milk prank had to be my favorite one they manage to pull off but how they did it, will remain a secret until readers find out for themselves. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and reminds me a lot of the Beverly Cleary series of books I read growing up.

For more information about BASH and the Chocolate Milk Cows, Burton W. Cole, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

BASH and the Chocolate Milk Cows by Burton W. Cole

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For more reviews on BASH and the Chocolate Milk Cows, please visit B and H Publishing Groups website. 

Desperate Diva Diaries

For fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries, comes a great alternative for girls in Middle School who want something with a spiritual message tucked inside. Desperate Diva Diaries from author Angie Spady is just for girls who can relate to the things Catie Conrad has to deal with in going to Middle School.

Her father supplied her with three journals, which he hopes she will find the love of writing her thoughts in them as much as he enjoyed writing for the newspaper, but Catie was hoping that he might have found a least a good zit zapper instead. However she finds that writing down what she is going through in school might not be so bad. Her best friend is Sophie, who is always looking out for her best interests and keeps her on the spiritual path while the two dream up spa inspired recipes for body lotion and bubble bath when they have sleepovers.

Catie is challenged to get along with her younger brother, Jeremy, whom she lovingly refers to as the "Germ." He has a pet skunk as a pet named Rosie he doesn't go anywhere without. Her nemesis in school is Miranda Maroni, who is the ultimate popular girl in school who has everything going for her including the same interest in Josh Henderson, the boy both girls are hoping will ask them to the upcoming dance. Catie dreams of one day becoming a big name fashionista and shares her ideas in her diary along with all her frustrations only a teenager girl would understand.

I received Desperate Diva Diaries-Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters by Angie Spady and illustrated by Channing Everidge compliments of Shelton Interactive and B and H Publishing Group for my honest review. In exchange for a free copy of the book, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I only wish I had a book like this when I was younger. It reminded me of Beverly Clearly and the books about Ramona and Beezus, but this one has an uplifting message inside. While Catie struggles to put her faith in action, she remembers why it is necessary to pray for others and even serve in the mission field. It helps her understand how things like what dress you will get for the dance or even buying the latest smart phone relates in the bigger scheme of life. I can't wait to pick this entire series as it becomes available for my niece whom I know will absolutely LOVE this one as much as I did. Hands down a 5 out of 5 perfect stars!

For more information about Desperate Diva Diaries-Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters, Angie Spady or where you can preorder a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Desperate Diva Diaries-Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters by Angie Spady

The Little Pine Tree

Some times the best children's books don't have to be the longest. The message they deliver can be short, sweet and to the point, and such is what you will find in Mark E. Labriola Sr.'s book, The Little Pine Tree. It's the story of a pine tree seed who wanted to grow up someday like all the other pine trees with a true purpose of being cut down and made into something special. But when the wind blew him to a remote location far removed from the main forest, he began to lose hope. He knew being so far away from the places where the carpenter's would visit and cut down trees, the odds of him being discovered were far and few.

He found his solace in the daily visits from a small boy. He would sit under the tree as it grew and would talk to his Abba as he gathered beneath it with his animal friends. As they both grew, soon the tree lost it's sense of loneliness with the visits from the boy as he too grew. But he wondered if that is all he would be is a solitary tree instead of a tree with a true purpose like a chair or table. But soon that pine tree would learn just how unique and set apart he would become as the boy who came to visit him became a man and would forever change both of their lives.

I don't want to spoil how this one turns out but the point of the story is how we are all created to be unique and blessed by God in our lives. We simply have to be patient enough to find out. Like the pine tree seed, he had to wait quite awhile before he discovered his purpose and it will show you child how special we all are in God's eyes.

I received The Little Pine Tree by Mark E. Labriola Sr compliments of Tate Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I think this is a must have and must read for every child as a reminder we all have a purpose being here on Earth. We only have to stay close to God to find out what that is and be patient in the meantime. I easily give this a 5 out of 5 stars. It is beautifully illustrated and the storyline is simple enough for a young child to understand the words and meaning. The best part of this book is that it includes a free audio download that you can access at the conclusion of the book so you can enjoy it on your favorite audio player!

For more information about The Little Pine Tree, Mark E. Labriola Sr or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Little Pine Tree by Mark E. Labriola Sr. 

You can order a copy of this book by visiting Tate Publishing as well.