Book Review: Dear Pen Pal (The Mother-Daughter Book Club, #3) by Heather Vogel Frederick

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Dear Pen Pal (The Mother-Daughter Book Club, #3)  by Heather Vogel Frederick  is the third book in a middle grade book series that is being rereleased. Chaos erupts in this third installment as the daughters in the book club get themselves into trouble. Each of the girls have big changes in their lives:  Jess is going to boarding school; Megan's grandmother comes to live with her; Emma starts a campaign against school uniforms; Cassidy has a lot of unexpected change coming to her family. Will the mother daughter book club stay together? I'd like to thank NetGalley, Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Dear Pen Pal  by Heather Vogel Frederick with it's upcoming rerelease to the public. I always love a good book that involves books, even if its target audience is children between the ages of eight and twelve. It wasn't until I reached the end of the book that I realized that it...
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Book Review: All the Ice Cream in the Land by Emmy Kastner

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NetGalley ARC of All the Ice Cream in the Land by Emmy Kastner
All the Ice Cream in the Land by Emmy Kastner is about a princess, the kingdom she lives in, and her loyal subjects. Full of twists and turns, children will surely delight in this story about ice cream. When I saw the title and cover art of this kid's book, it made me instantly think of my childhood and how I would've loved a book like this one. A huge shout out and thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for approving my request to read this book. I received a copy for free in exchange for my honest review.

The storyline is very easy to follow, making it especially suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers, particularly children between the ages of two and six. Its straightforward narrative and clear structure make it an excellent choice for read-aloud sessions at home, bedtime stories, or classroom story time. While there is limited character development, which is typical for a picture book format, the princess is still an interesting and memorable character. As an adult reader, she comes across as a bit spoiled at times and unable to speak her mind.

The illustrations are truly one of the standout features of this book. They are vibrant, detailed, and full of personality, bringing the kingdom and its ice cream filled world vividly to life. Each page offers something new to look at, helping to keep young readers engaged and excited to turn the page. The only minor drawback is that one illustration requires the reader to turn the book sideways, which may briefly interrupt the flow of reading aloud.

All the Ice Cream in the Land is a fun, visually appealing children’s picture book that celebrates imagination, sweetness, and storytelling in a way that young children will love. Its simple narrative, charming concept, and beautiful artwork make it a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf. I gave All the Ice Cream in the Land by Emmy Kastner four out of five stars. This children's picture book has an expected publication date of May 5, 2026. 

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