(Picture) Book Review: Chumbalina The Plump Princess by Christopher Holley

Chumbalina The Plump Princess

by Christopher Holley

Paperback: 42 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 24, 2015)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 8280 KB
Print Length: 42 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publication Date: March 13, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC

Ratings: 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Christopher Holley. The review posted below is based on my personal thoughts while reading the book.

My thoughts:

Since having health issues the past year, it has become my mission to make my family eat healthy. Chumbalina's fairy tale story is simple but this picture book tremendously helped me improve my kids' diet. Now they understand the importance and benefits of healthy eating. Love the illustrations and matching colors! 

Definitely, a book I recommend for struggling moms out there looking for ways to make their young kids eat healthy.

Purchase your copy

About the book:

In today's society, it's important to remind children that embracing their own individuality is a wonderful thing. Enter Chumbalina, a princess who enjoys eating so much she becomes an outcast. However, the tables are turned when a gluttonous giant comes to the kingdom and she must rescue everyone doing what she loves most, eating.

Chumbalina, the main character in this children's picture book, is teased for the way she looks and how much she eats. By viewing the world through her eyes, children will walk away recognizing that true beauty comes from within.

Chumbalina the Plump Princess teaches children to respect differences and find inner beauty in all of us! It embraces self-love, self-esteem and acceptance.

About the author:

New Yorker, Christopher Holley, has been an elementary school educator for over 12 years. Through working closely with children he has developed and refined his voice, drawing inspiration from greats like Roald Dahl, David A. Adler and Jeff Kinney.

In his children's stories, Christopher tackles tough issues like water conservation, body image and acceptance. However, he has a whimsical side as well, telling tales of students being put in charge of their school, a fairy that grants moustaches and choosing super-duper super powers.

Moving forwards, Christopher's goals are to continue working closely with children as an educator, and to author many more fantastic, kid-friendly stories.

On a personal basis, Christopher is engaged and he simply loves dogs! In his spare time, he enjoys the Martial Arts, football and strategy games.

Book Review: The Caretaker of Imagination by Z.R. Southcombe

The Caretaker of Imagination 

(The Caretaker Series Book 1)

by Z.R. Southcombe

Series: The Caretaker Series (Book 1)
Paperback: 94 pages
Publisher: Z. R. Southcombe; 1 edition (April 3, 2015)

Kindle Edition
File Size: 2252 KB
Print Length: 108 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: ZR Southcombe; 1 edition (March 20, 2015)
Publication Date: March 20, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Ratings: ★ ★ ★ ★  

Note: I received a review copy of this book free from the author, Z.R. Southcombe. 

My thoughts:

Let me start by saying that my kids rate the books that I read to them. They loved the story though they're surprised to learn that the main character is actually around 40-ish already. Had a hard time explaining the child-like attitude of the man, it did bother them for a while but eventually they liked him and the cat! They find the illustrations cool as it helped them visualize the story. Pirate story is all new to them and it was really, really nice to see them imagining the story while I read this to them. 

Mommies, if you are looking for a good adventure book for your kids, pick this up!

About the book:

For kids looking for a fast-paced, crazy adventure, and grown-ups who want to be lost in childhood magic just one more time. Fans of the whimsy and magic of stories like Alice in Wonderland, or The Chronicles of Narnia will resonate with this story. 

Bored with his normal life, John Carroll runs away with his faithful cat in search of adventure. When he meets a real-life pirate, John realizes there is much more to the world than he’d ever thought possible – magic is real, and in desperate need of a hero. 

John must convince the (once fearsome) Captain Simon Peabody to join him on a fantastic and perilous quest to find the only person who can save magic from being lost forever: the Caretaker of Imagination. 

This wondrous tale harks back to the style of classic children’s literature. Perfect as a read-aloud, it is sure to delight readers of all ages. 


About the author:

Z.R. Southcombe is a writer and artist. She is the author of the wordless picture book What Stars Are Made Of and children's chapter book The Caretaker of Imagination.

Her books are written for children, but with their wild sense of imagination, rich vocabulary and emotional resonance they are loved by readers of all ages.

A true creative, Z.R. usually has a few creative projects on the go, but no matter what project she is currently working on, Z.R. is usually accompanied by a cup of tea.

www.zrsouthcombe.com