The Lost Locket on the Golden Gate Bridge by Scott Sollers

 

The Lost Locket on the Golden Gate Bridge by Scott Sollers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

On Katherine's 7th birthday, she received a most treasured gift...a locket that once belonged to her grandmother. It is her favorite piece of jewelry. Her family goes on vacation to California and while visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, Katherine realizes that her locket is missing. What she doesn't know is that a kind hearted seagull has found it and he's looking for her.

This is such a sweet story about treasured memories and mementos, the love of family, kindness, and going the extra mile. There are many lessons here for all ages!

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A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs (Stephanie's Stories) by Scott Sollers

 

A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs by Scott Sollers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's a tale of two towns that are very different from each other. One town is lush and vibrant while the other one barren and practically lifeless. Chief Nobody and Chief Somebody were at odds with one another. Chief Somebody and his Have-Alls had pets called Squatz and Chief Nobody and his No-Haves have no pets at all. A plan is hatched for the No-Haves to steal the Squatz from the Have-Alls and what ensured was a competition of will and a lot of stretching. Thus, Squatz became Ostriches.

This is a cute book that kids will likely love for the humor in the story. It's definitely a true TALL tale!

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Adventures at Lake Omigosh (Stephanie's Stories Series) by Scott Sollers

 

Adventures at Lake Omigosh by Scott Sollers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Camp Horizon is just for kids, no parents allowed (although the pictures do depict adults!). It's a fun summer camp for kids to get away and give their parents a break. Around a campfire, they learn that Lake Omigosh got it's name because a mysterious turtle like creature has been seen in the lake and when people see it, they say "Oh My Gosh!". The name stuck. Felix and Harry decide to take a boat out one day. There are three rules that must always be followed and in their haste, Felix and Harry don't follow any of them. What happens next will have them saying, "Oh My Gosh!".

I enjoyed this book but I took off a star because I feel the ending was very rushed. There could have been many more details added but it seems like it just stopped very abruptly. I feel that a child reading or hearing this story might also feel the same way.

The illustrations are very well done in this story. Bryan Janky, the illustrator, deserves a shout out for the vivid depictions of the scenes that he created for this book!

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Ellie's Dancing Shoes (Stephanie's Story) by Scott Sollers

 

Ellie's Dancing Shoes by Scott Sollers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes all you need is confidence, and that is especially true of Ellie. Her whole life's dream was to become a ballerina. She gave up time hanging out with her friends to rehearse the steps she needed to take to be a famous dancer. A lot of the time she ended up on the floor though. One day her parents heard her sobbing and gifted her a pair of magical ballet slippers from her grandmother. All of a sudden, Ellie was dancing well and she was excited. That is, until the day she lost her slippers right before a huge audition. How would she ever be accepted without her magical slippers?

This was a nice read and can show how a little confidence can go a long way.

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How Flowers Got Their Colors by Scott Sollers

 

How Flowers Got Their Colors by Scott Sollers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

There are only three colors....blue for the sky, green for the grass, and yellow for the sun. A shepherd is curious where to find colors for the flowers and other things in his environment. Everything is white except for aforementioned things. The shepherd goes on a quest to find color to bring back to his pasture to liven everything up.

It's not often that find a children's book "boring" but this one just didn't grab me. I like the general premise of the lack of color but the "adventure" part just didn't do it for me. Others may really like this book, and I hope you do! It would be a great way to start a discussion about color and how not everything is as it seems.



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