Children's Book Review

Sara's Moon
By Kent Holsather
ISBN: 978-09729101-3-2
Review by Heather Froeschl

What do you do when all seems lost? Do you give up or reach a hand out to a friend? In Kent Holsather’s latest book, “Sara’s Moon,” Sara and Henry reach out for dear life, and hold fast to hope. It’s 1909; Sara’s father is a participant in the great New York to Seattle Road Race, when his automobile is thrust off a cliff called Trick Notch. Sara refuses to believe that he is dead, but how will she find him in the wilderness? Alone? This isn’t Sara and Henry’s first adventure, but the dangers involved threaten any sort of a future.

While waiting for the race to end, after 23 days of anticipating the triumphant return of her father, Jacob Flint, Sara and Henry take in the sights at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. Seeing the “last mountain man” makes Sara somewhat sad and thoughtful. Appalled at the fake Eskimos and the treatment of people who are in the exhibits, Sara convinces Henry to get his palm read instead of seeing more trickery. What is foretold is daunting, but Henry brushes it off as more fair lore. Maybe he should have paid closer attention. The next morning the news makes its way to Sara’s mother, that Jacob Flint has been lost to the treacherous journey. Sara refuses to believe it.

Taking a walk to gain her composure, in the company of dear Henry, Sara finds herself face to face with the mountain man from the fair. Having faith that there was some truth to his tale, she determinedly asks for his help in finding her father whom she is convinced is out there, somewhere, waiting to be rescued. He agrees, seeing a spark in her eyes that he cannot say no to. Henry, of course, cannot let her go with this stranger alone, so at 4 a.m. the next morning, the group sets out to Trick Notch. What they discover along the way, is the amazing and sad history of their companion and guide. Getting through the harrowing journey, facing death and a mad mother bear, the trio finds that reaching out is all that they can do, what they need to do most of all. Will Jacob Flint be found? Will nature have her way, throwing such as cougars, lightning, and fire at her challengers?

“Sara’s Moon” is a touching tale of bravery, moral values, adventure, family and friendship. Well written and full of historical feel, it makes for a memorable read. For ages 10 and up, reading about Sara and Henry’s escapades is sure to be exciting. I recommend Kent Holsather’s work, every time. A perfect follow up story to the first Sara and Henry tale, “Henry of York,” “Sara’s Moon” can also stand alone. Well done!

Children's Book (by a child author) Review

Angel in a Bubble
Author/Illustrator: Melisa Eyuboglu
E-books ISBN:1-933090-59-6
PRINT ISBN 10: 1-933090-48-0
ISBN 13: 9781933090481
Review by Heather Froeschl


Would you go on a quest for someone you’d just met? What if that someone was an angel? In Melisa Eyuboglu’s debut book, “Angel in a Bubble,” one little girl sets out to change God’s rules.

Meeting her own angel is a surprise for Alison. Meeting her dog’s angel is a shock too. Alison’s angel accidentally fell into the ocean and was transformed into a bubble as the rules state she must. She wants to be an angel again and asks Alison for help. Together they all set out to the biggest hilltop where a rainbow becomes the path to God. Will Alison convince Him to change his rule? Will her angel be an angel once more?

This delightful book is written and illustrated by nine year old Melisa Eyuboglu. She uses colorful text and drawings to capture the young reader’s imagination. Her story is sweet but also one that demonstrates a willingness to help others. Alison sets out on a quest after getting her mother’s permission, and makes an effort to change what she sees as an unjust rule. This young author shows promise in her descriptive text but also in her ability to portray compassionate characters. If she puts her mind to the quest of becoming a great author, as Alison did to helping her new friend, we’ll be sure to see more from this young lady in the future.

Children's Book Review

The Playdate Kids: Cosmos' Mom and Dad Are Moving Apart
by Annie Thiel
ISBN-10: 1933721049

When parents get divorced the children will often feel that they are to blame, in addition to being scared, angry, and sad. Help for the youngest children can be found in "Cosmos' Mom and Dad Are Moving Apart," by Annie Thiel, Ph.D. Geared for children ages 3-6, this book addresses every concern a young child might have.

Cosmos' parents don't get along anymore and are always arguing and sad. Cosmos is sad too. When his parents tell him that they are getting divorced he goes through the natural emotions and asks the important question, "Was it something I did?" Reassured that it wasn't, Cosmos begins to tell his friends at school, who also react in a natural way. Through the process, Cosmos learns some things about his parents, his friends and himself. Keeping his room clean in both homes is still going to be a parental concern, and spending time with both of his parents is still going to create a loving environment.

Dr. Annie Thiel knows how to address these issues, and so many more. Having over 30 years of experience as a child psychologist gives her the best possible role requirements to play as an author of this and other titles that will be of high family value. The story is simply written to directly answer the concerns of children in this age group. Straight forward and to the point, but friendly and engaging, children will relate to every word. The illustrations are bright and colorful and full of life, lending to an atmosphere of interest and potential personal growth for readers. I look forward to Dr. Thiel's other titles, which involve a new baby brother, moving, and a parent having to go to the hospital. It's about time that the youngest children's needs are addressed in such a loving and caring way. I highly recommend this title to family therapists, divorcing parents, and teachers everywhere.