Hilda and Richie's Wizard Reviewed in Midwest Book Review August 2022

 Hilda & Richie's Wizard got a great review in the August 2022 edition of the Midwest Book Review!

"Hilda and Richie's Wizard is a fun picture book story of two foxes who find themselves in a tailspin when the gift of a family relic is lost in the river. Hilda trusted little Richie to take care of the pendant, but his brand of "fun is too much for the pendant" and its chain breaks in the midst of his active young life. Hilda will certainly be angry with him. That's when Mister Abra steps forth to offer a bit of magic to resolve his dilemma. The savvy, quick wizard can solve Richie's problem...but not without a cost.

Max West incorporates a valuable lesson about honesty and owning up to mistakes as Richie assesses his relationship with Hilda and whether it can withstand the truth. Simple yet inviting color illustrations add interest to the tale, which poses the dilemma of how difficult it can be to be honest. Does Richie dare to risk a wizard's wrath by forgetting his obligation? A fine story evolves, holding a message that read-aloud parents will find important and realistic."

More proof you should go buy the book!

Hilda and Richie Reviewed in Midwest Book Review!

 Good news, everyone!  My debut picture book, Hilda & Richie, has been reviewed by the Midwest Book Review and Donovan's Literary Services.

The review appears in the July 2021 edition.  And so here it is!

HILDA & RICHIE

REVIEWED BY DIANE DONOVAN

Hilda & Richie is a fun picture book story about Hilda's discovery of bubble gum. It's a primer about chewing gum and blowing bubbles that captures both the sweetness of the gum and a child's first experiences with using it.

Richie is a newcomer to both bubble-blowing and gum.

As the fox pup and older woman explore the zany effort and challenge of blowing the biggest bubble, kids receive a whimsical tale that contrasts the wisdom and elegance of an older mentor with an impulsive child's determination to not just learn a new skill, but improve upon it.

Hilda & Richie presents the specter of an elegant-looking aged female who teaches her young charge an unexpected skill. It's especially unexpected because this pearl-wearing, fan-carrying fox elder seems an unlikely fan of bubble gum messes.

Kids ages 4-8 will relish not just the bubble-blowing lesson, but the contrast between two different age groups who enjoy the same pursuit - even if the pastime does bring with it somewhat of a mess!