Virtual Book Tour Mrs. Gourd

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mrs. Gourd

 

Written by Jody Bucher

 

Illustrated by Monica Violet Joy & Asha Butler

 

Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages

 

Publisher: Ingram Spark (2026) | ISBN: Hardcover: 979-8-9894987-1-0 | Paperback: 979-8-9894987-0-3

 

Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who’s had to put children to bed knows how unpredictable the routine of bedtime can be. Enter—Mrs. Gourd. When Mom finds herself at her wits’ end, Mrs. Gourd’s unexpected arrival changes the course of bedtime—in a good way. Taking charge in her persnickety, silly way, Mrs. Gourd wrangles in bedtime, leaving the reader amused, and best of all, those little ones drifting off into dreamland. When all else fails, it’s Mrs. Gourd to the rescue!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Has your household ever experienced “an exceptionally crazy bedtime”? Then perhaps you need to call in Mrs. Gourd for help. With her “snippety, persnickety, slightly British, and proper-sounding voice” she may be just what you need to wrangle everyone into bed.

Illustrations capture the hubbub of three children and two dogs all determined to stay awake and play rather than listen to Mom’s admonishments to settle down. When Mrs. Gourd appears, all action stops in a perfect freeze-frame image of kids and pets who had been bouncing on the bed poised in midair with wide-eyed looks of shock. And the frazzled mom in skirt and blouse is replaced by Mrs. Gourd in a power outfit of red dress and matching glasses. 

This transformation of Mom into the intimidating Mrs. Gourd has elements of Miss Nelson is Missing and even a dash of “Mrs. Doubtfire” in its DNA. Bedtime eventually happens and everyone is safely tucked in - but Mrs. Gourd’s work is not done. The last illustration shows a couple of doggos with guilty expressions surrounded by shredded paper and toppled houseplants. A delightful bedtime read-aloud sure to inspire giggles.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Bucher (Levar) learned to improv while tap dancing in her grandparents’ kitchen as a child. She has loved writing for as long as she can remember, but her life experience as a mom led her to write this, her first book. A working mom of three (a daughter and twin boys), she has channeled her artistic and linguistic talents as a brand-builder, copywriter, and creative director but considers her children her greatest work of art.

 

To learn more, visit www.mrsgourdbooks.com.

 

Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, June 15, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book List featuring Mrs. Gourd

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Me Two Books Author Interview with Jody Bucher

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 The Starlit Path Instagram Reel about Mrs. Gourd

Thursday, June 18, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Friday, June 19, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Monday, June 22, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Thursday, June 25, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Friday, June 26, 2026 Little Free Library Mystery Network Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Monday, June 29, 2026 @avainbookland Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Mrs. Gourd

Thursday, July 2, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Friday, July 3, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Monday, July 6, 2026 @MaryLanniReads Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 @thechildrensbookreview Instagram Reel of Mrs. Gourd

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about Mrs. Gourd

Thursday, July 9, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Jody Bucher

Friday, July 10, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on Mrs. Gourd

Monday, July 13, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Author Interview with Jody Bucher

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Mrs. Gourd

This post is sponsored by Jody Bucher. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Virtual Book Tour The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

 
ABOUT THE BOOK

The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Written and Illustrated by Alan J. Hesse

Ages: 8–13 | 61 Pages

Publisher: Alan J. Hesse (2025) | ISBN: 978-9942489579

Publisher’s Book Summary: Adventure. Comedy. Climate change. A race across Brazil that could change everything. When Captain Polo, the world’s most determined polar bear, continues his journey south from the open-ended mid-Atlantic finale of Pole to Pole, Antarctica finally seems within reach—until ruthless oil tycoon Tex Greedyman sets a dangerous plan in motion to exploit the Amazon. Polo and his ever-practical sidekick Penguin are pulled into a race against destruction that sweeps them across one of the most dynamic countries on Earth—from shark-filled waters and electric-eel rivers to burning forests and vast southern ranchlands. Blending humor, high-stakes adventure, and real environmental science, Polo in Brazil brings big global challenges—deforestation, fossil fuels, Indigenous rights, and climate action—to life in a vivid, page-turning story.

Themes: Climate change & the environment • Deforestation & the Amazon • Indigenous rights • Fossil fuels & clean energy • Geography of Brazil • Conservation & climate action

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Captain Polo is a big-hearted bear who has made it his mission to spread the word about climate change. Traveling by sailboat, because he doesn’t want to create any emissions that will add to global warming, he learns about eco-friendly initiatives and threats to the planet wherever he goes.

Polo has promised his friend Penguin that he will return him to the Antarctic, so they set out sailing south. As they travel along the coast of South America they discover many fascinating things about the country of Brazil - including coastal mangroves, bull sharks, and groups that are helping provide electricity to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro with solar panels. Readers can learn about agribusiness, logging, industrialized cattle ranching, and other practices that threaten the Amazon basin. But there is also plenty of action as Polo tries to stop the plans of Tex Greedyman (a wealthy oil tycoon), the bumbling Conor O’ Connor who is determined to steal Polo’s hat, and all the other bad guys they met along the way. A few of them even try to capture Polo and Penguin to sell them to a zoo!

The story has several layers to it. There are the regional details about the areas they visit, the sometimes slapstick comedy of O’Connor and Greedyman, not to mention the hijinks of Penguin (may I just mention a jetpack, numchucks, and a soccer tournament?), plus all the environmental education components. This is definitely a book for confident middle grade readers who are familiar with graphic novels and enjoy a blend of action adventure, comedy, and climate change awareness. Back matter includes a glossary of terms, a list of Top 10 Climate Actions that readers can do to become a climate hero, and information about the author’s website where more resources can be found.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alan J. Hesse is an award-winning author-illustrator who merges professional expertise in nature conservation with storytelling and artistic skills. Alan’s 30-year career in conservation and status as a UN Champion for Climate Education gives him a unique edge as an author of children’s books with an environmental focus that is both engaging and educational. He is the author of 11 children’s books, most of them graphic novels, that have been compared to the legendary Tintin collection.

To learn more, visit captainpoloacademy.com.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, June 11, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Friday, June 12, 2026 Me Two Books Author Interview with Alan J. Hesse

Monday, June 15, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Thursday, June 18, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Friday, June 19, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Monday, June 22, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Thursday, June 25, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Friday, June 26, 2026 Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk Book Review of The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Monday, June 29, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Guest Post about The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

Thursday, July 2, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Author Interview with Alan J. Hesse

This post is sponsored by Alan J. Hesse in partnership with The Children's Book Review. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Virtual Book Tour Ode to a Pug: I'm a BIG dog!

 ABOUT THE BOOK

Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Written by Jill Rosen

Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr

Ages: 4–6 | 36 Pages

Publisher: Pug House Books Inc. (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-0695069-6-2

Publisher’s Book Summary: Anyone who has stared down a “You must be this tall to enter” sign will cheer on Phoebe’s latest quest to rule the BIG dog park the way only a pug can. Giggle along as a couple of compact canines stubbornly take on the BIG dogs in another hilarious, heart-warming adventure from the author of the award-winning Ode to a Pug books. Will our favorite gassy pug learn that the grass isn’t always greener? Or will her pug-powered determination pay off? A laugh-out-loud, adorably illustrated, rhyming tale of pup perseverance, perfect for children ages 2–8 and dog lovers of all ages.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

That’s right - Phoebe the Pug is back for more hilarious fun! This time Phoebe and her friend the Pom are taking on the big dog’s side of the dog park.

Phoebe is beside herself with excitement about having a park day. She sees her friend the Pom as soon as they arrive and the two friends run off in the small dogs’ section to have some fun. But when they peek through the fence they see the big dogs and all the activities on their side of the park. There is a pond with a sandy shore and a waterfall. A ball pit. Pieces of agility course equipment. So, with typical Phoebe confidence, she leads her friend through the gate as a large dog exits.

As sometimes happens in life, the grass isn’t actually greener on the other side of the fence. Phoebe is knocked into the pond by a passing Retriever. When she and the Pom find a ball, it is taken by a Great Dane. It is a relief when their moms come and return them to the correct side of the park so they can play with their peers and wear themselves out with tug-of-war and other games. The illustrations capture all the zany humor and mishaps, including the "mountain of POO” left behind by the Great Dane.

For all those kids who dread the “You must be this tall to ride” signs at amusement parks and fairs, Phoebe’s desire to be seen as a big dog will ring very true. And the message that “moms love you no matter what size you are” is true for kids of all ages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jill Rosen is an award-winning, bestselling author and career marketer and advertiser. She lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband—so she doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration. Th
rough her brand management work, Jill’s appreciation for powerful writing and artistic design only grew. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in mental health and infertility. Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers.

To learn more, visit www.odetoapug.com.

Instagram: @odetoapug

Amazon Author Page

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Steph Rohr is a French award-winning children’s book illustrator who earned a distinction from ECV Art School in Paris. She is fond of anything silly, funny, wacky, daft, and colorful. A freelance illustrator and art director, Steph has been working in London in publishing and advertising.

Instagram: @stephdoespictures

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, May 21, 2026 Tour Kick-Off for Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Friday, May 22, 2026 Me Two Books Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Monday, May 25, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Thursday, May 28, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Activity for Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Friday, May 29, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Monday, June 1, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Thursday, June 4, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Friday, June 5, 2026 @books.with.courtney Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Monday, June 8, 2026 One More Exclamation Author Interview with Jill Rosen

Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Little Free Library Mystery Network Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 @avainbookland Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Thursday, June 11, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Friday, June 12, 2026 Mrs. Makes Reading Fun Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Monday, June 15, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Book Zone Reviews Author Interview with Jill Rosen

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of Ode to a Pug: I’m a BIG Dog!

This post is sponsored by Pug House Books. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.