Virtual Book Tour Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny

Written by Evelina Ruimy

Illustrated by Siski Kalla

Ages 4–8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-89138-745-4

Publisher's Book Summary: Meet a bright and curious bunny who loves to learn, read, and play with friends. But when one pup gets in the way, this little bunny discovers something important about kindness, courage, and staying true to who you are. This charming, rhyme-filled story takes young readers on a heartwarming journey about friendship, confidence, and what it really means to be “cool.” Through playful rhythm and an uplifting message, children will learn that kindness and being yourself are the greatest strengths of all. Perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom, this delightful tale encourages children to build empathy, celebrate differences, and believe in themselves.

“Wonderful for young readers, parents, and even educators who want to encourage empathy and positive behavior in everyday situations.” — Reader's Favorite

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

Delicate pencil and watercolor illustrations bring the story of Hop the bunny to life as he deals with a potential bully at school.

Like  many youngsters Hop enjoys school because that is where his friends are and he likes the activities - reading, playing, etc. But when a new student, Ruff the puppy arrives, things change. Ruff tells Hop, “If you like school - you are not cool.” When her little bunny who loves school doesn’t want to go to class, Hop’s mother talks to him about what has changed. She gives him great advice and says, “their words reflect on them and not on you.” 

Sometimes kids instinctively know that what a mean classmate says to them is not true, but they don’t know how to respond. “Next time you meet someone who’s rude, just say, ‘No, thank you, I am good.’” is how Hop’s mother suggests he answer Ruff. When he does so, suddenly Ruff feels uncool because his put-down didn’t work. Hop goes a step further and invites Ruff to meet his friends and really become part of the class.

The woodland setting and the various small animals attending school together fill the images with warmth and camaraderie. They read, paint, play on the swings, and other things that happen every day in elementary and preschools. Youngsters will easily be able to identify with these furry students.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Evelina Ruimy lives in the leafy Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two daughters, Scarlett and Ellie Rose. An avid puzzle-solver, cross-stitcher, and lifelong writer, Evelina finds her greatest joy in motherhood, nurturing her girls into kind, curious, and confident young women.

Hop's Tales: The Kind Bunny was inspired by moments from her own life—small truths and gentle lessons she hopes will guide not only her daughters, but children everywhere, toward lives filled with happiness, empathy, and mindfulness.

To learn more, visit hopstales.com.

Instagram: @hopstalesbooks

TikTok: @hopstalesbooks

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Life is What it’s Called Author Interview with Evelina Ruimy

Thursday, May 7, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Friday, May 8, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Monday, May 11, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 @books.with.courtney Instagram Post about Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Thursday, May 14, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Friday, May 15, 2026 @MaryLanniReads Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Monday, May 18, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Guest Post about Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Evelina Ruimy

Thursday, May 21, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Friday, May 22, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Monday, May 25, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 One More Exclamation Author Interview with Evelina Ruimy

Thursday, May 28, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about Hop’s Tales: The Kind Bunny

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

Virtual Book Tour Tall As the Sun

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tall as the Sun

Written by Stephanie Henson

Illustrated by Yasmin Akhtar

Ages: 0–12 | 30 Pages

Publisher: Watchful Wizard Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-969819-01-8

Publisher's Book Summary: Tall as the Sun is a heartfelt story that takes readers on a lyrical journey through the eyes of a child as they discover the magic of perspective during a day at the beach with Dad. As our little hero rises higher and higher on Dad's shoulders, the world transforms into a playground of endless possibilities. From soaring with seagulls to reaching the top of sandcastles, each page brings a new adventure.

Praise: "It's easy to picture grandparents or parents reading this book to a child before bed as they drift off to dream of sunny beaches, lulled by the rhythmic sound of ocean waves." —Readers' Favorite (5 Stars)

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

The young narrator describes all the sights she sees perched on her father’s shoulders as they walk along the seashore. With each page turn her perspective shifts and she feels as if she is growing taller and taller, looking down at the people on the beach and their various activities. She notices kids building sandcastles, families on picnic blankets, and it seems to her that she is as tall as the lifeguard tower. By the time a plane pulling a banner passes overhead she imagines, “I can now fly like an airplane, swirling and whirling through baby blue skies.”

Each succeeding illustration shows the father-daughter duo a bit taller and the people around them a bit smaller to accompany the girl’s changing perspective. The language captures the playful feeling as she thinks about how she could “magically soar with the seagulls” or “twirl through the air like a parasail.” When they return home and she is tucked into bed for the night her last thought is, “Can’t wait for tomorrow when we can do it all again.” 

With its soft watercolor palette and the repetitive lines at the end of each spread, this book makes the perfect bedtime story. The soft blues of the sky and water, warm golden sand, and wispy white clouds make a soothing backdrop to the tale of a fun day at the beach.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Henson lives with her family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with roots in Central New Jersey. She holds a degree in Communications and a Publishing and Professional Writing Certificate from Rider University, and spends her summers in Ocean City, NJ. An active member of SCBWI (Eastern PA Chapter), Stephanie was a 2024 SCBWI Virtual Conference Scholarship winner, and her work has been featured in both print and online publications.

She is the author of the children's poetry collection In the Right Lane (a #1 New Release in Children's Poetry) and the picture book No School, My Rules! (a #1 New Release in Children's School & Education Books and a Tielmour Press best-seller). Tall as the Sun is her newest picture book, releasing with Watchful Wizard Publishing in May 2026.

Beyond her literary pursuits, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for underrepresented creators living with chronic illness, drawing on her own experience with autoimmune conditions. When she's not writing, she's reading, catching a show, watching Netflix, admiring sunflowers, cheering on sports, or sipping coffee.

To learn more, visit stephaniehensonbooks.com.

Instagram: @stephahenson

X: @stepha_henson

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 7, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 8, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Guest Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 11, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Guest Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 14, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 15, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 18, 2026 A Blue Box Full of Books Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Thursday, May 21, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 22, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Monday, May 25, 2026 @MysteryLFL Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Interview with Stephanie Henson

Thursday, May 28, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Review of Tall as the Sun

Friday, May 29, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Tall as the Sun

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

Virtual Book Tour Orion Fire Storm

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Star Life Keepers: Dragon and Dinosaur Chronicles

Written by Rick Williams Sr. and Brady Williams

Illustrated by Prayan Animation Studio

Ages: 10–14 | 388 Pages

Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798987420010

Publisher's Book Summary: With dragons and elves as allies, three cousins must save two worlds before time runs out. Join cousins Jason, Amanda, and Elisa as their desperate wish to undo family tragedy launches them into the war-torn, mythical realm of Belacamber. Guided by the legendary Star Life Keepers—an extraordinary alliance of elves, shapeshifting dragons, and prehistoric predators—the trio faces relentless foes, including terrifying flying T. rexes and vicious ptero-raptors, while battling to protect their own family back home. A thrilling middle-grade epic blending fantasy with time travel, dinosaurs, and dragon-filled skies.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Bookshop.org | Barnes & Noble

MY REVIEW

You may be thinking Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles? How can it be both? Fantasy, my friends, that is how you can encounter a five-headed dragon and a flying Tyrannosaurus rex along with elves and even humanized prehistoric tigers and dire wolves all in the same story.

When cousins Jason and Elisa find out their grandfather has what they believe to be a time machine, they both decide to use it and travel to the past to prevent the deaths of their fathers. During their attempt to sneak into their grandfather’s research project they wind up bringing along Jason’s sister Amanda and all three children are transported far from home by a special celestial globe. It turns out they have gone through a portal in Orion's Belt and arrived on a parallel world where their counterparts are members of the royal family. To save the kingdom they find themselves in, they set off on a quest to bring back a cure for the ailing queen.

For readers who enjoy stories of friends and siblings traveling to other worlds (think Chronicles of Narnia and similar adventures), this series would be a good addition to the “to be read” pile. Each of the main characters has obstacles to overcome, such as Jason’s hearing loss, as well as strengths to bring to their quest. Confrontations with villagers who resent the royal family as well as enemies out to cause the downfall of the kingdom itself keep the action moving at a brisk pace. Emotional growth through facing fears and dealing with grief also play a part in the story development, creating more rounded characters. The cliffhanger ending will have readers eagerly reaching for the second book to find out what happens next.

Additional content includes a foreword that explains how writing the series began, a bonus short story, illustrations, an author’s note, a reference list describing characters and locations within the story for helpful reference, a suggested reading list of fantasy books, and a reader’s guide and activities. 

Orion Fire Storm

Written by Rick Williams Sr. with Caleb Williams

Illustrated by Prayan Animation Studio

Ages: 10+ | 417 Pages

Publisher: Legacy KidLit Press (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9874200-7-2

Publisher's Book Summary: During this time of renewed interest in space travel, Orion Fire Storm follows Jason, Amanda, and Elisa—modern-day teens who travel among the stars and into the past—as they join forces with elves and shapeshifting dragons to save their nations. Continuing the adventures that began in Star Life Keepers, they face even deadlier trials in a medieval world of gryphon-riding wolf guards, roaming dire wolves, and flying raptors. Messengers from Orion's Belt equip the cousins with magical gems to unlock the power beyond the universe. Features original illustrations, detailed maps, and an Encyclopedia of Creatures.

PURCHASE LINKS

Orion Fire Storm: Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rick Williams Sr. is a former biotech executive who writes the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series with his grandchildren and other Story Apprentices. Inspired by a visit to Chapel Hill's Morehead Planetarium—where Apollo astronauts trained—the series features a Star Globe that transports young cousins into a parallel universe where they heroically use astronomy magic to save their nations.

His debut, Star Life Keepers, became a top Amazon children's eBook in Space Exploration and Time Travel. The adventure continues in Orion Fire Storm and the upcoming Young Dragonriders. Companion short fiction—including the Orion Dragons' Holiday Tale and Dragons & Betrayals—explores story origins and expanding worlds in the series.

Through the Creative Writing Lab at thestorymakinghub.com—featuring the Story Writing workbook—Rick provides roadmaps and free materials to equip a growing community of young creators who want to share their own voices.

To learn more, visit www.rickwilliamsbooks.com.

https://www.instagram.com/storymakingwithrickwilliams/

https://www.facebook.com/storymakingwithrickwilliams

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/84161.Rick_Williams

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-williams-31136919/

https://ph.pinterest.com/storymakingwithkids/

https://x.com/storymakinghub

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Prayan Animation Studio is a creative animation studio with an expert team of creators, artists, and designers specializing in custom artwork, mapmaking, and videos.

To learn more, visit www.prayananimation.com

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Orion Fire Storm

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book List: 8 Middle Grade Books About Space That Launch Big Adventures

Thursday, May 7, 2026 Life is What It’s Called Author Interview with Rick Williams Sr.

Friday, May 8, 2026 @MaryLanniReads Book Review of Star Life Keepers

Monday, May 11, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Author Interview with Rick Williams Sr.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Rick Williams Sr.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Reviews of Star Life Keepers and Orion Fire Storm

Friday, May 15, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Reviews of Star Life Keepers and Orion Fire Storm

Monday, May 18, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Star Life Keepers

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series

Thursday, May 21, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Star Life Keepers and Orion Fire Storm

Friday, May 22, 2026 Lisa’s Reading Book Spotlight on the Dragon & Dinosaur Chronicles series

Monday, May 25, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Reviews of Star Life Keepers and Orion Fire Storm

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of Star Life Keepers

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Book Review of Star Life Keepers

This post is sponsored by Legacy KidLit Press. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.