HOLO: The Fixing
Sandra J. Payne (Author)
In a post-apocalyptic time on Earth, Cherbeau Dumonday, 17, lives with the last members of the human race under a Dome that has been a sanctuary for generations of survivors for more than four centuries. In a society that puts a high value on beauty and aesthetics, holographic faces have become the norm for everyone over 20 years old. As idyllic as life in the Dome has been, a string of mysterious and troubling occurrences launches Cherbeau into a harrowing journey to save herself, her family, and the only life she has ever known.
Dude, Where's My Sock?
Sandra J. Payne (Author)
When Marco, a boy who loves playing soccer, needs to get ready for a big match, he can't find one of his uniform socks no matter how hard he tries. This wordless picture book takes us along as Marco searches high and low all through his house for his missing sock. His dog, Dude, tries to help, but nothing seems to work. Follow the adventure as his sock stays one step ahead of Marco's efforts.
This book is pure creative genius and I discover something new in the story every time I open the book. So much detail and depth in the illustrations that is perfect for sharing with the little ones where they will ask you to go through it with them over and over again. I've never experienced a book like this where the illustrations make the story come alive. Bravo!
This is one of the very best children's books I have ever bought! The storyline is cute and very relatable, but it's the illustrations that make this book magical! It's engaging, colorful, and has so many details. I personally love the dust bunnies, and the gopher's toy collection. It's a perfect book for readers of all ages!
We are SO PLEASED with the children's book Dude, Where's My Sock? It is such a relatable story for any age. But the brilliance of this book is...THERE ARE NO WORDS!! GENIUS!! Our 2 year old nephew is very visual but he hasn't learned to read yet. However, he won't need any assistance to follow the story of Marco and his dog Dude as they look for a lost sock. Told with a labyrinth of vibrant and involved images, we get to track Marco's neon sock through a collection of hilarious mishaps and near-misses. This is a PERFECT GIFT for the pre-literate folks on your list!!!
This book couldn't be cuter or more engaging for both young and old. The story is adorable, the characters and setting beautifully drawn and the search for the sock makes for a clever, super fun interactive experience for youngsters (and me). I love this book!
This book is an adorably drawn wordless story that has so much detail in the pictures we discover something new each time we look at it.
Highly recommend
Three Naughty Donkeys
Sandra J Payne (Author)
Rachel Yew (Illustrator)
On a beautiful country farm, three little donkeys get a bright idea to break out of their pen and head to the nearby orchard to sample some sweet, delicious apples. Farmer Freddy, however, has something to say about their naughty decision.
In a time of go fast, uncertainty, and change in the world, one thing will never go out of importance and style: reading a book to a child. Sandy Payne’s charming, funny, and tender Three Naughty Donkeys is a must. Her ability to portray a trio of “on the move” equines will galvanize wonder and joy to young readers - and perhaps more mature readers who will need to investigate the donkey to answer the questions that are posed to them. The inspiration for this book is the author’s parents who lovingly owned three miniature donkeys at their small ranch in Oregon. She has captured the spirit and adorable stubbornness and mischief of the breed. Young readers can follow them on their travels and let imagination take its course.
At a great length for the young and accompanied by excellent illustrations, parents, nannies, and teachers should add this unique and fun volume to their shelf. None will be disappointed.
I love reading stories to my grandchildren. In a day where everything has to be on a screen, it is so nice to read a wonderful tale with excellent artwork on paper. Sitting with the kids and making up voices is so fun and gets the little ones laughing and wanting more. As for knowing these donkeys well, my wife and I purchased the house along with the 3 donkeys that this story is about. They are wonderful animals and proof God has a sense of humor when you hear them bray. It is like a truly beautiful belly laugh. I highly recommend this book.
Fun-loving, engaging story that reminds me of my son and nephews growing up, you get one or two of them together and things are good, you add a third, and mischievousness is sure to happen. The illustrations really bring the story to life and makes you want to keep visiting Cocoa, Muggs and Marshmallow. Waiting for their next adventure! I’ll be sure to tag along. I can't wait to share this with my niece and nephew.
Speaking as a child psychologist it’s great to read a children’s book about the positive aspects of friendship. A book about sharing fun times together just for the joy of it. A lovely tale well told in a sweet and gentle way. The beautiful illustrations bring to life this cast of playful and gentle characters. I highly recommend this book .
The illustrations and story create a fun world for these donkeys to play in and for the reader to enjoy. I agree with what someone else pointed out: "I appreciate the vocabulary the author uses—it’s not “dumbed-down” for kids, yet it’s not intimidating."
Wing: The Swiftest Sailboat on the High Seas
Sandra J Payne (Author)
Janet Bristol (Illustrator)
From his home port in the quaint town of Hug Harbor, Wing, the swiftest sailboat on the high seas, regularly sails off the coast of the north Atlantic. In this gentle bedtime story for children and families about the value of friendship, Wing gains a new perspective on his life after he experiences an unexpected adventure out on the open ocean.
Absolutely wonderful book for children! I love the writing and the illustrations are fabulous - each is really a work of art. First time I ever read a children's book and was anxious to see how it would end. (I will also confess that it's the first time I recall having to look up the meaning of a word in a children's book!) Great for kids and their parents will be very happy with the message, the writing, and the illustrations. I got it to pass on to friends for their grandkids - am truly glad that I read it myself. Very, very enjoyable.
What a great lesson this story provides for youngsters (and oldster too!).
Beautifully and whimsically illustrated.
The outcome of Wing’s pursuits will be a relief and a lesson to all.
Fred Walters
Wing is a delightfully written and illustrated story that should both inspire and resonate for young people today. It reiterates that the secret to happiness is taking time to stop, notice and appreciate who and what is around you, and that all joys in life are multiplied when shared! 😍
As a parent, I am always looking for books that are not only fun to read with initially and then by, my kids.
The story is easy paced and creates subtle imaging for the reader. For example, when Wing is doing his own thing in the beginning, even though admired by the others, one starts to wonder what they are really thinking. Then after his change of heart after much introspection, their bond is deeper and more real. I think this is a good life lesson for kids as they navigate their relationships.
The story is well paced and easy to read for kids and the illustrations are soft and lend to the friendliness of the story. They also provide fun connection points if you are a parent reading this to your child.
I recommend it both to parents to start reading to their kids at a young age, as well as to young readers.
"Wing" is a kids book with a message for all. Friends are what everyone needs. The water color illustrations add so much to the storyline. This story is for young or old and everyone in-between. I bought several copies as gifts.
Elmer's Elephant Birthday Party: A Counting Book
Sandra J Payne (Author)
Rachel Yew (Illustrator)
Elmer’s birthday is coming up! He decides to organize a party and invites 10 of his fellow elephant friends. Turns out, it’s difficult to fit 10 elephants into a tiny tent. In this counting book, you’ll have the opportunity to count from one to 10 and then back down again.
This is a fun book that incorporates math and number recognition with something all kids love, Birthday Parties! The bonus for me buying this book is one of the characters is named Zuri, the same name as one of my granddaughters. This makes number 7 and this book a favorite for her, her siblings and all the cousins.
What an incredible story! I am so glad I was able to buy this authors book on Amazon!
This is such an awesome book! It's a great way to help kiddos learn their numbers, while also intriguing them with the fun illustrations of each elephant. I'm so glad I've added this to the book shelf!
I don't want to brag but I'm already really good at counting but my niece isn't and this book was perfect for her! Well written and adorable illustrations. Strong recommend.
My elderly mom loves this as much as my little nephew. It super clever, adorable, and charming, with fun rhymes and number counting enjoyment. It’s got fantastic repeatability too.
Awesome Insect Alphabet Book!
Sandra J Payne (Author)
The ABCs of bugs! Foster a love of insects from A to Z! With scientific accuracy, this amazing rhyming book features insects from around the world to illustrate the alphabet.
Wonderful, wonderful book - kids will love it and so will their parents and grandparents. I'll confess I didn't realize it rhymed until I read it out loud (duh). The writing is very clever and very funny. The illustrations are superb. Each one is beautiful and worth carefully examining. I guarantee your kids will get a kick out of it. I appreciated that it had a glossary - you learn something every day.
I bought this book for a new baby expected later this year! The illustrations are amazing! I can’t wait to give this gift. I know they will love it!
This is a darling alphabet book my granddaughter will enjoy! Fun way to expose kids to the wonder of nature & the insect world (great illustrations too)! I have other children's books from this author too. Highly recommended!
I have 17 grandkids ages 1-15 and one of their favorite games is taking turns choosing alphabet animals. This book with it's beautiful illustrations and clever writing is one they want to read and browse over and over.
This book is ADORABLE!!! We bought 2 of them for our nephews. They LOVE bugs so how perfect to teach them their alphabet by using BUGS in this very sweet and clever rhyming book.
