Review Tales
Trusted Reviews and Author Features Since 2016
Jak Barley, Private Inquisitor, and the Case of Idol Curiosity by Dan Ehl (Book Review #1820)
“Jak Barley, Private Inquisitor, and the Case of Idol Curiosity” by Dan Ehl plunges readers into a richly imagined world where magic, mystery, and mayhem coalesce into a rollicking adventure. The novel follows the beleaguered Jak Barley, who longs for respite from his perilous line of work, only to find himself embroiled in yet another complex case that promises more danger than downtime.
Read MoreChasing The Dragon by Mark Towse (Book Review #1819)
“Chasing The Dragon” by Towse is an audacious debut that delves into the psyche of a trauma-driven vigilante, Simon Dooley, who assumes the moniker of Reformo in an attempt to cleanse his city of its vices. With a unique blend of genres, Towse invites readers into a world where the lines between heroism and folly blur, offering a narrative that is as dark as it is humorously twisted.
Read MoreHappy & Homeless by S.C. Sanborn (Book Review #1818)
“Happy & Homeless” by S.C. Sanborn is a compelling and refreshingly honest exploration of life beyond the conventional boundaries of home and material possessions. This book is not merely a manual; it is an enlightening journey into the essence of human resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of happiness. Sanborn, with over 13 years of experience living on the road, shares his wisdom, experiences, and the profound lessons learned from a life untethered by the societal norms of settling down in one place.
Read MoreBad Medicine by Lance Horsman (Book Review #1817)
“Bad Medicine” by Lance Horsman inaugurates a thrilling and intricate series that delves deep into an unseen conflict stretching across human history, entangling ancient beings and organizations in a cold war over a potent artifact, the Tufhataan. This artifact, a remnant from the dawn of creation, becomes the focal point of a struggle with humanity’s survival hanging in the balance. Amidst this grand cosmic backdrop, we are introduced to Eddie, a surly but endearing animal mage, and his magical found family, who become unwittingly embroiled in this ancient conflict.
Read MoreEat Dessert First by Michelle Paris (Book Review #1816)
“MOM DAD NOT HEAR” by Mickey Carolan offers a profound and heartwarming exploration into the life of a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), providing powerful insights into leadership, communication, and the value of embracing one’s identity. Growing up in the 1980s in Saginaw, Michigan, Carolan was catapulted into adulthood from a young age, serving as the bridge between his Deaf parents and the hearing world. This unique upbringing laid the foundation for a memoir that is both enlightening and deeply moving.
Read MoreMOM DAD NOT HEAR BY MICKEY CAROLAN (Book Review #1815)
“MOM DAD NOT HEAR” by Mickey Carolan is an insightful and heartwarming memoir that transcends the conventional to deliver powerful leadership lessons from the perspective of a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA). Growing up in Saginaw, Michigan, during the 1980s, Carolan was thrust into the role of a bridge between the Deaf and hearing worlds from a young age. This unique vantage point allowed him to cultivate a deep understanding of effective communication, empathy, and leadership—skills that he masterfully imparts through thirty enriching lessons in this book.
Read MoreIn the Shadows of Castles by G K Holloway (Book Review #1814)
“In the Shadows of Castles” by G.K. Holloway is a compelling and intricately woven narrative that delves deep into the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of England, exploring the seismic shifts in the social and political landscape through the eyes of those who lived through it. This follow-up to “1066: What Fates Impose” continues Holloway’s meticulous examination of this tumultuous period, focusing on the personal stories of survival, resilience, and adaptation in the face of overwhelming change.
Read MoreI CHOOSE THE ENDING by Tasha Marie Johnson (Book Review #1813)
“I CHOOSE THE ENDING” by Tasha Marie Johnson is an odyssey of resilience, courage, and the indomitable human spirit that transcends the boundaries of a traditional memoir. Across five captivating books, Johnson courageously lays bare her tumultuous journey through love, betrayal, adversity, and ultimately, redemption. Each page is a testament to the power of self-determination and the enduring possibility of finding joy and love after trauma.
Read MoreInterview with Corey Manning
Q: Why did you decide to write a children’s book?
A: When my kids were growing up, they had a lot of questions about life, loss, fitting in, and making friends. I wanted to be able to answer their questions in a way that validated their feelings and gave them a safe space to talk about these things.
Q: Tell us about The Adventures of Pee Wee and Tinfoil…what’s it about?
A: The Adventures of Pee Wee and Tinfoil is about two unique characters finding friendship and comfort where you least expect it. Pee Wee is a lonely worm who has a chance encounter with a yellow finch named Tinfoil. After sharing their struggles of feeling loneliness, grief, and not belonging, they quickly realize that they are not so different and begin an unlikely friendship.
Q: How do Pee Wee and Tinfoil find common ground and develop this friendship?
A: Pee Wee and Tinfoil are each struggling to fit in and feeling lonely. They discover that they both love to read and it’s something that brings them together, showing that even though we might seem very different on the outside, oftentimes we have things in common if we can open our minds and our hearts. Reading is a great way to establish these bonds!
Q: You use animals to tell your story…why not use actual kids?
A: My family and I live on a working farm, so we get to observe lots of different animals and how they behave and interact with each other. By giving animals human-like characteristics, I create characters that children can easily identify with and empathize with, regardless of their own experiences or cultural backgrounds.
Book Title: The Adventures of Pee Wee and Tinfoil
Author Name: Corey Manning
Pub Date: May 22, 2024
Book Category/Genre: Children’s Fiction
Page Count:25
Publisher: Book Baby Publishing (self-published)
Website: https://www.peeweeandtinfoil.com/
About the Author:
Corey Manning is life-long musician and passionate storyteller who believes in teaching the power of empathy and understanding. Drawing from personal experience, Manning crafts heartfelt children’s stories that explore universal themes including loss, grief, friendship and belonging.
As the father of five and an active farmer, Manning has observed first-hand the relationship between children, animals and the natural world. By focusing on the unique personalities of animals, his stories not only entertain, but provide a way for parents to have difficult conversations, and a safe space for children to explore their feelings while learning valuable coping skills.
When not writing, Manning can be found on his farm in Sonoma County, California with his wife Emily, his daughter Grace, and their two dogs and four cats.
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