Children’s Books

Ernesto Joked by Hazel Pacheco

December 2, 2023 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Ernesto Joked by Hazel Pacheco

Unlock your imagination, venture to a land of enchantment, and hobnob with the gregarious quails of the Southwest!

In this nail-biting episode, Ernesto’s talent for making others laugh is put to the ultimate test. When a cantankerous coyote invades the bosque and threatens the quails, it’s no time for jokes—or is it? Coyote demands a funny story . . . or else. With his whole covey counting on him, will Ernesto think of a story funny enough to make Coyote howl with laughter?

If you enjoyed the Southwest flavor of The Three Little Javelinas, by Susan Lowell, or the optimism of Knight Owl by Christopher Denise, then you are sure to love Ernesto Joked. This read-aloud, read-to-your-child book will capture the hearts of children ages 4+ and might even capture the notice of some adult kids as well.

Beautifully illustrated, Ernesto Joked presents a humorous vocabulary-building tale that celebrates friendship and bravery while delivering a subtle faith inspired message that encourages courage in spite of fear.

Bonus glossary and activity page included!

This is book four of the four-book Henry and Friends series.

Gloria Smiled by Hazel Pacheco

November 24, 2023 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Gloria Smiled by Hazel Pacheco

Unlock your imagination, venture to a land of enchantment, and hobnob with the gregarious quails of the Southwest!

In this jaw-dropping episode, Gloria is determined to celebrate, but a mysterious sorpresa in the clearing threatens to ruin her plans. With optimism and determination, Gloria sets out to save the day, but will she be able to overcome the odds? Join Gloria as she travels through the woodland known as the bosque (boss-kee) to uncover the secret of the sorpresa.

If you enjoyed the perseverance in The Most Magnificent Thing, by Ashley Spires and the birthday bustle in Bear Can’t Wait by Karma Wilson, then you will love Gloria Smiled. This read-aloud, read-to-your-child book is sure to capture the hearts of children ages 4+ and might even gain the notice of some adult kids as well.

Beautifully illustrated with Kim Sponaugle’s vibrant watercolors, Gloria Smiled increases vocabulary, while delivering a subtle faith-inspired message about selflessness and resilience.

Bonus glossary and activity page included!

This book three of the four-book Henry and Friends series.

Federico Exaggerated by Hazel Pacheco

November 17, 2023 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Federico Exaggerated by Hazel Pacheco

Unlock your imagination, venture to a land of enchantment, and hobnob with the gregarious quails of the Southwest!

In this incredible episode, the flamboyant Federico captures the attention of his spectators with an inflated story of his bravery. But without warning, an announcement of ripe hackberries leaves him without an audience. Alone, he accidentally stumbles onto something that might recapture his friends’ attention—something fantastic—unbelievable—something even he could not have imagined! Find out if Federico can convince his friends he is not exaggerating.

If you enjoyed the moral of The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot by Scott Magoon, or the Southwest flavor of The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell, then you will love Federico Exaggerated. This read-aloud, read-to-your-child book is sure to capture the attention of children ages 4+ and might even gain the notice of some adult kids as well.

Beautifully illustrated with Kim Sponaugle’s vibrant watercolors, Federico Exaggerated presents an educational, humorous tale that delivers a subtle faith inspired message about honoring the truth.

This is book two of the four-book Henry and Friends Series.

Henry Wondered by Hazel Pacheco

November 10, 2023 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Henry Wondered by Hazel Pacheco

Unlock your imagination, venture to a land of enchantment, and hobnob with the gregarious quails of the Southwest!

In this heart-warming episode, Henry wonders about many things. In particular, how to impress Gloria. When a handsome roo enters the picture, Henry’s insecurities creep in and lead to some very amusing situations. Will Federico, a stranger and self-proclaimed talented flamingo dancer, ruin Henry’s plans? Follow Henry as he discovers the wonder of serendipity.

If you enjoyed the Southwest flavor of The Three Little Javelinas, by Susan Lowell, then you are sure to love Henry Wondered. This read-aloud, read-to-your-child book will capture the hearts of children ages 4+ and might even capture the notice of some adult kids as well.

Beautifully illustrated, Henry Wondered presents a humorous vocabulary-building tale that celebrates wonder and delivers a subtle faith inspired message that encourages overcoming insecurity.

Book one of the four-book Henry and Friends series.

Pookie and Tushka by Jorge

July 22, 2023 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Pookie and Tushka by Jorge

Over 1 million downloads and 5 Years in the Top Ten – Pookie and Tushka are back!

The famous penguin who played piano and his best polar bear friend are back. Literally, millions of children have grown up following Pookie and Tushka but not many know how their story began.

Follow a penguin with big dreams, as he travels to the magical Icelands to learn about music. Experience his joy and his struggles as he adjusts to his new home and makes a surprising friend in Tushka, a young polar bear cub.

Together, they overcome obstacles and discover the true meaning of friendship and impact the world of children for over 20 years.

Welcome back Pookie and Tushka!

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20th Anniversary Edition includes:
• “Pookie’s Song” lyric video.
• New character profiles
• Deleted pages
• Sketches and work in progress
• 15 page preview of “Pookie and Tushka Become Friends”
• A letter from the author
And much, much more!

Federico Exaggerated by Hazel Pacheco

June 8, 2023 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Federico Exaggerated by Hazel Pacheco

This incredible tale takes readers on an adventure into the Rio Grande bosque. Federico the quail loves to embellish his stories to capture the attention of his friends. When Federico is interrupted during a particularly bold story, he stomps off and discovers something fantastic—unbelievable—something even he could not have imagined! But will his friends believe him? Find out in this delightful story of self-discovery and friendship.

Federico Exaggerated is an amusing tale that teaches lessons about honesty without the threat of being eaten by wolves. If you enjoyed The Boy Who Cried Wolf, you’ll love this story from the Henry and Friends series, Book 1. Buy now before the price changes and join Federico on a journey of learning the power of truth.

Gloria Smiled by Hazel Pacheco

May 22, 2023 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Gloria Smiled by Hazel Pacheco

This is book 3 of the Henry and Friends series. In this book, Gloria’s simple misunderstanding leads to a startling surprise!

Federico Exaggerated by Hazel Pacheco

February 17, 2023 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Federico Exaggerated by Hazel Pacheco

Federico enjoys exaggerating. Especially when it means all eyes are on him! One day his inflated story of his bravery on the Rio Grande is interrupted by the announcement of ripe hackberries. Left without an audience, Federico stomps off and accidentally stumbles onto a way to recapture his friends’ attention—well maybe. What he finds might teach him that truth can be incredible without exaggeration.

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade the Youngest Ever Witch by Wallace Briggs

November 23, 2022 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade the Youngest Ever Witch by Wallace Briggs

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, the Youngest Ever Witch is the fifth stand alone adventure in the series of Jimmy Crikey’s adventure stories.
Jimmy is the alien orphan who, despite being bullied, chose to make his home on Earth and grew into a hero who overcomes every challenge place in his path.
Jimmy’s close friend Jade approaches the end of her apprenticeship with Matilda as a witch.
There are several challenges to complete before she can graduate as a fully qualified member of the sister’s Coven. Matilda is head of the four guardian witches of Earth’s realms. But she has been called to move to a higher level. Who will be appointed as her successor?
Jimmy is told not to help Jade directly. She must succeed in the trials using only her skills.
When collapsing roofs threaten the cave world of Lithnia, both Jimmy and Jade’s skills are needed to save Lithnia from the giant, rock-chewing beatles who originated in Egypt as scarabs.
The Sky Islands have been caught in tornado winds and a whirlwind. It is tearing the islands apart, and Matilda instructs Jade to go to their aid. Jimmy is forbidden from interfering, but he does help Jade to carry out her plan to save the Islanders. Can the youngest witch overcome the danger?
Madam Cleoptra who rules the Sky Islands and has given birth to The Weatherman’s ,aka Lord Oron’s, son, Uran and he must be introduced to the Coven of sister witches.
The dreaded Giant Scarabs return to their destructive chewing of rocks which threatens Roombelow, far away from Lithnia.
Jimmy and Jade trace the beatles resting place to a floating island in the Arctic seas, where the Centaurians, a race from planet Xe, in the Alpha Centauri system, are seeking diamonites from Lithnia to protect their planet from gamma rays being emitted by one of their suns. To save their planet they would risk destroying Earth. Jimmy employs XRU, his talkative starship’s navigator to help the aliens,

Henry Wondered by Hazel Pacheco

September 23, 2022 By Book Review Matchmaker Leave a Comment

Henry Wondered by Hazel Pacheco

In book one of the Henry and Friends Series, somewhere in the bosque, in the open spaces near the Rio Grande, lives a covey of quail . . . In this episode, Henry wonders about many things. In particular, how to impress his first crush! When a handsome roo enters the picture, all seems doomed. Will Federico, a stranger and self-proclaimed talented flamingo dancer, foil Henry’s plan to impress Gloria? Follow Henry as he discovers the wonder of serendipity.

Beautifully illustrated, Henry Wondered presents a delightful, humorous tale that celebrates thoughtfulness and delivers a subtle faith inspired message that encourages overcoming pride and jealousy.