Pending Books: Publication Date November 17, 2025
🌟 Realistic Fiction
Oh, Wishing Star
Follow Jo-Joe as he grapples with a “gift from a star.” Lessons in responsibility, money, and growing up are woven into this suspenseful and heartfelt tale written in Irish limerick verse.
Video Trailer:
ADVANCE BOOK REVIEW
Howard Fellman
'Oh, Wishing Star' by V. R. Duin
V. R. Duin has truly outdone herself by combining Jo-Joe, a fortuitous wishing star, and a mystery briefcase to create a thrilling and heartwarming children's book that keeps readers and listeners on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Packed with suspense, humor, rhyme, and valuable life lessons, this delightful tale is sure to capture the imaginations of young readers and listeners everywhere.
The story follows Jo-Joe, an adventurous and quick-witted kid who stumbles upon a mysterious briefcase filled with cash. What begins as a wish upon a lucky star quickly spirals into a hair-raising adventure filled with twists, turns, and a very close call. V. R. Duin masterfully balances tension and lighthearted moments, ensuring the book remains accessible and engaging for its intended audience.
One of the most impressive aspects of V. R. Duin's writing is her ability to create relatable, well-rounded characters. Jo-Joe has a good heart, courage, and a keen sense of right and wrong, making him an inspiring role model for young readers. As the plot thickens and the stakes rise, readers witness Jo-Joe grapple with tough decisions and seemingly unfair circumstances.
The pacing of the story is spot-on, with each chapter building anticipation without overwhelming the reader. V. R. Duin's rhyming descriptive prose paints vivid scenes that transport readers directly into Jo-Joe's world, making it difficult to put the book down.
In the end, Jo-Joe and his mystery briefcase is not just a thrilling adventure; it is a tale of justice, courage, and the power of doing the right thing even when it's hard. Young readers will come away from this book feeling entertained, inspired, and perhaps a little more courageous themselves.
V. R. Duin proves with this book that she is an exceptionally talented author with a gift for storytelling and rhyme that resonates with readers of all ages. Jo-Joe's tale is a must-read for any child who loves adventure, suspense, rhyme, and a heartfelt message that lingers long after the last page is turned.
🕵️ Mystery
The Vane That Flew in Vain
A puzzling question keeps readers guessing: how did it fly? Or… did it fly at all? A gentle introduction to mystery-solving.
(3 minutes 17 seconds)
ADVANCE BOOK REVIEW
We seek an Advance Book Reviewer for this engaging story.
When Tracy’s mom brings home a shiny new weathervane, no one expects the brass rooster to stir up a storm of curiosity—and maybe even a little chaos! Perched on the rooftop, the vane looks sad… almost like it wants to fly. Tracy is sure she saw it blink! But when the vane suddenly breaks free, it leaves the whole neighborhood in a flutter.
What follows is a chase filled with mystery, flapping feathers, and flying theories. Was it wind—or something more?
Neighbors gather. The police arrive. With birds everywhere and no one to blame, the officers solve the mystery. The crowd drifts home.
The rooster vane listens and learns from the birds around it, and it discovers a new purpose: not to follow the wind blindly, but to point the way.
The Vane That Flew in Vain: Told in playful rhyme, this whimsical tale shows that with patience, support, and open minds, we can all find direction.
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