​CHILDREN'S BOOKS
https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/childrens-books.html
 
MAKING GOOD CHOICES SERIES
 
Taking Responsibility Builds Trust, Book 1 and Taking Care of Your Things, Book 2
 
5 Stars! "Children will enjoy interacting with Reb Raccoon and will read the books over and over. They're a perfect way to help children learn about building trust and taking responsibility for their own actions and taking care of their things. Highly recommended!" ~Huntress Reviews
 
4 1/2 Stars! "Four stories are included in in each Making Good Choices Series book. This series enables children to become more--more responsible, more trustworthy, and more pleasant to be around. The series also includes several bonus features. By clicking on these features, children can learn valuable information, like the meaning of trust and what it means make parents proud. These definitions come with an easy to understand example, written from a child's point-of-view that will help young readers relate even more with the characters in this unique book. Not only is this interactive book an innovative use of today's growing technology, but it incorporates good, old-fashioned values, too! How can you beat that? The illustrations by talented artist Robert Beers are wonderfully cute, with the eye-popping colors that younger children love. And the adorable 'guide', Reb Raccoon, adds just the right amount of fun to the book. Wiesner has done an excellent job writing a series that will be loved by both children and their parents. The lessons are straight-forward, never preachy, and a good way of teaching valuable lessons will endear it to children everywhere." ~Word Museum
 
"These interactive ebooks for young children by Karen Wiesner encourage children to make good choices by presenting different scenarios and asking them to make judgement calls. An excellent teaching tool for very young children, Making Good Choices allows children to make choices and see the consequences. It is easy to navigate. Beers' illustrations are cute and colorful. ~Women Writers at About
 
"These ebooks will definitely appeal to young children, especially since they're interactive and allows the child to jump around by clicking on various links within the pages. Wiesner's writing style is clear and simply structured, and each page is illustrated with friendly, colorful and engaging characters through the talent of artist Beers. Thoughtful, friendly and appealing, Making Good Choices is a definite plus on any parent's bookshelf." ~ENZM.com
 
"Meet Reb Raccoon as he takes kids through a series of stories and teaches them in a fun way how to make good choices. We love this book because of the interactive components. Clickable links help kinds to better understand concepts. The pictures are bright and extremely personable. Children from preschool through elementary school will enjoy this book. The quality is superb as is the many messages it sends." ~Wee Ones Magazine
 
"I just finished reading and re-reading the Making Good Choices series, illustrated beautifully by Robert Lee Beers. This series is the most fascinating and thought-provoking I have read in years. The author has discovered a way of dealing with enormously complicated questions which each of our children face every day of their life. I can enthusiastically recommend this series. They should be required reading for every young child in America." ~author Dusty Rhodes
 
"When I sat down at my computer to read Making Good Choices, I was impressed with the simplicity and clarity of the books. I asked my six-year-old to help me with my work on this one. Hesitation turned into a resounding Yes when we started out by learning about the cute and cuddly guide for the series, Reb, who also happens to be a raccoon. My daughter enjoyed the stories and identified with them. She made her choices at the end of each story with confidence. She gave it two thumbs up! The stories opened the way for my daughter and me to discuss her choices. Making Good Choices, by Karen Wiesner, is both fun and educational. It's a wonderful interactive way to enjoy ebooks whether it's your first or one hundredth." ~Rainy Day Corner
 
"As a child I frequently got in trouble for making poor choices. Often, it was because I didn't know how to do things differently before I found myself in those situations. As an adult raising my own child, I often had difficulty teaching the concepts of trust and responsibility and taking care of my things in a way my child could grasp. With the Making Good Choices Series, Wiesner solves both those problems with her fun and creative books. Within the pages, short and active stories of both poor choices and good choices allow the reader to gain understanding of these difficult concepts by experiencing them through the characters. The interactive nature of the books allows parents and child to work together to experience various outcomes based on different choices. The realistic colorful graphics created by Robert Lee Beers highlight the realism of the settings and situations children find themselves in every day. This is a must read series. I only wish it had been available when I was a child, or the parent of a young child. I highly recommend it." ~author Mrs. Mouse
 
"Making Good Choices is filled opportunities to encourage conversations with your children. Wiesner has drawn on her experience as mother to make common lectures into fun. Being able to choose yes or no to questions an only delight a child. Even a child who will constantly choose the right answer will benefit in the understanding of others when going back to choose the wrong answer. This series can only be a win-win for children and their parents. The bright graphics by Robert Lee Beers grab attention and excellently portray Wiesner's written words. ~author Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
 
"Karen Wiesner, an expert in the field of electronic publishing, makes excellent use of this medium with the Making Good Choices Series. The interactive format and clever illustrations by Robert Beers are a winning combination. Examples used are situations a child often encounters, so he/she will find them useful in their lives. Planting "seeds of understanding" and receiving "Reb's Gold Stars" are clever reinforcement features that add to the fun and learning. As a children's author and former elementary school teacher, I highly recommend this interactive book by Wiesner and Beers." ~author Betty Jo Schuler
 
"There are more self-help books for grown-ups than you can read in a hundred lifetimes. Finally, here's a series of self-help books for kids. It's so much easier to learn the basic lessons early in life than later-on, when the wrong reactions have become hard-to-break habits. The Making Good Choices Series talks directly to kids. It takes them seriously and addresses all the problems they face when growing up. Reb Raccoon, really cool-looking with his sunglasses, guides the kids through the series. Interactive stories show everyday situations and how a child deals with them. Then the reader can decide whether the choices were right or wrong. There are also positive messages and extra fun, called "seeds" and "stars". All this makes sure that the kids have fun while at the same time learning a lot of new things about themselves and the world around them. The concept is really fascinating. Every child reading this series will recognize the situations and will be curious to find out how the problems involved can be overcome. Highly recommended!" ~E-Books for Kids
 
"There is no foolproof method of raising confident, helpful, and trustworthy children, but Karen Wiesner has come close to providing parents with one. The Making Good Choices Series gives children and parents the opportunity to interact while raising questions within the child. They're interactive stories complete with full-color illustrations. The author wrote the series to provide parents and children with the ways to work together. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed reading the series to her children and plans to read them often. Good." ~Jennifer LB Leese, Children's Book Review Columnist
 
"Making Good Choices Series by Karen Wiesner is well-suited for a classroom setting. It teaches interactive concepts and gives children the ability to make their own choices." ~author Valerie Hardin
 
"Through interactivity, colorful, creative illustrations and storytelling, Karen Wiesner and Robert Lee Beers give children and parents an opportunity to think, interact and learn about making good decisions. Throughout the stories, the author gives sensitive, caring advice to the reader. I found the interactivity of the book refreshing. Wiesner's advice to kids and parents is intelligent and right on target. As I read, I thought about how my sons would have responded to the guidance. It struck me that it would have been wonderful to read this ebook with my children. The opportunity for further discussion between parent and child about the decisions depicted in these stories, as well as other choices children face, makes this a brilliant book. I highly recommend this series for children, as well as parents." ~A.J. Russo, Ph.D., President, Hypertech Media, Inc. and award-winning author
 
"I read this adorable colorful non-fiction children's book series in a matter of a few minutes. They're lovely tools to help even the youngest children take responsibility for what they do. It also shows them what the right choice and what the wrong choice would be. Incorporated within the books are incentives for children to read to the end. I believe Wiesner has come up with a great tool to help not only youngsters but also their parents to make the right choices not only with their actions but with parenting skills as well. I look forward to more books in this fine educational series." ~The Best Reviews
 
KERI IS CUTE CUTE CUTE
 
5 Stars and Reviewer's Top Pick! “This is a book about Keri, a cute girl. In fact, that is an understatement; she is a cute cute cute girl! That's what everyone around her said. From the moment she was born, everybody praised her for being cute. Her parents were very proud of her and she was also proud of the fact that she is beautiful. As she grew, more 'cute' comments came her way and she accepted all of them happily. Until one fine day she realized being cute is not the only thing in the world. Kids around her do something unique, something useful; they may not be cute, but they are good at an art or another subject. Being cute is good up to a certain point, but beyond that she has to find a different identity for herself. Keri starts thinking along these lines and what happens next is a wonderful climax to this cute story. Er, please read that as "this brilliant story”. This book (purposefully, I assume) uses a pink theme which is supposed to be the color of cute girls. With a simple story and short, easy to read sentences, it illustrates the powerful fact that cuteness is important but that is not all there is to life. Kids will love reading this story while the message will stay with them forever. I strongly recommend this book to kids who just started reading.” ~Readers' Favorite
 
5 Stars! “In the book, KERI IS CUTE CUTE CUTE, we learn about a little girl. She is constantly being told how cute she is and she believes everyone. She is cute! Her dad says she is cute, her mom says she is cute. Even with oatmeal all over her face, or doing something as simple as just crawling across the floor, she receives accolades just for her cuteness! When she goes to school, she continues to receive attention for her cuteness. However, she meets friends who can actually do something. This is a new concept for her--her friends are receiving recognition for drawing and counting yet she only is recognized for being cute. She starts to wonder if there isn't something more to her life, and she wants to be more than just a pretty face. This is a good book to help your child learn he or she has value beyond looks. Keri tries to figure out what she can be known as instead of “Keri is Cute”.” ~BellaOnline’s Children's Books
 
5 Stars! “Keri is Cute, Cute, Cute is a sweet book that gets its point across in an appealing manner. Since she was a baby Keri had been told she’s “cute cute cute.” It’s not surprising that cuteness becomes her identity. When you’re little, it’s perfectly okay to be cute. Folks just love to tickle a baby’s chin and tell them how cute and darling they are. No one can get enough of cute babies. However, as we get older, we all want to be known for something besides our looks. And that is what happens to Keri. One day Keri realizes that being cute isn’t enough. Other kids have talents, interests, and abilities. What are hers? What does she like to do and what can she do – besides be cute? She tries to puzzle this out for herself. Fate or good fortune helps her with this and she discovers she does have a talent and an interest,--so she claims it as her own. She’s a bit of a heroine, as well. Yes, you’ll have to get the book to find out exactly what happens! And maybe you’ll have to look up a word as I did. The whimsical and pert artwork by Molly M. Courtright is done in colorful pastels. The story benefits from the positive smiling faces and upbeat images throughout. In this little book there’s no judgment against being cute as much as recognition that it’s better to be more than one’s looks – to have goals and a purpose in your life. This is one of those children’s books that you read and say, “Hmmm, why didn’t I write that book?” It resonated personally with me. I have a beautiful daughter who’s always been told how lovely, pretty, and cute she is. Fortunately, she is also kind, a loyal friend, a sweet daughter, and an animal lover, and has many interests other than looking good. Although our culture values beauty, being beautiful can be a mixed blessing – even a burden for those who don’t have much else going for them. So I’m pleased that Ms. Wiesner wrote this book to remind parents, grandparents, and teachers to be sure to comment on the total package. It’s important to acknowledge their children’s diverse gifts and talents, not simply their beauty. And this is true for both boys and girls.” ~author Penelope Anne Cole
 
5 Stars! “Award winning author Karen Wiesner has written a cute book about cuteness. And I must say the illustrations by Molly M. Courtright are also cute. In Keri is Cute, Cute, Cute we see that ever since she was a baby Keri has been told over and over again by her parents and everyone else that she is cute. She revels in that praise. But one day she's confronted by a friend of her brother who asks what she can do and she realizes being cute isn't as important as being able to accomplish something. Finally she helps another child and realizes that she does have a talent that matters more than how she looks. This book will help kids understand that appearance isn't everything. And maybe some of the parents who read it to their children will also benefit from that lesson.” ~author Janet Ann Collins
 
I CAN TOUCH THE SKY
 
5 Stars and Reviewer's Top Pick! “A child on a swing on a lovely summer's day--such a simple pleasure, full of possibilities, full of imagination. This boy loves his swing. His mom once said that he might swing high enough to touch the sky and then what would he do? Our hero sets out to find out what he can do. Alone on his swing, he swings higher and higher until he does reach the sky. He learns that Mom was right about a lot of things. The sky is "like pale blue frosting, cool and sweet", the clouds are like the "fluffiest bed", and the stars "taste like sugar cookies". His adventure in the sky has him flying on the back of an eagle, with other birds and airplanes, and the wind rushing past them. There is music, too, from the "harps floating through open space". Mr. Moon even reads him a story. A beautiful day changes suddenly when our hero, climbing down the ladder that Mr. Moon presented, accidentally kicks one of the clouds and it turns black, threatening rain. As he sits on his swing, his mom calls him back inside. "It's starting to rain," she says. Our hero giggles as he remembers how he made the weather change to rain. He was in his own little world on the swing and, when his mom asks him where he was, our hero answers simply, "I just love to swing, Mom. I can touch the sky." In I Can Touch the Sky, Karen Wiesner has created an enchanting and colorful book about the simple pleasures of childhood and the dreams that sparkle with imagination. The language is simple, but the imagery is outstanding with similes and metaphors to tempt each of the senses. There is so much hope for childhood dreams presented in this little story. With colorful illustrations, the author has pointed out a very important fact: there is more pleasure to be found in just sitting on the backyard swing than in some of the other pastimes children pursue today. An excellent little story that will hopefully spark the imaginations of countless children. Well done.” ~Readers Favorite
 
5 Stars! “Karen Wiesner’s new children’s book “I Can Touch the Sky” is a celebration of all that’s wonderful about childhood. The little boy in the story is swinging on his swing in his own backyard, and yet he’s on a grand adventure. He swings so high, he can touch the sky; it tastes like blue frosting. He hears harp music and sees puffy, fluffy clouds float by. He shares the sky with planes and eagles and even catches a ride. When the stars and moon come out, he asks Mr. Moon for a story, eats a star cookie, kicks a cloud and makes it rain. He’s tired and ready to come in when his mom calls him, but oh what a glorious adventure he’s had! The artwork by Nina Marie Rothfuss is simple and straightforward. We see our little adventurer totally enjoying his make-believe world created with his mind and his swing. My favorite illustration is when he’s swinging up so high that his house looks small, like a doll house. What an imagination he has! This sweet story is intended for ages four through six, grades Pre-K through First Grade. I can see older siblings reading it to younger ones and talking about when they were little, how high they could swing, and everything they saw and did.” ~author Penelope Anne Cole
 
5 Stars! “What kid on a swing hasn't imagined flying off into the air? I certainly did many times when I was young. In Karen Wiesner's book, I Can Touch the Sky, a child does exactly that and goes up into the sky to have adventures. Little kids (and maybe some older ones) will love this fun and creative book.” ~author Janet Ann Collins
 
5 Stars! “Here is a sweet imaginative story that any child who loves to swing can relate to. Simple text makes this story a good one for new readers to enjoy as well as little ones who just want a nice bedtime book. Every other page has a captivating illustration. Beautiful!” ~author Heather Tietz
 
5 Stars! "As a child who spent hours on a swing set, I appreciated this beautifully illustrated story about the excitement of using a swing. This story can encourage children to use their imaginations as well as get some exercise and fresh air. The story's four-year-old hero has a number of adventures while up the air, which reminds me of my experiences daydreaming on a swing set as a child. The words are ideal for early readers, and the illustrations are sure to spark creative thinking! I recommend this book to all the imaginative children who love to swing." ~author Brianna Baker
 
4 Stars! “Most children dream of flying with birds or soaring out into space when they swing alone. This child is no different. This is…more along the line of a bedtime story. I can easily picture a parent reading it while their child marvels over the lively illustrations or a child reading it alone as a preschool book.” ~Huntress Reviews
 
CODY KNOWS

​5 Stars! "CODY KNOWS is an intricate detailed picture book with few words that depict the life of a small toddler boy named Cody. The book is displayed for very young children, and takes a child through a day of waking, bathing, eating, romping, exploring, visiting, playing, and pretty much getting into everything this rambunctious happy toddler can dig his little curious self into. His Mom is on the go from morning till night doing her best to keep up with her baby. Cody likes books, his dad, his Grandma, yummy food, and finds comfort at the end of the day in his Mom's lap. I think this book will hold the attention of small children ages 2 to 4 years of age, and would be a great book for 5 year olds to read along with a parent. I recommend CODY KNOWS for anyone looking for a book to cuddle up with at the end of the day, or any time when you and your little bombardier need a break! I give it 5 stars for an all-around story and art experience for little tykes." ~author Susan Hornbach
 
5 Stars! "CODY KNOWS a lot about staying busy! Follow along in the day of a life of a toddler, from dressing up in Mom and Dad's clothes, dispersing diapers around the house, pulling all the books off the shelf, banging on pots and pans, and having a splish-splashing adventure during bath time. At the end of the day, Mom and Dad are exhausted, but know they are truly blessed with a little angel. Authors Karen Sue Wiesner and Linda Derkez, along with illustrator Candace J. Hardy, were able to capture the warm and fuzzy snuggle time essence. CODY KNOWS will surely spark questions from children of their own toddlerhood experiences and will quickly become a bedtime favorite." ~author Jennifer Prus
 
5 Stars! "CODY KNOWS is a story that chronicles a day in the life of Cody. It starts at daybreak and ends at bedtime. I love the simplicity of the story. This is a great story that can be read to toddlers. The few words on each page serve the purpose of helping a parent introduce new words to a young child. The book is a great resource for parents with toddlers because it can help show the new parent what to expect. One thing for sure, parenting takes a lot of courage and as a mother of three children, I learned early on you have to allow toddlers to explore the world around them. Exploring is how all children learn. The illustrations by Candace J. Hardy reveal what is going on each page. One can almost feel the fear on Mom's face as Cody gleefully explores the world around him." ~author Nicole Weaver
 
5 Stars! "CODY KNOWS is a book that should be given to all parents-to-be and new preschool teachers. This book tells it like you want it to be, but shows it like it is. Wiesner and Derkez have perfectly captured life with a toddler, from maddening to heart-warming. New parents and preschool teachers will relate to this book with a big Amen. You can't turn a page without wondering, what will Cody get in to next? And how will his frazzled parents cope? They'll do what every parent of a toddler does: watch him like a hawk, pray for patience and strength, and live for the next day, when Cody will learn something new. Candace J. Hardy's art illustrates the true essence of parenting. The parents (and grandparents) faces are alive with their fears as well as their hopes and dreams. They rush around trying to stay in step with Cody while he's gleefully one or two steps ahead of them. You see their worry and surprise, and also their love and joy. This book can be a good teaching tool to tell your child what you want them to learn while showing them what you don't want. See what Cody's doing. Now look at his Mommy and Daddy's faces. What do they want Cody to do here? I believe if more parents get this book before they become parents, they will be much better prepared for everything, instead of hearing, you have no idea what you're in for. As we all know, parenting isn't for sissies or cowards." ~author Penelope Anne Cole
 
5 Stars! "CODY KNOWS is one of many books by award-winning, multi-genre author, Karen Wiesner. She is joined by Linda Derkez in writing this story about a little boy named Cody and the things he knows. They are the types of things that small children learn as they grow, through what they are taught and their experiences. There are basic things like "blocks are for building" and "books are for reading." My favorites are "Daddies are for piggyback rides" and "Mamas are for hugging." The illustrations by Candace Hardy are filled with colorful details that will give a child plenty to look at while listening to the story. The short sentences and simple text make it good for helping youngsters learn to read." ~author Connie Arnold
 
5 Stars! "Karen Wiesner captures the pure innocence that thrives within every young child in her wonderful children's book CODY KNOWS. This book is a beautiful, heart-felt story about a little boy named Cody who knows how to test his parents' limits. Even though the devil comes out in him during the day, the angel soothingly appears while he is sleeping. CODY KNOWS would make a delightful and inspiring bedtime story. The message of love and understanding adorns every page. Children and those blessed by them are sure to enjoy this fantastic book. This reviewer thoroughly enjoyed reading CODY KNOWS to her children." ~Jennifer LB Leese, Children's Book Review Columnist
 
5 Stars! "In the first three years of his life, a child learns more than in all his later years together. Brain development, motor skills, ability to speak, discovery of emotions - it's a huge task and a big step from being a helpless new-born to becoming a toddler, whose primary interest lies in discovering the world around him and finding out as much as possible about it. Every toddler is an adventurer in his own way. CODY KNOWS is a celebration of this amazing process. It shows a day in Cody's life - all the things he knows already, as well as the playful expansion of his skills. Any toddler will be able to perfectly relate to Cody. He'll recognize his own busy "schedule". The illustrations are lovingly detailed and give mother and child a lot to point at, explain and laugh about. A great read-to experience with an adorable "happy ending"." ~E-Books for Kids
 
4 Stars! "This story follows one weekday in the life of little Cody. It begins at daybreak and ends at bed time. Most any child will be able to relate with the story of Cody. This is a wonderful picture book for preschoolers. Simple words to follow and short sentences per page so your child can read along with you. The illustrations are bright and colorful, very eye-catching, with many details. Many schools introduce the computer in first grade. Therefore, this ebook is a perfect way to help your child learn to read, as well as, assist your child in becoming comfortable with simple commands of computers. It is a story your child will ask you to read many times." ~Huntress Reviews