I'm a Sucker for Educational Books for Kids

 Said a reviewer

https://books2read.com/u/bPw6AY

A 5* review

Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers’ Favorite

The Mischiefs of Noodles and Cicada: Are We Allowed to Eat That? by Erika M Szabo is an educational picture book with a hint of humor for young children. Noodles the dog and Cicada the cat enjoy living together with their human owners. But from time to time, Cicada's mischievous side takes over. One day, Cicada is woken by the sound of their owners having a gathering in the garden. Cicada wanders into the kitchen and is met by a delightful smell. Hotdogs! She calls Noodles and the two of them salivate over the delicious food before them. Cicada's naughty side kicks in and she can't resist the temptation. She hops up onto the counter and tucks in, leaving poor Noodles stranded on the floor, unable to reach. Will Cicada be able to control her mischievousness and share the food? Or will she gobble up all the food herself? Find out in this book.

The Mischiefs of Noodles and Cicada: Are We Allowed to Eat That? was a pleasure to read. I'm a sucker for educational books for kids and this one made it to my top ten favorites list. Author Erika M Szabo has clearly and simply laid out important lessons for children to soak up and learn from. Not only will children learn from Erika's words, but they will also enjoy the banter between Noodles and Cicada, leaving them full of giggles. The illustrations are adorable and add more enjoyment to the book when reading. Erika has created a great book for children. I just know they're going to love reading it. Good luck and stay creative!

https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings, which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance, and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful, transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.

The Language of Dogs

 Dogs have a rich and nuanced communication system

Dogs are constantly “talking,” and they read each other’s signals faster than humans can. Their interactions are like a dance of subtle cues and responses. 

Dogs have a rich and nuanced communication system that goes far beyond barking. Their “language” is a blend of body signals, vocalizations, scent cues, and subtle facial expressions. Here’s a breakdown of how they connect with one another:

Primary Modes of Dog Communication

Body Language

Tail position and movement: A high, stiff tail can signal alertness or dominance; a relaxed wag often means friendliness. Interestingly, wagging more to the right suggests positive emotions, while wagging to the left may indicate uncertainty.

Posture: Standing tall with forward weight can be assertive; crouching or rolling over shows submission or playfulness. Hackles (raised fur): Not always aggression, can signal excitement or fear.

Facial Expressions & Eye Contact: Soft eyes and a relaxed mouth indicate calmness and comfort. Tense lips, narrowed eyes, or a snarl: Signals discomfort or threat. Avoiding eye contact: A calming signal to defuse tension. Submissive grin: Some dogs flash their teeth in a goofy, friendly way, not aggression.

Vocalizations

Barking: Can express excitement, alertness, or a warning.

Growling: Often a warning, but can also occur during play.

Whining or whimpering: Signals distress, anxiety, or a desire for attention.

Howling: A form of long-distance communication or emotional expression.

Scent & Pheromones

Dogs sniff each other’s urine, feces, and bodies to gather info about age, sex, health, and emotional state. Scent marking helps establish territory and social hierarchy.

Touch

Playful nudges, pawing, or gentle mouthing can be affectionate or part of social play. Mounting could be sexual, but it can be about dominance or excitement.

Now that we know how dogs really communicate, watch this fun with Flipper and his buddy, Gypsy.

The Dangers of Letting Your Dog Lick Your Face

 Why does your dog lick your face?

Dogs lick your face for a mix of instinctual, emotional, and social reasons—it's their version of a Swiss Army knife for communication. Here's what might be going on behind that slobbery affection:

Instinct & Ancestry

Puppy Behavior: 

In the wild, pups lick their mother’s face to encourage her to regurgitate food. This behavior carries over into adulthood as a sign of submission or bonding.

Pack Communication: 

Licking is a way dogs signal friendliness and non-aggression. It’s like saying, “I come in peace.”

Affection & Bonding:

Canine Kisses: 

Many dogs lick to show love. It’s often interpreted as a sign of affection, especially if they’re relaxed and wagging their tail.

Learned Behavior: 

If you respond with petting or praise, your dog learns that licking gets positive attention—so they keep doing it.

Taste & Curiosity

You Taste Interesting: 

Your skin might carry traces of food, sweat, or lotion that intrigues your dog’s sensitive nose and tongue.

Exploration: Dogs use their mouths to explore the world. Licking is part of that sensory toolkit.

Emotional Signals

Stress or Anxiety: 

Some dogs lick compulsively when they’re anxious. If it’s excessive or paired with other signs of stress, it might be worth checking in with a vet.

Appeasement Gesture: 

Licking can be a calming signal, especially if your dog feels uncertain or wants to defuse tension.

Health risks

Letting your dog lick your face might feel affectionate, but it can carry some health risks—especially if the lick lands near your mouth, nose, or eyes. Here are some diseases and infections that can potentially be transmitted through dog saliva:

Bacterial Infections

Capnocytophaga canimorsus: 

A rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause sepsis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Pasteurellosis: 

Can lead to skin infections or more serious complications if it enters the bloodstream.

Campylobacteriosis: 

Causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps; more common in puppies.

Salmonella & E. coli: 

These bacteria can be present in a dog’s mouth if they’ve eaten contaminated food or feces.

Parasitic Infections

Giardiasis: 

A parasitic infection that causes gastrointestinal symptoms.

Roundworms & Flatworms: 

These can be transmitted if your dog hasn’t been properly dewormed.

Toxocariasis: 

A parasite passed through dog feces that can cause fever, coughing, and even vision problems.

Viral Infections

Rabies: Extremely rare in vaccinated dogs, but still a concern in areas with poor vaccination coverage2.

Fungal Infections

Ringworm: 

Despite the name, it’s a fungal infection that can cause itchy, ring-shaped rashes.

The risk increases if:

Your dog is not vaccinated or dewormed

They’ve been exposed to other animals or poor hygiene

You have a weakened immune system or open wounds on your face

So while those slobbery kisses are sweet, it’s safest to keep them away from your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Training your dog to stop licking

Training your dog to stop licking, especially if it’s excessive or directed at your face, it takes consistency, patience, and a little behavioral insight.

Step-by-Step Training Tips

Ignore the Behavior

When your dog licks you, calmly stand up and walk away.

Don’t scold or react emotionally—any attention (even negative) can reinforce the behavior.

Redirect with a Command

Teach a simple command like “sit” or “down.”

When they start licking, use the command and reward them for obeying instead of licking.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Praise and treat your dog when they choose not to lick.

Reinforce calm, non-licking behavior consistently.

Provide Distractions

Offer chew toys, puzzle feeders, or playtime to redirect energy and anxiety.

Mental stimulation can reduce compulsive behaviors like licking.

Set Boundaries

If your dog licks furniture or objects, use bitter-tasting sprays (safe for pets) to discourage it.

Be consistent with what’s off-limits.

Consider Pheromone Products

Dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP) can help reduce anxiety-driven licking.

Consult a Vet or Trainer

If licking is obsessive or sudden, it could signal a medical or emotional issue.

A professional can help rule out underlying causes and offer tailored strategies.

My dog is a thief

Enjoy the short story written by author Erika M Szabo, https://www.authorerikamszabo.com

Read by narrator Carrie Wimmer, https://www.narrationnation.org

I hope you found this information useful and enjoyed Lucky's story. Let me know in comments.

Brownie, The Clueless Pup

 Brownie the Clueless pup

There are way too many serious stuff is going on right now,

we all need a little break.

I made a fun song in memory of my dog, Brownie. he was clueless, he would trip on his own paws, fall into his water bowl, or spending 15 minutes trying to bring a long stick through the door.

He wasn't the smartest, but he was the sweetest little guy.

Watch the videos to hear the entire song. Enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Erika M Szabo

www.authorerikamszabo.com

Missing by Rick Haynes

Missing

https://www.rickhaynesauthor.com

My life was as empty as a cracked piss-pot. And with each day merging into the next I had no idea of time. With my best friend, Cissy, missing, my world had collapsed. The taste of any food was like chewing cardboard. It made me retch, but being so weak, I had to force myself to eat something. Eventually, I opened a can of baked beans; with hot sauce the taste was palatable. Starving to death was no longer an option but I still cried every day. 

Why did she disappear? Is she still alive? How did I allow this to happen? No matter what I thought, the idea of me being responsible never left me. Trips to her favourite place, attaching posters to telegraph poles and placing pictures in shop windows, all failed to produce any results. Even the police showed little interest.

A week passed. The telephone rang. A man with a deep voice spoke in harsh tones. His English was poor and he frequently repeated himself. He demanded money. I was worried about how Cissy was coping without her medication and without thinking, I instantly agreed to his demands. He gave me specific directions about where and when we should meet and I was warned that Cissy would die if I didn’t comply. The bank asked questions about my withdrawal of £1000 in cash, but my insistence paid off.

The relief in knowing that Cissy lived was like a lottery win that didn’t exist. I was overjoyed she was safe, yet terrified I’d never see her again if I made a cock up. I imagined she was tied up, blindfolded, perhaps tortured. Nothing else mattered. My lass had disappeared and as long as I followed the instructions, all would be well.

Going over his directions one last time, I set out to be reunited with my beloved, Cissy.

The clouds had finally decided to play elsewhere. After my long climb through the forest, I could now see the top of the disused lighthouse. Inhaling deeply, I took in the clean air lightly scented with salt. Weathered steps of stone curled around the stone colossus but that wasn’t the route I was instructed to take. Looking to the right, I saw another track overgrown with thick bushes and low slung branches.

Once more my mind wandered. Would she be waiting? Would she be unharmed? It was time to make the last ascent. Slowly, like an old man in fear of falling, I placed one foot in front of the other and followed the track towards my destiny.

A shaft of light arrowed through the greenery before instantly disappearing. Would it be my star of hope? Without thinking, I quickened my pace. Calling her name made me want to believe she would greet me at the summit. Faster, I told myself as I ploughed on. The treeline ended and all trace of the shadows vanished as a sunray illuminated the small clearing in front of me.

And there she was, securely tied to an old tree. I looked around, saw the empty bag, placed the cash inside, untied Cissy, picked her up in my arms, kissed her and quickly retraced my steps. Little did the kidnapper know I had left a tracer inside the bag and spread a little poison over the notes.

Rot in hell, I mumbled as I walked back down the slope.

No one steals my dog, my best friend, Cissy, and gets away with the crime.

rickhaynesauthor.com

Caesar And The Bluebells by Cindy J. Smith

Caesar And The Bluebells

Caesar lives on a farm with his owner, Lori. Caesar is a retriever who loves playing in the field of bluebells while protecting the farm. Lori puts two gnomes in her garden for decoration. Caesar thinks something is not right about them. The next May when Lori and Caesar visit their bluebell field, it is destroyed. The fairies are worried. Their queen is missing! Caesar knows the gnomes are involved. Can Caesar find the Queen and fix the mess?

A friend from high school wanted a story about her dog and her bluebell field. I explained to her that I just write poetry and the project was beyond my abilities.

The voices do not like it when I say I am unable to write things.  Despite having absolutely no idea how to connect a dog and a bluebell field, Oscar and the Bluebells, was fully developed within a week. 

Unfortunately, my friend wanted to change everything.  Heartbroken to think it was so terrible it needed to be rewritten by someone else, I took it back.  I changed the name of the dog, the owner and the location of the field. Then I forgot all about it being on my computer. 

Several years later, I was "organizing" my laptop and gathering all my poems written in various documents into one file.  When I came upon it, I decided to ask a fellow author what she thought of the story.  I was surprised to find she loved it and in fact had started coming up with illustrations for it!

The initial version was published by Erika M. Szabo at Golden Box Books with her illustrations.

I decided I would write another story and that I wanted to have the illustrations more lifelike.  I hired Daniela Frongia of Cais Arts to redo my book. This is the version currently available. 


SNIPPET:

I am an old retriever named Caesar
Lori Simpleton is my owner
We live in Ohio on a farm
It is my job to keep all from harm

When not working, I run, hunt and play
My favorite time is early May
'Cause that is when the sweet bluebells bloom
Delicate end to Winter's deep gloom

I am very lucky, for you see
Lori has a field of them for me
When we're there I jump and roll around
Then cool off in mud puddles I've found

I chase bunnies and beavers I track
For following trails I have a knack
My owner just laughs with such delight
When the turkeys and pheasants take flight

She enjoys the pretty flowers there
Takes pictures of beauty everywhere
But, she can't see the tiny fairies
Lori thinks they're just large bumblebees!

BUY LINK:

https://www.amazon.com/Caesar-Bluebells-Cindy-J-Smith/dp/1974614204/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

REVIEWS:

"When the world suddenly loses its charming bluebells, Caesar comes to the rescue. Written with a light rhyme scheme, Caesar and the Bluebells is a wonderful tale of a dog who solves the mystery by snooping on the yard gnomes. My grade school grandkids love this story!" WhittyOne


"Terrific for boys and girls alike!! A truly beautiful book!

I absolutely loved this book! The story is wonderful, mysterious and fun! The illustrations are beautiful and go along perfectly with the story!! This is definitely a must have for your child, niece, nephew or friend's child...I am purchasing one for my great nephew and my best friend's granddaughter!!

This book was given to me for my honest opinion! So thank you for that...it was refreshing and a true pleasure to read as well as review! " Kim Page


"This unique and wonderful children's book is full of life and poetry that's perfect for apparent to share with their child. The adventure Caesar goes on to help the fairies and deal with the gnomes is delightful from start to finish. If you have a young one at home, like I do, this book is the ideal bedtime reading that you all can bond over."  Jeremy Croston

Find Cindy on her:
Blog:
https://cindysvoices.blogspot.com/
Website:
http://carternovels.com/author-cindy-j-smith.html
Twitter:  @cindysvoices
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/CindysVoices/
GOODREADS:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6505989.Cindy_J_Smith
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/cindyjsmith1/