I love to read and I am happy reading lots of different genres. I take enjoyment from most genres as long as they have a good story and are written well. Over the previous 9 years or so, I have been a foster carer and volunteered in a primary school where I read, and was read, lots of children’s books. And I love reading them, most are brightly illustrated with charming stories and have good underlaying moral messages. So when children’s author Michael Panzner asked me to read and review his new book about a group of animals that love to bring joy and happiness to others, I couldn’t, and didn’t, refuse. He kindly sent a copy of his third book, The Sunny Day Squad: The Quest for the Caringstone.
The Sunny Day Squad: The Quest for the Caringstone is written by Michael Panzner and illustrated by Polly Mooney. The target audience is for children aged 3-7 years old. The story follows the adventures of a group of friends, known collectively as The Sunny Day Squad; Ollie the monkey, Poppy the puppy, Daisy the rabbit, and Ted the horse. They embark on a heroic journey from their idyllic home in Gaggle Grove to find the fabled Caringstone, a magical gem that can make even the saddest of children smile. Using their unique talents, the four friends work together to overcome obstacles, solve problems, and spread joy.
Overall, I found this book to be a charming read. It is an adventure story that will hold children’s attention, especially with a collection of animal characters that are fun, each with their own unique talents.
It is a tale that focuses on friendship and helping others but with underlaying themes of perseverance, being kind, working as a team and overcoming challenges, alongside a desire to spread joy and happiness to everyone.
There are some longer and tricky words that young readers may have problems reading and understanding, but can help with encouraging discussion and learning new words.
It would make a great bedtime story or classroom reading, especially because of the themes of being kind and helping others and what can be accomplished by using everybody’s skillsets. I especially liked that the characters use manners and have respect for others.
As well as a good story, like all good children’s books, it is beautifully illustrated by Polly Mooney. The illustrations are fun, bright and colourful and do a wonderful job of telling what is happening within the story.
Depending on your outlook and if the book is being read to children or they are independently reading it, some of the words might be tricky reading. As long as you are there to help them sound out words and help them to understand their meaning, it is great for testing and challenging reading skills, phonic skills and comprehension.
The Sunny Day Squad may have gone on a quest to find a gem to cheer up sad children, but this book will also do it as it is a fun read with excellent underlying messages.
Rating: 4/5
RRP: £9.99 (Paperback)
For more information, visit michaelpanzner.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
