I'm always on the lookout for fun, engaging books to read to the kids I tutor and babysit, and "Higgledy Piggledy and the Pot of Gold" by David J. Tomlinson has been such a hit! This book is perfect for kids who are starting to read more fluently and add new words to their vocabulary, approximately ages 6-8. The characters—Higgledy, his friends Harem the Hare and Snowy the Sheep—are lovable and relatable, and you can't help but root for them.

What really stands out, aside from the story, are the illustrations. They're charming, simple sketches that add a perfect touch to the story without overshadowing it. They're whimsical and bring a lot of personality to the characters and their world. I also love how the story teaches important lessons like being true to yourself, dealing with greed, and having fun while staying safe. But it doesn't feel like a lecture—it's just a natural part of the adventure.

Overall, this is a delightful, easy-to-read chapter book with enough humor and heart to keep kids engaged. It would make a great read-aloud, but also something kids can dive into on their own. It’s fun, cute, and full of heart—highly recommend!

In the first book of the newest children's series by David J. Tomlinson, young readers will experience laugh-out-loud entertainment while learning morals and life skills disguised through fun adventures! In "Higgledy Piggledy and the Pot of Gold," the main character, Higgledy the Pig, enjoys taking it easy with his friends Harem the Hare and Snowy the Black Sheep in Oinkers. However, Mayor Crackling challenges their fun because he is hard-headed and doesn't like a good time. Mayor Cracking has informed Higglety that he must change his house, located just outside of town, to match the others in Oinkers, or else it will be demolished! Higgledy accepts the news and complies - but to his standards! Mayor Crackling isn't happy about the loophole, but when he gets caught up in temptations (his greed), Higgledy and his friends are free to revert to enjoying life again.

I read this story aloud to my two kids (9 and 10-year-olds), and there were several times of laughter from us all - David J. Tomlinson understands a young reader's humor. The story is ten chapters with age-appropriate words to allow the young reader to fly through it, plus pictures intersperse the pages. Lessons such as avoiding greed ("money doesn't buy friends") and spending money wisely, being compliant but still true to yourself, taking time to "smell the roses," and maintaining safety while having fun (wearing a helmet) are all mentioned; however, readers won't feel that it's "preachy." Other mentions include how Tomlinson made each character's personality different to reflect the various personalities of ourselves and those around us.

Thank you to NetGalley, David J. Tomlinson, and 4U2B Books & Media for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning, Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

Pictures scattered throughout still making it entertaining with a visual photo for middle-aged kids. My child enjoyed this read!

This was very, very cute! The illustrations were adorable and the story concept was very sweet. Lovely message too!

The story was sweet and thoroughly entertaining. Even my kids enjoyed it. I'd definitely recommend this book!

A very fun story that I would absolutely give to early readers, and would also be great as a read aloud for younger kids. My kids are a bit older now, but I think they would still enjoy this story. Also, the sketched illustrations throughout were cute and whimsical. An all around great book.

This was a cute short chapter book that held the attention of my girls. It was nice to see that it was simple enough for my Kindergartener to attempt to read. The illustrations really helped hit home for what was being read since this is a chapter book.

Thank you NetGalley, David J. Tomlinson, and 4U2B Books & Media.

Absolutely precious with adorable sketches included throughout - heavily recommend for a parent in search of a book to read to a child before bed that might feel as if they are outgrowing picture books and want something more with an expanded story.

This was a super cute book! I really went into it without knowing much of anything about it and was just really tickled by how cute the main characters were and how great the story was. Definitely recommend this one!

Higgledy Piggledy and the Pot of Gold is about a pig who must figure out how to save his home from being demolished. He ends up going on an unexpected adventure to figure out a solution. This is a chapter book that could be read by established early readers. The illustrations are black and white and have a sketch quality to them.

Thanks to 4U2B Books & Media and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.