Tales from Bombast's Bookshelf


Children - Fable
204 Pages
Reviewed on 10/04/2020
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Steve Reedy, MA, LPC, began writing at age ten when his younger sister asked him to write a short story for her English class. The story went on to win his sister several awards. Later he decided to write his own stories and win his own awards. He received his undergraduate degree in Theatre, Film, and Television at the University of California, Los Angeles. He received a master’s degree in counseling at Argosy University’s College of Psychology and Behavioral Science in Dallas, Texas, and is a licensed professional counselor. Reedy also holds licenses in varying forms of bodywork and teaches classes in Reiki, yoga, and meditation. He teaches as an adjunct professor, and has experience teaching and counseling children, the latter lead him to be featured in “Dallas Child Magazine.” To learn more about the author, and his work, visit: www.renewed-spirit.com.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite

Tales from Bombast's Bookshelf by Steve Michael Reedy is a collection of stories for children and dare I say for adults as well? For those who have lost their way in life and are looking to rediscover their path, this title comes highly recommended. There are six stories in all, some shorter and some longer, all of which can be read at bedtimes, storytimes, teachable moments—actually any time of day or night would suffice. I say this because the messages provided in each story are common sense that is really needed in society. I appreciated the way the author expands our viewpoints and helps us understand that the way we see life, our perceptions of how life “should be,” are sometimes downright silly. This book allowed me to laugh at myself and appreciate another’s point of view. And all from a children’s book?

The poetry reminds me of Dr. Seuss's style of writing, but the gentle messages are much more. We learn about leadership, of giving, of caring for others, of sharing, and many other important facets that help strengthen the world in which we live. The targeted audience (young children), of course, needs to learn these things as guidance for growing up. However, the stories provide important reminders for everyone living today on planet Earth. Here. Today. Ages zero to 119 can benefit from the wit and wisdom, the humor and honor portrayed in each tale. It is uncommon to read a book such as Tales from Bombast's Bookshelf by Steve Michael Reedy. But if you take the time to read and ponder for yourself, you may find your mind and spirit turning child-like again. Books like these are why I love reading!

Louise Hurrell

Tales from Bombast's Bookshelf opens with the eponymous Bombast and his wife Pix arriving on an island in a houseboat filled to the brim with books. From this premise, author Steve Michael Reedy crafts a collection of short stories for children greatly influenced by fairy tales. Some moments also reminded me of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Each story focuses on a different magical creature, the adventures they go on, and the lessons learned along the way.

No two stories felt the same; each had their own distinct tone and message which prevented the collection from becoming staid. The messages themselves were positive – from being yourself to simply living in the moment – and they will resonate with children. Despite all the adventure and mystery in the plots, the themes were never lost and rang clearly throughout the stories. Another aspect of Tales from Bombast's Bookshelf I enjoyed was the inclusion of the frame story. Our nameless narrator begins and ends the book, as well as speaks in between the stories. This was a really fun way to move from one story to another, and the rhyming couplets helped the transition flow smoothly. Reedy's writing was nicely complemented by Tom Fee's illustrations. The stark black and white images leaped from the page and I enjoyed the small details Fee had incorporated. Overall, Tales from Bombast's Bookshelf is a great short story collection for children, particularly for ones who like fantasy or adventure with excellent illustrations.

Heather Robbins

Steve’s most recent book is one of a series of amazing stories. He is a fantastic and creative storyteller whose writing speaks to both adults and children. Highly recommended!