Kid Review – Oakwoods series – early chapter books
Guide to categories: Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children
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Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Oakwoods Series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Series
Pip O’Possum (Work Then Play)
Sally Skunkskin (Grumbles to Grateful)
Benjamin Bat (Humility)
Nuts (Sharing is Caring)
Jeremy Jay (Resilience)
Author: Kathy J. Perry
Publisher: Chickadee Words
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Genre: Early Reader Chapter Books (ages 5-8)
These warm stories invite readers into a woodland world that feels very classic and fun. Kids will like meeting the animals in the Oakwoods series. As they read about the animals’ adventures, friendships, and foibles, they’ll also discover timeless lessons that feel authentic to the characters and the Oakwoods world—and also applicable to our daily lives.
Teachers and parents of young readers transitioning from picture books will appreciate the easy-to-read font, a glossary, “What If?” discussion questions about the story & application to real life, and a “Did You Know?” section with surprising facts about the real animal. (i.e. blue jays aren’t really blue!)
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KathyJPerry.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My Kid Review
My first thought when starting this delightful series was that the books reminded me of Beatrix Potter’s series about Peter Rabbit and his friends.
Each chapter in each book opens with a cute, whimsical illustration by Claudia Gadotti. The illustrations give readers a glimpse into what is coming in the chapter.
Each book closes with discussion questions, a glossary, and a Did You Know section. Because of these additions, the book would be a good choice for homeschooling or traditional school reading groups.
The books in the Oakwoods series would make great additions to the early reader section of a K-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary copy of all the books in the Oakwoods series. This is my honest review.
Perry, Kathy J. Pip O’possum: work, then play. Illustrated by Claudia Gadotti. NP: Chickadee Words, 2025
In Pip O’possum Kathy Perry looks at the theme of work before play in a way young children can understand.
Pip doesn’t see the importance of working today – tomorrow is soon enough. He is easily distracted by fellow woodland animals. Until Boon shows up. Boon is the neighborhood turkey vulture. Boon helps Pip see why he needs to live his life differently and focus on work before play.
Perry, Kathy J. Sally Skunkskin: grumbles to grateful. Illustrated by Claudia Gadotti. NP: Chickadee Words, 2025
In Sally Skunkskin Kathy Perry looks at the theme of grumbling vs. gratitude in a way young children can understand.
Sally is a grumpy skunk who doesn’t seem to like anyone and is good at making others mad at her. Boon, the neighborhood turkey vulture, helps Sally understand that it is much better to be kind to others and cultivate friendships.
Perry, Kathy J. Benjamin Bat: humility. Illustrated by Claudia Gadotti. NP: Chickadee Words, 2025
In Benjamin Bat Kathy Perry looks at the theme of humility in a way young children can understand.
Benjamin thinks very highly of himself, a trait which gets him wounded. Boon, the neighborhood turkey vulture, helps Benjamin heal – both physically and from his attitude.
Perry, Kathy J. Nuts: teamwork. Illustrated by Claudia Gadotti. NP: Chickadee Words, 2025
In Nuts Kathy Perry looks at the theme of teamwork in a way young children can understand.
Poppy, a gray squirrel, is highly competitive when it comes to collecting nuts for the winter. Boon, the neighborhood turkey vulture, helps Poppy understand that the nuts belong to all. He suggests a way for her to seem less bossy and develop friendships with the other squirrels.
Perry, Kathy J. Jeremy Jay: resilience. Illustrated by Claudia Gadotti. NP: Chickadee Words, 2025
In Jeremy Jay Kathy Perry looks at the theme of resilience and being different in a way young children can understand.
Jeremy is a blue jay with a foot that was wounded when he was hatching. He has a low self esteem and doesn’t think a female bird would ever want to be his mate. Boon, the neighborhood turkey vulture, helps Jeremy understand that he needs to look at what he can do rather than what his disabilities are.
About the Author – Kathy J. Perry
Of the many jobs I’ve held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for me because investing in kids is so important. To this end, I continue to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact.
Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night.
When not writing, you’ll find me painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses.
Is this retirement? Apparently so! I’m loving every minute of it with my husband of 43 years.
Connect with Kathy J. Perry by visiting kathyjperry.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a 5-book signed softcover bundle of the Oakwoods Series, bookmarks, and a $50 Amazon digital gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 24, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
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Thank you for sharing the review.
this looks like such a darling series. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
Good to know the books have educational features as well!
Thanks for the review.
This looks really good. Thanks for sharing.
What great books for young readers!
Sounds like a terrific children’s book series
They sound like wonderful stories to teach good habits and morals while entertaining youngsters.