#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “WILLAKAVILLE,” BY AUTHOR BALD GUY @WILLAKAVILLE

• Title:  Willakaville
• Author: Mathew Heinecke (aka Bald Guy)
• Product dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Print Length: 216 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN:
•  Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication Date: January 7, 2015
• Sold by: Amazon
•  Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1507585462
• ISBN-13: 978-1507585467
• Formats: Paperback
• Goodreads
• Genres: Children’s Books (ages 6 – 14), Literature, Fiction, Short Story Collections

**The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review which follows**

In the Author’s Words:

“Why is all the toilet paper disappearing? Will Kyle escape the banana warriors? Can Marty save everyone from the mushroom zombies? Find the answers inside Willakaville: Amazing Adventures of Astronomical Awesomeness. Follow intelligent children as they solve supernatural issues and find out about themselves along the way.  The book is full to the brim with time machines, magic, mayhem, aliens, cats, mystery, secrets, strange lands, rockets, evil villains, and a pencil. If you are into action, adventure and awesomeness, this is the book for you!”

My Recommendation:

My secret is out! I love children’s books and this was one of the cutest kid’s books I have read in a long time. I only wish my own grandchildren were still young enough to enjoy this collection!

The stories are set in the mysterious town of Willakaville. Each tale is filled with humor and descriptions that will have your child hooting with laughter! (I did). While reading, I could imagine myself sitting with my own children and grandchildren on my lap as we read the stories out loud together. I really got the sense the book was meant to be shared as a family. I know it would encourage many family discussions. Anytime you can get your children to talk to you and read at the same time is a plus in my book!

Mathew Heinecke has struck the mother lode in children’s storytelling by writing with a combination of imagination and exciting life lessons skillfully woven into each yarn. I really liked the idea that there was a problem presented within each storyline and the characters had to figure out how to solve the issue. This is a great way to introduce problem-solving skills to young children.

I especially loved the inclusion of numerous poems that I thought would be fun and entertaining to read to a younger child. What a great way to encourage the love of poetry at an early age.

Since the release of the first volume of Willakaville, Mathew Heinecke has written Willakaville: Baffling Ballads of Boisterous Braveness (Volume 2) and Willakaville: Cataclysmic Chronicles of Caustic Calamity (Volume 3).

Now, if I can figure out some children to buy these books for…

My Rating:

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 4
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About Mathew Heinecke:

Mathew Heinecke is an emerging author of children’s books. He enjoys making up wacky science fiction stories and poems for his children. His Willakaville series books have put these in print for others to enjoy with the goal of tackling the many different issues children will face. (He wants to ensure he is using the full spectrum of his imagination)

As a graduate of the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, he has worked for many years as a mechanical engineer in both the aerospace and transportation industries. This coincides with his passion for learning about new technologies and innovations. (He really wants to be a galactic space fighter)

Mathew grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah where he enjoyed visiting the nearby Rocky Mountains and the colorful landscapes of southern Utah. As a child, he played several sports such as; football, soccer, rugby, basketball, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, fishing mountain biking, golf, and tennis. Now he just plays a little golf and tennis (and has a small protrusion of his belly to show for it) He continues to enjoy sports and time outdoors with his wife, children, and friends.

Some of Mathew’s hobbies include illustration, painting, t-shirt and logo design, gardening, and movies. (He likes to keep busy) His favorite movies are Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings.

You can find Mathew (aka Bald Guy) at Willakaville Facebook, Willakaville Twitter, Willakaville Tumbler, and on his blog Willakaville Blog.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com