We are truly thankful for the wonderful reviews we receive from you, our valued readers.
Each time a note arrives by email or in a letter, it brings a smile to our faces and reminds us why we do what we do. Your kind words, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback mean the world to us. It’s a joy to know that our work has made a positive impact.
Thank you, Vicki Riske - Life and Lesson Storyteller
Below, we are proud to share just a few of the many heartfelt reviews we have been honored to receive.
(Dear Grandma and Grandpa / Queridos abuelos)
Hi Vicki
It’s Lynn, your neighbor on Date. I didn’t know how to reach you personally, so I hope this reaches you. I love the book! I love that there is so much to learn from it, that warrants reading in again and again! I love that the book incorporates days of the week and colors and searching for a little friend on each page. If I was still teaching it would open up a whole unit on letter writing, communicating with others, feelings and emotions and on and on. This book is perfect for our grandson who is in preschool attending a Spanish speaking school. May I buy this one from you or online? Please stop by again when you get a chance.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this.
Lynn
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
Dear Ms Riske,
Thank you so much for coming to our school and sharing your wonderful book and activity again! Ms. Bruni said the students just loved seeing you. Doing something active on a day when reading and just listening is often the case is perfect for Kinders!
Thank you for letting me know about your new book. How exciting! Here’s wishing you all good things!
Sincerely
Karen O’Keefe
Mountain View School
Phoenix, AZ
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
A fun, colorful and well written book about polka dots in nature and everywhere you go!
K. Hennessy
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
This book is interesting, educational, fun and the illustrations are exceptional. A great read to help kids understand the importance of inclusion, eliminates some fears and exemplifies the excitement for a birthday party for all.
L. Harmon
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
This colorful story follows Jackie Rabbit who adores polka dots and wants to have a tea party! She invites all of her dessert friends to the first Polka Dot Tea Party to wear their best polka dots and dance the evening away!
This book is a great addition to the classroom to teach what polka dots are and where they can be found. It is also a fun tale for any dessert animal lover!
S. Ward
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
I’ve been wanting to write to you to express my love of your book, THE POLKA DOT TEA PARTY. I truly enjoyed reading it and talking about it with Lisa. It made me smile as a mom, grandma, teacher and hopefully as a future author. It’s books like this that remind me how much I love teaching and integrating literature into so much of the curriculum I taught. You have packed so many concepts and teaching into this book without kids even being aware of how much they are learning. You are also a wonderful artist with an eye that encourages engagement by young children.
I have been retired from teaching for 2 years and I miss it everyday. One of my goals as a retired teacher is to write a children’s book. I am currently taking a writing class to develop skills and work among other adults who enjoy writing. I would love any thoughts you have to motivate me to just start. Every time I think I’m onto something, it seems as the idea, topic and content are already saturated on the children’s book shelves.
I will look forward to additional books written and illustrated by you!
With admiration,
J. Ryan
Wisconsin
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
Review of The New Polka Dot Tea Party Diane Farquhar Hallstrom
Gist of Book
The New Polka Dot Tea Party is a charming and whimsical adventure created by Jackie as she plans her first ever polka dot tea party and invites her favorite friends to join in the fun. Her favorite friends, Leo, Rosie and Dan received hand delivered polka dot party invitations from Jackie.
They each asked Jackie, ‘ What’s a Polka Dot ? ’ before they accepted the invitation to Jackie’s party. All of Jackie’s friends adorned themselves in polka dots when they gladly attended Jackie’s tea party. Jackie’s house was a rainbow of polka dots. There was polka dot dancing if you can imagine and polka dot jokes along with polka dot tea in polka dot cups and polka dot shaped cookies. It was the best polka dot tea party ever.
Review of Book
Vicki Riske created a charming and whimsical book, The New Polka Dot Tea Party. The main character, Jackie, decides to invite her favorite friends to her first polka dot tea party. The characters are adorable and the book is well illustrated, giving each character a unique presence and personality.
There are colorful polka dots throughout the book. A simple explanation is given to define “polka dots” and to identify them in every day , so that children can easily understand the essence of polka dots. What is even more precious about the book is that Vicki actually reads the book to children while using puppets she created to represent the characters in the book. She also includes a polka dot tea party with every reading that closely follows the format of the polka dot tea party Jackie created for her friends.
This makes the book come alive as children actually experience the book. There can never been too many polka dots nor too many friends that appreciate polka dots in life. This book deserves the highest polka dot rating ever !
D. Hallstrom
Oregon
(Author Day)
Thank so much Vicki! The students and staff really enjoyed the assembly, and I could tell that they were super interested in how to become an author and illustrator too!
L. Pechkurow
Parent, Kyrene Del Norte
Tempe, AZ
(My Teeth Are Too Big)
This book has been my toddler son’s recent favorite. He loves the characters in the book, especially Lydia ladybug and her chants. He likes to compare the pictures in the three chants. The author has done a great job making the book appealing for little boys and girls.
Amazon Review
(Grandma Bibi)
I love all of your books, but I think about Grandma Bibi a lot. I think it should be in every therapist's office and every social worker's office in the country. It is so moving and healing. I'm so glad it's in Spanish too!
J. Cordero
Dinemo Friends
(Grandma Bibi)
Such a sweet story. Thank you for sharing! I'm sure it will help other families going through an Alzheimer's journey and explaining to children!
K. Skvarce
Alzheimer's Association
Desert Southwest Chapter
Phoenix
(Grandma Bibi)
It is difficult to explain to children that as grandparents age, they can become forgetful and begin to have signs of dementia to the extent of forgetting family members. And, it is difficult for children to understand why grandparents’ behaviors change as they age and why they aren’t the same physically and mentally as they have known them to be.
Grandma Bibi, a children’s book, simplifies the conversation between mother and daughter about the need for Grandma Bibi to live where she can be cared for twenty four hours a day. Further, it suggests ways for children to address their grandparents in a loving way and how to react to questions and the lack of recognition that often accompanies dementia. The book is full of love and understanding, between mother and daughter and between mother, daughter and grandmother. It is a wise and calm way to address what is often faced with high anxiety and misunderstandings.
I recommend parents share Grandma Bibi with children early in the dementia process, so they can understand how to deal with the changes and challenges dementia creates in relationships with not only grandparents, but also with family friends and acquaintances. Grandma Bibi is a good reminder to parents to continue being loving and caring. It’s also a great way for children to begin to understand what often seems to be a natural, yet devastating effect of aging.
Hands up for Grandma Bibi!
D. Hallstrom
Oregon
(Grandma Bibi)
This book eloquently addresses those hard conversations about aging grandparents with young children. Well written and illustrated to help children understand the concept of forgetfulness and memory loss. The book focuses on creating memories, being kind and understanding so the child will have great memories of the grandparents.
L Harmon
(The Polka Dot Tea Party)
Hi, Vicki.
I hope all is especially sunny in your world today.
My name is Kenna Wiggins, Melissa Montoya's sister. Melissa gifted my grandchildren, ages 2 and 4, with your book, snake puppet, and workbook at Christmas. She said you would appreciate some feedback, so I am happy to comply.
The box! Every detail--from the sturdy material to the colors to the dots to the logo--is a gift in itself. Its size is just right for the snake.
The book's illustrations are bright and reflect the text. Before I read the book to my grandchildren, I used the illustrations to explain the scenes and animals they would encounter, as they are city children living in the desolation of New Jersey. The text is gently paced. The repetition is always enjoyed by children.
The day after we read the book, two little girls, ages 5 and 8, came over for a tea party. We always invite them when our grandchildren are visiting, so the tea party was generic. But as they sipped tea, I read the book to them. Then we talked about polka dots in the room and on one girl's dress.The sun even made a rare appearance.
After the story, I brought out the snake. Wow! They loved him! The adults appreciated the creativity and skill used in crafting him. The children loved his personality. The 5 year-old put the snake on her arm and ran around gleefully. The others followed. At the end of the visit, the other grandmother told me the puppet was in my kitchen cabinet--she feared for the snake's life because of the enthusiastic response!
I had copied one of the sheets from the work book. My grandchildren were too young for the activity, but I sent the sheet home with the girls. They were excited to get it. In a school setting, I'm sure teacher would appreciate the variety of suggested activities, giving students choices to fit their interests and skill levels.
Since my grandchildren returned to NJ, my daughter has sent me pictures of the two year-old with the snake on her arm. She loves to wear it around the house.
So, dear creative person, I am happy that your creativity has found an outlet that brings so much fun to children, as well as making them aware of the shapes all around them. The quality of your materials is much higher than would be expected from commercial outlets. I hope you continue to have success with this project and others to follow.
Thank you for being Vicki.
Kenna Wiggins
(Fishy Tales)
This review comes from Parker, a new 7 year old North Dakota author. "I loved your book! It was so wild and loving! It inspired my heart, it made me even more confident to write more and more books. I am starting my next book today."
(Fishy Tales)
I loved the colorful characters. The illustrations are adorable. I appreciate the timeliness of the book's message to save our oceans from human trash. It's never to young to start when it comes to teaching our children about protecting our planet.
Amazon Review
(Fishy Tales)
Thanks for visiting us Vicki and sharing your awesome puppets and books! As I mentioned earlier we are thinking of having an Arizona Author Series in the Spring! I will be in touch!
Thank you for donating your books, the kids had a blast!
Respectfully,
C. Mall
Librarian
Chandler Public Library
(Books and Puppets)
Hi Vicki,
You were a delightful neighbor at the Book Festival (Desert Hills Book Festival). I enjoyed meeting you and seeing your special talents. I'm sure you're a delight to children because I could see the happy adult faces when they came to the table.
I wish you the best in every way. Your innocent joyfulness is a much needed ingredient in this difficult world.
Be well and safe,
R.D. Hathaway
(but better known to friends simply as "Ed") 😊
(Fishy Tales)
We want to send you a “virtual” thank you card, created by a Sweet Briar student! The students had so much fun listening to your story and following along with your puppets! Everyone learned so much! Thanks again for spending time with our school.
K. Frost
Sweet Briar Teachers + Students
Mandan, ND
(Attached is the virtual thank you!)
(Dear Grandma and Grandpa / Queridos abuelos)
Hi Vicki
It’s Lynn, your neighbor on Date. I didn’t know how to reach you personally, so I hope this reaches you. I love the book! I love that there is so much to learn from it, that warrants reading in again and again! I love that the book incorporates days of the week and colors and searching for a little friend on each page. If I was still teaching it would open up a whole unit on letter writing, communicating with others, feelings and emotions and on and on. This book is perfect for our grandson who is in preschool attending a Spanish speaking school. May I buy this one from you or online? Please stop by again when you get a chance.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this.
Lynn
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
Dear Ms Riske,
Thank you so much for coming to our school and sharing your wonderful book and activity again! Ms. Bruni said the students just loved seeing you. Doing something active on a day when reading and just listening is often the case is perfect for Kinders!
Thank you for letting me know about your new book. How exciting! Here’s wishing you all good things!
Sincerely
Karen O’Keefe
Mountain View School
Phoenix, AZ
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
A fun, colorful and well written book about polka dots in nature and everywhere you go!
K. Hennessy
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
This book is interesting, educational, fun and the illustrations are exceptional. A great read to help kids understand the importance of inclusion, eliminates some fears and exemplifies the excitement for a birthday party for all.
L. Harmon
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
This colorful story follows Jackie Rabbit who adores polka dots and wants to have a tea party! She invites all of her dessert friends to the first Polka Dot Tea Party to wear their best polka dots and dance the evening away!
This book is a great addition to the classroom to teach what polka dots are and where they can be found. It is also a fun tale for any dessert animal lover!
S. Ward
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
I’ve been wanting to write to you to express my love of your book, THE POLKA DOT TEA PARTY. I truly enjoyed reading it and talking about it with Lisa. It made me smile as a mom, grandma, teacher and hopefully as a future author. It’s books like this that remind me how much I love teaching and integrating literature into so much of the curriculum I taught. You have packed so many concepts and teaching into this book without kids even being aware of how much they are learning. You are also a wonderful artist with an eye that encourages engagement by young children.
I have been retired from teaching for 2 years and I miss it everyday. One of my goals as a retired teacher is to write a children’s book. I am currently taking a writing class to develop skills and work among other adults who enjoy writing. I would love any thoughts you have to motivate me to just start. Every time I think I’m onto something, it seems as the idea, topic and content are already saturated on the children’s book shelves.
I will look forward to additional books written and illustrated by you!
With admiration,
J. Ryan
Wisconsin
(The New Polka Dot Tea Party)
Review of The New Polka Dot Tea Party Diane Farquhar Hallstrom
Gist of Book
The New Polka Dot Tea Party is a charming and whimsical adventure created by Jackie as she plans her first ever polka dot tea party and invites her favorite friends to join in the fun. Her favorite friends, Leo, Rosie and Dan received hand delivered polka dot party invitations from Jackie.
They each asked Jackie, ‘ What’s a Polka Dot ? ’ before they accepted the invitation to Jackie’s party. All of Jackie’s friends adorned themselves in polka dots when they gladly attended Jackie’s tea party. Jackie’s house was a rainbow of polka dots. There was polka dot dancing if you can imagine and polka dot jokes along with polka dot tea in polka dot cups and polka dot shaped cookies. It was the best polka dot tea party ever.
Review of Book
Vicki Riske created a charming and whimsical book, The New Polka Dot Tea Party. The main character, Jackie, decides to invite her favorite friends to her first polka dot tea party. The characters are adorable and the book is well illustrated, giving each character a unique presence and personality.
There are colorful polka dots throughout the book. A simple explanation is given to define “polka dots” and to identify them in every day , so that children can easily understand the essence of polka dots. What is even more precious about the book is that Vicki actually reads the book to children while using puppets she created to represent the characters in the book. She also includes a polka dot tea party with every reading that closely follows the format of the polka dot tea party Jackie created for her friends.
This makes the book come alive as children actually experience the book. There can never been too many polka dots nor too many friends that appreciate polka dots in life. This book deserves the highest polka dot rating ever !
D. Hallstrom
Oregon
(Author Day)
Thank so much Vicki! The students and staff really enjoyed the assembly, and I could tell that they were super interested in how to become an author and illustrator too!
L. Pechkurow
Parent, Kyrene Del Norte
Tempe, AZ
(My Teeth Are Too Big)
This book has been my toddler son’s recent favorite. He loves the characters in the book, especially Lydia ladybug and her chants. He likes to compare the pictures in the three chants. The author has done a great job making the book appealing for little boys and girls.
Amazon Review
(Grandma Bibi)
I love all of your books, but I think about Grandma Bibi a lot. I think it should be in every therapist's office and every social worker's office in the country. It is so moving and healing. I'm so glad it's in Spanish too!
J. Cordero
Dinemo Friends
(Grandma Bibi)
Such a sweet story. Thank you for sharing! I'm sure it will help other families going through an Alzheimer's journey and explaining to children!
K. Skvarce
Alzheimer's Association
Desert Southwest Chapter
Phoenix
(Grandma Bibi)
It is difficult to explain to children that as grandparents age, they can become forgetful and begin to have signs of dementia to the extent of forgetting family members. And, it is difficult for children to understand why grandparents’ behaviors change as they age and why they aren’t the same physically and mentally as they have known them to be.
Grandma Bibi, a children’s book, simplifies the conversation between mother and daughter about the need for Grandma Bibi to live where she can be cared for twenty four hours a day. Further, it suggests ways for children to address their grandparents in a loving way and how to react to questions and the lack of recognition that often accompanies dementia. The book is full of love and understanding, between mother and daughter and between mother, daughter and grandmother. It is a wise and calm way to address what is often faced with high anxiety and misunderstandings.
I recommend parents share Grandma Bibi with children early in the dementia process, so they can understand how to deal with the changes and challenges dementia creates in relationships with not only grandparents, but also with family friends and acquaintances. Grandma Bibi is a good reminder to parents to continue being loving and caring. It’s also a great way for children to begin to understand what often seems to be a natural, yet devastating effect of aging.
Hands up for Grandma Bibi!
D. Hallstrom
Oregon
(Grandma Bibi)
This book eloquently addresses those hard conversations about aging grandparents with young children. Well written and illustrated to help children understand the concept of forgetfulness and memory loss. The book focuses on creating memories, being kind and understanding so the child will have great memories of the grandparents.
L Harmon
(The Polka Dot Tea Party)
Hi, Vicki.
I hope all is especially sunny in your world today.
My name is Kenna Wiggins, Melissa Montoya's sister. Melissa gifted my grandchildren, ages 2 and 4, with your book, snake puppet, and workbook at Christmas. She said you would appreciate some feedback, so I am happy to comply.
The box! Every detail--from the sturdy material to the colors to the dots to the logo--is a gift in itself. Its size is just right for the snake.
The book's illustrations are bright and reflect the text. Before I read the book to my grandchildren, I used the illustrations to explain the scenes and animals they would encounter, as they are city children living in the desolation of New Jersey. The text is gently paced. The repetition is always enjoyed by children.
The day after we read the book, two little girls, ages 5 and 8, came over for a tea party. We always invite them when our grandchildren are visiting, so the tea party was generic. But as they sipped tea, I read the book to them. Then we talked about polka dots in the room and on one girl's dress.The sun even made a rare appearance.
After the story, I brought out the snake. Wow! They loved him! The adults appreciated the creativity and skill used in crafting him. The children loved his personality. The 5 year-old put the snake on her arm and ran around gleefully. The others followed. At the end of the visit, the other grandmother told me the puppet was in my kitchen cabinet--she feared for the snake's life because of the enthusiastic response!
I had copied one of the sheets from the work book. My grandchildren were too young for the activity, but I sent the sheet home with the girls. They were excited to get it. In a school setting, I'm sure teacher would appreciate the variety of suggested activities, giving students choices to fit their interests and skill levels.
Since my grandchildren returned to NJ, my daughter has sent me pictures of the two year-old with the snake on her arm. She loves to wear it around the house.
So, dear creative person, I am happy that your creativity has found an outlet that brings so much fun to children, as well as making them aware of the shapes all around them. The quality of your materials is much higher than would be expected from commercial outlets. I hope you continue to have success with this project and others to follow.
Thank you for being Vicki.
Kenna Wiggins
(Fishy Tales)
This review comes from Parker, a new 7 year old North Dakota author. "I loved your book! It was so wild and loving! It inspired my heart, it made me even more confident to write more and more books. I am starting my next book today."
(Fishy Tales)
I loved the colorful characters. The illustrations are adorable. I appreciate the timeliness of the book's message to save our oceans from human trash. It's never to young to start when it comes to teaching our children about protecting our planet.
Amazon Review
(Fishy Tales)
Thanks for visiting us Vicki and sharing your awesome puppets and books! As I mentioned earlier we are thinking of having an Arizona Author Series in the Spring! I will be in touch!
Thank you for donating your books, the kids had a blast!
Respectfully,
C. Mall
Librarian
Chandler Public Library
(Books and Puppets)
Hi Vicki,
You were a delightful neighbor at the Book Festival (Desert Hills Book Festival). I enjoyed meeting you and seeing your special talents. I'm sure you're a delight to children because I could see the happy adult faces when they came to the table.
I wish you the best in every way. Your innocent joyfulness is a much needed ingredient in this difficult world.
Be well and safe,
R.D. Hathaway
(but better known to friends simply as "Ed") 😊
(Fishy Tales)
We want to send you a “virtual” thank you card, created by a Sweet Briar student! The students had so much fun listening to your story and following along with your puppets! Everyone learned so much! Thanks again for spending time with our school.
K. Frost
Sweet Briar Teachers + Students
Mandan, ND
(Attached is the virtual thank you!)
