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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.
Reviewed by Louise Hurrell for Readers' Favorite
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.
