Gillian Reads: Punctuation to the Rescue by Cheryl Olsten | Picture Book Review

I’m always drawn to stories that stay with me beyond the final page, and Punctuation to the Rescue by Cheryl Olsten is a perfect example of just that.

I was delighted to be invited by LiterallyPR to take part in Cheryl’s online book review tour. Having previously worked with them to promote my own books, it’s always a pleasure to collaborate again.

When I first read the blurb, I was immediately intrigued. As someone who loves children’s fiction—especially stories that combine fun with learning—I knew this was a book I would enjoy.

Before I share my thoughts, here’s a little more background about the author and the book.

AUTHOR BIO

Cheryl Olsten is an American author of beautifully crafted picture books that blend imagination, empathy, and kind life lessons. Her stories celebrate courage, kindness, and perseverance, values that inspire both children and adults to dream big and believe in happy endings. Her stories explore timeless themes—courage, kindness, creativity, and the power of never giving up—told with warmth and a touch of wonder. Her books are cherished by parents, teachers, and librarians alike for the way they make learning joyful and storytelling meaningful. Cheryl is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors. Beyond her writing desk, Cheryl cherishes time with her grandchildren and horses, loves to cook, and enjoys being outdoors, where quiet moments give rise to future tales.

Website: https://cherylolsten.com 

https://www.instagram.com/cherylolsten

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063556809826

BOOK BLURB

Exclamation Point is exasperated by how hard it is to do their job when they are so misused. The only way to get their “point” across is to leave! They decide that a sailing trip would be just the solution. Fresh sea air, new horizons to explore. Off to the Island of fun they go…until their sea voyage takes an unexpected turn.

MY REVIEW

I absolutely loved this book. It offers a fresh and engaging way to introduce children to what can often be a confusing aspect of language—the world of punctuation.

Punctuation to the Rescue is a delightful story in which a group of hardworking friends—Exclamation Mark, Comma, Full Stop, and Question Mark—decide to go on holiday after feeling overworked and underappreciated.

Their adventure takes them out to sea as they set off for the Island of Fun. However, Mother Nature has other plans, and a tsunami sweeps them off course to the Island of Chaos instead. There, the friends come to realise just how important they truly are, helping the islanders transform jumbled, confusing words into clear, structured sentences.

This is a charming, beautifully illustrated story that is both fun and educational. It would be perfect for use in schools as well as for home reading.

I highly recommend this book—it’s one of the best picture books I’ve reviewed in a long time.

Thank you LiterallyPR and Cheryl Olsten for my copy in exchange of an honest review.

COMING UP NEXT ...

However Far We Fall, the second in the Hope series, by Fran Clark.

After really enjoying the first in the series, called, However Far You Go (you'll find my review in one of my earlier blogs www.gillianyoungauthor.com/blog) Here's a taster of what's instore ...

'Some secrets refuse to stay buried.

Essie and Lizzie have spent a lifetime protecting the truth about what happened after the war – one carrying guilt, the other grief. Bound by silence, they have held their families together at a cost.

But in 1976, the past begins to stir.

When Alice makes a rare visit to her parents in London, she comes face to face with the past. Archie – the boy she once loved – is back. As old feelings resurface, so too does the truth that tore them apart.

And this time, it won’t stay hidden.

As love and loyalty collide, Essie and Lizzie must confront the secret they have fought so hard to keep – a secret that could destroy the very lives they were trying to protect, including their own.

However Far We Fall is a sweeping story of love, loss, and the ties that bind us – even when they threaten to break us.'

https://www.franclarkauthor.co.uk/

https://www.tiktok.com/@franclarkauthor

WIP UPDATE

The prep work for my latest Crazy Cream Adventure is complete, and I’m now returning to my supernatural thriller for a full read-through before it goes to the editor.

There’s always a sense of anticipation at this stage—wondering how it will be received. I’m excited (and just a little nervous!) to see what she thinks.

Thank you for joining me today, and until next time…

Happy reading!

Gillian x

#childrenspicturebook #bookreview