Oakwoods Series Books #1-5 Review

I voluntarily received copies of books one through five of the Oakwoods Series for free from the author. All opinions are my own.

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!)

Review: The Oakwoods series is overall a lovely set of readers for young kids. I appreciated the calm pacing in the series and that how for the most part the animals are personified, but yet engaged in activities that seem realistic (except for the opossums who are gardening). I liked the character of Boon and how he appeared in all the stories as an overarching voice of wisdom and would enjoy a book of just his story. The stories can all stand alone and do not be need to read in order, but the characters do intersect in minor ways. I love that they teach good lessons, but don’t feel like they are hitting the reader over the head with it.

A brief run down of my thoughts on each book:

Pip O’Possum is a good read about the balance between work and play. This is something everyone needs to learn and I think the book does a good job of highlighting how you can have time for both. There is also a side benefit of thinking about honoring your parents when they ask you do something.

Sally Skunkskin does a nice job of highlighting how complaining all the time doesn’t get us anywhere. I also like that it modeled how to apologize for when you have been overly critical of someone.

Benjamin Bat highlights humility and how our actions can unknowingly get us into danger when we are overconfident. I like that it also highlights the importance of community care and helping your friends without needing to get anything in return.

Nuts is the only book in the series I wouldn’t recommend. Overall the message of the story is fine and good, but one of the minor characters has a name that is considered a slur to the disability community. I don’t believe this was intentional on the author’s part, just ignorance, but I wouldn’t want my children exposed to that word or for them to think it is just another word and not understand the history and weight of that word.

Jeremy Jay is about a bird born with a disability in his foot. While he thinks that this means others won’t like him, he soon learns to appreciate himself for who he is an what he can do. I appreciated the message of this book.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | KathyJPerry.com | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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About the Author

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.

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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.

Enter Giveaway

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