"Told in rhyming verse, this lyrical treasure will inspire young readers to follow Ozzy Ox’s example and admit to their errors. The language is simple, so young readers can easily follow along. The bright, bold, and colorful illustrations help move the story along."
-Emily-Jane Hills Orford
for Readers’ Favorite
" Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash, is a
great way to teach young readers
about responsibility, making good choices, and owning up to mistakes made."
"Love rhyming books and this one has a great lesson for children to always tell the truth! The illustrations are fun, vivid and colorful! Excited to see more from this author!"
--Bill Ritter, Amazon Review
"FANTASTIC READ! This book is a rhyming treasure for kids and adults alike! What a wonderful way to learn/teach a lesson about honesty through Ozzy’s story!! My kids loved it and can’t wait to read more about Ozzy Ox! Great content and beautiful imagery too."
--Caitlin Striefel, Amazon Review
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"Written in a fun rhyming style, Ozzy Oz: Candy Stash is about about a young ox that finds and secretly eats some candy that was destined for his fathers birthday cake the next day. Once he finds out what his mom was planning to do with it, he feels sick, from his choice and from the enormous amount of candy in his stomach. He tries to go to bed but makes a good choice and tells his mom what he’s done. And here is where the lesson comes in for parents. His mom thanks him for telling her and decides that the sore stomach from eating all the candy is enough punishment. Sometimes natural consequences are enough! She goes on loving Ozzy and all is well at the end of the book."
Great read, beautiful artwork and a great lesson for kids and parents!!
--Middleclassmama, Amazon Review
More From Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite:
In Callen Kropp’s book, Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash, Ozzy Ox is helping Mom Ox put the groceries away. He discovers a bag of candy he didn’t know they’d bought at the store. Thinking he’s found a real treasure, he sneaks it up to his room, tells Mom Ox he’s going to bed early, and devours the contents of the candy stash. Once finished, his room’s a mess of candy wrappers. He cleans it up and finishes his bedtime chores. Mom Ox comes in to say goodnight and mentions the candy bag was meant to make his father’s special cake. Now, Ozzy Ox is feeling really bad. Not only is he sick from eating too much candy, but he’s also sick about spoiling the special surprise Mom Ox had planned. Should he confess to his error?
Callen Kropp’s picture book story, Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash, is a great way to teach young readers about responsibility, making good choices, and owning up to mistakes made. Told in rhyming verse, this lyrical treasure will inspire young readers to follow Ozzy Ox’s example and admit to their errors. The language is simple, so young readers can easily follow along. The bright, bold, and colorful illustrations help move the story along. The end of the book has some interesting facts about oxen, so young readers can also learn simple tidbits about oxen such as that they’re part of the bovine (cattle) family. Young readers will enjoy the story as much as the lessons learned.
"Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash" is a charming and insightful literary gem that stands out for its vibrant storytelling, endearing characters, and invaluable life lessons.
"Callen Kropp has created a narrative that not only entertains but also educates, making it a must-read for young readers and their families. As Ozzy embarks on his candy-filled adventure, readers are reminded of the power of honesty, the strength of familial bonds, and the importance of doing what's right ..."
​
- Dietra Head, "A Look Inside Blog"
More From Dietra Head, “A Look Inside Blog”
"Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash" by Callen Kropp is a delightful and heartwarming tale that captivates readers from the very first page. With vivid imagery and a charming narrative, the story transports us into the world of Ozzy Ox and his sweet escapades.
From the outset, the author masterfully paints a vivid scene of Ozzy and his mother returning from the store, setting the stage for the adventure that follows. The attention to detail in describing their interactions and the atmosphere is commendable, immersing the reader in the world of Ozzy Ox.
The central plotline, involving Ozzy's discovery of a hidden bag of candy and his subsequent mischievous intent, unfolds with a perfect blend of humor and relatability. The anticipation and excitement that Ozzy experiences as he waits to enjoy the candy under the veil of night are palpable, drawing readers into his innocent thrill.
One of the standout strengths of the narrative lies in its ability to seamlessly weave in valuable life lessons. As the story progresses, readers are skillfully guided through Ozzy's journey of self-discovery, learning about the consequences of his actions and the importance of rectifying mistakes. The author adeptly imparts a vital message about honesty and responsibility, making this book not only an engaging read but also a meaningful one.
The character development of Ozzy is a true highlight of the story. As he navigates the humorous and often tumultuous consequences of his candy escapades, readers witness his growth and transformation. This evolution serves as a relatable and inspiring model for young readers, showing them the significance of making amends and always striving to make ethical choices.
The underlying theme of familial love and togetherness further enriches the narrative, with Ozzy's interactions with his mother and the impending candy cake adventure adding depth and warmth to the storyline. These moments of connection underscore the importance of family bonds and shared experiences, reinforcing the emotional resonance of the tale.
Callen Kropp's writing style is engaging, accessible, and perfectly tailored for its target audience. The pacing of the story keeps readers engaged, effortlessly transitioning between moments of levity and introspection. The dialogues are authentic and enhance character dynamics, contributing to the overall authenticity of the narrative.
In conclusion, "Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash" is a charming and insightful literary gem that stands out for its vibrant storytelling, endearing characters, and invaluable life lessons. Callen Kropp has created a narrative that not only entertains but also educates, making it a must-read for young readers and their families. As Ozzy embarks on his candy-filled adventure, readers are reminded of the power of honesty, the strength of familial bonds, and the importance of doing what's right – even when faced with tempting treats."
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite
"In Callen Kropp’s book, Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash, Ozzy Ox is helping Mom Ox put the groceries away. He discovers a bag of candy he didn’t know they’d bought at the store. Thinking he’s found a real treasure, he sneaks it up to his room, tells Mom Ox he’s going to bed early, and devours the contents of the candy stash. Once finished, his room’s a mess of candy wrappers. He cleans it up and finishes his bedtime chores. Mom Ox comes in to say goodnight and mentions the candy bag was meant to make his father’s special cake. Now, Ozzy Ox is feeling really bad. Not only is he sick from eating too much candy, but he’s also sick about spoiling the special surprise Mom Ox had planned. Should he confess to his error?



Callen Kropp’s picture book story, Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash, is a great way to teach young readers about responsibility, making good choices, and owning up to mistakes made. Told in rhyming verse, this lyrical treasure will inspire young readers to follow Ozzy Ox’s example and admit to their errors. The language is simple, so young readers can easily follow along. The bright, bold, and colorful illustrations help move the story along. The end of the book has some interesting facts about oxen, so young readers can also learn simple tidbits about oxen such as that they’re part of the bovine (cattle) family. Young readers will enjoy the story as much as the lessons learned."
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review:
"Parents and adults who look for vibrant picture books that pair a realistic situation with a problem-solving dilemma will find Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash a welcome point of discussion for all kinds of topics revolving around making better choices and acknowledging their impact."
"Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash is a lively rhyming picture book that follows MomOx and Ozzy as they go out for ice cream and groceries. When they return, Ozzy finds a mysterious bag of candy on the car seat and can't resist snatching it up and hiding it for secret binging later.
Mom Ox views him as her "pride and joy," but she doesn't know of his transgression. When Ozzy discovers what the bag of candy was really intended for, he faces a dilemma. Ozzy feels his tummy turn, both at the revelation and from all the candy he's eaten. How can he make things right?
Callen Kropp creates a whimsical, fun story about a son who breaks the rules and then faces the consequences. Mom and son come to life in a fun interaction that swirls around a special celebration and right and wrong decisions made by Ozzy which are questioned by his wise mom.
The lesson about owning one's mistakes and doing right from them will not be lost on young minds by adults who choose Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash as a read-aloud.
Parents and adults who look for vibrant picture books that pair a realistic situation with a problem-solving dilemma will find Ozzy Ox: Candy Stash a welcome point of discussion for all kinds of topics revolving around making better choices and acknowledging their impact."