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How would it feel to wake up in the stillness of 3AM to find your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes frozen in immense pain?  And how hopeless would you feel to learn that, despite devoting every ounce of will and energy and resolve that you can muster to free yourself, you can’t move a muscle.  You can’t lift a finger, can’t wiggle a toe.  And, perhaps worst, your lungs feel like they are freezing up — and the panic that comes with shortness of breath settles in. Sue Backer knows. The Courtenay-area farmer, wife, grandmother, sister and friend to so many finds herself terrorized in such a state about every two hours.  Diagnosed with ALS (better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), in March of 2022, Sue has presided over a body in decline.  ALS is a thief; it is a nervous system disease that causes loss of muscle control.  Sue is now desperately in need of a specialized bed that would give her the independence so needed to manage the last days of her life. Her longtime friend, Deb Thompson of Jamestown, has sounded an alarm, “We CAN help!”, she says.  “Sue needs a highly technical bed that she could summon herself to reposition her body whenever she needs to.  “It would change her life so dramatically.  It costs $30,000 and none of that is covered by insurance.  But we are talking about her life and the wish we all have—that we can die with dignity.”  Thompson has set up accounts at First Community Credit Union in Jamestown and Bremer Bank in Carrington.  A Gofundme online fundraiser has also been set up.  “If everyone would pitch in, we as a community could make such a difference in her life,” says Thompson. “Giving Hearts Day is coming right up—and what better cause than to affect someone who has been such a giving heart herself?” Happiness has been her choice If there is any description that would fit all of Sue’s 63 years, it would be “giving.”  From serving on her local ambulance service to cooking at her local cafe to serving customers at banks in Jamestown and Carrington, to tending to her own roles on the family farm,  Sue has always been a go-getter, a person that approaches every need with spunk and optimism.  She has managed her illness the same way. “When I was first diagnosed and told I was terminally ill with three to five years left, my sister Deb and I cried,” she said. “For five minutes.  Then I said, ‘Ok, enough.  Why bawl? Let’s make the best of the time I have.’” Ever since that day in March, 2022, Sue has kept that conviction. Soon after her diagnosis, she took her grandchildren to Jamestown’s Art Center, where they sculpted the urn that will someday hold her ashes. She has recorded herself reading children’s books that she has given to each grandchild.  And every week, her entire family, including her beloved grandchildren (ranging in age 2 - 9), three children, and their spouses, gather for “Sunday Funday.” Her son Justin, who with his wife, Brittany, took over the farm when Sue was diagnosed, has mentioned that he finds a silver lining in those weekly gatherings - and his mother agrees.  “To me, there are a lot of positives in this,” says Sue. “We make it a point to spend time together that we wouldn’t have,” she says.  “I have had a chance to tell the people in my life the things I will leave them with.  Not everyone has that chance." The people that know her best weren’t a bit surprised when Sue decided to hold her own Celebration of Life five months after her diagnosis.  “Nobody knows how long you live with this disease, but the thing I did know is that I wanted to be part of the party.  I didn’t want to miss it.” Neither did the people of her family and community.  On a beautiful August evening in 2022, a huge crowd turned out to honor Sue’s life.  Roaming through the supper and street dance in her wheelchair, Sue was all smiles as she reminisced and laughed and hugged the throngs of people that crowded the little town of Kensal in her honor.   It takes a village These days, Sue still finds the stamina, with the daily help of husband Dale and sister Deb Alber, to find positivity in each day.  “I have never been a whiner, and don’t plan to start now,” she says.  “I am so grateful to have Dale and Deb here with me everyday. They are lifesavers.” Alber says she is doing what any sister would do.  “I feel God has put me here and this is what I am supposed to do,” she says.  “It’s so hard to watch someone you love go through such a struggle. I feel blessed that I can be here for her.” Nonetheless, the physical burden that is overwhelming her body has even Sue feeling that enough is enough. “I pray to God each day that I will pass peacefully,” she says.  “But I also know I will cope with whatever HE plans.” Alber says her prayers now are for help in the form of that special bed. ‘We have tried every kind of mattress, mattress pad, pillows, and you-name-it to keep her comfortable.  A bed right now like that ProForm, which is made for ALS patients, would be a godsend. We have the company all set up and, once we acquire the funds to order, they have promised to expedite it and have it set up within days. I pray for this." YOU CAN HELP SUE BACKER WITH THIS BED!  ANY DONATION would be valued!  Time is of the essence, so please send your donation to the Sue Backer Benefit Fund with one of the following: Visit online at her gofundme at this link:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/susans-last-request-a-bed-of-comfort Or donate to one of the accounts set up for Sue: -First Committee Credit Union, 111 9th St SW (Po Box 2075), Jamestown, ND 58401 -Bremer Bank, 807 Main Street, Carrington, ND 58421 Thank you, everyone so much! PLEASE SHARE!

I t began as a fundraiser. An effort by a couple dozen people to help a family who is stricken with grief after losing a patriarch and its oldest son — all within a matter of months. But it ended up being more than that. Sure, it raised significant money - at least two or three times what we envisioned. But our benefit the other night raised more than money.  As one local rancher said to me, “This has become about more than just money.  Look how people have come together.”  Yes, they — people from Aberdeen to Jamestown to Buchanan to Pingree to Carrington — certainly did come together! The KC Hall has seldom been filled to such capacity. Generosity lined the outside walls of the main hall via baskets and baskets designed with artists’ hands.  Items that appealed to men, women and children with every kind of taste. Tools and equipment for any shop or garage.  Home decor for any style. Toys, books and blankets for kids. Platters beautifully stacked with cookies (thanks, Chris Neys!) so festive they brought a sugar rush (and fetched up to $200 a plate!). That was the Silent Auction.  The LIVE Auction could be a story in itself.  A posse of professionals couldn’t have done a better job of gathering donations -- and those they targeted could simply not have been more generous. Donations to the LIVE auction were something to behold:  gift certificates that offered services as diverse as fertilizer spreading for 1,000 acres to Minnesota and North Dakota vacation packages, to quarter beefs, to 20 bags of bean seeds to 10 emsella treatments and one Party Bus. Two 7’ Christmas trees decorated with pull tabs. Heavy duty stuff, too—a snow blower, a Bobcat generator, grills, televisions, e-bikes, even Sioux hockey tickets and a Brett Favre jersey!  As impressive as those donations are, they weren’t magical until bidders bravely bid.  As hard as we worked to reflect a real retail value of all items on both the silent and LIVE auctions, bidders often didn’t meet those values—they often SURPASSED them. As awe-inspiring as the bids for the big-buck items were, the darlings of the ball were lefsa by the dozen and porch pots times ten.  It tickled me that all of Susan Fredrickson’s festive evergreen porch pots, which she humbly thought should bring $20 to $30 apiece, actually sold for $175 each.  And I loved that Roger Nenow was able to auction off lefsa made by Wendall and Judy Perleberg.  Bags containing a dozen lefsa each sold for $150, and when the Perlebergs said they would take orders for more at that price (also to be donated), bidders complied. Cookies, porch pots and lefsa.  These weren't just donations, they were labors of love. The Stutsman County version of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Given — as ALL donations to the benefit were — with deference for a family that has experienced unthinkable tragedy.  If there has ever been a time that has caused me to swell with pride in my community, it is this.  Right here. Right now. The people of our community needed this.  We needed to lift up the Neys Family.  Because, in doing so, we lifted ourselves.  “The more you help people find their light, the brighter you both will shine.”

It doesn’t take research results to confirm what we all know about Christmas:  women do all the work.  Well, not all.  But most.  According to a 2023 study by the American Psychological Association, twice as many women as men do the holiday shopping, cooking, decorating and other “ings". When I look back over my own past Christmases, I admit it.  I was a nut.  Whatever compelled me to cover every surface of our house — inside and out - with Christmas trees and villages, lighted garland, angels, Santas and at least 1,000 snowmen should really be studied.  Why I felt Christmas wasn’t magical unless our children smeared green or red frosting over ten dozen cut-out sugar cookies and ten feet of the kitchen counter with their ten grubby fingers is a puzzle.  Would our three children have lived through Christmas without pretending they actually knew what they were giving the bus drivers, teachers, coaches, grandparents, godparents, mail man, friends and family members in those shiny, ribboned packages?  Would they be more balanced adults if they wouldn’t have been forced to look happy in their matching sweaters (or neon-colored coordinating ski jackets!) as they endured another of my hours-long photo shoots for the annual Christmas card? Would our kids not have felt the divine grace of Christmas if we hadn't attended Midnight Mass and then, five hours later, all gotten up to see if Santa came? The thing is, I don’t know where this obsession to have a Hallmark Christmas came from.  I have never been a fan of sappy Christmas movies set in Thomas Kinkade villages. I can’t blame my pursuit of holiday bliss on Pinterest or Google images, because technology was still in incubation back then.  So why did I stay up until 2 AM making molded chocolate lollipops for a second-grade class that night in 1988 when my only company was a radio broadcast telling me a bomb blasted a plane out of the sky, killing a planeload of passengers over Lockerbie, Scotland?  Yeah, the things we remember are inexplicable! And that is my fear — that my kids remember more stress than magic at Christmas. That my husband will someday bury me thinking, “Well, Christmas is going to be a lot easier now.” That the family will gather at Christmas and say, “Gosh, I don’t remember Christmas ever being this relaxing!”  And there is my life lesson—the one bit of advice my older self would say to younger me:  Keep it simple. Don't go it alone. Moms, although each generation makes progress balancing the load, it is still your shoulders that carry the weight of the holidays.  It is you that will define what Christmas means to your children and maybe even your grandchildren.  It won’t be the holiday baking, shopping or hot Pinterest trend that will stay with them long after the holidays.  It won’t be Elf on the Shelf or the flashy gift of the season that they unwrap on Christmas morning that will live on in their memories. It will be you - your example, your decisions, your relationships, your reactions, your patience, your happiness, your leadership, your love of self - that will define their Christmases. Don’t discount that.  Realize that there are only so many hours in a day--and that some of those hours MUST involve sleep! In most households, Moms make Christmas, so take care of yourself. Keep yourself whole — and stop the imposition that previous generations of we women have brought upon ourselves .  I know, I know. The very story of Christmas doesn't exactly inspire us to place moms first. After all, even though Mary gave Jesus life, divine grace was bestowed on her only through her Son. I think most of us mothers think of our offspring in the same light. We adore them, we put ourselves and our very sense of being behind them. We realize our happiness through theirs. It's what mothers do--especially at Christmas. But that doesn't mean we should discount the importance of teaching our kids to recognize all that role entails. And it doesn't mean we mothers should go it alone. Mary's example teaches us to take one for the team. It doesn't mean we can't have teammates! If we are ever going to lighten the load of women at Christmas, we must embrace that need for change, and then take the first steps. So, instead of being both the coach and the entire roster, do some serious recruiting. Call your team together. Enlist your special someone and children to share decorating, baking, shopping and wrapping — and don’t worry if your gift selections aren't always even close to the ultimate dream. Or that the paper doesn’t quite cover the package, or the lights on the tree favor only one side. Bake that family heirloom treat together, but let your children go to work in the kitchen. You'd be surprised what an 8-year-old can accomplish with a cookie mix and your blessing! So your kitchen looks like a scene from " Mr. Mom !" Don't sweat it--enlist your team to clean up after themselves! Dads can bake too, so let them manage the banana bread -- and don't apologize if the Hershey Kiss cookies seem a little dry. Buy the rest of the holiday treats, and simplify, post online, or even skip, the Christmas cards.  Cut down on your shopping time with gift cards — or ask your family to reach out to those you typically gift and instead offer to take them to a movie or out for ice cream--anything that you can all enjoy. Don't let everyday routines interfere with the spirit of the season. Peanut butter sandwiches deserve respect, too. Your family won’t die if that's what's for supper all too often during December.  Rachel Ray won't haunt your house if dinners occasionally come compliments of frozen Marie Callender's. Weekday suppers don't have to be memorable when there is so much to celebrate. So streamline December meals and free up your time to cherish those you love. Start by making a Christmas date with your main squeeze first, and then with each of your children, one-on-one. Take them to a church play or concert.  Visit Santa.  Shop from an Angel Tree.  Dress up like Dickens characters and scare the neighbors with Christmas carols. Visit the library or bookstore and read The Christmas Story .  See the holiday lights of your town. Take holiday treats to a shut-in . Volunteer dad to join the kids to ring the bell. Take your kids to a nursing home. Hand out treats (nutritious!) at a daycare. Show your children that compassion for others, even those you don't know personally, matters most. Don't have the time? Make your date an hour-long if you have to! Or scrap something that takes your time. House cleaning? Extra-curriculars? Church responsibilities? Split those obligations up among your team. Brain storm ways you can all become more efficient. And throughout, don't underserve yourself! Mom's deserve a place in every Christmas story - and not just as the workhorse. Show each of your children that you deserve to ENJOY the spirit of the season, too. Give them ideas of gifts that YOU would like to receive (and THEY can afford!). No, that’s not selfish! It is showing them that thoughtfulness is a two-way street. Instill in your family that nobody should single-handedly make the magic of Christmas.  That the miracle of Christmas is for all of us to create—and enjoy together. I would be lying if I said I believed this adage from Robert Redford: “I have no regrets, because I’ve done everything I could to the best of my ability.”  Sure, I DO think I decorated and baked and shopped and gifted to the best of my ability.  But that’s little comfort to me, because I regret the Christmas stress I caused my children during those frenzied growing-up years. Although there are likely certain components of Christmas they treasure (for some reason, they love the red ceramic boot I [of course] hand crafted), the fact is I don’t really know what Christmas memories they favor.  I hope it isn’t hauling in more than two dozen 50-gallon Rubbermaid tubs of Christmas decorations.  Brother.  What WAS I thinking?

Toy Trauma Reviews Lovely Book: 'Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma" is a delightful children's picture book that imparts an important lesson in a straightforward and engaging manner. The story revolves around a relatable scenario – a messy room filled with toys and a curious young ox named Ozzy that falls over his toys and injures his head. Ozzy's accident sets the stage for an important lesson: the consequences of not keeping one's surroundings tidy. The diagnosis of "Toy-I-Tis" cleverly personifies the notion that neglecting one's toys can lead to accidents. Children will be captivated by the charming characters and colorful illustrations. The message of the book resonates with both children and parents, as it promotes responsibility and safety in a simple and engaging way. "Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma" is a valuable addition to any library. I highly recommend this book. -Nielle P Marques, Amazon Review A testament to the power of storytelling "Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma," the third delightful installment in Callen Kropp's Ozzy Ox series, is a heartwarming and insightful tale that beautifully explores the themes of responsibility, compassion, and the healing power of humor. In this charming story, young readers are introduced to Ozzy Ox, a lovable character who embarks on a journey of self-discovery." --Demetria Head, A Look Inside Blog & Podcast More from Detmetria Head: "The story begins with Ozzy's typical morning mishap, as he stumbles over the toys he neglected to put away the previous night. What appears to be a minor incident soon takes an unexpected turn, leading Ozzy and his devoted Mom Ox on a whirlwind trip to the emergency room. The narrative cleverly highlights the consequences of Ozzy's actions, offering young readers a valuable lesson in personal responsibility. However, "Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma" goes beyond the immediate consequences of Ozzy's accident. Kropp skillfully delves into the emotional repercussions, allowing readers to witness the impact of Ozzy's actions on those around him. Ozzy's realization that his toys feel abandoned and his Mom Ox feels guilty for what transpired opens the door to a heartfelt exploration of empathy and compassion. The beauty of this book lies in its ability to convey these essential life lessons with humor and charm. Young readers will be captivated by Ozzy's adventures and will be able to relate to his experiences, whether they've had similar mishaps with toys or faced other challenges in their young lives. Ozzy's journey is a wonderful reminder that mistakes happen to everyone, and it's how we respond and learn from them that truly matters. "Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma" is not just a story; it's a vehicle for teaching children about understanding, compassion, and the importance of taking responsibility for their actions. The vibrant and endearing illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, making it an engaging and visually appealing reading experience. "Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma" is a remarkable addition to the Ozzy Ox series. Through the lovable character of Ozzy, young readers are offered an invaluable opportunity to explore the complexities of growing up, learning from their mistakes, and developing empathy for others. With humor, charm, and memorable characters, Kropp has created a book that is not only entertaining but also educational, making it an ideal choice for children and their families. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling in imparting essential life lessons to young readers, and it is sure to become a treasured addition to any child's library. Another lovely book! "A delightful book to share with the grandkids. Great job! Sue Backer, Amazon Review "Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma is a children's book that should be kept in every home library for young readers so that they learn how messiness, no matter where you are, is an accident waiting to happen. I look forward to reading more of Ozzy Ox's stories in the future." Rosie Malezer for Readers Favorite More from Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite: " One day Mom Ox hears a horrible thud and rushes to the bedroom of her son, Ozzy Ox. Ozzy Ox had fallen over his toys and a very large lump was starting to form on his head, so his mother took him to the hospital. Nurse Nate and Doc Ox tended to Ozzy Ox while his mother waited frantically for an update. Finally, she hears of Ozzy Ox's diagnosis - Toy-I-Tis - when a youngster neglects their toys. Mom Ox takes her son home with medication for his head bump, and Ozzy Ox notices that his skateboard is on its side - the same skateboard that had caused his slip and fall. Ozzy Ox cleaned up his room after learning a painful lesson about keeping his things tidy in his room. Doing so means that you will be safe from such horrible and painful falling incidents in the future.

 This is one of the most direct and to-the-point tales I have read in a long while. Quite often people tend to over-explain things, but Callen Kropp has kept the story and the message simple, making it very easy for all readers to learn and understand how to avoid such accidents - keep the room tidy. Emily Hagen's illustrations brought Ozzy Ox: Toy Trauma to life beautifully and ensured that each and every reader would become immediately engaged with the characters. I liked that the sequence of events from the noise caused at the beginning to the cleaning-up message at the end gave this tale a very realistic feel."

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Candy Stash Review "T old in rhyming verse, this lyrical treasu re 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 illu strations help move the story along. " -Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite " Ozz y Ox: Can dy Stash, is a great way to teach young read ers about responsibility, making good choices, and owni ng 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 "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 Loo k Insi de Blog ” "Ozzy Ox: Cand y Stash" by Callen Kropp is a delightful and heartwarming tale that captivates readers from the very first page. With vivi d imagery a nd 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 an d 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 fam ilial 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, a nd 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 you ng readers an d their families. As Ozzy embarks on his candy-filled adventure, readers are reminded of the power of honesty, the strength of familial b onds, 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."