Blog Archives

Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers

When a sweet old teacher stands in her schoolhouse, she realizes she is all alone; her students have long since grown up. There was a breeze of magic that flowed through her schoolhouse, and all the numbers suddenly came to life around her. She once more had a class to teach!

All the numbers one to nine dance around and introduce themselves. When zero comes out, he is worried that no one wants him around, but Mrs. Wiggles and the rest of the numbers all show zero just how valuable and needed he is in the number world.

Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Counting Book for Children, Math Read Aloud Picture Book is a whimsical and entertaining children’s book that will delight preschoolers through early elementary level kids. The lyrical prose in the story is told in makes it fun to read out loud, and the illustrations will keep everyone giggling. Each page has its number represented with items; for example, number two has two rubber duckies floating in the sink. Children will have fun searching each page to find the item that represents the number on the page.

Aside from teaching children about counting and numbers, this picture book has a wonderful lesson about how everyone has value and is important. There is a strong message of friendship and helping each other on these pages.

Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers is a well-written and illustrated picture book for children ages baby to seven years old. It would make a wonderful addition to a classroom or home library.

Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0BRHNLL69

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What I Would Wish to Be

When you were a child, what did you wish to be? Was it an astronaut so you could explore space or a doctor to heal the sick? In What I would Wish to Be, Trey’s father asks him if he could be anything he wanted, what would it be? Trey’s responses are creative and unexpected and throw his father for a loop when he mentions he wishes to be a tree, the wind, the sea, and much more.

Author Michele Sayre sparks young readers’ curiosity with her charming story of Trey and his conversation with his father. I felt that Trey’s responses were spot on, and it was as if I were speaking to a child. I loved Trey’s imagination and how he dared to be something that others wouldn’t think of. This creative and free-spirited read will surely spark the imagination of young readers.

This is the perfect book for teachers to read to their students and, as an exercise, have them write about what they want to be and see what they come up with. The illustrations are eye-catching and reminded me of the Baby John videos. The rhyming scheme made this a fun read that will teach young readers how to rhyme without them even realizing it.

I highly recommend What I would Wish to Be to parents and young readers as this is the perfect book to spark up a conversation before bedtime.   

Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0BRGYC5LX

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Adventures of the Negassi Brothers

Adventures of the Negassi Brothers, written by Ezra Negassi, follows a pair of brothers Isaiah and Azariah. These two brothers desperately want to participate in a traditional coffee ceremony with their friends and family. However, this is not just any normal old coffee no. This coffee is extremely special and transports the brothers through the history of their ancestors and the background of their culture, connecting them to the very essence of their beings.

Encased in this short children’s book is a heap full of gorgeous history and is presented to us, the readers, uniquely. Once allowed to join in on the coffee ceremony, the brothers find they are magically transported with each sip to a different place and time in their family’s history. Allowing them to experience the beauty of their culture firsthand.

I believe learning about our family history and continuing traditions is essential regardless of anyone’s background. This is the main message the author has achieved whilst taking the reader on a thrilling and intriguing ride. The illustrations echo the news, helping the reader connect with the tone, setting, and environment. Such an easy and fast-paced read for any young reader would surely get young minds to ask questions about their backgrounds.

Adventures of the Negassi Brothers is an exciting children’s book that takes readers into the past to view part of African History and ancient civilization. They will learn about the importance of family tradition and the value of honoring the past. This would make a wonderful book for introducing a multicultural learning unit to a classroom.

Pages: 27 | ASIN : B0B44NL74Y

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Scamper And The Magic Of Appreciation

In Scamper and the Magic of Appreciation by Michal Y. Noah and Loren Noah, we are taken on a journey by Scamper, the squirrel who allows us to see the beauty in everyday little moments and to appreciate all we have around us.

The poetic prose of the story from start to finish is impressive. Just like the author’s note at the beginning of the story, we read impactful words of empowerment and feel motivated by every word throughout. The illustrations by Favreau are enchanting and sweet, literally beaming joy from every page.

I agree with the author about the importance of empowering young children and knowing their happiness and self-worth are in their own minds. I believe we sometimes forget as parents or caretakers how critical it is for an adolescent mind to learn the value of self-esteem and tend to only teach our children to just be ‘good kids.’ This book helps me remember that although, yes, we want our kids to behave nicely, especially around other people, to be good to themselves and enjoy life is just as equally relevant.

I would recommend this book to anyone with children or even someone who is looking for a confidence boost or great motivational quotes. The story has loads of them strewn about its length. This quote in particular, “Above me a blank canvas, a sky that’s clear and blue; On it I can paint my dreams, each day I will start anew.”, fills me with such hope and rapture that I will very likely repeat that as a morning mantra from now on.

Scamper and the Magic of Appreciation is a beautifully written picture book that encourages children, and adults, to look for the beauty within themselves. This children’s book is empowering as well as entertaining and will be a book that the whole family will want to read more than once.

Pages: 36 | ISBN : 0996775757

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1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm

Children’s author Valerie D. Johnson has written an engaging counting book titled 1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm. This heartwarming story about a family visiting the family farm is told through counting different things on the farm, starting with one farmhouse sitting on a hill. Then, as the family counts to ten, readers follow along and learn about life on a farm.

This excellent picture book has a lot to offer young readers. The first thing that stood out to me is the different levels of text, giving children of different ages the ability to read and grasp what is going on in the story. Each number is displayed in numerical form as well as spelled out. Next is a simple sentence that beginning readers can follow. After that is a longer explanation of what is happening in the story. This fantastic book can be read at all levels and still make sense. It is easy to follow the numbers and the illustrations done by Cee Biscoe read along without having to read each of the descriptive paragraphs. One example is on the page for number 6. “Six horses work on the farm. Can you find all six? count with me!” This is enough for children to understand the number and count along, but there is more information about horses, what they like to eat, and how to care for them. This layout allows the book to have greater educational use and keeps it interesting for a broader range of children.

1 2 3 Count with Me on Granddad’s Farm will encourage children to read and learn to count while learning about life on a farm creatively and actively. Counting along with the storyteller makes this an active reading children’s book rather than one they would just sit and listen to. At the end of this book, there are notes and discussion starters, as well as a dice counting page. These extra resources are invaluable to teachers and home educators to help turn this into a complete learning unit. This would make an excellent addition to a home or classroom library.

Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0B498WYW2

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A to Z of Mini Muslims

A to Z of Mini Muslims: An Alphabet book exploring all about Islam and being a Muslim teaches the alphabet to children in a unique manner. Instead of using typical shapes, animals, and things to teach each letter, this fantastic children’s book uses words and phrases associated with the religion of Islam to explore each letter. This approach makes this picture book more than just a letter learning book; it is an introduction for those that are not familiar with the Muslim faith.

Author Mariam Latifi and illustrator Saba Yasmeen have created a children’s book that even adults can learn from. The vibrant and welcoming images on each page give readers a look into the Islamic religion; for those practicing Islam, The artwork will keep young readers engaged as they learn the alphabet, and older children can pick out details from around the world as they move through the pages. Seeing characters that look and participate in the same activities is crucial. Representation is essential to children and allows them to know they are seen and valued.

I love that this picture book teaches more than just letters of the alphabet. Learning the names of the lunar months and the meaning behind some of the Islamic holy days was fascinating. This is really an eye-opening book for more than just children. Adults can learn just as much from this educational book as other children that do not grow up in this faith.

A to Z of Mini Muslims: An Alphabet book exploring all about Islam and being a Muslim is an exceptional picture book that will entertain readers young and old with actual facts about the religion of Islam and the Muslim faith. Any library would find this to be an excellent addition to their shelves and a great resource for teachers when teaching about diversity.

Pages: 35 | ASIN : B09KZZ13DY

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Write a Children’s Book Was on My Bucket List

Cindy Van Rooy Author Interview

Ten Precious Pigs follows a family of piggies as they finish eating and head off on their own adventures, eventually all coming back together at bedtime_._ What was the inspiration for your story?

I knew I wanted to write a children’s book, and of course I love numbers and counting (I’m an accountant). I have loved anything to do with cute little pigs since I was a little girl. So, I decided to write a book about counting and cute pigs who go on exciting adventures.

What was your favorite scene in this story?

I had so much fun creating each pig’s adventure scene, but I think my favorite scene in the story is when all the pigs come home. They are all exhausted from their fun escapades and they pile up together by the fireplace to sleep.

What inspired you to become a children’s author?

A long time ago, I was in college studying for a degree in Elementary Education. One of the assignments in my Children’s Literature class was to use any means available to create artwork for a scene of a children’s book. I enjoyed this assignment so much that I decided to add “write a children’s book” to my bucket list.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

Actually my husband, Bill, and I are working on a book together. It’s going to be a series of books. The series is going to be focused on a variety of everyday life events which cause children to be nervous or have anxiety. The first in the series is about a brother and sister going to daycare for the first time. I am hoping we will have it ready to publish by the end of 2022.

Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram

Ten precious pigs are munching at the trough. One by one, each pig runs off to go on an adventure. What fun adventure does each pig choose? After each pig runs off, can you count the pigs still munching at the trough?

Ten Precious Pigs is an adorable picture book for children ages 3-5 years. It tells a story full of the fun and silly adventures of ten pigs. By using rhymes and repetition, the story teaches young children how to count to ten.

If you like counting, pigs who do funny things, and adventures, this book is for you!

To complement learning, ask your child the name of each animal in the farmyard.

Count and Play with K Dot

Count and Play with K Dot, The Little-Bitty Learning Ladybug: Learning Numbers 1-10 is More Fun with a Friend! by author Kimberly Becker is a colorful and fun way to introduce the concept of counting to children. K Dot the ladybug wants to be your friend and together you go on an adventure to learn to count from one to ten. How many new friends can you make as you learn the numbers 1- 10?

This engaging picture book is filled with bright colors and K Dot is a welcoming and friendly character that children will be drawn to right away. Each page has a simple illustration, perfect for babies and toddlers. From the beginning of the story, young readers will be asked to engage in the story as K Dot asks what their name is and if they want to be friends. This makes the book an active reading story from the start and encourages children to do more than sit and listen.

The story’s rhyme is a classic children’s song that the author has turned into an imaginative story. Adults will recognize the nostalgic rhyme while giving children a fresh look, thanks to K Dot’s jovial personality. Becker has done a great job bringing this classic to the next generation of children. I am happy that she kept the last line, “sit on a big fat hen,” which has always been my favorite part.

Count and Play with K Dot, The Little-Bitty Learning Ladybug: Learning Numbers 1-10 is More Fun with a Friend! is an excellent book for preschools and one of a child’s first books. The creative illustrations and musical rhymes will provide entertainment, and with so many new friends joining K Dot, the story will never get old or boring to read. Children will enjoy counting the bugs sounding each number as K Dot signs her song.

Pages 42: ASIN : B09Z2733SZ

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