In Welcome Home, Mr. Crackers, author Britt Davis introduces readers to a charming little dachshund with a big personality, an unusual fashion sense, and a very particular appetite. One blustery autumn afternoon, the Barker family is enjoying a walk through their neighborhood park when Charlie and Claire spot something unexpected: a small dog wearing a shiny black top hat. The friendly pup has no collar and no apparent owner, but he certainly knows how to make an impression. With his floppy ears, wagging tail, and confident attitude, he quickly captures the children’s attention. What follows is a sweet, gently humorous story about an unexpected friendship and the special connections that can develop between people and animals.
One of the most entertaining aspects of this children’s book is the dachshund’s peculiar eating habits. While the Barker family tries to figure out how to care for their mysterious visitor, they discover that he has some surprisingly strong opinions about food. His enthusiasm for saltine crackers becomes a running joke, adding plenty of opportunities for laughter. Davis makes the dog’s personality the heart of the story, giving him an amusing combination of stubbornness, confidence, and irresistible charm. The interactions between Charlie, Claire, and their parents also feel warm and affectionate. There’s a lovely sense of family togetherness as everyone works to make their furry guest comfortable while considering where he might belong.
Illustrator Matt Ward brings considerable personality to this picture book through colorful, expressive cartoon illustrations. The dachshund is especially adorable, with oversized eyes, long floppy ears, and a cheerful face that makes his mischievous behavior even funnier. His tall black top hat, complete with a red band, gives him a wonderfully distinguished appearance that’s amusing on such a small dog. Ward also does a nice job capturing the Barker family’s emotions through their facial expressions and body language. The autumn park scenes feature soft greens, golden leaves, and inviting outdoor settings, while the indoor illustrations create a cozy atmosphere with cheerful pastel colors. Little visual touches, including the dog’s enthusiastic reactions to food, make the pictures enjoyable to explore and help bring the humor to life.
Beyond its playful premise, Welcome Home, Mr. Crackers offers a thoughtful message about kindness, responsibility, and the meaning of belonging. The Barker family’s willingness to help an unfamiliar animal demonstrates compassion in a way that young readers can easily understand. Their efforts to discover whether the dog already has a home also introduce an important lesson about treating lost pets with care. Davis keeps the storytelling accessible through straightforward language, lively dialogue, and familiar family situations. Children who love dogs will especially enjoy the dachshund’s entertaining antics, while parents and caregivers will appreciate the story’s affectionate portrayal of family life. With its lovable central character, cheerful illustrations, and gentle humor, this is an inviting read-aloud that celebrates the happiness an animal can bring into a home.
So You Want To Be An Engineer by Linda Soules is a fascinating children’s book that introduces readers to the world of engineering in a way that makes everyday things feel a little more extraordinary. As a parent, I enjoyed how the book encourages kids to look at the world around them and wonder how everything works. From bridges and roller coasters to robots and medical devices, it explores the many ways engineers shape our lives. I especially appreciated how the author connects engineering to curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. It’s the kind of book that can spark some interesting conversations with your child long after you’ve finished reading.
The artwork brings engineering to life through scenes of construction sites, workshops, laboratories, and impressive structures. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations showing people working together on projects, because they help children picture what an engineer’s day might actually look like. There’s a nice variety of people and settings throughout the book, which makes the profession feel welcoming and accessible. Some pictures are especially fun, such as the engineers testing equipment and the busy city scene where readers are challenged to spot things engineers designed. These visual details give kids plenty to explore while they’re learning.
Kids will learn about different types of engineers, the tools they use, where they work, and the challenges they encounter. There are also some wonderfully unusual facts, including engineers testing toilets with fake poop and using machines to simulate the wear and tear on furniture. I can easily imagine kids getting a kick out of those details! The book also shares real engineering mishaps, introduces notable engineers throughout history, and explains why mistakes can be valuable learning experiences. I liked that it emphasizes teamwork, persistence, and the importance of making things safe for people.
I appreciated the book’s encouraging message about following your curiosity and learning through experimentation. I like books that help children recognize their own potential, and this one gives them plenty of opportunities to imagine themselves solving problems and creating something useful. The hands-on suggestions, engineering challenges, glossary, and additional resources are thoughtful touches that parents can use to keep the learning going. It’s particularly well suited to curious elementary and middle school readers who enjoy science, building things, or figuring out how objects work. As a parent, I found it both informative and enjoyable, and I’d happily recommend it to families looking for a book that makes engineering exciting, relatable, and worth exploring together.
Buddy & His Big Truck follows Buddy as he introduces young readers to the everyday adventures and responsibilities of a truck driver. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration is my husband, who is a truck driver.
How does Buddy’s journey help children understand the relationship between transportation and the everyday items their families use?
Everything the kids use, whether pens, paper, things they eat, everything in the bedroom, is all hauled on a truck.
What inspired you to include the personal and family-related aspects of a truck driver’s life alongside the practical responsibilities of the job?
I was inspired by my husband and my father being truck drivers; my grandkids and many other friends and family are all, or have been, drivers.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is based on special gifts that not only kids have, but everyone does, including those with disabilities.
“Buddy & His Big Truck” is based upon looking into the life of a truck driver and what they may do or see throughout their journey, whether it is a short run in a city or a long haul across the country. Ride along with Buddy on his next delivery.
Strong Like Mom, written by Allison Casperson and illustrated by Heather Jenkins, is a children’s book about the changes a family experiences when a parent has cancer. Its elephant family gives young readers a familiar way into a difficult subject: Mom and Dad care for their two boys, Bubba and Peanut, while trying to keep everyday life going. Casperson writes from her own experience as a mother and breast cancer survivor, and that personal connection comes through in the attention she gives to family relationships. The book’s warmth rests in recognizable moments of affection, worry, play, and being there for someone you love.
The writing is direct and easy to follow, naming cancer and explaining some of the changes children might notice during treatment. It’s especially attentive to how confusing a parent’s tiredness or sadness can feel to a child. Everyday routines give the story its emotional footing, with food, games, and shared reading showing how care takes shape in small actions. Faith is woven throughout the family’s experience, and references to God and prayer make this a particularly natural fit for households that draw comfort from those beliefs. The repeated language of strength and courage gives the read-aloud a reassuring rhythm, though some passages state their message quite explicitly.
Jenkins’s illustrations give this picture book much of its tenderness. The elephants have softly textured gray bodies, expressive eyes, and trunks that reach toward one another in gestures of affection. Gentle pinks, lilacs, greens, and warm yellows create an inviting setting, while grassy landscapes and broad skies give the pages room to breathe. Small touches, including flowers, butterflies, fruit, and sparkling stars, offer plenty for children to notice as they listen. The artwork also makes shifts in mood easy to feel through changes in color and light. I especially liked how the family groups convey closeness through their arrangement on the page; the pictures let readers see the comfort of having someone nearby.
What makes Strong Like Mom useful for shared reading is its attention to both children and the adults caring for them. The questions and caregiver guidance at the back invite readers to talk about feelings, personal experiences, and the different ways people can show strength. Drawing and coloring activities offer another way to spend time with those ideas, especially for children who express themselves more easily through pictures. This is a book to read with room for pauses and questions. Its strongest quality is the way it makes support visible, giving families a starting point for conversations about illness, love, faith, and accepting help from the people around them.
The Tale of Jules the Horse follows a struggling young foal as he grows into a kind, generous workhorse respected and loved by many. Was Jules inspired by a real horse, person, family memory, or combination of influences?
Jules was inspired by someone very dear to my heart: my father, whose name was also Jules. He had a lifelong love of horses, so when I began imagining this story, it felt only natural to honour him through a character that embodied so much of who he was.
I wanted Jules the horse to reflect not only my father’s character, but the way he lived his life. His kindness, generosity, resilience, and willingness to help others without expecting anything in return were qualities I hoped to capture throughout the story.
In many ways, The Tale of Jules the Horse is more than a story about a little foal who grows into something extraordinary. It’s a tribute to my father and the legacy he left behind. A reminder that the true measure of a life isn’t found in how much we accomplish, but in how deeply we touch the lives of others.
What does Jules’s experience with the other horses teach young readers about comparing themselves with others?
I think comparison is something we all struggle with, regardless of age. We’re often so focused on what others can do, or how we measure up, that we overlook the very qualities that make us unique.
Through Jules, I wanted children to understand that our worth isn’t determined by how we compare to others. We all grow at our own pace, face different challenges, and possess strengths that aren’t always immediately apparent.
Sometimes, the very things that make us feel different are what eventually allow us to make the greatest difference. And I hope children come away understanding that they don’t have to be the strongest, the fastest, or the best at something to be worthy of love, respect, and belonging.
What did you want children to understand about the difference between recognition and genuine accomplishment?
I wanted to explore the idea that recognition and accomplishment aren’t necessarily the same thing. We often associate success with praise, awards, or the approval of others, but some of life’s most meaningful accomplishments happen quietly, without anyone ever noticing.
Jules doesn’t set out to become a hero. He simply does what he believes is right, without expecting anything in return. And to me, that’s what makes his journey so meaningful.
I hope children understand that the value of their actions isn’t measured by how many people applaud them, but by the difference those actions make. Sometimes, the greatest accomplishment isn’t being remembered for what we’ve achieved, but being loved for who we were.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Absolutely! A Plushy Story was always envisioned as a series of seven books, with each book introducing readers to a different plush companion and the extraordinary story behind it.
Although each tale stands on its own, they’re all connected by a common thread: the lessons we learn through love, loss, courage, compassion, and the simple experiences that shape who we become.
The next story will introduce readers to Clover, a little white bunny whose journey explores change, and the unexpected ways we can adapt and grow.
Ultimately, my hope is that each story offers children something they can carry with them long after they’ve turned the final page. Because while the characters may be plush toys, the emotions, experiences, and lessons they represent are very real.
Every plushy holds a story… this one gallops into legend. When a struggling foal is left in the care of Lumberland’s gentle mayor, no one expects much from the little horse with humble beginnings. But as the seasons pass, Jules grows into something far greater than anyone imagined. Through kindness, quiet courage, and a heart willing to carry others, Jules reminds an entire village that true greatness isn’t measured by trophies or titles—but by the lives we touch along the way. Written in lyrical rhyme and brought to life with enchanting illustrations, The Tale of Jules the Horse is a heartwarming story about compassion, perseverance, legacy. • Perfect for bedtime reading • Enables gentle emotional learning • Opportunity for parents and children to bond and shareDrift gently into dreams… one page at a time.
Growing Up Is Hard to Do by Susan Marie Chapman is a cheerful children’s book that brings readers back into the world of Grumpy the Iguana and his animal friends. This time, Grumpy, Green Parrot, Mr. Squirrel, and Little Mouse encounter an unfamiliar creature while spending time near the water. Their new acquaintance is Baby, a friendly young manatee who has plenty to share about herself and her underwater world. What begins as a surprising introduction turns into an opportunity for friendship, exploration, and learning. Chapman creates a welcoming atmosphere where curiosity leads to new experiences, and even the most hesitant characters have a chance to discover something wonderful.
I liked the way the book introduces information about manatees through conversations between the characters. Baby explains what manatees eat, how they breathe, and what makes them different from other marine animals. Young readers also learn about the importance of protecting these gentle creatures, particularly from dangers associated with motorboats. These educational moments fit comfortably into the storyline because the characters are genuinely interested in understanding their new friend. Chapman also explores kindness, courage, and empathy through the animals’ interactions. Mr. Squirrel’s nervous personality adds a relatable touch, while Grumpy demonstrates how a little encouragement can help a friend feel more confident.
The artwork features bright blue water, vivid green plants, colorful fish, and expressive animal characters with exaggerated features that make their emotions easy to recognize. Grumpy’s enormous yellow eyes, Little Mouse’s oversized ears, and Mr. Squirrel’s fluffy tail create a cast that’s immediately recognizable. Baby’s rounded shape and gentle expressions make her especially endearing. The textured, hand-drawn appearance of the illustrations gives the pages a relaxed, whimsical quality. Some spreads feature close-up portraits of the characters, while others open into lively underwater scenes filled with marine life. The changing perspectives keep the visual experience interesting and provide plenty of details for children to explore during repeated readings.
Chapman’s writing is straightforward and conversational, making the story well suited to reading aloud. The dialogue gives each character a distinct presence, and the gentle humor helps maintain an upbeat mood throughout the adventure. There’s also something appealing about the way the animals respond differently to unfamiliar situations. Their personalities create natural opportunities to talk with children about being afraid, asking questions, accepting help, and welcoming someone new. The marine setting adds another layer of interest, especially for young readers fascinated by ocean animals. Growing Up Is Hard to Do: Part 2 combines an engaging animal adventure with accessible lessons about friendship and wildlife conservation. It’s a sweet and informative picture book that encourages children to approach the world with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to make new friends.
Lisa Cassman’s Buddy & His Big Truck is a friendly introduction to the working life of a truck driver, written for children who want to know more about the big vehicles they see on the road. This children’s book takes everyday curiosity seriously, explaining how trucking connects with familiar things such as groceries and family life. Buddy gives young readers someone to follow as they learn about the job, and the book keeps its attention on concrete, understandable details. There’s an affectionate feeling behind the writing, which makes sense given Cassman’s note that her travels with her husband inspired the book.
The question-and-answer approach is one of the book’s most useful features. Cassman regularly invites children to think about a subject before providing a straightforward explanation, creating natural places to pause during a read-aloud. Adults can let young listeners offer their own ideas or connect the information to trucks they’ve noticed nearby. Short sentences and small groups of text help keep the material manageable. Some explanations repeat similar sentence patterns, so the writing can feel a little mechanical in places. Still, its directness suits the subject, and the questions give children an active role in the reading experience. A few trucking terms also offer opportunities for conversation.
Chad Thompson’s illustrations have a cheerful personality. The trucks have large windshield eyes and smiling fronts, making these enormous machines look approachable. Bold outlines, bright blues, grassy greens, and touches of red and yellow create clear, lively scenes. Thompson varies the views, moving between broad outdoor settings and closer looks inside the cab, so there’s more to notice than the truck’s exterior. The darker weather artwork adds a welcome change in mood and color. Text appears in bold black lettering on blue pages, giving the words a consistent space of their own. The overall design is simple and easy to follow.
What I appreciate most is the respect the book shows for ordinary work and the people doing it. Cassman includes both the practical demands of driving and the importance of staying connected with loved ones, giving the subject a human side that young children can recognize. The opening also acknowledges that truck drivers can be different members of a family, a thoughtful way to help readers find a personal connection. For a child already fascinated by trucks, Buddy & His Big Truck offers plenty to talk about with an adult. It’s an inviting choice for shared reading, especially when a passing semi has prompted another round of questions.
Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to School follows a young girl who brings her beloved one-eyed Jack Russell terrier to school for show-and-tell, leading to an ordinary day becoming an unforgettable adventure. Was the story inspired by a real dog or personal experiences with animals?
The story is a true story featuring our beloved one-eyed Jack Russell terrier named Darwin and my granddaughter, Abbie. Darwin gave us more than 15 yrs of joy and provided Abbie with a best friend and loyal companion. Writing about their adventures is easy because they’re true!!
What do you hope young readers learn about showing kindness to someone who looks or behaves differently from them?
I hope children learn to be kind to everyone because people (and Darwin the Wonder Dog) who are different experience the world the same way anyone else does. And, they want to do everything everyone else does. Kindness goes a long way.
Why do you think animal characters can be especially effective in helping children understand important social and emotional lessons?
Because an animal can be both completely familiar and safely not-us. That little distance is what makes the lesson land. Children know animals. They love them, they watch them, they already imagine what a dog is feeling.
Darwin gives emotional safety. If you tell a story about a child who is left out at recess, a listener might worry, is that me? Am I the mean one? If you tell it about a small dog who looks differently, the child can feel sad for the dog without feeling judged. Safety lets empathy in. Also, animals invite attachment. Most children feel affection for animals faster than they do for strangers. That affection creates investment. They want Darwin to be okay, so they lean into lessons about sharing, apologizing, waiting your turn, or being brave.
Are there plans to continue Darwin’s adventures in future books, and what other lessons would you like to explore through his character?
Yes, Darwin’s true adventures continue with Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes Camping, Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to the Farm and Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to the Racetrack! The sweet pup teaches bravery when you’re scared, being a loyal friend and, above all, God’s world is wonderfully made. All the Darwin books are published by Read Beleive Grow Publishing.
A Darwin Christmas story is currently in the works, and look for a Darwin Halloween story in 2027, and more.
What would your child bring to show and tell? A toy? A doll? A rock collection? Abbie brought her best friend!
In Darwin the Wonder Dog Goes to School, young readers will meet a lovable one-eyed pup who proves that being different doesn’t make you less—it makes you special. When Darwin joins Abbie for show-and-tell, what starts as an ordinary school day quickly turns into an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, surprises, and heartwarming moments.
Through Darwin’s story, children will discover: ✨ the beauty of friendship ✨ the courage to be different ✨ the joy of kindness and compassion ✨ and a gentle reminder that God can use even the most unexpected heroes
Perfect for ages 4–8, this uplifting story is ideal for: ✔ bedtime reading ✔ classrooms and homeschool ✔ gifts for dog lovers ✔ building confidence and empathy in young hearts
Because not all heroes wear capes…some wag their tails.
