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Firefly
Firefly: Let There Be Light by Sean Coons presents a middle-grade adventure with a meaningful lesson within. When a mischievous firefly named Flash learns how to illuminate and fly for the first time, he makes reckless decisions and invites trouble into his town. As a result of his latest stunt, he unintentionally unleashes a tyrannical dragonfly attack in Temple Hollow. At the same time, he and his friends find themselves stranded in a dangerous desert in Texas. Amidst the mysterious desert, he inspires a motley crew of misfits to help him get home, but is he prepared for all the challenges that lie ahead?
Sean Coons has written an enticing tale with amusement suitable for children of all ages. He has interwoven real life with his fictional world of insects by setting this story in existing US towns. Various insects make up the exciting cast in Coons’ book, and he has used dialects of different languages to make this book even more enjoyable.
The author engages his fictitious cast in scenarios that illustrate real-life lessons, such as the battle between good and evil, democracy and tyranny, the importance of friendship, and, most importantly, the cost and consequences of actions. Flash’s wild and daredevil-like spirit will enthrall young readers, and when they watch him own up to his reckless decisions and do everything in his power to correct them, they will likely want to do the same. In addition, several riveting plot twists will pique children’s interests and keep them engaged throughout the story and into the exciting finale.
Firefly, written by Sean Coons for his son, is a middle-grade chapter book that kids worldwide can relate to and enjoy. Filled with fatherly advice and love, this coming-of-age story is an incredible adventure with humor and words of wisdom that will delight the whole family.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0BSBVJK2Z
Stella and the Berry Bay
Stella is excited about getting to start school this year. She has spent all summer getting ready and making plans with her friends. Nothing can deter her excitement, that is, until her parents give her some heartbreaking news. Stella’s family is moving to Berry Bay. As a result, she will not get to start school with her preschool friends and will have to move to a new house. She is devastated and worried about what will happen when they move.
Stella and the Berry Bay by Tuula Pere is a beautifully written childrens book about moving and change. This story reminded me of what I felt when I moved right before starting school. A book like this would have been wonderful to help ease my fears about going to a strange new place and having to make new friends. Tuula has captured the complex emotions that children can feel when moving and explained in a way that young children can understand and help them understand what they are feeling is normal.
I loved how Stella’s new teacher tried to help her; she validated her feelings and concerns and helped her when struggling. She did not just give in and give Stella what she wanted; instead, she worked with her to find a solution that would work for everyone. This is a beautiful example of problem-solving and teaching these skills to young readers.
Stella and the Berry Bay is a captivating childrens book that kindergarten and young elementary students can relate to and feel seen with. Parents and teachers can use this story to help children struggling with new situations, particularly moving, and help them realize that while they may be afraid, it is normal and ok to feel that way. It also is a story that offers hope that things will turn out alright, even when it doesn’t feel like it will at first. This is a beautiful book to share with all children.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 9527107970
Hugh the Hippo Camps Out In My Head
Hugh the Hippo Camps Out In My Head is a delightful and informative picture book that introduces young readers to the vital role that the hippocampus plays in our ability to recall information. Following the young protagonist, Oliver, and his friends, Bella and Beau, on a magical adventure through an enchanted forest, the author, Beverley Reichman, skillfully weaves in important lessons about how the hippocampus helps us remember things. The captivating illustrations are not only amusing but also serve to fully immerse the reader in Oliver’s world.
One of the strengths of the book is the clever way in which the author demonstrates the function of the hippocampus through the characters in the story. The book also showcases Hugh the Hippo as a superhero who saves the day, which makes for a fun and engaging read. Additionally, the author highlights that dogs also have a hippocampus, which we learn through Toby’s Treasures.
At the end of the book, readers are offered a fun and educational activity to test their knowledge of what they’ve just read. Overall, this interactive and enjoyable read is highly recommended for young readers and perfect for teachers to share in their classrooms. Hugh the Hippo Camps Out In My Head is a must-read children’s book that teaches important concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Pages: 54 | ASIN: B0BQNPWFN4
Jonty and the Giant Pike
Jonty loves fishing more than any other activity. One winter, he and his dad spent the whole season planning a brand-new fishpond for their backyard. They were going to raise rainbow trout! Once spring arrived, they got to work building their pond. They stocked it with baby fish that Jonty made sure to feed every day. Then, one summer day, he heads to the lake to fish and catches a giant king pike! While taking the fish home to cook it for dinner, it escapes and flops into the fish pond. Despite their best efforts, they could not recatch the pike, which was now stuck in the pond.
Jonty and the Giant Pike is a touching story about a boy’s love for fishing. While he would have loved to have had the king pike for dinner, he respected the fish’s will to live and cunning ability to escape the bucket and hide. It was touching that even when the fish pond failed to provide rainbow trout, and the king pike escaped, Jonty never lost his good attitude and spirit of wonder. He was amazed by the pike’s fortitude and admired its survival skills. Rather than be upset, Jonty decided that the pike was in a better place and where it belonged, in the open water.
Author Tuule Pere and illustrator Milena Radeva have created a heartwarming children’s book about adapting to situations and making the best when things are unplanned. The lessons that children can learn from Jonty and the Giant Pike about having a positive attitude will stay with them long after they have finished reading this remarkable story.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 952357793X
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
Alliteration Boosts Communication
Alliteration Boosts Communication: The ABCs of Vocabulary, written by Larry Carey, is a unique children’s book that teaches kids about alliteration. This is done with cleverly written sentences and brightly colored illustrations. The artwork by Wheeler Lentz is the first thing that jumped out at me and is sure to draw in children right away.
Each letter of the alphabet is represented with a mix of humorous, serious, and spiritual phrases. In addition, the author has included dictionary definitions and pronunciation of many of the alliteration words that younger elementary students might not have heard before. This is a great way to teach the language concept of alliteration but also improve their vocabulary and help them communicate better.
One thing that stands out to me is the diversity that is shown in this children’s book. Having different cultures represented is key to reaching children and teaching them that they matter. When they feel a connection to the book, the lessons have a greater chance of sticking with them. This book is written for children from preschool through middle grades. Visiting the author’s website will give teachers and parents age-appropriate activities they can include with the book.
Alliteration Boosts Communication: The ABCs of Vocabulary is a well-written and engaging children’s book that is suitable for classrooms across a wide range of ages. Children and adults will enjoy looking at the illustrations and following along as they expand their vocabulary and learn ways to improve their communication skills.
Pages: 28 | ISBN : 166784279X
Lucky’s Halloween
It is Halloween night, and one little black cat has received magical powers on this one night. See black cats become lucky cats on Halloween night and have the ability to appear where needed and help children. Little Lucky spends his night helping lost children, helping replace lost candy, calming an anxious child that is afraid of a dog, and even helping lead a group of lost kids home in the dark. Lucky has a busy night assisting others as the lucky black cat of Halloween.
Lucky’s Halloween, written by Shan Frazier, is an entertaining story that helps dispel the myth that black cats are unlucky. So often, black cats get a bad reputation in America, and Frazier is doing her part to debunk these myths with this wonderful children’s book. The artwork is whimsical and bright, and there are many details that children will love looking at in this picture book.
I really loved everything about this children’s book. The message is positive and informative, teaching children that all animals are unique and not bad luck. The empathy the children show to Lucky, and each other teaches them about friendship and how to treat others.
Lucky’s Halloween, by Shan Frazier, is a beautifully written picture book sharing the magic and wonder of Halloween. It highlights the vital message that black cats are, in fact not bad luck. This is the perfect book for families and classrooms to use around Halloween to spread the message of compassion and kindness.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 979-8354915347
Santa Fe Tom
Tom is a desert box turtle who is shy and quiet. But the thing is, Tom has an amazing singing voice that he has never shared with his friends. He dreams of being able to sing and share his talent with others, but he is just too afraid. One day while practicing a surprise birthday song for their friend, all the animals hear his amazing voice and tell him how talented he is. With the help of his friends, Tom tries out for the opera and learns about self-confidence and working through his fears. Can he make his dreams of singing for all the animals come true?
Santa Fe Tom, written by Rachel Bate and illustrated by Rebecca McGuire Jacob, is a heartwarming story written in verse about overcoming fears and learning to have self-confidence. This is also a story about friendship, supporting friends, and encouraging one another to be their best possible selves.
In addition to this wonderful story, there are reference facts about the desert box turtle that teachers and families can talk to children about. The artwork is magnificent and inspirational for children. Rebecca really captured Tom’s emotions in the illustrations, and children will be able to relate to his feelings.
Santa Fe Tom is a captivating picture book that children will enjoy reading and looking through. The important message about believing in yourself and supporting your friends shines through each page and makes for wonderful discussion openers with younger kids. Readers will want to keep this children’s book on their shelves to share for generations.
Pages: 38 | ISBN: 1645432696
LITERARY TITAN 