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Why Am I Here?
Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose is a beautifully written picture book about diversity, dreams, perseverance, and potential. Written by Naomi V. Dunsen-White and illustrated by Megan D. Rizzo, the story follows two children that are contemplating their purpose here in the world. They wonder what they can do in life and imagine all the different possibilities. Some of the things they dream up are funny and whimsical, while others are realistic and inspiring.
With each whimsical full-color page, the message of diversity is made clear. All the children are different. This book showcases different cultures, genders, desires, and abilities. This allows anyone reading this exceptional children’s book to see representations of themselves and their friends. The many differences in children shown happily dreaming of their future highlights any child can become anything they put their mind to. The message of overcoming obstacles and limitations placed by other people is taught in a gentle manner through the graphics and the rhyming lines.
The message of unity and fighting against racism, ableism, sexism, xenophobia, and bigotry is presented in a manner appropriate for kindergarten and young elementary-age children. They are shown it is ok to have confidence, dream big, and keep looking for the next accomplishment. Readers are encouraged that they are not limited by their race, culture, gender, their bodies, or where their families come from and that others not like themselves are also not limited by these invisible boundaries. This compassionate story confidently tells readers that we are all able to dream and belong to this world.
Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose is an awe-inspiring picture book that will capture young readers’ attention with the bold, colorful graphics and the well-thought-out story. The message of diversity and inclusion will stay with them as they can see themselves represented in the pages of this magnificent work.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B09PZB2CKY
THE HEART OF A LION: AND THE BODY OF A CAT
When a young lion cub is often sick, it is hard to stay in on the days when he feels better. One day, the young cub was feeling ok and decided to run out and play. The next day he was sick. It took a long time for him to get better again, but he ran back out to play as soon as he was able to. The cub’s parents have warned him to stay inside when the weather is terrible, but he would not listen. He just knew he had to run and play as hard as he could while he felt good. The next day the cub was sick again. This time it took longer for the cub to get better. Will the little cub, learn how to play safely so he does not keep getting sick?
The Heart of a Lion: and the Body of a Cat is written by Shani Night and illustrated by Reggie Howard. Together they tell the story of a cub that is battling an illness. While the cub’s illness is never stated, the story is inspired by the author and illustrator’s own little girl that has Sickle Cell Anemia Disease. This book is written for all the children that must fight a debilitating disease each day. Knowing the background for this amazing story made it even more emotional to read.
This picture book is filled with images that range from cartoonish to fine line drawings that look like the lions could jump off the page. However, the contrast of illustrations is appealing, and children will find the bold color of the characters accompanying the story to really draw them into the narrative.
The Heart of a Lion: and the Body of a Cat is a heartwarming picture book for children in preschool through elementary school age. It is a fantastic way to open up discussions on disabilities that are not something you can see on the outside. It is an inspirational children’s book that will help kids fighting diseases like Sickle Cell Anemia to know they are not alone and are seen.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B09R6T6K13
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God is the third book in the Families Growing in Faith series. This beautiful children’s book follows children as they question their grandparents about how and when they should praise God. They want to know what praise is and how they should go about offering praise to God. The answers they get sometimes surprise the children, and they are astonished at all the ways that they can show God thanks and praise each and every day.
Author Vanessa Fortenberry, with illustrator Sharon Grey, tells the heartwarming story of children, from all ethnic backgrounds, asking their grandparents about God. Each page shows a different family and asks a different question. The rhyming stanzas will engage and entertain young readers and make for fun family reading. Each situation can be read and discussed as its own topic, making this a great study book for young children as well. Kids will love seeing how things they love to do each day, like singing, dancing, and attending church, are all ways that you can praise God.
The illustrations are done in a soft portrait style using a combination of bold and muted colors to create dynamic images that will capture the attention of children looking through this book. The diversity of scenery and subjects makes it so that each child can find a situation they can personally relate to in this fantastic book.
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God is a beautifully written picture book that captures the meaning of faith and love for God. The lyrical story combined with the memorable images create a children’s book that preschoolers and kindergarteners will love to read over and over again. Adults will find the story meaningful and will want to read it as much as the kids. This lovely book will teach praise and worship in a gentle and engaging manner.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B08SJ1N7M6
Billy Be Kind: Making A New Friend
Billy Be Kind: Making A New Friend is about a shy girl named Lucy-Lou that wants to make friends at the playground. Each day she plays alone or sits on the bench by herself. One day while Lucy-Lou plays alone on the swings, a mouse named Billy asks for a ride on the swing with her. Together they play, and Lucy-Lou smiles for the first time at the playground. She and Billy become friends. Billy teaches Lucy-Lou how to make new friends so she won’t be alone at the park anymore, and she too can make other shy kids smile.
Author Kim Adams and illustrator Ayesha W. have created a heartwarming picture book that teaches children how to make new friends. The story reads easily with some rhymes, and the illustrations are bright and bold. The book explains that making friends happens in four simple steps: Say hello, Smile, Share, Play nicely and take turns. The simple language is perfect for preschoolers to understand, and when accompanied by vivid illustrations, children will actively engage with this beautiful story.
One thing that stands out in this delightful children’s book is all the diversity that is pictured. For example, children from various ethnic backgrounds and different abilities are pictured playing at the park. This is a great message to show children that you can still make friends and play together no matter what you look like. The message of diversity and inclusion is presented through the pictures and is a great way to open conversations with children about accepting everyone for who they are, no matter how different from you they are.
Billy Be Kind: Making A New Friend is a captivating picture book for preschoolers and kindergarten students. Teachers and parents can use this book to teach kids about making friends and including everyone when playing. It is a wonderful book that would be a great addition to a library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09PZH8MFJ
You Can Fly, Little Bird
In You Can Fly, Little Bird author Tuula Pere envisions three newborn bird hatchlings facing the new world where they are born. The first two hatchlings are eager and strong, ready to take on the world. The third baby bird to be born is incredibly timid and cautious. She longs to have the courage to leave the nest and explore her large home forest. Serene is the youngest of three bird siblings. Unlike her older sister and brother, who eagerly take on flying to explore areas further away from their woods, wary Serene can hardly believe she will ever be able to do such a thing and is content with the forest around her.
Tuula Pere is a master of disguising beautiful and profound messages in simple stories that are relatable to children of all ages; her work in You Can Fly, Little Bird is no different. She tells her story of a bird family in a way that children can see themselves as one of the baby birds, either the bold, adventurous type or the more reserved and pondering type. Learning that both kinds of people have value and their own unique skills is a great message for children.
The illustrations by Alexandra Burda are done in fine line artwork and with wholesome characteristics that give the scenery and characters a homely feel. The colors and style fit perfectly with the story’s message, with dramatic images for the two brave siblings and more clam for Serene. The protagonist is a character to whom all readers could relate. Everyone is bound to experience a situation or area of life where they underperform or struggle harder than their peers.
You Can Fly, Little Bird is a whimsical tale about self-confidence and growing at your own pace. The artwork and the story combine to make an enjoyable read for children and adults. Teachers and caregivers will find this captivating children’s book a great addition to their libraries.
Pages: 18 | ASIN : B07HXHWF7B
The Wild Waves
The Wild Waves is a short picture book whose protagonist is Otto, a young boy who goes on a boating trip with his family during rough weather. Otto is taken aback by the loud motor roaring, the boat’s erratic movements, and the sheer size of the sea waves that crash against it. On the other hand, his family is having a terrific time encouraging the father to go faster and faster. Finally, they arrive at the island, and the rest of the family enjoys the peace and quiet of an island picnic after the exciting journey.
Completely scared off by the experience, Otto decides not to sail again. His Grandfather visits the following days, and they talk about the trip. Together they develop a system for Otto to tell him when he wants to go faster or slower on a carousel. Grandpa then suggests that Otto go out on his boat and use the system they just created to make sure Otto is comfortable.
Author Tuula Pere and illustrator Catty Flores’ encouraging book is about overcoming fears and respecting other people’s boundaries. The protagonist, Otto, had a poor experience sailing because his father was steering the boat at high speeds as they sailed through a storm. His fears, disregarded by his parents and sister, continued to grow and prompted him to avoid any future trips sailing. His Grandfather, however, listens to his fears and comes up with a plan to help him come to terms with his fear in a way that he feels safe and heard.
His compromise with his Grandfather, who volunteers to take him on a more tranquil trip, is a prime example of how consent from all involved parties is fundamental in any shared experience. This is a moral that any child should take with them.
The Wild Waves is a heartwarming picture book about overcoming fears, respecting boundaries, and problem-solving. Teachers and caregivers can use this to help younger children learn that it is ok to be afraid and give them steps to learn how to overcome fears.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 9523573047
The Healer Cat
The Healer Cat is a vintage children’s book by Tuula Pere. The book introduces Celesse, a friendly domestic cat known on her farm and neighborhood for her healing abilities. She is frequently summoned by her peers to aid themselves or family members with all sorts of ailments, which she can quickly cure with her presence and soothing purring. One snowy evening, a hare who lives deep in the forest enters her warm kitchen and begs her to leave with her to meet her baby boy, who is running a very high fever. Celesse must decide if she wants to remain in the safety of her home, next to a fireplace, or face the snowstorm. In the end, the duo leaves for the burrow. Unbeknownst to them, though, they will have to face danger to find it.
This heartwarming book is quite wholesome and perfect for a winter read. Children are sure to enjoy the journey of Celesse and her hare companion through a mysterious forest. Moreover, the antique-style illustrations done by artist Klaudia Bezak are a unique and beautiful sight. They will undoubtedly remind parents of their childhood books as they read through this exciting adventure to the hare’s home. Although its climax might be somewhat confusing for young readers, it is an exercise in interpretation, leaving readers to find a moral to the story after a seemingly open end. This fantastic story successfully spreads the message of encouragement for doing good deeds.
The Healer Cat is a children’s book that teaches about kindness, helping one another, and doing good deeds without expecting anything in return. There is also the message about standing up to your fears and facing the things that scare you the most. This thought-provoking story will engage children and give them many things to talk about and learn from.
Pages: 19 | ASIN : B07HYWWKSQ
The Caring Crab
The Caring Crab is a lighthearted children’s book that follows a river crab named Collin, who is a talented builder and someone who always puts his friends’ needs before his own. His latest mission is to construct a pavilion for his house by the end of the week. However, with each passing day, a new surprise activity that requires his undivided attention pops up, he realizes his goal will be challenging to achieve. Collin must learn an important lesson about taking care of himself and putting himself first sometimes so that he can be a better friend to others.
Author Tuula Pere and illustrator Roksolana Panchyshyn’s have created an exceptional picture book. The Caring Crab is an excellent example of children’s literature with good pacing, intuitive language, and beautiful illustrations that will keep the young one’s attention. Each page is filled with bright and engaging illustrations that enhance the story being told.
This insightful children’s book highlights two important lessons. Written in language and using situations that younger children can comprehend, the story lets them know it is okay to say no to others when you need to dedicate time to yourself, and that healthy friendships are two-way streets that allow both sides to rely on one another. These morals consistently add to the book’s value, which communicates a message for readers to cultivate healthy boundaries and interpersonal relations from a young age.
The Caring Crab is an engaging picture book that promotes building good friendships and being a good neighbor and friend. It also talks about self-care and teaching children it is ok to take a break when needed. Teaching these lessons from a young age will help them develop healthy habits as they grow older and having it presented in this entertaining story makes it easy to start the discussion of these topics.
Pages: 27 | ASIN : B07HXZK186
LITERARY TITAN 