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Math Operations
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Patterns follows a group of number characters who are out at recess and get invited by their teacher, Mrs. Wiggles, to play an “I Spy” game—but with patterns! What was the inspiration for your story?
A few things inspired the story. First, children told me they wanted Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers to count to 100. (Infinity, actually, but that would be difficult even for Mrs. Wiggles.)
Second, teachers asked for a fun, read-aloud, rhyming picture book about patterns with a storyline.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
First, children must understand the concept of patterns to learn how to read and perform math operations.
Second, teachers often use a 1-100 number chart in the classroom to illustrate math patterns. I wanted to help them by incorporating a number chart in the story.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
They were all fun! If I had to pick one, I’d say having Mrs. Wiggles ride the cow. I live in Wisconsin, and one day while writing the story, I went past a farm with a herd of cows that formed a pattern.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Mrs. Wiggles and the direction of the next book?
I have lots of ideas for Mrs. Wiggles. It’s exciting planning out the next adventure!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A fun and educational adventure comes from the creator of the award-winning Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers! Join Mrs. Wiggles as she introduces her classroom to the fascinating world of patterns. Number Zero doesn’t quite understand at first, but everything clicks when he discovers the most exciting pattern of all! SPOILER ALERT: He paints a vibrant 1-100 number chart and exclaims, “We are patterns on the wall. Numbers are the best of all!”
Learning about patterns is a key part of the kindergarten curriculum, and this charming story is a perfect tool for introducing young learners to this essential concept. Patterns help children build foundational math and language skills, making this book a valuable early-education resource.
Bright, playful illustrations invite kids to explore patterns in everyday things-flowers, animals, and even on the farm! Whether used in the classroom or at home, the book encourages children to spot patterns everywhere they look.
A 1-100 number chart is included to help children visualize number patterns, and a bold two-page spread shows the numbers together to help little ones count by tens. The delightful rhyming text is ideal for read-aloud sessions, and young readers will love spotting Number Nine, who can often be found napping throughout the story. Onomatopoeia adds an extra layer of fun, keeping kids engaged and enhancing the visual experience.
The rhyming scheme also introduces children to poetry and rhyming words, making it an excellent tool for early literacy. With easy-to-read text, this book is perfect for beginning readers, creating an enjoyable experience for teachers and children alike.
“Books like this give young children a wonderful head-start at developing an essential life skill. All families should be reading this book to their children by the time they are two years old and beyond.” Richard Schramm, MD, American Psychiatric Association Fellow
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers stories are the perfect learning books for preschool and kindergarten, ages 3-6.
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Patterns
This children’s book is all about a group of number characters who are out at recess and get invited by their teacher, Mrs. Wiggles, to play an “I spy” game—but with patterns! Each number finds different repeating patterns in things like gardens, frogs, chickens, and even eggs. Poor Number Zero doesn’t get it at first, but by the end, he figures it out in a super satisfying way by painting a colorful 1–100 chart. It’s cheerful, it’s bouncy, and it makes patterns feel like a playground adventure.
The rhyme and rhythm in this picture book are really fun. It feels like a song you’d want to sing out loud while reading. The language is simple without being boring, which is a tricky balance to get right. The way the story weaves in real examples of patterns—visual, numerical, even animal stripes and dots—makes the idea stick without it ever feeling like a lesson. And the artwork is bright, colorful, and packed with little things to point out. It kept me smiling the whole way through.
But what really got me was how Zero has this little arc—he starts out confused and a bit nervous, and then he ends up making this huge discovery. It’s sweet, empowering, and a little inspiring. It’s one of those books where the message sneaks in without you realizing it: trying matters, noticing the world is fun, and even when something feels tricky, you can figure it out. It’s not preachy, just kind and encouraging.
If you’ve got a preschooler or kindergartener who’s starting to explore numbers or getting curious about patterns, this kids’ book is perfect. It’s also great for teachers looking for a light way to introduce math thinking. I’d recommend it for ages 3 to 6, especially kids who like to count or love to find “what’s the same.” This book has heart, color, and brains.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0F3Y48WSM
Jewel’s Bowl Of Kindness
Jewel’s Bowl of Kindness is a sweet and simple story about a little girl who discovers the joy of giving. It starts with Jewel helping her mom clean the kitchen in exchange for crayons, but things take a turn when their stove breaks. A dinner out leads Jewel to notice a hungry girl outside the restaurant. Instead of eating her bowl of rice, she saves it to give away. Her small act of kindness grows over the next few days, as she continues bringing food to the little girl and her mom. By the end, Jewel’s kindness is rewarded with the warmth of knowing she made a difference.
I love how this children’s book shows kindness through actions, not just words. Jewel doesn’t just say she feels bad for the hungry girl—she actually does something about it. When she sees the little girl outside, she doesn’t hesitate. She saves her rice, carries it out of the restaurant, and hands it over with a smile. It’s a powerful message wrapped up in a simple story. It makes you want to be a better person.
One of the best parts of the book is how it doesn’t just end after Jewel gives the first bowl of rice. She keeps going. She brings granola, then raspberries. This isn’t a one-time act of kindness, it’s a habit. And that’s an important lesson for kids—kindness isn’t just something you do once, it’s something you practice. The story doesn’t get preachy about it, either. It just lets Jewel’s actions speak for themselves.
I’d definitely recommend this picture book for young kids, especially parents who want to teach their children about generosity and empathy. It’s a quick and heartwarming read with a message that sticks. If you’re looking for a bedtime story that leaves kids thinking about how they can help others, Jewel’s Bowl of Kindness is a great choice.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0DVQGBYL1
Teaching Environmental Stewardship
Adele and the Whispering Garden follows a young girl who moves to a new home where she is excited to discover all the magic and mysteries her new home holds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To be honest, I originally set out to write a completely different book. But this children’s story kept nudging its way to the forefront, refusing to be ignored. At first, I thought, Why not? Writing a children’s book might be an easier way to get my feet wet. But as I dove into the process, the story took on a life of its own, and I soon realized—this was the book that was meant to be written.
My inspiration comes from a mix of my gardening knowledge, my passion for growing food organically, and my deep concern for children today. I want to encourage them to step away from their screens, connect with nature, and learn how to grow their own food while caring for our planet. We need to do better for Mother Earth, and I hope this book plants a seed of change in young minds.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
One of the key educational aspects I wanted to include in Adele and the Whispering Garden was helping children understand where their food comes from and how it grows. In today’s world, many kids are disconnected from nature, and I wanted to spark their curiosity about gardening, plant life, and the environment in a fun and engaging way.
I also wanted to introduce organic gardening principles—teaching children that plants can be nurtured naturally without synthetic chemicals. Adele’s journey in the garden highlights important concepts like soil health, composting, and the role of beneficial insects in maintaining a thriving ecosystem.
Beyond gardening, the book explores themes of environmental stewardship, responsibility, and mindfulness. Adele learns that every living thing in the garden has a role to play, and by listening to nature, she can make a difference.
This book is just the beginning of Adele’s journey. Adele and the Whispering Garden is the first in a series that will expand on these themes, delving deeper into topics like pollination, biodiversity, and sustainable gardening. Future books will continue to blend magical storytelling with real-world lessons, encouraging children to step outside, connect with nature, and become caretakers of the Earth.
Is there anything about Adele that came from yourself or your life experiences?
Adele is very much inspired by my own experiences and love for gardening, but she’s also inspired by someone even closer to my heart—my daughter. Her name is Adele, and just like the character, she has a natural curiosity and a strong connection to the world around her.
Much of Adele’s journey in the book reflects my own childhood experiences—spending hours in my great aunt’s English-style garden in Chicago, helping my mother tend to her backyard garden, and discovering the wonder of growing food. Those moments shaped my love for the earth and my passion for organic gardening, and I wanted to pass that on—not just to my daughter, but to all children.
In many ways, this book is a love letter to Adele and to the lessons I hope every child can learn: that nature has so much to teach us, that we have a responsibility to care for the earth, and that magic can be found in the simplest moments—like planting a seed and watching it grow.
Will there be a follow-up novel for this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! Adele and the Whispering Garden is just the beginning of Adele’s journey. I’m currently working on the next book in the series, Adele and the Whispering Garden: The Bee Brigade.
In this next installment, Adele notices that while her garden is full of blooming flowers, the vegetables aren’t producing fruit. Lulu, the ladybug, helps her realize that pollination has been a challenge due to a decline in bees. As Adele investigates, she discovers that her neighbors’ use of synthetic chemicals is discouraging pollinators from visiting their yards. Determined to help, she embarks on a mission to educate her community about organic gardening and create a space where bees can thrive.
This book will introduce new magical elements, including Katelyn, the Blossom Spirit, who helps Adele and her neighbors see the vital role pollinators play in our food system. Naming this character after my niece and goddaughter, Katelyn Kelly, is a special way to honor her memory. Readers will also meet some delightful bee characters—Brick, the hardworking mason bee with a tiny hard hat, Snip, the leafcutter bee with her seamstress-like precision, and Queenie, the regal honeybee.
The Adele and the Whispering Garden series blends storytelling with real-world lessons in environmental stewardship, gardening, and sustainability. Each book will explore a different challenge in nature, showing kids how they, too, can make a difference.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Book overviewA brand new home, a forgotten garden, and a mysterious gnome statue.
When Adele first heard her family were moving house, she instantly started dreaming of all the fun she could have, uncovering the magic and mysteries her new home could hold.
So, when they finally moved in, it came as no surprise that she spent almost all her time exploring the backyard.
Little did she know just how much magic was in store for her when she stumbled across the forgotten garden.
Suddenly, Adele is given the peculiar task of reviving the garden’s magic to where it once was.
Join Adele as she embarks on this journey of a lifetime, befriending quirky creatures along the way.
If you are searching for a fun, exciting, and engaging book that gets your children interested in exploring the outdoors, you don’t want to miss Adele and the Whispering Garden.
Adele and the Whispering Garden
Little Adele is brimming with excitement to explore her family’s new home, a whimsical cottage teeming with secrets. The house itself promises boundless adventures, but the true gem lies beyond it: an overgrown garden, alive with whispers of hidden magic. With the guidance of Albert, the enigmatic guardian of the garden, and a host of new companions, Adele embarks on an enchanting journey to restore the neglected sanctuary to its former splendor.
Polly Richards’ Adele and the Whispering Garden is a delightful introduction to the joys of gardening, effortlessly blending practical knowledge with a touch of fantasy. Adele’s unwavering determination to revive the garden, coupled with the charming camaraderie of her newfound friends, creates a captivating narrative. Though concise, the novella bursts with valuable gardening insights, making it both engaging and informative. Particularly noteworthy is the section on composting, which not only enriches the story but also provides readers with detailed, step-by-step instructions for building their own compost heap an excellent resource tucked neatly at the end.
The conclusion carries a bittersweet note, adding depth to the story. While the story offers a thorough overview of gardening, I feel it leaves certain topics—such as pollination, planting seasons, and environmental challenges—lightly touched upon. These omissions, however, pave the way for future installments, where these aspects could be explored in greater detail.
Richards’ engaging storytelling pairs beautifully with vibrant illustrations, creating a heartfelt tale that inspires readers of all ages. With its focus on environmental stewardship and the joys of nurturing the earth, this children’s chapter book is an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and children alike. Adele and the Whispering Garden is a story about reclaiming a magical garden and an invitation to protect and cherish our fragile planet. Readers will undoubtedly look forward to more adventures with Adele in this promising series.
Pages: 49 | ASIN : B0DPG7DPXZ
Pumpkins are a Fruit
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin follows a young girl who visits a pumpkin patch and learns many wonderful things about pumpkins. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration was the season of Pumpkin picking for Thanksgiving treats, from a food I recently learned was considered more of a fruit and not a vegetable because pumpkins have seeds, which is considered more of the nature of a fruit.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Parents staying involved in their children’s educational development through meaningful field trips, children’s social skills and learning, and children exploring the creation of nature and learning the history and value of a beautiful pumpkin.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
The scenes I had the most fun writing was the scene of Jewel picking a pumpkin with her parents and sharing her prized pumpkin as pumpkin pie to her classroom.
What will the next book in that series be about and when will it be published?
My next book is still in the formation stages, but it will continue to promote children’s self-esteem, creative learning, social skills and healthy development.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | Book Review
Milo’s Magnificent Magnifying Glass
Milo’s Magnificent Magnifying Glass by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis is an enchanting and heartwarming children’s story about a young boy named Milo. Milo embarks on a delightful adventure of learning words, discovering the wonder of reading, and navigating the quirks of homonyms. His journey begins when he realizes he has difficulty seeing small letters and transitions to an uplifting experience that involves a trip to the eye doctor. When Milo is gifted a magnifying glass to help him see better, his world opens up, leading him to explore words with newfound fascination. This book intertwines themes of curiosity, learning, and the bond between family, with colorful illustrations that bring Milo’s experiences to life.
What I love most about this book is how it captures the innocence and wonder of a child’s perspective. Milo’s confusion over words like “write” and “right” is relatable and charming, making language learning feel less intimidating and more like a fun puzzle. The way Dr. Lewis portrays his parents is equally endearing; their loving patience as they guide Milo through each homonym creates a warm and supportive atmosphere. One scene that stands out is when Milo asks if the word “glasses” only refers to drinking glasses. This simple yet clever dialogue is both funny and insightful, perfectly capturing a child’s tendency to interpret things literally. Another highlight of the story is how Milo’s excitement about his new magnifying glass radiates through the pages. There’s a particular moment when he explores a picture book and discovers words like “bat” and “sea,” marveling at their different meanings. This scene made me smile, reminding me of how learning something new can feel wondrous. The way the illustrations are interwoven with the narrative adds another layer of joy. Milo’s reactions are beautifully captured, and you can almost feel his excitement leaping off the page. It’s this genuine sense of discovery that makes the story so engaging. The story revisits the concept of homonyms several times, which is helpful for young readers. This repetition could also be beneficial for kids who need reinforcement. The ending ties everything together sweetly, with Milo finally using his reading glasses and still loving his trusty magnifying glass. His playful handover of a bag of sugar to his mother, who asks for a kiss, left me chuckling. It’s this mix of humor and warmth that makes the story memorable.
Milo’s Magnificent Magnifying Glass is a wonderful read for children who are just starting to learn about words and reading. It’s ideal for kids curious about language, especially those who might find homonyms tricky. Parents and educators will appreciate the simple yet impactful way the story delivers educational content. Milo’s journey of exploration, supported by his loving family, is sure to inspire young readers to view learning as an adventure. This book makes you want to cheer for Milo and embrace the wonder of discovering the world through words.
Pages: 42
Jewel And The Big Pumpkin
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis is a heartwarming children’s book about a little girl named Jewel and her adventure to find the perfect pumpkin. The story starts with Jewel’s excitement over her preschool teacher, Mr. Banks, discussing pumpkins and a planned trip to a pumpkin farm. Jewel becomes determined to pick the biggest pumpkin and win a prize—a turkey for Thanksgiving. The book follows her journey from school to the farm, and ultimately, she finds the biggest pumpkin, winning both the turkey and the pride of her parents.
One of the things I liked about this children’s book is how it presents simple lessons for young readers without feeling preachy. Jewel’s determination to find the biggest pumpkin showcases her ambition and eagerness. The writing effectively reflects the inner thoughts of a child, and it’s easy to imagine how young readers might connect with her sense of adventure and curiosity. The writing is simple yet effective, with just the right amount of descriptive language to draw children in without overwhelming them.
I appreciated how the book emphasizes the importance of family involvement. Jewel’s parents are supportive throughout, from listening to her talk about the pumpkin farm trip to helping her pick out the right pumpkin. This sense of closeness and parental encouragement is touching. There’s a charming moment where her dad asks, “Why the biggest pumpkin?” and Jewel replies, “Because Momma can make more pumpkin pies with it.” That line captures Jewel’s innocence and sense of purpose, which adds to the book’s appeal.
The illustrations complement the story beautifully, bringing the scenes at the pumpkin farm to life. The vibrant pictures of the pumpkins and Jewel’s excitement as she explores the farm help keep the story engaging for young readers. I could easily picture a classroom full of children being captivated by the colorful pages.
Jewel and the Big Pumpkin is a delightful picture book for young children, especially those in preschool or early elementary school. It’s perfect for fall reading, especially around Thanksgiving, and would resonate with children who love stories about farm adventures, family bonding, and achieving goals.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0DBZRRH2Q
LITERARY TITAN 