Blog Archives
A Butterfly’s Song
A small little butterfly emerges from her cocoon, amazed by the world around her. Her joy and wonder are soon diminished as a bright-colored, and outgoing butterfly group flutters by but ignores her when she tries to make friends. Pupa is not brightly colored or large like the other butterflies and blends into the land around her. She feels as if there is nothing special about her and grows sadder at the moment. When she tries to sing like a nightingale, she is unable to and curls up crying. When a kind and friendly, gentle breeze spots Pupa, he stops to show her that she has beautiful music inside her and teaches her that she is special.
A Butterfly’s Song by Tuula Pere is a magical story for children that teaches them that how a person is on the inside is more important than what they look like or what special skills they have, like singing. They will learn that real beauty comes from inside and that everyone is unique and has something to contribute, even if it seems small. This wonderful message about positive self-esteem and not trying to be something that you are not are important lessons for young children to grasp early on. The sooner they learn that they are perfect just the way they are, the sooner they will discover their hidden talents and abilities.
The illustrations by Roksolana Panchyshyn in this picture book are whimsical and engaging. Children will be able to see the emotions Pupa is feeling as they read through this story. Each full-colored page will draw in children and keep them engaged in the tale.
I recommend A Butterfly’s Song by Tuula Pere for all preschool and kindergarten classrooms and for families. This beautifully written story will inspire children to love themselves and appreciate who they are.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 9523578421
Room in the Nest
Room in the Nest by Holly Marlow is a beautifully written story about foster care for preschoolers and young elementary-age children. First, Mr. and Mrs. Swan build a giant, comfortable nest with enough room for themselves and anyone needing a safe place to stay. Then, one day, Caring Goose comes by and asks them if they have room to take in Baby Pigeon for a few days while her mom makes her house safe. They, of course, agree to help out. This is the start of the Swan’s ongoing mission to help other little birds that, for one reason or another, need a safe and loving place to stay, no matter if it was a few days or a few years.
Holly Marlow has written a children’s book that explains in child-friendly terms what foster care is and some of the many reasons why children may end up in foster care. This magnificent story shows sensitivity to the topic and complicated feelings surrounding foster care. She explains how the Caring Goose always tries to help the parents out first and give them guidance and that she is not trying to rip families apart but instead shows compassion and works to try and keep families together. Still, sometimes that is not always best for the children.
Room in the Nest is a heartwarming picture book that teaches children about foster care, foster placements, long-term fostering, kinship care, reunification, adoption, and a broad look at family court. This is a beautiful story to share with children that have to go through this process to help ease their fears and for other children to understand what happens if someone they know goes into foster care. This honest and beautiful look at the system is a much-needed resource for families, teachers, social workers, and anyone working with troubled families.
Pages: 25 | ASIN : B0BBBRWLMS
Dead Squirrels Everywhere
Not all children are inspired by princesses and puppies. Sometimes children (or even adults) like unusual, strange, and even morbid at times topics. Considering this, children’s author Gabrielle Ferrara has written a unique counting picture book that will appeal to children who like things that are a bit different.
Dead Squirrels Everywhere starts off with, “One dead squirrel was poked with a stick.” The illustrations done by Natalia Nova are beautiful and even whimsical despite the topic being dead animals. The squirrels are never shown in a gorry or scary way; most look like they are sleeping, or in the case of the squirrels shocked by a wire, in funny images that will leave you laughing. The story flows well and is a joy to read out loud. The lyrical and rhyming lines will have kids laughing and following along, wondering what disasters will strike the poor squirrels next.
Learning to count to ten has never been so shocking and entertaining. This picture book also highlights many of the dangers that impact wildlife and can open up discussions with children leading to lessons in science as well. I could see this as a beautiful book for classes around Halloween with its slightly spooky but not scary images.
Dead Squirrels Everywhere is a highly original and unforgettable children’s book focused on counting to ten. This is the perfect addition to a classroom or home library for children that like things a bit dark and out of the ordinary. Preschoolers through early elementary students will be captivated by this unconventional tale. This is sure to become a favorite story for many children.
Pages: 28 | ASIN : B0B24DCWSF
Twins Mac & Madi Back to School
Twins Mac & Madi Back to School is a beautifully written picture book about twin sisters who will be separated at school for the first time in their lives. Due to an injury, Madi would have to ride a bus and go to a different school than her twin Mac. Neither was happy about this situation, and both feared having to go to third grade without the other. However, their wonderful mom helped them through this challenging time, and they learned that doing things apart is not always bad.
Twins have a special bond, and it can be a challenge when they have to do different things at a young age. This heartfelt story also addresses the fears of young children when they have to do something different and new. Making new friends is hard, and going someplace new without knowing anyone is also tricky. These topics are addressed in a way that young children can understand and see that their fears are normal. Author Linda Herron gives children relatable situations and solutions that are adaptable to their own lives. I love how Herron validates the girls’ feelings and does not minimize their struggles. Kids in early elementary need to know that their feelings are normal and it is ok to have them.
Twins Mac & Madi Back to School, written by Linda Herron and beautifully illustrated by Marie Delon, is a phenomenal picture book that teaches children about friendship, dealing with new situations, and how to manage their feelings of fear and the unknown. I highly recommend this for children that are starting a new school and dealing with new situations.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0BC9RHYSF
Pebbles and the Biggest Number
A curious butterfly loves to count; his name is Pebbles. One day he grew tired of counting the same flowers in his yard and decided to fly off on an adventure to find bigger numbers to count. On Pebble’s journey, he visits the desert, a tropical rainforest, the beach, and a snowy mountain. He even gets to visit an observatory and see into the sky. At each stop on his adventure, he learns a bigger number than before and some exciting new facts about the new places he visits.
Pebbles and the Biggest Number, written by Joey Benun and illustrated by Laura Watson, is a fantastic picture book that packs a lot of information into a few pages. This children’s book could easily be used to teach multiple STEM units with all the science and math facts that are included on each page. In addition, each page has full-color illustrations with exquisite details, making it a delight to look through the artwork alone. I love how the book is laid out, with the story written on the pages in its own area, and then things like “Number Note” and “Did You Know?” In addition, “Science Spot” and “”Fun Facts” are included in a separate illustrative element so as not to be confused with part of Pebbles’ story.
Children, teachers, and families will love reading Pebbles and the Biggest Number together. This children’s book will provide many opportunities for learning and discussions about numbers, animals, and environments. This is a must-have for home and classroom libraries.
Pages: 48 | ASIN : B0BT3WNPV4
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
The String
A young boy was having a normal ordinary day when he discovered a ball of string. There is nothing magical or special about this string. However, when he ties the string to his finger, he remembers to do his chores, wear his helmet, do his homework, and brush his teeth. Then the boy uses the string to do fun things like walk the dog and fly a kite. It isn’t long before he imagines all the fun and exciting adventures he can go on with his string. What started as a simple ordinary string became an extraordinary source of imagination and inspiration for many great adventures.
The String, written and illustrated by T.C. Bartlett, is a whimsical picture book about a boy and how he discovers all the fun he can have using his imagination and a piece of string. The illustrations are humorous and engaging, taking young readers on a journey with the boy to discover all the uses for his newly found string. I loved the creative uses for such a simple object. No magic or mystery was involved, just one active imagination and willingness to see what could happen. This is an important lesson for kids, a chance to grow their minds with simple things in a world where electronics seem to rule the entertainment industry. Yet, this incredible story shows that something so simple and common can provide hours of enjoyment and use.
The String is a beautifully written children’s book that teaches children to look for wonder in simple everyday objects. It teaches them to use their imagination to find things to explore their world. This is a beautiful book for preschool and kindergarten children to read and open up discussions of exploring their environment to make the most of what is around them each day.
Pages: 48 | ISBN : 1733908676
Winter in the Forest
Winter is not just cold air and getting dark earlier. Winter is a time of wonder and exploration. A snow-covered forest is perfect for going out and hunting animal tracks and learning about nature. Winter in the Forest: A Seasons in the Forest Book, written and illustrated by Christine Copeland, is a wonderfully put-together field guild-style book for children three to eight years old. From bunnies, birds, deer, coyotes, and even bears, children will see how some animals are active all winter, some thrive in the dark, and others prefer to be dormant and rest the cold weather away.
Children and adults will enjoy reading this picture book with a lyrical narrative and awe-inspiring illustrations. The artwork looks like an oil painting, and the scenes come to life, drawing readers to the beauty of this winter world. Included are detailed drawings of different animal tracks that children can use to identify tracks they find in the wilderness. Everything is presented in a factual but age-appropriate manner so that even preschool-age children can understand and grasp the concepts that are shared.
Winter in the Forest: A Seasons in the Forest Book is a fascinating and educational children’s book that teaches about how some of the forest animals spend the winter season. Teachers will love having this to talk to students about changing seasons and introduce science concepts to young learners. From interesting facts to beautiful artwork, Christine Copeland has created a book that will be cherished for years to come and a welcome addition to any school or home library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0BPN4QQRC
LITERARY TITAN 