Mommy, What Is the Moon?

Written by Crystal MM Burton

Illustrated by Michael Finch

Such a charming picture book commenting on the curiosity of a young child. A little boy looks up and the night sky and wonders about the moon. He reflects that it has different colors. It might appear white, yellow. Sometimes its size and shape change. It has marks on its surface. The boy compares it to familiar objects like cheese, bananas, lemons, and milk.

His mother answers with facts he can understand. The moon is made of rock. It may change color or form, but it is always there just like her love for him.

The author donates ten percent of book sales to the juvenile diabetes foundation. Just another incentive to buy this beautifully illustrated picture book for toddlers and preschoolers.

If you enjoyed reading this book, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

I’m so excited because my book, Little Miss HISTORY Travels to TOMBSTONE ARIZONA was just nominated for the 2020 Readers Choice Awards contest by TCK Publishing!

Please vote for it at https://www.tckpublishing.com/2020-readers-choice-voting…/12.

My book is on page 12 Middle and Young Adult Books for Children.

A Bear in November: Caspian’s Adventures Book One

Written by Alice Holness

This book is the first in a series of chapter books featuring the adventures of Caspian, the Bear. Caspian unexpectedly awakens from hibernation and finds that he cannot sleep. He decides to leave his cave and is amazed by the beauty of his snowy surroundings. Caspian discovers that there are animals who stay active during the winter. He meets Pierre and his rabbit friends who have built a ski slope and a reindeer lift. They live with other small animals in a winter shelter that they have created together.

Caspian receives a set of skis from Timbers, the Beaver, and learns to enjoy skiing. His new community of friends asks only one thing from him. Caspian will sleep outside their shelter and protect them from the wolves if they should attack. Will Caspian be able to enjoy his newly discovered winter life and protect the small mammal creatures?

This book is an introductory chapter book with only five chapters. The characters are charming, and the story is unique. Highly recommended for beginning and middle school readers.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

My Friend Moose’r McDan

Written by Sky Danley

Illustrated by Alli Coate

A bear is out hunting in the woods when he comes across a moose who is smiling from ear to ear. The bear is puzzled by this moose, Moose’r McDan, who requests his friendship.  The hunter decides to think about this and puts his gun aside. Will the hunter and the hunted become friends? Is it possible to turn potential enemies into friends?

This delightful picture book contains charming, colorful illustrations and rhyming text in bold text that is easy on the eyes of young readers. Recommended especially for preschoolers and kindergarten readers but also a fun read-aloud for beginning readers.

I received an advance review copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily decided to read and review with my honest opinions.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS Feed button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Bubbe’s Sweet Surprise

Written by Sherry Dahl

Illustrated by Mike Motz

Three puppies set off to find the perfect birthday present for their Bubbe (grandmother). She speaks in Yiddish and they misinterpret her words. This leads to hilarious consequences as they go to great lengths to acquire these things. They get themselves into trouble and create quite a mess.

Bubbe is not upset. What she really wants from her grandchildren is spending time with them and sharing her love with them. The adorable illustrations of the personified animals and the humor will warm the heart of young readers. Children will learn a bit of Yiddish. (a glossary is included)

At the end of the book, there is a recipe for yummy Chocolate Cherry Pudding Cake. After reading about so many goodies, readers might want to try whipping one up. Recommended especially for elementary school-age children, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Flame and Sparkles: A Different Kind of Magic

Written by Issac Bowers

Illustrated by Kimber Bowers

This is the second book in a series that features two best friends, a fire-dragon and a unicorn. The two friends are off to a rock-hunting adventure on Lake Erie. They spot something floating in the water. When they move closer, they realize it is moving.

Flame and Sparkles meet Nessie, a Loch Ness monster who wants to be friends. Nessie invites them to her undersea home and teaches them how to swim. Nessie shows them that we all have a special kind of magic within us. If we believe and cooperate with each other, we can use that magic to create miracles. She gives Flame and Sparkles a special gift to remind them of their new friendship and the possibilities waiting to be developed with them.

I would classify this book as a chapter book rather than a picture book, even though the illustrations are delightful. Especially recommended for dragon and unicorn lovers in elementary grades. Hoping that this young author will use his imagination to take readers on many more inspiring adventures.

If you enjoyed reading this book, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

The Sunny Adventure: a story about true friendship (Animal World Alice Ira Book 1)

Written by Alice Ira

Illustrated by Elena Teplova

Translated by Nina Kutia

This book is a tender tale about a little fox named Redkin and her first hunting quest. Redkin is rather lazy. She reacts with shock where her mother tells her to go out and find her own food. A bit reluctantly, Redkin sets off on her quest. She looks up at the Sun and decides that it looks like a delicious pancake. She decides to bring it home to her mother.

Redkin meets a frog named Loudcroak along her route. They decide to become partners. Redkin remains fearful but Loudcroak provides the courage and inspiration to continue their search. Other animals offer advice, but the sun continues to elude them.

How will Redkin handle her defeat? What does the fox learn about friendship, compassion, and bravery?

This book is targeted for ages six through twelve. While the length of the book is appropriate for a beginning chapter book, some of the vocabulary is a bit advanced for the lower end of this audience. I would recommend the book particularly for reluctant readers; the illustrations are beautiful and suited to the mood of the tale. Recommended especially for readers ages eight through twelve.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

I Belong: Mini Mindful Mantras Book 1

Written by Laurie Wright

Illustrated by Ana Santos

This book promotes the concept of inclusiveness for young children by using simple analogies and concrete examples. Wright talks about a girl named Amaya. She uses parts of the body like eyes, ears, and hearts to explain how we all have some things in common even though outwardly we might appear different. She talks about sports teams, pets, superheroes and children in wheelchairs. Simple mantras that can be recited by young children reinforce the message.

Highly recommended as a discussion book with preschoolers and primary grade readers.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

When I am Angry: Children’s Book about Anger

Written by Michael Gordon

Illustrated by Max Larin

Gordon explores the topic of anger and how to handle it with preschoolers. This picture book features a preschooler named Josh who loses his sweet temperament rapidly when he becomes angry. So, when he wants to eat cake instead of lunch, go off alone to play with his friends or demands a pet, he becomes furious. His mom, dad, and older sister suggest ways to control it. He could pretend it to be a giant fireball to be thrown away, count to four or breathe deeply. Will Josh be able to practice these techniques to control his bad temper?

Larin has done a good job of providing age-appropriate colorful illustrations to help toddlers and preschoolers understand the lessons of the tale. Recommended for children ages two through five.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.