Archive for June, 2025

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THUNDER…

The Wonder Of Thunder: Lessons From A Thunderstorm

Written by Sharon Purtill

Illustrated by Tamara Piper

This is a beautifully crafted rhyming picture book that is informative and entertaining.

Preschool and primary grade readers can enjoy the multicultural images while learning about the types and formation of clouds, the sounds of thunder, how lightning forms and acts, and the benefits of rain and thunderstorms.

For children who are afraid, the book allays their fears and explains the way this weather phenomenon acts on earth. The author makes sure to explain that children need to take cover until the storm passes.

I particularly enjoyed the comprehension questions and the fact sheet included so that readers may reread and absorb all the information presented.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers to place on their bookshelves.

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A LONG-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP?

From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski: A Middle Grade Novel

Written by Melody J. Bremen

Lizzie is an eighth grade student who has difficulty making friends. When her teacher assigns her the task to find a pen pal, Lizzie decides to put her message in a bottle and launch it into the ocean at the beach. To her surprise, she receives a response by email. She is disappointed that her bottle did not travel far across the ocean.

As time goes by, Lizzie reveals more details about her life. Her pen pal signs only as Grand Slammer. Will Lizzie discover the identity of her friend? Is he or she someone she may already know?

I would describe this 300 page book as a coming of age novel with well-defined characters and a plot that is appealing to both middle grade and young adult audiences.

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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FOSTER “PAWRENT”

Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens

Written by Terri Sabol

Illustrated by Roksana Barwinska

This picture book is valuable for many reasons. It teaches elementary school readers to be kind and compassionate toward animals, what responsibility entails, and how to be a responsible member of the community.

The protagonists are twins whose mother works at an animal shelter. They already have two cats. When Charlie and Emmy ask their mother about becoming foster parents for kittens awaiting adoption, she carefully explains the amount of work and responsibility it entails. The twins immediately agree.

The rest of the book explains the path from three days until the day when the kittens are fully independent and neutered. At that point the kittens are put up for formal adoption. Readers learn how to care for kittens and the steps of their developmental process.

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PUTTING THEIR HEADS TOGETHER

Jungle Trouble – Rory’s Rescue Plan

Wriiten by Sofia and Bibi Y. Haq

Illustrated by Ishrat Ahmed

When a rhino, elephant, and gorilla are stolen by poachers, Rory the lion calls a meeting of all residents of the jungle.

They each use their own talents to devise a plan to rescue their friends and rid the jungle of poachers forever. The author presents charming illustrations and text to teach readers about teamwork, ingenuity, and problem-solving to rid the jungle from a deadly threat.

I appreciate the glossary which allows the author to teach new vocabulary to young readers and the hidden butterfly cycle which makes the book an interactive experience.

Recommended for preschoolers and primary grade readers.

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SPEAK UP!

Freddy the Fox Will Not Share His Thoughts (The Mindset School)

Written by Heather Lyn Davis

Illustrated by Corryn Webb

Freddy the Fox is clever and curious. He has one big problem. Freddy has difficulty speaking his mind. He cannot make choices or express his opinion. In school, Freddy does not answer even if he is sure of the answer.

Will Freddy gain the courage to speak out and share his convictions at home,in school, and with his friends?

This book is a good choice for young children who are shy or lack confidence in themselves.

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BANISH TOOTH CREATURES

The Tale of Fuzzy Tooth Critters: How Do Sugar Bugs Survive in the Mouth? 

Written by LaTonya Butler

Illustrated by Shiela Alejandro

This RDH does an excellent job of explaining to young children why sugary foods are harmful and how tooth decay occurs.

By using humor and fun illustrations, children understand why they need to keep teeth and gums clean. Readers learn the proper way to brush and floss as part of the fun to read rhyming story. At the end, they are introduced to a visit to the dentist.

Recommended to parents of preschoolers as a tool to learn about effective dental hygiene.

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LET YOUR IMAGINATION SOAR

Kragglepus (The Dragon Library) 

Written by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch

An almost wordless picture book that invites the young reader to use imagination to interpret the story.

The protagonist is a dragon who gets lost and finds himself in a strange world inhabited by humans. Dragglepus introduces the reader to foreign creatures as well as familiar everyday objects. The author invites the reader to combine them and create an original tale.

Whimsical and colorful illustrations enhance the book. This book will be enjoyed over and over by readers ages three and older.

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TAKE A BREATH

Hendrix and Rocket: Being Brave: A heartwarming story for ages 3-8 of one little Weimaraner’s journey to find their courage

Written by Kristen Haynes

Illustrated by Anna Thompson

A cute picture book that helps children understand how to control their anger by using a dog named Rocket.

When Rocket learns his morning routine of visiting the beach will not happen because mom had something else to do, he immediately gets angry. This results in the destruction of his family’s property even though his older dog brother warns him against such behavior.

What lessons does he learn to control his anger in the future?

The author cleverly presents the lesson using adorable pups.

Recommended for ages three and older.

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THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS US

The Beauty of Us All: Celebrating The Diversity of The World 

Written by Chandele Morris

Illustrated by Marissa Napolitano

A beautifully illustrated picture book to remind us of the simple beauty in objects and creatures all around us. The author reflects on the diversity and beauty of leaves, stars, fish, clouds, and the color of our skin. Each is beautiful, unique and loved.

Beautiful multicultural images enhance the message. Recommended for ages five and older.

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