Penny the Pelican Plans Ahead: A Tale of Saving Smart

Written and illustrated by Alexandra Bono

I loved this lovely, illustrated rhyming book that offers children wonderful life lessons.

Penny the Pelican is thrilled to learn that her mother is expecting. She decides to plan by thinking not only about today’s needs, but also about saving and investing for the future. So Penny gathers resources in three piles.

The illustrations are large and appealing, the alliterative rhymes crisp and sharp. Lessons include kindness, family love, goal setting, and financial literacy

I highly recommend this fun read-aloud for children ages three and older.

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I Love My Family

Written and Illustrated by Angela M. Smith

An interesting book that explores the reasons why we should love our family and stick together in good and bad times.

The artwork is done by both children and adults. This gives the book a non-professional homespun appeal. It is clear that not all families are alike, and single-family homes are becoming more prevalent.

I enjoyed the author’s blank pages at the end, which allow the reader to draw and express personal feelings about his own family.

Probably best suited for preschool and younger readers.

Bahay Kubo, Nipa Hut: A Filipino Folk Song in Tagalog and English

Written by Kendel Brady and Guadalupe Ruiz

A delightful picture book for toddlers and primary-grade readers. This is a bilingual book that contains Tagalog and English on each page, with large illustrations to explain vocabulary. Readers learn about the plants native to the Philippines.

As a bonus, the author includes a native folk song. There is an interactive memory game available for download.

Especially appealing for toddlers and early primary grade readers.

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Mission Inclusion: Margo And You (Mission: Inclusion Book 1)

Written by Megan Craft

Illustrated by Angelus Albarran

A wonderful book that explains to young children how we are more the same than different.

Margo is a young girl with a feeding tube. While she enjoys eating and playing like “normal” children, Margo may do these things differently from the average child.

I liked the fact that the author, who is a speech therapist, includes interactive questions throughout the story for readers to answer. We need more books to explore children with different types of disabilities and how they share a lot more in common with the general population than differences.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers to educate and encourage tolerance for special needs children.

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Crabby Abby the Decorator Crab’s Big Heart 

Written by Ellen Kolman

Illustrated by Kaelen Felix

Crabby Abby has recently moved to Ruby Reef. She is about to begin her first day at a new school.

Crabby is nervous but determined to be kind and cheerful. Soon, her worst fears materialize. Because Crabby is a decorator crab, she likes wearing odd clothes and accessories. The other sea creatures enjoy poking fun at her. Crabby manages to find one friend in Daniel who understands her predicament.

The artistic layout and bright colors of the illustrations in this book enhance the story. Vocabulary is challenging and alliteration makes this one a fun read-aloud choice. The lessons of kindness, sharing, and being true to oneself are valuable. There is a Christian focus with some Biblical references.

This book is appropriate for both elementary and early middle-school age readers.

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Kindness is Stronger | Tales of Triumph for Little Champions: A Girl With a Powerful Imagination Who Defeats a Bully With Kindness | Story for Kids about Self-Control, Inner Strength and Compassion

Written and Illustrated by Umme MAK

This book is part of a series to teach children about themselves.

Kadijah is a child who possesses a powerful imagination. She illustrates wonderful stories. Mike is the class bully. He uses his size and strength to control the other children.

One day, Kadijah is confronted by Mike while drawing in her notebook. She is upset but unafraid. Kadijah decides rather than cower, she will find a way to change Mike’s behavior with kindness. For a time, she is unsuccessful. Gradually, Kadijah teaches Mike how to understand his actions and find the strength to change his behavior.

The author uses large print for easier reading, but also a chapter format that allows children to imagine they are experienced readers. Bonus features include coloring pages and bookmarks.

A worthwhile series to educate and inspire students in the primary grades.

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