This book is the first in a series reflecting the experiences of Lumo, an adorable robot who finds himself on a sandy beach. Lumo is searching for his identity and place in life. As he stands on an island, Lumo encounters a wave. He inquires about its origin and purpose.
The wave invites Lumo to journey under the sea to meet its plant and animal inhabitants. Then Lumo looks up and discovers the clouds. A cloud explains the water cycle. Lumo is fascinated by their recurring cycles and how they are interrelated.
Lumo is intrigued but is still frustrated because he has no memories and has not found his place in the universe. His new friends reassure him that they will meet again one day. Their message is that one day Lumo will find his place in the universe.
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A Sister for Me: A Sweet Rhyming Picture Book of Sisters, Love, and Letting Go
Written by Olga Beaman
The book explores the different experiences and emotions that can only be shared by sisters. It narrates the journey of two sisters from the time they are little until adulthood.
The rhymes are simple and easy to read. Illustrations are large and expressive.
I would espeially recommend the book for preschoolers. This book might also be a good choice for families expecting a baby sister.
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Marigold Twinkletooth and the Star-Coin Surprise: A Tooth Fairy Tale
Written by Jamie Kucia
Ariel is a bit nervous. She will play her first T-ball game tomorrow, and she is about to lose her first tooth.
As Ariel prepares for bed, the loose tooth pops out. She places it under her pillow and wonders whether the Tooth Fairy will visit her. Her question is soon answered. When the Tooth Fairy arrives, she appears confused and flustered. This is a different kind of tooth fairy, filled with humor and zany antics. The glossary and Tooth Fairy message add to the fun of this interactive tale.
What kind of wish will the Tooth Fairy grant Ariel? Can Ariel find the confidence to play T-ball?
This Readers’ Favorite Award winner will delight preschool and primary grade readers. Read it aloud to appreciate the onomatopoeic words and sounds.
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Hai uses poetry combined with the beauty of nature to convey a message of unconditional love. This book allows a parent or grandparent to give young children an outlet from a stress-filled world.
The digital images of animals and natural scenes portray a vision of calm and beauty. Hai manages to reduce the rhymes to no more than two lines, which perfectly convey meaning.
This book should be read aloud before bedtime as a perfect way to prepare for a restful sleep. I would especially recommend it for children in the four-to-seven age range.
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When Your Child Learns Differently, You Don’t Have to Navigate It Alone
Every child learns in their own unique way. Some children may need extra time, different strategies, additional support, or simply a teacher who understands how they learn best. As a parent, recognizing that your child may be struggling can bring a mix of questions, concerns, and uncertainty—especially when you’re not sure what to say or where to begin.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
As a New York State-certified Special Education and Nursery through 12th Grade educator, I know how important the partnership between parents and teachers can be. Open, respectful communication can help everyone better understand a child’s strengths, challenges, and individual learning needs.
In this article, I’m sharing practical tips to help parents feel more prepared and confident when talking with their child’s teacher about learning differences. I’ve also included helpful guidance from Understood.org, a valuable resource for parents and educators supporting children who learn and think differently.
Remember: asking questions is not being difficult, and advocating for your child is not being demanding. It is being an important part of your child’s educational team.
The goal isn’t to find someone to blame. It’s to build a partnership that helps your child feel understood, supported, and capable of succeeding.
How to talk to your child’s teacher about learning differences and ADHD
Teachers can be a big source of support for struggling students and their families. Use this discussion guide to help raise your concerns and talk about how you can work together. What’s inside
General tips
If you don’t know why your child is struggling
If your child has a diagnosis
More resources General tips You may not be sure what to say about your child’s challenges, and that’s OK. Take a deep breath, and remember that the teacher is there to support your child. Here are some tips to help get ready for the conversation.
Make an appointment. You don’t have to wait until parent-teacher conferences to talk with your child’s teacher. But remember that teachers’ workdays are jam-packed. Ask to schedule a 15- to 20-minute appointment, either in person or by phone or videoconference. Be sure to thank the teacher for their time and support — gratitude can help build the relationship.
Prepare what you want to say. When you meet with the teacher, be clear and specific. Spend some time before the meeting to plan what you want to say and ask. Try writing your ideas down, recording voice notes, or practicing with a friend. Focus on these key areas ahead of time:
Challenges you want to talk about
Strengths or interests that can help your child complete tasks
Responses you can use if the teacher says something you weren’t expecting or that heightens your emotions. For example, you can say, “Let me think about that and get back to you.”
Be open to working together. A strong partnership with teachers can have a positive impact on your child. Keep in mind that successful partnerships are built on mutual respect. If you’ve had bad experiences at school, you might have trouble trusting that things will go well. You can ask for the meeting to include a staff member you know well or a family member or friend who can help you go into this conversation with an open mind.
Prepare yourself emotionally. Talking about your child’s challenges can bring up strong emotions. It helps to practice what you want to say in advance. During the conversation, you can take a deep breath or refer to your notes if you need to pause and steady yourself.
Follow up after the meeting. Send a thank-you email for taking the time to meet. Summarize what you talked about and any next steps you agreed on. Make a plan for checking in again by suggesting a date or timeframe. Talking regularly can help you build the relationship. You don’t need to wait until there’s something specific to talk about.
If you don’t know why your child is struggling
Talking with your child’s teacher is a great first step in getting answers and finding the right support. Planning ahead can help make the conversation go smoothly. Ask for a time to talk by phone, by email, or in person. “Hi. I’m the [parent or caregiver of X]. I’ve noticed my child is having challenges with [reading, math, paying attention, etc.]. I’d like to set up a time to talk about it.” Start by explaining your purpose. “Thanks for meeting with me. I’d like your help understanding some challenges my child is having with….” Share some details about what you’ve noticed. “This tends to happen [when, where, and how often].” “I started noticing this [how long ago].” Share strategies you’ve tried at home. “I’ve tried [which strategy], and that has helped [a little/a lot/ not at all].” Ask for input. “Is this something you’ve noticed too?” “Any strategies you use at school that might help at home?” “Do you think I should talk to the school counselor about my child’s challenges?” Talk about next steps. “Thanks for your time. Let’s talk again after I’ve had a chance to try some of your suggestions. What timeframe feels reasonable for us to check in?” After the meeting Tips What you can say Follow up with a thank-you email. “Thanks so much for your help. Can we check in after I’ve had time to think about this and talk about what happens next? How about we check in two weeks from now?”
Remember, You are not alone, and you can have a productive conversation with your child’s teacher.
A truly interactive book that encourages distance communication, learning new vocabulary, healthy snacking, and building independence for toddlers and grandparents.
The simple rhymes that incorporate lots of sounds entice toddlers and preschoolers. Simple, large, and expressive illustrations convey the message effectively. I would have preferred to see the “wowa” cut with a knife and carry the glass, but I understand the message intent of the young child learning responsibility.
The simple act of a grandmother and a toddler preparing a healthy snack together while communicating by phone reinforces the importance of connection in a modern world in which relatives often live far apart.
I recommend this book for children ages two through five, their parents, and grandparents.
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Holiday Hero Max the Mockingbird (The Readers Huddle Collection)
Written by Brandee Huddleson
Illustrated by Courtney Huddleson
This is the second book in this series. Max, the Mockingbird, possesses a unique talent. He can imitate the sounds that he hears. In this adventure, Max lives in the city and its surrounding suburbs.
The book is written with speech bubbles and has a comic book feel because the illustrations are simple and large. Early readers can handle the easy-to-read text. Children learn that crime does not pay. Max follows two young would-be thieves as they search for an easy victim. Max’s unique talent serves as a deterrent to their plans.
Young readers receive a valuable message while enjoying a humorous tale.
An enjoyable, fast read for any age.
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My Little Eye Spies ABC Christmas: Finger Trace and Find
Written and illustrated by Ella’s Pearl Publishing
This activity book serves a dual purpose. Parents or teachers can provide a multisensory approach to learning the letters and associated vocabulary while enjoying a book about Christmas traditions.
Toddlers and preschoolers are instructed to say the letter, say the sound, and then trace the letter. Next, they will name the things on the page, name the things that begin with that letter, and finally, trace the letter again. This approach reinforces memory learning and addresses various learning styles.
There is an answer key at the back of the book that may be used repeatedly for practice.
I highly recommend this book for parents and teachers of children ages two through five years.
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All the animals in the forest are excited. It is time to decorate the Christmas tree.
As each of them scurries to find a gift that can be used to decorate, the crow becomes frustrated. He has been commissioned to find something bright to become the star for the top of the tree. As the crow continues his search, nothing seems good enough.
Read the story to reveal the important message that the crow’s forest friends bestow on him for his efforts.
A charming story with an impactful message for our youngest readers.
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A fun, rhyming Christmas story with an unusual character.
Steve and his family are excited to watch the community Christmas parade. Suddenly, the skies are filled with something strange. A dragon appears, hovering above the parade, sending the spectators into a panic.
While Steve’s family flees, he tries to stand up to the dragon with his sword, then notices something strange. Could it be that the dragon just wants to participate in the Christmas festivities?
Read the book to find out. Recommended for elementary school age readers who love books about Christmas and dragons.
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September 30, 2026
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