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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Crow’s Christmas Star

Written by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch

Illustrated by Mike Dubisch

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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Sir Steve and the Christmas Dragon

Written and Illustrated by Vanessa Ireson

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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The Epic Activity Book for Genius Girls: A Multiverse Adventure with Fun Brain Games, Logic puzzles, and creative challenges for smart young explorers … kids 8-12) (Doc’s Activity Books for Kids)

Written and Illustrated by Doc Enigma

I loved how this book was put together. Rather than a random collection of activities, the author weaves them into an adventure that engages the mind and stimulates the imagination. Each of the twelve missions is linked so that when they are completed, the final quest is achieved.

There is a wide assortment of activities that challenge different skills and learning styles. These include coloring, mazes, word searches, cryptograms, riddles, find the culprit, spot the differences, and blueprints.

While the book is advertised for girls ages 6-12, the complexity of many of the activities, suggests that it is better suited for ages eight and older.

I highly recommend it for classroom challenges, travel, and homeschool activities.

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Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job! (It’s Bacon’s World! Book 2)

Written and Illustrated by Tina Neely

Bacon, a pot-bellied pig, loves his family. He wants to be helpful. When his mom, dad, and grandma begin preparing for the Christmas holidays, Bacon tries his best to get involved. Unfortunately, he only gets in the way and gets rebuffed for his efforts.

This book series is based on the exploits of the author’s pet pig. Children get a preview with a genuine photo included at the end of the tale. I like the interactive feature, which requests readers to count the number of hearts on each page.

This book is a perfect holiday choice for families of primary grade readers.

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The Midwife of Parramatta River: Life, Love, and Childbirth on the Australian Frontier

Written by Werner Stejskal

For fans of historical fiction, this short novel is a good choice.

Set in the early nineteenth century in the rugged frontier of New South Wales colony, the protagonist is Sergeant James Graham, who is a member of the Coldstream Guards. The journey to Australia is long and dangerous. Upon his arrival, Graham builds a cottage and divides his long days between duties of a police guard and a struggling farmer.

Graham is lonely and soon writes to his brother seeking a good English woman who would be willing to settle in this untamed land. He finds a strong woman who soon helps him build a midwife practice along the Parramatta River.

The story depicts the difficult life in the early Australian frontier and reveals a tender love story. It is a moving historical portrait of the difficult life of pioneers in a setting unfamiliar to most readers.

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The Dinosaur Tree: A Calming Bedtime Story That Teaches Mindfulness Through Imagination | Dinosaur Adventure for Kids Ages 3-9 | Perfect for Restless Bedtimes

Written and Illustrated by Evan Collier

This beautifully illustrated dinosaur adventure is written in the second person. The author encourages the reader to lie back, close their eyes, and imagine being transported to a dinosaur jungle that existed long ago.

A young boy envisions his bedroom transformed into a giant tree, which he climbs to enter the dinosaur world. As he climbs, he meets creatures of this world and draws himself deeper into the ancient dinosaur world. What will happen when he awakens?

The soft, colorful, and expressive illustrations enhance the mood of this bedtime story, especially recommended for preschoolers, but appropriate for any school-age reader.

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Written by Leia Barrett

Illustrated by Shannon McKeon

This very short picture book of twenty pages is ideal for young children and reluctant readers.

It relates the tale of a rescue dog who finds herself in an animal shelter. Before her life in a shelter, she learns to survive on her own. Her other animal friends teach her their habits and lifestyle.

One day, the dog is adopted. Her new mom and dad find the dog’s strange habits unnerving, but, in the end, decide to accept her exactly the way her lifestyle has shaped her.

The author teaches young readers lessons of acceptance, love, and the value of being true to oneself.

Recommended for preschoolers and early elementary school-age readers.

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Molly Morningstar, Music Show Surprise: A Fun Story About Courage and Kindness (Molly Morningstar Series)

Written by Andrea Coke

Illustrated by M. Fernanda Orozco

Molly is proud of her father. He is entering a singing contest. When her dad decides to write an acceptance speech in case he wins, Molly is eager to assist him.

Molly thinks of questions her dad can use in developing his speech. When the big night arrives, she proudly accompanies her mom and dad. Will he perform flawlessly? Does Dad get the opportunity to deliver his speech?

Read the charming story to get the answer. A lesson of bravery and courage with a surprise ending.

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I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows 

Written by Heather Lyn Davis

Illustrated by Roberta Malasomma

A delightful picture book or early reader. It emphasizes the values of hard work and anticipating when things do not go according to plan.

The simple plot involves an elderly farmer who needs help managing his farm. Only one applicant applies. Jim is a seventeen-year-old who is willing to work hard. His statement, “I can sleep when the wind blows,” baffles the farmer.

One night during a storm, the meaning becomes clear.

Recommended for early primary readers as an inspiration to work hard and be prepared.

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