Summer is… A Summer Read Aloud Rhyming Book for Toddlers and Kids. Fun and Educational Rhymes with Vibrant Pictures (Rhyme in Time)
Written by Barbara Pinke
Illustrated by Alvin Adhi
This book can be purchased on its own or as part of a series about the seasons.
Each page contains a single sentence about the summer season. The author includes the sights, sounds, and experiences that commonly occur during the summer. The multicultural illustrations portray a variety of emotions expressed by the characters.
Because the language is simple and easy to remember, it is easy for the youngest reader to pick up and recollect. Not only do children learn about the summer season, but they also develop language skills.
A fun read-aloud for teachers or parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
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This book lays out a fun detective mystery for elementary-school-age readers. A pair of pigs goes missing. The town is full of gossip about what happened. Is there a monster involved? How is the mayor adding to the mystery?
Will the town be safe again? Frida teaches readers how to think critically and ask the proper questions to be a successful whodunit.
Fun illustrations, interactive questions, and Let’s Talk About It Questions provide bonus activities for smart readers.
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Mouse Visits Everglades National Park (Mouse Traveler)
Written by Tricia Gardella
Illustrated by Ginger Nielson
A delightful adventure for primary-grade readers. A mouse gives us a guided tour of Everglades National Park. This intrepid traveler is delighted to find his bird friend at the park.
The bird volunteers to guide his friend. First, they visit many of the birds that inhabit the swamp. Readers learn about egrets and spoonbills. But the mouse wants to see alligators and crocodiles, so he moves on to the mangrove swamp.
Tired from his daylong adventure, the mouse uses his magic acorn to get home.
At the end of the tale, the author includes facts about the Everglades and questions to measure comprehension.
A fun book that contains an adventure story with knowledge about the Everglades.
Recommended to teachers and parents of elementary-age readers.
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This book introduces Kaboose, a Rocky Mountain Bear.
The approach is unique. First, it is a charming tale about how a community of black bears awaits the birth of a cub. The author relates a story that explores the history of the Canadian Rockies and life in the Arrow Valley, exploring its sights, sounds, smells, and connection to railroad history.
The illustrations are expressive and colorful, and the characters are charming.
Looks like a promising new series for readers ages six to ten.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: Tall as the Sun is a heartfelt story that takes readers on a lyrical journey through the eyes of a child as they discover the magic of perspective during a day at the beach with Dad. As our little hero rises higher and higher on Dad’s shoulders, the world transforms into a playground of endless possibilities. From soaring with seagulls to reaching the top of sandcastles, each page brings a new adventure.
Praise: “It’s easy to picture grandparents or parents reading this book to a child before bed as they drift off to dream of sunny beaches, lulled by the rhythmic sound of ocean waves.” —Readers’ Favorite (5 Stars)
Stephanie Henson lives with her family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with roots in Central New Jersey. She holds a degree in Communications and a Publishing and Professional Writing Certificate from Rider University, and spends her summers in Ocean City, NJ. An active member of SCBWI (Eastern PA Chapter), Stephanie was a 2024 SCBWI Virtual Conference Scholarship winner, and her work has been featured in both print and online publications.
She is the author of the children’s poetry collection In the Right Lane (a #1 New Release in Children’s Poetry) and the picture book No School, My Rules! (a #1 New Release in Children’s School & Education Books and a Tielmour Press best-seller). Tall as the Sun is her newest picture book, releasing with Watchful Wizard Publishing in May 2026.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for underrepresented creators living with chronic illness, drawing on her own experience with autoimmune conditions. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, catching a show, watching Netflix, admiring sunflowers, cheering on sports, or sipping coffee.
A young girl shares her adventure sitting atop her father’s shoulders on a summer day at the beach. The world of the seashore transforms into multiple adventures as she spies sandcastles, seagulls, and crashing waves. She observes children playing on the beach, boats in the distance, fluffy clouds, and lifeguards standing watch. As daylight dwindles and settles into nighttime, she fondly recalls all the adventures that she shared with the father she loves.
The story uses magical language, including alliteration and repetitive rhymes. Soft colors complement the mood. The author invites elementary school-age readers to imagine themselves sitting tall upon a loved one’s shoulders.
Highly recommended as a bedtime story or fun read-aloud for eager young imaginations.
Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of four prizes. One grand prize winner will take home a special bundle featuring signed copies of No School, My Rules!, In the Right Lane, and Tall as the Sun, plus a curated book basket filled with fun, bookish goodies. Three additional readers will each win a signed copy of Tall as the Sun.
Quincy, a young quail, is a bit clumsy. He cannot seem to go very far without getting into trouble. His family is patient and kind. Together, they adventure through the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. All the while, a silent guardian is watching their progress.
The author includes a wealth of information about quail and the environment of the Sonoran Desert. At the end of the family adventure, she includes a piece about life in the desert and also a detailed glossary of vocabulary terms from the book.
The book contains a fun adventure, information about quail, and a resource about the animals and life in the region.
Highly recommended for primary-grade children who enjoy reading about animals, but also enjoy nonfiction.
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Mouse Visits Everglades National Park (Mouse Traveler)
Written by Tricia Gardella
Illustrated by Ginger Nielson
A delightful adventure for primary-grade readers. A mouse gives us a guided tour of Everglades National Park. This intrepid traveler is delighted to find his bird friend at the park.
The bird volunteers to guide his friend. First, they visit many of the birds that inhabit the swamp. Readers learn about egrets and spoonbills. But the mouse wants to see alligators and crocodiles, so he moves on to the mangrove swamp.
Tired from his daylong adventure, the mouse uses his magic acorn to get home.
At the end of the tale, the author includes facts about the Everglades and questions to measure comprehension.
A fun book that contains an adventure story with knowledge about the Everglades.
Recommended to teachers and parents of elementary-age readers.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
This book is part of a series in which The Know It Owl entertains and educates elementary-age readers.
The axolotl is an intriguing creature. This amphibian breaks the rules. It reminds young readers that unique characteristics can be a blessing or a curse. Children learn about the habitats, foods, and body characteristics of this little-known sea creature.
Readers will not realize they are absorbing knowledge as they turn each page. There are interactive features such as drawing pages, Fast Facts, and mazes.
The whole series is highly recommended.
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I Can Try Again: An Inspiring Story for Kids About Perseverance, Grit, and Learning From Mistakes for Ages 4–8 (I Can Books Book 6)
Written and illustrated by Alicia Ortego
Another picture book in this charming series about Mia and life lessons.
The lesson in this book for early elementary readers is that perseverance pays off. Once again, Mia has her mother’s support. Mia realizes that we can learn from our mistakes and use them as stepping stones, practicing in small steps until the goal of mastery is achieved. Whether the goal is learning how to jump rope or mastering the sequence of steps in a dance, Mia discovers the importance of patience and perseverance. She comes to understand the true value of resilience.
This book also contains interactive activities and thoughtful questions that encourage readers to apply the valuable lessons Mia shares in their own lives.
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Brave Buddy’s Big Mission: The story of a therapy dog with a big heart… and even bigger tricks!
Written by Gianna Scipione
Illustrated by Michelle Mayhall
Buddy is a therapy dog who loves to visit the children at the hospital with his owner, Miss Emma.
One day, Buddy meets a young boy named Leo. Buddy does his best to cheer him up, but nothing seems to work. After many strategies fail, Buddy manages to get a response from Leo. Kindness, patience, and resilience allow Buddy to become a friend to Leo.
This book contains simple illustrations and rhyming verse. Although the rhymes are not perfect, the book’s message is noteworthy and heartwarming.
This picture book explores the special bond between animal and child. It is an excellent read-aloud choice for preschool and primary grade children.
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June 3, 2026
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