Franklin The Firefly: The Glow Within (A young, un-glowing firefly finds out that anything is possible when you believe in yourself)

Written and Illustrated by Thomas J. Penisten

Franklin is a firefly lovingly raised by his family. He tries to be kind to his fellow community. As Franklin matures, he realizes that his light is not as bright as the others. While his family reassures Franklin, his peers begin to tease him. Soon, Franklin feels ostracized and seeks the company of less desirable friends.

One day, Franklin learns that his former firefly community is in trouble. They are in danger. Franklin makes a decision that will change his life and the fate of many others.

This clever picture book is written in catchy rhymes with vocabulary that challenges and enriches the reader. It is suitable for a kindergarten through sixth-grade audience.

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The Fairies – Petal & Nettle and The Best Story Ever: A magical picture book celebrating friendship, imagination and the joys of storytelling!

Written by Kirstie Watson

Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell

A cute picture book about two friends who are fairies. When Nettle decides he will write the best story ever, he soon gets stuck.

Enter his friend Petal. She coaxes Nettle not to give up by revealing one at a time the elements necessary to a good story. Characters, setting, plot, and a problem to solve.

Together these two friends, along with others that they meet during their adventure, inspire young readers to persevere and never give up on their dreams. They also teach children the qualities and value of true friendship.

This book is appropriate for elementary and middle grade readers.

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The Fish and his Puffy Temper – A Marine Life Story Book for Kids (Waves and Tales 3)

Written by Barbara Pinke

Illustrated by Alvin Adhi

Puffy is a fish who has difficulty containing his anger. He desperately wants to make friends and play but his anger keeps getting in the way.

Puffy meets a seahorse who wants to help but over and over Puffy fails to control his temper. Then he meets a crab and shark who also teach him techniques. Finally his mother gives Puffy something to remind him of the three ways he has to squash his anger. Can Puffy succeed in his quest to stop his anger and make friends?

This book provides three practical and simple techniques to control temper. Even preschoolers can learn them. The book is recommended to parents, teachers, and counselors for children ages three through seven.

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If I must go, you must stay 

Written by Hazem Nassar

The story begins with dark images of Salma, trapped under the rubble. Just a moment before, she was with her family. Now she is calling out for them.

Finally, she hears her brother’s voice. Then she meets a bird who asks where are her wings. Salma is confused. She wants to join her family, but apparently, this is not her time.

The author paints a picture of everyday life for children who live in war-torn areas. The illustrations carry the message perfectly.

This book will encourage discussion of the topic among children and their adult caretakers. Appropriate for older children and teens. Not recommended for primary grade readers but highly suggested for teachers and parents who want to discuss difficult topics with older children.

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Jazzy and Kettle

Written by Rick Quinn

Illustrated by Sefira Lightstone

A charming picture book that focuses on two children who accidentally meet. They are both new to the neighborhood. Although a bit apprehensive about their new surroundings, the girl and boy named Jazzy and Kettle decide to leave the confines of the yard and explore the area behind them.

They discover animals, plants, and springtime. Jazzy is braver and she gets herself in a bit of trouble. That leads to Kettle using his problem-solving skills and acting beyond his comfort zone. This multicultural book is appropriate for children ages three and older. It will be useful for children who have recently moved or who may be hesitant about making new friendships.

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The Hedgehog Who Painted the Weather: A Heartwarming Tale of Magic, Friendship, and Nature

Written by Ingo Blum

Illustrated by Olha Taran

An adorable picture book about weather and the seasons that also teaches children the value of teamwork, problem-solving, friendship, and caring for nature.

Tom, a hedgehog, loves to paint. One day he finds several blank canvases and decides to paint them. Tom paints scenes of the weather and different seasons. He rotates hanging them on his wall. Then something strange happens. It seems that when hung, these pictures actually control the weather. Tom consults with his friends, Rudolph the squirrel and Michael, the Swallow. Together, the three friends come up with a solution to the problem.

This book includes charming characters with appealing illustrations that teach children about weather, friendship, teamwork, and taking care of nature,

Recommended for ages three through eight.

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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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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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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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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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