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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Willy the Dinosaur & the Father’s Day Project: A Heartwarming Gift Picture Book About Dad, Love, Laughter, and Growing Up

Written and illustrated by Robert B. Grand

A very cute book for Father’s Day or any time you want to reflect on the important role that fathers play in a child’s life.

It combines the message with a character that appeals to most children: the dinosaur. Willy is a young dinosaur who loves his dad deeply, but when Willy’s teacher asks him to design a project for Father’s Day, he cannot think of anything special to draw.

Willy spends some time reflecting, and then he concludes that the ordinary things his dad does every day to show his love are what make his dad special.

A great gift for elementary school-age children to read for themselves or present to their own dad.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

I Hope It Snows For Oreo

Written and illustrated by John Doriot

This book is written from the perspective of a dog named Oreo.

Children are brought through the activities of Oreo’s family as they prepare for the Christmas season and hope for snow. The rhyming text consists of a few lines that are written in large print that is easy to read. Illustrations are large and expressive, matching the mood and building the anticipation of the story.

Recommended for families with children aged one and older.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

U-CUT: A Christmas Tree Story

Written by R.A. Becker

Illustrated by Michael Macakova

A book that celebrates a tradition that many families share: visiting a Christmas tree farm to find and cut the perfect Christmas tree.

One unusual Christmas tree has been passed over by visitors for many years, but when a boy and his family enter the farm this year, the ugly tree finally gets a chance to shine. This particular boy is attracted to the misshapen tree because he has also experienced gossip and mistreatment due to a scar on his face. When the boy spies the tree, he is immediately drawn to it. He convinces his family that this is the perfect tree for them. After bringing it home and decorating it, the ugly tree becomes a thing of beauty.

This book is perfect for families and teaches children that beauty comes from the goodness within, not physical, outward appearances.

An appropriate choice for children of any age.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

C is for Courageous: An A-Z Guide to Help Kids Build Courage and Confidence – One Rhyme at a Time (Courage Magic Book 1) 

Written by Shanita Liu

Illustrated by Nejla Shojaie

Another wonderful book in the series that encourages kids to be the best they can be.

The rhymes are clever and fun to read out loud. Add the colorful, positive illustrations that pop off the pages. Set in an alphabetical format, each letter is matched with actions that inspire readers to be courageous every day, both in words and actions.

This book is not only appropriate for learning the alphabet, but also as a resource for children or adults. Parents and teachers will delight in reading these messages of positivity to their children and students. There are lots of free bonus materials available to reinforce the message.

As a parent, grandparent, and retired educator, I highly recommend this book.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Report

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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.