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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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.
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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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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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An excellent book for parents introducing a nanny to the family.
In this tale, Mimi and her sister react differently to the information that a nanny will soon become a part of their busy family. Mimi does not want someone who is not their mommy living and working within the family. She quickly learns that a nanny is not trying to replace her mother. This nanny can bring a new dimension of fun and open up new horizons.
I would especially recommend the book to parents of preschoolers who do not understand the role of a nanny with the family. This book is fun to read and uses humor to get the message across clearly.
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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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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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Paromita emigrated from India many years ago, but she is now entering third grade in a new school.
Her teacher has difficulty pronouncing her name. All her classmates laugh. Paromita runs off to the bathroom to hide. She is proud of her Indian culture and the name her grandma bestowed upon her.
Paromita dances the traditional kathak dance. She takes advantage of the school talent show to wear traditional Indian clothing and perform her dance. Then Paromita goes further when she takes the stage and delivers an important message to her classmates.
The author delivers the message that we need to respect different cultures and the traditions they represent.
Recommended for elementary and middle school readers.
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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.
July 8, 2026
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