Soli Wants to Sniff EVERYTHING!: A Funny Interactive Picture Book About Curiosity, Impulse Control, Boundaries, Safe Choices, Listening, and Knowing When … Bedtime) (Soli’s Silly Adventures 2)

Written by by Carina KIRSCHNER-MALEKIHA

This book is part of a series about a solenodon. You have probably never heard of it. Solenodons are large shrew-like mammals.

In this tale, the solenodon cannot contain his impulse to sniff everything he encounters. That might be a sandwich, cake, shoe or sock. Lots of humor in the illustrations. Readers are asked to interact and give opinions on whether to smell or not.

The book is a helpful way to discuss issues like impulsivity, make safe decisions, and learn impulse control. It provides a non-threatening way to help primary grade readers to handle their behaviors.

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Good Deeds Gone Wrong

Written by Ruthie Godfrey

Illustrated by Helen Ayle

Stephen is excited. National Good Deeds Week is coming up soon. He loves the challenge of finding good deeds to show kindness to others and cannot wait to accomplish his checklist.

Despite his good intentions, Stephen is disappointed when some of his ideas go terribly wrong. He must learn to readjust, persevere, and find alternative solutions. This book teaches elementary school readers lessons about kindness, empathy, and resilience.

This book is a good teaching tool for parents and teachers who want to explore these issues with their children.

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I Love You More Than Anything: Children’s Book About Emotions and Feelings, Toddlers, Preschool Kids

Written and illustrated by Emily Hartmann

This is a perfect read aloud or bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers. It provides parents or teachers with a perfect way to discuss the variety of emotions a young child feels. The book communicates the important message that a parent always loves its child no matter what emotion is present.

The illustrations portray animal and child scenes with typical emotions like fear, anger, frustration, shyness, or sadness. Each contains four lines of rhyming text that are easy for a young reader to understand.

As a parent and educator, I highly recommend this one for preschoolers and toddlers.

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A Sister for Me: A Sweet Rhyming Picture Book of Sisters, Love, and Letting Go

Written by Olga Beaman

The book explores the different experiences and emotions that can only be shared by sisters. It narrates the journey of two sisters from the time they are little until adulthood.

The rhymes are simple and easy to read. Illustrations are large and expressive.

I would espeially recommend the book for preschoolers. This book might also be a good choice for families expecting a baby sister.

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Marigold Twinkletooth and the Star-Coin Surprise: A Tooth Fairy Tale

Written by Jamie Kucia

Ariel is a bit nervous. She will play her first T-ball game tomorrow, and she is about to lose her first tooth.

As Ariel prepares for bed, the loose tooth pops out. She places it under her pillow and wonders whether the Tooth Fairy will visit her. Her question is soon answered. When the Tooth Fairy arrives, she appears confused and flustered. This is a different kind of tooth fairy, filled with humor and zany antics. The glossary and Tooth Fairy message add to the fun of this interactive tale.

What kind of wish will the Tooth Fairy grant Ariel? Can Ariel find the confidence to play T-ball?

This Readers’ Favorite Award winner will delight preschool and primary grade readers. Read it aloud to appreciate the onomatopoeic words and sounds.

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Snack, Snack, Snack, with Wowa

Written and illustrated by Lola Marie

A truly interactive book that encourages distance communication, learning new vocabulary, healthy snacking, and building independence for toddlers and grandparents.

The simple rhymes that incorporate lots of sounds entice toddlers and preschoolers. Simple, large, and expressive illustrations convey the message effectively. I would have preferred to see the “wowa” cut with a knife and carry the glass, but I understand the message intent of the young child learning responsibility.

The simple act of a grandmother and a toddler preparing a healthy snack together while communicating by phone reinforces the importance of connection in a modern world in which relatives often live far apart.

I recommend this book for children ages two through five, their parents, and grandparents.

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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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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.

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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.

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