Ghosts

Written and Illustrated by Fiona Dalwood

A cute picture book that will stimulate the imagination of the youngest readers. The author poses simple questions concerning common mysteries like “Why does buttered toast always land butter-side down?” and “Why does the internet get slow” Those little ghostly gremlins just might be responsible.

This book about ghosts presents them as non-threatening and not scary. The humor and light-hearted illustrations makes this book a great choice for a read aloud or bedtime story. Appropriate and fun for all ages beginning with preschool.

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Toothbrushing with Maggie and Mommy (Sparkly Smiles Series)

Written by Heidi Rocha, RDH

Illustrated by Noni-Ayanna and Gobern-Roach

This is the first book of a series written by a Dental Hygienist. The picture book with large, easy to read print and engaging illustrations features a little girl named Maggie and her mom.

Mom visits Maggie’s preschool and uses her stuffed dinosaur to demonstrate the proper way to brush teeth. This book will be appreciated by parents of preschoolers and pediatric dentists. There is a bonus activity chart to record progress and a find the hidden object page. The book is even approved by every little child’s friend, The Tooth Fairy.

Highly recommended, especially for parents and teachers of preschool children.

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Mick and the Big Bone

Written by Shlomo Goldman

Batnadiv Hakarmi-Weinberg (Translator)

The author writes this rhyming picture book to teach young children about envy and jealousy.

In many ways, Mick, the puppy in this story, is typical in that his curiosity and impulsiveness can get the better of him. One day he goes to the beach with his owner. Mick is happy with his bone until he sees another one that is bigger and better. When Mick tries to snatch it, he finds himself in trouble.

Children learn the grass is not always greener and not to be greedy or envious of what other’s have in simple rhymes and pictures.

An ideal way to teach three to five year old children an important lesson.

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The Traveling Book Goes to School: A Little Free Library Book

Written by Charissa Bates

Illustrated by Nadja Bullis

Personally, I love little free libraries and was delighted to find this book!

Twisty is one of the books included in one of these new libraries. The house is unveiled at a local school. Soon the children are choosing books. One of these, named Twisty, gets its pages torn by a careless student. Twisty is afraid of not being chosen.

But soon Twisty is making the rounds of eager readers. Still, the book remains apprehensive of chances to continue his travels. Where will Twisty end up?

This book conveys many valuable messages. Each person is important just as each book contains valuable ideas. It teaches children this message as well as the need to take care of our belongings. The book also shows how teachers carefully transmit knowledge through these shared books.

I hope readers will take advantage of little free libraries in their communities and encourage our children to do the same.

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Theodore: The Sloth Who Wants to Race

Written by J.L. McCreedy and Dr. Sam

Illustrated by J.L. McCreedy

Theodore is a sloth born with two toes instead of three. That is not the most unusual characteristic of the protagonist in this charming, rhyming picture book.

Theodore has a dream. He wants to be the fastest and a racing champion. Unfortunately, speed is not valued by his fellow sloths. No one wants to race. When he finally finds a racing partner, he feels cheated.

All that changes one day, when he finally meets a sloth who shares his need for speed. Theodore learns about the importance of proper physical training to success. This is one of the messages of the book which celebrates the importance of individuality and being true to oneself as well as the necessity of good preparation for success.

I especially enjoyed the author including facts about sloths, the animal kingdom, and a glossary to tackle unfamiliar words.

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Tomorrow’s Trailblazer: A Story of Change and Growth (Trailblazers)

Written by Carolyn Watkins

Illustrated by Remesh Ram

Charlotte is intrigued when she finds her mom reading so many books! Her mother explains that she is returning to school to become a veterinarian.

At first, Charlotte worries, but her mother assures her that she will still be a “mom.” Change can be a good thing as our brain continues to expand and grow. Charlotte is excited to share her news with classmates.

Mother and child learn that it is okay to be unsure when trying out new things, but the reward is well worth the effort. This expressive, multicultural picture book encourages preschool and elementary readers to push the boundaries and explore new passions. Recommended especially for ages three through six.

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Sadie Soars into Space: A Storybook with Fun Solar System Facts (STEM Storybooks for Toddlers)

Written by Arezu Sarvestani

Illustrated by Floss Pottage

I received this book to review from Penguin Books and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this board book.

Few books written for a toddler audience combine interesting rhymes with appealing illustrations, plus a wealth of factual information about space. The toddler journeys with Sadie the astronaut and her cat Buckles on an adventure through space. However, the author includes a wealth of supplementary information about stars, asteroids, galaxies and more. As the child matures, he will return to this book for more space science to investigate.

This is a delightful read-aloud and parent or classroom library resource to entice young minds to become interested in stem.

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Santa Claus and YOU!: A Heartwarming Christmas Rhyming Book For Children (Mark Watson Children’s Books) 

Written by Mark Watson

A modern version rhyming picture book of Santa’s Christmas eve journey.

Watson has captured the charm of the night before Christmas and combined it with modern elements like GPS and elves on jet packs assisting Santa with his deliveries.

The author uses second person to transform the story into an interactive, personal experience. The little boy who narrates brings the reader into the story as an adventurous time traveler. Illustrations are colorful and expressive; rhymes are crisp and fun to read aloud.

Recommended as a holiday treat for children ages four through eight.

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How to Train Your Amygdala
Written by Anna Housley Juster
Illustrated by Cynthia Cliff

Most kids have never heard of the Amygdala, but it plays a vital role in keeping them safe. The author uses creative imagery to explain in simple language how it works. Sometimes worrying about what might happen can make the Amygdala work overtime so it is important to train it not to set off false alarms.

Juster provides children with strategies and techniques to relax and remain calm. Examples include deep breathing, relaxing, and connecting with favorite people. The interactive part of this book provides step by step directions for children and an accompanying guide for adults working with children.

Kudos to the author for writing this guide in simple, easily understandable language with large text and appealing illustrations. Recommended for children from preschool through primary grades and the caretakers who love and support them.

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What is Hanukkah?: Your guide to the fun traditions of the Jewish Festival of Lights (Jewish Holiday Books)

Written by Shari Last

A comprehensive picture book about this Jewish celebration including lots of additional resources. Last provides facts about its basis on the lunar calendar, the history of the Maccabees, the lighting of the menorah, and the word’s many spellings. Going beyond that, she reveals how Hanukkah is celebrated in different countries, foods and recipes, and how to play the dreidel game associated with the holiday.

The illustrations are bright and appealing and the text large enough to read easily for beginning readers. Language is informal and geared to the elementary school age target audience. This book is a good choice to place on a classroom multicultural holiday bookshelf or as a family activity book to celebrate the Hanukkah holiday at home.

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