Save the Scraps (Save the Earth Book 5)

Written and Illustrated by Bethany Stahl

Alex teaches Mateo a valuable food lesson. After finishing lunch, the two friends are ready to get rid of the trash. Alex shows Mateo the compost bin and explains how it can be used to grow more nutritious food.

They teach readers that not all trash can be composted. Their friends, Mr. Squiggles, the worm, and some friendly bees, join to complete the process.

At the end of the book, parents and teachers find a list of questions for children to answer, and a step-by-step list of directions for creating their own compost bin.

Another book in this author’s series that I recommend highly for preschool and primary grade readers.

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Jack’s Noisy Day Colouring and Activity Book: A Raucous Romp Through The Alphabet 

Written by Sarah Tinney

Illustrated by Ricky Audi

The author released this coloring book as a companion to Jack’s Noisy Day. I enjoyed this one even more than the sound alphabet book.

Here, the author allows the reader to add imaginative color drawings to fill in the black and white illustrations of the original. In addition, there is a word search, practice tracing the letters on pages, and unscrambling the words. Near the end of the book, readers face the challenge of placing letters of the alphabet in the correct order.

Differentiating the types of activities attracts young children who have different learning styles and provides a plethora of opportunities to learn the alphabet.

As a retired educator, I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of toddlers and preschoolers.

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Jack’s Noisy Day: A Raucous Romp Through The Alphabet

Written by Sarah Tinney

Illustrated by Ricky Aldi

This book provides an effective strategy for teaching the alphabet to children with ADHD or those who have trouble sitting for long periods. Illustrations are large and simple. They are effective for toddlers and preschoolers.

I would especially recommend this book for parents and teachers of children in the two to five year old range.

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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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I Have Feelings, Too: Understanding Dog Communication

Written by Anissa Svoboda

Illustrated by Aneta Knoppova

A wonderful teaching tool for children. It explains how dogs communicate with their bodies, unlike humans, who generally communicate with spoken words.

Readers learn that different breeds of dogs use different parts of their bodies to express different emotions. I enjoyed the parent paws section, which provides an easy-to-understand teaching point. Children learn empathy and respect for our four-legged friends, and how to better communicate with them.

The comprehension questions are useful for parents and teachers to review and reinforce the lessons taught.

I would highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of children ages three through ten.

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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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The Lightborn Generation : Children of the Light and the Future of Humanity

Written by Werner Stejskal

Children of the Light is a reflective novel that invites readers into a world where inner transformation, consciousness, and the search for truth take center stage. Werner Stejskal crafts a narrative that blends storytelling with philosophy.

Stejskal’s writing leans into themes of enlightenment, self-discovery, and the interconnectedness of humanity. Readers who enjoy contemplative or metaphysical literature will likely find the book meaningful.

One of the novel’s strengths is its tone, which is calm, introspective, and often poetic. The author explores big questions: Why are we here? What does it mean to live authentically? How do we move beyond fear and limitation? These elements make the book feel almost like a guided meditation at times.

However, readers looking for a traditional, plot-driven story may find the pacing slow. The narrative prioritizes ideas over action. That said, for the right audience, this is precisely what makes the book impactful.

Children of the Light is best suited for readers who appreciate spiritual fiction and are open to exploring deeper questions about life and consciousness. It is an invitation to think, reflect, and perhaps see the world a little differently.

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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.

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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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I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows 

Written by Heather Lyn Davis

Illustrated by Roberta Malasomma

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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