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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Wherever You Wander

Written by Peggy Kan Hai

Hai uses poetry combined with the beauty of nature to convey a message of unconditional love. This book allows a parent or grandparent to give young children an outlet from a stress-filled world.

The digital images of animals and natural scenes portray a vision of calm and beauty. Hai manages to reduce the rhymes to no more than two lines, which perfectly convey meaning.

This book should be read aloud before bedtime as a perfect way to prepare for a restful sleep. I would especially recommend it for children in the four-to-seven age range.

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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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Holiday Hero Max the Mockingbird (The Readers Huddle Collection)

Written by Brandee Huddleson

Illustrated by Courtney Huddleson

This is the second book in this series. Max, the Mockingbird, possesses a unique talent. He can imitate the sounds that he hears. In this adventure, Max lives in the city and its surrounding suburbs.

The book is written with speech bubbles and has a comic book feel because the illustrations are simple and large. Early readers can handle the easy-to-read text. Children learn that crime does not pay. Max follows two young would-be thieves as they search for an easy victim. Max’s unique talent serves as a deterrent to their plans.

Young readers receive a valuable message while enjoying a humorous tale.

An enjoyable, fast read for any age.

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My Little Eye Spies ABC Christmas: Finger Trace and Find

Written and illustrated by Ella’s Pearl Publishing

This activity book serves a dual purpose. Parents or teachers can provide a multisensory approach to learning the letters and associated vocabulary while enjoying a book about Christmas traditions.

Toddlers and preschoolers are instructed to say the letter, say the sound, and then trace the letter. Next, they will name the things on the page, name the things that begin with that letter, and finally, trace the letter again. This approach reinforces memory learning and addresses various learning styles.

There is an answer key at the back of the book that may be used repeatedly for practice.

I highly recommend this book for parents and teachers of children ages two through five years.

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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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The Epic Activity Book for Genius Girls: A Multiverse Adventure with Fun Brain Games, Logic puzzles, and creative challenges for smart young explorers … kids 8-12) (Doc’s Activity Books for Kids)

Written and Illustrated by Doc Enigma

I loved how this book was put together. Rather than a random collection of activities, the author weaves them into an adventure that engages the mind and stimulates the imagination. Each of the twelve missions is linked so that when they are completed, the final quest is achieved.

There is a wide assortment of activities that challenge different skills and learning styles. These include coloring, mazes, word searches, cryptograms, riddles, find the culprit, spot the differences, and blueprints.

While the book is advertised for girls ages 6-12, the complexity of many of the activities, suggests that it is better suited for ages eight and older.

I highly recommend it for classroom challenges, travel, and homeschool activities.

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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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Bees Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about the magic of the bees for children, kids (World Full of Wonder 3)

Written by Anna Smithers

Illustrated by Nino Aptsiauri

Smithers manages to pack a lot of information plus a wealth of problem-solving resources in this illustrated picture book.

Even though the language is not colloquial, the rhymes are fun to read out loud, and important vocabulary words are highlighted in color for emphasis. Children learn about the different types of bees and their work in the hive. I especially liked the interactive challenge for the reader to locate twelve different types of bees in the story. Young readers also discover the problems bees face today due to urban expansion.

The illustrations are multicultural, and they include children with disabilities. This book will appeal to children who enjoy nonfiction for information about the life of bees, but also to young community activists who will appreciate the seven practical solutions they can use to help the rapidly declining bee population.

I would highly recommend the book for parents, teachers, and librarians of elementary school readers.

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