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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12 Sleeps ’til Christmas (The Countdown Collection)

Illustrated by I. Bunet

An adorable rhyming book that celebrates the joys of counting down to Christmas.

The author employs a novel approach to the countdown, using the word sleeps instead of days. Siblings begin twelve days before Christmas and count down time by reflecting in rhyme about the activities that families perform during the preparation for Christmas Day.

The rhymes are crisp and simple to read, and the multicultural illustrations are a delight for the eyes. This book is a good choice for an addition to family library read-alouds. It is appropriate for preschool and elementary-age readers.

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Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float

Written by Cindy Shirley

Illustrated by Cleoward Sy

The heartwarming tale of a family exhibiting true Christmas spirit.

Doodle lives with her grandparents on a farm. Her grandfather is creative and inventive, spending much of his time creating toys and inventions for his granddaughter and her friends. When Doodle and her friends discover an old tractor on the farm, they plead with their grandfather to allow them to fix it up. Soon the entire family is involved in transforming the old tractor into a beautiful Christmas float for the town’s Christmas parade. Doodle and her friends plan to ride on it and distribute candy and Christmas cheer to their community.

This warm, holiday tale exemplifies families who work together and share love and kindness throughout the community.

I highly recommend it for parents and teachers of school-age children.

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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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U-CUT: A Christmas Tree Story

Written by R.A. Becker

Illustrated by Michael Macakova

A book that celebrates a tradition that many families share: visiting a Christmas tree farm to find and cut the perfect Christmas tree.

One unusual Christmas tree has been passed over by visitors for many years, but when a boy and his family enter the farm this year, the ugly tree finally gets a chance to shine. This particular boy is attracted to the misshapen tree because he has also experienced gossip and mistreatment due to a scar on his face. When the boy spies the tree, he is immediately drawn to it. He convinces his family that this is the perfect tree for them. After bringing it home and decorating it, the ugly tree becomes a thing of beauty.

This book is perfect for families and teaches children that beauty comes from the goodness within, not physical, outward appearances.

An appropriate choice for children of any age.

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Bacon’s Very Important Christmas Job! (It’s Bacon’s World! Book 2)

Written and Illustrated by Tina Neely

Bacon, a pot-bellied pig, loves his family. He wants to be helpful. When his mom, dad, and grandma begin preparing for the Christmas holidays, Bacon tries his best to get involved. Unfortunately, he only gets in the way and gets rebuffed for his efforts.

This book series is based on the exploits of the author’s pet pig. Children get a preview with a genuine photo included at the end of the tale. I like the interactive feature, which requests readers to count the number of hearts on each page.

This book is a perfect holiday choice for families of primary grade readers.

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Skelly the GIANT Skeleton: A Hilarious Modern Day Halloween Book Parody Tribute to the GIANT Halloween Community!

Written by Hailee Oman

Illustrated by William Velasco

The illustrations in this book are creative and original. Rhymes hit the mark.

The author uses parody to illustrate the limits some people will go to in celebrating and decorating holidays like Halloween. Skelly is the physical manifestation of overindulgence.

Children and adults will laugh at the ridiculous scenario. The book is appropriate for all ages.

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My 8th Grade Summer

Written by Larel Veil

This short book chronicles the hopes of a girl who is transitioning from middle school to high school. Bethany anticipates new adventures and opportunities that await her in the Fall. Her best friend, Shelby provides support in this coming-of-age tale.

The girls are determined to find a boyfriend and secure a first kiss. Most of the action centers around the two friends’ attempts to find independence and develop self-confidence. The book is an easy and fast read.

I would recommend it for tweens in this age group who are interested in a quick summer read.

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Starring Bella Blake

Written by Gemma Stringer

An interesting coming-of-age story for middle-grade and young adult readers.

Bella Burke desperately wants to be an actress. She lives outside of London. Her family is not wealthy, and they do not have unlimited resources to make her dreams come true.

Bella receives an opportunity to attend a local high school where she will be able to receive acting training, but she will also have to apply herself to singing and dancing lessons. These are not Bella’s strong suits. Can she muster the strength to put out the extra effort required to achieve her goals?

The author portrays Bella’s struggle to cope with the competition, the jealousies, and difficulties of succeeding in an industry fraught with challenges. Bella’s mom is her number one advocate, but her father harbors doubts and fears about his daughter’s chances of success.

This book inspires readers who aspire to find their own path to success.

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The Midwife of Parramatta River: Life, Love, and Childbirth on the Australian Frontier

Written by Werner Stejskal

For fans of historical fiction, this short novel is a good choice.

Set in the early nineteenth century in the rugged frontier of New South Wales colony, the protagonist is Sergeant James Graham, who is a member of the Coldstream Guards. The journey to Australia is long and dangerous. Upon his arrival, Graham builds a cottage and divides his long days between duties of a police guard and a struggling farmer.

Graham is lonely and soon writes to his brother seeking a good English woman who would be willing to settle in this untamed land. He finds a strong woman who soon helps him build a midwife practice along the Parramatta River.

The story depicts the difficult life in the early Australian frontier and reveals a tender love story. It is a moving historical portrait of the difficult life of pioneers in a setting unfamiliar to most readers.

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