The Day I Had a Spaceship

Written by Ashley Wall

Illustrated by Vaughan Duck

A fun adventure for primary-grade readers. A group of friends, Emma, Noah, Logan, and their pet dog, Mikey embark on a day trip to the moon!

This book teaches young readers about problem-solving, friendship, and teamwork. The group works with enthusiasm and empathy. While on the moon, the children ride in a space car, play hoops, and meet new friends.

The children return home when called home by their parents. There are touches of humor in the cartoon-like illustrations.

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Whiskers’ Christmas Eve (A Cat Named Whiskers) 

Written and illustrated by Shana Gorian

Another adorable addition to the Whiskers, the Cat, book series for elementary-age readers.

In this Christmas Eve addition, Whiskers is curled up under the Christmas tree when he notices a light that needs fixing. He tries but fails, and chaos ensues. Soon, Whiskers is getting into Santa’s goodies, and messing with the stockings on the mantel and the snowman outside the house. Will Whiskers destroy Christmas for his family?

The rhymes are spot on and fun to read aloud. Humor abounds, and the holiday spirit fills the hearts of the reader.

This one is sure to become a Christmas favorite for families and teachers’ holiday libraries.

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I Love When It’s Time to Say Goodnight 

Written by Joanne Stapleton

Illustrated by John Ladebauche

A creative and beautiful picture book that may entice your young ones to look forward to bedtime.

The child protagonist ponders possible careers like sailing, traveling to space, becoming a unicorn, or a leprechaun. He might travel to London, Paris, or Africa. He might even meet a dragon. Could he become a superhero one day?

Our imagination offers the ability to dream. We cannot dream if we do not go to sleep!

What a beautiful opportunity to combine reading with looking forward to bedtime and a healthy, good night of sleep.

Recommended for preschoolers and primary grade students.

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Pennygirl’s Rescue

Written and Illustrated by Judy McGee

Pennygirl is an adorable Lab mix who lived on a farm in Texas with Grandma Adeline. One day Pennygirl is called upon to help Grandma in a time of need. She does not realize it would be the last time she would see her home.

Grandma never returned to the farm, and Pennygirl finds herself in an animal rescue shelter. One day turns into the next, but Pennygirl never loses hope. After a time, Pennygirl learns she will be going to a new shelter, far away in Canada. Does this mean she will find her forever home?

This book is well-written with just enough challenging vocabulary. Though a picture book, it would be suitable as a beginning reader or middle-grade choice for a reluctant reader.

I would suggest it for children ages five through ten.

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This Book Is Your Friend (Reader for Life)

Written by Misty Black

Illustrated by Gabby Correia

This book contains vibrant illustrations with colorful, diverse characters who invite young readers to bring their imaginations and dreams to the library.

Every time a visitor opens the door, they unlock thousands of possibilities to experience new adventures and initiate new friendships. They enter a world that enriches their brains and stretches their minds to new vistas and opportunities.

The rhymes are clever. This book entices the reader to return over and over. Especially appealing for ages three to seven.

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How Many Together?: An Addition Game 

Written by Heather Douglas

Illustrated by Kayla Cieszlak

What a fun way to learn numbers and counting skills for preschoolers! This colorful, multicultural picture book offers an interactive tool for parents and teachers to make learning and counting numbers fun.

The author selects subjects that are appealing to young children, like dinosaurs, robots, aliens, and finger puppets. Illustrations are large and easy for little fingers to negotiate. Children are encouraged to repeat these activities until counting and adding skills are mastered.

Teachers and parents should add this one to their learning library.

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The A to Z of Texas Wildflowers 

Written by Kathleen J. Shields

Illustrated by Michael P. Earney

What a unique alphabet rhyming book! The rhymes are crisp and sharp, the colors vibrant, and the letter choices unique. Young readers will have fun listening to or reciting the Texas accent and the musical rhymes.

Adults get the opportunity to learn about many unique wildflowers while having fun reading about them. The author also includes a wealth of information about these plants and flowers.

Highly recommended as a library choice for preschoolers learning the ABCs, interested in flowers, or as a delightful class read-aloud choice or bedtime story.

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Becky and Bo

Written and Illustrated by Angela Greensill

Becky laughs when her teacher, Mrs. James, wears an octopus hat to class. Then she asks the class what they would like to be and why.

As each student takes a turn, they give answers like a kangaroo, cheetah, monkey, and alien. Becky begins to think that her answer (Becky’s pet dog) is too ordinary, and she is embarrassed.

Becky is in for a surprise when she finally gets her chance to contribute to the class discussion.

I love the claymation illustrations. They are huge in size, brilliant in color, and appear to pop off the page.

I heartily recommend the book for parents of children ages three through seven.

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Adana the Earth Dragon: An Elemental Tale (Tales from Umbrae)

Written by Debbie Manber Kupfer

Illustrated by Tina Wijesiri

Adana is a small, brown earth dragon. She is very sad because the more powerful air, fire, and water dragons shun her. Adana seems small and insignificant to them.

One day a giant strides into the neighborhood. He marches into their midst and renders the air, fire and water dragons powerless and afraid. Meanwhile, Adana slept peacefully in her cave. When Adana wakes up and discovers the giant in their midst, she is determined to help. Adana figures out exactly what her secret power is and how to use it. Readers will chuckle at her ingenious plot to trick the giant and restore balance. In the future, the more powerful giants learn the value of Adana’s talents and appreciate her friendship.

There is enough text in this book to consider it a beginning chapter book, even though it is richly illustrated. Younger readers can follow the story through the pictures, while older children can read the tale independently. Especially recommended for children ages five through nine. This narrative emphasizes the value of individual talents and skills as well as the importance of extending friendship to those who are just like us. It teaches children to avoid bullying and to appreciate diversity.

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ADHD Workbook for Kids: A Beginner’s ADHD Guide For Parents With 10 Curated Therapeutic Worksheets To Improve Child’s Focus and Build Character

Written by Henry Lee

This workbook is a good place to start for a parent investigating ADHD or for anyone seeking general knowledge about this disorder.

Lee addresses the symptoms, causes, and different types. He explores how to handle ADHD in different environments such as home, school, and social situations. The author explores different types of behavioral management plans, academic instruction plans, medications, meal plans, and the need for parents to join support groups.

While the book cannot address all the possible variations, medications, educational interventions or behavioral symptoms, it does provide a good starting point for parents facing a diagnosis or an educator seeking effective ways to deal with children in their classroom who have been diagnosed.

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