The Adventures of Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear

Written by Papa Rick Harris and Kyra Dumoulin

Illustrated by Simon Goodway

This book introduces Kaboose, a Rocky Mountain Bear.

The approach is unique. First, it is a charming tale about how a community of black bears awaits the birth of a cub. The author relates a story that explores the history of the Canadian Rockies and life in the Arrow Valley, exploring its sights, sounds, smells, and connection to railroad history.

The illustrations are expressive and colorful, and the characters are charming.

Looks like a promising new series for readers ages six to ten.

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Ten Little Axolotls (Ten Little Adventures)Ten Little Axolotls (Ten Little Adventures)

Written by Kim Ann

Illustrated by Nejla Shojae

An adorable rhyming picture book about creatures with a tongue-twister name.

This vibrantly illustrated book features adorable sea creatures. It teaches tiny tots to count to ten. Readers also learn fun facts about axolotls and can download a free song.

Suggested resources for parents and teachers who want to teach toddlers and preschoolers how to count, sing, and have fun while doing it.

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Mouse Visits Everglades National Park (Mouse Traveler)

Written by Tricia Gardella

Illustrated by Ginger Nielson

A delightful adventure for primary-grade readers. A mouse gives us a guided tour of Everglades National Park. This intrepid traveler is delighted to find his bird friend at the park.

The bird volunteers to guide his friend. First, they visit many of the birds that inhabit the swamp. Readers learn about egrets and spoonbills. But the mouse wants to see alligators and crocodiles, so he moves on to the mangrove swamp.

Tired from his daylong adventure, the mouse uses his magic acorn to get home.

At the end of the tale, the author includes facts about the Everglades and questions to measure comprehension.

A fun book that contains an adventure story with knowledge about the Everglades.

Recommended to teachers and parents of elementary-age readers.

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The Know It Owl and the Axolot

Written by Terri Sabol

Written by Paula Piechna

This book is part of a series in which The Know It Owl entertains and educates elementary-age readers.

The axolotl is an intriguing creature. This amphibian breaks the rules. It reminds young readers that unique characteristics can be a blessing or a curse. Children learn about the habitats, foods, and body characteristics of this little-known sea creature.

Readers will not realize they are absorbing knowledge as they turn each page. There are interactive features such as drawing pages, Fast Facts, and mazes.

The whole series is highly recommended.

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I Can Try Again: An Inspiring Story for Kids About Perseverance, Grit, and Learning From Mistakes for Ages 4–8 (I Can Books Book 6)

Written and illustrated by Alicia Ortego

Another picture book in this charming series about Mia and life lessons.

The lesson in this book for early elementary readers is that perseverance pays off. Once again, Mia has her mother’s support. Mia realizes that we can learn from our mistakes and use them as stepping stones, practicing in small steps until the goal of mastery is achieved. Whether the goal is learning how to jump rope or mastering the sequence of steps in a dance, Mia discovers the importance of patience and perseverance. She comes to understand the true value of resilience.

This book also contains interactive activities and thoughtful questions that encourage readers to apply the valuable lessons Mia shares in their own lives.

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Fingerprints: A Children’s Picture Book About Diversity, Respect, and Inclusion (Diversity & Inclusion Series)

Written and illustrated by Carmen Parets Luque

A unique picture book that teaches children that our differences are our most valuable asset.

Many of the illustrations feature fingerprint characters. Every person has a unique fingerprint. The world’s people are of different ages, colors, and skin colors. We speak different languages, dress differently, and live in different types of habitats. Our ability to learn in different ways and demonstrate talents in unique areas leads us to appreciate diversity.

This book is a wonderful way to teach acceptance and the need to use our differences to build a stronger world together.

Recommended for preschool and primary grade readers.

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I Love My Family

Written and Illustrated by Angela M. Smith

An interesting book that explores the reasons why we should love our family and stick together in good and bad times.

The artwork is done by both children and adults. This gives the book a non-professional homespun appeal. It is clear that not all families are alike, and single-family homes are becoming more prevalent.

I enjoyed the author’s blank pages at the end, which allow the reader to draw and express personal feelings about his own family.

Probably best suited for preschool and younger readers.

Mission Inclusion: Margo And You (Mission: Inclusion Book 1)

Written by Megan Craft

Illustrated by Angelus Albarran

A wonderful book that explains to young children how we are more the same than different.

Margo is a young girl with a feeding tube. While she enjoys eating and playing like “normal” children, Margo may do these things differently from the average child.

I liked the fact that the author, who is a speech therapist, includes interactive questions throughout the story for readers to answer. We need more books to explore children with different types of disabilities and how they share a lot more in common with the general population than differences.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers to educate and encourage tolerance for special needs children.

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Kindness is Stronger | Tales of Triumph for Little Champions: A Girl With a Powerful Imagination Who Defeats a Bully With Kindness | Story for Kids about Self-Control, Inner Strength and Compassion

Written and Illustrated by Umme MAK

This book is part of a series to teach children about themselves.

Kadijah is a child who possesses a powerful imagination. She illustrates wonderful stories. Mike is the class bully. He uses his size and strength to control the other children.

One day, Kadijah is confronted by Mike while drawing in her notebook. She is upset but unafraid. Kadijah decides rather than cower, she will find a way to change Mike’s behavior with kindness. For a time, she is unsuccessful. Gradually, Kadijah teaches Mike how to understand his actions and find the strength to change his behavior.

The author uses large print for easier reading, but also a chapter format that allows children to imagine they are experienced readers. Bonus features include coloring pages and bookmarks.

A worthwhile series to educate and inspire students in the primary grades.

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The Wonderful Animals of the Boise River (Into Justin’s World Book 2)

Written by Heather Lyn Davis

Illustrated by Corryn Webb

This book is interactive. From the outset, children learn that they will find and identify many animals that inhabit the Boise River.

Each picture layout features a color and a black-and-white illustration. Readers are encouraged to color the black-and-white illustration. For each animal, children gain a wealth of information. At the end of the book, readers have the opportunity to illustrate their favorite animal.

The book is a good choice for studying local geography and animal life. It is highly recommended for curious upper elementary students.

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