Sam Says NO! (The Adventures of Sam the Mule)

Written by Dean R. Giles and Brenda Giles

Sam is an adorable mule who lives up to the reputation of being stubborn. Every time he faces a new situation, his answer is no. Sam will not try new foods and refuses to meet new people. Will anyone be able to persuade him to change?

The illustrations are simple but endearing. This series will develop a toddler’s curiosity and help prevent the “no” syndrome. Appropriate for children up to eight years old.

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Bacon Loves Everyone!: A book about the true meaning of belonging and unconditional love. (It’s Bacon’s World! 1) 

Written and Illustrated by Tina Neely

This is a cute interactive picture book with an important message.

Bacon is a pot-belied pig trying to find a forever home. No one seems to choose him. Maybe that’s because he sings too loud. When a couple finally picks him, Bacon meets other animals on the farm. Bacon learns all are unique, but each is loved.

There are clever cartoon illustrations and fun to read aloud rhymes. Especially fun for preschoolers.

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S Is For Swords: And So Are All The Other Letters (The Amazing World of Swords)

Written by Luke Ralliston

What a unique and fascinating book!

The author has managed to find a sword that begins with every letter of the alphabet. In addition, Rawlings lists the advantages and disadvantages of each with wry, sarcaster humor. The illustrations are amazing!

Readers learn letters of the alphabet along with the history and culture of each sword. A must for sword fans of any age. This book can be appreciated by a reader of any age who has an interest in swords.

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Guinness the Good Girl Goes to School (G3 BOOK SERIES)

Written by Matthew Gillmann

Illustrated by Penny Weber

When Dottie brings her rambunctios dalmation, Guinness to school, all chaos breaks loose. It seems that Guinness cannot contain her friendliness, curiosity, or eagerness to participate.

Readers learn and follow her adventures in the multicultural classroom and community. Nice illustrations and story. One suggestion, the print size might be a bit larger for younger readers.

Reccommended for ages three through eight.

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Can CLUTZ THE cAT Keep Trying?: A Growth Mindset Book

Written by Misty Black

Illustrated by Ana Rankavic

This book is part of a motivational mindset series for elementary school readers.

In this volume, Clutz the cat has recently fallen out of a tree and broken his tail. He is a clutz, but has lots of friends to support him. When his teacher announces a bike race, the cat feels badly. Luckily, his friend Punk the Skunk offers to teach Clutz how to ride a bike. Clutz uses the power of affirmations to keep his spirits up.

Will Clutz persevere and be successful? This fun read aloud contains clever rhymes and pleasing illustrations to delight kids and adults. I enjoyed the interactive discussion guide included to reinforce the mindset lesson.

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The Curly Crow Goes to the Balloon Festival Coloring Book for Kids

Published by Nick Aragon

This book is part of a series for primary grade children. In this story, children are encouraged to be brave and stand up to face their fears.

The author takes a unique approach. The main characters are members of a Crow family who live in New Mexico in a dumpster adjoining a cafe. They share many adventures. As the story unfolds, readers learn that the family has been invited to pilot a hot air balloon at the festival. Curly has a problem. She is afraid of heights. Slowly, she learns how to face her fears. Readers not only receive an important life message, but the story includes coloring pages, allowing readers to express their own creativity.

I would recommend this unique book to parents and teachers of children in the primary grades.

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You Taught Me Love

Written by Misty Black

Illustrated by Marina Batrak

A phrase that has been shared over and over by many generations. A mother and child share different ways of expressing their love for one another. Is it a game? Is it a competition?

How many times have parents or grandparents played this game with their precious children. Each generation of a family finds new and different ways to reinforce this message. This book contains beautiful illustrations and exquisite analogies.

This lovely picture book is part of a series and would make a wonderful gift for a new parent or grandparent to share as a bedtime story.

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Toothbrushing with Maggie & Mommy (Sparkly Smiles Series)

Written by Heidi Rocha, RDH

Illustrated by Nonni-Ayanna Gobern-Roach

This is the first book of a series written by a Dental Hygienist. The picture book with large, easy to read print and engaging illustrations features a little girl named Maggie and her mom.

Mom visits Maggie’s preschool and uses her stuffed dinosaur to demonstrate the proper way to brush teeth. This book will be appreciated by parents of preschoolers and pediatric dentists. There is a bonus activity chart to record progress and a find the hidden object page. The book is even approved by every little child’s friend, The Tooth Fairy.

Highly recommended, especially for parents and teachers of preschool children.

What Am I? Valentine: A Picture Book of Read-Aloud, Rhyming Valentine Riddles 

Written by Shana Gorian

Another rhyming riddle book in this eight part series written to delight young children who enjoy jokes and riddles.

The Valentine theme is presented with large font in red letters and adorable illustrations that connect to common holiday themes like hearts, flowers, cards, and chocolates. A fun addition to a class or holiday party.

Recommended for ages four through eight but appropriate for any age child.

Boo Bear’s Light: An A B C Rhyming Picture Book for Children

Written by Catherine Ann Russell

Illustrated by Jessica Robin Harkey

This picture book provides a clever tale with embedded alphabet rhymes to teach preschool and kindergarten children their letters.

The rhymes are clever as they are embedded within the story plot. I appreciate the fact that the author uses a few challenging vocabulary words like vamoose and underdog rather than more familiar words. Colors of the illustrations match the theme and setting of the forest. My only criticism is that the size of the font might be a bit larger to allow it to stand out and become easier to read.

A good resource for parents and teachers to teach the alphabet in a creative and appealing fashion.