Counting Monster Chefs: Numbers in the Kitchen (Little Monster Learners)

Written and Illustrated by Ameliessa Richardson

Lots of laughs and learning are crammed into this picture book that teaches toddlers and preschoolers to count. The characters remind me of Sesame Street. Illustrations showcase nonstop humor in addition to interactive counting prompts.

The author cleverly includes alliteration and onomatopoeia to make reading this book aloud fun for the adult as well as the child, enjoying its message. Young readers will want to pick it up over and over. Repetition reinforces the learning process. At the end of the book, there is a link to additional printables.

As a former educator, I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of children ages two through five.

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The Flying Brooms: Manifestation for Little Kids (Young Dream Makers)

Written by Diana Aleksandrova

Illustrated by Anna Panchuk

At first, Leo is apprehensive. Ellie appears confident. They face many challenges while flying in bad weather up in the clouds. The children teach readers the need for resilience, determination, and persistence.

The twins learn that if they can imagine it, they can achieve it.

Illustrations possess a magical feel, blending with the story seamlessly.

I recommend it for parents and teachers of elementary school readers.

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Kit Kat Camp: The Grumpy Neighbor

Written and Illustrated by Kathy Dixon Dye

Alex and his friends are playing basketball when the ball lands over the fence in a neighbor’s yard. The problem is that this man refuses to return anything that lands there. He is known in the neighborhood as Mr. Grumpy.

Alex’s grandmother, nicknamed Kit Kat, often entertains and feeds the neighborhood boys. Even more important, she often offers them good advice. In this situation, Kit Kat explains to the children not to criticize too quickly. Often there is a hidden reason for the way someone behaves. At the end of the story, they learn why Mr. Grumpy, behaves the way he does.

This book is part of a series for elementary school readers that teaches compassion and kindness. Recommended for parents and teachers as a well-written and illustrated choice.

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Ryder the Spider Discovers the Body 

Written and Illustrated by Shlomo Goldman

An adorable book for toddlers and preschoolers.

A little boy named Michael teaches them about body parts with simple text and large illustrations. When a spider lands on Michael’s head, he welcomes his new guest. The spider first investigates each part of Michael’s face. Then it moves down to the neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet.

By the time the book is finished, each of the major body parts is identified. Children also learn not to fear spiders.

Recommended for parents and teachers as a wonderful read-aloud or bedtime story.

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One Day You’ll Be …: Boy babies and toddlers version – A Children’s Read-Aloud Picture Book About Growing Up and New Babies

Written and Illustrated by Patricia de Hemricourt

A simple picture book that explores the developmental stages of birth through adulthood for boys. It begins with birth. Each spread contains a beautiful illustration and a sentence. The cycle moves through toddler, preschool, youth, and teenage years to adulthood. The last stage will likely lead to marriage, pregnancy, and the head of a new family.

It makes an ideal gift for a baby shower or a new family. Parents and grandparents can enjoy and reminisce.

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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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