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.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Focus Is My Superpower: An Inspiring Story to Help Kids Pay Attention, Avoid Distractions, and Improve Concentration for Ages 4–8 (My Superpower Books Book 15)

Written and illustrated by Alicia Ortego

This book is a wonderful resource for elementary-age children who have difficulty focusing.

The protagonist is a young boy who has difficulty staying focused and completing tasks. His grandfather brings the boy to the garage and shows him a magnifying glass. Grandpa explains how the glass focuses the rays of the sun to one point on the glass. His grandson should practice this method.

Grandpa also teaches him the five-finger step method for remaining on task. In the book, the author lays out this pathway and provides examples of how the boy achieved successful completion. In addition, Ortega provides a letter of encouragement and an interactive task for readers to follow the example.

A sequence of clever rhymes and charming illustrations draws readers, making this book an excellent choice for children and adults.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Oscar and Otto: Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage 

Written by Betty Cetas

Illustrated by Ugur Kose

This book is part of a series. This story revolves around two characters, Oscar and Otto. Otto loves to fish. One day, Oscar, a tricky fish, moves into the lake.

Oscar and Otto soon become enemies. Oscar is determined to catch this clever fish, while Oscar brags about his ability to trick this human in front of all his fish friends. They seem to be in a stalemate until Otto has a change of heart.

The humorous book contains large, easy-to-read print and expressive illustrations. It teaches primary-grade children the value of humbleness and kindness. The surprise ending is a novel twist.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

WE ARE THE FUTURE: Proud, Kind, United

Written by C.M. Harris

Illustrated by Deni Nuhoho

A lovely multicultural book written by a disabled author who teaches young readers that each individual has value and importance in our world.

Multicultural illustrations feature the diversity of cultures and students with disabilities. The values portrayed include kindness, responsibility, fairness, and curiosity. These students read books to discover new opportunities and work in teams to share ideas.

The author also offers school visits and personalized editions of the book for kindergarten through Grade Six readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Written by Leticia Ordaz and Bronx Baeza

Illustrated by Juan Calle

A delightful picture book based on a true story. It teaches children to confront bullies and stand up for their beliefs. In addition, the protagonist reveals the weakness within most bullies.

Max, the protagonist, is a second-grader who is small in stature but tall in courage. He is tired of Grulo bullying everyone in his class. One day, Bronx’s brother, Maxton, reminds him to believe in himself. It takes Bronx a while to get up his courage. Can he use the power of kindness to change Grulo’s behavior?

This multicultural book has a comic book feel in its illustrations. The bilingual text displays English and Spanish text side by side. That makes this book an excellent choice for bilingual or ESL classrooms. There are suggestions for readers to apply its lessons as well as powerful affirmations.

I highly recommend the book for elementary and middle-grade classrooms.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

The Legend of Saint Galgano: And the True Sword in the Stone (The Amazing World of Swords) 

Written by Luke Ralliston

Galgano was born to privilege and grew up to become a knight in twelfth-century Italy. He lived a rather selfish life, catering to his own needs rather than thinking of others. That all changed one day when the Archangel Michael appeared before him.

Galgano was urged to change his ways, but he appeared reluctant. He thrust his sword, which became embedded in stone. Did Galgano relent?

The book might have included more historical context. Illustrations are large and colorful. The rhyme sometimes misses the mark. However, the book relates an interesting adventure that will intrigue elementary-age readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

24 + 1 Christmas Tales – Butterfly Adventures in Santa’s Secret City

Written by Alexander Ruth

Translated by Maxine White

The book contains very short magical tales that take place in Santa’s village. Butterflies and a Phoenix are introduced as Santa’s helpers.

At some points, the stories may be confusing. The vocabulary can be difficult for beginning readers. This may be the result of translation from German. I would suggest using the book as a countdown to Christmas, perhaps a parent reading one story before bedtime each evening.

They are definitely unique. Recommended especially for children ages six through ten.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Nico the Chipmunk’s New Home 

Written and Illustrated by Jade Willesme

The story of a chipmunk who wakes up one day and decides that he needs to find a permanent home. Nico goes off through the forest to find someone willing to share a dwelling.

Nico travels for a while, meeting several different animals. None is willing to share. Each time the message of rejection is repeated with the same vocabulary. The illustrations are simple and rather generic.

The book will appeal to young children in preschool or kindergarten who enjoy animal stories.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

The Adventures Of Wormie Wormington Book Three: Wormie and the Snowball

Written by Adam Brown

Illustrated by Andy Smart

This is book three in the series about a worm and his friend. As Wormie emerges from his can, he shivers in the cold. Soon, he spies the young boy with whom he shares many adventures.

The boy introduces Wormie to a toboggan. In no time at all, the two friends are careening down the hill. But trouble occurs soon after. Young readers will thrill to their struggles and how they manage to overcome them.

The book is colorful and nicely illustrated.

Highly recommend the series for primary grade readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

115 World Biographies: Famous Figures Who Shaped Human History

Written by Lic. Patricia Montana Duran

Illustrated by Renee Rojas Navarro

An enormous amount of research went into the writing of this series. There is a remarkable amount of detail in each biography. While each selection is short, the reader learns a lot of information that may become the basis of a detailed research project.

In Volume One, the author begins in ancient Egypt and then proceeds to research historical figures in medieval times. Examples include Nefertiti, Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, and Niccolo Machiavelli. The writing style is pleasant, combining facts in a easy to digest reading format. This facilitates appeal to a wide range of ages, from middle-grade students to curious adults.

As a fellow historian and retired educator, I would not hesitate recommending this book to any reader seeking a peek into dynamic figures of history.

FOLLOW THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.