Dragon Cat Wins the Lottery(The Make-Your-Own Ending Collection)

Written by Audrey Beth Stein

Illustrated by Alina Lutaeva

This is a cute interactive book for elementary school children that encourages both artistic and storytelling skills and is part of a series.

Dragon Cat decides to buy a lottery ticket hoping to win $100. When he discovers he has won the next day, he gets the surprise of his life, discovering 100 otters in his kitchen. The book is filled with black and white illustrations that can be colored in the paperback edition. Yet, that is not the best feature of the book because the author leaves the ending of the story blank, allowing the young reader to become an author by finishing the story and becoming co-author of the book.

The book is a good choice for a reluctant or beginning reader. It could also be used with a group to encourage multiple outcomes to problem-solving.

Especially recommended for ages four through eight.

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

The Mayfly and the Methuselah Tree: Memorable Children’s Story of Living Joyfully

Written by Bob Zaslow

Illustrated by Robert Askew

What a charming picture book done in soft pastel colors. The characters include a Methuselah Tree, which is almost five thousand years old, and a young Mayfly.

The tree has lost enthusiasm for life having seen and experienced similar experiences for so many centuries, but the newly born Mayfly lives with a zest for every sight and smell. The Mayfly challenges the tree as to why he cannot appreciate the beauty which surrounds it. These two completely opposite creatures share two diverse viewpoints that cause each of them to appreciate the joys of living each day.

This is a beautiful way to teach children empathy, compassion, and tolerance.

Recommended especially for readers in primary grades, but a beautiful reminder for any age reader.

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

My Friend Toothy: A Journey to Fairyland Book # 2

Written by Stacey Laviolette

Illustrated by Kateryna Rohotova and Sara Abbas

What a wonderful picture book series to teach dental hygiene to toddlers, preschoolers, and primary grade readers. This rhyming book features Piper and her brother, Colton. The book explains what happens to baby teeth after The Tooth Fairy collects them. Young readers see them nurtured to be special helpers that teach children how to brush, floss, and practice oral hygiene.

The colorful illustrations and crisp rhymes make the book fun to read as a bedtime story or beginning read aloud. The author includes diagrams and charts about how teeth grow, a few funny jokes, and fun activities.

A must for teaching and parent libraries. Highly recommended for young patients to read in a dentist waiting room.

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

Rooster and the Nightmouse

Written by Carla Barr Warren

Illustrated by Bradley Tyler Wilson

As a retired educator who bemoans the fact that our schools no longer teach critical thinking to young children, I applaud the author for taking on the challenge of teaching primary grade children that their first impression is not always correct.

A young mouse named Tiny hears his family tell stories about enemies like the rooster. One day Tiny meets Dell, a rooster, and fears terror until he bravely stops to look into Dell’s eyes. He is surprised to find out you cannot believe everything you hear. Many misunderstandings can be prevented when rational thinking replaces false judgments.

The illustrations are an interesting collage of shapes and colors which force the reader to take the time to think about each page of the tale carefully.

I highly recommend the book to parents and teachers who will hopefully integrate the message of critical and creative thinking skills within the lives of themselves and their children.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily chose to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.

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

Kindness Week

Written by Tahiya Cooper

Illustrated by Patricia Grannum

A lovely picture book that includes diverse multicultural characters and children with disabilities.

The protagonist, Tahiyah, is a third grade student who is a member of the Kindnesss Club. She has been waiting all year for Kindness Week. Tahiyah guides the readers through Day One in her classroom.

The book gives practical examples about spreading kindness in everyday situations. Tahiyah teaches children how they can practice kindness and teach others to do the same.

Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful teaching tool for elementary school classrooms and children’s home bookshelves.

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

Luna Heartsong and the Explorers of Deep Space

Written and Illustrated by Lyra Brave

The protagonist, Luna, is a young girl who is brave and compassionate. She lives at the edge of the Milky Way. Luna’s fondest desire is to venture into deep space and explore the universe.

When the opportunity arises, Luna’s mother pleads with her not to go. Drawn by her insatiable curiosity, Luna answers the call. Her adventure will lead to many dangers, but Luna’s determination, empathy for others, and spirit of teamwork allow her to overcome the most formidable obstacles.

The illustrations are marvelous and the rhymes spot on. While the book is targeted for ages five through eight, the longer page length and vocabulary suggest for me a middle-grade audience as well.

This book with its strong female role model and intriguing plot make it a top choice for your next book selection to a home or classroom bookshelf.

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

KIDS and MONEY TEACHING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND VALUES TO CHILDREN

Written by Connie Ragen Green

I believe it’s never too early to teach children about financial responsibility. This book begins with a history of money from the earliest times. Green explains that our concepts about money shift during our lifetime. She demonstrates how to determine a child’s financial personality and disputes the traditional viewpoint of setting up an allowance. Her five-part plan assists in fostering independence. Green shows why alleviating financial stress makes a dramatic difference in lifestyle.

This book can be introduced in the elementary grades or during the middle grades. Recommended for parents who want to foster financial independence and accountability skills in their children.

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

Two Little Raindrops: An Exciting Story about Raindrops

Written by Adele Lamothe

Illustrated by Steve Tu

A new earth science picture book that explains the wonders of the water cycle to young children. Written in lyrical prose, the book features two adorable raindrop characters, Splish and Splash. Children love to splash in puddles. When curiosity about where this rain is coming from pops into their minds, read this book to answer their questions. The book teaches them the importance of the water cycle to our survival and how to conserve water through two endearing raindrops, Splish and Splash.

The diagrams are informative and easy to understand. The AB beat makes the book a fun read aloud. I recommend this book to curious minds ages three and older. Science teachers put this one on your shelf for class discussion.

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

The Last Dogs

Written by Joe Siple

This is a charming story that is targeted to a middle-grade audience, but one that raises moral issues pertinent to children and adults as well.

Ashley, a fifth grader, and her friend Mason live in a world where all dogs have been euthanized and no longer claim to be man’s best friend. When they discover a scientist has managed to save a pack of renegade dogs, they set out on an adventure to find them and discover the truth.

Issues like bullying, empathy, and animal science raise good meaningful topics for discussion.

A short read with interesting characters and plot lines.

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

The Girl Who Rowed the Ocean

Written by Alastair Humphreys

I got completely absorbed in this middle-grade adventure. At the outset, readers meet Lucy who is arguing with her brother Tom. Readers feel at home in an average American family. When Lucy’s teacher introduces the topic of oceans, Lucy decides she is all-in on pursuing an adventure to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a boat without engines or sails.

Her determination and persistence convince her family, friends, and teacher to support Lucy in her adventure. She solicits sponsors, learns about navigation, secures supplies, accesses communication equipment, and prepares for the big day.

Readers share the elation of stars, sunsets, and serenity of the seas. They also experience its dangers at every turn. For forty-five days, they read her diary and the writings of her classmates at home.

I love the lessons of sea-faring knowledge, and the strong character displayed by the protagonist. This book is a page-turner and an enjoyable read for the target audience of ages seven through twelve, but I promise a rewardable experience for any age reader.

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