Charlotte-Solana and the Sun (Charlotte’s stories series)

Written by Silvia Tabor

Illustrated by Dorina Casapu

Charlotte’s second name is Solana, which means the sun. A good match because the sun is her best friend. Every day, her first move is to open the curtains and greet her friend.

Charlotte teaches her primary grade readers that the sun is a star, there are eight planets orbiting around it, and she introduces the dwarf planets as well. She is delighted where her parents allow her to plant sunflower seeds. Charlotte reasons that these plants could become friends for the sun, who must be lonely out there by itself.

This book contains vibrant illustrations that pop off the page to attract young readers to its message.

Recommended especially for ages four through seven.

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If Shapes Could Talk

Written by Rella B

Illustrated by Wendy S.

This book is much more than a rhyming picture book about shapes. It teaches young children colors, empathy, compassion, kindness, gratitude, and diversity.

A rhombus introduces us to her shape family. Each member is different but they all live happily together. When the rhombus goes to school, she discovers a world of diversity and begins to feel left out because she has fewer material possessions. Soon, she learns that appearances can be deceiving.

Toddlers and preschoolers learn shapes and colors, older elementary school age readers will better understand the value of uniqueness and diversity.

Recommended for toddlers through grade three.

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Pip’s First Flight and the Power of Visualization: A dinosaur children’s story to teach kids positive thinking

Written and Illustrated by Elyse and Garrett Fox

Pip’s mom comes to the rescue by encouraging Pip to visualize all the wonderful scenarios that could happen when he experiences his first flight. Suddenly, the world opens up and he now can’t wait to venture out into the world.

This book teaches preschool and primary grade readers how to visualize and includes activities and action steps to follow up. The story and activities encourage children to use their imaginations to create positive thoughts and teaches self-confidence.

Recommended for children ages three through eight. It is a good tale to introduce an upcoming new activity or experience for a young child.

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Gigi: The Ballet Recital

Written by Carly Mottinger

Illustrated by Dan Seaton Brown

Gigi is over the moon. She loves to dance and has been doing so since age three. This year her little sister will be joining her at the yearly ballet recital. They practice everyday.

One day, Gigi’s teacher informs her she will not be in the front row this year because she is too tall. Gigi is distraught. How will anyone see her? She begins to lose interest in her dancing.

When the big night arrives, Gigi’s sister, Birdie, freezes on stage. Can Gigi figure out a way to help her. Will Gigi learn to love ballet again? Read this picture book with beautiful illustrations to find out what happens to the dancing divas.

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Positivity is My Superpower: A Kid’s Book about Managing Negative Feelings and Feelings (My Superpowers Books 10)

Written by Alicia Ortego

This book is part of a series that focuses on dealing with children’s emotions and turning them into superpowers.

In this book, Lucas is the protagonist. He is facing a move to a different city. That releases a flood of emotions, most of them negative. Lucas is dealing with anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown. He does not want to leave the house he grew up or the friends he cherishes.

Lucas’s mom comes to the rescue She reassures him with gentle words and simple actions like blowing bubbles that turn his negative feelings into positive ones like hopefulness, confidence, and a sense of adventure.

This rhyming picture book serves as a good teaching tool for elementary age students to enhance social-emotional skills.

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How to Grow a Marshmallow Tree (Book 1 Amelia and Paco Series)

Written by Stefanie Gamarra

Illustrated by Mark Bertran

Amelia and her imaginary polar bear friend, Paco both have a sweet tooth.

One day, they are eating marshmallows, one of their favorite snacks. Suddenly, they run out. Amelia decides it would be wonderful to have a marshmallow tree for an unlimited supply. So the pair set out to plant one.

Amelia and Paco are unsuccessful at first, but Amelia refuses to give up. Read the picture book to find out the surprise ending to this fantasy adventure for young children.

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A Videogame Stole My Sister: An Early Reader LitRPG Metaverse Legends Book 1

Written by Justin M. Stone

This book is targeted for an eight to twelve-year-old audience. Classified as a beginning reader, it would be an excellent choice for reluctant readers. I believe the plot especially appeals to tween boys, particularly those who have sibling rivalry with a sister.

Lucas is a tween boy who has a sister, Madison, who is one year older than he. Like many boys his age, Lucas loves video games. One day he is playing his favorite, when he gets distracted for a minute. Next thing he knows, his sister Madison is missing. You guessed it, she has been taken by the game.

The short chapters of the book alternate point of view with story being told by Lucas and Madison. The adventure is funny and humorous. One note of caution for parents and teachers. The book includes language like “piss” and mentions “running like hell.”

I think the book will appeal especially to the younger middle-grade audience and reluctant readers who prefer shorter chapters with less challenging vocabulary.

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The Lady Ghost (Decoders Book 2)

Written by Albert Arango

This book is part of an adventure, detective series. Steve, Matt, and Jenny are twelve-year-old amateur sleuths who love to solve mysteries. They call themselves, The Decoders.

In this selection, Book 2, the detectives are thrilled that they have been invited to be extras in a movie. When they begin filming, the trio discover that a saboteur has been destroying equipment and causing mischief on the set.

Young detective readers will enjoy figuring out the clues to solve the mystery.

Middle-grade detective and adventure story fans should enjoy this series.

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Pebbles and the Biggest Number

Written by Joey Benun

Illustrated by Laura Watson

Benun has managed to combine storytelling with an effective presentation of stem concepts, large mathematical numbers, and ecology in one easy-to digest- picture book.

This book encourages even the youngest child to stretch these skills. Pebbles, a butterfly with an insatiable curiosity, sets out to travel the world to find the largest number. Along the way, she travels through deserts, rainforests, oceans, and space. At every stop readers discover fun facts, scientific knowledge, and learn about the animals living in each habitat.

Children learn a ton of information without even realizing it. This book can be enjoyed over and over, revealing something new in each page.

I would highly recommend this book to homeschoolers, teachers, and parents of elementary and middle-school students. Warning! adults will be expanding their brains along with the young reader.

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The Adventures of PB&J: Attack of the Green Goo

Written and illustrated by Jon Haney

PB&J is a fifth-grader who has a strange super power. Since first grade, he can hurl peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with uncanny accuracy. This strange ability gets him into trouble more often than not.

PB&J meets his nemesis when an evil villain begins attacking with green goo. Dr. Vile changes children and adults into tasty treats like lemon cream pie and stale bread. PB & J valiantly tries to use his super power to defeat the evil scientist.

This book is filled with superhero tips, and funny illustrations. The dialogue is simple and typical of the book’s audience. I suspect fifth-grade boys will love the crazy antics and humor.

I would highly recommend this book and the series for reluctant readers. It has appeal for beginning chapter book readers as well.

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