Crabby Abby the Decorator Crab’s Big Heart 

Written by Ellen Kolman

Illustrated by Kaelen Felix

Crabby Abby has recently moved to Ruby Reef. She is about to begin her first day at a new school.

Crabby is nervous but determined to be kind and cheerful. Soon, her worst fears materialize. Because Crabby is a decorator crab, she likes wearing odd clothes and accessories. The other sea creatures enjoy poking fun at her. Crabby manages to find one friend in Daniel who understands her predicament.

The artistic layout and bright colors of the illustrations in this book enhance the story. Vocabulary is challenging and alliteration makes this one a fun read-aloud choice. The lessons of kindness, sharing, and being true to oneself are valuable. There is a Christian focus with some Biblical references.

This book is appropriate for both elementary and early middle-school age readers.

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Kindness is Stronger | Tales of Triumph for Little Champions: A Girl With a Powerful Imagination Who Defeats a Bully With Kindness | Story for Kids about Self-Control, Inner Strength and Compassion

Written and Illustrated by Umme MAK

This book is part of a series to teach children about themselves.

Kadijah is a child who possesses a powerful imagination. She illustrates wonderful stories. Mike is the class bully. He uses his size and strength to control the other children.

One day, Kadijah is confronted by Mike while drawing in her notebook. She is upset but unafraid. Kadijah decides rather than cower, she will find a way to change Mike’s behavior with kindness. For a time, she is unsuccessful. Gradually, Kadijah teaches Mike how to understand his actions and find the strength to change his behavior.

The author uses large print for easier reading, but also a chapter format that allows children to imagine they are experienced readers. Bonus features include coloring pages and bookmarks.

A worthwhile series to educate and inspire students in the primary grades.

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But Gertie Garza, You’re a Girl! 

Written by Melanie Mathis

Illustrated by Karissa Miller Laffey

Gertie is a young lady who refuses to be told that being a girl limits her choices.

This book is written in catchy rhymes. The vocabulary is fun and challenging. The author includes alliteration and analogies.

When peers warn Gertie that her choices are limited because of her sex, she pushes back. Why can’t she be a lion tamer if she works hard to succeed? That message is reinforced by her grandmother, who lives in the home with Gertie. Grandma has lived an exciting life full of adventures, such as hiking and hot air balloon rides. She encourages Gertie to aspire to her dreams.

This book inspires young girls to place no boundaries on possibilities. Parents and teachers should put this one on home and school bookshelves.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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