Posts from the ‘fiction’ Category

THE ODD ONE OUT

Written by Leia Barrett

Illustrated by Shannon McKeon

This very short picture book of twenty pages is ideal for young children and reluctant readers.

It relates the tale of a rescue dog who finds herself in an animal shelter. Before her life in a shelter, she learns to survive on her own. Her other animal friends teach her their habits and lifestyle.

One day, the dog is adopted. Her new mom and dad find the dog’s strange habits unnerving, but, in the end, decide to accept her exactly the way her lifestyle has shaped her.

The author teaches young readers lessons of acceptance, love, and the value of being true to oneself.

Recommended for preschoolers and early elementary school-age readers.

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STANDING TALL

Molly Morningstar, Music Show Surprise: A Fun Story About Courage and Kindness (Molly Morningstar Series)

Written by Andrea Coke

Illustrated by M. Fernanda Orozco

Molly is proud of her father. He is entering a singing contest. When her dad decides to write an acceptance speech in case he wins, Molly is eager to assist him.

Molly thinks of questions her dad can use in developing his speech. When the big night arrives, she proudly accompanies her mom and dad. Will he perform flawlessly? Does Dad get the opportunity to deliver his speech?

Read the charming story to get the answer. A lesson of bravery and courage with a surprise ending.

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BE PREPARED

I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows 

Written by Heather Lyn Davis

Illustrated by Roberta Malasomma

A delightful picture book or early reader. It emphasizes the values of hard work and anticipating when things do not go according to plan.

The simple plot involves an elderly farmer who needs help managing his farm. Only one applicant applies. Jim is a seventeen-year-old who is willing to work hard. His statement, “I can sleep when the wind blows,” baffles the farmer.

One night during a storm, the meaning becomes clear.

Recommended for early primary readers as an inspiration to work hard and be prepared.

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INSIDE 0UT: A DACHSHUND VIEW

A Tall Tale About Dachshunds in Costumes: How MORE Dogs Came to Be (Tall Tales Book 4)

Written by Kizzie Jones

Illustrated by Scott Ward

A very creative rhyming picture book! It tells the tale of a young girl and her beloved Daschunds.

One day, while playing on the beach, the dogs decide to play dress-up using the vegetation they find around them. Their mistress is distressed that changing their outside appearance might change their personalities. Will they decide to remain this way?

The author uses the tale to explain the many different types of dogs, their physical characteristics, and how they were named. She provides a glossary of each dog type and the vegetation they associate with.

Children who love dogs will enjoy the humorous tale and the wealth of information about each species. An entertaining read for any age.

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NOT BETTER, JUST DIFFERENT

Mimi and Nanny

Written by Deniese Dennis

Illustrated by Tian

An excellent book for parents introducing a nanny to the family.

In this tale, Mimi and her sister react differently to the information that a nanny will soon become a part of their busy family. Mimi does not want someone who is not their mommy living and working within the family. She quickly learns that a nanny is not trying to replace her mother. This nanny can bring a new dimension of fun and open up new horizons.

I would especially recommend the book to parents of preschoolers who do not understand the role of a nanny with the family. This book is fun to read and uses humor to get the message across clearly.

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RHYMES THAT TEACH AND DELIGHT

Summer is… A Summer Read Aloud Rhyming Book for Toddlers and Kids. Fun and Educational Rhymes with Vibrant Pictures (Rhyme in Time)

Written by Barbara Pinke

Illustrated by Alvin Adhi

This book can be purchased on its own or as part of a series about the seasons.

Each page contains a single sentence about the summer season. The author includes the sights, sounds, and experiences that commonly occur during the summer. The multicultural illustrations portray a variety of emotions expressed by the characters.

Because the language is simple and easy to remember, it is easy for the youngest reader to pick up and recollect. Not only do children learn about the summer season, but they also develop language skills.

A fun read-aloud for teachers or parents of toddlers and preschoolers.

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FRIDA FINDS THE TRUTH

Jibberjack, Fibberjack: A Made-Up Monster Mystery

Written by Stefanie Gamarra

Illustrated by Marta Pilosio

This book lays out a fun detective mystery for elementary-school-age readers. A pair of pigs goes missing. The town is full of gossip about what happened. Is there a monster involved? How is the mayor adding to the mystery?

Will the town be safe again? Frida teaches readers how to think critically and ask the proper questions to be a successful whodunit.

Fun illustrations, interactive questions, and Let’s Talk About It Questions provide bonus activities for smart readers.

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A GUIDED TOUR OF THE EVERGLADES

Mouse Visits Everglades National Park (Mouse Traveler)

Written by Tricia Gardella

Illustrated by Ginger Nielson

A delightful adventure for primary-grade readers. A mouse gives us a guided tour of Everglades National Park. This intrepid traveler is delighted to find his bird friend at the park.

The bird volunteers to guide his friend. First, they visit many of the birds that inhabit the swamp. Readers learn about egrets and spoonbills. But the mouse wants to see alligators and crocodiles, so he moves on to the mangrove swamp.

Tired from his daylong adventure, the mouse uses his magic acorn to get home.

At the end of the tale, the author includes facts about the Everglades and questions to measure comprehension.

A fun book that contains an adventure story with knowledge about the Everglades.

Recommended to teachers and parents of elementary-age readers.

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A FUN WAY TO INTRODUCE BATHROOM MANNERS

Please Put the Seat Down . . . and the Lid Too

Written and illustrated by Allan Mansoor

This is not a potty humor book. It does introduce bathroom manners and etiquette for the young reader.

It contains lively rhymes and vibrant multicultural images. The author includes links to historic sites, horse racing, football, and living downtown. While these facts are interesting, the fact that they are not related is a bit distracting.

This book would be an excellent choice for parents who are potty training. Elementary school children will appreciate the humor of the read-aloud.

Recommended for ages three through eight.

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FAMILY, NATURE, HISTORY, ADVENTURE

The Adventures of Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear

Written by Papa Rick Harris and Kyra Dumoulin

Illustrated by Simon Goodway

This book introduces Kaboose, a Rocky Mountain Bear.

The approach is unique. First, it is a charming tale about how a community of black bears awaits the birth of a cub. The author relates a story that explores the history of the Canadian Rockies and life in the Arrow Valley, exploring its sights, sounds, smells, and connection to railroad history.

The illustrations are expressive and colorful, and the characters are charming.

Looks like a promising new series for readers ages six to ten.

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