How I Saved the Ants

Written by Joyothsna Raju

IIlustrated by Vijitha Senadeera

Cheeku is a mischievous boy who lives with his grandmother. He tries to avoid getting up for school but reluctantly rises and steals mangoes from the monkeys on his way. But the monkeys chase him and he falls into a tunnel where his adventure begins.

Cheeku meets an ant colony. The queen grants him magic powers to be both a boy and an ant. In the following days, Cheeku discovers the value of friendship, the meaning of forgiveness, and the definition of teamwork.

Can a naughty little boy learn a valuable lesson from these tiny creatures?

Colorful, expressive illustrations that evoke strong emotions link the story effectively to the lessons taught. A multicultural tale that teaches and entertains elementary school children.

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Team Supercrew Emotions and Powers (4 Box Set)

Written by Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn

Illustrated by Sergio De Giorgi

This multicultural picture book assists elementary school readers to discover positive ways to discover and understand their emotions.

In the first book, the author introduces Sarah, who is about to attend her first day of school. Sarah is talking to her favorite superhero Benny who assures her fears are unfounded. He points out the positive situations and new experiences that could lie ahead in school.

Sarah understands the power behind, “What if?”. As a brave member of team supercrew, she has the power to be brave and unafraid.

I like the addition of an exercise for readers about how to build their own superpower skills. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Math Dragon: fun fast-paced beginning chapter book series for kids 8-11 (Junkyard Adventures 10)

Written by Tevin Hansen

Book 10 in the Junkyard Adventures pits two angry dragons against each other.

When Eli and Grace arrive at Larry’s secondhand store, they cannot find Uncle Larry. Instead they discover Professor Harvard who is temporarily watching the store. Despite Larry’s absence, a new fantasy adventure involving a war between two diverse dragons, the Word Dragon and the Math Dragon erupts and the children find themselves in the middle of it. Must the siblings choose a side? Can they restore order and find a way back to the present to escape the turmoil?

Non-stop adventure and colorful characters continue to enthrall chapter book readers from ages eight up. A fascinating independent read or classroom read aloud.

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Cardboard Rosie

Written by Cazzy Zahursky

Illustrated by Sam Cabbage

This picture book is a lovely way to explore a whole range of emotions for children. At the outset, Rosie is a young girl who longs to spend time with her father but he spends most of his time working to support the family. Rosie longs for a Forever Doll, but the family cannot afford one.

The girl and her dad make a cardboard doll, named Rosie but the child feels disappointed. As time goes on, she learns to lean on the doll to share her feelings, hopes, disappointments, wishes, and dreams. But cardboard does not last forever. What will happen if Rosie disappears? Life changes and our feelings evolve. What lessons does the family learn?

A good book to use as a read aloud and family or class discussion book. Recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.

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Cowgirl Lessons: Cowgirl Lessons Adventures

Written by Rae Rankin

Illustrated by J-San

A sweet, rhyming picture book that features a young girl who loves to ride. It begins by showing her to be fairly typical and part of a loving family. Her mom helps her find her gear, her dad spends the day driving her to her lesson and waiting patiently for her while proudly watching her progress.

This is the first book in a series that is sure to be popular with every young girl who has dreamed of riding a horse. Children learn that riding a horse is not only a skill but that involves a lot of hard work and animal care.

Highly recommended for readers up to age ten.

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Wander World

Written and Illustrated by Katie Gigliotti

A young girl visits her grandparents but everyone at the home seems to be too busy to play with her. In desperation, she finds her grandfather dozing on the couch. She takes him by the hand and suggests that they go on a trip. Turns out grandpa has an active imagination as well.

Together, they journey to places on each of the seven continents from the frigid Antarctica to a bustling New York City. Before grandma calls them for dinner, they manage to run through the jungle, swim under the sea, build sand castles and ride on a gondola.

Soft watercolor illustrations, crisp rhymes, and imagination gone wild combine to create a pleasing narrative for beginning readers.

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Kneading a Winning Idea: A Book on the Importance of Practice

Written by Terri Sabol

Illustrated by Pei Jen

I love the play on words for the title! Ben likes to bake. Every year he enters a contest with his buttermilk biscuits but never comes in first. Sofia is his fiercest rival.

When Ben’s father asks him if he will compete again, Ben decides he must make a change in his recipe to come out on top so he experiments by leaving out different ingredients. Then his cat gives him an idea. After trying it out, Ben’s father proclaims it a big success.

Can Ben finally achieve his dream of winning the contest with his buttermilk biscuits this year?

This book teaches elementary school readers that they must face their feelings and persevere until their desired goal is met. Patience is a virtue most young children find difficult to cultivate.

This book is a good start and readers receive a delicious bonus biscuit recipe as well.

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Books for Benjamin: A Fun Picture Book Valuing Reading and Libraries!

Written by R. G. deRouen

Illustrated by Ulianna Barabash

This book is the most creative picture fiction book that I’ve seen in a long time.

The protagonist is a worm named Benjamin who has no desire to fit in with his family and worm friends. He loves books and wants to spend all his time reading. He fashions a plan to escape his life in a grocery store by hiding in a newspaper but when the purchaser discovers him she tries to kill him. Benjamin narrowly escapes but finds a dragonfly, ant, and ladybug to bring him to a safe place. Can you guess where that might be? Soon Benjamin finds himself in trouble again until he finds a sympathethic librarian who succeeds in making him famous.

Elementary school readers will turn each page as they follow this adventure, delight in the fanciful illustrations, and learn about the value of reading and safeguarding our literature. A bonus section features the history of the library.

Highly recommend the book and hope to see more creativity from this author.

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The World is Our Playground Series Book 3: Nanak and Tara’s Philippine Adventure

Written by Jamal Kaur Singh

Illustrated by Ronald Santos

This is my first time reading a book in this series which encourages elementary students to learn about the history, customs, beliefs, traditions, and languages of countries around the world.

The picture book is richly illustrated in vibrant colors and the bold font of the text makes it easy to read. I particularly enjoyed the mini language lessons which encourage readers to communicate in an unfamiliar language while enjoying the adventure. Readers explore the islands while experiencing its history, foods, celebrations, and family ties.

There are questions at the end included to test comprehension of the story. The author presents a lesson plan before the story begins. Background about the series and its characters as well as a summary of the author’s mission comes at the very end.

The book is packed with useful information that children will enjoy. I would suggest putting that background at the beginning to familiarize new readers upfront and then including the lesson plan toward the end.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers to teach about other cultures in an entertaining format.

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Cats Don’t Like That: A Hilarious Picture Book for Kids Ages 3-7

Written by Andy Wortlock

Illustrated by Nahum Ziersch

Whether you love or hate cats, you will find this rhyming, picture book hilarious! The author reflects on the unique qualities of a cat’s personality, likes and dislikes.

Illustrations and cat expressions are priceless. Children of any age get the message either through pictures or the short, crisp rhymes. It’s even appropriate for toddlers. I would particularly suggest this book as a good choice for reluctant or beginning readers.

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