Children’s book: The Torch of Peace (about relationships and better communication)
Written by Doron Erez
Illustrated by Abira Das
Oliver is a kindergarten student who dreams of a career in construction. Every night he dreams of building tall brick structures. At school, he enjoys acting out his dreams with toy trucks. One day he is playing with some other children who rent apartments in his building development when Rafael, the owner, passes by. Rafael demands that the children remove the bricks and play elsewhere because they are spoiling the appearance of his property.
When Oliver tells his dad what happened, Oliver’s father reads him a story about two native tribes who once argued over how to grow crops on the land and figured out a way to settle their differences. Oliver recognizes the lesson in the story and immediately finds a way to apply it to solve his problem with the property owner.
This book is written to teach young children how to communicate with each other and adults. It teaches them how to solve problems with words instead of actions. Highly recommended for preschoolers and primary grade children. Parents and teachers might use it to discuss problem solving and communication issues with peers and adults.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily decided to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
A little boy is terrified of monsters that come into his room at night. His parents try to comfort him. Eventually, his father comes up with a solution in the form of an agreement that is hung on the wall. A logical way to help the protagonist and the reader face irrational fears.
Then the book takes a sudden turn. When a cockroach enters the home, the boy decides to name him Moshe and befriend the creature. Unfortunately, his mother is terrified of Moshe. The boy must come up with a creative solution to save his friend and please his mother.
The rhymes are sometimes a bit difficult to read. I applaud the creative plot, but the English translation lacks fluidity.
A useful resource for a family with a young child who experiences night tremors.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant (Global Beekeeping Tales)
Written by Nicola Williams
Illustrated by Henry Ezeokeke
A charming legend from Kenya relates the tale of an elephant who cooperates with the humans and animals of his village by watering the crops.
One day, a cabbage is missing from the fields. On subsequent days, more crops are missing. Elephant becomes distressed as do the other animals and humans of the village. The members of the beehive community invent a clever solution.
Readers discover the problem and the innovative solution after reading this book. They also learn facts about elephants, honeybees, the environment, and conservation.
A good choice for the classroom or home bookshelf for children who enjoy learning about animals, problem-solving, and conservation.
Recommended for ages six through twelve.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
What a charming picture book based on a true story that teaches valuable life lessons.
Clarence Henry is a hermit crab that once lived in the author’s aquarium. He is missing a claw and a leg, so Clarence is aware that the other creatures in his habitat view him differently. That does not keep him from dedication to his duty. Clarence understands that it is his duty to keep the aquarium clean and safe for his fellow inhabitants.
Every day, Clarence performs his duty faithfully until one day he grows too large for his shell. Clarence knows it is time for him to molt. After his owners provide a new shell, Clarence begins the process of adjusting to his new home. A pleasant surprise awaits him!
Young readers learn about devotion to duty, perseverance, and resilience. They become aware that a disability can be a strength, not a handicap. Charming illustrations enhance the story. A wonderful bonus feature at the end of the tale teaches children about the fascinating lives of hermit crabs.
I highly recommend the book to parents and teachers, both as an enchanting tale and an informative lesson about life as a hermit crab.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
Publisher’s Book Summary: The Night Everything Changed: A Magical Story of Growing Up Fast and Learning Who You Are
What if you woke up tomorrow… a different person?
In Al’s Journey, young readers are invited into the magical story of a boy who grows up overnight—and must learn what it means to grow truly. With dreamlike illustrations and a message that resonates with kids and adults alike, this gentle parable offers a meaningful bedtime read and a touching reminder of the changes we all go through.
Perfect for ages 5 to 9, this book explores:
The mystery and beauty of growing up
Emotional self-awareness for young readers
Gentle lessons in identity, transformation, and empathy
Give your child a story they’ll never forget—with a lesson that will stay with them forever.
Can a child grow up overnight?
Al’s Journey is a magical tale about an orphan boy and his wise grandfather, the shaman of a gold-obsessed tribe that disregarded eating and sleeping while searching for the yellow metal. On his 100th birthday, the shaman announces to Al that it is time for him to begin his own life journey. The boy must climb the mountain alone to reach the roofless sacred hut of the old shaman, where he can ask God crucial questions. As Al makes his way up the mountain peak guided by mystical fireflies, he faces challenges that test his courage and strength. When he finally reaches the summit, Al asks the creator profound questions about the true meaning of life. The valuable experience of the voyage and the response of the supreme being help Al grow mentally, emotionally, and physically overnight and become the healer his tribe needs.
His name is Marin* and he marinates his picture books in a creative concoction brewed on the very beach of the Atlantic East Coast. Marin writes the stories, illustrates the pages, designs the covers, arranges the layout of the elements, and publishes the books. Sometimes he creates new fonts for his titles to make them complete pieces of art. His food-for-thought creations contain only natural ingredients. They are nutrient-dense and perfect for a balanced brain diet.
WARNING: Marin’s books tend to inspire young readers!
*Recipient of the Literary Titan Book Award, Wishing Shelf Book Award, and Creative Child Magazine 2025 Picture Book of the Year; 2024 American Book Fest finalist
This stunningly illustrated picture book offers much food for thought for beginning readers. Marin relates a familiar tale of greed, portraying villages that forget the importance of human dignity while relentlessly pursuing their quest for gold and material wealth. Alongside that storyline, an elderly shaman struggles to train his young adopted grandson to assume the responsibilities as the village shaman. This young boy, Al, climbs the mountain to answer three questions and save his people.
Adults reading this book aloud are given multiple opportunities to explore deeper questions, such as the spiritual nature of God and the important values of life, including empathy and the dignity of the human spirit. Al must learn to assess his own strengths and abilities as well as his frailties. Readers are then encouraged to evaluate their own.
GIVEAWAY
Everyone who enters the giveaway will receive links to download two of Marin’s creations: a free e-book and a free audiobook! One grand prize winner will receive $200 via PayPal along with the audio version of Al’s Journey. Another winner will receive $50 via PayPal and the audiobook, and a third winner will receive $20 via PayPal and the audiobook.
As The Sun Rises: Morning in Mazatlan (Tales of Mazatlán)
Written and Illustrated by Carolyn Watson-Dubitsch
A beautiful, multicultural picture book for preschoolers and kindergarten children.
The story relates the experience of two Mexican children who accompany their fisherman father to the beach. They observe him digging for clams and oysters. Later, they see a sea turtle on the beach.
As the day goes on, the tourist spot comes alive. Beachgoers and vendors teach readers about Mexican culture and food. As a bonus, the readers are treated to a native recipe.
Beautiful illustrations accompany the simple but moving multicultural tale.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
This rhyming picture book is well-written with catchy rhymes and reinforcement learning activities.
It is an ideal read-aloud for a parent or a classroom teacher to introduce children to a group school experience.
The protagonist is a young boy who rides on a magical school bus. He uses this experience to practice positive social-emotional skills. At the end of the tale, these are listed as affirmations for the reader to say and practice. The author also includes a coloring page of a school bus and a matching activity.
Put this one on your list for back-to-school time or as a review in teaching social-emotional skills for children ages three through six.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO RECEIVE NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
Mr. Macaw’s Paleta Adventure (The Mr. Macaw Children’s Book Series
Written by Leticia Ordaz
Illustrated by Yana Popova
This is an innovative bilingual picture book that relates an adventure taken by a one-hundred-year-old Macaw kite.
The Mexican children bring the kite to the seashore. Maxton and Bronx ask the kite if he can fly alone. The kite takes off on an adventure to a nearby village and then over the sea. Will Mr. Macaw find his way back to the beach in Mexico?
The book is written in simple phrases that are displayed in both English and Spanish on each page. Multicultural illustrations are lovely and appropriate. A lovely multicultural adventure for primary-grade readers.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
The Adventures of Pookie: Home is Where the Heart is
Written and Illustrated by Rebecca Yee
A story about animal adoption from the point of view of the dog being adopted.
Children meet Pookie, who is excited to meet her new owner. Readers follow her journey as she explores her new surroundings and the loving care of Pookie’s new human family.
The illustrations are simple yet expressive and evocative of the appropriate emotions. I would recommend this book to young children who want to adopt, and as a teaching tool to explain the shelter adoption system.
This book is recommended for toddlers, preschoolers, and primary-grade readers.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO RECEIVE NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
Our Hearts: A children’s book about how we navigate all of our feelings together with the ones we love.
Written by Kathleen Davis
Illustrated by Martyna Nejman
This beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book imparts a beautiful message for any age. The feelings we hold in our hearts belong not only to us but to those around us who love and care for us.
Our parents and friends experience the joys and sorrows, successes and failures we hold in our hearts. As we grow older our hearts expand as does the ability of others to share in those feelings. Our ability to love always outshines the feelings of fear and sadness.
I especially enjoyed the multicultural illustrations and the interactive feature, which encourages young readers to find and identify scenes and objects in the book.
Highly recommended for elementary and middle school readers, but a joyful message for all ages.
SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO RECEIVE NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.
October 1, 2025
bamauthor
Comments Off on A BETTER SOLUTION
Barbara Ann Mojica's BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.