Magical Stories: A Collection of Short Stories for Children Aged 3-103
Written by Píaras Ó Cíonnaoíth
A collection of ten short stories that stimulate the imagination. While I would not classify this book as a picture book, each story starts with an illustration of the main character.
The characters include many favorite types such as dragons, elves, fairies, tigers, and mermaids. It is equally appealing to male or female readers. The average length of the tales is approximately five pages, making it ideal as a bedtime story or classroom read-aloud. Each includes a moral lesson for young minds to ponder and appreciate.
Adults may enjoy reading them along with their children.
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Since it is widely agreed upon in the educational and child development communities that early recognition of the characteristics of a gifted child, is a key factory in successfully developing the child, it is important for the parent to have at least a general understanding of these gifted characteristics. First of all in order to be classified as a gifted child, the child must have the ability to perform at a level that is significantly beyond other children of like age. O.K. So, for a parent, what might this look like or what should I look for in my child?
Of course, every child is endowed with unique capabilities and has the potential for maximizing these qualities.
The following are some guidelines to help your awareness when it comes to recognizing the characteristics of a gifted child. Keep in mind that there are varying levels of giftedness, as you view the guidelines.
Cognitive Skills (thinking or though processing)
Ability to master new skills with extraordinary speed. A deeper knowledge than other children the same age. Extraordinary memory and recall of events, facts, and/or figures. Advanced creativity and ability to improvise. Acute alertness to their surroundings. Advanced or more complex sense of humor.
Learning Patterns
Great and constant curiosity along with high level of motivation to learn. As a result of the previous, being bored easily if not challenged Advanced ability to stay focused or lengthy attention span. Even with more difficult topics. Advance organizational or planning skills. Advance logic and problem solving skills.
Speech and Language
Well developed word vocabulary and language compared to children of the same age. Creative uses of words and sentence structure and again, sense of humor. Ability to adapt their use of the language to a given level to fit the situation. Ability to understand and carry out complex instructions. General advanced ability in reading, writing, and working with numbers.
Social
Sensitivity to other s feelings Use of their advance language skills to resolve conflict or debate. Organize and direct behavior of other children (may seem bossy to other children). Many times will feel more at home with older children. May have high expectations of themselves (and others) that can lead to frustration and even anger.
Other
A generally high aptitude for logical problems, games, puzzles, or any type of problem solving or activity that requires creative thinking and reaction.
Final Note: Although these characteristics of a gifted child may provide you with some initial insight and understanding, it is important to seek a formal assessment of your child in this area if you feel that your child exhibits several of these characteristics.
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.
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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.
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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.
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The Fairies – Petal & Nettle and The Best Story Ever: A magical picture book celebrating friendship, imagination and the joys of storytelling!
Written by Kirstie Watson
Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell
A cute picture book about two friends who are fairies. When Nettle decides he will write the best story ever, he soon gets stuck.
Enter his friend Petal. She coaxes Nettle not to give up by revealing one at a time the elements necessary to a good story. Characters, setting, plot, and a problem to solve.
Together these two friends, along with others that they meet during their adventure, inspire young readers to persevere and never give up on their dreams. They also teach children the qualities and value of true friendship.
This book is appropriate for elementary and middle grade readers.
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The story begins with dark images of Salma, trapped under the rubble. Just a moment before, she was with her family. Now she is calling out for them.
Finally, she hears her brother’s voice. Then she meets a bird who asks where are her wings. Salma is confused. She wants to join her family, but apparently, this is not her time.
The author paints a picture of everyday life for children who live in war-torn areas. The illustrations carry the message perfectly.
This book will encourage discussion of the topic among children and their adult caretakers. Appropriate for older children and teens. Not recommended for primary grade readers but highly suggested for teachers and parents who want to discuss difficult topics with older children.
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From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski: A Middle Grade Novel
Written by Melody J. Bremen
Lizzie is an eighth grade student who has difficulty making friends. When her teacher assigns her the task to find a pen pal, Lizzie decides to put her message in a bottle and launch it into the ocean at the beach. To her surprise, she receives a response by email. She is disappointed that her bottle did not travel far across the ocean.
As time goes by, Lizzie reveals more details about her life. Her pen pal signs only as Grand Slammer. Will Lizzie discover the identity of her friend? Is he or she someone she may already know?
I would describe this 300 page book as a coming of age novel with well-defined characters and a plot that is appealing to both middle grade and young adult audiences.
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S Is For Swords: And So Are All The Other Letters (The Amazing World of Swords)
Written by Luke Ralliston
What a unique and fascinating book!
The author has managed to find a sword that begins with every letter of the alphabet. In addition, Rawlings lists the advantages and disadvantages of each with wry, sarcaster humor. The illustrations are amazing!
Readers learn letters of the alphabet along with the history and culture of each sword. A must for sword fans of any age. This book can be appreciated by a reader of any age who has an interest in swords.
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October 8, 2025
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