Pebbles and the Biggest Number

Written by Joey Benun

Illustrated by Laura Watson

Benun has managed to combine storytelling with an effective presentation of stem concepts, large mathematical numbers, and ecology in one easy-to digest- picture book.

This book encourages even the youngest child to stretch these skills. Pebbles, a butterfly with an insatiable curiosity, sets out to travel the world to find the largest number. Along the way, she travels through deserts, rainforests, oceans, and space. At every stop readers discover fun facts, scientific knowledge, and learn about the animals living in each habitat.

Children learn a ton of information without even realizing it. This book can be enjoyed over and over, revealing something new in each page.

I would highly recommend this book to homeschoolers, teachers, and parents of elementary and middle-school students. Warning! adults will be expanding their brains along with the young reader.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

463 Hard to Believe Facts: Better Explained Counterintuitive and Fun Trivia

Written by Nayden Kostov

For the person who loves trivia, or one who likes to appear as an expert in everything, this book is right up your alley. The first chapter in the book is organized in a question, answer format. First, posing a myth, and then answering whether the question is true or false and why.

Readers definitely will come away with new knowledge on a plethora of topics. This author covers sports, language, climate, human and animal sexuality, and countries around the globe. It is fun to have this book around as a conversation starter. One word of caution, the chapter on sexuality is one that parents may not want younger children to discover without prior parental consent or discussion.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Dogs Counting Activity Book: Count to 20 with this Fun Activity Book about Dogs

Written by Frances MacKay

I have previously reviewed this author’s count to ten with dogs book and found it useful. This book can be viewed as a logical extension of that book.

Here, the child not only learns to count to twenty but is provided lots of other learning opportunities that involve comparing and contrasting, more advanced language concepts, dot to dots, mazes, identifying differences, coloring, and simple math equations. The book would be a good supplement to kindergarten learning concepts as a means to prepare or supplement classroom curriculum.

Recommended for ages three through seven.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

NaMOOste: A Yoga Book to Develop Social-Emotional Skills

Written by Marlee Kostiner

Illustrated by Manvi Semalty

A very cute book for a parent or teacher who wants to introduce young children to yoga as a way to relax, become mindful, and deal with social emotional issues.

Thirteen basic yoga poses are presented by different animals portrayed in attractive watercolor illustrations. After trying out the poses, young readers can move on to the fourteen emotional skills in the glossary. The author explains the behavior in simple terms. The author also includes discussion questions based on the content in the book and a link to free resources like videos and free printables.

An excellent introduction to yoga for primary grade and elementary age students.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

The Donkeys Jesus Chose: A Catholic Chapter Storybook

Written by Christine Calabrese

A beautiful early reader for Christian families to describe the events leading up to Palm Sunday and the profound affect it had on one family.

Joshua, his wife, Miriam, and their disabled daughter, Mara lived a humble life in a small village. They have a stubborn, donkey named Sapphire who is about to give birth. Sapphire refuses to allow anyone to ride her. Mara must face the bullying of the village children who taunt her as a cripple. In those times, a handicap was often seen as a sign of sin. Mara has one true friend, Hannah, who tells her about Jesus, the Messiah.

As the village prepares for Passover, the family hears that Jesus will enter Jerusalem in a procession. Mara pleads to go. Then an unexpected request comes from a stranger to use the family donkeys for the Messiah in the procession. How will this request and the miracle that follows change the life of this humble family?

Along with the touching tale containing lessons of empathy, compassion, resilience, and hope, children are treated to the beautiful, colored pencil drawings of a budding young artist, Anna Williams who illustrates the chapters. As a bonus for young readers, the author includes a link to learn all about donkeys.

This book is especially recommended to Christian families and beginning chapter book readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Ocean Full of Wonder

Written by Anna Smithers

Illustrated by Nino Aptsiauri

I love how this author presents the ocean topic. Children learn about twelve examples of sea creatures that inhabit the ocean, and the life cycle of plant life that interact with them. Then the author discusses the problems that modern-day life has imposed on the oceans and the life within them.

The author uses crisp rhymes with challenging vocabulary that is highlighted in colors that pop off the page. Human characters represent the many cultures that inhabit our planet and how they can work together to sustain it. At the end of the book, readers receive an opportunity to go back and identify the creatures they learned about in the story. Then the author presents them with tangible and actionable steps they can take now to protect our oceans and its resources.

This interactive book should be part of libraries and classrooms. Parents who want to teach their children to be mindful of protecting our planet can count on this resource to put them on the right track.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Hockey Wars Journal: Stat Tracker Activity Book

Created by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson

The authors have created a unique product that functions as a diary, journal, statistical record, exercises for mind and body, as well as fun activities geared toward life on and off ice. Inspired by The Hockey Wars series of books, boys and girls who are enthusiasts of ice hockey receive an opportunity to incorporate their passion with other areas of life.

Writing prompts encourage creativity, puzzles, inspirational quotes, tips on exercise and proper nutrition, riddles, space for artwork, and outside reviews of their games all have a place in this tracker. It is the perfect gift for children who are ice hockey afficionados.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO RECEIVE NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

KIDS and MONEY TEACHING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND VALUES TO CHILDREN

Written by Connie Ragen Green

I believe it’s never too early to teach children about financial responsibility. This book begins with a history of money from the earliest times. Green explains that our concepts about money shift during our lifetime. She demonstrates how to determine a child’s financial personality and disputes the traditional viewpoint of setting up an allowance. Her five-part plan assists in fostering independence. Green shows why alleviating financial stress makes a dramatic difference in lifestyle.

This book can be introduced in the elementary grades or during the middle grades. Recommended for parents who want to foster financial independence and accountability skills in their children.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Two Little Raindrops: An Exciting Story about Raindrops

Written by Adele Lamothe

Illustrated by Steve Tu

A new earth science picture book that explains the wonders of the water cycle to young children. Written in lyrical prose, the book features two adorable raindrop characters, Splish and Splash. Children love to splash in puddles. When curiosity about where this rain is coming from pops into their minds, read this book to answer their questions. The book teaches them the importance of the water cycle to our survival and how to conserve water through two endearing raindrops, Splish and Splash.

The diagrams are informative and easy to understand. The AB beat makes the book a fun read aloud. I recommend this book to curious minds ages three and older. Science teachers put this one on your shelf for class discussion.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

FISTON TELLS IT ALL

Fiston’s Secrets

Written and illustrated by Lieve Snellings

I was elated to receive book five in this author’s stunning picture book series about groundhogs, chipmunks, and squirrels. In this edition, adorable Fiston reveals the secrets of life as a chipmunk.

I love watching these adorable creatures prance around my backyard in the northeastern U.S. Snellings taught me how they eat, move, hibernate, raise their young, and protect themselves.

It is fascinating that these creatures can weigh only two to four ounces yet manage to collect as many as 165 acorns a day when preparing for hibernation! As a history buff, I was delighted to learn about the Iroquois myth connected to them and the analogy of their coloring to the uniforms of the Swiss Guards at the Vatican. The photography is spectacular. Children can visually understand and relate to the fascinating facts that Fiston reveals to his new friends.

I highly recommend adding this beautiful book both to a home or classroom library as a gem of knowledge and a beautiful piece of photography.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO RECEIVE NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.