Charlotte-Solana and the Sun (Charlotte’s stories series)

Written by Silvia Tabor

Illustrated by Dorina Casapu

Charlotte’s second name is Solana, which means the sun. A good match because the sun is her best friend. Every day, her first move is to open the curtains and greet her friend.

Charlotte teaches her primary grade readers that the sun is a star, there are eight planets orbiting around it, and she introduces the dwarf planets as well. She is delighted where her parents allow her to plant sunflower seeds. Charlotte reasons that these plants could become friends for the sun, who must be lonely out there by itself.

This book contains vibrant illustrations that pop off the page to attract young readers to its message.

Recommended especially for ages four through seven.

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If Shapes Could Talk

Written by Rella B

Illustrated by Wendy S.

This book is much more than a rhyming picture book about shapes. It teaches young children colors, empathy, compassion, kindness, gratitude, and diversity.

A rhombus introduces us to her shape family. Each member is different but they all live happily together. When the rhombus goes to school, she discovers a world of diversity and begins to feel left out because she has fewer material possessions. Soon, she learns that appearances can be deceiving.

Toddlers and preschoolers learn shapes and colors, older elementary school age readers will better understand the value of uniqueness and diversity.

Recommended for toddlers through grade three.

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Pip’s First Flight and the Power of Visualization: A dinosaur children’s story to teach kids positive thinking

Written and Illustrated by Elyse and Garrett Fox

Pip’s mom comes to the rescue by encouraging Pip to visualize all the wonderful scenarios that could happen when he experiences his first flight. Suddenly, the world opens up and he now can’t wait to venture out into the world.

This book teaches preschool and primary grade readers how to visualize and includes activities and action steps to follow up. The story and activities encourage children to use their imaginations to create positive thoughts and teaches self-confidence.

Recommended for children ages three through eight. It is a good tale to introduce an upcoming new activity or experience for a young child.

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Gigi: The Ballet Recital

Written by Carly Mottinger

Illustrated by Dan Seaton Brown

Gigi is over the moon. She loves to dance and has been doing so since age three. This year her little sister will be joining her at the yearly ballet recital. They practice everyday.

One day, Gigi’s teacher informs her she will not be in the front row this year because she is too tall. Gigi is distraught. How will anyone see her? She begins to lose interest in her dancing.

When the big night arrives, Gigi’s sister, Birdie, freezes on stage. Can Gigi figure out a way to help her. Will Gigi learn to love ballet again? Read this picture book with beautiful illustrations to find out what happens to the dancing divas.

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Positivity is My Superpower: A Kid’s Book about Managing Negative Feelings and Feelings (My Superpowers Books 10)

Written by Alicia Ortego

This book is part of a series that focuses on dealing with children’s emotions and turning them into superpowers.

In this book, Lucas is the protagonist. He is facing a move to a different city. That releases a flood of emotions, most of them negative. Lucas is dealing with anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown. He does not want to leave the house he grew up or the friends he cherishes.

Lucas’s mom comes to the rescue She reassures him with gentle words and simple actions like blowing bubbles that turn his negative feelings into positive ones like hopefulness, confidence, and a sense of adventure.

This rhyming picture book serves as a good teaching tool for elementary age students to enhance social-emotional skills.

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How to Grow a Marshmallow Tree (Book 1 Amelia and Paco Series)

Written by Stefanie Gamarra

Illustrated by Mark Bertran

Amelia and her imaginary polar bear friend, Paco both have a sweet tooth.

One day, they are eating marshmallows, one of their favorite snacks. Suddenly, they run out. Amelia decides it would be wonderful to have a marshmallow tree for an unlimited supply. So the pair set out to plant one.

Amelia and Paco are unsuccessful at first, but Amelia refuses to give up. Read the picture book to find out the surprise ending to this fantasy adventure for young children.

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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.

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Aye- Aye Gets Lucky: Endangered and Misunderstood Animals Book 1

Written by Terri Tatchell

Illustrated by Ivan Sulima

Aye-Aye, a lemur, enjoys pulling pranks on the people who live in the villages of Madagascar. After a time, the inhabitants tire of his pranks and ban Aye-Aye. He wanders around scared and hungry.

After a while, Aye-Aye encounters a flying fox who terrifies him. The fox did not mean to frighten the lemur. He turns out to be a friend trying to teach Aye-Aye a valuable lesson. Aye-Aye becomes brave enough to attempt to regain the villagers approval. He hides for a while, building up his courage. Will he discover a way to obtain their forgiveness?

This rhyming, picture book for elementary school age children teaches them about endangered species and encourages children to get involved in their protection. A portion of the book’s profits go to that cause. As a bonus, readers learn how to draw lemurs and flying foxes, discover fun facts about them, and learn different ways they can protect them.

Recommended for elementary age readers who enjoy books about animals, the environment, and community involvement.

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THE LIGHTHOUSE CATS OF MAZATLAN (TALES OF MAZATLAN)

Written and Illustrated by Carolyn-Watson Dubisch

Sisters, Ana and Luna live in Mazatlan, Mexico by the sea. Everyday, they climb the winding steps of the lighthouse. Most people travel there for the view, but the sisters have a different reason. They make the journey to feed and play with the numerous stray cats that inhabit the lighthouse and its surroundings.

One day, after a terrible storm, the town and its lighthouse are left flooded and without power. The disconcerted sisters cannot reach the closed lighthouse. They worry their cat friends will not survive.

When the lighthouse finally reopens, the girls cannot find one of their cats. Readers will be surprised to find out what surprise awaits these compassionate sisters.

This multlicultural picture book is available in Spanish and English. It teaches primary grade readers about empathy, compassion, and the problem of animal homelessness.

Recommended for ages two through six.

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Luna is Missing: A Children’s book about the friendships & adventures of a girl, her dog and her cat

Written and illustrated by Tanya Preminger

I enjoyed reading this simple picture book about a little girl who lives with her dog and cat pets named Max and Luna.

As children read the pages, they learn about the responsibilities in taking care of pets. The pet owner teaches her pets manners, responsibility, safety, and having empathy for the needs of each other.

The simple illustrations fill in the gaps and help young children understand the plot better. When Luna goes missing, they can look for clues in the pictures to help find her.

Recommended for primary grade readers, especially animal lovers and would be pet owners.

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