One Day You’ll Be …: Boy babies and toddlers version – A Children’s Read-Aloud Picture Book About Growing Up and New Babies

Written and Illustrated by Patricia de Hemricourt

A simple picture book that explores the developmental stages of birth through adulthood for boys. It begins with birth. Each spread contains a beautiful illustration and a sentence. The cycle moves through toddler, preschool, youth, and teenage years to adulthood. The last stage will likely lead to marriage, pregnancy, and the head of a new family.

It makes an ideal gift for a baby shower or a new family. Parents and grandparents can enjoy and reminisce.

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Al’s Journey: The Night Everything Changed: A Magical Story of Growing Up Fast and Learning Who You Are

Written and Illustrated by Marin Darmonkow

This intriguing book contains 32 illustrated pages, but is far more than a picture book story.

The author has combined an earthly tale with mystical elements. At the outset, readers encounter a young boy being raised by his grandfather, who is the shaman of the village. When the shaman turns one hundred years old, he informs his grandson that he must climb the mountain to talk with God about his mission and purpose in life. The boy is guided by fireflies as he continues on his journey.

A book that begins as an adventure story becomes one of philosophical questions as the boy must grow up virtually overnight. Older readers will come face-to-face with finding answers on their own journey.

The illustrations are compelling. They draw the reader into the story and rapidly change its mood as the story evolves. This is a book that can grow with the reader who will return to it time and time again.

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Whiskers’ Christmas Eve (A Cat Named Whiskers) 

Written and illustrated by Shana Gorian

Another adorable addition to the Whiskers, the Cat, book series for elementary-age readers.

In this Christmas Eve addition, Whiskers is curled up under the Christmas tree when he notices a light that needs fixing. He tries but fails, and chaos ensues. Soon, Whiskers is getting into Santa’s goodies, and messing with the stockings on the mantel and the snowman outside the house. Will Whiskers destroy Christmas for his family?

The rhymes are spot on and fun to read aloud. Humor abounds, and the holiday spirit fills the hearts of the reader.

This one is sure to become a Christmas favorite for families and teachers’ holiday libraries.

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I Love When It’s Time to Say Goodnight 

Written by Joanne Stapleton

Illustrated by John Ladebauche

A creative and beautiful picture book that may entice your young ones to look forward to bedtime.

The child protagonist ponders possible careers like sailing, traveling to space, becoming a unicorn, or a leprechaun. He might travel to London, Paris, or Africa. He might even meet a dragon. Could he become a superhero one day?

Our imagination offers the ability to dream. We cannot dream if we do not go to sleep!

What a beautiful opportunity to combine reading with looking forward to bedtime and a healthy, good night of sleep.

Recommended for preschoolers and primary grade students.

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Pennygirl’s Rescue

Written and Illustrated by Judy McGee

Pennygirl is an adorable Lab mix who lived on a farm in Texas with Grandma Adeline. One day Pennygirl is called upon to help Grandma in a time of need. She does not realize it would be the last time she would see her home.

Grandma never returned to the farm, and Pennygirl finds herself in an animal rescue shelter. One day turns into the next, but Pennygirl never loses hope. After a time, Pennygirl learns she will be going to a new shelter, far away in Canada. Does this mean she will find her forever home?

This book is well-written with just enough challenging vocabulary. Though a picture book, it would be suitable as a beginning reader or middle-grade choice for a reluctant reader.

I would suggest it for children ages five through ten.

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This Book Is Your Friend (Reader for Life)

Written by Misty Black

Illustrated by Gabby Correia

This book contains vibrant illustrations with colorful, diverse characters who invite young readers to bring their imaginations and dreams to the library.

Every time a visitor opens the door, they unlock thousands of possibilities to experience new adventures and initiate new friendships. They enter a world that enriches their brains and stretches their minds to new vistas and opportunities.

The rhymes are clever. This book entices the reader to return over and over. Especially appealing for ages three to seven.

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How Many Together?: An Addition Game 

Written by Heather Douglas

Illustrated by Kayla Cieszlak

What a fun way to learn numbers and counting skills for preschoolers! This colorful, multicultural picture book offers an interactive tool for parents and teachers to make learning and counting numbers fun.

The author selects subjects that are appealing to young children, like dinosaurs, robots, aliens, and finger puppets. Illustrations are large and easy for little fingers to negotiate. Children are encouraged to repeat these activities until counting and adding skills are mastered.

Teachers and parents should add this one to their learning library.

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The A to Z of Texas Wildflowers 

Written by Kathleen J. Shields

Illustrated by Michael P. Earney

What a unique alphabet rhyming book! The rhymes are crisp and sharp, the colors vibrant, and the letter choices unique. Young readers will have fun listening to or reciting the Texas accent and the musical rhymes.

Adults get the opportunity to learn about many unique wildflowers while having fun reading about them. The author also includes a wealth of information about these plants and flowers.

Highly recommended as a library choice for preschoolers learning the ABCs, interested in flowers, or as a delightful class read-aloud choice or bedtime story.

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Becky and Bo

Written and Illustrated by Angela Greensill

Becky laughs when her teacher, Mrs. James, wears an octopus hat to class. Then she asks the class what they would like to be and why.

As each student takes a turn, they give answers like a kangaroo, cheetah, monkey, and alien. Becky begins to think that her answer (Becky’s pet dog) is too ordinary, and she is embarrassed.

Becky is in for a surprise when she finally gets her chance to contribute to the class discussion.

I love the claymation illustrations. They are huge in size, brilliant in color, and appear to pop off the page.

I heartily recommend the book for parents of children ages three through seven.

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Roland Looks for God: A Christian Picture Book for Ages 3-8

Written by Phyllis Wheeler

Illustrated by Elizabeth van der Bijl

This is a charming Christian picture book. Roland is a curious duckling who pauses to admire the simple beauty of God’s creation. However, a hungry crane and fox may be planning to eat him!

Roland is able to divert their attention from their plans by showing them the beauty of the world around them. The illustrations are charming and calming.

I would suggest this book for Christian parents or teachers of children ages three through eight. As a bedtime story or read aloud, this book encourages a young child to appreciate God’s gifts in the beauty they see in the world around them.

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