Arnold and Louis. Reach for the Stars

Written by Harvey Storm

This is my second time reading a book in this series for children ages three through five. Mick the Meteor has been falling through space for a long time. He falls asleep but wakes up just before hitting the Earth. Arnold, the Moose, and Louis, the Goose, are relaxing in their home in the forest at the edge of the swamp when they hear a crash and see smoke. Mick has landed in the swamp. When Arnold and Louis arrive at the swamp they find smoke coming from a small stone covered with precious stones lying in the mud.

Arnold and Louis are surprised when the stone begins to talk. Mick informs them that he really wants to go home. Arnold and Louis attempt to construct a catapult to launch Mick into space. They try unsuccessfully one hundred different ways. Miss Gorilla tells them that they need a rocket to reach outer space. They work together as a team until a successful rocket launch is achieved.

Appealing illustrations and vivid colors along with nice graphics make this series a good choice for preschoolers. Fun characters and moral lessons motivate the young reader.

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THE CHICK WHO COULD NOT KICK

Written by Tim Zak

This is an exciting day at the chicken coop. soccer tryouts are about to begin. Chuck desperately wants to make the team. He tries his best but his legs are shorter than the rest of the chicks. Chuck refuses to give up, even though everyone else is laughing at him. Chuck comes up with a plan that just might provide a solution to his problem and help the team.

This is a simple book with two lines of rhyming text on each page. Some of the rhymes come off as forced. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers, particularly children who love soccer.

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Maya and Filippo Show Hawaii

Written by Alina Rutkowski

Maya and Filippo live with their parents on a cruise ship named Fun Princess. The author provides clues for their next destination and invites young readers to guess. She describes the islands of Hawaii and talks about the language, customs, and culture. As the children arrive at Waikiki beach, readers learn about the ukulele, the flower lei, the hula dance, and the meaning of the word aloha. It does not simply mean hello and goodbye but describes the philosophy and way of living in Hawaii. The family spends a day at the beach before heading back to their cabin on the ship. Before ending their day, the children will have the opportunity to attend classes onboard to learn more about the hula dance and play the ukulele.

This book is colorfully illustrated in a cartoon-like format. Young would-be travelers will enjoy taking an armchair vacation with Maya and Filippo. I would especially recommend this book for children ages three through six.

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MEOW SAID THE COW

WRITTEN BY SARAH MAZOR

ILLUSTRATED BY ABIRA DAS

This is the second book in the Auntie Lily bedtime silly story collection. I liked it even more than the first. The lead character is a silly cow who tries to imitate other animals like a cat, hen, donkey, cheetah, monkey, snake and frog, to name just a few. In the process, children learn the characteristics of many animals. Rhymes are crisp and sharp, and the alliteration allows the sounds to roll off the tongue when reading aloud. Adults will enjoy this one as much as the children who are listening.

Illustrations are vivid and expressive, allowing even the youngest child to clearly get the message. This book is a perfect choice for an older sibling reading to a younger brother or sister. Perhaps my favorite part is the riddle section at the end that asks the child to answer ten riddles. After reading the book a few times, many readers will be able to create their own riddles. This series is a clever, creative, interactive approach to learning. Highly recommended as a bedtime story or read aloud for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school age children.

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Do it Again!/Otra Vez!

Written by Ann Morris

Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre

What a charming read-aloud picture book for preschoolers and kindergarten children! The author recreates a special day in the life of a three-year-old which reveals how important it is for parents and extended family to create a loving environment for young children. This book is bilingual and can be used as an aid for learning English and Spanish.

How many times have you heard a young child say, “do it again?” In this story, Amy is a three-year-old who visits her Auntie Ann and Uncle Dale. They bring her on a car ride to a football game where her cousin Mike is playing in the band. The family laugh and plays all day. Uncle Dale throws Amy up in the air and makes her giggle when he speaks like Donald Duck. By the time Auntie Ann tucks Amy into bed, she is exhausted but reassured by the nurturing of her family members.

This book contains fantastic illustrations and simple dialogue that will resonate with young children. Perfect choice for a bedtime story, shared sibling read or read aloud book in the classroom. Highly recommended.

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I’M A BIG BROTHER NOW

Written by Michael Gordon

Henry is excited when his mother informs him that he is about to be a big brother. He is ecstatic when mom brings Mia home from the hospital. Henry envisions sharing everything with his new sister, but he is soon disappointed when she seems to do nothing but cry. Mom reassures him that soon that will change. Henry is patient; he is elated when his sister grows into a best friend.

This is the perfect way for parents to introduce a new sibling to the family and model appropriate behavior. Recommended especially for children in the preschool population but it could also be shared with older children.

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Teamed up with Christine Calabrese to discuss

how to make your dream really happen.

If you enjoyed this post, please check out my other videos on youtube. You can find my book series at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com or on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or independent bookstores.

Here’s to your success!