In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Practice Readers Books

ABOUT THE BOOK

Letter Sounds Abound

Written by Catherine S. Young

Illustrated by Victoria Gesner

Ages 3-6 | 48 Pages

Publisher: Practice Readers Books | ISBN-13: 9781778066702

Publisher’s Synopsis: Letter Sounds Abound is a friendly alphabet book that highlights big ideas about how written language works for preschool and kindergarten children. It focuses on the most common letter-sound relationships while helping children tune in to the fact that letters can make different sounds in different situations to avoid confusion for beginners. The rhyming text makes it fun for parents to read to their children time and again, while simple line drawings inspire imagination without competing for attention with text.

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/3tKfe0V

Practice Readers Books

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine S. Young has spent her career putting research insights into practice across the spheres of education, public health, and electronics. The proud mother of three delightful developing readers, she founded Practice Readers Books to provide evidence-aligned books to support the unique needs of fledgling readers (and their parents) at school and at home.

For more information, visit https://practicereaders.ca/collections/alphabet-books.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Victoria Gesner (Pelletier) is an artist and educator based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She believes in making literacy and art affordable and accessible to all.

You can find some of her other artwork at Femme des Fleurs Art at https://www.facebook.com/femmedesfleurs.art/.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

EASY PEASY ALPHABET

Letters Abound: A Practice Reading Book

Written by C. S. Young

Illustrations by Victoria Gesner

A simple tool to teach preschool and kindergarten students to learn and read alphabet sounds and words. The author introduces forty-four sounds and the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Young emphasizes first skills of reading like tracking left to right and following with the finger. Gesner’s illustrations are presented as simple black and white pictures containing the single letters, digraph sounds, and alphabet letters. Children learn how to point out the capital and small letters as they find out about the sounds associated with each. Two sentences on each page rhyme to make reading out loud a fun exercise pleasing to the ear.

This book provides a teaching tool for adults to read as well as for the child to pick up independently as she becomes more confident and proficient in phonetic and reading skills. Certainly, a valuable teaching tool for preschool and early childhood teachers as well as parents.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Letter Sounds Abound, the companion practice book Alphabet Print and Colour, a beginner’s notebook, and a set of alphabet letter magnets!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– An autographed copy of Letter Sounds Abound

– A copy of Alphabet Print and Colour

– A beginner’s notebook

-A set of magnetic alphabet letters

Two (2) winners receive:

– An autographed copy of Letter Sounds Abound

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/loYNF/letter-sounds-abound-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, June 22, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review of Letter Sounds Abound

Thursday, June 23, 2022The Momma SpotA book review of Letter Sounds Abound

Friday, June 24, 2022Writer with WanderlustA book review of Letter Sounds Abound

Monday, June 27, 2022The Review WireAn interview with author Catherine S. Young

Tuesday, June 28, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review of Letter Sounds Abound

Wednesday, June 29, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair with Letter Sounds Abound

Thursday, June 30, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review of Letter Sounds Abound

Friday, July 1, 2022Tales of a Wanna-Be Superhero MomA book giveaway of Letter Sounds Abound

Wednesday, July 6, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review of Letter Sounds Abound

Thursday, July 7, 2022Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway of Letter Sounds Abound

Friday, July 8, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review of Letter Sounds Abound

Monday, July 11, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by author Catherine S. YoungFavorite Words for Beginner Readers

Today I am Mad (Anger Management Series)

Written by Michael Gordon

Illustrated by Max Larin

This book is a good choice for toddlers and preschoolers. It follows a typical Michael Gordon illustration style. There are large, colorful illustrations featuring a young protagonist.

In this example, Josh frequently feels frustrated and angry when he does not immediately have his needs met. That might be with food, toys, or a particular activity. Gordon portrays Josh finding different techniques to control that anger. For example, counting to ten, finding another outlet, or sharing toys.

This book is a way for parents or teachers to demonstrate appropriate behavior strategies without exerting themselves as authority figure.

Especially recommended for toddlers and preschoolers but appropriate for older children as well.

Subscribe to find book reviews for the whole family every Wednesday and

The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache

Written by Lori Orlinsky

Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre

A very cute, rhyming picture book selection for preschool and kindergarten readers. A little girl is eating lunch in school when she loses her first tooth. She is dismayed because she swallowed it! How will she be able to put the tooth under her pillow for the tooth fairy?

The protagonist decides on deception. She places a look-alike under her pillow. The tooth fairy takes the bait but later becomes suspicious and calls her friends to check it out. They decide to teach the little girl a valuable lesson.

Young readers will both empathize with the girl and delight in its humorous lesson. A perfect gift choice for children about to lose their first tooth.

Need more book suggestions? Subscribe to this blog for new reviews every Wednesday and Sunday.

Where I Get My Super Power

Written by Ageno H. Monica

This is a different slant on the Biblical story of Samson and Delilah. In this picture book, Samson possesses exceptional strength which he uses to keep bullies at bay. Delilah is his best friend, but one-day local bullies offer her all kinds of riches and power if she could uncover the secret of his strength.

The bullies convince Delilah to sell out her best friend. Samson is strong mentally as well as physically. Will he continue to resist?

Cute illustrations and simple text make this book appealing to young children under the age of eight.

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T-Rex Twins: Brothers with Arms

Written by Michael Williamson

Illustrated by Kleverton Monteiro

The T-Rex twins are adorable characters. The book describes the wonderful adventures they experience together.

They do have a big problem. The twins have exceptionally long arms that make them an object of ridicule. No one wants to befriend them until outsiders realize the value of their physical differences.

Readers learn that it is okay to be different and that each individual has value. Fun and vibrant illustrations combined with well-written text that pops off the page. This book can serve as a bedtime story or a classroom discussion book. I highly recommend it for children up to age eight.

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SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

The Dinosaur Who Discovered Hamburgers

Written by Adisan Books

A fanciful picture book for young readers who are obsessed with dinosaurs. The protagonist is a dinosaur who loves to eat. One day he ventures forth to discover the perfect food.

Readers follow him through deserts, mountains, forests, swamps, and rivers. After selecting what he believed to be the perfect ingredients, our dinosaur friend returns home to cook. Something seems to be missing so he visits Dr. Ham’s food technology factory to work on the missing ingredient. Will that dinosaur succeed in finding the perfect food?

Children who love silly humor and/or dinosaur tales will enjoy this picture book. Adults who read the book to children may want to remind them that many parts of the story are not factual.

Subscribe to this blog for story suggestions, tips, and tools, for family fun.

My Dad, My Rock, Children’s Picture Book

Written by Victor Dias de Oliveira Santos

Illustrated by Anna Forlati

A warm and sensitive picture book that will captivate dads, granddads, and grandchildren alike.

Oliver reminisces about the grandfather he has never met. He decides to tell his grandfather about the son he has never known. As Oliver talks about his dad, readers learn about a father’s many roles as a friend, advisor, teacher, and playmate.

The soft, pastel watercolors of the illustrations perfectly complement the tale. I highly recommend the book for families of children ages four through eight.

Looking for more quality family books, follow my Pinterest Board at https://pinterest.com/bamauthor

Adventures Into the Heart: Playful Stories About Family Love for Kids Ages 3-5 (Perfect for Early Readers)

Written and illustrated by Eric Klassen

A read-aloud or bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers. Papa Bear attempts to explain there are no limits to his love. Written in rhymes with vivid illustrations, the book is a feast for the eyes and a joy for the heart.

Looking for more book suggestions. Hit the subscribe button to get them every Wednesday and Sunday.

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kelly Tills

ABOUT THE BOOK

Meow Is Not a Cat

Written by Kelly Tills

Illustrated by Max Saladrigas

Ages 4+ | 44 Pages

Publisher: FDI Publishing LLC | ISBN-13: 9781736700488

Publisher’s Synopsis: Meow is definitely not a cat. Cats lick their butts. Follow along as this wild child’s unique way of following instructions ends up going a little bananas.

Meow Is Not Cat is a completely goofy story, guaranteed to make kids laugh. With a cynical cat, wild monkeys, butt jokes, and a banana cannon, even pre-readers will love shouting out their favorite parts as you read aloud. Nestled among the laughs is a lesson about how embracing a person’s different way of interpreting the world can lead to surprisingly good results —and bananas, lots of bananas.

PURCHASE LINK

https://amzn.to/3LOA31x

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Tills is the creator of her own uniquely shaped family. Kindness, neurodiversity, and potty humor are her jam. She writes silly stories for kids and believes even the smallest hat-tip, in the simplest of books, can teach our kids how to approach the world. Kelly’s children’s stories are perfect to read aloud to your little humans or to have your older kids read to you (hey, let them flex those new reading skills!). Either way, you’ll enjoy the giggles.

For more information, visit:

https://kellytills.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kellytillsbooks/

https://www.facebook.com/kellytillsbooks

https://twitter.com/@kellytills

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS

Meow Is Not a Cat

Written by Kelly Tills

Illustrated by Max Saladrigas

Tills authors this book to celebrate neurodiverse children who think and respond to situations differently from most children.

The protagonist is a young boy called Meow by his teacher. Meow protests he is not a cat and does not act like one. The author adds a cat as a character who ad-libs as the story proceeds. This boy just cannot seem to fall in line. He goes off in the opposite direction. When the class participates in an outing to feed the monkeys, the situation gets out of control. Will Meow find a way to fit in with the group? More importantly, is it fair that he even tries to do so?

The book is full of hilarious illustrations and situations that will have primary-grade readers laughing. They will learn the value of empathy, kindness, and respecting the rights of others regardless of physical or mental differences.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Meow Is Not a Cat!

Five (5) winners receive:

A copy of Meow Is Not a Cat

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/UHCH9/meow-is-not-a-cat-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 13, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Thursday, April 14, 2022Books Are Magic TooA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Friday, April 15, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Monday, April 18, 2022Writer with WanderlustAn article by the authorKelly Tills

Tuesday, April 19, 2022A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Wednesday, April 20, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Thursday, April 21, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Friday, April 22, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Monday, April 25, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn article by the authorKelly Tills

Tuesday, April 26, 2022Me Two BooksA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Wednesday, April 27, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Thursday, April 28, 2022Reading Is My SuperpowerA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Friday, April 29, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withAuthor Kelly Tills

Monday, May 2, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Tuesday, May 3, 2022Lille Punkin’A book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

Wednesday, May 4, 2022Ravenz ReviewsA book review ofMeow Is Not a Cat

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH with The Children’s Book Review, Brooke Hartman,  and a grant from the Alaska Writers Guild

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Pega Sisters Go to Camp

Written by Brooke Hartman

Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley

Ages 4-8 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Page Street Kids | ISBN-13: 9781645674719

Publisher’s Synopsis: Lilly has waited for this day all year: It’s Pegasus Camp! And it’s finally here!

But this year, Lilly’s little sister, Filly, is tagging along. And wherever Lilly goes, Filly’s right underhoof, turning rainbow leaping, mane braiding, and cake baking into crashing, tangling, splattering messes! When Lilly’s temper finally snaps, Filly canters sadly away. Lilly wanted her Pega Sister to go―so why can she no longer have any fun without her?

Anyone with siblings will knowingly smile and roll their eyes, and all readers will laugh along with this rollicking, punny summer camp romp, which also serves as a sparkling reminder that sisters make the most marvelous magic together.

The Littlest Airplane

Written by Brooke Hartman

Illustrated by John Joesph

Ages 4-7 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books | ISBN-13: 9781513128641

Publisher’s Synopsis: A rhyming picture book about how sometimes it’s not the biggest, strongest, or the fastest, but the littlest who can get the job done!

“Alaska Northwest Books wings into spring with… The Littlest Airplane by Brooke Hartman, illus. by John Joseph, in which a storm necessitates calling a mighty little bush plane to rescue people stuck on a mountain in the snow.” —Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak Previews

At a landing strip in the far north, a little bush plane watches quietly as bigger, stronger, faster planes take off for adventure. But when a storm hits and hikers are stranded on the mountain, who will come to the rescue?

Told in rhyming verse with bright illustrations, The Littlest Airplane soars high with heart and excitement.

PURCHASE LINKS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brooke Hartman is an Alaskan mom and national award-winning author of silly, sweet, and sometimes strange stories for children and Young Adults. Follow along on her Alaskan writing adventures at www.BrookeAHartman.com, or on social media at @BrookesBooksAK.

MY REVIEW OF Pega Sisters Go to Camp

SISTER STRUGGLES

Pega Sisters Go to Camp

Written by Brooke Hartman

Illustrated by Mackenzie Haley

Lilly is excited about the upcoming summer camp. This year will be extra special because her little sister, Filly, will be going along with her. Unfortunately, things do not go smoothly. Filly adores her big sister and is constantly underfoot and undermining Lilly’s creations. When Lilly gets frustrated, she walks away from her sister. Will they be able to patch things up?

Children who adore unicorns and winged horses will fall in love with the beautiful illustrations of these beloved creatures. A fun bedtime story or read-aloud for preschoolers and primary grade readers.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a Pega Sisters Goes to Camp or The Littlest Airplane prize pack!

One (1) winner receives:

The Pega Sisters Prize Pack!

Includes a signed copy of Pega Sisters Go to Camp by Brooke Hartman and MacKenzie Haley, your own pegasus plushy, Pega Sisters activities, stickers, and accessories to “glam up” just like Lilly and Filly!

One (1) winner receives:

The Littlest Airplane Prize Pack!

Includes a signed copy of The  Littlest Airplane by Brooke Hartman and John Joseph, a “build your own wings” craft activity, Littlest Airplane word search and maze, Littlest  Airplane stickers, a set of markers, and your own fox plush to take with you on all your flights!

One (1) winner receives:

A copy of Pega Sisters Go to Camp and The Littlest Airplane

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/C43sT/brooke-hartman-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 30, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Thursday, March 30, 2022Jena Benton’s Simply Seven InterviewAn interview withBrooke Hartman

Saturday, April 2, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofThe Littlest Airplane

Monday, April 4, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofPega Sisters Go to Camp

Tuesday, April 5, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofThe Littlest Airplane

Wednesday, April 6, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofPega Sisters Go to Camp

Thursday, April 7, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThe Littlest Airplane

Friday, April 8, 2022Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofThe Littlest Airplane and Pega Sisters Go to Camp

Monday, April 11, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofPega Sisters Go to Camp

Tuesday, April 12, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThe Littlest Airplane

Wednesday, April 13, 2022Barbara Ann MojicaA book review ofPega Sisters Go to Camp

Thursday, April 14, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThe Littlest Airplane

Friday, April 15, 2022A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofPega Sisters Go to Camp

Monday, April 18, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair withThe Littlest Airplane and Pega Sisters Go to Camp

Tuesday, April 19, 2022Twirling Book PrincessA book review ofPega Sisters Go to Camp

Wednesday, April 20, 2022Jena Benton’s Simply Seven InterviewA book review ofPega Sisters Go to Camp