Ruby Loves Halloween

Written by Steven Zollars

Ruby loves Halloween. In this short picture book, Ruby tells readers about some of her favorite costume choices, and the things she likes to do on Halloween with her friends.

The drawings are simple child-like creations. This book might be a good choice to introduce the Halloween holiday in a non-scary way to toddlers and preschoolers.

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I Can Eat a Rainbow

Written and Illustrated by Olena Rose

Illustrated by Indira Zuleta

This rhyming picture book might be useful for parents of toddlers and preschoolers. The plot is more practical than exciting. A young girl moves through different types of foods and explains how each can become enticing. If read as a bedtime story or read aloud to an individual child or class, it could be an effective guide to a discussion about the benefits of a varied diet.

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When I Caught You

Written and illustrated by Izzy B

Little Bear and his father go fishing. As the day wears on, Little Bear becomes impatient. On their way home, Dad tells his son how wonderful the day has been. Little Bear does not understand. After not catching anything, he sees it as a waste. Father Bear teaches him about the beauty of nature and the importance of simply spending time with loved ones.

The soft colors, simple text and sweet message remind elementary grade readers to appreciate our world and especially those who love us.

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My Very First Friend: A Rhyming Picture Book About a Boy and His Dog

Written by Kristina Sheldon

Illustrated by Jillian Dister

Many first-time parents already have a dog in their home when their first child arrives. This picture book features a young boy reflecting on his early experiences with the family dog. That pet became his very first friend and protector.

The simple rhymes and soft illustrations appeal to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is a nice memento for dog-loving families with a young child.

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Cats Don’t Like That: A Hilarious Picture Book for Kids Ages 3-7

Written by Andy Wortlock

Illustrated by Nahum Ziersch

Whether you love or hate cats, you will find this rhyming, picture book hilarious! The author reflects on the unique qualities of a cat’s personality, likes and dislikes.

Illustrations and cat expressions are priceless. Children of any age get the message either through pictures or the short, crisp rhymes. It’s even appropriate for toddlers. I would particularly suggest this book as a good choice for reluctant or beginning readers.

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The Adventures of Nonna and the Little Red Truck in Summertime

Written by Kathy Brandon

Illustrated by Jennifer Kasitz

There is so much learning packed within this little book. Recommended especially for preschoolers but a joy for any child to read.

It features onomatopoeia sounds for read aloud fun, teachers the days of the week, and helps children learn their colors. The book is highly interactive. An included learning guide asks readers to answer questions by rereading and searching for content. It also contains many follow-up activities as an extension of learning.

The narrator is a little boy who looks forward to spending one week each summer at his grandparents’ farm with their dog and red truck. It features warm family relationships and teaches wholesome values.

This picture book might be read to a younger child or be a fun read aloud for a beginning reader.

Highly recommended.

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When Will Cicada Sing? (Little Fingers, Big Science)

Written by Carla Mae Jansen

This is a cute, informative picture book for preschoolers and primary grade readers. The author describes the seventeen year life cycle of the cicada. Children learn the long and complicated process of development. At the end of the book, readers are treated to a detailed diagram of the life cycle of the cicada and an illustrated explanation of how cicadas sing.

A valuable edition to a parent’s nonfiction bookshelf or a classroom science library.

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Are They Really Scary?: a children’s book about being proud of who you are

Written by Julia Inserro

Illustrated by Tanja Varcilija

This humorous picture book is written from the perspective of a spider. Why are so many people afraid of spiders? Are they really so different from us? There are so many ways in which we are alike rather than different.

Primary grade readers learn there are more things we have in common than there are differences. Is there a rational reason to fear something that looks different? Read the book to find out.

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DIVERSITY to me: A children’s picture book teaching kids about the beauty of diversity

Written by Marisa J. Taylor

Illustrated by Fernanda Monteiro

I love the non-judgmental presentation of diversity presented by this author.

She shows both in text and illustration diversity is not restricted to skin color. We all have different talents, personalities, and physical traits. These must be assessed together so that all races can live and work together in harmony.

Recommended to parents, teachers, and librarians of preschoolers and primary grade children.

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Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Counting Book for Children, Math Read Aloud Picture Book

Written and illustrated by Lisa Konkol

Poor Mrs. Wiggles has lost her students. She stands alone in her one room school.

One day the numbers fall off the shelf and come to life. As they introduce themselves, the number zero finds himself without a role. The other numbers welcome him and teach young readers that each of us is important. Children learn to count with single numbers and groups of ten. Finally, they receive a bonus page on which numbers are matched to the corresponding number of objects.

This interactive book contains funny illustrations and appealing faces to entice the youngest readers. Recommended as a read aloud for toddlers, preschoolers, and reluctant readers to be enjoyed over and over.

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