Children’s book: The Torch of Peace (about relationships and better communication) 

Written by Doron Erez

Illustrated by Abira Das

Oliver is a kindergarten student who dreams of a career in construction. Every night he dreams of building tall brick structures. At school, he enjoys acting out his dreams with toy trucks. One day he is playing with some other children who rent apartments in his building development when Rafael, the owner, passes by. Rafael demands that the children remove the bricks and play elsewhere because they are spoiling the appearance of his property.

When Oliver tells his dad what happened, Oliver’s father reads him a story about two native tribes who once argued over how to grow crops on the land and figured out a way to settle their differences. Oliver recognizes the lesson in the story and immediately finds a way to apply it to solve his problem with the property owner.

This book is written to teach young children how to communicate with each other and adults. It teaches them how to solve problems with words instead of actions. Highly recommended for preschoolers and primary grade children. Parents and teachers might use it to discuss problem solving and communication issues with peers and adults.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily decided to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.

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All The Ways I Shine

Written by Kay B

Illustrated by Noor Zaki

This rhyming picture book is well-written with catchy rhymes and reinforcement learning activities.

It is an ideal read-aloud for a parent or a classroom teacher to introduce children to a group school experience.

The protagonist is a young boy who rides on a magical school bus. He uses this experience to practice positive social-emotional skills. At the end of the tale, these are listed as affirmations for the reader to say and practice. The author also includes a coloring page of a school bus and a matching activity.

Put this one on your list for back-to-school time or as a review in teaching social-emotional skills for children ages three through six.

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The Adventures of Pookie: Home is Where the Heart is

Written and Illustrated by Rebecca Yee

A story about animal adoption from the point of view of the dog being adopted.

Children meet Pookie, who is excited to meet her new owner. Readers follow her journey as she explores her new surroundings and the loving care of Pookie’s new human family.

The illustrations are simple yet expressive and evocative of the appropriate emotions. I would recommend this book to young children who want to adopt, and as a teaching tool to explain the shelter adoption system.

This book is recommended for toddlers, preschoolers, and primary-grade readers.

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Our Hearts: A children’s book about how we navigate all of our feelings together with the ones we love.

Written by Kathleen Davis

Illustrated by Martyna Nejman

This beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book imparts a beautiful message for any age. The feelings we hold in our hearts belong not only to us but to those around us who love and care for us.

Our parents and friends experience the joys and sorrows, successes and failures we hold in our hearts. As we grow older our hearts expand as does the ability of others to share in those feelings. Our ability to love always outshines the feelings of fear and sadness.

I especially enjoyed the multicultural illustrations and the interactive feature, which encourages young readers to find and identify scenes and objects in the book.

Highly recommended for elementary and middle school readers, but a joyful message for all ages.

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The Hedgehog Who Painted the Weather: A Heartwarming Tale of Magic, Friendship, and Nature

Written by Ingo Blum

Illustrated by Olha Taran

An adorable picture book about weather and the seasons that also teaches children the value of teamwork, problem-solving, friendship, and caring for nature.

Tom, a hedgehog, loves to paint. One day he finds several blank canvases and decides to paint them. Tom paints scenes of the weather and different seasons. He rotates hanging them on his wall. Then something strange happens. It seems that when hung, these pictures actually control the weather. Tom consults with his friends, Rudolph the squirrel and Michael, the Swallow. Together, the three friends come up with a solution to the problem.

This book includes charming characters with appealing illustrations that teach children about weather, friendship, teamwork, and taking care of nature,

Recommended for ages three through eight.

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How to Be a Big Sister Book for 3 Year Old and Up Girls: A Fun Rhyming Story to Help Your Little Girl Welcome a New Baby Sibling with Love and Confidence — The Perfect Gift for Toddlers

Written by Elowen Clover

This rhyming picture book is meant to prepare the future big sister for her new role in her growing family.

The book is easy for toddlers and preschoolers to understand. Large expressive illustrations enhance the lessons. The new big sister is taught how to assist with feeding, changing, singing, bathing, and family outings. There are simple ways to learn how to be a loving big sister and friend to the new sibling.

Hidden pacifiers on the pages encourage interactivity and increase engagement.

Recommended to expectant parents to prepare for the new arrival.

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It Must Be Spring (It Must Be Seasons Book 3)

Written by Michelle Wang

Illustrated by Ulianna Barabash

A lovely picture book for preschoolers and early readers.

The multicultural book can be used to teach colors and action words associated with the spring season. As each member looks out the window, that person highlights a color and steps outside in the rain to play. Readers meet the parents, grandparents, and siblings of the family.

A fun book that encourages children to be interactive as they imitate the actions of each character.

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Jungle Trouble – Rory’s Rescue Plan

Wriiten by Sofia and Bibi Y. Haq

Illustrated by Ishrat Ahmed

When a rhino, elephant, and gorilla are stolen by poachers, Rory the lion calls a meeting of all residents of the jungle.

They each use their own talents to devise a plan to rescue their friends and rid the jungle of poachers forever. The author presents charming illustrations and text to teach readers about teamwork, ingenuity, and problem-solving to rid the jungle from a deadly threat.

I appreciate the glossary which allows the author to teach new vocabulary to young readers and the hidden butterfly cycle which makes the book an interactive experience.

Recommended for preschoolers and primary grade readers.

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Freddy the Fox Will Not Share His Thoughts (The Mindset School)

Written by Heather Lyn Davis

Illustrated by Corryn Webb

Freddy the Fox is clever and curious. He has one big problem. Freddy has difficulty speaking his mind. He cannot make choices or express his opinion. In school, Freddy does not answer even if he is sure of the answer.

Will Freddy gain the courage to speak out and share his convictions at home,in school, and with his friends?

This book is a good choice for young children who are shy or lack confidence in themselves.

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The Tale of Fuzzy Tooth Critters: How Do Sugar Bugs Survive in the Mouth? 

Written by LaTonya Butler

Illustrated by Shiela Alejandro

This RDH does an excellent job of explaining to young children why sugary foods are harmful and how tooth decay occurs.

By using humor and fun illustrations, children understand why they need to keep teeth and gums clean. Readers learn the proper way to brush and floss as part of the fun to read rhyming story. At the end, they are introduced to a visit to the dentist.

Recommended to parents of preschoolers as a tool to learn about effective dental hygiene.

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