Dragon Cat Wins the Lottery(The Make-Your-Own Ending Collection)

Written by Audrey Beth Stein

Illustrated by Alina Lutaeva

This is a cute interactive book for elementary school children that encourages both artistic and storytelling skills and is part of a series.

Dragon Cat decides to buy a lottery ticket hoping to win $100. When he discovers he has won the next day, he gets the surprise of his life, discovering 100 otters in his kitchen. The book is filled with black and white illustrations that can be colored in the paperback edition. Yet, that is not the best feature of the book because the author leaves the ending of the story blank, allowing the young reader to become an author by finishing the story and becoming co-author of the book.

The book is a good choice for a reluctant or beginning reader. It could also be used with a group to encourage multiple outcomes to problem-solving.

Especially recommended for ages four through eight.

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Diwali in My New Home

Written by Shachi Kaushik

Illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon

Priya has moved nine thousand miles from her old home in India. It’s time for the festival of lights, but here in America nothing is decorated, and the streets are quiet. Priya experiences mixed emotions.

When Priya returns home from school, she finds her mother preparing dishes of cardamom and ghee. Priya prepares flowers to make a rangoli and her father strings lights along the outside of the house. This draws the attention of neighbors who are invited to celebrate Diwali with the family.

Readers learn about the religious customs, dress, food, and fireworks of this festival. Kaushik includes illustrations of members of diverse communities and those with disabilities. Children receive a glossary of multicultural terms and a summary explanation of the Diwali festival.

This is a well-written and illustrated picture book that encourages empathy, compassion, and friendship among members of diverse communities. Highly recommended for parents and teachers of elementary school children as a read aloud book to discuss customs and traditions.

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

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My Friend Toothy: A Journey to Fairyland Book # 2

Written by Stacey Laviolette

Illustrated by Kateryna Rohotova and Sara Abbas

What a wonderful picture book series to teach dental hygiene to toddlers, preschoolers, and primary grade readers. This rhyming book features Piper and her brother, Colton. The book explains what happens to baby teeth after The Tooth Fairy collects them. Young readers see them nurtured to be special helpers that teach children how to brush, floss, and practice oral hygiene.

The colorful illustrations and crisp rhymes make the book fun to read as a bedtime story or beginning read aloud. The author includes diagrams and charts about how teeth grow, a few funny jokes, and fun activities.

A must for teaching and parent libraries. Highly recommended for young patients to read in a dentist waiting room.

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Rooster and the Nightmouse

Written by Carla Barr Warren

Illustrated by Bradley Tyler Wilson

As a retired educator who bemoans the fact that our schools no longer teach critical thinking to young children, I applaud the author for taking on the challenge of teaching primary grade children that their first impression is not always correct.

A young mouse named Tiny hears his family tell stories about enemies like the rooster. One day Tiny meets Dell, a rooster, and fears terror until he bravely stops to look into Dell’s eyes. He is surprised to find out you cannot believe everything you hear. Many misunderstandings can be prevented when rational thinking replaces false judgments.

The illustrations are an interesting collage of shapes and colors which force the reader to take the time to think about each page of the tale carefully.

I highly recommend the book to parents and teachers who will hopefully integrate the message of critical and creative thinking skills within the lives of themselves and their children.

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

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Kindness Week

Written by Tahiya Cooper

Illustrated by Patricia Grannum

A lovely picture book that includes diverse multicultural characters and children with disabilities.

The protagonist, Tahiyah, is a third grade student who is a member of the Kindnesss Club. She has been waiting all year for Kindness Week. Tahiyah guides the readers through Day One in her classroom.

The book gives practical examples about spreading kindness in everyday situations. Tahiyah teaches children how they can practice kindness and teach others to do the same.

Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful teaching tool for elementary school classrooms and children’s home bookshelves.

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FORGOTTEN CHRISTMAS TREE (KITTEN’S STORIES

Written by Mrs. D.

Illustrated by Saima Malik

A holiday picture book for children that is sure to become a classic tale. Malik never fails to impress the reader with vivid colors and expressive images. This fantasy picture book story reminds all of us that what is old and discarded can become new and beautiful once more.

A kitten looks forward to the first Christmas. The kitten discovers a freshly cut Christmas tree in the garage. The kitten wants to know all about Christmas, but the tree has no experience to share. Then the kitten uncovers an old artificial tree that has been discarded.

What can the old cat and the old plastic tree teach the little kitten and the child who opens this magical Christmas tale?

Open this charming book and share it with your child today.

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

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Luna Heartsong and the Explorers of Deep Space

Written and Illustrated by Lyra Brave

The protagonist, Luna, is a young girl who is brave and compassionate. She lives at the edge of the Milky Way. Luna’s fondest desire is to venture into deep space and explore the universe.

When the opportunity arises, Luna’s mother pleads with her not to go. Drawn by her insatiable curiosity, Luna answers the call. Her adventure will lead to many dangers, but Luna’s determination, empathy for others, and spirit of teamwork allow her to overcome the most formidable obstacles.

The illustrations are marvelous and the rhymes spot on. While the book is targeted for ages five through eight, the longer page length and vocabulary suggest for me a middle-grade audience as well.

This book with its strong female role model and intriguing plot make it a top choice for your next book selection to a home or classroom bookshelf.

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Melusine Birds of Many Feathers

Written by Geraldine V. Oates-Sese, Ph.D
Illustrated by Franchesca A. Guerrero

Children who are unfamiliar with birding may be inspired to become nature lovers after reading this book. Highly recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.

I loved this colorful picture book packed with so much knowledge.

The protagonist, Melusine, enjoys bird watching. One day she notices an unfamiliar sound outside her window. Melusine travels to her multicultural neighborhood to identify this bird. Along her journey, readers learn about the songs and calls of many birds. In addition, Melusine’s trip to the market with her parents exposes readers to the different languages spoken by members of her community.

The author provides a comprehensive summary of each bird call and a glossary of the terms expressed by humans in the various languages spoken in the market. This book portrays a beautiful message of the diversity and inclusive sounds emitted by human and feathered friends.

Children who are unfamiliar with birding may be inspired to become nature lovers after reading this book. Highly recommended for elementary and middle grade readers.

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The Last Dogs

Written by Joe Siple

This is a charming story that is targeted to a middle-grade audience, but one that raises moral issues pertinent to children and adults as well.

Ashley, a fifth grader, and her friend Mason live in a world where all dogs have been euthanized and no longer claim to be man’s best friend. When they discover a scientist has managed to save a pack of renegade dogs, they set out on an adventure to find them and discover the truth.

Issues like bullying, empathy, and animal science raise good meaningful topics for discussion.

A short read with interesting characters and plot lines.

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Have You Seen My Sock? A Fun Seek-and-Find Rhyming Children’s Book for Ages 3-7.

Written by Barbara B. Thompson

Illustrated by Remesh Ram

I loved this rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. A little boy becomes increasingly frustrated when he cannot find his favorite dinosaur sock. The repetitive lines encourage vocabulary retention and early reading skills. Bright illustrations draw children into the story. It teaches them the necessity of patience and the ability to be patient as they learn to logically follow a sequence of steps to solve a problem. This book encourages interactivity and helps parents and teachers to guide their young charges to follow through and remain on task.

I highly recommend it for a home or classroom bookshelf.

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