The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant (Global Beekeeping Tales)

Written by Nocola Williams

Written by Henry Ezeokeke 

A charming legend from Kenya relates the tale of an elephant who cooperates with the humans and animals of his village by watering the crops.

One day, a cabbage is missing from the fields. On subsequent days, more crops are missing. Elephant becomes distressed as do the other animals and humans of the village. The members of the beehive community invent a clever solution.

Readers discover the problem and the innovative solution after reading this book. They also learn facts about elephants, honeybees, the environment, and conservation.

A good choice for the classroom or home bookshelf for children who enjoy learning about animals, problem-solving, and conservation.

Recommended for ages six through twelve.

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Franklin The Firefly: The Glow Within (A young, un-glowing firefly finds out that anything is possible when you believe in yourself)

Written and Illustrated by Thomas J. Penisten

Franklin is a firefly lovingly raised by his family. He tries to be kind to his fellow community. As Franklin matures, he realizes that his light is not as bright as the others. While his family reassures Franklin, his peers begin to tease him. Soon, Franklin feels ostracized and seeks the company of less desirable friends.

One day, Franklin learns that his former firefly community is in trouble. They are in danger. Franklin makes a decision that will change his life and the fate of many others.

This clever picture book is written in catchy rhymes with vocabulary that challenges and enriches the reader. It is suitable for a kindergarten through sixth-grade audience.

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The Fairies – Petal & Nettle and The Best Story Ever: A magical picture book celebrating friendship, imagination and the joys of storytelling!

Written by Kirstie Watson

Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell

A cute picture book about two friends who are fairies. When Nettle decides he will write the best story ever, he soon gets stuck.

Enter his friend Petal. She coaxes Nettle not to give up by revealing one at a time the elements necessary to a good story. Characters, setting, plot, and a problem to solve.

Together these two friends, along with others that they meet during their adventure, inspire young readers to persevere and never give up on their dreams. They also teach children the qualities and value of true friendship.

This book is appropriate for elementary and middle grade readers.

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The Fish and his Puffy Temper – A Marine Life Story Book for Kids (Waves and Tales 3)

Written by Barbara Pinke

Illustrated by Alvin Adhi

Puffy is a fish who has difficulty containing his anger. He desperately wants to make friends and play but his anger keeps getting in the way.

Puffy meets a seahorse who wants to help but over and over Puffy fails to control his temper. Then he meets a crab and shark who also teach him techniques. Finally his mother gives Puffy something to remind him of the three ways he has to squash his anger. Can Puffy succeed in his quest to stop his anger and make friends?

This book provides three practical and simple techniques to control temper. Even preschoolers can learn them. The book is recommended to parents, teachers, and counselors for children ages three through seven.

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If I must go, you must stay 

Written by Hazem Nassar

The story begins with dark images of Salma, trapped under the rubble. Just a moment before, she was with her family. Now she is calling out for them.

Finally, she hears her brother’s voice. Then she meets a bird who asks where are her wings. Salma is confused. She wants to join her family, but apparently, this is not her time.

The author paints a picture of everyday life for children who live in war-torn areas. The illustrations carry the message perfectly.

This book will encourage discussion of the topic among children and their adult caretakers. Appropriate for older children and teens. Not recommended for primary grade readers but highly suggested for teachers and parents who want to discuss difficult topics with older children.

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Jazzy and Kettle

Written by Rick Quinn

Illustrated by Sefira Lightstone

A charming picture book that focuses on two children who accidentally meet. They are both new to the neighborhood. Although a bit apprehensive about their new surroundings, the girl and boy named Jazzy and Kettle decide to leave the confines of the yard and explore the area behind them.

They discover animals, plants, and springtime. Jazzy is braver and she gets herself in a bit of trouble. That leads to Kettle using his problem-solving skills and acting beyond his comfort zone. This multicultural book is appropriate for children ages three and older. It will be useful for children who have recently moved or who may be hesitant about making new friendships.

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Max’s Big Adventure: Traveling with Food Allergies

Written by Sally Huss and Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino

HUSS AND HAMILTON-GUARINO have addressed an important subject that affects the everyday lives of millions of children. Kudos to both authors for providing a teaching tool to entertain and educate kids about allergies and actionable resource links to guide their parents.

I love the way Max takes charge of his health and speaks intelligently and confidently to both adults and children about his problem. The list of resources is valuable to parents, grandparents, and teachers who need to get the most update information on food allergies.

Recommended highly to the growing number of families who face this problem.

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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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When I Grow Up, I Want to Be an Alien (When I Grow Up Collection) Kindle Edition

Written by Mikayla Ruvalcaba

Illustrated by Maria Burobkina

A young girl muses about her future. At first, she decides she wants to be an alien. She changes her mind when her mother reminds her that aliens might not exist.

Because she loves space, this protagonist changes her mind and outlines to her readers the advantages of being an astronaunt. Then again, she is intrigued by the idea of being an astronomer. Throughout the beautifully illustrated picture book, children learn about space, the solar system, the planets, and the life of an astronaut.

There are bonus sections that include lots of information about each planet, how life is formed, how stars are formed, and even how to pack for a trip to space.

A lovely book filled with facts and colorful illustrations for children interested in outer space or a career related to it.

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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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