Bees Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about the magic of the bees for children, kids (World Full of Wonder 3)
Written by Anna Smithers
Illustrated by Nino Aptsiauri
Smithers manages to pack a lot of information plus a wealth of problem-solving resources in this illustrated picture book.
Even though the language is not colloquial, the rhymes are fun to read out loud, and important vocabulary words are highlighted in color for emphasis. Children learn about the different types of bees and their work in the hive. I especially liked the interactive challenge for the reader to locate twelve different types of bees in the story. Young readers also discover the problems bees face today due to urban expansion.
The illustrations are multicultural, and they include children with disabilities. This book will appeal to children who enjoy nonfiction for information about the life of bees, but also to young community activists who will appreciate the seven practical solutions they can use to help the rapidly declining bee population.
I would highly recommend the book for parents, teachers, and librarians of elementary school readers.
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12 Sleeps ’til Christmas (The Countdown Collection)
Illustrated by I. Bunet
An adorable rhyming book that celebrates the joys of counting down to Christmas.
The author employs a novel approach to the countdown, using the word sleeps instead of days. Siblings begin twelve days before Christmas and count down time by reflecting in rhyme about the activities that families perform during the preparation for Christmas Day.
The rhymes are crisp and simple to read, and the multicultural illustrations are a delight for the eyes. This book is a good choice for an addition to family library read-alouds. It is appropriate for preschool and elementary-age readers.
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This book is written from the perspective of a dog named Oreo.
Children are brought through the activities of Oreo’s family as they prepare for the Christmas season and hope for snow. The rhyming text consists of a few lines that are written in large print that is easy to read. Illustrations are large and expressive, matching the mood and building the anticipation of the story.
Recommended for families with children aged one and older.
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Skelly the GIANT Skeleton: A Hilarious Modern Day Halloween Book Parody Tribute to the GIANT Halloween Community!
Written by Hailee Oman
Illustrated by William Velasco
The illustrations in this book are creative and original. Rhymes hit the mark.
The author uses parody to illustrate the limits some people will go to in celebrating and decorating holidays like Halloween. Skelly is the physical manifestation of overindulgence.
Children and adults will laugh at the ridiculous scenario. The book is appropriate for all ages.
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C is for Courageous: An A-Z Guide to Help Kids Build Courage and Confidence – One Rhyme at a Time (Courage Magic Book 1)
Written by Shanita Liu
Illustrated by Nejla Shojaie
Another wonderful book in the series that encourages kids to be the best they can be.
The rhymes are clever and fun to read out loud. Add the colorful, positive illustrations that pop off the pages. Set in an alphabetical format, each letter is matched with actions that inspire readers to be courageous every day, both in words and actions.
This book is not only appropriate for learning the alphabet, but also as a resource for children or adults. Parents and teachers will delight in reading these messages of positivity to their children and students. There are lots of free bonus materials available to reinforce the message.
As a parent, grandparent, and retired educator, I highly recommend this book.
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A Tall Tale About Dachshunds in Costumes: How MORE Dogs Came to Be (Tall Tales Book 4)
Written by Kizzie Jones
Illustrated by Scott Ward
A very creative rhyming picture book! It tells the tale of a young girl and her beloved Daschunds.
One day, while playing on the beach, the dogs decide to play dress-up using the vegetation they find around them. Their mistress is distressed that changing their outside appearance might change their personalities. Will they decide to remain this way?
The author uses the tale to explain the many different types of dogs, their physical characteristics, and how they were named. She provides a glossary of each dog type and the vegetation they associate with.
Children who love dogs will enjoy the humorous tale and the wealth of information about each species. An entertaining read for any age.
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This is not a potty humor book. It does introduce bathroom manners and etiquette for the young reader.
It contains lively rhymes and vibrant multicultural images. The author includes links to historic sites, horse racing, football, and living downtown. While these facts are interesting, the fact that they are not related is a bit distracting.
This book would be an excellent choice for parents who are potty training. Elementary school children will appreciate the humor of the read-aloud.
Recommended for ages three through eight.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: Tall as the Sun is a heartfelt story that takes readers on a lyrical journey through the eyes of a child as they discover the magic of perspective during a day at the beach with Dad. As our little hero rises higher and higher on Dad’s shoulders, the world transforms into a playground of endless possibilities. From soaring with seagulls to reaching the top of sandcastles, each page brings a new adventure.
Praise: “It’s easy to picture grandparents or parents reading this book to a child before bed as they drift off to dream of sunny beaches, lulled by the rhythmic sound of ocean waves.” —Readers’ Favorite (5 Stars)
Stephanie Henson lives with her family in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with roots in Central New Jersey. She holds a degree in Communications and a Publishing and Professional Writing Certificate from Rider University, and spends her summers in Ocean City, NJ. An active member of SCBWI (Eastern PA Chapter), Stephanie was a 2024 SCBWI Virtual Conference Scholarship winner, and her work has been featured in both print and online publications.
She is the author of the children’s poetry collection In the Right Lane (a #1 New Release in Children’s Poetry) and the picture book No School, My Rules! (a #1 New Release in Children’s School & Education Books and a Tielmour Press best-seller). Tall as the Sun is her newest picture book, releasing with Watchful Wizard Publishing in May 2026.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for underrepresented creators living with chronic illness, drawing on her own experience with autoimmune conditions. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, catching a show, watching Netflix, admiring sunflowers, cheering on sports, or sipping coffee.
A young girl shares her adventure sitting atop her father’s shoulders on a summer day at the beach. The world of the seashore transforms into multiple adventures as she spies sandcastles, seagulls, and crashing waves. She observes children playing on the beach, boats in the distance, fluffy clouds, and lifeguards standing watch. As daylight dwindles and settles into nighttime, she fondly recalls all the adventures that she shared with the father she loves.
The story uses magical language, including alliteration and repetitive rhymes. Soft colors complement the mood. The author invites elementary school-age readers to imagine themselves sitting tall upon a loved one’s shoulders.
Highly recommended as a bedtime story or fun read-aloud for eager young imaginations.
Readers who join us on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win one of four prizes. One grand prize winner will take home a special bundle featuring signed copies of No School, My Rules!, In the Right Lane, and Tall as the Sun, plus a curated book basket filled with fun, bookish goodies. Three additional readers will each win a signed copy of Tall as the Sun.
Ten Little Axolotls (Ten Little Adventures)Ten Little Axolotls (Ten Little Adventures)
Written by Kim Ann
Illustrated by Nejla Shojae
An adorable rhyming picture book about creatures with a tongue-twister name.
This vibrantly illustrated book features adorable sea creatures. It teaches tiny tots to count to ten. Readers also learn fun facts about axolotls and can download a free song.
Suggested resources for parents and teachers who want to teach toddlers and preschoolers how to count, sing, and have fun while doing it.
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Brave Buddy’s Big Mission: The story of a therapy dog with a big heart… and even bigger tricks!
Written by Gianna Scipione
Illustrated by Michelle Mayhall
Buddy is a therapy dog who loves to visit the children at the hospital with his owner, Miss Emma.
One day, Buddy meets a young boy named Leo. Buddy does his best to cheer him up, but nothing seems to work. After many strategies fail, Buddy manages to get a response from Leo. Kindness, patience, and resilience allow Buddy to become a friend to Leo.
This book contains simple illustrations and rhyming verse. Although the rhymes are not perfect, the book’s message is noteworthy and heartwarming.
This picture book explores the special bond between animal and child. It is an excellent read-aloud choice for preschool and primary grade children.
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August 23, 2026
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