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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When the Stars Linger: A Soothing Children’s Bedtime Story About Love, Belonging, and Peaceful Sleep
Written and illustrated by Peggy Kan Hai
The perfect bedtime story to calm, soothe, and prepare children for a reassuring night’s sleep. Each page contains a short rhyming text, beautiful, animated images, and a message to reassure young, active minds.
This book is a feast for the eyes and the mind. The words and images flow together seamlessly. Adults will find reading it a joy and comfort as well. Its message is timeless.
An excellent choice for teachers, parents, and librarians. One of those rare books you will want to open and read over and over.
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Penny the Pelican Plans Ahead: A Tale of Saving Smart
Written and illustrated by Alexandra Bono
I loved this lovely, illustrated rhyming book that offers children wonderful life lessons.
Penny the Pelican is thrilled to learn that her mother is expecting. She decides to plan by thinking not only about today’s needs, but also about saving and investing for the future. So Penny gathers resources in three piles.
The illustrations are large and appealing, the alliterative rhymes crisp and sharp. Lessons include kindness, family love, goal setting, and financial literacy
I highly recommend this fun read-aloud for children ages three and older.
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Gertie is a young lady who refuses to be told that being a girl limits her choices.
This book is written in catchy rhymes. The vocabulary is fun and challenging. The author includes alliteration and analogies.
When peers warn Gertie that her choices are limited because of her sex, she pushes back. Why can’t she be a lion tamer if she works hard to succeed? That message is reinforced by her grandmother, who lives in the home with Gertie. Grandma has lived an exciting life full of adventures, such as hiking and hot air balloon rides. She encourages Gertie to aspire to her dreams.
This book inspires young girls to place no boundaries on possibilities. Parents and teachers should put this one on home and school bookshelves.
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Focus Is My Superpower: An Inspiring Story to Help Kids Pay Attention, Avoid Distractions, and Improve Concentration for Ages 4–8 (My Superpower Books Book 15)
Written and illustrated by Alicia Ortego
This book is a wonderful resource for elementary-age children who have difficulty focusing.
The protagonist is a young boy who has difficulty staying focused and completing tasks. His grandfather brings the boy to the garage and shows him a magnifying glass. Grandpa explains how the glass focuses the rays of the sun to one point on the glass. His grandson should practice this method.
Grandpa also teaches him the five-finger step method for remaining on task. In the book, the author lays out this pathway and provides examples of how the boy achieved successful completion. In addition, Ortega provides a letter of encouragement and an interactive task for readers to follow the example.
A sequence of clever rhymes and charming illustrations draws readers, making this book an excellent choice for children and adults.
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The Legend of Saint Galgano: And the True Sword in the Stone (The Amazing World of Swords)
Written by Luke Ralliston
Version 1.0.0
Galgano was born to privilege and grew up to become a knight in twelfth-century Italy. He lived a rather selfish life, catering to his own needs rather than thinking of others. That all changed one day when the Archangel Michael appeared before him.
Galgano was urged to change his ways, but he appeared reluctant. He thrust his sword, which became embedded in stone. Did Galgano relent?
The book might have included more historical context. Illustrations are large and colorful. The rhyme sometimes misses the mark. However, the book relates an interesting adventure that will intrigue elementary-age readers.
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Why Do Kids Love Christmas?: A fun, festive, beautifully illustrated rhyming Christmas picture book about all the creative reasons why kids love Christmas
Written by Ebilor Ediale
Illustrated by Jecore Firmalan
I enjoyed reading this charming, rhyming picture book. The author includes children with disabilities and multicultural families. It contains Christian and non-Christian traditions. The illustrations are large, colorful, and anime-style.
There is no central story. This book puts preschool and elementary families into the spirit of the season. It can serve as a bedtime story or a fun read-aloud for the entire family or classroom teacher.
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May 24, 2026
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