Rice to the Rescue: (Rumbly Tumbly Adventures)

Written and illustrated by Etaine Raphael and others

What a fun, rhyming picture book? This is part of the Rumbly Tummy Adventures series. It is written by a group of authors and illustrators. Included in this edition are six simple recipes.

The plot involves children who are being visited in class by a chef. She encourages the children to use their imaginations as she reveals each recipe. The children spin a tale of a princess locked in a tower who meets a bunch of interesting characters while the chef teaches each recipe.

At the end of the tale, young readers find the details for each nutritious dish included so they may join in the fun and eat healthy all at the same time.

Recommended for elementary and middle school readers who want to have fun and eat well.

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Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew: The Case of the Two Emily Soos

Written by Dr. Drew Palacio

Illustrated by Apolline Etienne

A common dilemma. Emily is going to a party and doesn’t know what to wear. Looking at herself in the mirror, nothing looks right. Suddenly, the mirror begins talking to her? Can Emily find the courage to stand up for her convictions and show the world the real Emily?

I really enjoyed the crisp rhymes that employ lively language of sounds and alliterative phrases that roll off the tongue and make this book a delightful read aloud. Illustrations portray the emotions beautifully. Young readers get the message to stand up and use affirmations to transmit their true feelings to others.

I highly recommend parents, teachers, and counselors place this book on their must read bookshelves.

Shreiks and Sounds and Things Abound:The Quiet Wars of Julien J.

Written by Dr. Drew Palacio

Illustrated by Etienne Apollinne

Julien sits under the shade of a tree reading his comic book about his favorite superhero, but distractors keep getting in the way. Julien’s frustration escalates. Suddenly an amazing figure appears to offer some good advice that young readers might follow to release themselves from the anger engendered by minor frustrations.

The rhyming picture book draws readers into the emotions felt by Julien in the tale. Even adults can relate to how easily common frustrations arise within us to create uncontrollable feelings. This story uses a superhero to teach a valuable lesson on how to control our emotions.

Recommended highly to parents and teachers who are searching for an effective approach to help young children reign in harmful emotions that lead to frustration.

Good Evening, Good Evening: Mindfulness and Affirmations for Babies and Kids.

Written by Kaarjal Agnani

Illustrated by Ekta Makhijani

This is a sweet rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. It contains short affirmations connected to evening that will calm them down and prepare them for bed, while reminding them of the many beautiful images associated with winding down at the end of the day.

Recommended for children ages two through five to be read aloud as a bedtime lullaby.

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Just The Two Of Us: A Bedtime Story

Written by Leeonie Mignott

Illustrated by Jenny Yevheniia Lisova

This is a beautifully illustrated, rhyming picture book told from the perspective of a father of a newborn child. He wants to share with his new child all the wonders of the world in addition to a multitude of learning experiences that he intends to teach his child.

The rhymes are sweet and heartfelt, just the type of emotion any new parent experiences. The vivid colors of the multicultural characters and places discussed will open up a young child’s mind to new vistas and experiences.

I would highly suggest the book as a bedtime story or read-aloud for toddler and preschool children.

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If Shapes Could Talk

Written by Rella B

Illustrated by Wendy S.

This book is much more than a rhyming picture book about shapes. It teaches young children colors, empathy, compassion, kindness, gratitude, and diversity.

A rhombus introduces us to her shape family. Each member is different but they all live happily together. When the rhombus goes to school, she discovers a world of diversity and begins to feel left out because she has fewer material possessions. Soon, she learns that appearances can be deceiving.

Toddlers and preschoolers learn shapes and colors, older elementary school age readers will better understand the value of uniqueness and diversity.

Recommended for toddlers through grade three.

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I Feel Anxious: (Children’s picture book about anger management for kids 3-5)

Written by Aleks Harrison

Illustrated by Ferlina Gunawan

This book is a short, rhyming read for preschoolers who often have difficulty identifying and dealing with their emotions.

The protagonist is a little boy who is playing in the park with his father. When it comes time to leave, the boy is angry and resentful. In another situation, the boy is angry and frustrated when he cannot tie his shoes. Then he becomes impatient and angry when he must wait his turn in nursery school class.

The parent and teacher give the boy three techniques to calm down and control his feelings. They include breathing deeply, counting backwards, and relaxing with art materials or a book.

Its illustrations are huge and the colors enticing to keep the interest and focus of young readers. Recommended as a classroom read-aloud or bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers.

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Positivity is My Superpower: A Kid’s Book about Managing Negative Feelings and Feelings (My Superpowers Books 10)

Written by Alicia Ortego

This book is part of a series that focuses on dealing with children’s emotions and turning them into superpowers.

In this book, Lucas is the protagonist. He is facing a move to a different city. That releases a flood of emotions, most of them negative. Lucas is dealing with anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown. He does not want to leave the house he grew up or the friends he cherishes.

Lucas’s mom comes to the rescue She reassures him with gentle words and simple actions like blowing bubbles that turn his negative feelings into positive ones like hopefulness, confidence, and a sense of adventure.

This rhyming picture book serves as a good teaching tool for elementary age students to enhance social-emotional skills.

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Aye- Aye Gets Lucky: Endangered and Misunderstood Animals Book 1

Written by Terri Tatchell

Illustrated by Ivan Sulima

Aye-Aye, a lemur, enjoys pulling pranks on the people who live in the villages of Madagascar. After a time, the inhabitants tire of his pranks and ban Aye-Aye. He wanders around scared and hungry.

After a while, Aye-Aye encounters a flying fox who terrifies him. The fox did not mean to frighten the lemur. He turns out to be a friend trying to teach Aye-Aye a valuable lesson. Aye-Aye becomes brave enough to attempt to regain the villagers approval. He hides for a while, building up his courage. Will he discover a way to obtain their forgiveness?

This rhyming, picture book for elementary school age children teaches them about endangered species and encourages children to get involved in their protection. A portion of the book’s profits go to that cause. As a bonus, readers learn how to draw lemurs and flying foxes, discover fun facts about them, and learn different ways they can protect them.

Recommended for elementary age readers who enjoy books about animals, the environment, and community involvement.

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Roar Like Me: Safari Animals (Join in)

Written by Sonia Maria

Illustrated by Winda Mulyasari

A charming picture book with simple but colorful illustrations that features animals that would be found on a safari adventure trip to Africa.

Toddlers and preschoolers are introduced to animals like lions, elephants, hyenas, snakes, parrots, and zebras. Each animal makes a distinctive sound to communicate their messages. The young readers are encouraged to imitate the sounds

Rhymes are short and easy to understand. This interactive book transports its readers to the jungle.

Recommended for the youngest readers from infants to preschoolers.

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