The Legend of Saint Galgano: And the True Sword in the Stone (The Amazing World of Swords) 

Written by Luke Ralliston

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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Nico the Chipmunk’s New Home 

Written and Illustrated by Jade Willesme

The story of a chipmunk who wakes up one day and decides that he needs to find a permanent home. Nico goes off through the forest to find someone willing to share a dwelling.

Nico travels for a while, meeting several different animals. None is willing to share. Each time the message of rejection is repeated with the same vocabulary. The illustrations are simple and rather generic.

The book will appeal to young children in preschool or kindergarten who enjoy animal stories.

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The Adventures of Bob & Jim: Winter Festival

Written and Illustrated by Jill Bauer

Bob and Jim are two horses who live together on Blue Bill Farms. They are good friends, but have different personalities.

One day, Jim convinces Bob they should escape the farm and attend the Winter Festival down the road. After some hesitation, Bob agrees. They escape unnoticed. When they arrive at the festival, they are eager to try activities like sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, and snowball fights. The friends quickly discover that horses cannot become humans.

The book is a fun read-aloud adventure with attractive illustrations. This book is a perfect choice for preschoolers and primary-grade readers.

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The Adventures Of Wormie Wormington Book Three: Wormie and the Snowball

Written by Adam Brown

Illustrated by Andy Smart

This is book three in the series about a worm and his friend. As Wormie emerges from his can, he shivers in the cold. Soon, he spies the young boy with whom he shares many adventures.

The boy introduces Wormie to a toboggan. In no time at all, the two friends are careening down the hill. But trouble occurs soon after. Young readers will thrill to their struggles and how they manage to overcome them.

The book is colorful and nicely illustrated.

Highly recommend the series for primary grade readers.

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115 World Biographies: Famous Figures Who Shaped Human History

Written by Lic. Patricia Montana Duran

Illustrated by Renee Rojas Navarro

An enormous amount of research went into the writing of this series. There is a remarkable amount of detail in each biography. While each selection is short, the reader learns a lot of information that may become the basis of a detailed research project.

In Volume One, the author begins in ancient Egypt and then proceeds to research historical figures in medieval times. Examples include Nefertiti, Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, and Niccolo Machiavelli. The writing style is pleasant, combining facts in a easy to digest reading format. This facilitates appeal to a wide range of ages, from middle-grade students to curious adults.

As a fellow historian and retired educator, I would not hesitate recommending this book to any reader seeking a peek into dynamic figures of history.

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Al’s Journey: The Night Everything Changed: A Magical Story of Growing Up Fast and Learning Who You Are

Written and illustrated by Marin Darmonkow

This intriguing book contains 32 illustrated pages, but is far more than a picture book story.

The author has combined an earthly tale with mystical elements. At the outset, readers encounter a young boy being raised by his grandfather, who is the shaman of the village. When the shaman turns one hundred years old, he informs his grandson that he must climb the mountain to talk with God about his mission and purpose in life. The boy is guided by fireflies as he continues on his journey.

A book that begins as an adventure story becomes one of philosophical questions as the boy must grow up virtually overnight. Older readers will come face-to-face with finding answers on their own journey.

The illustrations are compelling. They draw the reader into the story and rapidly change its mood as the story evolves. This is a book that can grow with the reader who will return to it time and time again.

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Counting Monster Chefs: Numbers in the Kitchen (Little Monster Learners)

Written and Illustrated by Ameliessa Richardson

Lots of laughs and learning are crammed into this picture book that teaches toddlers and preschoolers to count. The characters remind me of Sesame Street. Illustrations showcase nonstop humor in addition to interactive counting prompts.

The author cleverly includes alliteration and onomatopoeia to make reading this book aloud fun for the adult as well as the child, enjoying its message. Young readers will want to pick it up over and over. Repetition reinforces the learning process. At the end of the book, there is a link to additional printables.

As a former educator, I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers of children ages two through five.

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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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The Flying Brooms: Manifestation for Little Kids (Young Dream Makers)

Written by Diana Aleksandrova

Illustrated by Anna Panchuk

At first, Leo is apprehensive. Ellie appears confident. They face many challenges while flying in bad weather up in the clouds. The children teach readers the need for resilience, determination, and persistence.

The twins learn that if they can imagine it, they can achieve it.

Illustrations possess a magical feel, blending with the story seamlessly.

I recommend it for parents and teachers of elementary school readers.

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