I Am an Amazing Asian Girl: A Book of Positive Affirmations

Written by Yobe Qiu

Illustrated by Jade Le

This book features an Asian-American girl as the narrator, but the story is strongly multicultural. Qui discusses adjectives that describe qualities of the character like being adaptable, appreciative, and assertive. She is also independent in her opinions, while also being very community oriented. She interacts with children of different cultures while pursuing her own interests and projects.

There are not too many books available with female Asian protagonists and this book is a good choice for primary grade children to encourage self-confidence and reinforce self-esteem.

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Adventure in Butrint National Park (Magilicious Journeys Book 1)

Written by Barbara Pinke

Illustrated by Tehreem Igbal

Siblings Simon and Olivia experience mixed emotions when waking up in a new house. They feel sadness at friends left behind but nervous anticipation of new adventures.

That anticipation is heightened when they discover a magical book hidden in the floorboards of Olivia’s room. They decide to visit Butrint National Park in Albania as they already possess a keepsake to activate their time travel. Soon they whisk readers off making a new acquaintance who serves as a tourist guide.

Not long after, tragedy strikes when a precious statue is stolen. The siblings must confront a band of pirates. Will Olivia and Simon find their way home safely? The answer is at the end of this first book in a series, perfect for new chapter book readers. The book is packed with information about Albania. There are a plethora of learning activities including mazes, puzzles, reading comprehension, and design activities which also appeal to middle-grade readers.

Highly recommend this series to parents and teachers of children ages eight and older.

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Allie Strom and the Ring of Solomon: A Middle Grade Fantasy (Bringer of Light Book 1)

Written by Justin M. Stone

How much bad news can one twelve-year-old handle? Allie has just learned her best friend is leaving, her mom has been deployed overseas, and Allie is about to start seventh grade in a new school.

If that were not enough, Allie faces bullies, her mother’s disappearance, and finding a necklace belonging to her mother that appears to have mysterious powers. This is the first book of a series that contains themes familiar and popular to a middle-grade audience but written in a way to appeal to an older audience as well.

Allie meets Daniel who will participate with Allie on her quest. I enjoyed the interesting sketches of the characters included in the book that make them come alive. This feature also will engage reluctant readers.

Readers of coming of age, paranormal, fantasy and magic will find something to like here.

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Feeling All My Worry: A Rhyming Picture Book

Written by Kim T.S.

A beautifully illustrated picture book that explains the emotion of worry to even the youngest child.

The author covers the nature of worry, reassures children that it is a common occurrence, and presents examples of situations in which a young child might be afflicted with worrying. It instills a feeling of self-confidence and urges children to either take action or seek advice from an adult when facing the problem.

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A Bee or Not a Bee (Early Science Books)

Written by Audrey Sauble

A wonderful nonfiction picture book that encourages elementary age school children to become young scientists.

The illustrations are colorful and fun but the biggest value of the book is the amount of information crammed into its short length. Readers not only learn about the types, habitats, and daily lives of bees but they are contrasted with many different types of insects. Children will learn about the likenesses and differences as well as learning about both bees and insects.

The author includes the scientific names for each and provides an interactive activity for matching pictures with information. They are also given a bee survey chart that they might complete by exploring bees in their own neighborhood.

A wonderful resource for parents and teachers to place in their home or school libraries.

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The Mirror Box

Written by Wade M. Bergner

Illustrated by Alan Brown

This is a tender picture book dealing with a topic families dread facing, the death of a loved one. In this book, the protagonist is a young boy who loves and enjoys spending time with his grandfather playing football, taking walks, sharing memories, and telling jokes.

One day his parents tearfully approach him with the news that his grandfather has passed away. The message confuses him. How could his grandfather leave without saying goodbye. Suddenly he remembers a gift that his grandfather gave him with the promise the boy would not peek. Will that gift be the key to relieving his grief?

I believe this book could be an important tool for parents or teachers with children who are grieving a personal or community loss.
Recommended for elementary grade readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily decided to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.

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Barnabee Believes (in Himself)

Written and Illustrated by Cazzy Zahursky

Another well-done book in the Barnabee series.

Barnabee loves to spell. He is thrilled when he learns his teacher has selected him to be in the spelling bee. He practices with Buster, another classmate.

Barnabee does not understand why every time he gets a word at practice, he freezes and cannot spell. Buster makes fun of him. Can Barnabee find the courage to be brave and perform when the big day arrives?

I enjoyed the clever puns, alliteration and on-spot analogies that add humor and make reading the story aloud fun. Not to mention children learn how to handle anxiety and cope with competition by turning it into friendship.

Recommended for elementary age readers.

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How I Saved the Ants

Written by Joyothsna Raju

IIlustrated by Vijitha Senadeera

Cheeku is a mischievous boy who lives with his grandmother. He tries to avoid getting up for school but reluctantly rises and steals mangoes from the monkeys on his way. But the monkeys chase him and he falls into a tunnel where his adventure begins.

Cheeku meets an ant colony. The queen grants him magic powers to be both a boy and an ant. In the following days, Cheeku discovers the value of friendship, the meaning of forgiveness, and the definition of teamwork.

Can a naughty little boy learn a valuable lesson from these tiny creatures?

Colorful, expressive illustrations that evoke strong emotions link the story effectively to the lessons taught. A multicultural tale that teaches and entertains elementary school children.

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Team Supercrew Emotions and Powers (4 Box Set)

Written by Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn

Illustrated by Sergio De Giorgi

This multicultural picture book assists elementary school readers to discover positive ways to discover and understand their emotions.

In the first book, the author introduces Sarah, who is about to attend her first day of school. Sarah is talking to her favorite superhero Benny who assures her fears are unfounded. He points out the positive situations and new experiences that could lie ahead in school.

Sarah understands the power behind, “What if?”. As a brave member of team supercrew, she has the power to be brave and unafraid.

I like the addition of an exercise for readers about how to build their own superpower skills. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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My Very First Friend: A Rhyming Picture Book About a Boy and His Dog

Written by Kristina Sheldon

Illustrated by Jillian Dister

Many first-time parents already have a dog in their home when their first child arrives. This picture book features a young boy reflecting on his early experiences with the family dog. That pet became his very first friend and protector.

The simple rhymes and soft illustrations appeal to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. It is a nice memento for dog-loving families with a young child.

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