The Adventures of Pookie: Home is Where the Heart is

Written and Illustrated by Rebecca Yee

A story about animal adoption from the point of view of the dog being adopted.

Children meet Pookie, who is excited to meet her new owner. Readers follow her journey as she explores her new surroundings and the loving care of Pookie’s new human family.

The illustrations are simple yet expressive and evocative of the appropriate emotions. I would recommend this book to young children who want to adopt, and as a teaching tool to explain the shelter adoption system.

This book is recommended for toddlers, preschoolers, and primary-grade readers.

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Our Hearts: A children’s book about how we navigate all of our feelings together with the ones we love.

Written by Kathleen Davis

Illustrated by Martyna Nejman

This beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book imparts a beautiful message for any age. The feelings we hold in our hearts belong not only to us but to those around us who love and care for us.

Our parents and friends experience the joys and sorrows, successes and failures we hold in our hearts. As we grow older our hearts expand as does the ability of others to share in those feelings. Our ability to love always outshines the feelings of fear and sadness.

I especially enjoyed the multicultural illustrations and the interactive feature, which encourages young readers to find and identify scenes and objects in the book.

Highly recommended for elementary and middle school readers, but a joyful message for all ages.

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How to Be a Big Sister Book for 3 Year Old and Up Girls: A Fun Rhyming Story to Help Your Little Girl Welcome a New Baby Sibling with Love and Confidence — The Perfect Gift for Toddlers

Written by Elowen Clover

This rhyming picture book is meant to prepare the future big sister for her new role in her growing family.

The book is easy for toddlers and preschoolers to understand. Large expressive illustrations enhance the lessons. The new big sister is taught how to assist with feeding, changing, singing, bathing, and family outings. There are simple ways to learn how to be a loving big sister and friend to the new sibling.

Hidden pacifiers on the pages encourage interactivity and increase engagement.

Recommended to expectant parents to prepare for the new arrival.

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Sam Says NO! (The Adventures of Sam the Mule)

Written by Dean R. Giles and Brenda Giles

Sam is an adorable mule who lives up to the reputation of being stubborn. Every time he faces a new situation, his answer is no. Sam will not try new foods and refuses to meet new people. Will anyone be able to persuade him to change?

The illustrations are simple but endearing. This series will develop a toddler’s curiosity and help prevent the “no” syndrome. Appropriate for children up to eight years old.

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Every child is different—and so is the way they respond to discipline. How you parent impacts how your child learns boundaries, responsibility, and emotional control. Here’s a simple guide to how parenting styles shape discipline and how you can adjust to better support your child.

4 Parenting Styles and Their Discipline Approaches

Authoritative (Balanced and supportive)
o Sets clear rules and explains them.
o Focuses on guiding, not punishing.
o Try this: Help your child make a plan after a mistake instead of just punishing them.

Authoritarian (Strict and controlling)
o Enforces rules without discussion.
o Often uses punishment.
o Watch for: Anxiety or rebellion in sensitive kids.

Permissive (Lenient and avoidant)
o Rarely sets rules or follows through.
o May avoid conflict.
o Risk: Kids lack structure and may push limits.

Uninvolved (Detached or inconsistent)
o Few rules or expectations.
o Minimal supervision or guidance.
o Consequence: Kids may feel insecure or unsupported

How to Adjust Based on Your Child’s Needs

• For Anxious Kids: Use calm tones, predictable routines, and gentle corrections.
• For Strong-Willed Kids: Offer choices within limits and enforce consistent boundaries.
• For Independent Teens: Let them help set rules and learn through natural consequences.

5 Smart Discipline Tips for Any Style

✅ Watch how your child reacts—adjust when needed.
✅ Stay connected and respectful.
✅ Set clear limits, but allow flexibility.
✅ Model calm, respectful behavior.
✅ Evolve your approach as your child grows.

Final Thought

Discipline isn’t just about control—it’s about teaching. The best approach grows with your child, helping them become confident and capable.

Pip the Bird: For Early Speech & Language Development

Written by Rachel Florence Meyer

Illustrated by Kathy Lee

A wonderful picture book collaboration by a mom and a speech therapist. The protagonist is a little bird named Pip, who assists his fellow animal friends to avoid danger when a gardener comes in the yard with a lawnmower,

The rhymes are crisp and sharp with lots of action words in bold print. Children are encouraged to read aloud. I appreciate the interactive guide for parents and teachers up front before the story begins. Illustrations contain wonderful details and facial expressions.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers of toddlers and preschoolers.

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If Shapes Could Eat: A fun rhyming story encouraging a healthy relationship with food and trying new things. 

Written by Rella B.

Illustrated by Wendy S.

The protagonists are colorful shapes who get together for a block party. At the party the shapes enjoy a variety of foods including meats, fruits and vegetables. I like the way the author portrayed shapes who were eager to share new things and explained to readers that it is okay if we do not all have the same taste. Also, there were shapes who had allergies and needed to avoid certain foods. This makes children who have allergies feel more comfortable in being different.

The rhymes are crisp and the illustrations fun and colorful. Highly recommened as a bedtime story or read aloud.

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My Trains Coloring Book For Kids 2+45 Cute Coloring Pages

Written by BipBapBop

If you know a child who loves train and enjoys coloring, this is the book for you. It contains 45 drawings of train scenes. In addition to containing trains, the illustrations include animals, different seasons, and holidays. Some of the scenes are simple drawings and others a bit more complex.

While the book is targeted for ages two and up, I believe it is most appropriate for ages five through eight. A good choice for developing fine motor skills and visual discrimination skills.

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Hello, Let’s Play! Preparing for Preschool

Written by Jennifer Sturgeon

Illustrated by Daniel Klein

This book is an excellent tools for preparing toddlers for the preschool experience. It will work for children about to enter a typical nursery school or those with special needs in an inclusive or stand-alone special needs early intervention program.

As an educator with experience in both settings, I appreciate the way author and illustrator include children from multicultural backgrounds and those with different types of disabilities whether they be physical or learning disabilities. Children are shown with educational adaptive tools like picture boards and braille books. Support staff are depicted working alongside the classroom teacher. Typical activities like independent choice centers, circle time, outdoor play, and singing songs are portrayed.

A young child will get a good idea of what happens when entering any type of preschool classroom.

A good resource for parents as preparation or teachers to use on the first day of school.

Sadie Soars into Space: A Storybook with Fun Solar System Facts (STEM Storybooks for Toddlers)

Written by Arezu Sarvestani

Illustrated by Floss Pottage

I received this book to review from Penguin Books and was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this board book.

Few books written for a toddler audience combine interesting rhymes with appealing illustrations, plus a wealth of factual information about space. The toddler journeys with Sadie the astronaut and her cat Buckles on an adventure through space. However, the author includes a wealth of supplementary information about stars, asteroids, galaxies and more. As the child matures, he will return to this book for more space science to investigate.

This is a delightful read-aloud and parent or classroom library resource to entice young minds to become interested in stem.

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