Becky and Bo

Written and Illustrated by Angela Greensill

Becky laughs when her teacher, Mrs. James, wears an octopus hat to class. Then she asks the class what they would like to be and why.

As each student takes a turn, they give answers like a kangaroo, cheetah, monkey, and alien. Becky begins to think that her answer (Becky’s pet dog) is too ordinary, and she is embarrassed.

Becky is in for a surprise when she finally gets her chance to contribute to the class discussion.

I love the claymation illustrations. They are huge in size, brilliant in color, and appear to pop off the page.

I heartily recommend the book for parents of children ages three through seven.

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Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers Patterns: Discover Patterns for Ages 3-6 

Written and illustrated by Lisa Konkol

Patterns and numbers are everywhere! Teacher, Mrs. Wiggles, summons her pupils to the schoolyard to play an I Spy Game. They will be searching for patterns among flowers, farms, animals, ponds, and gardens. Poor number zero is confused, but soon catches up with the other numbers.

At the end of the book, children find a number chart including numbers one through zero, and a useful tool to help them count by tens. The rhymes are crisp and sharp, enticing children to learn while not even realizing they are doing work.

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Teachers should add this resource to preschool and kindergarten libraries.

The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant (Global Beekeeping Tales)

Written by Nocola Williams

Written by Henry Ezeokeke 

A charming legend from Kenya relates the tale of an elephant who cooperates with the humans and animals of his village by watering the crops.

One day, a cabbage is missing from the fields. On subsequent days, more crops are missing. Elephant becomes distressed as do the other animals and humans of the village. The members of the beehive community invent a clever solution.

Readers discover the problem and the innovative solution after reading this book. They also learn facts about elephants, honeybees, the environment, and conservation.

A good choice for the classroom or home bookshelf for children who enjoy learning about animals, problem-solving, and conservation.

Recommended for ages six through twelve.

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Jazzy and Kettle

Written by Rick Quinn

Illustrated by Sefira Lightstone

A charming picture book that focuses on two children who accidentally meet. They are both new to the neighborhood. Although a bit apprehensive about their new surroundings, the girl and boy named Jazzy and Kettle decide to leave the confines of the yard and explore the area behind them.

They discover animals, plants, and springtime. Jazzy is braver and she gets herself in a bit of trouble. That leads to Kettle using his problem-solving skills and acting beyond his comfort zone. This multicultural book is appropriate for children ages three and older. It will be useful for children who have recently moved or who may be hesitant about making new friendships.

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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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Thankful Day In Animalsville: Thanksgiving Story About Being Thankful And Showing Kindness to Others By Serving The Community

Written by  Virtuous Nyamesem Cornwall

This book is a beautiful and effective way to explain the meaning of giving thanks and putting the message into action. It is particularly effective for young children.

Using animals as the main characters, the author explains that the town has decided to express gratitude on Thanksgiving Day by doing kind things for others. Thinking as a community, each family decides on a way to help someone outside their own family. Then the families of Animalsville present the action steps. Examples include visiting a food pantry, cleaning up trash, visiting a nursing home, assisting the homeless, and cleaning house for the elderly.

At the end of the book, young readers receive a list of suggestions to practice their own action steps of gratitude in their own communities.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers of children from ages five and older to teach the values kindness, respect, gratitude, and civics.

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Animals Color by Number: For Kids Ages 4 – 8

Created by Zara Brown

This book features all sorts of animals to color. Some drawings are simple, requiring two colors. The most complicated drawings involve six colors.

The book can be enjoyed by a wide variety of ages and could be shared as a family activity.

Pebbles and the Biggest Number

Written by Joey Benun

Illustrated by Laura Watson

Benun has managed to combine storytelling with an effective presentation of stem concepts, large mathematical numbers, and ecology in one easy-to digest- picture book.

This book encourages even the youngest child to stretch these skills. Pebbles, a butterfly with an insatiable curiosity, sets out to travel the world to find the largest number. Along the way, she travels through deserts, rainforests, oceans, and space. At every stop readers discover fun facts, scientific knowledge, and learn about the animals living in each habitat.

Children learn a ton of information without even realizing it. This book can be enjoyed over and over, revealing something new in each page.

I would highly recommend this book to homeschoolers, teachers, and parents of elementary and middle-school students. Warning! adults will be expanding their brains along with the young reader.

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NaMOOste: A Yoga Book to Develop Social-Emotional Skills

Written by Marlee Kostiner

Illustrated by Manvi Semalty

A very cute book for a parent or teacher who wants to introduce young children to yoga as a way to relax, become mindful, and deal with social emotional issues.

Thirteen basic yoga poses are presented by different animals portrayed in attractive watercolor illustrations. After trying out the poses, young readers can move on to the fourteen emotional skills in the glossary. The author explains the behavior in simple terms. The author also includes discussion questions based on the content in the book and a link to free resources like videos and free printables.

An excellent introduction to yoga for primary grade and elementary age students.

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A Colorful Beginning

Written by Raven Howell

Illustrated by Carina Povarchik

An adorable picture book that features animal creatures getting ready for the first day of school. Each of the animals is associated with a different color The author uses vocabulary that stimulates interaction and even includes a bit of math to enhance the value of the book. When the animals arrive, they meet Mr. Mole, their teacher who assists them in painting a beautful work cooperatively that blends all their colors. Children learn to understand each has something important to contribute. Together, they create a beautiful tapestry.

This is an excellent book to read aloud to a preschooler or kindergarten child ready to begin school to allay their fears and teach them how each child is unique and special.

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