Cassie Pup Takes the Cake?? Cassie Pup Books

Written by Sheri Poe-Pape

Illustrated by Dasguptarts

A wonderful early chapter book that contains beautiful colorful and expressive illustrations. This book centers about a baking competition.

Cassie, a pup, and Cordelia, a cat both work as apprentices at Bindi’s Bakery. Bindi provides them both with aprons and chef’s hats. As they begin baking, Cassie and Cordelia allow their competitive spirit to create a disaster in the kitchen.

The adorable cat and pup need to learn that teamwork and friendship would be better choices in achieving their goals. Elementary school readers will enjoy reading the lovely, multicultural book with its crisp, colorful language and amusing illustrations.

Highly recommended for ages three through eight.

Hockey Wars 15: Graduation

Written by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson

Illustrated by Tanya Zeinalova

The conclusion to the Hockey Wars series in Book 15 does not disappoint. I feel as if I have been on the journey from childhood through middle school with this group of coed hockey friends.

The members of the boys’ and girls’ hockey team have shared emotional difficulties as well as physical struggles in their quest for success. Readers have laughed and cried with them along the way.

These characters are genuine. They have the kinds of strengths and weaknesses that the middle-grade target audience face within their daily lives. Certainly, it is not difficult to empathize with them as friends and competitors.

The length of these books makes them appealing to reluctant readers, while illustrations add to the charm. I must say I am sad to see the series end. A sequel following them in high school?

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Bakon is a great character who has multiple lessons for his fans.

In this picture book, Bakon is excited to be participating in the Tootsville Sock Hop. He and the Pork Choppers dancers really want to win. They will be competing against The Oink Angels and The Kickin’ Chickens.

Once the competition gets underway, something amazing happens. The primary grade reading audience learn lessons about friendship, competition, and good sportsmanship.

A fun bedtime story or read aloud with a winning message.

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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Lotti and the Big Dream

Written by Charly Froh

Illustrated by Meritxell Andreu

Lotti has a scar running down her left leg. She has endured many operations. That doesn’t deter her from her dream of becoming a rhythmnic gymnast. At first, it seems impossible and her results in competition are disappointing. Lotti refuses to give up and practices whenever she is able. She believes the day will come when she stands on the podium.

The picture book contains vibrant illustrations and easy to read text. Based on a true life story, its message is an inspirational one for young girls with disabilities. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Recommended as a read aloud, bedtime story, or beginning reader for ages three through eight.

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What Am I? Christmas: A Picture Book of Read-Aloud, Rhyming Christmas Riddles

Written by Shana Gorian

Illustrated by Art Porta

A beautifully illustrated Christmas holiday picture book!

Children (and adults) love solving riddles. This book could easily become a family holiday tradition passed down from one generation to another. These rhymes contain riddles about easily recognizable holiday objects appropriate for all ages from preschool on up.

Suggested for families and classrooms. Siblings or classmates might even want to turn the fourteen riddles into a competition to see who might get the most correct answers. Fun for all ages.

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Ultimate At Home Activities for Kids: 159 ways to keep children busy

Designed by Kate and Chris Stead

This activity book is a parent or caretaker’s go to resource when the kids are bored. The only materials needed are paper, pencils, the internet and common household materials like glue and scissors.

It is not age specific. Some activities are simple enough for preschoolers while others will entertain teens. Here are some of the topics: zoos, Olympics, arts and crafts, movement activities, bears, pirates, legos, music, and libraries.

Children can perform the activities by themselves, in groups, or have a competition.

I highly recommend it for entertaining children of any age.

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Anxious Ninja

Written by Mary Nhin

Illustrated by Jelena Stupar

Anxious Ninja is a talented runner who wins every practice race. When the big day arrives, Anxious Ninja begins to worry what if he doesn’t win. He loses confidence in himself and the race as well,

Gritty Ninja offers some advice. Remember the 3 R’s. On race day, Recognize that you can’t control the situation, relax and take deep breaths, and Refocus on the goal of winning, What do you think will happen when Anxious Ninja decides to take his advice?

This book is part of a series that teaches young children how to deal with their fears and emotions. I heartily recommend this one, especially for primary grade children.

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Wally Raccoon’s Farmyard Olympics Team Sports

Written by Leela Hope

Wally Raccoon hears a loud noise; he discovers that the animals on the farm are holding a Farmyard Olympics. Eager to join in the fun, Wally attempts to join the basketball and volleyball team. He is rebuffed and informed that there is no room for him. Wally is sad and disconsolate until Danny the Deer finds a solution to Wally’s dilemma.

There are four lines of rhyming text and an accompanying illustration on each spread. At times the rhyme seems a bit forced and unnatural. There are also a few editing errors. On the other hand, the book has value for young children who have experienced being left out and lonely. Recommended for children in the three to six age group.

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Charity’s Big Dreams

Written by La Keya Guy

Illustrated by Bryan Golden and Bryan Aguilar

Charity is a sweet, student who works hard and tries to do her best. When Mrs. Jones, her social studies teacher, announces that the top three students in each class will earn a trip to Washington, D.C., Charity is elated. Charity does everything possible to earn one of the spots. But one day, disaster strikes when a power failure causes her to be late for one of her exams. Despite her teacher’s encouragement, Charity is sure that she will not do well. She despairs, but ultimately perseveres and refuses to give up.

This book provides encouragement to children who have problems with self-esteem or lack of self-confidence. The illustrations are attractive and appealing. The book is targeted at a wide range of students, but the thirty-page length probably makes it most appropriate for children in the eight to ten-year-old age range.

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