Posts tagged ‘empathy’

AN AWKWARD START

Shep Dreams Of Home: A Bedtime Story

Written and Illustrated by Jason Matthews

Shep begins his life as an overzealous pup. He has a large head and teeth. Shep is clumsy and frequently finds himself in trouble. Soon his owners reject him and he finds himself homeless until one day he encounters a lonely man. Can these two find friendship and a happy home? Will Shep grow up to find acceptance and his place in the world?

This is a short book that is appropriate as a bedtime story. It appeals to children who enjoy animals and stories about family pets, friendship, and individual differences.

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WHOOPS! I DIDN’T MEAN TO DO THAT

Good Deeds Gone Wrong

Written by Ruthie Godfrey

Illustrated by Helen Ayle

Stephen is excited. National Good Deeds Week is coming up soon. He loves the challenge of finding good deeds to show kindness to others and cannot wait to accomplish his checklist.

Despite his good intentions, Stephen is disappointed when some of his ideas go terribly wrong. He must learn to readjust, persevere, and find alternative solutions. This book teaches elementary school readers lessons about kindness, empathy, and resilience.

This book is a good teaching tool for parents and teachers who want to explore these issues with their children.

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A JOURNEY THAT INSPIRES

Talon, Come Fly with Me: Inspirational Story about Friendship

Written by Gigi Sedlmayer

This tender story has won multiple awards. The protagonist is Matica, a young girl who is born with a disability that makes her small. She lives high up in the Peruvian mountains. Matica is ostracized for this disability. She searches for a friend. Matica forms a friendship bond with two condors. She names them Tamo and Tima. In time, the village marvels at her talent to communicate with these creatures and to protect them from danger.

The book is an inspiration for children with disabilities who face ridicule and disdaindue to their individual differences. Teachers might use the tale as a resource for class discussions on bullying and disabilities.

The book is an easy read for middle-grade, young adult and adult audiences as a lesson in empathy and true friendships.

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DOES IT NEED TO BE PERFECT?

Crow’s Christmas Star

Written by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch

Illustrated by Mike Dubisch

All the animals in the forest are excited. It is time to decorate the Christmas tree.

As each of them scurries to find a gift that can be used to decorate, the crow becomes frustrated. He has been commissioned to find something bright to become the star for the top of the tree. As the crow continues his search, nothing seems good enough.

Read the story to reveal the important message that the crow’s forest friends bestow on him for his efforts.

A charming story with an impactful message for our youngest readers.

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A LITTLE BIT OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float

Written by Cindy Shirley

Illustrated by Cleoward Sy

The heartwarming tale of a family exhibiting true Christmas spirit.

Doodle lives with her grandparents on a farm. Her grandfather is creative and inventive, spending much of his time creating toys and inventions for his granddaughter and her friends. When Doodle and her friends discover an old tractor on the farm, they plead with their grandfather to allow them to fix it up. Soon the entire family is involved in transforming the old tractor into a beautiful Christmas float for the town’s Christmas parade. Doodle and her friends plan to ride on it and distribute candy and Christmas cheer to their community.

This warm, holiday tale exemplifies families who work together and share love and kindness throughout the community.

I highly recommend it for parents and teachers of school-age children.

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THIS UGLY TREE IS JUST PERFECT

U-CUT: A Christmas Tree Story

Written by R.A. Becker

Illustrated by Michael Macakova

A book that celebrates a tradition that many families share: visiting a Christmas tree farm to find and cut the perfect Christmas tree.

One unusual Christmas tree has been passed over by visitors for many years, but when a boy and his family enter the farm this year, the ugly tree finally gets a chance to shine. This particular boy is attracted to the misshapen tree because he has also experienced gossip and mistreatment due to a scar on his face. When the boy spies the tree, he is immediately drawn to it. He convinces his family that this is the perfect tree for them. After bringing it home and decorating it, the ugly tree becomes a thing of beauty.

This book is perfect for families and teaches children that beauty comes from the goodness within, not physical, outward appearances.

An appropriate choice for children of any age.

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MORE THE SAME THAN DIFFERENT

Fingerprints: A Children’s Picture Book About Diversity, Respect, and Inclusion (Diversity & Inclusion Series)

Written and illustrated by Carmen Parets Luque

A unique picture book that teaches children that our differences are our most valuable asset.

Many of the illustrations feature fingerprint characters. Every person has a unique fingerprint. The world’s people are of different ages, colors, and skin colors. We speak different languages, dress differently, and live in different types of habitats. Our ability to learn in different ways and demonstrate talents in unique areas leads us to appreciate diversity.

This book is a wonderful way to teach acceptance and the need to use our differences to build a stronger world together.

Recommended for preschool and primary grade readers.

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DANNY SABE LEER: DANNY CAN READ – A VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY #DannySabeLeer

This post is sponsored by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

Written by Diana Paola Navarro Gómez

Illustrated by Carmen Blanco

Ages: 4–8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mr Momo (2025) | ISBN: 979-138-752-3121

Publisher’s Book Summary: Danny Can Read is a bilingual (English–Spanish) picture book that celebrates the magic of reading and the power of learning at your own pace. Dinosaur siblings Danny and Lily discover that their talents shine in different ways — and that they shine the most when they work together. Through a warm, engaging story designed for read-alouds, children explore big feelings like frustration and comparison, practice empathy, and build confidence as they see that differences aren’t obstacles — they’re strengths. Perfect for ages 4–8, ideal for bilingual families and for readers learning English or Spanish.


PURCHASE LINK

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bjZKWb


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Diana Paola Navarro Gómez is a Colombian children’s book author and mother of twins, who inspire the heart of her stories. She writes bilingual picture books grounded in real moments from family life — everyday situations transformed into relatable narratives for young readers. Her debut title blends early literacy with social-emotional learning, encouraging confidence, empathy, and patience as children navigate frustration and grow at their own pace.

Learn more at dianapaolanavarro.com

Instagram: @dpnavarro and @dannylilybooks

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Danny sabe leer: Danny can read (Spanish Edition) 

Written by Diana Paolo Navarro Gomez

Illustrated by Carmen Blanco

This bilingual book contains text in Spanish and English on each illustrated page. The characters are a dinosaur family consisting of siblings Lily and Danny, their parents, and a pet parrot named Poli. Lily and Danny are close. They enjoy singing, dancing, and picnicking together. One day, Danny puts the letters of the alphabet together and discovers words. He puts the words together and learns how to read.

Suddenly, his relationship with Lily changes. She becomes jealous of Danny because he spends all his time reading stories about adventures. While Lily knows her alphabet, she cannot read. Can their former close relationship be restored?

Lily possesses a talent that Danny will discover he cannot do without. The dinosaur siblings learn that differences make them stronger when they work together. This book teaches young readers that courage, kindness, and resilience lead to successful accomplishments.

The book is a wonderful resource for bilingual families and classroom teachers.


TOUR SCHEDULE

Friday, March 20, 2026The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-off for Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Monday, March 23, 2026Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Tuesday, March 24, 2026@nissa_the.bookwormInstagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Wednesday, March 25, 2026Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Thursday, March 26, 2026icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Friday, March 27, 2026Little Free Library Mystery NetworkInstagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Monday, March 30, 2026Q&As with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Diana Paola Navarro Gómez
Tuesday, March 31, 2026@meghenslittlelibraryInstagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Wednesday, April 1, 2026The Starlit PathBook Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Tuesday, April 2, 2026Lisa’s ReadingGuest Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Wednesday, April 3, 2026The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Monday, April 6, 2026Country Mamas With KidsGuest Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Tuesday, April 7, 2026@bored_military_wifeInstagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Wednesday, April 8, 2026Froggy Read TeachInstagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Thursday, April 9, 2026Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Friday, April 10, 2026@books.with.courtneyInstagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Monday, April 13, 2026Get Outside and ReadInstagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Tuesday, April 14, 2026Book Zone ReviewsBook Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Wednesday, April 15, 2026@avainbooklandInstagram Post about Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Thursday, April 16, 2026Un Viaje en LibroBook Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read
Friday, April 17, 2026Deliciously SavvyBook Review of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win one of three signed paperback copies of Danny sabe leer / Danny can read! One grand prize winner will also receive a 36-piece puzzle inspired by the book along with their signed copy. Giveaway ends April 20, 2026, at 11:30 PM Mountain Time. CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW THE PICTURE.

https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/danny-sabe-leer-danny-can-read-giveaway

A REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION

Crabby Abby the Decorator Crab’s Big Heart 

Written by Ellen Kolman

Illustrated by Kaelen Felix

Crabby Abby has recently moved to Ruby Reef. She is about to begin her first day at a new school.

Crabby is nervous but determined to be kind and cheerful. Soon, her worst fears materialize. Because Crabby is a decorator crab, she likes wearing odd clothes and accessories. The other sea creatures enjoy poking fun at her. Crabby manages to find one friend in Daniel who understands her predicament.

The artistic layout and bright colors of the illustrations in this book enhance the story. Vocabulary is challenging and alliteration makes this one a fun read-aloud choice. The lessons of kindness, sharing, and being true to oneself are valuable. There is a Christian focus with some Biblical references.

This book is appropriate for both elementary and early middle-school age readers.

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THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

Kit Kat Camp: The Grumpy Neighbor

Written and Illustrated by Kathy Dixon Dye

Alex and his friends are playing basketball when the ball lands over the fence in a neighbor’s yard. The problem is that this man refuses to return anything that lands there. He is known in the neighborhood as Mr. Grumpy.

Alex’s grandmother, nicknamed Kit Kat, often entertains and feeds the neighborhood boys. Even more important, she often offers them good advice. In this situation, Kit Kat explains to the children not to criticize too quickly. Often there is a hidden reason for the way someone behaves. At the end of the story, they learn why Mr. Grumpy, behaves the way he does.

This book is part of a series for elementary school readers that teaches compassion and kindness. Recommended for parents and teachers as a well-written and illustrated choice.

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