Bobby and His Hobby: Elephant kids book. children book on empathy and kindness in the kindergarten for ages 3-6 

Written by Sholmo Goldman

Illustrated by Tanja Russita

Bobby, the Elephant, has a nasty hobby. He likes to call all his classmates nicknames that are not too flattering.

One day, a huge elephant comes to visit the class. Bobby promptly calls his friend, Reggie, a scaredy-cat. The other students finally realize they can no longer put up with Bobby’s insensitivity. Will Bobby give up his hobby?

The rhyming book is a fun read-aloud with an important message about bullying and empathy. Recommended for readers ages three through six.

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Hop Lola Hop

Written by Kathy Urban

Illustrated by Siski Kalla

Ella doesn’t leave the house without her favorite stuffed, toy, a bunny named Lola. They have shared many adventures. One day, after riding on a bus, Lola gets separated from Ella.

As the story evolves, readers experience the emotions seen from each of their perspectives. Will the best buddies be reunited? Read the beautifully illustrated watercolor picture book for primary grade readers to find out the lessons each learned.

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Escaping the Blaze: The Real Life Adventures of Dolph and Gwen

Written and Illustrated by Darcy Guyant

This is my first time reading a book from this series about Coast Guard rescues, and it certainly did not disappoint. Guyant bases his children’s books on real life rescue missions that he has flown. Children learn about courage, teamwork, and cooperation.

This is book two in the series. The main characters are Gwen, a female pilot, Mike and Sam, her crew, and Dolph, her helicopter. Dolph is personified and a truly wonderful character role model. Children learn about aviation and witness Gwen as a wonderful example of a strong female role model. The plot of this book involves the crew rescuing four adults and four children from a wildfire threatening the lighthouse on the peninsula on which they live and work.

The beautiful illustrations and text unfold naturally and build up to the climax. Can Dolph, Gwen, and another helicopter accomplish the dangerous mission? I also enjoyed the surprise included at the end of the tale.

A perfect book to teach and inspire young minds. Recommended especially for ages six through ten, but adults will enjoy it just as much!

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My Superhero Mom

Written by FA Khan

Illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

Soha is excited when her teacher announces an essay competition. She is confident that she can win. Her enthusiasm is dampened when the topic is announced. The students must write about why their mom is a superhero. Soha’s classmates share with her that each of their mothers have important positions in the community like teachers, doctors, and pharmacists. Soha’s mom is a stay- at- home mom.

Soha soon realizes that she is wrong. Her mom volunteers at soup kitchens, bake sales, and the food bank. She is a valuable member of the community. Soha learns that not all heroes are paid for their work. The value lies in the results that they produce for others.

This picture book is a valuable teaching tool. Children realize that a community needs responsible citizens who know the value of teamwork, empathy, kindness, and respect.

I highly recommend this beautifully illustrated multicultural book for readers in elementary and middle school. A worthwhile addition to both home and classroom libraries.

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The Day I Had A Dinosaur

Written by Ashley Wall

Illustrated by Vaughn Duck

A fun picture book to delight young dinosaur fans.

Luke is playing in his backyard when dinosaurs suddenly appear. He and his friends spend the day playing with several different types of dinosaurs giving young readers a lesson about them. The children go to the playground, play catch, play hide and seek, and share dinner with their new friends.

The children encounter some difficulties playing with their unique new friends. They must learn teamwork and cooperation to accommodate their dinosaur friends’ needs. The book teaches these lessons as well as empathy and the value of friendship.

Preschoolers may find the book a bit difficult but the illustrations fill in the gaps. Probably better suited to kindergarten and primary grades.

Furry Fighters to the Rescue: How to Stop Feeling Angry Kids Book

Written by Lieve de Lint

Illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

A brilliantly vivid picture book to help preschool and primary grade children deal with feelings of anger.

They learn to face their feelings by identifying with furry, firefighting creatures who team up to identify and analyze their strong feelings and get them under control.

A good resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who work with children experiencing anger issues.

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Unfair and Lovely (U.S. Edition

Written by Mallika Thoppay

Illustrated by Kavitha Amarnath

An illustrated chapter book that delivers an important message for tweens and teens. You cannot judge a book by its cover.

Sahana and her sister, Surabhi, have just moved to a new town in India. They eagerly anticipate the first day in a new school. Sahana will enter seventh grade and Surabhi, the third grade.

The sisters share much in common, but there is one significant difference. Sahana has a dark complexion. When the sisters learn about an interclass dance competition, both want to participate. Despite the fact the sisters both excel in dancing, Sahana is denied a spot in the competition; she hears the snickering and understands why she has been excluded.

Sahana’s mother explains that much in life is unfair, and sometimes one needs to find a different path to success. It turns out Surabhi gives Sahana an opportunity to prove herself and to teach her classmates an important lesson.

Highly recommended for preteens and teens who face similar issues and difficulties in social situations.

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Charlotte-Solana and the Sun (Charlotte’s stories series)

Written by Silvia Tabor

Illustrated by Dorina Casapu

Charlotte’s second name is Solana, which means the sun. A good match because the sun is her best friend. Every day, her first move is to open the curtains and greet her friend.

Charlotte teaches her primary grade readers that the sun is a star, there are eight planets orbiting around it, and she introduces the dwarf planets as well. She is delighted where her parents allow her to plant sunflower seeds. Charlotte reasons that these plants could become friends for the sun, who must be lonely out there by itself.

This book contains vibrant illustrations that pop off the page to attract young readers to its message.

Recommended especially for ages four through seven.

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If Shapes Could Talk

Written by Rella B

Illustrated by Wendy S.

This book is much more than a rhyming picture book about shapes. It teaches young children colors, empathy, compassion, kindness, gratitude, and diversity.

A rhombus introduces us to her shape family. Each member is different but they all live happily together. When the rhombus goes to school, she discovers a world of diversity and begins to feel left out because she has fewer material possessions. Soon, she learns that appearances can be deceiving.

Toddlers and preschoolers learn shapes and colors, older elementary school age readers will better understand the value of uniqueness and diversity.

Recommended for toddlers through grade three.

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Gigi: The Ballet Recital

Written by Carly Mottinger

Illustrated by Dan Seaton Brown

Gigi is over the moon. She loves to dance and has been doing so since age three. This year her little sister will be joining her at the yearly ballet recital. They practice everyday.

One day, Gigi’s teacher informs her she will not be in the front row this year because she is too tall. Gigi is distraught. How will anyone see her? She begins to lose interest in her dancing.

When the big night arrives, Gigi’s sister, Birdie, freezes on stage. Can Gigi figure out a way to help her. Will Gigi learn to love ballet again? Read this picture book with beautiful illustrations to find out what happens to the dancing divas.

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