The story begins with dark images of Salma, trapped under the rubble. Just a moment before, she was with her family. Now she is calling out for them.
Finally, she hears her brother’s voice. Then she meets a bird who asks where are her wings. Salma is confused. She wants to join her family, but apparently, this is not her time.
The author paints a picture of everyday life for children who live in war-torn areas. The illustrations carry the message perfectly.
This book will encourage discussion of the topic among children and their adult caretakers. Appropriate for older children and teens. Not recommended for primary grade readers but highly suggested for teachers and parents who want to discuss difficult topics with older children.
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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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This picture book is valuable for many reasons. It teaches elementary school readers to be kind and compassionate toward animals, what responsibility entails, and how to be a responsible member of the community.
The protagonists are twins whose mother works at an animal shelter. They already have two cats. When Charlie and Emmy ask their mother about becoming foster parents for kittens awaiting adoption, she carefully explains the amount of work and responsibility it entails. The twins immediately agree.
The rest of the book explains the path from three days until the day when the kittens are fully independent and neutered. At that point the kittens are put up for formal adoption. Readers learn how to care for kittens and the steps of their developmental process.
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Rooger and Loki Learn Manners: Sit, Boy, Sit. A Children’s Story About Dogs, Kindness and Family (The Curly Crow Pawprints Collection Book 1)
Written by Nicholas Aragon
Illustrated by Remesh Ram
When Dad decides to take his twins, Quinn and Finn to the park, they are delighted to find two playful Boston Terriers wrestling in the park. After striking up a coversation, the twins learn tat the twin pups named Rooger and Loki are homeless. The children decide they will need to learn manners and discipline before anyone will adopt them so the twins begin that task. At first, the job seems hopeless. Readers will laugh at the mayhem. Will the twins succeed with their good intentions?
The cute picture book teaches kindness and patience. Appropriate for animal lovers ages four and older.
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A funny picture book written from the viewpoint of a dog living in a family of children.
The dog laments about children tormenting him, being loud, and generally obnoxious. After a short period of reflection, the dog decides that the love and affection they bestow on him make it worthwhile after all.
The whimsical illustrations and small amount of text on each page indicate its appropriateness for very young children. Readers will laugh at the humor and emotion depicted in each scene.
At the end of the book, young readers are provided with excellent suggestions on how to treat their own pet dog.
Recommended especially for children ages four through seven and for families thinking of adding a dog to their home.
Jake and the Gingerbread Wars ( A Gryphon Chronicles Christmas Novella)
Written by E. G. Foley
This book is part of a series. It is intended to be a stand alone read, but it would help to have some background before reading it.
Jake and his cousins are no strangers to adventure, mystery, and time travel. In this Christmas novella, they set off to find Humbug, a renegade Christmas elf who is intent on spoiling Christmas. They chase him to the North Pole. Along the way, they teach readers about myths, Santa, and even incorporate the Nativity story and bits of Shakespeare.
Middle grade and older readers enjoy a feel good nostalgic read focusing on the Christmas season. A clean read appropriate for ages ten and older.
THE LIGHTHOUSE CATS OF MAZATLAN (TALES OF MAZATLAN)
Written and Illustrated by Carolyn-Watson Dubisch
Sisters, Ana and Luna live in Mazatlan, Mexico by the sea. Everyday, they climb the winding steps of the lighthouse. Most people travel there for the view, but the sisters have a different reason. They make the journey to feed and play with the numerous stray cats that inhabit the lighthouse and its surroundings.
One day, after a terrible storm, the town and its lighthouse are left flooded and without power. The disconcerted sisters cannot reach the closed lighthouse. They worry their cat friends will not survive.
When the lighthouse finally reopens, the girls cannot find one of their cats. Readers will be surprised to find out what surprise awaits these compassionate sisters.
This multlicultural picture book is available in Spanish and English. It teaches primary grade readers about empathy, compassion, and the problem of animal homelessness.
Recommended for ages two through six.
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A beautiful rhyming picture book illustrated in soft pastels. This book focuses on sibling relationships and parental love for the child who is born last. It is a perfect shower or newborn gift for such a family.
It stresses the advantages of being born last. These children are born to parents with experience in raising children and siblings who provide role models that shore up a child’s confidence and social emotional skills.
I strongly suggest it as a read aloud for a family to share with the youngest child who will surely grow with confidence as she achieves each of the milestones mentioned in the picture book.
Appropriate for any age but especially suggested for toddlers and preschoolers.
AS A BOOK REVIEWER FROM THE INCEPTION OF THIS EVENT, I AM PROUD TO SHARE TWO WONDERFUL NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK EXAMPLESWITH YOU.
📚 Join us for the 11th Multicultural Children’s Book Day on 1/25/24! https://shorturl.at/wG389 🌍 Founded by two book-loving moms, Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen, this non-profit initiative celebrates diverse books and authors. Let’s spread the joy of multicultural literature to young readers and educators. #MCBD2024 #ReadYourWorld 📖
It Is Not What You Think
Old Clothes for Dinner?
Written by Nathalie Alonso
Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro
This multicultural picture book is a delight for a young child’s eyes, ears, and taste buds. The book packs a ton of information as well as a delightful story of a Cuban family’s culture and homelife.
Magaly and her brother’s grandmother from Cuba have recently joined the family in America. They are delighted with the delicious native recipes she cooks for the family. One day, when Magaly asks what is for dinner, her “abuela” replies “ropa vieja.” That translates to old clothes in English. Magaly and her brother, Camilo, hurry to search for and hide their favorite clothes. Turns out the joke will be on them.
This book targets an audience of children ages four through eight, but it delighted this adult as well. In addition to the interesting tale, the author includes recipes from around the world including their history, facts about Cuba, and details on how to cook two of the Cuban recipes from the story.
THE TREASURE IS IN EVERYDAY THINGS
Treasure Hunt
Written by Stephanie Wildman
Illustrated by Estefanía Razo
When Luis sees a delivery person with a huge cardboard box, he at once thinks of his younger twin siblings, Roberto, and Flor. Luis asks the worker to leave the box behind.
Roberto and Flor return home from school expecting to watch TV and play video games, but Luis has a better idea. He asks them if they would like to go on a treasure hunt. The twins cannot hold their excitement. Roberto hides clues in the kitchen, the bedroom, and the living room.
Flor and Roberto are puzzled when they find and name the objects. Luis brings them to the backyard and the gigantic cardboard box. Immediately, the twins know exactly what to do with it.
This book displays a loving multicultural family with strong sibling relationships. Elementary grade readers will love this colorful picture book with endearing, curious, and intelligent characters. Wildman enriches its value by providing detailed instructions for readers to create their own treasure hunt complete with props.
I highly recommend this interactive book for primary grade boys and girls who seek opportunities for creativity and imaginative activities to engage in at home.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Toby: a young monster who has skin like a fish, fur like a dog, and smells like cotton candy when he gets excited. He lives with his family in the basement of Marymount Mansion and once a year ventures out into the real world when everyone is dressed for Halloween. Toby becomes frustrated with hiding below ground and sets off on an all-important quest.
Gregory G. Allen is an award-winning author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and actor. His children’s books include Chicken Boy: The Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut! He is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and The Dramatist Guild. The idea for his monster book goes back to the first musical he ever wrote, which was produced for the stage when he was 15, with the message that it’s okay to be different.
Shelby Goodwin is an illustrator, letterer, graphic designer, and all-around creative living in Hoboken, NJ. She is extremely passionate about children’s media and the power of art to romanticize the everyday. When she is not making things, she can be found with her spouse and three cats exploring new places, eating pastries, or cuddling up in her favorite reading chair.
Enter for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion, a signed paperback copy of each of the author’s previous picture books** (Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy: A Superhero with Autism Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut!), and a $50 Amazon gift card to buy other books! **All books teach children not to fear those who are different and to be proud of themselves FOR those differences.
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
– A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
– A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism
– A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: A Superhero Deals with Doctors and Dentists
– A signed paperback copy of Irving the Theater Nut
– A $50 Amazon Gift Card
Four (4) winners receive:
– A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Celeste lives in an old mansion that has belonged to her family for years. She hides a secret. There are monsters living inside that no one else knows about. Toby is an eight-year-old who lives there with his younger sister and parents.
Most of the time it’s boring because he must hide whenever anyone visits the house. But this year Toby is excited because Halloween is coming an he is old enough to disguise himself among human trick or treaters on Halloween and venture outside the house.
This book contains adorable black and white illustrations that will captivate beginning readers. (as well as adults) Allen knows how to move the story along for beginning chapter readers. I appreciate the message that monsters (like humans) are unique and special. Children learn to appreciate our differences produce our strengths. Certainly, it’s what inside that counts.
As a parent and retired educator, I would recommend the book as a read aloud discussion for homeschool or classroom. Warning! Adults will enjoy this one as much as the kids.
July 30, 2025
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