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.
What Am I? Valentine: A Picture Book of Read-Aloud, Rhyming Valentine Riddles
Written by Shana Gorian
Another rhyming riddle book in this eight part series written to delight young children who enjoy jokes and riddles.
The Valentine theme is presented with large font in red letters and adorable illustrations that connect to common holiday themes like hearts, flowers, cards, and chocolates. A fun addition to a class or holiday party.
Recommended for ages four through eight but appropriate for any age child.
Publisher’s Book Summary: With bright, watercolor collages, My Love for You Is Like a Garden celebrates unconditional love with vibrant garden scenes that will delight fans of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle. Perfect for baby showers, bedtime read-alouds, or anyone you love!
Say “I love you” with this charming picture book families will love reading together over and over again. Bold, colorful illustrations of flowers, butterflies, and animals will inspire readers of all ages to explore the natural world—and maybe even plant their own garden. Children will delight in finding ladybugs hidden throughout, and a glossary provides the names of each plant and animal featured. A beautiful book to share with a child, parent, or anyone who means the world to you!
If you’ve already purchased a copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, head on over to Laura Smetana’s website to receive two free downloadable 8×10 watercolor collage art prints:
–Print 1 – My love for you is like a garden
–Print 2 – My love for you flows freely
ABOUT THE AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR
Laura Smetana is the author and illustrator of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, a joyful picture book that celebrates unconditional love with bold, watercolor collages of garden scenes. She is also the author ofIce Cream with Grandpa: A Loving Story for Kids About Alzheimer’s & Dementia (illustrated by Elisabete B. P. de Moraes), which was winner of a Northern Lights Book Award, and Little Squiggle’s Lake Adventure, which she co-authored with her son, Stirling Hebda.
shaWhen she isn’t writing or painting, Laura can be found talking to kids at school author visits, gardening in her sunhat, and spending time with her family outdoors. Laura lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and son. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Downers Grove Artists’ Guild.
What a beautiful way to express a message of love! This simple picture book contains soft, watercolors that match its gentle message. Smetana compares her love to the elements found in a garden like the warm sun, the smell of lilacs, the blades of grass, water flowing, and butterflies dancing, to name a few.
Its message correlated with our senses in short sentences presented in an easy-to-read font appeal to children of any age. Smetana includes a glossary at the end of the book. Young readers become participants when they search for each character mentioned in the story and the ladybug hidden on each page.
I would suggest this book as a fantastic gift for a reader of any age, including adults. Surely, a memento to be treasured or a valuable tool for a parent to express love for a child.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a glorious garden-themed grand prize, including a hardcover copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, autographed by Laura Smetana!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
A cotton tote bag filled with:
-A hardcover copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, signed by author & illustrator Laura Smetana
– 4 oz of tea from Adagio Teas
– A bar of Italian rose soap
– Cherry blossom & tea rose hand lotion
– Sunflower & ladybug garden stake
– A 12 piece colored pencil set
– A mini sketchbook with elastic closure band
– 5 blank cards & envelopes featuring art from My Love for You is Like a Garden
Two (2) winners receive:
-A paperback copy of My Love for You Is Like a Garden, signed by author & illustrator Laura Smetana
Barnaby, a young badger, is eager to explore the wonders of his environment for the first time. As he awakens to face the night, he marvels at the moon. His mother takes him on a tour to explore the woodlands at night.
Barnaby discovers marvelous sights and sounds. He finds owls, insects, mice, grasshoppers, and flowers. Then his mother introduces him to a puddle and he discovers the greatest gift of all.
A cute book with beautiful illustrations appropriate as a bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers.
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Bug Zoo Adventure: An Aspen and Eva Adventure Chapter Book for Kids
Written by Kari Sue Benjamin
An engaging chapter book that teaches children about insects, flowers, 4-H clubs, and good sportsmanship. Seven-year-old Aspen and her five-year-old sister, Eva are getting bored near the end of the summer. They decide that they will capture insects, set up a bug zoo, and charge admission. The chapter book follows their successes and failures. Readers learn about some common insects, the flowers that attract them, and how to collect them.
Aspen is old enough to participate in 4-H. She needs to find a project for the fair so she decides to incorporate her bug zoo project. Readers learn a bit about what 4-H is about and what happens at a county fair. Aspen and Eva expect to earn a lot of money with their museum. Aspen also anticipates winning first prize for her 4-H insect collection. When their plans don’t exactly come to fruition, the girls learn lessons about winning and losing. In the end, there are a few unexpected surprises.
This short chapter book is targeted for ages six through ten but is generally best for the younger part of that age range. Short chapters and lots of dialogue keep the plot interesting and easy to follow. Reluctant readers also will enjoy this fast-paced read of fewer than fifty pages.
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August 20, 2025
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