Roland Looks for God: A Christian Picture Book for Ages 3-8

Written by Phyllis Wheeler

Illustrated by Elizabeth van der Bijl

This is a charming Christian picture book. Roland is a curious duckling who pauses to admire the simple beauty of God’s creation. However, a hungry crane and fox may be planning to eat him!

Roland is able to divert their attention from their plans by showing them the beauty of the world around them. The illustrations are charming and calming.

I would suggest this book for Christian parents or teachers of children ages three through eight. As a bedtime story or read aloud, this book encourages a young child to appreciate God’s gifts in the beauty they see in the world around them.

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Adana the Earth Dragon: An Elemental Tale (Tales from Umbrae)

Written by Debbie Manber Kupfer

Illustrated by Tina Wijesiri

Adana is a small, brown earth dragon. She is very sad because the more powerful air, fire, and water dragons shun her. Adana seems small and insignificant to them.

One day a giant strides into the neighborhood. He marches into their midst and renders the air, fire and water dragons powerless and afraid. Meanwhile, Adana slept peacefully in her cave. When Adana wakes up and discovers the giant in their midst, she is determined to help. Adana figures out exactly what her secret power is and how to use it. Readers will chuckle at her ingenious plot to trick the giant and restore balance. In the future, the more powerful giants learn the value of Adana’s talents and appreciate her friendship.

There is enough text in this book to consider it a beginning chapter book, even though it is richly illustrated. Younger readers can follow the story through the pictures, while older children can read the tale independently. Especially recommended for children ages five through nine. This narrative emphasizes the value of individual talents and skills as well as the importance of extending friendship to those who are just like us. It teaches children to avoid bullying and to appreciate diversity.

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Paper Airplanes: A Girl, a Dream, and the Sky Between 

Written and Illustrated by Jennifer Li

This book carries a beautiful message written in a lyrical, poetic style.

It begins with a little girl who has a dream and launches a paper airplane. The airplane takes off and travels around the world. She is frustrated when she loses sight of it. Then she meets a little boy who has also lost his paper plane. Together, they search and continue to meet other dreamers. They stop to plant and create dreams together.

I like the way the illustrations begin in black and white. As the theme of friendship and connection continues, more color is added. Children learn that we are stronger when dreaming and connecting with each other.

A beautiful book with an inspirational message for children of all ages.

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Little Tooky, The Dangerous Volcano

Written and illustrated by Josh Wills

Tooky is lost and trying to find his way back home. He flies over an island with an active volcano. Friggo, the frog, is the only animal left on the island. As the volcano spews forth lava, Friggo desperately tries to attract the toucan’s attention. Friggo takes shelter in a hollow cave and screams at the top of his lungs.

Somehow, Tooky can hear Friggo amid the roar of the volcano and flies back to rescue the frog. The two become good friends. The author promises many future adventures featuring Tooky and Frigo.

This short book contains a few color illustrations. The author narrates the story in the third person. Some dialogue between the characters would make the characters more interesting and believable. There are a few editing errors. The complexity of the text makes the book more appropriate as a beginning reader rather than a picture book.

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The Adventures of Pookie: Home is Where the Heart is

Written and Illustrated by Rebecca Yee

A story about animal adoption from the point of view of the dog being adopted.

Children meet Pookie, who is excited to meet her new owner. Readers follow her journey as she explores her new surroundings and the loving care of Pookie’s new human family.

The illustrations are simple yet expressive and evocative of the appropriate emotions. I would recommend this book to young children who want to adopt, and as a teaching tool to explain the shelter adoption system.

This book is recommended for toddlers, preschoolers, and primary-grade readers.

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The Fairies – Petal & Nettle and The Best Story Ever: A magical picture book celebrating friendship, imagination and the joys of storytelling!

Written by Kirstie Watson

Illustrated by Tilia Rand-Bell

A cute picture book about two friends who are fairies. When Nettle decides he will write the best story ever, he soon gets stuck.

Enter his friend Petal. She coaxes Nettle not to give up by revealing one at a time the elements necessary to a good story. Characters, setting, plot, and a problem to solve.

Together these two friends, along with others that they meet during their adventure, inspire young readers to persevere and never give up on their dreams. They also teach children the qualities and value of true friendship.

This book is appropriate for elementary and middle grade readers.

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The Fish and his Puffy Temper – A Marine Life Story Book for Kids (Waves and Tales 3)

Written by Barbara Pinke

Illustrated by Alvin Adhi

Puffy is a fish who has difficulty containing his anger. He desperately wants to make friends and play but his anger keeps getting in the way.

Puffy meets a seahorse who wants to help but over and over Puffy fails to control his temper. Then he meets a crab and shark who also teach him techniques. Finally his mother gives Puffy something to remind him of the three ways he has to squash his anger. Can Puffy succeed in his quest to stop his anger and make friends?

This book provides three practical and simple techniques to control temper. Even preschoolers can learn them. The book is recommended to parents, teachers, and counselors for children ages three through seven.

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Jazzy and Kettle

Written by Rick Quinn

Illustrated by Sefira Lightstone

A charming picture book that focuses on two children who accidentally meet. They are both new to the neighborhood. Although a bit apprehensive about their new surroundings, the girl and boy named Jazzy and Kettle decide to leave the confines of the yard and explore the area behind them.

They discover animals, plants, and springtime. Jazzy is braver and she gets herself in a bit of trouble. That leads to Kettle using his problem-solving skills and acting beyond his comfort zone. This multicultural book is appropriate for children ages three and older. It will be useful for children who have recently moved or who may be hesitant about making new friendships.

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The Hedgehog Who Painted the Weather: A Heartwarming Tale of Magic, Friendship, and Nature

Written by Ingo Blum

Illustrated by Olha Taran

An adorable picture book about weather and the seasons that also teaches children the value of teamwork, problem-solving, friendship, and caring for nature.

Tom, a hedgehog, loves to paint. One day he finds several blank canvases and decides to paint them. Tom paints scenes of the weather and different seasons. He rotates hanging them on his wall. Then something strange happens. It seems that when hung, these pictures actually control the weather. Tom consults with his friends, Rudolph the squirrel and Michael, the Swallow. Together, the three friends come up with a solution to the problem.

This book includes charming characters with appealing illustrations that teach children about weather, friendship, teamwork, and taking care of nature,

Recommended for ages three through eight.

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From the Desk of Lizzie Lazowski: A Middle Grade Novel

Written by Melody J. Bremen

Lizzie is an eighth grade student who has difficulty making friends. When her teacher assigns her the task to find a pen pal, Lizzie decides to put her message in a bottle and launch it into the ocean at the beach. To her surprise, she receives a response by email. She is disappointed that her bottle did not travel far across the ocean.

As time goes by, Lizzie reveals more details about her life. Her pen pal signs only as Grand Slammer. Will Lizzie discover the identity of her friend? Is he or she someone she may already know?

I would describe this 300 page book as a coming of age novel with well-defined characters and a plot that is appealing to both middle grade and young adult audiences.

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