Berticus: How I Survived School! and Bullies! and Farley Finnigan!

Written by Brian Silbert

Berticus dreads the first day of school because his birthday always falls near opening day. This year, it is even worse because he is facing the transition to middle school.

Berticus tries hard to pay attention and do his best, but his ADHD keeps getting in the way. This middle-grade novel addresses the common trials of middle school, bullying, and peer pressure. The cast of characters is so relatable. Action is non-stop. This book is a page turner with unexpected twists and turns.

Two bonus resources enhance its value. The Student Activity Pack contains word searches, crosswords, a class discussion guide, and problems for students to solve. In addition, a Teacher’s Guide examines the characters, provides discussion topics, analyzes the story arc, and provides chapter summaries.

Whether you purchase this book for a home library or develop a lesson for a large classroom group, this book is sure to please readers ages nine through twelve.

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I Can Deal With Anger: A Children’s Book About Understanding Big Emotions and Learning Anger Management Skills. (I Can Books 5)

Written and Illustrated by Alicia Ortega

A lovely illustrated, rhyming book that is part of the I Can Deal with book series for elementary school readers.

Mia is a Queen, but she lives her life out in the real world. Mia goes to school and interacts with her peers. She experiences the same emotions and feels the same frustrations.

Mia’s teacher, Miss Luna, teaches her many techniques to handle Mia’s emotions. Mia learns to use positive affirmations, quiet spaces, writing in her journal, counting, and breathing techniques.

At the end of the book, the author provides a maze and a coloring page for readers to practice implementing some of these strategies.

This nicely illustrated multicultural book deserves a place on the shelf of home and classroom libraries.

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Our Hearts: A children’s book about how we navigate all of our feelings together with the ones we love.

Written by Kathleen Davis

Illustrated by Martyna Nejman

This beautifully illustrated rhyming picture book imparts a beautiful message for any age. The feelings we hold in our hearts belong not only to us but to those around us who love and care for us.

Our parents and friends experience the joys and sorrows, successes and failures we hold in our hearts. As we grow older our hearts expand as does the ability of others to share in those feelings. Our ability to love always outshines the feelings of fear and sadness.

I especially enjoyed the multicultural illustrations and the interactive feature, which encourages young readers to find and identify scenes and objects in the book.

Highly recommended for elementary and middle school readers, but a joyful message for all ages.

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It Must Be Spring (It Must Be Seasons Book 3)

Written by Michelle Wang

Illustrated by Ulianna Barabash

A lovely picture book for preschoolers and early readers.

The multicultural book can be used to teach colors and action words associated with the spring season. As each member looks out the window, that person highlights a color and steps outside in the rain to play. Readers meet the parents, grandparents, and siblings of the family.

A fun book that encourages children to be interactive as they imitate the actions of each character.

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The Wonder Of Thunder: Lessons From A Thunderstorm

Written by Sharon Purtill

Illustrated by Tamara Piper

This is a beautifully crafted rhyming picture book that is informative and entertaining.

Preschool and primary grade readers can enjoy the multicultural images while learning about the types and formation of clouds, the sounds of thunder, how lightning forms and acts, and the benefits of rain and thunderstorms.

For children who are afraid, the book allays their fears and explains the way this weather phenomenon acts on earth. The author makes sure to explain that children need to take cover until the storm passes.

I particularly enjoyed the comprehension questions and the fact sheet included so that readers may reread and absorb all the information presented.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers to place on their bookshelves.

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Jungle Trouble – Rory’s Rescue Plan

Wriiten by Sofia and Bibi Y. Haq

Illustrated by Ishrat Ahmed

When a rhino, elephant, and gorilla are stolen by poachers, Rory the lion calls a meeting of all residents of the jungle.

They each use their own talents to devise a plan to rescue their friends and rid the jungle of poachers forever. The author presents charming illustrations and text to teach readers about teamwork, ingenuity, and problem-solving to rid the jungle from a deadly threat.

I appreciate the glossary which allows the author to teach new vocabulary to young readers and the hidden butterfly cycle which makes the book an interactive experience.

Recommended for preschoolers and primary grade readers.

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Kragglepus (The Dragon Library) 

Written by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch

An almost wordless picture book that invites the young reader to use imagination to interpret the story.

The protagonist is a dragon who gets lost and finds himself in a strange world inhabited by humans. Dragglepus introduces the reader to foreign creatures as well as familiar everyday objects. The author invites the reader to combine them and create an original tale.

Whimsical and colorful illustrations enhance the book. This book will be enjoyed over and over by readers ages three and older.

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Adventures of a Pangopup (Endangered and Misunderstood Animals (Book 2) 

Written by Terri Tatchell

Illustrated by Ivan Sulima

A charming picture book written in rhyme that teaches readers to heed their mother’s advice, while also educating them about endangered animals.

The book is part of a series about endangered animals. In this one readers learn about the pangalong and the dik-dik deer. When Pangopup decides to sneak away from his mom, he meets the deer who persuades him to go on an adventure. Will the two new friends survive?

The soft colors and exquisite rhymes teach without being preachy. Preschoolers and primary grade readers will delight in reading the book over and over. Lots of bonuses include drawing activities and information about these two unique animals.

Highly recommended for both home and school libraries.

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Bacon Loves Everyone!: A book about the true meaning of belonging and unconditional love. (It’s Bacon’s World! 1) 

Written and Illustrated by Tina Neely

This is a cute interactive picture book with an important message.

Bacon is a pot-belied pig trying to find a forever home. No one seems to choose him. Maybe that’s because he sings too loud. When a couple finally picks him, Bacon meets other animals on the farm. Bacon learns all are unique, but each is loved.

There are clever cartoon illustrations and fun to read aloud rhymes. Especially fun for preschoolers.

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Written by Ann M. Morris

Illustrated by Obayomi Aanuoluwapo and Dirisu David

A beautiful multicultural picture book that teaches children about life in rural Ghana.

Kwame is respectful, obedient, and grateful for his simple life in a rural village. In this story, Kwame wakes early to help his mother wash clothes by hand. Then he sweeps the dirt floor of his one room hut before dressing in his uniform to walk to school at the Royal Promise Mission. Today is a special day. The children from around the area will be marching to celebrate the anniversay of Ghana’s independence.

Children from around the world learn a bit about the food, flag, customs , language, and difficult life of a small rural village. Kwame provides a good role model for children. Charming illustrations and an interactive activity keep readers engaged with the tale.

Highly recommended to parents and teachers of elementary school readers.

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