Crabby Abby the Decorator Crab’s Big Heart 

Written by Ellen Kolman

Illustrated by Kaelen Felix

Crabby Abby has recently moved to Ruby Reef. She is about to begin her first day at a new school.

Crabby is nervous but determined to be kind and cheerful. Soon, her worst fears materialize. Because Crabby is a decorator crab, she likes wearing odd clothes and accessories. The other sea creatures enjoy poking fun at her. Crabby manages to find one friend in Daniel who understands her predicament.

The artistic layout and bright colors of the illustrations in this book enhance the story. Vocabulary is challenging and alliteration makes this one a fun read-aloud choice. The lessons of kindness, sharing, and being true to oneself are valuable. There is a Christian focus with some Biblical references.

This book is appropriate for both elementary and early middle-school age readers.

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Kindness is Stronger | Tales of Triumph for Little Champions: A Girl With a Powerful Imagination Who Defeats a Bully With Kindness | Story for Kids about Self-Control, Inner Strength and Compassion

Written and Illustrated by Umme MAK

This book is part of a series to teach children about themselves.

Kadijah is a child who possesses a powerful imagination. She illustrates wonderful stories. Mike is the class bully. He uses his size and strength to control the other children.

One day, Kadijah is confronted by Mike while drawing in her notebook. She is upset but unafraid. Kadijah decides rather than cower, she will find a way to change Mike’s behavior with kindness. For a time, she is unsuccessful. Gradually, Kadijah teaches Mike how to understand his actions and find the strength to change his behavior.

The author uses large print for easier reading, but also a chapter format that allows children to imagine they are experienced readers. Bonus features include coloring pages and bookmarks.

A worthwhile series to educate and inspire students in the primary grades.

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Oscar and Otto: Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage 

Written by Betty Cetas

Illustrated by Ugur Kose

This book is part of a series. This story revolves around two characters, Oscar and Otto. Otto loves to fish. One day, Oscar, a tricky fish, moves into the lake.

Oscar and Otto soon become enemies. Oscar is determined to catch this clever fish, while Oscar brags about his ability to trick this human in front of all his fish friends. They seem to be in a stalemate until Otto has a change of heart.

The humorous book contains large, easy-to-read print and expressive illustrations. It teaches primary-grade children the value of humbleness and kindness. The surprise ending is a novel twist.

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WE ARE THE FUTURE: Proud, Kind, United

Written by C.M. Harris

Illustrated by Deni Nuhoho

A lovely multicultural book written by a disabled author who teaches young readers that each individual has value and importance in our world.

Multicultural illustrations feature the diversity of cultures and students with disabilities. The values portrayed include kindness, responsibility, fairness, and curiosity. These students read books to discover new opportunities and work in teams to share ideas.

The author also offers school visits and personalized editions of the book for kindergarten through Grade Six readers.

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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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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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Charlie Learns to Be a Cowboy

Written by Danika Kester

Illustrated by Jeffrey Foster Thomas

This book is written and illustrated by two people who have dedicated their lives to understanding and working with horses. Their passion is evident in the story and illustrations.

The plot features a young boy named Charlie who wants to be a cowboy. When he visits his grandparents’ ranch, Charlie learns the job entails a lot more work than he imagined. A cowboy works hard and trains hard.

The hand-drawn illustrations convery the mood of respect, kindness, empathy, responsibility, and hard work. They are simple and direct allowing preschoolers to visualize the message without understanding the words.

Highly recommended for children who love horses and might want to be a cowboy someday.

It’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship

Written and illustrated by Shermaine Perry-Knights

The author introduces three friends and illustrated everyday examples where it is easy to show kindness. Carrying groceries for the elderly, showing a young child how to tie shoelaces, stopping mean kids from bullying, make each of them feel good about themselves as well as those who received their kindness. The illustrations include characters with disabilities.

As a bonus, the author provides a game with activities to show kindness, suggested lessons, and follow-up reading comprehension questions.

A good addition to parent and classroom libraries for any age but especially primary grade readers.

Thankful Day In Animalsville: Thanksgiving Story About Being Thankful And Showing Kindness to Others By Serving The Community

Written by  Virtuous Nyamesem Cornwall

This book is a beautiful and effective way to explain the meaning of giving thanks and putting the message into action. It is particularly effective for young children.

Using animals as the main characters, the author explains that the town has decided to express gratitude on Thanksgiving Day by doing kind things for others. Thinking as a community, each family decides on a way to help someone outside their own family. Then the families of Animalsville present the action steps. Examples include visiting a food pantry, cleaning up trash, visiting a nursing home, assisting the homeless, and cleaning house for the elderly.

At the end of the book, young readers receive a list of suggestions to practice their own action steps of gratitude in their own communities.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers of children from ages five and older to teach the values kindness, respect, gratitude, and civics.

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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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