LITTLE OWL’S FIRST CHRISTMAS

Written and illustrated by Hilary Hawkes

Little Owl sits in the tree with his mother. He feels sleepy and complains that other birds get to sleep at night. Why must owls stay awake?

Mother Owl tells him that tonight is a special night. Because owls are awake at night, they were the first to see the Christmas Star. She follows with the birth of Jesus’s Christmas story and a very special traveler on Christmas Eve who brings presents to children.

A cute Christmas story picture book to read for preschoolers or primary grade children.

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Night Critters Play

Written by Esseboe Kwami Nyamidie

Illustrated by Pamela Christiansen

What a fun book to read aloud for young children!

The author explores creatures of the night like those he heard while growing up in the tropical jungle. The poem evokes strong images and the text is laid out in eye-popping colors that highlight the rich vocabulary word choices.

The illustrator’s printmaking technique draws the eye of the reader inward inviting detailed exploration of each page. It is a book that children will want to read over and over again.

Especially recommended for ages three through eight, but a delightful read for age.

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A Little Miracle (Little Bedtime Stories Book 1)

Written by R.J. Furness

Illustrated by Kathryn Short

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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The Ghostly Night

Written by Jeanette W. Stickel

This book is a clever ghost tale written by a speech pathologist to introduce the letter g. Kristy cannot sleep. She fears there is a ghost in the room. Kristy sees the full moon casting shadows, the wind blowing the curtains, hears the branches scraping against the window, and an owl hooting. Her mother keeps peeking in to reassure her, but Kristy, despite her mother’s reassurances, remains fearful. Finally, she climbs out of bed and builds a tent with her animal friends. The last time Kristy calls her mom into the room, the tables are turned and there is a surprise ending.

Stylized and simple illustrations with simple text allow young readers to easily follow the story. Recommended for toddlers, preschoolers and primary grade children. The book doubles as a beginning reader.

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23 HALLOWEEN CRAFTS for KIDS: Halloween Costume Ideas and Spooky Décor

Compiled by Prime Publishing Décor

This book is an interesting read that can be shared by the whole family. Halloween costumes have become ridiculously expensive. There are some good ideas here for easy to make costumes from materials found around the house. Skeletons, monsters, knights, fairies, and superheroes are featured. Directions are included for luminaries, wreaths, pinecone owls and spooky spider webs. Monster snot is a meringue dessert that is sure to please.
Younger children can help with the simpler crafts and older children can get involved with paper mache, cutting and gluing materials. What a fun way for a family to share a chilly, Fall weekend afternoon or evening!
Recommended for siblings and families to share or a classroom project.

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Raffie and Friends – The Lunch Box Mystery

Written by VaLerie Irene

Illustrated by Amy Rottinger

This book contains adorable illustrations and simple text with a message important for children to assimilate and practice into their everyday lives. Raffi is a giraffe who has a fetish for grilled cheese sandwiches. One day he finds that he has misplaced his lunch box. Raffi meets animal friends like Marlon the Monkey, Torrey the Turtle and Owie, the Owl. Each friend contributes by using individual talents, Marlon makes Raffi laugh, and Torrey has infinite patience. Owie uses his logic to solve the mystery.

Children learn that friends stick together to help each other, and that patience and thinking things through will provide the answers we are seeking. This book is recommended as a picture book for younger children and a beginning reader for older siblings.

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Owls: A Children’s Book About Owls: Types of Owls, Owl Facts, Owl Life, and Owl Images

Written by William Widman

There are more than 200 species of owls living on every continent except Antarctica. They live in forests, deserts and the tundra. Owls are raptors or birds of prey. They might be as small as six inches or as large as three feet. Owls are territorial and tend to reuse their nest. They have huge eyes and excellent hearing. Their specially designed wings enable them to be silent in flight and their feather colors help them to camouflage themselves. Sharp and powerful talons and claws assist in capturing and holding prey. Many owls have names determined by their environment like barn owls and snowy white owls. Different types of owls emit different calling sounds; the Great Horned Owl makes the familiar, “Hoo, Hoo sound, while the Barred Owl vocalizes a call similar to a monkey.

The author includes photographs of each type of owl, as well as nesting pictures and owls in flight. They are colorful and detailed. He suggests that you carry binoculars and a journal pad while owl watching in the woods. I really enjoyed the links provided within the book that allow the reader to hear and experience the sounds that various owls emit.

Recommend this book for children ages six and older who enjoy reading about animals. Librarians and teachers should consider adding this nonfiction kindle book to their reference collection.

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Andy the Spider: Captured (Volume 1) 2nd edition

Written by Samantha Rindfuss

Charming chapter book for lower middle grade students focusing on a somewhat unusual grouping of large and small animals. Andy and his sister Emily are sibling spiders who often find themselves at odds. Emily is an expert web weaver, and Andy can’t seem to catch a meal so he often uses his speed to snatch Emily’s food. When Emily disappears, the timid Andy goes off to search for her. This trek into the forest results in a host of adventures and intrigues told in first person by a cast including owls, squirrels, fireflies, a hamster, a porcupine, a skunk, a caterpillar, and a coyote. Two human siblings alternately provide the spiders with a source of hope and fear.

The plot has lots of twists and turns in its 120 plus pages. Rindfuss leads the reader on a roller coaster of emotions but also supplies ample amounts of humor. Animals are infused with human character strengths as well as flaws. Harry the villain owl is a classic bully. Will the laws of the forest ensure justice? Do Andy and Emily resolve their differences and what lessons will their harrowing experience teach them?

Perfect book for beginning readers as well as reluctant readers who enjoy adventure stories with animals. Good discussion book for a teacher read aloud.

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