A little boy is terrified of monsters that come into his room at night. His parents try to comfort him. Eventually, his father comes up with a solution in the form of an agreement that is hung on the wall. A logical way to help the protagonist and the reader face irrational fears.
Then the book takes a sudden turn. When a cockroach enters the home, the boy decides to name him Moshe and befriend the creature. Unfortunately, his mother is terrified of Moshe. The boy must come up with a creative solution to save his friend and please his mother.
The rhymes are sometimes a bit difficult to read. I applaud the creative plot, but the English translation lacks fluidity.
A useful resource for a family with a young child who experiences night tremors.
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What a charming picture book based on a true story that teaches valuable life lessons.
Clarence Henry is a hermit crab that once lived in the author’s aquarium. He is missing a claw and a leg, so Clarence is aware that the other creatures in his habitat view him differently. That does not keep him from dedication to his duty. Clarence understands that it is his duty to keep the aquarium clean and safe for his fellow inhabitants.
Every day, Clarence performs his duty faithfully until one day he grows too large for his shell. Clarence knows it is time for him to molt. After his owners provide a new shell, Clarence begins the process of adjusting to his new home. A pleasant surprise awaits him!
Young readers learn about devotion to duty, perseverance, and resilience. They become aware that a disability can be a strength, not a handicap. Charming illustrations enhance the story. A wonderful bonus feature at the end of the tale teaches children about the fascinating lives of hermit crabs.
I highly recommend the book to parents and teachers, both as an enchanting tale and an informative lesson about life as a hermit crab.
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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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A funny picture book written from the viewpoint of a dog living in a family of children.
The dog laments about children tormenting him, being loud, and generally obnoxious. After a short period of reflection, the dog decides that the love and affection they bestow on him make it worthwhile after all.
The whimsical illustrations and small amount of text on each page indicate its appropriateness for very young children. Readers will laugh at the humor and emotion depicted in each scene.
At the end of the book, young readers are provided with excellent suggestions on how to treat their own pet dog.
Recommended especially for children ages four through seven and for families thinking of adding a dog to their home.
The author tackles several difficult issues that middle-grade students might find insurmountable.
Georgia is a sixth grade student who desperately wants a dog. She cannot convince her parents to agree, and they argue incessantly.
One day, Georgia succeeds in convincing her mother to take her to the humane society “just to look.” Enter Chester, an adorable toothless mixed breed who turns out to be “pyschic.” Georgia’s world is rocked when her dad finds the dog at home and walks out on the family. Is it Georgia’s fault?
Georgia faces the usual middle graders difficulty handling jealousy and peer relationships. Up to this time, she has relied on her Magic 8 ball to give her the answers, but now her world has been turned upside down. That is, until she discovers her dog might be able to help.
The characters are believable and genuine. They are placed in situations that seem impossible to solve, but this author navigates them and explains them in a way relatable to its target eight to twelve age audience.
I would highly recommend it to parents, teachers, and counselors who work with this age group as a tool to discuss divorce, illness, and mental health issues.
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Publisher: AM Ink Publishing (2024) ISBN-13: 978-1-958842-24-9
Publisher’s Book Summary: A precocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!
Laugh along with the snorting, snoring, and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can’t fix, right?
A true delight that any family can relate to, Ode to a Pug is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.
Jill Rosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband. She doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!
Through her brand management work, Jill’s early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.
Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can’t wait to share them with all the young readers out there.
Steph Rohr is a French Award-winning children’s book illustrator who earned a distinction from ECV Art School in Paris. She is fond of anything silly, funny, wacky, daft, and colorful. A freelance Illustrator & Art Director, Steph has been working in London in publishing and advertising.
What a delightful picture book to delight dog lovers! The protagonist is a woman who has just adopted a new member of the family, an adorable pug. But wait, this cuddly little creature proves to be a lot more than she can handle.
He snorts, toots, tinkles on the carpet, and destroys the furniture. This tiny creature creates chaos everywhere he sets foot. Finally, the owner has had enough. Today is the day she will get rid of him!
Then she looks at those endearing eyes, can she follow through?
This picture book consists of short, clever rhymes and simple, cartoon-like illustrations that will delight young children and adults alike. Anyone who has owned a puppy will empathize with the owner and feel her mixed emotions.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the giveaway for the chance to win an author-signed hardcover copy ofOde to a Pug, a 4″ custom pug plush, plus a die-cut pug sticker!
Cats Don’t Like That: A Hilarious Picture Book for Kids Ages 3-7
Written by Andy Wortlock
Illustrated by Nahum Ziersch
Whether you love or hate cats, you will find this rhyming, picture book hilarious! The author reflects on the unique qualities of a cat’s personality, likes and dislikes.
Illustrations and cat expressions are priceless. Children of any age get the message either through pictures or the short, crisp rhymes. It’s even appropriate for toddlers. I would particularly suggest this book as a good choice for reluctant or beginning readers.
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Weeny Meeny is rather young for a witch just passing the 1000 year mark. She enjoys newfound independence as she can now consider herself a mature witch. One thing bothers her. All the other witches fly about town never considering the litter in the streets. Weeny Meeny is environmentally conscious and wants to do something about it so she teams up with her pets, a black crow and a black cat.
Weeny Meeny strives to combine her magic with some hard work. The three friends enlist the aid of some unlikely allies and set to the task. Will the streets of the town be clean for Halloween?
The illustrations are child-like pencil drawings etched in Halloween colors. They add a unique aspect to the tale. While the book is targeted for readers ages three through ten, there is quite a bit of text on each page, which makes me feel it more suitable for a bit older reader or as a child’s beginning reader rather than a picture book for the younger child.
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Milo is trying to get to sleep. His pet cat snuggles with him. Putting their heads together, the two friends are determined to find a way to fall asleep. After trying some common tried and true remedies like counting sheep, drinking warm milk, and putting on warm socks, they decide to play music and then make the bed comfortable. Still, they are unsuccessful so the friends try to combine them together. Will they ever find a way to close those eyes?
This is a cute, rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers who find it difficult to wind down at the end of the day. Remarkably, the solution is quite simple.
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Sally’s parents have given her permission to choose a pet. Previously, she had a dog that chewed everything up. She thinks about a cat or a parrot, but decides she wants a unique pet.
One night she wishes upon a star for an ostrich! The next day, Sally gets her wish. But an ostrich proves to be a problem pet for many reasons. Will Sally ever find the perfect pet?
The book contains lots of humor and vibrant illustrations. Primary grade and preschool readers will want to hear it read aloud. Bonus questions included at the end of the tale stimulate discussion and creativity among young readers.
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September 28, 2025
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