The Day I Had a Spaceship

Written by Ashley Wall

Illustrated by Vaughan Duck

A fun adventure for primary-grade readers. A group of friends, Emma, Noah, Logan, and their pet dog, Mikey embark on a day trip to the moon!

This book teaches young readers about problem-solving, friendship, and teamwork. The group works with enthusiasm and empathy. While on the moon, the children ride in a space car, play hoops, and meet new friends.

The children return home when called home by their parents. There are touches of humor in the cartoon-like illustrations.

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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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Hendrix and Rocket: Being Brave: A heartwarming story for ages 3-8 of one little Weimaraner’s journey to find their courage

Written by Kristen Haynes

Illustrated by Anna Thompson

A cute picture book that helps children understand how to control their anger by using a dog named Rocket.

When Rocket learns his morning routine of visiting the beach will not happen because mom had something else to do, he immediately gets angry. This results in the destruction of his family’s property even though his older dog brother warns him against such behavior.

What lessons does he learn to control his anger in the future?

The author cleverly presents the lesson using adorable pups.

Recommended for ages three and older.

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Curly Crow’s Family Feast: A Children’s Picture Book for Kids Ages 4-8 about Finding Strength in Challenges, Wisdom in Problem Solving, and Thanksgiving for Family (Curly Crow Children’s Book Series) 

Written by Nicholas Aragon

Illustrated by Natalie Junqueira

An innovative picture book that teaches about problem solving and teamwork. In addition young readers receive knowledge about many species of birds along with the story about Curly Crow and her family.

Curly and her family are scavengers. When the dumpster outside the restaurant where they live is closed for Thanksgiving, the family has no food. Curly decides to visit the Rio Grande nearby to observe how other birds gather their food.

After much frustration, she observes similarities and differences and figures out a solution. Readers learn a lot about bird species and how to problem solve.

The book is highly recommended for preschoolers and primary grade readers.

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Meatball’s Adventurous Appetite: A Pet Cat’s Funny, Entertaining, and Engaging Read Aloud Thanksgiving Story Picture Book for Kids 3-8

Written by Dr. Feng Zheng-Ward

Illustrated by Roka Studio

This book is part of a series about Meatball and his family. When Mrs. Jones needs to run to the store, she leaves their Thanksgiving turkey on the counter. The cat sees his chance, but fails to foresee the danger.

What follows is a hilarious adventure that creates havoc for the entire family and the fire department.

Will Meatball learn his lesson? What happens to Thanksgiving dinner?

The picture book is a delight for young cat lovers and fans of humorous stories. It includes fun to read highlighted words and story questions.

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Hop Lola Hop: A Yummy Market Day Adventure

Written by Kathy Urban

Illustrated by Siski Kalla

A lovely picture book with illustrations done in soft pastel colors that have a timely, vintage appeal.

This book will especially appeal to toddlers and preschoolers who have a favorite stuffed toy or imaginary friend. Ella is a little girl who has a stuffed bunny named Lola. They go everywhere together. One day a picnic is planned so Ella, Lola, and mom go to the market to gather their supplies. Now Lola is a bit too adventurous and often gets carried away. Ella and her mother are distressed when Lola disappears. Will they find her? Will the picnic be cancelled?

This beautiful picture book is a good choice for a read aloud or bedtime story.

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How to Grow a Marshmallow Tree (Book 1 Amelia and Paco Series)

Written by Stefanie Gamarra

Illustrated by Mark Bertran

Amelia and her imaginary polar bear friend, Paco both have a sweet tooth.

One day, they are eating marshmallows, one of their favorite snacks. Suddenly, they run out. Amelia decides it would be wonderful to have a marshmallow tree for an unlimited supply. So the pair set out to plant one.

Amelia and Paco are unsuccessful at first, but Amelia refuses to give up. Read the picture book to find out the surprise ending to this fantasy adventure for young children.

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Monster Problems (A Magic Pen Adventure Book Book 1)

Written by Jason R. Lady

Middle-school and young adult readers will relate to this book with its quirky humor, memorable characters, and innovative lessons in dealing with peers and siblings.

Brad is a sixth-grade student who loves to draw. Unfortunately, that gets him into trouble with his science teacher when caught drawing in class. Brad’s grades have taken a nosedive, so his parents punish him by forbidding him to draw. To make matters worse, Brad has an intelligent younger brother named Daley, who blackmails and torments Brad whenever he gets a chance.

A mysterious crow arrives outside Brad’s window with a magic pen. Brad decides to draw a creature he names Daley-Destroyer, an ugly green monster who leaves a trail of orange slime who will stalk his brother. As the story unfolds, readers meet Quentin, Brad’s only real friend, different teachers, the unusual principal, and a mysterious girl, Blue Hoodie. These characters combined with a fast-moving plot keep readers turning the page. When the monster proves to be uncontrollable, Brad needs to decide how to handle a situation his emotions cannot handle. A good way to get readers to think about innovative ways to solve their problems.

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Have You Seen My Sock? A Fun Seek-and-Find Rhyming Children’s Book for Ages 3-7.

Written by Barbara B. Thompson

Illustrated by Remesh Ram

I loved this rhyming picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. A little boy becomes increasingly frustrated when he cannot find his favorite dinosaur sock. The repetitive lines encourage vocabulary retention and early reading skills. Bright illustrations draw children into the story. It teaches them the necessity of patience and the ability to be patient as they learn to logically follow a sequence of steps to solve a problem. This book encourages interactivity and helps parents and teachers to guide their young charges to follow through and remain on task.

I highly recommend it for a home or classroom bookshelf.

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