Google+

Roz Chast Art Gifts -- Jigsaw Puzzle & 2026 Calendar

 

Disclosure: I was sent these products in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Do you know Roz Chast's work? Perhaps you have seen her work in The New Yorker? Whether or not today I am sharing some new products featuring her work that make wonderful holiday gifts. I fell in love with the Roz Chast: Ad Infinitum 1,000 Piece Puzzle by Roz Chast. 

Dash and the Lights in the Sky -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Ashley Key to bring you this post.

Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? I haven't. It is too bright in my neighborhood even when they have been visible around me. It is something I hope to see. Today I get to share a special book with you about a dog who sees the Northern Lights and wants to know what is happening. It has scientific explanations as well as some amazing crafts with the science behind them!! The book is Dash and the Lights in the Sky by Ashley Key. There is a giveaway after my review!

Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and T.E. Milburn to bring you this post.

Can you believe it? December has arrived! The day after Thanksgiving Hazel and I decorated our tree. The day after she left for school, the tree came crashing down and is unfixable. (It is over 40 years old.) I ordered a new tree today. When it arrives, I'll get it up and put the lights on and then wait for her to come back from school! So much for Christmas magic in my house. Or perhaps it is the villain from today's book trying to destroy Christmas. Today we get to share a magical Christmas middle grade adventure, or I should say adventures since it is a trilogy. The book is Magic in the Mountains: A Christmas Trilogy Written by T.E. Milburn and Illustrated by Ayşe Yıldırım. It has all the magical creatures--elves, goblins, dragons, talking animals, yetis and Santa! This is going to be epic!!

Holiday Gift Ideas: Books to Learn & Create with a Japanese Spin

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

For those who celebrate, did you enjoy your Thanksgiving? We had a nice time with my family. Yesterday was Black Friday which is of course the kickoff to holiday shopping. Did you get any deals? Today I thought I would share some gift ideas for kids. I love gifting books especially ones they can use to create or keep themselves busy. Today I have three great books for you and all three have a Japanese spin to them. We will start with the first one that is truly one that is meant for creating. It is Hokusai Dot-to-Dot Puzzle Book from Tuttle Publishing. I would say this is for upper elementary and older. My middle school and high school students love this book!

New Holiday & Winter Books Roundup

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have shared three roundups of new Christmas picture books as well as reviews of some other ones this month. Today I am sharing at another December holiday--Hanukkah and winter books for you to check out. We will start with the Hanukkah book. It is Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Hanukkah Party! by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Tom Brannon. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Into the Thicket -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Gail Kuhnlein to bring you this post.

Today I get to share a very special picture book with you. It is so important for us to teach the children to take care of the animals on our planet. In a season that is all about giving and being thankful, it is important to remember our stewardship to Earth. Today's book shares a special story about a young boy facing his own fears to help an injured baby rabbit.  It is Into the Thicket by Gail Kuhnlein and illustrated by John Megahan. There is a giveaway after my review!

Christmas Books Roundup 3 -- Some Classics & More

 



Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own. 

Last week we shared some fun Christmas books. Today we are adding to our collection of new holiday picture books with our third roundup. Some of these books will be familiar and others are new! We will start with one of the ones that will sound familiar. It is The War Is Over! by Brad Booker, Dave Mullins and Sean Ono Lennon and illustrated by Max Narciso. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Happy Fibonacci Day

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Today is Fibonacci Day or Fibonacci Sequence Day. The date is 11/23 which gives us the first four digits of the Fibonacci Sequence. I have posted about Fibonacci and his sequence previously. His sequence starts with double ones and then every number after is the sum of the two previous numbers: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, ... One place sequences and series are often taught is Algebra 2, though sometimes it is in pre-calculus as well. In honor of Fibonacci Day, it seems like the perfect time to share two resources for students taking or teachers or tutors teaching Algebra 2. The first is Everything You Need to Ace Algebra 2 in One Big Fat Notebook by Workman Publishing. (Note: It is currently on sale as part of Amazon's Black Friday Sale.) It is the latest in The Big Fat Notebook Series.  

New Holiday Books about Rescuing Christmas

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

Yesterday I shared a grouping of new Christmas books for younger children (babies through 7). Today we have another grouping of new Christmas books. Today's will probably become classics, and each story has a rescue theme going in it. Our first book is a new Mr. Willowby Christmas book. A long lost transcript was found to create this book! The book is Mr. Willoby's Head Over Heels Christmas by Robert Barry. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7 but I can see older kids loving this one too!

New Holiday Books for Younger Kids

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own.

It is hard to believe it is holiday season. Christmas is right around the corner so that means that it is time to share some of the new holiday books!! Today's grouping are books for younger kids. The first is a board book. It is Crocodile Christmas by J.D. Forester and illustrated by Reshu Lakra. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3. 

Little Red and Big, Bad Fred -- a Humorous and Diverse Twist on a Classic Tale

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It has been a while since I have shared a fairy tale book. Our Fairy Tales in Different Cultures is one of our most popular series and has our popular posts. Today I am sharing a modern version of Little Red Riding Hood with much humor and definitely some twists. The book is Little Red and Big, Bad Fred by Ashley Belote. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7 and Little Red is a Black boy.

I Am My Name -- Book Review for Native American Heritage Month

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Before we were married Steve and I took a trip to Phoenix, Arizona. We stayed at a wonderful resort, Wild Horse Pass, that at the time was run by a Native American tribe. We went in February, and they had fire pits with storytelling around the fire some nights. As you can imagine I loved it! We also visited the Heard Museum and I believe we went to the Phoenix Indian School. It was Steve's first time hearing about the Indian Boarding Schools and the horrible piece of history that white men did to our Tribal Nation residents. I was surprised he hadn't heard of it, but I guess my love of Native American cultures is the reason I knew. Beginning in the 1800s and into the 1900s the United States and Canadian governments were horrible to Native Americans. The children were forced into boarding or residential schools where they tried to get the tribal culture out of them. Or the children were adopted by white families and basically kidnapped from their homes for this to happen. Again, the reason was to colonialize the children and get the native out of them. Today I get to share a wonderful new picture book that shares Na'kusset's story of childhood and dealing with the loss of culture and family. The book is I Am My Name by Na'kusset and Judith Henderson and illustrated by Onedove. It is recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Action Origami & New Bright Solid Origami Papers

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these products in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I haven't shared my origami lately, however this semester I have been running a lunch club for kids to create origami. Recently I brought in a new book and new packs of solid papers for them to try. The club has very different levels of origami creators. Some work on their own and others need help with every step. I handed my origami expert in the club Action Origami: Paper Toys that Fly, Hop, Twirl, Shake and Surprise! by Isamu Sasagawa. It is recommended for ages 9 and up. I would say it is more of an intermediate origami book and not great for beginners. 

Book Advent Calendars -- Get Them Reading While Waiting for Santa

 

Disclosure: I was sent these Advent calendars to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Yesterday I shared a new picture book about getting ready for Christmas. Today I thought I would share some Advent calendars. Now Advent is one of my favorite times of the year. The first Sunday of Advent is the beginning of a new church year. I love the preparation time that is Advent. It is time for each of us to prepare for Christmas and as a Christian that means preparing myself for Jesus. I use it as a time to reflect on my life and what I can do differently to be a better person -- more like Jesus. Over the years I have shared quite a few posts about Advent including ones specifically about Advent calendars including fun facts and a roundup of them including ones you can make. Today I am going to share two secular Advent calendars for different ages that are books. This will get your kids reading while they prepare for Christmas. The first features the popular Bluey. It is Bluey: The Most Amazing Advent Book Bundle by Penguin Young Readers License. The suggested age range for this one is 4- to 8-year-olds. 

12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Tanya Harvey to bring you this post.

The holiday season is upon us. Or should I say the holiday prep season is upon us. Between the baking, cooking, decorating, and shopping I would say there is a lot of preparation for the holidays. Today we get to share a fun new holiday book that is a spin-off of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In fact, the lyrics can be sung to the tune and there is a YouTube video teaser to begin to share the book.  The book is 12 Days of Getting Ready for Christmas by Tanya Harvey and illustrated by Chelsea Peters. And there is a giveaway at the end of this post!! Perfect to help you get ready for Christmas!

Vanya and the Wild Hunt

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Here is a review a long time coming. I am still working on my pile of chapter books from this summer. This one actually finishes the books I shared back in June but the pile has grown with some new ones. I'll share them at the end of this post in case any will interest you or a reader in your life for the holidays. Today I am sharing a fun fantasy middle grade novel that is full of magic and adventure. The book is Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Got Lost in Africa: Book 1-The Pangolins -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Jennifer Ussi to bring you this post.

Cats can do amazing things. I know I have three of them. I love my cuddle times. In fact, I have one on my lap as I write this post. Today I get to share a fun middle grade/early chapter book with you about a curious cat who gets lost in Africa and has many adventures to find her way home. The book is The Incredible Adventures of Casper the Cat Who Gets Lost in Africa: Book 1-The Pangolins by Jennifer Ussi and illustrated by Lekshmi Bose. And there is a giveaway at the end of this post!

Ode to a Pug: Not the Vet! -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book to share an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Jill Rosen to bring you this post.

Ode to a Pug is back!! This time he is off to the veterinarian and has all sorts of fears and adventures. Get ready for a humorous story of everyone's favorite pug!  The book is Ode to a Pug: Not the Vet! by Jill Rosen and illustrated by Stephanie Rohr. There is a giveaway after my review.

Autism: My Invisible Backpack -- Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Dalisse Siqueiros to bring you this post.

All kids can feel big emotions but imagine what it is like for a child or person with autism. I teach many students with autism, and it has honestly been eye-opening to talk with some of them and get a peek inside their brains. They are truly wired differently. It is not worse or better but different. And as much as people fear having children with autism, if we didn't have autistic people, we would be living in a very different world without a lot of the things we depend on every day. Today we are sharing book from a series meant to help autistic kids and their parents deal with living in a world for people who think differently. The book is Autism: My Invisible Backpack: Discovering Emotions, Masking and the Joy of Being Seen by Dalisse Sequeiros and Luis Barros. After my review there is a giveaway!

Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie's Cafe -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book to review honestly. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Melanie Moore to bring you this post.

Have you ever noticed some books are just about stories and some are about teaching a lesson? We have needs and wants for both types. Today I am sharing a book with a story that has kids doing a lesson in it. The book is the first in a series. It is Adventures with Allie and Friends: Chef Cherie's Cafe by Melanie Moore and illustrated by Juan Diaz. There is a giveaway after my review!

The Magic Maze Trilogy -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor to bring you this post.

Do you have a reader who loves fantasy and mystery? I have a wonderful book trilogy for you. It is The Magic Maze Trilogy by Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor. The book is full of mystery and adventure in a magical realm with two siblings just trying find their way home. There is a giveaway after my review!

New Picture Book Roundup

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for honest reviews. All opinions are my own. 

My pile of picture books is growing fast (almost like my chapter books). Today I am sharing a roundup of books that have come out recently (including this week). Some teach lessons and some are just fun and there is definitely something for everyone here! We will start with Gray Squirrel Loses It! by Cassandra Federman. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

I Love You 100: A Counting Book Full of Love

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What are your feelings about math? I feel like so many people do not like math and they have a stigma around it. In fact, our society tends to portray high school math as something that is torturous and not used.  However, mindset plays a HUGE role in this success. If you tell your children, watch television shows that tell your children, etc. that math is hard and bad, then they will not have success in math. Mathematicians and especially math teachers are fighting this battle and today's book actually shares how parents can help in the Author's Note. Start them young with math. Today's book is I Love You 100: A Counting Book Full of Love by Danica McKellar and illustrated by Josée Masse. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 and I would say it would be great to read to even younger children!

Zen and Tea -- Picture Book Reviews

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Something I find missing in many people today is connections. People need connections with one another as well as nature. We also need to stop and just be. Today I am sharing two picture books that emphasize these messages. The first is My First Book of Zen: Simple Wisdom for Children by Tracy Gallup. It is recommended for ages 5 to 9. 

Rabbit Shoots the Sun: A Hopi Folktale

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Happy November!! November brings some of my favorite times and things to celebrate! November is our month of gratitude. Something I feel each of us needs to focus more on. It is also Native American Heritage Month! My favorite of the heritage months along with Women's History Month. I have always been fascinated with the various Native American cultures and love learning about them!! Today I am sharing a new picture book that shares a Hopi folktale. The book is Rabbit Shoots the Sun: A Hopi Folktale retold by Terrie Fields and illustrated by Gerald Dawavendewa. The book is recommended for ages 4 to 8, but older readers will enjoy the story especially if studying Hopi culture!

Did You Hear What Happened in Salem?: The Witch Trials of 1692

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Happy Halloween! Did you know that over 1 million people have already visited Salem, Massachusetts in October 2025? And they are expecting over 80,000 to visit today. Salem is known as the Witch City and even Salem High School's mascot is the witches. Now I live pretty close to Salem. People from around here know there is no parking in Salem for the month of October (and actually for most of September as well as into November) because of all of the tourists that flock to the Witch City. Salem has embraced its witch history and has become a huge tourist site for it. However, the witch trials and happenings in Salem were quite different. Today we are sharing a wonderful book about the Salem witch trials, and it is told in first person. The book is Did You Hear What Happened in Salem? The Witch Trials of 1692 by Katie Kennedy and illustrated by Nick Thornborrow. It is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Turning Twelve -- Middle Grade Graphic Novel Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

On Sunday I shared a post about Banned Books Week and reviewed a couple of banned books. I was a couple of weeks late for Banned Books Week. Did you know that graphic novels are often banned books? Many schools don't want their kids reading them as they don't think of them as real books. Can you imagine? For some readers, the illustrations of graphic novels are what help them get into the book. Personally, I feel that if a child enjoys reading a book, it is a good thing. The more we force kids to read certain books or types of books, the less the child wants to read. I know this was definitely true for Hazel. She dreaded summer reading assignments. She hated being forced to read certain books. Even books she may have chosen on her own, when forced to read them she did not enjoy them. So I say let the kids read graphic novels and banned books. Let them read books about the topics that interest them as well as ones that relate to their lives like the book I am sharing today. It is a middle grade graphic novel all about turning twelve and the changes that come with this new age. The book is Turning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee and illustrated by Molly Brooks. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Santa's 18-Wheel Chrome-and-Steel Sleigh -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and J. Brandon Boron to bring you this post.

Halloween is on Friday!! That means Christmas is getting closer and closer. I know I have seen the memes that say October 31 at midnight the Christmas music begins to play. Well, I'm going a little earlier to bring you a fun new picture book with sing-along lyrics that will have little ones rocking! The book is Santa's 18-Wheel Steel-and-Chrome Sleigh by J. Brandon Boron and illustrated by Shaun Ivie. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!!

Banned Books -- Late Banned Books Week Reviews & More

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I read banned books. In fact, I even review banned books (often before they are banned). Banning books seems to be an epidemic lately. Books are banned or challenged (before banning) by people who are trying to protect children. They feel these books are inappropriate for children. Perhaps for their own children, but they don't want their own children's friends reading them either because kids talk. In early October every year there is a Banned Books Week. This year it was October 5-11. (Next year it is October 4-10, 2026.) It is a week to make aware some of the books that are being challenged and possibly banned around the world. You may be surprised by some of the books on the list. There are many I read in school when I was young, or my friends did in other classes I didn't take. There are books like Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and George Orwell's 1984. There are other classics like Animal House, Fahrenheit 451, To Kill a Mockingbird, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Number the Stars, Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby, ... the list goes on and on and includes The Holy Bible. Books tend to get challenged if they share cultural identity like A Place Inside of Me or Fry Bread or sexual or gender identity like Spin with Me or It's Okay to be a Unicorn or sexual encounters like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Speak is our first book for review today. It is recommended for ages 12 to 18 or young adult. The other book we will be reviewing is a picture book!

Mimi and Ary -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Rashad Mirzayev to bring you this post.

Kids have many experiences that can make them feel scared or lonely. It takes time and experience to learn how to deal with these moments. Today I am sharing a book that helps teach these lessons in a fun and creative way. The book is Mimi and Ary by Rashad Mirzayev. There is a giveaway at the end of this post. 

Lost on Doll Island

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is hard to believe that Halloween is next week! It is the perfect time for a spooky book and today I am sharing one. It is a middle grade book that has creepy dolls, magic, ghosts, and witches. It takes place in Mexico. The book is Lost on Doll Island by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

Books to Teach Music and Its Importance

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What is your favorite music? Do you play it for your kids? Do you play other types of music for them? Today we are sharing some amazing books--four board books with sound and one picture book about music and a person with dementia and its importance. We will start with the picture book which is Searching for Mr. Johnson's Song by Ariel Vanece and illustrated by Jade Orlando. It is recommended for ages 5 to 8 but I would say it could be enjoyed by older kids as well especially if they have someone close to them experience some type of dementia. 

Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Life is hard when your family moves all the time. It is hard to make friends and to really get to know someone. Today I get to share a new middle grade novel that is about a sixth grader whose family finally settled down after years of moving. Sixth grade brings all sorts of new things--new teachers, new subjects, the same bullies and so much more. The book is Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign by Sara F. Shacter. It is recommended for 9- to 12-year-olds. 

Dude. Be Nice -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Sarah Scheerger to bring you this post.

Have you ever had a moment where you are trying to help but your "help" is making things worse? Perhaps you are just trying to make things better but the "help" is not wanted? Today we are sharing a book about this situation. It is called Dude. Be Nice by Sarah Scheerger with Brent and Jamie Camalich and illustrated by Alex MacNaughton. There is a giveaway at the end of the post.

Once Upon a Kwanzaa -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall to bring you this post.

Do you know much about Kwanzaa? By this point in time we have all heard of Kwanzaa, but many don't totally know what it is. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. He was searching for ways to bring Black people together after riots in Los Angeles. (Source) I don't remember hearing about Kwanzaa until the 1990s. I always feel like it is a new holiday. Even with my diversity training and work, I really didn't know too much about Kwanzaa. I have learned more by reading books and reviewing them as well as by sharing crafts and activities here. Today I get to share a wonderful and informative new book about the holiday. It is Once Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall and illustrated by Sawyer Cloud. Along with my review there is a roundup of crafts and activities to celebrate Kwanzaa and a giveaway.

Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I always love learning about women who we may not have heard of but are famous in their own right. I really love learning about female mathematicians and scientists who have made a difference in our world. And although we always focus on women in March for Women's History Month I also feel it is important that we learn about them all year long. After all women do make up at least 50% of the world population. Today I am sharing a new book (released today) that is about a famous scientist. The book is Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. This book is recommended for ages four to eight.

Nunu and the Sea

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Where do your kids go when they are dealing with a BIG emotion? Where did you go when you were young? What did you do? I remember going to my room crying and wanting to be alone but not wanting to be alone. Today we are sharing a book about a young girl dealing with a big emotion and using creativity to overcome it. The book is Nunu and the Sea by Isabella Kung. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 and is being released tomorrow!

A Sea of Lemon Trees

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Hispanic Heritage Month ends this week, but I have one more book to share with you. It is a book based on a historical event from the 1930s and how one community fought segregation in schools. The book is A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The Dragonships Series Review

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Dragons and space travel and life on Mars! Talk about some exciting themes! Today I get to share a relatively new series--the first book was released in paperback last month and the second book was released this week! It is a middle grade fantasy sci-fi novel series! But older kids will enjoy this series as well. The series is written by Scott Reintgen. The first book is The Last Dragon on Mars. The series is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Growing Senses & Imagination with Books About Nature and the Seasons

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

This week I spent three days in the woods in Vermont with some of my students. Every year our school goes on a field trip to an outdoor center in Vermont. The high school students can choose to go for two nights and the middle school and 5th and 6th grade are required to go for four nights. The time there is tech free for the kids. The goals are team building, bonding with one another and getting them out of their comfort zones. For many it is the first time they are away from their parents for this length of time. As much as I hate being away from home, it is a great experience, and I always enjoy it a bit more than I think I will. It is important for everyone to get into nature and enjoy it. Today I am going to share two new picture books about nature and uses your senses and imagination. The first is Tree Spirits Around the World words and photographs by Louise Wannier and illustrated by April Tatiana Jackson. It is recommended for ages four to nine but could work with any age.

While We Wait

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

How often do you have to wait? How often a day? How often do your kids have to wait? Waiting can be hard for kids, but there are different activities they can do. In a society that seems to think the solution is handing them a screen, we have a new book (released today) that shares many fun ways to wait! The book is While We Wait by Bee Johnson. It is recommended for ages four to eight.

The Cobbler's Bridge -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Marin to bring you this post.

In times of trouble, it is important to keep hope. Hope is my word for 2025. As the political climate was changing and charging up with fighting and more, I felt hope was what I would need to keep myself calm and balanced. It has worked for the most part. Today I get to share a Christmas book (I know it is only October) that shares a story of hope, strength and generosity. It does involve a cross as well. The book is The Cobbler's Bridge by Marin. At the end of this post is a giveaway with a grand prize that includes $100!!

The Last Apple Tree -- Book Review & Giveaway

 

Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Claudia Mills to bring you this post.

It is apple season. Everyone is so into pumpkin spice, but the truth is I love apples more! An apple tree can be so many things to different people. Today I get to share a middle grade novel with you about a family, friends, growing up, and memories and it all revolves around an old apple tree. The book is The Last Apple Tree by Claudia Mills. At the end of this post there is a giveaway!

Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

October has begun and Halloween seems to be everywhere! It is the month of ghosts, goblins and witches. Today we are sharing a book about witches however it is not really a Halloween book. It is a graphic novel about growing up and finding one's way. The book is Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom by Jessixa Bagley. It is recommended for ages eight to twelve. 

Picture Books About School Emotions & Finding Your Place

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

School has been in session for a month or so now around here. The first day for everyone is full of emotions and jitters. It can be hard for anyone but especially for young children just starting school or someone changing school. Today I get to share two new picture books about the first day of school. The first is Scarecited on the First Day of School by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Lala Watkins. It is recommended for ages three to six. 

Bella and Bird Explore Anger -- Book Review & Giveaway

 


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Deana Plaskon, PhD, LMHC to bring you this post.

Emotions can be tough for everyone but especially for kids. They don't always know how to express themselves or how to control the big emotions. Today we get to share a wonderful new book that helps them handle anger better. The book is Bella and Bird Explore Anger by Deana Plaskon, PhD, LMHC and illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!!

Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca -- Earth Day meets Hispanic Heritage Month Picture Book

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15th. It goes through October 15th. I have not focused on the heritage months as much as I have in the past because I truly believe books sharing any heritage and history is important for all kids to read and should be read any time. That said I am sharing a picture book today that takes place in Mexico so if you are someone who pays more attention to the heritage months, this book works for right now! It also is about helping an endangered animal species, so it is also perfect for Earth Day or a science lesson! The book is Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca by Beatriz Gutiérrez Hernández. It is recommended for ages four to eight. 

2026 Calendars for Different Uses

 

Disclosure: I was sent each of these calendars in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We all have calendars on our phones and computers. Do you use them? Or do you prefer paper calendars? Or perhaps you are like me and want both. When Hazel was younger, we had a "family" calendar hanging in a common room so we could keep track of everyone's appointments, meetings and Hazel's classes. This allowed us to figure out care and rides for Hazel. I had fun with that calendar, and some years even did photo calendars with pictures of Hazel from the past year or photos from a big trip like Hazel's first trip to Disney World. Other times I just picked a special calendar that I liked the pictures, messages and had big enough squares for us to write the appointments on. Now I use my phone calendar to keep track of my appointments and meetings as well as Hazel's appointments. We still hang a calendar in the same spot but don't write on it as much! Steve actually hangs a calendar in just about every room in our house. He takes all the ones companies send us and place them around just in case we wonder the date or perhaps to decorate the room. To be honest I hardly ever see the one hanging on the back of my bedroom door. However, I have found as a teacher and a blogger I need different types of calendars for different reasons. When Workman Calendars asked me to review some, I was very excited! They have different types as well as so many different themes! There is truly something for everyone! My uses for these calendars vary from at home and at school. I will review them by type starting with wall calendars.

Flying Bear & Floating House

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Flying bears and houses that float? Oh, my! Today we are sharing two new picture books that were released last week. One has a flying bear in a hot air balloon, and the other is a wordless book about a house that floated to get moved. To go with our review we are sharing a roundup of hot air balloon crafts. The first book we will share is the wordless one. It is The House That Floated by Guojing. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold Lobel

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Every generation had its own beloved children's authors. For Hazel it was Mo Willems, Kevin Henkes, and Shannon Hale. For me I remember loving Beatrix Potter, Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume. I remember loving Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad as well. I also loved the Paddington series. Of course there are also the other classics like Dr. Seuss. Today we are sharing a fun new book about Arnold Lobel and his amazing books. The book is Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story about Arnold Lobel by Emmy Kastner.  It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.