Picture Books That Celebrate Extended Family with Different Lessons

 

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

Family matters. In this day and age, our society sometimes forgets that. Relationships with grandparents can make huge differences in children's lives. Today we are sharing two new picture books that celebrate relationships with grandfathers. Each book has different lessons--one teaches Spanish words and the other is about cooking. We will start with the Spanish one. It is Hola, Lola! To the Bodega: A Bilingual First Words Book/¡Hola, Lola! A la bodega: Un libro bilingüe de primeras palabras by Sandra Equihua. It is recommended for ages 4 to 7.

Wonder: A Song of the Seasons

 

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

We are in the dog days of summer, but back to school is quickly approaching. That means the change of seasons. Have you ever noticed each season has its own special wonders? Today we are sharing a beautiful picture book sharing some of the curiosities of each season and more. The book is Wonder: A Song of the Seasons by Julia Key and illustrated by Helen Cann. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

Sounds of Trash -- Picture Book Review with a DIY Musical Instrument Craft Roundup

 

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

Music is so important to our lives. The beat can help with movement. Music can affect mood and so much more. Today we are sharing a diverse picture book about a group of kids who know the importance of music for their special community festival and find a way to bring music to their festival's new location. The book is Sounds of Trash by Tina Athaide and illustrated by Neha Rawat. It is recommended for ages 4 to 7 and is part of the Steamworks Books Collection.

A Song of Her Own -- Early Chapter Book Review

 

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

I love books that teach kids about different places and cultures. They provide a way to learn about the world without traveling. Today we are sharing an early reader chapter book that gives a glimpse into the nomadic life in Somalia. The book is the first in a series, called Rain Chaser, so more glimpses into it are to come! The book is A Song of Her Own by Saida J. Bulhan and illustrated by Moka Celess. It is recommended for ages 6 to 10. 

Books to Get Ready for Halloween (or Summerween)!

 

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

Summerween is upon us!! I know I just got invited to a Summerween Celebration. We have been sharing all sorts of fun Summerween/Halloween books to celebrate. Last week we focused on ghosts and this week it is more about witches. Since we live near Salem, Massachusetts witches are a year-round thing. Today's books include a beautiful board book about getting ready for Halloween and a picture book about a witch. We will start with the board book. It is Wonderful Halloween by Emily Winfield Martin. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3. 

Through the Black Gate -- Review of Middle Grade Graphic Novel

 

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

There are many believes about what happens after death. Many cultures believe in an afterlife. Even going back to the myths there are stories of the underworld. We have shared a few books that share different views on the afterlife. Today we are sharing a new middle grade graphic novel about two kids who venture into the Land of the Dead to find loved ones. The book is Through the Black Gate by Alfredo Cáceres. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

The Adventure of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil -- 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 Alan J. Hesse to bring you this post.

Do you have a reader who loves graphic novels? Perhaps you want him/her to read more educational themed books? Today we are sharing a fun middle grade graphic novel about climate change and in particular about the Amazon Rain Forest and climate change. It is the fifth book in The Adventures of Captain Polo Series. The book is The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil by Alan J. Hesse. After my review is a giveaway for the whole series so far!

Fun New Board Books That Teach Lessons

 

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

I always love books that teach something. Today we are sharing two new board books that teach lessons about shapes, colors, and more in fun ways! The first book is We See Triangles by Andrea Pippins. It is recommended for ages 0 to 3. I however would consider using it with my high school geometry students!

Perfect Picture Books for the Upcoming New School Year

 

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

As schools are closing down for the school year, teachers across the country are cleaning their classrooms and ready for the much-needed rest and recovery summer brings. In the back of every teacher's mind is next year. Questions like what should I do the first day, what books should I read, does the curriculum need adjusting and more are circling through their brains. Yes, as one year finishes, teachers often have an eye on the next one even though they badly need the rest that summer can bring. Today we are sharing two new books that are perfect for the new year and make amazing end of the year gifts for teachers or start of the year gifts for next year! The first book is Welcome to Our Classroom! by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. It is part of the All Are Welcome series and recommended for ages 4 to 8.  

I Am Teddy Roosevelt -- Ordinary People Change the World Series for the United States 250th Birthday

 

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

This year the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary/birthday! To get ready for the BIG celebration, we are sharing various books about the United States and some famous Americans. Today we are sharing a new book from the Ordinary People Change the World Series that was one of Hazel's favorites when she was younger. The book is I Am Teddy Roosevelt by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. It is recommended for ages 5 to 9. After our review of this book, we will be sharing links to our past reviews of these books about some amazing Americans!

Books to Celebrate the USA and Learn More About It

 

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

Independence Day is quickly approaching! It is a special year for the BIG celebration of 250 years!! We have been sharing nonfiction books for different ages to help celebrate the big anniversary. Today we are sharing another group of books to help celebrate and learn more about the country and states. Several were released last week! The first book is 250 Facts About America by J. D. Forester and illustrated by Risa Rodil. This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12.  

Picture Books Perfect for Flag Day, Independence Day & More!

 

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

June 14th is Flag Day in the United States. It is a day to remember the adoption of the red, white, and blue flag on June 14, 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. I liked to celebrate Flag Day with Hazel by reading books about the flag and doing flag crafts. Today we are going to share two picture books themed around the flag. One relates the flag to our country with colors and words. The book is Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Emilia Wishing -- Picture Book Review

 

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

It has been said that we should appreciate what we have instead of wishing for more. There are many versions of this. Sometimes we spend time wishing for something instead of realizing how great what we have is. Today we are sharing a picture book about a young girl wishing for things but realizing how special her life is with what she has. The book is Emilia Wishing by Belen Medina and illustrated by Magdalena Mora. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

Books for World Cup Fever with Soccer Craft Roundup

 

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

Have you caught World Cup Fever? I feel like every time I turn around, I am hearing about it or seeing merchandise for it. It is on the news almost daily and of course with some of the games being in the Boston area, it is all anyone is talking about. The first game in Boston is about a week away and people are getting excited for it, or they are dreading it because of the crowds that will be coming this week. However, I am looking at it like the Olympics. It is a positive time where countries gather and compete in a friendly way. Our world needs more friendly. The first book is a picture book. It is The World's Game by Yamile Saied Méndez and illustrated by Andrés Landazábal. It is recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Thank You for Being a Friend -- Picture Book Review

 

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

What does friendship mean to you? What would you do for a friend? We all know the words to the song and it probably brings back memories of The Golden Girls. Today we are sharing a book based on the words of the song by Andrew Gold. The book (and song) is Thank You for Being a Friend illustrated by Sanne Dufft. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Alice Piper Speaks Up -- New Middle Grade Book About the Fight for Equal Education

 

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

Just about everyone knows about Brown vs. the Board of Education, but there were people who fought for equal education before this case. They just didn't make it to the Supreme Court. Today we are sharing a new book, released today June 2, 2026. It is the story about a Native American, Alice Piper, and her fight for equal education. The book is Alice Piper Speaks Up by Sage Andrew Romero and Loralee Sepsey and illustrated by Morgan Thompson. June 2nd is Alice Piper Day! This book is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

Two Picture Books That Teach U.S. History & More!

 

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

With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4th this year, I was sent a roundup of books about the United States. As I read them, I realized I didn't want to do just one huge roundup. The books are for different ages and teach about specific Americans, country history, states as well as about why we celebrate 4th of July. They are for different ages and a variety of types of books - from board books to middle grade books and even a graphic novel. Today we are sharing two books by the same team that give information about people. places and more. The first book is America's Dreaming by Ben McKinnon and illustrated by Thai My Phuong. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

I'm An American -- Picture Book Review

 

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

What makes a person an American? Is it their citizenship? Is it where they call home? Is it their beliefs? Today we are sharing a picture book that asks and answers this question. The book is I'm An American by Darshana Khiani and illustrated by Laura Freeman. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.

A Flame Burns On: Lighting the Yahrzeit Candle

 

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

How do you remember a loved one who has passed? This is a question I have been focusing on lately. My father passed in January, and we are planning his celebration of life. Today we are sharing a book about the Jewish tradition of the yahrzeit candle. It is a tradition I had not heard of. The book is A Flame Burns On by Richard Ho and illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. 

What Was the Turning Point in the Civil War? Alfred Waud Goes to Gettysburg

 

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

Happy Memorial Day!! To honor our fallen soldiers, we thought we would share a book about them. We are focusing on the Civil War and the middle grade graphic novel we are sharing is more about how the Civil War was reported to the citizens of the United States and in particular by Alfred Waud. The book is What Was the Turning Point in the Civil War? Alfred Waud Goes to Gettysburg by Ellen T. Crenshaw. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. It is not only great for Memorial Day but also helps teach some of the history of the USA just in time for the big 250th celebration in July!