MamatheFox, and all of her writers, love to read daily to our children. Instilling the love of books in our little ones is a high priority in our homes. The best way to create the love of reading in children is to read to them daily as well as them seeing you read for pleasure. Children will mimic their care givers, and what a better habit to mimic than reading?
Reading has proven to be one of the most valuable forms of cognitive enrichment for children of all ages. Reading, either aloud or together with you, can help your young child acquire language, develop literacy skills, stimulate imagination, and provide an opportunity for bonding. For older children, reading can help to improve writing skills, develop a broader vocabulary, better understand other cultures, and increase his or her general knowledge base. While online activities can be enormously entertaining for everyone, and provide benefits depending on the context, content, dose, and character and age of the child, research also shows that screen time can be addictive and negatively impact child health and development. Existing evidence has established linkages between specific media habits and obesity, insomnia, academic performance, aggression, depression, anxiety, and sexual risk-taking. Digital media can also eclipse reading – national reading scores have been stagnant since the late 2000s. Education and thought leaders have suggested that increased time spent on digital media could be the culprit. Balancing screen time with non-screen-related activities, such as reading print books or magazines, is crucial, as children’s lives are increasingly submerged in the digital world. – Dr. Hurst-Della Pietra withChildrenAndScreens.com
MamatheFox is constantly curating this on-going list of children’s books. Books that we have read and have put our stamp of approval on. Scroll through and make note of this page, as the list will be ever growing.
We pray that we can help you find wonderful literature to read to the children in your life
A Dolphin’s Wish
by Trevor McCurdie
This children’s book is about how you can help make a difference and save our oceans. The illustrations in this book are so pretty and help show children what a beautiful ocean should look like. It also sadly shows the cartoon like reality of what the junk in the ocean look like. In A Dolphin’s Wish we follow along as Daddy Dolphin and his son show readers what we’re doing wrong, then be inspired to take action and make a difference. At the end of the book are easy to see graphic that show statistics that make sense to early readers. It also has a glossary with pollution terms and definitions. This is a great book for at home reading and for schools as well.
Only You Can Be You
by Nathan and Sally Clarkson
Nathan and Sally are a mother and son duo who have drawn on themes from Nathan’s experiences growing up with mental illness and learning disabilities. With the powerful truth that what makes you different makes you great, Only You Can Be You will help children embrace their differences and celebrate the differences in others. This book shows through contrasting descriptions many ways that you are different in your own special way. Loud or quiet, funny or wishful, tall or short and so on. This book helps children see that while they may feel different at times they are not alone. We are all different and have been made by our Maker to be just who we are.
There Was A Black Hole That Swallowed The Universe
by Chris Ferrie
Chris Ferrie is an award-winning physicist, a mathematician and a children’s book author. Chris uses his knowledge of science and math to take our children into a world where they can understand concepts of science and math. In his new book, There Was A Black Hole That Swallowed The Universe, he used the familiar rhythm of “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” to create a familiar flow of story that children can recognize to quickly engage them. The story follows a black hole that swallows up the universe and everything that exists in it, from the biggest to the smallest pieces of matter. This story will be a perfect addition to any home library and a great gift as well.
The Kitten, The Cat & The Apple
by Nicholas Tana
Does your child complain about being bored? That they don’t know what they want and looking for your help in keeping them busy? The Kitten, The Cat & The Apple is an easy to read picture book that helps children learn that they can find new ways to play and to keep themselves busy – eradicating their boredom. With clean pictures that help the child see that story played out. The writing of this book is simple enough that a Kindergartner should be able to read most of the words, and several with help from a grown up. If you choose to download the audio book from Amazon instead of getting a back paper copy you an hear award-winning, German-based film composer, Richard Albert’s audio. He teamed up with the author to create the perfect accompanying composition and sound design, in this marvelous philosophical addition to the New Classics Books collection.
Very Lulu
by Stephanie Campisi
Very Lulu is one of MamatheFox’s favorite books in this article. This book is loosely based on a real dog names Lulu. Lulu is a black Labrador was recruited into the CIA training program for dogs. After Lulu was in training for a while she stopped showing interest. In the book this is when Lulu gets silly and will make your children smile as they watch her be a fun lovely regular dog instead of a dog training in the CIA. After trying lots of different ways to help train Lulu the trainer comes to the only conclusion…that the job wasn’t for her, and that she belonged with a loving family…the trainers family! When Lulu was adopted and brought home she flourished as a wonderful pet and another member of the family.
1, 2, 3, Who’s Cleaning The Sea?
by Janina Rossiter
1, 2, 3, Who’s Cleaning The Sea is a perfect book for toddlers and children learning the basic of counting. This story takes the readers through number 1 – 10. Each page features a number and a sea creature who is collecting the trash found in our oceans and sea’s. The powerful visual of the trash truly found in our water brings light to a real problem we are facing. This picture book will teach your child to associate numbers with their quantities while also learning about the importance of keeping plastics and other pollutants out of our oceans. When MamatheFox first read this book to her children they thought the sea creators were playing with the trash they were collecting. The plastic forks, the balloons, the tin cans…then when MamatheFox explained how there is an abundance of real trash in our oceans and they are hurting the sea life and the water they were shocked and saddened. We talked about how important it is to properly throw the trash away and why we work so hard to recycle. This is a great book for any home and perfect for school libraries.
The Day God Made You
By Rory Feek
This colorful book with beautiful illustrations gives kids a reminder that God created them with purpose and love. Full of rhymes, The Day God Made You offers a powerful message of love that’s perfect for families to read together. Written by Rory Feek, singer and song writer, this book was inspired from his youngest daughter. Feek said : “Although, on the day Indy was born, my wife Joey and I had no idea that she would have Down syndrome and be little different than her big sisters and other children – God did.” Each and every one of us are uniquely made by God and that’s exactly what this book shows.
Big Heart Feels!
By Mike and Mackenzie Morrison
Big Heart Feels is the final book in the series Small Voice Says. This book offers an educational and heartfelt message. With beautiful, detailed illustrations children will learn a little more about the power of taking others feelings to heart. We love how this book shows many different situations that help children discover compassion and understanding for others. This book offers many different topics such as expressing individuality, instilling compassion, cultivation of a strong inner voice, and more. Not only will this book teach your children about how to better care for others, but it will help teach you how to talk to your kids about these tough topics.
Cocoa’s Cranky Christmas
By Beth Hughes
This silly board book is great for kids 2-6 years and is a interactive story. Kids will sing, clap, and bark through the pages to try and cheer Cocoa up just in time for Christmas Day. The pages of Cocoa’s Cranky Christmas are filled with minimalist artwork by Beth Hughes. Kids will embrace the Christmas season in a little bit of a different way – through laughter. Not only is this a read aloud, but a laugh along; at story time, bedtime, or anytime!
Hello Little Dreamer
By Kathie Lee Gifford
Rhyming books are always good to have on the shelf. This heartwarming book written by Kathie Lee Gifford and illustrated by Anita Schmidt is full of whimsical artwork. The book is a great way to show children that they were created by God for a special purpose. Kids learn that finding their passions and dreams help them discover and celebrate their God-give purpose in the world. The joy kids have the ability to feel when knowing that God made them for a purpose is one that is priceless. Before they were born God has a plan for each and every one of them; whether dreams are found quickly or take time to develop, a beautiful picture is created for each child’s life.
Little Kids First Board Book : Ocean
by: National Geographic Kids
Stunning photos of whales, dolphins, sharks, octopuses, clownfish, and other sea animals introduce the very youngest explorers to the wonders of Earth’s ocean, from its depths to its shores. These sturdy pages showcase ocean life with amazing photographs, super simple facts, and lively, age-appropriate language to keep babies and toddlers–and their grown-ups–fascinated by every colorful page.
Love
By Casey Rislov
The greatest gift that we can give our children is to teach them Truth. Casey Rislov’s baby-board book “Love” does just that as she takes readers through a rendition of the treasured Bible verses in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. The book is beautifully illustrated by Rachael Balsaitis, with each page depicting a scene of what love does. For babies, the colorful and detailed illustrations are sure to entertain! As your child grows, the captivating words and illustrations are sure to be a springboard for family-wide conversations on how we can all love each other a little better each day. This book would be a wonderful addition to any young family library!
Buckley the Highland Cow and Ralphy the Goat: A True Story about Kindness, Friendship, and Being Yourself
By: Renee Rutledge and Leslie Ackerman
This cute little book tells the story of a little cow-Buckley and his goat best friend-Ralphy. These two friends overcome loneliness and barnyard bullying and together. When Buckley suddenly becomes all alone on a new farm, he doesn’t know what to do; but because friends come from unlikely places, he in for a surprise. They become friends quickly after Ralphy takes Buckley under his wing. The book teaches resilience, diverse friendship, and loving who you are. Filled with real photos, this book is adorable for children of all ages!
The Coolest Stuff On Earth
by National Geographic Kids
This big, bright and photo-packed gift-worthy book digs into the details behind our planet’s most magnificent marvels, epic extremes, and astonishing animals. Did you know that dogs can shake off a pound of water in less than a second? That some sand dunes whistle and sing? That the U.S. dollar bill is full of hidden symbols related to the number 13? Our world is filled with strange, bizarre, and weird happenings. But what do they mean? WHY are they important? And what secrets are behind them? These stories and much more are revealed through cool stories, action-packed photos, fantastic infographics, and exciting Q&As with in-the-field experts. Discover the secrets of sharkskin, the mysteries behind incredible island animals, the power behind lightning, how a rare gemstone changes color, and more. Kids will be captivated by this fresh way of looking at our amazing planet.
NG Kids Why?: Over 1,111 Answers to Everything
by National Geographic Kids
The concept is simple. Got a question? Well now you have an answer! 1,111 of them, in fact. Want to know why your snot is yellow? Flip to the human body chapter. What’s on the inside of a turtle shell? The animal section’s got you covered. What’s in the deepest part of the ocean? Why doesn’t Earth just float off into space? Check, check, and check. With hundreds of topics ranging from silly to serious, this book has the expert information kids need in a fun and entertaining format that will keep them digging for answers.
National Geographic Kids Almanac 2021
by National Geographic Kids
The latest installment of the New York Times best-selling almanac features amazing animal stories, explorer profiles, and outrageous attractions that kids know and love, plus more of the incredible inventions, awesome games, and fresh challenges for curious kids who want to learn all about the world and everything that’s in it!. Tons of fun facts, crafts, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, conservation, and more is why this is the number one selling kids almanac on the planet. There’s a whole chapter full of fun and games, including activities, jokes, and comics and the colorful compilation also includes an Almanac Challenge 2021 — which inspires kids to reduce their plastic waste and encourage others to do the same.
by National Geographic Kids
a #1 Best Seller on Amazon! Linking to a popular feature in the super successful National Geographic Little Kids magazine, this book brings the browsable fun of the bestselling National Geographic Kids Almanac to a new audience: preschoolers! Using an interactive question-and-answer format and content grounded in a child’s immediate world, the Big Book of Why delivers lively information, hands-on games, simple recipes, crafts, and more. What makes a car go? How does mushy dough become a crispy cookie? What does the doctor see in my throat? An essential parent reference, The Big Book of Why invites children to ask big questions, think big thoughts, and get answers that are accurate, engaging, level-appropriate, and based on sound educational findings. It helps prepare preschoolers for school in an interactive way — the very best way to foster learning at this age, according to research. Highly photographic and playful, this big book is an adventure in exploration.
Nerdlet: Animals
by National Geographic Kids
Sometimes big nerdiness comes in a small package–and this little book is an animal nerd’s dream! In this little animal “Nerdlet” you’ll learn about the weirdest, coolest, most amazing creatures in the animal kingdom–and what makes them so complex. Plus, you’ll have some of your most burning animal questions answered, such as What’s the deal with crocodile tears? And you’ll meet people who get to be around animals for a living and travel to animal destinations around the world. You’ll also find personality quizzes, fun facts, animal superheroes, and even a Star Wars reference … or two.
The Girl Who Spoke To The Moon
by Land Wilson
This sweet bedtime story moves children to want to help protect and love our earth. When Sofia dreams of visiting the Moon one night, she discovers people are hurting the Earth! With the Moon as her guide, Sofia learns how we can work together to make Earth feel better. With rhyming text and beautiful illustrations, this sweet, environmentally friendly story is a gentle lesson and clear reminder of the importance of caring for our planet. Previously published as Sofia’s Dream, this updated edition includes bonus back matter about pollution and the simple steps we can take to protect the Earth! I love that at the end of this book there is a breakdown of the different types of pollution, air, land and water. It then goes into a fact sheet style write up with fun and realistic ways you and your kids can putt o use this new information.
What Does It Mean to Be Green?
by Rana DiOrio
In this book a little boy and girl learn the different ways it means to be green. It walks the reader through all the ways a child and their family can help make green choices. From picking up trash you find a the park and putting it in the garbage. How to use food scraps to make fertilizer, walking when you can instead of driving and loads of other kid friendly ways to be green. At the end of this book there are lists to help the grown up and kids take this book into action. Lists like what you can do with suggestions of reduce reuse and recycling. This simple to read book with a clear message is great for home libraries and for schools as well.
Trees Make Perfect Pets
by Paul Czajak
In the book ‘Trees Make Perfect Pets’ a young girl, Abigail, wishes for a pet for her birthday wish. And that pet she desires is a tree. Abigail goes on a journey with her family to a nursery to find her a perfect pet tree. The reader learns with Abigail about how tress grow and thrive. As the story develops the tree thrives and grows. This fun and informative book teaches kids about nature and the importance of trees through a fun and colorful story. At the end of the book there are several website resources the author recommends to further your knowledge on trees and to help with reforestation and tree planting programs.
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs
by America’s Test Kitchen
Does your child show interest in helping in the kitchen? If you want to help inspire their culinary desires then gifting them the new book The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs will teach them that baking isn’t just for cupcakes. From breakfast to breads, cookies to cakes they can learn how to bake it all. This cookbook for kids makes learning how to bake fun. By using simple to read instructions, clear images of the step by step process, your child will feel confident in each step of their recipe. The Complete Baking Book helps them feel like a pro as they follow the recipes and try their tasty baked goods. With over 100 sweet and savory kid friendly recipes you will love the wide variety offered. We love the helpful tips and advice sprinkled throughout the book, giving the kids even more technical and long term advice they can apply as they learn to bake.
Three Paws
by Karen Struck
This novel is great for blooming young readers. Three Paws is about a young Alaskan grizzly bear cub that gets an injury from a tragic accident. However, he knows that as a grizzly bear he needs to be able to fish for salmon for his survival. When he stumbles across an injured goat the three-pawed cub needs to make a big decision, to eat the goat (like any smart grizzly would do) or to help the goat and let it live. What will the consequences of his choice be? With a surprise ending that even surprised MamatheFox, this book will be quickly loved and reread often by your child.
Aline and the Blue Bottle
by Carolina Ugaz-Moran
Carolina Ugaz-Moran has started a new series that will keep you reading page after page. Adventures of Aline starts here with Aline and the Blue Bottle. Discover Aline and her boring, nothing special life….until that all changes. One day 12 year old Aline discovers a multitude of secrets around her. Nothing is as it seems anymore and a big secret about ancient magic from another world has entered the universe in piece, which Aline now needs to collect. She now must travel through time and space to collect some of this incredible magic. She befriends mythical creatures who help her to understand that she must find a claim the blue bottle to save all the magical worlds from the evil Dashiok who wants to destroy them all! Will Aline be able to make the right choices in the unfamiliar land? Will she have the confidence to push forward? Find out yourself and order a a copy today.
Math Art + Drawing Games for Kids
by Karen Tripp
Math Art + Drawing Games for Kids is an instructional book for art projects that uses math concepts. With easy to follow instructions and images you can show children how math concepts are not always equations on a page, but used in real tactile art projects. Make pixel art using graph paper, grids, and dot grids. Explore projects that teach symmetry with mandala drawings, stained glass rose window art, and more. Kids learn by doing and seeing. This is an amazing way to allow your kids to create their own art while you teach them about a culture, baking or famous artists – but always looping a math concept in. Bake waffles and use berries to working on factions. Cut and paste triangles like Escher’s Infinity Triangles. Use the Fibonacci formula to make spiral art. This book will inspire your children and even you will learn a thing or two as you work through the fun projects.
Frozen II Personalized Book
by In the Book
Do you have a Frozen fan in your home? With the release of Frozen II kids everywhere are getting into the Anna, Sven and Olaf vibe. In The Book helps you to create personalized books for young readers. This book allows you to add you child’s name and an image of them as well. The name is featured on the front cover and other times throughout the book. This fun personalized book draws your child deeper into the book allowing them to feel the magic of Frozen II. In The Book also features many more books to be personalized and customized for your home library. For the child that doesn’t need more toys in their life but is in love with Frozen, this makes a smart choice for you.
Learn to Draw Disney Frozen 2
by Walter Foster Jr.
With the release of Frozen II kids are getting excited to see their beloved creatures in a new adventure. In this Learn to Draw book your children will learn three different drawing methods: tracing, grid-drawing and the basic shapes method. Follow the instructions to learn how to draw Elsa, Olaf, Anna and other Disney Frozen II characters. All you need is a pencil to get started. This book comes with tracing paper and the tools needed to get to drawing. Learn some fun facts about the characters as you learn to draw them. The book has character descriptions and art instruction from professional Disney animators. Get ready for Frozen II with this useful and fun book.
Frozen 2 Make Your Own Bath Bombs
by Jennifer Malone
Bath bomb kits are extremely popular with children. Using their hands to create a fun to use bath bombs is loved activity by both of the MamatheFox children. In this new book and kit from Jennifer Malone you can help your kids make Frozen 2 themed bath bombs with the materials included with the book. With step-by-step instructions you can guide your little scientist in creating the bath bombs inspired by the new movie coming to theaters this November 22, 2019. It comes with enough citric acid to make 10 bath bombs. Plastic molds shaped like the four elements (earth, wind, fire, and water) celebrated in Frozen 2. Some of the recipes are: Anna’s Candy Bath Bombs Recipe, Kristoff’s Crystal Ice Bath Bombs Recipe, Elsa’s Hot Chocolate Bath Bombs Recipe, Olaf’s Natural Element Bath Bombs Recipe and a Crystal Snowflake Recipe. This kit is best suited for children ages 8 to 12.
Livi & Grace
by Jennifer Lynch
Livi & Grace are sisters. Sisters who are very different from each other. This story takes the reader through Livi and Graces everyday lives. At home, while playing and while at school. Each page has a rhyming poetic style that lures the young reader to the next sentence with ease. The sing-songy beat keeps you moving from page to page with a fun and joyful rhythm. We learn about how two sisters, who are very very different from one another, can be very close and happy with their differences. This is a perfect book for all children, teaching them the importance to love yourself as how God created you. That no two people are alike, and how you need to be happy and rejoice in the person you are. Jennifer, the novelist, is an advocate for abused and at-risk children. She is the creator of the clothing line “You Are Good”. She was inspired to write this story after her years of experience with these children and he “You Are Good” lines. “Remember, enjoy yourself whoever and however you are.”
Bad Day
by Ruby Roth
Bad Day is about exactly what you would think it would be about – a bad day. Kids have the same feelings as emotions as adults, and adult often forget this. That bad days can happen to anyone at any age. Those feelings can be big, and hard to understand especially for kids. Bad Day is relatable, realistic and easy to read. It captures a young boy who is trying to gauge and feel what he needs to feel. That all days are not great and easy, some are hard and difficult. It shows how a child sometimes just needs to be alone. To feel their feelings in peace. To breathe and relax. Once they process their feelings they can move forward with knowledge and strength.
The Mountain Lion at Crab Lake
by David Mulford
There is a newcomer at Crab Lake this winter, big and fierce and intimidating. He is a mountain lion, and none of the creatures of Crab Lake – nor Jeannie – have ever met an animal like this, and they’ve never been so nervous. Where did he come from? Why is he here? Is he dangerous? Some of the animals think so, but Jeannie is brave, and wants to welcome Mr. Mountain Lion to the lake even though his large paws, long white teeth and bright yellow eyes are a little scary.
Magnet Max
by Monica Lozano Hughes
Magnet Max loves experimenting with magnets. He knows all about how they work and loves using them to attract new types of things. But when he shows them to his friend Nick, the other boy is baffled. Will magnets stick to a paperclip? A refrigerator? A horse? How do they work, anyway? It must be magic! Join Max and Nick as they explore the science behind the magic. Discover which objects are attracted and why some are while others aren’t. In Magnet Max, Monica Hughes uses her experience as an educator to explain scientific concepts in clear, easy-to-follow language. Catchy rhymes and the colorful illustrations of Holly Weinstein add to the fun. Watch your children’s curiosity come to life as they explore the wonders of magnetism with Magnet Max!
Manners and Me
by Nancy Dorrier
In this Mom’s Choice Gold Award-winning guide to proper manners for kids, Nancy Dorrier provides easy rules for parents to teach and children to follow. She includes tips such as listening when spoken to, speaking clearly, being polite and welcoming when meeting new people, and being on time. This book helps kids understand that being polite and having proper manners is important for everyone, and that there is much more to it than please and thank you! With fun illustrations and relatable examples, Dorrier makes it easy-peasy for all children to follow along and learn on the way.
Ted the Friendly Frog and the Race at Golden Lake
by Scott McCall
Ted has a big race coming up the race at Golden Lake! Last year, he only placed seventh, but this year he’s hoping to win the whole thing. When Ted gets a little lost in the woods on the way to the race, he meets all sorts of new friends as they work together to help find his way back. Once the race begins, Ted finds himself in a tough spot, and he must decide between going for gold or learning from the lesson his new friends have taught him and helping someone in need. Join Ted in the second book of Scott McCall’s fun froggy series, Ted the Friendly Frog and the Race at Golden Lake, and learn how helping a friend can make you feel more like a winner than any trophy!
Ted the Friendly Frog and the Tale of the Diamond
by Scott McCall
Ted the Friendly Frog lives by a pond and spends his froggy days playing with his friends, hopping in the grass, and swimming very fast. One day, Ted’s grandfather tells Ted something important he’s going away for a few days, and could Ted look after his special diamond? Ted must not play with the diamond with his friends or even show anyone, for it is an old tradition to pass the diamond down to the next frog in the family, and it’s a very valuable stone. In this bouncing and rhyming tale, Ted learns the important lesson of listening to his family, even if it is more fun to play, and it is never too late to learn from a mistake.
Benjamin Birdie and the Tree Dwellers
by Michael Dotsikas
After his unsuccessful first flight, Benjamin Birdie is still anxious to fly like all the other birds. With his wings now grown stronger, and support from his mom, Benjamin is ready to give flying another try. Nervously leaping from his nest, he stumbles at first, but recovers just in time after hearing the encouraging voices of all his tree-dwelling friends, cheering him on! Benjamin’s newfound flying skills inspire his friends to follow their own dreams and try things once thought they couldn’t do. Join Benjamin Birdie and his tree-dwelling friends as they learn to believe in themselves, all while seeing just how important it is to be there for a friend when they’re not feeling sure of themselves. Sometimes a friend is all you need to find confidence and courage to soar to new, spectacular heights!
Little Worm A Story About Worry
by Laura Ann Elpers Pierce
LITTLE WORM, BIG WORRY. Today is the day: Little Worm is going to run a whole mile! But oh no it s raining! Little Worm starts to feel sad, and then he feels funny. He’s so disappointed. Little Worm has been looking forward to this day for weeks. What if he can t run at all today? Little Worm: A Story about Worry models how to handle worry and anxiety when things don’t turn out the way we expect. Join Little Worm as he learns how to readjust his plans and work through his anxiety.
Guion the Lion
by Rebecca Wilson Macsovits
Get ready for whimsical delights and discoveries! A pirate adventure, dinosaur sightings, a magical kingdom with dragons, and more await you in the new book, “Guion The Lion” by Rebecca Wilson Macsovits. Guion’s an imaginative little lion who sees things a bit differently from his friends. That is, until they learn to appreciate his unique perspective and shift how they look at the world around them. Full of themes like empathy, curiosity, and adventure, “Guion The Lion” shows little readers (and bigger ones, too!) that appreciating differences and embracing others ideas can lead to unimaginable fun! There’s beauty all around you if you open your eyes. Unlock your kids’ and students’ imaginations and give them the keys to find magic moments in the everyday.
by Susan Marie
Miss Olive Finds Her “Furever” Friends is the second book in the heartwarming and inspirational series The Doggy Diva Diaries. When rescue pup Miss Olive is faced with a bullying situation, she learns valuable life lessons: that her superpower is kindness, and that it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside. It’s the kindness and love you have on the inside that counts.
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be
By Joanna Gaines
This book celebrates how creativity and acceptance have the ability to come together in a bright and beautiful adventure. Written by Joanna Gaines, this book follows her first, the #1 New York Times bestselling book We Are the Gardeners. Just released, this book follows a small group of children on their journey as they build their own hot-air balloons. They work together and use their skills and processes to fill the sky with the colors of the hot-air balloons. Then its learned that life is more beautiful and vibrant when differences are celebrated. Kids learn a lot from the book; celebrating one-of-a-kind strength, teamwork, acceptance of differences, sharing talents and abilities, lending a helping hand, and caring for one another. The beautiful book is illustrated by Julianna Swaney.
Daniel is worried, he must do something at school that he finds difficult. But when he meets Dex and is taken to the magical world of Monster Mountain, Daniel finds the tools he needs to cope. When it comes to the big day at school; will Daniel be able to keep his cool?This book is a beautiful story about a young boy, Daniel, who is shy, kind and often worries about things that happen in his life. When he goes to sleep at night, his dreams take him on magical adventures where he meets new people and goes to new places. However, this particular night is different. He meets Dex, who appears in his bedroom, and takes Daniel to a truly magical place called Monster Mountain. Daniel notices that every thing he meets there is very unique. Whilst there, he notices someone who really needs his help. In the process of helping his new friend, Daniel learns some ways to help himself. The ideas behind this book are to raise awareness of mental wellbeing and mental illnesses in children. The underlying story will offer strategies to cope and show symptoms that can be identifiable to both children and parents. However, there is a lovely story that can be enjoyed without having to focus on the mental wellbeing and illness.
Practicing Patience: How to sit Patiently when Your Body Doesn’t Want to
By Jennifer Law
This cute book is great for children who are learning about patience. In the book a little boy, Gabe, does not like waiting – at school or at home. His shoes, Lefty and Lacey, come in to help him out because they notice his impatience. Lefty and Lacey teach Gabe the importance of remaining calm, especially when waiting our turn. Not only that, but they teach Gabe different ways to be patient. This book is perfect for younger children; like lower elementary kids.
How Do I Remember All of That? A Story to Improve Working Memory
By Bryan Smith
This book is the tenth book of a series call Executive Function. Braden, the main character, is frustrated by his schoolwork that is very tough. Throughout the book he learns different strategies in order to breakdown complex problems. Making smaller and more manageable tasks allows him to improve his memory and become less frustrated. There are many practical tools given for Braden to learn, which children pick up on from reading the book. Great for upper elementary and middle school children.
Soul Riders – A Star Stable Trilogy
by Helena Dahlgren
Book 1 –
Soul Riders tells the heroic tale of four young girls who have been chosen by destiny to save the world from the ancient demon: Garnok and his band of dangerous Dark Riders. Lisa is a teenage girl who is still coming to terms with the tragic loss of her mother in a riding accident and has sworn never to go near a horse again until she met Starshine, a mysterious blue-maned steed who comes to her in dreams. New on the island of Jorvik, Lisa befriends Alex, Linda, and Anne. Under the guidance of mystical druids, they discover they each have a special bond to their horses that gives them magical powers. While trying to balance school, family, and friendships they have to figure out what it means to be a Soul Rider. They are attacked by the Dark Riders and the mysterious Mr. Sands discover that their horses are in danger. Instead of relying on their combined strength, they decide to split up on their quest to find answers and learn to fight back against their enemies. However, will it be too late before they realize their mistake?
Book 2 –
Having split up on their own individual missions at the end of book 1, the Soul Riders are now in increasing danger. In a desperate act, Anne manages to save her friends by using her newfound magical abilities. Together again, the Soul Riders feel their powers intensify as they work in unison for the first time. The legend awakens as they start their training with the druids and learn who they are and what it means to be a Soul Rider.
To truly master their powers they must obtain a book that is kept by the witch Pi who was once an ally to the druids, but now has turned on them. When they return to the druids, they learn that a magical rift has been opened up threatening to destroy Winter Valley and the thousands who live there. Linda has visions of the dark and terrible fate that awaits if the Dark Riders succeed. But worst of all, they realize that they are the ones who caused the rift and have no choice but to ride out together to try and neutralize the threat . . .
Book 3 –
A storm is coming. Darkness is falling. Will the Soul Riders find their strength in time to save Jorvik?
From cozy stables to stormy nights and magical places, Darkness Falling is a thrilling adventure where the fate of the world lies in the hands of four friends and their horses.
The four Soul Riders, Lisa, Anne, Linda, and Alex, are facing their greatest test yet. Mr. Sands’ sinister plans are threatening to destroy life on Jorvik. Only the Soul Riders and their horses have the power to stop him and his Dark Riders. To succeed, the Soul Riders must learn to master the magic. But they are running out of time.
The Cimorelli Sisters – Believe in You
by Christina, Katherine, Lisa, Amy, Lauren and Dani Cimorelli
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The six Cimorelli sisters tour the world with their music and social media stories. Being girls in today’s society can be confusing and at times scary. The Cimorelli sisters know the importance of leaning on a big sister when things get tough. In this book they share advice on all things relevant to teens today: fashion, friendship, faith and family. Believe in You is like a giant hug from them to you. Giving you the assurance that you can do this and you never need to change who you are.
Venators – Magic Unleashed
by Devri Walls
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The dark unknown beckons.
Rune Jenkins has a long-standing infatuation with anything from the supernatural world, and she’s trying to hide it. If she doesn’t, she angers her reckless twin brother Ryker, and starts feeling like her own sanity is slipping. But the closer she gets to Grey Malteer – an old friend who waves his fascination with fantasy like a flag – the harder it becomes to stifle her own interest. The supernatural suddenly invades their reality when other-worldly creatures come hunting for the three college students. With help from a mysterious savior Rune and Grey escape, but must follow Ryker’s abductors into an alternate dimension, Eon, and discover their true identities. They are Venators, descendants of genetically enhanced protectors and sentries between Eon and Earth. In this world of fae, vampires, werewolves, and wizards, power is abundant and always in flux. Ryker is missing, and Rune and Grey are being set up as pawns in a very dangerous game. The three must find their way through and out of Eon, before it consumes them.
Venators – Promise Forged
by Devri Walls
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It has been mere days in the world of Eon, where Rune Jenkins, her twin brother Ryker, and their friend Grey have been trapped, fighting for their lives. After discovering the truth of their ancestry, the three are far from home, and far from anything resembling their mundane lives of the past.
While Ryker is still held captive by the eerily beautiful Zio and her goblins, Grey falls into the clutches of Feena, the Fae queen. She begins to drain his soul bit by bit to feed her dark underground garden, and Grey has no hope of escaping on his own.
It is now up to Rune to save Grey, as his precious time slips away inexorably. But the Council has denied her permission to embark on a rescue mission, until she can harness her Venator gifts and prove herself capable of venturing into the Fae queen’s territory. As Rune discovers that promises in Eon are forged with life-or-death consequences, she realizes that she must act quickly, or else be swallowed and Grey along with her by the dangers of Eon.
Pixels of You
by Anath Hirsh and Yuko Ota
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A human and human-presenting AI slowly become friends—and maybe more—in this moving YA graphic novel
In a near future, augmentation and AI changed everything and nothing. Indira is a human girl who has been cybernetically augmented after a tragic accident, and Fawn is one of the first human-presenting AI. They have the same internship at a gallery, but neither thinks much of the other’s photography. But after a huge public blowout, their mentor gives them an ultimatum: work together on a project or leave her gallery forever. Grudgingly, the two begin to collaborate, and what comes out of it is astounding and revealing for both of them. Pixels of You is about the slow transformation of a rivalry to a friendship to something more as Indira and Fawn navigate each other, the world around them—and what it means to be an artist and a person.
