Category: children

Author: Michael Engler
Illustrator: Joëlle Tourlonias
Publisher: Peter Pauper Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4413-0841-2
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

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Andrew is busy working on a treasure map when his mother asks him to bring a package upstairs to his neighbor. But instead, he opens it, thinking it’s for him. Inside is a stuffed elephant named Timbo, who instantly becomes his friend. They travel all over the world together, seeing interesting new things and having great adventures. But soon the fun ends, when Andrew’s mother tells him the elephant belongs to Louise.

With great sadness, he gives his new best friend to the girl upstairs. But he is in for a big surprise when she comes to visit him only a little while later. Timbo misses him, and she suggests that maybe the three of them can travel together from now on.

Elepahantastic! is full of fun and adventure. Using only his imagination, Andrew can talk to Timbo and travel to foreign places. And when Louise joins them, the joy is multiplied.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Roberto Aliaga
Illustrator: Mar Blanco
Publisher: Cuento de Luz
Genre: Children
ISBN: 9788415619819
Pages: 28
Price: $16.95

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It’s hard to have a friend who’s not like everyone else. Dorothy is very big and has bad manners, and the others don’t like her. But even though she’s different, Dorothy is this little girl’s best friend. Taunts and meanness don’t deter her from spending time with Dorothy, and nothing they can say makes her see her best friend as anything but wonderful.

It’s refreshing to see a child so sure of herself that she sees only the good in her friend, and doesn’t let the others sway her opinion. We could all use more supportive people like her in our lives! Dorothy: A Different Kind of Friend sets a great example of devoted friendship and unconditional acceptance. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Sarah Ban Breathnach
Illustrator: Wendy Edelson
Publisher: Regnery Kids
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-62157-252-7
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

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Twenty years ago, Simple Abundance reminded women that if they wanted to be truly happy, they needed to be grateful for all the good things in their lives. Now, in this children’s version, kids are asked to do the same thing.

Winter, spring, summer and fall – all the seasons of the year share their bounty with us. Was the best part of the day picking pumpkins, building a snowman, tending a garden, or jumping in the pool? At the end of the day, it’s nice to review the joys experienced and be grateful for them all.

In this rhyming book with watercolor illustrations of a happy family, Sarah Ban Breathnach shares the principles of Simple Abundance with kids. Rather than writing down five good things in a gratitude journal, they can simply share their blessings with their parents before bed and go to sleep with a smile. The Best Part of the Day provides a beautiful way to end the day.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Lesley Dahlseng
Illustrator: Mirela Tufan
Publisher: WhetWord Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-615-98704-0
Pages: 32
Price: $17.99

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Bedtime draws near, but the child is not ready for sleep. Although he may be hiding, his mother searches high and low. And if she can’t find him, she’ll blow a kiss that won’t miss.

In rhyming verse, children are shown hiding in a myriad of places in nature. They are boys and girls of all races, allowing for all kids to see themselves in this book. In every scene, their mother keeps looking for them, intending to catch them for a goodnight kiss. And when the child is finally tucked into bed, she promises a kiss from God, and His kiss certainly won’t miss!

A mother’s love is so special, as is the love of God. In My Kiss Won’t Miss, kids are reminded of this love that never ends. This book would be a perfect bedtime read, accompanied by snuggles and a kiss goodnight.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Mar Pavón
Illustrator: Nívola Uyá
Publisher: Cuento de Luz
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-84-15619-65-9
Pages: 28
Price: $16.95

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A lady with an enormous beehive hairdo, thick eyeglasses, and a bright blue raincoat is chugging down the road on her tractor. As she passes the various people in the town, each calls out a warning that someone with her clothing or features shouldn’t drive tractors.

When she gets home and sits down to dinner with her family, her daughter announces she wants to drive a tractor just like her mom. But her mother has some wise words for her, reminding her exactly why she drives such a very noisy tractor.

A Very, Very Noisy Tractor is a whimsical story with a deep message. On the surface, it’s a simple story about an unusual woman driving a tractor. But this woman is unafraid to be unique, despite the silly things people tell her. In fact, she deliberately drowns their words out. In reading this book, kids will see that it’s okay to be themselves, and that they are allowed and even encouraged to tune out anyone who thinks differently. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger