Skandar and the Skeleton Curse

By A.F. Steadman

In book 4 of this epic fantasy series, Skandar must join his friends at the Eyrie to solve the mystery of the Skeleton Curse which is killing pegasus and their riders. Skandar’s sister, a rebel fighting to save her life and her pegasus’ life will do anything including cursing all others on the island. Not only that, the commodore of the Eyrie wants to destroy all spirit wielding riders including Skandar and his sister. Will Skandar survive against his sister? Will he help his sister survive?

This is an epic fantasy series that has the feel of Harry Potter but the perk of pegasus. It is also a series that MUST be read in order. This is book 4. I would recommend it for any who are searching for that next series to pull kids into reading.

A Little Like Magic

Written and Illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel

Our narrator doesn’t like to try new things or venture to new places but when she spends the evening at an ice sculpting event she finds herself feeling okay with the crowds and noise as long as her mom is there. When she returns home she finds that she has lost her favorite horse statue and is sad that she will never see it again. After spending the day in sadness they once again go to the sculpting event to see the results from the day before feeling more familiar and comfortable only to see a beautiful sculpture of a horse that looks just like hers. Will she find her horse? Only reading this picture book will tell.

What a beautifully illustrated book about pushing past one’s fears. As the back cover says, “Sometimes you have to brave the cold to experience something special”

Brandon and the Totally Troublesome Time Machine

Written by Seth Fishman, Illustrated by Mark Fearing

One day, Brandon decides to build a time machine. After doing all the things one must do when building this type tool such as: seeing dinosaurs wish upon a REALLY big falling star, and watching creatures learn to climb and live on land, he decides to venture into his own past and try to fix things like acing the test he failed the day before. He soon starts to depend on his future self to do everything for him. Cleaning, doing homework, and other things that his present self doesn’t want to do. Future self starts to sabotage past self and a humorous battle ensues. Will Brandon realize he is only fighting himself?

What a fun and well illustrated book that sends a great moral. I recommend this book for any elementary library.

Dinosaur Roar!

Written and Illustrated by Paul and Henrietta Stickland

In a fun and well illustrated way, this book simply discusses opposites. First, what kid doesn’t like dinosaurs? Second, it’s cartoon-like nature will attract all. With two simple sentences on each page such as, “Dinosaur weak, dinosaur strong” as well as rhyming throughout, this book will attract all emerging readers. This will also be a great and short read-aloud for for any librarian or family member.

I strongly recommend this book for libraries who serve preschool and primary readers.

Perla the Mighty Dog

Written by Isabel Allende, Illustrated by Sandy Rodriguez

Perla has two superpowers. First, she can make anybody love them. Second, she can roar like a lion. When she is adopted by the Ricos, she finds herself in the position to help Nico Rico who is being bullied. Nico learns how to roar like a lion against a bully at school.

Written from the viewpoint of Perla, this is a light story about how a dog’s love can support the boy who cares about him the most.

Stopping by Jungle on a Snowy Evening

Written by Richard T. Morris, Illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch

A young boy adventures into a jungle, or is it the woods? He stumbles upon a house where he meets the poet, Robert Frost. From there the boy and the poet argue about his famous work, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”. The boy argues that the poem needs more action and needs to include his hippo in the jungle. The poet insists that the poem should be calming and meditative. An humorous adventure ensues with a jingling hippo, meteors, snakes and karate.

This book contains bright and vibrant illustrations. It has the original poem at the end as well. If one has a specific theme to focus upon or the actual Frost poem is a focus within the school, this would be a fun extra purchase for your library.

What Lolo Wants

Written by Cristina Oxtra, Illustrated by Jamie Bauza

Maria and her Lolo (Grandfather) have a beautiful relationship. They spend a great deal of time together: in the garden, getting ice cream and especially drawing. Lolo can draw anything! But when Maria’s Lolo starts to feel unwell and forgetful, Maria gets worried. Soon, Lolo starts having problems remembering names of things and people. It is a struggle for Lolo to explain what he needs. How will Maria help her Grandpa remember and communicate what he wants?

This lovely picture book has threads of Philippine American traditions and culture within it. It carefully discusses Dementia in a kind way that children can understand. The illustrations are beautifully done in pencil and watercolor. I would recommend this book for any elementary library.

Gorgeously Me!

By Jonathan Van Ness. Illustrated by Kamala Nair

From bestselling author and star of Queer Eye Jonathan Van Ness, Gorgeously ME! is a book about being true to yourself and accepting who you are even if it isn’t alway easy. It reinforces the concept that being different and unique is okay and it is okay to express it. This nicely illustrated book has characters of many different backgrounds who show confidence and acceptance of all even if they look different or have physical challenges. It encourages kids to admit mistakes and talk through things to make resolutions.

I would recommend this book to all elementary school libraries as it encourages acceptance, kindness and loving one’s self.

The River is My Ocean

By Rio Cortez. Illustrated by AshLeigh Corrin

In this book our main character travels down to the Hudson River every Saturday with her abuela who has missed to ocean since moving from Puerto Rico. Going there and back, she and her abuela stop and visit people and shops in their neighborhood They also relax and enjoy the river when they arrive at the park. This book celebrates the culture and history of the Afro-Caribbean communities of New York. This would be a good book to purchase if your community has Caribbean or Spanish speaking students. It talks about the powerful goddess Yemaya who represents motherhood and the sea.

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho

By William Boniface. Illustrated by Julien Chung

Similar to the original, this book is an alphabet book about letters trying to climb a tree but this time it’s a Christmas tree. As the letters decorate the tree they string themselves along making the reader want to sing the original melody. As they slip and drop they see someone put a square beneath the tree. From there they see many different shaped presents appearing. This is a great book that reinforces the learning of the alphabet but also teaches about different shapes. I would recommend this book to libraries that have preschool classes or need more alphabet book titles.

The Truth About the Couch

By Adam Rubin. Illustrated by Liniers

From the author of “Dragons Love Tacos” we have another funny addition to children’s literature. Did you know there are FURNITURE POLICE?!? Well YES! there are! They are the “secret elite enforcement squadron that ride dinosaurs and lasso runaway couches with barbed wire”. Apparently there are those that don’t believe this though and want to stop our main character from letting us, the readers, learn more. Our main character, Fox, proceeds to tell us the supposed history of the couch but the Possum does not believe him. Possum soon tries to put black tape on all of Fox’s pictures and argues that he is just making it up. Possum is concerned about the well being of readers and that Fox is filling their minds with nonsense. Is that true? This book is a humorous book about couches, dinosaurs, lion kings, aliens and so much more. But the question is…..what is the truth about the couch?

I highly recommend this silly and humorous book for all elementary libraries.

The Dragon Slayer

By Tatyana Feeney

What a fun story about a girl who was content and happy in her life but wanted MORE! Freya wanted a dragon to SLAY! And yet, not far away there was a dragon who was dreaming of a girl TO EAT! They both go out into the world and search for what they want but neither of them can find it. When they find each other will they end up slaying and/or eating? You’ll have to read to find out!. This is a wonderfully illustrated book with a fun ending that many will enjoy. I highly recommend this book for your library!

All I Need to Be

By Rachel Ricketts. Illustrated by Tiffany Rose

“All I Need to Be” is a wonderfully illustrated picture book that encourages the reader to be okay with themselves as they are. The main character reminds us that it is okay to look within ourselves when the world gets to be too much. When students read this they will more than likely see themself in the many different characters on the pages. This would be a nice addition to a library that may be in need of SEL books for younger readers. I would recommend this picture book.

Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There

By Judith Henderson and Sara Sarhangpour

From Judith Henderson, the author of “AAAlligator!” we now have “Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There”. A humorous picture book/graphic for young readers about friends Willa (an ostrich) and Wade (a penguin) who will do anything to fly! The two birds try a variety of things from pogo sticks to jumping off cliffs to meet their goal. This is a fun book about perseverance and determination. Early readers will enjoy the bright and engaging illustrations and read how sometimes, your goal cannot be met easily. I recommend this silly read for all elementary libraries. Especially if one is looking for more books that are similar to Elephant and Piggie.

Puffin and Penguin

By Helaine Becker and Kevin Sylvester

This graphic novel for young readers is cute and will be relatable to students. A school story about Puffin, whose mom becomes an ambassador to the United Avian Nations. He has to move to New Stork City and start in a new school for international students. Like all new students, he is worried about fitting in and is missing his cold and watery home. Penguin is assigned to be his “buddy” but is overwhelmed with the many activities he’s committed to and thus is concerned about adding on being a buddy to the new kid. Puffin struggles to fit in and is laughed at and misunderstood as many of the birds at school are not water birds. In the end, Penguin realizes that Puffin is struggling and does what he can to make things easier for him. They end of in the drama club together and during a performance, Puffin saves the day. The illustrations are great for a graphic novel. I particularly like the very funny and relatable introduction of the various birds in Puffin’s class. Canada Goose, the fashionista. Downy Woodpecker, the drummer. Loon, the gossip and all the others you will giggle about. There are many school stories that will interest students and thus I recommend this one as an extra purchase. It would be a great purchase if you need more graphics, especially if you have the extra money for it.

Two Birds…and a MOOSE

By Jame Preller. Illustrated by Abigail Burch

This humorous book written by James Preller is a funny tale about a moose that wants to be in a tree with his friends the two birds. There are few words on each page that are simple for early readers. The illustrations are engaging and allow for readers to understand the story without necessarily understanding the printed words. It is a book that even as an adult, made me smile. I recommend it for early level readers. It was enjoyable.

Our Universe: The Solar System

By Marion Dane Bauer. Illustrated by John Wallace

Marion Dane Bauer has created a well written book about our Solar System. There are interesting facts given about all of the planets in order of closest to furthest from the Sun as well as other objects that are in the system. It has a Glossary at the beginning with clear definitions of more challenging words as well as their pronunciations. The final page also has interesting facts to encourage more reading. The illustrations are vibrant and engaging and will make readers more interested to learn more. This beginning reader is a good addition for any library in need of non-fiction books at a lower level.

Countries of the World: Ukraine

By Monika Davies

Ukraine covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Readers will be interested in the unique geographical features including the Dnieper River as well as some of the exotic animals of the country: gray wolves, steppe polecats and wood grouse. It shows the vibrancy of life in the country as wells as popular sports: soccer, volleyball and swimming and favorite foods: borscht, holubtsi, and verguny. This book does not mention the war that is currently occurring in Ukraine and thus is general enough to be a basic resource in the library for many years. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Countries of the World: Thailand

By Monika Davies

Thailand covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world and thus readers will be interested reading this book. There are unique geographical features including: the Chao Phraya River. Included is an explanation of the weather in Thailand well as some of the exotic animals of the country: clouded leopard, Asian elephant, and the Irrawaddy dolphin. It shows the vibrancy of life in the country as wells as popular sports: Muay Thai, and swimming, and favorite foods: pad thai, som tam and kluai khaek. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Countries of the World: South Sudan

By Monika Davies

South Sudan covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. At the publishing of this book, South Sudan is the youngest nation in the world as it became a country in 2011. Readers will be interested in the unique geographical features including: the White Nile River, the Boya Mountains and the Sudd of the South Sudanese country as well as some of the exotic animals of the country: African savanna elephants, shoebills, and Nile lechwe. It shows the vibrancy of life in the country as wells as popular sports: wrestling, basketball or soccer, and favorite foods: kisra asida and ful. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Countries of the World: Peru

By Monika Davies

Peru covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Readers will be interested in the unique geographical features including: Rainbow Mountain, Atacama Desert and the Andes Mountains of the Peruvian country as well as some of the exotic animals of the country: humboldt penguins, scarlet macaws and black caimans. It shows the vibrancy of life in the country as wells as popular sports, and favorite foods. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Happy Holidays!: Cinco de Mayo

By Betsy Rathburn

Cinco de Mayo is a fun holiday celebrated yearly on May 5th. This title is a good introduction to what the day means with basic concepts for better understanding. The graphics are vibrant and colorful. Each page has one to three simple sentences. What I appreciated about this title is that there are many illustrations of this Mexican holiday that many others join in as well. This book explains the history behind the day and how a a battle was fought in Puebla, Mexico. It shows what students do in school to appreciate and better understand this celebration of Mexican heritage. This book would be a good supplement to support the variety of holidays celebrated as it is extremely simplified and allows for readers to get the basic information they need in order to broaden understanding and appreciation in the future. It is recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

The Blastoff! Beginners Happy Holidays! series contains informational chapters including but not limited to: simple information about what individuals do for the holiday, when the holiday is and what it is about, the importance of the holiday and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms and definitions that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades Pre-K to 3rd. They are at “Level 1″ which offers early readers information through simplified sentences for better understanding.

Happy Holidays! Groundhog Day

By Rebecca Sabelko

Groundhog Day is a fun holiday that helps our country decide when the Spring season begins. This title is a good introduction to what the day means with basic concepts for better understanding. The graphics are vibrant and colorful. Each page has one to three simple sentences. What I appreciated about this title is that there are many illustrations of the official location of the event that happens on February 2nd. This book explains the history behind the day and how a groundhog is used to guess what the weather will be. It shows what students do in school to appreciate and better understand this celebration welcoming Spring. It introduces Phil, the famous groundhog who sees his shadow or not. This book would be a good supplement to support the variety of holidays celebrated as it is extremely simplified and allows for readers to get the basic information they need in order to broaden understanding and appreciation in the future. It is recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

The Blastoff! Beginners Happy Holidays! series contains informational chapters including but not limited to: simple information about what individuals do for the holiday, when the holiday is and what it is about, the importance of the holiday and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms and definitions that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades Pre-K to 3rd. They are at “Level 1″ which offers early readers information through simplified sentences for better understanding.

Happy Holidays! Holi

By Betsy Rathburn

Holi is a little know holiday to the average American student. This title is a good introduction to what the day means with basic concepts for better understanding. The graphics are vibrant and colorful. Each page has one to three simple sentences. What I appreciated about this title is that there are many illustrations representing a diverse population at the age of the recommended readers. This book explains the history behind the day and where Holi is mostly celebrated in the world, when it is celebrated annually and why it is an important holiday. It shows what students do in school to appreciate and better understand this celebration welcoming Spring and how people celebrate using colored powder, bonfires and what is traditionally cooked. This book would be a good supplement to support the variety of holidays celebrated throughout the world as it is extremely simplified and allows for readers to get the basic information they need in order to broaden understanding and appreciation in the future. It is recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

The Blastoff! Beginners Happy Holidays! series contains informational chapters including but not limited to: simple information about what individuals do for the holiday, when the holiday is and what it is about, the importance of the holiday and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms and definitions that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades Pre-K to 3rd. They are at “Level 1″ which offers early readers information through simplified sentences for better understanding.

Happy Holidays! Memorial Day

By Rebecca Sabelko

Memorial Day is recognized as a national holiday in all public schools. This title is a good introduction to what the day means with basic concepts for better understanding. The graphics are vibrant and colorful. Each page has one to three simple sentences. What I appreciated about this title is that there are many illustrations representing a diverse population at the age of the recommended readers. This book explains the history behind the day, when it is celebrated annually and why it is an important holiday. It shows what students do in school to appreciate and better understand this celebration honoring our fallen soldiers and what people do to commemorate the day. This book would be a good supplement to support the variety of holidays in the United States as it is extremely simplified and allows for readers to get the basic information they need in order to broaden understanding and appreciation in the future. Being that many of my students are children of active servicemen/women and veterans this book was a wonderful addition to my library. It is recommended for libraries where there is a need for lower reading level books about holidays such as this one.

The Blastoff! Beginners Happy Holidays! series contains informational chapters including but not limited to: simple information about what individuals do for the holiday, when the holiday is and what it is about, the importance of the holiday and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms and definitions that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades Pre-K to 3rd. They are at “Level 1″ which offers early readers information through simplified sentences for better understanding.