“Park” by Lily Schell is part of the community places collection from the Blastoff Beginners series. This series has been a captivating addition to our elementary library for our young nonfiction lovers. 

With vibrant visuals and accessible text, this book introduces young readers to the world of parks and their significance. The well-organized layout engages early learners while nurturing curiosity about their surroundings. 

“Park” not only imparts knowledge about public spaces but also encourages an appreciation for community and nature. Perfect for emerging readers and classroom discussions, this book seamlessly blends education and engagement, enriching our students’ understanding of their environment and inspiring a sense of belonging within our community.

“Swallows” by Rachael Barnes is part of the Backyard Birds collection from the Blastoff Readers series published by Bellwether Media. The Blastoff Readers series is a fantastic addition to our elementary library. 

Filled with captivating photographs and accessible text, this non-fiction gem takes young readers on an enthralling journey into the world of swallows. Its engaging layout and well-structured information make it an invaluable resource for inquisitive minds. The book not only imparts knowledge about these remarkable birds but also kindles curiosity about nature and wildlife preservation.

 Ideal for independent reading and classroom discussions, “Swallows” seamlessly blends education and fascination, enriching our students’ comprehension of the natural world and inspiring an enduring passion for learning about the environment.

“Woodpeckers” by Rachael Barnes is part of the Backyard Birds collection from the Blastoff Readers series published by Bellwether Media. I highly recommend the Blastoff Readers series as a wonderful addition to our elementary library.

Packed with captivating photographs and accessible text, this non-fiction book takes young readers on an exciting journey into the world of woodpeckers. Its engaging layout and well-structured information make it an excellent resource for curious minds. The book not only educates about these fascinating birds but also sparks interest in nature and wildlife conservation. 

Perfect for independent reading and classroom discussions, “Woodpeckers” seamlessly combines education and fascination, enriching our students’ understanding of the natural world and inspiring a lifelong love for learning about the environment.

“Bluebirds” by Rachael Barnes is part of the Backyard Birds collection from the Blastoff Readers series published by Bellwether Media. With vibrant photographs and accessible text, this non-fiction gem takes young readers on an exciting journey into the world of bluebirds. Engaging layout and well-organized information make it an excellent resource for budding explorers. 

The book not only educates about these charming birds but also ignites curiosity about wildlife and conservation. Ideal for independent reading and classroom discussions, “Bluebirds” seamlessly blends education and fascination, enriching our students’ understanding of the natural world and encouraging a lifelong love for learning. I highly recommend this series. Since adding these books to our library I’ve had several young readers ask me where they can find the other books with a rocket on them.

“Crows” by Rachael Barnes is part of the Backyard Birds collection from the Blastoff Readers series published by Bellwether Media. Young readers love nonfiction books and the Blastoff Readers series has been a captivating addition to our elementary library. 

With vivid photographs and accessible text, this non-fiction book offers young readers an engaging exploration of crows and their intriguing behaviors. The layout is thoughtfully designed for early learners, encouraging independent reading while fostering curiosity about the natural world. 

“Crows” not only educates about these intelligent birds but also sparks an appreciation for biodiversity. Its seamless blend of information and visual appeal makes it an invaluable resource for both classroom learning and independent discovery, enriching our students’ understanding of nature and wildlife.

“Blackbirds” by Rachael Barnes is part of the Backyard Birds collection from the Blastoff Readers series published by Bellwether Media. This non-fiction book takes young readers on a journey into the world of blackbirds, offering a fascinating glimpse into their behaviors, habitats, and importance in the ecosystem. With its engaging photographs and accessible text, the book provides an excellent opportunity for early readers to explore the wonders of nature. 

The layout is thoughtfully designed, making it easy for young minds to grasp the information and follow along. “Blackbirds” not only educates about these avian creatures but also ignites curiosity and promotes an appreciation for the diversity of life on our planet.

 Ideal for both independent reading and classroom discussions, this book seamlessly combines education and enjoyment, making it a valuable resource for young learners. I highly recommend this series. Since adding these books to our library I’ve had several young readers ask me where they can find the other books with a rocket on them.

“Hummingbirds” by Rachael Barnes is part of the Backyard Birds collection from the Blastoff Readers series published by Bellwether Media. This non-fiction book captivates young readers with its vibrant photographs and accessible text that explores the fascinating world of hummingbirds. The book covers topics such as their unique physical features, habitats, behaviors, and importance in pollination. 

The layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate early readers, with clear headings and bite-sized information. With its focus on science and nature, “Hummingbirds” not only educates but also encourages curiosity and a love for learning about the natural world. 

This book is an excellent resource for both independent reading and classroom discussions, offering a blend of captivating visuals and educational content that will engage and inspire young minds. I highly recommend this series. Since adding these books to our library I’ve had several young readers ask me where they can find the other books with a rocket on them.

“Figgy & Boone Best Brother Ever!” by Janee Trasler is a Ready-to-Read Graphics book that gives readers the perfect introduction to the graphic novel format with easy-to-follow panels, speech bubbles with accessible vocabulary, and sequential storytelling that is spot-on for beginning readers. There’s even a how-to guide for reading graphic novels at the beginning of each book. This book would be a great introduction to graphic novels.

Figgy is a mouse and Boone is a rat. They aren’t even the same species but Figgy thinks that Boone is the best brother ever. While Boone would say Figgy is more like a distant cousin. Figgy and Boone’s bond proves that even friends can be like family. Trasler’s lively illustrations and engaging storyline capture the playful dynamics and endearing moments shared by the two characters. 

Young readers will connect with Figgy’s imaginative ideas and Boone’s supportive role as the “best brother ever.” The story not only entertains but also highlights the importance of friendship, teamwork, and cherishing relationships.

“Oslo Learns to Swim” by Doug Cushman is part of the Ready-to-Read series. Each Ready-to-Read story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills.

In this charming story Rex the warthog and Oslo the oxpecker bird set out to go swimming. Oslo makes up a bunch excuses about why he can’t go swimming. He eventually reveals that he doesn’t know how to swim. When Rex finds out, he teaches Oslo to swim and they have a wonderful time. Cushman’s expressive illustrations vividly capture Oslo’s emotions and his gradual progress, making it easy for young readers to empathize with his challenges.

The story beautifully portrays the power of perseverance and the importance of facing one’s fears. It not only entertains but also imparts a valuable life lesson about courage and self-belief. “Oslo Learns to Swim” is an engaging choice that will resonate with students and inspire discussions about overcoming obstacles.

“Nat the Cat Takes a Nap” by Jarrett Lerner is part of the Ready-to-Read series. Each Ready-to-Read story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. 

This book is an incredibly charming and is a relatable addition to any elementary school library.  Nat the Cat is trying to take a nap when he is woken by the narrator of the story.  Lerner’s playful prose and engaging illustrations capture Nat’s hilarious antics as he attempts to take his nap. 

Young readers will connect with Nat’s spirited personality and find humor in his imaginative strategies. The story not only entertains but also subtly introduces the importance of rest and self-care, making it a valuable resource for discussions on health and well-being. With its endearing characters and lively storytelling, “Nat the Cat takes a Nap” is a must-read that will have both students and educators eagerly turning the pages.

“Dog Can Hide” by Laura Gehl is part of the Ready-to-Read series. Each Ready-to-Read story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills.

The story is about three animal friends Cat, Dog, and Frog playing a game of  hide-and seek. The mischievous dog shows just how well he can hide in various settings, much to the amusement of children. The simple yet clever rhymes and predictable text make it an ideal choice for early readers.

Fred Blunt’s whimsical illustrations perfectly capture the dog’s antics and the surprised reactions of the characters around him. The book not only entertains but also encourages critical thinking as children try to predict where the dog will hide next. With its engaging storyline and vibrant artwork, “Dog Can Hide” is a great addition to an elementary school library.

Stomp! by Stephanie Calmenson is a part of the Ready-to-Read collection for young emergent readers. A hippopotamus named Ziggy and a raccoon named Zak want to go to the Stomp City Show, but the train is late, the bus is full, the bike pops a tire, and when they finally arrive, the show is sold out! Ziggy is mad enough to stomp—until the Statue of Liberty gives him breathing instructions to help calm him down. Once Ziggy is calm, the two characters follow a beat to join in on a party in the park. 

This is a humorous fast paced story that will engage those early readers. The two main characters Ziggy and Zak are fun and entertaining. Easy words, fun rhymes, and a lesson on how to stay calm by counting to ten all make for an exciting adventure. Baptiste Amsallem’s illustrations of ink and watercolor clearly share the emotions of the characters.

“The Greatest in the World!” is the first book in the Tater Tales by Ben Clanton. Rot is a mutant potato students may recognize from the picture book, “Rot the Cutest in the World!” Rot is a cheerful, medium-sized and brownish potato, his brother Snot is larger, grumpy and greener. Tot is the smallest, with yellowish skin and a blue and white polka-dotted bow which matches the endpapers. 

In this beginning chapter book series, brothers Rot and Snot have a competition to decide who is the greatest in the world, to be judged by their little sister, Tot. When neither a potato sack race nor a game of hot potato produces a winner, they have a laugh-off, with an unexpected result. 

This book has five short chapters, ­and has some early graphic novel features with speech bubbles and vibrant illustrations. The end of the book includes “Spudtacular Facts”  as well as step-by-step instructions for how to draw Rot. This book introduces readers to Clanton’s new characters, who are just as silly and ­appealing as Narwhal and Jelly.

“Snow Horses: A First Night Story” by Patricia MacLachlan, with enchanting illustrations by Micha Archer, is a stunning  picture book that captures the magic of a snowy winter night. MacLachlan’s lyrical prose transports readers to a serene winter landscape, while Archer’s intricate artwork evokes a sense of wonder and tranquility. 

The book’s gentle narrative follows a child’s journey into the snowy world, emphasizing the bond between humans and nature. Through its soothing words and stunning visuals, “Snow Horses” sparks imaginations and ignites a sense of connection with the environment. 

 “Snow Horses” is a perfect read-aloud choice that transports children to a world of snowy landscapes and tender moments. This book is a heartwarming addition to our library that beautifully celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy of companionship.

“If You Were a Princess” by Hillary Homzie, with vibrant illustrations by Udayana Lugo, is an empowering picture book that will resonate with our young readers. Homzie’s engaging narrative invites children to explore various roles and embrace their uniqueness, while Lugo’s colorful artwork vividly brings these possibilities to life.

The book’s inclusive representation and relatable scenarios foster a sense of connection and confidence among readers. Through its charming storyline and captivating illustrations, “If You Were a Princess” encourages creativity and celebrates the diverse dreams and aspirations of every child. This book will be a heartwarming addition to any library to encourage young minds to dream big and embrace their own royal journeys. I highly recommend this enchanting tale, which celebrates imagination and self-expression.

“Go, Sled! Go!” by James Yang is a delightful and energetic picture book that brings the thrill of winter adventures. This book has an engaging storyline and dynamic illustrations that will appeal to our younger readers.

Yang’s minimalist yet expressive art style captures the exhilaration of sledding down snowy slopes, drawing children into the heart of the action. 

The rhythmic text and onomatopoeic language add to the book’s interactive nature, making it an ideal read-aloud choice. Through the protagonist’s determined spirit, the book subtly conveys messages of perseverance and the joy of outdoor play. “Go, Sled! Go!” is a perfect addition to our library collection, offering an entertaining and visually appealing reading experience that will resonate with our young readers.