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Gravity Is Bringing Me Down
by Wendelin Van Draanen (Author), Cornelia Li (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Leda wakes up and falls out of bed blaming gravity for the beginning of a clumsy and “off” sort of day. She has breakfast where gravity visits again causing her to spill food. Leda goes to school having more gravity related incidents. She says gravity is having a bad mood.
After school, her parents take Leda to a children’s museum where she plays and is able to adjust her mood for the rest of the day.
Comments: This book could be a bibliotherapeutic read to show how a person can start in a grumpy mood but can turn it around.
There is a gravity theme throughout the book.
Rating:3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
Picture Books
Halloween in the Orchard (Countryside Holidays, 3)
by Phyllis Alsdurf (Author), Lisa Hunt (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A young boy and his parents dress up in costumes to visit an orchard on Halloween, where there are many fun activities, including trick-or-treating with scarecrows, a corn maze, and a hayride.
Comments: What child(or adult) wouldn’t like to go to an apple orchard like this on Halloween night!?!
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow (Mother Bruce Series)
by Ryan T. Higgins (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Although grumpy Bruce does not like holidays, especially Halloween, with all of those visitors appearing at his door, Bruce gets talked into and agrees to role-playing a scary story called “The Legend of Soggy Hollow” with his forest friends…but were they indeed all of his friends?
Comments: A cute and hilarious parody of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, one of my favorite spooky stories.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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The Goblin Twins
by Frances Cha (Author), Jaime Kim (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Doki and Kebi are dokkaebi, a cross between a spirit and a goblin, who will need to move, as their home was being torn down to build a new one. Although Doki likes to give gifts of gold and silver to people with his magic club while his twin, Kebi, wants to scare people with his, they decide to live together in a haunted house in a strange land called America just in time for Halloween.
Comments: This is based on Korean lore. A more detailed explanation can be found in the back of the book in the Author’s Note.
I love to read monster/mythical creature lore from other countries. This would make an excellent addition to the Halloween or folklore section of a library.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Nonfiction
Halloween (Traditions & Celebrations)
by Charles C Hofer (Author)
Brief summary: Young readers will learn how Halloween began, how we celebrate it today, and how other countries(Mexico, Germany, France, and Japan) celebrate holidays like it.
Comments: Words in bold are in the glossary. The back sections are Glossary, Read More, Internet Sites, Index, and About the Author.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
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Halloween (Holiday History)
by Spanier Kristine Mlis (Author)
Brief summary: Young readers will learn about the origins of Halloween, the traditions, and how South Korea and Ireland celebrate.
Comments: Several “Did You Know?” squares give more information about the page’s topic. The back sections are Quick Facts & Tools: Halloween Place of Origin, Glossary, Index, and To Learn More.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
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Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
Fall Children’s Books: Picture Books and Nonfiction book recommendations–2023 are by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
It’s Fall! (Celebrate the Seasons, 1)
by Renée Kurilla (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: A young girl shares what the fall season brings with back-to-school, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.
Comments: Illustrations are in yellows, reds, and oranges. The story is in rhyme.
What a fun book to share with young readers that introduces fall vocabulary.
Large single-page, double-page spreads, and vignette illustrations make this a read-aloud recommendation.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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When Fall Comes: Connecting with Nature as the Days Grow Shorter (When Seasons Come)
by Aimée M. Bissonette (Author), Erin Hourigan (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Young readers will read how humans, wildlife, and nature prepare in the fall for the winter months ahead. Some will harvest and stock up on food, others will build places to sleep, while others will migrate to warmer weather.
Comments: This season series would be an excellent choice to have in any library. I’m looking forward to seeing When Spring Comes.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Nonfiction
On a Gold-Blooming Day: Finding Fall Treasures
by Buffy Silverman (Author)
Brief summary: When fall arrives, nature changes in many ways to prepare for winter.
Comments: Large and brilliant illustrations with fun adjectives, adverbs, and verbs to read aloud.
More in-depth explanations of fall changes are at the end of the book.
The back section includes What Treasures Will You Find in Fall?, Further Reading, and Glossary.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Mid-Autumn Festival (Traditions & Celebrations)
by Ailynn Collins (Author)
Brief summary: Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon or Mooncake Festival, is globally celebrated by Asian people. Young readers will learn the origins of the holiday, the lunar calendar, and what traditions and foods people have to observe this holiday.
Comments: The back sections are Glossary, Read More, Internet Sites, Index, and About the Author. Bolded words are found in the glossary.
I wish we had these Traditions and Celebrations books when I was a child. I’m learning so much from reading them as an adult, which has broadened my understanding of other cultures.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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Orchards (Trip to the Farm)
by Ursula Pang (Author)
Brief summary: There are many orchards (farms where trees grow)producing fruit, nuts, seeds, syrup, and Christmas trees. Young readers will learn about each type of orchard.
Comments: I placed this book in the fall section as when I think of orchards, I think of apple or fruit orchards because those are the ones in my area that are harvested in the fall. I also had those teachers book requests for fall units before they went and visited a nearby apple orchard.
I enjoyed reading and learning about the different types of orchards and when they were harvested.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.
See a Pumpkin Grow (See It Grow!)
by Kirsten Chang (Author)
Brief summary: Young readers will learn the pumpkin’s life cycle and what uses there are with this fruit.
Comments: Words and photos are large, with many nonfiction text features. The back sections are Glossary, To Learn More, and Index.
This book also comes in library binding.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
This is part of the See It Grow! series.
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Pumpkin Day at the Zoo
by Susan Meissner (Author), Pablo Pino (Illustrator)
Brief summary: It’s Pumpkin Day at the zoo when the zoo animals receive yummy pumpkins to eat from families who donate their uncarved and unpainted pumpkins.
Comments: The illustrations are vivid and humorous. The text is a mix of fonts and sizes that are fun to say aloud with many descriptive adjectives, alliterations, and all in rhyming sentences.
The back page does have a word about pumpkin donations to zoos.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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There Was an Old Lady Who Picked a Pumpkin!
by Lucille Colandro (Author), Jared Lee (Illustrator)
Brief summary: There was an old lady who went on the school bus to a farm looking for a pumpkin patch. She and the students follow the sign and see many farm items before finding the patch. Each child picks out a pumpkin and hops back onto the bus.
Comments: This is a fun fall early reader in rhyme. The book is not the usual cumulative “There was an old lady” who eats something book.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
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The Pie That Molly Grew
by Sue Heavenrich (Author), Chamisa Kellogg (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Molly plants a pumpkin seed and transplants the sprout to watch it grow into a vine with yellow flowers. After all of the care she has given to produce the ripened pumpkin, Molly bakes a pie.
Comments: Cumulative story of the pumpkin’s life cycle.
The back pages have four additional informative sections: American Pie, How to Turn a Pumpkin Into Pie, When You’re Ready to Make the Pie…, and No Bees.No Pie.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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Lila and the Jack-o’-Lantern: Halloween Comes to America
by Nancy Churnin (Author), Anneli Bray (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Lila, an Irish immigrant, is on the ship in 1850 with her mother and two siblings on the way to America, where their father waits for them to join him. They talk about a spirit named Jack that visits homes on Halloween night to play pranks. They would carve a turnip and place a glowing coal inside so Jack sees it and leaves them alone. They wear sheets and knock on doors for sweets. When Lila arrives and sees that there are no turnips, she improvises with the help of her new friend Julia, who learns about the foods and traditions of Halloween in Ireland.
Comments: This would be a great read- aloud for students to learn the origins of Halloween.
The back pages are Author’s Note and Colcannon and Barmbrack.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
On the Edge of the World (Stories from Latin America)
by Anna Desnitskaya (Author), Lena Traer (Translator)
Brief summary: Vera lives on the east coast of Russia. She longs to have a friend and often imagines one enjoying her interests and the places she goes. When it is dark, Vera goes to the beach with her mom and turns her flashlight off and on in Morse code for “hi.”
Lucas lives in Chile and longs to have a friend too. He imagines what it would be like to have someone to play soccer or read a book high up in a tree. In the evening, Lucas and his father go to the beach and turn his flashlight off and on, blinking four short flashes, pause, and two short flashes.
Will these two get a response?
Comments: Half of the book is Vera’s story, and then one flips the book over and reads about Luca’s story. I love upside-down books.
Teachers could share this in social studies. For example: “If we are standing on the eastern section of our school and shine a flashlight at night, what is the closest city, state, or country.
It could also supplement a science class on how far a flashlight’s beam can be seen or even have the students practice Morse Code.
Rating: 4/5📗📗📗📗
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*I received a complimentary print copy of this children’s book from the publisher to give an honest review.
Carina Felina
by Carmen Agra Deedy (Author), Henry Cole (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Pepe the parrot loves Carina Felina, the cat. He invites her to his house for dinner, where he has made 100 Cuban crackers. Carina Felina ate them all and Pepe! The greedy and narcissistic cat goes through the town, eating and eating everyone she comes across. Will they ever get out of the cat’s belly?
Comments: This is a Caribbean retelling of “The Cat and the Parrot”. There are some Spanish words in the story with a pronunciation key in the back and the recipe for Pepe’s Cuban Crackers.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Grandpa and the Kingfisher
by Anna Wilson (Author), Sarah Massini (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A young boy and his grandpa visit the river in the spring and discover a kingfisher diving in the water to catch a fish. They come back in the summer to find two kingfishers building a nest.
The boy and his grandfather keep coming to the river over the seasons, watching the birds’ life cycle.
The boy asks questions about the birds while the man answers, paralleling his life.
Comments: This story does talk about death and how nature continues but gently and matter-of-factly so that children can understand.
Wonderful watercolor illustrations.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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Colorful Mondays: A Bookmobile Spreads Hope in Honduras (Stories from Latin America)
by Nelson Rodríguez (Author), Leonardo Agustín Montes (Author), Rosana Faría (Illustrator), Carla Tabora (Illustrator), Lawrence Schimel (Translator)
Brief summary: Luis lives in Villa Nueva, Honduras, and prefers sharing happy stories with his friends and neighbors to take their minds off unhappiness. He is good at storytelling and likes to retell stories. Monday is when the bookmobile comes for the Hour of the Chochororochochochó, where the bookmobile comes to share stories and books. Luis repeats the stories he has heard with his family.
Comments: The back pages tell the factual story of JustWorld International. This would be a wonderful book for children to learn about how other cultures learn about storytelling and books.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
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*I received a complimentary print copy of this children’s book from the publisher to give an honest review.
Baller Ina
by Liz Casal (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Ina loves to practice her ballet steps. She changes into her high tops to play basketball, using the steps she has learned in ballet class.
Comments: This is an upbeat book on how athletes can use skills from one sport to another.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
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The Baddies
by Julia Donaldson (Author), Axel Scheffler (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A troll, ghost, and witch are baddies who enjoy being bad and bragging about it. A girl moves into a nearby cottage. The baddies devise different ways to scare her but are unsuccessful as she shows them kindness and understanding.
Comments: Young readers will enjoy the humorous story.
This is the author of the two books Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo.
This was originally printed in the UK in 2022.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2
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Together We Swim
by Valerie Bolling (Author), Kaylani Juanita (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A toddler learns to swim in the pool with the reassurance of his mother and father when he fails and the praise when he accomplishes the steps to swimming without help.
Comments: I recommend this book for preschool and kindergarten teachers looking for fun rhythmic and rhyming text that young readers will enjoy saying aloud.
Perseverance and reassurance after failing a task can lead to success.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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Wepa
by J de laVega (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Besides being intelligent, Mia likes to be creative and fashionable but has some things she does not do well. Her Mami says she has too much wepa. Mia tries ballet, hoping to get some of the wepa out, but it does not work. She finally finds an avenue where she releases her wepa.
Comments: According to dictionary.com, wepa means “a Spanish slang used to convey excitement, congratulations, and joy, similar to the English Oh yeah!, Wow!, or That’s awesome!“
The author shares that everyone in her family has ADHD.
This is a bilingual English-Spanish picture book.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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The Queen of Chess: How Judit Polgár Changed the Game
by Laurie Wallmark (Author), Stevie Lewis (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Judit and her sisters were trained by their parents to play chess. They competed, with Judit being the youngest. She won junior tournaments against adults. Judit and her family went to the USA, where she competed in games against adults and won. Her goal was to become the youngest grandmaster. She returned to Budapest to study and became the national champion of Hungary. Will Judit’s chess journey lead her to her goal?
Comments: The back pages include Timeline and The Mathematics of Chess.
This is an inspirational story of encouragement, hard work, and perseverance.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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The Young Teacher and the Great Serpent (Stories from Latin America)
by Irene Vasco (Author), Juan Palomino (Illustrator), Lawrence Schimel (Translator)
Brief summary: A young teacher is given her first teaching assignment in Las Delicias, in the middle of the jungle in the Amazon. She brings her many books on an eventful four-day journey to the new school, a straw roof with a blackboard against a tree trunk.
She begins teaching and sharing her books for the students to take home. One morning, the children ran by the school, urging her that a great serpent was coming. They must get to higher ground. The serpent does come, destroying everything, including her precious books.
A few days later, around a fire, the women began to share legends from the squares of white fabric they had been embroidering and making into cloth books. The students translated the words for the teacher. Over time, the teacher learned the language of Las Delicias and how to embroider. She decided to stay.
Comments: Young readers will stay interested in the curiosity of how this young teacher’s journey unfolds.
I kept wondering where I would have been sent to teach. I’m thankful I was able to choose myself.
Wouldn’t this be an excellent book to share on a teachers’ professional development day?
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
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*I received a complimentary print copy of this children’s book from the publisher to give an honest review.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
The Invitation
by Stacey May Fowles (Author), Marie Lafrance (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Fern opens her mailbox and pulls out a yellow letter, too worried to open it until her friend, Fawn, encourages her to see what’s inside. It is an invitation to a surprise exhibition, but Fern does not want to go due to all of the things she imagines could go wrong. Fern goes to the museum’s special exhibition with the help of her friends who help tame her anxiety.
Comments: This could be a nice class discussion after reading this aloud. “How can we help someone who we see is afraid?” “What can you do if you have something you are afraid of, like Fern did?”
I would share this with the guidance counselor to read to those students experiencing anxiety.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’sAmazon page.
Dear Street
by Lindsay Zier-Vogel (Author), Caroline Bonne-Muller (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Alice loves her street, but only some do, making her think of writing a letter about what she loves about it and placing that letter for someone to find. She continues her letter writing whenever she hears someone complaining. Soon, others are too.
Comments: The author created The Love Lettering Project, which encourages people to anonymously write love letters and leave them for strangers to find, spreading the love.
Rating: 3.5/5📗📗📗 1/2
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Close to You from Far Away
by Erica Root (Author)
Brief summary: Gigi had to move away from her grandmother and misses her terribly. Her grandma tells her, “I’m close to you from far away.” Over the school year, whenever Gigi spoke to her grandma over the phone or when she wrote letters or received letters and packages, she tried to understand this saying.
Comments: I can see this being a lovely read-aloud with the children saying the “I’m close to you from far away” sentence in red capital letters on several pages in the book.
Loved the facial expressions of the grandmother and daughter throughout the book.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’sAmazon’s page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
Alphabet Picture Books
A Is for Australian Reefs
by Frané Lessac (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Everything one would like to know about the Australian Reefs. This picture book has two-page illustrations for each letter that are bright and detailed.
Comments: This could be a group read-aloud sharing the large print, or it can be an individual reading of the more specific facts in small fonts that explain the many details of plants and marine life on each page.
4/5 📗📗📗📗
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A Is for Ambitious (Ambitious Girl, 2)
by Meena Harris (Author), Marissa Valdez (Illustrator)
Brief summary: ABCs of descriptive words of empowerment. Aimed towards girls. A “stand up and go for what you believe in” type of book. Inspirationally driven.
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B Is for Bananas
by Carrie Tillotson (Author), Estrela Lourenço (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Banana does not want to go to bed and makes “B” for banana instead of bedtime. Banana gets tired after going through the alphabet and changing or adding words.
Comments: Cute, humorous bedtime story.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
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B My Name Is Boy: A Song of Celebration from Australia to Zimbabwe
by Dawn Masi (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Twenty-six boys share their name, someone else they know, their country, and a verb, all in alliteration.
Comments: It would be a fun activity for students to copy the book’s style by developing the alliterations with their own names and then sharing them with others.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2
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If you enjoy this one, there is a companion book titled G My Name is Girl, 2021.
Playful Pigs from A to Z
by Anita Lobel (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Twenty-six pigs come across a field full of letters. Each pig finds the letter matching its name. In the evening, they all return to their pen.
Comments: Each letter is paired with a pig’s name and a verb. The pages have capital letters across the top, with small case letters on the bottom of each page.
Originally printed in 2015.
Rating 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
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Alphabuddies: G Is First!
by Beth Bacon (Author), Karen Kane (Author), Eric Barclay (Illustrator).
Brief summary: “G” wants to be first in the alphabet song, but “A” argues it will mess up reading. The letters experiment to see if this statement is true or not.
Comments: Humorous. Speech bubbles. Individual frames or multi-panels like a graphic novel. Large letters and words.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
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Alphabet Board Books
My First Brain Quest ABCs: A Question-and-Answer Book
by Workman Publishing (Author).
Brief summary: Each letter has a noun and a matching alliteration with three questions at the bottom of the page about the page to encourage more conversation. Capital and small letters are featured. Bright colors. One letter per page.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2
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If you enjoy this book, there are other My First Brain Quest books in the series by Workman Publishing.
P Is for Pirate
by Greg Paprocki (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: This board book ABC book is all about pirates and sea jargon. Unique illustrations in the mid-1900s style.
Comments: I could tell immediately it was a Greg Paprocki ABC book. He has several others in this cool artistic style.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2
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A is for Aretha
by Leslie Kwan (Author), Rachelle Baker (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Twenty-six black female musicians with a brief explanation of their accomplishments.
Comments: I learned a few I was not aware of too. Illustrated with their portrait and colorful background. I’m unsure how much a baby or toddler could understand, but an excellent source for introducing female musicians and vocabulary.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
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My First ABC Animal Book (Happy Fox Books)
by Editors of Happy Fox Books (Author)
Brief summary: An animal alphabet book illustrated with photographs. Big and small letters. The back has all the animals, and the child is asked if they know them.
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C Is for Car: An ABC Car Primer
by Ashley Marie Mireles (Author), Volha Kaliaha (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A car for each letter.
Comments: I learned some new ones. Good visual introduction to specific cars.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
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Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
Social media acronyms and abbreviations were researched and gathered into this “PG-13” list by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian. Learn some of the most common social media acronyms and abbreviations used in the computer culture.
Warning: There is some mild profanity, sexual content, and crudeness.
Symbols and Numbers
!–I have a question
(U)–Arms around you, hug for you
*$–Starbucks
,!!!–Talk to the hand
/R/–Requesting
02–My two cents or your two cents
10Q–Thank you
121–One to one
123–I agree
1337–Elite
142n8ly–Unfortunately
143–I love you
1432–I love you too
14AA41–One for all, all for one
182–I hate you
187–Murder/homicide
1daful–wonderful
2–to, too, two
20–location
24/7–Twenty-four seven/ all of the time
2b–To be
2B or not 2B–To be or not to be
2b2–To be at
2BZ4UQT–Too busy for you, Cutey
2d4–To die for
2day–Today
2GTB4G–Too good to be forgotten
2G2BT–Too good to be true
2more–Tomorrow
2QT–Too cute
2U2–To you too
303–Mom
4–For, four
403–Deny access to
404–I haven’t a clue
411–Information
420–Marijuana
459–I love you
4AO–For adults only
4COL–For crying out loud
4e–Forever
4EAE–Forever and ever
4eva–Forever
4ever–Forever
4FS–For F— sake
4NR–Foreigner
4Q–F— You
511–Too much information
5FS–Five Finger salute
747–Let’s fly
775–Kiss me
831–I love you
86–Get rid of
88–Hugs and kisses
8t–It
9–Parent is watching
99–Parent is no longer watching
996–Work 9 am-9pm, 6 days a week
::poof::–I’m gone
<3–heart
=–Reply
?–I have a question
@–At
@TEOTD–At the end of the day
A
A/N–Author’s note
A2D–Agree to disagree
A3–Anytime, anyplace, anywhere
AAAAA–American Association Against Acronym Abuse
AAF–As a friend or always and forever
AAK–Asleep at keyboard
AAMOF–As a matter of fact
AAMOI–As a matter of interest
AAP–Always a pleasure(as in you’re welcome)
AAR–At any rate
AAR8–At any rate
AAS–Alive and smiling
AATK–Always at the keyboard
AAYF–As always, your friend
AB–A** Backwards
ab/abt–About
ABH–Anywhere but here
ABITHAD–Another blithering idiot thinks he’s a doctor
ABT2–About to
ACC–Actually
ACD–Alt Control Delete
ACK–Acknowledgement
ACORN–A completely obsessive really nutty person
ADAD–Another day; another dollar
ADBB–All done bye bye
ADIH–Another day in h—
ADIP–Another day in paradise
AEAP–As early as possible
AF–As f*ck
AFAGAY–A friend as good as you
AFAIC–As far as I’m concerned
AFAICT–As far as I can tell
AFAIK – As far as I know
AFAIR–As far as I remember
AFC–Away from computer
AFK–Away from keyboard
AFPOE–A fresh pair of eyes
AIMB–As I mentioned before
AIMP–Always in my prayers
AISI–As I see it
AITR–Adult in the room
AKA–Also known as
ALAP–As late as possible
ALCON–all concerned
ALOL–Actually laughing out loud
ALOTBSOL–Always look on the bright side of life
ALW–Ain’t life wonderful
AMA – Ask me anything
AMAP–As many(or much) as possible
AMBW–All my best wishes
AML–All my love
API – Application programming interface.
ASAP–As soon as possible
AWC–After while, crocodile
AWHFY–Are we having fun yet?
AWOL–Absent without leave
ax–Across
AYMM–Are you my mother? (sarcastically)
AYOR–At your own risk
AYSOS–Are you stupid or something?
AYTMTB–And you’re telling me this because
B
b/c, bc–Because
B@U–Back at you
B2B–Business-to-business
B2C–Business-to-consumer
B4–Before
B4N–Bye for now
BAE–Before anyone else
BAK–Back at keyboard
BAU–Business as usual
BBBG–Bye bye be good
BBIAS–Be back in a sec
BFF–Best Friends Forever
BG–Be good
BGBC–Be glad be cheerful
BGF–Best girlfriend
BI5–Back in five
BIBI–Bye bye
BIO–Bring it on
BION–Believe it or not
BIZ–Business
BKA–Better known as
BL–Belly laughing
BON–Believe it or not
BR–Bathroom
BRB – Be right back
BRO–Be right over
BSOD–Blue screen of death
BTAIM— Be that as it may
BTD–Bored to death
BTDT–Been there done that
BTFLDY–Beautiful day
BTN–Better than nothing
BTS–Behind the scenes
BTTE–Brothers to the end
BTW— By the way
BUMP–Bring up my post
BW–Best wishes
BWL–Bursting with Laughter
BWTM–But wait, there’s more
BYAM–Between you and me
BYOB–Bring your own bottle(or beer)
BYOD–Bring your own device
BYTME–Better you than me
BZ–busy
C
CAAC–Cool as a cucumber
CAS–Crack a smile
CBB–Can’t be bothered
CBM–Covered by Medicare
CBT–Computer based training or cognitive behavioral therapy
CC–Carbon Copy
CD–Compact disc
CM–Call me
CMB–Call me back
CMIW–Correct me if I’m wrong
CS–Career suicide
CSL–Can’t Stop Laughing
CMGR–Community Manager
CMS–Content Management System
CMV–Change My View
CPC–Cost Per Click
CSL–Can’t stop laughing
CT–Can’t talk or text
CTA–Call-To-Action
CTO–Check this out
CU–See you
CUL–See you later
CUZ–Because
CWOT–Complete waste of time
CX – Customer experience
CY–Calm yourself
CYE–Check your email
CYT–See you tomorrow
D
D8–Date
DAE–Does anyone else…?
DBMIB–Don’t bother me; I’m busy
DDAS–Don’t do anything stupid
DDG–Drop dead gorgeous
def–Definitely
dem–Them
DFTBA–Don’t forget to be awesome
DHYB–Don’t hold your breath
DIET–Do I eat today
DIKU–Do I know you?
ditto–Same here
DIY–Do it yourself
DJM–Don’t judge me
DK–Don’t know
DKDC–Don’t know don’t care
DLTM–Don’t lie to me
DM–Direct message
DNBL8–Do not be late
DNF–Did not find
DOS–Dad over shoulder
DP–Domestic partner
DPUP–Don’t poop your pants
DQMOT–Don’t quote me on this
DTRT–Do the right thing
dunno–I don’t know
DUR–Do you remember
DWH–During work hours
DYHAB–Do you have a boyfriend?
DYHAG–Do you have a girlfriend?
DYK – Did you know…?
E
E123–Easy as one, two, three
EE–Employee
ELI5 – Explain like I’m five
EM–Excuse me
EMA–Email address
EMBM–Early morning business meeting
EMI–Excuse my ignorance
EML–Email me later
ESP-– Email service provider
EVRE1–Every one
EYD–Enjoy your day
EZ–Easy
F
F–Friend
F/U–Follow up
F2F–Face to Face
FAQ–Frequently asked questions
FAV–Favorite
FAWC–For anyone who cares
FB –- Facebook
FBF—Flashback Friday
FBO–Facebook official
FCOL–For crying out loud
FF–Follow Friday; also frequent flyer
FFA–Free for all
FIL–Father-in-law
FIMH–Forever in My Heart
Fit–outfit
FITYMI–Fake it til you make it
FLOTUS–First Lady of the United States
FMOT–Follow me on Twitter
FOMO–Fear of missing out
FR–For real
FS–For sale
FSBO–for sale by owner
FTBL–Football
FTBOMH–From the bottom of my heart
FTE–Full time employee
FTFY –-Fixed that for you
FTTB–For the time being
FUTAB–Feet up, take a break
FTL–for the loss
FTW –-For the win
FWD–Forward
FWIW–For what it’s worth
FYC–For your consideration
FYEO–For your eyes only
FYI –- For your information
G
G2G or GTG –-Got to go
G4I–Go for it
G8–Great
G9–Genius
GA –-Google Analytics
GAHOY–Get a hold of yourself
GF–Girlfriend
GFN–Gone for now
GG –-Good game
GJ–Good job
GL–Good luck
GMTA–Great minds think alike
GN–Good night
GOAT–Greatest of all time
GOI–Get over it
GRAS–Generally recognized as safe
GRATZ–Congratulations
GRWM–Get ready with me
GTG–Got to go
GTR–Got to run
H
H&K–Hugs and kisses
hahaha–Laughing
HAND–Have a nice day
HBD – Happy birthday
Hi 5–High five
HIFW – How I feel when…
HMB – Hit me back
HMU – Hit me up
Howru–How are you?
HR–Human resources
HT or H/T –-Hat tip. Used for acknowledging, appreciating or thanking other users.
I have many questions as I evaluate children’s books to make the best picture book recommendations. I’ve read and shared thousands of books as an elementary school librarian. Contrarily though, I may only chose one from a stack of thirty books I can recommend.
Enjoy the Book
I taught my students to read the book, feel the emotion, and hear the words. Above all, get the aesthetic experience. (I still do that when I first pick up a book). Undoubtedly, I never asked questions while reading a picture book aloud for the first time during story time. It was afterward that I examined the book more closely…or not. Sometimes, it’s enough to enjoy a picture book. With this in mind, my main goal was to teach the joy of reading.
Having a mock Caldecott Read-In with my students was one of the best ways I taught how to evaluate books and give picture book recommendations to others. I borrowed about a hundred picture books that were stand-outs. However, I also threw in(without telling them) those that were…(well)…not ones I would recommend.
I allowed the students to grade with a 😁😐☹️ face. They then voted for the one they thought would win the Caldecott Medal Award (a medal given annually to an American illustrator). Next, we had thoughtful conversations about how they evaluated picture books. Lastly, they would use persuasive thinking to get others to vote for the same book they nominated.
An important issue I emphasized was that when the award was announced and their book was not chosen, it did not mean it was unworthy. Subsequently, we would talk about famous books from the past everyone loved that have not won any medals.
The Questions
I still use these questions when I recommend a book, but ONLY AFTER I first read the book on its own. Undoubtedly, I love the beauty of picture books and want to feel their “soul. ” Analyzing them is secondary.
The Words
Are these words appropriate for an elementary-aged child? Are they using these words in a child’s everyday life?
Do the words flow in a legato style when they should? Are they short and choppy when they are supposed to be?
How do they sound when read aloud? Does it sound like a tongue twister but not supposed to sound like one?
Are there patterns? Rhyming? Rhythms? How do the words sound to the ears? Do they sound awkward? Are they forced?
Do the words convey the correct emotions and mood of the book? Do the word choices match the emotion? Is it supposed to be funny? Sad? Silly?
Do the page turns of the book interrupt the idea?
Is the story unique, or has it been done several times already?
Is the font a good fit for the book? Is it large enough for a child to read?
Where do the words appear on the page? Are they all over and difficult to follow?
How is the story being told? Are there too many characters? Is it confusing to follow? Predictions? Surprises?
Is the topic of the story something children can relate to currently in their lives? Is it too complicated? Should it be a board book instead? Babyish?
Dialogic reading? Is this story something they talk about with others? Or is it more of a listening book that someone reads aloud? Or is this one better read alone?
What is the perspective of the story? Who’s telling the story?
Are the words talking down to a child? Are they morally heavy?
Illustrations
What is the medium(s)? Was it digitally rendered? Was it a hybrid?
What is the level of technique? Does it stand out? Is it unique? Is there a style?
What are the visual elements? Line, shape, color, value, form, texture, space. How is the white of the page being used?
What colors are being used? Are the colors symbolic? Is color therapy being used? Complimentary colors? Bright? Dark? Contrasting?
Do the text and illustrations go well with one another?
Are there details in the illustrations not told in the text?
Would I know the book’s story if I took the text away?
The Cover
Is the title prominent? Or is the author’s?
Are the colors matching with the tone/mood of the book?
Is the font style easy to read?
Is there a blurb on the back?
Do the front and back covers correlate?
Does the cover represent the story inside?
Does it grab your attention?
Flaps
Does the front flap give a summary of the book?
Does the back flap tell about the author/illustrator?
End Pages
Are the pasted-down end pages white? Are they illustrated? Does the story begin or end on them?
End of the Book
Is there an author’s note? An illustrator’s?
If a nonfiction–is there a timeline, biographical notes, bibliography, index, suggestion reading, or photos? More information?
Misc.
Who is the author? Is this their first book? If a nonfiction picture book, is this person an expert on the subject? Is this a celebrity? What country are they from? And does that matter?
Is this a well-known author? Is it just like the others they have already written? Is there a repeated formula?
Is this book being translated? Was something lost in the translation?
Who is the illustrator? Is this their first book? Are they an artist well-known in other mediums?
Is this book political? Have an agenda? Age appropriate for elementary students? Developmentally appropriate? Is this a topic a child would care about in elementary school?
Star Rating Explained
Another key point of my evaluations is that I do not share picture book recommendations that deserve a half to two and a half stars. I’m not going to be that person. As shown below, the lowest star I give is a three, while the highest is a five.
If I’m on a site that does not allow half stars, I round up.
In Conclusion
While I read these books, I always remember that the person or persons creating this book in my very hands is someone’s dream, someone’s “baby,” that they worked really hard on and are willing to share with the world. This is why I don’t share bad reviews. I simply put it back in my tote bag to return to the library. In addition, it may be a child’s favorite book, and I don’t want them to read online that I did not recommend that piece of literature and with the reasons why it was not up to par.
Even after retiring, I still read children’s books, especially picture ones. I was lucky to have found my passion and was paid for sharing it. I still enjoy my love and can now share it online with a broader audience of book lovers and book worms. The picture book recommendations are ninety-nine percent ones I check out of the public library. I appreciate the Central Library Consortiumand am thankful for being in an area in the USA with such outstanding library systems.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
Picture Books
A Bed of Stars
by Jessica Love (Author, Illustrator). Publisher : Candlewick. 2023. PreK-2. Hardcover picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-1536212396.
Brief summary: A boy with trouble falling asleep goes camping with his father. They pack up the pickup truck, Darlin’, and head for the desert. His father tells him about the plants and animal tracks. They build a fire and watch the sun set while sitting on the hood of the pickup until the stars come out. They get in the sleeping bag in the truck bed, enjoying the stars above them.
His father is able to teach his son how to connect with the universe and not feel so small. They drive home, where Mom has a surprise waiting for their boy.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Brief summary: Mai and her papa like to play crocodile chomp with their hands. Papa leaves Vietnam to go to America to make a better life for his wife and daughter. Mai does not understand where her father has gone and waits for him to return each day to play. Mama packs and bag and takes her little one on a long journey through the rice paddies, across a river, and onto a boat across the ocean to a refugee camp in Singapore until they are released when Mama travels in the city to find her husband.
Comments: This story is based on the author and her mother, who journeyed in 1983 from Vietnam to America. Both author and illustrator share their families’ journey of immigration.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Basketball Dreams
by Chris Paul (Author), Courtney Lovett (Illustrator). Publisher : Roaring Brook Press. 2023. Prek-2. Hardcover picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-1250810038.
Brief summary: Chris wants to become a basketball player and looks up to his granddad, Papa Chilly, for guidance as the man’s dreams have come true. He gets up early to practice. He learns how to be a good team player and to help others. Papa Chilly attends Chris’s games and cheers him on.
Comments: The back page has Chris Paul’s recollection of his grandfather and a photo of them.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Daddy & Me, Side by Side
by Pierce Freelon (Author), Nadia Fisher (Illustrator). Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2023. Prek-2. Hardcover picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-0316055864.
Brief summary: A father and son go camping together. As they hike and fish, the father shares how he did the same with his father, who recently died. It almost feels like Pop-Pop is there with them as they create new and share old memories of being together.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Trucker Kid
by Carol Gordon Ekster (Author), Russ Cox (Illustrator). Publisher : Capstone Editions. 2023. PreK-2. Hardcover picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-1684466214.
Brief summary: Athena misses her father when he is trucking and has to leave the family for days. She loves ANYTHING to do with eighteen-wheelers and is proud to be a Trucker Kid. She shares her joy and enthusiasm with the kids at school. Her classmates understand her passion once her father visits the school via his semi to share everything about his job.
Comments: The back pages have sections Keep on Trucking and Author’s Note.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Baba’s Gift: A Persian Father’s Love of Family
by Ariana Shaheen Amini (Author), Christina Maheen Amini (Author), Elaheh Taherian (Illustrator). Publisher : Little Bigfoot. 2023. Grades 2-4. Hardcover picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-1632173232.
Brief summary: Baba shares stories with his six daughters while they sit and play on the Persian carpet of his boyhood in Iran and his stories of immigrating to America.
Comments: This is based on the true story of Dr. Fariborz Amini. Authors’ Notes in the back have a photo of the lovely family.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Hurry, Kate, or You’ll Be Late!
by Janice N. Harrington (Author), Tiffany Rose (Illustrator). Publisher : Margaret Ferguson Books. 2023. PreK-1. Hardcover picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-0823445103.
Brief summary: Kate was late to preschool this morning, but why? Was it because of her breakfast? Because she and her dad stopped to wave at friends?
Comments: Young readers will follow Kate and her father’s journey to go to preschool and ask to figure out and predict why Kate was late.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Pop’s Perfect Present
by Corey Finkle (Author), Lenny Wen (Illustrator). Publisher : Henry Holt and Co. (BYR). 2023. PreK-3. Hardcover picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-1250819444.
Brief summary: A young girl tries to think of the best gift to give her father because he is such a wonderful Pop. As they spend the day together, each attempt of creating the present is a failure. Will she be able to give her father the perfect present?
Comments: Humorous rhyming with a fun rhythm.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
No Fair!
by Jacob Grant (Author, Illustrator).Publisher : Viking Books for Young Readers. 2023. PreK-2. Hardcover picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-0593117699.
Brief summary: Pablo and his father get on their bikes while their dog, Waffles, runs aside them. It’s Market Day, and Pablo wants a donut, but it is allowed once all the shopping is finished. As Pablo tries to help, he finds that everything he picks out is too big. He protests, “Not fair!” Will he realize with the help of his dad that not all things are fair?
Comments: This book could be a shared read-aloud with the father’s voice in black ink and the son’s in red.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
My Dad Is a DJ
by Kathryn Erskine (Author), Keith Henry Brown (Author, Illustrator). Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2023. PreK-3. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-0374307424.
Brief summary: Trevor’s parents separate, and his father moves out. They once shared time listening to music late in the night after his father returned from being DJ. They would shoot baskets after school. He would even hear his father dedicate songs to him over the radio.
Lately, though, they have yet to connect since he moved out. His food preferences are different. He has a new friend his father has yet to meet. The end-of-the-year dance is coming up that his father has DJed. Will combining the latest hip-hop that Trevor likes and the soul his father favors work out? Will DJing together bring them closer?
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Brief summary: Harper packs a suitcase and drives to a huge family reunion in a park with her fathers, where she meets family members for the first time, like her cousins, second cousins, and first cousins once removed. She also meets family she already knows. Harper learns that she has some things the same and different from everyone, but they are all connected by their love for one another.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Daddy Dressed Me
by Michael Gardner (Author), Ava Gardner (Author), Nadia Fisher (Illustrator). Publisher : Aladdin. 2023. PreK-2. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-1665921954.
Brief summary: Ava’s father is good at making things but especially sewing her dresses for special occasions. She will recite a poem onstage during Move Up Day and is worried she will forget the words.
Her father tells the nervous girl that he will help her memorize the lines and would like to sew a unique dress to boost her confidence. Will both of their hard work pay off on the big day?
Comments: Based on a true story which can be found in the back–The Story Behind the Story. Loved to see the photos of the real father and daughter duo.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Maribel’s Year
by Michelle Sterling (Author), Sarah Gonzales (Illustrator). Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books. 2023. PreK-3. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-0063114357.
Brief summary: Maribel must wait an entire year before her father, who is in the Philippines, can rejoin his daughter and wife in America. Each month the young girl tells about the memories of her father and the emotional thoughts she has that he is with them again.
Comments: Illustrations change with each month and capture the feelings and thoughts of Maribel.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Brief summary: A young girl asks her father to stand with his arms outstretched and become a tree.
This whimsical story continues throughout the day, with more creatures visiting the father and making themselves comfortable as though he were a real tree.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Papa’s Home
by David Soman (Author). Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 2023. PreK-2. Hardback picture book. ISBN-13 : 978-0316427838.
Brief summary: Papa is going away for a little while, and Aunt Jessie will come to take care of the little bear. Father and son spend the day doing activities together. At the same time, the child asks questions about what it will be like when the father is away. The father quietly answers his child’s many questions with reassurance that everything will be okay.
Comments: Lovely illustrations that capture the emotional expressions of the father and child.
The text in this book allows for a reader’s theater opportunity with the child’s voice in green ink; Papa’s in purple ink.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Board Books
Daddy’s Hugs and Snuggles
by Linda Ashman (Author), Jane Massey (Illustrator). Publisher : Cartwheel Books. 2023. Baby-3. Board book with thick cardstock(not cardboard). ISBN-13 : 978-1338854046.
Brief summary: A child tells in rhyme what their father does with them in that part of the day while another child continues until young readers have learned the morning, noon, and evening routines.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Daddy and Me
by Gary Urda (Author), Rosie Butcher (Illustrator). Publisher : little bee books. 2023. Baby-3. Board book. ISBN-13 : 978-1499813517.
Brief summary: Each child shares what activity they share with their father.
Comments: Diverse with different families, backgrounds, and what the child calls their father. Papa, Dada, Pops, Baba, and so forth.
The illustrations are full pages with happy and bright colors matching the happiness of each child and father relationship.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)
Cat Jigsaw Puzzles
Beachcombers–300 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Frederick the Literate— 750 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Dog Jigsaw Puzzles
Dog stories–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Children’s Books Jigsaw Puzzle
Story Time –1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
I have this one on my wall:
Classic Novels Jigsaw Puzzles
1980s Novels–-1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Jane Austen–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
GreatAmerican novels–1,000 Jigsaw Puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
British Classics–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces.
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Mystery and Horror Jigsaw Puzzles
Murder Mystery Books–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Mystery Books–1,000 jigsaw puzzle books
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Edgar Allan Poe’s— 1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Bookstore Jigsaw Puzzles
Bizarre Bookshop 2–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces. I own this own but have not put it together.
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
The Book Palace–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
In the Bookstore–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Miscellaneous
Book World–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Cozy Retreat–500 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
First Lines of Literature–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
(This content contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you).
Earth Day Picture Books
The Day the River Caught Fire: How the Cuyahoga River Exploded and Ignited the Earth Day Movement
by Barry Wittenstein (Author), Jessie Hartland (Illustrator)
Summary: In the summer of 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught fire from the sparks of a train railcar falling into the water. It was not the first time the river caught on fire.
Comments: Young readers will learn about how the river became so polluted and what happened to change the pollution from continuously building.
Back pages include sections: Author’s Note, Environmental Time Line, Clean Water Act, To Learn More, and a Bibliography.
Details and buying options are on this book’s Amazon page.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day
by Shaunna & John Stith (Author), Maribel Lechuga (Illustrator). Publisher : little bee books . 2023. Grades K-4. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-1499813043.
Brief summary: Sam is in class in Santa Barbara when she sees her teacher look outside the window after the principal whispers to her and wonders why. Her parents explain to her about Union Oil causing an oil spill near where they live. The family walks to their favorite beach to find that the beach and ocean are black with oil. The town tries to clean the oil from the beach and help the animals covered with it.
A national day was created from this disaster and organized to celebrate and protest the environment which still exists today called Earth Day, April 22, 1970.
There are several sections in the back of the book: Author’s Note, Selected Bibliography, Timeline, Earth Day Today, Earth Day Every Day, and How to Become an Environmental Activist.
Teachers and homeschooling parents could share this book as a supplement in addition with Earth Day activities.
by Jordan Scott (Author), Sydney Smith (Illustrator). Publisher : Neal Porter Books. 2023. PreK-3. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-0823450831.
Brief summary: Author, Jordan Scott, recalls visiting with his Baba at her home. His father would drop Jordan off to have breakfast with his Baba and afterwards, they would walk together to his school. If it was raining, Baba would look for worms and put them in a glass jar to take home for her garden.
His baba would retrieve him after school, and they would spend time in her garden learning about the plants. This is their usual routine until she moves in with the family when a new building is built over her home. Not able to have a full garden any longer, she keeps a little garden in her room.
Comments: Told through the first-person point of view by the boy.
Jordan Scott wrote one of the most lovely book dedications I’ve ever read.
Brief summary: Wow. Love this book! It is full of everything a young reader needs to know about Antarctica, and all done with regular text, speech bubbles, and nonfiction text features. Children will stop and examine the detailed illustrations before turning to the next page.
Comments: The several foldouts make a whole sphere, full of information and fun pictures.
The book’s format is a fourth of a sphere but can fit appropriately on a shelf.
This is a must for any school or public library and would make a superb book gift for the young reader in the family(as well as adult book lovers). Cleverly done.
Brief summary: Mrs. Kosta and Victoria plant and nurture a beet seed until it ripens. The woman begins to harvest the gigantic beet but cannot remove it from the ground, no matter how hard she tugs. Several neighbors stop by the garden to help pull, creating a line out to the sidewalk until the vegetable is uprooted with a big “SPROING!!”
Comments: There is an Author’s Note and Raw Beet & Garlic Salad Recipe in the back.
Brief summary: Koo wakes up and wants to save the world, and his uncle suggests cleaning his room first. Throughout the day, the uncle and nephew do small and thoughtful acts. Koo shares his feelings of wanting to save the world and learns how to make a difference in their world through acts of kindness.
No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change
by Lindsay H. Metcalf (Author), Jeanette Bradley (Author, Illustrator), Keila V. Dawson (Author). Publisher : Charlesbridge. 2023. 2-5 grade. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-1623543136.
Brief summary: Twelve poems written by children worldwide promoting global activisms. A paragraph explains what each child is doing and how the reader can help.
Back pages include sections: From Me…, To We…, Glossary, Poetry Forms, and About the Poets.
Brief summary: A landscaper teaches his granddaughter why he loves trees. Each tree is described in a poem.
Back pages include sections: A Note From the Author-Illustrator, Why Trees?, Cool Facts About the Trees in This Book, For Further Exploration, and A Bibliography.
Brief summary: This wordless picture book begins with a tree growing on the banks of a river. It observes humans throughout the many decades changing with the seasons and years that have gone by.
Aaron Becker brilliantly captures the Mother Nature vs. humankind aspect through these detailed and thought-provoking illustrations.
Flipflopi: How a Boat Made from Flip-Flops Is Helping to Save the Ocean
by Linda Ravin Lodding (Author), Dipesh Pabari (Author), Michael Machira Mwangi (Illustrator). Publisher : Beaming Books. 2023. K-3. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-1506486406.
Brief summary: Juma walks with his grandfather to go fishing on the beach and is met with all sorts of plastic trash and thousands of flip-flops. The community comes together and gathers all of the endless plastic waste and melts it to make a dhow boat.
This is based a on a true story which is explained in the back pages along with sections: Ocean Pollution, How Can You Help?, and Glossary.
Climate Warriors: Fourteen Scientists and Fourteen Ways We Can Save Our Planet
by Laura Gehl (Author). Publisher : Millbrook Press. 2023. Grades 3-8. Hardcover Nonfiction. ISBN-13 : 978-1728460406.
Brief summary: There is an introduction to define climate change before each of the fourteen scientists’ chapter. There are a variety of different scientists who explains ways they are working and studying to help the Earth. Each section concludes with recommendations from the scientist and what we can do.
The book ends with ideas of how we all can be a climate warrior.
by Kevin Henkes (Author, Illustrator). Publisher : Greenwillow Books. 2023. PreK-1. Hardcover Picture Book.ISBN-13 : 978-0063245648.
Brief summary: This book shares what is around us in the world: big, small, and between. The soft and calming illustrations are done with brown ink and watercolor paint, demonstrating the size differences.
You Are My Pride: A Love Letter from Your Motherland
by Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), E. B. Lewis (Illustrator). Publisher : Astra Young Readers. 2023. PreK-2. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-1635923872.
Brief summary: This touching poem, illustrated with large two-page illustrations done in watercolors, is a lovely letter from Mother Nature telling her human children how much she has loved them since the beginning of their creation on Earth.
Back pages briefly explain the Developments in Early Human Evolution.
Educators–this would be a great supplement to use with the different viewpoints unit of study.
The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian, who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted.
Brief summary: Young readers examine the definition of “life” and where it all begins. The book explores a complex question by breaking it down into a slow progression of how the earth was created and how molecules formed.
Comments: Large and colorful illustrations also help clarify the concepts.
by Rosie Haine (Author and Illustrator). Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. 2023. K-3. Narrative Nonfiction Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-0802856012.
Brief summary: The family and people are Upper Paleolithic hunter-gathers who lived about 25,000 years ago when humans rose with the sun and slept when it set. They made tools from Nature around them, ate what they picked or caught, and everything they owned was handmade. Some animals were their friends, while others were eaten (or run from). The stars were their GPS. They were closer to Nature. We are still human animals but are very different today in many ways.
Comments: Author’s Note briefly explains how the first humans lived on Earth.
How the Sea Came to Be: (And All the Creatures In It)
by Jennifer Berne (Author), Amanda Hall (Illustrator). Publisher : Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. 2023. K-4. Narrative Nonfiction Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-0802854780.
Brief summary: This narrative nonfiction picture book is divided into Part One: The Birth of the Sea, Part Two: The Birth of Life, Part Three: All That the Sea Came to Be…From Then to Now, and a section of informative back pages including a foldout of ocean creatures over time.
Comments: The text is in a stanza of four lines with lines 2 & 4 rhyming. The illustrations are large and colorful and had me stopping to soak up the way the creatures were evolving.
The selected children’s books are chosen by a highly qualified retired elementary school librarian, who passionately reads and recommends picture books to teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book enthusiasts.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris recommends are checked out from the public library. The only exception is for the complimentary copies that she receives for an honest review, which are duly noted
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