A New Life (An Only Child’s Diary Book 1) by Audrey Lavigne: Based on a true story. Alyssa is an eleven-year-old girl growing up on a beautiful island in the Seychelles, which is one of the smallest countries in the world. Despite being the only child in the family, she has an imaginary friend, Hope – the sister that she has always wished for, to whom she shares her everyday life issues with, all in a diary.
A Day on Mahe (Jasper The Island Hopper) by Audrey Lavigne: An educational travel book for kids 4-10. In this first book of the series, Jasper the Island Hopper, the adventurous dog Jasper visits Mahé and his tour guide, Rico the Gecko, shows him around. The sightseeing tour is wondrous and delightful as Jasper learns a great deal about this amazing island and even helps a little lost girl find her mother.
BaBa-Balu Belongs, Too (Cultivating Compassion in Children) by Sonja Lange Wendt: Children often feel that they don’t belong. This story addresses inclusion and acceptance. Baba-Balu is a caterpillar who is not included by other bugs. He feels hurt and sad and even mad. Once he experiences the feeling of belonging and inclusion, he transforms into his beautiful self both inside and out. It also follows the metamorphic cycle.
Kami Koala Makes A Decision by Teydon Rae & Cennet Kapkac: Kami Koala can’t seem to make up her mind. She has trouble deciding what to eat or where to go. But when Kami finds that reciting a little rhyme can help her with the process, she is finally able to embark on an exciting adventure. This lively story reinforces skills that will help children build confidence and enthusiasm for life!
Diary of a Surfer Villager (Books 1-5) by Dr. Block: Want your kids to read more books? Give them books they WANT to read… about Minecraft! This is the epic tale of a visionary, 12-year-old Minecraft villager who dreams only of becoming a surfer. But, soon, mysterious forces begin to disrupt his dream, and an epic adventure begins! Can Jimmy, his old friends, and new allies ensure their survival, and… the survival of all Minecraft?
Summertime with Snowman Paul by Yossi Lapid & Joanna Pasek: Sure, Paul is a snowman – but should that preclude him from having fun with his best friend all year long (including the Summer)? Snowman Paul doesn’t think so, but hot summer days do pose some obvious problems for a snowman. Snowman Paul is ready to give up when his best friend (Dan) comes up with a brilliant idea that saves the day.
The Pharaoh’s Cry (The Artania Chronicles Book 1) by Laurie Woodward: A world of color and wonder above. A land of shadow and nightmares below. Artania the land of living paintings, sculptures, and sketches is in danger and only a couple of kids whose art is a superpower can save it. Braving battles, duels, and skateboarding escapes, they will fight to defeat Sickhert’s army and bring art back to the world.
Harlie Doodle Dog: New School Tour by Karina Bossé: Do you have a little one that is worried about starting a new school or a new grade? In this cute, rhyming picture book, Harlie Doodle and Mommy take a tour of his new school to meet the teacher and see the classroom and the hallways, which helps Harlie become excited about the first day of school.
The Superpower of Going to Kindergarten: Book to Encourage Kids to go to School, Feeling Confident and Have Kindness by Anna Brown: This is a children’s book that will help the kids to go to kindergarten: Recognize that knowledge is power; Go to school with a positive mindset; Be kind to their friends; To visualize that no matter the race or skin color, we can all be powerful if we have the knowledge; Use their imagination; Feel secure expressing their feelings to others.
R is for Rainforests: A Brilliantly Biodiverse Alphabet! (Learning THINGS) by Craig Macnaughton: From Amazon River Dolphin to Zodiac Moth, get to know some spectacularly special species! Hold on to your alphabet as we travel through these excellent ecosystems! This vibrant A-Z picture book takes you on a tropical tour to learn your ABCs with a collection of memorable mammals, brilliant birds, and buzzing bugs!
What’s That, Meerkat? (Animals of the World Book 4) by Barbara Smith & Zara Farooqi: Travel to Africa with a meerkat as he explores the land and meets with native African animals. Beautiful illustrations, sensory rhymes, and alliteration introduce children to new animals, words and sounds in a fun and sometimes silly way.
Herman and the Princess Gull by Lew Maurer & Candace Camling: Herman and Antares will melt hearts and become heroes of the sea for children everywhere. Be prepared — kids ask to hear this story night after night.
Porkington Hamm (Porkington’s World Book 1) by Margaret Rodeheaver: Life is not easy for Porkington Hamm after he gets a dose of Doctor Morty’s experimental serum. Thinking, feeling, and (mostly) looking human, Porkington explores the city and develops his cooking skills. But someone is stalking him, and when his friends leave town she makes her move. Will her “therapy” turn Porkington back into a pig? Or worse?
The Lobster Tale (Eudora Space Kid Book 2) by David Horn: The greatest lobster heist in space! The second in the Eudora Space Kid series: a hilarious sci-fi chapter book for early readers. Will Eudora save her favorite lobsters from the ship’s dinner buffet menu?
The Crafty Coach (The Football Boys) by Zac Marks: The Ferndale Foxes are in trouble. With no coach, the team will fold. Jed needs to act fast! He can’t imagine life without football. But saving the team is going to be tough: he has difficult decisions to make, the kind you shouldn’t have to make at twelve; the kind that can get you into trouble!
Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson: Join Priscilla, an ordinary 7th grader with some extraordinary abilities, on the hilarious ride to discover who or what she really is.
Barnabee Believes (in Himself) by Cazzy Zahursky: Young readers will enjoy this fun story, as they follow along Barnabee bee’s journey to overcoming fear, and following his dreams. Everyone has a dream. Dreams often start as early as childhood. Unfortunately, fear often sets in holding us back from these dreams. Told through lively illustrations and humor, this story explores courage, self-doubt, self-belief, determination, and friendship.
Ninja Nickles and the Problem with Pickles by Leah Cupps: Will Ninja Nickles tell Mom the truth and admit that he’s the one who dropped the pickles? Or will he stay and hide while Lincoln is scolded for the pickle pantry mess? Read along with Ninja Nickles and his story of the midnight pickles to find out!
Where Do Mermaids Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann & Nejla Shojaie: The mermaids have come together to enjoy all the fun and beautiful things the ocean has to offer. But with the whole sea at their fingertips, where will they go and what will they do? With pirate ships, treasure chests, and underwater castles all on their list, they can’t wait for their own vacation to begin. Will the mermaids have even more fun than they already do?
The Gryphon Chronicles (Books 1-2) by E.G. Foley: NYT Bestselling Author E.G. Foley brews up a magical potion for fantasy readers of all ages! Take a dash of Harry Potter and a splash of Oliver Twist, add a pinch of steampunk and a sprinkle of Victorian fairy lore, and what do you get? The Gryphon Chronicles! A rollicking fantasy adventure series that’s as much fun for grownups as it is for kids. Contains novels 1 & 2!
I’m Not A Weed! (Cultivating Compassion in Children) by Sonja Wendt: Children will fall in love with Suzy Sunflower as they learn to welcome and accept not only the planned, but also the unplanned and unexpected events, and people in their lives. This beautifully illustrated free eBook emphasizes the need for acceptance and inclusion. Love has no boundaries. Thoughtful discussion questions at the end.
The Mayfly and The Methuselah Tree by Bob Zaslow: What would happen if the world’s oldest living thing, the Methuselah Tree, met a Mayfly, the shortest-lived thing? Could the ancient tree ever learn to smell the flowers? This little picture book has moved parents to thank Mr. Z for creating a story that moved their children to see life is to live, not merely to exist. And each moment is precious.
What to Know Before You Get Your Dog by Margrit Strohmaier & Claudia Gadotti: This beautifully illustrated, rhyming picture book gently teaches kids about the joys and commitment of dog ownership.
Shh! We Got a Unicorn (Shh! We Got a… Book 1) by Anjeanette Carter: Shh! This brother and sister duo needs your help! They just made a new friend. That new friend happens to be a unicorn. Be prepared for colorful bursts of rainbow magic! And a little problem-solving, too. Tag along on their adventure and see how they not only meet a unicorn but end up bringing her home! That’s where you come in. Will you be able to help this brother and sister out?
Honesty is Your Strength by Roxanne Russ & Anastasia Bolshakova: Amazing & engaging story for kids to learn about the importance of being honest and telling the truth!
Welcome to Doom Farms (Bonegarden Book 1) by Karsten Knight: When Kayla plants a pumpkin patch at her family’s new farm, the results are monstrous. Don’t miss the first book in Bonegarden, a spooky, action-packed series that will thrill fans of Goosebumps and Small Spaces.
