Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite

Mahalo Bear Says Thank You! by Bo Bergmann is about Mahalo Bear, a character who is half bear and half pineapple. He is certainly the world's most optimistic and grateful bear whose favorite thing to do right after waking up is to say thank you for everything. After tripping on the stairs and getting a blue bump on his head, Mahalo Bear said, "Thank you." Mahalo Bear continued to say thank you after each mishap, even when his clothes were stained, to the dismay of his friend, Doubtful Duck. But once in school, he used all the stains on his clothes as the sample colors for his show and tell rainbow project. Impressed by what he had done, the teacher rewarded Mahalo Bear with a balloon for his presentation. Mahalo Bear later explained to Doubtful Duck, that according to his parents, it is always better to have an attitude of gratitude and look for the good things in life, because you will eventually find them. They hugged each other before parting ways, without realizing that the stains and dirt on his clothes had smeared his friend's pretty new dress. But instead of getting upset, Doubtful Duck just said, "Thank you!" as she laughed her way home.

Mahalo Bear Says Thank You! is a charming children's book that features an adorable pacifist bear who chooses to be mindful and have a positive attitude. Bo Bergmann uses cartoon-like, colorful illustrations and a fun Hawaiian theme that will especially appeal to young readers. Children can also easily identify with the main character's occasional clumsiness that young readers themselves can sometimes experience. But what matters most is how Mahalo Bear talks about the advice that his parents give him and shows us how he starts his day with gratitude and positivity even when obstacles arise. Responding sensibly rather than acting impulsively can help you see things for what they are. Since having a grateful attitude prevents disagreements and encourages communication, Mahalo Bear acts in a way that fosters faith and the belief that everything will work out for the best. It is a tactic that he proves to be more advantageous for everyone, and even healthier and less stressful. A recommended read-along book for emergent and independent readers, plus adults who should occasionally be reminded that it's always better to say thank you and strive to live a life with an attitude of gratitude.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Don't Bring Rupert To The Beach by Christer Hägglund is a short illustrated children’s story. Rupert is a polar bear who lives in the north where it’s cold. One day, he went fishing but fell asleep and when he awoke, he was somewhere completely different. It’s a warm, tropical island, a wondrous place the likes of which Rupert has never seen before. There, he meets Dot, the jaguar, and they become friends. Dot shows Rupert around the island but Rupert misses the cold and the snow, while Dot loves the warm and the sand. The two friends explore each other’s worlds and have a great adventure, becoming firm friends for life.

Don't Bring Rupert To The Beach by Christer Hägglund is a wonderful kid’s story with great illustrations that help bring the story to life. It’s a simple story but with an underlying message – we aren’t all the same and we don’t all feel comfortable when we are not in the right surroundings. With just the right amount of action and a neat plot, this book is great for younger kids to read at home and at school and could be used to help children understand why some animals live in different places and why they can’t live elsewhere. It’s an easy read, written in simple language, and engaging enough to hold attention, even when you have kids with a short attention span. Cute story, I loved it. It is ideal for all young kids, and they’ll want you to read this one to them over and over again.

Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite

No Place for a Lizard by Megan Deliberto is a children’s book about a bearded dragon named Anthony trying to find a new home because he is so lonely living all alone in a cage in the reptile house at the zoo. He visits other animals to see whether he can live with them, ranging from lions to giraffes, monkeys, and elephants, but there were problems in each of their enclosures. Anthony finds himself in the home of Bruno, the huge polar bear. Bruno is confused at first as to what Anthony is as he looked nothing like a dragon, but he discovers that a bearded dragon is a type of lizard. When Anthony explains that he needs warmth and sun to survive, Bruno quickly realizes that he is also lonely, so he finds a creative way for them to live together.

No Place for a Lizard shows that despite all the factors that seem to prevent them from being roommates, they find their friendship can bridge those differences. Megan Deliberto writes a charming, heartwarming book about friendship between two completely different species. Anthony and Bruno are sure to captivate you and the little one you are reading to in no time. The illustrations by Tiemoko Sylla that accompany the dialogue are engaging and colorful. Readers will learn more about polar bears and bearded dragons so the book is educational. This is an engaging story to entertain and inform while spending time with young readers to immerse them in the world of learning and reading.

Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

The Arctic Quest by Minda Gomez is the story of a young family living in Minnesota, including the eldest, Rico, eight years old; Diego, five; and the youngest, Araceli, two. They are traveling to Mexico to spend Christmas with their grandparents, Tito and Tita. Their neighbor Don Toño is a brilliant inventor who gives the three siblings a pair of virtual reality sunglasses. When wearing the glasses, they look and feel like they’re in the Arctic Circle close to the North Pole, surrounded by snow, where they transform into different animals. As they travel to Mexico and play in the Arctic with their sunglasses, they learn important lessons about playing fairly, looking after their little sister, and working as a team. The Arctic Quest is also an excellent resource for learning conversational Spanish words and phrases, including greetings and common social references.

The Arctic Quest by Minda Gomez is a creative, deeply thoughtful, and educational story for children, celebrating the Spanish language and Mexican traditions while teaching valuable lessons and the wisdom of being part of a family. I loved the use of Spanish words and phrases throughout the book and the helpful glossary. The educational aspect of the book is fun and engaging, and Gomez achieved this by maintaining the reader’s attention with an imaginative and meaningful plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because it has many benefits for children. Not only do they learn Spanish, but they learn about teamwork and their role in the family. Gomez has created a heartwarming and resourceful book that celebrates Mexican traditions, the Spanish language, and the unique bond between family members.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

Mama Wren was happy that her eggs had finally hatched to produce three lovely Wren chicks. Soon two of her chicks start singing, but Wren Three could only manage a funny squeak and it made her sad. One morning, Wren Three heard beautiful music coming from a window. She flew to the window and found a Piccolo playing his music. Wren Three and Piccolo soon became friends. Wren Three could then have fun, flying around with Piccolo on her back as he played his music. All the fun ended when something terrible happened to Piccolo while flying on Wren Three’s back. What happened to Piccolo and would Wren Three ever learn to sing? Find out more in Catherine Ann Russell’s Picco and Wren Three.

Catherine Ann Russell’s Picco and Wren Three will appeal to lovers of children's adventure books. Catherine’s integration of the storyline with the colorful images by Janell E Robisch was amazing. It’s almost as if the images tell the story by themselves. The deep shades of color only make them even more enthralling. I loved the way that the author brings warmth to the words and images. The author’s choice of words will enrich your child’s vocabulary and improve their English. Catherine delivers the moral of the story in simple yet engrossing ways. From Wren Three’s determination to sing, kids can learn to persevere, be ambitious, disciplined, and perhaps most important of all, be patient. They will also learn to be sincere friends.

Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite

Mario and The Stones (Luna and Fortuna) by Katy Sloop Roberts is a children’s book in which a man named Mario searches for a job. He is hungry and in desperate need, but so far, he has been unsuccessful. One day, Mario comes across the perfect resting place in an olive grove. His tired body slumps to the ground and he falls asleep immediately. When he wakes up, he notices a woman close by. The woman is annoyed at Mario for trespassing in her olive grove, but she offers him a job whilst also undertaking to feed him. Mario jumps at the chance of eating a good meal and soon finds himself at the woman's house. The woman then realizes that Mario isn't the nicest person, nor does he have any manners, but she has a plan for him that could change all of that. What does the woman have in store for Mario and will he change his ways? Find out in this book.

Mario and The Stones (Luna and Fortuna) was a pleasure to read. From the moment I began, I knew I was going to enjoy this book. It grabbed my attention from the very first page and kept my interest throughout. It has been written professionally, which made the story flow nicely. The story will not only be sure to entertain children, but it will also teach them an important lesson. I won't reveal what the lesson is but, trust me, it's a good one. The illustrations by Dan Dye are perfect for the storyline. They help bring the scenes to life and add enjoyment to the reading experience. I hope to read more from Katy Sloop Roberts soon. Keep up the great work.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Journey to Cassiopeia is a tale of loss and survival written by John K Addis and illustrated by Daniela Olaru. When a man comes home late from work, he hears his young child, Cassie, coughing from her bed. The father enters Cassie's room and they talk about how she was named after Cassiopeia - a woman who was obsessed with her own beauty - as well as the distance and brightness of the beautiful stars overhead. When he finally settles Cassie off to sleep, he retires to his own bed where his wife asks who he was talking to. It is at that time that there is a knock at the door which changes his life forever. Over time, the father learns how to accept that his daughter has gone but finds his own way to deal with the loss, as well as how to be close to Cassie on nights when the stars shine bright.

Although very well written, it took me a couple of reads to actually understand what had happened within the pages of this book. Journey to Cassiopea is not only a remarkable tale, but also shines a light on our own mortality and that nothing can be taken for granted in this world, especially the safety of the ones we love. Losing a child is one of the most painful things that a parent ever has to face - it is a pain that is never extinguished. Learning to accept what has happened, as well as keeping the ones you love inside your heart forever so that their light never goes out, is most definitely a positive way to honor them. John K Addis' heart-wrenching tale, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Daniela Olaru, makes Journey to Cassiopeia a book that will forever remain etched within my own heart alongside the memories of my own son. I highly recommend Journey to Cassiopeia to parents, young and old, who have lost a child and are struggling to find a way to keep that child's memory alive. My personal bookshelf is now one high-quality tale richer.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Ranger Nader & The Sunstruck Phantom is a young adult fantasy adventure novel by Kam Karem. Fourteen-year-old Ranger Nader's life turns upside down after being given a powerful and magical ax called Nightmare by the Lady of the Forest. Plagued by visions of the ancient demi-god king Gilgamesh, Ranger learns from his grandfather Jid Joe that he belonged to a long line of Sun-Kissed people who were blessed to channel the power of Solar Sails. With his sister Milly, and his cousins, Art and Kara Hayek, Ranger travels to Bcharre, Lebanon, to attend the mysterious Solar Sails Academy. Soon he becomes a key member of the Grateful Guardian. He also meets an unlikely ally in Frederick Wasis, his great-uncle. Now, Ranger must train for a final confrontation with Gilgamesh and stop him once and for all.

An action-packed fantasy adventure saga at its finest, Ranger Nader & The Sunstruck Phantom is a blast to read from start to finish. Filled with magic, humor, and adventure, author Kam Karem's entertaining fantasy odyssey draws inspiration from ancient Sumerian mythology to create a mesmerizing tale that will appeal to kids and young adults in equal measure. The plot moves at a blistering pace, taking unexpected twists and turns to keep your eyes glued to the pages. The characters are colorful and full of life. Any scene involving Ranger, Art, Kara, and Milly is a joy to read, as the banter between the siblings and cousins keeps you entertained all the way through. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

Brian is the son of the richest man in Sandstone-by-the-Sea but he is stricken with a mysterious illness and not even his brothers, sisters, and friends are allowed to visit him. After Brian’s mysterious disease was diagnosed, he spent most of his time in a bare white room, on a bare white bed, unable to play or even read. It all changed one day when his father hired Mervyn who paints a whole, new wonderful world. What adventures will these beautiful paintings bring Brian? Find out in The Tale Of Brian And The House Painter Mervyn, a fable for children and their parents by Lance Lee and illustrated by Meilo So.

The Tale Of Brian And The House Painter Mervyn is a fantastical story that starts with a sick and sad little boy named Brian. Through his meeting with growling, grumpy Mervyn, Brian is taken on an amazing adventure through the world of art, both literally and figuratively. Lance Lee paints vivid scenes that are as colorful and mesmerizing as the art that accompanies the story. Mervyn is standoffish, unlikeable, but he paints the most beautiful scenery and his art comes to life, bringing joy and awe to those who see it. Meilo So brings life to the story in the same way Mervyn does. The colorful art accompanies the fantastical fable and together they create a magical vision of the book. But of course, such great powers have consequences and the story delves deeper into the effect this has on the people and the community. Along the way, people learn the consequences of their actions and greed and I think their regret and redemption were the best parts of the plot! This story successfully kept my attention right to the very end and, overall, I found this to be an exceptional book. Great work!

Reviewed by Rolanda Lyles for Readers' Favorite

Little Bear loves to run and play. He chases birds, climbs trees, and is so curious about the world. One day, while Little Bear went exploring, he spotted a butterfly and followed it to a clearing where he found a horse that was stuck. Little Bear hurried to help the horse and set him free, but once he set the horse free, he realized that it was no ordinary horse. It was a unicorn, but not everyone could see it. Little Bear was brave and kind so he could see the unicorn. Little Bear went back and told his friends, but not everyone believed him. Bunny believed and prayed that she could meet a unicorn too. So Little Bear and Bunny continued to go about helping other animals that needed it and one day something amazing happened. Little Bear and his friend Bunny were brave and kind and you can be too.

Kathleen Shields's The First Unibear is a wonderful children's adventure story that promotes kindness, bravery, and faith in the goodness of others. The illustrations are done by Aashay Utkarsh and they are vibrant and captivating for young readers. The story flows with a rhyme scheme that is catchy and perfect for reading to children. The First Unibear is a great, imaginative children's story that encourages compassion and helpfulness to others and the belief that we can all achieve goodness. The First Unibear is an inspirational tale that would be a great addition to any child's library.