Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Petunia the Perfectionist is a children's picture book written by Marissa Bader with illustrations by Ellie Beykzadeh. It tells the story of Petunia, a young girl who is obsessed with perfection. Her pursuit of perfection leaves her with no time for fun and takes away all the spontaneity in her life as she tries to avoid making mistakes. When her classmates and friends start calling her a perfectionist, she looks up the word and discusses it with her mother. Her mother reminds her that making mistakes is important for learning and growth, but Petunia is convinced she needs to be perfect. However, when she makes a mistake that inspires everyone, including herself, she begins to understand that it is okay to make mistakes and that imperfections are part of being human.

Petunia the Perfectionist is a delightful children's book that addresses the important themes of self-acceptance and the value of imperfection. Petunia's journey to understanding that mistakes are a natural part of being human is relatable and engaging for readers of all ages. The book teaches children to embrace their uniqueness as well as that of others. Marissa Bader explains that striving for perfection can have positive and negative consequences. With adorable, colorful illustrations and a relatable protagonist, this book is sure to resonate with young readers and help them develop a more positive attitude toward imperfection. The gentle and reassuring tone of the narration makes it an excellent tool for parents and educators to help kids develop a positive self-image and a growth mindset, celebrating the beauty of imperfection along the way.

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Maha Kadafour's Koala's Gift of Calm is a children's picture book with animal characters and deep messages that will help children learn and implement meditative practices. Children are taught to control their emotions by using breathing techniques. The story's main protagonist is Koala, who is a very calm animal and a master at controlling emotions. However, the other main character is an angry bear, who appears to be very animated and volatile. Thankfully, Koala's calm presence and wise suggestions are here to save the day, but only if Bear allows it. Are Koala's calmness and smart meditative practices enough to control Bear's anger? The answers to these questions are skillfully crafted in this captivating and colorful picture book. 

Even though both characters are animals, their personalities couldn't be more different. The smart blend of Koala's calmness and Bear's anger creates a compelling conflict that engenders deep curiosity and suspense, keeping readers eager to see where the story will lead. The target audience will enjoy reading Maha Kadafour's fun rhymes with simple, relaxing words, like "peace" and "harmony." Children are offered practical steps that will help them adopt meditative practices early in life, like taking deep breaths and learning to count to focus on the moment. I strongly recommend Koala's Gift of Calm to parents, teachers, and guardians who wish to teach children to meditate and be aware of their emotions. I believe a child who takes these practical steps seriously is starting life on the right path.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

A Halloween Farty Party is a children’s picture book written by Junia Wonders and illustrated by Clarissa Corradin. It celebrates the fun and silliness of farting during a special Halloween festival. If you are lucky enough to receive an invitation to this party, be prepared to come in your most creative attire and participate in a variety of farting competitions. You could dress as a spooky ghost or a furry creature, win an award for farting, and dance to your heart's content. There will also be delicious snacks aligning with the Halloween theme, like pumpkin-shaped cookies and Jack-o'-lantern pies. With extra cheese, the farts are expected to come in different flavors and sounds. You will have fun, make new friends, giggle, and smell the wonderful and occasionally stinky delights of Halloween.

A Halloween Farty Party is a whimsical tale with a humorous yet educative message about embracing bodily functions. It also celebrates creativity, friendships, and the silliness of life. The story playfully tackles the typically taboo subject of farting and encourages children to celebrate Halloween with joy. Through this book, Junia Wonders promotes self-acceptance and happiness, allowing readers to tap into the quirky aspect of life. The book has interesting facts about farting, helping children understand the science behind why we fart. It also has colorful illustrations that bring the characters to life. The cheerful and adorable children are relatable and inviting. I loved the blend of the vibrant colors in the text and art. Finally, the rhythmic narration added a lyrical flow to the story. Overall, this is a fun book and a great reminder that laughter and friendship can be found even in the most embarrassing moments.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Dilly Duck Saves the Day by Holly DiBella-McCarthy is a charming picture book combining a fun adventure with an important lesson about environmental stewardship. In this third installment of the Dilly Duck and Friends series, Dilly Duck faces a severe problem when her feathered friends get sick from eating bread left by well-meaning visitors. The story is not just about a duck trying to clean up a lake but also about teamwork, asking for help, and the ripple effect that one small act of kindness can have.

Dilly Duck Saves the Day teaches an essential lesson about the harm bread can cause ducks. Children (and adults) need to understand that ducks forage for their food naturally. Dilly is a lovable character, and her determination to help her friends is inspiring and heartwarming. Park ranger Roy adds humor with his quirky personality, making the story even more enjoyable. The vibrant illustrations by Pradyut and Pratyush Chatterjee are full of life, perfectly complementing the soothing, rhyming narrative. Children will be captivated by the colorful pages, and the gentle rhythm of the text makes it an ideal read-aloud book. Holly DiBella-McCarthy perfectly blends fun and education into a book that should be in every elementary classroom. The concept of environmental care is skillfully crafted into a delightful read. It's a story that will leave a lasting impression on young minds, teaching them that even small actions can make a big difference in the world. Dilly Duck Saves the Day is an excellent addition to a child’s bookshelf. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite

My Cat is Like That by Barbara Pinke is a delightful and heartwarming tale that captures the whimsical and endearing nature of having a feline friend. The story follows Pizza, a mischievous ginger cat whose playful antics and charming personality turn every day into an adventure. Whether he's purring contentedly on his favorite blue mat or engaging in silly games with his toys, Pizza's escapades are sure to bring joy and laughter to readers of all ages. Each page is filled with laughter and love as Pizza navigates his world with an irresistible blend of curiosity and mischief. This book beautifully illustrates the special bond between humans and their furry companions, making it a must-read for cat lovers and anyone who enjoys a light-hearted, feel-good story.

Barbara Pinke's writing is engaging and perfectly suited for both children and adults. The plot is simple yet captivating, with a pace that keeps readers entertained without feeling rushed. Pinke's descriptive language and playful tone bring Pizza's character to life, making his adventures relatable and fun. The themes of friendship, love, and the joy of pet ownership are seamlessly woven into the story, making it both entertaining and heartwarming. Additionally, the vibrant illustrations by Alvin Adhi complement the text wonderfully, adding an extra layer of charm to the narrative. Pinke's skillful storytelling highlights the everyday joys and quirks of having a pet, leaving readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling. My Cat is Like That is a delightful read that highlights Barbara Pinke's talent for crafting stories that resonate with readers and leave them with a smile, capturing the essence of what makes cats such beloved companions.

Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite

This beautifully illustrated children’s book by Melissa Robinson is about creating memories of the ones you love while you have the chance. It’s based on the author’s relationship with the real Grandma Marjorie and her African Grey Parrot, Misty. Grandma Marjorie has a magic timepiece, which acts as a gateway to adventure for her and her granddaughter, Mel. The imaginative possibilities are endless for a series and provide enough breadcrumbs for a child to continue inventing exciting quests long after the book is closed. The magic shrinks Grandma Marjorie and Mel so they can ride on Misty’s back and soar above their town. They land on the lighthouse where Grandma grew up and I love the emotional intelligence offered when her voice becomes scratchy. Even a young child can pick up on the inference of remembrance inducing a fullness of heart. When a seagull snatches Grandma Marjorie’s bag, she becomes a hero in defending herself, defying any idea of our elders being feeble. Notably, the things in her bag that are important to her aren’t money or jewelry but a map, a pet mouse, and a magnifying glass. Her bungee jump is then both brave and awesome. She’s a force to be reckoned with and a safe pair of hands for Mel to trust on future adventures.

I loved the detailed illustrations by Olga Sall, which make Grandma Marjorie and the Feathered Pirate a privilege to read. They include even the texture of Grandma’s lilac cardigan. Grandma Marjorie is not the usual caricature of the curly-haired, short-sighted pensioner in a twin set and pearls. She’s an engaging and realistic woman wearing trendy clothing and not troubled by a little chaos in her kitchen. She’s much more relatable and quite a lot like my children’s grandma, who bakes, wears jeans and runs marathons. The colors of the illustrations are next level, both gentle and appealing. My granddaughter is still small but loves books and we spent a long time examining each page. Her gaze darted everywhere as she soaked up all the sunny shades, crafted for maximum enjoyment. The colors and designs reminded me of Richard Scarry’s many successful children’s books, which I adored as a child. We enjoyed how almost every building is labeled on the aerial view of the town. We looked at everything on the pages and talked about each of the locations Grandma Marjorie flew over. The tiny animals included in her adventures are subtle but delightful. My granddaughter loved the mouse. The black and purple fonts were easy to read, and I liked how the purple emphasis matched Grandma’s favorite cardigan. It’s a stunning book with more hidden depths than one would expect. My granddaughter and I loved it. I would love for her to see me like Grandma Marjorie; quirky, uninhibited, fun, and especially safe.

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

Rearing children is not easy. Help Me Be ME by Samantha Reynolds gives advice to make parenting easier. All children have needs that must be met for them to grow into healthy—mentally, emotionally, and physically—adults. This picture book presents a child’s needs in a colorful and memorable manner. It is vital for children to know they are loved and accepted for who they are. Suggestions for allowing a child to be who they are include letting them express themselves. For children to mature properly, be sure to notice them and allow them to express their feelings. Pay attention to them. An important distinction is for parents to learn to speak with their child and not at their child.

Samantha Reynolds is passionate about the well-being of children’s emotions. She wrote Help Me Be ME to encourage children to be what they are meant to be. Remember, your child is a child, so they should act like a child. Artist Jessica Hiemstra did a great job of illustrating this small book. As you read this book with your child, notice their reactions. Then, take the time to discuss the various things mentioned by asking questions such as, “How would you like for me to notice you?” Talking with your child will both enlighten you and encourage them. Unconditional love cannot be over-stressed. If a child knows they are loved and accepted, they have all they really need. I recommend this book. Let your child explore who they are, not what you want them to be.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes it’s hard making friends, especially if you’re shy and you like to do things that others don’t like. For example, Jasper likes looking for and studying bugs. He spends recess in the dirt looking for bugs. The other children make fun of him, but he doesn’t seem to care. He just keeps looking for bugs. Briella is shy, too. She likes to swing and read books. While she swings through recess, she studies Jasper looking for bugs. Is it possible to make friends with him? She decides to be brave and approach Jasper. Getting his attention, however, is a little more than she expected. Will she be able to convince Jasper to be her friend?

Sherry Roberts’ picture book story, Hello, Can I Bug You?, is a clever way to introduce differences to young children. We’re all different and we all like different things, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along and the colorful illustrations help move the story forward and even add a little humor. The double meaning of the word 'bug' will have young readers chuckling as they learn that the word 'bug' in the title is a verb and the bugs Jasper studies are nouns. While the message is about accepting others even if they’re different (which everyone is) and even if they’re shy and they like bugs, there are other educational elements, too, like the different bugs Jasper studies. Overall, a fun read.

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

The Talented Pretzel is a children's book by Megan Morales. Pretzel Peyton is concerned when her teacher, Mr. Macaroni, assigns a project for the talent show and encourages Peyton and her classmates to reveal their special talents. As a linear, lightly salted snack, Peyton doesn't believe she possesses a unique skill, so she worries about her presentation. On her way home, though, she encounters friends who need assistance, and she helps them cross rivers, retrieve balls from inside logs, and get down from trees. When Mr. Macaroni calls her to the front of the class, Peyton is ready to hang her head in shame as she talks about her lack of skills, but her classmates have something to say about her that makes Peyton's presentation different.

Megan Morales delivers thoughtful and relatable characters who she calls "snackies". The fun illustrations are paired perfectly with the text, and the characters handle Peyton's unease with kindness. Children who may be lacking self-confidence can gain an alternate perspective by reading this story. Educators can share the story in classrooms to motivate classmates to bolster one another the same way Peyton's peers supported her; caregivers can read the book with the confidence that it is a wholesome story that promotes compassion. Peyton shows humility, and it's a desirable trait. Her character inspires children to do things for others without a thought to how they might benefit from it. The Talented Pretzel is a great selection for youngsters who may need their self-esteem boosted.

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

The Gratitude Jar is a children’s picture book written by Katrina Liu and illustrated by Bella Ansori. It tells the story of Mina, a young girl who learns to appreciate the simple things in life through a daily gratitude practice with her family. After attending a friend's party, Mina complains about not getting a pink bracelet, not having a big house like her friend, and having leftovers for dinner. Her mother notices her ungrateful behavior continues even the next day, so she introduces Mina to a gratitude jar, where she and her family write and draw things they are thankful for each day. Through this daily practice, Mina begins to shift her focus to the good things in life and starts to feel happier, recognizing the many blessings she has with her family.

The Gratitude Jar celebrates the importance of gratitude and appreciation, teaching kids to have a positive mindset and attitude. Inspired by the author's children, Mina and Leah, the story features Asian representation and introduces readers to an interesting and relatable cast of characters, helping kids develop emotional skills and strengthen their core values. Katrina Liu presents the lessons in a way that is relatable to young readers. By using a friendly tone and simple words, children can easily follow the story and enjoy getting to know the characters. The colorful illustrations perfectly complement the story and bring it to life. Small details like the family meals and the cozy home decor add a sense of warmth and intimacy to the story. The art also cleverly conveys the emotions and personalities of the characters, making it easy for young readers to connect with them. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend sharing it with your children.