Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Idia of the Benin Kingdom is a children’s historical fiction picture book written by Ekiuwa Aire and illustrated by Alina Shabelnyk. Idia had the strangest dream on the night before the Igue festival. The villagers in Ugieghudu, in Benin, an African kingdom, looked forward to this day of dancing, music, and mouth-watering things to eat. Idia and her best friend Adesuwa were excited as they walked along the wooded path that led into town. They and the other young children had practiced a dance in honor of the festival. Her dream, however, kept hold of Idia’s imagination. In it, she watched a woman who was a mighty warrior. She seemed virtually indestructible, no matter how many arrows were launched at her. And, after the fighting, this same woman helped to heal the injured, her knowledge of herbs and potions being indispensable to her healing arts. Idia loved to hear stories about battles and magic, but her own country was blessed with peace, and its people were happy. Who was this woman, and why did Idia have this dream about her?

Idia of the Benin Kingdom introduces young readers to the story of Queen Idia of Benin, who played an important role during the reign of her son, Esigie, who ruled Benin from 1504-1550. But don’t let the dry historical facts deter you from selecting this book for storytime or even a bedtime read. Ekiuwa Aire’s story is compelling and fascinating. Children become familiar with Idia when she is approximately their age. They get the premise of the story that dreams can be important and that their goals are worth working to achieve. I especially appreciated the fact that Idia’s father is supportive of her desire to learn to be a warrior. What a grand way of showing a young girl that she’s not limited by societal expectations and can take on any role in life.

Alina Shabelnyk’s illustrations are superb! Each panel tells a complete story, filled with action, drama, and meticulous detail. Readers see the imagery of Idia’s dream, her happy walk with her friend to the village for the celebration, and her studies under her father’s tutelage. My favorite panel, however, would have to be the one depicting Idia and the other children dancing at the festival. There’s so much to love about this picture: the depiction of motion, the joy expressed on the adults' faces, and those graceful dancing children. Idia of the Benin Kingdom is that rare jewel of a children’s picture book that can be read over and over, and the historical information the author gives at the end of the book may get kids considering history in a whole new light. Most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Bradley rushes outside to the garden to collect flowers for his mother. He’s having fun collecting all kinds of flowers when a loud noise startles him. Then he sees it: a giant dinosaur. It’s not frightening, but rather friendly and it takes Bradley on an adventure to a land full of all kinds of dinosaurs: Dinoland. Bradley shares his flowers with the dinosaurs and enjoys playing with them, even having a ride on one of the dinosaurs, a pterasaur, getting a good view of Dinoland from above. He loses track of time, but fortunately, he realizes when it’s time to leave. The only thing is, he no longer has the flowers he promised to collect for his mother. That’s what imagination can do to a child, or anyone, really: it whiles away the time so quickly but with effective creativity.

Julian Hilton’s children’s picture book, Bradley and the Dinosaur, is a sweet story about having creative, imaginative fun. There’s nothing complex about this story, no hidden messages. With a simple plot that follows young Bradley’s adventures in Dinoland, it inspires young readers to enjoy their own imaginations and not to be afraid to allow dreams to fill their time with simple pleasures. Told mostly in rhyming verse and with beautiful, bold, colorful illustrations, this story will appeal to the very young reader and perhaps those just learning to read. Young dinosaur enthusiasts will take special pleasure in the many dinosaur names listed and illustrated in this charming story. Wouldn’t you love to be a child again and visit Dinoland? The invitation to adventure is one’s own imagination.

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

My Big Welcome: A Story About Kindness by Onaolapo Dagunduro is the story of a little girl who has to change schools in the middle of first grade. Emilia loves her school and doesn't want to move and leave her friends. She remembered a new girl who came to her current school, and the difficult time she had, and now she is in the same position. She is scared to be going to a new school with new people, being so alone and lost because she doesn't know where anything is. She will miss her old friends and her old school. Emilia doesn't like the city at all, everyone is busy and there are too many people and streets. Then, finally, the day comes for her to visit the new school. When Emilia and her mom walk into the classroom, Emilia has the surprise of her life.

What a sweet caring story. My Big Welcome is an amazing book for children to read when they are transferring from one school to another. It follows the fears of a first-grader, her thoughts about moving, and every scary thing involved. Adults do not always understand what's in their child's heart, and having a book such as this for children helps parents to explain in a better way about moving to a different place and all that is involved. I look at this as a conversation starter for parents. They can read this book to their child and then easily explain what will happen, as well as answering any questions their child may have.

I can't forget the amazing job of Saoirse Lou in creating just the right illustrations to perfectly bring this story to life. The characters are adorable, I love their cute expressions. And the vivid warm colors are charmingly beautiful. I especially love the purples and lavenders. If your family is planning a move that will send your children to different schools, or you know someone in this position, Onaolapo Dagunduro's My Big Welcome is a book you definitely want. I think it would be really nice to have this book in every elementary school library. I like it that much!

Reviewed by Jamie Lee Wandel for Readers' Favorite

This I Know by Clay Anderson is a lovely little children’s book about finding beauty in nature. The story begins with a girl waking her baby sister in excitement about the day ahead. Through rhyme and playful illustrations, we go on a trip with this child and her family. They go to the beach, then to the mountains. The child plays with her dog and hikes with her family. There are charming reminders of God in sunny and stormy skies. A brilliant rainbow reminds the reader of God's promise. Finally, they catch fireflies under the night sky and patiently wait to see a shooting star. The family is truly present in enjoying God's wonder in nature.

Clay Anderson's This I Know is a cute book! It is a Christian children’s book intended for that audience but even as a non-Christian, I still appreciated it. The theme of natural beauty resonates with most kids. I enjoyed the word choice and flow of the book. The rhymes are easy to follow and I imagine kids being able to read along after a few times of hearing the story. I especially liked the illustrations which were colorful and optimistic. The theme of the book is simply explored and consistently uncomplicated throughout. Unlike many Christian children’s picture books that are full of scriptures, this one only hints at God. This title makes a nice bedtime story or book for emergent readers. It would also make a cute book to accompany your kids on camping or road trip!

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Xyla is only three, but she already loves the four seasons of the year. There is so much to enjoy in each season; so much to do. In the summer, when it’s hot, you can enjoy ice cream, building sandcastles, and make chalk pictures on the driveway. In the fall, you can pick apples, run through the leaves, and pick the best pumpkin ever for Halloween. In the winter, you can toboggan, ice skate, and enjoy the clear night sky; and then there’s spring, with so much hope in the air for new growth, new life, and new fun. Xyla loves it all.

Dr. Skyla Duncan’s picture book story, The Four Seasons: Limited Edition Children’s Poetry, is a sweet and soothing glance at the four seasons of the year. Told in rhyming verse, the author follows the four seasons, outlining the many different changes and activities one can enjoy during each season. The author begins with summer, depicting the fun times Xyla can enjoy with her family while learning some of the wonderful things that summer presents. Even a rainy day can be lots of fun if Mommy bakes fresh cookies and Dad reads to her. Each verse is beautifully illustrated, some of the scenes taking place in Saint Lucia where her parents came from and other scenes in New York City where they live now. This collection of verse is a comforting look at the four seasons, presented in a way that young readers will enjoy as well as learn something new each time they have it read to them. This book is a real treasure.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Henry's New Glasses is a children’s concept picture book written by Katie Specht and illustrated by the Creative Illustrations Studio. Something strange happened one afternoon as Henry and his dad began assembling a jigsaw puzzle. The two of them had lots of fun putting puzzles together, and this puzzle was one of Henry’s favorites -- but the pieces weren’t matching up properly. Henry asked his dad what was wrong, and his dad noticed that Henry was trying to connect two mismatched pieces. He asked Henry if he was having problems seeing, and Henry said that things seemed fuzzy sometimes. His dad said that Henry would need to go to an eye doctor to make sure he was seeing correctly. Henry didn’t really like that idea, but he did feel a bit better when his dad said that he would be seeing an eye doctor as well. Henry still wondered what the eye exam would be like? What if I have to wear glasses? Would the kids in class make fun of me?

Katie Specht’s Henry’s New Glasses will resonate with any kid who’s been to the eye doctor as well as many adults who still remember their first eye exam and pair of eyeglasses. Specht’s story demystifies that dreaded eye exam and shows kids that it’s really nothing to be frightened about. She walks them through each step in the process including getting that first pair of glasses. The story is a perfect way to calm kids down about an upcoming exam and to help them realize that glasses aren’t really that big a thing -- they just help you see better. The illustrations are marvelous, especially those panels showing Henry in the examination room. Each brightly colored illustration makes the story work perfectly. Henry’s New Glasses is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Emotions can be overwhelming. Some emotions are like monsters: they lurk in the background just waiting for the right moment to take control. Like the anger monster that makes us stomp and yell or the worry monster that makes us lose focus, our minds becoming unhinged and fretful. Emotions are hard to control. We certainly can’t lock them out. They’re ever-present, and they’re real. So what do we do? Lauren Stockly’s picture book story, Be Mindful of Monsters: A Book for Helping Children Accept Their Emotions, is a clever and insightful approach to helping young readers understand and appreciate the importance of emotions so they can learn how to deal with them. The protagonist is a little boy, and the plot follows the boy’s concerns about how his emotions take control of everything he does. Anger, fear, worry, and more take over, making the boy uncertain how to manage it all. It really is overwhelming. Fortunately, Mom is there to help explain.

Using therapeutic metaphors and interactive activities, Lauren Stockly uses Mom to help the little boy and young readers find the means to accept and control these emotion monsters. There is a page where the reader is encouraged to look at the illustration and find at least ten tiny details, including the lurking emotion monster behind the bookcase. At the end of the book is a page full of multiple emotion monsters and the interactive question: “How are you feeling?” It encourages the young reader to share their feelings and emotions so they can recognize them, understand them, and hopefully control them. Beautifully illustrated, Be Mindful of Monsters: A Book for Helping Children Accept Their Emotions is an insightful way to start the conversation about emotions and make young readers more aware of their feelings.

Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite

I Wish You Happiness is a children’s picture book by Michael Wong with illustrations by Ann Baratashvili. This uplifting book is filled with positive and beautiful messages that will inspire young readers. Thoughtful and heartfelt wishes are shared to encourage children to believe in themselves and to live life to the fullest. Knowing that life is filled with ups and downs, children are motivated to be courageous and resilient. To empower themselves, children are encouraged to keep learning and to always try to seek knowledge. Lovely and charming illustrations throughout this book complement the hopeful wishes and sentiments offered. At the end of the story there are a few fun and special bonuses to interest and further engage readers. I Wish You Happiness is a luminous book that radiates hope and warmth.

Michael Wong’s I Wish You Happiness beautifully and succinctly conveys what anyone would wish for the children in their lives, for them to live with hope, strength, and joy. Each page of this book is a joyful reminder to focus on the goodness in life; kindness, peace, love, and generosity. I think this book will brighten anyone’s day and will also make an excellent birthday present for a child or a gift to new parents. Parents and caregivers will enjoy reading this book to children while sharing the meaningful messages that aim to help youngsters think, feel, and do their best. The added bonuses at the end were a pleasant surprise and will excite children. I Wish You Happiness is a highly recommended and inspiring read.

Reviewed by Sarah Scheele for Readers' Favorite

KeeKee’s Big Adventures in London, England is part of a series of European travel picture books starring KeeKee, the cute and curious little cat. Author Shannon Jones joins up with illustrator Casey Uhelski to unfold for a small child’s eyes what sightseeing in the amazing metropolis of London is like. KeeKee has been to several big cities in Europe and now, starry-eyed and excited, she drifts with her little hot air balloon (what a fun way to travel) over London. After going on a tour of major locations with a local, KeeKee runs into a sedate little woman in a blue hat who takes KeeKee to tea—the Queen, of course. After learning a lot about England, the cheerful kitty drifts off in search of more places to explore.

This is a great way for kids to discover some of the major tourist attractions in London. Every Londoner KeKee meets is a little animal like herself, presented as mostly her size and very friendly. Shannon Jones nailed a panoramic glance over most of the attractions you might visit during a day touring London and what fun it is to be there for the first time. KeeKee feels special as she is guided by friendly Shakespearean actor Will through a beautifully illustrated medley of sleek modern subways, old stone buildings, and unique British cuisine, and she is genuinely excited and spontaneous as she learns about this great city. A happy tone of really enjoying oneself threads gently through the book and that made me have as much fun with KeeKee’s Big Adventures in London, England as KeeKee herself did.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream? is a children’s picture book written by Justine Avery and illustrated by Liuba Syrotiuk. What if kids didn’t groan when it was time for bed? What if they looked forward to dreaming as a great adventure? Avery’s picture book celebrates the dreamscapes kids encounter when they’re finally tucked up, relaxed and ready to sleep. And just in case kids are having trouble settling in, she gives them fun and easy-to-follow relaxation exercises to get them ready for their nightly adventures. Parents will also appreciate how fluidly she integrates the concepts of cleaning up toys and brushing teeth as a prelude to those wonder-filled dreams.

What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream? is a gorgeously illustrated and eloquently written picture book about dreaming. I noted just a hint of wistfulness in the author’s closing words asking a child to share those dreams. Far from being an end to the fun and play of the waking world, Avery’s story offers kids a different way of looking at their sleeping and dream-states. Each of Liuba Syrotiuk’s outstanding watercolor illustrations held me spellbound and captivated. Her skillful use of washes and lovely flowing strokes of color make those dreams Avery speaks of seem so real. Avery’s story is also a perceptive guide to lucid dreaming; one that counsels kids on drawing joy and wonder from those strange and vivid movies unfolding before their eyes while they are dreaming. I can’t think of a better selection for a bedtime story. What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream? Is most highly recommended.