Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Yara's Tawari Tree is a children’s educational picture book written by Yossi Lapid and illustrated by Joanna Pasek. Yara lived in a tropical jungle with her mom. The two of them occupied a small house on stilts by a river. They lived in harmony with the jungle, using only what they needed to survive. But one day as Yara went out to look for mushrooms and edible fruits and plants, a friendly parrot alerted her to the crisis confronting a very special sapling. Yara followed the parrot and discovered the tiny Tawari tree on the border of a section of jungle that was being clear cut. She could see the bulldozers still working, and the smoke billowing from where the workers were burning the remains as it spread throughout the jungle. The tree had realized that it was only a matter of time until it would be cut down as well. Yara gently began to dig around the sapling’s trunk, taking care not to harm its roots as she carefully removed it. She hurried to her house and asked her mom for help in keeping the young tree alive. They did find the perfect spot for the Tawari tree, and as she carefully replanted it and watched it grow, Yara began to realize she had also found a best friend.

Yara's Tawari Tree is a visual feast for the eyes and spirit as kids and their caregivers learn about the close interrelationships of animals, plants and people in the jungle. Lapid’s compelling story highlights the tragic reality that daily incursions of clear-cutting in the jungle are often responsible for the destruction of potent and irreplaceable plant-based medicines, like the bark from Yara’s Tawari tree. I had high expectations for this book as I am a big fan of Lapid’s storytelling and Pasek’s marvelous art as seen in Lapid’s Snowman Paul series, but these two talented creatives have managed to delight and surprise me anyway, surpassing any such expectations. Lapid’s story is enchanting, and it is the perfect opening for discussions on the environment and the things that kids can do right now to be part of the solution. Pasek’s watercolors are glorious! Each jungle scene works so very well, and I found myself eagerly absorbing every detail, use of color and wash, and trick of light. Each panel is a work of art suitable for framing and hanging in a child’s room. Yara and her world come to life so vividly in this book, it makes it difficult to finally turn over the last page. Yara's Tawari Tree is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon is a children’s picture book. George has an unusual pet – a dragon called Joe. Joe is an angry dragon who throws temper tantrums when things go wrong. One day, while playing with their toys, George broke one of Joe’s favorite toys. Joe loses his temper and George tries to help him understand that he shouldn’t get angry. Throughout the day, George continues helping Joe to overcome his anger and see that patience is good, greed is bad. Joe soon comes to understand that and peace reigns in the household.

The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon is a great book for kids. The first thing that struck me was the color; it stands out with lots of bright and cheerful colors in the excellent illustrations that go along with the story. The second was the fact that it is written in rhyme and in nice-sized, easy to read print benefiting both children and the adults reading with them. The story is a simple one but carries a powerful message about how to behave and how not to behave. It teaches that anger doesn’t solve anything and that there is always another way to deal with situations, especially where the temper arises as a result of not getting what they want. I thought this was well written and to the point, although I thought that George perhaps acted a bit more grown-up than his age suggested. Overall, a good story, great for younger children to start learning right from wrong.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Cami loved sweets. Cami was busy thinking about treats sitting in her room while her mother was putting Baby Wyatt down for a nap. Cami opened the fridge and scooped out a little of the ice cream but her mother found out. The very next day when her mommy took Wyatt upstairs for a nap, Cami hopped into the pantry, searching for more goodies. Mommy again caught her eating sprinkles in the playroom, but she never gave up. Cami licked the frosting off the cupcakes which were hidden on top of the refrigerator and did not stop at that. What happens at the dentist and what does Cami see when she gets home to tell her dad about the dentist appointment?

Cami Kangaroo Has Too Many Sweets by Stacey C. Bauer is a delightful story with valuable messages of being honest and having self-control and respect. Cami's character who loves sweets and cannot resist temptation is tangible, real, and relatable to young readers. Rebecca Sinclair breathes life into the story with her wonderful illustrations. It is a good story to help children understand healthy eating habits and maintaining good oral hygiene. I like the way the author has woven several good concepts into one plot. It is a good book for parents and tutors to teach children about having good eating habits, following rules, and being honest in a fun and entertaining way. If there are children in the house with a sweet tooth, they will find Cami's story interesting.

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

Our Wounded Little Chickadee: Emma and Friends Kind Rescue is written by Pamela Tomlin and illustrated by Tamara Piper. A young girl, Emma, and her fluffy friends are playing hide and seek in the living room when they hear a loud thump at the window. Looking out, they see, to their horror, a small bird lying on the porch. The bird has flown into the glass pane and now is not moving, although it is still breathing. What can Emma and her friends do to help the bird? Will the little bird eventually wake up? Emma and her friends try to do something quiet as time passes, but it's hard to concentrate because they are all so worried about the little bird.

What an adorable story for young readers and listeners! This is the perfect read-aloud story for parents, teachers, and caregivers to use in engaging youngsters in animal care issues, as well as giving them practical advice on what to do in the event of a bird flying into a window. Emma and her friends embark on a step by step process of the best way to help the little bird who remains unconscious. I thought the advice given in the story was excellent with details on what to do and how to do it. The themes of kindness and compassion are expanded, teaching young readers that helping others is the right thing to do and brings its own rewards.

The illustrations here are just wonderful, with rich intense colors and a lovely depth to the scenes. I simply loved the detail of each scene and the way the artist's images add so much to the author's words as the story unfolds. The expressions on the characters' faces are just so cute, from surprise to anxiety to joy as a happy ending ensues. I am an animal lover and have done more than a few bird rescues. I loved the sensible tips in the story on how to handle the situation expertly and quietly and the author gives a note to young readers at the end, adding to this advice. I think this story could open up lots of opportunities for discussions in the classroom and at home. Recommended!

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Today I feel... EMOTION is from the Fifo children’s book series written by Hayley Rose and illustrated by Mark Sean Wilson. While playing on the swings at the park, Zack and Chloe wonder where their friend Fifo is. Little do they realize that he is all alone, experiencing a whole world of emotions. Fifo experiences fear, anger, boredom, excitement, sadness and more until his young friends arrive, giving him the best feeling of all – the feeling of being loved.

I very much enjoyed the setup and presentation of this literary children’s treat. Not only does Hayley Rose show the different types of emotion a child can feel, but Mark Sean Wilson’s illustrations allow the reader to see what each emotion may feel like through facial expressions. In doing so, the reader can acknowledge when a friend or family member is feeling a certain way, when they might need to talk, need to vent, need a hug, or simply need a friend. Today I feel... EMOTION is a marvellous concept which not only allows children to see the different emotions we all feel, but also allows them to examine how Fifo might be feeling and display curiosity and empathy as to why.

What I especially enjoyed was the alphabetical aspect, so that young readers who are also having problems with remembering the alphabet can see the pattern beginning to appear as each emotion is displayed. I recommend Today I feel... EMOTION to be read to (or by) young children aged 3-7 who are discovering their own feelings within themselves, while also interacting with others who display the body language that different emotions bring.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Too Much Junk in My Trunk! The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba, Book 4 Series 1 by Roe De Pinto is an adorable and delightful story in which Whubba and Zealy decide to explore beyond the “Big Rock Island”. Zealy is curious by nature and is game for learning about new things and discovering new adventures. She wants to go there and swim and Whubba takes her there on his back. The water in the Big Rock Island is bluer and it is deeper. They come across dozens of fish with different colors floating together. They come across coral, crabs, oysters, lobsters, and clams scattered all around. They are excited to see the variety of food available and the author gives an important message to young readers through the story; that of trying out new foods all the time because there are different nutrients in different foods and that is good for growing stronger every day.

I like the way the author weaves an important message through the story of Whubba and Zealy. The book also speaks about not overeating because ‘too much junk in my trunk, makes my belly feel like funk!’ The illustrations are colorful and will connect young readers not only with the characters of Whubba, Zealy, and the sharks, but also with the concept. It is a good tale for bedtime and can be used for classroom storytelling and read aloud sessions as the topic is relevant and relatable. It is always important to introduce children to good stories that have important messages and this book does just that.

Reviewed by Gail Kamer for Readers' Favorite

Three Sneezes in a Row—what could a picture book with that title be about? Cassie Kitzmiller has you guessing from the beginning. Ten sounds that you can hear coming from your body are shared with the reader through a counting poem and action verb after action verb and rhyme after rhyme. What part of your body cracks, creaks, rolls, dips, bumps, toots, blinks, and grumbles? The characters’ faces on each page are laughable in themselves. The surprise ending is the one that will set the reader off into more laughter and, of course, after reading Three Sneezes in a Row all the way through, it’s the one sound everyone has probably been waiting for. Wait until you see what the last sound leads to!

Oh, the joy of finding Cassie Kitzmiller’s book Three Sneezes in a Row! Sounds the body makes are highlighted in a cute counting poem that children of all ages will love. Even the adult children in us. What a fun way to teach children counting, action verbs, rhyming words, and body functions, all rolled up in one adorable package. The illustrator, Mark Nino Balita, provides a colorful background to this already action packed picture book. Mark has offered views of the body one doesn’t expect to see. If you want to share a laugh with your children, here’s the book. If you want a cute teaching resource for a variety of learner goals, Three Sneezes in a Row provides that too. I highly recommend this book for both parents and teachers.

Reviewed by Bruce Arrington for Readers' Favorite

Sonya Dor: Child Extraordinaire & Dreamer Galore by Saul Stoogenke is an illustrated book for young children that touches on the familiar theme of what-do-I want-to-be-when-I-grow-up. It is filled with colorful expressions and fictional themes of a limitless imagination. In dreams or meshed in reality, anything goes. First of all, you can tell from the very beginning of the book that Saul loves children. In his dedication to his kids, you see the heart of a father who has gone through emotional turmoil and struggles due to the loss of a child. However, he doesn’t wallow in the loss, but simply extends his love to that lost member.

The story has a strong positive message, always needed in this day and age, that is intertwined with copious amounts of humor. It takes the theme of life choices and extends so far beyond what children typically might think of, given the limited list in today’s world. Yes, it includes being President, but we also see a Pet Mind Reader or Garbage Truck racer. How fun! It opens up a world of more than your typical possibilities, perhaps even spurring children on to think of careers that have not yet been invented. The artwork is clearly professional, capturing the nuances and expressions that come with children, all wrapped up in marvelous color. Sonya Dor: Child Extraordinaire & Dreamer Galore by Saul Stoogenke is a story that can be enjoyed by old and young alike, perhaps even inspiring adults to strive for something new. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Barbara Fanson for Readers' Favorite

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had a guardian angel to guide us and help us follow the rules? My Little Angel is a wonderful story of Angela who sits on your shoulder and goes wherever you go. Bold, bright colors in the artwork by illustrator KJ of Kalpart help demonstrate the interesting story. The background color on text pages coordinates with the artwork on the right-hand page. If you look closely at the drawings, you will see other books by author Sherrill S. Cannon. To add interactivity for your children, let them spot the books included in the illustrations.

Author Sherrill S. Cannon provides a whimsical, rhyming story of Angela, a guardian angel who gives hidden messages of using your manners and being helpful and kind. When you imagine a guardian angel with you wherever you go, you’re never alone. Author Sherrill S. Cannon has created an easy-to-read story with subtle messages. This wonderful gem of a story will be enjoyed by both children and adults reading to children—you can almost imagine a guardian angel sitting on your shoulder. Wonderful illustrations by KJ of Kalpart provide lots of bright colors to the book. Bold and beautiful pictures leap off the pages of My Little Angel. The tones and shadows effectively demonstrate the story. Sherrill S. Cannon has crafted a winning combination of easy-to-read story, fun images, and bold colors to create a charming book that will be read over and over again.

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

Bedtime for Buzzy is an adventure for children by T.J. Hackworth. Buzzy has had an exciting day playing with his toys. It’s now nighttime and his father says it is time for bed. Buzzy isn’t ready since there are a lot of activities to complete. He and Moon Man are busy building a moon base, Giant Dinosaur has not finished stomping through the Great Divide, and Captain Pirate needs to find the treasure. But he encounters resistance from Moon Man, who wants to rest and urges Buzzy to do the same. Buzzy plans to search further for the treasure, but Captain Pirate and the crew are tired and refuse to dig any further. They take a well-deserved sleep instead. Buzzy decides to join Giant Dinosaur, although he is beginning to feel a little sleepy himself. Will Giant Dinosaur want to rest like the others or play with him some more?

Bedtime for Buzzy is an adorable storybook for small children to read. They will probably agree with Buzzy because they also want to stay up late when it is time to go to bed. Buzzy’s reaction to his father’s bedtime command is natural too. It is a nicely written novella by T.J. Hackworth, containing about thirty pages. The novella’s cover and other illustrations are very nicely sketched by Sean Baptist and are vibrant in colour. Each one shows the adventure Buzzy takes with his cool assortment of toys, which children often do with active imaginations. Children will like Bedtime for Buzzy.