Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

A Song for Birdie: A Child's Journey with Autism is a social issues story book for children written and illustrated by Cindy Shirley. Birdie Williams was in the second grade now, and her teacher, Mrs. Andrews, wanted to speak with her parents. Birdie wasn’t really interested in what Mrs. Andrews was talking about, but she took the note her teacher gave her and handed it to her mom when she picked her up from school. Birdie’s mom knew her daughter was upset; she watched as Birdie lowered her head, covered her ears with her hands and began to hum and to tap her foot. She and her husband discussed their daughter’s situation in school that night and attended the conference with Mrs. Andrews several days later. Birdie found lots of things to look at as the adults were speaking. She made a tally of the number of square tiles on the floor and had fun visualizing animal shapes and patterns. This was so much more interesting than what the grownups had to say. Mrs. Andrews suggested putting Birdie in the school’s special ed program, and her parents agreed. By the time Birdie got home, she had no interest at all in ever going back to school again, but then something wonderful happened.

Cindy Shirley’s social issues story book for children, A Song for Birdie: A Child's Journey with Autism, is a moving and insightful look at how a child on the autism spectrum sees her world. As I read this story, I also considered counting squares and visualizing fantastical creatures to be far more interesting than listening to the adults discussing her inability to pay attention and preference for doodling. Seeing Birdie’s instant rapport with the little bird that perches on the window the next morning is mesmerizing and magical. I loved seeing how that connection with another being seems to provide a link for Birdie with the world. Her bird and the new teacher, Miss Amy, go so far to help Birdie explore her skills and abilities and to interact with others. A Song for Birdie is a marvelous tool for parents, caregivers and educators of children on the spectrum. It’s also a useful way for children who have autistic peers to gain insights into their behavior, gifts and needs. A Song for Birdie: A Child's Journey with Autism is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Meet Harry the mouse who lives in the English countryside in Harry the Happy Mouse: Book 2: Summer by N.G.K. Harry lives under a bridge with his wife and today he is feeling happy and is thinking of good things. Every summer evening after eating, he strolls along the stream to see who he can meet. The favorite part of the evening is meeting other animals and having long talks with them. One evening he finds a frog stuck on a log. Harry rescues the frog and he advises the frog to help someone so that it can make him feel grand. As the story progresses, readers find the good deed moving along through many characters who help someone and feel happy. “When you help someone else, it makes you feel grand! So when someone needs help, just give them a hand.”

The story has a lovely message for young readers and I like the rhyming couplets which give good movement and fluidity to the tale. The illustrations are wonderful and they bring all the characters and scenes to life. The chain of helping others and being happy has been created well by the author and it is a good story to encourage children to be kind and helpful to others. Stories like this have a beneficial impact on young readers. This uplifting story can be used for read aloud and interactive sessions in classrooms and also makes a charming read for bedtime story-telling, as it will not only teach children to do good things for others, but will also put a smile on their faces.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Alabama Oh: Artist, Dandelion Dreamer, and Independent Girl by Andi Cann,‎ with illustrations by Micaela Stefano, follows the story of a young girl, vivid with life and enchanted by flowers and color, and her struggle in a bland, colorless town. Alabama Oh - her name, Alabama, meaning "plant gatherer" - lives in a neighborhood where a drab taupe reigns supreme. From houses to roads to clothing, everything lacked color. Alabama loved color and flowers in particular, which she sketches and paints within the sanctuary of her treehouse. As she grows and becomes more independent and outspoken, Alabama finds that not everyone appreciates a world of chroma and hues as much as she does.

Alabama Oh by Andi Cann is a fun story in which both little ones and parents alike will find enjoyment. The story settles firmly within the popular children's book theme of individuality, with an emphasis on the arts. The characters are ethnically diverse and the narrative and writing will make for easy reading with the young reader. Where Alabama Oh really excels is in its fantastic illustrations, which are exceptional, with Alabama in particular being beautifully represented. In a book that extols the importance of art, color, and individuality, it makes sense that the artwork featured within its own pages is unique, vibrant, and engaging. I'd recommend Alabama Oh to parents and teachers interested in a book where the titular character has real spunk, shining through in a bleak town devoid of color.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Tummy Rumble Quake by Heather L. Beal is an educational and informative story that tells children how to handle issues in a calm and composed manner when there is an earthquake. In the story, Ms Mandy goes to the bookcase and shakes it. She tells Lily that she is making sure the bookcase is securely attached to the wall before The Great ShakeOut. Niko wants to know what a Great ShakeOut is. Dylan says everyone practices for earthquakes and his brother’s class had done it last year. Ms Mandy explains to Niko and Lily what an earthquake is, and how and why it happens. She also tells them the three things they should do when there is an earthquake. So children, are you ready to learn about earthquakes?

I like the way in which the author explains earthquakes and what needs to be done to stay safe during an earthquake in a simple manner that can be understood by young readers. Children will know what has to be done to remain safe during an earthquake after reading this book. The illustrations are lively and they make the concept very clear to young readers. The questions and activities at the end of the story make it an excellent book for interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries. Parents and grandparents can also read it out to their kids and grandkids at home and help them understand about earthquakes and what to do during one. The author makes science and learning interesting through this story, and what a good way to help children learn about earthquakes!

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

What does a tornado look like? How does it sound? What causes a tornado? What should you do if you're in the midst of a tornado? Elephant Wind (Mom's Choice Award Winner) by Heather L Beal is an illustrated children's book that has all of the answers. Lily, Niko and their childcare class had an opportunity to experience their first science fair. They were having so much fun, until a tornado warning sounded. As their teacher, Ms. Mandy, escorted the children downstairs to the tornado shelter, they began to get curious about the tornado. There were so many questions that the children asked about the various aspects of the tornado. In this book, young readers will learn about the world of tornadoes. This book is educational and will help to enhance your child’s learning.

This book was truly engaging and entertaining as Ms. Mandy and the children begin to deeply explore the phenomenon of tornadoes. What was great was how Ms. Mandy described the shape and sound of a tornado. The clever part was to give the children a more vivid image of a tornado by comparing it to an elephant’s trunk reaching downward from the sky. I saw this as a wonderful illustration. Ms. Mandy further provided the children with safety tips when experiencing a tornado. This is an excellent book for any child to read alone or to share with others. No one can be totally prepared, but this book answers so many questions that your child will ask about the wonders of tornadoes. Enjoy!

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

My Little Heart, Ruthie is an inspirational book of heartache and anxiety, written in limerick and rhyme by Toni Jannotta and illustrated by Jennifer Mones. A heart (known as Ruthie) feels despondent, as she holds within her a very poor image of herself after being taunted when showcasing her talents. She feels so small that she retreats to the innermost, darkest part of her soul and hides. The day comes when Ruthie is ready to break, and she suddenly hears the voice of the wind (known as Clyde) which lifts and inspires her, showing Ruthie her true self, and that she is worth more to the world than she ever could have possibly imagined. The warmth and beauty unleashed is truly breathtaking.

Presented alongside some of the most mesmerizing illustrations I have ever seen, My Little Heart, Ruthie is a book that will take you to a place you have never before travelled. Finding a soul which is at the lowest of all lows is heart-breaking, and you can almost feel Ruthie crumbling as you read her sorrow-filled words. The strength, which is freely given by the wind, is done so unselfishly, lovingly and fully, with the aim of pulling Ruthie back from the brink. Toni Jannotta’s cleverly written, emotional tale shows the highs and lows of an anxious mind and heart, as it reacts to the barbed words of the heartless who mercilessly laugh at Ruthie’s musical gift. Jennifer Mones’ imagery, which accompanies each part of the tale, carries just as much feeling as the words themselves, making for a perfect partnership. I was truly moved by what I read, and recommend My Little Heart, Ruthie to teens and adults who enjoy the beauty of linguistics in poetry, when crafted into a beautiful and emotional journey of a damaged soul.

Reviewed by Alyssa Elmore for Readers' Favorite

Come on a meditation adventure with Lolli in Lolli & The Lollipop: Meditation Adventures For Kids by Elena Paige. Are you feeling sad, misunderstood, or angry? Did you have a bad day? Lolli understands. She doesn't want you to feel bad, so she has invited you to visit her home. She is certain that she can help you feel better. Take Lolli's hand and travel to the amazing Land of Color. Don't worry, you won't get lost in the Land of Color, but you will see some spectacular sights and meet some interesting characters. In the Land of Color, you may even learn a few things. Do you need cheering up? Did you know that some birds may even wear polka-dotted undies? Well, they do in the Land of Silly! Lolli will gladly take you there if you want to go. She is sure that you will feel so much better when you get back home. You never know what you will do when you take an adventure with Lolli, only that you will come home smiling.

Children have bad days too. Lolli & The Lollipop by Elena Paige is a cute meditation book for children. The reader is given step-by-step instructions on how to breathe, relax, and send love before going into each meditation. As the child is transported through various "meditation adventures," they are gently instructed to release old habits and beliefs that no longer serve them, and are reminded that they are fun and creative, and so much more. The meditations are written in such a way that the child will be able to cultivate these important habits and values without triggering ego and causing over-thinking. The adventures are fun and help to calm the child while guiding the use of their active imaginations.

Since it is clear that the author knows how to meditate properly, I would highly recommend this book to parents that are serious about teaching their young children to meditate. I would suggest this book to parents and children ages 4-7. I found my horrible week just melted away after reading the first few paragraphs, so I am confident it could be helpful to an overly stressed parent of young children as it can be used as a nightly meditation or a calming book for storytime.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

‘Where is everyone?’ Telly, the bus driver, always took pride in being on time to pick up the school kids. That particular day he realizes that something is out of place. In Children of the Future by Jane Suen, readers learn that all the children in the school are missing, except Billy who is frightened and has hidden himself in the cabinet. Everyone in the little town of Rocky Flats is worried. Nothing of this sort has happened before and they must find the missing children. Telly, with Billy's help, tries to find out what has happened to the twenty-five children and three teachers and their mysterious disappearance. What has happened to the children and teachers of the school? Will Telly be able to find the missing children?

The book conveys a good message to readers through the story and children will enjoy the twists and turns, and suspense and mystery. The story is refreshingly original and the detailed narration will take readers right there where it is happening. The author manages to build up the suspense in the plot as the story progresses, and comes up with an unexpected ending. The book is good for bedtime story-telling. The storyline is interesting and the characters are well developed and the story will interest young adults too. The author does a great job of capturing the fears and frustrations of the people of the town of Rocky Flats and she manages to hold the attention of readers till the very end.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

Left Out (Looking for Normal Book 1) by Jean Gill is a great book that children and teens will enjoy as they learn about what it's like to live and be seen as different. Jaime Williams can't help but feel left out. She can't seem to catch a break living in a right handed world. It's hard enough being a teenager, but to have to function in opening a door or using a computer mouse that is designed for right hand users makes things more difficult for Jaime. If it wasn't for her friend Ryan's encouragement and being a voice of inspiration, her life wouldn't be worth it. She went on a quest to discover left hand users and on her first attempt she lucked out, but Ryan came to the rescue and provided her with a list of left handed individuals that have made a mark on the world. With this list in tow, Jaime no longer feels left out, but now she must prove that left handers are just as good as right handers; she must come up with a plan to make a statement.

This book was interesting because personally I never thought about the difficulties that left handers have living in a right handed world. Being right handed is something that we take for granted every day. To see such an extensive list of left handed trailblazers from Jimi Hendrix and Albert Einstein to Leonardo da Vinci was really impressive. But when Jamie set out on a quest to discover which women were lefties, it was interesting. On her second attempt she discovered that Nicole Kidman, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland are left handers. This book thoroughly educates and provides insight into the life of left handers, which left me truly enlightened, as it will for others. Great story; it was very informative.

Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite

Sophie's Different (James Madison Series Book 3) by Patrick Hodges is a children’s story for middle school students about the negative aspects of bullying. This book is the third in a series. In this story, a few years have passed since the end of Hodges’ second book, Ethan’s Secret, and bullies are attempting to overrun the school again. But not if Sophie Devereaux has anything to say about it. Sophie doesn’t exactly fit in. At school, she is seen as a misfit. And when Sophie crosses paths with the most popular girl at school, things only get worse. Ayden Saunders is also like Sophie and doesn’t fit in. He’s had his fair share of tragedies in his life, so it is easier for him to watch life instead of participating in it. But when Ayden overhears a nasty plot to ruin Sophie, he knows he has to take action. Together, Sophie and Ayden discover that life is about being authentic and fitting in is overrated.

I really enjoyed Sophie’s Different. I was so excited to read a children’s book that talked about bullying. Bullying is a topic that cannot be talked about too much, and I love seeing it in literature so children can see firsthand how their actions can affect someone negatively, or learn positive ways to react if they are bullied. Hodges did a great job making his characters believable and having them act in ways I felt was natural to them as characters and natural to the story. Readers are just going to fall in love with Sophie!