Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Ace Compeers: The Secrets of Skin Colour, written by Rita Bhandari and illustrated by Indra Audipriatna, is a mid-grade children's book that takes a scientific approach to explaining the genetic differences in skin color with the aim to advance anti-racism. The book begins with a group of kids around a board to learn about differences in physical characteristics. The usual differences are pointed out with regard to eyes, hair, skin color, etc. The book then transitions into a breakdown of the role genetics play, moving into part two with an overview of topics such as the evolution of melanin as a response to elemental and environmental factors, and concludes with discussion prompts at the end.

As a parent of a child of color, I picked up The Ace Compeers out of curiosity. In my family, science is practically a religion and so the prospect of a scientific anti-racism angle in a book sounded pretty darn good. Overall, the writing style is straightforward and clean, albeit a bit loquacious, and the information presented is easily absorbed if the adult reading along is patient. I would definitely recommend an independent read first, particularly as some of the references may not be familiar. An example of this is when a character named Ang requests the food 'roti' a couple of times; only one of the twelve children I read this to knew what it was. The real star of Rita Bhandari's book is the phenomenal illustrations by Indra Audipriatna, a powerhouse of talent that breathes life into the book and elevates it through a mixed palette of vibrant colors and wonderfully unique imagery. It was the artwork that resonated most with the children and, combined with the storyline, made for a nice piece of educational kid-lit. Recommended.

Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite

That Monster on the Block by Sue Ganz-Schmitt is a picture book for young children. One day Monster notices that someone new is moving into Vampire's old house. He ponders all the possibilities of who it could be. It may be an "ogre," a "dragon," or even a "greedy goblin." Monster can't wait to find out, and excitedly starts practicing how he will greet his new neighbor. Monster waits impatiently until, finally, the neighbor makes an appearance. It isn't who Monster was expecting. Far from it - the new neighbor is a clown! Monster is worried and quickly calls his other neighbors to alert them to the clown's arrival. Monster refuses to have the clown as a neighbor and goes to every length to get rid of him, even though his friends have already warmed to the clown. Will Monster succeed in removing the clown from the neighborhood or will he see that having a clown as a neighbor isn't all that bad? Find out in this fun-filled book.

I enjoyed every page of Sue Ganz-Schmitt's new book That Monster on the Block. It gripped me from the start and entertained me throughout the entire story. As well as being highly entertaining, this book also teaches important life lessons. It shows that we should accept people for who they are, no matter their differences, and that we shouldn't judge anyone by their appearance as it is what's inside that counts. The illustrations by Luke Flowers are cute and funny, and children are going to love every one of them. If you are looking for a new book to read with your child, then look no further; this would make the perfect bedtime story.

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite

Do you like playing with your pets? Do you think they are amusing? I absolutely agree with you, so I invite you to add a new furry friend to those you already have and have fun with him. Meet Frankie, the adorable protagonist of Frankie the Ferret by Kimberley Paterson. Inspired by the pet ferret who lived with the author's family for several years, this book will make you enjoy the company of Frankie while he steals your socks and hides them, does the ferret dance, plays with other pets, and digs holes into which he disappears. Just give him time to rest after all this fun! With this playful pet, it is impossible to get bored.

Frankie the Ferret is a funny and colorful book that will delight all children who read it. I immediately liked the idea that the protagonist of this story is a less common pet than cats and dogs (but do not worry, they are his playmates). In this way, children will understand that even unusual animals such as ferrets can be good company. Frankie is adorable, and I hope he will be the protagonist of many other stories so he can reveal to us his other habits. I am happy that Kimberley Paterson has shared Frankie's adventures with many young readers and that she has thus allowed them to enjoy the ferret's company as her family had for so many years. The joy that this book gives will make you appreciate this gift very much.

Reviewed by Kristine Zimmerman for Readers' Favorite

The Choices I Make by Michael Gordon is the latest in his series of books on Self-Regulation. Josh is a preschooler who is learning how to deal with his emotions in a positive way. When Josh gets home from school, he discovers that his sister is playing with his favorite toy. Josh gets upset with her. His dad hears the commotion and teaches Josh a simple way to control his emotions. Throughout his week with his friends and parents, he is confronted with different frustrating situations. He thinks about what his dad said, how he has the opportunity to make each situation better or worse and proceeds to calm himself down. Attached to the end of the story are a few black and white illustrations from the book, perfect for coloring.

The Choices I Make is a story that discusses a necessary skill young children need to develop in a very kid-friendly way. By describing situations that all kids are familiar with, Gordon draws them into the story right away. The illustrations are bright and bold. Josh's expressions are easily decipherable on each page. Preschool and early childhood educators will appreciate the simple steps kids can use to gain control of their emotions. It's very clear that feeling strong emotions is normal but kids (and adults) have the choice on how to react. Being able to understand how your reactions will impact others is a valuable life skill. The Choice I Make is a stellar addition to the self-regulation series.

Reviewed by Barbara Fanson for Readers' Favorite

Outstanding illustrations + wonderful story = successful book. ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups has all the ingredients to become an enjoyable classic children’s picture book. Bold, colorful images fill each page and will draw children into the book, while the non-fiction story will keep them entertained. Children will love the zany, silly images of Hiccups, the starring characters on each page. Parents and teachers will love the values and positive affirmations on each page—arranged in alphabetical order. Author Dave W. Ball has written a wonderful book full of definitions and positive words to remind us of things we can do every day without any skills. This delightful book of reminders should be on every bookshelf.

Words like kindness, generous, encourage, and respect fills the pages of ABCs of Affirmation Starring The Hiccups. Students will love the strong, colorful images created by Design Pickle. The artwork is hilarious while illustrating serious life-changing topics. Teachers and parents will enjoy sharing this story with children while asking “What positive thing did you do today or what can you do tomorrow to help someone else?” Hopefully, this book will provoke interactivity and awareness that will help create positivity and giving in children and parents! Author Dave W. Ball has created a book that will be looked at over and over again. Let’s build positive minds with these powerful affirmations. This book should be in every home, school, and public library to remind us all to encourage others and ourselves.

Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite

When opportunity comes knocking at your door, do you jump with both feet or do you settle for another boring summer? Joseph receives an invitation from Professor Benjamin Thessit to test out a new video game on an all-expenses-paid trip to the Murean Islands. Thinking that it’s a scam, he drags his best friend Eric along for the ride. However, everything is not as it seems and the secrets of this world are revealed. With the scatterbrained Professor and their hometown bully on the island, their summer is about to be anything but boring! Join Joseph and Eric in Erift’s Journey, book one in J.T. Tenera’s Secrets of the Sealed Forest, in their adventure into a world of magic.

First things first, I loved how J.T. Tenera's style made Secrets of the Sealed Forest: Erift’s Journey their own. With many children’s books exploring the world of magic, we are used to the same incantations in a sense. However, in Erift’s Journey, the notion of magic is a lost language, with its own alphabet consisting of symbols. The world-building was beautifully developed and allows readers to follow along. It’s a great book for children of all ages and echoes the tales of Camelot and Atlantis. This is a dream come true for those who wish we had magical powers. J.T. Tenera’s writing, by way of the “nutty Professor”, focuses on the fact that we all have a little magic in us. I think that is a beautiful message to be sending out, especially to children who are easily influenced by what they come across online. Can’t wait for the next book!

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

The Munchkins is a children's book written by Candice Zee. How many times did your parents tell you never to talk to strangers? I know mine did a lot. Perhaps the adoptive father of thirteen extraordinary children should have told them as well. When a new neighbor moves in and threatens the children, harassing them repeatedly, CC (as the children refer to their adoptive father) is concerned and tries valiantly to stand up to this man who calls himself Big Boss. This stranger knows too much, like the children’s names and their mysterious special powers. And he wants their powers for his own nefarious intentions. The drama intensifies as Big Boss infiltrates the unusual family in ways they never anticipated, and for which they were not prepared.

Candice Zee’s middle-grade novel The Munchkins is a Harry Potter-type fantasy that will keep young readers enraptured from beginning to end. Told mainly in the first-person narrative from Capricorn’s perspective (she’s one of the thirteen children), it reads like a memoir in many respects because she’s telling her story and that of her siblings from her direct perspective. At the same time, she’s imprisoned by this evil Big Boss. As the personal narrative unfolds, the story incorporates lots of dialogue typical of this age group (the children have all reached the age of 10 and are no longer aging). The narrative, dialogue, and descriptive passages are engaging and make young readers feel like they are part of the story. The good-versus-evil conflict is evident, and the importance of a strong family bond shines through. And why are they called the Munchkins? Well, that’s an interesting story in itself and adds to the overall flavor of the plot—a great read.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Mayhem in the Moongarden, by E. L. Seer, is a magical, mysterious children's book for 4th-6th graders, and even the young at heart will enjoy it. Filled with interesting characters and a compelling plot, this story has all the bells and whistles that attract young imaginations. The plot begins with wedding plans, and involves Grubner Trowel, a dwarf who yearns for bigger responsibility and admiration from Mildred Moongarden, his mentor, but does he have what it takes? He finds out when Mildred leaves on business and he has to watch over Moongarden. The Ravishers bring mayhem, since the Moon Orchard feeds everyone, and it's up to Grubner to deal with the threat before Mildred comes back home to total destruction.

Seer is really two authors, and they definitely have their finger on the pulse of what makes young readers happy. Such imagination and cleverness are at play in this story about Caretakers and intelligent beings. The alien-like plant life comes alive in this intriguing world Seer has built. The story is full of rich detail, vivid imagery, and an even pace that will have children flipping through the pages. There are valuable lessons embedded in the story, but aren't really overt unless you're looking for them. It's generally an entertaining book with likeable characters and a plot of conflict and urgency. The writing is lyrical and fanciful, but still grounded in some reality, which makes it a personal and relatable story. The sense of humor will be well-appreciated, and the classic good against evil theme is a reliable and enjoyable vehicle. What I like about this book is the variety of personalities in the characters, which come across as identifiable without being cliched.

The illustrations help bring the story to life, and, with all the activity going on with the characters, you may think this would be a difficult book for young readers to follow, but it turns out to be a breezy read that should hold most young attention spans. Readers will appreciate the introduction of the characters in the beginning of the story, as it helps lay the groundwork for the plot that follows. If you or a child you know has ever imagined the secret lives of gardens, plants, and otherworldly creatures, Mayhem in the Moongarden, by E. L. Seer, is one book to satisfy your curiosity.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Have you ever wondered what causes the thunder and lightning in a rainstorm? Is there a reason to be afraid? The charming religious-themed children's story, Above the Clouds: What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm by Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon, eliminates the fear surrounding storms. Frightened when a storm wakes her from her sleep, Grace calls out to her mother to come and comfort her. With the thunder and lightning shattering the night around them, Grace's mother explains how the storm is nothing more than angels having a party in heaven. While the DJ Joy is playing loud music, the angels are dancing and stomping the night away. They are enjoying the party so much that their joy can be seen and heard here on earth. The lightning, thunder, and rain are only a manifestation of their celebration. Can Grace accept her mother's explanation? Do angels really dance in heaven?

Above the Clouds: What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm by Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon is a delightful children's book with a religious theme. Beautifully illustrated, the pictures create a perfect complement to an enchanting story. I fell in love with the story from page one; the portrayal of the angels dancing and taking selfies was amusing and disarming, and the sweet, simple explanation of what makes a storm is soothing and cute. The collaboration of authors and artist is a match made in heaven. Superbly written, comforting, and adorable, this fabulous story will charm children of all ages.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Are you afraid of the things that go bump in the night? Of the shadows that mysteriously creep around the walls of your room? Are they monsters? Are they going to hurt you? It’s okay to be afraid, but we have to try hard to face our fears. That is what Obi had to learn. When Mommy tucked him in for the night and turned out the light, Obi started seeing all kinds of shadows on his walls. The moonlight coming in through his window was playing tricks on him. Or was it? Then there were strange shapes in his closet and a loud noise rumbling through the house. Someone was coming to get Obi and he was really scared. When he called out for Mommy, Daddy appeared at his bedside and helped him see things in a new perspective. It was all his wonderful, creative imagination. “I am special. And super,” said Obi. “Super Obi – that’s me!”

Dominique Okonkwo’s picture book story, The Adventures of Super Obi: Nothing to Fear, is a compassionate look at some of the fears we all face from time to time. Based on the author’s son, Obinna, the plot follows a young boy’s growing fears as his imagination takes over once the lights go out for the night. The plot thickens as each image he sees magnifies in scale until poor Obi can’t take it anymore and calls out for help. Like seeking God’s power, love and protection, young children reach out to those closest to them, their parents. Along with delightful illustrations, bright and colorful, the author helps young readers understand that they are not alone and with God on their side, they have their own secret superpower. The story ends with suggestions for a short quiet time and prayer time. With this interactive activity, children will feel their own superpowers, just like Obi. Beautifully told and presented.