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The Day Time Began
Mary Ellen Roberson
2025 Bronze Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Christian
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Day Time Began by Mary Ellen Roberson is a unique and engaging retelling of the creation story from the Book of Genesis. It stands out with its rhythmic, rhymed stanzas that bring the story of God’s creation to life in a memorable way. It offers a vibrant and delightful read for preschool through second-grade children. The lyrical narrative is easy to follow, making it a perfect read-aloud for parents and teachers. Children will love the poetic flow, which breaks down the days of creation in a simple way. The book captures the essence of the biblical creation account and infuses it with a sense of awe and wonder that will resonate with young readers.
Joanna Garcia’s illustrations are a standout feature, bringing over 160 animals to life on the pages. The realistic yet playful art encourages kids to explore the pages and identify all that God made. What impressed me most about the illustrations is how they look three-dimensional; each page is like looking through a View-Master—they come to life in a way that’s hard to explain. The Day Time Began is a valuable teaching tool for homeschoolers, Sunday School teachers, and Bible Club leaders. Mary Ellen Roberson and Joanna Garcia capture the grandeur of God's creation in a way that will excite children to learn more. I enjoyed trying to find and name all the animals, and it’s an excellent activity for kids to learn about nature and wildlife and how they came to be.
The Day Time Began by Mary Ellen Roberson is a unique and engaging retelling of the creation story from the Book of Genesis. It stands out with its rhythmic, rhymed stanzas that bring the story of God’s creation to life in a memorable way. It offers a vibrant and delightful read for preschool through second-grade children. The lyrical narrative is easy to follow, making it a perfect read-aloud for parents and teachers. Children will love the poetic flow, which breaks down the days of creation in a simple way. The book captures the essence of the biblical creation account and infuses it with a sense of awe and wonder that will resonate with young readers.
Joanna Garcia’s illustrations are a standout feature, bringing over 160 animals to life on the pages. The realistic yet playful art encourages kids to explore the pages and identify all that God made. What impressed me most about the illustrations is how they look three-dimensional; each page is like looking through a View-Master—they come to life in a way that’s hard to explain. The Day Time Began is a valuable teaching tool for homeschoolers, Sunday School teachers, and Bible Club leaders. Mary Ellen Roberson and Joanna Garcia capture the grandeur of God's creation in a way that will excite children to learn more. I enjoyed trying to find and name all the animals, and it’s an excellent activity for kids to learn about nature and wildlife and how they came to be.
Recommend this book:
The Bird Caper
The Crow's Tales
Victoria E. Pannell, Thorir Sigfusson
2025 Gold Medal
258 Pages
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Children - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Bird Caper by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson is a middle-grade reader for 4th to 6th graders who love a good whodunit with a bit of mischief and a lot of heart. The story centers around ten-year-old Brandon, whose world is turned upside down when his parents announce they're selling their home. The prospect of leaving his beloved neighborhood and friends is daunting. Still, it gets even more complicated when his clever pet crow, Ralph, becomes entangled in bizarre bird-related incidents. As Ralph turns into the prime suspect, Brandon realizes he must act fast to clear his feathered friend's name and prevent losing more than just his home—his friendship with his best buddy, Josh, is also on the line.
What makes The Bird Caper such a fun read is the delightful mix of suspense and whimsy. Brandon's race against time to solve the mystery introduces a cast of quirky characters, from the obnoxious B.B. Boy bullies to the unexpected role of ladybugs in a plot twist that will surely surprise readers. Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson have done an excellent job of crafting a story that balances adventure and lightheartedness with underlying themes of friendship, loyalty, and problem-solving. Brandon’s determination and creativity in the face of adversity make him a likable and inspiring protagonist for kids. This book is perfect for the classroom because it’s lively, entertaining, and carries a positive message. There’s also a bonus teacher reading resources that offer some excellent “think” skills.
The Bird Caper by Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson is a middle-grade reader for 4th to 6th graders who love a good whodunit with a bit of mischief and a lot of heart. The story centers around ten-year-old Brandon, whose world is turned upside down when his parents announce they're selling their home. The prospect of leaving his beloved neighborhood and friends is daunting. Still, it gets even more complicated when his clever pet crow, Ralph, becomes entangled in bizarre bird-related incidents. As Ralph turns into the prime suspect, Brandon realizes he must act fast to clear his feathered friend's name and prevent losing more than just his home—his friendship with his best buddy, Josh, is also on the line.
What makes The Bird Caper such a fun read is the delightful mix of suspense and whimsy. Brandon's race against time to solve the mystery introduces a cast of quirky characters, from the obnoxious B.B. Boy bullies to the unexpected role of ladybugs in a plot twist that will surely surprise readers. Victoria E. Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson have done an excellent job of crafting a story that balances adventure and lightheartedness with underlying themes of friendship, loyalty, and problem-solving. Brandon’s determination and creativity in the face of adversity make him a likable and inspiring protagonist for kids. This book is perfect for the classroom because it’s lively, entertaining, and carries a positive message. There’s also a bonus teacher reading resources that offer some excellent “think” skills.
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The Boy Who Makes A Million Mistakes
A Story About Growth Mindset for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience (A Million Mistakes Series)
Brenda Li
2025 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes by Brenda Li is a heartwarming story that follows Milo, a young boy with a passion for baking. Unfortunately, he often makes mistakes and gets easily distracted in the kitchen. He sometimes mixes the wrong ingredients, uses incorrect quantities, and forgets to taste his finished products. One day, in preparation for his school's fundraising bake sale, Milo runs a practice sale at his house. However, his baked goods don’t turn out as he had hoped, leaving him frustrated and ready to give up on his dreams. Fortunately, he recalls the wise words of his idol, Chef Gustav, who encourages him never to give up. Inspired, Milo decides to revisit his recipe, taking measures to concentrate and bake the best cookies he can.
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes is part of the A Million Mistakes Series by Brenda Li, which features inspiring stories about cultivating a growth mindset for kids. These stories help boost confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Milo is a relatable character with dreams of baking the best cookies for his school fundraiser. His journey includes both challenges and triumphs, reminding readers of the importance of practice and perfecting their craft. The book teaches valuable lessons about being patient, learning from mistakes, trusting the process, and believing in oneself. The author effectively conveys the frustration that comes with making mistakes as well as the joy of finally achieving success. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, with bold words highlighting key moments and emotions experienced by the characters, and vibrant images that engage readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to encourage them never to give up and to embrace their mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes by Brenda Li is a heartwarming story that follows Milo, a young boy with a passion for baking. Unfortunately, he often makes mistakes and gets easily distracted in the kitchen. He sometimes mixes the wrong ingredients, uses incorrect quantities, and forgets to taste his finished products. One day, in preparation for his school's fundraising bake sale, Milo runs a practice sale at his house. However, his baked goods don’t turn out as he had hoped, leaving him frustrated and ready to give up on his dreams. Fortunately, he recalls the wise words of his idol, Chef Gustav, who encourages him never to give up. Inspired, Milo decides to revisit his recipe, taking measures to concentrate and bake the best cookies he can.
The Boy Who Makes a Million Mistakes is part of the A Million Mistakes Series by Brenda Li, which features inspiring stories about cultivating a growth mindset for kids. These stories help boost confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Milo is a relatable character with dreams of baking the best cookies for his school fundraiser. His journey includes both challenges and triumphs, reminding readers of the importance of practice and perfecting their craft. The book teaches valuable lessons about being patient, learning from mistakes, trusting the process, and believing in oneself. The author effectively conveys the frustration that comes with making mistakes as well as the joy of finally achieving success. The illustrations complement the text beautifully, with bold words highlighting key moments and emotions experienced by the characters, and vibrant images that engage readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to encourage them never to give up and to embrace their mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
Recommend this book:
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree
Trevor Crafts, Aaron Burakoff
2025 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a children’s picture book written by Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff, featuring illustrations by Mister Hope. The story follows a young apple that grew in an orchard in the countryside. Although he looked like his family members, he didn’t feel like he fitted in. He tried to join in various activities like bobbing, rolling down hills, and stargazing, but he yearned for more. The apple dreamed big and aspired to achieve great things. He eventually left his home to seek the Big Apple, a city filled with creative minds that encouraged him to explore new experiences and improve his craft. Just as he started to realize his dreams, he discovered that true fulfillment comes not only from success but also from embracing his roots and sharing his journey with those he loves.
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a humorous and inspiring tale that emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the value of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams. While the book is primarily aimed at children, its profound lessons can resonate with adults as well. Throughout his journey, the apple learns the true meaning of belonging and self-acceptance, realizing that while chasing dreams is important, the connections to loved ones and one’s origins are what truly enrich life. The story also illustrates how we can bridge the gap between two worlds, celebrating our individuality while honoring our heritage. Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff use puns and playful language to engage young readers, while Mister Hope’s vibrant illustrations bring the characters and their world to life, making the narrative both entertaining and relatable. Overall, this story is about passion, dreams, and the significance of heritage and relationships. I highly recommend sharing it with your children to teach them about self-acceptance, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots.
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a children’s picture book written by Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff, featuring illustrations by Mister Hope. The story follows a young apple that grew in an orchard in the countryside. Although he looked like his family members, he didn’t feel like he fitted in. He tried to join in various activities like bobbing, rolling down hills, and stargazing, but he yearned for more. The apple dreamed big and aspired to achieve great things. He eventually left his home to seek the Big Apple, a city filled with creative minds that encouraged him to explore new experiences and improve his craft. Just as he started to realize his dreams, he discovered that true fulfillment comes not only from success but also from embracing his roots and sharing his journey with those he loves.
The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is a humorous and inspiring tale that emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the value of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams. While the book is primarily aimed at children, its profound lessons can resonate with adults as well. Throughout his journey, the apple learns the true meaning of belonging and self-acceptance, realizing that while chasing dreams is important, the connections to loved ones and one’s origins are what truly enrich life. The story also illustrates how we can bridge the gap between two worlds, celebrating our individuality while honoring our heritage. Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff use puns and playful language to engage young readers, while Mister Hope’s vibrant illustrations bring the characters and their world to life, making the narrative both entertaining and relatable. Overall, this story is about passion, dreams, and the significance of heritage and relationships. I highly recommend sharing it with your children to teach them about self-acceptance, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots.
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The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World
Joey Acker
2025 Honorable Mention
41 Pages
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Children - Concept
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Joey Acker's The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World turns the concept of a traditional cookbook on its head, offering young readers and their families a delightful mix of humor and playful absurdity. This book is a unique blend of storytelling and whimsy that challenges the norms of cooking and children's literature, making it a standout addition to any young reader's shelf. From the outset, Acker clarifies that this isn't your typical cookbook. The so-called recipes are far from serious, designed to elicit giggles rather than gourmet dishes, making this book a fantastic tool for engagement with children who might be reluctant readers.
The book will captivate kindergarten through third-grade children, featuring a narrative style that encourages readers to engage with the text playfully. The illustrations enhance the text's humor, enriching the overall read by depicting the absurdity of the recipes and the reactions of the characters. Despite Acker’s disclaimer about it not being educational or a literary masterpiece, it is a reminder that not all reading has to be serious to be valuable. Sometimes, the joy of reading comes from shared laughter and the simple pleasure of a well-told, funny story. The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World is a delightful, quirky addition to the children's book genre, offering a fresh take on storytelling with a humorous twist. It's a perfect pick for anyone looking to engage young readers with a story that's as much fun to read as it is to look at. The wide-reaching charm makes the book a favorite for read-aloud sessions in both homes and classrooms.
Joey Acker's The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World turns the concept of a traditional cookbook on its head, offering young readers and their families a delightful mix of humor and playful absurdity. This book is a unique blend of storytelling and whimsy that challenges the norms of cooking and children's literature, making it a standout addition to any young reader's shelf. From the outset, Acker clarifies that this isn't your typical cookbook. The so-called recipes are far from serious, designed to elicit giggles rather than gourmet dishes, making this book a fantastic tool for engagement with children who might be reluctant readers.
The book will captivate kindergarten through third-grade children, featuring a narrative style that encourages readers to engage with the text playfully. The illustrations enhance the text's humor, enriching the overall read by depicting the absurdity of the recipes and the reactions of the characters. Despite Acker’s disclaimer about it not being educational or a literary masterpiece, it is a reminder that not all reading has to be serious to be valuable. Sometimes, the joy of reading comes from shared laughter and the simple pleasure of a well-told, funny story. The Worst Cook Book in the Whole Entire World is a delightful, quirky addition to the children's book genre, offering a fresh take on storytelling with a humorous twist. It's a perfect pick for anyone looking to engage young readers with a story that's as much fun to read as it is to look at. The wide-reaching charm makes the book a favorite for read-aloud sessions in both homes and classrooms.
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The Not-So-Lazy Schwa
Phonics Read-Alouds Series
Yvette Manns
2025 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns, with vibrant illustrations by Ana K. Blu, is a delightful and educational phonics read-aloud that brings the often-overlooked “schwa” sound to life. Schwa, the main character, starts as a laid-back figure who doesn’t feel like he fits in with the other letters. When he tries to join the consonants, his extra “uh” sound disrupts their standard pronunciation, leaving Schwa feeling out of place. But when he ventures to Vowel Valley, he discovers how his relaxed sound can actually help words flow more smoothly. This charming story cleverly introduces the schwa sound, the most common vowel sound in spoken English, in a way that is engaging and easy for young readers to grasp. Through Schwa’s adventures, readers learn how this “lazy” sound, often overlooked, plays an essential role in helping words sound natural and comfortable to say. The colorful illustrations bring Schwa’s journey to life, while the phonics-based storytelling helps children connect the dots between letters, sounds, and the words they use daily.
As an educator, I found The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns to be a brilliant fusion of phonics education and entertaining storytelling. The playful narrative and engaging illustrations make it a standout tool for teaching phonics concepts like vowel sounds, syllable stress, and the unique role of the schwa. I especially appreciated how the story highlights Schwa’s journey from feeling like an outsider to recognizing his vital contribution to language. This message resonates with children learning to embrace their strengths. The tips and fun activities included at the end of the book are wonderful resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to extend the learning. I also loved the idea of National Schwa Day, which encourages children to celebrate the joy of reading and phonics with fun, stress-free activities like pajama days and word hunts. This book will leave both children and adults appreciating the magic of the humble “uh” sound.
The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns, with vibrant illustrations by Ana K. Blu, is a delightful and educational phonics read-aloud that brings the often-overlooked “schwa” sound to life. Schwa, the main character, starts as a laid-back figure who doesn’t feel like he fits in with the other letters. When he tries to join the consonants, his extra “uh” sound disrupts their standard pronunciation, leaving Schwa feeling out of place. But when he ventures to Vowel Valley, he discovers how his relaxed sound can actually help words flow more smoothly. This charming story cleverly introduces the schwa sound, the most common vowel sound in spoken English, in a way that is engaging and easy for young readers to grasp. Through Schwa’s adventures, readers learn how this “lazy” sound, often overlooked, plays an essential role in helping words sound natural and comfortable to say. The colorful illustrations bring Schwa’s journey to life, while the phonics-based storytelling helps children connect the dots between letters, sounds, and the words they use daily.
As an educator, I found The Not-So-Lazy Schwa by Yvette Manns to be a brilliant fusion of phonics education and entertaining storytelling. The playful narrative and engaging illustrations make it a standout tool for teaching phonics concepts like vowel sounds, syllable stress, and the unique role of the schwa. I especially appreciated how the story highlights Schwa’s journey from feeling like an outsider to recognizing his vital contribution to language. This message resonates with children learning to embrace their strengths. The tips and fun activities included at the end of the book are wonderful resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to extend the learning. I also loved the idea of National Schwa Day, which encourages children to celebrate the joy of reading and phonics with fun, stress-free activities like pajama days and word hunts. This book will leave both children and adults appreciating the magic of the humble “uh” sound.
Recommend this book:
The Survival Squad
Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey
Marcy Pusey
2025 Silver Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Shari Marshall for Readers' Favorite
What is better than animals going to a party and learning along the way? With adorable full-page illustrations by Farrukh A. Ahmed, Marcy Pusey’s picture book, The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey, is a sweet story about friendship and the power of teamwork. Three friends, Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat, help each other travel through the jungle. Aptly named the Survival Squad, they work together to navigate several potentially dangerous situations—raging rivers, snakes, and more—to celebrate a happy ending together.
The Survival Squad is an entertaining read. It highlights the themes of collaboration, friendship, courage, and problem-solving. However, author Marcy Pusey uses the characters of Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat to represent the body/brain and its physiological reactions to threats. This story is an age-appropriate tool for opening conversations with younger children about these natural survival mechanisms. The author introduces an interactive component before the story to ask readers to identify Tiger’s examples of flight, fight, freeze, and fawn. The facts page after the narrative explains each character as a representation of parts of the brain and their role in fear responses. The friends do not encounter only danger; there are moments of smiling and silliness along the way, like when the group meets a prankster mouse. The narrative and illustrations together create a cohesive and light-hearted feel. The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey is a recommended read and learning tool for children, parents, educators, and therapists.
What is better than animals going to a party and learning along the way? With adorable full-page illustrations by Farrukh A. Ahmed, Marcy Pusey’s picture book, The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey, is a sweet story about friendship and the power of teamwork. Three friends, Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat, help each other travel through the jungle. Aptly named the Survival Squad, they work together to navigate several potentially dangerous situations—raging rivers, snakes, and more—to celebrate a happy ending together.
The Survival Squad is an entertaining read. It highlights the themes of collaboration, friendship, courage, and problem-solving. However, author Marcy Pusey uses the characters of Owl, Tiger, and Meerkat to represent the body/brain and its physiological reactions to threats. This story is an age-appropriate tool for opening conversations with younger children about these natural survival mechanisms. The author introduces an interactive component before the story to ask readers to identify Tiger’s examples of flight, fight, freeze, and fawn. The facts page after the narrative explains each character as a representation of parts of the brain and their role in fear responses. The friends do not encounter only danger; there are moments of smiling and silliness along the way, like when the group meets a prankster mouse. The narrative and illustrations together create a cohesive and light-hearted feel. The Survival Squad: Friends, Fear, and a Jungle Journey is a recommended read and learning tool for children, parents, educators, and therapists.
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Catalina Plays The What?
Antonia Aviles
2025 Bronze Medal
43 Pages
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Children - Educational
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Catalina Plays The What? is a heartwarming children’s book written by Antonia Aviles, with illustrations by Jasmine T. Mills. It follows the story of Catalina, a young girl doing a show-and-tell presentation about her favorite instrument, the double bass. Catalina nervously starts her presentation but with the help of her grandfather, she gains confidence teaching her classmates why the instrument is special. She passionately explains the double bass's various names, its unique characteristics, and its role in music. She talks about its use in classical, Jazz, and blues music, engaging her classmates and sparking their curiosity. Catalina narrates how her grandfather taught her to play the instrument and their shared love for music. Finally, she plays the double bass for her class, sharing a piece she has been practicing for a long time.
Catalina Plays The What? is a beautiful story that teaches young readers about the double bass. It has confidence, family bonds, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the importance of music. Catalina’s presentation is realistic and relatable, and it will inspire children to explore their interests, especially in playing musical instruments, and encourage them to be creative. Antonia Aviles’ narration is engaging, with heartwarming messages about overcoming fears, the power of music to connect people across generations, and the joy of learning something new. Jasmine T. Mills' colorful illustrations are vibrant and appealing. The inclusion of diverse characters from different ethnicities enriches the narrative, highlighting the universal nature of music and the shared experiences that can transcend cultural boundaries. I would love to read more books featuring Catalina's classmates talking about their favorite musical instruments. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful children's story that educates young readers about the beauty of music.
Catalina Plays The What? is a heartwarming children’s book written by Antonia Aviles, with illustrations by Jasmine T. Mills. It follows the story of Catalina, a young girl doing a show-and-tell presentation about her favorite instrument, the double bass. Catalina nervously starts her presentation but with the help of her grandfather, she gains confidence teaching her classmates why the instrument is special. She passionately explains the double bass's various names, its unique characteristics, and its role in music. She talks about its use in classical, Jazz, and blues music, engaging her classmates and sparking their curiosity. Catalina narrates how her grandfather taught her to play the instrument and their shared love for music. Finally, she plays the double bass for her class, sharing a piece she has been practicing for a long time.
Catalina Plays The What? is a beautiful story that teaches young readers about the double bass. It has confidence, family bonds, the joy of sharing knowledge, and the importance of music. Catalina’s presentation is realistic and relatable, and it will inspire children to explore their interests, especially in playing musical instruments, and encourage them to be creative. Antonia Aviles’ narration is engaging, with heartwarming messages about overcoming fears, the power of music to connect people across generations, and the joy of learning something new. Jasmine T. Mills' colorful illustrations are vibrant and appealing. The inclusion of diverse characters from different ethnicities enriches the narrative, highlighting the universal nature of music and the shared experiences that can transcend cultural boundaries. I would love to read more books featuring Catalina's classmates talking about their favorite musical instruments. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delightful children's story that educates young readers about the beauty of music.
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The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant
Nocola Williams
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant by Nocola Williams is a sweet children’s story with an endearing message and themes of coexistence between humans and animals. Elephant has the important job of helping a village of growers tend to the garden and is responsible for watering the crops. One day he notices a cabbage is missing but doesn’t worry about it until pollination day arrives and the bees notice even more are missing. This means that the village has a thief. Humans and animals band together to find the culprit, and the answer is surprising. They must develop a plan to keep the culprit out of the garden and find a way to stop any more cabbages from being taken. This story focuses on coexistence and shows how one creature can make a huge impact with inspiration derived from Dr. Lucy King, a zoologist who has conducted studies on honeybees and elephant interaction.
The illustrations show the personified nature of the animals, specifically the elephant. Each of the animals has animated expressions so it is easy to see how they feel and what they’re thinking. The images also show the harmony between animals and humans in ways that are easy for children to discern. These show everyone working together to tend to the garden and figure out who is taking the cabbages. There are humorous moments that children will enjoy and will keep them entertained all the way through. The inspiration for the story is a great way to teach children about the interaction between animals, specifically elephants and honeybees, and humans. This is cleverly woven into the story as the honeybees are used to wake the elephant up whenever he sleep-walks his way toward the garden. The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant by Nocola Williams is a unique children’s book that offers something new with a lesson of coexistence at the core, inspiration drawn from real life, and plenty of humor.
The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant by Nocola Williams is a sweet children’s story with an endearing message and themes of coexistence between humans and animals. Elephant has the important job of helping a village of growers tend to the garden and is responsible for watering the crops. One day he notices a cabbage is missing but doesn’t worry about it until pollination day arrives and the bees notice even more are missing. This means that the village has a thief. Humans and animals band together to find the culprit, and the answer is surprising. They must develop a plan to keep the culprit out of the garden and find a way to stop any more cabbages from being taken. This story focuses on coexistence and shows how one creature can make a huge impact with inspiration derived from Dr. Lucy King, a zoologist who has conducted studies on honeybees and elephant interaction.
The illustrations show the personified nature of the animals, specifically the elephant. Each of the animals has animated expressions so it is easy to see how they feel and what they’re thinking. The images also show the harmony between animals and humans in ways that are easy for children to discern. These show everyone working together to tend to the garden and figure out who is taking the cabbages. There are humorous moments that children will enjoy and will keep them entertained all the way through. The inspiration for the story is a great way to teach children about the interaction between animals, specifically elephants and honeybees, and humans. This is cleverly woven into the story as the honeybees are used to wake the elephant up whenever he sleep-walks his way toward the garden. The Legend of the Sleep-Eating Elephant by Nocola Williams is a unique children’s book that offers something new with a lesson of coexistence at the core, inspiration drawn from real life, and plenty of humor.
Recommend this book:
The Fin-Tastic Arctic
Laura Mancuso
2025 Finalist
38 Pages
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Children - Fable
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Join mermaids Sara, Alix, and Lucy on an exhilarating underwater adventure in The Fin-Tastic Arctic by Laura Mancuso. Every winter, the three mermaids travel to the Arctic Dune to meet with their friends, Rory, Ella, and Winter, and this year is no different. After arriving at their destination, the mermaids start enjoying the sights and their favorite playgrounds when they see their friend Patty Puffin with oil stuck to their body. The mermaids help Patty clean off the oil and begin their next planned activity; to ride the frosty peaks on sleds. But now, they must help a baby polar bear named Puck, who is floating away from his family, find his way back home. Noah, a narwhal, and Kiki, a local village girl, are going to join the mermaids in their mission to bring Puck home.
The Fin-Tastic Arctic is an uplifting adventure tale that brings to light the increasingly relevant issue of climate change and demonstrates how it impacts the environment, oceans, and different living beings worldwide. Author Laura Mancuso has written an inspirational story using rhyming verses that showcase the power of friendship and the importance of working together to make the world a better place for all. Full of humor and heart, this picture book is a joy. Illustrator Jenna Guidi's beautiful artwork elevates the tale and makes it even more enjoyable for the reader. Young readers are going to love the different animals featured in this story. Recommended to all readers below the age of nine.
Join mermaids Sara, Alix, and Lucy on an exhilarating underwater adventure in The Fin-Tastic Arctic by Laura Mancuso. Every winter, the three mermaids travel to the Arctic Dune to meet with their friends, Rory, Ella, and Winter, and this year is no different. After arriving at their destination, the mermaids start enjoying the sights and their favorite playgrounds when they see their friend Patty Puffin with oil stuck to their body. The mermaids help Patty clean off the oil and begin their next planned activity; to ride the frosty peaks on sleds. But now, they must help a baby polar bear named Puck, who is floating away from his family, find his way back home. Noah, a narwhal, and Kiki, a local village girl, are going to join the mermaids in their mission to bring Puck home.
The Fin-Tastic Arctic is an uplifting adventure tale that brings to light the increasingly relevant issue of climate change and demonstrates how it impacts the environment, oceans, and different living beings worldwide. Author Laura Mancuso has written an inspirational story using rhyming verses that showcase the power of friendship and the importance of working together to make the world a better place for all. Full of humor and heart, this picture book is a joy. Illustrator Jenna Guidi's beautiful artwork elevates the tale and makes it even more enjoyable for the reader. Young readers are going to love the different animals featured in this story. Recommended to all readers below the age of nine.
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