Children's Books

Hatch Chile Willie

Rachel Bate (Mascot Books)

| Reviewed by Meg McKinnon

Rachel Bate's Hatch Chile Willie is an enchanting children's book that combines cultural heritage, imagination, and the warmth of friendship against the backdrop of New Mexico's famed Hatch Chiles. With a lyrical narrative and delightful illustrations, this story entertains young readers and introduces them to the Hatch Chile Festival's rich traditions and the Southwest's vibrant spirit. Hatch Chile is a cornerstone of New Mexican culture, touted as the “state vegetable.” Bate infuses authentic regional flavor into the story by highlightin...

The Pickleman from Bickle...

Peter B. Lewis (AUDISEE Media)

| Reviewed by Christian Fernandez

The Pickleman from Bickleton! by Peter B. Lewis is a delightful, whimsical, and colorfully illustrated poetry book for Children that celebrates the joy of pickling and the importance of preserving food. The story revolves around Bruce, an angry-looking onion with a passion for pickling, who becomes known as the Pickleman. He shares his expertise with a boy, teaching him how to make vats of pickles using spruce wood. The story takes us on a journey through the different stages of pickling, from cucumbers to peppers, carrots, and asparagus. The s...

Let's Work Smarter

Katharine Mitropoulos (Set Sail Press)

| Reviewed by Jane Riley

Let's Work Smarter by Katharine Mitropoulos follows the delightful tale of a group of animal friends working together to refurbish their old playground, Harmony Lane. On a beautiful day at the Harmony Lane farmers market, friends Mole, Bunny, and Mouse sell their delicious goods—apple pies, fresh carrots, and tiny treats—to raise money for their project. Their efforts are rewarded when Mayor Zebra announces they've reached their fundraising goal. The next day, team leader Mouse organizes the friends into groups: Kangaroo, Frog, and Kitten...

Sarah's Gene-ius Discover...

Sallana Brown (SunGate Publishing)

| Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo

Sarah loves science class more than anything. She aims to learn something new about the world around her daily. So far, her class has taught her about magnets, animal habitats, and the moon. This morning, they learned a new lesson: DNA, which helps to determine where and who we come from. She realizes that cells are like superheroes, following instructions from our DNA to carry out complex tasks. Mr. Bowman is an intelligent teacher. Sarah brings her DNA test kit and is excited to do the tests with her mother. When her results come in, she disc...

Woe is Me…It’s Spring!

Amy Dua (After Many Years Publishing)

| Reviewed by Kim Calderon

Woe Is Me…It’s Spring! by Amy Dua is a delightful journey through the awakening of nature as winter gives way to spring. With colorful illustrations and engaging rhymes, Dua takes young readers on a whimsical exploration of how various woodland creatures and even humans embrace the changing season. The book introduces us to a cast of characters, each with their perspective on the arrival of spring. From the industrious ladybug preparing to lay her eggs to the vigilant bird weaving a sturdy nest for her chicks, every creature is animated with pe...

The Bundu Bunch get to Wr...

Allan Low (Bundu Bunch Publishing)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

The Bundu Bunch Get to Write Their Names by Allan Low is a captivating children's book that follows the journey of four orphans – Sipho, Jabu, Monica, and Jacob – as they navigate life on the outskirts of a valley in Africa. Despite facing challenges such as collecting water for their community and enduring taunts for their inability to write, the quartet finds solace and unity in their newfound friendship and collective identity as the Bundu Bunch. Low's book brilliantly portrays the characters' struggles, vividly depicting their daily li...

Magical Elements of the P...

Sybrina Durant (Sybrina Publishing)

| Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo

Magical Elements of the Periodic Table Presented Alphabetically by The Elemental Dragons by Sybrina Durant offers a delightful and educational journey through the world of chemistry, blending fantasy and science in an entertaining and informative way. Aimed at tweens, teens, and anyone interested in chemistry, this unique alphabet book introduces 26 magical elements through the fascinating lens of elemental dragons. Each member of the Elemental Dragon Clan is associated with a specific element and possesses magical powers based on the propertie...

This Day I Hold Dear

Ellissa Schwartz (Author Ellissa Schwartz)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

This Day I Hold Dear by Ellissa Schwartz is an enchanting journey through the seasons of parenthood, beautifully encapsulating the profound emotions and timeless moments shared between parent and child. With tender rhymes and heartfelt messages, Schwartz eloquently expresses the universal experience of watching children grow amidst the ever-passing time. Through poignant verses, the author invites readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of childhood, urging time to slow down so every cherished moment can be savored indefinitely. Each poe...

The Secrets of the Shallo...

Gloria Barnett (Footprint to the Future)

| Reviewed by Jane Riley

The Secrets of the Shallows by Gloria Barnett is an enthralling addition to the Lucy Morgan Adventure Series, tailored for readers aged 8-13. Barnett, a real-life ocean explorer and educator, weaves an engaging narrative that not only captivates young readers with its adventurous plot but also imparts valuable lessons about environmental conservation. The story follows 12-year-old Lucy Morgan, who, after settling on Pontus Island in the Caribbean, explores her newfound diving skills alongside friends, Jack and Solomon. Trusted to assist at the...

Maya and Waggers: I Have...

W.T. Kosmos (Wise Wit Press, LLC)

| Reviewed by Jane Riley

Maya and Waggers: I Have to Scoop What? by W.T. Kosmos is an entertainingly fresh story that captures the beauty of childhood adventures, friendship, and the responsibilities that come with owning a puppy. This book is a delightful read for children aged 8 and above, packed with humor and lessons about life. The story takes place on Island Nation, where the Puddin’ Heads and Sweeties have a history of not getting along. However, this changes when a shipload of dogs and puppies arrives, and the Puddin' Heads, including Maya's family, rush to own...

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