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​If You’re Happy and You Know It
Written & Illustrated by Jane Cabrera
Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Age Level: Baby – 2

This book is as cute as its cover! Baby animals act out the words for your little one. If they like this book, look up Jane Cabrera’s other Story Time titles.                     

Pax
Written by Sara Pennypacker
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Age Level: 8 - 12                                                 
​Grade Level: 3 – 7

​This book is wonderful! Meet Pax and Peter. They’re together in the first 4 chapters, until they’re separated when Peter’s father is sent off to war. When they’re apart, so is their story. Peter tells his part in one chapter, and Pax in the next. Somehow the boy and his fox must each find a way to survive in a world of chaos. The ending is amazing! I love a story that can reunite two great characters in a totally believable way.  
 

Fly Guy Presents The White House
Written & Illustrated by Tedd Arnold
Age Level: 5 - 7                                                                   
​Grade Level: K – 2

I’m a Fly Guy Fan! I have been for years! This one started with an idea from a first grade class back in 2014/2015. Mrs. Kaminiski’s class inspired this book, and her kids are all listed in the dedication.
 
Take a tour of the white house, meet some of the people who work there, and learn some great facts. I picked three! It was HARD!
 
- James Hoban won a contest – his design was the one selected to build the White House.
 - Teddy Roosevelt made the name official when he put it on his stationary. He also built the West Wing, supposedly to get away from his family of six.
 - There are two special ghosts – Abe Lincoln and Abigail Adams. People have spotted Abigail hanging laundry in the East Room. She picked the largest one to use for her clothes. She was the 1st First Lady to live in the White House, but only for 5 months.
 
Check out this book and learn more about our White House!

Chicken Talk
Written by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrated by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Age Level: 4 - 8                                                               
​Grade Level: P – 3

They do in this story . . . and they can write too! It all starts when the kids are left home alone.  Willie spots ‘no more arugula’ written in the dirt. Who knew chickens could be picky eaters?
 
Willie and his sister show the writing to their parents, and soon all the chickens are scratching away. It’s a big secret until the chickens leave the mailman a note – ‘You drive too fast. Cheerful chickens cross this road.’
 
The mailman talks, but no one believes him. Will his sleepover beside the chicken coop change anyone’s mind? You’ll have to read for yourself  to find out how this one ends!

​Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Everything
Written & Illustrated by Maira Kalman
Age Level 5 – 8
Grade Level K – 3 

​This is a very interesting book, well written and kid friendly. It’s full of facts about Thomas Jefferson from his friends to his wife, from his children to his interests. The author did not shy away from his flaws either. She wrote about Jefferson owning slaves, of having a slave mistress. I was surprised to find them here, but I thought the author did a good job of tackling difficult subjects. It makes this book a better fit for older children.

​I Want That Nut!
Written & Illustrated by Madeline Valentine
Age Level: 3 - 7                                          
​Grade Level: P – 2
 
This is a fun read that kids will love! Mouse and Chipmunk spot the most beautiful nut ever. They spent the rest of the book fighting over who should get it – until a surprise of an ending decides ownership. I didn’t see it coming, and there’s nothing better than a good surprise!

​Monkey & Robot
Written & Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto
Age Level: 6 - 9                                                              
​Grade Level: 1 – 4

​Are you looking for a fun early chapter book for beginning readers? Something with two great friends that’s as much fun to read as FROG & TOAD or GEORGE & MARTHA? You found it! Monkey is silly like Frog, and Robot is more like Toad. Together they work their way through simple problems in four short chapters/stories. Monkey & Robot are now  a trio of three fun books for young readers.

PS – When I posted this review on social media, I got two responses from its author/illustrator Peter Catalanotto. On Twitter he wrote, “Thank you for the wonderful review—I’ve always loved Frog and Toad—I refer to them in my Columbia writing course often—so for you to place these two in their company was quite an honor!” And I thought I was the one who was thrilled!
 
PPS – On Instagram he wrote, “Thank you! I’m currently working on the fourth book of their antics and adventures.” I said, “I will add that to my review. Readers will want to know!”
 

​Ninja Red Riding Hood
Written by Corey Rosen Schwartz
Illustrated by Dan Santat
Age Level: 5 - 8                                                                         
​Grade Level: K – 3

​Kids will love this ninja spin on Little Red Riding Hood. Poor Wolf, in his last adventure  he couldn’t catch the three little pigs. In this one he decides to join them and learn some new ninja skills. Wolf meets Red in the woods, and things are back on track – until Red realizes he’s dressed up like Granny. Who’ll win this ninja battle? You’ll have to read to find out. If you like this one as much as I did, check out Corey’s other two ninja stories.

​Power Up
Written by Seth Fishman
Illustrated by Isabel Greenburg
Age Level: 4 - 8                                                    
​Grade Level: P – 3

I loved this book! The pictures are so full of energy that it spilled out and inspired me. I didn’t know my pinkie had enough energy to light up a huge city for a whole day. WOW! Read to discover what your body does with all that power. How you recharge so you never run out of fuel. This is a great book to show kids how the choices they make can empower them. My only disappointment – you can’t run your favorite toy off your spare energy. Too bad!

​ The Cookie Fiasco
Written & Illustrated by Dan Santat & Mo Willems
Age Level: 6 - 8                                                                                                    
Grade Level: 1 – 3
 
OMG – Oh My Gosh – this book is kid, AND teacher good! Their pitch, and the promise to the reader . . . Four Friends. Three Cookies. One Problem .
 
Brilliant! A great story! Plus it helps kids understand fractions, even equivalent fractions. Brilliant! I am sending this title to my teacher friends in 3rd and 4th grades. Brilliant!