RUBY AND LONELY, by Patrice Karst and Kayla Harren, Two Lions, Sept. 12, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 5-8)

A little girl deals with loneliness by creating an imaginary friend in Ruby and Lonely, a new picture book by Patrice Karst and Kayla Harren.

Ruby’s got a problem. At school and at home, everyone is so busy all the time, and no one seems to notice her at all. Ruby finds herself feeling kind of…lonely. It’s a big problem! But one day, while walking home alone after school, she decides to look at her problem from a new angle. She even gives it a name ― Lonely ― a seemingly small but significant decision that transforms her problem, and entire life, in the most surprising and extraordinary way. Join Ruby as she discovers her inner best friend in this relatable and heartwarming story. A note from the author and discussion questions are included. —Synopsis provided by Two Lions

Ruby and Lonely speaks to the resilience of kids and how they often compensate for things that are missing though imagination. Ruby knows she has a problem, but it isn’t until her teacher talks about how to work through them, that Ruby is able to give her problem a name. Once she gives it a name, she wants to help Lonely, and by helping Lonely, Ruby helps herself.

Ruby and Lonely is a beautiful exploration of a child’s thought process.

Author Patrice Karst pulled from her own experiences with intense loneliness to create a tender narrative that will help young readers put a name to some of the emotions they are feeling. Illustrator Kayla Harren’s gentle illustrations are full of emotion and literally bring Lonely to life.

Ruby and the Lonely is a great option for expanding your emotional intelligence library.

About the Creators:

Patrice Karst is the bestselling author of The Invisible String, which has sold more than a million copies and been translated into fifteen languages, and its companion titles, The Invisible Leash, The Invisible Web, You Are Never Alone: An Invisible String Lullaby, and most recently, The Invisible String Backpack. She is also the coauthor of The Invisible String Workbook with Dr. Dana Wyss. She also wrote The Smile that Went Around the World. Patrice is passionate about spreading her message of love across the planet. Born in London, England, she now lives in Southern California. Learn more at www.patricekarst.com, on Instagram: @theinvisiblestringinsta, and Facebook: @TheInvisibleString.

Kayla Harren is an award-winning illustrator of children’s books, including A Boy Like You, written by Frank Murphy, and The Boy Who Grew a Forest, written by Sophia Gholz, among other titles. She recently illustrated Thursday, by Ann Bonwill, which Midwest Book Review called “an impressively presented picture book of healing and hope for young children.” Her work has been featured in the Society of Illustrators, American Illustration, Communication Arts, and 3×3 Magazine, and she won the Highlights for Children Pewter Plate Award. She lives in Minnesota. Learn more at www.kaylaharren.com, on Instagram: @kaylaharren and Facebook: Kayla Harren Illustrator.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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AGES 3 AND UP

ONE UPSIDE-DOWNY DAY, by Renée Kurilla, Abrams Appleseed, Aug. 15, 2023, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 3-5)

From Renée Kurilla, author and illustrator of One Springy, Singy Day, comes an exploration of the not-so-great days of toddlerdom and the ways little ones can self-soothe to ease those upside-downy days away.

Sluggish, Weepy,
Eyes still looking sleepy;
You were in no mood to play
When you got out of bed today.

Follow a diverse cast of young children as they experience big feelings—anger, shyness, and sadness—in this patient, rhyming, full-color picture book. One Upside-Downy Day is a love letter to emotional understanding and the sometimes-gray days of being a toddler.

TOO MUCH!: AN OVERWHELMING DAY, by Jolene Gutiérrez and Angel Chang, Harry N. Abrams, Aug. 1, 2023, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 3-5)

Sometimes everything is too much! Too loud, too bright, and all too overwhelming. Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, award-winning teacher-librarian Jolene Gutiérrez’s compassionate picture book explores the struggles of a sensorily sensitive child and how they settle themselves. Joined by Angel Chang’s beautiful color illustrations, young readers will learn that it’s OK if some days are too much.

An extensive author’s note to caregivers and educators explores sensory systems, sensory processing issues, and specific information about how to support kids with overstimulated nervous systems as they learn to soothe themselves.

AGES 4 AND UP

WHERE DID BENJAMIN GO? by Chris Clarkson and Annalise Barber, Harry N. Abrams, Sept. 19, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

When the snow falls, Charlie misses his brother more than anything else in the world. Daddy says that any time it snows Charlie can write down his five favorite things to do with Benjamin. The only problem is, there are hundreds of things to remember! Like playing in the pool, eating dessert before dinner, running in socked feet, planting daisies in the garden, and so much more.

As Charlie remembers Benjamin, he remembers a loving and playful big brother, and a house filled with happiness and joy. He soon discovers that Mom and Dad each have their own lists, and they can find their way by relying on one another.

From debut picture book creators Chris Clarkson and Annalise Barber comes an honest and authentic exploration of grief, hope, and family strength.

 LET: A POEM ABOUT WONDER AND POSSIBILITY, by Kei Miller and Diana Ejaita, Harry N. Abrams, Aug. 22, 2023, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 4-8)

A powerful poetry picture book about the wonder and possibility contained in a single word: let.

Suppose there was a book full only of the word let . . .

Adapted from a poem called “Book of Genesis” by the award-winning poet Kei Miller and beautifully imagined and illustrated by Diana Ejaita, this provocative and hopeful picture book is an ode to the power of words and of books—of seeing oneself and being seen—and to a world of wonder and possibility.

YOU CAN!: KIDS EMPOWERING KIDS, by Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony, Candlewick, Oct. 11, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

You can . . . be brave, challenge yourself, overcome your fears, be kind, be YOU! Come on an amazing journey with fourteen young people as they grow from birth to eighteen, learning new skills, exploring new worlds, standing up for their own and others’ rights, and following their dreams. Created in consultation with real young adults, Alexandra Strick’s narrative will inspire and empower young people of all ages and abilities to believe in themselves and follow their own path, especially during tough times. Complemented by Steve Antony’s inclusive artwork, which introduces fourteen comparable fictional characters and tracks their growth page by page, You Can! is a timely and meaningful gift for any reader marking significant milestones.

WAYS TO PLAY, by Lyn Miller-Lachmann and Gabriel Alborozo, Levine Querido, Aug. 8, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-7)

Riley has plenty of ways to play; like lining up dolls and stuffies by size and shape. Tearing up newspapers and making piles into mountains, using sharp crayons to draw big swirly patterns. But bossy cousin Emma thinks those ways are wrong, wrong, and wrong. And she makes no bones about letting Riley know exactly what her opinion is.  Fortunately, Charlie the dog is on hand to help with a breakthrough demonstration that there are MANY ways to play; and all of them are right.

BLUE: THE MANY WAYS I FEEL (The Colors of My Life), by Nancy Johnson James and Constance Moore, Harry N. Abrams, Aug. 1, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

In an emotional ode to the color blue—and the blues—The Many Ways I Feel features a colorful collage of watercolor and textile eye-catching art.

Full of feeling and wonder, a child describes all the beautiful shades of blue they feel—from a pale winter sky to a bright ocean wave, from deep twilight to the musical blues—and discovers that one has the power to change one’s many blues into a song or a poem, blue into gold.

ODE TO A BAD DAY, by Chelsea Lin Wallace and Hyewon Yum, Chronicle Books, April 18, 2023, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 4-8)

Oh Too Much Milk in My Cereal!
Soggy, squishy! Boggy, mushy!
You turned my crispy into gushy!

Sometimes the small disappointments and inconveniences in kids’ days can feel much bigger than they are. And when they start multiplying . . . oh, what a bad day it can become! Told in a series of dramatic odes to a day’s annoyances, Ode to a Bad Day lets children and caregivers alike find the humor and compassion in the days that could have gone better—and encourages readers to look forward to a better day . . . tomorrow.

AGES 5 AND UP

INVISIBLE THINGS, by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller, Chronicle Books, July 18, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 5-8)

If we could put on a pair of magical invisible glasses and see all the feelings, ideas, and other invisible things that populate our world, what would they look like? Could you see an itch? Could you describe hope? From the sound of a dog barking to the rainbow-MAGIC taste of a lollipop, from gratitude to grit, this book will help you meet the many interesting sensations that follow you every day, even if you can’t see them.

Explore the way a sad song can sometimes make you happy and discover that laughs—even fake ones—can multiply faster than you’d imagine. As readers give these unknown forces a name, they’ll also find a gentle invitation to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on the invisible things at work in their own lives.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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Ages 3 and up

THE LOUD LIBRARIAN, by Jenna Beatrice and Erika Lynne Jones, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, April 11, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

Penelope is perfect for the job of student-librarian. Friendly? Check. Helpful? Check. Book lover? Check. There’s just one snag. Penelope is…LOUD. Bookcases may topple and the ground may quake at the sound of her voice, but Penelope is determined to prove she’s perfect for the job and stay true to herself. Can a little librarian with a big voice find a place where she belongs?

Ages 4 and up

ON THE NIGHT BEFORE KINDERGARTEN, by Rosemary Wells, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, June 27, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-6)

On the night before kindergarten, Milo’s dreams are not happy ones and make him worry about all the ways things at school could go wrong. On the morning of the big day, he’s nervous and wants Mama and Daddy to come with him, but they aren’t allowed. How can Milo face kindergarten alone? But over the course of the day, Milo makes new friends and learns new things. Kindergarten turns out to be pretty great!

BITSY BAT, SCHOOL STAR (The Bitsy Bat Series), by Kaz Windness, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, June 6, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Bitsy is a little bat with big star dreams of making friends at her new school. But when she arrives, Bitsy doesn’t feel like she fits in. The other kids sit on their chairs, but sitting upright makes Bitsy dizzy. The other kids paint with their fingers, but Bitsy would rather use her toes. Everyone tells Bitsy she’s doing things wrong-wrong-wrong, so she tries harder…and ends up having a five-star meltdown.

Now Bitsy feels like a very small star and doesn’t want to go back to school. But with help from her family, Bitsy musters her courage, comes up with a new plan, and discovers that being a good friend is just one of the ways she shines bright!

PALACE OF BOOKS, by Patricia Polacco, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, March 7, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

When young Patricia’s family moves to Battle Creek, Michigan, she finds it hard to believe this new place will ever feel like home. But soon she meets the kind librarian Mrs. Creavy and discovers the library’s doors are always open. Now, Patricia has a place to explore and study books about the birds that she loves. Mrs. Creavy even introduces her to the books of John James Audubon and helps Patricia introduce her classmates to the joy of birds by becoming the first member of the Audubon Bird Club of Freemont Elementary.

THE LIBRARY FISH LEARNS TO READ (THE LIBRARY FISH BOOKS), by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and Gladys Jose, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Feb. 7, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Library Fish is very happy in her bowl on Mr. Hughes the librarian’s desk. From there, she listens to story time and watches Mr. Hughes teach children the alphabet. He says the alphabet is made of letters, letters make sounds, blending those sounds together makes words, and words make stories.

Library Fish wants to read, too! She starts jumping out of her bowl to practice when the library closes at night. Can Library Fish become a reader all on her own?

DAD GOES TO SCHOOL: READY-TO-READ LEVEL 1, by Margaret McNamara and Mike Gordon, Simon Spotlight; Illustrated edition, April 24, 2007, Paperback, $4.99 (ages 4-6)

It’s Parents Week for Mrs. Connor’s first graders. Each day another parent is visiting and showing what they do. But Ayanna’s dad isn’t like the other parents. Will her classmates like him anyway?

CLASS MOM, by Margaret McNamara and Mike Gordon, Simon Spotlight; Illustrated edition, Oct/ 30, 2012, Paperback, $4.99 (ages 4-6)

In the twentieth installment of the hit Robin Hill School series, Nia volunteers her mama to be in charge of planning a great party for Mrs. Connor’s class. Everyone is excited—but Nia’s mama doesn’t know she’s been volunteered! Nia knows her mother is shy about speaking English, and is much more comfortable with her native Spanish. With the party fast approaching, can Nia and her mama pull off a great party for the first-grade class?

Ages 6 and up

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED AFTER SCHOOL . . ., by Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud, Chronicle Books, July 11, 2023, Hardcover, $12.99 (ages 6-9)

It’s a race to do homework—in space! But first, there’s a spaceship jam. Then there’s the moon detour, the Mars alien exploration, and a stop on the gravity-defying International Space Station. And that’s just the beginning! Henry and Ali want to get their homework done—they really do! But how are they supposed to study the solar system when they seem to be swept up in an endless series of interstellar surprises?

SEJAL SINHA BATTLES SUPERSTORMS, by Maya Prasad, Aladdin, May 2, 2023, Paperback, $6.99 (ages 6-9)

Sejal Sinha is looking forward to celebrating Diwali with her family. But when a hurricane appears, Sejal and her cousin Mira learn that the house is in danger from the imminent storm. With the help of Sejal’s favorite stuffed animal, Professor Cheetah, the two girls use Cardboard Box Magic to build their own Hurricane Hunter and fly into the eye of the hurricane!

They learn about a project from the 1960s called Project Stormfury, where a team actually tried to stop hurricanes. Can Sejal and Mira do what the previous Stormfury team couldn’t and battle the superstorm?

Ages 9 and up

SMART: USE YOUR EYES TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN (Adapted from the New York Times bestseller Visual Intelligence), by Amy E. Herman and Heather Maclean, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Oct. 25, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (Paperback, Sept. 12, $10.99)  (ages 9-13)

What would you say if I told you that looking at art could give you the confidence you need to speak up in class? Or that learning the history of donuts could help you think like a super spy and train like the CIA?

smART teaches readers how to process information using paintings, sculptures, and photographs using methods that instantly translate to real world situations and are also fun!

With three simple steps (1) How to SEE, (2) How to THINK about what you see, and (3) How to TALK about what you see, readers learn how to think critically and creatively, a skill that only requires you to open your eyes and actively engage your brain.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BORN READING: 20 STORIES OF WOMEN READING THEIR WAY INTO HISTORY, by Kathleen Krull , Virginia Loh-Hagan, Aura Lewis (Illustrator), Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Aug. 1, 2023, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8-12)

Learn about some of the world’s most influential women and the books that shaped them in Born Reading: 20 Stories of Women Reading Their Way into History.

What do Cleopatra, Audre Lorde, and Taylor Swift have in common? They’re all influential women who grew up doing one very important thing: reading.

This collection of short-form biographies tells the story of twenty groundbreaking women and how their childhood reading habits empowered them to change the world. From Cleopatra to Sally Ride to Amanda Gorman, the women featured in this collection are from all throughout history and all kinds of backgrounds. They are women who have and who continue to change the game in STEM, literature, politics, sports, and more. Most importantly, they are women who were born to read.

For some, reading was forbidden, but they taught themselves to read anyway. For some, reading was a struggle, but they practiced and grew to love it. For some, reading was an escape from difficult realities. For all, reading was empowering. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

From the moment my 9-year-old saw Born Reading she wanted to read it. In fact, she sat on the floor of my office reading it for more than an hour. She was immediately drawn to cover, and, upon learning it was about real women, wouldn’t put it down.

I’ve seen with my own eyes how important it is for girls to see, read and learn about what women can accomplish. Born Reading allows them to see these accomplishments through a different lens.

Reading is universal. It’s attainable. It makes doing hard things seem just a little bit easier.

Born Reading is divided into an introduction; 20 chapters; an epilogue; feminist fun facts; shorter writing on more girls with books; activities to keep reading; resources; references; and an index. It sounds like a lot, but the book is only 134 pages, and with fairly short chapters and illustrations, it moves very quickly. It can be read from beginning to end or a chapter at a time. The writing is smooth and conversational. And the illustrations/portraits are bright and inviting.

Born Reading is one of those books I know my daughter will read over and over again. It offers a lot of inspiration and serves as a jumping off point for further research into these women’s lives.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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ONLY A TRENZA AWAY: A TALE OF TRUST AND STRENGTH, by Nadine Fonseca and Camila Carrossine, Shadow Mountain, Aug. 8, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A girl learns that the love of her family is never far away in Only a Trenza Away, written by Nadine Fonseca and illustrated by Camila Carrossine.

Every night, Xiomara’s (zee-oh-MA-da) papa delicately braids her hair before bed. As he gently tugs and twists and tightens her hair, father and daughter embark on imaginative and fun adventures as he makes up stories about Xia and her trenzas, or “braids” in Spanish.

In one story, her trenza becomes a sturdy twisted vine that she uses to bravely swing through the jungle. In another, her trenzas are jump ropes as she catches the beat to play double Dutch with the best players in the neighborhood.

But Xia worries what she would do if Papa was not there to help her in a real adventure―like starting a new school. Could the strength Xia needs already be woven into her braids? —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

Only a Trenza Away celebrates the tradition of braiding hair. In this book, it’s the girl’s father who is passing on the tradition. He learned to help braid his sisters’ hair as a child in Guatemala. He helped until his sisters could braid their hair on their own. He explains that someday, Xiomara won’t need his help anymore either.

Through his braiding, Papa is teaching Xiomara that though she’ll need to be brave, patient, focused, curious and ambitious when trying new things, she’ll never be alone. It’s a beautiful idea that plays out through thoughtful text and imaginative illustrations.

Only a Trenza Away is a gentle story of love and reassurance that’s a great option any time, but particularly strikes a chord heading into the back-to-school season.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE TOGETHER TREE, by Aisha Saeed and LeUyen Pham, Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 30, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

The Together Tree, by Aisha Saeed and LeUyen Pham, celebrates small acts of kindness in the face of intolerance.

At his new school, quiet Rumi feels small and unwelcome, and a few kids bully him for his brown skin and bright shoes. He finds refuge beneath the old willow tree by the playground and builds his own world of hope and dreams of belonging.

One day, when Rumi is made a target again, one of his classmates bravely steps in to defend him. It’s in that moment of solidarity Rumi’s class finally realizes that under the shade of the willow tree, all are welcome, and they create a space they can all play in — together. —Synopsis provided by Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Author Aisha Saeed was inspired to write The Together Tree after her kindergartener told her he had become the target of playground bullying. When she stopped by the school the next day, she saw her son sitting by himself under an enormous tree. She also saw other kids who looked concerned but didn’t know what to do. She hopes that this book can be a starting point for conversations about kindness and the power of bystanders.

In The Together Tree, Saeed’s writing is gentle and honest: “He twirled his twig beneath the shady old willow tree and something began to hurt.” Her story is the framework for LeUyen Pham’s expressive artwork. Pham’s touches of whimsy add a connective layer that brings everything together.

The Together Tree is an excellent read, particularly for kids entering preschool and kindergarten.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE WORLD’S BEST CLASS PLANT, by Audrey Vernick , Liz Garton Scanlon, Lynnor Bontigao. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, May 30, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

The kids in Room 109 want a class plant, but learn exciting things happen when you have The World’s Best Class Plant instead.

Room 107 has a cockatiel. Room 108 has a chinchilla. Even the Art Room has a bearded dragon. But in Room 109, Arlo’s classroom, there is a plant. A mostly green, hardly growing, never moving plant. Even though it doesn’t squeak, whistle, or whimper, Arlo’s teacher says the plant is “more than enough excitement for us.” But what could possibly be exciting about a plant?

One day, Arlo decides to name the plant Jerry. Something about naming the plant makes it more exciting. As the class learns to take care of Jerry, he starts to grow . . . greener and longer and twistier. And before long it’s clear that something amazing has taken root in Arlo’s classroom. —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

The World’s Best Class Plant introduces readers to the perfect pet alternative — a plant! Sure, it doesn’t squeak or whistle or whimper, but that doesn’t mean it’s not interesting. As the kids learn more and more about caring for their spider plant, they gain a sense of ownership. They see how things that are loved can flourish.

Authors Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick have a wonderful, playful tone to their writing that’s fun to read aloud. And illustrator Lynnor Bontigao’s lively illustrations add humor and excitement.

The World’s Best Class Plant is a great option for starting off a plant project at home or in school.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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PUPPY BUS, by Drew Brockington, Harry N. Abrams, July 12, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

When a boy and his family move, he has to start all over at a new school — and gets plenty of first day jitters. The teachers will be different, he’ll have to make new friends, and he won’t even know where the bathroom is!

On the first day, he nervously gets on the bus, only to end up at Puppy School. Everything is strange and different — but at the end of the day, new friends prove that maybe starting at someplace new isn’t so bad after all. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

It’s crazy to think that it’s time to start thinking about going back to school — didn’t we just finish last school year?! Nevertheless, the time has come, and Puppy Bus is a great book to “get you in the mood.”

CatStronauts creator Drew Brockington is the author behind this silly read that aims to take the fear out of starting at a new school. Emotive characters in silly situations are sure to grab your reader’s attention and have them giggling along in no time.

Beyond being totally adorable, Puppy Bus explores the real fears of confusion, not fitting in and loneliness that go along with first days at new schools. This is a great option for all kids — especially animal lovers — that are facing new situations this fall.

Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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FLASHCARDS – GET READY FOR PRE-K by Scholastic Early Learners, Dec. 27, 2016 $3.99 (ages 3-5)

These flashcards are supposed to help children “learn a variety of first concepts in preparation for entering Pre-K.” They feature letters, colors, shapes, animals, vehicles and first words.

The problem comes not in the content, but in how it’s presented. This set has 26 cards — enough for each letter of the alphabet. Both upper- and lowercase letters are presented together on one side of the card. The other concepts listed above are on the other side.

The problem is that the sides have nothing to do with each other. If you’ve ever used flashcards, you can see the why this doesn’t work. My almost-3-year-old picked up the A card, flipped it over and said, “A is for car.” This was followed by me trying to explain that they were separate things.

Clearly, there are just too many things going on with these cards. While I’m happy to sit down with my daughter and keep things separate, I like it when she takes the other cards we have and works things out on her own. She doesn’t need a constant babysitter, and these are just too confusing without one.

WIPE-CLEAN WORKBOOKS: GET READY FOR PRE-K by Scholastic Early Learners, Dec. 27, 2016 $9.99 (ages 3-5)

Wipe Clean Workbooks: Get Ready for Pre-K also focuses on a variety of concepts including, letters, numbers, shapes, colors, animals, seasons, weather, vehicles, people and food.

What appeals to me in particular is the ability to trace and wipe clean letters and numbers. The letters are not in alphabetical order; rather they are introduced next to other letters that are formed the same way. This is great for learning how to hold a writing utensil and fine motor skills. An easy-to-follow guide for parents is also included at the beginning.

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“The Very Best Teacher!” By Ye Shil Kim, Illustrated by Miku Moriuchi, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, June 30, 2015, Hardcover, $12.99 (ages 4-8) Amazon | B&N | BAM | !ndigo | IndieBound

Ten little mice search for the perfect gift to give their teacher!

Tomorrow is Ms. Tulip’s birthday and a celebration is in order! But how will her ten students decide on the right present? Luckily ten minds are better than one when choosing the ideal gift for the very best teacher.

“Off to School!” Created by the Sesame Workshop, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, July 7, 2015, Hardcover, $10.99 (ages 3-7) Amazon | B&N | BAM |!ndigo| IndieBound

Tomorrow is a very exciting day–it’s Elmo’s first day of school! And Elmo needs your help to get ready. Let’s go off to school!

“Smart Start Series,” by Ellen Honeck, Ph.D, Nancy B. Hertzog, Ph.D, and Barbara Dullagan, M.Ed., Prufrock Press, Aug. 1, 2015, Hardcover, $10.95 (ages 3-5)

The Smart Start series fosters engaging conversations for parents and their children through the use of interactive questioning. Images in these books convey children in realistic and familiar stages of play, and each image’s corresponding questions prompt children to think at critical, creative, and mathematical levels about their everyday surroundings and activities. The open-ended questions stimulate curiosity and invigorate conversations between parents and children. The books in this series highlight the vast world of a child’s imagination and encourage children to think deeply about the objects and situations they’re faced with every day.

“Around My House!”  Amazon |  B&N |  BAM — The first book in the Smart Start series for pre-readers fosters engaging conversations for parents and children through the use of interactive questioning. Images in this book convey realistic and familiar settings around the house: in the kitchen, the playroom, the bedroom, the garage, and more.

“Let’s Play!” Amazon|  B&N |  BAM — The second book in the Smart Start series. Images in this book convey children in stages of play, and each image’s corresponding questions prompt children to think at critical, creative, and mathematical levels about their everyday surrounding and activities.

“Let’s Go to the Market!” — Amazon | B&N | BAM — The third book in the Smart Start series. Images in this book convey children and parents in a familiar shared experience: going to and exploring the market.

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