Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

ABC Dance

Written by Sabrina Moyle and illustrated by Eunice Moyle

This brightly colored board book uses alliterative text and hilarious illustrations to introduce kids to the letters of the alphabet, as well as a variety of animals and dance styles. Each page features a rhyming sentence which talks about sets of animals participating in different kinds of dance. While the rhythmic text will encourage kids to get  up and dance along, the funny illustrations will surely have them laughing out loud. The introduction to different styles of dance may encourage kids to want to learn more about them.

ABCs of Oceanography

Written by Chris Ferrie and Katherina Petrou

This informational board book is part of Ferrie’s Baby University series of books which introduce young kids to scientific concepts. In this book, each letter of the alphabet is paired with a part of the ocean starting with that letter. The text on each page includes 3 different sections. The first sentence starts with the basics, sharing the letter and the vocabulary word, paired with a simple illustration. Underneath the picture, there is a simple sentence providing a fact about the creature or concept pictured. At the bottom of the page, there is a paragraph explaining the highlighted concept or being in greater detail. These 3 levels encourage kids to continue reading the book as they grow, drawing on their curiosity and helping them to learn about the ocean.

My daughter loves her books from Chris Ferrie. I have been pleasantly surprised that she can repeat some of the concepts that she has learned in his books, and understands some of the theories she has read about.

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Not an Alphabet Book: The Case of the Missing Cake

Written by Eoin McLaughlin and illustrated by Marc Boutavant

This hilarious spin on the alphabet book joins a grouchy bear as he goes through the alphabet looking for the thief who ate his cake. Several of the letters are paired with characters who the bear accuses of stealing his cake. However some of the letters are paired with concepts that are nonsensical and entertaining. No matter what the letter refers to, the bear weaves it into the story of the missing cake. Kids will enjoy following the clues in the book and deciding who the real thief is. The humor in the book is somewhat dark, but the illustrations are entertaining, and Little Bookworm definitely enjoyed the twist ending.

T is for Thor: A Norse Mythology Alphabet

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rabbit and the Motorbike

Written by Kate Hoefler and illustrated by Sarah Jacoby

This sweet tale introduces kids to the loss of a friend through the story of Rabbit and his friend Dog. Rabbit prefers to stay at home and live his quiet life, while his friend Dog enjoys being out in the world having adventures on his motorbike. But when Dog passes away, he leaves his motorbike with his friend Rabbit, which just may inspire him to get out and start living his own life. This powerful story of friendship and loss teaches kids about the acceptance stage after a loss, and how their loved one’s spirit and memory is always with them.

Dear Moon

Written by Stephen Wunderli and illustrated by Maria Luisa Di Gravio

In this lovely tale of friendship and loss, the power of imagination helps a young boy and his very sick friend to face the unknown. Max and his friend Ely want time to slow down. As the moon continues to move, they get closer to the day that Ely has to go to the hospital. So they decide to build a rocket and stop the moon from moving so time will stand still. Along the way, Max learns that time will continue to move forward, but that the memories of our loved ones will be with us always.

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An Ordinary Day

Written by Elana K. Arnold and illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic

This beautiful story about the circle of life shows how ordinary days can become extraordinary, in both good and bad ways. While an ordinary street faces an ordinary day, young children play and neighbors care for their homes. Then two different visitors arrive on the street and go into two different houses. The illustrations tell more of the story, showing how one of the visitors is there to bring a new life into the world, while another is there to help a suffering soul to leave it. This recognition of the comings and goings in life reminds us that there are devastating moments in life, but the world keeps going outside our doors.

Memoirs of a Tortoise

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Belinda Baloney Changes Her Mind

Written by Becca Carnahan and illustrated by Sarah Horan

This adorable book follows a young girl named Belinda as she tries to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. The rhyming book takes the reader through all of the careers that she would like to have, and her worries that she can’t pick just one. In the end, her brother gives her some great advice, reminding Belinda and the reader that you have your whole life to follow your dreams. This story is not only important for young readers, but can also be a great reminder for adults!

The message that you can change your mind about your dreams is a comforting one. (I know I have definitely changed my mind several times!). The rhyming text and the fun illustrations show Belinda trying on all kinds of careers, both familiar and surprising, inspiring kids to think of the many hats that they may want to wear someday.

I Believe In You

Written by Sabrina Moyle and illustrated by Eunice Moyle

This brightly colored book from Hello!Lucky shares an inspirational message from Unicorn to Little Dragon, that will be familiar to parents and kids. The simple rhyming text shares the encouraging words and reminders that kids need from grown ups. From taking new things slowly, to encouraging them to fly, the story reminds the reader of all the power they have inside, and the support they get from loved ones. The vibrantly colored illustrations feature adorable animal characters expressing feelings of excitement, sadness, and love. Kids will be drawn in by the imagery and characters, while parents will enjoy the beautiful message.

Related Post: Empowering Books for Kids

When You Need Wings

Written by Lita Judge

This beautiful book follows a young girl heading to school. The lyrical text encourages the frightened young girl and the reader to listen to hear the sound of their heartbeats. But it isn’t their hearts that they hear. It is the sound of their own wings, carrying them far away if they need to escape for a bit. The text reminds them of the beauty of their imaginations, and how they can use the strength they find there to help them face the real world. The story is paired with beautiful illustrations, taking the reader into the colorful imagination of the young girl, and showing how she brings out her own inner power.

You are a Beautiful Beginning

Written by Nina Laden and illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley

In this lovely book, the author reframes the way we think about the destination and the journey. The rhyming text is simple and easy to read, flowing beautifully from page to page. Each small snippet of text reminds us that the journey we take to get anywhere is more important than the end result. The book celebrates creating artwork, spreading kindness, facing fears, and other important parts of our lives. The illustrations are sweet, showing the world as both realistic and magical. They feature a diverse cast of children, as well as fairies and enchanted animals that help the children along the way. I love the inspiring reminders in the story, and the poetic rhythm of the text, making it perfect for bedtime reading.

I Am One: A Book of Action

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of some of these books in exchange for my honest review. These are marked with an *. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Unicorn & Yeti: Cheer Up*

Written by Heather Ayris Burnell and illustrated by Hazel Quintanilla

This illustrated early reader introduces kids to Unicorn and Yeti, who are best friends. The book is broken down into 3 short stories which touch on sweet lessons of friendship. The illustrations are full of bright colors, and highlight the love and friendship between the two characters. Kids will love the funny cartoon illustrations, while parents will appreciate the simple lessons on kindness, friendship, and appreciating the little things in life.

The Princess in Black

Written by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

This adorable girl power chapter book series follows the adventures of Princess Magnolia, a pretty princess who wears pink and does all the things a princess should. But she also holds a secret. When she transforms into her alter ego, the Princess in Black, she defeats monsters and saves the day. The book has short chapters, full of vibrant and funny illustrations. This is a great starter chapter series for little ones, and both boys and girls can appreciate the adventures of Princess Magnolia.

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Unicorn Diaries*

Written by Rebecca Elliott

This adorable illustrated chapter book series follows the adventures of Rainbow Tinseltail, a friendly unicorn from Sparklegrove School. The book is written in a diary style, with lined pages, large text, and lots of colorful illustrations. In this story, Rainbow wants a best friend, and she hopes she will find that in the new magical unicorn that just came to Sparklegrove Forest. Kids will love the colorful illustrations on every page, and the mystical creatures featured throughout the book.

Fox & Rabbit*

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of some of these books in exchange for my honest review. These are marked with an *. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rocket Kids: Adventures to Mars*

Written and illustrated by Lizzie Lipman

This adventure story follows Neil and Kate, the first kids to travel in space, as they head out on a mission to Mars. When they land on the planet, their job is to find water. But they soon find more than they bargained for. This exciting story is easy to read, and easy to listen to. The text weaves scientific facts into the story, providing kids with background information on space travel, Mars, and astronaut life. There are simple black and white illustrations throughout the book, and the chapters are short, making it easy to read with young kids learning to listen to longer stories.

A to Z Mysteries

Written by Ron Roy and illustrated by John Steven Gurney

This early chapter book series, and it’s spin-offs, feature a group of kids who solve mysteries. For the A to Z series, there is one book for each letter of the alphabet with an alliterative title. In each book, three third grade friends named Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose, solve mysteries in their town in Connecticut. There are half or full page illustrations throughout the book. While there are 26 books in this series, there are also super editions, and spin offs featuring minor characters in the series.

The Calendar Mysteries series features Dink’s cousin Lucy, Josh’s twin brothers Brian and Bradley, and Ruth Rose’s brother Nate. There is a book for each month of the year. The Capital Mysteries series follows the adventures of K.C. Corcoran and her pal Marshall, as they solve mysteries in Washington DC.

Helper Hounds*

Written by Caryn Rivadeneira and illustrated by Priscilla Alpaugh

This series of books introduces kids to dogs who help people. Each book focuses on a different rescue dog. It tells the story of the dog’s background, and how it became a Helper Hound, and how the dog is able to help a specific human in need. The stories are told from the point of view of the dogs, giving the stories a sweet and gentle touch, even while dealing with heavier matters. There are sweet illustrations of the dogs and the kids they are helping too. This series introduced us to different dog breeds, as well as the many issues that dogs can help people to cope with.

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