That’s Mine! By author Sumana Seeboruth and illustrator Ashleigh Corrin

Age Range: 1 – 4 years

Grade Level: Preschool and up

Publisher: Barefoot Books

Publication Date: February 7, 2022

A youngster enjoys playing with toys and does not want a second youngster to play with her or the toys . The second youngster finds happiness playing with a third child. The first youngster sees and hears the delight of the other children playing together. She decides to share her toys and join the group. Illustrations are full of expression. A quick read and wonderful board book to read to children and discuss sharing.

The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster by Mo Willems

Reading Age: 4 years – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Publication Date: September 6, 2022

One pigeon. Many anxieties and humor! Pigeon is going on a roller coaster ride for the first time. Readers and listeners learn the sequence of events leading up to and including the ride. A good book to discuss waiting on a line, patience and feelings about trying new things. Illustrations capture the bird’s hoopla throughout this picture book. My Book Eyes doesn’t know who will roar with laughter more, adults or children.

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better by author Glenda Armand, author Kim Freeman and illustrator Keith Mallett

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: January 17, 2023

At 12 years old, Augustus Jackson left his family in Pennsylvania and travelled to Washington D.C. where he became a kitchen helper in the White House. At 17 years of age, Augustus became a cook and made cold puddings. He created a version without eggs which is the dessert we know as ice cream. At 22 years of age, Augustus returned to Pennsylvania and opened an ice cream parlor. Also he sold ice cream from a cart. He devised a way to make his ice cream in less time and freeze it so that it could be shipped to customers. My Book Eyes enjoyed reading this picture book biography about a person who rose from meager beginnings to become an entrepreneur and inventor who made a delicious treat that so many people enjoy. The realistic illustrations are beautiful and transport readers to the times of Augustus Jackson. An ice cream recipe is included.

Ride, Roll, Run: Time for Fun! by author Valerie Bolling an illustrator Sabrena Khadija


Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Publication Date: October 4, 2022

The school year is over and children are frolicking everywhere in this rhyming children’s book. They enjoy skateboarding, biking, chalk drawing, basketball playing, hopscotching, jump roping, playing hide and seek and tag to name many. Diversity abounds. Illustrations of characters are large. Counting items and people and seeing bright colors could reinforce math and color concepts.

I Love My Daddy by author David Bedford and illustrator Brenna Vaughan

Reading Age: 1 – 6 years

Publisher: Parragon Books

Publication Date: August 20, 2019

A young squirrel is growing up and proud to show his father his skills. Every time Little Squirrel performs his abilities fall short of what an adult squirrel can do. For example, when he jumps, he doesn’t jump far enough and lands in mud. Daddy Squirrel realizes that Little Squirrel still needs time to develop and invites the young one to accompany him as he performs tasks as an adult. The tables turn. Readers and onlookers learn that dads are not perfect and Little Squirrel demonstrates increased maturity. Illustrations appropriately show setting and emotions for this picture book. A good book to read about the give and take of relationships.

Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth by author Tonya Abari and illustrator Tabitha Brown

Reading Age: Baby – 5 years

Grade Level : Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Mudpuppy

Publication Date: April 11, 2023

In this rhyming board book, young children are introduced to Juneteenth with activities that can be done to celebrate being free from slavery in the United States. Activities mentioned are ones that youngsters can relate to such as going on a picnic, having a parade, shopping at Black owned stores to name a few. In the back of the book is a detailed description of Juneteenth. Illustrations are attractive and will appeal to this age group.

Hurry Up!: A Book About Slowing Down by author Kate Dopirak and illustrator Christopher Silas Neal

Reading Age: Baby – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: Beach Lane Books

Publication Date: May 19, 2020

In this rhyming picture book, the main character is always rushing whether it is going to school, being in school or returning home. When the hustle and bustle becomes too much to bare, the child slows down and learns to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. Illustrations are vivid and depict transition from stressful times to calm times. This book could generate a discussion about what children like to do to relax.

Eating From Our Roots by Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN

Publisher: Goop Press

Publication Date: January 24, 2023

This cookbook is written by a registered dietitian and nutritionist. It offers 80 healthy recipes derived from cultures around the world. It includes porridge, toasts, baked goods, soups, curries, stews, plant based dishes, fish and meat. Additionally there is an introduction, a section about how this book approaches health, how to make your way through this book, stocking your kitchen, tips for including plant based alternatives, how to modify recipes for health conditions, about the chefs, and acknowledgements. Photographs are colorful and depict mouth watering meals. While this is not a children’s book, children could benefit from learning about healthy meal preparation and different cultures by helping adults or young adults make these dishes.

Soon by author Libby Gleeson and illustrator Jedda Robaard

A child mouse wants to know when her sibling will arrive. The mother mouse responds, “Soon,” throughout this picture book. Viewers watch the little mouse help mom by washing baby clothes, painting baby’s nursery, sorting toys and shopping. One day the child mouse wakes up and sees mother mouse cradling baby mouse. Very endearing story with illustrations that portray a calm yet anticipating time in the lives of this mother child pair. A sweet book for preschool through first grade children.