Happy holiday season everyone! With the coming of Christmas giving, I’m excited to feature several of my favorite independent children’s authors and their wonderful books. I really think kids would LOVE to find any of these special books under their Christmas tree this year.
For kids ages 3 – 8:
Introducing Sherman the Shopping Cart by author / teacher Rosie Russell.
My review: Not only is Sherman the Shopping Cart a cute story, but it’s a wonderful “search and find” activity book. Sherman narrates the story and directs the readers through the various sections of the grocery store. Besides looking for specific grocery items, kids will get a kick out of Sherman when he shares what it’s like to be shopping cart. His favorite place to go is the bakery aisle looking for birthday treats. One of my favorite parts was when Sherman explains how difficult some days can be, especially when dog food is on sale. “Oh my aching basket!” he says. Children, parents, and teachers will love reading Sherman’s story and searching together; beginning readers will increase their sight vocabulary; and teachers will love the variety of activities that can be add to lessons on community, health, nutrition, and even math. I also loved the extended enrichment activities at the back of the book including a grocery store scavenger hunt. I highly recommend this book. I think parents or grandparents should take their kids on a grocery store field trip with Sherman. What fun!
To purchase Sherman the Shopping Cart, or for more information on Rosie and her other books, please follow these links:
Sherman the Shopping Cart – from Amazon
Introducing Emma the Eager Emu by Australian author / teacher Sandra Bennett.
My review: Emma the Eager Emu is a beautifully written story of a determined Australian emu. Emma wants to learn to fly, just like her friends; however, she doesn’t realize that emus don’t fly. Emma tries and tries and tries. She knows she can fly! Emma’s bird friends are great. They step up, encourage her to keep trying, and come up with a variety of clever solutions to help solve her flying problem. Through persistence, Emma discovers that her differences are special, and that she has her own set of unique strengths and talents. This story provides lots of wonderful lessons and talking points about friendship, differences, talents, problem solving, and unique abilities. It’s a win-win, heart-warming story that kids will want to read again and again. Beautifully illustrated by Dianna Budd, readers will feel the heat of the Australian desert and get to know more of the beautiful Australian wildlife through her rich, colorful illustrations. I loved the extra pages at the back of the book and enjoyed learning more about the native birds of Australia.
To purchase Emma the Eager Emu, or for more information on Sandra and her other books, please follow these links:
Author Sandra Bennett – Website
Emma the Eager Emu – from Amazon
Introducing Brooding School Blues by author / teacher Willy Robbins.
My review: Little Melba doesn’t want to go to school! She wants to stay home. However, with loving support from her family and a little role playing activity with her big brother, Melba starts to feel much better, and more confident, about her first day of school. This is a darling book with charming illustrations – kids will relate! As an extra bonus, author / educator, Willy Robbins has skillfully presented lots of discussion topics and opportunities within the story for parents who may be dealing with their child’s first day of school jitters. Just delightful!
To purchase Brooding School Blues, or for more information on Willy and her other books, please follow these links:
Brooding School Blues – on Amazon
Author Willy Robbins on Facebook
Books for older kids:
Introducing Sweet T and the Turtle Team by author / teacher Cat Michaels.
My review: Tara (also known as Sweet T) and her family are visiting Aunt Mae on Gull Island. Lots of beach excitement, adventures, and challenges await her and her new island friends. The kids have mysteries to solve and a sea turtle nest to watch over and protect. I love how author Cat Michaels has created a perfect beachy, island setting with colorful descriptions of the flavors, smells, and sounds of the South. Readers will feel the ocean breezes as they are sitting on Aunt Mae’s front porch munching on nutty boiled peanuts and eating warm biscuits slathered with fresh homemade peach jam. Yum! Woven among the chapters, kids will learn a lot about baby sea turtles, their nesting habits, and what volunteers, like T and her Turtle Team friends, are doing to help protect this species. There are several sections in the back of the book with actual pictures of baby sea turtles, “brain ticklers” for extended learning, and much more.
To purchase Sweet T and the Turtle Team, or for more information on Cat Michaels and her other books, please follow these links:
Sweet T and the Turtle Team – Cat Michael’s Bookstore
Introducing Little Katie Goes to the Moon by author Carmela Dutra.
My review: As an adult, I enjoyed reading Little Katie Goes to the Moon, and I think kids will love it. I especially liked how Ms. Dutra included scientific and space related vocabulary words and definitions. Parents and teachers will appreciate these STEM learning components. Kids interested in space science and space exploration will enjoy Katie’s adventure with her astro-dog, Smudge! Little Katie Goes to the Moon was a recipient of a 2017 Silver Literary Classics Book Award.
To purchase Little Katie Goes to the Moon, or for more information on Carmela Dutra and her other books, please follow these links:
Author Carmela Dutra on Facebook
Introducing Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors by author / teacher Rhonda Paglia (aka ~ Grammy Pags).
Review by Michelle Stanley of Readers’ Favorite: Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors is an educational book by Rhonda Paglia, aka “Grammy Pags.” I love the adorable photos of the dogs in Duke “n” Matt, Rescue Road Warriors. These were contributed by Matt, along with the content. Rhonda Paglia wrote this book in such a clever format that kids won’t notice it’s designed to teach them about dogs and the important jobs they can have. Duke has his “Do’s and Don’ts” rules on dog care, and there is a fun trivia quiz based on the story. If you’re interested in adopting a dog, check the partial listing of animal shelters included in the book. You can also make a tax deductible contribution to the website. Part of the book sales benefit Rescue Road Warriors. Children will enjoy this story.
To purchase Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors, or for more information on Rhonda Paglia and her other books, please follow these links:
Duke ‘n’ Matt, Rescue Road Warriors – from Amazon
Rhonda Paglia – “Grammy Pags Stories for Kids” Website
Grammy Pags Stories for Kids – on Facebook
Thanks for stopping by and supporting indie authors!
Rhonda Paglia, Children's Author 