Tag Archives: pre-k

November 19, 2025 · 7:00 am

A Squirrely Christmas (Clover & Pumpkin) by Megan K Palmer (Book Review)

Get ready for a nutty adventure in the heart of the forest with A Squirrely Christmas – a funny and heartwarming Christmas picture book for kids!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the forest animals, especially baby bunny can’t wait for their annual Christmas Tree Decorating Extravaganza. This year, the squirrels-Clover and Pumpkin-are in charge of decking out the grand Christmas tree. But are these two fluffy friends up for the challenge?

Join a lovable cast of forest creatures in this playful Christmas book for children ages 2-7 that celebrates friendship, teamwork, and turning the chaos of the holidays into fun. Laugh along as Clover and Pumpkin learn the true meaning of the season-working together, slowing down, and sharing Christmas cheer!

With adorable illustrations and a playful speech bubble story, this Christmas book is perfect for holiday read-alouds with toddlers and preschoolers, teachers and librarians looking for festive Christmas books, or a great Christmas gift for readers who love forest animals and holiday humor.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Christmas is quickly approaching, and I found the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit: A Squirrely Christmas by Megan Palmer. Each year, a different forest animal is selected to decorate a tree for the holiday; this year, it’s the squirrel’s turn to take the reins. The decorating extravaganza did not go smoothly for Pumpkin and Clover, the very energetic squirrel buddies. They quickly learned the repercussions for rushing the decorating process.

Christmas lights are pretty to look at, but more often than not, they can become a tangled mess, which is what these two forest friends experienced. They should have adopted the “slow and steady wins the race” approach to Christmas tree decorating, rather than competing to see who can finish first and becoming entangled in the strings. In the end, the squirrels learn the importance of taking their time and working together as a team.

A Squirrely Christmas is a wonderful and amusing holiday story. Kids will laugh at the colorful drawings of the squirrels’ bungled attempt to string the lights and Pumpkin’s face when he was caught eating on the job. Kids and adults will enjoy seeing the squirrels completed tree and the lovely polaroids of decorated trees from past years. Encourage your family or students to vote for the one they think wins best in show. I’m casting my ballot for team reindeer! Also, everyone is sure to learn something new about squirrels and evergreens on their facts page; I certainly did, so don’t skip these informative pages! Share your newfound knowledge with friends, classmates, and family members!

With a recommended reading age of 2-7 years, A Squirrely Christmas is the perfect choice for young readers. Its fun-filled storyline, amusing illustrations, and educational facts make it a must-have for the holiday season. Share this delightful book with your family and make it a part of your holiday traditions!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2
(rounded to 5 on Amazon and Goodreads)

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Megan K. Palmer is a creator, writer, book reviewer, and educator. She’s obsessed with tears, laughter, and the writing process. Perhaps it’s because they go together at times. She graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with an Ed.M. education at Brigham Young University.

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September 3, 2025 · 7:00 am

Rocky’s Courageous Rescue by Michelle Krumenacher (Book Review)

Do you want to encourage your kids to be bold, brave, and courageous?

In Rocky’s Courageous Rescue, a small rock hyrax named Rocky is called on to help with an important task that only a small hyrax could complete. Read along as Rocky learns what matters most to God and how even a small hyrax can accomplish great things for God.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Have you ever heard of a rock hyrax? The rock hyrax, a unique and fascinating small mammal native to Africa and the Middle East, takes center stage in the captivating tale of Rocky’s Courageous Rescue.

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, we meet Rocky, a rock hyrax who wishes he could jump as far as his friends. But his short legs, which have failed him more than once, make him doubt his abilities. With the help of a friend, he finds the courage to leap off a rock. Rocky didn’t have the most graceful landing, causing him to feel emotions many of us feel when we fail in front of others: humiliation and embarrassment. This incident leads Rocky to question if he will always be the smallest hyrax. His mother’s response incorporates her/the author’s faith: “God doesn’t look at the outside; He looks at the heart.” Whether you believe in God or not, the underlying message applies to all. Size has no relevance to who you are; your heart and actions are what truly define you. During one rainy night, Rocky demonstrated he had a kind and generous heart.

Rocky displayed courage in this sweet, inspiring, and faith-infused children’s book. When fear surfaced, he turned to God, a common response among many people during times of difficulty or distress. Did God guide him across the gap to a friend in a precarious predicament? Those of faith would agree that someone was watching over the small but mighty rock hyrax, watching over all the animals.

Everyone has that one thing they’d love to change, including Rocky, the adorable gerbil-looking hero. In Rocky’s Courageous Rescue, kids learn that we are perfect just the way we are. Rocky hated being the smallest, but his short stature turned out to be the ideal fit for the touch job, saving Boulder’s life.

Rocky’s Courageous Rescue encourages us to love ourselves and embrace our uniqueness. For Christians, it reminds readers to lean on God in both good and troubled times. Whether you’re religious or not, Rocky’s Courageous Rescue is an uplifting and inspiring story about finding your courage and believing in yourself; it’s a tale that can resonate with a broad audience.

Amazon has the book set for children aged 3 to 8 years. Some words might be too advanced for pre-k listeners, but they will still enjoy the story and its darling illustrations. I recommend sharing Rocky’s journey with your kids and reading “What is the Rock Hyrax?” In this informative section, we learn that these cute, gerbil-looking animals have roots in the Bible, they have a very interesting body structure, an unforgettable alarm sound, and much more.

Rocky’s Courageous Rescue is a remarkable story featuring an adorable and rarely utilized animal in a children’s book, the rock hyrax. Share this book with your kids or students and learn more about this fascinating creature. Watch as Rocky pushes his doubts and fears aside to become the story’s hero!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Michelle Krumenacher is an up-and-coming author. Her first book is a children’s book entitled Rocky’s Courageous Rescue. Michelle was inspired by her safari trip in Kenya to write a story about the not-so-well-known rock hyraxes, which her family fell in love with.

Michelle is married to the man of her dreams, and they homeschool their 3 boys. Michelle is passionate about Jesus, orphans, travel, and her family. Michelle and her family work with an organization called World Renewal Burundi. You can find out more HERE.

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July 7, 2025 · 7:00 am

Elephants DO Forget: How Emory Found His Memory by P.E. Shadrick (Book Spotlight)

WITH THE HELP OF GOOD FRIENDS, YOU CAN FIND YOUR WAY HOME


Deep in the sun-dappled forest, Emory, a majestic but forgetful elephant, finds himself disoriented and lost. But just when he needs them most, two unlikely heroes swoop in – a parrot with a flair for the dramatic and a frog with a heart of pure gold. Together, they embark upon a thrilling quest, navigating twists and turns, and facing challenges that test their bravery and ingenuity. As they journey on, Emory’s new friends safely guide him home, proving that with kindness, support, and friends by your side, even the most confusing paths can lead to a brighter way.

This heartwarming tale puts a creative twist on the old adage “an elephant never forgets,” instead showcasing the resilience of friendship and support in the face of memory loss. Drawing inspiration from P.E. Shadrick’s father’s experience with dementia, this story whisks young readers away to a world of vibrant characters and lush landscapes, gently introducing them to the complexities of memory loss in a loved one.

Perfect for children aged 3-6 who love adventure, animals, and the magic of friendship.

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Check out my review on Reedsy!

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Meet the Author

From an early age, Atlanta, Georgia-born, P.E. Shadrick was surrounded by masterful storytellers. Carrying forward a shared love of boundless creativity, she pursued opportunities of artistic expression in design and writing, eventually settling into a career in marketing & communications.


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June 23, 2025 · 7:00 am

Storma’s Unexpected Adventure: The Tales of Storma by Gina Bayar (Book Review)

A magical journey through a desert of wonders, wildlife, and unexpected friendship.

 

When a dreamy young unicorn sets out in search of the sparkling ocean, she accidentally arrives in the vast, sun-drenched Gobi Desert instead. But what begins as a mistake quickly turns into an unforgettable adventure.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers journey with the unicorn as she meets the rare and wise Mazaalai (the critically endangered Gobi bear) and a kind Bactrian camel who becomes her gentle guide. Together, they explore golden dunes, singing sands, ancient dinosaur footprints, and hidden oases—discovering the wonders of one of the world’s most unique and underrepresented ecosystems.

Blending enchanting fantasy with rich, real-world educational content, The Unicorn and the Gobi Adventure introduces children to the beauty and biodiversity of the Gobi Desert, while nurturing curiosity, compassion, and the joy of discovery.

Perfect for readers aged 4–8, this story celebrates friendship, environmental awareness, and the magic of life’s unexpected paths.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Does your child love unicorns? Do they love stories involving magic or magical powers? Do they enjoy exploring new places and learning facts to share with friends or family? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child will want to read Storma’s Unexpected Adventure.

Storma loves living in the Enchanted Forest with her family, but she wants to see more of the world and visit the places from her parents’ stories. Storma didn’t have wings like Pegasus, but she did have a magical power that made traveling a breeze: She could travel to any location just by closing her eyes and picturing the destination. Now, that’s a magical trick I’d like to have, and I’m sure other readers will want it to!

Storma used her unique magical powers to whisk themselves to a “grand ocean.” Unfortunately, her destination didn’t have an ocean in sight. Did her powers fail her? Not exactly. Her timing was a little off, like a few million years. Storma’s Unexpected Adventure takes readers across the desert, where we meet interesting characters and discover facts about the desert and those who call it home, then and now. Kids are not the only ones who might learn a thing or two about the Gobi Desert. For instance, thanks to this beautifully told story, I found out the desert is home to the rarest bear in the world, and the wind makes music there too! How fascinating!

These are not the only two interesting tidbits you’ll learn as Storma and Polka (camel guide) go in search of the “ocean.” Read the story and discover the hidden gems of the Gobi Desert. Also, check out Did You Know? to learn more about the fascinating Gobi bear, the Mazaalai! It’s a great bonus feature of the book. It’s too bad the author didn’t include fun fact pages dedicated to the desert and camels. A glossary would also be a helper tool for young readers.

This children’s book beautifully captures the Gobi Desert’s unique wildlife. The sunset scene, in particular, is lovely. The vibrant colors against the different shades of sand create a mesmerizing visual. Each scene is reminiscent of the magnetic story activity play sets, with the sticker-quality plant and animal drawings looking like they could be plucked off the page and moved to different locations. It’s a testament to the illustrator’s skill and will captivate children and parents alike. (Special note: Gina Bayar is the book’s writer and illustrator.)

Storma’s Unexpected Adventure takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the Gobi Desert, where they learn there’s more to the landscape than initially seen. Share this story with kids aged eight and under. Ask them to share where they’d visit if they had Storma’s unique magical power. Expand your knowledge and look up what else calls the desert home, past and present. Also, be on the lookout for Storma’s next story, Storma’s Gift! (Release date TBD.)

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

Gina Bayar is an author and illustrator of imaginative picture books that celebrate kindness, nature, and the magic of unexpected journeys. A lifelong dreamer and mom of two, she inspires young readers to explore, care for the planet, and believe in themselves.
 

 

 

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January 24, 2025 · 7:00 am

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet by Henrique Meyer (Book Review)

Embark on a sizzling alphabetical safari with B is for Barbecue! This delightful children’s book serves up a hearty helping of fun, combining the joy of learning letters with the excitement of barbecue and meats. Each letter of the alphabet is celebrated with a whimsical poem that introduces young readers to barbecue-related terms-from A for Angus to Z for Zebra. The vibrant two-page spread illustrations burst with color and flavor, capturing the imagination and taste buds alike.

Perfect for little foodies and aspiring grill masters, this book not only teaches the ABCs but also kindles a love for cooking and outdoor gatherings. The rhythmic poems and captivating artwork make each page turn a new experience, keeping children engaged and eager to learn. Whether read aloud at family cookouts or enjoyed during cozy bedtime routines, B is for Barbecue is sure to become a cherished favorite that brings smiles and appetites together.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Barbecue is a popular cuisine that involves cooking food over a live fire or smoke, typically outdoors. Barbecue, also known as BBQ and barbeque, can refer to the cooking method or a gathering of people where BBQ foods are the main course. B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet mainly focuses on meats you’d prepare using a grill or smoke, but it doesn’t limit itself to just those. The writer shares vegetables, like zucchini, can also be prepared on a grill. But for many of us, when we think of barbecuing, common foods spring to mind: steaks, burgers, ribs, and hot dogs. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet uses poetry to introduce readers to barbecue-related terms, beginning with A for Angus and ending with Z for Zucchini and Zebra. As I peered at the vibrant and charming cover, I asked myself what barbecue-themed foods or meats begin with N, U, X, and Y. Now I know! Thanks to the creative prose, I have a better understanding of two Japanese grilled foods, too. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is more than a book that teaches kids their ABCs. It’s a celebration of food, family, friends, and memories shared over a meal. The rhyming lines are cute as can be, but sometimes the flow is interrupted with a word kids might pronounce incorrectly or baffled at its meaning. Take “confit,” for instance. Kids might pronounce kän fit instead of känˈfē. Kids and adults might not know that confit is a French cooking technique that involves slowly cooking food in fat at a low temperature to preserve it. 

 

Amazon has the book listed for kids up to age 8, making it a versatile learning tool for a wide range of children. The bold, beautiful, colorful pages will delight babies and toddlers. Preschoolers and kindergarteners will also love the illustrations and creative ways of learning their letters. Kids between ages 6 and 8 can use this book to strengthen their reading skills. It’s a great mixture of easy and complex words, ensuring that it’s engaging and beneficial for all. 

 

B is for Barbecue: A Flavorful Safari Through the Alphabet is perfect for any household that loves to cook or eat BBQ foods. The short poems and adorable artwork will enlighten and entertain kids and adults. Everyone will walk away learning at least one new fact centering on a specific meat or BBQ item. For me, it was yakitori. Read the book to gain insight into Japanese food.

 

Make reading this story a part of your next BBQ event! 

 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

Henrique Meyer, born in Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and raised in Florida, is a software engineer and technology consultant residing in Fort Lauderdale. Henrique enjoys spending time with his children, barbecuing, fishing, and traveling.

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