My Brother Is My Best Friend by Nicole Weaver, art by Clara Batton Smith

"My Brother Is My Best Friend" by Nicole Weaver is a tri-lingual book with English, Spanish, and French. In the book, the text is in three different colors which make it much easier to differentiate the languages. In any language, this book is fun! It's energetic - just like the twin boys, and educational. Activities and a word search puzzle in the back of the book make it even more fun. The illustrations by Clara Batton Smith perfectly complement the active text. You can almost feel the wind as the boys zoom by! Also check out My Sister is my Best Friend: A Trilingual Story for girls.

Joy the Jellyfish by Kristen Collier, Illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier

In Joy the Jellyfish written by Kristen Collier, the main character has only one wish - to have friends. Shy and almost colorless, the jellyfish feels passed over by all the creatures in the ocean. It is only when she discovers the true secret of friendship that all her wishes come true. Kristen comes up with a delightful solution to the main character's problem, and even manages to slip in some educational value as Joy the Jellyfish travels through the sea meeting new creatures. Sweetly illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier (illustrator of more than forty children's books, e.g., No More Gunk & OUCH! Sunburn, Rattlesnake Jam), the story contains a valuable message in a subtle way for those children who tend to be shy about meeting new people or making friends. Recommended!

Kristin and the Santa Secret by Christopher Fenoglio (Illustrated by Natasha Tibbott)

Kristin and the Santa Secret is slightly old-fashioned, but in a good way. The style makes this poetic tale by Christopher Fenoglio timeless. The illustrations by Natasha Tibbott have an old world style that perfectly fits the heartwarming story of how Kristin comes to see Santa's role in a whole new light and find the true meaning of Christmas.

To read more about the book and hear an interview with the author, visit http://stopherpublishing.blogspot.com/.

Katydidn't by Colleen L. Reece, Illustrations by K.C.Snider

Katy wants all her siblings to do what she wants to do, not the other way around. In this sweet story, author Colleen L. Reece helps Katy see that selfishness brings unhappiness, but treating people the way Jesus would results in a fulfilling day playing with her brothers and sisters all the while learning to appreciate that God makes every person unique. Lovely illustrations by K.C. Snider and the engaging story in Katydidn't (Guardian Angel Publishing) will help young readers learn in a subtle way to consider the desires and feelings of others.

Katydidn't
Wings of Faith
Author: Colleen L. Reece
Artist: K.C. Snider http://www.kcsniderart.com/
PRINT: 978-1-61633-021-7; 161633021X
EBOOK: 978-1-61633-022-4; 1616330228
 
To order, click HERE.

Crash! by Mayra Calvani, Illustrated by Anna Pylypchuk

In Crash!, Mayra Calvani captures the excitement of getting a first puppy, and then the difficult task of finding the perfect name for the new pet. Woven throughout the story are hints for children on how to care for and train a pet. And of course – in the end, the little boy discovers the perfect moniker for his furry friend. Sweet illustrations by teen artist, Anna Pylypchuk from the Ukraine, complement the story.

Available in English or Spanish, in print or as an ebook. Visit Guardian Angel Publishing for order information.

Ms. Calvani donates 50% of the royalties from CRASH! to Almost Heaven Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.

Click HERE to visit Mayra's blog for Crash! and find reviews, information about Golden Retrievers, and activities for children. A charming book for your child that benefits a good cause. A win-win!

Product Details:
Reading level: Ages 2-6
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (March 25, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933090545
ISBN-13: 978-1933090542

The I Believe Bunny by Tish Rabe, Illustrated by Frank Endersby

The I Believe Bunny is a delightful children's picture book based on the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 (NIV): I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

The main character, Bunny, must come to the aid of a mouse in trouble. Because he feels small and inadequate, he calls on God to help him. He discovers that God answers his prayer in an unexpected way.

It's a bit odd that the characters don't have names and I found the rhymes a bit 'off' in a couple of places, but that didn't detract significantly from the story. Children are sure to learn that, no matter how big or small they are, they can call on God and He hears them when they pray. In the story, the answer comes quickly. This book would be a great way to talk about all the ways God answers prayer and about God's timing, too.

The pastel illustrations by Frank Endersby reminded me of Beatrix Potter – very sweet and endearing. These combined with a story on faith makes this book an ideal bedtime story to read before nighttime prayers.

Product Details:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 14, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400314763
ISBN-13: 978-1400314768

Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa by Rebekha Delgado (Author), Joy Delgado (Illustrator)

Every creature likes to celebrate his birthday - even an Okapi named Mori. Zooprise Party/Fiesta Zoorpresa is a bilingual (English/Spanish) book with a simple message - friends can be of any shape or size. At the end of the story are facts about the unusual animals.

Most children love birthdays and will identify with the excitement over celebrating a birthday, and sympathize with Mori when he thinks his birthday has been forgotten. The illustrations perfectly complement the story.

The Zooprise Party Activity Book ($4.95, ISBN 978-0975545423) contains 24 pages with fun activities like coloring pages, mazes, and puzzles.

With the cute story, the animal facts, Activity Book, and Teachers Guide (separate purchase), the Delgados have compiled an excellent array of activities to keep children entertained and learning at the same time.

For up-to-date news about the book, visit Joy's blog: Zooprise Party

To download coloring pages, puzzles, and crafts, visit Laughing Zebra.

Direct order information:

Laughing Zebra – Books for Children Bookstore

http://www.laughing-zebra-children-books.com/book-store.html

Offers free shipping and autographed copies

Product Details:
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: J.O.Y. Publishing; first edition (October 24, 2008)
Language: English, Spanish
ISBN-10: 0975545418
ISBN-13: 978-0975545416

Available through Amazon and Target.