Books Added to My Shelves in August 2024

This is my monthly roundup of books that I added to my shelves in August 2024. Some of the books came directly from authors or publishers, others were a purchase or a gift. You’ll find books from all kinds of genres including adult and children’s books. I’ll even share a few updates from our family’s life in the last month as well.

Family and Life Update

The last few summers, we’ve spent a day with our close friends. In the past, we’ve toured Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home in Dixon, Illinois as well as toured well-known spots in Dyersville and Dubuque. This year we spent the day in the Des Moines area starting with a tour of our gorgeous Capital building.

The law library is so stunning. I could have spent all day in there. The rest of the day included lunch at The Tap Room, mini golf at Putt’s and Pins, a stop at Cracker Barrel to shop, and a lovely walk on the Trestle Trail to see the bridge.

We had a spontaneous trip to the Iowa State Fair, meeting up with our son and some of our dear friends on the last day of the fair. It was a perfect day and we had so much fun. We even rode Ye Ol’ Mill!

This summer I did something new and volunteered as a waitress in a historical cafe near our home on the Lincoln Highway. The cafe is only open one afternoon a week and only through the summer. I had so much fun and really enjoyed meeting all kinds of new people including the other volunteers and customers. I didn’t make a dime but my heart was full every week after working (even with some sore feet).

Reagan and I enjoyed a quick ice cream treat at Sweet Mercantile on her last day living at home (probably ever 😢). Then we moved her into her apartment the next day. Summer went by way too fast!

The day after we moved Reagan into her college apartment, I was glad I had a fun weekend ahead. My first cousins on my mom’s side all met up at my cousin’s home in Winterset for a fun First Cousin Weekend. We puzzled, played games, ate way too much food, and caught up on each other’s lives. On the last night, we walked to the Holliwell Covered Bridge which is just down the road from my cousin’s house. The weekend was so much fun! This photo doesn’t include all of us. There were 9 out of the 11 in attendance and a few spouses as well.

We closed out the month of August with our nephew’s wedding. It was a gorgeous day and they are so blissfully in love. I’m so happy for them and glad we had a reason to get our whole family together, even if it was only for about 24 hours. I cherish every moment when we are all together.

As you can see, August was a FULL month. I really didn’t get as much reading or reviewing done as I had hoped. The school year has begun and I’ve already subbed one day. I’m hanging on to every last day of the summer season and these beautiful days as I can.

Now on to the books! 

I finished six books in August. Four of them were fiction, two were nonfiction, and three of them were audiobooks. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, HERE to see snippets of what I’m reading or what’s going on in my daily life.

If you have missed any of my recent book reviews, you can see all of them by clicking, HERE.  Or you can stay up to date with my monthly Quick Lit Roundup.

Clicking the photos of each book will take you to a link to purchase. If you choose to purchase through any of the links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.

Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction

THE OUTLAW NOBLE SALT
By: Amy Harmon
Published: April 9, 2024
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Historical Fiction
Format: eBook purchase

I purchased this as a Kindle Deal after I had seen a few people rave about Harmon’s newest book focusing on Butch Cassidy’s story. Also, two friends just read it and both loved it. I loved other books by Harmon including WHERE THE LOST WANDER and A GIRL CALLED SAMSON. Harmon has a huge backlist and her books are often on Kindle Deal so be sure to check them out.

When infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy decides to go straight, he discovers that too many of the powerful men he crossed won’t let bygones be bygones. To have a chance at a new life, he’ll have to become someone else entirely.

A brief, fateful encounter with the celebrated singer Jane Touissant on the eve of his escape offers a glimpse of what might have been, but Butch disappears, leaving her behind, until their paths unexpectedly converge again in Paris.

Despite having discovered his true identity, Jane trusts the outlaw and enlists his protection on her upcoming American tour. Although Butch is reluctant to agree, fearing his sordid past may put the woman and her young son in danger, the salvation she offers is too hard to resist.

As they set forth on their journey, Butch’s past and Jane’s secrets put them at risk from threats far greater than the law, and this legend of the American West will have to decide what matters most—his life, his legacy, or the woman he loves.

EAT LIKE A HEROINE
Nourish and Flourish with Bookish Stars, from Anne of Green Gables to Zora Neale Hurston
By: Lorilee Craker and Jenny Williams
Published: August 6, 2024
Publisher: End Game Press
Non-Fiction
Format: Hardcover purchase

Jenny Williams is the creator behind the Etsy shop Carrot Top Paper Shop. I’ve purchased some cute bookish items from her shop and am a subscriber to her newsletter. So, I was thrilled to pre-order her book but it just finally arrived due to copies running out and I see they are out of stock again. If you love classics like Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, or Jane Austen you will love this book.

Join book-obsessed kindred spirits Jenny Williams and Lorilee Craker as they time travel through favorite heroine classics to glean all the foodie wisdom: How to eat, picnic, comfort, host and more like your best-loved bookish stars.

Elevate your eating life to the level of Anne of Green Gables, Jane Austen, Maya Angelou and Zora Neale Hurston; come to the table with us as we learn how to eat like heroines.

Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction

LITTLE WITCH’S ORACLE DECK
Symbols, Spells, and Rituals for the Young Witch
By: Ariel Kusby
Art by: Olga Baumert
Published: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Middle-Grade Fantasy
Format: Cards

Fans of the Harry Potter series or Disney’s Descendents might find this card deck to be a fun treat for Halloween.

Fantasy fans and witches-in-training can find magical insight and inspiration with this beautiful, whimsical oracle deck by the creator of The Little Witch’s Book of Spells.

From Harry Potter to Disney’s Descendants to Kiki’s Delivery Service, witchcraft and wizardry have enchanted kids around the world. Now, young witches-in-training can undertake their own spellbinding studies with this playful and immersive deck and guidebook to all things magical. The Little Witch’s Oracle Deck is an accessible divination tool for kids who want to explore the enchantment and mystery of oracles and fortune-telling.

More accessible than traditional tarot, this oracle card deck is designed in an intuitive, easy-to-understand format that pulls on universal archetypes kids naturally understand, like the Dragon, the Best Friend, the Dream, and the Star. Each card is paired with a magical message and a ritual suggestion, which allows the user to connect deeply with the card’s meaning. A perfect companion to The Little Witch’s Book of Spells, this deck is a tool that encourages little witches to look at situations through different perspectives, develop intuition, and listen to inner wisdom to make healthy decisions, all while adding a dash of magic to their lives.

THE STORY OF GUMLUCK AND THE DRAGON’S EGGS
By: Adam Rex
Published: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Middle-Grade Fiction
Format: Hardcover Illustrated Chapter Book

Adam Rex has been featured on the blog, HERE. I have another of his Gumluck books that I need to read and share together with this one soon!

The story of Gumluck continues! Introducing the second installation in a laugh-out-loud and critically acclaimed chapter book tale from the one and only Adam Rex.Readers, be warned! This book contains three precious eggs, one confused dragon, a very silly wizard, and the tiny ghost who haunts his hair.The follow-up to The Story of Gumluck the Wizard, one of Amazon’s Top 20 Children’s Books (Age 6-8) and Publishers Weekly’s Best 20 Middle Grade Books of the year, finds everyone’s favorite noodlehead wizard at it again in another hilarious adventure of mistaken identity, courage in the face of fire (literally), and the most unlikely friendship in all of Prince Whoop-de-doo’s unlikely little kingdom.With entirely delightful illustrations and a lighthearted mix of fantasy and fairytale elements, this imaginative book is perfect for young fans of wizardry, magic, and the special alchemy of friendship.

LITTLE WITCH CAT
Finger Puppet Book
By: Emily Dove
Published: August 27, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Format: Interactive Board Book

I’ve shared other books by Emily Dove, HERE, including more books in the Finger Puppet series. This one would make a perfect gift for a little one this Halloween.

A sweet, rhyming Halloween-themed board book with a finger puppet built right in! Bursting with color and charm, this finger puppet book invites babies and inquisitive toddlers to touch, feel, and explore their growing world.
 
Little ones will love celebrating Halloween with this adorable witchy feline and her cute ghoul and goblin companions. Interactive pages let readers help Little Witch Cat stir her cauldron under the full moon as she and her friends celebrate their favorite day of the year. With its irresistible plush, adorable art, and sweet, accessible text, this latest addition to the bestselling Finger Puppet series will delight parents and toddlers alike.

CONSTRUCTION SITE: A THANKFUL NIGHT
By: Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrated by: Helen Morgan
Published: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Format: Interactive Board Book

Other Construction Site interactive board books have included ones for celebrating Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, and Halloween.

Reflect on the gift of gratitude with the Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site crew in this heartwarming seasonal board book—the perfect addition to any little reader’s holiday library!

Here comes a gratitude-themed board book featuring the construction characters kids know and love! Young readers can lift the flaps to reveal delightful details as the construction crew gathers pumpkins, sets a scarecrow straight, and prepares the barn for a grateful harvest—all while feeling thankful for each other.

Sherri Duskey Rinker, the New York Times bestselling author of the many popular Goodnight Construction Site books, teams with illustrator Helen Morgan to bring playful rhyming text and vibrant illustrations to another exciting tale of teamwork, sure to satisfy construction fans everywhere.

FLORA AND FRIENDS: COLORS
By: Molly Idle
Published: September 17, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Format: Interactive Board Book

I have another Flora and Friends book that I still need to share so I’ll try to share both of these books together soon!

Brighten your day with the help of Flora and her rainbow of feathered friends, inspired by the Caldecott Honor–winning children’s book Flora and the Flamingo.

Birds of a feather learn colors together! 

An instant hit upon its release, Flora and the Flamingo now celebrates over ten years in print. In this vibrant new board book, Flora takes toddlers on a twirl through all the colors of the rainbow. Featuring big flaps to play with, this interactive board book will delight young children as they learn simple concepts in the charming company of Flora and her friends.

TEENY TIENDAS: THE FLOWER SHOP
La Florería
By: Lourdes Heuer
Illustrated by: Zara González Hoang
Published: September 17, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
Format: Board Book

These new English-to-Spanish board books are great for kids who are learning English or Spanish or for teachers to have in their classrooms.

Welcome to Mrs. Rosario’s flower shop.
Bienvenido a la florería de la Señora Rosario.

In Mrs. Rosario’s flower shop, there are so many beautiful flowers for sale—from roses and rosemary to lilacs and lilies! Learn their names in both English and Spanish, then pick your favorite for a special gathering at the senior center. Will you choose a pretty daisy/margarita? Or a fragrant hydrangea/hortensia? They are all so lovely! In this bilingual series from Lourdes Heuer and Zara González Hoang, readers are invited to make a stop at a different teeny tienda in each bright board book and celebrate with the vibrant, diverse community that frequents it.

TEENY TIENDAS: THE FRUIT SHOP
La Fruitería
By: Lourdes Heuer
Illustrated by: Zara González Hoang
Published: September 17,, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
Format: Board Book

Welcome to Mr. Manzano’s fruit shop.
Bienvenido a la frutería del Señor Manzano.

In Mr. Manzano’s fruit shop, there are so many delicious kinds of fruit for sale— from peaches and plums to grapefruits and guavas! Learn their names in both English and Spanish, then pick your favorite for a sweet picnic in the park. Will you choose a tart star fruit/carambola? Or a juicy watermelon/sandía? They are all so yummy! In this bilingual series from Lourdes Heuer and Zara González Hoang, readers are invited to make a stop at a different teeny tienda in each bright board book and celebrate with the vibrant, diverse community that frequents it.

THE DICTIONARY STORY
By: Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
Published: August 6, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

I love the concept of this one and can’t wait to share it with you.

Dictionary wishes she could tell a story like other books. So one day, she decides to bring her words to life. How exciting it is to finally have an adventure on her very own pages! But what will she do when her characters collide and everything gets all in a jumble, causing the most enormous tantrum to explode? This isn’t what she wanted at all! Luckily her friend Alphabet knows exactly what to do and sings a song that brings calm and order to Dictionary’s pages once again.

MOLLY, OLIVE, AND DEXTER
The Guessing Game
By: Catherine Rayner
Published: July 2, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

This is the second of three books in this series with the third publishing in January 2025. The cover alone sold me on this one. It’s so cute.

Meet Molly the hare, Olive the owl, and Dexter the fox, three friends who live near the oak tree at the edge of the meadow. Hide-and-seek is Molly’s favorite game, but things aren’t going her way. For starters, Olive and Dexter don’t seem to know the rules. And when Molly shows her friends how to play properly, they hide a little too well. Set in a delicately rendered pastoral world of soft color and shimmering line, here is a picture book that tackles outsize toddler emotions with sensitivity and whimsy. Make way for the singular Molly, Olive, and Dexter—ready or not, here they come!

HIRO
Winter and Marshmallows
By: Marine Schneider
Translated by: Vineet Lal
Published: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

A friendship between a boy and a bear formed over toasted marshmallows…I’m in. The illustrations are so dreamy.

A dreamlike tale about a bear, a boy, and the conversation they share one snowy evening.

​Hiro is a bear too curious to sleep all winter long. So she packs her things, heads out of her cave, and follows some odd tracks in the snow…. straight into a bonfire party! Everyone runs away—except for Émile. He is a boy too curious to give up his chance to talk to a bear. “What it’s like, being a bear?” Émile asks Hiro. As bear and boy sit, talk, and roast marshmallows, a friendship sparks between them…

With wonderfully quirky narration and richly colored art, this enchanting book begs to be read aloud on cozy nights by the fire. Young readers will be delighted by Hiro and Émile’s winter world of crackling bonfires, bear songs, and ooey-gooey toasted marshmallows.

BEAR’S BIG IDEA
By: Sandra Nickel
Illustrated by: Il Sung Na
Published: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Books

I previously shared Nickel’s book BIG BEAR AND LITTLE FISH back in 2022. The author and illustrator have come together again in this second book featuring Bear.

Fish always has great ideas for what to do! When it’s Bear’s turn to think of something, she promises she’ll have a brand-new BIG idea. But where do ideas come from?

The creators of Big Bear and Little Fish reunite for this sweet story of friendship, ingenuity, and a surprisingly epic adventure!

MR FOX’S GAME OF “NO!”
By: David LaRochelle
Illustrated by: Mike Wohnoutka
Published: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Books

One of my favorite children’s books from this year is LaRochelle’s book GO AND GET WITH REX. I’m thrilled this author and illustrator have come together again to share another fun book for kids.

In a hilarious interactive picture book, the Geisel Award–winning creators of See the Cat challenge kids to answer every question with “NO”—even when their brain keeps insisting “YES.”

Can you beat Mr. Fox at his Game of No? The rules are simple: every time he asks a question, you must respond with “NO.” If you accidentally say “YES,” then it’s back to the beginning of the book for you, where you must start all over again. Are you ready? (Oops!) Do you live on planet Earth? Are you stronger than a baby? What does Y-E-S spell? (Argh!) Kids will giggle uncontrollably as they gamely aim to avoid Mr. Fox’s clever traps—but just ask them if they’d like to read this book again, and they won’t be able to resist: “YES!”

AISHA’S COLORS
By: Nabila Adani
Published: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

Aisha always visits her Grandma’s village while her friends at school go to different faraway places. So, instead, she finds a way to find something different in places she has always been.

Why can’t Aisha go on colorful, faraway vacations like her friends? A bighearted, universal story about living in the moment and seeing the beauty on your own doorstep.

Every year on vacation, Aisha and her parents take the same trip from their home in Jakarta to Grandma’s village in the countryside. This year, Aisha wants to see something different! Like the crunchy white snow her friend Jennie will explore (sort of like that white frozen treat Aisha enjoys on the road). Or the blue swimming pool that Dismas is floating in (almost as blue as the sparkling sea that Aisha can see out her window). And those tropical fish her neighbor saw at the aquarium—were they like the rainbow kites Aisha sees soaring in the sky? In both words and light, airy illustrations, first-time author Nabila Adani brings home an appreciation of the simple beauties around us—and the special warmth of family that welcomes you with open arms.

THE LIGHT OF HOME
A Story of Family, Creativity, and Belonging
By: Diana Farid
Illustrated by: Hoda Hadadi
Published: September 17, 2024
Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

Diana Farid is the author of a middle-grade fiction that I shared HERE back in 2022. I loved WAVE and the novel-in-verse style of writing and am anxious to check out her newest picture book for kids.

A universal story about displacement, migration, and the many ways we find home, from the talented author-illustrator team of Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi.

Nur has always loved her home by the sea, where water glimmers along a straight horizon.

But when Nur and her family are forced to leave, they begin a long journey to an unfamiliar place. Here the horizon curves and twists, and the moonlight no longer glitters across the water. For Nur, nothing in this new place feels like home.

Then one day, Nur’s mother brings her a new set of paintbrushes. Nur’s brushstrokes help her connect the place she’s lost to this new horizon, and she finds home again through her own creativity and heart.

The Light of Home will resonate with anyone who has ever had to leave a place they’ve loved.

WHEN YOU FIND THE RIGHT ROCK
By: Mary Lyn Ray
Illustrated by: Felicita Sala
Published: September 17, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

One of the first few children’s books that I shared on the blog was GO TO SLEEP, LITTLE FARM by Mary Lyn Ray. Almost ten years later, I’m sharing children’s books here every week. I purchased Mary’s book as a gift and just loved it so much that I kept it and purchased another copy for the gift. I’m thrilled to have received another book by Mary Lyn Ray and share it with all of you. I’ve also shared several books with art by Felicita Sala HERE.

Somewhere a rock is waiting for you. One just the right size for playing with, or the right color for your windowsill, or just the right shape for holding in your palm.Maybe it is a rock from the heart of a mountain, that will remind you of how big YOU are inside, too. Maybe it is a rock washed by the sea, that knows all about the backs and forths and ups and downs of things. Maybe it is a small rock, just the right size to close your hand around, and know that the rock is with you, and it is just right.Poet Mary Lyn Ray and artist Felicita Sala offer an marvelous exploration of the special relationship children find with the natural world, and the fascination and friendship they find in special rocks.KIDS LOVE Whether it’s a special pebble for a pocket, or a colorful collection in a box, rocks offer a special kind of companionship, and a portable and lasting connection with the natural world.

CONSTRUCTION SITE: GARBAGE CREW TO THE RESCUE!
By: Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrated by: AG Ford
Published: September 24, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

Kids love this Construction Site series. I’ve shared several HERE.

The construction crew is back and ready to help renovate! In this latest picture book in the New York Times bestselling series, everyone’s favorite construction crew is teaming up on a new and exciting cleaning up a neighborhood that needs some love.Since its debut more than a decade ago, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site and the series of books it launched have become beloved favorites of kids and parents alike, with millions of copies sold. This popular, timeless nighttime story continues to delight families everywhere! In their new adventure, the crew is working together with new friends—garbage trucks, roll-off trucks, container delivery trucks, and more!—to help refurbish old homes, set up dumpsters and garbage cans, sort trash, recycling, compost, and transport the garbage away.A fleet of heroes, in they drive;the whole earth shakes as they arrive.Rumbling, roaring, rolling through,they’re big and strong (and stinky, too!)It’s the mighty GARBAGE CREW! Sherri Duskey Rinker’s playful rhyming text and AG Ford’s vibrant illustrations make cleaning up fun from start to finish. Little construction fans will love watching trucks, both familiar and new, work together as a team to make these houses back into homes.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, ZOO
By: Lisa Eickholdt and Lola M. Schaefer
Illustrated by: Laura Watkins
Published: September 24, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

This looks like such a fun Christmas book, perfect for a Bookish Advent Calendar.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas goes to the zoo! Inspired by true events, this picture book celebrates the magic of Christmas and the spirit of giving.It’s Christmas at the zoo, and all the animals are in for a spectacular holiday surprise! Inspired by real events (yes, some zookeepers create a holiday experience for the animals!), this spirited holiday picture book takes young readers on a magical journey behind the scenes of a zoo as Santa and his helpers prepare to surprise the elephants, tigers, hippos, and more.It’s the night before Christmasand all through the zoo,we’re working nonstop—there’s so much to do!Narrated in playful rhyming text inspired by the classic ’Twas the Night Before Christmas poem, this delightful, illustrated children’s book is sure to bring holiday cheer with its open-hearted celebration of creativity, generosity, and the zoo animals we love.

DO-IT-YOURSELF DOLLHOUSE
Making More with Less
By: Shannon Anderson
Illustrated by: Giulia Pintus
Published: October 1, 2024
Publisher: Cardinal Rule Press
Fiction
Format: Paperback Picture Book

One of my favorite children’s books from 2022 was Shannon Anderson’s book I LOVE STRAWBERRIES. I’m excited to check out her newest picture book with a different publisher.

DO-IT-YOURSELF DOLLHOUSE is a STEAM picture book for kids 4-8 years old, featuring two girls who live on the same street, but have very different life experiences. The spreads offer a peek into each girl’ s home and their contrasting interactions with their dollhouses. Readers may be surprised to see which girl really has the “ fancy dream house.

PEDRO THE PIRATE
Learning to Trust a New Crew
By: Ciara O’Neal
Illustrated by: Antonella Fant
Published: November 1, 2024
Publisher: Cardinal Rule Press
Fiction
Format: Paperback Picture Book

You don’t often see children’s books about a foster child. This light-hearted story will shine on light on how some foster children might feel as they join a new family.

Hoist a sail? Do it solo! Explore the high seas? Who needs a crew? Not Pedro. This foster kid (and don’t ye be forgettin’ pirate captain) can do everything all by himself. He doesn’t need his new foster family. But what’s a captain to do when the seas get rough and the treasures are trapped? Perhaps Pedro will discover trusting a new crew might just not be that bad after all.

SAFE CROSSING
By: Kari Percival
Illustrated by: Ezra Jack Keats
Published: January 7, 2025
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Books

A great story for kids about protecting the habitats of all animals, even amphibians.

From Kari Percival, Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author of How to Say Hello to a Worm, comes an entertaining and informative children’s book perfect for curious, nature-loving young readers.

Every spring, frogs and salamanders must travel from wooded uplands where they were born to vernal pools where they will mate. Unfortunately, roads constructed through their habitats have made the journey dangerous for these slow-moving animals. Many never reach their destinations. But with the help of the Amphibian Migration Team, there is hope for a safe crossing!

Readers will learn so much about amphibians and their habitats and get a great introduction to civic participation, too. The citizen scientist at the heart of this story presents her proposal for a wildlife tunnel to her local City Council and coordinates with stakeholders in the process like a wildlife biologist, a herpetologist, a roadway engineer, a surveyor, the Conservation Commission, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Transportation, contractors, and reporters. It’s a fascinating way to find out how local government works and how kids can actively create social change. 

Playful and educational, Safe Crossing offers an empowering example of how even the youngest citizens can raise awareness about a meaningful cause, drive change, and unite people locally and globally.

HOME
By: Isabelle Simler
Translated by: Vineet Lal
Published: March 26, 2024
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Non-Fiction/Poetry
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

Another book about animals’ habitats with absolutely stunning illustrations and poetic text.

A spectacular tour through the dwellings of twenty-seven different animals, from a hermit crab’s secondhand shell to a beaver’s lakeside dam to a comet moth’s silk cocoon. Acclaimed creator Isabelle Simler presents a poetic journey through amazing animal homes across the world. In Europe, alpine marmots stay safe in underground refuges. In southeast Asia, Sumatran orangutans doze off in treetop bedrooms. In Mexico and the southwestern US, elf owls nest in holes in saguaro cacti. On every continent but Antarctica, honeybees mold wax into palaces for their queens. No matter where you travel, some creature is making an extraordinary place to call home.  With connections to life cycles, camouflage, and other biological concepts, HOME is a spellbinding showcase of the wonders of the natural world. Enchanting poetry, fascinating back matter, and intricately detailed art invite young readers to be amazed by the creativity and diversity of our animal neighbors.

WATER
Discovering the Precious Resource All Around Us
By: Olga Fadeeva
Translated by: Lena Traer
Published: April 9, 2024
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Non-Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

A book all about water is not something I see very often. It usually focuses on the weather piece (rain) or the ocean (protecting it). This book talks about all kinds of water and its essentialness to our world.

A curiosity-sparking book about water in rainstorms, the Great Lakes, the drip from our taps, and other places in our world.  Water is everywhere, and we rely on it every single day. But do you ever wonder about water? How much water is on our planet? What happens when there is too much water or too little water? Why does it rain? What are lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans? Why are the seas and oceans blue and salty? What lives underwater? What about water in human history—how did people get water in ancient times? How do we get water today? What do humans build to travel on the water, and how have we harnessed waterpower? How do we protect this amazing resource for the future? Colorful acrylic art and energetic text help readers learn about the natural resource we have depended on since the beginning of life itself.

FUNNY JOKES FOR KIDS
800+ Silly Fun Questions
By: Walter Rouzer
Published: June 26, 2024
Publisher: Peak Wave Publishing
Middle-Grade Non-Fiction
Format: Paperback

The author reached out to see if I would give his book a look. I loved joke books as a kid and they are still a hit with kids at school as well as with my nieces.

Are you ready to see your child become more creative, confident, and skilled in communicating, reading, and writing? With “Funny Jokes For Kids”, your child will not only be filled with laughter, but they will also reap the benefits of improved critical thinking and self-expression.

Don’t wait any longer to bring laughter and joy into your child’s life. Buy “Funny Jokes For Kids” now and watch as they become more creative, confident, and skilled communicators, readers and writers.

Get ready for a laughter adventure that will keep your child entertained for hours on end. 

Which books are you adding to your reading list?

Click HERE to see all the posts featuring new books on my shelves.

So many books, so little time!