Apple Cake: A Gratitude by author Dawn Casey and illustrator Genevieve Godbout

Reading Age: 3-5 years

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Publication Date: September 3, 2019

Pleased with everyone and everything that contributes to a delicious apple cake, a child thanks the environment, animals, farmers, family and friends. Words are rhyming. Illustrations are done in muted colors which gives the book a peaceful feeling. Characters have varied skin tones. An appropriate picture book to share with this age group anytime but great for the Thanksgiving season. A recipe is included for added activity.

October 28, 2021 Jumpstart Read for the Record

This year Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by author Kat Zhang and illustrator Charlene Chua, selected by Jumpstart Read for the Record, will be read on October 28, 2021. https://www.jstart.org/read-for-the-record/

A Neighborhood Walk, A Musical Journey by author Pilar Winter Hill and illustrator Olivia Duchess

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Grade Level: Preschool -3

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Publication Date: April 1, 2021

On her way to a farmer’s market with her mother, a girl named Penelope passes musicians playing their instruments. The instruments include saxophone, drum, flute, cello and violin. Since the author is a violinist, an author’s note is included about her path to her career. The illustrations include city scenes and diverse characters.

Morris…the Downside-Up Bat by H.R. Karpes

Reading Age: 3 – 6 years

Grade Level: Preschool – 1

Publisher: Sky Pony

Publication Date: October 1, 2013

As a survival mechanism, Morris, a bat, learns to hang downside -up. Fellow bats find Morris odd and ostracize him. Morris keeps his spirits up and learns that he can sing. When it is time for the Halloween talent show, bats try to exclude Morris however he persists and steals the show. My Book Eyes thinks Morris is adorable in this picture book. Readers will be glad that Morris decides to be himself as he has contributions to share with the other bats.

Amara’s Farm by author JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrator Samara Hardy

Reading Age: 3 – 7 years

Grade Level: 1-2

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company

Publication Date: September 1, 2021

Amara needs a pumpkin to share with her friends at a potluck. What does a pumpkin look like? Readers learn about shape, color, size, textures and inside and outside contents of a pumpkin to make it easily distinguishable from other fruits and vegetables. The problem? On her farm, Amara has fruits and vegetables that share some attributes of pumpkins. Will she find a pumpkin in time for the potluck? At the feast, viewers are asked to find foods mentioned throughout the book.This is a wonderful picture book that educates youngsters about differences between a variety of fruits and vegetables. My Book Eyes enjoyed seeing edibles that are not often mentioned in books such as okra, kumquat, persimmon, cauliflower, fig, and kiwi. Also, illustrations include warm autumn colors and diverse characters at the potluck. A recipe is included. Many projects could be generated from this book.

My Baby Loves Halloween by author Jabari Asim and illustrator Tara Nicole Whitaker

Reading Age: Baby – 4

Grade Level: Preschool and Up

Publisher: HarperFestival

Publication Date: July 14, 2020

A child loves things associated with Halloween including the autumn season, pumpkin picking, jack-o-lantern, hayrides and costume parades to name a few. The repeat of the words “baby loves…” and the rhyming in this board book will delight youngsters. Illustrations include one family interacting with other families on some spreads. The pictures do not overwhelm and show just enough for young eyes to see.

Hugo Sprouts and the Strange Case of the Beans by John Loren

Reading Age: 4 – 8 years

Reading Level: Preschool – 3

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: July 6, 2021

In this rhyming picture book, Hugo P. Sprouts is an inventor and smallest person in his family. He is tired of being overlooked for sports, being too short for amusement rides and having to go to bed early to name a few. His dad advises Hugo that he will grow if he eats liver and beans however this solution does not produce immediate results. Disappointed, Hugo rushes to his lab and concocts a growth potion that he drinks. He instantly grows into a beast. Hugo is finally able to do things that larger people do. Greed gets the best of Hugo as he enjoys and destroys. With the help of his dog, he realizes his wrongdoings and shrinks back to size. Illustrations are amusing with slightly eerie green and gray tints on pages. Can be read anytime of the year. Consider reading for Halloween to deliver a message in a fun way.

23 Halloween Crafts for Kids: Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas and Spooky Decor Kindle Edition

Publisher: Prime Publishing LLC

Publication Date: August 25, 2014

This ebook offers a variety of costumes and Halloween decorations to make. Most people will have many materials for these items already in their homes to cut down on costs. The ideas are not complicated so adult beginner crafters should not feel intimidated. Children can also participate with adult supervision. Included are websites from the contributors to this ebook to gain more crafting ideas. My Book Eyes enjoyed the Spooky Clay Skeleton, Paper Mache Plastic Bag Pumpkin, Beaded Jack-O-Lantern Ornaments, Three Dimensional Monster Hands, Party Poppers, Foam Animal Masks, Menacing Monster Gloves, Fairy Princess Wand and Tutu and No Sew Monster Costume.

A Friend Like You by authors Frank Murphy and Charnaie Gordon and illustrator Kayla Harren

Reading Age: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Publication Date: August 15, 2021

What is a friend? People connect with each other for different reasons. Whether it is short term, long term, for external or internal reasons or for causes no one else can understand except those involved, people bond. This picture book explores several ways that people can be friends. My Book Eyes learned much from this book. Illustrations are of diverse people with a host of scenarios for eyes to explore. A catalyst for discussions and projects centered around friendships and getting along with others.